Don't Gild the Lily!

 

Isn’t Jesus enough? Why do some feel they have to gild the Lily of the Valley (Song of Solomon 2:1) for others to appreciate Him?

Several decades ago, we were blessed by visiting the Holy Land Experience Park in Orlando when it was run by Marvin Rosenthal, a Jewish-born Baptist minister, of Zion’s Fire. The love of Christ shone in every face, from ticket takers to those who told inspiring messages in drama, song, and praise dance. The Gospel message – salvation by grace through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God Who paid our sin debt in full (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) – was evident in every exhibit, witness, and dramatic or musical presentation. Attention to detail and historical accuracy gave the visitor a true sense of living where and when Jesus walked the earth.

So what went wrong?

We were so looking forward to our return visit 13 years ago, as we knew many exhibits had been added. Our first experience that day was positive – a tasteful yet dramatic fountain display synchronized to Sandi Patty singing “We Shall Behold Him.” Sadly, it was all downhill from there.

Our first clue to the very different perspective since Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) took over the park in 2007 was “Christus Gardens,” a wax museum allegedly depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The infant Jesus lay in a manger (Luke 2:7-16) filled not with hay, but with tinsel!!

The next scene confused me. At first I thought it was supposed to represent Jesus eating with the publicans and sinners (Matthew 9:10-11), because His dinner companions were all decked out in glitzy crowns and fine brocade robes. Sadly, I realized from the number around the table and the seating arrangement that it was the made-for-TV version of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-30), where apparently the itinerant apostles who were told not even to carry an extra coat (Matthew 10:10) had rented kings’ attire for this special occasion!

Other details at Christus Gardens were also less than Biblical – “Jesus” handing golden keys to Mary Magdalene as he appeared to her on Resurrection Sunday, and a white horse waiting by the tomb, as if He needed transportation!

We shook our heads, but made our way toward a replica of the Colosseum housing the new Church of All Nations, a 2,000-seat auditorium used for the theme park dramas as well as for broadcasting Sunday church services. The opulence was overwhelming, far from tasteful, and even sickening. Ornate gold plaster moldings, huge crystals bedecking crowns, sequined silver lamais adorning the curved balustrades, and a Disney-style sculpted panorama encircling the ceiling, with lit-up replicas of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Statue of Liberty, and other national landmarks.

I do appreciate that the temple in Jesus’ day was God’s house, and that no expense was spared in decorating Solomon’s temple with taste and symbolism honoring God (1 Kings 6). Since Jesus ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit indwelled each believer (2 Corinthians 1:22), the house of God has been within the heart of everyone who placed their faith in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6). Early Christian churches met in the homes of believers (Acts 16:15,40; 20:20; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19), and there is no Biblical mandate to build ornately decorated, large sanctuary buildings.  

Nonetheless, centuries later, the majestic cathedrals of early and later Christendom drew the eye heavenward with their lofty architecture, and their costly statuary and stained glass served as a Bible depicting scenes and characters that parishioners could not read otherwise, as most were illiterate and had no access to printed Scripture.

In contrast, The Church of All Nations was in my opinion tacky, tasteless, and honoring the world rather than the Creator. The lavish extravagance continued into the ladies’ room, where every stall was completely mirrored on three sides so that you had a full frontal view of yourself perched on the porcelain throne and side reflections echoing ad infinitum! The highly polished black granite on the back wall and floor added to the mirror effect, prompting many women to giggle and one to exclaim, “There’s a message here – nothing is hidden!”

I thought rather that a church that would use mirrors as such a pervasive theme in its décor was worshiping the idol of Self, screaming: “There’s nothing more important than me!”

And speaking of thrones, they were everywhere, in the lobby, in the gift shop, beckoning visitors who wanted to play King or Queen for a Day or just to get a great photo op.  What the thrones had to do with Jesus’ earthly ministry I’m not sure, other than to remind us of Herod and Pilate while relegating Jesus to a supporting role or even to an extra. Speaking of photo-ops, these were available with cardboard statues of a hippie angel on a Harley-Davidson, and other characters from the dramas supposedly honoring Christ and the Gospel.

Ah yes, the dramas. The first one we saw was supposed to be a tribute to patriotism, but the poor quality of the acting, singing and dancing came across as cheesy and left us feeling cheated. Next came an unfunny comedy about an angel (yes, the hippie on the Harley) witnessing to a café owner about angels in the Bible. This led to a shockingly irreverent portrayal of Daniel (Daniel 6:16-23) in a den full of pompous, cowardly, inept lions, and his “rescue” by an angel whose main function was to flap her butterfly wings.

But the saddest of all was the “passion” play. It started to go south in a hurry when “Jesus” started whimpering like a scared puppy in the Garden of Gethsemane, crying about his fear of the ordeal to come. In the Bible, Jesus is described here as being “exceeding sorrowful unto death,” (Mark 14:34) not afraid, because of the cup of sin of all mankind that He would have to endure to pay the debt for all our sins. Taking on our sin would mean that during that time He would be separated from His Holy Father Who could not look on sin. But Jesus’ Godly sorrow was far from fear, for His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).

After the crucifixion, a centurion swaggered toward the audience to intimidate everyone into being saved. “Close your eyes!” he roared. “You must believe! Ask Jesus into your heart right now!" 

This order totally contradicted the Biblical truth that God does not frighten or bluster souls into submission. Instead, He knocks gently at the door of our heart (Revelation 3:20) and speaks in a still, small, voice (1 Kings 19:12). We still have the free will to accept or to reject His freely given gift of salvation and eternal life (John 3:16).

The scene then dramatically changed to a boxing match, staged as a battle of cosmic proportions, complete with music and lighting effects reminiscent of Star Wars. “Jesus” was dressed in what I assume was supposed to be grave clothes, but this looked like a muu-muu made of many layers of gauze with a big blood stain over his chest. In his corner were Elijah, Moses and an unidentified angel/prophet-type being, while Satan was supported by Pharaoh, Hitler, and Al Capone(?)

Jesus and Satan began duking it out, and about half the audience roared in delight (the rest of us were too embarrassed and sickened to even watch) when “Jesus” growled, “Go ahead, Satan, make my day!”

“Jesus” then died, then arose, then miraculously appeared at the back of the auditorium, wearing a huge sparkling crystal crown and a 40-foot long bejeweled purple velvet train. As he marched down the center aisle and shook hands with those who cheered him on, more angels with butterfly wings threw their tiaras on his train (wait a minute, I thought it was believers, not angels, who witness (Matthew 28:19) and who cast their crowns at Jesus’ feet (Revelation 4:10).

It made me wonder if “Jesus” would be signing autographs in the lobby, but according to the printed schedule, I guess he had to get ready for an event described as “Have communion with Jesus!” We opted to skip that, along with “get your miracle” at the fountain of prayer consecrated by Benny Hinn.

In fairness, it was not all bad – the grounds were immaculately kept and beautifully landscaped, and there were some interesting artifacts including a replica of the excavated boat thought to be the one in which the apostles sailed the Sea of Galilee when Jesus walked on the water. A drama called “Four Women Who Loved Jesus” was actually Scripture-based and quite moving once you got over the fact that these women, including Jesus’ mother, were dressed in costly sparkling gowns. 

And thankfully, the Scriptorium, an extensive collection of rare historical Bibles and Scripture parchments assembled by the previous owners, was still there, so we ended our day on a positive note based on God’s Word.

Years later, the park experienced a revival of sorts. The tinsel, crowns, thrones and mirrors disappeared; portrayals in the exhibits and dramas were more Biblically accurate; and the staff and actors once again were good ambassadors for Christ, their faces, speech and demeanor reflecting His light within.

Sadly, this was short-lived, no doubt because the simple Bible truths the park sought to teach were not appreciated by the world, who preferred the sleek, expensive, high-tech thrills available at the other theme parks in Orlando. A temporary closure in 2020 during the Covid outbreak and lockdown became permanent, and in 2023, all buildings were demolished, including the Colosseum housing the Church of All Nations and the Scriptorium. What became of the priceless Bibles and manuscripts in the Scriptorium is unknown to me.

But regardless of the world's standards, preferences and ideals, we as Christians are held to the higher standard of accurately preaching, teaching and reflecting God's Word, truth and love.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Jesus Christ is my Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Lord, Saviour, Master, Friend Who sticks closer than a brother. I don’t need and I don’t want man’s fancy trappings and worldly ideas of dressing Him up with entertainment, Hollywood fanfare, wardrobe, pagan temples and special effects.

He is all I need. Just give me Jesus.

© 2012 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives, edited and expanded

When God Speaks

 

When God speaks, people don’t always listen. But we should, for when God speaks, it is so, and it is done (Isaiah 55:11; Ezekiel 12:28).

God wrote some of His Word directly on tablets of stone (Deuteronomy 9:10), and the Holy Spirit inspired chosen men of God to write the rest (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Unlike any other religious text, the Bible is not only internally consistent, but also historically and scientifically accurate, as well as tried, true, and pure (2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Archaeological and scientific discoveries and advances increasingly support corresponding facts in the Bible. The state of art and of knowledge in all these disciplines changes, and their theories come and go, but the Word of God is eternal and unchanging (John 1:1; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35).

Many Biblical prophecies, such as those concerning the earthly ministry of the Messiah, have already been fulfilled exactly, with astronomical odds against this happening by chance. Those prophecies and promises not yet fulfilled will one day come to pass, and we should live accordingly, in faith and not in unbelief (Hebrews 4:1-7).

Jesus Christ, Son of God, spoke the universe into existence and saw that it was good (Genesis 1; Hebrews 11:3; 2 Peter 3:5). He used the power of His tongue to heal (Luke 5:13; 17:14; 18:42; John 5:8-9), forgive sins (John 8:11), cast out demons (Matthew 8:16), lead others to believe in Him (John 8:30), and even to raise the dead (John 11:43-44; 

28-29).

His Word is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17), piercing straight to the heart to convict us of our sins and of our need for His saving grace. For those who hear, believe, and act upon His Word, it cleanses us from sin (Ephesians 5:26), sustains us (Matthew 4:4), blesses us (Luke 11:28), identifies us with God (John 8:47; 1 John 2:5), and gives eternal life (John 5:24-26). Jesus withered a barren fig tree with a single utterance (Mark 11:14, 20-22), and when He returns, His Word will defeat all His enemies (Revelation 19:11-16).

Knowing this, how should we choose our own words? Words have the power to build up and to tear down. With the power of our tongue we can bring joy, love, truth, and comfort, or incite anger, hated and strife (Philippians 2:14-16; James 3). We can glorify God with words of praise and thanksgiving, or we can dishonor Him with filthy speech and blasphemy (Ephesians 5:4,6,19-20).

Like Jesus, we can speak the truth of Scripture to war against the devil and watch him flee (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10-11). Or, like Satan, we can twist and corrupt that truth (Genesis 3: 1-5; John 8:44) so that we are false teachers speaking lies (2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2; Matthew 7:15).

When we face Jesus Christ at the judgment, we will have to give account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36-37). Not just for lies, gossip, backbiting, and slander, which we know God hates (Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 10:18), but for which His Son has already paid the price in full by dying on the cross. “Idle” words imply those words spoken without much thought or care – not necessarily harmful in themselves, but perhaps preventing an opportunity to encourage, exhort, or witness (Romans 10:17; Acts 4:31). Do we chat about our latest fashion finds or football scores to fill the awkward silence, shutting out the Holy Spirit’s voice prompting us to tell someone about Jesus?

As we present our bodies to Him as a holy, acceptable living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), surely our tongue should be the member we especially consecrate to His service. When God speaks, may we listen, believe, and do what He says, following His perfect will for our lives.

Copyright Laurie Collett 2012

Reposted from the archives

Time for an Adjustment

 

Photo by Dematt 2006

I dreamed I was at a chiropractor’s office to have an adjustment. I check in at a desk on the first floor and realize it is a multilevel office space with rooms above surrounding a central area. Oddly, each of the three-story glass sides could be closed off by a very tall oak door extending from the top floor ceiling to the ground level floor, giving the effect of a full-sized dollhouse.

The lady checking in before me says she knows me from dancing, and asks “Are you OK? You look unwell since the last time I saw you.”

Taken aback, I reply curtly, “Maybe it’s because we’re both so much older. I don’t even recognize you.”

The woman turns away from my rude remark, and the blonde receptionist explains that my insurance will cover the full course of treatment, except for a copay of 50 cents. I don’t have two quarters with me, and she says I can bring it next time.

I spot the chiropractor scurrying around, a tall, thin, middle-aged man with mousy brown hair and thick glasses. He hands me a pile of forms and tells me to go upstairs, fill out the forms, and change in one of the rooms. Many people are there entering and leaving the rooms, but I finally find one that is unoccupied.

I remove my windbreaker and am surprised to find that I am wearing a very ornate necklace, composed of brass medallions welded together and enameled in bright blues and iridescent greens to give the effect of a peacock’s tail. I remove that and am confused and embarrassed to see that my neck and shoulders are wrapped in tin foil, and even worse, there is no trash can in the room where I could discreetly discard it. So I crumple it up and set the necklace and jacket on top of it on a counter, hoping the chiropractor won’t notice.

After a very long time, the chiropractor comes in and says he won’t need to examine or treat me, but that I’ll be put on a traction device. I get very angry that after this endless wait I will not even be treated by human hands but instead will be put on a machine, without any personal attention to my problem or symptoms. I intend to leave, and I look for my jacket and necklace, but they have disappeared. I start yelling loudly that I’m going to expose the chiropractor and his practice for fraud.

As I awaken and come to my senses, I realize that it is indeed time for an adjustment – an attitude adjustment, that is, and not a chiropractic adjustment. Throughout the dream I had become increasingly annoyed and ultimately ballistic with those around me, when in fact I had no one to blame but myself.

As a born-again Christian who has placed her faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), I am blessed to have His Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30) and the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) within me. I have no business turning to the world to solve my problems when the Spirit within gives me access to all of His wisdom, power, and love. True, I often fail to trust Him because I still must deal with my sin nature (Romans 7:5-25), but that is no excuse for expecting help from the world system instead, which can only disappoint (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Jesus Christ is not only our Healer and Great Physician (Jeremiah 8:22; Mark 2:17; Matthew 9:12; Luke 4:23), but He is our Compass Who aligns us with His perfect will, if we allow it (Luke 22:42). That is not to say that God cannot work through doctors and modern medicine, for He does, yet we need to seek His guidance for our physical as well as our spiritual health (James 5:15).

The chiropractic office in the dream may symbolize man’s vain attempts to manipulate the truth of God’s Word, just as an inept chiropractor may attempt to heal by spinal manipulation, only to cause more harm than good. False churches spreading false doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:15; 21-23) are packed out with seekers looking for an easy fix for their heartache, but the solutions offered are no more real than a doll’s house or a set for The Twilight Zone.

Often these churches are not even led by in-person preaching, relying instead on a mechanical projection of a preacher delivering a message somewhere else. The traction apparatus offered in the dream, instead of a specific treatment plan based on a careful in-person evaluation, suggests the harm of a “church” where the sheep have no shepherd (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34). Just as I was given many forms to fill out in the dream, some cults have their members complete “personality inventories” or other questionnaires dealing with sensitive information that can be used to manipulate rather than to help.

The absurdly low copay of 50 cents in the dream suggests to me the philosophy of cults and works-based religions. These insist that Jesus’ finished work on the cross (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:10-14) is not enough to ensure our salvation, and that we have to bring our own good deeds to the table if we hope to earn our way to Heaven.

Yet the Bible says that we are saved by grace through faith, and not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fifty cents is not even a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of a complete course of treatment, and any works we could add to the perfect sacrifice Jesus made becomes not only insignificant but actually insulting to Him. Jesus paid our sin debt in full, and all our own righteousness is no better than filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

Jesus told His followers to be in the world, to be salt and light for the world (Matthew 5:13-16), yet not to be of the world (John 15:19; 17:11-18). In the dream I failed this command, for I allowed my pride to be hurt and resorted to snide comments when I should have offered Christian love (John 15:17). Rather than being a good testimony to my Savior’s love, I lashed out in anger, not only at the other patient, but at the chiropractor and staff.

When I took off my coat, I was surprised and uncomfortable about what was underneath. The ornate necklace was clearly inappropriate to wear to a doctor’s appointment, with its many metallic plates like a shield of armor decorated in a peacock design. This suggests that I was insulating my heart with pride that kept me from God (Psalm 10:4; 1 John 2:16) instead of relying on the shield of faith that is a crucial part of the armor of God (Ephesians 6:16).

Instead of the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14), I was wearing tin foil on my neck and shoulders! What a poor imitation of His holiness, for my own self-righteousness and works can neither protect nor justify me. God knows the heart, which is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). The heart will betray and condemn us unless it is covered in Christ’s perfect goodness and purity.

May we beware of false doctrine, cults, and churches that do not honor Jesus Christ, His example and His Word. May we be careful to put on the whole armor of God each day to resist the devil and his strategies (Ephesians 6:11-13), relying on Christ’s completed work on the cross, His perfect holiness, and His resurrection (Galatians 6:14). May we have an attitude adjustment, our mind becoming aligned with God’s perfect will for our life instead of being conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).

May we stand straight for what we believe, allowing the two-edged sword of His Word (Hebrews 4:12) to penetrate between the joints and marrow, the soul and spirit, and to discern the thoughts and intents of our heart!  May He create a clean heart (Psalm 51:10) and renew a right spirit within us!

© 2015 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

What to Wear?

Photo by Claudia Bertolero Runway Photos 2019

During the Obama administration, my husband was watching TV one night when a clip came on of a “surprise guest” on a talk show. The gentleman entered the set wearing a business suit and an Obama mask, and when he lifted the mask, the surprise was that it was President Obama himself!

Celebrity masks are big sellers at Halloween, but that clip made me wonder if the face we present to the world each day, even if our own, is more of a mask than our true self. Do we rush out of the house Sunday morning grumbling about how our spouse or children made us late, have murderous thoughts about the driver who cut us off, and then enter church with a cheery but somewhat forced smile?

This time of year always prompts discussions of how Christians should react to Halloween. The celebration began as a pagan ritual calling forth and consulting with spirits of the dead and celebrating death itself, at a time when the coming winter forced farmers to kill off sickly animals. Skulls and skeletons were important emblems representing death. The holiday was then was appropriated by the early Christian church as All Saints’ Day revering martyrs, and the night before was All Hallows’ Eve.

The Bible is clear that Christians should not take part in sorcery, witchcraft, fortune telling or other dealings with the spirit world, for we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Leviticus 19:31; Isaiah 8:19; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4; Galatians 5:19-22; Deuteronomy 18:10; 2 Kings 17:17). Costumes resembling demons, skeletons, wizards, vampires, or witches would therefore seem inappropriate.

Yet, some “Halloween alternatives” for children, such as a Parade of Nations to inform children of customs and native dress in lands where missionaries serve, may be educational, fun, and a good opportunity to explain the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and to explore the lives of missionaries. Even passing out candy and “Jesus Loves You” stickers or tracts may be a good ministry and witness opportunity.

But while we’re considering how or whether to dress up our children on October 31, we should address the deeper question of what to wear each day to honor Christ. Dressing modestly in attire that He would find pleasing and that would set us apart from the secular world goes without saying. But we need also to consider our countenance – are we so busy with worldly cares, or so preoccupied with physical beauty, that we neglect to let His light, peace and joy shine through us? (Matthew 5:14)

As King Solomon wrote, "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised (Proverbs 31:30).

If our relationship with Christ is foremost in our heart, others will see it on our face, even if they don’t recognize the source of that inner beauty. To be told “I want what you have in your life, even though I don’t understand what it is or how to get it,” is not only a great tribute to the Savior Who changed us, but an open door to witness about His love.

So as we look in the mirror October 31 or any other morning, let us remember 1 Peter 3:3-4, which tells us not to beautify ourselves with “that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

Praise God that His blood has washed away the stains of sin (Revelation 1:5) from the filthy rags of our own attempts at goodness (Isaiah 64:6), and that now we are clothed in the beauty of His salvation and righteousness:

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Instead of putting on a costume or other outfit meant to impress, let us put on the whole armor of God to fight off the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:11-17). For those who don’t know Christ, Halloween may be especially scary or just an excuse for drunken partying and sexual sin. But Christians should remember that on Halloween as on any other day, we must watch out because Satan is prowling about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Praise God that we have victory in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57), and that He Who is in me is greater than he who is in the world! (1 John 4:4)

Laurie Collett Copyright 2011

Edited and reposted from the archives

 

Stillness

 

Photo by Laurie Collett 2025

Recently my husband and I were blessed to have a midweek escape for a few days at our favorite beach getaway. Even better, we felt as if we had the privacy of being castaways on our own deserted island, yet with all the comforts of home.

In the quiet fall season, after families on summer vacation leave the island, and before “snowbirds” come for the warm Florida weather, the beach is relatively quiet. But today it is empty, save for the two of us, a few nesting shore birds, a great blue heron surveying the coast, and a lone osprey circling overhead. The weather is perfect, sunny and warm but not humid, with an occasional refreshing ocean breeze. The sky is a soothing shade of robin's egg blue, with a few feathery clouds scattered artistically about.

But most astounding to me is the ocean, as smooth as glass, except for a few lacy ripples along the shoreline. The sun sparkles on the calm surface, silvery light streaking through the azure water in an intricate pattern.

The last time I remember it being this still was just over one year ago, on our last visit of the season before the devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The island took a direct hit in both storms, but thankfully no one was harmed.

 Although it was a great blessing that the beachfront homes (on stilts) remained structurally sound, everything underneath washed away – decks, stairs, air conditioners, sheds, golf carts, electrical and plumbing lines all gone overnight, as well as the community pool house.

Initially there was no power or phone service and the roads were impassable. Checking on damage had to be done by drone images or by climbing a very tall ladder to enter the house. For six months after the storms, the homes were not habitable because there was no sewer.

Thankfully, however, most homes are now repaired and insurance has covered a large part of the expense. Yet today as I view the stillness of the ocean, I pray that this is not the calm before the storm, as this year’s hurricane season has six weeks remaining.

Just as I had experienced on the last visit before last year’s hurricanes, the stillness today is such a welcome respite from the busyness and turmoil of daily life. We need to come apart with God (Mark 6:31), away from the world’s distractions, temptations, and discord, just as Jesus did even during the busiest times of His ministry (Matthew 14:23). We need to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

Activity, even potentially beneficial activity such as serving in church or volunteer work for a good cause, is no substitute for spiritual growth. Such growth cannot occur without quiet time dedicated to knowing Jesus Christ better and to worshipping Him. We cannot forsake prayer, Bible study, and faithful attendance to corporate worship and to Christian fellowship without drifting away from God, no matter how sincere our motives in other aspects of Christian service (Hebrews 10:25).

We must be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from His Word, and not like her sister Martha, too caught up in busyness and in serving to worship Him. We must choose quiet fellowship with Him, as did Mary, over being burdened and anxious about “Christian” activity (Luke 10:38-42).

The stillness we experience when alone with God may allow us to recover from intense spiritual warfare, or to prepare us for physical or emotional trials or spiritual battles to come. Both were the case with the prophet Elijah after God gave him a great victory against the false prophets of Baal. The one true God poured out fire on the soggy altar and brought torrential rain in the prolonged drought, then Elijah slew all of Baal’s prophets with a sword. Yet he was ready to give up and even asked God to take his life when the evil queen Jezebel threatened to kill him (1 Kings 18-19).

But God knew exactly what Elijah needed. He led him to a shady spot under a juniper tree to sleep. God then sent him an angel who told him to eat and drink, giving him a freshly baked cake and water. After a second night’s sleep, the angel again gave him food and water, which sustained him for a 40 day-and-night journey to Horeb, the mount of God. There God spoke to Elijah, not in the strong wind, earthquake or fire He first showed Elijah, but in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:4-12). God then gave Elijah clear instructions regarding His plan for him.

Often we find the stillness to be calming and restorative. Yet at other times, we may grow impatient, wrongly perceiving that God is ignoring us or delaying His response to our prayers.

As my husband and I stroll along the deserted beach, we realize that the still waters allow us a glimpse of life and activity teeming beneath the surface, which are usually invisible in the ocean waves. First we notice schools of tiny silver-green fish along the shore, darting this way and that. Then pairs or triplets of gray fish, about the length of my hand, playfully switching positions.

To our surprise and delight, the ocean is so calm that we spot an 18-inch fish, gray with yellow-tipped fins and black markings on the underside.  It swims steadily alongside us as we walk, occasionally darting at great speed through a swarm of smaller fish, causing them to scatter.  Soon we realize that our ocean friend is not alone, as similar fish appear nearby.

“All we’re missing now to complete this picture is a dolphin,” my husband said.

As if on cue, a large black fin and curved gray body of a graceful dolphin appeared, barely emerging from the water, diving below the surface, then reappearing some distance away!

It reminds me that God is always at work for our ultimate good and His glory, even when we don’t perceive His plan to work all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  We don't see the myriad species and the flurry of activity in the ocean when choppy waves distort the surface -- we need the stillness to see what lies beneath. Nor can we appreciate or understand God's plan for us if we are too distracted by the clamor of the world, our own desires, and even our own activity, whether or not such activity seems to be productive or done in His service.

Once we become God's children by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we can have faith that He will lead us beside the still waters and restore our soul (Psalm 23:2-3).

He may do this to allow us to recover from intense spiritual warfare or to prepare us for the next spiritual victory, for we know that the battle is the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:47), and that the victory is certain through His Son! (1 Corinthians 15:57).

May we thank God for the rare periods of stillness in our lives when we can most clearly hear His voice and perceive His perfect plan for us. May we deliberately seek out quiet time with Him, hear His still, small voice, and seek His face through prayer, studying His Word, and praising and worshipping Him alone and with fellow believers!

Copyright 2025 Laurie Collett

Shining Light in Dark Places

 

How is God’s Word like laparoscopic gall bladder surgery?

A friend of ours had her gall bladder full of small stones removed. She showed up at the office surgery suite early in the morning and had the surgery done by laparoscopy, in which a tiny incision allowed insertion of a fiber optics light source, cutting tool, and cautery device. After she slept off the short-acting anesthetic, she went home the same afternoon as the surgery, rested at home for a day, and returned to work and full activities the following day.

Decades ago when I was a medical intern, gall bladder removal was major surgery requiring a full incision, cutting through the abdominal muscles, opening the abdominal cavity, removing the gall bladder, and completely repairing the cut muscles and skin. The gastrointestinal tract would often shut down temporarily from the trauma; bleeding could be significant; and infection could occur. The patient could expect several days or even a week in hospital, followed by recovery at home for several weeks.

Now, thanks to fiber optic and laparoscopic technology, surgeons can achieve the same result safely and effectively in a day. The focused light illuminates the darkness within the body to visualize the internal organs, and the same flexible instrument allows cutting and cauterization to remove the diseased tissue and seal off damaged blood vessels.

Of course, laparoscopic gall bladder removal is possible only if done once the problem of gall stones is first detected. If left too long, infection or blockage of the bile duct may occur, and the patient is too sick for laparoscopy to be done safely. Then the patient requires the major trauma of open surgery to clean out the pockets of infection, blockage and decay.

It reminded me that God has two main strategies for removing spiritual sickness from the lives of His children (Mark 2:17), and for saving those who are still dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1,5; Colossians 2:13). Both strategies ultimately achieve the same result, but one is relatively painless, simple and efficient, whereas the other is a long, arduous process involving considerable pain, suffering and complications.

God’s Word is designed to shine His light into the darkest recesses of our heart and soul (2 Peter 1:19). It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, showing us what we should do to fulfill His perfect will for our lives (Psalm 119:105,130). It is sharper than a two-edged sword, cutting out the dead tissue from the very core of our being, even our soul and spirit, and the thoughts and intentions of our heart (Hebrews 4:12).

When we trust God’s Word to save us by placing our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), He seals us with the Holy Spirit of promise (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). No longer can we fall prey to powers of spiritual darkness or disease that would threaten our salvation (Romans 8:38-39).

We are blessed to have God’s Word readily available to us to reflect His light into our lives so that we can do a spiritual checkup (James 1:23-25) and examine the condition of our heart (Psalm 139:23-24). We hear it preached from the pulpit; we can listen to it on the radio or TV; and most of us have more than one Bible in our homes. But do we allow it to penetrate into our being and do its healing work (Matthew 8:8,16; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24), or do we just let it roll off like the proverbial water off a duck’s back?

Having a medicine cabinet full of remedies for our ills does us no good unless we take them as directed. If we take God’s prescription of daily preventive use of His Word (Acts 17:11), we will recognize and confess our sins (1 John 1:9), and we will ask for and receive His forgiveness (Psalm 25:18; 32:1; Matthew 9:6; Acts 26:18). We will be better able to hear His still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12) directing us to good spiritual health and restoration in Him (Proverbs 3:5-8; Matthew 12:13; Mark 8:25).

But if we ignore His Word, God resorts to more drastic measures to convict us of our sins, chastise us to get us right with Him (Hebrews 12:5-8), and grab our attention with heart-stopping crises.

The same principle applies to those who are not yet saved. How much better it is to hear and accept the Gospel as a small child (Matthew 18:3-4), before our “grown-up” pride and disbelief have hardened us! That is why we must begin teaching God's Word to our children at an early age, at home as well as in church. If we are not saved as children, God may need to allow catastrophe into our adult lives so that we fall to our knees and realize that we are sinners desperately needing a Savior!

My husband and I have an unsaved friend whom we have known for years, to whom we have witnessed many times whenever God has opened the door. But his eyes always glaze over and he changes the subject. The message is simple, yet he has repeatedly refused to hear. He often complains that he is living under a dark cloud, as one disaster after another has threatened his relationships, family, livelihood and health. But he still doesn’t realize that God may be resorting to extreme tactics to get his attention.

It begs the question, would you rather listen for and obey God’s still, small voice right away, or would you rather wait until He smacks you on the side of the head with a 2 x 4?  The choice is ours – we can meditate on Scripture daily and be doers, not just hearers, of the Word, or we can wait until our soul-sickness is so severe that we need radical surgery. May we offer ourselves to the illuminating, healing laser light of God’s Word today and every day!

© 2015 Laurie Collett

Edited and reposted from the archives