Seeds For Thinking

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* Barriers
* Scripture: Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you -- Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (from John 14:27., NKJV)

Talk about the need to play catch-up! There she stood, gazing over the two fences bordering the highway, ears erect, the distance between them rapidly increasing. The other deer had quickly cleared the fences, their white flag tails flashing in the morning light, and were already at the far side of the field. This one still stood, almost looking like one of those yard statues, but I wasn't about to move my car until she crossed the road. All at once, she ducked her head and went through a hole in the fence!
Once hesitant, she was now almost a blur of motion, racing after the others. I couldn't help but give a chuckle of surprise, because I fully expected her to do a follow the leader up OVER the fence.
I guess one lesson learned from this incident is to always expect the unexpected!
Deer are so plentiful in our area, and we have watched them so often, that we just normally expect them to jump fences. I counted as ten deer moved across our fields the previous evening. Up would flash their distinctive white tails, up and over the three or four fences they would go, then follow their well-worn trail into the creek bottoms where they spend their evenings.
My wife and I went out to feed our livestock one evening, and encountered two half-grown deer behind the barn. One was in the fenced lane, and panicked when we appeared. It charged the fence head-on, thrusting its head between the wires. Like a vertical trampoline, the fence bounced the deer back on its haunches. Again and again that deer charged the fence, until I became concerned that it would break its neck. We withdrew into the barn, and the pair slowly made their way along the fence. They must have finally remembered what mama had told them about fences, cleared them easily, and disappeared into the adjoining woods.
Sometimes we, too, panic when we see a barrier separating us from something we very deeply desire. Something blocking the way; a weight pulling us down. We stand, immobilized, anxious, watching our hopes dim in the distance.
When the deer in these illustrations finally realized that they had by nature the answer to the problem that confronted them, they did what God intended, and jumped those barriers!
What a panicky time when we see God seemingly fade into the distance. However, God intended by nature that we should desire Him, and come unto Him. Ask, and you will receive peace and comfort.
March 19, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. (Psalm 139: 7-8, NKJV)

I have always been inquisitive about the nature of things, especially about how things work, and how they are made. The search for answers sometimes leads to a look at the insides of stuff, even if it takes a large hammer.
This trait has been passed on to at least some of my children and their children, possibly through example, though I have been instructed to counsel such that, if they desire to disembowel devices, that they do it “at Grandpa’s.”
I remember asking my father, at a tender age, what used to be fastened to some holes in a piece of farm machinery. He commented brusquely, that I ought to know, as I was the one who took it apart. And so it goes.
I must admit that technology has advanced the state of assembly and construction so that there is no longer much to be seen inside of the typical iGadget. A digital watch has no springs or gears. A radio or other electronic device is filled with little dots of stuff that might as well be spatters of pancake batter. In the old fashioned radio, even individual parts could be taken apart. Things glowed, things moved, things excited.
Curiosity. We all have it to some degree, but most seem to subdue the desire for greater knowledge and, without ceremony or inquisitive glance, toss things into the trash. What a waste!
We may deride the philosophers of old who argued about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin, but at least they sought answers to subjects beyond our realm. As the Psalmist noted, the nature of God mattered; His domain was infinite and eternal. Heaven and hell (some texts read “Sheol”) were real places, destinations for the soul after this earthly existence.
Granted, there are some things which I don’t wish to experience, and other things beyond my grasp.
The dream-spinners of Hollywood have their own vision of angels and other heavenly beings, but seemingly delight more in the most horrific depictions of evil and satanic behaviors. That is one genre I willingly pass by.
Many beliefs focus on physical attributes of the heavenly realm, such as a better place than this earth, including elaborate gardens, carpets, banquets, cooling drinks, sex, and other bodily comforts. Others may be attracted to visions of gates of pearl, streets of gold, and seas of crystal. Debate is also ongoing about the location of ‘paradise.’
Beliefs in a life different from what humans daily experience have been around for a long time, judging from literature over the ages, and from most religions. Accordingly, ancient Egyptians believed that the unjust were tormented in scorching heat, while those living in accordance with cosmic order and justice rose into the eternal realm of the gods. Greek mythology had the souls of the dead descending to the shadowy underworld of Hades, where they seemed to lead a joyless existence.
Perhaps there is a deeper reality that my human mind is incapable of formulating concepts like heaven that are rooted in the ultimate and entire reality of the cosmos. For many, heaven means being in the presence of the eternally just and merciful God.
I choose to not worry about the physical properties, or the location, but to rely on Jesus’ promise that He has prepared a place for those who call upon His name. (See John 14:2)
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

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Scripture: Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . “ Philippians 4:11b, NIV
I must admit that I have difficulty associating Paul with a lackadaisical attitude toward anything. His writings, and those of Luke in the Book of Acts, seem to describe a man of action in both word and deed. As Saul the student, he reacted strongly and decisively toward what he perceived to be a corruption of God’s laws and customs. He was not only “breathing out murderous threats” against those who were following The Way, but took action by going to the high priest to obtain authority to take both men and women prisoner, and bring them to trial for their perceived apostasy. (Acts 9:1-2)
Paul and Barnabas had such a “sharp disagreement” concerning John Mark that they parted company, Paul taking Silas, and Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus. (Acts 15:36-41.
No, Paul did not laze back in matters of faith, practice, or belief and let what ever condition he saw slide by without concern. He spoke out, and put his concerns into actions.
What, then, is Paul talking about when he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” in Philippians 4:11?
This is another instance where we can not take the word out of context. Paul is explaining that he is willing to accept the situation in which he finds himself as an opportunity to serve God, without consideration of payment or physical amenities. He was not giving priority to things that would merely contribute to his comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. In fact, the Living Bible translates Paul’s words here as, “I have learned to get along happily whether I have much or little.” Take time to read the full passage of Philippians 4:10-20. He is thanking the church at Philippi for their previous aid and gifts, and is explaining that he had not written them seeking monetary support, but to share the Word with them, and bolster their faith in what ever way he could.
We need to examine our own lives and thoughts and see if we can relate to Paul’s words. It is sometimes difficult to accept the cross we have been given to carry, to endure the thorns to reach the fruit. We seek things that would merely contribute to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. The irritations of life take our focus from the vision of serving the One who gave His all for us.
Consider that we may have been placed where we are because God has a task for us there. Look at what we have an opportunity to accomplish, not at what we have not. It may be possible - just possible - that we have been placed with that irritating associate, the demanding boss, the fractionous situation not to bristle, but to bloom, not to be comfortable, but to be Christlike.
December 7, 2003

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Job said, “My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of wailing. Job 30:31, NIV
“Into each life, some rain must fall.”
No, I’m not talking about the weather we have been having lately, but the old maxim (proverb) about things happening that we would just as soon not have happen. Misfortune, trouble, grief. A horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day. Days of sadness, and Job was having a few!
Job describes the many things he has done for people during his life. “I was like one who comforts mourners,” he states in a discourse to his friends. (Job 29:25b) Now, his friends do little to comfort Job. Visit him, yes. Their conversation centers on the goodness of God, and how God blesses those who keep His commandments. There is no question that Job has been blessed, both in family, possessions, and respect of the people. Until now. Surely (they claim) Job has committed some great transgression to deserve such a calamity as has befallen him.
In essence, Job is accused of “sowing trouble and reap(ing) it” (4:8) and now he is destroyed by the breath of God. Job protests his innocence, saying, “I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.” (Job 27:6)
Never-the-less, Job has little to cheer him up these days. His soul is filled with sadness, his spirit with wailing.
We have probably all been there at one time or another. Having a horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day. There are two sides to this issue of “comforting mourners.” On one side is the one who is distressed; on the other, those who would bring comfort. From time to time we may be either. Does it help to say, as many have, “Into each life, some rain must fall.”? While true, it helps no more than the many words of advice from Job’s friends. Words that God found objectionable.
Studies of the Book of Job seem to skip over a very important part of the Epilogue - Chapter 42:7-16. Job never does find out why the Lord has brought such calamity to him. Yes! He “repents in dust and ashes.” (42:6) And is blessed “the latter part of (his) life more than the first.
Ahh! But take time to read those few verses having to do with the “comforting of the mourner” by the three friends, vss. 7-9.
Does that not mean that we are to be held accountable for our advice? Do we blithely chirp, “It’s God’s will. . . “ rain will fall” . . . etc. ? We should be God’s servant to comfort, not condemn, the mourner. Take time to read Job again, and imagine that you are one of the friends comforting Job.
June 9, 2002

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Scripture: The Psalmist said, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1, NIV
Have we lost our sense of awe and wonder? We all seem to take so much for granted these days. We have so much, and we expect it to all be perfect, never failing, ready to go at a moment’s notice. Appliances, vehicles, utilities - just normal, everyday conveniences.
People sometimes become very irate at, say, the electric company if the power goes out. Never mind that a severe storm has toppled poles and tangled wires, the company should NEVER let anything interfere with comfort, convenience and enjoyment.
Never mind that many of us so-called senior citizens remember a time when there was no electricity in rural areas. No television to null us into oblivion. Born before 1922? Broadcast radio began that year. Listening to news, music, and entertainment coming out of a strange box . . . now that was marvelous! Running outside when you heard an engine, especially if it was in the air, flying. Exciting!
People noticed the heavens . . . the sun, moon, stars. Farmers told the time by the position of the shadows. They looked through the glass out of the box (house) to ascertain the weather, not into a box (TV) and marveled at the signs God placed to signal what the day would likely bring. Now, there is so much light near cities that it is difficult to even see the stars.
So much that we value these days is artificial. Gadgets, toys, collectables, adulation of “stars’ in movies, television and music, lists of what’s IN and what’s OUT. Million dollar athletes; a here-today, gone tomorrow society. No long-term commitment, even in personal relationships. Children? Maybe to marry, maybe not. Probably not for long.
Most of all, so many people see no reason to turn to the Lord, preferring the glitter of this world rather than the awe and wonder of God’s world.
What a blessing to take time to see God’s world as through the eyes of a child. So much to see, so much to learn! Every thing new and wonderful. Watch them; emulate them . . . the little children. Take time to experience it with them, and you will gain a new appreciation of the miracles we so often gloss over. Don’t fall into the habit of saying, “Oh that” (blah.) Become an “OH, WOW!!” person.
June 2, 2002

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: And there (Elijah) went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9, NKJV

Charles Schulz has created one of the worlds best known comic strips - Peanuts. We can readily find things the characters do that remind us of ourselves, or people we know. In one strip, Charlie Brown commented that life has its ups and downs. Lucy quickly replied that life should go from an up to an upper-up. There is a lot of Lucy in all of us. We want the ups but not the downs.
These special peaks of emotional or spiritual occurrence are sometimes called mountaintop experiences. Peter, James, and John had such an experience at Jesus Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). Elijah, too, experienced the special revelation and confirmation of God on the mountain top (I Kings 18:20-40). Queen Jezebel was not pleased with this victory over the Baal-worshipers! Rather than acknowledging the true God, Jezebel called for Elijah's death. Down from the mountain, Elijah seeks safety in a far land. He is convinced that he, and he alone, still worships the true God (I Kings 19:9,10.)
While we may not experience the heights and depths to the extreme that Elijah did, still, our own roller-coaster ride through life can be emotionally stressful. When we have achieved some accomplishment, the criticism is bound to come - lightning seeks the tallest tower. Even though we may expect it to happen, unjust criticism still hurts, no matter how we try to shrug it off. This applies not only to ourselves, but also to all those who step out to be leaders and representatives for us. Do we desire comforting? So do they. Knowing how we feel, we should also know how others feel.
God went to Elijah's aid, to share comfort and advice with him (I Kings 19:11,12). We, too, need to be supportive of our leaders, to lend encouragement, to pray for them, to share our opinions, but also to listen to their opinions. A few still small voices saying "Thank you" or quietly offering advice will probably be more effective in the long-run than one big, vitriolic blast. Try it! 8/10/97

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Scripture: Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11, NKJV)

The September 1997 issue of Successful Farming magazine contained an article written by a woman who lost her son in a farm accident. Marilyn Adams tells how she had difficulty coping with the loss, and how it affected her relationship with her husband and stepchildren. She was advised by a counselor that only 10% of the marriages survive the death of a child. She even contemplated suicide. However, she gradually began to cope, to find healing, and to rejoin her family. She eventually went on to write a book, and to found a nonprofit organization, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. One of the positive factors in her healing process was a scripture passage she found outlined in her sons Bible.
The article intertwined with thoughts many people have concerning bad things happening to good people. There is no shortage of examples of bad things to think about, whether in the Bible, or in real life. The media are filled with stories of people who have suffered great loss. Occasionally, there is a follow-up article that details how the people have handled the situation.
Some are broken, destroyed by the trauma that has been inflicted on them. Others survive, turning inward, forever to carry the hurt like a never-healing wound. Some, like Marilyn Adams, become stronger because of her experience, turning a bad experience into something greater than she had ever imagined.
Now, because she reaches out to share with others who have experienced the death of a child, she finds that they in turn have become a source of healing for her also.

Her book is called "Rhythm Of the Seasons: A Journey Beyond Loss."
God has promised to help us cope with adversity. We can not let healing in unless we unlock the door - from inside! It is not always easy to reach out and turn that lock. We have to be assured that what is waiting outside is not more hurt. The courage and inspiration to open the door may come from a book, music, another person’s example, or a friend. Perhaps someone is waiting for you or me.

"Rhythm of the Seasons" (a video) tells the story of Marilyn Adams, who lost her 11-year-old son in a farm incident in 1986. Viewers are introduced to the son, the circumstances of his death, and the mother's first year of recovery. In this way, the audience learns about the grief and other experiences that accompanied this tragedy, and they also share in the inner world of the mother's healing as she finds a sense of purpose through this sad situation. A lesson plan using this video is also available on NASD. - National Ag Safety Database
http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/publications.html

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