He’s Got This

Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharoah. Then Jacob blessed Pharoah and went out from his presence. Genesis 47:7,10

An old man came into the presence of the highest noble in Egypt. His age gave him a greater status. His God spoke through him, this ancient patriarch named Jacob. And the pharoah thus received a blessing as from a prophet of God. He spoke as one in authority and a faithful believer in the one true God.

Pharoah obviously had other beliefs. However, he remarkably took unto himself the honorable blessing Jacob bestowed on him. And soon Jacob’s life would be at an end.

There was a time in my life in which certain kinds of people intimidated me. They knew more than me. They were more outgoing and in control. Who was I? Just a quiet, invisible person in the background.

But God got a hold of my heart, and one day, I spoke to one of the most intimidating people I had known. My mouth and hands and feet belong to the Almighty and He alone can use me any way He wishes. There was no backing down or cowering in a hidden corner somewhere.

What I found out is that there was simply a person inside that façade. She had bad days and hurt feelings just like anybody else. She needed love….just like everybody else. So I got busy and asked God to show me how to love her with boldness I didn’t have.

God had a work He wanted to do in me, and either I was going to go forward or forever remain unseen, unnoticed and unused in the kingdom of God.

I never looked back. Maybe these strong personality-type people can do more than I can and maybe they are smarter, but that doesn’t mean God can’t take someone weak like me and do something big.

Jacob blessed the pharoah of Egypt. He had been anointed by God Himself and was told he would be the father of many nations. I am a child of God and God has plans for me. He has plans for you, too.

It may take time, but when God places someone in front of you to bless, go for it! It’s not up to you. He’s got this.

Father, make me a blessing for whom you choose to put in my life this day. With all my flaws and inabilities, with all my inadequate words and awkward ways, I don’t ever have to worry. You are here. You are the one shining through me. You are the one shining through us all. We praise you Lord and bless your name. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bless Me

Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:26

As we continue the journey with Jacob, he now leaves the place where he married and bore children to return to Canaan. Facing an age-old fear rooted in a guilty conscience, he prepares to meet his brother, the brother who watched his birthright and firstborn blessing slip from his fingers because of his own folly and Jacob’s deception.

Esau, in a rage of fury, promised to kill Jacob for robbing him of what was rightfully his. But, Jacob took off in a hurried fright to distance himself safely from his brother.

Now, 20 years later, including several encounters with God, Jacob decided to send messengers to tell his brother he was coming home. God had assured him time and again that He would care for him. The messengers followed through and then returned to Jacob with the news, “He is coming to meet you with 400 men!”

Jacob cringed in a dreadful panic. Dividing his flocks, he sent them ahead and prayed with everything in him. He selected and sent gifts to his brother. His family was sent ahead as well.

Now he was alone.
And God answered Jacob’s prayers with a mysterious event:
“A man wrestled with him till daybreak.” Genesis 32:24

Jacob, weak and emotionally heavy ladened with his guilt of the past, apparently needed to face God (who appeared in the body of a man). Jacob clung to and clenched Him tight in a desperate, helpless grip. The “man” wrenched the socket of Jacob’s hip and exclaimed, “Let me go, for it is daybreak [time to go and face your brother].”

Perhaps God saw a bold yet humble determination in Jacob. God seemingly allowed Jacob to ‘conquer’ Him at a strategic moment of intense rassling. Something finally let go of Jacob on the inside. Maybe he was ready to release his deceitful ways for good and cling to God in abandoned, fierceness.

Notice, God did not take from Jacob his momentary triumph, for God had reached His goal: that Jacob would loosen himself of self-reliance and would turn only to Him.

Jacob received victory for that fight but God received Jacob’s heart.

We wrestle with God throughout our lives and don’t give up until we find ourselves clinging to the only One who will ever meet our truest desires. We finally let go to all we’ve been holding on, except to be blessed by Him. In the losing of what we thought we wanted, we overcome our real foe in the greatest battle of our lives and God steps up to claim His victory.

Mark 8:35 says, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Jacob clung to the man as he let go of everything else.

What did Jacob feel in those moments of such close fellowship with God (as man), however passionate was the strain? Was he learning that he must wrestle with His Maker before he can face himself and then his brother?

In verses 26-32, Jacob refused to let go until the man blessed him (this time the blessing would not come from deception but from a deep cry to His God).

The man asked for his name and after receiving the answer tells Jacob, “Your name will no longer be Jacob [the deceiver], but Israel [struggles with God or prince of God or fighter], because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

Jacob limped away with a physical reminder of his night of wrestling, saying, “I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared.”

Learning God’s truth is a process, an ever-increasing journey as we travel through life. God had been pursuing Jacob for a long time. In each encounter, Jacob came to know God even more.

The story shows us, that God wants us to know Him within our greatest passionate courage. He wants us to pursue Him enough to leave everything else behind (including our sins) and fearlessly win His blessing.

Perhaps, if this event had not occurred, Esau would have come after Jacob with a sword and Jacob would have fought for his rights that he had won so many years ago, however deceptive his tactic.

But something had changed in this most holy interaction. As the sun rose, Jacob, now Israel, armed with a blessing from God and with his thorn of the flesh (for he had been permanently injured by God), stumbled forward, a different man, to meet Esau, in his humbled state. Now, he would be delivered from Esau’s wrath.

These three: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had to lay down their greatest desires and give all of themselves to God to confirm, in action, their love for Him.

These three remind us of what God asks of us. We have nights (and dark days) of wrestling through hard things (possibly because of sin, but not always). Sometimes, in the trial, God simply wants to call us to a new beginning with a new name.

In our heartbreaking moments when we feel so alone (even when surrounded by others), God sees an opening into our hearts.

Surely, we will strive with Him, not against Him. Yet, in reality, like a dance, the brilliance of God’s light moves in to wrestle with us.

When we are alone, we can lean in, we can listen and truly hear what God is fighting and calling forth in us in the battle. He is waiting to see our willingness to let go of all but Him. He is revealing our weakness and utter failure to fix our own lives. In the apparent loss of strength, we are learning to depend on The One who is mightier than ourselves.

Lord God, we cling to you with all we have and we won’t let go. In our frailest moments, as we limp forward in strenuous, loud cries of prayer, you are free to work your will in our lives. The limp becomes our joy and our blessing. We have no fight in our own strength. Only by your blessing can we proceed forward to conquer the old self, face our struggles in your power and might and become new. Move us during each wrestling event to unshakable faith and to more prayer than ever before. We surrender wholly to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

See-able Invisible God

By faith, Moses…left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27

Moses was one special baby, born into a family willing to bravely let him go, so that he might live. His basket floated down the river banks until Pharaoh’s daughter saw it. She gazed upon the little babe and was moved to keep and raise him as her own. In wisdom, an older sister carefully appeared, telling this woman that she could fetch someone to nurse him. Moses’ mother, of course! She must have taught him many deep spiritual truths in the years they had together.

When he matured, a realization came to him that his people were being mistreated. God had great plans in mind for Moses. And he ended up leaving Egypt, educated and wise in the ways of those under whose care he had resided.

Somewhere along the line, he discovered the one true God and it wasn’t Pharaoh!

Today’s verse says that he persevered because he “saw him who is invisible.”

Typically, what we sense with our eyes far outweighs what we sense with our spirits. But, our dependence on what we see doesn’t quite exhaust all possible knowledge. Sensing with our spirits what we do not see requires faith.

Moses ‘saw’ Him who is invisible.

In all the difficulties we endure, not one of them is too much for God to handle, if only we would see Him who is invisible with our spirit.

The story of Moses can be read in the Bible book of Exodus. At first I wasn’t too impressed with this guy. He actually turns down the God of the universe who reveals Himself through a burning bush, that he, Moses, will lead God’s oppressed people out of Egypt. He seems sort of whiny and unwilling. In the end, God commands it and sends a helper to assist him.

As Moses experiences God more and more, his heart and mind must have undergone much change, for more is said of his faith in Hebrews 11 than anyone else in the faith-list, except for Abraham.

That helps me to know that faith, though it may be small and immature at the beginning can grow if we set our hopes on God.

Seeing something that is not visible requires taking matters of concern and laying them all out before Him. We put our trust in His everlasting love, His mighty power and His deep compassion for His children. We visualize His forethought and plans for our lives. In our battles and hard days of toil, we cry out to gain the victory through His steady participation in our lives, always turning to Him. He will stand by us in the hardest of times. He will see us through.

Though our eyes cannot see His gaze or feel His touch, faith vocalizes that He is truly there with us. His Spirit strengthens our frame. His peace calms our desperate hearts. His voice sings over the stresses of our days, calls us to greatness and whispers to our hearts His love. He reminds us to be brave in Him and to allow Him to be strong when we are so very weak.

Our minds can be our greatest aid in learning to see what is not there. They can also be our greatest hindrance. So, we instruct our minds to better discern wisdom and truth about the issues of our lives. What are the facts (though unseen), not just the feelings? We tell our thoughts to see more than the problem. We look at the bigger picture with God’s eyes.

One of our difficult situations can be people we deal with everyday. Maybe they believe and act in certain ways today, but faith reminds us that God can bring about something new in their tomorrows. Faith requires patience in the waiting. Faith requires a knowing that what we do not see (because it is hidden from our sight) holds a more crucial reality and significance than what is clearly within sight.

The older I become, the greater value I discover even in pain and suffering, because faith has trained me to see more than what I feel. God has done marvelous things in some of the worst times of my life.

When I cling to my faith, bad things may happen, but my soul, though grieving and physically worn (humanly speaking), can be at peace in the heavenlies. When I forget or discard my faith, even good things can feel empty…not enough.

Father, you are more than enough. Please give me a deep understanding of your reality in my life. Help me to have strong eyes to see you clearly. Point my mind to the greatness of the spiritual world and alert me when my senses are fogging up my thoughts. In Jesus name, Amen.

Strong Words of LIFE!

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep if for eternal life. John 12:25

Lisa gave of herself to a friend. Worn down from strenuous and burdensome circumstances, her friend was crumbling under the pressure. Head, pounding, it was difficult to continue the tasks ahead. So Lisa took her friend by the shoulders and spoke these strong words:

“I know you are tired and wish it would all go away. But you’ve got to keep working. You have no other choice. We will all help you.Tomorrow we will do it again and you will have that same headache and heartache, but you must keep going until the work is finished.”

Lisa was able to direct her friend through the next steps of walking through the trial, being very careful not to overstep. Her help was well received, especially during days of uncertainty and struggle. Lisa could speak these tough things because she had been through similar circumstances herself. She knew this path well and how to grab hold of God’s hand as she maneuvered her way through it to get to the end.

In today’s verse Jesus informed His disciples of the repercussions of either loving or hating their life.

It sounds a little overboard to use the term ‘hate,’ but the greek word is miseo and is used to compare what one is devoted to more than another. To what degree is one turning toward one’s self or one’s family or friends compared to placing their main focus on God?

Luke 14:26-27 says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

In saying that a person hates (loves less) his mother in view of Jesus, he would simply be stating that Jesus comes before his mother in his affections, time, energy and obedience. The Lord is more dear to him than she is. In following this practice, he would be keeping his life intact. Whereas if he put his mother before Jesus, he would be losing (or destroying) his life. He would be allowing his relationship with his mother to hold him back from what Jesus had for him.

Jesus was seeking devoted followers who would willingly give Him all their affection, greater than parents, friends and even spouse. He wanted to gain their attention and ask for the sacrifice of each one.

When a person carries his cross, crucifying himself (his desires and wants) for the sake of another, and, in a sense, hating even himself, he experiences true life, a better life than one who would cling to his life, cling to his people, pleasures and preferences.

In the story I told at the beginning, Lisa had, years before, undergone a death to self of her own for the good of others and the obedience to the Lord. Now she was instructing her friend to follow her strong example (to lay down her life) in order to get through a tough situation.

We live temporary lives on earth and are being asked to free our hearts completely in order to place ourselves in the palm of God’s hands and be ready for what God has in store. His instructions are trustworthy and good.

Basically Jesus was saying in today’s verse, if you love your own life more than you love me than you will not really know life. Yet, if you encourage in yourself a stronger desire for me and my favor than for anything else, than you will have life!

Jesus gave Himself to death (hating his life) so that WE could live in the palm of God’s hand, so very close to His breath. Jesus was resurrected and literally experienced death to life, something we can come to understand when our lives are released to Him for whatever He chooses for us. Our journey on earth comes alive with hope and experiences beyond our expectations when we put Jesus first above all else.

Father, I give you my life. Make me strong even through the tough times. Though in this human body I am weak and sinful, I go forward, covered by your son’s blood, in your name and by your power. Give me breath and life. Help me to choose to give of myself in all you invite me to do. You are forever first and foremost. In Jesus name, Amen.

Pray or Sleep?

Pray that you will not fall into temptation. Luke 22:40

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was about to enter into the agonizing moments of prayer, ultimately leading to His willing death on a cross to save the world. He was concerned for His men that they would stand strong in the days of trouble still to come. Would they have courage and strength to stay awake and pray through the night, not only for Him in His suffering, but also for themselves? Or would they give into temptations of weakness at this time of pending trial and danger.

They were called to pray in this hour and not to quit. In the near future their faith would be heavily tried. Jesus was giving them warning. He had been preparing them for this day and even praying for them! Now was the time to arm themselves to be ready, not with physical weapons but spiritual.

In the weeks before now, they never quite comprehended the comments Jesus had made concerning His death. Perhaps tonight, however, they experienced His unusual sorrow and were so distraught and exhausted that, instead of praying, they slept.

Jesus, after His resurrection, forgave them of every foolish and feeble mistake they made. He also encouraged them to put their faith in Him and increasingly grow in the strength of God. Yet, how might these current moments of anguish in the garden and the arrest, capture, and agony of Jesus on the cross been better handled had they prayed?

Likewise, I hear His voice calling out to ME, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”

The Passion Translation says, “Keep praying for strength to be spared from the severe test of your faith that is about to come.”

What does this day hold for me that will bring trials and troubles? I struggle through each new wave of life’s hardship. I might even fail and fall at first. No doubt, more episodes like this will burden me until the end of my life. But the times I spend myself in prayer and faith for all concerned, help the events to be met with God’s courage and strength. He enables me to rise with Him above the clouds, if only I would reach out to Him and not stay in a state of slumber (unaware, unequipped and unproductive as I remain stuck in the mud; paralyzed in His Kingdom).

Father, clean off the dirt from my soul. Forgive me. My troubles, whether here for long or quickly resolved, cannot touch my heart when it is given over to you. I may unwisely choose to wring my hands in the filth of worry and the stains of despair. Yet, you have a way about you, Lord, that draws me into the showers of blessing of being in your quiet, healing presence. Rinse off the sleepy dullness of sin. Refresh my soul and cleanse my unbelief. Make me whole again. And even when I don’t understand why I am going through these hard things, make my heart ready to face this day with prayer (for trust, for courage and for strength). I want so much to bear and honor your name well. In the Most Holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Again, I Say Rejoice!

I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten, your commands. Ps. 119:176

When I see someone taking an honest look at their heart, it captures my full attention. Confession is not weak; it is beautiful. Personally, I need more moments in my life when everything around me stops, and I pause long enough to say, “Lord, I have strayed, but I’ve not forgotten you or your ways. I want to come back, but it’s hard. Please seek me out and help me to find you again.”

When sheep stray from the fold, it is generally because of sickness or rejection or a distraction of tempting things that lure him away.

We, like sheep, enter hardships (illnesses or trials) that become too much for us, we get hurt by others or the world draws us in, leading us astray.

What are some safety nets we can adopt to help us not wander to the wrong pathway?

Genesis 5:24 says that Enoch walked with God. Hebrews 11:5 goes on to say that “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

As long as we are walking with God, there is no chance of waywardness, only severe trust and obedient hearts.

Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Sit with me a while in this very familiar verse. How does one simply rejoice?

Rejoicing every moment of my life almost seems laughable; but wait a minute, come with me and learn what I am learning! Rejoicing is an exciting way to live.

It is easy to rejoice when all is well. But can I rejoice in my weakness, in my work, in my aches and pains, in times when I stand up for right and can hardly breathe? Can I rejoice in His goodness even though times are hard?

Define the word, rejoice, by what it is NOT.

For example: I am to rejoice, not resent. I am to rejoice, not replay (someone’s wrongs in my head), not worry, not project (future events based on the past) or not grumble.

I will never regret rejoicing. However, I will regret going astray in a world of making everything about me me me!

Then I wonder: just saying the words, “Okay, Lord, I’ve decided to rejoice right now,” isn’t a magic pill that takes everything bad away. The words must go deeper into my heart (than my terrible circumstances) as I rehearse them again and again. When a person is rejoicing, it is not possible to stray from the throne of God. He is right up close to His very face seeing Him and His will more than the disturbances of earthly trials.

Joy comes from a clean, repentant heart. Certainly, I can rejoice when someone else apologizes to me. I rejoice for them because admitting a wrong opens the way to their peace and joy. But, I can rejoice in my own times of confession and healing as well.

I can rejoice in the humility it takes to come clean. Rejoicing is at its best when a heart repents. On the contrary, arrogance blocks joy.

If you are having a hard time finding your joy, go sit in the quiet with God and see what prideful thoughts are lurking in your mind. What is it that needs to be addressed in the depths of your soul?

During the week, I set my phone to remind myself to rejoice three times a day. Each time, I actually spent time thinking about the meaning of embracing joy in the circumstances of that moment. Many treasures await me when I seek them.

Joy is attractive and contagious. I want my joy to spread to others more than any other thing I might feel.

When the many voices around me call me to be ‘real,’ tell it like it is and give an authentic response, may I have learned the habit of deep joy so much that it becomes a fixed, genuine aspect of who I truly am and how I display my realness. Even in pain and tearful struggles, may that joy arise, not in people or things, but in the Lord.

Father, you are a joy. I rejoice in having a God who loves me so much and wants to be with me always. Thank you for giving me so many good things that show me your love. Whatever I think I lack, I meditate more on what you are giving me already in abundance. I rejoice in knowing you and your daily presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

Distinguish! (Discernment Series #2)

Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? I Kings 3:9

Earlier in the chapter, God had told Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon responded with a desire to have a discerning heart in his new role of King over Israel to distinguish between right and wrong. What a beautiful request of God!

Last Tuesday, I began a new blog, recording a class I taught in the summer. In last week’s blog post, I asked 3 questions about a discerning heart. Here are some of the comments:

What is discernment?

The obvious answers are: insight, wisdom, understanding and prudence (good judgment). But let’s go a little deeper.

Discernment is:
*The ability to overlook what other people think of us while carrying out a godly choice
*A willingness to be misunderstood without defensiveness (or thoughtless self-preservation)
*A pursuit of God’s truth and rightfully defending it (notice the difference between defensive and defend. The first is impulsive and self-serving; the latter is standing for truth.)
*Opening our eyes and ears to hear that we might be wrong about things we strongly believe in
*Knowing that the Holy Spirit will, at times, require hard things of and from us
*Knowing in prayer when to let go and start walking the obedient road of suffering
For example, Jesus begged for other options than to die on a cross. But, God’s response was silence, which affirmed only one option for His beloved Son. “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” Luke 22:39
*Becoming humble and content in tough circumstances and willing to see what God has for us even in the tough times. Paul prayed for a thorn to be removed. He prayed multiple times. Again, God was silent.  “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Cor. 12:8-9.

That’s all we’re going to cover for that question, for now. It’s a lot to think about!

What is discernment NOT?
*Perfection (We obsess over the opinion that every part of our decisions must always be exactly what they’re supposed to be, and everyone involved in those decisions will be in awe of us! No! We will sometimes muddle a situation, but God knows what He’s doing [in HIS perfection] with this weak and imperfect soul of ours and HE receives the glory)
*Great results (Every godly choice we make will end up with great outcomes and compliance…wrong!)
*An absence of fear (No! We will make many decisions that will cause us concern, but God gives us the courage to go keep going forward)
*Using FEAR to settle for or ask for less (Sometimes our flesh will point us to a wrong decision based on fear [not on God’s call], therefore we settle for less than His perfect will OR, we become so overwhelmed with fear that we fail to boldly discern God’s will; but He desires to do the impossible through us)
*An absence of hunger, weariness or convenience (There are times when we will make a right choice that will leave us without our usual comforts, therefore our decisions do not need to be based on having to be constantly soothed)
*Always safe, always popular (No! We may be stretched out of our comfort zones, OR we may be the ONLY ones going forward to do what is right)
*Us directing the Holy Spirit instead of the Holy Spirit directing us
*Simply going OUR OWN WAY in arrogance and pride

What unique qualities do you imagine a truly discerning person to have? Patience, humility, decisiveness, contentment, trust, faith…

The answers to these 3 questions may continue to grow throughout this study. Keep exploring!

Father, discernment includes so many things we’ve never thought of before. There is so much more about the deeper attitudes that need changing. Show us how doing what is right encompasses a work in us that will require constant awareness of your direction and presence. We fall to our knees to ask for a profound desire to pursue you in everything we do. Help us to distinguish between what is right and wrong. In Jesus name, Amen.

Silent Waiting

I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. Psalm 38:13-15

David had veered from the path of God, and his cry for help was that his enemies wouldn’t be able to use this time in his life to arrogantly brag over his failures. He was in a weak place of receiving the consequences of his sin, seeing his wrongs for what they were and confessing them to the Lord. He begged for God’s presence and for His aid in this season of guilt.

When his enemies do speak, David had no words to defend himself and his ears became numb to their attacks because there was nothing he could do to fix the mess he was in.

It takes a humble mouth and a still heart to sit in silence when someone is exposing our faults and exalting over us. When our conscious, indeed, is guilty, we have no other option. We must bear the load of what we have done.

However, we do have another choice, like David, to turn to God in our guilt and ask for relief. He is a merciful and good Father. He hears our cries. He hears our pleas for forgiveness and grace.

Somehow, in Psalm 38, I also hear David saying, “Not everything I did was wrong. Yet, I am being falsely accused and cruelly treated by my enemies who sit and wait for me to stumble.”

I’ve seen this dual dynamic in other Psalms that David wrote. He is so ready to fall on his face and admit his sins. He is also ready to express the unfairness of his enemies to God.

Have you ever been demeaned by a peer or bully, yet you kept your mouth shut and walked away?

Jesus is a wonderful example of a man who was silent in the face of his accusers and shame-filled words.

Sometimes, in our own situations, we just don’t know what to do. We are not equipped to handle the next step. We feel deaf and mute. We’ve said all the words there are to say, we’ve heard all the advice we need to hear and nothing has been resolved. Wisdom whispers to keep quiet.

There are times when our words are better left bravely unsaid and our ears are better left wisely unhearing. Some criticisms are cruel and untrue. Jesus is our best advocate against the greatest accuser, Satan.

We may sit in the circumstance, numb, disappointed, hurt and afraid, yet acknowledging our part in the problem (we have sinned, too). Yet, notice the next words of the verse that David writes: “Lord I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.” It’s like he is at the end of his rope, but with his gasping breath he cries out to God.

I love this!

Patience is our best attribute as we wait on Him to come to our aid.

My mind needs to get into the habit of refusing to give attention, time and energy to every negative comment that comes my way. Yet, equally important is how that same attention, time and energy can be well spent in self-reflection when true wisdom presents itself.

Some of our critics may speak words that feel cruel. Yet, when we think about it, they are spot on. In the first circumstance of wrongful accusations, there are times when trying to defend ourselves is useless. In the other circumstance, wisdom says to be silent in a different way and hear the reproofs. Let them bring about changes of the heart.

Father, I want to have listening ears and right responses for those times when my heart has strayed, and you are using others to bring me back off the wandering path. But, when I am wrongfully misunderstood and labeled, come to my aid and give me wisdom to know when to stop listening and start keeping my mouth shut to not give into and waste my time in arguments. Show me how to wait on your defense, your rescue and deliverance. In Jesus name, Amen.

Lord Sabaoth – Lord of Hosts

Sabaoth (Săb ē ŏth) is a strange word. The name is mentioned in a song written by Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress is Our God.

The second verse of the song says:

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the Right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who That may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His name,
from age to age the same,
and He must win the battle.

The Hebrew word tsebaoth means “armies,” but the Greek word is Sabaoth. In the Authorized Version, Sabaoth is translated Lord of Hosts.

Have you ever been in the presence of a host? Actually, you have. It simply means a large group: sporting event, church assembly or graduation. In the Bible, angels and demons are both considered hosts. Jews and Gentiles, Republicans and Democrats, you name it!

Our God is fully over any and all large groups (hosts): good, bad or neutral that you know about and those you have no clue exist.

In I Samuel 17:45, David said to the giant, Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

Romans 8:31-39 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 

In II Kings 6:16 the Bible says, “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha was describing the angel armies surrounding the place in protection at a time when there was no human hope of escape.

When Hannah cries out in I Samuel 1:11 for a child, the deepest longing of her heart, she addresses God:  “LORD of the Heavenly Armies, if you just look at the misery of your maid servant, remember me, and don’t forget your maid servant. If you give your maid servant a son, then I’ll give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and a razor is never to touch his head.”

Our strong God, Lord Saboath is able to hold us up and defend us in the worst of our battles. He is the Almighty One, our rescuer and rock. We pray to Him in spiritual warfare against the armies of the enemy. We claim victory in our darkest days. It is when we feel the weakest and smallest that the enemy is indeed the strongest. Yet, we must lift up our eyes to Him, our Majestic Ruler who is over the universe and even over our darkest fears and worst nightmares.

Lord Saboath, Righteous King, Ruler over all the earth, we come to you and cry out for deliverance in the confusion and chaos of our lives. We know you hear us. We thank you for what you are already doing in our behalf. We claim victory this day in Jesus name, Amen.

Profound Worship

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

Often, we look at what Christ did, offering His body in our stead. WE deserved the penalty of death, but Christ died for us. He took our sins and our punishment upon Himself. For this reason, we are in the presence of our Father God, whereas, before we were separated from Him by our sins.

Because of Jesus’ sacrificial love, we become profoundly moved to walk our own bodies to the altar and humbly lay them down for Him to use as He pleases. We daily offer to die to what we want for His sake. In other words, we still ‘die,’ but now our deaths are voluntary. It is in response to Jesus’ cross that we take up our own cross and follow Him.

God’s compassionate mercy is the motive Paul uses in today’s verse to draw us into obedience. When we truly understand what He did for us, we will not be able to help ourselves. We are captivated by His love that overflows from us because love is an appropriate response.

How might I offer my body as a living sacrifice and yield myself to God? I stop resisting Him and put away all that is unfit, all that comes against Him.

I watch my tongue and don’t speak evil but blessings.
I use my hands to serve, profoundly worshiping as I give.
My eyes turn away from what is impure, and instead, I take in what is the holy, pure light of God.
My ears listen for His voice and pursue the needs of those around me.
I discipline my body to choose to do, think and feel what is good and pleasing in His sight.
I learn to sacrifice and give up all for the sake of Jesus.
The way I speak, behave and present myself will either speak or not speak of Christ.
All these things are an act of my mind and are moved within me by God’s Spirit.

I leave behind what brings death to my body (sin, wickedness) and seek what brings life to me and those around me. Therefore, I don’t bring myself as a dead offering to Christ but a live one.

My self-denial and consecration to God are holy and pleasing to Him. It is how I truly worship Him. I am a woman who has already died with Christ, and is now being burnt upon God’s altar.

My choice to be a living sacrifice doesn’t mean my personality becomes lost and ‘I’ don’t exist, although some parts of my personality can stand some change and flexibility. Also, I still have free will. I am not a robot simply following orders from His demands of me. Yet, I learn quickly that when I yieldingly surrender to Him (and no other can do this for me), I am the one who gains abundant life.

As a sacrifice, nothing is lost in me, but I become molded and made more fit. I am refined for higher things.

Here are the questions I must look into at every turn of the road:
Instead of simply asking is this right or wrong, I ask, “Does this choice hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in me?” Instead of pursing comfort and convenience, I ask, “How might I most please the Father?” “Lord, here am I, send me!”

Is there anything worth my time that isn’t first surrendered to my Father? The yielded life, even in pain, is an abundant life. There is no other life like it.

Once I establish WHO will live in me, my life becomes one of continued devotedness. I hold nothing back from the Lord. I don’t wait for His calling. I am at His throne, ready to do His will. I live not for myself but for my God. When I step forward in sacrificial service (which is worship), my gift costs me something. And He accepts even the weakest offering that comes from a contrite heart.

When we don’t give, we rob ourselves of a beautiful life.

Listen to this song about offering up our lives up to our Father.

Father, I present my body to you as a living sacrifice with worship as my aim. Help me to dedicate my life to you and follow after the greatest example of all, your son Jesus who laid His life on a cross for our sins. ‘Your will be done’ is my prayer of profound worship. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bold in Doing Good

The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Prov. 28:1

There is such a battle going on between the principalities of darkness and the principalities of light, and much of the time, darkness seems to win.

Darkness makes us do things we look back on and regret. Certainly, the guilt we experience from our choices can stir our imaginations to work overtime and bring unnecessary fears:

“My friend and I got into an argument yesterday over politics, and now she’s giving me the silent treatment. I’m afraid it’s time to walk away.”
“I overate during lunch and the whole group was staring. I feel anxious and judged.”
“There was money on his desk, and I took it. Everyone is acting strange around me. Will I get fired?”

“Wicked” is a word that most of us use to describe other people, but never ourselves. We like to consider ourselves in terms of “decent” and “good.”

A person living a wicked, sinful life may become riddled with irrational fears as guilt takes him over. Yet, a person of faith is at rest in his obedience. Like a lion, he is confident and unafraid, because his strength lies in God who is bigger than the resources within himself.

The righteous are bold.

I thought about this statement all week. What are they bold about?

A faithful man is brave to go forward in forgiving those who have wronged him, daring to give in to the other for the sake of the relationship, valiant in humility, confident in the act of surrender, courageous to not overreact. He is bold in not fighting for his own way, worshiping instead of whining, humble instead of brooding, choosing self-control over immediate gratification, dwelling on his delight in the Lord instead of delighting in money or things.

I may not always be right in my choices. But, when I mess up, God still knows my story has more to come.

I am covered with the righteousness of Christ and His blood. Facing myself, as I am, in my weakness and in my strengths, I face my circumstances with the help of the Lord.

Father, come to my aid for I am weak. Be with me, Lord, for life can sometimes become very hard. Even in my frailties, Father, make me fearless and bold. I give all power and authority to you in my life. Help me to be righteous in your sight. Help me as I learn to thrive in you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Skilled and Refined

King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram, whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him. 1 Kings 7:13-14

Huram was a man, along with other laborers, who would provide help for Solomon’s efforts to build a magnificent temple, exactly to God’s specifications. Huram’s father was “a skilled craftsman in bronze,” who apparently trained his son in like manner. Huram was the best at the undertaking for which Solomon needed him. So he was hired.

The verse says that Huram had wisdom, understanding and knowledge. I admire the unique talents and abilities of so many people: Olympic runners, ballerina dancers and artists who can paint. Each individual must practice and sometimes fail, and then do it all over again to fine tune their crafts.

Where do such skills originate? Not everyone can draw, sing or dance. But, we are all good at something.

Huram was filled with wisdom, understanding and knowledge, particularly in bronze work. Filled by whom?

Psalm 139:13-16 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

All the talents or gifts we have are from the Mighty God who created us.

This past week I’ve been asking myself, “With what kind of wisdom does God fill me for each task?” “How might I obey and allow my skills to be used of Him?”

Here’s one: I write because I must!

God put the desire and skill within me. He gave me a voice to sing, a heart to mentor and a desire to pray and worship Him. Every part of me and all I am able to do comes from my Father who made me. And when my skilled hands or mind or words are used for His glory, He is delighted and well-pleased.

In our world, it is important to ask God for help to become the unique individuals He formed for His unique purposes. Truly, our greatest understanding and wisdom are about spiritual things. Yet, wherever God leads our gifts, they are spiritual.

What wisdom, in particular, are we in need of and what skills go beyond (deeper than) simple craftsmanship and creativity?
How about conflict management?
Wisdom to be brave in times of crisis.
Knowledge for how to keep our bodies strong and healthy.
Knowledge for how to have kind and loving marriages and wiser parenting skills.
Understanding the need for unselfishness to be born in our hearts.
Understanding how important worship and praise is in the upmost, surrendered, sacred spaces of our minds.

These things are worth practicing and refining for a lifetime along with the special talents God provides.

Our current days are days of reflection and thought. It’s a good time to ponder what God’s intentions were when He formed us. It’s a good time to learn to give our gifts in humility and love.

Am I living my life within the skill sets God provided for me at birth? Am I allowing His wisdom and understanding to invade my heart and change my life?

Sometimes my “skills” seem to be frustratingly absent or silent. I may feel weak within myself and not talented in much of anything. Yet, God still works, maybe even more in those times than when I feel strong and capable.

II Cor. 12:9-10 speaks of how Paul pleaded with the Lord to take the ‘thorns of his side (trials and pain)’ away.  The Lord responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

So Paul continues his thoughts: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Lord, my life belongs to you and everything for which you created me. Please aid me in wisely honing in on the skills you formed. Those things you allow in my life to sharpen me and give you glory, show yourself strong. Reveal yourself to the world however talented or feeble I may be. Let my work praise your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the song:

Safe

Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36

As I continue through my study of Luke, remember that Jesus had just spoken about some disturbing times that were coming in the future and also about His return at the end of time. Then He encourages them to be alert and prayerful about what was coming, that they may have the fortitude they need to meet each situation.

At first when I read the verse, it surprised me that He was so clear in His instructions: “You are my disciples and I’m telling you ahead of time that bad things are going to happen. I’m not rescuing you from the bad this earth has to offer, I’m equipping you with a way to deal with it. Remind your thoughts to be aware, to look for these terrible times. They will come. PRAY…ALWAYS….that you will have strength through it all.“

What a fabulous verse for today. Jesus wants us to come to the Lord for everything we need to face. He wants us to come safely through it. We do so by listening for the voice of God (He is my lighthouse, the light that leads me to my safe place). We are saved by following His instructions (Safe doesn’t always mean that our lives are spared. Safe may mean that we are coming to join Him).

This week, a visual came to mind. I saw myself among a group of people and something evil was coming towards us. There were children around me, and I had a choice to fling my body over as many as I could to save them. Would I do it? Would I lay down my life for them?

You say, “Of course you would? The question is rhetorical!“

I’m going to be very honest.

But, typically, I am slow to react. Most things going on around me aren’t followed by an immediate response or action. I’m not an ER kind of person who can access facts and act at the same time.

In the above scenario, I would hope that without blinking an eye I would just go for the children without even thinking about it.

Yet, I am weak and don’t always understand the urgency of the situations accurately. I NEED the Lord’s mindset and His wisdom to know what I would do in an event like that or what to do in my every day life.

It’s one of the reasons why the verse meant so much to me. I don’t have to rely on myself in these days of trouble. I don’t have to be smart or intelligent enough or some know-it-all. I don’t have to be physically capable or spiritually profound or emotionally 100% always solid. I just have to be willing to ask for HIS strength.

God does His best work when He is allowed full access to work in my weakest moments.

That is a marvel to me.

Would I save the children? Yes! God, if anything like that were to ever happen, HELP me to think fast and do the right thing.

In the meantime, Father, I pray that you would give me a sharp awareness of your presence in times of trouble. I come to you in prayer to ask for your help and strength to get me safely through the tough circumstances of life. I depend on you. May it be to me as you have said. In Jesus name, Amen.

All She Had to Live On

Luke 21:4 Jesus noticed the widow’s gift and said, “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

If you’ve read any of my blog entries, you know that I like to dig a little deeper into the meaning and application of passages in the Bible.

Today’s verse makes me think not just about a widow and her last bits of money, but about my own resources in which I give to others. Am I willing to give of my time, my life, my will (and so on) in a passionate flinging of myself on the altar of God? He has the right to use me as He wants, for His kingdom’s sake.

Question #1: Are my gifts given out of my wealth (like the rich people in the story)?
Do I have the attitude:
“I have a lot of time today. Therefore, I’ll give to that person who needs me.”
“I have so much energy today to encourage someone with my words.”
“My voice is strong, so I will sing for others.”
“I’m in a good emotional place, so I can give my heart away freely.”

To me it sounds like I’m leaning on my own resources when I do these things.

But what about the days when I don’t have time or energy, or I’m feeling weak and detached?

I’ll never forget the Sunday a long time ago that I hid myself in an unused classroom at church because I didn’t feel like speaking to anyone. The last couple of days had been rough, and I was feeling defeated and useless. Yet, wouldn’t you know it, a friend sought me out and needed help. (I thought to myself, who am ‘I’ to give advice. I’m the least person she needs!) However, God showed up and used me in my weakness (IN my story) to do some pretty awesome things. I was stunned by this event.

Question #2: Might it be possible to give out of my poverty…everything…of myself?

When God touches my heart to exert physical energy into His work, especially when I don’t feel up to it, will I surrender?
When I don’t have any more moments in my day, and He calls me to have quiet time with Him, will I choose to obey?
Can I give everything possible to my marriage?
When a clear boundary needs to be set, but I don’t want to draw that line, will I heed?
When tough love calls me to speak up, will I have the courage?

Father, help me to give all to something worth my all, to things that are more important than choosing options that would hold me back. Show me how to give my whole heart to your kingdom work, not because I’m wealthy with time and energy, but because I have a big God who works in me and will provide everything I need in order to give it away. I pray that you will help me not to withhold from you when I feel weak. I pray that I will learn to give from a mysterious everlasting source that runs within me. Lord, help me to give joyfully.
In Jesus name, Amen.