Beyond Armies and Crashing Waves

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13

The Israelites had happily left Egypt, thinking they would be forever free at last. As they stood on the beach facing the Red Sea and heard the chariots of Pharoah’s army coming after them, now they weren’t so convinced. In fact, they were terrified for their lives.

It’s interesting to watch our reactions when our lives change in one dreadful instance. Moses told them not to be afraid. But the Israelites had something to be afraid of! However, they also had God who was bigger than all their worst nightmares coming true!

When I read his words “Do not be afraid, it made me think of my own real and imagined fears. I wrote down all the fears I could think of, and in no time, I had a pretty big list. Fear spreads like wild fire to others. It also spreads throughout our bodies and makes us sick. Worry and anxiety are not exactly the most healthy choices of my life.

So what happened next?

Moses told them to stand firm. Stand on the foundation of God, on His promises, in faith (belief, trust). Don’t run. Face the fear.

“I am here,” says the voice of the Lord in my ear.

“See the deliverance the Lord will bring you this day.” He is the Deliverer, the Rescuer from: my impossible circumstances, my offenses and even my-self. He saves us for Himself.

“The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” I’ve quoted this verse several times this week, not in regards to Egypt, but in regards to my own not-so-good, imaginary or real ‘pursuers.’ Maybe I will see these fearful matters with my physical eyes again, but my spiritual eyes will focus on only seeing GOD my Deliverer!

Moses goes on to say, “The Lord will fight for you.”

I have a lifetime guard. His name is Jesus. He guards my heart. He stands waiting for me to ask for His help, to let Him manage and save me, to let Him into my heart of hearts and give Him free reign.

If I turn Him down, I lose sight of His protection, like when I look or cling to my idols to save me instead or when I listen to other voices or seek the easier way out (the broad road). I refuse Him when I choose my own path, give into my emotions (or into oppression or attacks from the enemy) and don’t process these things with Him. I shut off His voice by pushing Him away in anger. When bad things happen I blame Him or I’m too busy to pray or to cry out to Him. I let the enemy into my home or into my mind. I don’t take time to be with Him. I’m in a hurry and not in the moment. I’m living in worry. I withhold forgiveness. I don’t place all in His hands or at His feet. I don’t pay attention to His current provision or protection. I dwell on the negative. In these choices, I lose sight of the most important One of my life: God.

Then Moses said, “YOU NEED only to be still.”

I remind myself to stop the worrying and the avalanche of thoughts. Stop trying to figure it all out, always having to be in motion (busy), fixing the world and holding it all up as if it were all left on my incapable shoulders.

But the Israelites approached Moses in anger and fear. They didn’t realize the freedom they thought they had before was very much still in their possession.

What have you done?

Verse 15-18 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.”

In this passage, the words that caught my eyes the most were these:

Why are you crying? Tell them to move on!

There’s a time to cry, mourn and weep, and then there’s a time to move on.

God wanted to show off His glory to the world. He wants to do the same in our lives, if only we would stop being so afraid to take that step forward, if only we would stop turning our gaze behind us and focusing on the “armies of enemies,” if only we would see beyond the barrier of dreaded ocean waves that stand between us and (our definition of) safety and SEE instead through eyes of faith…the True and Living God…ready to come in and save the day.

Father, YOU are right in front of us, though we don’t always feel that way. You are always there. But we miss so much when our spiritual eyes are gazing elsewhere, looking for things to be afraid of, looking for something to dread. Help us to move on. Take our feet, one at a time, and steer us in the direction of the safe path (your definition) that you have laid out for us. Give us faith instead of fear. Show us in our paralyzing state of mind YOUR glory and your touch upon our souls. Give us a work to take the attention off of ourselves and our fears and dreads. We set our hearts on your might and your saving strength. In Jesus name, Amen.

Go For It!

Run in such a way as to get the prize. I Cor. 9:24

Our lives are typically complicated, involved….busy!

We are in a hurry to get to our tasks and events. We run to our places of employment, to the grocery or to grab a bite to eat. Everything seems so urgent.

Even answering our cell phones in a timely manner holds such pressing importance.

It all has to be done now!

But if you don’t get it done…..What?
What will happen?
Will the world fall apart?
Will you and others in your life survive if you take some time to aim at a higher goal?

I Corinthians 9:24-25 says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

We go into strict training for what reason?
To get a crown that will last forever!

Verse 26 says, “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly.”

The aim is to run in such a way as to get the prize. Getting the prize is not something that happens through carelessness or accidental, haphazard choices.

To aim at something is to be involved and connected (mentally, emotionally and physically). It is a participation in the desired goal with all one’s heart and mind and soul.

What is the prize?
Think of it as pursuing our higher calling from God or following after God’s ways and will.
I press forward to become like Jesus. I desire to know the Lord God with all I am and all I have.

Father, set before me the right path to get this prize, the most important goal of my life. Show me your plans for me. Give me balance for everything else, but a passion for this one thing. My heart seeks to one day have that crown that will last forever. Show me the way. In Jesus name, Amen.

Tempted, Yet Stronger

Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. Prov. 28:10

When I read these proverbs, my mind automatically thinks of extreme examples: a wicked man schemes against an innocent godly man. He intentionally designs and sets a trap, hoping to lure the innocent man to come over to the dark side (by suggesting doubts in God or His Holy word). But God looks out for His people and eventually the evil man falls into his own trap or deep pit. The godly man is rewarded with good, which I’m sure enrages the wicked man as he watches his prey become better off than before he attempted to take him down.

However, this scenario isn’t so cut and dry in my world. I don’t know of anyone who would purposefully draw me into evil. Yet, I am familiar with temptation.

I am tempted to get jealous of other people’s way of life. I am tempted when a peer’s foolishness rubs off on me (likewise my bad can rub off on others and tempt them into sin as well).

We all are led into temptation (into evil or peril) by the examples of those around us: temper tantrums, silent treatment, bragging on how busy we are, listening to how poorly we respond to a spouse when they make a mistake.

The sinner (in all of us) falls into his own trap (experiencing the results of his wayward heart) without even knowing he has set that same trap for others. There is no true LIFE inside the choice to sin. In fact, if left unchecked, the sinner falls even deeper into his folly.

The desire not to fall into a pit is a good reason to refuse friendship with those who rage or excessively drink or complain. It is also a good reason to refrain from developing these things within ourselves. It is enticing to others. It is also a path to self-ruin.

When the godly man takes the right path, versus the wrong one, he clings to Christ throughout life’s temptations and becomes strengthened in the process. His faith becomes broader. His mind is fixed on the Lord. His conscience is clean. God covers him with peace and grace and guards his life from evil.

We are led into temptation by others, but we can also be led into temptation within ourselves. A good side and a bad side exists in our hearts: our spirit versus our flesh, our whiney cries versus a more mature, longsuffering attitude.

Who will we listen to when the day of trouble comes?

For example, in hurtful situations, we could rightly express our honest hurt and forgive OR we could wrongfully blame others for our own part in it, overreact in angry tirades, hide the pain and so on.

To give full disclosure, this week I heeded my fleshly side more than my spiritual side. I fell into traps set by God’s enemy. He is the one who lures me the most. My good side told me to wisely express my hurt (my feelings of offense), but the enemy whispered in my ear to be harsh and whiney about it.

Certainly, there is a wrong and right way to stand your ground when you are offended. The wrong way is something I’ve addressed for a very long time, but sin is still so engrained in my habits. When I am weary, I don’t recognize it until after the fact. Such habits (that creep up in my worst moments), no doubt, are hard to break.

Wrong responses are usually arrogant, angry, unkind, belittling and loud as if you need to prove yourself to the offender and the listeners who happen to be standing there. you may even experience foolish guilt for your own honest spoken words, so much so that your annoyance begins to compensate for unhealthy self-doubt. Yet, remember, no one has to see you loudly ‘win,’ or really it becomes a loss.

A right response is to maturely face the offender, kind and soft, yet firm. I’ve even had success in the past through honest responses that made the other person laugh instead of cringe.

There is typically no need for long explanations in the attempt to express oneself. I am finding that simple statements hit the mark and each party can move on with better knowledge. Communication is necessary and good.

“That hurt my feelings.”
“No, you can’t have that. I need it.”
“I’m having a hard day. Let’s talk about that tomorrow.”

These thoughts were so good for me to journal and remind myself as the week came to a close. I want to follow the good path of God and not the evil road that leads to the dark pit.

Father, thank you for your grace that covers me and makes me clean. Thank you for your son who makes me righteous because of His pure life, because of His death on a cross and marvelous resurrection. Keep me from wicked ways and purify my attitude deep within. Give me right responses to the hard times in this life. Help my temptations make me stronger. I love you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Simple Act of Love

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. I John 4:18

I have often wondered why there’ve been times in life in which my love for others seemed to falter. Maybe it was because of something they did or didn’t do for ME, something they believed contrary to my beliefs, or perhaps, it was their clashing personalities that earned my lack of feeling. So, I held up my head and kept going forward, leaving them in the dust. Now looking at this verse, I wonder if all along I was afraid of something, and my fears were getting the best of me, dwindling my capability of loving these precious souls around me.

What could I possibly have been afraid of? What power does fear have over love? Maybe I needed to pay attention to what was deeper in my heart than the fact that I felt stale and stuck. I needed to hone in, not on the other person’s defects, failings or differences but on my own failings in fear.

A person loves others by displaying acts of kindness and thinking of the other person more than himself. A person who is full of fear displays the opposite: He says in his mind, “I can’t do this.” “I can’t continue loving that person.” “It’s too hard for me.” “I’m too tired. I’m too small for this big task…too irritable, too angry, too sick of doing this, too selfish, too whiny or too busy.“

Maybe a person is afraid of getting too close to another person. He assumes that something bad is bound to happen to the relationship, and he will get hurt.

The Covid virus has set upon us a multitude of fears. Of course there is the frightening “will my loved one or I die?” But more likely, we are afraid the task of living together in isolation or that caring for someone who gets sick will be too much for us. All of it is mind-boggling to our senses. We are being bothered by more than we’ve ever dealt with before.

Yet, stop! What does LOVE do?

Love gives of himself freely from more than his own power. Love can dismiss the fears and believe in a greater God that lives within. Love gives, knowing that he will be overwhelmed at times and even hurt, at times, by that loved one. It is a part of love.

Do I believe this?

Mark 9:21-24 says, “Jesus asked the boy’s father [this boy had a spirit the disciples couldn’t drive out], “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’

Love is powerful. More powerful than anger, irritation and fear. It’s like a superhero that shows up at just the right time from some hidden place the ‘lover’ sets free.

Other people’s walls fill us with fear. But when we simply continue to love and let the greatest ‘Lover,’ God, handle the walls, He does a much better job than we can.

Love moves boldly, acting as if the other member is involved and participating. Love includes, has joy, looks out for, stands up for, overlooks offenses and refrains from pouting, gossiping or depression.

Love drives out fear. Love is the best way to live.

Father, help my unbelief in times my fear rises higher than my love. I love you, Father. I know that you love me. Feeling your love shining in my soul, I let it in and let it move me to love those people in my life who are hard to love. I’m not afraid of what man can do to me. I trust you. In doing these things, I believe this world can be changed from this simple act of love. I surrender my life to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Me, A Sinner?

Luke 18:13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

About a decade ago, I helped chaperone a teenage Bible class. One of those Wednesday nights, I will never forget. The youth minister did the simplest thing, and it changed my life.

Sitting in the back of the room, I watched as he stood in front of the class. The light was dim and the kids were quiet. He read today’s verse over and over again for 15 minutes, using different tones and varying dynamics.

At first the message didn’t reach them. Their minds were on school or food or the girl or boy sitting next to them. But as time passed, the target hit their hearts. They softened and walls began to crumble. Tears started streaming down their faces and the reality of the verse came alive.

I was overwhelmed.

Typically, I go through my busy life every day with no thought of sin. I’m focused on the meals I must fix, the errands I must run and the chores I must take care of.

In the morning when I begin my day with God, I usually read a portion of His word to help me get started. I try to apply what I read to let it encourage me to be strong with His power and have my heart and mind where they need to be.

Yet, nothing moves me more than remembering that I have sinned. Every day, I choose to go my own way and not His way in some form or fashion. And every day it is important to bring my sins before the Lord and confess and ask Him for help in order to refine me for His Kingdom.

This last week, I concentrated on the words, “have mercy on me, a sinner.” The words went deep into my heart and reminded me during times of arrogance or impatience that I’m not any better than anybody else and that I can choose to be a forgiving and compassionate human who understands the plight of our flesh.

Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and all He has meant to us. He came to bridge the gap between our sinful selves and our great God who loves us so much.

Today, I look into His eyes and see the love He has for me. His blood covers my sin and I am comforted by this.

Jesus, I worship you as I bring my sins and place them on your altar of life. I am sorry for my wayward heart. And I’m grateful for all that your life and death has meant to the whole world. I pray for us all to recognize the dirt we have on our faces and ask you to clean us up and make us whole. We give our lives to you. Heal our land and set us free to be with you in eternity forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

Empty Pockets

“Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather” Luke 17:37.

I read some articles about this verse and there was a dozen different interpretations of what it meant, all of which had to do with the topic of the second coming of Christ.

Yet, no matter what was meant when those words were spoken, there is a spectacular truth that kept speaking to my heart:

Death can be a nasty business. Spiritual death (the corroding of a soul while still alive) is even more profound in its far reaching depth.

This is such a negative thought. I’d rather think about wonderful, happy things.

Yet, truthfully, this verse has been a brilliant light during my week which has a positive outcome. So, I’ll take it.

Every time I was tempted to make a choice towards spiritual death, I tried to remember that the vultures were circling high in the sky, just waiting to pounce on my spirit and take me down. Likewise, God loves when someone small and insignificant like me makes a step towards life in Him through my words and actions. He rejoices when I choose Him.

The angels rejoice as well; “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

I like having the mindset that Jesus is drawing me to Him. It’s better than my wandering choices drawing the vultures!

What choices lead to spiritual death?
*Dwelling on my desire to be over there instead of right here (longing for different circumstances).
*Inner temper tantrums over the lack of what I think I deserve, which reveals my lack of trust in God.
*Standing up for a truth only to be ignored, allowing that to eat me alive and then missing out on the good stuff of life happening all around me.
*Skipping my quiet time because I’m too busy.
*Not speaking a kind word that God puts on my heart because I’m too lazy or hurt.
*Filling up my life with fluff (stuff that doesn’t matter).
*Complaining over every inconvenience and not seeing the good around me (the millions of blessings), and so on…

The Bible says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). He is always there for me. He is always good to me. He always cares for my deepest needs.

When it doesn’t feel like those things are happening, it is my chance to trust, that, in fact, it is happening, right now. Having this knowledge brings me joy.

One of the visuals that came to mind during the week was of God asking me to empty my pockets of all they contained. I was having a hard time sleeping, and so, one by one, I pictured taking out the contents of my “pockets” and setting them at His feet. They included several things on the above list, things that cause spiritual death. Yet, I had thought that somehow I needed them in order to survive.

The more I dug deep into my pockets, the more I found to discard and the more room I had for God and His love. It was so freeing!

Father, you are Lord over all. In you, I find everything I could ever want or need. Help me to keep my pockets cleaned out and filled with you. Thank you that you draw me to yourself every day and THAT is my highest joy. Forgive me for my death-filled choices and cleanse my heart. Thank you for your grace and your desire to take me to higher places. In Jesus name, Amen.

Don’t You Care?

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40)

Martha was fretful and angry. There was much work to do and her sister, perhaps in another room, was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His every word.

I breathe a sigh.

How often has this been ME, though it may look a little different? These same angry words come in all different forms: through my thoughts, complaints, weary responses, bitter choices, and anxious, restless days.

Jesus approved of Mary. She was like a little child following her Father, wanting to be just like Him. Her surroundings must have disappeared as she gazed into the Savior’s eyes. She had no thought of meals and dishes and work.

We all have busy days. We all have times of need for help. Who do we turn to?

My mind pictures the humble and needy sheep. We are so like them. They can sometimes be in a perilous spot if they accidentally roll over on their backs. It’s rare for them to be able to get back up again without help.

If the sheep could talk, I can hear them say, “Doesn’t anyone care?”

The Shepherd is the hero in that story. He comes and saves the day. He’s there to comfort the sheep and set them back on their feet again, soothing them with His words.

When I am in need, the best place for me to be isn’t barking orders at everyone around me. It is sitting at the feet of Jesus, seeing Him like I see my Father and following His every step. When the time is right, He leads me in a calm, peaceful attitude back to my work.

Several years ago, I did an experiment. The Christmas holiday was a month away and I had a houseful coming. God was teaching me to lean on Him and I felt prompted to make a commitment not to ask for any human help during the entire few weeks of guests. I would look to my Shepherd for aid and cry out to Him alone.

For three weeks before the event, I baked and froze nearly every meal. I worked hard every day to prepare and arm myself for this huge commitment. I worked with joy.

The event came and went. My story continues by simply saying that I lived and breathed every moment with my Father. Sometimes, I was up in the middle of the night, early in the morning or late at night. But, everything got done. Everything went smoothly, mostly because the hostess (me) wasn’t cross, stressed or distant. I was able to enjoy my company, and when it was time to get up and work, I strengthened myself in the Lord, I sang and praised Him. I depended only on Him. And pretty soon I was surrounded by helpers that came to my aid. I never said a word. God provided my every need. It’s not to say that it was easy. There were many times, I worked all alone. Yet, I wasn’t alone. My Father was strong in me. He was my help.

After those holidays, I returned once again to asking for assistance from those around me. However, everything was different. I had experienced the solid rock of Jesus and knew He would never leave me.

Jesus, don’t you care?

Yes, child. I’ve been waiting for you to turn to me alone.

Father, take my eyes off this world and put them on you. Help me to follow in your steps and speak your words and experience life with you by my side. I am in awe of you and how you make me able to do your work with joy. When I forget, remind me. Keep my gaze on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.