The Lesson of the Washcloth

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joan C. Benson, cbn.cm

 

My longtime friend came for lunch, bounding in the door, effusing hugs and giggles with her signature enthusiasm for life. We hadn't seen each other in-person for several years, but as friends and sisters in Christ, we shared a history that spanned a few milestone-filled decades.

Anne handed me a small gift bag made of colorful cloth, ribbon-tied with flair. At her request, I emptied it onto the counter. Most of the items were practical, yet thoughtful goodies, including a devotional and Scripture verse. My eyes fell to a curious piece of knitting, a small rectangle of dark green yarn. Explaining how she was just learning to knit, Anne proudly held up her first project, a "washcloth." As she dangled the stitching between us, two rather sizable holes became obvious - not lacey, planned holes for effect. These were irregularly spaced holes where stitches had been accidentally lost.

"I don't know how those holes got in there," she announced with an infectious laugh. Thanking her for her thoughtfulness, we went on to enjoy our short time together as couples – eating, sharing, and celebrating friendship.

All too soon, it was time to part. When final goodbyes were said and our friends pulled away, I reached for the small swatch of knitting once more. I was genuinely moved, but I wasn't sure why. And then I began to understand its significance. Anne had entrusted me with her handiwork – though it was flawed. Would I have taken that risk, or would my pride have overruled?

The Bible tells us,

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, Colossians 3:12," (NLT).

I had witnessed my friend's spiritual fruit in action.

Tears bubbled up as I realized that Anne also trusted me with her imperfection. She wasn't looking for my approval. This small green square of knitting was a reminder of our long-held friendship, a journey not without its own trials and breaches of understanding. Just as Laban declared in Genesis 31:48: "This pile of stones will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today, (NLT)" I knew the washcloth stood as a witness of our covenant relationship. Though not perfect, we were bound together in Christ's love and forgiveness.

The Lord continued to layer His truths into my heart. What joy that we can come before the Heavenly Throne as imperfect products, flawed by sin, while our Heavenly Father sees us through the filter of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes," Ephesians 1:4 (NLT).

When we ask for forgiveness, despite our "holes," our sins, Father God cherishes us as His children. Indescribable grace and mercy!

"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins," Ephesians 1:7 (NLT).

It became clear that this little washcloth was much more than it would appear. It represented the way God has shown us to live in relationship with one another in the Body of Christ – with humility, trust, and love. It also shouted grace, mercy, and forgiveness – highlighting the loving Covenant with Father God. I knew then that this washcloth would not be used for washing dishes, but for teaching me how to live. Who would have imagined so much truth would be woven into a simple knitted washcloth?

"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

 

Does It Matter?

 

 

 

 

Kay Camenisch, cbn

 

After the "Amen," the six-year-old looked up and said, "You really love God, don't you?"

When Robert and I took our little friend for a hamburger, we held hands and had a blessing before we ate. Apparently, her family didn't do that, at least not in public.

Another time, we prayed before eating while in Brazil with two of our sons. We raised our heads to see a stranger leaning over our table. With tears in his eyes. he said, "One of these days, I will do this with my family."

He confessed to being unfaithful as a husband and father. His sinful lifestyle had destroyed his family. He'd become a Christian a year earlier, and his deepest desire was to see them come to know the Lord and for the family to be restored.

You might think, "Why not pray silently while putting my napkin in my lap? Does it matter if I bow to pray while in public?"

I'm sure God hears our prayer either way, so does it matter?

Both of these times, we were going about life, being ourselves, doing what we do. We had no idea we were being watched.

Our little friend observed and understood that we love God. The stranger at breakfast saw that we love God and each other. It quickened a longing deep in his heart and brought him to tears.

These situations made Paul's words to the Corinthians come alive for me,

"You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all." 2 Corinthians 3:2 (ESV)

Paul didn't need people to write commendations for him, because people could look at the Corinthians to see the effect of Paul's message in their lives. Likewise, others learn about God by watching us.

Robert's recent visit to pastors that his father worked with while planting churches in Brazil renewed the awareness that people read our lives, and that it matters what we do.

Time after time, people who knew his parents told of events or conversations that occurred through the course of their service there. None were big or spectacular, but they revealed lessons learned through daily life, lessons never forgotten.

One woman commented that Robert's mother always dressed nicely. Consequently, when she offered to drive her and a friend to the country to a party for a young bride, they copied her and dressed up for the occasion, so they would look their best.

However, when Mom arrived to pick them up, she greeted them, paused, and asked, "Have you thought about who we're going to see? These people don't have much. I think they'd be more comfortable if we dress simply when we visit with them." She kindly and gently sent them back to dress more simply.

She cared about others, and they learned from that experience to think of others too. And they loved her for it.

We do not live in a vacuum. We are letters whether we realize it or not, and whether we like it or not. The way we live reflects upon our family, workplace, church, and — if we call ourselves Christian — on our God.

As we go about life, people notice what we do and how we do it. They see whether we are angry and judgmental or kind and loving. What they read in us may be their only letter of recommendation about Jesus. Our actions or attitudes could lead them to turn their backs on Him.

On the other hand, many people have given their lives to the Lord because of the righteousness, peace, and joy — the testimony or commendation — they see in a believer.

Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

It Matters.

Paint by Number

 

 

Hannah Goodwyn, cbn.com

Life would be better if it was like a box of chocolates. You certainly never know what you’re going to get. But, life is much more than that. Nothing and no one controls your destiny, except you. Ultimately, you decide your future.

The other day, God showed me a vision – a picture of how to live my life.

The room was pitch black with a spotlight illuminating a small chair and a painting easel. Holding my palette of colors, I sat staring at the white, untouched canvas. Then, nothing happened.

As the blank canvas awaited my first stroke, my mind’s eye foresaw inspired colors covering the paper. Picking up my brush, I anxiously paused. Feelings of failure consumed me. What if I couldn’t make something beautiful of my life?

Ashamedly, as I lowered my brush, I whispered, “I don’t want to mess it up.”

God gave me a good life to work with. But, this is me we’re talking about. I could totally screw it all up. What if I change my mind mid-stroke, and then the painting – my life – doesn’t look right?

Life would be much simpler if it were just paint by number. You know… those pages in children’s coloring books where you fill in the right color paint in a shape with a corresponding number. That way, we all could follow a set pattern to make sure that whatever ends up happening on the canvas of our lives isn’t ugly.

Then, I heard a calming voice say, “That’s not what I want from you.”

God impressed upon me in that moment something I’ll never forget. Even as I struggle to find my place in His plan, I think back to this picture.

With a color-coordinated number in each sketched segment, the artist could easily follow the set system to fill in the painting. But, our lives aren’t meant to be replicas of past believers. We aren’t called to live our lives like our fathers or mothers. God has spoken us into existence to be ourselves, to fulfill our personal calling. No matter how outlandish your call may seem, the Lord has created you – and you alone – for it.

Right then, an overwhelming peace flooded my soul. As long as God is my focus, I can’t make my life anything that He won’t consider a beautiful work of art.

When faced with life-changing decisions, many of us rush into panic mode, frantically questioning our ability to make ourselves useful. Our imaginations can paint the worst pictures focusing on every possible bad outcome.

For the most part, God doesn’t reveal our entire life plan to us. But, that’s so He can show Himself faithful and give us the opportunity to obey Him. God wants us to willfully listen to His voice, not robotically respond to a pre-set life. He gave us free will to see what we would do of our own accord. Even if you make a wrong move, He will show you how to make what seems to be a failure a part of your life’s masterpiece.

Allow your life to be guided by the voice of a true artist. He won’t let you down.

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11, The Message)

My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: The Story Behind the Song

 

 

Kenneth W. Osbeck

“Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.” — William Penn

Moved deeply by the desire to create a national hymn that would allow the American people to offer praise to God for our wonderful land, a 24-year-old theological student, Samuel Francis Smith, penned these lines on a scrap of paper in less than 30 minutes in 1832. Yet even today many consider My Country, ‘Tis of Thee their favorite patriotic hymn and call it our “unofficial national anthem.”

The easily singable words of the song are matched with a popular international melody used by many nations, including England, where it accompanies “God Save the King/Queen.” The emotionally powerful ideas that Smith expressed had an immediate response. The hymn soon became a national favorite. The stirring tributes to our fatherland in the first three stanzas lead to a worshipful climax of gratefulness to God and a prayer for His continued guidance.

Following his graduation from Harvard and the Andover Theological Seminary, Samuel Smith became an outstanding minister in several Baptist churches in the East. He composed 150 hymns during his 87 years and helped compile the leading Baptist hymnal of his day. He was also editor of a missionary magazine through which he exerted a strong influence in promoting the cause of missions. Later he became the secretary of the Baptist Missionary Union and spent considerable time visiting various foreign fields. Samuel Smith was truly a distinctive representative of both his country and his God.

My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing:
Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From ev’ry mountain side let freedom ring!

My native country, thee, land of the noble free, thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills like that above.

Let music swell the breeze, and ring from all the trees sweet freedom’s song:
Let mortal tongues awake, let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God, to Thee, author of liberty, to Thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might, great God, our King!

True Freedom

 

 

Cathy Irvin, cbn.com

When you think about July 4th, what comes to mind?

Perhaps you think about a day off from work with picnics, fireworks, and those red, white and blue flags displayed in front yards along your neighborhood.

This is all good, but the one word that comes to my mind is freedom.

It is a fact that we live in the United States of America where we can voice our opinions freely and can vote for the people of our choice. These are very good reasons why we should never take our freedom for granted.

Each year, I notice that some people really go all out decorating for every holiday. For the 4th of July, I display my flag in the yard for the entire month. The flag means a lot to me because of those in my family who have been in wars. I have also had friends who served our country, and I have known some who did not come home in the past and present war.

My father served in World War II. My mother was a Red Cross volunteer during that war. My niece and her husband served in Desert Storm. I also have had loved ones in the Vietnam War and a friend recently in Afghanistan.

Because of their contributions in keeping us all free, I proudly display the flag.

Have you thought about the American flag and all that it stands for? This emblem of the greatest nation on earth is placed on graves of our honored dead who fought for us to remain a free nation, and it flies high during times of peace, as well as war. “Old Glory” is its name.

There is another real freedom we can have. We can display it every day of the year, and that is our freedom “In Christ” to live a life to glorify Him, so that His banner of love, truth and peace can be seen by all.

It is a flag flown high in the castle of my heart (taken from a song). We can be free in our spirit to serve the Creator of the whole universe and that my friends, is True Freedom.

Romans 8:2 says,

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.”  (ASV)

Just like the flag that represents freedom, Jesus is a banner over us, protecting and shielding us. He is the “Glory and the Lifter of our heads” at all times. Let freedom ring out in your heart today.

Psalm 3:3 reads,

“But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” (KJV)

Exploding Prayer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dee Aspin, cbn.com

 

“Wow, I bet the stars are having a heart attack right now!” gasped Johnny, my girlfriend’s five-year-old son. His sparkling brown eyes scanned the night sky.

We marveled at the magnificent fireworks display above the football field where we sat on blankets, staring above us. It was our church’s annual Fourth of July picnic.

Each rocket projected skyward trailing an invisible line and paused before bursting downward like cascading leaves. The colors spiraled into the night or blossomed upward creating a beautiful multi-colored garden that lit the sky. How do they work? I wondered, watching the smoke near the launching pad.

Prayer is described as earthly petitions rising up “as the smoke of incense together with prayers” (see Revelation 8:4). Suddenly, I realized this was a new picture of prayer rising to God.

Again and again, each blast was accompanied by an unearthly silence — our eyes riveted to the small almost indiscernible streak paving its way to the heavens. The hush of anticipation broke into the “oohs and ahs” with each burst of color, sound, and light. Not one pattern was alike: each was varied, beautiful, and powerful.

We pray, shooting earthly petitions up to God. Sometimes it feels seemingly insignificant down here and almost indiscernible ... like the faint projectile. But once our prayers break through the Heavens — when God takes hold of them — something wonderful happens. Just like the fireworks, He responds to each prayer He receives producing powerful and varied results for all to see.

Sometimes after the initial blast, a frail wobbly line wiggled its way up to a black sky followed by silence.  “It’s a dud,” the crowd would grumble. Seconds more passed and “kaboom!” Every corner of the darkness filled with light, to our delight and surprise. We had written it off after waiting just a few seconds without seeing results! It’s our human nature. How quickly we give up praying if we feel our prayers are simply disappearing in thin air.

No wonder Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (NIV)

How does it happen? The power of God, described in Aramaic as dunamos is from the word dynamite. The hidden power of prayer waits with the potential of dynamite. As our hearts link to God, He ignites prayer. We whisper that prayer and it shoots up to heaven. When God receives it, He opens it, adding the power and the glory!

We see the answers come tumbling down from Heavenly places.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” James 1:17 (NIV)

This year as you follow those tiny ribbons heavenward, attach a small prayer in your heart to one or two. As the color bursts forth, imagine God at work with your small act of faith. Be ready to wait and trust that it has reached its destination. God has heard your prayers and He is working on an answer.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…" Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

 

America: The Home I Love

 

Katy Kauffman, cbn.com

I’ve hiked in the Alps and jumped waves in the French Riviera. I’ve been to the top of the Eiffel Tower and peered into the Roman Coliseum. I’ve walked in the “favelas” (poor neighborhoods) of Brazil and avoided the potholes in Ukraine. But even with all these international adventures, something special ignited in my heart every time my family landed on American soil. Whatever airport we stepped into—in New York, Atlanta, Dallas, or Miami—my heart knew I was home.

What makes America home to you?

To me, America is the place that freedom lives. The place where we still crave independence from oppression. It’s home to family and friends who love God and strive to make the world a better place. America is hope in the midst of tragedy, of good people reaching out to others who need shelter, healing, or a voice.

America is Caucasian police officers bringing candy and toys to predominantly African-American neighborhoods and building a rapport with the children of those communities. It’s an African-American grandmother stopping in the park to pray for a local fair-skinned cop. America is churches of different denominations gathering together for worship and prayer. America is retired nurses and doctors driving hours across state lines to take care of COVID-19 patients. To me, the true “American” spirit is a spirit of strength, kindness, and sacrifice.

On this July Fourth weekend, we may or may not be able to celebrate as we normally would, gathering in huge crowds to watch fireworks or sing anthems. But we can celebrate in our hearts, homes, and elsewhere what makes America home to us. I celebrate the good I see Americans doing, and “good” is exactly what God has directed us to do.

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10 NKJV)

God’s call to “do good” is tailored for every generation. Some “good” never changes, like showing love, spreading kindness, and sharing the gospel. But how we do those good things is tailored for our present-day circumstances. Today we have resources that America’s first leaders didn’t have, like radio, television, and the internet. Our reach today is broader, and that means our light can shine farther than ever before. We can do good with the resources we have and adapt our message for every person seeking independence.

The founding fathers saw it as good to declare independence from tyranny and oppression. Today let us declare independence from the tyranny of fear and prejudice. Let us declare independence from worry and despair. We can seek God’s help to stay free from harmful habits or detrimental ways of thinking. We can strive to make a difference so others may experience freedom in Christ. And God calls us to never stop doing good.

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

Don’t lose heart, America. Let’s be a part of the good that we want to see happen in this country that we call home. Let’s declare that our hearts belong to Jesus and we want everyone possible to know Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus is the greatest good we can share at home and around the world. If we are faithful in our generation, with God’s help we can reap a harvest of great good.