Life. What does that word even mean? What is life all about anyway? Have you ever had those thoughts? Yes yes, we know the “right” answer—glorify God and win souls for the kingdom of heaven. But what does that look like day to day? What does it feel like? Isn’t it strange…we get up each day, we eat, we work, we may do some extra things that we enjoy—or not so much—we go to bed, only to repeat the whole process again. Life.
Giving up. Have you ever wanted to give? Give up on a situation; give up on a person; give up on a relationship; give up on a project; give up on doing what you’ve always done; just give up. Life seems dead, like it doesn’t really matter. You look around at those you love, and you ask, How have I really made a difference in their lives? Your ideas and standards are met with scorn or at best as simply “your own opinion,” nothing worth embracing, not even worth studying to see how those conclusions were made. You stand alone. It’s painful to hear the comments, the encouragement in worldly ways. You’ve failed. Failed in sharing truth even amongst your closest friends. So you’ve given up. Then you try to settle it in your mind, Your job isn’t to convince, it’s only to plant seeds. But that doesn’t change how discouraged you feel inside. Life. I’ve been there. I know what those thoughts and feelings are like. I became a Christian when I was 13-14 years old. Life went on and with it ups and downs in my spiritual walk. There were times when I was "alive" and when I was "dead." Those early years were in a way some of the hardest because you’re learning how to walk the straight and narrow, and yet they were also some of the easiest because you see your need and you know that God is the only one who can help you. As time passes the challenges in the Christian walk change form. It’s easy as the years roll by to get complacent, to just go along, whatever happens happens. We lose our sense of priorities. It takes place oh so subtly. After being in this Christian journey for many years I began to really struggle. It was a different type of struggle than I had experienced before. I just felt like giving up; giving up on work; giving up on friendships; just giving up. My purpose for life was dying. I want to take you back to when the climax came…. It was a Sabbath afternoon. I had been with friends for most of the afternoon but I just wasn’t there, mentally. Finally I left the group and went for a walk. I want you to put yourself there. You’re walking, walking, walking. Your mind is full and you begin to ask yourself questions… Why do certain things matter? Why should it matter if anyone appreciates what I do? Why should it matter when it seems like it’s a waste of someone’s time to talk with me? Why should it matter if anyone is interested in what I have to say? Why should it matter if anyone accepts the truths I have learned about music, dress, personal appearance, conversation, or anything else? Why should it matter if no one likes my singing or playing? Why should it matter if no one supports my efforts? Why should anything I do or say matter? And then it’s as if God speaks through the storm of your thoughts, It matters to you only if your sense of value and worth comes from those things. If no one ever stopped to talk to you or was interested in what you had to say, if no one ever commented on how they appreciated your contributions, if no one ever made you a priority in their life, if no one ever supported you in anything, would you still do it? And if you wouldn’t, why? Would you feel worthless? I’ve been a fairly confident, secure individual, most of my life. But I also have had a sense of being highly valued by those around me. When that is stripped away and you’re left with just being one among many, do you feel worthless? That is not what makes us valuable. On that Sabbath afternoon walk I knew that truth, intellectually but there was a heart problem. When you find someone sprawled on the ground you immediately check their level of alertness. If they are unresponsive then you check for a pulse and signs of life. If none, then you begin CPR. What are you trying to do? Get the heart pumping—there’s a heart problem. They need to be revived. “Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from the spiritual death.” (E. G. White, Christian Service, p. 42) In one of my favorite books it asks, “Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things.” (E. G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 58) “The world claims the heart; but that heart belongs to the One who redeemed it. If given to the world, it will be filled with care, sorrow, and disappointed hopes; it will become impure and corrupted.” (E. G. White, Messages to Young People, p. 407) Are we filled with care, sorrow, and disappointed hopes? We have a heart problem. On that Sabbath afternoon as I was walking alone, God said, You have a heart problem. If I were never able to speak without fumbling along, if I always squeaked and messed up when playing an instrument, if I couldn’t hit a right note for anything when I sang, if I were never able to get anyone to do anything, if I was never good enough for people or my work appreciated, I would still be of value. The tears streamed down my face. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane saw me, He saw you. He was misunderstood and forsaken by EVERYONE. NO ONE SUPPORTED HIM OR APPECIATED HIM. And yet, He did it anyway. In the midst of His suffering and pain He saw me [put yourself there] and He said, “I’ll do it for her.” As the great drops of sweaty blood were dripping down His troubled face and He clung to the ground in anguish, He said, “She is precious to Me. I want her to be with me for all eternity. I’ll do it for her.” WOW ME! He valued me of infinite worth (put yourself there), not because I could do anything for Him, but because He loved me. He wants to be with me. He wants to hear what I have to say, with all my imperfect, stammering words, and He’s the BEST listener ever. He wants to talk with me. He never considers time with me a waste. He never belittles my comments or ideas. If I am wrong, He seeks to redirect me. He loves me, not for what or who I am. He sees in me something He wants to polish and make beautiful. I wanted to give up. I failed; failed in friendships; failed in serving; failed in so many areas. I was dissatisfied with life. What did it all mean? What was it all for? It's hard to keep going when you feel like it's all a waste--all worthless. So you have to ask, why? You have to get to the root--it’s a heart problem. In the garden of Gethsemane Christ looked down through the ages and saw you. "I want that one to be with Me for all eternity. I'll go to Calvary for them." That thought breaks my heart, but also sets me free. That’s what gives me revival.
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Let’s consider two main characters/stories and a description of their expressions.
“…Satan…once was, a happy, exalted angel….[But now he is quite changed.] He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede. I saw that he had so long bent himself to evil that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil and satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible.” (E. G. White, Early Writings, p. 152) What’s in a look? Go with me to another story. Luke 22:55, 60-62. “While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter’s eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there. “The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced his heart like an arrow.” (E. G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 712-713) “…Beneath that grieved look, in which compassion and love for him were blended, Peter understood himself. He went out and wept bitterly. That look of Christ’s broke his heart. Peter had come to the turning point, and bitterly did he repent [of] his sin….The look of Christ assured him of pardon.” (E. G. Whtie, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 152) “If the look that Jesus cast upon him had spoken condemnation instead of pity; if in foretelling the sin He had failed of speaking hope [even in His expression], how dense would have been the darkness that encompassed Peter! how reckless the despair of that tortured soul! In that hour of anguish and self-abhorrence, what could have held him back from the path trodden by Judas?” (E. G. White, Education, p. 89) “The look of Christ conveyed volumes to the repentant Peter. He read in that glance sorrow, love, and pardon.” (E. G. White, 3 Spirit of Prophecy, p. 110) What’s in a look? I would present to you that it is, life or death. May we look and live so that our expressions this week will give life, hope, love to others. In recent years Science has been doing more research into this topic and they are finding there is a lot more than expected. The research is fascinating but we only have time to scratch the surface—I don’t have time to show how much specific information is communicated just by touch or how our sense of touch changes as we age. It’s all simply fascinating, but for the sake of time we are only going to look at a limited aspect of this amazing topic, what is in a touch?
“In his book, Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind, Dr. David Linden convincingly argues that the ‘genes, cells and neural circuits involved in the sense of touch have been crucial to creating our unique human experience.’… “Drastic examples of young children who have been deprived of touch and have suffered as a result have shown the devastating consequences of touch deprivation.…‘If you don’t get touch right after you’re born, all kinds of terrible things happen, and not just cognitive and emotional,’ said Linden. ‘Your immune system doesn’t develop properly, your digestive system tends to have problem — there’s a whole rack of health problems that can develop if you don’t receive touch in early life.’…‘A parent’s touch is very crucial for a child’s development,’ said Linden. ‘It’s not optional.’ ” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/20/neuroscience-touch_n_6489050.html) Even as adults, touch creates bonds and helps in social circles. “In research done back in 1976, clerks at a university library returned library cards to students either with or without briefly touching the student's hand. Student interviews revealed that those who'd been touched evaluated the clerk and the library more favorably. The effect held even when students hadn't noticed the touch. “More recent studies have found that seemingly insignificant touches yield bigger tips for waitresses, that people shop and buy more if they're touched by a store greeter, and that strangers are more likely to help someone if a touch accompanies the request. Call it the human touch, a brief reminder that we are, at our core, social” creatures. “ ‘Lots of times in these studies people don't even remember being touched. They just feel there's a connection, they feel that they like that person more’…” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201303/the-power-touch) Yes, it’s true that we live in a “touch-phobic society…We're not used to touching strangers, or even our friends, necessarily.” Some cultures are more touchy than others. But it’s a proven fact that the human creation is dependent on touch for healthy development socially, emotionally, and physically. So what is it? What’s in a touch? Go with me to the Scriptures. The first time in the Bible that the word touch is used is found in Genesis 3:3. Here Satan, in the guise of a serpent, tells Eve that if she touches the forbidden fruit she will die. “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” In Genesis 32:25 it tells of Jacob wrestling with the Angel. He touches Jacob’s thigh and instantly it’s out of joint. “And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.” Zechariah 2:8 says that when people do us harm it as though they are touching God’s eye. “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” All through the New Testament we see Jesus healing people with a touch. Matthew 8:3, “And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” There’s one story I want us to spend a little time on. It’s found in Mark 5:25-34. “And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” What's in a touch? Power—power for good or power for evil. With a touch we can bruise, With a touch we can cut; But also with a touch we can heal, With a touch we can love. There is power in a touch. May we use it for good. What's in a name? Have you ever thought of that? Think of some common names: John, Sarah, Mary, David
When we see a name we associate what is familiar to us with that name. Have you ever thought, "I would never name my child----?" Why? Because we have known someone with that name who hurt us, or who wasn't a good example. We see a person, their character, right in the name. Who someone is becomes synonymous with their name. “A good name is more precious than gold.” (E. G. White, Counsels on Health, p. 415) The Bible says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” (Pro. 22:1) “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” (Pro. 10:7) There's two sides to a name--who the person is and who they should be. Every name has a meaning. For example: My name means: From the Royal Meadow, Royalty; Follower of Christ Spiritual Connotation: Seeker of Truth, Gracious Spirit, Noble One; God’s Reflection That sounds like a high calling, doesn't it? When people think of our name they might associate it with all our flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings, but God wants us to see within our calling--a calling to a higher standard--within our very name. You can look at the meaning of my name in two ways. #1 I'm a spoiled princess who is stuck-up, OR #2 I'm a pilgrim on earth who is from the heavenly country--the true royal meadow--and who shows by deportment, speech, and character from whence she comes. The 1st point is obviously something to be shunned by every one who holds this name while the 2nd is a glorious high calling to which we must all seek to reach. “Great significance was attached to the names given by Hebrew parents to their children. Often these stood for traits of character that the parent desired to see developed in the child.” (E. G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 481) What's in your name? What calling has God given you within your very name? Every name has a meaning, even the ones that seem negative can be turned to something beautiful. God says, “I know thee by name...” (Ex. 33:12) “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” (Isa. 43:1; 49:16) There’s another side to “what’s in a name” that I want to look at, and that’s God’s name. Psalm 9:10 says, "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 124:8) “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Pro. 18:10) Those who know God’s name put their trust in Him. What’s in God’s name? Jesus is called:
What's in God's name? Our very salvation. The Lord says, “I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.” (Ps. 91:14) "The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ's name. Their every word and act was to fasten attention on His name, as possessing that vital power by which sinners may be saved....Christ's name was to be their watchword, their badge of distinction, their bond of union, the authority for their course of action, and the source of their success. Nothing was to be recognized in His kingdom that did not bear His name and superscription.” (E. G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 28) So what's in a name? Our calling, our salvation. “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” (Is. 56:5) |
SolominaEverything in life has meaning. There's a lesson in every object, every situation, every process. I want to go deeper, in a higher way. I want to listen, to understand, to know. Archives
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