Tuesday With Teri

Devotions from lessons I'm learning from God

Splish Splash June 2, 2009

Filed under: devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 6:48 pm

          Today was the first “Tuesday at Teri’s” of summer 2009. (The event from which I derived the title of this blog) Some of you know we open the house and pool up for anyone who’d like to come over for a time of fellowship and fun from 10am-2pm. Last year was the first year to host this and I was looking forward to the coming season. I absolutely enjoyed having more time with these great ladies and getting to know their little ones as well.
          I prepped the pool area, inflated the floats, and located pool toys in anticipation for my visitors. Soon the deck/ pool area was filled with loving mothers and precious children. Toddlers toddling, babies sleeping/watching, splashing, laughing, crying (of course), snacking, shivering (water still a tad cold), playing, sharing, (learning to share), caring and conversation filled what was once a barren back deck only hours before. It was GREAT!
         When the last family headed for home I began the final clean up. Such a deafening quiet filled the air that it felt like I was standing in a vacuum. From utter chaos to ultimate calm, it was as if the decking itself heaved a sigh. I stood transfixed. I can only best describe the feeling as being overwhelmed with a surge of thankfulness.
          I am thankful for the privilege of knowing these women. I am thankful for the delight of seeing them grow. I am thankful for friends willing to come help care for the families. I am thankful for new faces who joined us this year. I am thankful for the chance to play with children and hold babies. I am thankful for health. I am thankful for time. I am thankful for a God who delights in the rambunctious child, the quiet child, the timid child, the strong willed child, the focused child, the social child, the grumpy child and the happy child.

          As I find myself reading Ephesians, I can’t help but think of them all and say this prayer for each of our families. :

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth gets its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

 

Phase Three May 26, 2009

Filed under: devotionals,humor,life — tlmiller82 @ 12:45 pm

          Sometimes God ushers us into new life phases with quiet, seamless transitions.  Sometimes He welcomes us into a new life phase with a loud, clanging gong and plate of humble pie.   I must admit I could have used a set of earplugs and a scoop of ice cream a few weeks ago.

          It started with an innocent, even understandable, mistake.  I was visiting a friend in the hospital.  Her one month old baby had experienced a high fever and they had to stay there for tests and observation.   I was sitting in a rocking chair, holding the little patient, when the nurse entered the room.  Following the routine questions for the mother and assessing any needs, he turned to me and said, “This must be grandma!”  My friend politely corrected him and he scurried out of the room, apparently oblivious to the potential emotional damage he may have caused.  My sweet friend attempted to sooth my feelings by reminding me that she was young enough to be my daughter, not that I was old enough to be her mother.   I was not entirely offended at his remark.  She was indeed a very young mother who looked much younger than her years even.    My mom was a grandmother before she was fifty, and my son not much younger than my friend, so it was not an unthinkable possibility.  We laughed it off, but my self perception had started to shift.

          Only three days later my concept of where I was in life would be forever changed.  It began as a quick trip to the grocery store.  I was simply purchasing two gift bags for an upcoming baby shower.  The kind, elderly, cashier commented,  “someone’s going to a baby shower.”   “Yes” I replied.  “When is the baby due?” she asked.  To which I replied, “She’s already born.”  “oh”, she said, “you must be grandma!”   Yep, there it was again…this time with nothing more than two gift bags and my face as evidence a stranger concluded I was a grandmother!  Welcome to my new phase in life! 

          Seems like only yesterday, I was often mistaken for being younger than my age.  My genetically inherited cherub cheeks afforded me a youthful appearance that defied my actual years.  Oddly enough I often tried to look older during this first phase in life.  I barely noticed my transition to the second phase in life.  Somewhere between my mid to late thirties I went from hearing, “Seriously, you can’t be that old!” to “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you’re that young!” in response to the revelation of my age.  I convinced myself this change of perception was due to the fact that my kids were older.   Today I find myself humbled by the realization that I am getting older.  I mean, it’s not like I didn’t already know this, but the recent comments are a jarring introduction to this new phase in life.   

          In phase three I find things continuing to change.  Some of which I can control, most of which I will only experience.    The possibilities ahead of me are as large and unfathomable as they were in my youth, but they are decidedly different.    There is a new appreciation for the idea of life as a journey.  There may be different speeds of travel, various travel companions, numerous stops along the way, but we tend to forget there will be a destination.  This, I have found, makes a difference.   My wrinkles, age spots, sags, bags, aches, and constantly morphing body shape are just a blurr through the window of my journey in life.  Though I currently live here and work hard to make the most of my visit,  my “citizenship is in heaven” and  someday Christ will “transform the body of my humble state into conformity with the body of His glory..” Phil 3:20&21.   

             I must admit I like this new phase of life…now that I am no longer in denial.  I like being the older person who has experienced life and yet still has more experiences to enjoy.  I like living my life with a clearer understanding of the futility of the flesh and the hope of Christ.

….Of course, I will also be purchasing some of that “age defying” cream and buying better make up!

 

Out of the Box May 19, 2009

Filed under: Christianity,devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 1:19 pm

          What’s more fun than watching kids rambunctiously jumping inside an inflatable bounce house?…watching 5 men attempting to deflate and pack it away. The other day I had just such a privilege. One of the men from Scott’s Bible study class was hosting an end of class cookout. Since wives and families were invited, they set up their amazing bounce house in the yard. It was about the size of a large walk in closet and perfect for keeping the kids entertained. As the evening came to a close the men offered to help put the bounce house away. I watched as they disconnected the motorized air compressor and the once large castle shaped structure withered to the ground. The men stood pondering the bounce house, which by now resembled a puffy pile of pancakes. One by one they began to offer suggestions for getting the rest of the air out and various folding techniques. Eventually a method was decided upon. They took turns plopping onto the deflated object and rolling from side to side, squeezing the remaining air out just as one might expel toothpaste from its tube.

          Once the house was sufficiently flat and air free they took on the task of folding/rolling it into the size needed for its storage box. The endeavor resembled a corporate team building exercise. This vision of good communication and cooperation was jolted a bit askew when I overheard one of the task masters proclaim, “It’ll fit, just step on it!” Indeed they were at last successful in returning the bounce house to its original shape and size. I myself have not always had such success with returning things to their original size or shape. I met my match numerous times as I wrestled with sleeping bags. These wonderfully portable sleeping cocoons seem to double in size once removed from their original packing. My attempts at tightly rolling them seldom resulted in being able to actually tie the attached strings. Eventually I would give up and cram them into old pillow cases or use bungee cords, but they would never be close to the size they were on the store shelf.

          Some things are meant to not return to their original containers. I will never forget the time my daughter, then only about 7yrs old, was trying to help with dinner. Using a can opener she carefully opened a can of Pillsbury dough biscuits. Yep, you guessed it…upon hearing a loud pop I hurried into the kitchen to find a startled young lady holding a can opener which was engulfed in dough protruding out of a partially opened can. There are just some things in life which do not lend themselves to returning to the confines of the well defined walls of a box or container. That does not stop me from trying to squeeze, flatten, roll, fold, or even “step on” things in an effort to get it back in a box. I like containers with defined walls. I like how easy it is to keep things in order, my order. I like how I can predict where I will find them; they will stay in the box. I like knowing I can hide the box. I choose when the box will be opened and what will be shared. If I know it’s in a container I can plan how to use it or store it. I like the control I feel when things can be returned to a defined container or original box.

          Sometimes we struggle to put God back in a box. We want to define His boundaries, keep Him within the limits of our understanding, and squeeze Him into our personal expectations. But like the bounce house, sleeping bag and dough…God is not about staying in the box. My God is not containable! He left the space of the heavens for the confines of a womb, but He would not stay there. He left the comfort of the womb for the limitation of being flesh, but He did not stay there either. He left borders of this hardened world for the walls of a stone carved tomb, but PRAISE GOD He did not stay there either!

 

What Mean ye by these Stones? May 12, 2009

Filed under: Christianity,devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 11:57 pm

          I live in the land of monuments. Here in the Washington D.C. area there are monuments everywhere you look. Monuments and memorials stand out in their urban settings. Their failure to blend in with their surroundings is intentional. The hope is that the tall white pointy structure, numerous statues, name covered wall, and cavernous columned buildings will cause people to stop and ask, “What is that and what does it mean?”   To which all questioning generations will be told the story of our history.
          Monuments are not new to societies. One such monument is mentioned in Joshua. The Israelites needed to cross the Jordon River. When the priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, stepped off the river bank, God held back the water so all of Israel could pass. He then instructed a representative from each of the twelve tribes to get one large stone from the river bed. They were to pile them up beside the place they had crossed. (This shall be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, “What mean ye by these stones?” tell them how God cut the waters of the river Jordon….Joshua 4:6) No doubt a pile of large stones, polished smooth form being at the bottom of the river, now sitting randomly on the river’s edge, would solicit curiosity and questions.
          Many years ago, when I was teaching high school students Bible, I had the brilliant idea to use this Scripture as a key decorating tactic. You see, I was a lazy teacher. I especially did not enjoy decorating my class room or bulletin boards. This particular year I had a rather large empty wall waiting to be filled with educational/inspirations wall décor. I thought I was pretty clever when I decided to cut out 12 huge brown paper stones and place them in a pyramid shaped pile on my wall. I then posted the “What mean ye by these stones?” portion of the verse above it. I thought to myself, “the wall is covered and I have a cool teaching tool!” I would not tell my students where the rest of the verse was and challenge them to figure out what it all meant. Some of you may already picture where this went horribly wrong. I’ll pause here and let you look back and consider the description of my chosen wall décor…….Yep, my “stones” apparently looked more like a pile of poop. Needless to say my students, and fellow faculty members, got a good laugh. My pile of stones became a must see for people visiting the school. While that was not quite the effect I was going for, it did still serve its original purposes; fill my blank wall space and get my students to ask about them.
          Oswald Chambers once wrote, “We are not here to prove God answers prayers, we are here to be living monuments of God’s grace.”      Suddenly I desire to be like the pile of paper poop, Joshua’s river stones and the many monuments in our nation’s capital.   I want my life to be different than my surroundings and cause others to ask “what is it, what does it mean?”  To which future generations will be told the story of His glory?   

In His grace we walk each day

and leave for others along the way

a pattern sure to see them through

just follow God in all you do

when you faulter and fall on your face

just get back up and walk in His grace

 

The Artist May 5, 2009

Filed under: devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 6:29 pm

        I think I have always known my mom to be creating.  Any stray piece of paper, church bulletin, grocery list, napkin or notebook in my mom’s vicinity would be covered in doodles.  When it came to crafts, church projects, props used for playing pranks on their friends or Halloween costumes, mom always had a unique flair.  In the hands of my mother, cinnamon sticks, toilet paper rolls and even the toilet paper itself would be transformed into acceptable, conversation worthy ornaments or gifts. 

        Although evidence of her amazing creativity could  seen throughout my life, it was not until she began painting that I realized she was an artist.  Mom started painting sometime around my middle school years.  She took part in art classes and spent many hours practicing her techniques.  The garage, kitchen or spare room would serve as her “art studio”.  I have memories of mom at her easel, paint splattered over her hands, her tongue gently resting at the edge of her lips in concentration.

       Some artists paint from the recesses of their imaginations; bright colors or brush strokes attempting to communicate an emotion or idea.  My Mom was an observer.  She took in her surroundings and appreciated the scenery God placed before her.  Canvasses of every shape and size were often covered with re-creations of nature.  She paid attention to the details of everything from birds, ducks and horses to old buildings, bridges or landscapes.  One reoccurring source of inspiration came from the shores of  Pensacola, Florida.  Sugar white sand dunes, laced with thin rows of sea oats, leading to  the white tipped waves of the Gulf of Mexico, were beautifully portrayed in her work.  Over the years these, flowing landscapes, usually framed in weathered wood, became treasured wedding gifts for family and friends.

        My mom has never sold her work.  Although some have been donated for various causes,  Mom’s paintings were almost always gifts.  Today, her numerous works of art hang in the homes of family and friends throughout the United States.  Each one is a testament to the artist who created them. 

        Artists reveal a lot about themselves in their creations.  Without ever meeting my mother, a study of her handiwork would tell you much about her.  Her paintings echo her journey as an artist, each successive endeavor showing evidence of increased skill.  They reflect her attention to visual details and her love for the painting’s intended recipient.  Each of her paintings are framed expressions of her love of God and His beautiful creation.

        If shallow layers of colored acrylic painted on tightly drawn canvas can reveal the heart of an artist, imagine all God reveals to us through His multifaceted creation.  God shows Himself in raging storms, quiet dawns, majestic mountains and powerful seas.  His care and provision for His creation is found in everything from the movement of the earth, sun and moon to the cycles of life around us. 

       Sometimes, when things are not going as I expected in my life, I wonder where God is, or if  He is paying attention.   But I am reminded as I look out my window, the tips of tree branches, bright green with the hope of new growth and shiny from the day’s steady rain, my God is shouting at me through His creation, “I am here, I love you, I am God and worthy of praise!”

 

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” NAS

Lord, help not to miss the glory of you as I go throughout my days.

All that is around me is a stroke of your brush; you’re an artist worthy of praise.

Cast off the distractions that come my way and help me stay alert.

Strengthen my faith as I witness each day the evidence of your handiwork.

 

Yellow is Still My Favorite Color April 28, 2009

Filed under: devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 7:05 pm

 

 

Note the pretty yellow haze...

Note the pretty yellow haze...

 

It is Pollen Mania in Virginia!   The tiny yellow particles are so abundant, weather forecasters have started referring to pollen as precipitation.   It seems like only a matter of time before we will need to start shoveling it like snow.  Okay, so I’m exaggerating a tad….but not much.  Every vehicle has become a blurry version of its original color.  Red cars appear orange, black cars look slightly brown and green cars have an alien like glow to them.   Last week many people took advantage of the warm weather and dutifully washed their cars.  Gas stations with car wash services saw an increase in business.  Our church enjoyed a very successful car wash/fundraiser last weekend.  All of the pollen removal efforts I witnessed were only momentary victories.  It was as if the trees themselves cried out, “Resistance is futile!”  Within days all things cleared of pollen were soon recoated with the delicate dusty debris.  My poor husband washed decking, deck furniture, his car and boat! (Thought I’d let you know that so he gets credit for effort, since you would NEVER know it by looking at any of those objects.)   

Sometimes, no matter how hard you work to get something clean, it just won’t stay that way.   Countless times I have driven my just washed car to work, only to find a gooey, globular gift deposited on it by the local bird population.  I have days like that too.  I try to clean myself up.  I seek God with all my heart.  Try to be disciplined in my quiet time.  I desire to hunger for His word and be obedient.  I try to please Him.  I attempt to serve Him and honor Him with my choices.  But, alas, I will find myself severely lacking.  It is so easy to get caught up in the day, discouraged or distracted.  My selfish tendencies and sin nature just resettles on my heart like the persistent pollen.  I so get the apostle Paul when he said in Romans 7:19 “For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil I do not wish” .  I find comfort in knowing the grace of my God is enough for all my weakness and His love is great.  “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive in Christ”! Ephesians 2:4-5

 I know the rain will arrive soon.  No doubt I’ll complain about the inconvenience of it when it does.  I know the pollen will wash away, as it always does, leaving little yellow rivers flowing down my driveway.   I also know when I bring my sins before my God He will forgive me, they will flow from me like rivers and I will be given the grace to start the new day.

(I was tempted to write on the pollen coated window pictured above, but felt less than qualified after seeing the work of this guy.   His name is Scott Wade.  Although he currently specializes in dirt on cars, I think his work would show well on cars in this area.  Check it out.  www.dirtycarart.com )

 

 

 

I Think I Hear God Giggle April 21, 2009

Filed under: devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 1:11 pm

I often think of the laugh God must have enjoyed when he created me for my husband, Scott.  Did God say to Himself, “Let’s see…someday she’ll marry the young boy I just designed, so I’ll make her completely opposite of him just for fun.”?  Did He smile at His own cleverness?  If not, He should have.

My wonderful “type A” personality husband has endured many years of life with me, a totally NOT “type A” personality.  A description of a typical trip to the mall might give clarity to my point.  Picture the mall, packed with shoppers on a Friday night.  As we enter the South end of the massive collection of stores Scott heads to the nearest posting of the mall directory.  While he plans our direction based on what needs to be purchased and where, I am already following my nose to the source of the buttery Auntie Ann’s Pretzels.  The bright colors of the modern art/light fixtures, suspended above the main walk way, mesmerize me.  As I admire their smooth lines and shape (sort of looks like giant candy), Scott pulls on my arm and we start our shopping.  He is trying to propel me from point A to point B.  He is trying to be patient; “If I walk any slower I’ll be standing still” he’ll say.  He has a plan.  He is on a mission.  He is there to get stuff and get out.  Meanwhile, I am enjoying the creative window displays.  I smile to myself, and everyone else, as I take in the variety of shoppers.  I am easily distracted by adorable babies, sweet senior adults, oddly attired teens, stressed parents and tired husbands.  I think about what sort of day each of them may have had, or what their lives might be like.  Scott tries to push back his growing frustration with my lack of progress through the horde of shoppers.  I attempt to hide my annoyance at his lack of patience and his hurried pace.  You see what I mean?

Over the years we have learned to appreciate our differences, but that does not mean we always enjoy them.  Overall our mismatch has worked well for us.  His goal oriented drive has given my life much needed focus.  My slow paced nature has forced him to slow down and enjoy life more.  It has also been necessary to make some adjustments in our God given tendencies.   My effort to be more considerate of his desire for timeliness and order, and his effort to be more about the journey, has helped us become better people and better for  each other.  God wasn’t just trying to be funny when He created us for one another.  He had a plan.

      Just imagine, every person who impacts your life is there as part of God’s plan for you.  “For I know the plans I have you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11   These words were part of a letter sent to Jews held captive in Babylon.  They lived in a difficult place and with difficult people.   Their difficulties were a part of His plan. 

It is entirely possible that the irritating, frustrating or annoying, neighbor, relative, co-worker, or friend has been placed in your life on purpose!   We may not need to get along or even be happy about our differences, but it may be time to look for how God can shape our lives through them. 

 

 

 

The Great Snake Adventure April 14, 2009

Filed under: devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 8:25 am

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When you’re sound asleep at a quarter till midnight, and your 22yr. old son knocks at your bedroom door yelling for his dad, well, let’s just say the mind goes to a lot of unsettling places looking for an answer to what’s wrong.   After adjusting to being awakened so rudely, we responded to his frantic rapping on the door with a somewhat annoyed, “What Steven?”  I was NOT expecting his reply of, “There’s a snake at the door…inside the house…I need some help!”   It is amazing how quickly those words bring you to your senses.  We hurriedly dressed and rushed down stairs.  Yep, sure enough, there it was…a very disturbed snake trying to get away from an equally disturbed Steven, wielding our barbeque tongs.   Scott got a mop handle and joined his effort to get the critter out of the house.   What ensued was somewhat reminiscent of Lucy and Ethel from an “I Love Lucy” episode.  I had no idea my son had such agility?  He displayed a great sense of balance as he jumped and perched on a chair while trying to lean over and capture the intruding snake.  I also had no idea his voice could still reach such a high pitch. 

               Scott soon took command of the situation and proceeded to bark instructions while simultaneously attempting to pin the snake down with his mop.  Steven had a mid-crisis epiphany.  As Scott was yelling at /encouraging him to move in to grasp the snake with his tongs, Steven suddenly noticed the difference between their weapons of choice and proximity to the snake.   Realizing his dad was giving him instructions from the safety of a long mop handle, compared to the relatively short barbeque tongs, Steven began to protest his part in the snake capture.  Steven, at last, grabbed hold of the snake’s writhing body.  As it coiled up the tongs, and also his arm, girlish cries of “it’s touching me, it’s touching me” echoed through the house.  The snake would enjoy a short victory as he freed himself from the tong’s “jaws of death”.   Ultimately father and son prevailed and the snake was ceremoniously ushered out of the house. 

                  Later that night, as the adrenalin eased out of my system, I laid in bed thinking through a host of “what if’s”.   What if Steven had not seen the snake?  What if someone had been bitten? What if they had not caught it?  What if it came back? What if there were more?   Encounters such as this are startling reminders that we live in a world where “what if’s” abound and anything can happen.  If I am going to sleep in the midst of my “what if’s” I am going to need the peace king David found by trusting God.

 “Thou hast put gladness in my heart,…in peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone O Lord, dost make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:7-8

I like how he distinguished BOTH to lie down AND to sleep.  He did not just tentatively lay back in bed with wide eyed anxiety…he totaly rested knowing God had his safe keeping

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Abigail Changed My Easters(sorry, this one is long) April 7, 2009

Filed under: devotionals,Easter,Uncategorized — tlmiller82 @ 9:58 am

I’ve lost track of how many years ago it was, yet each Spring I can’t help but recall my introduction to Abigail.  I was a high school science/Bible teacher for a small Christian school at the time. One of my students was a football sized young man named Nick.  He worked for a local farmer who had offered him a young lamb to take home.  Nick’s mom, apparently destined for sainthood, not only allowed him to bring the lamb home, but he got to keep it in his room!  Early that Spring Nick brought photos to share.  To my amazement, there, wedged beside his bed and amid typical teenage squalor, was a carefully built pen, complete with wood rails, chicken wire and hay.  Abigail the lamb had found a perfect home.  Over the next few weeks Nick would have numerous stories to tell of Abigail’s antics.  I couldn’t wait to see her for myself, so I invited Nick to bring her to school one morning.

I ushered my entire class outside and we waited like giddy preschoolers for Abigail’s arrival.  I am certain I will never be able to adequately describe what I saw that day.  I will do my best.  We watched as Nick emerged from his vehicle with Abigail cradled in his big burly arms.  We stood transfixed by the sight of what can only be inadequately referred to as “precious”.  Her pure, white coat seemed almost translucent, radiating light under the bright blue, cloudless sky.   Her tiny nose was a perfect, pink velvet triangle perched just above her little pink mouth.    As I placed my hand on her sweet little head she looked at me.  I found myself staring into the depths of clear, brilliant blue eyes.  I realized I had been holding my breath in awe.  We were expecting to see a cute lamb, somewhat off white in color.  I had not considered that, unlike the lambs at the local petting zoo, Abigail had been living in a clean, loving, environment.  After everyone had made Abigail’s acquaintance, Nick left to return her home and we settled back into Bible class.

We soon realized the relevance of Abigail’s visit as we continued our study of Passover.  The original Passover took place when Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt.  God instructed them to mark their door post with the blood of a male lamb.  This was to protect them from the final plague which was the death of all first born in any home not so protected. (Exodus 11&12)  The yearly commemoration of this event required the father to select the best, blemish free lamb and set it apart for the Passover…four days prior to the celebration.  My students and I began to consider something quite startling.  There was a good chance that the lamb would have been brought into the house or yard during that time.  This perfect little lamb, probably as precious and sweet as our Abigail, may have clamored under their feet while they did chores, fed out of their hands and shared a living area.  After four days, this lamb, which by now had become even more precious to the family, was to be sacrificed.   Suddenly one can imagine the cries of the children, the quite sob of their mother, the sorrow in the eyes of the father who knows a blood sacrifice is required.   For the first time, since meeting Abigail, we could truly envision the “sacrificial lamb” of the Scriptures.

The continued observance of Passover was a powerful object lesson for generations of Israelites.  Every family member would be reminded not only of God’s protection and provision when He freed them from slavery, but also of the cost…the blood of their most precious lamb.  This Easter we consider the final sacrifice.  Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, perfect and precious beyond description, was sacrificed for our sin.  Many movies and videos have stirred the heart of man as they depict the brutal crucifixion of our Christ, yet none can compare to the vision of Abigail.  As we celebrate our freedom from sin and death through the resurrection of our Lord, let’s never forget the cost.  Praise God His love and grace make us worthy of such a sacrifice!

1 Peter 1:18-19  “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold…but with precious blood, as a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

 

Don’t Rock the Boat March 31, 2009

Filed under: devotionals — tlmiller82 @ 12:14 pm

        Okay, I’ve started reading a highly recommended book by John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.  Actually, all I’ve done so far is carry it around intending to read it.  I’m not sure what’s causing the delay of delving into it’s pages.  Perhaps it’s the title.   Why would anyone get out of a perfectly good boat?   You see, my husband and I are boaters.  It has been my experience that it is usually much better to be in the boat.   Also, let’s not take the boat exiting process for granted.  Depending on the size of your boat, your method of getting out of it while on water may be less than graceful.  Maneuvers such as having to hurl oneself backward off a small dingy, jumping from a slippery ledge, leaping out over a bow or sliding off a swim platform may be needed.  All of these techniques lend themselves to numerous possibilities for mishaps and swimsuit displacement.  If there is not a swim ladder involved, I don’t think I will like getting “out of the boat”.

        Before I venture into the challenge of Ortberg’s book I feel I need to revisit the Scriptural account of Peter’s water walking experience.  Hard to believe a man like Peter, who as a fisherman must have been an avid boater, would find it necessary to get out of a perfectly good boat so far from shore. 

Matthew 14:25-33 is a fairly short telling of what must have been a very long night.  The events went a bit like this:

  • disciples set out in a boat
  • Jesus to join them later
  • waves make boat trip unpleasant
  • disciples see figure walking toward them sans boat
  •  they fear
  • He calms,
  • Peter questions
  • He calls (this is where it gets interesting)
  •  Peter gets out of boat! 

What was he thinking?!   Much is said about how Peter eventually required saving when he looked not at Jesus, but at the circumstances around him.  Jesus even called him “of little faith”.  (Ouch!)   Now that I think about it, Peter’s water walking adventure may be more than just a lesson of faith once we’re on the water.  What if Peter never left the boat?   What personal lesson for life would he have missed out on?  No one else experienced the moment as Peter did.  Did Peter Jump over the boat’s railing or lower himself cautiously, swinging one leg then another to the other side of the boat?  Peter may have been a man of little faith, but he did have faith.  I wish I could boast of such faith.  I don’t think I would have even considered the possibility of joining my Jesus on the water.  Even when the waves are crashing all about me, I still like to stay in my boat.   

         I suppose I should get started reading this book.  Apparently I need to be reminded that God has called us beyond the confines of our boat.  Before I can experience  following Jesus and keeping my eyes fixed on Him,  I will need to have the faith to step over the railing of my boat….I just hope it’s not too slippery, high up, or windy.  Man Overboard!