Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . What does it mean to be holy? “True holiness is not achieved by what we do, but what we allow God to do in us.” –Mark Hart As we launch a New Year, I am pondering God’s call to holiness. It’s snowing. The whiteness is blinding after days of dull, dreary rain. Watching the snow, I sense God’s Spirit saying, “I am holy. I live in blinding light. I want you to be holy as well.” God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light , whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16 NIV emphasis mine)   Pure. Clean. Blinding light. God is holy. I am not. In fact, I’m far from it. A great gap exists between who I am and who God is calling me to be. Yet, He doesn’t give up on me. He still wants me to be holy. It almost seems unfair. Kindness, compassion, and maybe even love seem do-able. Holiness, however, feels out of my league—like an amateur...

Welcome to Real Life.  Where do we find holy ground? Pochvalen bud Pan Jezis Kristus!  “Praised be Jesus Christ!” my father would proclaim in Slovak as he entered our childhood home. Na veky vekov. “For ever and ever,” we replied. “Amen!” he concluded. So be it!      _____ Nowadays, upon entering our house, we remove our shoes. Our home is our sanctuary. It is an intimate, private space and not a common thoroughfare. Some cultures consider this an act of respect.      _____ “Take off your sandals,” the Lord told Moses, “for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” At the time, the Israelites were cruelly oppressed as slaves to the Egyptians. “Save us!” God’s people cried. God heard. He cared. He chose Moses to deliver them. One problem. Moses didn’t know God. So, God introduced himself. He manifested in a bush aflame, yet not consumed. As Moses drew near to investigate, the Lord called out, “Take off your sandals.”...

Welcome to Real Life . Let’s talk. Communication is depositing a part of yourself in another person. ―Author Unknown “Hi. It’s me. I’m sorry we haven’t spoken in a while,” I told him. “I miss you. I've been calling, but you haven't answered. I’m glad you did today,” he replied. I could hear the smile in his voice. “Really? You called? I didn’t get your messages.” “Have you checked your messages?” “Um . . . guess not. Sorry! I didn’t mean to ignore you. It’s just life gets crazy. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to think, much less talk.” “I know. But you’re here now. So, let’s talk. Tell me. What’s on your heart?”      _____ We all desire to be known and loved. This happens in the context of relationships. But relationships can be difficult. They require time, energy, and commitment. Those resources can get stretched pretty thin in our busy world. We often hurt each other—at times purposefully, other times cluelessly. We withdraw. Drift apart. It’s ...

Welcome to Real Life . Is enjoying the Lord’s presence a new thought? It was for me at one time. “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day.” 1 Chronicles 29:22 While growing up, a church service was something I endured. I viewed it as an obligation that God and my parents required. Nope, didn't enjoy it. But then, as an older teen, I actually began to seek the Lord's presence. I visited churches attempting to find a truer (or at least more enjoyable) experience of God. Those who seek the Lord, find Him: “‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:13-14 I found Him. I welcomed Christ into my heart. God was no longer a stranger. I enjoyed His nearness as I walked life's journey. However, as my knowledge of theology grew, I learned that God is pure. He is holy. I am not. In fact, He cannot stand the presence of sin. Though I was saved by grace throu...