Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Sweet and Sour

"Now this is what the LORD Almighty says:
'Give careful thought to your ways.' "
(Haggai 1:5; see also
1:7, 2:15, 2:18)

Precious friends, the Lord has me still reflecting upon the Old Testament "minor" prophets! Most recently, it has been Haggai, who was burdened with waking God's chosen people from their indifferent, apostate, and lethargic sleep.

Haggai, the briefest book in the Old Testament, is short but sweet! Rich with significance, it beautifully illustrates the consequences of disobedience to the Lord, as well as the blessings of obedience to Him, in just two chapters. Haggai also offers encouragement to those who labor diligently, despite difficult conditions, to rebuild His temple--His house, and, through Haggai, the Lord gives hope to the laborers, assuring them that what they build in modesty will ultimately be glorified!

Haggai really emphasizes today's reflection Scripture, and the words that the Lord spoke through Him really resound in my head, heart, and spirit: "give careful thought to your ways".

It strikes me that today is Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the Jewish New Year, which began last night (September 29, 2008) at sundown and continues through nightfall tomorrow (October 1, 2008). Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah is a time when the Jewish people review their mistakes from the previous year and resolve anew to correct them in the upcoming year. It is a solemn time of reflection and repentance, recognizing human failings, but it is also a celebratory time of God's mercy and goodness, recognizing His Kingship. It's bitter and sweet, just like the book of Haggai!

Some bitter:

"Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: 'Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this House remains a ruin?' ... Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes ... Give careful thought to your ways. ... You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why? ... Because of My House, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands.' " (Haggai 1:3-11).

Some sweet:

"... The word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: '... Be strong, all you people of the land ... and work. For I am with you. ... My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. ... In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake the all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this House with glory. ... The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine ... The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house ... And in this place I will grant peace ..." (Haggai 2:19).

Warning and wonder. Admonishment and assurance. Rebuke and reward. Punishment and promise. Sour and sweet. And, weaving, through it all, the Lord's goodness and glory. His love and lament for His children and His chosen nation.

Among the many traditions that accompany Rosh Hashanah, two particularly stand out to me this morning: the dipping of challah (bread) and apple in honey, which symbolizes the hope of a sweet new year, and the blowing of the shofar (trumpet), which symbolizes many things, including the call to repentance and the acknowledgment of God's kingship. Interestingly, as the shofar is blown on this day, specific sounds are deliberately created, evoking both sorrow and joy. Sweet and sour.

The 10-day period ("The Days of Awe") between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (also known as The Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar) offers a time of personal repentance, in the hope that true repentance will nullify a difficult Divine judgment. Though Christians do not formally observe the Jewish holy days, let us unite with the Jewish people in acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, sweetness, and saving grace. Let us, too, repent of our waywardness, callousness, and indifference to Him and to His chosen nation. Let us "give careful thought to our ways", remembering Psalm 127:1, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."

Beloved, let's not labor in vain. In every thought, word, and deed, let us pray that our Lord will be glorified, honored, and praised. Whatever convictions the Lord places upon our hearts, let us repent of them immediately and earnestly. Let us forsake the ways of the world, and live by our Savior's standards! And, as we freshly resolve to live by His righteousness, let us remember the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit, which anoints and enables us.

"... 'Not by might nor by power,
but by My Spirit,'
says the LORD Almighty."
(Zechariah 4:6)

Precious Father, today I thank You for Your patience, Your goodness, and Your kindness, which leads us to repentance (reference Romans 2:4). I thank and praise You for the gifts of Your forgiveness and Your saving grace. I am so sorry, precious Father, for the times that I fall short of Your righteousness, living by my flesh instead of by Your Spirit. Continue to draw me to You, opening my eyes, softening my heart, sharpening my mind, and quickening my spirit to live in the light of Your eternal Truth instead of in the shadows of this temporal earth (reference Job 12:22, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 59, Matthew 4:16, James 1:17). I pray in the name Jesus, my sweet Savior and everlasting Lord. Amen.

"... 'There will be no more delay!
But in the days when the seventh angel
is about to sound his trumpet,
the mystery of God will be accomplished,
just as He announced to His servants the prophets.
... Go, take the scroll that lies open ...
Take it and eat it.
It will turn your stomach sour,
but in your mouth it will be
as sweet as honey.' "

(Revelation 10:6-9)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, September 26, 2008

In God We Trust

"I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for You alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety."
(Psalm 4:8)

Wednesday morning, I attended a women's Bible study where Traci, my friend, ministry partner, and sister-in-Christ, spoke about prayer and fasting. At the conclusion of her message, Traci asked each of us to select a slip of paper from the provided baskets and to pray with a partner before departing. On each slip was a Scripture; mine happened to be Psalm 4:8, which is also today's reflection Scripture.

I thought it was funny that I chose Psalm 4:8, as I never have trouble sleeping and never feel afraid. (Should I say "never"? Hmmm ... let me rephrase to "rarely".) I thought that perhaps there was something for my prayer partner in that Scripture, but, as I prayed with her, it didn't seem to particularly resonate with her. Traci shared that many times when the Lord gives her a Scripture, it's for someone else whom He later brings across her path, so I tucked the verse in my Bible and proceeded with my day.

Less than 24 hours later, I had two Divine opportunities to share that Scripture, and, today, 48 hours later, I find myself in correspondence with many people for whom that Word is intended!

Dear friends, a frenzied whirlwind is whipping about. There are reports of national and global economic collapse. Some people, even some Christians, are worried, concerned, and frightened. Some are verging on panic.

Is this Divine judgment for greed and moral failures? Is the Lord drawing us back to Him by taking away our worldly security? Are we just stewing in a self-made mess?

It's not for me to say or assume. But, I can tell you this without reservation: we must put our trust and hope in the Sovereign Lord. Our allegiance is to Him!

Are you keeping one eye on the news? Put both of them on the Bible. Seek what the Lord says, not what the media reports.

Are you analyzing the stock market and monitoring your retirement accounts? Pour over His Word instead. It is the only thing that remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (reference Hebrews 13:8; John 1:1-3).

And, while you're studying your finances, look at your actual cash. See that on the back? It reads, "IN GOD WE TRUST".

Invest in the one thing that is a sure thing: the Lord Jesus Christ. A relationship with Him yields sure profits and eternal dividends. " 'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' " (Matthew 6:19-21).

Does the Lord not provide for those who love, accept, and acknowledge Him? Jesus taught us to pray for "our daily bread" (reference Matthew 6:11) ... not for tomorrow's bread, not for next week's bread, and not for next decade's bread!

As the Israelites grumbled their way through the desert in circumstances that did not meet their expectations, the Lord provided daily manna from heaven (reference Exodus 16; Numbers 11; Deuteronomy 8:3). (And, remember, that those who hoarded more than their daily share were left with inedible rot!)

" 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. ... Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ... So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' " (Matthew 6:25-34; my highlighted emphasis.)

Beloved, our hope is not in our bank accounts, our 401Ks, our homes, our insurance policies, or our government. Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ! (Reference 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 2;16-17; 1 Timothy 1:1-2; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1).

This morning, I meditated upon the books of Habakkuk and Zephaniah. Habakkuk records an interesting and unique conversation with God. Although Habakkuk wrestles to an extent with circumstances than appear to be confusing and unjust, he learns to rest patiently in the knowledge and faith of God's goodness and sovereignty. "... Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:16-19).

Zephaniah, who was well-versed in the current political issues of his day, was another of the prophets chosen to warn Judah of God's approaching judgment, and, like many of the other prophets, his grim proclamation ends with the hope of restoration. " 'I will stretch out My hand against ... those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of Him. Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. ... At that time I will search Jerusalem ... and punish those who are complacent, ... who think, 'The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.' Their wealth will be plundered, their houses demolished. They will build houses but not live in them they will plant vineyards but not drink the wine. The great day of the LORD is near -- near and coming quickly. ... Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD's wrath. In the fire of His jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for He will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth. Gather together ... O shameful nation, before the appointed time arrives ... before the fierce anger of the LORD comes upon you ... Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land ... Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger. ... This is the carefree city that lived in safety. She said to herself, 'I am, and there is none besides me.' What a ruin she has become ... She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God. ... The LORD within her is righteous; He does no wrong. Morning by morning He dispenses His justice, and every new day He does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame. ... I said to the city, 'Surely you will fear Me and accept correction!' Then her dwelling would not be cut off, nor all my punishments come upon her. But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did. Therefore wait for Me, declares the LORD, 'for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them -- ... The whole world will be consumed by the fire of My jealous anger. Then will I purify the lips of the peoples that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. ... I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on My Holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD. ... do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. ... At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. ... At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,' says the LORD." (Zephaniah 1:4, 6-7, 12-14, 18; 2:1-3, 15; 3:1-5, 7-9, 11-12, 16-17, 19-20).

Precious Father, You are the one true God! Our hope should be in nothing and no one but you! Forgive us for minding earthly matters when we should be keenly focused on Your eternal kingdom. Forgive our greed, our pride, and our self-centeredness. Let us rest in Your salvation (reference Psalm 51:12, 62:1) and trust in Your righteousness (reference Romans 4:5). I pray in the name Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, my Hope. Amen.

"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall
into the heart of the sea ...

There is a river whose streams
make glad the city of God,
the Holy place
where the Most High dwells.
God is within her,
she will not fall;
God will help her
at break of day.

Nations are in uproar,
kingdoms fall;
He lifts His voice,
the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

'Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted
among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.'

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress."

(Psalm 46)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Applying Amos

" '... yet you have not returned to Me ...' "
(Amos 4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11)

This reflection Scripture is the one with which my last post began, but I had some personal repentance business before I could continue with it! Let's try it again today ...

Dear friends, the United States of America, originally founded on Godly principles, is teetering precariously at this particular moment in time. I'll spare you the details; you probably know them, and rehashing them only adds to the existing cacophony. I'll spare you my very strong opinions on the state of our nation; you don't need to know them, and my opinions don't really matter anyway.

I would encourage you, however, to read God's Word, pray, and draw your own conclusions.

Earlier in the week, as I was reading the book of Amos, I could not help but compare and contrast Israel's state at that time with America's state at this time.

Please understand that Israel and the United States are two entirely separate and distinct nations; Israel is God's chosen nation with an inherent covenant and promise of restoration. I do not dare compare the United States to Israel, and I do not presume to assume how the United States factors into the Lord's eternal kingdom plan. However, I do believe that within Israel's history and prophecy, as recorded in the Holy Bible, general applications exist.

The book of Amos, as recorded by the "minor" prophet himself, is addressed to Israel, which, at the time, appeared to be at a peak of financial, political, and spiritual prosperity. Unfortunately, as she became complacent in that prosperity, Israel's dependence on the God declined, resulting in a downward spiral of corruption, which bottomed out before the Lord's judgment.

Amos, an earnest proponent of God's justice and righteousness, was chosen to declare the Lord's imminent judgment of His wayward nation. My NIV notes state, "God's imminent judgment on Israel would not be a mere punitive blow to warn ... but an almost total destruction. The unthinkable was about to happen: Because they had not faithfully consecrated themselves to His Lordship, God would uproot His chosen people by the hands of a pagan nation. Even so, if they would repent, there was hope that 'the LORD God Almighty [would] have mercy on the remnant' (5:15; see 5:4-6, 14). In fact, the Lord had a glorious future for His people, beyond the impending judgment. ... The God of Israel, the Lord of history, would not abandon His chosen people or His chosen program of redemption. The God for whom Amos speaks is God of more than merely Israel. He also uses one nation against another to carry out His purposes (6:14). He is the Great King who rules the whole universe (4:13; 5:8; 9:5-6). Because He is all-sovereign, the God of Israel holds the history and destiny of all peoples and of the world in His hands. Israel must know not only that He is the Lord of her future, but also that He is Lord over all, and that He has purposes and concerns that reach far beyond her borders. Israel had a unique, but not an exclusive claim on God." (My highlighted emphases.)

So, dear friends, I ask you to consider the following Scriptures from Amos. There is no more commentary needed from me. God's Word stands alone. I encourage you to read through, meditate upon, and pray over His Word, discerning what the Lord speaks to your heart.

"... seek Me and live ...
Seek the LORD and live ..."
(5:4-6)

"Seek good, not evil,
that you may live.
Then the LORD God Almighty
will be with you ...
Hate evil, love good;
maintain justice in the courts.
Perhaps the LORD God Almighty
will have mercy on the remnant ..."
(5:14-15)

" 'I hate, I despise
your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.
Even though you bring me ... offerings,
I will not accept them ...
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
... But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!' "
(5:21-24)

"Woe to you who are complacent ...
and to you who feel secure ...
You lie on beds inlaid with ivory
and lounge on your couches.
You dine on choice lambs
and fattened calves.
... You drink wine by the bowlful
and use the finest lotions,
but you do not grieve
over the ruin of Joseph.
Therefore you will be among the first
to go into exile;
your feasting and lounging will end."
(6:1-7)

"... the LORD God Almighty declares:
'I abhor the pride of Jacob ...'
... you have turned justice into poison
and the fruit of righteousness
into bitterness--
... 'I will stir up a nation against you ...
that will oppress you ...' "
(6:8-14)

"... The Sovereign LORD was calling
for judgment by fire ...
The Lord was standing by a wall
that had been built true to plumb,
with a plumb line in His hand.
... the Lord said, 'Look, I am setting
a plumb line among my people ...' "
(7:4-8)

"... 'The time is ripe ...' "
(8:2)

" 'The days are coming,'
declares the Sovereign LORD,
'when I will send a famine
through the land--
not a famine of food
or a thirst for water,
but a famine of hearing
the words of the Lord.' "
(8:11)

"... the Lord ... said:
'Strike the tops of the pillars
so that the thresholds shake.' ..."
(9:1)

" 'Surely the eyes of the
Sovereign LORD
are on the sinful kingdom.
I will destroy it
from the face of the earth--
yet I will not totally destroy
the house of Jacob,'
declares the LORD."
(9:8)

And yet, thanks be to God, for this final promise, specifically applicable to Israel as the promised land:

" 'In that day I will restore
David's fallen tent.
I will repair its broken places,
restore its ruins,
and build it as it used to be,
so that they may possess
the remnant of Edom
and all the nations that bear My name,'
declares the LORD,
Who will do these things.
'The days are coming,'
declares the LORD
'when the reaper will be overtaken
by the plowman
and the planter
by the one treading grapes.
New wine will drip from the mountains
and flow from all the hills.
I will bring back My exiled people Israel;
they will rebuild the ruined cities
and live in them.
They will plant vineyards
and drink their wine;
they will make gardens
and eat their fruit.
I will plant Israel in their own land,
never again to be uprooted
from the land I have given them,'
says the LORD your God."
(9:11-15)

Precious Father, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that Jesus is "the same yesterday today and forever" (reference Hebrews 13:8), and that one day soon, He will return to rule in justice and righteousness. In the meantime, I pray on behalf of my nation--the United States of America, of Your nation--Israel, and of every nation--throughout this world. May we repent from our individual and corporate sins, may we return wholeheartedly to You, may we study and apply Your Word, and may we measure up when You return. I pray in the name Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, and my Ruler. Amen.

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...
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How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Forsaking My Pace & Taking His Grace

" '... yet you have not returned to Me ...' "
(Amos 4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11)

It's been five days since I've written a post. Every day, I thought about it, but I had nothing to say. What can I communicate on my own? I dare not write anything out of my own strength; I dare not write anything that's my own "good" idea.

When you're empty, you are incapable of giving, and you must restore and refresh yourself at the feet of the Lord--in prayer, in devotion, in meditation, in worship, in His Word. Taking a vacation doesn't do it. Vegging out in front of the television doesn't do it. Reading about the experiences of others doesn't do it.

My weekend was packed full of "good" things. Most were family-centered and church-centered. We are usually very careful to guard our time, but, this particular weekend, our time management was out of control. Yesterday, and even today, we are still paying for it. Physically, I am still tired. Mentally, I feel a little dull. Spiritually, I am crying out for renewal.

It seems ironic that, in a weekend that centered mostly around group Bible studies and church activities, one could feel spiritually dry. It's not at all due to the quality or content of the activities in which we chose to participate, but it's due to the fact that my personal devotion time with the Lord suffered in the process.

You know what I mean. Rarely do I ever just hop in the car and show up somewhere. There is always a dish to prepare, a project to complete, or a homework assignment involved. If the gathering is at our own home, there is preparatory shopping and cleaning. And, all of that leaves precious little time for my Lord.

It's an important reminder to filter everything through the Lord--to sift every decision through His Holy sieve ... and to winnow whatever doesn't make the cut.

My first responsibility as a child of God is to Him. My second responsibility as a wife and mother is to my husband and child. Everything and everyone else has to take a number.

Sometimes, I feel burdened by the needs and requests of others. I think about Jesus in Matthew 14:13-14: "... Jesus ... withdrew ... privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns." Even for Jesus, it was difficult, at least during His public ministry, to find time alone with His Father, but He intentionally set it aside: "After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray ..." (Matthew 14:23; see also Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12). Of course, in the time of His greatest need, He prayed alone in Gethsemane (reference Matthew 26:36-45, Mark 14:32-42).

Jesus also intentionally sought out places of renewal and refreshment among His closest friends, particularly in Bethany. (Reference Matthew 21:17, 26:6; Mark 11:11, 14:3; Luke 10:38).

I need to seek out the Lord continually throughout the day, but it's particularly important for me to begin my day before Him.

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. ... Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
(Psalm 143:8, 10)

"Sow your seed in the morning ..."
(Ecclesiastes 11:6)

"O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning ..."
(Isaiah 33:2)

"... 'Administer justice every morning ...' "
(Jeremiah 21:12)

"... His compassions never fail. They are new every morning ..."
(Lamentations 3:22-23)

"... weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
(Psalm 30:5)

When my morning begins in Him, the rest of my day falls into place. Whatever He deems necessary is accomplished; whatever He deems unnecessary loses urgency. This weekend, I did not begin my days in Him. I squeezed Him in amidst our errands and activities, but He was an afterthought. Instead of being a luxurious blessing, time with Him was just something else to check off my "To-Do" list. How wretched.

I arose relatively early every day (around 6 am), but my mind was filled with all that I had to do to make it through the activities scheduled for each day. Had I arisen even 30 minutes earlier, I could have intentionally carved out more time with my Father ... and He might have winnowed my weekend plans for me. Instead, I trudged on in my own strength, taking what was good while forsaking what was best.

Consider this lame excuse: "Well, if I get up earlier, I won't have quiet time anyway, because I'll wake the dogs, and then I'll have to take them out. Then, I'll have to feed them ... and the guinea pig. And, by the time I sit down with my Bible, the rest of the family will be awake anyway."

What a doofus! Can the Lord not redeem my time and my choice to make Him my first priority? Of course He can! Praise Him for loving me even as I wallow around in my filthy rags (reference Isaiah 64:6).

Well, this is not at all what I intended to write today. The reflection verse from Amos was supposed to go in an entirely different direction, but, that's the joy of writing in the Holy Spirit. He says what He wants to say, and, although He's preaching to me today, I hope it is beneficial to you, as well.

Perhaps tomorrow, we'll explore Amos. Today, let's make our way to the feet of Jesus.

Precious Father, I love You so much! Thank you for loving me, too, even when I continually fail ... even when I must disappoint you. Forgive me for putting anything and anyone above You. I pray to return to You today, and every day ... every morning, every afternoon, every evening, every minute of the day. I surrender my schedule, my ideas, my commitments, and my opportunities to you, precious Lord. Please continually convict me of Your priorities for me, for anything else is meaningless ... a chasing after the wind (reference all of Ecclesiastes!). I pray in the name Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, and my number one Priority. Amen.

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven ...

Guard your steps when you go
to the house of God.
Go near to listen
rather than to offer
the sacrifice of fools ...

Anyone who is among the living
has hope ...

A fool's work wearies him ...

Fear God and keep His commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5:1, 9:4, 10:15, 12:13)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fruitful or Fruitless?

"For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive what is due him
for the things done while in the body,
whether good or bad."
(2 Corinthians 5:10)

I was excited to sit down this morning with thoughts of writing a reflection based upon the withering of the fig tree (reference Matthew 21 and Mark 11), but here we are again reflecting upon judgment. (I really have to laugh at myself and "my" ideas!)

The Lord is really driving home this point on judgment, and, this time, it's for believers. Will you stay with me?

Here's the Scripture that started it this morning: "... each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

Verse 15 really startled me anew. Let's look at it again: "If it [the work of individual believers] is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." (My emphasis.) Ever heard the expression: "Saved by the skin of my teeth?" (It originates from Job 19:20, by the way!)

Well, I don't want to get into heaven by the skin of my teeth. I don't want to enter heaven "by a nose" or "by a hair". I don't want to "skate by" or "slip through". I don't want to get there "on a wing and a prayer" or any other kind of silly cliche. I want to be greeted by the Lord Jesus Christ saying, "... 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' ..." (Matthew 25:21, 23; see also Luke 19:17).

Let me be clear. Salvation comes through faith, not through works. Christians, those who accept and proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, will be saved. We will spend eternity in the peaceful presence and under the righteous rule of Jesus.

And, He Himself tells us that eternal salvation is graciously granted even to latecomers (reference Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 23:40-43). But, if you're reading this today, and you're a Christian, and if I'm writing this today, and I'm a Christian, we're not latecomers, are we?

We're saved, but are we sanctified? Deeds don't save us, but don't they reflect our Savior?

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

" '... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.' "
(Matthew 5:16)

"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ... the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."
(James 1:22-25)

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? ... Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. ... As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." 
(James 2:14-26)

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
(James 4:17)

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."
(1 Peter 2:12).

"We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, 'I know Him,' but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His Word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did."
(1 John 2:3-6)

The above Scriptures represent only the "tip of the iceberg"--a mere sampling of what the Holy Bible records on this subject. (I've used more cliches in this post than in all the rest combined! In fact, I don't know that I've ever used them before!)

Good works glorify the Lord. They are not to serve our interests, increase our esteem, or occupy our time. Good works, as directed by Him and not by our own agendas, reflect His Holiness, accomplish His purposes, and honor His righteousness.

Do you know why Jesus withered the fig tree in Matthew 21 and Mark 11? (Thanks, God, for letting me work that in!) :-) Well, honestly, I don't really know either, but here is what I think: from a distance, the fig tree looked wonderful. It was beautiful and full of leaves. It beckoned enticingly and inspired admiration ... from afar. Up close? Nothing. No figs to feed the hungry. No food to share. No fruit to nourish. Just "smoke and mirrors", "form over substance", "pomp and circumstance". So, Jesus judged it. He found it lacking. He found it to be deceptively fruitful. And, so, He cursed it: "May you never bear fruit again!" (Matthew 21:19). "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." (Mark 11:14). And the tree withered. Matthew's account tells us it withered immediately. Mark's account says that the next morning, the disciples saw it was withered ...  and from the root (indicating total destruction). Whether or not the judgment was immediate, the judgment of Jesus was rendered.

Our deeds don't save us, but they are the fruit of His righteousness. Do our works bear witness to His will? Does the world know us--do they know Him--by our fruit (reference Matthew 7:15-23)?

Precious Father, I praise You for the gift of Your salvation! I thank You that though we don't deserve it, and we can't earn it, You make it available to us anyway. And I pray, Lord, that while we rest in the security of our salvation, we do not relax in the sanctification of our selves. Let our deeds reflect our status as members of Your royal family, and let them bring honor and glory to You. I pray in the name Jesus, my "righteous Judge", Who "will award ... me on that day--and not only ... me, but also ... all who have longed for His appearing" (reference 2 Timothy 4:8). Amen.

" 'Behold, I am coming soon!
My reward is with Me,
and I will give to everyone
according to what he has done.' "

(Revelation 22:12)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A Holy Harvest

" '... a harvest is appointed.' "
(Hosea 6:11)

Autumn is my favorite season! I just love everything about it: crisp air, colorful leaves, crunchy apples; I never feel more alive than I do in the fall of the year. Autumn is the season of the harvest, a time of celebration and abundance!

But, in God's Word, the harvest also represents something else, and that fact really sobered me today.

This morning, I drove my daughter to school earlier than normal; she is on the Praise and Worship team this year, and their first worship offering was being presented at today's chapel. (It was precious, by the way!)

My car has become my favored sanctuary; it seems that I am always in it, and it has morphed into a traveling prayer closet! So, I found a quiet spot in the school parking lot, moved my seat back, and settled in for some time with the Lord before the school chapel began.

And He led me to Hosea.

I first meditated upon 6:6: "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." That reminded me of yesterday's reflection Scripture from Psalm 51:15-17, and I began to drill down that passage, thinking that it would be key to today's post. It may eventually show up here, if He leads, but then He took me to Hosea 6:11" '... a harvest is appointed.' "

In this instance, dear ones, "harvest" is figurative for God's judgments.

Oh, I want to write about the other kind of harvest today! But there it is. And it's not just in Hosea 6:11. Reference also Jeremiah 51:33; Hosea 8:7, 10:12-13; Joel 3:13-16; Matthew 13:30-42; Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:15.

When I think of "harvest", I think of "gathering". But, in researching the word just now, I found this additional definition: "the result or consequence of any act, process, or event". Considering the world's history of unfaithfulness to the Lord, that definition strikes horrifyingly close to home.

There is a lot more to this than my limited mind can comprehend. There are God's judgments (lower-case "j') and God's Judgement (capital "J"). His judgments encompass individuals, nations, and the Great White Throne (reference Revelation 20:11). I am neither a theologian nor a Bible scholar, and I can only write what the Lord impresses upon my heart, but, my friends, I do know this: the Lord is Holy, just, and righteous, and His judgments mirror His character.

No judgment from the Lord is cruel or capricious. His harvest will not be unwarranted, and it should not be unexpected. He has sown every seed to ensure that His creation knows Him. "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and Divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20).

Are we to spread the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission (reference Matthew 28:16-20)? Absolutely. But God doesn't need for us to do that. He can reveal Himself, all by Himself! He blesses us by allowing us the opportunity to participate in His work. But, I digress ...

And my heart aches. I hurt for every time I have grieved my Lord by ignoring Him, by prioritizing other ridiculous stuff above Him, and by rebelling against His clear commands. I agonize for others, who are so hard-hearted and stiff-necked that they can't--or won't--repent and seek the Lord's forgiveness. He loves us regardless, but we have to choose to love Him in return. And we must accept--and acknowledge--Him as our Savior ... and as our Lord.

And, if we don't ... if we won't ... well, His harvest approaches. It will be horrible, but it will be just. It will be righteous. It will not be unwarranted. And it should not be unexpected.

Precious Father, dear Lord, Almighty God, thank You that You are Holy. I marvel at Your love for us, Your patience with us, Your commands for us. I ask Your forgiveness for every time I have failed to acknowledge You. Your Word continually refers to "that day", and I know "that day" is coming. In Your great grace, You have given us knowledge of You, and I pray that in Your magnanimous mercy, You will also give us understanding, for "a people without understanding will come to ruin" (reference Hosea 4:14). Prepare us, dear Lord, for Your Holy harvest. May You find faithfulness and fruitfulness on earth. I pray in the name of "Jesus Christ--the Righteous One" (reference 1 John 2:1). Amen.

"We know that we have come to know Him
if we obey His commands.
The man who says,
"I know Him,'
but does not do what He commands
is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But if anyone obeys His Word,
God's love is truly made complete in him.
This is how we know we are in Him:
Whoever claims to live in Him
must walk as Jesus did. "

(1 John 2:3-6)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Cling to the King!

"O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare
Your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice,
or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure
in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God
are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, You will not despise."
(Psalm 51:15-17)

Yesterday, we meditated upon the pleasing aroma of Christ. Beloved, nothing pleases the Lord more than a humble heart, which clings to Him in whole-hearted love and Christ-centered dependence.

We have nothing to offer the Lord, but He has everything to offer us. He does not desire our "sacrifices"; He desires our hearts.

He desires that ...

... when earthly troubles threaten, we will cling to Him in trusting dependence.

... when temporal persecutions wound, we will cling to Him in hopeful expectation.

... when tempting distractions arise, we will cling to Him in stubborn devotion.

... when fleshly sins erupt, we will cling to Him in earnest repentance.

Realizing that I just typed "cling" four times in a row, I stopped to research the word's definition:

1. To hold fast or adhere to something, as by grasping, sticking, embracing, or entwining
2. To remain close; resist separation
3. To remain emotionally attached; hold on
4. To continue to do or believe in
5. To be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
6. To clutch, grip, embrace, grasp, hug, hold on to, clasp
7. To adhere to, maintain, stand by, cherish, abide by, be true to, be loyal to, be faithful to, cleave to

Interestingly, in the noun form, the definition of "cling" is:

1. A fruit whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit
2. An edible reproductive body of a seed plant especially one having sweet flesh

The definition of the noun form draws me to John 15, but, for today, it's the seven definitions of "cling" as a verb, which really strike me. Let's take a look at some passages in God's Word:

"I hate those who cling
to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD."

(Psalm 31:6)


In this Scripture, King David's "hate" literally means "to refuse to be associated with". "Cling to" literally means "to watch expectantly for the help of".

My NIV Bible notes say this about Psalm 31:

"A prayer for deliverance when confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that all David's friends abandoned him. According to Luke 23:46, Jesus on the cross applied Psalm 31:5 ("Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of Truth.") to His own circumstances. ... No psalm expresses a more sturdy trust in the Lord when powerful human forces threaten. The heart of the prayer itself is found in verses 9-18 ... Verse 13, at the center of the psalm, expresses most clearly the prayer's occasion. ... (See also) Psalm 27."

(Wow! I love it when the Holy Spirit takes over and just says what He wants to say. This post is completely different--and so much better!-- than where I thought I was going with it.)

When David was in the Judean desert, threatened by deadly enemies, He continued to cling to the One True God: "Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." (Psalm 63:7-8).

As king, David pledged to reign in justice and righteousness, recognizing the Lord as the sovereign ruler of all, and he repudiated evil deeds and evil doers: "I will set before my eyes no vile things. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me." (Psalm 101:3).

As a flawed human being, however, even David, to whom God referred as "a man after His own heart" (reference 1 Samuel 13:14), sinned against the Lord in lust, adultery, and even murder (reference 2 Samuel 11). Here's an important distinction, however: David recognized his sin, regretted it, and earnestly repented of it. (Reference the beginning reflection Scripture and all of Psalm 51.)

(God is SO good! I was beginning to wonder what the beginning of this post had to do with the end of it ... and He just brought it full circle! It's amazing what God can do when I just relinquish my own human endeavors and "cling" to Him!) :-)

Beloved, this temporal life is but a shadow of the things that are to come; "the reality, however, is found in Christ" (Colossians 2:17). This current earth is a battleground and a testing ground, but it is not solid ground. So, precious ones, let us cling, with humble and hopeful hearts, only to that which supports us--Christ Jesus, the Chief Cornerstone (reference Ephesians 2:20), the Lord of lords, and the King of kings (reference Revelation 11:15).

Precious Father, thank You that in this world of ever-shifting sand, Christ is the solid rock to which I cling! Lord, continue to create within me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit (reference Psalm 51:10). Let me not "cling to deceit" (reference Jeremiah 8:5); let me not "cling to worthless idols" (reference Jonah 2:8), but let me "cling to what is good" (reference Romans 12:9). Let me cling to You. I pray in the name of Jesus, my only sure Foundation. Amen.

" 'Because your heart was responsive
and you humbled yourself before the LORD ...
I have heard you ...' "

(2 Kings 22:19,
2 Chronicles 34:27)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Making "Scents" ... and Winning by a Nose!

"But thanks be to God,
Who always leads us
in triumphal procession in Christ
and through us spreads everywhere
the fragrance
of the knowledge of Him."
(2 Corinthians 2:14)

A few Sundays ago, while sitting in worship service, I smelled something very strange. It was wonderfully sweet, yet it mingled with another incredibly putrid odor.

"Do you smell that?" I asked my husband.

"Smell what?" he replied.

Uh, okay. "Am I crazy?" I thought. "Am I hallucinating?" No one else seemed to notice it either, but, to me, it was unmistakable--extremely odd and pungent and glorious and ... stinky.

That day, my pastor gave a wonderful, Spirit-led message entitled "Are You Dead Yet", which focused on the importance of crucifying ourselves in Christ. I continued to notice the strange smell throughout the service, and I was compelled to pray about it.

The next day, the Lord led me to the second chapter of 2 Corinthians. Part of the Scripture He showed me, verse 14, is today's reflection passage (see above), but verses 15-16 really caught my attention: "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life ..."

Oh, my! Friends, the gospel message is incomparably precious and sweetly fragrant; it is the essence of Christ! For "those who are being saved", it is the delightful fragrance of eternal life. For "those who are perishing", it is the disturbing stench of eternal death.

Oh, my sobs catch in my throat as I type those words! It is beyond my comprehension that there are those who reject His life-giving grace. It grieves me beyond expression that there are those who purposefully choose death! It just doesn't make any scents! I mean, it just doesn't make any sense!

In the Old Testament, sacrificial offerings to the Lord are described as a "pleasing aroma". In the New Testament, Christ Himself is "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). Resurrected from the dead as our Lord and Savior, Christ was never subject to death's decay (reference Acts 2:23-32, 13:26-41). As His heirs to life eternal (reference Romans 8:17; Titus 3:7), one day, "creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Romans 8:21).

In meantime, beloved, we exist as exquisite incense anointed by the Lord; through us, Christ spreads "the fragrance of the knowledge of Him". We delight some. We offend some. Some find the fragrance intoxicating. Some think we reek.

The enemy attempts to masquerade his putrid odor of death by appealing to our senses with enticing, artificial, counterfeit eau de toilettes, but God's pure and imperishable perfume of eternal life is unmistakable. We must pray that others will recognize His "pleasing aroma", that they will come to their senses, and that, in the end, they will win ... by a nose.

Precious Father, thank You for the fragrant and precious offering of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray, Lord that the senses of those who don't yet know You will be awakened! I pray that they would turn to You so that "the veil is taken away" (2 Corinthians 3:16; see also 4:3-4), allowing them to fully inhale Your goodness and grace. Continue to use us, Lord, to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of You. I pray in the name of Jesus, Your anointed Son. Amen.

" 'I give them eternal life,
and they shall never perish ...' "

(John 10:28)

PS-After praying through it, I shared my olfactory experience with my pastor, who replied, "Kathryn, if you think my sermons stink, why don't you just say so!" :-D (He was kidding ... I think ...) :-)

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!


Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, September 12, 2008

No Flood is Greater than His Blood

"From the west,
men will fear the name of the LORD,
and from the rising of the sun,
they will revere His glory.
For He will come like a pent-up flood
that the breath of the LORD drives along."
(Isaiah 59:19)

Precious Friends, with Hurricane Ike moving ominously towards the southern coast of the United States of America, it seems likely that it will be a catastrophic storm. As I write this, at 10:30 am EST, the storm is still 200 miles from landfall, but coastal flooding has already reached almost 20 feet above normal.

In times of peace and prosperity, God is Lord of all. In times of discord and discomfort, God is Lord of all. In the sun, He is Lord. In the storm, He is Lord.

Nothing happens, my friends, without the Lord our God, the creator of all, allowing it to happen. Why does He allow some things, which appear to be so awful in our limited human understanding? Why does He allow tragedies like 9-11? Why does He allow catastrophic storms? Why does He allow babies to be abused and even killed? We do not know the mind of God. But, we do know the character of God. He is good. He is just. He is righteous. And He loves us. Every one of us.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 8:38-39)
.

No flood is greater than His blood. The blood shed by His Son. The Son sent to earth specifically to save us. What a storm raged on the day He died for us!

This side of heaven, we will never know why He allows some things to occur. The other side of heaven, we still may never know, but I suppose it won't matter then!

The important thing to remember is that He is Lord. Of all. He is creator. Of all. And, if we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, we have nothing to fear. Not man. Not creation. Only Him.

Fear Him. Trust Him. Obey Him. Take shelter in Him. Seek refuge in Him. Put your hope in Him. And pray for those who don't. Pray for those who won't. Pray that they will, on this side of heaven.

Precious Father, thank You for being our refuge in the storms of life! I pray for those in the path of Hurricane Ike. I pray for their protection and safety, but, more important than their physical comfort, Lord, I pray that those who don't yet know You will choose to take shelter in Your gracious gift of salvation. And, I pray that those who do know You will choose to serve as Your hands and feet, recognizing that this natural disaster is an opportunity to share the Truth of Your life, Your death, and Your saving grace to everyone they aid. May Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. I pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and our Savior. Amen.

"Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.

The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in His temple all cry, "Glory!"

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace."

(Psalm 29)


Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the LORD

" 'Be still,
and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.' "
(Psalm 46:10)


"Only be careful,
and watch yourselves closely
so that you do not forget
the things your eyes have seen
or let them slip from your heart
as long as you live.
Teach them to your children
and to their children after them."
(Deuteronomy 4:9)


"... God has said,
'Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.'
So we say with confidence,
'The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?' "
(Hebrews 13:5-6)


"When you go into battle
in your own land
against an enemy
who is oppressing you,
sound a blast on the trumpets.
Then you will be remembered
by the LORD your God
and rescued from your enemies."
(Numbers 10:9)


"Remember Jesus Christ,
raised from the dead..."
(2 Timothy 2:8)


"Blessed is the nation
whose God is the LORD ..."
(Psalm 33:12)


Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.