No Updates Needed About God

Several years ago, the Encyclopaedia Britannica told its readers that the Salem Church Dam on the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, Virginia is 194 feet high and 8,850 feet long. It is located upstream from Fredericksburg and makes hydroelectric power and controls floods. But guess what? There isn’t any such dam. Although an Army Corps of Engineer drew up plans for it in 1944, it was never built.

How could this mistake have happened within such a respected encyclopedia? “The whole reason for the encyclopedia is accuracy, but we are dealing with 44 million words, and we sometimes do make mistakes,” says Larry Grinnell, a spokesman for the Encyclopaedia Britannica, as quoted in the LA Times (Aug. 18, 1988). “The error will be corrected in the next update possible.”

You and I are never going to be given an update to correct the facts about God’s character or His Word. His qualities of truthfulness, love, compassion, and so many other wonderful characteristics have always been there, and they always will be. They never change. And the facts stated in His Word are timeless and immutable. We may not always understand them perfectly, and at times our explanation of them may have to be altered; but the facts themselves never change.

Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment, a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (KJV)

Talk about security in our lives! God’s truth is a strong, rock-like foundation that will always hold us steady! You can lean on it!

Adventure #2: Encounter in the Airport

Some time ago I was waiting in the airport for my next connecting flight, minding my own business while enjoying reading my novel. I looked up and noticed a small food counter nearby where a woman was serving customers. I continued reading when unexpectedly the Lord’s still small voice within my heart whispered, "Go talk to that woman behind the counter about Me."

My reaction was unfortunately one that I usually made: "Oh, Lord, you know I don’t like doing things like this. Please! No!"

I could sense Him patiently waiting.

"Oh, all right, Lord. What should I say to her?"

"Tell her I love her."

Well, that wasn’t very original! I still wasn’t convinced I wanted to go and tried reading my book again. But I knew He wouldn’t let me rest so I gathered my things together and got at the end of the line for the counter.

I was amazed that by the time all the customers in front of me had been helped, no one had gotten in line behind me. When I faced the woman at the counter, I gulped and shot an arrow prayer, "OK, Lord, here we go."

I spoke up. "M’am, I know this will sound strange, but God wanted me to tell you He loves you."

The woman’s face seemed to harden for a second. "Oh, no, Father, what have you gotten me into now?" I cringed.

But then suddenly, her face softened and tears welled up in her eyes. She stared at me in surprise and said, "Oh, my husband recently died and I’d begun to believe God didn’t love me. Thanks for telling me that."

I ordered my iced tea and she began sharing her hurt and pain with me. As I went to the side of the counter to mix in some sweetener, she followed me over and again thanked me for reaffirming her belief in God’s great love.

I was amazed that no one came up to the counter as the room was full of people. God had opened a door of opportunity and I was so glad I hadn’t refused His prompting.

Walking with God Is An Adventure

On Sunday, the last day of the women’s retreat where I was a speaker, I autographed books. Kris bought a copy of my book, God’s Vitamin "C" for the Spirit, and I began autographing it when she exclaimed, "Wait! I want it autographed for a friend."

I’d written down "Kris," so I put that book aside and autographed another for her friend. Later when I packed, I put the "mistake" book in my briefcase. It lay on the front seat of the car as I drove home.

There were two different routes I could take, but remembering a drive-through hamburger place, I decided to drive that way and stop for a drink.

Pulling up beside the drive-in window, I ordered and gave the young woman my money. She remarked, "You’re dressed up. Did you just come from church?"

"I spoke at a women’s retreat. Do you go to church?’

"Usually I do but I couldn’t today because I had to work."

We talked briefly about the Lord and He whispered in my heart, "Give her the ‘autographed’ book."

I thought, "But, Lord, it’s autographed to Kris."

"Do it."

An unexpected thought popped into my mind. Wouldn’t it be a coincidence if her name is Kris? Oh, what would be the chance of that?

The woman came back to the window and handed me my drink. I spoke up. "I’m an author and I’d like to give you a copy of my book. What’s your name?"

She answered, "My name’s Kris."

I laughed and explained the situation. "I guess God wants you to have this book."

She was amazed and thrilled. And I rejoiced in the joy of walking with God. It's an adventure in which there are no coincidences!

Romans 11:33 tells us, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Isn't that the truth?!

Corrected Yet Hopeful!

As the Lord recently made me aware of a needed correction in my life, I was caught up short by realizing the change in my reaction from years ago. I didn't feel condemned. I didn't feel any contempt from God. There wasn't any hopelessness. In the past, I would have "heard" God say something like, "See? There's another thing you're bad at! You'll never change!"

This time there was nothing close to that! That was amazing to me. So different from the past. Now I can face my sin and repent in peace. The difference?

Now I'm convinced that instead of contempt from God, His correction--even rebuke--is His loving act. He is looking at me with love saying, "This correction is for your good. Yes, I know you are a sinner and you sin. That is your nature. I didn't create you that way, only the ability to choose. But I don't shame you for that. I want to work in your life. I'm wooing you back to me because your disobedience separates you from me. Come to me. Recognize your sin. Let me forgive you and restore you to fellowship with me. I love you!"

What a relief! There is hope. There is life. There is power to change.

He has not withdrawn His love, only revealed it through His concern for my welfare and good.

Forgive me for quoting this passage again but it's so essential for us to believe God's promise when we fail:

³⁰ “If his sons forsake my law
and do not follow my statutes,
³¹ if they violate my decrees
and fail to keep my commands,
³² I will punish their sin with the rod,
their iniquity with flogging;
³³ but I will not take my love from him,
nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. (Psalm 89:30-33 NIV).

The reason God woos you through His correction rather than shame you is that His faithfulness is a reflection of who He is: love! To do anything other than woo you is to go against who He is--and that is impossible. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

So the next time you feel shamed or hopeless or discouraged or helpless because of your sin, claim the truth: it's all about God's faithfulness, not your sin. He welcomes you back through your repentance and has not rejected you. What joy!

There is hope! Don't go by your feelings and old thought patterns. Believe the truth.

Stop Putting In the Quarters to Earn God’s Love

I arrived at our local regional park prepared with the six quarters necessary for the machine that controlled the mechanical arm blocking the way to the entrance of the park. I deposited the six quarters and looked forward anticipating the mechanical arm to raise. Much to my surprise, I realized there was no mechanical arm attached to the machine at all. It had been removed for some reason. Nothing had prevented me from entering the park all along--I just hadn't paid attention to its absence.

"I just wasted my six quarters," I exclaimed. "I could have gone in free!"

That’s just like we perfectionists who are very good at depositing our quarters of good works in an effort to earn entrance into God's love.

"Here, God, is my quarter of loving that person I hate. Do you love me now?"

"Here, God, is my quarter of having my devotional time today. Do you love me now?"

"Here, God, is my quarter of serving in the nursery even though I would rather go to the service. Do you love me now?"

We put in our quarters, while all along, the mechanical arm that should block us from God's love is not there. Jesus died on the cross in our place and has shattered the obstacle to God's unconditional love. Instead of putting in the quarters, we can move forward into experiencing God's love.

Certainly, God does want us to obey him, to love others, to have our quiet time with him, and to serve in our church. But those things should be done out of our love for him—not as a means of earning his love and our entrance into heaven.

Are you willing to give up depositing your quarters trying to earn God's love? He wants you to know his incredible, unconditional love so that you no longer have to feel like he doesn't approve of you. He loves you and wants only the best for you.

Have Success at Your New Year's Resolution

I was working out at the gym with a friend and knowing the New Year would start in a couple of days, we chuckled as we thought about how much more crowded the gym would be after January 1^st. Then as it happens every year, about four to six weeks later, the gym returns to its normal level—and we wouldn’t have to wait in line to use the weight machines.

Yes, the New Year resolutions for buffing up the body and becoming healthy would last a short time for most people. Great motivation to start but not much to continue. Why is that? For many, it’s because we make our goals too high and become discouraged when we can’t meet them.

But there is a solution. It’s found in "The 1% Principle," which I write about in my book, Why Do I Put So Much Pressure On Myself? It’s the idea of setting small goals toward a bigger one and when we meet the small one (1% instead of 75% or larger), we’ll be encouraged to continue.

Here are some ideas.

Unrealistic Goal	1% Principle
I will have a devotional time with God for one hour every day next week.	I’m going to spend 5 minutes with God two times next week.
I’m going to stop eating all sugar.	I’m going to limit sugar to one item per day.
I’m going to go to the gym every day this week.	My goal is to go to the gym two times next week.
I’m never going to get angry with my child again.	Since dinner time is the hardest time to be patient, I’m going to concentrate on staying calm on Tuesday next week and ask a friend to pray for me during that time.

Get the idea? Instead of thinking 100% toward a goal, start small and be encouraged as you reach it. Then you’ll continue to move toward the larger goal. (And by the way, it’s OK to do more than the 1% goal if you’re able).

Does this sound like a plan that God can’t applaud? After all, doesn’t He believe He can empower us to reach huge goals? Of course He can but He also understands that "we are but dust" (Psalm 103:14). That’s why He says, "Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all." (1 Timothy 4:15 NASB). He doesn’t say, "so that your perfection may be evident to all." He expects us to be in process little by little and is pleased with our progress—even 1% at a time.

How can you use the 1% Principle to grow closer to God, become more of the person God wants you to be, or develop your spiritual life? Make a plan now and carry it out—little by little—1% at a time.

Out of the Mouth of a Four-Year-Old: "I Don't Love You Anymore"

We've returned from our holiday visit with the family and a highlight of the visit--which may seem strange--is the day four-year-old grandson Raphael "Raffi" told Larry and I, "I don't love you; I love my mommy and daddy." I'm not sure if he said, "I don't love you anymore," but he may have. That would make sense because he usually sat in my lap and as I kissed him, I would say "I love you." Then he would say, "me too."

Now for some reason, he suddenly didn't want any kisses and declared his independence from love for Grandma and Grandpa. We all smiled and thought it was quite cute. (He will grow out of this, won't he?)

Yet in that moment as I inwardly confirmed my undying love for Raffi--in spite of his declared independence--I knew I'd just felt a tiny bit of God's unconditional love. We can tell God we don't love Him anymore but that doesn't change His love for us. Our attitude might bring painful consequences for ungodly choices, but if doesn't change His undying love.

That's what Psalm 89:30-34 is about:

"If his sons forsake My instruction
and do not live by My ordinances,
if they dishonor My statutes
and do not keep My commands,
then I will call their rebellion
to account with the rod,
their sin with blows.
But I will not withdraw
My faithful love from him
or betray My faithfulness.
I will not violate My covenant
or change what My lips have said." (HCSB)

How affirming and amazing that God's love is steadfast and unchangeable. He doesn't think our independence is cute, like we regard Raffi's comment, because the consequences are serious. But He still reaches out to us because He is faithful, not because we are.

I guess this is called GRACE! Praise the Lord!

A little side note: I just tried something different for my Bible reading. I listened to the audio reading at www.biblegateway.com while I read along in my Bible. I hadn't done that before and although I'm a visual learner and it takes a little longer, I think it was a good practice. See what you think.