Always There

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Karen Langdon
Always ThereAs a military family, we were very blessed to travel quite a bit. Sometimes we took a literal vacation to an area that was new to explore. Often our journeys were long car rides for the purpose of visiting extended family and friends. Moves to other locations also gave us the ability to see and enjoy places new to us.

The year before our final military retirement move, we traveled all the way out to the great state of Colorado to visit two families with whom we had become friends on separate tours in Germany. This was the first time we crossed so many state lines and spent countless days in one vehicle together. We were fortunate to own a conversion van that had quite a luxurious interior and enough space to keep all occupants at least an arm’s length apart and everyone comfortable during three long days across the country.

Among the many interesting places we passed through was St. Louis, Missouri. We did get a chance to see the mighty Mississippi up close and personal and even eat at a floating fast food restaurant. (Who would want to miss that when there are four kids in tow?) But the most memorable aspect was the famous St. Louis Arch, known as “The Gateway to the West.” We stopped to take in its imposing design. We enjoyed the surrounding park, visited the underground museum and wrenched our necks to stare up at the tall gleaming legs of the structure.
St Louis Arch

St Louis Arch

Our time at the park did not serve to create the best memory, however. It was our time in the van after our visit that continues to bring a smile to our lips. My older son had convinced my younger son that the arch was following us. As one travels in the area, that’s exactly what the arch seems to do. It is always visible, sometimes on one side of the vehicle, sometimes on the other. My second son was absolutely amazed at the arch’s ability to “move” and be right there with us. It probably took a couple years before he realized that it is only perspective and perception that cause this experience. I have the chance often to pass through that area, and I laugh every time I think back to that trip and the “roving arch.”

Something that is absolutely true and utterly amazing is the fact that God is always with us. It’s not just our perception that makes it so. In His Word He assures His followers, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Psalm 139:5-8 states, “You hem me in – behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” There is no doubt that He accompanies us on our entire life’s journey. But, He also cares for us and loves us deeply so that His presence is not spent passively just watching us go by; He wields His power, extends His grace, offers His forgiveness, and brings us His redemption that we might travel this life under His care, blessed to be heading toward His heavenly home.
The CrossEach time I travel through St. Louis, the arch is eventually left behind. Each day that I travel through life, my God is with me always. He is The Gateway to Eternal Life, and it is a privilege and blessing to daily journey with Him.

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The Love of the Father

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Karen Langdon
We’ve had the privilege of being vendors at local military exchanges. It is a great way for us to get the word out about Godstruck Ministries and our products, and it allows us to connect with military members and retirees. As a retired military family, we have a special spot in our heart for our service members. One of our objectives is to bless them with words of encouragement and thanks, candy and small gifts for their kids. They are to the man/woman polite and grateful for our presence at the exchange facilities. I am floored that as we thank them for their selfless service to protect and defend our country, our citizens and our way of life, they are often thanking us in return for our meager support.
At one particular military post, we were occupying a space in the huge foyer just outside the entrance to the main shopping area. For some reason, no matter the weather, every day at about 2:00 – 3:00 it gets very cold inside. I wear layers, drink hot tea and try to stay mobile. As I was folding my arms and stamping around a bit, out of the corner of my eye I saw a stroller loaded with plush blankets cradling an occupant coming towards our table. Sergeant Dad was carefully guiding the stroller around the row of vendor kiosks and tables followed by his teenage sons. Partly to engage them in conversation, partly because my nose felt like an icicle, as they approached I commented that I would have loved to have had those blankets wrapped around me. I came to the stroller expecting to see the face of perhaps a 2 or 3 year old enjoying the blanket cocoon. However as I peered inside, it was not a toddler occupying the cozy seat, it was a 13 or 14 year old girl! She was babbling and had a small smile on her lips, little neck control and a look in her big blue eyes that conveyed a lack of understanding of common conversation. Her daddy looked down on her affectionately and did some babbling of his own. “Ba ba ba, yeah, that’s my girl,” he cooed lovingly. I’m sure by this time I had a tear in my eye as I listened to his story. He had been in the military, had left, but then came back in “for her.” Her medical expenses must have been huge, and being in the Army guaranteed that he could cover her health needs. His service was the sacrifice he made for his darling girl. She loved him back through her smile and the innocent look in those big blue eyes, her only way to respond. It must have touched her daddy’s heart, and my heart was aching for them both as I bid them good-bye. There was something sacred in the love I saw passed from father to child.
There is a love that is even more sacred and beautiful than the father/daughter relationship I witnessed at the Exchange that day. The heavenly Father looks down with compassion on His children. He wraps us up in the soft, cozy blanket of His love, guides us carefully through life, and provides all our needs. God’s Word says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1. His Son was the sacrifice He made for us. His love is abundant, and there is nothing we can do for Him to love us more.
Take time to show your gratefulness for this amazing love. You can speak words of thanks to Him, but it is also important to remember the Bible teaches that to love Him back is to obey His Word. In John Chapter 14 Jesus said, 15“If you love me you will obey what I command,” 21“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me,” and 23“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” As one of Jesus’ closest friends, the apostle John was surely overwhelmed by the love of the Father. Having written the above quotes in the book named for him, John reiterates this truth in his New Testament letters. 1 John 5:3 states, “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome,” Obeying God’s Word shows our appreciation for all that He has done and continues to do for us. It is the loving response that touches the Father’s heart.
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Lunch with Libby

Posted on January 19, 2014 by Karen Langdon
I’ve had the privilege of spending time with my almost two-year-old granddaughter for the past month. Mommy had a brand new baby girl, and I came out to witness the happy event and help for a few weeks. We’ve been enjoying many activities together – tea parties, stroller walks when the weather permits, reading books, singing favorite songs (The Little Drummer Boy and Frosty the Snowman are continuing well past the holiday season), and delighting in each other’s company. I wouldn’t trade this time for the world, and just as I am hopefully teaching a few things during this treasured visit, I am learning some valuable lessons as well.
Just like many grandparents I like to treat my grandkids to out-to-eats and occasional “just because I love you” presents. So, out on errands one day, Libby, Mommy, Baby Bekah and I planned to stop at a fast food restaurant to have a little lunch. Libby was excited to hear we were going to have a meal at one of her favorite eateries. Her menu choices are usually the same – fries with “dip” (ketchup) and yogurt parfait. Mommy and I ordered side salads and water – we did just wade through a couple weeks of holiday fare, after all – and with those, I brought Libby’s preferred food items to the table. After prayer, we began to enjoy our meal. Libby slowly and methodically ate her food. She started with the fries, switched to the parfait, went back to the fries, drank some water, etc. My daughter and I finished within 20 minutes, but Libby continued eating. I was beginning to think that things were dragging on, but I wasn’t sure if it was out of the ordinary until my daughter said, “This must be the longest lunch time anyone has ever taken!” We both began to laugh hysterically. Seriously, Libby finished her last bite about an hour after she had begun. Had we known the stats ahead of time, we might have called Guinness for a world record attempt. The funny thing is, Libby was not dawdling because she was loath to eat what was set before her. She was thoroughly enjoying every bite! To her it was a banquet to be savored, not rushed, a repast to be appreciated for as long as possible.
As I thought about what was probably the longest lunchtime I’ve taken in, well forever, I was reminded of something else that provides us with a feast which many of us take for granted and do not appreciate as we should: The Bible. It is a banquet for the soul that we should delight in every day. We ought to approach the time we spend in it with eager anticipation, but sometimes we are reluctant to even open its treasured pages. We should relish its principles and promises, but we often choose to ignore the wisdom it provides. We can linger over the passages we’re reading, but we may routinely plow through it, quickly scan it, or even neglect to view its contents all together. Like ungrateful, spoiled children we waste the provision set before us, not regarding or understanding the consequences of our poor choice.
Psalm 119 is a beautiful chapter in the Bible that is filled with verses that speak about the value of God’s Word. Here is just a portion of it to pray out to God and ponder:
“Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me Your decrees.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth.
I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways.
I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your Word.” Psalm 119: 12-16
Entering a new year often seems to give us renewed determination to change something in our lives. Perhaps 2014 can be the year to make the Word a focus and a feast that we eagerly anticipate, taste delightedly, linger over and savor, and then appreciate and apply to our lives. Let your “lunch” be like Libby’s, deliberately long and enjoying every bite!
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The Great Problem Solver

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Karen Langdon
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed that our problems seem that much more highlighted during the holiday season. Insufficient finances, broken relationships, self-esteem and depression issues all intensify in the weeks that lead up to and encompass the “season of joy and mirth.” They are often matters over which individuals have no control. Many put on a happy face and muddle through this time of year; others turn to a panacea of their own making, actually adding to their difficulties. Christians should know where to turn, but even with sincere prayers, they hang on to the trouble as if it were a cherished gift opened by a child on Christmas morning. Even possibly having memorized the verses that tell us to “not be anxious about anything,” they are aware of the futility of their actions, but they are unable to cross the divide to full faith and trust in the Lord who truly does care and who has their best interest at heart.
I’m not immune to this dilemma. We are experiencing some serious trials this year within our family circle. I’m the mom of grown children, but a mom is forever a problem solver. We put band-aids on boo-boos, put food on the table for our hungry charges, and wipe away tears caused by our children’s stress and anguish. I was thinking about some of the situations we are facing as a family and verbalizing to the Lord that I, as the mom, want to bring solutions to my children’s problems. I considered the Scripture from Philippians 4:6 that I referenced above: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Verse seven continues: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (1984 NIV). It appears that the verses leave us hanging, wondering as to how the issues about which we are anxious will be addressed by our merciful God. As I continued to ponder the verse, I felt that I heard God’s still, small voice say, “I am The Great Problem Solver.” In that moment, the answer became very clear to me.
When we realize that God is the problem solver, we rest in that truth, and we thank Him for answers that we cannot yet perceive, and His peace will inevitably be ours. I may put band-aids on boo-boos, which is a quick fix at best, but God deals with the deep wounds in a fashion that brings healing from within. I may put food on the table, but God produces and provides the sustenance that I set there. I may wipe away tears from the eyes of my loved ones, but God who sees through to the very heart of their hurts and fears will bring peace and comfort to them as we lead them to surrender all unto His capable hands. I felt relief and peace because a burden really was lifted from my shoulders. I no longer need to carry problems; they are the Lord’s to bear and fix in His time and by His will for our lives.
As many of you, I am still not good at giving up the problem solving title. However, my gift to myself for this Christmas and New Year is to continue to trust in God’s problem solving abilities and thus procure His peace that passes all understanding. May that be a precious gift to you as well this holiday season.
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It’s Time… To Praise

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Karen Langdon
The media is saturated with news that is disconcerting: People in positions of authority or in high visibility careers are committing immoral, if not illegal acts. Previously unknown individuals are solidifying infamous reputations by committing random acts of violence that show no respecter of persons. Unusual weather patterns are wreaking havoc across the world. Identities are stolen, throwing victims into financial crisis. As of late, millions of people are finding that their medical insurance will not pass muster in this new age of government health care.
As we make an attempt to digest the information and deal with disturbing life events, we will choose a personal response. Here are some possibilities: We can panic. Much like Chicken Little we can proclaim, “The sky is falling!” maybe bury our heads in the sand or hole up in a bunker to shield ourselves and our families from the terrible tide. We can be apathetic. We can quote Solomon and say, “there’s nothing new under the sun” and plod on day to day, because, after all, nothing’s changed and nothing ever will. We can pour ourselves into the latest cause, believing that we can effect change. This is a viable option and may bring improvements to our own or other people’s situations, but we need to couple that with an even greater response: We can praise God who is sovereign in every circumstance and desires to give us “a future and a hope.”
We understand from Scripture that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we worship and praise Him, most especially in adverse times, we assure His presence in our midst. What better time could there be for His protection and power?
Intertwined amongst the passages of Isaiah are many verses that foretell adversity for God’s people, but promise His help and safety when they praise Him and Him alone. Here is a sample from Isaiah 43:
“Fear not for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
When you pass through the waters I will be with you;
And through the rivers,
They shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
You shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
This people I have formed for Myself.
They shall declare My praise.”
No doubt we are living in perilous times. On the traditional church calendar we are presently in the season of advent, celebrating the arrival of the Christ child. It is possible that on the eternal calendar we are close to the advent of Christ the King, coming for His church. So, while life can be difficult, and we may face more trials in the near future, we are eagerly awaiting our sure hope. Let’s praise the Lord, “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in [our] hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). Surely the Lord’s presence will sustain and revive us. And who knows that it won’t be our final rehearsal for an eternity of worship and praise:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul.
And all that is within me bless His holy name!” Psalm 103:1
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True Celebration

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Karen Langdon
The ground was white and the air felt cool and clean. It was the eve of the holiday, and we pulled into our hotel parking lot, just missing the storm that brought the frosty blanket and some rather large glittering heaps to this little municipality. What a sight! We navigated through with a hotel cart to bring our suitcases from the truck to our room. We were able to get to a nice restaurant for dinner, and when we returned to the hotel I was thrilled to find that a cable channel was playing one of my favorite holiday movies, “The Preacher’s Wife.” Ah, such a festive setting…
That is, if it were Christmas. I neglected to say that this was July 3rd; the next day we would be celebrating Independence Day in the western part of Texas. If I remember correctly, that’s the holiday with hot dogs, waving red, white and blue flags, and fireworks, not white ground cover and a Yuletide classic. We were spending the night in a small city in New Mexico so we could get to our destination on the fourth in a timely manner. There had been quite a storm that brought hail from the size of peas to the size of golf balls, which was definitely distinguished from snow upon closer examination. It was so bad in one nearby city they actually had to bring out their plows! The trees had taken quite a beating; tattered leaves were everywhere. Because this was, after all, southwestern USA in July, some of the hail was melting fairly rapidly, and the parking lot started to look like a pond with the leaves filling in as lily pads. I’m not sure how or why someone decided to air Christmas entertainment for the July 4th holiday (Christmas in July?), but with the untimely weather, it completed what will undoubtedly be for us a very funny and memorable moment.
It is only knowledge and truth that can spare people from deception. In my case, I was fully aware that we were traveling in early July, not late December; therefore it wasn’t Christmas Eve, an easy call. But, can circumstances fool individuals? Of course they can. We watch the stock market rise and are led to believe that all is fine because we feel financially stable. We see shows on television and movies at the theater that portray everything but a man and wife in a committed marriage as normal and healthy, and we buy into the political correctness of the day. We hear about the latest, greatest beauty secret and take advantage of the proposed deal just to feel younger, prettier, more feminine, more masculine or more popular. This may not always be the case, but we can be duped into believing something that at its best is a lie, and at its worst can be destructive if we don’t carefully consider the truth and validity of a matter.
How can we possess such truth and knowledge? The Word of God contains everything we need to discern the situations around us. It is “a lamp to [our] feet and a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105). As we look at each circumstance we encounter through the illumination of the Word, we can and will be able to separate fact from fiction, God’s truth from the enemy’s deception. It doesn’t mean that we will never struggle with a decision or automatically be aware of dishonesty. But, as we continue to read and study the Bible and pray for wisdom, God will lead us to evaluate situations correctly, and it will become easier to see things from His point of view. Deception will give way to clarity, clarity to conviction and conviction to correct action.
Now, that’s something to celebrate, no matter the holiday. Bring out the sparklers and pass the eggnog… Happy 4th and Feliz Navidad!
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Get It Right

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Karen Langdon
I had a routine medical appointment, and because it was scheduled in the morning, I decided to eat breakfast at a fast food restaurant afterward and make out my shopping list for my eventual grocery trip. I’m thankful that many such places now serve oatmeal, and I was enjoying a maple-nut variety with a nice cup of tea, reviewing my coupons and expected purchases. Within minutes, behind me and to my right sat two military officers. I began to hear them converse; at first just the mumble of voices was perceptible, but then I was actually hearing the words of one reading off to the other from something that in my furtive glance I could not detect. “It must be text messages from his cell phone,” I gathered. He was sharing rather seriously, “Are you wearing a white shirt?” Do you have anywhere important to be?” “Are you in [McFoodle’s] right now?” At this point I was thinking, “Doesn’t he know that I can hear what he’s saying?” I actually had the thought that he might be sharing communications from some sort of covert emissary who he was soon to meet or who might be secretly watching him at the moment.
It was then that I glanced down. Under my oatmeal, tea bag and napkin was a tray liner that posed an array of questions in a maze-like pattern leading one to contemplate whether he should be enjoying the sandwich offering of the month. Yes, it asked what color tee I was wearing, if I had anywhere important to be, and if I presently happened to be in [McFoodle’s]. I chuckled. I tend to have an uncomplicated mind, and I don’t always get advertising that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the promoted product. But, I was really laughing at myself for having misinterpreted someone’s reading of a fast food paper mat.
This amusing incident led me to wonder how often I misunderstand something I see, hear, read or experience. Though this particular mistake was innocuous, do I misinterpret words or actions that cause harm to someone, including myself? If I’m being honest, I know I have made such mistakes, things for which I’ve asked the Lord for forgiveness. What about God’s Word? Have I read a verse or passage and made an interpretation that God did not intend? Have I used God’s Word for my own benefit or to the detriment of others? What are the consequences of careless handling of God’s precious message to us?
God speaks to these things. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth.” Proverbs 30:5-6 and 8 says, ”Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar… Keep falsehood and lies far from me.” Galatians 1:6-8, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!”
Obviously, God views the handling of His Word as a serious matter. We need to do the same. When we read and study its words and passages, it behooves us to ask God to help us to understand it well and apply it correctly to our lives. An appropriate verse to pray to God when engaged in reading the Bible is Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” We need to remember that, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16) so that we do not just pick and choose what suits our lifestyle or whim. We must be willing to read the Bible with the utmost care and truly seek God to reveal His truth to us and use it in our lives for our ultimate good and His glory.
From now on, I think I’ll try to fully assess a situation (including checking the fast food tray liner) before I let faulty interpretation and my imagination take my mind in an errant direction. Even more importantly, I pray that I will always handle God’s Word correctly and use it to bring truth and light to the people and situations I encounter. May I be able to say, “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
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Dangling Carrot

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Karen Langdon
You have likely had an experience that could be labeled “a dangling carrot.” You’ve been looking for a new job in a new place when from out of nowhere comes an opportunity. You do well in the interview and feel really good about your prospects, when you receive an email revealing that the position has been filled by someone else – a dangling carrot. You have been desperately trying to sell your house for far too long. Finally, a prospective buyer has enough interest go beyond a showing and inquiries to make a bid. You respond with a reasonable counter, and the buyer walks away – a dangling carrot. Someone promises to provide support for your beloved charity project. You make plans based on their interest, and for whatever reason, they do not follow through – a dangling carrot.
A dangling carrot is a circumstance that develops when one is led to believe that a certain result is likely, which leads to increased expectations and even presumptive actions based on the anticipated outcome. It is born out of the proverbial carrot dangling before the horse to get it to move because it continually thinks the carrot is within reach. Frustration, bitterness, terrible disappointment and a prevalent lack of trust can grow in a person who sees too many carrots and not much fulfillment down the paths they attempt to take. Those who trust in the Lord know that their hope is not in the new job, the house sale, or the benevolent prospect, but in God alone to meet their needs and walk them through what may be a difficult time, believing that He is doing the best for them in their lives.
That said, I was recently reading in the book of Matthew the passage known as “The Beatitudes.” The word comes from the Latin for blessing, and Matthew 5:3-11 lists those who will be blessed and the blessings they will receive. Each verse begins with the words, “Blessed are…” This is God’s promise. When He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, (those who recognize their own inadequacy and dependence upon God) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:3, He is making a guarantee that will not fall short of completion. It is fully realized by those who depend on God. All that the Kingdom offers is theirs, and the promise will be completely fulfilled when we are face to face with Jesus. One can go through each of the blessings and know that: those who mourn will be comforted; those who are meek, will inherit the earth; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, will be filled; those who are merciful, will be shown mercy; those who are pure in heart, will see God, those who are the peacemakers will be called sons of God; those who are persecuted because of righteousness do have the kingdom of heaven. These are their assured blessings because when God guarantees something, it is irrefutable.
In God’s Word, there are no dangling carrots. God’s presentation to us is the most heavenly recipe served on a silver platter for our consumption. We can be sure that the promises in the Bible will come to pass in the time that He has chosen for us. His Word will not frustrate us, cause bitterness, or be disappointing because we can trust the One who is the Word, Jesus.
I know I will still follow “dangling carrots” occasionally. But, pass me the silver platter so I can partake of that heavenly dish and taste the goodness of the Lord. There’s plenty for all; don’t let it pass you by. “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8
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Choose Life

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Karen Langdon
Time and the television have moved on from the tragedy that happened a week and a half ago. Taking place during Hanukah and very close to the Christmas season, some have welcomed the relief of the holidays to move their focus away from something so painful by concentrating on the season known for peace and joy. But, there are many who cannot leave the sadness and heartbreaking images behind. Those who are directly affected by this senseless carnage will always carry scars that this societal wound has inflicted upon them.
I was riveted to the TV, watching the developing story on a national news network. When it first broke, the reports changed often, and the full toll of this act of violence was unknown. But as the day wore on, the tragedy’s full impact was unbelievably distressing: 26 lives gone, 20 of them children. The perpetrator added the life of his mother and his own life to the total. As evidenced in the myriad number of interviews and accounts in the media, we, as a nation, were stunned once again; this was the worst elementary school shooting in the United States, and the second worst school shooting ever, topped only by the massacre at Virginia Tech in 2007.
Amidst thoughts and prayers for the families and the hurting community are these contemplations: “What changes need to take place in relation to gun control?” “Do armed guards and airport-quality detectors need to be a part of every school?” “What role do sadistic video games play in the lives of those who perpetrate such crimes?” “Where was God on December 14th in Newtown, CT?” “Is there even a God, and does He care?” “How in the world did this happen again in America?” These will be normal ponderings in the wake of such an event. It is at the core of every caring heart to get to the bottom of this matter of random and pointless violence. However, do these questions address the underlying problem in America and the world today?
As did many pastors on the Sunday following the incident, our pastor addressed the issue. He talked about our society as being immersed in a culture of death. One does not have to look much beyond his backyard to understand the claim. Oh yes, there are still good things happening around us, but too often they are marred and upstaged by road rage and robberies and street gang violence and shootings, and the list goes on and on. Life is no longer precious. Counter to God’s admonition to “choose life,” as a culture we choose death through the things we allow to entertain us, in some of the choices of convenience we make, and even in a few of the laws that have come into being to rule our land. It is through these choices that evil can and will get its foothold. Interestingly, this culture of death is as old as the fall of man, but it seems to be spiraling out of control and is coming ever closer to what one might imagine the setting will be when God says enough and closes out the era of earth and heaven as it presently exists.
So, what is the answer to this dilemma? How best can we choose life, and how do we allow it to guide and direct our steps in and through our walk in this world? As with all things with which we deal in life, the answer is found in the Word of God, and in this case, the Word itself is the answer. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it…The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5, 14 NIV.
As we allow the Word of God to truly become a part of us, the Lord’s light and life can penetrate our inner thoughts and guide our actions. We can make choices that reflect our close relationship with Him. His Word that is, “sharper than any double-edged sword, [that] penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, [will judge] the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12, NIV. Even if years pass, the Holy Spirit can bring to mind a verse or passage from Scripture that will lead us to make a valiant move, or deter us from making a foolish or costly one. The Word, Jesus, will not just dwell among us, but fully in us and make a significant impact on the darkness that is all around us. If only that young man had the Word of God saturating His inner being, would we be living in the shadow of so dark a tragedy as we are today?
Throughout this holiday known as the season of light, “Let Christ’s Word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about God’s kindness. Sing to God in your hearts. Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col 3:16-17, GWT. May this serve to provide to you and those around you a light-filled, joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
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Practicing God’s Presence

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Karen Langdon
As a youngster, I had a friend who stuck closer than a brother. His name was Teddy, and lest you think that I met a Theodore at school, church or in the neighborhood, and he became my bosom buddy, Teddy was my stuffed bear. (Incredibly creative name, don’t you think?) No one but me could understand the attraction; he was an ordinary bear to the unperceptive eye. My mom rescued him from the attic of our first home, which had also been her childhood home. A little washing, a little fluffing, and I was in love! No other stuffed character ever matched Teddy’s appeal. Teddy was my constant nighttime companion and was a big part of my daytime play as well. I talked his ear off (almost literally), and the testament to Teddy’s friendship and faithfulness in my life is his presence in a plastic bag on my closet shelf. Despite his ragged and haggard appearance, I just couldn’t bear to get rid of him.
Twice this week in my devotional time, I’ve come across the phrase, “practice the presence of Christ.” As believers, we can always count on God to be with us, but how does one keep himself fully aware of His constant companionship? There are two exercises that instantly come to mind: prayer, along with reading, understanding and memorizing God’s Word.
Unlike Teddy, one cannot see God nor physically touch His being, but He is always there. He does not listen to us with stuffed ears that perceive nothing, but with a compassionate ear and a heart that hears prayers, cares about our needs and “works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. He is so attuned to our person and our needs that He even knows those needs before we verbalize them. To speak to Him in prayer confirms and nurtures one’s relationship with Him and allows Him the place to speak back to us in various ways.
While Teddy never entered into the long talks that I initiated, God does! Some will hear the “still small voice” that God can use to speak to the hearts of those who have a relationship with Him. Sometimes God will use circumstances to speak volumes to His children, or He will use the words of others to make an impact on people’s lives. Certainly, God uses His own Word, His letter to humanity, to express His desires, commands, love and grace that He holds for those who follow Him, and to call to those who do not yet know Him in a personal way. When one reads the Bible and makes the literal words and the concepts a part of his being, God can bring those verses and passages to his mind and heart when guidance, comfort or even correction is needed. Taking time to read the Bible and memorize its precious promises, timely advice, and apt cautions will open a direct line of communication to the heart of God. This discipline, combined with prayer, will help one to recognize and acknowledge God’s presence every day.
Goodbye, Teddy. Hello, most gracious, loving Lord! Your presence is my heart’s desire, both now and in eternity. Thank you for the ways that You make yourself known and that I can daily experience Your love and care in my life. Amen!
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