EAGERLY WAITING

Something big was happening. Ann, my niece, started to scatter sunflower seeds on her deck for the resident chipmunk. Every day the chippie came. The news spread. A chickadee joined the chippie, then a nuthatch, then a white-throated sparrow. Two more appeared. Then three. Then … Now they all watch and wait for their daily rations. The crowd has grown and is eager—just like the pray-ers were during the great Prayer Meeting Revival. Great things come to those who faithfully wait.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

The Great Prayer Meeting Revival

It started on Sept. 23, 1857, during a desperate time in America. On the edge of financial collapse, banks and businesses failed, and unemployment figures reached many thousands. People in desperate straits didn’t know where to turn for help. The spiritual climate showed the Christian religion in decline as well. That’s when Jeremiah C. Lanphier posted a sign outside a New York church advertising a prayer meeting during the noon hour.

Like many prayer meetings, only a handful of people attended at first. But as they began to meet weekly, the numbers grew. Soon the people met daily to pray. When their numbers outgrew the church capacity, other churches and even a large theater opened their doors for prayer.

Some 150 interdenominational prayer meetings took place in Brooklyn and Manhattan alone. Within six months, over 10,000 men met to pray daily in New York. The prayer revival soon leaped to Philadelphia, Chicago, Louisville, Cleveland, St. Louis, and many other cities to the west and then overseas. In fact, the meetings continued until 1860, just before the American civil war began.

There was little or no preaching during those daily meetings—only unified prayer. The results of such persevering prayer astounded the world. By 1859 the hearts of over two million people had turned to God through personal repentance. In parts of Europe, the revival continued during the American Civil War. In America it brought us such spiritual giants as William and Catherine Booth, who founded the Salvation Army, and Dwight L. Moody.

The great Prayer Meeting Revival is a testament to perseverance. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing … for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Anything worthwhile requires perseverance. When we see the broken hearts of people around us—the sick, the depressed, the helpless—we should be compelled to pray without ceasing for them. God wants all of us to be reconciled with Him.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16) Fervent prayer accomplishes great results, as shown by the great Prayer Meeting Revival.

Lord, thank You for hearing our prayers. Kindle a fire within us that will become another Prayer Meeting Revival. In Jesus’ name, amen.

CHANGING COATS

The deer up here in the Northwoods are finally shedding their gray winter coats for the rusty-red ones that help to camouflage them in summer. When this doe came through my yard this morning, I laughed at her striped coat. Half gray, half rusty-red, she reminded me of a transplanted zebra. Within a week, I expect her gray coat will be totally shed.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

Change Happens

It’s said we can be sure of only two things: death and taxes. We might add one more thing: change. Every day we’re bombarded with items that have changed literally overnight. Our favorite style of shoes has been replaced by a new style. The roll of toilet paper has become narrower. A new computer program has made ours obsolete and useless.

Harder yet to deal with are the sudden changes in our circumstances. A death in the family, a divorce, or a new job—they all cause stress to our mind and body. Every change requires time to adjust. And when too many changes take place too fast—even happy events such as a wedding or birth—our systems become overloaded and stress takes its toll.

Like a cooker equipped with an adjustable steam valve to control its pressure, we seek ways to control our inner pressure. Taking a walk or pulling weeds helps dissipate anger. Writing a letter or journal entry calms our spirit and offers a new perspective. Drinking a cup of cocoa or eating a chocolate bar soothes the turmoil in our gut.

Since the days of cavemen, people have used the “fight or flight” instinct when facing sudden change. Sometimes flight has its purpose, such as in seeking shelter from a dangerous storm. At other times, we may be tempted to fight a situation head-on. Our decision to flee or fight usually determines the outcome—safety from the storm we fled, or victory over the enemy we faced.

Regardless of our response to change, we know that eventually we must accept change. In fact, change can be a blessing rather than a curse. And when we choose to count on God’s strength and wisdom, changes become easier and the results more satisfying.

God’s ways of lovingly leading us into change are far better than our own. He knows exactly what we need to learn from the experience as well as in what area we need to grow in faith.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:3-4) Change does not have to be difficult when we allow God to have His perfect work in us, thereby increasing and strengthening our faith “wised up” and “toughened up, we won’t have to endure stress.

Lord, help us to wise up and toughen up whenever we face change. Help us remember that with You, all things are possible, so we need not face change fearfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DANDELIONS

Like some other flowers, dandelions close their proverbial eyes at night. Come morning, they open into beautiful, butter-gold blooms that are a feast to our eyes. I've decided that since they're too prolific to think about eradicating, I might as well enjoy them. Now when I look out at the golden sea in my yard, I smile. Actually, I laugh, content that I'm not alone in hosting the 'lions, for every field and yard and roadway is covered with them. Perhaps part of their purpose is to remind us that God even uses pernicious weeds to show His glory.



ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair


Keeping the Veil Open

I recently wrote about the curtain, or veil, of the temple being torn in half when Jesus died on the cross, allowing total access to God. No more blood sacrifices are required for our sins, since Jesus sacrificed His own blood on our behalf.

The veil has been opened. But sometimes we close our hearts to that fact. For instance, when we plan our day—and our future—without asking God what He wants us to do, we draw the veil closed. God tells us, “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man (nor in ourselves, I add), in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish.” (Psalm 146:3-4)

When we hurry into the day without feeding on God’s Word and communing with Him, we draw the veil closed. Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” “Direct my steps by Your Word ….” (Psalm 119:133)

Refusing to believe that God can bring something good out of our terrible situation closes the veil over our heart. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

If we believe we don’t deserve God’s love or aren’t good enough to be accepted by Him, the veil closes. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Conversely, if we believe someone else doesn’t deserve God’s love and salvation, we’ve closed the veil. “Judge not, that you be not judged … why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1, 3)

When we simmer and stew and take offense to what someone said to or about us, the veil closes. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Lord, You’ve opened the veil so we can have fellowship with You. Help us to keep it open every day, regardless of our circumstances and feelings. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE STEPS OF SUMMER

A few weeks ago, ice presented us with a challenge along the trail. Now it’s wood ticks. The little buggers are everywhere. They drop from overhanging branches, crawl onto our socks from the grass, and sometimes I think they bomb us from the air itself. But unwelcome intruders as they are, God has given them the purpose of feeding the birds. They simply add to our summer experiences and challenges.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

A Step at a Time

The wooded, meandering trail still had ice on it which had built up, and been compacted by earlier trekkers. The only way to reach our destination was to keep moving and, in this case, move slowly and deliberately. Our greatest concern had to be the next step, not the destination. At times we had to stop and consider where to place our feet without fear of slipping or falling.

Our walk with God could be compared to hiking a trail. In fact, the Old Testament tells about men of God who didn’t know the details of their future but who trusted God to lead them on the right path. They knew little more than the next step. Joseph, for instance, though imprisoned and without knowledge of his future, believed God would reveal the next steps he should take. Abraham left his home country at God’s command without knowing his destination. Countless Christians called by God to enter the mission field simply left their comfortable lives, trusting that God would take them where He wanted them to minister.

None of us knows what our future holds on this earth. Our job is simply to walk with God, trusting in His guidance and His promises to plant our feet where they should go. Such a simple trust will propel us forward, knowing with assurance that God will direct us.

It’s when we focus on the icy trail ahead that our walk is hindered. Fear of movement will cripple us, rob us of God’s promised trail-blessings, and prevent others from starting or continuing their own walk through life with God.

Fear of the unknown looms large in the hearts of many. But usually the “What ifs” we ask ourselves come to nothing. The opposite of fear is faith. God’s Word asks for faith, promotes faith, encourages faith. It is a fact that there are at least 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible—one for every day of the year. That’s enough to cause all of us to start walking!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Lord, we want to walk with You one step at a time and depend on Your leading. Keep us from fearing the icy steps ahead. Rather, keep our minds and hearts on Your perfect path. In Jesus’ name, amen.

HARD PRESSED

Copper Falls during high water rivaled any I’ve ever seen. The water roared as it raced down its boulder-strewn path. It spewed mist in its wake, casting delicate rainbows, while tumbling through narrow canyons. Water offers us a picture of God’s awesome beauty and power. Whether it comes as a trickle or a flood of problems, we can count on His presence to help us through.


ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair


Never Give Up

In the early 1800s William Carey, known as the “father of modern missions,” spent hours translating and printing the Bible into as many East Indian languages as possible. Then, while away from home, his print shop went up in flames. He lost his printing press, his complete library, typeset for 14 languages, hundreds of reams of paper, thousands of printed sheets, and much more. “The work of years—gone in a moment,” he whispered.

But Carey did not mourn long. “We are not discouraged,” he wrote. “We are cast down but not in despair.” His words mirror those of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed …”

Life happens. Fires destroy, diseases strike, losses occur. But Paul reminds us that in any time of trouble, God is with us. He would want us to get up again when we’re knocked down. Self-pity, despair, and hopelessness should not be in our vocabulary. When we’re willing to go forward and try again, God will surely bless us.

In the case of William Carey, God used his loss to catapult his mission to greater success. People began to donate their money and volunteer their services to help rebuild and enlarge his Godly industry. By 1832 complete Bibles, New Testaments, and separate books of the Bible had been printed in 44 languages and dialects.

When we are resilient—able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions—and trust God to take us through, there is no end of the blessings He will bestow on us. The key is to focus on Him through His Word. There are countless verses of encouragement we can use to bring about resiliency and hope.

For instance: “Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

And: “(We) sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3)

Lord, we thank You for being with us through thick and thin, like a good friend but much more. We look to You as the One who encourages and strengthens us, and restores our losses with so much more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

BURDENSOME WEATHER

Sometimes Spring can be a pain. This year, for instance, up here in the Northwoods, Winter has had a choke-hold on Spring, releasing itself at times just enough to bring Spring to her knees, gasping for life. But the promise remains … and we look toward nicer days. May we never forget that God’s promises remain, too. His blessings of peace and joy as we worship and serve Him are never-ending.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

Burdens Made Light

While hiking down a mountain, a grouse startled me, causing me to trip and lose my balance. Catching myself, I ran down, my heavy backpack ready to push me headfirst onto the ground. I finally managed to slow and then stop, but not without hard huffing and puffing. I laugh now thinking about what a sight I must have been, but at the moment of difficult descent, I struggled mightily.

The experience caused me to start carrying less weight on the trail. That’s a hard lesson for many of us. We tend to over-burden ourselves with non-essentials. Think about it. We collect stuff, hoard stuff, cling to stuff that is simply fluff. Yes, I know that some stuff—even fluff stuff—is necessary for living a comfortable life. But the more we collect, the more time it takes to file it, clean it, protect it, think about it. The list of things we collect is endless: clothing, appliances, household items, collectibles, vehicles, even our fun toys.

Perhaps we all need to stop and consider our limitations. Some of us are stronger than others and can carry heavier loads. Most of us, however, carry more than we need. Like my hike down the mountain, this can lead to a life of imbalance, a loss of vision for the beauty around us, and a breathless exertion that is unnecessary and unproductive.

Happily, our current economic situation has caused many people to pare down on their possessions. Living a simpler life, one with fewer encumbrances, has become the mantra for a growing number of us. Like mountain hikers, we’re packing less stuff, making our lives easier, freer, more satisfying.

Jesus ministered on earth without a bed on which to lay His head. His was the perfect example of an unencumbered, fulfilling life as God meant it. He doesn’t necessarily want us to go to His extremes, but His example does show us that He wants us to count on His help in carrying our burdens. He is more than able to supply all our needs.

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Lord, help us trust that You will meet all our needs so we won’t be tempted to overpack. Teach us what is necessary and what is non-essential to our lives as we travel Your path up and down the mountains of life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MAKING ROOM FOR NEW LIFE

I pulled the brittle, dead asparagus stalks to make room for the new shoots. During this time of year, our gardens and yards, fields and forests are filled with new life. May the new life of Christ abound in you as well—in all that you think, say, and do.



ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

The Death Road

While my grandson, Alex, and his youth mission team traveled throughout Bolivia, they had to take the “death road” from La Paz down the mountain to a jungle village. According to AAA, Bolivia’s Death Road is considered the most dangerous road in the world, and every week someone is killed on it. If you search for “Bolivia death road” on the internet, you’ll see some frightening pictures. After reaching the end, Alex sent a text message to his mom: “I had fear for lunch today.” Thankfully, they made it down, and back up two weeks later, without incident.

There is a spiritual death road, too, which is something everyone should avoid. We know our body will die some day. But whether our spirit dies or lives after our physical death is for us to choose. The Bible sets the choice before us. We can experience eternal life with Christ or eternal death without Him. Jesus told His disciples, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body … but I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him … who has the power to cast into hell.” (Luke 12:5)

Why would anyone choose eternal death in hell? It is the biblical promise of life after death that gives hope to believers in Christ. Without hope there is nothing but futility and fear. A nurse once told me she could tell when dying patients believed in Christ as their savior because they had a peaceful countenance and attitude, even in the midst of pain. Conversely, those who did not believe, who rejected the truth of the resurrection, displayed fear and anxiety about their dying.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25)

What a promise! The truth of Jesus’ bodily resurrection is the crux of the Christian faith. We Christians can celebrate Easter Sunday every day of the year—not with bunnies and eggs and candy, but with the knowledge that we will be resurrected some day with Christ for eternity.

It’s part of our nature to feel fear from sudden danger, as my grandson and his mission team felt while going down the Death Road. But knowing we hold the promise of spending eternity with Christ can banish our fear in an instant.

Lord, You have set before us life and death. We choose life—with its blessings of peace and joy here on earth and with its hope of spending eternity with You. Thank You for being the Resurrection and the Life. Amen.