(Saturday, Jan 26, 2013) My Samsung Tablet has GPS capabilities, even without internet connection. It’s interesting for me to use it to see where we are and where we are going. Roads in India have no pattern or clear direction. Very few even have names. Every road goes right through the middle of crowded village after crowded village. I have no idea where we are or how to get where we are going, even though I usually have a very good sense of direction. Often Pastor Moses isn’t sure which way to go either. When that happens I turn on my GPS, wait for it to connect with its satellite system, locate where we are and the direction where we want to go, and then I can tell Moses if he needs to go right or left at the next crossroad.
God’s Word is like my GPS. We need to open it, connect with God through His Spirit, and let Him show us where we are and help us move in the direction we need to go. Without His Word we are lost, adrift in a sea of darkness and confusion. The use of GPSs has changed the way we drive. Oh that the user of God’s Word would change the way we live!
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Have you taken time to read God’s Word today? This is a day you have never traveled so make sure you face it with the GPS of His Word clearly in your mind and heart.
THE ‘INDIAN’ IN ME
You’d have to trace my family tree all the way back to Noah himself to find any family connection between me and the people in India. However in some ways I fit in quite naturally and comfortably here . Below is a list of the ways I fit in nicely. The better you know me the more you’ll understand the following:
Nobody thinks I’m short
Nobody thinks I’m Japanese
Gray hair is respected
Eating with your fingers is not frowned upon, actually its encouraged
You can deeply connect with someone, soul to soul, without having to say a word
A few hand gestures and the conversation is over – no need for small talk
Being shy and quiet is respected behavior
Women look up to me
Children are enthralled with me. One smile and they follow me everywhere.
If I say the wrong thing no one knows – no one understands me
My poor hearing is covered up by the fact I couldn’t understand them even if I could clearly hear them
Sandals are the perfect footwear for any occasion
Yogurt is served with every meal
A simple magic trick makes the people think I am the best entertainer ever
Small feet are ‘in’
No one comments about me having a dark complexion
Putting things off is an accepted lifestyle
A protruding belly is a sign of prosperity and good health
No long, cold winters – every day is perfect to get outside
Sitting on the floor shows good manners.
Long sermons are the norm
Singing doesn’t have to be on key as long as it is loud
Women are always waiting to carry luggage or bring food
I can ride on the back of a motorcycle without causing any undue attention
A blank stare in response to a question seems perfectly acceptable
Men aren’t expected to know how to cook or do anything in the kitchen, just how to eat
My confusion is covered up by all the people around me who are even more confused than me.
Dunking cookies (in chai) is done by everyone everywhere.
I’m not expected to smile for photographs – a straight face is the norm.
Maybe you are finding you have some long-lost Indian blood in you as well! Great! There’s plenty of room in India for everyone!