Today’s Thought

By Marilyn Ehle
___________________________________________________________________

‘I urge you to imitate me’. (1 Corinthians 4:16)

‘Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised’. (Hebrews 6:12)

‘Consider the outcome of (your leaders’) way of life and imitate their faith.’ (Hebrews 13:7)

After refreshing her cup of coffee, my always-stylish friend returned to our table with a chuckle. When I asked the reason for her amusement, she replied, “As I passed a nearby booth, a woman said, ‘I want to look like you! Not just your clothes…I want to look like you when I’m your age.’”

Whether joining me for our regular Monday morning meeting at a favorite restaurant or cleaning out the garage, Anne’s wardrobe is “together.” Her finances are minimal so I know her clothing is not from the exclusive stores on the north end of town, but she always somehow knows how to dress—whether the outfit is casual or dressy. On this particular morning she leaned toward the former: jeans, sandals, black tee and oversized white shirt. And a straw hat perched on her short, stylishly cut white hair.

But my seventy-year-old friend possesses much more than an innate talent for putting together the right clothing. It is her “inner wardrobe” that sets her apart, the quality that draws people. Anne spends much time in the Word, seeking to always obey what the Holy Spirit reveals. She devotes herself to life-changing prayer, prayer that includes her family, friends and their concerns, her church family, the broader Christian community, her country and the world. While reading the newspaper or hearing media broadcasts, she prays for people and events. She is well read, well informed. She attracts people not only to herself but to the Jesus she loves and follows.

The Apostle Paul was bold to say, “I urge you to imitate me.” While recognizing his human tendencies, he also knew that, when controlled by God’s Spirit, he could relax and allow that Spirit to produce life that could be imitated. What an affirmation of God’s work within us when someone says, “I want to look like you!”

Lord, you know that too often there is little family resemblance between me and you. Please remind me to dress my spirit as well as my body each morning and thus draw people to your beauty.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/08/25/me_look-like-you/

**********************************************************

Marilyn Ehle has worked closely with businesswomen in the USA setting up and participating in luncheons and discussion groups which focused on issues pertinent to today’s employed woman.
A writer, she writes devotionals for Thoughts About God  and Christian Women Today

By Marilyn Ehle
_______________________________________________________

“God…gave us the ministry of reconciliation…He has committed to us the message of reconciliation…We are Christ’s ambassadors…” 2 Corinthians 5:20

The long flight is over and you wearily stand in the snake-like Visa Control line. Your stomach muscles tighten as you observe cultural differences even before you cross the actual border: drab clothing, unsmiling faces, unfamiliar smells. The uniformed and armed government officials you spot on the perimeter of the crowd only increase your uneasiness. You now wonder if all the information you wrote on your visa application should have been included. These people now know your home address, workplace phone number, etc.

You are one of a group of educators coming to a country that has long been unfriendly to Western ideas, yet you have been invited to participate in a seminar that will introduce new instructional techniques to local teachers. The host country is aware that you are Christian and that what you teach will have at its base morals and ethics found in the Christian faith.

While you attempt to make your face an unreadable mask, your heartbeat increases as you step up to the glassed-in booth where a young, but stern, official reaches for your passport. Feeling as though a smile and friendly word might help the process, you say the one word of greeting you know in the national language, but the official merely glances at you and then peers in amazement at the passport: “Occupation: Ambassador.” 

“Ambassador?” he queries with scorn. He can already see that you are not carrying the necessary diplomatic papers but are entering his country with only the normal tourist documents. What now?

This is not a description of an actual occurrence. We know that only authorized people can claim to be “ambassadors” in the governmental sense. And yet as citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are called to such an important post. The Apostle Paul writes that God Himself has appointed us to this position. Our job description includes faithfully carrying out the assignment: both the message and ministry of reconciliation.

I don’t advise writing the term “ambassador” on your visa papers, but it is important to make sure it is written within our hearts.

Lord, I don’t have the earthly qualifications for the post of ambassador, but thank you for appointing me to that position in your Kingdom. Help me faithfully learn about the culture where I live so I can best represent you and your values.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/08/18/me_occupation-ambassador/

*************************************************

Marilyn Ehle has worked closely with businesswomen in the USA setting up and participating in luncheons and discussion groups which focused on issues pertinent to today’s employed woman.
A writer, she writes devotionals for Thoughts About God  and Christian Women Today

By Marilyn Ehle
_________________________________________

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”.  
1 Peter 2:9

For many years we lived in a major capital city with embassies from around the world. Frequently country leaders—presidents, prime ministers or kings—would visit their embassies and the visit was almost always accompanied by a fair amount of pomp and circumstance. And security. We became accustomed to impatiently waiting at intersections while police cars whizzed by with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Then would come a long black limousine—usually with darkened windows—and we knew that within its doors sat the honored leader of her or his country. Following the limousine would be several smaller black cars filled with security personnel.

After a few years we Americans began to chuckle disrespectfully at these men charged with protecting their president. They were certainly serious about their responsibility, devoted to their leader and extremely well trained. But if part of their job was to appear inconspicuous in an effort to blend into the crowds and thus keep their eyes peeled for potential trouble, they failed miserably.

These dedicated men obviously all bought their ill-fitting black suits from the same discount clothing store. Their shirts were white and their ties dark. Their haircuts were militarily precise. They almost always wore black sunglasses. They never smiled. Their very presence warned us to keep away.

In a sense, we are “secret service” Christians. To be sure, our Leader does not need protection, but we are His representatives. I wonder if people see us as we saw those security personnel? Do we appear so “different” that onlookers shy away from relating to us? Do we amuse our neighbors instead of attract them? While never losing our distinctive calling as Christ-followers, we should be able to “infiltrate” the crowds in our efforts to be the aroma of our Savior.

I unfortunately grew up hearing only one version of the verse printed above. In that translation, the words “God’s special (or unique) possession” are translated “a peculiar people.” I thought Christian were to be odd. It is no wonder that I had little opportunity to declare His praises to my friends!

Father, teach me more about being the kind of Christian who honors you by my attitude and actions, one to whom hungry people are drawn as they were to Jesus’ obvious love and compassion.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/08/15/me_secret-service/

***********************************

Marilyn Ehle has worked closely with businesswomen in the USA setting up and participating in luncheons and discussion groups which focused on issues pertinent to today’s employed woman.
A writer, she writes devotionals for Thoughts About God  and Christian Women Today

By Marilyn Ehle
_______________________________________________________________

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give…” Hebrews 4:15 (The Message)

“He takes the reality of nightmares and makes them only memories.” That statement (author/source unknown) echoed in my head as I listened to Linda share the story of her experience and loss. Just short of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, her husband died in a mountain climbing accident. The event rocked Linda’s world and—for a brief time—even her faith. How could a loving God allow a much-loved father and husband, a man with faith visible in the business community die in the prime of his life?

In a strange, yet familiar, way, Linda chose to hold on to her breaking heart even though submitting to His will. She refused to let go of her grief, telling God it was the one thing she had left. It was hers.

Finally in the stillness of a retreat afternoon, she sobbed her grief and handed her broken heart to the only One whose heart broke in a similar way. Her Heavenly Father knew what it was like to lose a part of Himself. He knew what it was like to stand aside—apparently powerless—while evil seemed to reign. He alone could begin the mending process—but only with Linda’s permission.

Linda’s heart has been scarred by the very real nightmare of sudden death, but her memories have been cradled in the loving arms of her Father and healing continues to take place. She has entered into areas of service—both in her own country and around the world—that she never imagined. Her walk with God has taken on intimacy she never thought possible. Nightmares have been changed into blessed memories.

Precious Father, how often I hang on to my sadness or disappointment or grief instead of handing everything over to you. Teach me to more quickly give you everything.

What have you been holding on to? Why? What do you need to learn about God that will help you relinquish everything to Him?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/08/05/me_power-to-change/

**********************************************************

Marilyn Ehle has worked closely with businesswomen in the USA setting up and participating in luncheons and discussion groups which focused on issues pertinent to today’s employed woman.
A writer, she writes devotionals for Thoughts About God  and Christian Women Today

By Marilyn Ehle
________________________________________________

“Turn to me and be saved…for I am God, and there is no other.”  (Isaiah 45:22)

Unfortunately the word “saved” has become something of a cliché to people both inside and outside religious doors. When the question “are you saved?” is asked, it most frequently implies being saved from something - from habits, helplessness or hell. But in the Hebrew language, the meaning is much deeper. One respected reference book says the Hebrew root of the word has nuances too often ignored: “to be open, wide or free, that is, to be safe… preserved…”

Many people who firmly state they are “saved” are unfortunately not experiencing lives that are open, wide or free. Instead of feeling safe, they seem to be looking over their shoulders in fear. One woman asked, “If I truly love God, and work hard to follow his commandments, then why do I feel afraid? Why do I feel guilty?”

While it is true that the Bible tells us to be vigilant, to watch out for “the devil (who) prowls around like a roaring lion,” we also read that we can “resist him (by) standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8), and “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work”  (1 John 3:8). Our vigilance should be practiced within the comforting understanding that the great God of the universe loves us and promises to protect us from all that would harm our souls, that core being that Jesus died on the cross to save.

The Apostle Paul writes about the grandness of God’s love and grace: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He then goes on with words which - when believed - allow us to live open, wide and free lives: “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him…how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be SAVED through his life!” (Romans 5:8-10).

Too often, Lord, I find myself looking over my shoulder instead of walking confidently ahead in the knowledge that you not only died on the cross to save me from my sins, but to purchase a fear-free life for me. Remind me, Lord, to focus on you and not on my own circumstances or the fear-filled world around me.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/07/26/me_are-you-saved/

*****************************************************

Marilyn Ehle has worked closely with businesswomen in the USA setting up and participating in luncheons and discussion groups which focused on issues pertinent to today’s employed woman.
A writer, she writes devotionals for Thoughts About God  and Christian Women Today

By Marilyn Ehle
_______________________________

“…friends help each other up.”  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Billie was a quiet soul, one who never sought nor enjoyed the limelight. Some might have overlooked her unassuming personality and thought her somewhat dull company. She didn’t easily participate in discussions that were weighty. She was content to remain in the background at any party.

Billie and her husband were Americans living in a small town in a European country. Their two-year assignment had stretched into nearly twenty and it would have been easy for Billie to decry the long absence from parents and now-adult children living in the United States, but Billie simply continued to fill the role created for her by God: a friend. A newcomer into the community - no matter their country of origin, color of skin or status - would soon find Billie on their doorstep. “Can I take you to the market? Would you like to see some of the local sights? Do you need a ride to the doctor?” In time of need, she seemed to always know the right gift to drop on the doorstep.

We had known Billie and her husband for only two years when we were the ones in need. Our son who had been diagnosed with cancer two years earlier was now terminally ill and the end was near. One day the doorbell rang and there stood Billie: “I thought you might like some steaks.” Now who in the world brings steak when a family is facing such a crisis?? But our finances were low and steak definitely wasn’t part of the weekly menu.  That grilled steak dinner was the last full meal our son enjoyed before the cancer made digestion nearly impossible. Billie “helped us up” in a very practical way which has never been forgotten.

Frequently the best gift a friend can give is listening to the quiet voice of God and then creatively meeting the needs He uncovers. It might be prayer or flowers or homemade cookies. Or steak.

Father, thank you for Billie and the many others who take seriously their role as friends. Help me be more like them as I seek to serve my family and neighbors.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/07/22/me_gifts-of-friendship/

**********************************

Marilyn Ehle has worked closely with businesswomen in the USA setting up and participating in luncheons and discussion groups which focused on issues pertinent to today’s employed woman.
A writer, she writes devotionals for Thoughts About God  and Christian Women Today