Shield

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1

My husband has quoted this verse for decades. Certainly, we would all love to hear these words as if God were speaking directly to us.

However, from what do we require or need to be shielded?

We may desire someone to guard us from natural disasters, evil people, sickness, old age and death and to even protect us from crises that come from our own wayward choices.

Yet, we know some fine people who have had to face these grievous conditions. We also know of those who have learned to cast their cares upon the Lord, and He stands by them, a shield around them, in their darkest hours.

The list we make for God’s rescue is endless. Our knowledge of His ability to fix all things turns into expectations for Him to do something, now, about our struggles.

So…when God encouraged Abram in today’s verse, what was the fix He was offering?

First of all, of what might Abram have been afraid?

In the previous chapter, Abram had won a battle against several evil kings and rescued his nephew, Lot, and his clan. Was he fearful of retaliation from those kings?

Or, perhaps verse 2 gives a different reason for his fear. He might never have children (though God had promised him in Genesis 12 that nations would come from him).

Of what are we afraid?

Second, if you read about the already mentioned battle, you’ll notice that Abram was offered a reward by someone great, but he turned it down!

What is the fix? Or better said, “Who is The Fix?”

God!

‘I’ am your shield and great reward.

Abram, there is something far better I have to offer you than these accolades and accomplishments. I offer you myself and my protection.

Don’t be afraid! ‘I’ am here with you.

Fear is such a waste of our time. Trusting in His bigger plans is our best use of energy and thoughts. Faith in His goodness is our best goal. He is a shield even in the lack of our highest hopes or the presence of our deepest pain. He is enough.

So, how is God our reward?

Blessings are sought as we go out of our way to obey Him in difficult circumstances. If we are ‘good,’ surely He will give us a prize, a treat or even great riches! And sometimes, these come our way.

Yet, if we go deeper into the best reward we could receive, it would simply be God Himself. He gives us His very presence. When we finally acknowledge and remember God, we can be at rest.

Psalm 73:25-26 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

The outcome of our obedience has its own benefits. A good life is a good reward. However, when our obedience is met with good or even bad results, God is still our shield and reward.

Lord, God, Ruler of the Universe, Jesus, son of God, oh, how we love you. We are thankful that you are a shield and a great reward for us. Strengthen our faith. Help us to have a greater measure of trust. We look at the stars and remember your promise to Abram. That promise was indeed fulfilled. You are a God who does remarkable things in our lives, as well. Help us to put our full hope and dependence on you and not in the things this earth can provide us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Peach Orchard Hearts

Satan takes away the word that was sown in them. Mark 4:15

The surrounding crowd in Mark 4 received a story, a parable, about a farmer who scattered seeds in a field. Some of the seed fell on trodden ground where hungry, pecking birds could easily fill their bellies. This, Jesus told the disciples later, was like people whose ears were open, at first, but Satan came (like a ravenous bird) to TAKE away the precious word sown in them.

Some of the seed fell on rocky earth which received it with joy, but the rocks prevented a strong root system. When trouble or persecution came because of the word, these type people quickly fell away. They may have sprung up super fast into the Christian faith, only to be scorched by the sun (trials).

In both the first and second soil, the seed was short-lived.

Other seed fell among thorns. Jesus explained that these people readily heard the word, but anxiety and worry about the future, deception of money and possessions and the gluttonous desire for earthy (not heavenly) things, came in, not to take the word, but to choke it out, making these troubled souls poor, droopy and non-productive regarding the word within them. They were distracted, void of what would have given them and others around them…life!

Other seed, however, fell deep into the rich, fertile dirt. This represented people whose hearts were ready to hear the word and accept it, growing and multiplying its crop many times over.

I want to believe that we would always be the greatest soil for the word to dwell!

Yet, at any given time, the fruit we produce clues us in on just what kind of soil we are.

Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Matt. 7:17-18

What makes my soul fruitful? In the spring, if I were to take a stroll through a healthy orchard of peach trees, my eyes would be dazzled by the beautiful pink blossoms and fresh new green leaves. In the summer, I would find juicy, plump peaches ready for harvesting. There would be no doubt from the evidence at hand that the crop is fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended.

The passage mentions several things that sabotage the word from being profoundly planted and then intensely emblazoned on the hearts of others. A person may have a hard heart or shallow roots. He may be easily distracted (from the word), not only by his troubles, but by alluring riches or strong, ungodly desires, all of which undermine him as a child of God. Furthermore, the bad fruit of his choices affect everyone around him. His orchard consists of sickly, diseased and needy trees.

As I read the story of the sower and the seed, my heart skipped a beat, and my ears opened wide to listen! Taking it all in, such conviction filled my soul.

In Jeremiah 20:9, we read, “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

No matter how hard life got for the prophet, Jeremiah, he had to speak the word of God (even if his audience refused to listen and it seemed like he had NO fruit. Jeremiah lived the fruit of obedience). He HAD to speak the word of God. The word was planted so deep within him.

I, too, want the word to be planted so deep within me that the first thought I have in any situation or crisis, is the name of Jesus, the praise and worship of the Father and speaking or exemplifying His riches, His peace and His love to everyone around me.

God’s word grows in me like a seed grows into a plant. Words like, “love one another (I John 4:7)” or “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32)” come to my mind.

Yet, why is it so hard to respond in love, to show compassion and to forgive?

When I am not doing so, I am not growing. Nor am I producing fruit in those around me.

The Bible says in John 12:24, “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

When a person dies to himself, something happens to those with which he interacts. They see the person’s humility and his willingness to give of himself. In exchange, lives are reborn, rippling out in a glorious light to the whole world.

Lord, your word says that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus – Phil. 4:7. We want your word to remain intact deep within our hearts. Thank you for your peace that keeps us ever in your presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

A Good Name Even in Secret

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

When I think of a good name, I think of someone who is respected in the community, who practices the fruit of the Spirit, as well as having traits like: selflessness, humility and kindness. The person is real about his struggles, but his trials apparently move him in faith and trust to lean on the Lord his God even more.

Riches can come to any of us through many avenues, including inheritance, upbringing and, of course, hard work. But, a good name has to be earned. No one can pass a good name onto someone else.

People come to know an honorable man, not only through his words, but through his deeds. He has shown that he can be trusted and will be true to his word.

Uncertainty always dwells within riches. One never knows what tomorrow may bring. Yet, a respected name is independent of the stormy winds that tend to blow on one’s life. In fact, it may be those very storms that build up a man’s reputation even more through his steadfast faith in God. A good name is something found deep in the soul.

Even if a man is able to hold onto his wealth until the day he dies, his good name would matter more than any amount of wealth.

In the Bible, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream, something none of the wisest men in Egypt could do. Pharaoh’s dream foretold seven years of plenty and then famine. Joseph suggested that Pharaoh find a good director to manage the land in such a way that they would have plenty to eat in the good and bad years.

In Genesis 41:39, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.” Pharaoh recognized a good man by the one and only True God he represented and gave glory to.

In reality, God is behind every good name and every discerning man or woman. The greatest name we can take upon ourselves is the name of Jesus. And, oh, how rich we are when we live our lives in Him.

Why should I pursue a good name? So that people will like me, to be well thought of, to be in control of others and get what I want? Or, to please God and help others find their way back to Him.

All of us could probably use more money, and wouldn’t turn it away if it showed up on our doorstep. But does anyone pay attention to desiring a good name?

A good name is a worthy pursuit and brings glory to God.

Father, we bring glory to you in all we say and do. Give us a good name to promote your kingdom and to bring salvation to those who know us well. May the world see our lives and desire to be like Jesus. Give us a true perspective of our riches and how, to onlookers, they won’t ever compare to a godly life. In reality, the finest reputation is found when no one else is looking, when only you know the choices we make in the secret places of our hearts. Lead us to have a good name even when we’re alone with you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Faithful Patience

A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Prov. 28:20

How does one become a faithful person? A few comparable adjectives or phrases may help us better understand and then broaden the significance of today’s verse.

Here is a list I compiled of the word faithful:

devoted
resolute
sincere
reliable
dependable
honorable
steadfast
trustworthy
upright
constant
enduring
honest
holy
unchanging
unwavering
overflowing with good deeds
full of integrity
patient!

Faithfulness is the true way to joy and blessings. For example, a faithful friend, one who is devoted and constant, will typically himself be blessed in times of need.

Of course, the blessings of faithfulness include receiving the compassion one has compassionately offered others, but they also include a good name that comes from an upright heart, peace instead of anxiety about worldly matters and inner feelings of usefulness, not only toward God, but toward one’s fellowman.

A faithful person has hardships and sensitivities just like the rest of us. However, when he is lonely, he looks for other lonely people to whom he can give his companionship. When he feels neglected, he gives attention to those in need. When life gives him hurtful experiences, he can give compassion to others who are hurting. When anger takes him over, he seeks out those who need his peace.

Overtime, patience is developed in him as each trial reveals the choice to move forward in faith or revert back to immobilizing habits of self-pity, pride and instant gratification.

One who impatiently and eagerly hastens to get rich fills his life with pleasures, seeks his own way and has his mind resolute and devoted on wrong things. His focus in life is different than the steadfast Christian. His lustful desire for the quick accumulation of wealth may tempt him to commit fraud or deceit. His ways are contrary to those who are reliable and true.

Certainly, the possession of wealth is not the problem. Man is overjoyed when he is blessed with good fortune. His faithfulness brings about the patience needed for God’s daily provisions. He is happy in the waiting just as much as he is in the overflow of food, shelter and clothing. But if he loses faith and turns an unscrupulous amount of attention to amass more money, no matter the consequences to others, this can be his downfall. Money, then, becomes an idol that controls his life. God is forgotten. His pursuit of wealth is all-encompassing, overshadowing his desire to please his Maker. He runs after riches with all his energy and might. Of what use is his life to God?

Father, make my heart faithful towards the things of the Lord. Narrow my focus to be about your kingdom and your heart. Show me how to increase my faith. Teach me the treasures of patient waiting for your answers in my trials and needs. Help me to see your blessings as they come and not miss them. In Jesus name, Amen.

Noble King and Child Within

A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign. Prov. 28:16

The foolish tyrant was covered in last week’s blog post. Today we talk about the ruler whose great reign is extended because of his judicious choices. He is blessed by God with personal serenity and with the adoration of his people.

Such a king is completely opposed to (hates!) dishonest gain in any form. He will not tolerate oppression of his people and seeks instead their well-being. Greed and envy do not dwell in his heart and are unwelcomed to invade his soul.

His choices are wise and good.

How does this king become such a noble man? How might I hold onto these ways for myself in the circle of people around me that make up my small personal kingdom?

A few ideas come to mind:

This king must have a solid foundation that is bigger than himself and his ability to be perfect, allowing God to be perfected in him.
His trust in God has to be constantly fanned into flame, for when he trusts God, his trust in ‘things’ (such as riches or power) or his trust in a person (his mate, friends, peers) is seen for the weaknesses and deficiencies they provide.
He is not a fake, pretending to be one thing and then, in his heart another, which eventually comes out in evil words and deeds. He is true to his word…noble.
He is willing to listen to different views other than his own in order to grow and learn more than what is in his own head.
He must hate what God hates and love what God loves, with a joy in the deeper things God provides.
He may be tempted to dishonest gain but his heart tells him it will never fill, but impoverish his soul.
He learns to order his own life in self-control with righteous goals and to order other’s lives in wisdom, creativity and benevolence.
Wisdom is supreme and helps him to make godly, self-assured and quick, but good decisions, and to communicate well with those around him.
This king encourages the innocent childlike qualities within himself that attract people to follow him.

When a ruler can rule his own soul, he is fit to lead others on the narrow road of Christ.

Father, King of Kings and Lord over my heart, in my realm of influence, teach me to hate dishonesty in all forms. Give me a childlike, gracious mind with generous words and deeds that bless and not curse. Form in me the deeply godly motives and attitudes that would drive me to do good. In all things find me faithful to your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Heaven Comes to Earth

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. Prov. 27:23-24

In today’s world this verse would basically be saying: Give attention to more than money itself or inherited power, which are both fleeting. Wealth can be lost, robbed or misused, and power isn’t necessarily passed on to the next generation. There are more secure investments in this life than money and authority that aren’t as easily devastated.

Certainly, our eyes are fixed on what is eternal (in the spiritual realm of Heaven), even while we pass through this life. But Heaven comes to earth in today’s verse. Solomon points his readers, once again, to godly wisdom for what to do while we’re here on earth. It is in our best interest to spend our time and energy wisely by investing in more lasting endeavors than what is easily lost.

Back in Bible days, they supported themselves through agricultural pursuits. Of course, owning land and cattle wasn’t the perfect investment, in any way, but it was a pretty solid undertaking that fed and clothed their families.   

Neither my husband nor I own large property or sheep. The management of our home is my responsibility, while he pours out his hardworking hours in the business world. My household supervision plus his salary support us, all of which falls into the not-promised- tomorrow category.

How in this day and time am I supposed to apply this verse to myself? What lasting, earthly endeavors generally meet my basic need for food, shelter and clothing? How about the firm aspects of prayer, hard work, frugality, thriftiness, good planning, generosity, creativity, contentment and joy, to name a few?

Praying to God for my daily bread puts me in communion with Him, and I have faith that He will provide the necessities of life. Hard work is a must. Attributes of frugality and thriftiness help one to wisely think through purchases and, therefore, have enough for the essentials, more than one who mindlessly spends. Good planning helps one to better maneuver through life as well. Generosity to those in need is blessed by God (spiritually or financially). Creativity and contentment, when money is scarce, are wonderful, strong tools to have at one’s disposal. And when the joy of the Lord is one’s strength and foundation for all of life, having little isn’t the end of the world. One’s fullness is in Christ and the deepest needs are met.

For a broader meaning of “knowing the condition of my flocks and giving careful attention to my herds,” I must absolutely know what my ‘work’ entails (whatever it may be) and fully understand my role. By the help and grace of God, how am I to wisely keep running things smoothly? Some workers walk the halls of their building. They know the people who work for them and whom it is they work for. What an honor it is for him to pray for these people, which puts the worker in a right frame of mind for the projects ahead.

If a worker must delegate tasks, he never assumes the work is done. The buck stops at where he stands. Somehow he oversees his workers without smothering or micro-managing.

Whatever job a worker faces daily, he must do it well and with diligence, willing to go the distance it takes. Likewise, he must know his own soul well.

Taking “full care of the flocks” can also mean listening to advice, evaluations and warnings about his work and being willing to hear comments about ways to improve.

Father, Heaven comes to earth when, while we still have breath, we apply the principles of your word to our lives. As I move forward in relationships and daily tasks, help me to deeply know the hearts of those around me, the extent of work I am called to do and the pulse of my own heart as well. When I am tired, give me strength. When I am unsure, point me to a better way. When my priorities are backwards, set me on the straight path. Help me to have a clear mind and heart. In Jesus name, Amen.