Guest Devotionalist -- Aaron Gansky

Namesake - Part 3 By: Aaron Gansky Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, "Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons." So he was named Levi. -- Genesis 29:34-35 We shuffle into the doctor's waiting room and my wife takes a clipboard with sundry paperwork. Josiah busied himself bringing color to Spider-Man's epic battle against evil in his latest coloring book. Elijah was interested in two things, one on either side of the room. His two-year-old logic insists that it should be possible to be in two separate places at once, and so he conducts an experiment with this in mind. It consists primarily of running at brake-neck speeds from one end to the other. How can he go so fast with those two tiny legs? I'm fifteen times older than him, a wee bit taller, and can't keep pace. Like any father, this leads me to the natural conclusion: this boy will make me money someday. So I smile and let him run, making sure he doesn't plow into anyone along the way. We're excited. Today my wife will have another ultrasound, but this time the baby is far enough along to determine gender. People tell us to wait until the birth, to be surprised. We say, "We'll be surprised at the ultrasound." Call us new-fashioned. And we were surprised. My money was definitely on a girl. I figure, law of averages, right? Three kids, you should be able to get at least ONE girl. Maybe it's just not in me. Leah was the wife of Jacob. Jacob did not love her, not the way he loved her younger sister Rachel. But God worked a miracle, and opened Leah's womb and Rachel was barren (at least at first). Leah's third son was named Levi, which might mean "attached." Leah's hope was that the birth of a third son would win her the affection of her husband. And our third son has brought our family just a little closer. Josiah is excited about the eminent arrival of the new boy (he sings him to sleep each night via mommy's belly-button). Elijah, who, until this time, had little interest in the baby, was now able to put a face (skullish as it is) to what was inside mommy, and now will talk to him. The tribe of Levi were responsible for ministerial duties among the other tribes. It is our desire that Levi, like his namesake, will carry the name of God on his lips. And, with the coming of Levi, we'll have a prophet (Elijah), a priest (Levi), and a king (Josiah). Aaron Gansky lives with his wife and 2.5 children in Calfornia. He is a high school creative writing teacher, a novelist and a writer. Aaron and his family eagerly await the arrival of the other .5 of baby Gansky, due in the fall.

In His Creation...

This is what God the Lord says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes of it, who gives breath to its people and life to those who walk on it.....I am the Lord; this is my name!
Isaiah 42:5 & 8

So many friends have told me, "There's life outside those hills you live in," and I know that to be very true. I simply find such peace in these mountains. I find myself gushing over every tree and rock, rubbing my hands on the leaves, lifting my head and sucking in the scents of a damp forest. There is absolutely nothing that brings me greater renewal than standing and gazing across this creation and being so engulfed in the Lord that I lose all track of time. For me, the mountains are my opportunity to drink in the loving embodiment of the Father.

I recently stood on The Chimney Top, a beautiful point in the Smokies, and as I stared across the pass, the realization of the Father's handiwork was almost more than I could absorb. I wondered just for a moment, if this was heaven. Looking down from so far above the rest of the world, I asked God, "Is this what it's like to be in heaven?" A breeze brushed past me, wrapping my hair around my face. Looking over my shoulder I could imagine the Father, sitting leaned against a tree, legs crossed and hands clasped together behind His head. He was so serene - so pleased that I had come.

He patted the ground next to Him and motioned for me to sit - and I did. He pulled me close to his chest and kissed my head as only a father can do with his children. Yet He said nothing. Instead, He began to hum and that surprised me. I'd never thought about God humming before. He rocked gently from side to side and softly sang to me. When His voice left His mouth, the wind grasped hold and carried it across the pass. Everything hushed to listen. A deer lifted her head from her grazing, slowly closing her eyes as she raised her nose into the air. Her head gently cocked to one side and her ears flicked. She was touched by the sound. The trees leaned toward the echo and there was no doubt they heard.

We so often think of God's creation in such simple terms, when in fact there is nothing simple about it. Looking at the river bed alone, staring at the boulders and their immense side makes you ask, "Father, how did you do this? The rocks aren't randomly placed rather they are meticulously set in the perfect spot for the water to rush across them in just the right way." He smiles and continues to rock me in His arms.

God could have stopped at the creation of the world. He didn't have to add man. He already knew the outcome when he scooped that hand full of dirt and formed Adam. Still His world was not complete without us. He made us anyway - unworthy and undeserving of any of His glorious works. He wants to share His creation just as He shared His son. He had given us everything. Absolutely everything. Did you realize that? He has given everything without hesitation. What kind of love is that? Certainly one I have difficulty getting my mind around.

So, I scooted in just a bit closer as my Father in heaven filled me with His glory. I felt His peace, enjoyed His comfort, renewed in His presence. In His creation I sought Him and He was there. We talked awhile, but mostly I listened as He filled the mountains with His voice - something I never imagined God doing. He is a God of surprises and just when I think there is nothing unique left, He hums..... and he does it for me.

He's with Me -- Speaking

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. – Hebrews 1:1-2

I love early morning – the peacefulness that greets me when I open my eyes. I often slide open the window in the early spring to hear how the world welcomes me. Spring and summer offer such snippets of creation that I find myself lost in the sounds. Winter however, brings in a different type of peacefulness – more of a “don’t bother me, I’m still sleeping” attitude placidly hovers.

Today I walked along the street as the sun peeked over the hill and I hear this echo, a cracking and popping in rhythm with my heart. Stopping, I cocked my head to one side and tried to tune in the noise. Each tap was carried gently on the nippy breeze that rushed past. Woodpeckers. I thought they left us for the winter months. I was wrong.

Each step I took clicked to their beating. I lifted my hands and clapped along with the tapping. Silence fell. The breeze stopped. Odd that the breeze would stop as well. Shaking my head, I realized I had frightened the bird, so I continued on my trek. Two steps into my walk, tap, tap, tap. I stopped a second time and the noise stopped as well. Okay, now, the woodpecker’s messing with me. A grin cracks my lips and I start again to walk. The bird pops the tree in time with my steps.

I had to wonder, even just for a brief moment, if the tapping I heard was really the woodpecker. Maybe it was God walking along side me this brisk morning. Maybe He wanted me to hear His presence because so often I forget to look and listen for Him. He had my full attention this morning and now would be a great time to speak to me.

All to often, I’m guilty of not listening – not taking time to really hear what God says to me. He must be disappointed in me when I fail Him in such a simple task. Like the rest of the world I get busy, overrun with “stuff,” and there are times I know the Father has important business for me. Yet, this God who is almighty and awesome, steps to the side and waits for me to wake up. He’s content with the time I give Him and really, He shouldn’t be. Of course, He realized the consequences of free choice when He offered it to me.

Today, I heard God walking along side me. He stopped when I stopped, walked when I walked, and listened when I spoke. I returned the favor ( the listening when He spoke part) and thanked Him for making time with me. I walked down the driveway and into the fence. Picking up a gallon jug, I walked to the bird feeder and refilled it to the top. Just in case the woodpeckers were hungry.

Prayer: You amaze me with the love You hold in Your heart for me. Thank you, Father.

He Lifts Me Up

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. –Psalm 40:1,2

I’m convinced God has a sense of humor – actually, I think He probably has hefty one. When I look around His creation and see things like slugs, I have to chuckle. What’s the purpose? Imagine your life as a slug.

The Father has blessed me with some incredible people in my life. One twenty year friend banters with me daily via email. I look forward to his notes knowing I’ll end up swiping tears of laughter. It’s always something.

He recently offered to share some of his personal pre-college day employment ventures, one of which was working for a sewage company. So, I immediately began to laugh and I hadn’t even read the email. He continues to tell me about searching for a busted sewer line in the woods, and that he was the fortunate one to luck upon it. How did he know he’d found it? When he was knee deep in…well…sludge. This was probably not when I should have begun laughing but I did. He finished telling me his adventure and then remarked, “Let’s see you make a devotion out of that story.”

Believe it or not I heard God laughing, and when I lifted my laughter toward heaven, the Father said, “I can use that – really I can.”

My smile dropped as I replied, “You’re serious, aren’t you?.”

“You bet ya!” That’s when it hit me at the number of times I’ve been neck deep in some sort of sludge. You know, either going into a crisis, in the middle of one, or coming out of a crisis. Still, it’s sludge. In fact, I’m trudging through some pretty thick waters now. I put my hand on my hip, and tapped my toe, not believing that God had taken this hilarious story and drove it home. He sweetly reminded me at the numerous times He’d lifted me from the depths and placed me firmly on solid ground. Over and over I’ve cried to the top of my voice, and He hears me.

He may not pull me out, but He certainly has never allowed me to sink deeper than I can pull myself clear. God is an amazing God, and when we really pay attention to the ways He cares for us, we’re awed. I know God laughs. I know he rolls His eyes and groans when I tell a joke that only I find funny, and more so, I know He laughs out loud when Mark tells a story.

Though His laughter He reminds me that He hears my every breathe, feels my every thought, knows every need, and basks in the joy of His children’s playful banter. Yes, God is an amazing God and He is a faithful God – never failing to lift me up when I am in need.

Prayer: Lord, hear me when I cry and toss me a rope.

Prosperity

A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. – Proverbs 28:25

Olivia slammed the kitchen door and threw her purse on the counter. Her mother peered over her glasses from the table. “Issues?”

“I’d say. Get this. I made the final cut for the squad. But I wanted squad captain. Merissa got it. I worked, I mingled, I talked, I smoozed. But I didn’t get captain. That just tees me off.”

Olivia’s mother sighed and shook her head. “Honey, you’re sounding a little selfish here. You should be thrilled you made the team. I’m very proud of you.”

“Mom, you don’t get it. I had no doubt I’d make the team. I’m good. But, I wanted captain. I wanted to be the captain.”

“Well, aren’t you Miss Greedy? I didn’t think your dad and I raised such a shallow daughter. Greed never gets you where you want to go. It’s a temporary thing. But when you grow into a position, earn it with honesty and integrity, you find a real satisfaction.”

Olivia hung her head, shamed into submission. “I know, you’re right. I just wanted it so badly.”

Isn’t this true of most of us? We see things lying in our future that we want so badly we can taste them. Sometimes they consume us completely. Our lives can’t function normally because all we can manage to think about is how to get that dream.

God is a God of abundance. He loves for His children to prosper. However, prosperity in God’s eyes may not be that of the prosperity in our own eyes. Sometimes we have to learn to appreciate the deeper vision of God’s plan and once that happens, then we blossom into the physical rewards of abundance. Learning to find kindness, real kindness, joy and understanding, and a depth of relationship with the Father puts us in line to experience the pouring out of His abundance. It may be that our deepest desires are provided, or it may be simply the grasp of something our heart needs to pull us through another day. Either way, trusting that God knows the way leads us into His overflowing abundance. In His time, in His way, we are blessed with the prosperities that suit us best. Sometimes it’s fame or wealth but at other times it may be contentment.

Prosperity comes at the time in our lives when God knows we are equipped to utilize it appropriately. Trust in Him. Believe that good things come through the God who has created us. Abundance will follow.

Prayer: Father we want so often that it’s hard to weed out the true needs. Help us to trust that You will bring us into the appropriate abundance of Your love.

Getting Even

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – Romans 12:21

Our first inclination, when someone has done something mean to us, is finding a way to get even. Whether we find it in the heated words of a disagreement by using phrases we know will sting, or whether it be an intentional plot to seek out revenge – it’s human nature to want to hurt those who hurt us.

No one likes to be hurt, taken advantage of, or used yet we do it on a daily basis. With each slap we receive, we automatically slap back. I’m put in the mind of two toddler children learning to share. One yanks a toy away from the other and a slap occurs. Immediately the second child slaps back and thus the battle rages. Who can hurt the other worse?

Divorce is a prime example of adults who try to slap back. When a marriage fails, someone is hurt. There’s no simple way around it. However, for those who strive to take the high road, the climbing is hard but the view is so much better from the top. Nothing good comes from getting even and though the satisfaction may be temporary, the action in the long run is painful.

For those I know personally, including myself, who have experienced the pain of divorce, not one will tell you they felt good about retaliation when it was over. Our hearts are so damaged and torn, that we feel like the best way to prove to the other person we are hurting is to let them know “what it feels like.”

Imagine how things would be for us, had Christ taken the blows of torture for our sins then turned and pointed the finger at us saying, “Here, try this. See how it feels?” Could we withstand the beating and abuse He bore in our behalf? I seriously doubt it. The hardest thing to do is become Christ-like in our attitude. Walking in the footprints of the one who suffered the greatest blow, who hung bleeding and suffering from a cross, yet still looked toward heaven and said, “Father forgive them.” He didn’t wish the pain on us. He didn’t want us to be hurt. He wanted us to be free. Christ loved us that much.

Getting even is just another phase of sin. Rising above is a satisfying and fulfilling thing. Once above, there is nothing to regret. Be Christ-like in your pain, regardless of its beginning. Seek the forgiveness Christ sought for us for His was very real.

Prayer: God of all Creation, we are weak and fall into the ways of sin easily. Forgive us Lord. Teach us to be the example You want us to be.

"I Called but You Didn't Answer the Phone."

Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am .” – 1 Samuel 3:4

Jason climbed into his new sports car. He leaned back in the seat and took in a long, deep breath. The smell of new leather brought a smile to his face. Starting the engine, he pressed the clutch and shifted into reverse. He’d always wanted a car like this but now that he owned it, nothing had changed. I ought to be the happiest guy in the universe. He rubbed the soft leather and smiled. Today his parking spot would hold the coolest car at the plant.

Jason pulled into the parking lot and popped the car into reverse, carefully backing his new car between the yellow lines. He climbed from his car and pressed lock on the keychain. Taking a few steps back, he admired the vehicle. There was a nagging sensation he’d forgotten something.

His car was the talk of the plant. Between the “atta boys and congratulations” one would have thought he’d won the presidential election. Jason made his way to his desk as his cell phone began to vibrate in his shirt pocket. He pulled it free from the shirt, only to read “unknown caller” on the i.d. Voice mail will get it.

During the 10 a.m. meeting his new purchase started the conversation. Jason beamed with pride. Everyone thought his car was great. Midway through the meeting his cell phone begin to vibrate across the conference table. Grabbing the cell he glanced at the i.d. then slipped it into his shirt pocket. Unknown again. Huh…must be a wrong number.

At home that evening, Jason pulled the curtains back from his apartment window and gazed down at the candy apple red sports car. That’s a beautiful piece of work. I guess I thought I ought to me more excited. He pulled the curtains closed just as his cell phone chimed from upstairs. He took the steps three at a time and then trotted into the bedroom. Taking the phone he peered at the LCD screen. Unknown number. Man, check your number buddy. I’ll check the voice mail tomorrow. He flipped off the light and crawled into bed still feeling “not quite right.” The phone rang one last time just as he dozed off to sleep. Still it went unanswered.

How often do we achieve the goals, or attain the possessions we desire, yet we still fell unfulfilled? Unfortunately, more frequently than we choose to admit. Happiness and contentment are not found within the possessions we have – not even solely within the friends and family we have. God calls us on a daily basis. He rarely calls us for huge tasks. More times than not, He may want us for something as simple as allowing someone with two grocery items to bypass us in a grocery line. He calls and calls and calls, but to no avail because we glance at the i.d. and never answer.

The Father never forgets our number and He dials us frequently, waiting patiently as the phone rings – hoping we’ll acknowledge Him, hoping we’ll want to hear what He has to say. Regardless of what we own, what job we hold, or what wealth we possess, there is still an emptiness; something is missing.

God’s call is relentless because He never gives up on us. His love overflows and His heart cries when we push Him to the side. As a result, our lives never seem quite right. We continually search for right possession to fill the void. His call is gentle yet persistent – consistent yet never overwhelming. The ring is there, so why do we fail to respond? When Christ comes, will we say, “Where were you when I needed you?” Then only to have Jesus reply, “I called but you did not answer.” Is your phone ringing? Answer.

Prayer: Father, we look for fulfillment in earthly pleasures, when all we have to do is answer Your call.

Once and For All

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. –
1 Peter 3:18.

“Once and for all” is a phrase we find ourselves using when speaking to our children. We tend use it as an idol threat. When we tell our kids to do something “once and for all,”
we mean for them to take action immediately and to finish the task.
Whatever task we may take on, whether one at work or one for our children, we expect it to be completed. More so, we expect tasks be completed correctly. We want issues finished, the loose ends tied up – the task at hand labeled “done.”
In the same respect, God expected the sacrifice of Jesus to tie up the loose ends. It was a something only could Jesus do. He came to earth as our ultimate sacrifice, and when all was said and done, the sacrifice was “once and for all.” We were no longer required to offer animal sacrifices. The symbolic lamb, slaughtered once, and offered for the atonement of all our sins was all that was required. Without a doubt, it was an awesome gift.
I am amazed how God thinks things through. Of course, His reasoning if far above what I could ever imagine, but just think, He planned this sacrifice, a part of Him, to go through the ultimate human ending – death. Death is final to us in our understanding. Therefore, God allowed His beloved Son, something precious to Him, to suffer and die; finished in human terms. However, He in all His wisdom took the sacrifice a step further and overcame earth’s finality. Once and for all – one time, for all people, the sacrifice was made. Amazing isn’t it?
The next time the words, “once and for all” leave your mouth as a threat, rethink what they mean in terms of Christ, the sacrificial lamb. He died, once and for all, that we might be brought to God.

Prayer: Precious Lord, You are almighty and we are so unworthy of your righteousness and love. Thank you, Lord for loving us to such a degree.

He Calls Us Friend

You are my friend if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15: 14-15

Friendship is a noun – at least that’s how you will find it listed in the dictionary. I, however, think it’s a verb because it requires action in order to be successful. This unique bond grows between individuals is the most cherished gift we have. Those who choose to be our friends are always by our side. They may not ultimately agree with all we do, but they are supportive. Some may be quiet, while others laugh at your jokes when no one else finds them funny. However, the mark of a real friend is one who can lovingly rebuke you when necessary.

I had the pleasure of talking with a wonderful friend whom I’ve not seen in months. When I speak with her it’s as though no time has passed. We simply pick up where our last conversation ended. There is laughter, sometimes tears, but through it all, there is a wonderfully deep bond. I completely trust her and her judgment. She can speak frankly knowing she won’t offend me.

There are times when I am alone at home and the house is completely silent. Within moments of the onset of silence, my head fills with the laughter and voices of my friends. The silence has been broken. Even when they are not physically in my presence, they are with me.

This is the relationship every Christian should have with God. At any given time we should be able to close our eyes and hear His voice – feel His presence. This is one friend who never leaves our side.

When Jesus spoke with His disciples, He told them there was no greater love than that of a friend who would lay their life down for them. And within a few words, He actually called His disciples “friends.” Though He spent huge amounts of time training them for the continuance of His ministry, He taught them to be servants, to be faithful to the word, and He taught them to be friends.

Jesus shared all He had with His disciples, and then He went a step further – to die for them. Though His death, the bonds of friendship were made eternal. It’s a great comfort to know the Son of God not only considers us friends, but that He calls us friend as well. Ever present, ever listening, all knowing – our Lord and Savior, our friend, is constantly with us.

We are blessed beyond measure to have the love of such a great God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are honored that You call us friend. Thank you for Your active presence in our lives.