Barbara's Banter

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

In the book of Romans, we are asked a rhetorical question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35) Truthfully, nothing can separate us from Christ’s love, which is revealed as we read further in this passage: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39)

We cannot be separated from God’s love because He loves us regardless. He loves us whether we are good or bad, whether we win or lose, or whether times are smooth or rough. Whether we believe it or not, God loves us! He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for us. Jesus Christ died for us while we were yet sinners and there is no greater love than to die for someone. (Romans 5:8; John 15:13) So God loves us. It’s a given. No matter what happens, God loves us.

As Christians, perhaps the more important question to ask ourselves is whether or not we will still love God when hardships come? Don’t kid yourself into thinking Christians are immune from trials and distress. Hardships are a given in life whether we are saints or sinners. The Christian life was never promised to be without difficulties. Will we love God during the bad times as well as the good?

Our biblical forefathers must have thought about this as well. Here are some of their conclusions:

Micah: “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:8)

Job: ^“Then said his wife unto him, ‘Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die.’ But he said unto her, ‘Thou speak as one of the foolish women speaks. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?’ In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:9-10)

Habakkuk: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: When faced with the possibility of being burned alive, they basically said they knew God was able to deliver them. However, if God chose not to deliver them, it was okay with them. (Daniel 3:16-18) They would love and praise God no matter what God decided to do.

Consider this… Loving and praising God is not so much about good times or bad times, or whether we win or lose. It’s about loving Him no matter what. After all, that’s the kind of love He gives to us!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Get rid of the notion that God exists to give you everything you want.
• If God denies you something, even if you can’t understand why, remember He loves you. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not our ways. He knows what is best. (Isaiah 55:8)
• Nowhere in the Bible does it say Christians won’t have to go through some hard stuff. It just says that we will never have to go through it alone because God will always be with us. (Hebrews 13:5)
• Don’t wait for a trial or hardship to come to make a decision to follow Jesus regardless. Decide now how you will handle trials when they come.
• When trials come, and trials always come, ask God for His strength to keep that decision.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

It excites me when denominations try to focus on what they have in common and not what separates them. I remember sitting at a Women of Faith Conference where Chonda Pierce actually had women laughing at the diversity in their denominations. Ladies from Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, Mormon and Adventist churches were all there. Women weren’t laughing at each other; they were laughing with one another. We all laughed together at beliefs that separate us, but even better, we all rejoiced over the one who unites us – Jesus Christ.

Christians would be happier, healthier, and less judgmental if they would put aside diversities that separate them and focus on what they all have in common – Jesus Christ.

Satan has a plan that has worked to destroy man from beginning of time. It’s called “divide and conquer.” A house or church divided against itself cannot stand. If we allow our differences to divide us, Satan wins. If we allow our faith in Jesus and love of God to unite us, we win. This can only happen if we yield to God and let His love guide us.

My best friend since the second grade is a Christian. We’ve spent many hours discussing God’s greatness and goodness. We’ve marveled at how God has sustained us in times of need, comforted us in times of sorrow, and given us strength in times of weakness. Although we are both Christians, we belong to different denominations, so a few times we’ve debated things we view differently. It was not productive. Since these are areas that would divide us, not unite us, we’ve decided not to go there. Instead we focus on our core beliefs which are the same.

Here’s a little history lesson… When Christianity was beginning, new philosophies began to influence the church. Then persecution came, so in the first three centuries the church was often forced into secrecy and seclusion. As a result, many theological disputes arose. Movements which I like to call “…isms” began. In addition to the traditional legalism there was Arianism, Asceticism, Gnosticism, Antinomianism, Monarchianism, Manicheanism, Docetism – just to name a few.

When Constantine became the Roman Emperor in 306, he converted to Christianity. By 313 his Edict of Milan proclaimed religious tolerance throughout his empire. Christians no longer had to hide what they believed. However, with various teachings creeping into Christian belief, Constantine soon discovered Christianity divided over certain issues.

To bring unity, he convened a council of 318 bishops in the year 325 that met in the city of Nicaea. The result was the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the divinity of Jesus. It was confirmed and revised by 150 other bishops in the First Council of Constantinople in 381 to assure the Holy Spirit was worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son.

The Nicene/Constantinople Creed is still a standard of belief for many Christian churches today. Below is the 1975 ecumenical version agreed upon by the International Consultation on English Texts (ICET) and published in The Book of Common Prayer. The reference to “the holy catholic Church” refers to the universal church, not the denomination. If we read it carefully, we will see it serves to unite Christians, not divide them.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]. Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. Who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

Consider this… If this is our core belief, then this is where our focus should be. It’s all about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… and Jesus is at the center… at the very core!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• For one whole week start your day by reading this creed. It will help you remember what you truly believe.
• Remember that what unites us is stronger than what divides us, if what unites us is Jesus.
• Think about Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for we are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Ask God to help you solidify your core beliefs so you won’t get tossed to and fro with peripheral issues or every new-age idea that comes along. (Ephesians 4:14)
• Ask God to help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of your faith! (Hebrews 12:2)
• 

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

The idea of Christian denominations is an interesting one. Some ask, “If God is so intent on unity of the faith, why are there so many denominations?” (Ephesians 4:13) I must admit I used to find this puzzling. How can all these denominations be right? How can all these denominations be wrong? It is an enigma.

There are certain biblical beliefs we might call core values. Some of these would be believing there is one God, Jesus is His Son, Jesus came to earth, Jesus died for our sins, and Jesus rose again. However, there is much in other areas left up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is guiding people who are seeking to serve God and worship Him in spirit and truth, then we must assume there are a variety of ways to do so since there are so many denominations. (John 4:24) This shouldn’t be hard to accept since God loves variety and diversity.

Unity and diversity are two different things. Christian unity involves core values and beliefs, the trunk of the tree so to speak. Diversity on the other hand is how we choose to worship, trust, obey, believe, and have faith – the limbs and twigs of the tree, so to speak.

Some call the Bible the instruction book for the saints. In that book, God has made certain instructions plain and simple, but in other areas He has left much room for Spirit-led interpretation. To be on safe ground we need to be praying, studying the Bible, meditating on Scripture, doing our best to implement what we learn in our lives, and not condemning others who may not see eye-to-eye with us on everything.

Ah, therein lies the danger! Condemnation! (Romans 2:1; 14:9-11) In the past, some denominations were presumptuous enough to claim they were the “one” true church and judged others who did not agree with them in these diverse areas. However, God seems to give quite a bit of latitude in many areas even if man does not. Jesus, himself, defied traditions and looked not to pomp and circumstance, but to a person’s heart.

Some denominations prefer to worship systems more than Christ, making traditions of the past more important than the desire to change for the present or future. Others feel their way is the only way to Christ, which sort of limits God and gives an exclusive rather than inclusive view of the church.

Consider this… When “church” is mentioned in the Bible it is not referring to a denomination. In the Greek it is “ecclesia” meaning “those who have been called out.” They have been “called out” of a world that rejects God and “into” a fellowship with God and others who believe in Him. These “ecclesia” could very well be found in every denomination. You might recognize them because they won’t be condemning others who believe in Jesus but have a slightly different way of serving Him. They will be practicing the love of God and be focused on the trunk of the tree, not the twigs.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Don’t condemn others who do not share your Christian views.
• Don’t compromise with biblical core beliefs, but don’t try to convince yourself that your personal preferences are core beliefs. There are many hazy areas of the Bible.
• Don’t try to convince others you are right and they are wrong. That’s God’s job, not yours. True religion knows how to bridle its tongue. (James 1:26)
• Don’t deceive yourself into believing God has sent you to convince others you are right and they are wrong.
• Ask God to help you align your views with His.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Psalms 133:1 says, “How good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

Some feel that unity is hard to achieve. I have a solution. If everyone would just agree with me and do things my way, we could be unified. I explained this to my friend. She didn’t agree. She felt unity could be achieved if everyone agreed with her and did it her way. What a dilemma!

God created us to be different. We have different eyes and hair, shapes and sizes, backgrounds and environments, likes and dislikes. It would be reasonable to assume that we have different points of view and opinions. What will touch the heart of one will not touch the heart of another. That’s why God deals with us as individuals.

Individuality can be a great thing! However, when we try to work with others, being an individualist can divide us, not unite us. We must always remember that what God thinks is more important than what we think. Therefore, we need to be united by God’s Spirit which is more concerned with dwelling together in harmony than pushing through our personal preferences. Ephesians 4:3 tells us if we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit, it brings a bond of peace.

How does this unity of the Spirit manifest itself? It is filled with God’s love. People guided with God’s love speak gently and with kindness. They don’t judge a matter until they have ALL the facts and they aren’t presumptuous enough to think they have ALL the facts until they’ve done the research. Even then, when it comes to judging others they say, “There but for the grace of God go I,” instead of adopting an “I’m holier than you” attitude.

The unity of God’s Spirit is one of cooperation not division. Those filled with God’s Spirit want to be a part of the solution, not just point out the problem. They want to work for the betterment of the whole, not just for what pleases them.

There are many scriptures showing us what people with this unity look like.

• They are compassionate and kind. (1 Peter 3:8)
• They are humble and patient. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
• They want to make peace, edify and build up others. (Romans 14:19)
• They are not wise in their own eyes. (Romans 12:16)
• They avoid strife and esteem others better than themselves. (Philippians 2:1-5)
• The list is endless.

In other words, they are a reflection of Jesus Christ.

Consider this… Unity in everything will never be achieved unless others agree with everything we say and do or vice versa. However, if we yield to God and let His love guide us, it is possible to dwell together in unity… and how good and pleasant that is.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Be Christ centered, not self-centered.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt.
• Listen to others and try to understand what they mean and where they are coming from.
• Learn to use the phrase “you might be right” instead of “are you out of your mind” or “you’ve got to be kidding” or “that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”
• Pray that God gives you a spirit of unity and peace.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

The story goes that when John D. Rockefeller died, someone asked his accountant how much did he leave? The accountant said, “He left all of it!”  It’s true.  As they say, “You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.”  No matter how much wealth we accumulate, we can’t take it with us when we go.

Perhaps that’s why the Bible cautions us on the pitfalls of materialism which can enslave the heart, mind, and will. It’s not wrong to possess things, but it is wrong to let things possess us. Matthew 6:19 warns that having hearts wrapped up in treasures of the earth can be worrisome. Things can break, wear out, decay, get lost, or be stolen. A leaky water pipe might destroy your beanie baby collection, an earthquake could demolish your Precious Memories figurines, a fire can consume your Picasso, or a thief steal your money.

Therefore, Jesus says in verse 20 that it is better to “lay up for yourself treasures in heaven…” where they cannot rust, be stolen, break or wear out.  But just what are these treasures and how do we get them to heaven without a U-Haul?

When most people hear the word “treasure,” they think of money, jewels, precious metals, or riches – things we hoard for our future. However, another definition is “something you value.” Exactly what do we value most in this life? Think carefully before answering, because this treasure in heaven cannot be gained by accumulating and hoarding what we think is valuable, but giving it to others.

While it’s true these scriptures encourage us to give generously to support God’s work, that’s only one aspect of what it encompasses. We cannot buy our way into eternity. Supporting our local church or heartfelt ministries financially falls into the “these things you ought to have done” category mentioned in Matthew 23:23. But have we considered other ways to lay up treasure in heaven? For treasure in heaven consists of all those parts of ourselves which we give to God or extend to others in service and in love.

Things like….

• Taking time to build a relationship with God
• Visiting the sick and lonely
• Sharing a meal
• Helping the fatherless and widowed
• Saying a kind or encouraging word
• Praising the Creator
• Speaking with a child at eye level
• Smiling
• Listening
• Trusting God
• Volunteering to help
• Giving the benefit of the doubt
• Sharing the credit
• Forgiving someone
• Saying, “Thank you!”
• Sending a card, writing a letter, e-mailing a note
• Having compassion for the poor and homeless
• Spending time with our families
• Honoring our parents
• Giving God the glory
• And much more

Where your heart is, there your treasure will be. (Matthew 6:21) Are our hearts with God and with people? If so, we know what it means to lay up treasure in heaven.

It’s true – when we die, we can’t take what we’ve accumulated on earth with us. However, I’ve heard it said that if we truly understand what treasure in heaven is – we can send it on ahead.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Repeat this often: A person’s life does not consist of the things he possesses. (Luke 12:15)
• Repeat this often: People are more important than things. (Matthew 22:39)
• Repeat this often: It is more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35)
• Repeat this often: Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
• Now, repeat it all again, but this time ask God to help you believe it!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Moses was a meek man. God chose him to lead Israel out of Egypt. He parted the Red Sea. God gave him the Ten Commandments. Those in the campground who occasionally caught a glimpse of Moses as he passed would probably say, “There he is. That’s Moses. He’s the one. He’s God’s servant. He’s a great and mighty man.” But what if the only time they saw him was when he was so upset he struck the rock. Would they think, “What an angry man! How could God use him?”
David was a man after God’s own heart. He sought God’s will in his life. With godly confidence, he slew the giant Goliath. He wrote the Psalms. God chose him to replace Saul as king. When David walked through his kingdom, people might catch a glimpse of him and say, “There he is. That’s King David. He’s God’s servant. He’s a great and mighty man.” But what if the only time they saw him was when he was having a secret rendezvous with Bathsheba? Or when he gave the command to send her husband Uriah to the front lines of battle to be killed? Would they say, “What an unjust man! How cruel and insensitive he is! How could God ever use him?”

Elijah was a renowned prophet. He communicated with God. He passed God’s words on to the people. He called fire down from heaven. He humiliated the prophets of Baal. When people caught a glimpse of Elijah in the countryside they would be in awe of him. “There’s Elijah,” they might whisper. “He’s a great and mighty man. He’s a true servant of God.” But what if the only time they saw him was when he was fleeing from Jezebel or hiding in the cave for fear of his life. Would they say, “What a coward! He’s a wimp. How could God ever use him?”

How could these great servants of God be parting the Red Sea, killing a giant, calling fire down from heaven one day and be angry, unjust, frightened the next? The answer is simple. They were human. And therein lies the problem if we try to make “idols” out of Christian leaders, or friends, or relatives, or anyone. They are all human. They have clay feet. They will eventually disappoint us.
Maybe that’s why God tells us not to compare ourselves among ourselves or not to judge others. (2 Corinthians 10:12, Matthew 7:1) We must look to God foremost. Then we must look for the good in those who strive to serve and obey Him. For how can we truly know the “whole” of a man when we only see one small part of him? Only God sees a person in all his seasons of life.

Here’s a little parable to keep in mind…

The Tree in All Its Seasons
Once an ancient Persian king wanted to discourage his four sons from making rash judgments. At his command, the eldest made a winter journey to see a mango tree. Spring came and the next eldest was sent on the same errand. Summer followed and the third son went. When the youngest boy returned from his autumn visit the king called them together to describe the tree.
The first said, “It looks like a burnt old stump.”
The second disagreed, “It was lacy and green.”
The third declared, “No, it had blossoms as beautiful as a rose.”
The fourth said, “You are all wrong, it has fruit like a pear.”
“Each is right,” said the king, “for each of you saw the tree in a different season!”
And so it is that when we hear or view another’s thoughts or actions we should withhold judgment until we are certain. Remember this fable. We must “see the tree in all its seasons.”

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Love people instead of judging and condemning them.
• Show yourself some love by not judging and condemning yourself.
• Don’t compare yourself to others. You do not see or know the whole story of their lives.
• Don’t put people on pedestals. They are only human.
• Look to God foremost. He is the only one to be lifted above others.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Procrastination is the name of the game and I’m very good at it.  I have a myriad of excuses for not doing what I know I need to do, and they have served me well.  Here are a few…

“I’ll wait until I’m in the mood.”  Being “genderly” prone to mood swings, I use this for my advantage.

“I’ll do it tomorrow.”  Known as the “mañana syndrome,” I believe in never doing today what I can put off until tomorrow.

“I’ll do it tomorrow if….”  Known as the “contingent mañana syndrome,” this allows me to put a stipulation on whether or not I actually will do it tomorrow.  For example: “I’ll do it tomorrow if the sun is shining” or “I’ll do it tomorrow if it is raining” or “I’ll do it tomorrow if half my street has sunshine and the other half has rain.”

“I work better under pressure.”  This really is a half truth.  I will work under pressure, but I won’t work better under pressure.

“I don’t know where to begin.”  I get overwhelmed if the project is big.  This could lead to depression, so the easiest thing is not to start at all.

“It’s too hard.”  Not being one who likes a challenge, I prefer to take the easy route, especially if I would have to get out of my comfort zone.  When the going gets tough, I take a nap.

“It takes a special kind of knowledge and know-how that I don’t have.”  Sure I could actually learn something new, but my motto is:  I’m ignorant and proud of it.

“It’s too time-consuming.”  My time is so valuable that I don’t want to waste it doing anything too profitable.  It might keep me from the more important things like surfing the net, playing video games, or watching mindless TV.

“I might mess it up.”  If I don’t succeed at this, everyone will consider me a failure.  My logic is simple:  How can I fail, if I never do anything?

“I need to have some fun.”  A little escapism never hurt anyone.  I deserve a break today.  It will help me clear my head so I can start fresh.

“I need to relax.”  I’m so tense!  Perhaps I’ll read a little or listen to some music first.  Then I’ll get started.

“I’m lazy.”  I know this kind of negative self-talk is unhealthy, but there’s no arguing with the truth.  Actually, I love being lazy.  Some people get bored easily, but I never tire of doing nothing.

“A lion might kill me.”  I rely on this excuse heavily because it’s biblical.  Proverbs 22:13 (NLT) says the lazy person is full of excuses, saying, “If I go outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed!”  Well, I know I’m lazy, so I’d better lay low.

Procrastination is the one thing I’m really, really good at! However, just because we’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s good for us! We can be good at robbing banks, but eventually the law will catch up with us.  Procrastination catches up with us, too! Our time runs out – and time cannot be regained. Procrastination not only robs us of our time but also our money, our productivity, our families, our friendships, our sense of worth, and our relationship with God.

Procrastination can make us lazy. (Proverbs 13:4) Procrastination can keep us from putting first things first. (Matthew 6:33). Procrastination can keep us from moving forward. (Philippians 3:13-14) Procrastination can pull us away from God. (James 4:17)

Consider this… God says to use our time wisely. (Ephesians 5:16) We shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what should be done today, because tomorrow may never come. (Proverbs 27:1) Today, right now, this moment is what we’ve been given and we need to make the most of it.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Procrastination can start before you even get out of bed in the morning.  Why not start the day by saying a little prayer for God to help us use the day wisely and in ways that will glorify Him?
• Be realistic and not take on projects you know you don’t have time to do. Sometimes we have to learn to say no.
• There will always be more to accomplish than we have time to do, so learn to prioritize and get the most important things done first. Perhaps enroll in a time management class.
• Change your perspective and stay positive. Negative self-talk is not productive. Instead think of how far you have come, not how far you have to go.
• Stop whining and just do what you need to do!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Last time we discussed the importance of wisdom.   There is a fine line between wisdom and common sense. Wisdom is the ability to discern and judge what is good or true. However, common sense is good sense and sound judgment in practical matters. Common sense needs no specialized knowledge or training. It is just everyday stuff that people should know. That’s why they call it “common.”

However, the phrase “common sense” is almost a misnomer today, because it isn’t very common anymore.

The Bible says, “Folly is a joy to him who has no sense…” (Proverbs 15:21) I found one translation that used the word “wisdom” here, but the rest use “sense.”   In fact, the International Standard Version goes so far as to say, “Stupidity is the delight of the senseless.” I’m not saying those who lack common sense are stupid, but they certainly are irritating.

Some people don’t care if they hurt or inconvenience others because they are looking out for themselves.   In their minds they are the most important people in the world. They don’t really lack common sense; they are just rude and arrogant! However, those without common sense don’t even know what they are doing is inappropriate.

Here is a prime example… A few years ago my husband and I went to a movie in the middle of the day. I’m sure you know why – cheaper prices, less of a crowd, etc. Since this very large theater was empty, we got to sit in our favorite spot – right in the middle of the theater. Just before the movie started, a family of four came in, moseyed into the row ahead of us, and sat directly in front of us.   This was before stadium seating, so we would have to peer over and around their heads to see the show.   Five hundred seats to choose from and they pick the ones obstructing our view.   Apparently clueless, one of them looked back at us and said, “I hope this movie is good!”

We smiled. As the previews of coming attractions started to roll, my husband whispered, “Do you want to move?”

I responded quietly with, “Yes!   I want to move directly in front of them.”   But we didn’t. Wisdom dictated it would be better not to make an issue out of this, so we just moved four seats to the left.

Synonyms for the lack of common sense might be words like oblivious, unaware, dense, thick, unobservant, foolish, and clueless.   I hesitate to use the word stupid because some very academic, highly intelligent people can be clueless.

Consider this… We as Christians should not be oblivious, dense, foolish or clueless. We should be aware and observant. We should be attuned to those around us and concerned about what we do because it influences and affects others. It also impacts our own lives.

Common sense would have us ask a few questions before we do the simplest of tasks. If I do this, what will happen? Will it inconvenience others? Will it hurt me? Will it hurt others?

Those who lack common sense should definitely ask God for it. And those who have it should ask God for the wisdom and love to deal with those who don’t.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Ask God for common sense.
• Ask God for wisdom.
• Ask God to help you be attuned to those around you so you can look for ways to exercise common sense and wisdom.
• Ask God for the ability to deal with others in a loving way.
• Read this little obituary every once in a while…

The Death of Common Sense  
(Author Unknown)

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend named Common Sense who had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valued lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn’t always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies such as don’t spend more than you earn and reliable parenting strategies like adults, not kids, are in charge. His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. He lost the will to live when churches became businesses and criminals started receiving better treatment than their victims. He gave up the ghost when he felt unappreciated and lonely because there was no one left he could identify with.  

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust, his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers named I Want It Now, Someone Else Is to Blame, and I’m a Victim, plus one sister called Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.  

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Solomon was considered the wisest man who ever lived and was the principle writer of the book of Proverbs, which tells us to get wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 4:5) Why? Because wisdom and understanding are the keys to happiness. (Proverbs 3:13)

However, it also tells us that wisdom is slightly more important: “Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, get wisdom!” (Proverbs 4:7) Wisdom is the ability to discern and judge what is good or true. Furthermore, it should lead to choosing a right course of action based on that judgement.

There are certain benefits to having wisdom. (Proverbs 24:13-14) In a way, wisdom is a little gift we give ourselves. (Proverbs 19:8) The Bible says it is more valuable than gold. (Proverbs 16:16)

So how do we get this fantastic gift? Well, we start by listening, hearing, and harkening to instruction. (Proverbs 8:32) So let’s listen, hear, and harken to a what the Bible has to say about wisdom. Here are some attributes of wise people. They…

Fear God (Proverbs 9:10): This does not mean they tremble in their boots at the thought that God could zap them into oblivion. Another meaning of the word “fear” is to have respect and awe. This is the beginning of wisdom. Wise people acknowledge God’s existence and His importance in their lives. They trust and depend on God for their needs. They realize that going against God’s instruction is the same as hurting themselves; they would be “wronging their own souls.” (Proverbs 8:33-36) Heeding what God says is for their own good.

Have Humility (Proverbs 11:2): Wise people are not “know-it-alls.” They are not proud and haughty. They have teachable spirits and a willingness to change and grow. They readily admit mistakes.

Read the Bible (Proverbs 4:11-13): Wise people “take hold of instruction.” (Proverbs 4:13) The Bible is full of spiritual instruction and the book of Proverbs has some dandy physical instruction as well. So wise people read the Scriptures and get to know Jesus intimately.

Implement God’s Teachings into Their Lives (Matthew 7:24): Reading the Bible is not enough; what we read must be implemented. Jesus said, “Whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them is like a wise man who builds his house upon a rock.” Our Rock is Jesus Christ.

Dig a Little Deeper (Colossians 1:9): Wisdom is great, but spiritual wisdom is even better. Spiritual wisdom comes from a deeper understanding of what God’s will is in our lives. Spiritually wise people are able to see beyond the physical into spiritual aspects of everything around them. They see God’s wisdom in simple things. (Psalms 19:7)

So once again I ask, how do we get this wisdom? We mentioned we get it by listening, hearing, and harkening, but in addition, we might try asking God for it. James says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously… and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

Although Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, there is one wiser. His name is Jesus. Jesus spoke about the queen of the south coming to hear the wisdom of Solomon, then went on to say, “…and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42) He was referring to Himself. What an understatement!

Consider this… Jesus is the very wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24) And we who are in Christ Jesus have been given wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Stay close to Jesus. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Pray for wisdom. (James 1:5)
• Study God’s Word and ask God to reveal the hidden treasures. (Colossians 2:3)
• Seek and heed godly counsel. (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 5:11-13)
• Associate with wise people. (Proverbs 13:20)
• Read the book of Proverbs and pay special attention to every time it uses the word “wise” or “wisdom.”

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

God is a God of joy.  The scriptures are full of exhortations to rejoice.  (Psalm 118:24; Philippians 4:4) But did you know that God likes to celebrate as well?  Celebrate means to observe a notable occasion with festivities.  God likes a little singing (Ephesians 5:29, James 5:13), a little dancing (Psalm 149:3; Ecclesiastes 3:4), a little shouting (Isaiah 12:6; Psalm 47:1), and a lot of laughter (Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 126:2).  Good times!

From the beginning it was so.  When God laid the foundations of the earth He looked around and said, “It is very good!”  Then the morning stars and sons of God shouted for joy!  (Job 38:7) Sounds like a celebration to me!

For the Old Testament Holy Days God told the people to save their money, buy what their hearts desired, share it with others, and rejoice!  (Deuteronomy 14:26) Sounds like a celebration to me!

After the wall of Jerusalem had been rebuilt everyone came together to dedicate it to the Lord.  There was gladness, thanksgiving, praises to God, plus singing with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps.  (Nehemiah 12:27-28) In fact, God had them rejoice with great joy, so much so that “the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” (Nehemiah 12:43) Sounds like a celebration to me!

When David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord to the city of David, there was much shouting and the sound of the trumpet.  David was so excited he danced with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:14) Sounds like a celebration to me!

The biblical examples are endless.  When the prodigal son returned, his dad threw a big party.  (Luke 15:23-24) Jesus’ first miracle took place at a wedding. (John 2:1-8) And there is joy in heaven when one sinner repents. (Luke 15:7, 10) Sounds like a lot of celebrating to me!

God created us to enjoy life.  Celebrations are an important part of that enjoyment.  They give us a break from our routines.  We take pictures, send flowers, write cards, give gifts, have parades, shoot fireworks, throw parties, and eat cake.

Consider this… Celebrations can help us commemorate our past, appreciate the present and look forward to the future – and we who have Christ in our lives have much to celebrate!

I don’t think God takes pleasure in joyless Christians leading joyless lives.  I’m not saying we should all walk around with fake smiles on our faces pretending to be happy.  There are times for quietness and reflection, but God’s presence in our lives gives us much to celebrate.  God is the eternal joy giver.  If we aren’t doing some celebrating, we might not be as close to God as we should be.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Celebrate life!  Start each day by thanking God for your life!
• Celebrate friendships!  Give a friend an unexpected little gift because he/she is so special to you.
• Celebrate finished projects!  When you complete a daunting task, reward yourself.
• Celebrate thoughtfulness!  When someone does something especially thoughtful for you, send them a thank you note with a little token gift like a bookmark in it.
• Celebrate another’s happiness! A little card or email message to people on their birthdays, their anniversaries, when they get a promotion, when a baby is born, when a grandbaby is born, when they graduate,etc. can make their day!