Treasures of Peace

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42

Jesus was met with the most wild and heartfelt greeting from a crowd who praised and blessed His Holy name. Yet, before the celebration came to a close strange tears flowed from His eyes as he spoke today’s verse.

In an age old commentary, James Hastings skillfully pens the following words, so worth the read, and draws out the meaning of His sorrow.

“The Savior’s tears were a startling contrast to the scene of rejoicing…It was in the midst of the Triumphal Entry that this occurred, when all were exulting and shouts of hallelujah thrilled the air. The simple pious hearts of the disciples were glad at this evident acceptance of their Master, and they anticipated a speedy capture of Jerusalem itself for Christ, when His cause would lay hold of the whole nation and great and glorious events would ensue. They hardly knew what they expected; but, in any case, it was to be a mighty triumph for Christ, and salvation for Israel. But as the joyful procession swept round the shoulder of the hill, and the fair city gleamed into sight, a hush came over the exulting throng; for the Lord was weeping. He had no bright and futile illusions. A wave of excitement like that which had transported the disciples could not blind Him to the actual facts of the case. He knew that He had lived, and would die, in vain, so far as that hard and proud capital was concerned. He knew that He was rejected of rulers and people; and that ears and hearts were deaf to His message. As He looked at the beautiful city, it was not with pride but with anguish. He knew that city and nation were doomed. They had had their day of visitation, and were still having it—but the sands were fast running out. In compassionate grief He yearned over them still, weeping for their blindness and hardness of heart. What a pathetic scene is here recalled to our imagination! The gay and careless city smiling in the sunlight, with eager crowds of busy men full of their interests and pleasures, full of their great religious celebration about to be kept—and the Savior looking down on it all, weeping. They were throwing away their last chance, following false lights, and dreaming false hopes, seeking false sources of peace, stopping their ears against the voice of wisdom and of love.”

By James Hastings The Great Texts From the Bible

“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes” Luke 19:42.

If only…

As I read this verse and James Hastings notes, I wonder how many times in my life do I pass by the peace Jesus has to offer, freely…with wide open arms…such a gift, and what do I trade it for?

Great questions!

In my women’s marriage class, we are becoming more and more convinced that God’s love letter to us through the Bible is packed full of peace-giving paths, if only we would follow them. This is not an “everything is fine” sort of peace. It is a peace that wells up in our hearts, much deeper than picture perfect can provide. And this is the peace about which Jesus (The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6) wept over Jerusalem; the peace that comes from being in one accord with God.

As our class continues on a journey of obedience to the Father, we are astounded at the effect it has on our lives. Even if a situation (not under our control) somehow gets worse or isn’t what we had hoped for, it is a mystery to us that we ever put off or delay following God’s ways. Yet, living our lives in step with Jesus brings such peace that is beyond understanding.

Sometimes, we may look at God as being some sort of killjoy, keeping us from the pleasures life has to offer. Yet, God in His word does not set out to withhold good from any of us. More than anything, He brings the whole world hope of salvation through Jesus. His death on a cross deepens the conviction in our hearts to move with Him in everything we do. When we stay close to the Father in obedience, no matter what else is going on around us, sweet peace invades even the most difficult of moments; moments that we can handle with dignity and strength as God infuses His powerful peace within us.

“Pick up your cross and follow me.” Luke 9:23
“Many who are last will be first.” Matt. 19:30
“It is more blessed to give.” Acts 20:35
“Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sin.” I Pet. 4:8
“Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matt. 5:41
“Do not be anxious about anything.” Phil. 4:6
“Do not fear. For I am with you” Isa. 43:5
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ.” Phil. 4:19

These are just a few treasures of supernatural peace in the Bible that come when we cling to them and follow their paths. The intense work it takes to follow Him and run from the enemy does it’s own deep work within us.

Father, may we never go our own way in darkness, ignoring your word and missing the peace that passes by us. Help us to cling to you and the treasures of light you have to offer. Lord, help all the world to find the quietude found in you and to never walk away from it. We weep with you for the peace that could be theirs. Let your death on the cross not be in vain. We turn to you with all our hearts and receive your peace in gladness and hope. In Jesus name, Amen.

I Trust You, Father

To show partiality isn’t good, yet for a piece of bread the valiant will transgress. Prov. 28:21

Several places in Psalms there is the use of the phrase, “Lord, teach me your decrees or laws or statutes.”

Lord, teach me!

A person is taught these things through his upbringing, school lessons, Bible classes and all of life. Parents and teachers instruct him, as do any situation he experiences. When one wants to gain a better understanding, he sits in a class or in front of a book to take notes. He listens and becomes alert to things around him. He studies and learns as for an examine. He meditates and takes it all in. He practices entering into the lessons and actually living out what he is learning. He does what he is taught.

So it is with today’s Bible verse. What can I learn from it? How might the Lord teach me more about Himself through this verse? Writing my blog helps me to process and better comprehend its value in my life.

First of all, an esteemed judge typically stands in that place of deciding a person’s fate. He may either speak up or keep silent in order to save or condemn him. However, at times, he may be tempted to use his authority to show favor to one and bias against another, even for as low a bribe as “a piece of bread.”

Judicial decisions may be based on partiality towards a friend or to those who are smart or powerful, to benefactors, or to those who are politically or religiously like-minded to his beliefs. On the other hand, the judge may unfairly rule against the poor, against his enemy or someone who holds a different view from himself. This partiality does not please God…who shows no favoritism (Acts 10).

After accepting a bribe the first time, the judge finds it easier to use his office to accept even a small piece of bread for an unfair judgment. The action no longer pricks his conscience. He is motivated by even a petty offer.

Second, go back to my earlier question: what can I learn from today’s verse? How might I allow it to teach me more about God…and about me?

In a way, we become ‘authorities’ or ‘judges’ when we sell our souls at a price for the things we value most.

In the Bible, Judas betrayed Jesus for only 30 pieces of silver. King Saul promised David the marriage of his daughter if he would go out and fight the Philistines (secretly thinking the Philistines would kill him). Joseph’s brother sold him for 20 shekels of silver to get rid of him.

To bring it home, let’s say that one day, my husband and I are irritating each other. Each of us is frustrated, and we have a choice to let it move us further into anger and division. Our tendency is to defend our own stance and allow pride to build up our side.

I put myself in the place of a judge by saying, “He is irritating me. Therefore, I ‘rule’ that he is guilty and should be punished.”

I become the watchman of wrongs, and when I spot sin, I give myself the right to shake my head at the sinner in disgust, or walk away in cold silence.

When our Lord Jesus had fasted for 40 days, the enemy whispered (Matt. 4), “I know you’re hungry. Just take this stone and turn it into a piece of bread. Bow down to me and I will show you real life!”

Yet, Jesus knew that love and trust in His Father and the sustenance of His Father’s word was more valuable to Him than His need for bread (even though he hadn’t eaten in 40 days).

I am NOT the ruler of another person, whether in marriage or any other relationship or circumstance. Humility says to understand the bigger picture of both sides of an issue. I can try to grasp the wrong of my own heart. What am I doing to exacerbate the turmoil? How can I be honest about things, yet still keep the peace?  

I step down from my judge’s seat. I take off my judge’s robe and choose to ask how might I become like Jesus and put my love and trust in the Father rather than bargaining with Satan for only a piece of bread (which, in the above example, would equate to the goal of simply winning the argument).

Bread, in this blog, represents anything one uses as a bargaining chip to get what one wants. It sustains the body for a moment. Yet, obedience to the Father moves one into the spiritual realm of eternity.

Father, you are the Great Judge and you never judge unfairly. Move me to be obedient to your will. Help me to put my trust in you and to love you with all my heart, soul and mind. Fill me with Jesus, the bread of life and sustainer of my soul. Teach me better ways to clothe myself in humility and peace. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bright Word

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. Prov. 28:9

On a bright day, when the sun is shining through the windows onto my computer, I can see every speck of dust; not so much when it’s in the shadows.

God has a way for us to see ourselves the way He sees us, and it’s through the brightness of His word. The Bible (His instruction) shines on us to help us review our lives and realign our hearts to Him.

When we turn a deaf ear to the Father’s instructions, our lives are dull. They don’t make sense. We live in the shadows, unaware of our offenses, trying uselessly to find our way.

Turning a deaf ear means to ignore, neglect, choose the opposite or other path, take a side trip, take a break, stop where we are or listen to other voices that are not God’s.

Truly, if my ears are deaf to the right voice, it means that my ears are indeed listening to someone else.

Prayer is an acknowledgement that God is who He says He is. Yet, if I ignore His instructions, it shows a deeper sense of disbelief. I am not serious about my desire to follow Him. Maybe I want what He can give me, but am unwilling to give of or invest myself for God. I am simply using Him for my own purposes.

God, give me what I want and I’ll talk to you.

Deaf ears happen when our minds are dulled in illness, boredom, weariness, hurt or depression. The enemy lures us into a state of complacency in which we don’t care whether we obey or not. To WAKE UP, we must stay in His word and remember that He is providing everything we need in order to follow Him.

I once heard a friend say, concerning the hope of our teenagers, “There is no doubt that these young people are tempted in sin and sometimes fail, but as long as there is still a struggle to DO what is right and a strong desire to repent, the teenager is doing well.”

We all will at times fail in our walk with God but the struggle or repentant tears tell us that our hearts want to follow God’s instruction and that our ears are not deaf.

Today’s verse shows me that some prayers are acceptable and some are not. Is it possible that mankind can sometimes lack what it takes to receive an answered prayer?

Yes! The man who will not abandon the sins he favors most (those dearest to his heart) is not heard by God. Such a person may even outwardly worship God, whom he ‘adores,’ yet less than what things his flesh loves. His heart is not surrendered to the Almighty Father. His onlookers may be fooled to think he is holy and good, but God never falls for the religious pretense.

The man’s heart reveals the truth about his prayers when bad, not good fruit, presents itself in the presence of the One he so piously entreats, and his petition to God becomes detestable.

God compassionately listens to the prayers of the sinner who holds tight to the Father’s precious will and clings to His better ways. It’s not his own goodness that earns a right response from God, but his heart. God’s anger and frustration burn with the one who stubbornly rebuffs His commands. The verse above says that this person’s prayers are detestable!

Our Father requires us to hear and respectfully follow His voice when we take His bright word (His letter to us) into our hearts. We respectfully wait for His response (“yes,” “no” or “wait”) when we kneel and express ourselves to Him in prayer. What a beautiful, delightful communion between the Lord and ourselves as we listen and cry out.

Try to speak to Him (in prayer) without the effort of listening and obeying and there is no communion. A heart that refuses God, our Creator is, in turn, refused himself.

When I follow God’s instructions, I’m not doing so without any benefit to myself. God’s ways are good for me. I may not receive the thing I ask for, but when I follow His instruction, my prayers are heard and my life is enhanced and blessed.

Lord God, I have never been a perfect woman. I have made great mistakes. But, in your compassion, you cover my sins with so much love, I can hardly take it in. Your love draws me to you and to your bright word. Father, light up the dark places inside me and cleanse my soul from sin. Help me to walk the path of your precious instructions. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Wealthy Poor Man

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. Prov. 28:6

Readers of God’s word having several options before them to gain insight. They may pick up the Bible and read through it as if it were a novel. This aids them to receive the overall picture of its contents and quickly connect each chapter’s treasures to each other.

Another option is the one I’ve been using for a while now and that is to dig into the deeper meaning of one verse or passage at a time by living it out in my day-to-day life. As I cry out to God in my circumstances, walking inside verses of scripture, the significance it brings to my life becomes even more profound.

The words I read increasingly capture my heart as the week goes by. I find it to be inspiring and an encouragement in my desire to be holy as God is holy.

This week is a great example. For one, I came to the conclusion that today’s verse is not stating that every poor man is better off and every rich man is perverse. Read the words carefully: The poor man whose walk is blameless (perhaps generous, kind and trusting) is better off than the rich man whose ways are perverse (perhaps stealing, hoarding or power-grabbing). A poor man can be perverse just as a rich man can be generous.

However, a person who seeks God but only has little, is better off than the wealthy rebel. His faith simply makes him happier. His integrity and ability to bless others profoundly defines who he is instead of riches. He is comfortable with himself, yet always seeking more that will please the Father. There is a certain peace about him. He has much wisdom where the ungodly rich man has very little. He has the fear of the Lord and the fruit of the spirit planted deep within his heart, which generally leads to a better life (not necessarily through physical means but through spiritual blessings). Perhaps his faith in God brings him more gain than any amount of money or things. Whatever the world says he is ‘missing’ by not having money, riches or power, his walk with the Lord is more than enough.

God is faithful. He will provide, not only for his needs, but for a strong hope, a mighty strength to face the burdens of his life and a joy that overrides his circumstances.

In our lives, God is light who dispels the darkness of our most intense trials and presents us with Himself to fill our hearts with peace that passes all understanding. His word encourages us through our moments of chaos. His promises are true, right and holy. I want Him more than anything else this earth provides.

On the contrary, the choice of perverseness by a rich person shows his true character that is masked by what appears to be good deeds (presenting himself as a deeply spiritual man). Going one way (the road to evil), he pretends to go another (the righteous way).

This rich pretender (who inhabits all of us from time to time) moves into our lives to wreak havoc. For example, as we head to church, we (our families) may fight and argue the whole way. Yet, when we see our friends, everything becomes nice, polite and (on the outside) caring and loving. However, the duplicity of our wayward hearts eventually catches up with us. The state of our minds can never be covered over by any amount of wealth. The desire for riches simply isn’t as great a pursuit as the desire for godliness. Godliness is a wealth worth seeking.

Typically, a rich man is considered ‘good’ because of his possessions and popularity. Yet, his heart may be wayward and dark. A poor man may not be considered at all because of his station in life, but his heart may be completely and faithfully turned over to Christ.

Let’s go deeper into the comparison between rich and poor. ‘Rich’ is simply another way of saying self-sufficient. Such a man doesn’t need or trust in God. He trusts in himself. He is overflowing in money but more, he is overflowing with self.

The ‘poor’ simply have no other alternative than to put their trust in their Father. They must depend on Him. The poor are depleted in their circumstances, but they are rich in God.

Here are a few similar comparisons:

Down versus up
Loser versus winner
Shunned versus popular
Destitute versus over-abundance

In all the above examples used for the word ‘poor,’ we can still worship God. This is the point where today’s verse got to my heart. Some days, it doesn’t matter how much money I have in the bank, I still FEEL destitute. Yet, with God’s strength, I find myself being kind to those around me. We all have what it takes (because of Him) to give even when our self-esteem is pressed down by an arrogant world. We can train ourselves to depend on God in the worst moments of our lives. This trust is a choice of the mind and heart that helps us to follow after His ways and be led in our walk to become ‘blameless.’

Lord, my great Provider, you are my Sustainer and my Rock. You are my greatest riches. You give me power and strength to face whatever life brings me. Your Son’s blood on a cross covers over the moments my feet become wayward and makes me blameless in your sight. Your Son’s cross leads me higher, when my flesh would lure me to evil, to instead, choose a better, richer life. I am never destitute. I am thriving in your great presence and love. I thank you Father for all you have given me, for all you are doing even now in my life. Praise be to you God over all the earth. Thank you for making me so very rich. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reflecting Beauty for His Glory

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. Proverbs 27:19

If I sought my reflection as I knelt by a stream of water, it would display my precise countenance. I would be greeted with a smile OR a frown depending on what was on my face.

Likewise, my joyful or angry demeanor affects mankind in my small corner of the world, which then boomerangs back to bless or curse my life. I see my own reflection when I meet my fellowman.

We all need something to reflect back to us our physical flaws; hair out of place, button undone, smudges on the forehead from gardening. In some ways, we are harder on ourselves than others. Yet, others see many things we don’t see. Humanity can be a wonderful source (or mirror) to reflect to us what needs to be addressed. Many in our circle have worthy gifts to help us alter our appearance for the better.

Even more, we need them to reflect our heart’s flaws. This happens in relationships that mirror back to us who we are by how we act or what we say. And like our physical appearance, people we’re familiar with will tend to know more about our hearts than we know about ourselves. They know our blind spots.

Sometimes we learn more about who we are as humans by observation. Those with whom we imagine ourselves to have the least in common may be more like us than we think. A man might be judgmental of a person until he goes through what they are going through. He becomes overwhelmed with compassion and unity for all God’s people. We have so much more in common than we know.

Furthermore, we can see our hearts with more clarity when we read God’s word. The Bible gives us the best standard to compare ourselves and be refined.

Water reflections reveal the face. Our lives reveal the heart. Seeing ourselves the way we really are in the reactions of our family and friends or in God’s word can be a deep process of conviction. The process helps us to better thrive and blossom into the children God meant for us to be. We pay more attention. We intentionally notice and become aware of a better way to experience the abundant life Jesus has to offer.

When I look into the mirror I want to see Jesus reflected back to me. When people look into my life, I want them to see Jesus and long to be more like HIM (not me). Certainly, I can make my appearance beautiful. Yet, I can also act in rude arrogance to everyone around me. Or, I may follow actions of love (on the surface) but if it’s not genuine, my heart will eventually show itself for what it truly is.

Jesus was about so much more than complying to outward rules that made a person seem good to his peers (example: the Pharisees in Matt. 23). Jesus was after the heart.

Deep inside, I know when I have simply followed a job description, a chore or a religious rule. I also know when my heart has moved me to be fully and unreservedly committed to do that same service.

Our face reveals a lot to the people who see us. But the face can be trained to deceive. Faces can be painted in perfect colors for the skin and accurate shades that bring out the eyes, but an angry countenance can ruin outward beauty.

In the fantasy world, Snow White’s stepmother looked into the mirror to seek who was the fairest in the land. Yet, her inward face was horribly marred. Using a mirror for competition to win the prize of most beautiful presents a truly sad life. Mirrors aren’t about outward form as much as they are about letting our outside reflect what is inside.

Those who, in the moment, have no time for the care of their outward appearance can still shine brilliantly with the glow of a joyful face that comes from a happy heart.

Any deed can be done with wrong motives of applause, manipulation or attention. But a life well-lived in the most difficult times reveals the truest character, the most beautiful face and attractive ways that draw others to Christ.

Lord, shine on my face so that you will be reflected in my heart. Let the deepest part of me learn from others you put in my life (their reactions to me and their right responses to struggles and pain). Make me beautiful for your glory. Help my life to shine Jesus to a world who needs you so much. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

None of Self and All of Thee

II Cor 1:9 …this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.

In this chapter, Paul shares his story of “great pressure,” “far beyond” any ability to endure; “despairing even of life.” Paul said, “Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death.“

Then he said, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.“

What an amazing passage! Every time I read it, my heart is touched.

It moves me when I read about Paul’s experiences and how apparently these were too much for him. God didn’t cause the circumstances, but He used them to further His kingdom.

Paul’s life makes me feel more normal, like I’m not going crazy when I think my situation is pushing me beyond my ability to endure.

Some situations are simply more than I can handle.

I Cor. 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

In this reading, Paul didn’t say that experiences would never be too hard to bear. He said I would not be tempted beyond what I can bear.”

What this means is that sometimes life will be way too hard for me. Why?

So that I will learn to rely not on myself but on God. My trials are opportunities to show off the Father.

Do I I rely on myself? What are ways I make an attempt without even knowing it?

Over-analyzing- taking upon myself the burden of figuring out and fixing my problems.
Pride– taking the glory for myself when it seems (to me) like ‘I’ solved the problem.
Arrogance– judging others who can’t solve their problems.
Fear– continuing a mindset of danger or pain in the knowledge of God’s presence.
Confusion– allowing negative thoughts to take me over.
Worry– giving into anxieties and expecting it’s power to alter the situation.
Neglecting church, bible or prayer time– thinking I can live life on my own.
Misbehaving– choosing lower standards as ‘better options’ than God’s standards.
Control– thinking I know more than God.
Irritability– thinking my mood can alter the situation.
Revenge– feeling I have to rule over another person’s offenses against me.
Living for the moment– impulsively grabbing what I want when I want it.

Is it possible to rely fully on God? Yes.

Why do perilous times, such as the ones we live in right now, prompt me to rely more on God? Why must I be pushed beyond what I can bear in order to learn these things?

The questions bring tears to my eyes. We all have come to a place at times we didn’t think we could survive. Yet, somehow, God has pulled us through. Our faith is strengthened when we turn to Him as our only hope and watch to see what He will do next, in that moment, next month or years from now (in His timing). What a great and glorious Father we have.

I am in training all my life to discover better ways to rely on God. Everything I go through points to my Creator, my Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

For example, there are times I desperately want to be loved and the world isn’t providing that satisfaction. The world was not made for that job. Only God fills me to overflowing with the kind of love I need. I choose Him and not running after the ache of desiring an evasive love that doesn’t exist here on earth.

My Father uses people around me to show His love. But they, on their own, will never be enough for me to feel full. I cannot rely on people.

Our trials happen for the purpose of pointing us towards reliance on a big God.

Are you having a bad day… rely on God. Are people around you having a bad day and taking it out on you …rely on God.

Have you just experienced a fantastic and wonderful day, and now you’re falling from the high of it into depression… rely on God.

Were you anticipating something great that was a sure thing and it didn’t happen, in fact it went the opposite of what you had hoped or prayed for …rely on God.

When your friends need advice and counsel, and all seems hopeless and impossible …rely on God.

When the nights are long and sleepless ….rely on God.

Father, I don’t want to give you just a part of me and hold back areas of my life to control. I don’t want to give only ‘most of me’ and reserve for myself those things I don’t trust you to handle. Teach me how to totally let go and rely on you with all I am and all I have. In Jesus name, Amen.

None of Self and All of Thee Song:

Spread Joy

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1

To simplify, it is wise to build others up and foolish to tear them down.

Proverbs 14:1 is narrowed to women, but the verse can apply to men and women alike.

There are many ways to “tear the house down.” It’s not just about complaining and nagging. It can also be about focusing too much on self, my plans, feelings, illness or health problems.

How does one change from being destructive to creatively weaving together habits of good, positive and wise ways that help to spread joy.

I have found that the energy for good can come from making choices to simply get up and get busy doing kind deeds and serving others. I am more apt to build others up when I allow my mind to stop dwelling so much on self and my own need for help.

Another way to build good things is by feeding my mind pleasant thoughts. I do this by reading my Bible, along with other books that train me to strengthen whatever is weak inside me (things like finances, marriage, parenting or diet). Listening to inspiring happy music touches and energizes me to do good.

As a wife, I feed my mind with noble thoughts about my husband. I try not to second-guess his motives. I try to be in the moment, not 1000 miles away, and I don’t let distractions take me away from him.

In these ways, I have set a solid foundation to construct a strong building of love, of hope and goodwill.

Father, teach me more every day about how I can be a better builder for your kingdom. I’m sorry for the times I’ve torn people down and have spread darkness instead of light. Show me every day how to encourage, inspire and teach (by example). Make me into a peacemaker who spreads joy to a starving unhappy world. I want to build up and not tear down. Give me wisdom for this most holy task. In Jesus name, Amen.

Flowing Fountains of Good

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Guard my heart…above ALL else?

Why is attending to the center of my heart of such importance?

There are so many things going on inside my heart and mind. At times, I’m not even always aware. Going to that place of pursuing what’s in there is a great learning skill. Sitting through a few moments every day to know my heart helps me ascertain what changes I need to make in my life with aid from the Lord.

It is helpful to use the senses God gave me: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, tasting and letting them tell me what is going on deep in my soul.

Am I tense or fearful? Am I stressed, hungry or moody? Am I anticipating good things today or dreading my work? WHAT is driving me?

The verse says to guard my heart above everything else. When this one thing isn’t prioritized, the other choices of my life tend to end poorly.

How am I to guard my heart? I must watch carefully what I allow into my spirit. I must carefully follow the instructions of my Father in heaven by reading His word daily. I meditate on its meaning and its application for my life. The Bible makes such a difference in everything I do. I let it envelop and saturate my mind so that when trials come, when the day of evil comes into my life, I can stand my ground and my heart can have good and wise responses.

I guard my heart by speaking the truth in love plainly to those around me the words I am called to speak instead of letting bitterness or resentment take me over. It is my responsibility to do that.

What am I guarding my heart from? How about greed, pride (being pompous and arrogant), anger and attacks of the enemies of God?

Lord, apparently what I DO is birthed from what I think. Help my thoughts to dwell constantly on you and your work in me. Help me to be like your Son, Jesus. I want my actions and love to come from a heart overflowing with your grace, mercy and peace. Today and forever, move my heart to belong completely to you. I give my life to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Walk with Good Men

Proverbs 2: 20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.

At a time in my life when the world can so easily pull me in, it is vital for my spirit to be connected with others who desire to walk the straight paths.

As I pondered this verse throughout the week, I realized that one way to put myself near righteous people is to study the men and women of the Bible or inspirational books that speak of their gracious lives.

Filling my mind with these stories makes me want to be a better person. Their lives give hope that what God did for them, He can do for me as well.

My local church is another source in which I find a way to keep myself on the right paths through sermons and friends who spur me on. In the worship service, there are deep, heartfelt songs and prayers given by and for those I love.

I’ve heard before, “Well, I ‘do church’ in my own way. I love God and that’s all that matters.”
Perhaps there is some truth in that statement, but I honestly feel sorry for people who don’t get the full picture of what our lives were meant to be, and that is to share them with others. We share our joys and sorrows. We encourage each other to do what is right. We comfort each other when we’re down and laugh together when we’re celebrating. You cannot receive such things simply by being ‘alone with God.’

Being with others who walk the good paths helps to straighten my road when mine has become a little crooked or I’ve veered off and taken a wrong turn. When I miss church or fail to fellowship with His people for very long, I have a tendency to forget what is right.

People in my life help to set me straight. They inspire and move me to do good by just watching their actions (not just words).

I want to put myself with people who are in the light of Christ, for Christ is The Righteous One with whom I most long to walk. There is no one here on earth who will ever come near being a perfect righteous man or woman. Everyone I know, including myself, have our moments of failure and ‘unrighteousness.’ But not Jesus. He is my perfect role model. Only Jesus walked this path perfectly.

I get bits and pieces of righteousness from people here on earth. When we all stick tight to each other, we can follow Jesus together.

Father, I want my deepest friendships to be with those who desire to take right paths and who strive to live a life of holiness. Some people would steer me away from you. Help me to discern the wisdom of being a light for them, but not to be swept away by their choices. Make me into your disciple who doesn’t lead others astray. Help my feet to walk your righteous paths, for you are my Shepherd. I want to follow you wherever you lead me.

Famine Flower (Part 2)

Elisha said to the woman, ‘Go away with your family…The Lord has decreed a famine for seven years.’ She and her family went away to the land of the Philistines. At the end of the seven years she appealed to the king for her house and land. He said to the official, ‘Give back everything that belonged to her, including all income from her land from the day she left the country until now.’ II Kings 8:1-6 (shortened)

Here are the thoughts I’ve gathered all week:

1) Israel experienced a famine while the surrounding areas had plenty, perhaps in judgment of the nation’s unrepentant sins.

When we have wandered away, God is known for using kindness to bring us back. He also uses hardships. Hardships can strip us of our wants and lead us to our need of God.

The flower in the desert opens its petals to whatever moisture is available. When God is our only source of strength, we turn our faces to Him in adoration, and we blossom.

2) The famine wasn’t caused by the woman. Yet her life was turned upside down.
The famines of my life (trials, hardships or bad choices of others) can turn my world upside down. God is still my All in All.

I once saw a person sadly shake his head and say, “That guy is a shell of a man.”

The words were in reference to a person who made some foolish decisions, and his life was in shambles. I knew the man. I had heard his story. However, I saw something very different.

I saw a man, stripped of everything he once held dear. Now, he was totally sold on God and His provisions. His previous poor choices led him into his core where God lived in all His glory. Perhaps, he HAD to go through that famine in order to have it replaced with the plenty of God.

Sometimes, we have hope of finding our heart’s desire through earthly means, and then we find ourselves in a self-made “famine.” In reality, God can use these times IN the famine to bring us back to Himself.

As a wife, I have followed my husband to ends of the earth (not always perfectly), and he has done the same for me. We both have experienced discomfort because of each other’s or someone else’s choices. Though, we warn or question when we see a red flag, in the end, the consequences of another person’s decisions can still affect us.

Sometimes, the bad choices lead to the right outcome, the need to hit rock bottom. When people make decisions in which we become the recipient of uncomfortable consequences (exclude all immoral or abusive situations in which we should flee) it is important to remember that God is still our All in All.

We warned them, they did not heed and we couldn’t stop the avalanche. God still uses such matters to refine them (boss, husband, wife, teen) and us.

3) The woman was warned ahead of time (through Elisha’s kindness) about the famine. She was given a chance to move away and live a plentiful life, free from the suffering that would accompany her people.

Philistia was a godless place. Yet for her, it would be a place of God’s bountiful provision.

At the beginning, this new place must have felt strange and difficult. Yet, I imagine her daily reminding herself of what life could have been had she failed to leave home. How thankful she must have felt even in the hardships of a different culture. She was alive!

I see the need in my life to remind myself of God’s blessings, especially when everything feels so foreign to me and out of my control.

The woman must have learned contentment and patience, similar to Joseph who waited on the will of God in an Egyptian prison. Perhaps Joseph learned humility and wisdom in a way he couldn’t have learned in his own country.

It’s odd to think that the woman thrived better away from her familiar surroundings than in the place of comfort she had known and loved.

Sometimes I am driven away from what I know in order to receive good things from God’s hand.

4) I honestly don’t know the state of the woman’s heart when she had to move away. But, a broken heart should never dictate our decision to obey or disobey God.

Surely, she was sad. Yet she completely heeded Elisha’s warning and packed up and left her land.

In response to a calling we may say, “I don’t want to. Just the thought of it makes me cry.” “I don’t think I could survive this.” “I’m not strong enough.” “My heart is breaking; please don’t make me!”

What faith did it take for the woman to leave? What faith does it take for me to do things I don’t want to do, even as the tears run down my face? God’s good is rarely easy.

5) She went to a land of plenty where all her needs were met.

God is my plenty. He gives me all I need, not only to survive but to thrive.
Then with His provisions intact in the depths of my heart, I have what it takes to share my breath, energy, and time with those in the famine. I can also share Him.

6) Sometime during the seven years in Philistia, the woman must have reached out and made friends. Perhaps she learned to cook new meals from the local women and scrub her clothes in different ways. However, she would have hated some of the local religious beliefs, especially if they went against everything she knew about God.

I’ve heard people say concerning their job or pets, “It’s a love/hate relationship.” They hate certain aspects of the situation, but are happy with the wonderful, lovable things.

There are always people or circumstances in our lives, for whatever reason, with whom we have a love/hate relationship. We may not like certain things about the person, but God still says, “Go!” So…we love them, even though they feel to us like a famine!

(“I don’t like this or that about you, but I love you.”) This makes such a difference in how we interact with everyone around us.

We are not called to every famine. In fact, in some famines, we are led to flee, as the woman did. The famines God calls us to won’t always be who or what we like but who we’re called to serve and what we’re called to do.

We may not feel supported or loved by those people in our callings.
Not everyone is going to like us, either.

The situation may be about friendship or needs. It may, however, be about something completely different.

Still, God is working in the circumstances. He is providing for all concerned, and all of us are being refined.

7) Since famines come in all shapes and sizes, it is possible for another person’s famine to become my famine. It happens when I give into despair and dry emptiness. It happens when I don’t recognize the bounty God has provided IN the land of Philistia where HE has led me. However, His directives are good. They keep me safe.

The woman could have lived her seven years in a self-made famine even though she had plenty all around her. She could have whined and complained about her lot in life. She could have put off finding shelter and food, thinking she could go back to her own land tomorrow.

Her new friends worshiped idols and were void of the one true God. Their lives would have held much darkness. If she was dried up, she could have bought into their spiritual famines, even in this land of plenty, or she could have lived within God’s plenty and become a light to all round her!

I have a tendency to push GOD out of the way in order to get close to what my flesh labels my land of plenty. After all, if I can be king or lord over my life and do what I want, I can be happy. Surely, then I will feel full. I long for what brings me comfort. I long to be filled up the way I was filled in the past. I want to go back. I want, I want, I want!

MY famine is defined as “life has to be a certain way (my way) in order to be happy.”

*One key to unlock the true plentiful life is to ask what plenty is right in front of me, no matter the situation. If I don’t intentionally seek out the blessings of my day, I can dry up without knowing it.
*Key #2 – It is important to make myself constantly aware of famines within and without, so that I can find my true source of sustenance.
*Another key is to ask how I might serve others without being drawn into their famines.
*The last key for now – Famines (mine or other’s), wherever they come from, must be met with preparation using the armor of God. It’s why I stay in God’s word every day, without fail. It’s why I stay in prayer in this relationship that is the most important of my life.

8) There was nothing the woman could do about her property while she lived in Philistia. I don’t know if she worried about her previous home or not. I do know that she had to help herself emotionally, mentally, and physically to be able to for forward during those seven years and keep her sanity.

I have times I simply have to trust God with my life and move on in joy knowing that He has this.

9) The woman did not ask the king for her property until she returned to her country. The famine was over and now arose a new problem: someone had taken possession of her home and land.

Satan is a hard taskmaster who tries to steal my property. What property has he taken? What is he trying to take from me, now? To whom shall I turn to get it back?

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

When the woman came to the king and asked for her land, not only did he provide her request, he also provided the income her land accumulated during the years of her absence.

That takes my breath away! God provides before the famine, during the famine, and after the famine.

For some, like the woman, the provision is shelter, food and water which look and feel good.

For others, the provision has more to do with deeper lessons learned about life. That may not look or feel good, but it is still good.

And sometimes, the famine has nothing to do with those in trouble and more to do with God teaching us to leave our comfort of plenty to help those without comfort, even though it cannot be returned. That is also good.

God supplies what we need most. And this provision doesn’t always match our expectations. We can trust Him with everything.

Lord of Plenty, when I feel empty keep my eyes on You. When I am called to love the unlovable, guide my heart and my attitude to realize how blessed I am to be able to give. In all situations, help me to see you and know that You, alone, are my all in all. In Jesus name, Amen.

Grab Hold of the Hand of God (Anger Series 9th of 9)

“I’M ANGRY!”
It’s a phrase I hear a lot these days.

Yet, I also hear and see many people who are sensing a bigger picture than the tension and stress they experience. They realize what is urgent in God’s eyes more than what is causing them anger. They don’t allow themselves to be distracted by feelings! School shootings brought one friend to her knees and moved her to form prayer groups instead of giving into defeat in her personal trials. Another friend sends out daily prayers for the President and our country. Several are constantly in their war rooms praying for their marriages instead of fighting their mates. Hearts are convicted to have compassion instead of self-pity. One hero of the faith is starting an online group for daily devotionals.

About 7 years ago, a new endeavor of mine was immediately followed by a heavy spiritual attack. I stood firm. Speaking in gentle compliance to what the situation called for, I marveled at the attempts of the enemy. Within 3 weeks, the situation righted itself without any help from me, other than my continued gentle responses. God took care of it and the new endeavor went forward in power, something that could have easily failed had I responded in my flesh.

Loving others can be painful. People let us down; they can’t always possibly be there when we need them. They may say the wrong things at times. They might move away or find new friends they like more than us. One day, they will leave us in death. Right now, without a doubt, they will at times make us angry.

Yet, I am witnessing Christian men and women refuse to hold back parts of themselves just because the pain of love is too big, too risky, or too invasive. They are refusing to allow themselves only to be the receiver of gifts of love, or to constantly be the one who sabotages other’s loving efforts towards them through nit-picking and arguments over every little thing. They no longer push people away, by saying, “You’re gonna leave me anyway; just get it over with!”

They dive into unconditional love (no matter that they are let down [I’m not talking about abusive situations] or that wrong things are said. They freely show thoughtfulness and connectiveness with no thought of having to be repaid. They grab hold of God’s hand and let Him lead them in how to love well. They spend their time refining their love more than any other skill. They concentrate on their part of loving by doing the hard work it takes. They stay in their marriages and fight the enemy (certainly, not all marriages survive; on the other hand many marriages revive on such a focus).

At times they wait in hopeful silence for loved ones to find their way back. Relationships, obviously, cannot be forced. They wait in prayer and anticipate the reunions and the warmth that once was there. They are committed for life, yet are surrendered to lean on God no matter what happens.

HATE is a horrible emotion that perhaps may be about deep hurt more than anything else. Apathy is the real enemy. Yet, it is being discovered by many that even apathy, along with hurt, are all able to be mended if even one pursues the hand of God more than over-needing or over-seeking the hand of the one who caused them hurt. It can all be mended (in God’s power) if pursuing the good of the other is there greatest joy.

These are examples that typically stir up anger in the deepest places of who we are. Yet, many heroes surround us who are taking the higher ground! They inspire us.

My husband shared the following. I thought it was pretty profound!
“I am good at expressing my Hallelujahs; but Psalms helps me express my hurts and my hates. Am I in a safe place? Maybe. I don’t know. But God IS the safe place to express my hates and anger and resentments… and my hurts until I can again say, ‘Hallelujah. Christ saves.’“
By Eugene Peterson

A friend shared this song with me that matches the sentiment of the quote and then I have a few more thoughts to follow:

God is the one to whom we may turn in times of anger and pain. If we ask Him, He will guide us in how to respond.

This has been a nine-week journey studying the topic of anger verses peace! Many tears were shed at the start of this study and even now as it draws to a close. The lessons both stunned and convicted me. God’s arrows went straight into my heart. But I didn’t want this to end with simply tears and conviction; I wanted my life to change forever. I wanted my actions to bubble up from the deepest God-places within me.

For now, let’s turn to the lesson for today. Father, go before this lesson and help it to teach me and help it to bless my readers.

In Genesis 4:2-7, we’ve covered a great deal about Cain’s countenance and what all that means, but what about God’s face? Don’t you think that God must have been amazed at Cain’s angry response? “Why are you angry? …If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; …you must rule over it.”
Can you picture the Father’s penetrating eyes and perplexed facial expressions as He spoke to Cain? Do you think God looks at us with the same bewildered look?

In Matthew 15:16, Jesus asked, “Are you still so dull?” (This was after Jesus had spoken a parable and His disciple Peter wanted an explanation.) Sometimes, I bow and shake my head and respond to Jesus, “I don’t want to be, but yes, sometimes, I am still so dull!‘

Yet, if God told me to “rule over my sin,” I would seek to please Him with my whole heart. Perhaps, however, I’m not so willing to take the higher ground in moments of hurt and anger. Those moments convict me; I’m really not as spiritual as I think I am. Am I willing to obey Him even in the hard times? (In the background, as I ask this question, the clock softly ticks, the dog barks in the distance; everything is so quiet. I let the silence convict me. I hear the voice of God deep in my heart of hearts.)

Again, I will share some quotes from the old commentaries:

Cambridge Commentary
“The passage illustrates the progress of sin in Cain’s heart. Firstly, disappointment and wounded pride, aggravated by envy of his brother, lead to anger; secondly, anger unrestrained, and brooding sullenly over an imaginary wrong, rouses the spirit of revenge; thirdly, revenge seeks an outlet in passion, and vents itself in violence and murder.”
[Imaginary wrongs have the worst affects on me than wrongs I actually see, feel and know. The enemy can have a field-day in my head, if I let him have control.]

Expositor’s Bible Commentary
“When Cain went in the joy of harvest and offered his first fruits no thought could be further from his mind than murder…Great sins are not so sudden as they seem. Familiarity with evil thought ripens us for evil action; and a moment of passion, an hour’s loss of self-control, a tempting occasion, may hurry us into irremediable evil. And even though this does not happen, envious, uncharitable, and malicious thoughts make our offerings as distasteful as Cain’s.”

“…to continue in sin you must put aside His [God’s] hand.”
(end of quotes)

Voices surround me; they say anger is unavoidable and people who control their tempers are dreary and unexciting. Life is more thrilling if I can tell the person off. Temper is deliciously luring! My flesh begs me to let my counterpart have it! Everything in me screams to let loose or to withhold myself in silent rage.

Before this study began, people shared with me how they dealt with anger. I was struggling with my own issues, and I remember looking up to the Heavens and crying out, “God, are you trying to speak to me through my friends? Is this truly what you want?“

But something in my gut simply didn’t feel right about their advice.
No one needs to teach me how to be angry. Getting angry is something I do well without any help. Anger is easy! In fact, I did anger quite well for 27 years. I said and did anything I felt like saying or doing. Those moments never produced fruit; it only corrupted me and my relationships.

At the point of coming to this new study, I honestly didn’t want the poison back in my body. I’m not afraid of standing in godly anger when the few situations call for it. When that happens, I step forward without hesitation.

I have taken nine weeks to passionately have my heart cleansed. Cleaning out anger can be brutally tough and even sometimes impossible after years of letting loose of my emotions. I’m still seeking to give God free reign in the deepest, secret places of who I am.

The soft, inner voice of God says, “Yield to me.” If I continue in sin anyway, I am “putting aside His hand.” Seeking an adrenalin rush in my need for a temper tantrum is absolutely turning my face away from the face of God.

I cannot simply say to the Bible writers, “Ruling over sin may work for you, but not for me,” or “The need to rule over sin is just your opinion.”

The Bible guides and blesses me when I follow God’s ways. Oh, how I want to understand how much I miss when I make my own rules or want to wish something into being right just because it’s my preference. God’s word isn’t simply a suggestion or an opinion. His word gives abundant, enthusiastic, inspirational life beyond all expectations my tiny brain can fathom.

I don’t want to waste energy on frivolous fights! Without that misuse of my time, I have infinite options and opportunities to open my heart to the real thrills and joys of life.

As I sit here in my current, challenging situations and pray, I openly attempt to hear what God has to say. I feel His desire for me to take the higher ground and to love people well (most times but not always producing obvious crops of fruit) and to trust God with the rest. I’ve lived through a life time of temper; anger doesn’t work. I want desperately to discover God’s love more than to incorporate better zingers, perfected hot buttons, and fine-tuned arrows in the hearts of people close to me.

I want to speak the truth but in God’s perfected and fine-tuned love. When God calls for rare anger, I’ll do it. No questions asked.

Getting out of that kiddy pool and into God’s deeper oceans takes time, determination, and moments of intense prayer. The study has led me to explore courageous, profound truths that seem infinite in count. Thank you, Jesus for walking with us all.

Oh Lord, I bow to you and seek your truth as I turn to you and your word to combat the lies the enemy speaks to my mind. I give my imaginary wrongs to you. They are placed on the altar. Help me to face the irritations and resentments in life before they get out of hand and rule over me. May I never put aside your hand, but grab hold of it and not let it go. I can’t do this life without you. Help me to see the bigger picture when angry situations arise and to get busy in your kingdom with the work you have in mind for me. In Jesus name, Amen.