Mere humans

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

So many things about God's handiwork are being revealed these days.  With the discovery of DNA, Darwin's Theory of Evolution no longer makes sense.  All the Financial Planners who swore our 401k's would reap a huge reward had no idea the stock market would collapse. 

I have a rare condition where I get migraines that are like minor strokes- lost my short term memory for a week once.  When I was a little girl, I thought God was angry with me and would strike my head.  It was terrifying.  But, then when I accepted Christ, He sent me to the right doctor who diagnosed my condition.  At first the doctor prescribed medicine for me that gave me more migraines.  Then when the doctors got my medicine right, the insurance company tried to get me a cheaper generic that wasn't for my condition.  I prayed for help.  And God guided my doctors to figure out the right medication, the insurance company found the right generic.  We are human.   God is God. 

We definitely should go to the doctors.  They have so much knowledge to help us.  It's best to pray for them, for wisdom.  As humans we have a lot to think about!  He knows exactly what we need.  He is our Healer, our Creator, and the Great Physician.  He knows more about our bodies than anyone on earth.  I believe compassionate doctors, please God very much.  But, we are mere humans.  None of us are perfect.

Psalm 146

1 Hallelujah!
O my soul, praise God!
2 All my life long I'll praise God,
singing songs to my God as long as I live.

We have a boat load of experts these days!   But God is the highest and only completely accurate expert.
3 Don't put your life in the hands of experts
who know nothing of life, of salvation life.

The medicines we have today will probably be foolishness in the future.  But God, He can heal us using anything (even our careers).  My hope is in Him.
4 Mere humans don't have what it takes;
when they die, their projects die with them.
5 Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,
put your hope in God and know real blessing!

He made the sky that has no limits.  It's infinite.  There's no dead end.  He made the ocean that never seems to disappear.  He is awesome!
6 God made sky and soil,
sea and all the fish in it.

These verses describe the people He looks out for.  The people in the horn of Africa are here.
He always does what he says — 
7 he defends the wronged,
he feeds the hungry.
God frees prisoners — 
8 he gives sight to the blind,
he lifts up the fallen.
God loves good people,
9 protects strangers,
takes the side of orphans and widows,
but makes short work of the wicked.

We tend to watch the movie stars, the rich and famous.  But not our God.  He watches ordinary, mere humans.  Jesus loved the little children and chose normal men to be His disciples.  It's one of the things that drew me to Him.  He looked out for widows and orphans.  He doesn't expect me to be perfect and prefers it when I'm simple. 

So glad He's in charge!  Things would be sooo much worse if He wasn't.
10 God's in charge —
always.
Zion's God is God for good!
Hallelujah!
THE MESSAGE

God is

I know God has a sense of humor.  Just think about the giraffe, that neck...  As I journey through the Bible on this blog, I'm also journeying with my career.  I wrote a giant list of all I need to do to set up my photography business (excluding artwork and writing).  Then I sat down in a dull sigh. "Father, I'm overwhelmed.  Please give me wisdom as to where to start." 

I was expecting a profound thought or Bible verse.  But what came to mind was a song from the movie, "Mary Poppins," sung by Julie Andrews, "Start at the very beginning.  A very nice place to start.  When you read you begin with A, B, C, when you sing you begin with do re me..."

Portfolio!  You can't get anywhere in the arts without one.  So I've been plugging away on my portfolio web site lately (the link is on the top, right column of this page), which is why I'm in and out of my blog.  I have 140 gigabytes of photos...  It may take awhile to sort out the very best.  And, today I submitted some photos to a local newspaper for the editor to review.  I'll let you know how it turns out. 

This Psalm is one of David's, a song of praise.  Some of the verses repeat, "God is..." in them.  The first step in being a Christian is believing God is real. 

Psalm 145

1 I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King!
and I'll bless your name into eternity.

2 I'll bless you every day,
and keep it up from now to eternity.

There's so much we don't know about Him, the more we learn the more magnificent He becomes.
3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough.
There are no boundaries to his greatness.

It's true!  So many generations of Christians and Jews have stood in awe before Him.  Can you imagine the testimonies?
4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work;
each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking;
I compose songs on your wonders.

It's interesting there are times I read the headlines and think, "Praise God."  There were tornadoes that were sent away from people, defying all the science earlier this summer.
6 Your marvelous doings are headline news;
I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

It would be wonderful if this were true.  One look at comments in the New York Times leaves me wondering how we got here.  But I must remember there are still a lot of believers in our country.
7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country;
your righteousness is on everyone's lips.

8 God is all mercy and grace —
not quick to anger, is rich in love.

9 God is good to one and all;
everything he does is suffused with grace.

10 Creation and creatures applaud you, God;
11 your holy people bless you.

They talk about the glories of your rule,
they exclaim over your splendor,

12 Letting the world know of your power for good,
the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

He can't get voted out of office.  Shew!  Crazy times. 
13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal;
you never get voted out of office.


He's not like us getting sidetracked, forgetting, He's working it all out.
God always does what he says,
and is gracious in everything he does.

I've experienced this in my life.
14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck,
gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

15 All eyes are on you, expectant;
you give them their meals on time.

16 Generous to a fault,
you lavish your favor on all creatures.

17 Everything God does is right —
the trademark on all his works is love.

18 God's there, listening for all who pray,
for all who pray and mean it.

19 He does what's best for those who fear him —
hears them call out, and saves them.

20 God sticks by all who love him,
but it's all over for those who don't.

21 My mouth is filled with God's praise.
Let everything living bless him,
bless his holy name from now to eternity!
THE MESSAGE

My friend Murugi from Her World has asked for prayers for the horn of Africa- Ethiopia, Somalia, and parts of Kenya.  They are experiencing a devastating drought.  Feel free to pray with me if you like. 

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up those in Africa who are suffering from the drought.  Please send rain and hope to these people. I pray You will be present with them and send in workers who can help them.  Comfort those who mourn and bring food to those who are starving.  Nothing is impossible for You.  You control the weather.  Let Your light shine on those who feel forsaken.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Wordless Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

We are having high humidity in New Jersey.  So, we know what it is to be thirsty.  Before I became a Christian, I was angry and empty.  But now I'm full of joy, hope and peace.  Reading the Bible, singing, and listening to my Pastor's sermons really help.  There's still day's that I feel drained and worn.  My cup gets empty and then it's full again. Jesus has an endless supply.

Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography

My refuge

I love this Psalm.  It describes God as our fortress- our mighty Protector.  We definitely need protection : )

Psalm 144

In these verses the word "my" is repeated.  The description of God as our Rock, and a Mighty Fortress is in many of the beautiful old hymns.

1 Blessed be the Lord my Rock,

Who trains my hands for war,

And my fingers for battle — 

2 My lovingkindness and my fortress,

My high tower and my deliverer,

My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,

Who subdues my people under me.

We sang the verses below quite a bit in college, there were hand motions too.  I'm not so good with the hand motion stuff...  When we accept Christ as our Savior, and the sacrifice for our sin, we become His.  So it makes sense that He is ours.  It's a love relationship.  It reminded me of these verses-

4 He brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.

16 My beloved is mine, and I am his.
He feeds his flock among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 2:4, 16 NKJV

Who am I?  This question has been asked for centuries.  God is so perfect and so awesome, why would He bother with us.  We fuss and fret, fight and love, hope and fail.  Yet we are His creations- His works of art.  As an artist I know what it is to keep re-working a painting until it's right.  He never gives up- we are His.  It's all about Him, He loves us that much.

3 Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him?

Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?

4 Man is like a breath;

His days are like a passing shadow.

My husband and I watched a DVD about creation.  Every detail on earth is so scientifically perfect, such a masterpiece.  Ice crystals are perfect in symmetry and shape, birds have a cooling system built into their bodies so they can breath while flying long distances.  Our God loves beauty, perfection, and intricate detail.  It's interesting that He is revealing so much to us these days.  We finally have the tools to understand so much more.  Even lightening brings necessary elements to make soil fertile.
5 Bow down Your heavens, O Lord, and come down;
Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
6 Flash forth lightning and scatter them;
Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.
7 Stretch out Your hand from above;
Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters,
From the hand of foreigners,
8 Whose mouth speaks lying words,
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to You, O God;

On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,

10 The One who gives salvation to kings,
Who delivers David His servant
From the deadly sword.

I try to sing new songs to God.  For my morning prayers, I went through the Love Chapter- 1 Corinthians 13 and pulled out the definition of love.  Then I wrote the definitions in a list so I could pray better- instead of random thoughts, or a memorized prayer.  I take the main words and then apply them to each day.  You can see some of my weaknesses in this list- focus isn't easy!  Letting go of harsh words isn't either.  Remembering I am more than a mind and taking care of my health is also a weakness.  I also pray little prayer snippets all day.   Here's my overall list, how I pray varies depending on what's going on- some of my thoughts are in parenthesis-

• Today!  (Help me focus on today)
• Heal my creativity, me  (Heal my creativity and all the memories of those who've said I can't do it)
• Freelance (Help me focus on my work today, forgive me for getting sidetracked)
• Perspective on time  (Help me use my time wisely, it slips by so fast!)
• Health  (Guide me to take care my body)
• Dreams  (Help me dream dreams that align with Your will for me, Your overall plan)
• Friends  (Lead me to new friends and help me remember my old friends)
• Healthy things (Help me to remember to participate in healthy things not things that don't please You)
• Family, nation  (specific requests about my family- please heal my brother, help our country get on track)
• Finances  ( bless us financially Father, and guide me to good work)
• Don't give up  (help me not to give up)
• See needs of others  (help me not to be selfish but see the needs of others)
• Contentment  (Help me know You are in control so I can be content)
• Be myself- the me God made me to be  (help me be myself and not try and be someone else)
• Keep track of sins  (Help me not to keep track of the sins of others- so I can forgive like You do.)
• Pleasure in truth  (Help me find pleasure in the truth as it's revealed.)
• Trust God  ( Help me trust You)
• See the best  (Help me see the best)
• Dwell on the past  (not dwell on the past)
• Keep going to the end  (to keep going to the end)
• Church (to be a part of Church)
• Unforced rhythms of grace (to be a part of the unforced rhythms of grace and not make things too difficult)
• Praises 

11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners,
Whose mouth speaks lying words,
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood — 

What we do today and pass on to the next generations really matters.
12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
That our daughters may be as pillars,
Sculptured in palace style;
13 That our barns may be full,
Supplying all kinds of produce;
That our sheep may bring forth thousands
And ten thousands in our fields;
14 That our oxen may be well laden;
That there be no breaking in or going out;
That there be no outcry in our streets.

Amen!  When I am centered on the Lord in the morning- my days go much better.  I find peace and the safety of His mighty fortress protecting me.  My refuge who calms my soul and helps me have courage to face the battles and joys of each day.  But time of day doesn't matter anytime is good for God. : )

15 Happy are the people who are in such a state;

Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!

NKJV

The pits

Sometimes life seems like the pits.  My worst morning ever, was when I was getting ready for work several years ago.  I went to put on nylons and my fingernail went through them leaving a nice, big hole.  I went to use the blow-dryer and it zapped and died.  I was living in Seattle, WA at the time and it always rained.  My 1967 Ford Mustang had issues (as you might remember from an earlier post "Rainbow Moments").  I started the engine and then went to turn on the windshield wipers and nothing...  I had a towel in my passenger seat.  I rolled down the driver's side window and drove to work.  I had to stick my arm out to wipe the windshield with the towel.  A truck driver with a sense of humor... pulled in front of me and I got what seemed like a tidal wave on my car.  But I did get to work, late, and prayed all the way.  It was the pits!  But I got there safely, wet but safe : )  Times like these happen.  This Psalm describes one of David's times in the pits.

Psalm 143

When I'm in the pits it feels like God forgot me.   But David keeps his faith.

1 Listen to this prayer of mine, God;

pay attention to what I'm asking.

Answer me — you're famous for your answers!

Do what's right for me.

This is another thing that hasn't changed in modern times.  No one wants to go to court.  It's still crazy.
2 But don't, please don't, haul me into court;

not a person alive would be acquitted there.

In David's time, there were literal enemies hunting for him.  There was that giant, "Goliath" he killed and all the Philistines who were angry, just to name a few.  He had a lot of enemies.  He feels like he's in a spiritual desert, where'd God go?

3 The enemy hunted me down;

he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life.

He put me in a black hole,

buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.

4 I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away,

my heart heavy, like lead.

5 I remembered the old days,

went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,

6 Stretched out my hands to you,

as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.

Now, David realizes life without God would be death in itself.  I agree.  I can't live without Him.   David writes a beautiful prayer/song.  I'm always asking God for directions, I get lost driving, but I also need direction with my life.  "Point out the road I must travel."

7 Hurry with your answer, God!

I'm nearly at the end of my rope.

Don't turn away; don't ignore me!

That would be certain death.

8 If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice,

I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you.

Point out the road I must travel;

I'm all ears, all eyes before you.

9 Save me from my enemies, God — you're my only hope!

10 Teach me how to live to please you,

because you're my God.

Lead me by your blessed Spirit

into cleared and level pastureland.

God's justice is always right.  Man's can get a bit messed up at times.  We just can't see the whole picture like God can.  And... there's politics.  I love David's reason- "Why?  Because I'm your servant."  Even though he went through so much calamity, he remained God's servant.  Sometimes it's not easy- but the rewards are divine!  And there's nothing like seeing someone else's struggles to put mine in perspective.

11 Keep up your reputation, God — give me life!

In your justice, get me out of this trouble!

12 In your great love, vanquish my enemies;

make a clean sweep of those who harass me.

And why? Because I'm your servant.

THE MESSAGE

Here's what Jesus thinks about our simple acts of kindness. It turns out when we serve others, we're also serving Him  : )
Matt 25:31-46
31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.  32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.  33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.  34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'  40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

41 "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:  42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;  43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'

44 "Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?'  45 Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'  46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
NKJV

Have a great weekend!

In His love,
Karen

Wordless Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This is Isabel from my last post : )  Here she is posing for her glamor shot.  I sure love her. This is one of the photos I took to paint her portrait.  It reminded me of the other side of the story.  God saw this elderly woman, lonely, angry and empty, living in a Nursing Home 28 years ago.  He loved her so much, He sent a young college student to be her friend and lead her to Himself.  And, now she's dancing with Jesus and the angels in Heaven.   He doesn't forget us or ignore us.  He'll take care of us too, when we get older.




Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography

Oy! The mouth...

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I found this Psalm to be a bit humbling...  I know.  I know, that's part of the purpose of God's Word.  To help us understand He is God, and we are the sheep. 

     It reminded me of one of my first ministries.  I got a burning desire to read the Bible to someone in a Nursing Home.  So I found an organization that would match me up.  When I got to the Nursing Home, the lady told me, "We're going to try you out with Isabel.  She hates people and won't let anyone visit her, even her family.  You seem like a nice person."
     Yikes!  I prayed and walked over to where she was resting.  The first thing she said was, "What are you doing here?  Did THEY send you?  I don't want you here!"
     You see, I wasn't very nice to Christians before I accepted the Lord and these thoughts came to mind.  So, I sat down in a chair, smiled, and looked up to Heaven.  I could feel God's laughter, so I silently responded, "Ok Lord, I know this is where You want me."  Then I could feel His love.
     Isabel calmed down and asked what I wanted to do.  So I told her, "Whatever you want to do.  I can just keep you company.  Or we can read the Bible."
     "I hate the Bible."
     So I sat silently.  Finally, she said, "Well I guess it's ok for you to visit."
     Our relationship lasted for several months.  We were in Washington state at the time.  She described living in the untamed Cascade Mountain range, in a cabin, with her husband.  She told me stories of bears, and trains.  How she loved her husband and what a great man he was.  I can still see images in my mind from our talks.
     I had to paint a portrait for college.  She let me take photos so I could paint her.  Isabel always wore a bright yellow visor and multi-colored gown.  The painting turned out great (I only have a slide or I'd show it to you).
     One day the Lord prompted me to share the Bible with her.  He let me lead her to Christ.  We read the Bible for several weeks.  I was able to take her to my Church in a wheelchair once.  And then, the Lord prompted me to help her with her family.  I told her, "Isabel, I've loved this time with you.  But, I think it would be better if you could meet with your family.  I'm sure they miss you." 
     She agreed.  I stepped out of the way and let the family re-unite. The family wanted the painting so I gave it to them.  With our mouths and a little silence, we can bring great blessings, healing, and hope to others, with God's help.

Psalm 141:1-8

David starts out with an outcry to God.  He feels alone, like God isn't listening.  Hmmm I know that feeling.  He asks God to make his prayer like incense,  a sweet aroma.  David always acknowledges the power and might of God.  I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the Bible, and for words to say to others.  I've never thought of asking Him to give me words to pray. 

1 Lord, I cry out to You;

Make haste to me!

Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.

2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense,

The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Oh man... here's the part about the mouth.  It's very important and very hard to control.  People don't understand what we mean, we don't speak the same language, we argue, we cut down, humiliate, but we also bring great blessing, hope, love and healing to others.  Such a mystery.

3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;

Keep watch over the door of my lips.

4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing,

To practice wicked works

With men who work iniquity;

And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

It reminded me of what James wrote about our mouths:

James 3:5-10
5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
NKJV

It seems besides traffic jams, what we say is a great test of our faith...  It's so true.  I've met people that appear so handsome or beautiful, then they speak and they aren't at all.  I've said things that I wish I could erase somehow.  But we still have hope : )

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
NKJV

This is a good way to think of it.  If we get corrected it's better to be corrected by a Christian in love, than without love.  I was taught early on that if you're anxious to get out there and fix someone, you should stay quiet.  Pray first, examine your own heart and then ask for the words to say.  When you'd rather not do it, then you're ready to correct someone else.  Guess that applies in marriage too.

5 Let the righteous strike me;

It shall be a kindness.

And let him rebuke me;

It shall be as excellent oil;

Let my head not refuse it.

This sounds horrible.  Another reminder of how awful it must be to fight in a war.  I know it's necessary, but it sure can be brutal.

For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

6 Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff,

And they hear my words, for they are sweet.

7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave,

As when one plows and breaks up the earth.

So beautiful! 

8 But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord;

In You I take refuge;

Do not leave my soul destitute.

9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,

And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,

While I escape safely.

NKJV