Barbara's Banter

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

One of my favorite Bible accounts is about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I’m sure you are familiar with this story found in the third chapter of Daniel. Here’s a little background.

When Babylon conquered Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar required all the brightest and best young men of Judah to come to Babylon (Daniel 1:3-5). After three years of training, they would be given prominent positions in his court. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were among those chosen. The hope was that after being indoctrinated in the Babylonian culture, they would embrace these new habits and customs, but that’s not what happened. Although they were dedicated servants of the king, their hearts remained loyal to God.   

Later, King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge idol of gold and required everyone to bow before it when the music played (Daniel 3). Those who did not bow would be thrown into a fiery furnace. Well, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down. When the king found out, he was furious and said, “If you do not worship the image I’ve made, you will be thrown into the midst of a fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” (Daniel 3: 15).

Now here comes my favorite part…

These men basically said, “Our God is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and He will deliver us from your hand. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the golden image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

You see, they knew their God could deliver them, but if for some reason God chose not to – that was okay with them. They were still going to worship God. Even if God allowed them to die, it would be a form of delivery from the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

WOW! That’s the kind of faith I want to have – the kind of faith that trusts God completely even when He doesn’t give me what I want, what I think I deserve, or what I think I need.

Well, you know the rest of the story. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound. In the king’s anger, he had the fire made hotter – so blazing hot that the flames killed the men who tossed them into the furnace. However, when the king looked in to see what was happening, there weren’t just three unharmed men walking around, but four (Daniel 3:25). The fourth one was the Son of God! Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!” (Daniel 3:28). You see, this was all done for God’s glory, not theirs!

What a joyful time that must have been!

Here’s the deal… Sometimes God delivers me from pain and suffering, and sometimes He doesn’t. Do I still praise and worship Him? I hope so. One thing’s for sure, in my fiery furnace it isn’t just me walking around, the Son of God is walking with me.

*****

O God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! Sometimes I forget Your power and might. I forget how You delivered our biblical forefathers and that You can deliver me. But if You choose not to deliver me or give me what I want, help me to always be faithful and trust You. Regardless of circumstances, let my life be lived for Your glory.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren

I love snow!

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t like to shovel snow. I don’t like to drive in snow. I don’t like to snow ski. I don’t like building snow forts or having snow ball fights. I don’t even like to be cold – although Lord knows I can take cold weather better than hot.

So what do I love about snow? Well, I love to see it drift to earth. I love to watch it land on lawns, trees, and hillsides. I love to look at different snowmen – each formed with loving hands. I love the sound of children’s laughter when they find out school has closed for the day. I love to remember past snow moments.

Here are a few that come to mind.

I grew up in St. Louis, but the rest of our family lived about three hours away in the foothills of the Ozarks in southeast Missouri. We are talking dirt and gravel roads. So we would affectionately say, “Let’s go to the country.” When I was ten we took one such trip on Christmas Eve to Grandpa’s house. It was a typical stark winter. Grandpa lived on a hill and from the upstairs bedroom where I slept, I could see the countryside for miles around.

My parents tucked this tired little girl into bed to sleep so they could do the “Santa” thing. They decorated a tree, put presents under it, and hung my stocking by the fireplace. I woke earlier than everyone else. Instead of creeping downstairs, I looked out the window and was amazed at what I saw. For miles and miles and miles, over hill and dale, there was a soft blanket of white, like a picture postcard. I still remember that feeling of wonderment. Sure, I had seen snow before and played in it, but this was different. It felt like I was in a fairy tale.

Another time, while I was in college, I had an early meeting. It was still dark as I stepped out of my dorm and found myself surrounded by virgin snow. Trees were laden with layers of fluff and reflections from the streetlights made it all sparkly. My wonderment returned.

Last year our family decided to rent a cabin in Tahoe for Thanksgiving. My ten-year-old granddaughter Sophia was hoping for snow but none was forecast. However, Thanksgiving morning we gazed up at the chalet windows above and saw tall fir trees supporting layers and layers of snow, and more was coming down. The day was spent with Sophia sledding, building snow people, and having snowball fights with the family. Not with me, though! I enjoyed it all through the window sipping hot cocoa. But I loved it!!!!

I think snow is one of the most amazing phenomena in God’s creation. Each time I see snow floating down from heaven, I smile. God made the snow to fall to the earth (Job 37:6). God made winter and summer (Psalm 74:17). And there are lessons we can learn from each season.

Scientists say no two snowflakes are alike. Each little snowflake is one-of-a-kind, designed by God. Likewise, each person we meet is one-of-a-kind, formed by God’s design. No two fingerprints, DNA, or voice patterns are alike. Each person is unique and so is each snowflake. That gives us a little something to think about when we’re scraping it off our windshield or shoveling it off the walkway. It doesn’t make the task easier, but it does reveal God’s glory.

*****

Lord, thank you for snow. How I love to see it fall to earth! How I treasure the memories that fill my soul when I think of snow! Each season exposes me to different facets of Your wondrous creation. You made summer and You made winter. Each has a purpose. Help me not to miss the lessons I can learn from You as I live through each season in life.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren

When our church started allowing contemporary Christian worship music, it seemed to inspire a more demonstrative form of worship. Although our church had never forbidden raising holy hands in worship, we certainly had not encouraged it. Now we wanted people to respond the way their hearts felt led by the Holy Spirit.

As one of the worship leaders, I’ve always found it interesting to see our congregation sing together. Worship is a corporate activity at church, but it also an individual one. I had long ago learned that what touches one person’s heart during worship does not necessarily touch another’s. I remember sitting in church while another worship leader led some of the most boring songs imaginable – at least I thought they were. However, two rows ahead of me was a lady so moved by the worship that she was crying.

As a worship leader, it could be discouraging to look out at a congregation who didn’t appear to be responding the way I wanted – especially with certain songs. Some might be lifting holy hands above, but many did not. They appeared to be disinterested but, oddly enough, they would be the very ones to come up after church and tell me how much the music meant to them.

I was puzzled. Then I thought of a Christian principle I could apply to this situation. God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Just because these people didn’t appear to be wholeheartedly worshipping didn’t mean they weren’t. I knew most of these people and you couldn’t find more love-filled, dedicated servants of God. God looked at their hearts and that’s what I needed to do.

After that, when I led worship I would visualize each person’s heart having little hands reaching up to God. I called them “heart-hands.” No longer did it matter to me if people were clapping to the music, lifting physical hands, or swaying back and forth. I could see their “heart-hands” reaching up to give God glory and praise. This gave me joy!

Only God knows a person’s heart (I Kings 8:39). Only God knows a heart’s intent (1 Chronicles 28:9). For me to evaluate someone based on appearance is folly. God looks at my heart and I must look at the heart of others.

*****

Lord, help me to look at people the way You do. Where I might see a beggar I want to avoid or an old woman taking too much time in the fast checkout lane, You see someone who needs my compassion or patience. Create in me a heart that does not turn away. Give me the vision to see others through Your loving eyes.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren

One of my favorite Christmas quotes comes from Taylor Caldwell: “This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” I realize Christmas has passed, but it brings me joy to keep a little Christmas in my heart all year long. Reflecting on these words helps me do that.

This quote is good but the true story it comes from is better. First published in a December 1961 Family Circle Magazine article, Taylor Caldwell recounts one Christmas when she was down and almost out. She was a divorced mother caring for her five-year-old daughter Peggy and things couldn’t have looked bleaker. Unless a miracle happened, she would be jobless, foodless, and homeless by January. She prayed continually and wondered if God and man had completely forgotten her.

On Christmas Eve, she and Peggy were ready to partake of the meager three little cans of food they heated for dinner when the doorbell rang. There stood a delivery man with parcels of gifts and food filling his arms. This had to be some mistake, but it wasn’t. A stranger Caldwell had done a good deed for six months earlier wanted to repay her kindness. It was indeed a true Christmas miracle.

After enjoying a sumptuous dinner, she put Peggy to bed. Then she decided to tackle her mail which she knew would be full of bills. To her surprise, one envelope contained enough money for rent from a job she had done earlier that year. Another had a permanent job offer to begin two days after Christmas.

She could hear the church bells ringing and people singing “Come All Ye Faithful.” The Lord is born! She thought, “I am not alone at all. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.”

I love this story and I love that quote. One of the names for Jesus is Immanuel which means God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). We usually only use this name for Jesus at Christmastime but I think about it all year long. Jesus came so I would not be alone. At times I may feel all alone or forsaken, but I’m not. Immanuel is in me! Immanuel is with me! And He will be with me always – even until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).

*****

Immanuel, I praise Your name. Thank You for coming to earth and dwelling among Your people. Thank You for living within us. Help me realize that no matter what I may be going through or how I feel, I am never really alone. You, my Immanuel, are always with me – even until the end.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Conceptually, I understand that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus to die for it (John 3:16). His redemption was for all of us. He didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save the world (John 3:17). However, I must admit I have a difficult time comprehending God’s love for me as an individual. Academically, I know He loves me. Emotionally, I’m not always sure. After all, why would He love me?

When I look at myself, I see nothing but flaws and imperfections. I fall short of the person I want to be or the one I think God would have me be. Plus, society functions in a way that makes me feel insignificant. It’s a great big world and I am just one small cog in the wheel of life – not even a name to most, but more like an impersonal line of data entry. I have a voice but cannot be heard.

But here’s the truth… Although I may be just a number in the world, I am not with God. God knows my name (Isaiah 43:7; John 10:3). God hears my voice. God cares about what I think and how I feel. The hairs on my head are numbered (Matthew 10:30-32). He knows my sorrows and keeps track of my tears (Psalm 56:8). He knows my sitting down and rising up. He knows my paths. He understands my thoughts. God knows me inside and out. I may not matter much to most of the world, but I matter to God. Such knowledge is too wonderful to comprehend (Psalm 139:1-6).

That God would know me intimately and love me anyway, in spite of my shortcomings, brings me much joy! I don’t have to earn God’s love. I don’t have to jump through hoops or make long lists of dos and don’ts. He loves me when I’m good and He loves me when I’m not too good. God is love (1 John 4:8) and He loves everybody, but His love for me is special. God has the ability to love each one of us like we are His only child.    

God’s love is hard to fathom. It is wide and long and deep and high (Ephesians 3:17-19). Nothing can separate me from God’s love (Romans 8:35-38). It’s there if I want it. It’s there when I need it. It’s there for me all the time. I may not fully understand it, but I gladly accept and appreciate it. 

*****

Lord, thank You for loving me. There is no reason why You should and that’s what makes Your love all the more precious to me. When this world gets me down, Your love lifts me up. Your love for me makes my life matter.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make me smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Here it is – the New Year! And I think it’s time for a change. I’ve enjoyed blogging about choices these past five years and even managed to get a book from the effort, but I’m ready for something different.  

Choosing a new theme has not been easy, though some topics were definitely no-brainers to mark off my list. I’d rather not spend the next year exploring my mood swings, pet peeves, or irritants. Although, Lord knows, I’d never run out of material. So I asked myself, “What do I really want to reflect on this year?”   

After reading Philippians 4:8, I found my answer. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever thing are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

Day after day we are bombarded with everything that’s wrong in the world. Plus, we are surrounded by personal stress, pressure, difficulties, worries, concerns, and troubles. Some of these we bring on ourselves; some we don’t. Life can be complicated. Meditating on Philippians 4:8 will not take my problems away, but may make them easier to tolerate. I think it will make my life more joyful.

So this year I will focus on joy. Now, I’m not talking about happiness. Spiritually speaking, happiness and joy are not always synonymous. Christians know that true joy comes from knowing God and having a relationship with Him. This gives our lives meaning and purpose. True joy is an attitude of the heart and spirit, present inside us.

Joy can share its space with other emotions such as sadness or shame, or even exist in the darkest and most difficult times. Hard times don’t have to take away our joy. There is joy, peace, and comfort in knowing Jesus is always with us. He will never leave or forsake us. He walks with us every step of the way. He will help us make it through. Joy helps us look beyond the current situation.

Maybe that’s why James 1:2 tells us to “count it all joy” when we have trials. It’s not telling us to laugh with glee when bad things happen. It’s telling us to look beyond circumstances. Learn what we can, do what we can, but realize this physical life is temporary. 

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus endured being crucified because of the joy set before Him. He could see beyond what was happening. Joy can exist regardless of what is happening. All people having a relationship with Jesus Christ can have joy. Joy undergirds our spirit. Joy brings hope. Joy brings peace and contentment.

So this year my blog will be a Journal of Joy where I’ll discuss what brings me joy personally – things that make my heart smile. My hope is that these thoughts will bring you joy as well. Or perhaps they can be a catalyst for you to think about what brings you joy and motivate you to meditate on those things.  

*******

Lord, my joy lies in You! Help me filter everything in life through the eyes of Your love and think on what is true, noble, just, pure, virtuous, and lovely. For these are Your thoughts.

Choices change lives…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Every day is a new beginning. In other words, today is the first day of the rest of your life, don’t screw it up. Each day is a new day to practice making wise choices.

Many wait until a New Year comes to make resolutions. That’s not a bad idea. But it’s actually day-to-day living that eventually helps us live better lives year to year. However, day-to-day living cannot fully rely on our resolve because our resolve just isn’t good enough. God in His infinite wisdom knows we need extra help living our daily lives and fortunately He provides it.

Sometimes life is so burdensome that it’s hard not to get discouraged. But God tells us not to lose heart. Things may not appear to be going so well, but 2 Corinthians 4:16 tells us, “…inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Re-new means to make new again.

Each day is a new day. Each day is an opportunity to renew our resolve. This is important to keep in mind when those New Year’s resolutions don’t reap the results we hope for. It’s day-to-day living that helps us live better lives year to year.

When we fall, we get up and face a new day. Each day we take up our cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). God gives us what we need to make it through each day—our daily bread (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3). Paul said he died daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). He recommitted to the sacrifice Jesus made for Him daily. God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).

Consider this… Each day we put off our old self and put on our new self (Ephesians 4:22-24). And we keep putting it on day after day after day after day. It’s not a one-time deal.

One final thought… Try repeating this at the beginning of each new day: “Today is the first day of the rest of my life!” Then don’t screw it up. If you do, then start over again the next day. Nobody said that life would be easy.

Choices change lives…

By Barbara Dahlgren

People keep or observe Christmas for a few reasons. For adults, it’s a time for families to get together. For parents, it’s a time to give gifts to their children. For children, it’s time to get presents. For Christians, it’s all of these plus a time to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The birth of Christ is very significant. Yet, long before His birth there was something wonderful – the promise of His coming and the promise of redemption for mankind which was all foretold in Scripture.

Psalm 130:7-8 told us, “O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.”

Jeremiah 23:4-6 said a day was coming when God would raise up a king who would reign wisely and do what was right. His name would be “The Lord Our Righteousness.”

Isaiah 9:6-7 told us, “Unto us a child will be born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 11:2-5 said the Spirit of the Lord would rest on Him, and the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, fear of the Lord. He would not judge by what He saw or heard but with righteousness.

Over 300 prophecies were fulfilled through the birth of Jesus, His life, His ministry, His death and resurrection. Not just the promise of Christ’s coming was revealed in Scripture, but the details of how it would take place. This miraculous event was not some afterthought, but totally planned by God.

He would be from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10/Luke 3:3), a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3/Matthew 1:1), Isaac (Genesis 17:19/Luke 3:24), Jacob (Numbers 24:17/Matthew 1:2), Jesse (Isaiah 11:10/Romans 15:12), and David (Jeremiah 23:5-6/Matthew 1:1).  

He would be born of a woman (Genesis 3:15/Galatians 4:4), a virgin (Isaiah 7:11/Luke 1:26-31), in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2/Luke 2:4-7), worshipped by shepherds (Psalm 72:9/Luke 2:8-15), and honored by kings (Psalm 72:10,17/Isaiah 60:3/Matthew 2:1-11). The slaughter of children (Jeremiah 31:15/Matthew 2:16-18) and flight to Egypt (Hosea 11:1/Matthew 2:14-15) were foretold as well. The list goes on and on.

Christ’s birth was significant! It was so significant that the world splits history, calendars, and timelines into two segments: BC which means before Christ and AD which means “in the year of our Lord” indicating after Christ was born.

To show the significance of Christ being born, an angel was sent by God on the night of His birth to announce His arrival (Luke 2:10-11). “Do not be afraid, I bring you good tidings of joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Sounds like a reason to celebrate to me!

Christ is the Savior for all, so I don’t worry too much about those who keep Christmas without focusing on Christ. They may not even know Christ yet. However, they are actually celebrating a holiday about Christ’s birth. They may try to say that’s not what they are celebrating, but how can they get around it? Christmas literally means Christ’s Mass. So, ironically, whether people want it to or not, it commemorates and celebrates Christ’s birth!

Consider this… The true gift of Christmas won’t be found under a tree, but in the presence of Jesus in our lives. That’s why, as we celebrate, we thank God for this indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). This gift of Christ was sent not to condemn us, but to redeem us (John 3:17). His name is Emmanuel which means God with us. We never have to be afraid or feel alone again.

One final thought… Christ is our good tidings of joy, sent for all people – from the poorest shepherd to the richest Magi! To me, that’s something to celebrate!

Choices change lives…

By Barbara Dahlgren

The Bible says it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Although it is more blessed to give, there are times when it is blessed to receive as well.

Some people are too proud to receive anything from anybody. They don’t want to feel obligated to another person. They don’t want others to think they need anything. Some of these people are generous givers, but don’t know how to receive.

Some people can’t even receive a sincere compliment. Instead of just graciously saying, “Thank you,” they make up excuses as to why they don’t deserve the compliment. It’s as if they think if they accept the compliment, they aren’t humble enough. Or they immediately try to reciprocate with another compliment which is usually insincere because they are only reciprocating, not really giving a genuine compliment. Let’s face it— some days our hair really does look good so when some bald guy says, “Hey, I like your hair style!” we don’t need to say, “I like yours, too!”

Just as giving should be part of our lives, so should receiving. When we can’t receive genuine, heartfelt gifts, appreciation, help, or compliments from others, we rob them of blessings.

Jesus was the greatest giver. He gave up His life for us. But did you know Jesus knew how to receive as well. When Mary anointed His feet with expensive perfume, He accepted it graciously (John 12:1-8). The disciples were shocked because the ointment was worth a lot of money and could have been sold to help the poor. Yet, Jesus accepted this gift in the spirit it was given.

Jesus taught the disciples a lesson in serving others when He insisted on washing their feet at the Last Supper (John 13:14-15). However, this was a lesson in receiving as well. Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet, but Jesus said that unless Peter received this act of service from Him, Peter could have no part of Him (John 13:4-10).

God has gifts for us to receive, but sometimes we refuse to accept them. God wants us to receive forgiveness of sin. We already have it, but we need to acknowledge and receive it. Unless we do we will never be able to experience the fullness of a relationship with Him. 

Consider this… Jesus could have fed the multitudes with manna from heaven. After all, it had been done before. Instead, he let a little boy give up his lunch and share what he had with others (John 6:5-14).

One final thought… We should always give with an open heart. We need to learn to receive the same way.

Choices change lives…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Scripture says it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). How many of us are givers?

At first we may think scriptures about giving only refer to giving money to the church. While it’s true that many passages do speak of this kind of stewardship, the biblical principle of giving runs much deeper – such as giving cheerfully and generously of everything God has given us.

For example, in Old Testament times people were expected to give 10% or a tithe of everything they earned back to God. In the New Testament they were encouraged to give, but no fixed amount was given. They were exhorted to give according to how God had prospered them or how much they loved God. The decision was theirs to make. However, they should bear two things in mind. They should give cheerfully, not out of a sense of obligation or reluctance (2 Corinthians 9:7) and they should give generously. If we “sow” sparingly, we will “reap” sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6). In other words, we shouldn’t expect God to be generous with us if we aren’t generous with others. This applies in all areas of our lives.

God expects us to give to others because God has given to us! Every gift and blessing we have come from God and God expects us to share them all with others (James 1:7). Jesus gave instructions to His disciples in Matthew 10:8: “…freely you have received, freely give.” When we share what God has given us with others, it glorifies God.

Giving is a basic biblical principle for every aspect of our lives. We should be giving to God, plus we should be giving and sharing what God has given us with others.

What can we give to God who has everything? Here are some ideas…

• Our love
• Our trust
• Our thanks
• Our praise and worship
• Our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

What have we freely received from God that we can share with others? Here are some ideas…

• The good news about Jesus Christ
• Acceptance
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Comfort
• Forgiveness
• Hope

What can we give to others? Here are some ideas…

• Our time
• Our talents
• Our energy
• Benefit of the doubt
• Our prayers
• A smile
• Encouragement

I’m sure we can all add to these lists.

Consider this old adage… We make a living by what we get out of life but we make a life by what we give.

Studies show that givers improve their overall mental health, have a more positive outlook and improve relationships with others. So be a giver. It’s a win/win/win scenario. It’s good for you. It’s good for others. God loves it!

One final thought…  Remember these words of Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.”