God's Nose is not in the Newspaper

The combination of a father and his newspaper usually makes a Q & A session from a child an impossibility. Assuming that this scenario transcends personal experience, every kid who has tried to squeeze an answer out of Dad while he reads the daily news can testify that their efforts were in vain. The question, "Dad, is it okay if I go to Susie's after school today?" and the question, "Dad, do you mind if we take little Danny out and use him for target practice with Roman firecrackers?" will receive the same response, "Hmmm? Mmm, hmph." Occasionally the answer will vary to, "Go ask your mom."

Sometimes, the dismissive, unattentive reply is exactly what the child desires. He or she is not looking for a clear answer, he/she wants a vague answer that can be interpreted in favour of what the child really wants to do. Other times, a son or daughter does need a thoughtful, considerate response from their father. Questions about the future, about big purchases, about work, or about beliefs weigh heavy and are lightened by the insight of a wise parent.

I am a King's kid with questions. Once upon a time, God would speak clearly to me through Scripture and the Holy Spirit regarding specific decisions that I had to make. Something happened that made me skittish and hesitant to believe that the Lord speaks to me and I can actually hear him. It has effected our relationship and changed the way we spend time together. I shy away from seeking answers and keep my questions to myself.

But God's nose is not in the newspaper. He gladly puts down the printed page and gives his full attention to the inquiries of his children. King David consulted the Lord all the time. All his military moves were directed and approved by God. The amazing part is that the Lord's responses went far beyond a mere nod or shake of the head. I have heard people say that God always answers prayer with "yes", "no", or "wait". What are we thinking? The God of the universe surpasses the three syllable deity that we have imagined him to be.

In 2 Samuel 5, starting at verse 17, David asks God if they should attack the Philistines. The Lord answers, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you." God ordained this victory, but once again, the Philistines crept into Israel's territory. David inquires whether he should attack again. Beyond the clarity of the first reply, God dictates a strategy, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in the front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean that the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." Reading this detailed, considerate response from God, it struck me that he's the same God who wants to speak to me today.

More than "Hmmm? Mmmm, hmph.", more than "yes", "no", or "wait", the Lord's responses can be clear and direct. The paper is closed and on the table. God is giving me his full attention. Is this kid ready to hear the answer to her questions?

Being a Bride

Be it common knowledge or not, Bolivia has been going through some serious trials as a country these past weeks. It's been painful to watch the news, not only because of the startling images, but the journalism is so poor at times. Besides that, it's frustrating to watch the endless, fruitless dialogue between two very different political camps. The general feeling is that Evo Morales and his anti-imperialist, socialist agenda are here to stay.

They are here to stay and they bring anti-evangelical sentiments with them, making the pervasive question,"What will happen to the missionaries and the native, protestant church?" Evo has stated,"Bolivia is for Bolivians." His semanal sacrifices to the Pachamama are clear statements as to where Morales religious ties lie. It's possible that foreign Christian workers will be pushed out of the country...hopefully later than sooner. What does this mean for the church that would remain? There are some who bemoan the day of our departure and lament that without foreign missionaries, the church and it's work will suffer. Others have said that the bride of Christ in Bolivia has become fat and lazy and perhaps this pressure and potential persecution is the perfect remedy for their spiritual sedentry. My personal opinions side more with the latter thought than the prior.

Being of such opinion requires a personal evaluation as well. I can not make such a statement without looking in the mirror myself and recognizing that the Canadian church is no blushing bride either. I have always believed that if I were to be a bride, I would then be a wife who would maintain herself and not let herself go. I have looked on while some friends who "got their man" lost interest in their appearance and slowly abandoned their efforts to look attractive. All my life, I have watched my Mom go into the washroom at about 5:15 pm to fix her make-up and brush her hair because my Dad would come home at 5:30pm. The church, world-wide, is married to Christ, but neglectful to nurture the marriage. I am the bride of Christ, but I am not always faithful to my husband. Sometimes I smell bad because of my sin and instead of righteousness, I am clothed in disinterest and desire for something or someone else. My efforts to keep the spark in this marriage are half-hearted and the love I first felt has been reduced to a decision to stick with it.

It is right to stick with it. Jesus is the One for me, but I feel like a middle-aged spouse who wakes up one morning and asks her husband, "Who are you?". After so many children and the passing of years, the couple stop getting to know each other. Perhaps a little scare or a large scale threat is exactly what a pair need to remind each other of the importance and value of the other. If a military seige and political persecution will remind the church of their first love and solidify her loyalty, then may they come. As for me and my battle to be the bride I once was, I want only that which will make me surpass the affection and the passion I used to have.