God Continues to Teach Me Archives - Page 2 of 15

The High Price of Anger

08/23/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

I know from personal experience that getting angry and staying angry can make you sick. Yes, physically ill. I’ve had times when I was so mad my blood pressure soared, my heart raced, my stomach revolted and sleep became impossible. I’m not talking about so-called “righteous indignation” (whatever that might be) or being deeply hurt. No, I’m talking about having a burning, boiling rage inside that seems to grow and fester.

Fortunately, I seldom get angry (as Steve is my witness), but when I do, I’m ashamed of how ugly I become in looks, thoughts and actions. It goes against everything I know about being Christlike and exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit in my life.

The Bible very specifically warns against it:

James 1:19-20 – “Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose.”

Psalm 37:8 – ” Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble.”

Colossians 3:8 – ” But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.”

Ephesians 4:26 – “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day.”

God knows us. He knows our human tendencies to bristle, seethe and burn inside. He also knows how harmful it is to our bodies, to our witness for Christ, and ultimately how damaging it is to furthering His kingdom.

Just this past week, I observed two women suffering ill effects from their anger. Both of them, no doubt, feel completely justified with their anger. I don’t know the whole story in either case. They may have some valid points. But, what I DO know is that they are suffering consequences because of their anger. The anger itself is doing them no good. They’ve lost their ability to see things logically and with true discernment.

Jonah got mad at God. Yes, God. Jonah was mad because God chose to forgive the Ninevites and to spare them and their city. He lost complete sight of the BIG PICTURE, and God called him on it.

Read about it here in Jonah 4:1-11 (The Message):

Jonah was furious. He lost his temper. He yelled at God, “God! I knew it—when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen! That’s why I ran off to Tarshish! I knew you were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness!

³“So, God, if you won’t kill them, kill me! I’m better off dead!”

⁴God said, “What do you have to be angry about?”

⁵But Jonah just left. He went out of the city to the east and sat down in a sulk. He put together a makeshift shelter of leafy branches and sat there in the shade to see what would happen to the city.

⁶God arranged for a broad-leafed tree to spring up. It grew over Jonah to cool him off and get him out of his angry sulk. Jonah was pleased and enjoyed the shade. Life was looking up.

^7-8But then God sent a worm. By dawn of the next day, the worm had bored into the shade tree and it withered away. The sun came up and God sent a hot, blistering wind from the east. The sun beat down on Jonah’s head and he started to faint. He prayed to die: “I’m better off dead!”

⁹Then God said to Jonah, “What right do you have to get angry about this shade tree?”

Jonah said, “Plenty of right. It’s made me angry enough to die!”

^10-11God said, “What’s this? How is it that you can change your feelings from pleasure to anger overnight about a mere shade tree that you did nothing to get? You neither planted nor watered it. It grew up one night and died the next night. So, why can’t I likewise change what I feel about Nineveh from anger to pleasure, this big city of more than 120,000 childlike people who don’t yet know right from wrong, to say nothing of all the innocent animals?”

So, anyway, I’ve been thinking about the high price you and I pay when we get angry and stay angry. I want to learn from my past mistakes. Don’t you?

Enjoying Encounters With Long-Time Friends

08/16/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

My mother used to be sure she had her hair fixed and her makeup on whenever she went to the grocery store. She expected to see people there that she knew, and she looked forward to exchanging a quick hug and a greeting. I was my mother’s daughter today.

As I was coming out of one deli/cafe, I got a fun hug from a girlfriend in my church. We see each other a lot on Sunday mornings. Our youngest daughters are the same age. We go WAY back.

When I walked into a local candy store, I was immediately greeted by a former colleague from the last school where I taught. We, too, exchanged hugs then she led me around to the back of the kitchen where the “magic” was happening. While photographing the process, a sweet voice whispered in my ear, “You had the world’s sweetest in-laws.” I looked up to see one of my mother-in-law’s dearest friends, and we shared some fond memories. She works there now, too.

Then, I went into a popular Italian eatery to “do some research” (a.k.a. sample something delicious) for this blog, and there sat more teacher friends from another school where I worked over 20 years ago. More smiles, more happy greetings.

I was so glad I had fixed my hair, put on my makeup and decided to wear my new earrings. I had no idea I would see friends everywhere I went today, but it warmed my heart when it happened.

Each person I encountered today has enriched my life. They were put in my path at the exact time God knew I needed them all along my journey. I’d like to think that in some way they feel the same toward me.

My advice? Put on your lipstick the next time you run errands. Anticipate seeing people you might know. Give those hugs and enjoy the ones you get in return. Unglue your face from your cellphone and really LOOK into the faces of those you pass. After all, life is the sum of our relationships. Wouldn’t you agree? Enjoy those from your past. Form new ones according to the place/life stage you are in right now. Twenty years from now, you’ll smile when you see them coming.

Proverbs 27:9 – “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

Psalms 133:1 – ” Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers (and friends) dwell in unity!”

Proverbs 27:17 – ” Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

New Life, Unexpected Death and So Much in Between

08/09/2019 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Last Sunday morning, after an abbreviated lesson on Solomon and godly wisdom, our Life Group celebrated the imminent arrival of a precious baby girl to one of our families. We brought diapers and wipes, ate pink cake and finger foods and had a great time.

Less than 24 hours later, we learned of the sudden passing of the brother of one or our members — gone in an instant of an apparent heart attack at the age of 46, leaving a wife and two young sons.

One group of people joined together by our faith, ages/life stages, and membership at First Baptist but two events that are polar opposites. One full of joy, expectancy, laughter and excitement. The other full of shock, grief, tears and confusion. Both events will cause major disruptions to well-ordered lives, but one is anticipated happily, while the other will have serious repercussions for those left behind.

It’s often referred to as the Circle of Life, but that circle has both ecstasy and agony as we travel along its rim.

Before these two events happened, I attended a family picnic hosted by my uncle in Athens, AL. This uncle, in his 80’s, is coming out of one of the hardest years of his life. Heart surgery, dire complications, months in the hospital, months of rehab, caregivers 24 hours a day when he finally got home, THEN slowly but surely climbing his way back to a semblance of normalcy, even driving. Wanting to express his gratitude to God for being alive and to family for supporting him through the year, he invited 50 of us over, hired people to spruce up his backyard and provided food for all of us, insisting that “nobody bring anything.” He gave a rousing speech before the blessing. He’s a walking miracle, and he knows it.

During the picnic, I watched 2 other family members in their 80’s giving hugs, a cousin showing off her new engagement ring, young second and third cousins splashing in the pool, and we all drank sweet tea and lemonade out of Alabama Crimson Tide cups. Yikes! We Auburn folks are in a minority in this crowd. 🙂

The point is this. If we’re breathing, we are somewhere on this great Circle of Life. How are we managing the stage where we find ourselves? Are we content? Are we doing things that help others? Are we maintaining a good relationship with our family and friends? Do we spend time with God regularly? Are we grateful in good times and in bad? Are we generous with our time and our resources? Do we view each day as a gift? Most of all, are we certain that we will be in heaven with Jesus if our lives come to a sudden end?

I wish I could remember where I was when I took this photo. At any rate, I loved the sentiment. Baggage is detrimental to enjoying the journey, don’t you think?

Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

1 John 2:17 – “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

9 Takeaways from Cousins Camp 2019

08/02/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

The 12th Annual Pearson Cousins Camp is now in the books, and, as always, Steve and I reflect, laugh, analyze and start making our list of things to keep or do differently next time.

This year we had 11 in the house for the week, ranging from first-timer Silas, age 4, to teenager/veterans Luke and Nathan, ages 14 and 13. Nathan has now attended every one of the 12 Cousins Camps, and Luke is the oldest of the bunch. Allie, age 18 and about to be a college freshman, was only able to join us for a few hours on Friday when we were in Franklin, TN. She’s a busy girl.

Our theme for the week was “Small Things Can Make a Big Difference,” and the “small things” part included simple acts as well as young people.

One of the campers pointed out this appropriate quote on the wall at the Decatur mall.

Many of our week’s activities revolved around the theme — 1) Space and Rocket Center just 2 days after the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and famous quote “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” 2) Cook Museum of Natural Science where we saw (among MANY other things) an insect that can eat a snake!!!!, 3) painting rocks with happy colors to scatter around a nearby park, etc. And, 4) each night we had a Bible story emphasizing the contributions of young people and what an impact they made. Our characters included Moses, Samuel, David, Esther, the lad with 5 loaves and 2 fish who gave his lunch which Jesus used to feed 5000, and, we ended with Jesus Himself who came into the world as a baby and made the biggest difference of all. We have some natural leaders in the group who LOVE organizing shows/plays/dramas, so we gave them full rein to write, cast and direct the skits until the last night when Granddaddy Steve wanted to really talk about Jesus.

Seth and Maggie dramatizing one of our nightly Bible stories.

First takeaway? Our grandchildren know a LOT about the stories and people in the Bible. We were amazed at the insights they had and the imagination they used to bring the stories to life. Kudos to the parents, pastors, youth ministers and Sunday School teachers who have instilled so much truth into their minds and hearts.
Teenagers create unique challenges. When the kids are little, it’s physically demanding to have a lot of them for a week because so many things have to be done for them — tying shoelaces, putting on floaties, helping with showers, finding their lost items, cleaning up spills, etc. etc. But, with teenagers, the challenges are more mental and emotional. They bring their adolescent swagger with them and sometimes some attitudes have to be “nipped in the bud.” Get my drift? Reminders to show gratitude, to be good role models, to be kind FIRST, etc. came into play. I found myself saying so many things I had said to their parents when THEY were teenagers.
Youngers constantly watch the olders. They know they’re not “the big kids” yet, but they watch every move the older ones make, and they have great instincts about the older ones. For instance, I watched on several occasions when Silas (4) grabbed Seth’s (12) hand when we told them to get a partner or watch crossing the street, etc. Silas and Seth, before this week, have spent very little time together. Yet, Silas intuitively trusted his cousin Seth.
I didn’t hear any whining. Yes, “No WHINING” is one of our big rules every year, but it’s still amazing when you realize they aren’t doing it. Maybe they sense that we just won’t put up with it or maybe they realize that the whole group simply must adopt an “all for one and one for all” kind of mentality to successfully navigate the week. It’s impossible for every person to be happy with the activity or food for every minute or meal of the day, but they’ve come to understand that eventually we’ll get around to what they really enjoy. We did implement a few things recognizing the wide range of food preferences, however. What we called a Sandwich Extravaganza is actually a way to provide a variety of options, for example, so that everyone finds something to eat without complaining. But, you can’t do that for every meal. That’s where “eat what you get and don’t pitch a fit” comes into play. 🙂
Steve and I are 12 years older than when we started having Cousins Camp. Mercy! It’s tougher than it used to be to make every step they make, to sleep less than normal, to stay mentally alert and constantly vigilant about everyone’s safety and whereabouts. We love the week so much I’m sure we’ll continue as long as possible, but we realize each year is a gift.
These cousins have truly become BEST FRIENDS. They love each other and have such fun together. We refer to Rosie, Penny, Megan and Birti as “the quadruplets.” They create games of all kinds and are within a year and a half in ages. Maggie and Luke have amazingly similar likes and interests. They jive. Seth and Nathan are sports gurus and friendly competitors. They’re fun to watch. Samuel, Bethany and Silas are siblings, but they are also great friends. In other words, all of the cousins genuinely look forward to being together — something that would never have happened if they’d only been in each other’s presence for a few hours on Thanksgiving Day and at Christmas.
TV and technology were successfully put aside for the week. I’ll confess that a couple of times it was tempting to turn on the TV to help everyone key down a bit and just “be,” but we were determined to let things play out without it. Also, 5 of the cousins are frequently connected to cellphones and iPads. Those were banned for the week, too. As a result, there were more in-person conversations, much more creativity and probably more sleep at night. Plus, the parents were spared constant texts and interruptions, too. I took photos, made daily Facebook posts and sent short nightly texts to the parents to keep them informed. My own computer remained closed all week, though. Whoa. It made a difference, a good difference.
The most frequent adjective we heard during the week was “amazing.” As in, “That tasted amazing!” “That place was amazing!” “That looks amazing!” Those are some mighty gratifying words for grandparents who try so hard to create a wonderful week for these grandchildren we love so much.
One of the biggest lifesavers was scheduling a cleaning crew for the Monday after camp ended. Somehow, that kept me from stressing so much over the inevitable messes. I knew it would get addressed . . . later. That will now become a camp tradition. 🙂

Seth and Silas holding hands. Penelope offering a piggyback ride to Bethany.

We anticipate 11 campers again next year, because Enoch is not quite 2 and Baby Beatrix is only 3 weeks old. By Christmas, we’ll have the date firmed up and the van rented. Then, a theme will begin to take shape.

For now, though, we are so grateful to God for granting us another year without accidents or serious illnesses. We are happy that another layer of memories has been added and that the bonds between cousins and between us and our grandchildren have strengthened. It WAS “amazing.”

If you’re a grandparent or a grandparent-to-be, especially if your grands live some distance apart, let me urge you to think about your own version of getting the grands together in a deliberate way for the purpose of deepening relationships.

Psalm 103:17 – But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

P.S. If you want to know more details about our daily activities, feel free to take a look at my Facebook posts from July 20-27.

Summer’s Beauty and Bounty

07/26/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies — Christ our God, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon and starts of light — Christ our God, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

Granddaughter Margaret is learning to play this hymn right now, declaring it one of her favorites. She’s a diligent student, so I have no doubt she’ll be playing it fluidly very soon. I’m also extremely glad that she knows this hymn and loves it. Grateful praise. Beauty of the earth. And, right now, the summertime beauty of the earth is on full display, along with the bounty produced from gardens as a result of the sun and rain coming down from God, our Father.

Psalm 24: 1 – ” The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”

Psalm 23:2-3 – “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

Genesis 1:31 – “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”

I love a farmer’s market in the morning.

I love this display of blooming crepe myrtle trees showing out profusely beside the railroad tracks in Decatur, AL.

I love anticipating the taste of these vegetables and fruits I’ll prepare for our supper.

And, I love this most beautiful evidence of God’s love and provision He brought to our family — our newest grandchild, Baby Beatrix.

So, today I am singing my own “hymn of grateful praise.” I hope you’ll join me.

Thank you, Father, for this season of the year, for the beauty and bounty that comes with it. I thank you for the colors of the flowers and garden produce. I love the energy we feel from the sun and the cooling sensation of the rain. Most of all, I thank you for being the Creator and Giver of Life and for being so good to our family. Amen.

David and Mephibosheth. Like God. Like All of Us.

07/19/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

The story of David and Mephibosheth recorded in 2 Samuel 9 warms my heart, but it also teaches me as I dig through the layers.

As I was growing up, I loved the story of the friendship between David and Jonathan, Saul’s son. Even though the relationship between Saul and David was on-again/off-again because of Saul’s jealousy and paranoia, the bond between Jonathan and David remained unbroken. Jonathan did everything he could to protect David from his father’s wrath, and David made a covenant with Jonathan to “treat his family with faithful love” even if Jonathan were to die. (1 Samuel 20:14-17).

Saul and Jonathan died in battle on the same day (1 Samuel 31:6). The nurse in charge of taking care of Jonathan’s five-year-old son Mephibosheth learned of their deaths and was fleeing with him to safety when Mephibosheth fell (or was dropped) and injured both of his legs, injuries that remained throughout his life. (2 Samuel 4:4). Mephibosheth stayed in hiding into adulthood.

David was established as king and spent years attempting to subdue his enemies, but then a period of peace occurred, and he was able to concentrate on matters closer to home. He remembered his friend Jonathan and the covenant he had made to him. He started searching for any remaining family members and learned about Mephibosheth. David asked for him to be brought to Jerusalem.

1 Samuel 9:6-8 (NLT) – “When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”

Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”

⁷“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

⁸Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”

Mephibosheth fully expected to be executed, because that was what kings in that day did — they annihilated the previous king’s family to prevent an insurrection. In David’s presence, he referred to himself as a “servant” and a “dead dog,” admitting that he was completely at the king’s mercy.

David, however, didn’t just allow him to live. He adopted him into his own family, restoring the inheritance of his grandfather and bringing him into his home to eat “at the king’s table” for the rest of his life.

One commentary that I read recently as I was preparing to teach about this story shared a thought that has continued to stay on my mind. It said that in a spiritual sense, as we look at God, we will never be David but always be Mephibosheth. In other words, in God’s presence, we are NOT in an exalted position. Instead, we are in desperate need of mercy and grace because of our sin, and our posture has to be one of humility, awe and respect. But, in our relationship toward others, we should strive to extend the over-and-above kindness that David offered to Mephibosheth. In this passage, David gives us a glimpse of the overwhelming love of God toward undeserving people.

I had never thought of this story in that sense before. Maybe it will help you unpack another layer of the text as it did for me.

GENERATIONS

07/12/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Fair warning: Steve and I welcomed our 14th grandchild this week – a beautiful baby girl named Beatrix Agnes June Rodgers (to be called “Bea”). A large name for a tiny 6 lb. 12 oz. baby to carry. It remains to be seen whether this child will be our last grandchild, since so many unforeseen circumstances can happen, but we’re guessing she’ll be the caboose.

At ages 71 (Steve) and 69 (me), a new baby leads me to God’s Word to see what He says about generations and how the actions of one generation affect the others down the line.

A WARNING

Exodus 20:4-5 gives us a very stern reminder that making and bowing down to idols will bring down long-lasting punishment and consequences. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. ⁵You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.“(NLT) Even children in the third and fourth generations . . . . Right now I only have in front of my eyes the first and second generations after me. I must remember that words and deeds have the power to go far past the people who come to my house for Christmas. For good or for bad, those after me will feel the effects.

GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS

God told His people through Moses to remember what He had done for them and to tell their children and grandchildren about His powerful provision and care. Deuteronomy 4:9 – “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” And in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, He says, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

Our daughter Julie with 8 of her children and husband Brian.

OUR PROMISES BACK TO GOD AS THANKS FOR HIS PROVISION

Keep taking care of us, Dear God, and we’ll be careful to give You the glory and praise. Psalm 71:18 – “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” And Psalm 79:13 – “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.”

Now that I think about it, I believe God led me to these verses as a preparation for this year’s Cousins Camp which starts on July 21st. Seven days to love, enjoy, speak truth to, laugh with and instruct 12 grandchildren. What are the verses saying to you today?

“What is that in your hand?”

07/05/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

WHAT DO WE HAVE RIGHT NOW TO USE TO FURTHER GOD’S KINGDOM?

Exodus 4:1-5 (NIV) “Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”

²Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A staff,” he replied.

³The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”

Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.⁴Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. ⁵“This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

At a recent Christian Writers Conference Steve and I attended, the above verses were used as the basis for a keynote address we heard by Eva Marie Everson. In that context, Ms. Everson was reminding us of both the power and responsibility we have as writers to use our “pens” (writing tools — which are probably computer keyboards in most cases) carefully, wisely and with excellence.

Moses used every imaginable excuse to try to talk God out of choosing him to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. But, for every excuse, God had a ready answer. I think God is still asking us that same question — “WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?” What do I have that I can use to show God to a lost world?

Photo used by permission from Wikimedia Commons.

In my case, and very likely in your case as well, the answer to that question has changed as my life circumstances have changed.

I remember when my answer would have been: “A baby. A diaper. A spoon to use while I feed my child. A soft blanket for snuggling.”

From high school days until about 18 years ago, the answer I thought God wanted to hear was: “The black and white keys of the piano, organ or synthesizer I was playing at the time.” Or maybe He wanted me to say, “A gradebook. My lesson plans. Rhythm instruments. Music books,” during the years I was teaching public school.

During our missionary years, I was likely to answer, “My Spanish language book, my Spanish Bible, my computer for organizing volunteer groups and typing newsletters to prayer partners. Pots, pans, dishes, produce from the market used in preparing meals for our many guests.”

But, I believe God is still asking — “Connie, what are you holding in your hand NOW that I can use to demonstrate My power, My presence, My love to those you come in contact with?”

I have a home to share with family, friends and people I’ve yet to meet.

I have a refrigerator and pantry full of groceries to serve those who come as guests or to share with people in need.

I have a listening ear and a probing nature. I want to hear another person share what is on his/her heart and maybe make their burdens seem a little bit lighter.

I have a marriage that has been blessed by God and can hopefully be used as a source of experience and encouragement to others.

I have a quiver full of grandchildren to love, nurture and encourage to go out into the world and be all that God intends for them to be. As a bonus, over half of the grands live close enough that I can be their piano teacher if they have an interest.

I have a lifetime full of Bible knowledge that I can pour into anyone who will listen.

I have a Clipboard of Fun, as it has been dubbed by friends and family members. That’s their way of acknowledging my intense desire to devise and implement a plan. This comes in mighty handy in the weeks leading up to Cousins Camp. And, yes, there is a literal clipboard, given to me by some friends who know me well.

I have this blog with the purpose of informing, inspiring, confronting, challenging and igniting a spark of interest.

So, rather than lamenting the fact that my children are grown and independent now or feeling wistful that I’m no longer helping to lead worship by playing a keyboard instrument, I am called to use what I have NOW with Kingdom purposes in mind.

How would YOU answer God’s question? What are you holding in YOUR hand?

GOD ASKS: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

06/28/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

A WOMAN IS CONFRONTED WITH HER SIN – Genesis 3:13

I am 100% certain that God wasn’t asking for Eve’s resume or her list of life accomplishments. Instead, God was directly confronting Eve’s very direct disobedience to His explicit instructions. In my sanctified imagination, God’s voice was booming in this case. Definitely not a still, small whisper.

This is actually the 4th question posed by God in Genesis 3. We talked about the first question last week — “Where are you?” God’s 2nd question was “Who told you that you were naked?” His 3rd was “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” And then the most pointed one of the 4, “What is this you have done?“

Adam passed the buck to Eve. Eve passed the buck to the serpent. But, in the end, she knew she was caught. She believed the serpent and disobeyed God. Now she’d have to suffer the consequences, and so would all of mankind after her. God’s words must have rumbled deep in her soul.

I am both grateful and deeply burdened by God’s ability to know my sin and call me on it without accepting any excuses. And, I don’t care if it appears that I’ve “gotten off lightly.” I KNOW there are consequences for every one of my sins.

When I lied to my parents.

When I had hateful thoughts toward another person.

When I wanted what someone else had.

When I was overly critical of someone else and not willing to acknowledge my own faults.

When I lashed out in anger.

When my motives weren’t pure.

When I was jealous.

When I was selfish.

When my impatience showed up in rash decisions or thoughtless words.

Every time. EVERY time. God caught up with me and said, “Connie, what have you done?” or “Connie, what are you doing?” And, most of the time, His words boomed — at least inside my head.

Caught red-handed. Photo used by permission of Wikimedia Commons

Believe me, my list of sins is MUCH longer than that, but those are between God and me.

I praise God for His promise to forgive me. ” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

We sin. We’re sorry. We ask for forgiveness. God forgives us. But we still have to face the consequences. In Eve’s case, she and Adam were thrown out of the Garden of Eden and never allowed back in. Things were never perfect for them again.

God said the same words to Cain in Genesis 4:10, right after He asked him “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain answered with guilty indifference. “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

Look at the punishment God pronounced on Cain in chapter 4 verses 11-12. Sometimes the consequences we suffer are immediate. Other times they are drawn out over many years, even carrying over to the next generation.

Wouldn’t it be better if we heard God’s voice asking us this question BEFORE we gave in and committed the sin in the first place? He knows when we’re contemplating a sin and when we carry it out, and it always causes our relationship with Him to suffer.

I have some sins I need to confess this morning, this very minute, so my relationship with God can be right again. What about you?

GOD ASKS: WHERE ARE YOU?

06/21/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

THE QUEEN OF QUESTIONS HAS THE TABLES TURNED AND NEEDS TO GIVE SOME ANSWERS

The name I’ve been bestowed by my children and husband is “Queen of Questions.” If you’ve spent much time with me, you can appreciate how this happened. I call it being curious, but you can imagine how my nature gets in the way of a teenager’s quest to spread his/her wings and fly . . . under the radar.

In my job as a travel writer and blogger, my tendency and ability to ask questions comes in very handy. After all, I’m constantly seeking information and interviewing. I always want to know just a little bit more.

Recently, while attending the Southern Christian Writers Conference, I heard keynote speaker Eva Marie Everson address the topic of “What Do You Hold In Your Hand?” She was talking about the power and potential that writers have with the “pens” we use, but her title was drawn from God’s question to Moses in Exodus 4:2 (NIV)- “Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.” As we know, Moses ended up using that staff for many purposes during the wilderness journey, and it became a symbol of God’s power.

Ms. Everson’s speech stirred my curiosity to examine more of God’s questions in the Bible. Since God is omniscient, we know He wasn’t asking because He needed information. Why would GOD ask questions? It seems to me that God asked His questions for OUR benefit. We need to answer. We need to understand not just what is on the surface of the words He spoke but what is hidden in the layers underneath. God’s questions also reveal so much about Who He is, what His desires are, what His purposes for us are. God wants to direct us, teach us, have a relationship with us, watch us grow. Throughout the Bible, there are many times when He doesn’t stop and preach to us. Instead, He asks questions in order for us to dig out the answers for ourselves — knowing that that effort will ultimately yield better results.

So, for me, the tables are turned. I’m “in the hot seat,” so to speak. It’s time for ME to answer. This week I’ve been thinking about God’s question to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:9 and how that applies to me at this point in my life. Connie (insert your own name), where are you?

Searching for “The One” – Photo used by permission from Wikimedia Commons

I’ll share a few of my answers with you, but I strongly urge you to answer the question for yourself in these three categories:

Where am I physically?

Where am I emotionally?

Where am I spiritually?

Physically, I’m on Barkley Bridge Road in Hartselle, Alabama. After moving a number of times from 2002 until now, I am glad to be settled into the place I hope to be — “from here to Peck’s.” After going through a big health scare in early March, I am grateful to be in very good health. I could always improve physically by exercising more and making healthier food choices — both are constant challenges for me.

Emotionally, I love my husband, children and grandchildren and get tremendous emotional fulfillment from all of them. There are always issues regarding them in my prayers, but generally they are doing well, and they bring me great joy.

I’m feeling my age as it pertains to my place in the Grand Scheme of Things. I’ve had my 50-year class reunion. I’ll be 70 on my next birthday. Steve and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in less than 2 years. We’re card-carrying Baby Boomers with Social Security and Medicare cards. We’re at “that” stage of life where we would logically be the next to die. Sometimes that weighs rather heavily.

It makes me sad to see many of my peers dying or in very bad health. I know that God knows the number of my days, and I guess I’m glad I don’t. But I do hope to have more good years — as long as they really are GOOD.

Spiritually. Ahh, now here’s the rub. I am a child of God, and I know that I will spend eternity with Him in heaven, but what about in the meantime? Steve and I are LOVING the new Life Group we are leading in church, and I am glad to have this blog as a vehicle for sharing spiritual insights God gives me. But, this is an area of my life where I always feel I can improve. More time in prayer. More time studying the Bible. More time serving others. I want to know Him deeply and to be in a strong relationship with Him.

“WHERE ARE YOU?” God asked Adam and Eve, and I believe He continues to ask us in order for us to stop and take stock of our lives.

Tags