THE TRANSFORMATION OF SAUL

While we were traveling back in June, we stopped to visit our good friends who live just outside Nashville. Diane took me to her favorite discount book store where I snagged a couple of good reads. For $3.00, I got a copy of Beth Moore's "To Live Is Christ", the companion book to her study on the life of the Apostle Paul. Beth Moore is one of my favorite authors and this book had some great insights!

I have always related more to Peter in terms of the pillars of my Christian faith. He was the one who blurted stuff out without really thinking things through, was impulsive and often times had a knee jerk response to life and its situations. His faith waivered during crucial moments and yet, God was still able to use him in a great way to spread the Gospel (so I know that there's hope for me!) On the other hand, Paul was a "Jew among Jews", educated extensively in the writings of the Old Testament, had a burning obsession to eradicate the followers of this "New Way" and right there on the road to Damascus, life as he knew it, changed 180 degrees! After watching the movie, "Paul, the Apostle" that came out this past Spring and then having read Beth Moore's book, I gained a greater appreciation for this other pillar of the Christian faith.

We know that Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome was vastly different from his first where he was under house arrest. The emperor Nero despised and blamed the Christians for the fire that broke out in 64 AD that burned for nine days and consumed two-thirds of the city. Some scholars believe Nero himself started the fires so that he could rebuild Rome in his own image. History tells us of the horrible persecution of these early Christ followers; some were covered in animal skins, secured and devoured by dogs. Others were nailed to crosses, thrown to the lions or become human torches to light the night. Paul however was a Roman citizen and his execution had to be carried out, by Roman law.

I never quite grasped some of the sacrifices and sufferings Paul endured for his devotion and commitment to Christ. Certainly I remember reading of his beatings, stonings, imprisonment and shipwrecks but Beth Moore gives me a more defined perspective. Paul’s final letter, 2 Timothy, is written to the young pastor; even in the midst of Paul’s own suffering, he writes this beautifully articulate epistle, which I have come to treasure. It’s all that more amazing when you realize the conditions in which he is being held.

“He was bound by heavy chains-the type that bruise and lacerate the skin. He was almost 60 years old and had taken enough beatings to make him quite arthritic. The lack of mobility greatly intensified any ailments or illnesses. He most likely was reduced to skin and bones. The cells where the worst prisoners were chained usually filthy, wet and rodent-infested dungeons. Paul was cold. He wanted his cloak and begged Timothy to do everything he could to come before winter.”

I am constantly amazed at the complete transformation of Paul from a rabid persecutor of Christians to a man who turned his back on his life of privilege and followed Christ, even to the point of martyrdom. I remember this line of dialog from the movie, "Men do not die for things they doubt." Only someone who has encountered the Living Christ, can have that kind of hope and confidence.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

FRESH FRUIT

It's been 3 years since I've blogged on here and that kind of blows my mind!! I wonder if I remember how to do this?

The transition to retirement almost 2 years ago has been pleasant and I have loved being able to spend time with my guy and go on adventures with him! I also have my "Sweet Montana Home" blog, which has been neglected for well over a year but I will get back on there as well and post about our Montana life soon.

We are fortunate in that, the Lord planted us in our church "Fresh Life", before we made our permanent transition. We plugged in immediately and have made some wonderful friendships and really enjoy having a community of Believers to serve and fellowship with! Our church is comprised of mostly 20 & 30 somethings so we are in the minority for sure! Dave and I have felt a special commission to serve and mentor our younger brothers and sisters in Christ and hopefully encourage them forward in their own journey with Christ. I have been deeply humbled to be a first hand witness of their passion to reach the lost and convicted about some of my own attitudes I have had towards this younger generation. But I am thankful for God's grace, mercy and forgiveness and that He continues to entrust us with the task of serving others; with Jesus' example of ultimate servanthood, as our standard.

In July we have had the "Summer Reading Series" where each Sunday, our Pastor has had an author give a message related to their book that they have written. The week Alex Seely was our guest speaker she spoke on our identity in Christ. Her book, "Tailor Made" has been a life-giving and encouraging message, for my ragged spirit. Yesterday Sadie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" fame, was our guest and she shared from her book "Fearless".

One example she shared, was from the book of Daniel, chapter 6. We know that Daniel was a Godly man, consistent in his faith to the Living God, yet found himself thrown into the Lion's Den, all because others were jealous of his prominence and favor with King Darius. One thing I had never given thought to that Sadie Robertson pointed out, was that Daniel was thrown into a pit and then

"a stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den..." (verse 17),

it would have been completely dark, no light whatsoever. Sadie talked about the power of fear being like that; of being completely in the dark, knowing that something is out there waiting to pounce, you can hear its breathing, it's nearness. I thought to myself that, her example was one I could comprehend and unfortunately, relate to all too well.

Fast forward in the story to King Darius, who has been up all night, rushing to the lion's den to see if Daniel has been rescued by "the Living God whom you serve continually"? Daniel replies to the king,

"My God sent His angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions."

In that moment I had such a sweet revelation from the Holy Spirit: I knew that Daniel had not been sitting there all night long, in utter pitch black darkness. God Himself was present during his ordeal, He had sent His angel to preserve him.

We know that, "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5

Sometimes I can lose sight of God's goodness, faithfulness and provision and I need reminders like this to get back to the basics in the faith. I'm so glad we are planted in a House of God that encourages our next generation, supporting and encouraging them as they grow into our future leaders in the faith. Too many churches only want to present polished, perfectly matured Christians from their platforms, as if those actually exist! My prayer is that God keeps me humble and teachable, knowing that my sanctification is not yet complete and won't be so until I see my Savior face to face.