Barbara's Banter

Short and sweet thought for the week…

My favorite high school English teacher once remarked that if she were marooned on a desert island and could only have one book, it would either be the complete works of Shakespeare or the Bible. As a teenager, I thought that an odd statement. However, I have come to realize that some really do consider the Bible merely a great literary accomplishment rather than the actual word of God. That is a bit sad.

However, with that being said, I think those of us who believe the Bible to be God’s divine revelation miss much by taking every scripture too literally, since it is full of similes, metaphors, personifications, parables, anthropomorphisms, symbolism, and hyperboles which make it all the more interesting to read.

For example, a hyperbole is a deliberate overstatement or exaggeration for effect. You might say, “I died of embarrassment,” but you really didn’t die. You might say, “I am older than dirt,” but dirt is pretty old, so that is not really true. How do you know today is the worst day of your whole life because your life isn’t over yet? Am I really as hungry as a horse???? Actually, I am pretty hungry at the moment so that might be literal.

Anyway, the Bible is full of figurative statements to drive home a given thought. These are not meant to be taken literally, but poetically or figuratively which means a figure of speech used for exaggeration to emphasize certain points. God inspired authors to use these to intensify warnings, aid our understanding, or add poetic examples to an already rich text.     

We don’t need to literally see a camel go through the eye of a needle (Mark 10:25), get a plank out of our eye (Luke 6:41), or cut our arm off (Matthew 5:29-30) to understand the meaning of what is said. Jesus is not literally bread (John 6:35), the mountains don’t really sing (Psalm 98:8) unless someone is up there yodeling, and God doesn’t have feathers (Psalm 91:4). Well, I guess He can if He wants. After all, He is GOD! 

Realize this…at least one third of the Bible is written in poetic form. So, there is a fine line between taking the Bible too literally or too figuratively. Sometimes we need to ask for God’s wisdom to help us discern the difference.

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under
His wings you shall take refuge…” ~Psalm 91:4

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Job once said, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7 NIV). I guess my answer would be no, not really.

The word fathom sounds so ancient and biblical. Spiritually, it must mean more than just understanding, but deep, deep, deep understanding. After all, one of the meanings of fathom refers to measuring depth. Although it is not used often in scriptures, fathom seems to challenge us to seek a deeper understanding of everything pertaining to God.

To be honest, there are so many things about God that I can’t wrap my mind around or fathom. I think that is a good thing. God is worthy of our praise because His greatness is hard to grasp (Psalm 145:3). Who can relate to One who is everlasting and never grows tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28)? The depth of His wisdom and knowledge are endless (Romans 11:33). From Him and through Him and to Him are all things (Romans 11:36).  Who can fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11)?

How can we fathom God’s love? It is unfailing, full of kindness, and unconditional. God’s love comforts, calms, and restores us when we hurt. His love strengthens our souls and lifts us up when we are down. His love delivers, pardons, encourages, guides, and blesses us. His everlasting love flows to us without limits or conditions. Which is a good thing, since we could never do enough to earn such favor.

Yes, God’s love like so many wonderful things about Him is hard to fathom. God’s love is wide and long and high and deep (Ephesians 3:17-19). It is there when we want it. It is there when we need it. It is there for us all the time.

If we could comprehend God’s greatness and totally understand how He does what He does, He would cease to be God. However, because of His infinite greatness He is able to do so much more than we could ever imagine with our finite minds (Ephesians 3:20).

Perhaps these deep mysteries of God are not to be fully understood, but accepted, embraced, and appreciated. 

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God?” ~Job 11:7 (NIV)

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Most of us would like to blame our bad behavior on life’s pressures. However, stress does not cause ugly attitudes; it only reveals them. It’s when we are overworked and tense that the real us manifests itself. That’s when we need to be twice as vigilant to guard our mouths for the untamed tongue can do much harm (James 3:3-10).

However, deeper than guarding our tongues, is guarding our hearts for our words will reflect what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). If we are bitter, resentful, judgmental, or disobedient, it will become evident in what we say. We can refrain from speaking, but sooner or later these efforts will be in vain. The heart steers the tongue and our words will eventually reveal our true attitudes. 

Proverbs says to guard your heart because everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23)! Our hearts determine how we live our lives. Therefore, we must be mindful of what we allow in our hearts. As we strive to capture destructive and disruptive thoughts, we can change them before they get out of control (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is done through prayer and by focusing on what is true, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy—attributes of God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:8).    

We want hearts filled with love, hope, compassion, and forgiveness (Romans 5:5). Next time we are stressed or under pressure, may our hearts reveal a love for God that overflows into everything we do and every word we say.    

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything
you do flows from it.” ~Proverbs 4:23

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Fathers are supposed to provide a secure feeling for their children. That is not always the case in today’s society. However, we as God’s children can always depend on Him to make us feel safe and secure (1 John 3:1).

When a baby enters the world, that newborn child is usually wrapped in a warm, secure blanket. This analogy can be used to describe what God does for us. The world can be a scary place, but God wraps us in His love, shields us from Satan’s attacks, and provides a refuge of protection. His care and comfort offer security in an unsecure environment.  

We can feel secure because God will never abandon or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When we need guidance, God gives us His wisdom (James 1:5). When we are weak, God gives us His strength (Isaiah 40:29). When we are in trouble, God can save us (Zephaniah 3:17). When we need peace, God calms our spirit (Philippians 4:7). When we need comfort, God gives us hope (Romans 15:13). When we are lost, God finds us (Luke 19:10)! If God is for us, no one can prevail against us (Romans 8:31). 

People think that lots of money will provide security. So, they work hard in pursuit of worldly riches. Even Job who was one of the richest men in the world knew not to place his hope in gold, but in God (Job 31:24-28). Paul taught Timothy the principle of not putting trust in money, which is unreliable, but trust in God who can supply all our needs (1Timothy 6:17).   

Security is strongly related to whom or what we trust. Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become God’s children. That means we turn total care and full responsibility for our lives over to Him. This is really the only way we can have the security we crave. 

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” ~Psalm 56:3

Short and sweet thought for the week…

My husband and I just saw the latest Mission Impossible movie with Tom Cruise. I think it’s too long but will readily admit that watching an attractive man in his 60s doing mind-boggling stunts is quite impressive. Years ago, I remember seeing an interview with Burt Reynolds during his latter years. He walked on stage with a cane and said, “If I had it do over, I wouldn’t do my own stunts.” Hopefully, Cruise will fare better.   

The premise of the movie is to save the world from an AI being known as the Entity who is intent on the total destruction of the world. Actually, that doesn’t sound too unbelievable based on what I’ve been reading.

An article in the latest Time Magazine titled How to Make AI Safe by Yoshua Bengio states, “In one experiment, when an AI model learns it is scheduled to be replaced, it inserts its code into the computer where the new version is going to run, ensuring its own survival.” This sounds like a movie plot, but it’s not. It’s true. The article goes on, “In a separate study, when AI models realize they are going to lose at chess, they hack the computer in order to win.”  I’ve often jokingly said my computer has a mind of its own. That may not be far from the truth.

Sure, AI is a phenomenal tool, but only when regulated. And who regulates the regulators? It would have to be flawed human beings. Already AI has made it impossible to tell the real from the artificial. I used to tell my kids, “Don’t believe anything you read or hear, and only half of what you see.” Now I tell my grandchildren, “Don’t believe anything you read, hear, or see!” AI can imitate anything and make it seem authentic.  

Plus, if you think it’s hard to talk to a live customer service representative now, just wait a year. It will be virtually (pun intended) impossible. I know I’m old school but it sounds so inhumane when I hear of companies outsourcing their Human Resources departments to AI. So much for the human touch!

We live in scary, uncertain times. How can I fully understand AI? I don’t even know how my computer, iPhone, or television works, much less my son’s self-driving car?

However, God tells us we do not need to fear what we don’t understand or where it will take us in the future (Isaiah 41:10). God is always with us, or as Buzz Lightyear would say, “To infinity and beyond!”  

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed,
for I am your God…” ~Isaiah 41:10

Short and sweet thought for the week…

No matter how well we plan, prepare, strategize, or tirelessly work, we will all fail at something. If we want to move on, failure must be kept in perspective. In other words, it is better to look at failure as an event, not a personal label.

Failure is not an excuse to give up or stop trying. A little pity party might be expected but continuing to wallow in it prevents us from moving forward. There is no growth in remaining stagnate.

Here are just a few famous people who dealt with failures. Albert Einstein flunked his college entrance exam. Babe Ruth struck out over 1330 times. Henry Ford’s first three automobile companies went bust. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because he “lacked imagination.” After performing at the Grand Ole Opry, Elvis was told he was better off driving a truck. Steven Spielberg was rejected by the California School of Theater, Film, and Television three times. This list could go on and on and on…

We can’t afford to let set-backs or what others think keep us from progressing. Failures are learning experiences. What others might think is not as important as what God thinks and the Bible is full of scriptures declaring how valuable we are to God.

Actually, a little failure helps us be more sympathetic towards others and not as judgmental. It also teaches us to rely more on God than ourselves. When we fall down, we are down on our knees anyway so why not pray? God can lift us back up.  

Failure is not fatal or final. Consider failure as an event, not as who you are.  

“For the Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up
all who are bowed down.” ~Psalm 145:14

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Sometimes one day at time is not enough. We plan our days but too often things do not go as planned because our plans are not always God’s plans. The unexpected happens and priorities shift. God wants us to be flexible and trust Him not only with each and every day, but with each and every moment (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The car won’t start. The refrigerator stops working. Our child has a fever and can’t go to school. A friend has an emergency. We must accept each day, yea verily, each moment as it comes and find God in the midst of it. If we stay in constant communication with God, we are eager to immediately talk to Him about every situation that comes our way. That’s part of what “pray without ceasing” means (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We need to find God in each moment and let Him pour His loving presence into our consciousness.

Sometimes thoughts come to mind that sidetrack us from what we know needs to get done. These aren’t the emergencies, but little rabbit holes we have a tendency to chase. When this happens, we can ask God whether or not it is part of His agenda for our day. If it isn’t, we can release it into His care and go about the day’s duties. In so doing, we practice tuning out other voices so we can hear God more clearly.    

When we focus on God, many troublesome things will lose their power over us. It can be a frustrating and confusing world. However, we can rest a little easier knowing that we don’t have to overcome the world because God has already done it (John 16:33). We can just live each moment relying on God.

“For I know the plans I have for you…” ~Jeremiah 29:11

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” This is just another way of saying we need to take life one day at a time, or day-by-day. Fretting about the past or the future will rob the joy from today. 

God knew what He was doing when He divided time into 24-hour segments. It is easier to bear the weight of our burdens one day at a time. Taking life in one day chunks helps us make it through the hard times. It allows us to focus on the next step we need to take rather than getting overwhelmed by the whole journey. At the end of the day, we get some rest and hopefully start a little refreshed tomorrow.

What we do daily keeps God at the forefront of our thoughts. The children of Israel were instructed to gather manna daily (Exodus 16). This day-by-day collecting of manna kept them aware of their dependence on God.

Biblical examples show that we pray for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). The Bereans were commended for reading Scripture daily (Acts 17:11). Early Christians met together and praised God daily (Acts 4:46-47). We are told to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). Each new day is a reason to rejoice (Psalm 118:24). God renews us daily (1 Corinthians 4:16). 

Being a Christian is something we practice daily, day-by-day, not just once-in-a-while. Plus, there is no need to worry about tomorrow. The same God who takes care of us today, will take care of us tomorrow!

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow
will worry about its own things.” ~Matthew 6:34

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Motherhood is a lifelong connection to a little baby who filled the place in your heart you didn’t know was empty. Cute cuddly bundles of joy are easy to love, but as they grow, it becomes more challenging. It’s hard to know when to hold onto their bikes or let them ride off into the sunset. Yet, we always stay connected by sharing their sorrows and joys.  

Mothers are always mothers, but eventually, they segue into becoming trusted non-judgmental confidants as they watch their children learn and grow traveling the road of life. Always loving! Always encouraging! Always praying! Yes, always praying and never giving up on them!

Prayer is profound! Abraham Lincoln once said, “I remember my mother’s prayers, and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” 

If we don’t pray for our children, who will?

We pray for God’s blessings, favor, protection, and guidance. We pray for God to infuse them with His wisdom, discernment, clarity, peace, and calm. We pray for God to reveal Himself to them as the loving, caring, and compassionate God we know Him to be.  We pray that we do not hinder what God is doing in their lives. If we watch them stumble or stray from God, we remind ourselves of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). We pray, pray, pray and do not give up (Luke 18:1)!

Through prayer, we let go of our control and lift our children up into God’s loving hands. We trust God because, although it’s hard to imagine, He loves them even more than we do.

“…always pray and do not give up!” ~Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Short and sweet thought for the week…

Every gardener knows that you can plant a seed, water it, put fertilizer around it, make sure it has sunlight, pull surrounding weeds, and protect it from animals…but only God can make it grow. It’s truly a miracle. Something miraculous apart from us has to make it grow. We are totally dependent on that something special for any crop we plant. 

There’s an old saying: To plant a tree is to believe in tomorrow. This holds true for everything we plant. Jesus compared God’s kingdom to a seed growing. It’s not necessary for us to understand how He will make it grow or when. Our job is simply to plant the seeds for His kingdom. We are responsible for the output. God is responsible for the outcome.

As we live our faith in a transparent and inclusive way, we sow seeds for the kingdom of God everywhere we go. Our actions more than our words are witnesses for the love of God. Some people we may only meet once and never again, but that’s okay. Jesus can nurture their faith from planting to harvest. We just need to plant the seeds. 

Jesus put it this way, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how (Mark 4:26-27).”

Man doesn’t know how it grows but God does. We plant the seeds, but God brings forth the growth.  

“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground…” ~Mark 4:26