Build in the Rock

Ever since I could sing, “The wise man built his house upon a rock,” I’ve known that Jesus wants me to be as tightly connected to Him as a house built onto a rock. But I never quite understood how such a thing could be. It always seemed to me that a house perching on a rock would be in grave danger of falling off!

Then I visited Sorrento, a lovely Italian town built on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. As I made my way down the long stairway leading to the harbor, I stopped to admire the stately old buildings at the top of the cliff. But the more I looked, the more puzzled I became. The cliffs were obviously made up of massive pieces of rock. Just as obviously, the buildings silhouetted against the sky were most definitely made of bricks and other building materials. But somewhere in the middle, the line of distinction faded out. No matter how long I looked, I could not tell where the cliff ended and the buildings began. They were literally built into the cliff!

That’s exactly how I want my life to blend with that of my Savior. I want to be so firmly connected with Him that you’d have to destroy Him in order to get to me. Then let the storms come! When I am firmly attached to the Rock, nothing will shake me.

In His strength,

Beware of Wolves

Marie and I became friends before I can remember—our families were just that close. Growing up, we spent countless happy hours playing. As we matured, she and I began discussing deep issues: our dreams for the future, politics, relationships, religion—almost everything. I trusted Marie’s opinions. After all, we had the same religious faith. But during our teens I noticed Marie’s values changing. It started subtly, with remarks that she didn’t see any point to certain principles our parents had raised us to keep. Puzzled, I studied the issues myself and brought Marie the evidence. She would shrug, and I could tell she wasn’t convinced. Did she not believe the written Word—or was I somehow wrong?

Before long, Marie started changing her music, clothing, entertainment, and so on. At times, our visits together felt awkward, because of our diverging convictions. Sometimes, I would give in and watch a video with her or try on her clothes. Then I’d go home and review the counsels she’d disregarded—and I’d be convicted afresh. Soon I realized I had to make a choice: to stand for God’s Word no matter what my friend thought, or to go along with her and hope she was right.
I’m glad God helped me stick to His Word. If I hadn’t, I might not be an Adventist today—Marie isn’t.

Jesus warned us to beware of any person or idea, no matter how trusted, that would lead us away from following His instructions. Remember: Sometimes wolves come in surprising costumes!

Your friend,

Broadway Street

When we lived in California’s Bay Area, every once in a while we’d take a trip into San Francisco. It was fun to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Ghirardelli Square, and Chinatown. However, I didn’t enjoy passing through some of the streets along the way.

One of the worst was Broadway. That street seemed to specialize in evil. Everywhere you looked, garish neon signs advertised many kinds of vice and wickedness, inviting passers-by to indulge in sinful pleasures of all sorts.

Whenever we drove down that street, I always thought of the broad way Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. For those on this road, self is Number One. Their motto seems to be, “If it feels good, do it; if it tastes good, eat it; if it looks good, try to take it.” This may sound appealing, but there is a big problem: The result of that way of living is sorrow and death.

In San Francisco, we always knew when we had turned onto Broadway. The neon signs told it all. That other broad way may not be so obvious, but you can always tell when you are on it: Just ask yourself, “Who is first in my thoughts and in my heart?”

If the answer is anything but Jesus, take an exit before it’s too late!

Let’s meet on the strait and narrow.

Your friend,
 

Love

I hurried to join the rest of my outreach group on a mission to minister to the homeless. Despite my warm clothing, the cold seeped through, and I shivered at the prospect of spending several hours outside. Then our leader stooped to talk to a man sitting on the sidewalk, huddled beneath a ragged jacket. Suddenly I forgot all about my grumbling.

We found the man a coat and some mittens for his near-frozen hands, and we listened to his story. When our leader urged him to go to a nearby shelter for help, he looked up with a weary expression. “God gave us the Ten Commandments and they’re all about love. I don’t know how we got it so wrong in this country.”

Weeks later, I still couldn’t forget those quiet, convicting words. It’s not only this country that’s gotten it wrong. Far too often I myself turn away from the world around me, forgetting that the One I follow heals the broken and loves the outcasts. When I turn away from my neighbors’ needs, I tell the world that the God I serve doesn’t actually love everyone. What a tragic lie!

God is love, and that’s why the golden rule is the standard of Christianity. I intend to live that rule; so I’m asking Him to teach me to love “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Yes, it’s easier to turn away. Love costs. But the God of love has transformed my life. I want the world to know Him too.

Your friend,

Of Trains and Thirst

I’ve always been fascinated by model trains, and my husband grew up wishing he had a model train layout. So, when Tony was still a baby, we began making plans to someday construct an HO-scale model railroad for him.

At last, when Tony was about five years old, we decided he was ready for the train. We cleared out half the playroom and set up a huge train table. We laid down several loops of track, and added scenery: mountains, meadows, bridges, roads, buildings, trees, people, and vehicles. Finally, we connected the engine to the cars, set them on the tracks, and turned the switch. The little train worked perfectly!

When all was ready, we called Tony and unveiled the surprise. At first he was delighted, but soon it became clear that he was simply too young to be able to take care of such an elaborate and delicate plaything. By the time he was old enough to properly appreciate model trains, he had lost interest. We sold the whole setup to someone for $100.

This experience was an expensive lesson in the importance of really wanting something before we get it. I’m glad that our all-wise God lets us hunger and thirst for His blessings before He showers them down upon us!

Are you thirsty yet?

Your friend,

12 x 12 = 140. Or Not.

An argument had broken out on the playground! From our favorite hideout, my best friend and I watched, wondering what the trouble was this time. Then Darla marched over to us. “Cheyenne, what is 12 times 12? Kylie thinks she knows everything, but she’s wrong.”

Panic froze my brain. As second graders, we hadn’t learned multiplication yet, but I had heard my brother reciting this equation. What was the answer? I had to say something! Faking a confident smile, I said what came to mind: “140.”

Soon Kylie stomped up, arms crossed. “It is not 140.” Her glare injected me with dread. “It’s 144.”

“Well, Hud said . . .” I stopped, confused and embarrassed. I had a feeling Kylie was right, but how could I admit that?

“See! You don’t really know.” Kylie strutted off.

The other girls exchanged uneasy glances. “Well, I believe Cheyenne,” Darla said. The rest nodded.
When Kylie asked the teacher, the whole class found out that I had been wrong. They trusted my answers a little less after that—and I learned that it’s better to admit it if I’m not sure!

You can’t share information unless you really know it, whether math solutions or spiritual truths. Just so, you can’t lead people to Christ unless you really know Him. People will doubt what you say about Him if your actions show you’re not really connected.

I want my words and my life to be trustworthy, leading others to Christ. That means I’ll need to abide in Him—every day!

Your friend,

Crazy Attack

Footsore and weary, I eased onto the log situated close to the fire circle, enjoying a lovely view of the lake. What a welcome place to spend the evening!

Just then my parents’ dog lunged for one of the stones in the fire ring. Growling, Ellie snapped at the rock, then kicked it away and chased after it. With a great pounce, she stopped its roll and continued attacking. Even when my parents scolded her to stop, the dog kept biting and growling. The way she lit into it, I could almost have believed her prey was alive!

Watching, I wondered what made this friendly Border collie so ferocious toward a harmless stone. Did the rock smell like a dangerous animal, or perhaps a savory meal? Why didn’t Ellie attack any of the other rocks in the fire pit? When it didn’t fight back, couldn’t she tell that the stone wasn’t actually a threat?

Suddenly I realized that we humans make the same sort of illogical attacks. Far too often, we assault innocent people with criticism, gossip, resentment, and bitterness, just because they did something we didn’t appreciate. If you think about it, though, our condemnation and criticisms make about as little sense as attacking a rock. The difference is that our judging can hurt many people!

It’s no wonder that Jesus spoke strongly against judging. As you study this subject, I hope you’ll let God convict your heart—and submit to any changes He may ask you to make.

Pressing upward,
 

A Shirt Named "Joe"

What color is your favorite shirt? My dad has a favorite hiking shirt that’s a rusty orange, but the retailer poetically named the color “Navajo Joe.” Papa finds this so comical that he calls his shirt “Joe.” When he first bought the shirt, he mentioned it often. When the wind picked up, when clouds blocked the sun, or when the evening chill settled into camp, Pa would remark about putting on Joe.
I’ve known several Joes, but a certain Joe stands out—a good friend for many years. Almost every time Pa referred to that shirt, I thought of Joe—so when the shirt was new and Pa spoke of it often, I had many reminders of my friend!

One afternoon in the backcountry, we paused on the trail for Pa to take off Joe. I looked around me at the stunning mountain scenery. Each peak told me that God loves me. My eyes traced a green ridge down to a shining aqua lake. It said the same thing! The sun beamed down my Father’s care, and the birds sang about it. That’s when I realized that God has put more than a thousand reminders of His love into nature—and daily life. If I’m listening, I’ll hear His name continually—much more often than Pa could ever mention Joe!

I’m glad God says “I love you” so often, because I need the reminders. When I take them to heart, I realize I don’t have one good excuse to worry. My Father cares!

Hiking heavenward,

African Treasures

A number of years ago, our family spent a couple of years on a remote mission station in Zaire, now known as Democratic Republic of Congo. When it came time to return home, we decided to leave most of our goods in Africa. They were hardly worth taking home! However, we had acquired some valuable African curios, including an ancient copper trading piece, some malachite sculptures, and several other rare and exotic items. Carefully wrapping our treasures, we packed them in a 55-gallon drum. Then, to make sure that they wouldn’t be stolen, we welded the barrel shut and added a big lock.

After we returned home, we waited eagerly for the arrival of our valuables. But months passed, and still the drum did not come. We finally realized that we were never going to see it.

Although we were disappointed, we’ve managed just fine without our African treasures. I can’t even remember what they looked like. However, that experience was a very good reminder of how easily we can lose our earthly possessions. No matter how hard we try to secure our valuables, they can still be taken from us. In fact, we can’t be sure of keeping anything on this earth.

Thankfully, I can lay up treasure in Heaven—using God’s fail-safe plan. You can, too. I hope you’ll take the time to learn all about it in this week’s Bible lesson.

Your friend,

Locked Out!

I eased our van onto the road leading to the airport. In a few minutes, I would pick up my friend, Joan. We planned to spend the night in town. The next day, we would do some heavy-duty shopping in preparation for YD Camp.

Everything went as planned. We parked and locked the van, checked into our hotel, and had a lovely evening catching up on each other’s lives. The next morning, we got up early so we could get a jump-start on the shopping list. As we neared the parking lot, I fished in my purse for the car keys, but they weren’t there. My heart gave a lurch. Could I have locked them in the van? I peered through the window, and spied them still in the ignition!

Now what? We had too much to do to wait several hours for a locksmith. Instead, I decided to try to open the door myself. Someone at the hotel gave us a coat hanger. I prayed for God’s help, and then bent the hanger and threaded it through a door frame. After a few false tries, the hooked end caught hold of the lock. A few more seconds, and the door was open!

What a blessing that we hadn’t known about the problem the night before! We would have worried and fretted, and the evening would have been nearly ruined. But when the problem was upon us, God provided the solution—quickly and easily.

A much bigger crisis looms ahead of us. I don’t know exactly what will happen, although I know those last days in this world’s history will not be easy. But I don’t need to worry and fret. Instead, I can leave the future in God’s hands. He’s fully able to take care of me, no matter what!

Your friend,

Neglected Opportunities

Conversation bounced back and forth like a lively game of catch as my friend and I drove through the wide-open farmland of central Oregon. We covered everything from downhill skiing to the wonders of Australia’s outback.  

“Wait, are you sure you don’t need to tank up?” Brittany peered over at my fuel gauge. “That sign said 93 miles to the next fuel station.”  

“We’ll be fine,” I assured her as we left the small town. We had driven this stretch the day before and I was sure I had enough fuel. Besides, I didn’t feel like turning back towards the station.

Uneasiness settled in when traffic slowed to a crawl for construction. Finally, what felt like several hours later, we rolled into the next service station just as the fuel light popped on. As the fuel gurgled into my tank, I wondered why I’d been so foolish. Provision had been made and warnings given; yet I still took an unnecessary risk, far away from home and help. I simply hadn’t anticipated my need!

Sometimes my spiritual needs have suffered from the same neglect. It’s too easy to assume that yesterday’s leftover blessings will get me through today. But God has a better plan: to fill my heart with His strength each day. Then, when the way brings unexpected delays and rough spots, His blessings keep me going!

In His mercy, God makes full provision for my spiritual needs, and provides the warnings. I just have to stop and take time to be filled. From now on, I intend to do just that!

Your friend,
 

Mislabeled Boxes

I was going on a weekend trip and I needed a little travel bag I thought I’d packed in a storage closet. I opened the door and saw a stack of boxes. Each was clearly marked: WINTER CLOTHES, QUILTS, SNORKELING GEAR, OLD CLOTHES, and RAGS.

But I didn’t see my bag. I was sure I had packed it in that closet, but it certainly didn’t belong in any of those boxes. I poked around, but found no travel bag.

I really needed the bag, so I began searching in other places around the house. Then I thought back to the boxes in the storage closet. Were they all labeled correctly? Could it be that one of the boxes had once been used for something else, and the label hadn’t been changed?

I went back to the closet and started looking inside the boxes. When I opened the box marked QUILTS, I found the travel bag along with several other travel items—but no quilts!
I wasted close to an hour trying to find that little bag. It would have been easier if the boxes hadn’t been labeled at all. Before returning the box to the closet, I crossed out the incorrect label—and made sure the box was labeled correctly.

As I packed the boxes back in the closet, I thought about my label as a Christian. If I call myself a Christian, and don’t live up to my label, I’m doing God a worse service than if I made no profession at all.

I want to live up to my label. How about you?

Your friend,

Granite Shield

The day had been spectacular, with gorgeous views and excellent weather. But my feet ached, and my stomach growled. Rest sounded fabulous!

Cresting the hill, we laid our eyes on our destination: Pear Lake. A dozen neon tents dotted its banks, and shouts from their owners polluted the tranquility. Should we press on in hopes of a more peaceful campsite? The next lake was a mile further. Besides, my dad reminded, it could be just as crowded.

We decided to stake our claim here—but it seemed that every plot of dry, level ground was already taken. We plodded down the rocky trail, fearing we would have to hike on.

Then we found it: A private campsite nestled behind a high wall of granite. A lush meadow with a giggling brook beckoned us, and a small fire ring gave the place a cozy feel. We sank onto the cushy grass, thankful to be home for the night. That’s when we realized that the rock wall shielded us from our neighbors’ racket!

I thought of Psalm 91:1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Just as the granite wall quieted the campground clatter, our private prayers with God muffle the distractions of the world. His presence brings us peace!

It works best if we have a place to be alone, and spend plenty of time praying there. Try it! Your quiet place in God’s shadow will soon become your cherished haven.

Hiking heavenward,

Teasing Brothers

Do you have brothers that like to tease? My two big brothers used to delight in inventing tall tales to trick their sisters. When I was kindergarten age, Cody convinced me that we had ferocious pythons chasing our vehicle, trying to puncture our tires with their fangs. Another time, when our parents went to the store to buy a special treat, Cody convinced me they would bring back slug ice cream. My parents returned to find me in tears. I wouldn’t eat any ice cream until my dad persuaded me that it was strawberry flavor—with no slugs at all! Cody laughed and laughed at my gullibility.

I learned to be wary of Cody’s stories, but Hud’s sarcastic remarks fooled me even in my teens. He especially liked to give bogus answers to “stupid” questions—whose answers I probably could have figured out myself. He’d keep a straight face and make his line so plausible that I often wouldn’t catch the untruth.

Today, my brothers speak honest, serious words that I value. Still, their lighthearted lies of the past taught me that human words often can’t be trusted.

Because we’ve been tricked and teased so often, we sometimes approach God’s Word with the same kind of caution I learned for my brothers’ tales. But God’s Word is different. It is always true. It is always powerful. We can always count on it! When God says something will happen, we can consider it done. By faith, we can claim every promise!

He’s trustworthy! Will you choose to believe Him?

Whitewater Rafting

I’d always wanted to try white water rafting, so I jumped at the opportunity to raft down the Salmon River in Idaho. Before we started, the guide warned that we’d encounter several rapids, but he assured us that he would get us through.

For some time after we pushed off, we floated gently down the river, enjoying the scenery and companionship. Suddenly our guide leaned forward. “Rapids just around the bend,” he called out. “Hold tight, and you’ll be fine.”

Moments later, the placid river turned into a foaming torrent. It took all my strength just to hold on, especially when the raft folded nearly in half as we slapped over a turbulent chute. My heart pounding with apprehension, I eyed a large rock jutting out of the midst of the river. Should I jump for it? I glanced at the guide, cutting through the water with clear, expert strokes, his eyes intent on the river ahead. In that moment, I knew my only safety was to stay with the guide. And, just as he had promised, he took us through without mishap.

When we arrived at the next set of rapids, I wasn’t nearly as nervous. We had an experienced guide, and I knew everything would be all right.

That expedition down the Salmon River reminds me of my Christian experience. Sometimes I encounter hard times—those uncomfortable rapids of life. At such times I can try to jump out and handle it on my own, or I can stick with the Guide.

There’s only one good option. I’m going to stay with the Guide. After all, He’s been there before me, and He knows what to do!

Landscape Full of Life

I grew up in the Midwest, and I’ve always relished its simple beauties, from the wide, lazy rivers to the rippling rows of cornstalks to the forested valleys thick with woodland wildflowers. To me, the lush spring landscape outside my parents’ home in Iowa is as delightful as the mountains above my home in Washington. Mountains are majestic, but fertile valleys buzz with life. In Iowa, dragonflies float on the flower-sweetened breeze while songbirds twitter in the trees. A bullfrog croaks the bass notes, and crickets fill in the background. Radiant green covers the hillside from the treetops to the lawn, and rabbits, deer, and other critters scurry about. Everywhere you look, you see life, growth, and beauty!

Giant mountains, vast oceans, thundering waterfalls, and the starry night sky all impress me with God’s greatness. Even so, normal meadows and forests sometimes astound me the most. To me, they’re the best examples of God’s creative power, because they show His amazing ability to create life—in abundance! And just to think: He made it all from a dark, shapeless blob in space—and a few words.

Does your spiritual walk ever seem as desolate and lifeless as the earth before creation? If so, remember that the same God who spoke life onto our planet can infuse you with spiritual vigor. David believed it; that’s why he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). Jesus can make your life as vibrant as a Midwestern hillside in the spring!

Just ask Him!

Blue Ski Slopes

As the chair lift reached the top, my skis touched the packed snow. I glided away, but soon found myself sprawled on the ground after an unexpected bump.

Standing up again, I skied over to the top of the slope and groaned. The easy slopes, marked with green signs, had been my friends, but making it down this blue-signed intermediate slope didn’t seem possible. I turned to Jessica. “I can’t ski this. It’s too steep.”

She didn’t hesitate. “Yes, you can.”

I frowned and looked down the slope, incredulous.

“You’re ready, Kezzia. You were flying down the green just a few minutes ago.”

I remembered the first time I went skiing. We had overestimated my capabilities, and I ended up walking down the slope. “Yes, but . . .”

“You can do it.” Jessica’s eyes held confidence. I glanced back at the hill, then back at her; and my trembling stilled. I trusted her—and if she believed I could do this, then I believed also. Digging my poles in, I started down.

I fell often on my way down the steep hill, but I didn’t mind. Through trusting and believing, my fear and doubts had disappeared. Even with the falls, the hill didn’t seem so challenging. I actually enjoyed it.

I’ve long struggled with fear and doubt, but I’m learning that they aren’t invincible. When I believe that God believes in who I can be, then I can believe in His dreams and trust Him with my life. There is no reason to fear the tests ahead. He will keep me!

Unfathomable Love

When I was expecting my second child, I didn’t know whether I would have a boy or a girl. But somehow I began thinking of my unborn child as “Teddy.” I’d tell my husband, “Teddy kicked a lot today,” or “Teddy has the hiccups,” or “Teddy must be sleeping.” I didn’t think of the baby as an indefinite “it.” Instead, he was “Teddy”—a cuddly, lovable, energetic little bundle I could hardly wait to meet.

I wasn’t surprised at all when my baby turned out to be a cuddly, lovable, energetic little boy. Of course we called him Teddy!

This experience helped me understand more about how Jesus feels about me. Even before I was born, He loved me and made plans for me. It’s amazing to realize that thousands of years ago, Jesus spoke of me by name, and made plans to rescue me from the clutches of sin. And then He actually came to this earth to redeem me! He died for me so that I wouldn’t have to pay the price for my own sins.

Jesus went way beyond the most intense love any mother has felt for her child. How can He love me so much? I don’t know, but I’ll be eternally grateful.

Staring Contest

When did you last win a staring contest? To be honest, I'm not usually successful at that game. I laugh too easily to keep my composure, while my brothers—and my husband—have a knack for keeping a straight face while creating all sorts of distractions. At the same time, they aren't bothered by any silly faces I make—if I manage to do so without cracking up, myself!

Several years ago, around a campfire, my youth group started talking about staring contests—and immediately a friend across the circle locked my gaze. Sunset had come and gone, and only the flames dancing between us lighted up the face of my opponent. Friends around us kept talking like normal, not seeming to notice the challenge, but still my antagonist stared back at me. Perhaps the darkness helped me keep my composure, for I held out long enough to be surprised at myself. Then embarrassment crept in at being so intently gazed at; and then—you guess it—bashfulness got the better of me. I looked away just long enough for my rival to declare victory.

Just as some people's stares can't be deflected, some people's peace can't be interrupted—because it comes straight from God. If you want to be like that, you'll have to give your sins and guilt to Jesus and let Him have your heart. In return, He'll fill you with His love and indomitable peace—enough to share with everyone around!

Sounds like a good deal, wouldn't you say?

Undeserved Mercy

In the early 1800s, Napoleon Bonaparte and his men fought battles all over Europe. Napoleon's troops, for the most part, were loyal; but one young soldier committed an act of treason. Napoleon decided to overlook it—but then the soldier was again disloyal. This time, Napoleon condemned him to death.

When the young man's mother heard the verdict, she journeyed many miles to plead with the great general. "Have mercy on my son," she begged.

Napoleon shook his head. "Impossible. He twice committed the same grievous offense. Justice demands his death."

The mother didn't give up. "Sire," she cried, "I am not pleading for justice, but for mercy!"

"He deserves no mercy." The general spoke with contempt.

"Ah, no, he most certainly does not," the mother agreed. "But it wouldn't be mercy, sire, if he deserved it!"

The mother's plea touched the general's heart. He called a secretary and signed the young man's pardon.

This little story touches my heart. I've been disloyal to God and His Kingdom more times than I can remember. But He is a God of mercy as well as a God of justice—and when I confess, He is ready to forgive.

I pray that I can show the same merciful spirit to my fellow offenders!