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Posted on August 17, 2021 by beverlyeash

The book of Acts records the beginning of the church in Jerusalem as the apostles testified regarding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the first few chapters of Acts, it is recorded that thousands of people became followers of Jesus and the church was born.

Acts also records the spectacular conversion of Paul and his subsequent trips to take the gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible. He went first to the Jews and, when they did not respond, he took the message to the Gentiles.

In Acts 17, Paul is in the city of Athens. The people of Athens worshipped many gods, even erecting a statue to “The Unknown God” just in case there was one they missed. The didn’t want to offend a deity. Paul attempts to tell these people about Jesus and he did so by recognizing the multiple gods they worshipped and then used the statue to “The Unknown God” as a segue to Jesus. Simply speaking, it didn’t work. It was a brilliant idea as human wisdom goes, but it didn’t break through the barriers in the hearts and minds of the Athenians.

18He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” 19Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. 20“You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” 21(It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.)

Acts 17:18-21

And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. 24“He is the God who made the world and everything in it.

Acts 17:23-24

When Paul left Athens, he visited the city of Corinth where he stayed for several years. His efforts were much more fruitful, resulting in a thriving, growing, albeit troubled, church. It seems he changed his tactics after leaving Athens.

1When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

I am impressed by Paul’s adaptability. I am also challenged by the simplicity of his message to Corinth. After trying the impressive human wisdom approach in Athens, he cut the fat from his message and stuck to the plain facts. “Jesus came, lived, died and rose again. He did it for you and me. This salvation he offers is a free gift. Would you like to accept it?”

I make it life so complicated at times. Sure, there are ways to craft the message to reach a particular audience, but maybe the simplest approach is the best. I ask myself how I can follow Paul’s example and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than my own cleverness.

In what way are you relying on your own wisdom, persuasion or cleverness to accomplish a task when the simple approach coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit would be more effective?

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Posted on August 16, 2021 by beverlyeash

There is a nursery rhyme about the wise old owl who lived in an oak that goes like this:

A wise old owl sat in an oak,
The more he heard, the less he spoke;
The less he spoke, the more he heard;
Why aren’t we all like that wise old bird?

Author Unknown

The moral of this rhyme is that wisdom increases when we listen more and talk less.

Wisdom, according to scripture, belongs to the white-haired people (Proverbs 20:29) and those who listen more than they speak (James 1:19). It is even possible for a fool to be thought wise if he keeps silent.

28Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 17:28

Paul, in his letter to Corinth, reminds the church that the wisdom of God doesn’t look like we might expect. He says this:

20So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. . . . Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25

Some days I am tempted to feel foolish. Foolish for holding tightly to the power of God through Christ’s death on the cross. Foolish for writing, speaking, living with Christ at the front. The enemy whispers to me, telling me I’m a joke. I recognize his voice and the feelings it stirs in me.

What about you? Do you ever feel foolish for something you’ve done? A word you have spoken? A kind gesture?

I agree with the nursery rhyme in that I learn so much when I listen and wait to speak. It gives the Holy Spirit opportunity to reveal secrets I would not otherwise know. But remember, even a fool looks wise when he is silent. If the Lord gives you something to do or say or write — Do it! Say it! Write it! Even if the world thinks it’s foolish.

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Posted on August 13, 2021 by beverlyeash

This week has been a stormy one. Three days in a row, powerful thunderstorms moved through our area. High winds caused trees to blow over and power to go out in many places. The debris in my yard is unlike anything we have experienced in the fifteen years we have lived here.

As I look out over my yard, I consider the work I need to do in order to restore order. I also consider how this mess corresponds to life.

Some of the debris in my yard is leaves that just couldn’t hang on when the winds came through.

Some of the debris in my yard is small branches that supported new leaves and growth this year but the wind was too much for them to stay attached.

Some of the debris in my yard is small branches that were knocked off their supporting limbs when a larger limb fell from higher up in the tree.

Some of the debris in my yard is large branches that grew weak over time. When all was calm, the branch could hang on, but when the storm moved through the lack of strength caused the limb to break off and fall to the ground.

Some of the debris in my yard is dead branches. Branches and limbs I watched and wondered how I could get them out of the trees. The wind came and assisted that process and now the branch that was not bearing leaves came crashing down.

Sometimes in life, I try to support more activity or responsibility than I can do well. I say yes too often, I agree to one more thing, I attempt to do too much. Then along comes some sort of storm and the weak, dead, peripheral things break off. Somehow they fall by the wayside or I wreck myself trying to keep them alive.

I truly am in awe of storms. I respect the wind and what it can do. And I am grateful for what it does to bring the dead and weak branches out of my trees. I believe that what is left will have more nutrients to truly prosper and produce beauty.

I am also grateful for the storms of life that expose the “too much” in my life. It is only when I allow the Holy Spirit to prune the excess from my life that I will produce the best fruit in greater measure.

1“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

John 15:1-4

The trees in my yard we intentionally pruned weathered the storm just fine. It is the ones we can’t prune that took a beating from the storm. It is when I submit to the Gardner and his pruning that I will be truly productive and bear more fruit.

Has your life become overcrowded and filled with too much? Maybe it’s time for a good pruning so that you can really be productive and fruitful! Do it now before a storm comes and helps. It’s less painful to submit voluntarily!

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Posted on August 12, 2021 by beverlyeash

4Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 16And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols?

2 Corinthians 6:14-16

This passage is often referenced in regard to marriage. Of course, it has relevance when one is looking for a life partner since marriage is the representation of Christ and the church. It is a best practice for a follower of Jesus to unite himself or herself with a likeminded person.

It is a disservice to the intent to limit the application of this pericope just to marriage. I believe this passage references something broader than marriage. Previously in his letter, Paul acknowledges the partnership humans share with Christ to be his ambassadors in the world. The responsibility to persuade others of God’s love for them through Jesus weighed heavily on Paul. His concern is that, as God’s partners, we might receive God’s great gift of kindness (salvation) and then ignore it. (2 Corinthians 6:1)

My ignorance is displayed when I do not allow the intimacy of partnership with Jesus to change what I do and how I live. This can especially be seen in those I choose to team up with. Who do I choose as partners? Who influences how I live and the decisions I make?

The warning simply stands that joining arms with unbelievers is not a best practice. How does that display intimacy and oneness of purpose with God? How can I walk in light when I join with someone who walks in darkness? Am I hoping my light will be enough for both of us?

God has promised to walk among us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. He will be our God and we will be his people. Therefore, our lives should show it. Honesty in business. Graciousness in speech. Kindness in actions. Integrity even when it hurts. Fairness in providing a product or service.

I invite you to consider Paul’s words to the believers in the early church —

1Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Have you formed a partnership in some manner with unbelievers? What do you need to do to move toward complete holiness?

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Posted on August 11, 2021 by beverlyeash

Nothing is quite as sweet in a relationship as single-mindedness. I admit, my passion for The Cabin was kindled long before Dave’s. I envisioned what it could be, how it might be utilized, the lives that would be blessed as a result of spending time in retreat from the every day demands. Dave saw the amount of capital it would take to accomplish the task of restoration.

One Sunday morning, as I enjoyed a few quiet moments on the deck before church, I asked Jesus about restoring The Cabin. I sensed him saying, “Just do it!” and I shared this revelation with Dave on the drive to church. He hadn’t heard those words! At first, irritation rose up and clouded my mind. Why can’t he be more like me??!!

In retrospect, I am glad I didn’t let Irritation have the last word. The process of restoring The Cabin has been much more enjoyable because we enjoy koinonia – singleness of purpose!

1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship {koinonia} together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Philippians 2:1-2

Marriage isn’t the only relationship where singlemindedness benefits me. In Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he pleads with them to live out of their partnership with Jesus. The questions he asks are rhetorical — meaning he doesn’t expect for them to answer them because the answers are obvious. Of course, there is encouragement in a relationship with Christ. Of course, there is comfort in knowing I am unconditionally loved. Of course, there is fellowship with the Spirit! Because of all we experience in an intimate relationship with Jesus, let’s act like it with one another.

Do you see how the security of a relationship with Jesus allows you to securely love others? If this is not your experience, I wonder if something is amiss. Here is something to check — if I experience human love imperfectly, I project that imperfection onto God’s love for me and I experience something other than intimate fellowship with the Creator of my soul. Is your view of God’s love correct? Has it been marred or twisted in some way by imperfect love from another human?

If you find this to be true, it is imperative to find someone to talk with about it. Ask Jesus who that person might be and run to them! If you are unsure who to talk to, send my a private message and I will be happy to do some holy listening!

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Posted on August 10, 2021 by beverlyeash

What does it mean to be invited into partnership with Jesus? I meditated on that during moments of wakefulness overnight. My finite mind can only compare this with what I know about human partnerships. Am I even able to comprehend what it means to partner with Jesus?

In human partnerships, I assume there is some semblance of equality; equality in what is brought into the relationship. This might be equal resources or time devoted to the success of an endeavor. Perhaps one partner brings resources, another brings a greater commitment of time. Of this I am sure, there is no equality in my partnership with Jesus.

He invites me, equips me, provides the resources and ingenuity. I am a grateful recipient of the gift of the Holy Spirit who guides me and teaches me along the way. This overwhelming opportunity, according to scripture, results in generosity toward others and a willingness to live with open hands.

42All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship {koinonia}, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

3For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing {koinonia} in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 8:3-4

6And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity {koinonia} that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

Philemon 1:6

This is my prayer for myself and you, my readers, today. May we understand our partnership with Jesus so clearly that it changes the way we live, think, act, feel and respond. May we live with generous, open hearts and hands coming from a faith that understands and experiences all the good things we have in Christ.

One final thought . . . this generosity is material resources, of course. But it is more than that. In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he asked him to generously forgive Onesimus. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave and he ran away. Encountering Paul along the way, Onesimus received the gift of salvation through Jesus. Paul sends him back to Philemon with this letter, asking Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Generosity in forgiveness.

Generosity of material resources is easy. Partnership with Jesus requires the harder sacrifice of generosity of forgiveness — receiving those we would rather overlook.

Just a thought . . .

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Posted on August 9, 2021 by beverlyeash

I love fires. Not the type that rage in my home state of Montana at this time of year, but campfires. The contained fire one lights to sit around to roast marshmallows or hot dogs. The ones we gather around on cool, fall evenings to tell stories and tall tales.

Campfires played a role in my life as long as I can remember. As a young adult, I spent many hours around a fire at youth retreats listening to moving testimonies of a life transformed by Christ. Later as an adult, I gathered around a fire with family and friends to just share life’s experiences.

Fire is mesmorizing and seems to bring out the contemplative in most people. Perhaps that is why we brought out the guitar and sang campfire songs like, “It Only Takes a Spark,” or “Kumbaya, My Lord.” There is a sense of serenity and calm that comes with fireside sitting, at least for me. Koinonia comes to mind.

Koinonia is a Greek word often associated with Christian fellowship. Used in scripture to describe a relationship between two individuals, it bears exploring. According to the Greek dictionary, koinonia is “an association of close mutual relationship and involvement with another; an alliance with another either formally or informally. There is an implication of intimacy, singleness of purpose, trust of another, sharing of material goods, and harmony rather than hostility.”

Bless those who read the whole definition because I know it seems a bit long. There is an important concept I want to explore involving the principle of koinonia. If you skipped the definition, I invite you to pause, rewind and read it slowly.

8He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership {koinonia} with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:8-9

This is a power house statement Paul makes to the church in Corinth and, ultimately, to you and me. Two statements stand out to me. First, I will be blameless when Christ returns because God is doing something in me! That is powerful. It isn’t me and I’m not alone. It is HIM in me that accomplishes the work.

Secondly, I am invited into partnership with Jesus! This is amazing. The invitation exists for me to be in a close mutual relationship with Jesus Christ that involves intimacy, singleness of purpose, trust, provision and harmony!

Only once did I consider a partnership with someone. We discussed the venture, considered the capital that would be needed and went our separate ways to pray about it. It did not happen.

This is different. I am invited to partner with the Creator of the universe. Let’s face it – I don’t bring much to the table. Just my self and my willingness to be in relationship. The rest — that comes from HIM!

Have you responded to the invitation? Today, I needed to be reminded that my life isn’t lived on my own but out of a partnership with Jesus. I needed to remember that he has the business plan, not me. You see, I often forget. I grow confused and anxious, afraid I will fumble the ball. I needed the reminder to pause and get quiet with Jesus to hear the next steps, to get in step with his purpose.

I invite you to pause, take a deep breath and ask Jesus to show you the next steps for your life. He will do it because he is faithful to his promises!

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Posted on August 6, 2021 by beverlyeash

8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Alertness should characterize a follower of Jesus. It is when I become unaware that the danger increases.

I surely don’t mean anyone ought to look for Satan behind every bush — the words, events, happenings of our normal days. We do live in a broken, troubled world so it is in the natural course of living we encounter difficult times. Sometimes these are the work of the enemy; sometimes it is the byproduct of living in an “already but not yet” world. {We are already experiencing restoration to the way God intended but we are not yet there.}

Yesterday we saw that one of Satan’s schemes is unforgiveness. If he can persuade me to live with bitterness in my heart, he has a greater chance of derailing me. And he loves nothing more than to kill the joy and life God intends for me. (See John 10:10 where it says, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”)

I want to expose another of his schemes because, after all, we don’t want to be unaware!

4Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

2 Corinthians 4:4

When I consider this verse, I realize those who don’t follow Jesus can’t in their present state of blindness; they can’t see the truth!

I was visting my daughter one evening and my four year old granddaughter wanted to show me what her Papa bought for her. She instructed me to close my eyes and she would lead me to it. I didn’t know how I felt about being led across the patio by a four year old with my eyes closed, but I dutifully shut them tight and allowed her to lead me. I had no concept of where I was or how far I had walked until she told me to open my eyes. In essence, my eyes were blinded for just a hot second.

The only way for me to see was to have my eyes opened. Just as lack of forgiveness derails a person, so blindness will prevent him from seeing the truth that is right before him.

Ask for the blinders to be removed. Pray for God to render the schemes of the enemy ineffective and unproductive. He can and he will thwart the plans of the enemy!

10The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations {enemy} and thwarts all their {his} schemes. 11But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Psalm 33:10-11

Already we know the life that Jesus promised, but it is not yet as it will be. Stand firm! Be alert! We are not ignorant of the enemie’s schemes!

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Posted on August 5, 2021 by beverlyeash

Sunday I flew home from Montana. In between flights, I visited the bathroom. On my way to wash my hands, I noticed the woman in front of my had a bit of toilet paper stuck to her leg. For just a second, I wondered if I should tell her because I didn’t want to embarrass her. But just that quickly, I knew I had to. NO ONE wants to walk around with toilet paper stuck to her leg — NO ONE!!!

It was so simple to tell her and she was grateful. It didn’t embarrass her, it didn’t embarrass me. It was the kind, polite, respectful thing to do.

Wednesday morning I received a text message from my sister asking about my Tuesday post. I quickly replied with what I thought was an accurate explanation of my post being dated wrongly. Clearly I misunderstood. She sent another clarifying text so I decided I better check it. Much to my surprise, the post for August 3 wasn’t at all right. Hmmm! What might have happened?

When I could, I powered up my computer to see if I could identify the trouble. It took about 3 minutes for me to determine what happened. It saddened me to realize I had changed the date and updated the post but in reality I had reverted the post to an earlier stage of writing. The post that appeared was about a third of my final writing for that day.

Don’t bother looking for the August 3 post. I trashed it because I didn’t have the energy to rewrite it. I thought it was brilliant but apparently it was expendable.

Next time you see someone with toilet paper on her shoe or the back of her leg, let her know. She doesn’t want it there. Next time you see my post doesn’t make sense, let me know. I don’t ever mean to finish mid-story! Thank you, Sharon, for letting me know it wasn’t up to snuff!! So grateful!

32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Who can you show kindness to today? Whether it be kindness, forgiveness or tenderheartedness, do it quickly without delay!

For those interested, I posted the rock art my sisters, mom and I did while together. I will post it again for anyone who didn’t get the full post on Monday!

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Posted on August 4, 2021 by beverlyeash

The last number of fictional books I’ve read were historical fiction based on the effects of World War II in France. The authors revealed the devastation of war on the land, people and livelihood of the French people as well as the diverse ways the people responded to the German invasion. The read is sobering and yet inspiring.

The story always identified individuals who responded with courage to a vicious enemy attempting to steal their freedoms. In order for these people to overcome, they needed to know the tactics the enemy employed. Then, they exploited the weakness of the enemy. In this way, many were saved from certain doom by the strength and courage of ordinary people doing extraordinary tasks.

Recently in my Bible reading, I read from Paul’s second letter to the believers in Corinth. He says this:

7Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. . . . 10When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

2 Corinthians 2:7-11 emphasis mine

One time Peter asked Jesus, “How often should I forgive my brother?” Seven times wasn’t enough. Jesus said he should forgive 70 times 7. Four hundred and ninety times. Seven, in the Bible, is the number of perfection, completion. Seventy is ten times seven which intensifies the perfection. Imagine 70 times 7. I think Jesus meant we should stop counting.

Perhaps it is because holding a grudge, refusing to forgive, is allowing ourselves to be outsmarted by the enemy. Unforgiveness is one of his most effective evil schemes.

The aspect of unforgiveness I so often forget is that it hurts me more than the one I am upset with. The target of my animosity is likely unaware of the churning I have in my gut, the sleepless nights I endure, the hostility and hurt I feed. She is going on with her life.

Who in your life needs released through forgiveness? Who can you reaffirm in love so that the enemy does not get the upper hand? You see, we aren’t unaware of the enemy’s schemes! Do something extraordinary and exploit the enemy’s weakness by forgiving someone today!

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