paravanes:meditations

The first line of the doxology at the end of Ephesians chapter 3 is one of those passages some of us memorized in the King James version (as young people) and never forgot: “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think…” The NIV translates it this way: “Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.” –Ephesians 3: 20, 21. I have seen preachers bring entire congregations to their feet by reciting these two verses. Everyone seemed to think they would get more, more, and more of whatever they have imagined they would like. Actually, the idea here is that I may get something very different from what I am asking, something so different that I would never imagine it, never think to ask for it, and possibly have a hard time recognizing it.. I will get what God imagines f...

Lights, candles, gifts, happy music, favorite foods, hymns and carols, Christmas Eve worship service, special decorations, family and friend gatherings…it sounds like Christmas. Time away from work or school, perhaps time spent alone or with one or a few others. Sleeping late, watching movies, reading, cleaning house, remembering those who once lived and then left us, loneliness, isolation, extra work hours, rushed meals, feeling a slight or deep dread of what the new year may bring…it sounds like Christmas. Wherever is going on in my life this Christmas, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. “Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” –Isaiah 53: 5 (NIV) Why doesn’t peace just bring more peace? In a way, it seems odd th...

It's easier to start a trend than it is to stop one. Stil, some trends need to be stopped. While reviewing my tweets, I came across a quote from Oscar Wilde: "Always forgive your enemies, nothing annoys them so much." Oscar Wilde is not someone I would associate with Christian teachings or theology. Why do so many well meaning people quote him on this topic? Is his statement true, or even useful? At first, the comment sounds a little humorous, like something that might generate a little chuckle in my throat, or a knowing nod of my head. What happens when I think about this statement more deeply? Forgiveness is a gift I give myself, not my enemy. Perhaps my enemy isn't even sorry for the offense, doesn't recognize it, and would only hurt me more if I let them into the closer areas of my life. I no longer care about "annoying" my enemy. I care about healing my heart and my soul from the damage done by an enemy. Forgiveness frees me to say: You, de...

A few days ago, I received in my email an invitation to a talk on angels. This talk, presented by an artist who works in clay and other ceramics, was to be focused on how inspirational angels are and how the artist's inspiration is channeled into ceramic pieces. I have always wondered why angels are such an item of interest, especially in the minds of those who don't pursue God with the same energy or interest. Scripturally, angels are messengers of God and from time to time, they intervene in human affairs. Angelic appearances always point back to God . Near the end of the Book of Revelation, John the Revelator is so overwhelmed by what he has seen that he bows in worship to the angel who has assisted in the revelation. The angel's response is to say "Do not do it"! Continuing, the angel explains his role as a fellow servant of God. From Revelation 22: 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to ...

The little book of Haggai, in the Old Testament,is one of my favorites. I have never heard a sermon preached from this book, but while riding the "Bible Bus" during a multi-year study of Scripture on J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible radio program , I discovered a real gem in one of the passages. I am at the end of a year, and at the end of a decade. Friends and others I know have struggled recently with what appear to be declining material resources, continuing stress, and a life that sometimes seems too difficult. It's tempting to give up hope and optimism and put our faith into the "I'm just trying to get by" and into the "holdout" catagory. For me, energetic---"I am going after all life has to offer" faith is the only kind to hold onto. This promise from God in Haggai makes that "going after it all" faith real, do-able, and sustainable. 6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more sh...