Barbara's Banter

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Years ago I read a story about the baby Jesus. When the people of Nazareth were upset, tired, weary, angry, annoyed, or out of sorts they would say, “Let’s go look at Mary’s child.” When they looked upon the baby Jesus, they gained peace and their troubles would not seem as burdensome.

Of course, this is just a story. Actually, Jesus was not readily accepted as the Son of God by those He grew up with. However, the principle is beautiful. For when we take our eyes off Jesus, our circumstances feel overwhelming. Every disappointment, setback, trial, or unfulfilled expectation can seem insurmountable. And truthfully, without Jesus, our problems are too much to bear. That’s why 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon Jesus, for He cares for us—more than we could ever imagine. We are of value to Him.

In fact, God values us so much He thought us worth the life, sacrifice, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For Jesus wasn’t just Mary’s child, He was God’s child too.

The story of people looking at baby Jesus’ face in biblical times is just a story. However, the principle is solid. An old hymn tells us to turn our eyes upon Jesus. For when we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the things of earth grow dim in the light of His glory and grace.

When life starts getting us down, perhaps we should go look at Mary’s child.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

One of my favorite songs is “Sing.” One line says, “Don’t worry if it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear—just sing, sing a song.” I love that.

God created music, and it can be a powerful tool. Biblical examples prove this to be true.  

Music soothed the soul. When a bad spirit came upon Saul, David played his harp (1 Samuel 16:23). Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed. 

Music inspired. When Jehoshaphat was going into battle, he appointed singers unto the Lord. As they went out before the army, they sang, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

Music taught God’s Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

Music released the power of God. Paul and Silas found this out when they were in jail. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, and the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s shackles were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).

Music etched the mighty power of God into memories. In Exodus 15:1, Moses sang a song of praise to God for deliverance from Pharaoh. “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord: I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously…” It’s quite long so I won’t quote all of it here. Some say this song of Moses is the oldest recorded song in the world.

Songs were used throughout biblical times to express joy, triumph, grief, relief, celebration, thanks, praise, and so on. Matthew 26:30 tells us that when the Last Supper had ended Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn before leaving. What a powerful image!

When I’m feeling low I start singing praises to God. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I get the focus off myself and onto God. Some people don’t enjoy singing. I get that. I don’t always have a song in my heart either. That’s when I start reading the Psalms which are actually sacred songs meant to be sung. As I read them, I think about God adding His own tune.   

Man tries to pollute and degrade what God has created. Music is no exception. But God created music and it is good. It is one way we can praise, worship, and glorify Him. 

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Fake news is a relatively new term. It means false or misleading information presented as news. Unfortunately, most of us tend to believe anything we see in print or hear from a news reporter. At one time, journalists and newscasters had a code of ethics that’s sorely lacking today. Walter Cronkite is long gone, and a plethora of fame seekers spewing anything to grab media attention whether true or false have taken his place.

Spreading false information is really not a new concept. A lot of what we’ve learned through the years has proven not to be factual. I found Herb Reich’s book Don’t You Believe It!: Exposing the Myths Behind 250 Commonly Believed Fallacies both exhilarating and depressing. It is a dilemma because as much as I love boring people with obscure information, I like for my facts to be accurate.

I liked believing that…

• P.T. Barnum said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”
• Doubleday invented baseball.
• Cleopatra was Egyptian.
• Charles Lindberg was the first man to fly across the Atlantic.
• Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag.
• Edison invented the light bulb.

I even liked believing George Washington said, “I cannot tell a lie,” when he admitted chopping down a cherry tree—and to make matters worse, he didn’t even wear wooden false teeth.

How does so much misinformation get circulated? As much as I would like to blame the Internet, these misconceptions took root long before modern technology. Blame old wives’ tales, myths, legends, hucksters, or a skewed view of a historic event.

Unlike most of today’s reporters, historians didn’t intend to deceive. They relied on good stories they heard and then passed them along. We tend to do the same thing. Unfortunately, if we repeat a deception long enough, we think it’s the truth. Before long—presto—it’s taught in schools, cited in newspapers, and passed down for years to come. I pity future generations who try to make sense of the fake news surrounding us today. We can’t even understand it. 

However, there are some written words we can totally believe. They are found in the Bible. If we aren’t filling our minds with God’s words a lot more than we are listening to or reading fake news, we are in serious trouble.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

The Bible refers to death as our final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). A loved one’s death can fill us with helplessness or if it comes quickly, anger. Facing our own death may have us feeling fearful, uncertain, perhaps defeated. Even those who bail out of life with suicide are hoping for something better.

At this time of year, we are reminded of One who lived and died for us. Jesus Christ loved us so much He came to earth, lived among us, and freely died for us. But death was not the end of the story, for He rose from the dead and is victorious. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

The good news is that Christ’s victory over death is ours as well. He fought the battle for us. All we have to do is to choose to partake of this victory in Christ as John 5:24 tells us. “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” This has nothing to do with living a good life or earning salvation. It comes from believing and trusting God.

Death doesn’t have to be the end; it can be the beginning. At death our “perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death is swallowed in victory.

Although I don’t want to rush this victorious process by embracing premature death, it’s nice to know Christ’s resurrection gives me blessed assurance. When the women came to Christ’s tomb they were told, “He is not here; He is risen…” (Matthew 28:6). He is risen and lives today—and because He lives, we shall live also.  

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

Natural disasters are a fact of life. Floods wash away homes, tornadoes demolish houses, landslides bury neighborhoods, volcanoes spew molten lava over cities, and pandemics take lives. As quick as a blink of an eye, an earthquake can hit a country like the one that devastated Haiti about ten years ago, or a hurricane like Katrina can wipe out a whole city as big as New Orleans.

Although God is omnipotent and could stop these forces of nature, many times He chooses not to. There may be more occasions when He chooses to stop them, but we’ll never really know how many times He has protected us, will we? However, when disasters occur there always seems to be at least one soap box Christian eager to say it is God’s punishment for sin. I’m not so sure about that.

Those who presume to know why God does or does not allow a tragedy are really just speculating. They may think they are intimate confidants of God, but they are really just self-proclaimed interpreters of their own perceptions.

It’s true that God did destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but there are more examples of Him just letting nature take its course. Sin does not always need God’s wrath to get one’s attention or every gluttonous, greedy, oppressive person we know would be zapped immediately. Sin carries its own penalty, but sometimes that takes time.

The sad part of this mode of thinking is that it leads people to believe every bad thing that happens to a person is the result of his or her sin. That simply is not true. We all know bad things happen to good people all the time. A few biblical examples would be John the Baptist having his head cut off and served on a platter to Salome, righteous Job losing everything he had, and Stephen being stoned to death.

Don’t misunderstand me. God is God. He can do whatever He chooses and allow anything He wishes. However, Haiti is located on a fault line and New Orleans is in hurricane heaven. Sometimes a tragedy is time, chance, and circumstance. God can teach us, and we can learn lessons from the aftermath of anything that happens. However, sometimes a natural disaster could just be a natural disaster.  

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

If I’m totally honest, I love my “to-do” lists. If it weren’t for them and Post-it-Notes, I’m not sure I would remember anything.

Although my “to-do” lists are not quite as organized as the ones you read about, I still manage to get things done. Almost all time management gurus say that when you cross something off your list you should celebrate its completion. This is what I do best. I enjoy this so much that if I do something that’s not on my list, I add it, just so I can mark it off and celebrate.

“To-do” lists are great, but they are just tools to help us remember what needs to be done. Generally, they list things we have to do as opposed to what we want to do. There are many important things that don’t even make the list, like telling a spouse or your child “I love you.” Let’s face it, if you have to put that on a “to-do” list, you don’t really know the meaning of love.

Some have spiritual “to-do” lists. These might include prayer, Bible study, meditation, and so forth. I must admit I used to subscribe to this method of staying on the straight and narrow. I’d even make a little prayer list, which began to sound more like a “to-do” list for what I wanted God to do for me. I was focused more on what God could do for me rather than building a relationship with Him. Although, I do find a Post-it Note with names of people who need my prayers helpful, lest I forget.

As we come to know God we realize His unconditional love for us. After all, while we were yet sinners Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). We know God as a loving, caring, Father who never abandons, rejects, or hurts us. We realize that prayer is meant to align our will with God’s rather than talking Him into giving us what we want. His will be done, not ours. When we focus on God and align our will to His, our cares and concerns seem to work out—not always the way we would have wanted, but they work out just the same.

While there is nothing wrong with a Christian “to-do” list, I no longer prefer to be quite so regimented in my spiritual life. Approaching my relationship with God as something I have to do takes away my joy. It should be something I want to do. I love the idea of praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, and giving thanks for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). What a privilege it is to be able to stay in constant communication with the One who gives me the very air I breathe and praise Him for providing it!

With that closing thought, I will write “finish this week’s blog” on my “to-do” list so I can check it off. Thank you, Jesus! Now I can celebrate!

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

If beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, what do I see when I “behold” myself in the mirror? Usually I see an older, slightly overweight, flawed individual whose gray roots are badly in need of a touch up. Most of us feel we fall short because we live in an airbrushed society obsessed with physical beauty. It’s bound to influence how we look at ourselves and how we look at others. 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Unfortunately, most of us “beholders” have been bombarded with digitally enhanced images through television, movies, and magazines. Media has determined what is beautiful and we have subliminally been programmed to accept it. To them, the phrase “inner beauty” is just another way of saying “uggglllyyy!”

Although difficult, we need to think of beauty the same way God does. Nowhere do we see God using outward appearance to determine someone’s beauty. In fact, He cautions us against using such criteria for judging another’s worth. When God’s prophet Samuel was looking for the next king of Israel among the sons of Jesse, he thought he’d found the right one. So much so that when he looked at Jesse’s son Eliab He said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord” (1 Samuel 16:6).

However, God had other ideas. In I Samuel 16:7, God said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.” In other words, it didn’t matter if this guy was one the 50 hunkiest men in the world and looked like he should be a king. God was looking for something else which was found in Eliab’s kid brother David—a lowly shepherd.

God went on to say, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Try telling that to People Magazine!

Perhaps we should start beholding beauty the same way God does. He’s not looking at a person’s shiny blonde hair, blemish-free skin, slim hips, and new Prada shoes. He finds a heart full of the fruits of His spirit more appealing (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we look for the beauty in others, do we look for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? When God beholds beauty, He doesn’t look for something that is “skin-deep.” He goes much deeper—into a person’s very heart.

Helen Keller said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen…they must be felt with the heart.” Great perception, don’t you think? Especially since it came from a blind woman who knew how to behold the beauty all around her.
 

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

When my husband’s Aunt Myrtle was 90, we were encouraging her to spend some of her hard- earned money on things she had always wanted. She said, “Oh, no! I couldn’t do that. I’m saving that for my old age.” We didn’t have the heart to tell her we thought 90 was pretty old. Aunt Myrtle thought old age was always ten years older than what she really was. Overall, not a bad philosophy.

The Bible tells us that living a long life is a blessing (Deuteronomy 5:33). Here are a few who have made major accomplishments in their golden years:

• Colonel Sanders started KFC at age 65.
• Benjamin Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence at 70.
• Michelangelo was 71 when he painted the Sistine Chapel.
• Golda Meir became prime minister of Israel at 71.
• Casey Stengel started managing the New York Mets at 71.
• Ronald Reagan was reelected president of the United States at 73.
• George Burns won his first Oscar at age 80 for The Sunshine Boys.
• Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until she was 80.
• Barbara McClintock won the Nobel Prize in “Philosophy or Medicine” for discovering genetic transposition at 82.
• Winston Churchill wrote A History of the English Speaking Peoples at 82.
• Coco Chanel was the head of a fashion design firm at 85.
• Albert Schweitzer was still performing surgeries at his hospital in Africa at 89.
• Pablo Picasso was still producing engravings and drawings at 90.
• Strom Thurmond, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, was still serving in Congress in his 90s.
• Sadie and Bessie Delany were in their 100s when they wrote Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years.

In the Delany sisters’ next book, The Delany Sisters’ Book of Everyday Wisdom, they advise people to stay active—mentally and physically. It seems to be a key to feeling younger longer.

While the aging process is not all that pleasant, it still beats the alternative. Most of us older folk will probably not swim the English Channel, set marathon records, or find a cure for cancer. However, there is something wonderful in aging gracefully, finding ways to serve others, and living a full, rich life. As Abraham Lincoln said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

The whole year our son Matthew was in first grade, he lamented about not having many friends. I talked to his teacher to see if he was adjusting well in the class. She assured me Matthew was doing fine and was well-liked. When we found out my husband’s job transfer would have us moving to another state during the summer, we decided to throw an end-of-the-school-year going away party for Matthew and invited all the boys in his class. Matthew said, “Okay, but I don’t think many will come.”

Well he was wrong. Everyone came. And not only did they come, but they brought cards and gifts. As the parents dropped the kids off, many expressed their sorrow in Matthew leaving. They said: “Tommy says Matthew is his best friend and he is heartbroken that he’s leaving.” “Billy says Matthew is the nicest kid in his class.” “Joey says Matthew is his best friend.” “Johnny likes Matthew more than anyone else in his class.”

And boy, did Matthew score in the gift department! The cards the children wrote were sweet and thoughtful. One had a picture in it and he wrote, “This is my picture so you will never forget me. I will never forget you.” Several told Matthew he was their very best friend. As Matthew reread the cards that evening he said, “I didn’t know so many of the kids really liked me.” If he had realized that sooner, he could have had a lot more fun in first grade.  

The mind is a complex mechanism and can play tricks on us, sabotaging our happiness. We think people are talking about us. We think people don’t like us. We think we are ugly. We think we are stupid. We think we are unlovable. Sometimes we see things the way we think they are, not how they really are.

This is not to say life does not have problems. There are times when we have a legitimate right to feel neglected, rejected, and subjected to unfounded ridicule. But all too often our thought process has us imputing motives and jumping to wrong conclusions over the simplest of matters, magnifying them out of proportion. Our lives become limited because we hesitate to build friendships, develop relationships, and try new adventures.

What we think about ourselves can impact our lives. If we tell ourselves we have no friends long enough, we may end up friendless. If we tell ourselves we are stupid long enough, our minds might become dull. If we tell ourselves we can’t do something, more than likely we won’t even try. Because “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7).

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…

A radio talk show host in our area asked people to call in and tell him what influences your life and fills you up. Then he added, “…but don’t call me and tell me about Jesus.” This is just another indication of how many in our nation are quick to reject God. Yet, in spite of our turmoil, we are a nation blessed above all nations and all blessings come from God. Fortunately, God has not rejected us. He does things for us that we don’t even know about.

Hosea lived during the last twenty-five years of Israel’s existence as a nation. It was a time of political upheaval, anarchy, and bloodshed. Israel’s spiritual condition had deteriorated. They were involved in idolatry, adultery, and drunkenness. Hosea tried to bring them to their senses. He preached about God’s character, righteousness, omnipotence, and loving kindness. He reminded them of the covenant they entered into with God. Then he prepared them for the impending doom of the nation because of their unfaithfulness.

While reading Hosea, one passage got me thinking about all God does for us. Hosea 11:1-4 says, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt…I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.”

I especially love the phrase, “They knew not that I healed them…”

I wonder what acts of loving kindness God has done for our nation or for us personally that we knew not. How many acts of terrorism has God averted that we knew not? How many times has He protected us or our loved ones in our everyday lives that we knew not? How many times has He led, strengthened, encouraged, and comforted us that we knew not?

It’s all so easy to appear self-sufficient but we must remember every blessing comes from God. Once in a while it might be nice to thank God for all the things He does for us that we don’t know about.

*****

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)