Fan Into Flame

The Real Deal

2009-08-18T08:03:00.004-04:00

"Trust in the LORD
with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones."
(Proverbs 3:5-8)

I wavered before publishing today's post. I prayed. And prayed some more. For my purpose at "Fan into Flame" is to focus on the Lord and to reflect Him through the living waters of His Word.

My worldview is eternal: Bible-based, Jesus-focused, and Holy Spirit-driven. I believe that the common denominator behind all of our societal ills is a failure to live, work, serve, and govern for Him and through Him. (Reference Ephesians 6:7-8). "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ..." (Psalm 33:12) and/but "... the nation or kingdom that will not serve (Him) will perish; it will be utterly ruined." (Isaiah 60:12).

Therefore, although I am aware of all (well, most!) of the issues with the potential to affect and effect our country and our world, I tend not to latch on to individual causes or trends. As I watch the unfolding of the ever-increasing evil in our world, however, I find myself increasingly alarmed at the true state of our nation. I discern our presidential administration to be dangerous, reckless, and, frankly, indifferent to (and ignorant of) the true long-term best interests of Americans.

While I am not an alarmist, I consider the currently proposed health care bill, for example, to be dangerous, in more ways than one, and I believe this address from former president Ronald Reagan, posted by the American Family Association (AFA), to be unfortunately prophetic.

On another level, I am watching the rapid weakening of Christ's Body, the Church. Dismay follows dismay as I witness individual Christians making seemingly benign but truly dangerous choices, such investing in the current secular book and movie sensation, Twilight. Some say it's "just" a love story ... except, of course, for the vampires. Others attempt to justify it by saying that it contains redeemable material and life lessons. Whatever.

I say it is evil and birthed by the father of lies (reference John 8:44), the same liar who craftily preyed upon Eve in the Garden of Eden--not blatantly denying the Lord's instructions to the first of His creation but subtly defying them. "Did God really say 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden.' ?" (reference Genesis 3:1; my highlighted emphasis) satan murmured, thereby omitting facts, creating doubt, and inciting rebellion against the Holy God and Creator.

"Did God really say (fill in the blank)?"

"Did He really?"

"Really?"

The enemy asks: "Did God really say ... that a government shouldn't decide what is best for the people?"

I respond: "God says, " 'I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you what is best for you, Who directs you in the way you should go.' " " (Isaiah 48:17; reference also Isaiah 58:11; Psalm 32:8).

The enemy asks: "Did God really say ... that you couldn't enjoy a little fictional love story?"

I respond: "God says, "... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." " (Philippians 4:8).

There's not enough time and space here to refute all the lies the enemy plants. But, the ammunition is all contained in God's Word, the Holy Bible. When tempted by the enemy during His 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus' winning weapon was the Word of God (reference Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Our must be the same.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17). "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12-13).

God doesn't compromise His righteousness. God doesn't weaken His justice. God doesn't play favorites.

To truly honor, glorify, and please Him, we must choose to speak out and stand up. He demands that all things (and all people) devoted to destruction within His Body be identified and removed (reference, among others, Joshua 7:12-13; 1 Corinthians 5).

The enemy's plays may change, but his game remains the same: to undermine the one and only Most High God. Our individual, national, and international defense (and offense!) is also unchanging: to stand firm and straight upon the Word of the Lord.

"... Jesus said, 'If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples.' " (John 8:31)

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One Who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

"For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 3:8)

"Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. ..." (1 John 2:18-19)

"... the reality, however, is found in Christ." (Colossians 2:17)

He's the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth (reference John 1:17, 5:19, 14:6, 18:37; Ephesians 4:21; 1 Timothy 4:6; Titus 1:1; 1 John 5:6; 2 John 1:3). He's the real deal. Really.

Precious Father, You are holy, righteous, and blameless. Forgive us for failing to honor You in our every thought, word, and deed. Purify our hearts and our minds, O Lord, and align them with Yours. "Create in [us] a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within [us]." (Psalm 51:10). Let us meditate on Your Word as our unfailing plumbline and our unending delight (reference Psalm 119). Let us view one another in love, seeing all people as You created them to be, but never let us compromise Your standards in the process. I pray, Precious Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, "the Author and Perfecter of our faith" (reference Hebrews 12:2). Amen.

"... let the one who has My Word
speak it faithfully."
(Jeremiah 23:28)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me 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!

A Declaration of Dependence

2009-07-01T20:30:00.001-04:00

"So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed."
(John 8:36)
Saturday, July 4th, is America's 233rd birthday, an annual celebration and commemoration of our country's "Independence Day".

While I am grateful for the blessings and privileges that have resulted from my American citizenship, I am not heralding my country's independence in this post. Instead, I am proclaiming complete and total dependence ... on the Lord Jesus Christ. The liberty that interests me is the freedom found in Him.

Our earthly homes and temporal circumstances are just that: earthly and temporal. Yet, where we live and what we face are neither random nor insignificant. Acts 17:24-28 reveals the purposeful eternal kingdom plan of God: "The God Who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.' For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.' "

There's a fine line but an imperative distinction between independence and freedom. As my associate pastor illustrated in his message this past Sunday, independence implies self-sufficiency--the ability to stand alone and the exemption from reliance on or control by others. Freedom, in contrast, intimates a deliverance from bondage and oppression, including full and unrestricted access to accompanying rights and privileges. Just consider: those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord are His heirs (reference, among others, Acts 3:25; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29, 4:7). Therefore, we have every legal right and freedom to His full and gracious inheritance (reference, among others, Ephesians 1:13-23; Colossians 1:12, 3:24; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4)!

An individual who--and a nation which--attempts to live independently of the Lord Jesus Christ is choosing a proverbial hard row to hoe, risking current freedom in Him as well as eternal freedom with Him. Why would we choose self-sufficiency when His grace is sufficient (reference 2 Corinthians 12:9)? Why would we choose independence when our salvation and honor depend upon Him (reference Psalm 62:7)?

"This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.' " (Jeremiah 17:5-8)

That principle applies to nations as well as to inviduals. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ... no king is saved by the size of his army," extols Psalm 33:12, 16.

Dependence is defined as "the state of relying upon someone or something". The Someone on Whom every nation and all of creation must rely is the Lord Jesus Christ. Job 8 recounts: "Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? ... Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold." (verses 3, 11-15). Now in this particular passage of Scripture, Bildad, in attempt to explain Job's suffering, wrongly accuses him. However, the generalization of Bildad's words ring true: those who forget (or outright reject) God are deceived and will eventually find themselves groundless.

Precious ones, time is short. Independence is inconsequential. What matters is freedom, eternal liberty in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our glorious inheritance in Him hinges upon our humble dependence on Him. Let's declare it.

Precious Father, thank You for being our depender and our defender (reference Psalm 68:5)! Thank You for the freedom You provide through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, forgive us for failing to depend upon You. Forgive us for striving in self-sufficiency when You have promised to provide our every need (reference Philippians 4:19). Forgive us for remaining in self-inflicted bondage when You have set us free (reference Psalm 81:6, 119:32, 146:7; Romans 6:18-22; Galatians 5:1). Forgive us for preferring to stay in our little corner of the world when You have given us the keys to the kingdom (reference Matthew 16:19)! We depend upon You. We declare it, Lord, and we ask for boldness as we share it. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, My Savior, and "Heir of all things" (reference Hebrews 1:2). Amen.

"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks
that they must turn to God in repentance
and have faith in our Lord Jesus."
(Acts 20:21)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Don't Forget to Remember ...

2009-05-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

"... they were longing for a better country--
a heavenly one."
(Hebrews 11:16)
Beloved, today is Memorial Day in the United States of America, a day when Americans pay tribute to the men and women who have served--and are serving--in our country's military forces. It's also a day when we memorialize those who have died in their service.

My father and husband have served in this nation's armed forces, and even as I lift prayers and give thanks for the lives and service of all in our military, my heart is longing for a country of my own, the one in which I, and all Christians, will eternally dwell (reference Hebrews 11:13-16).

And, as I remember our American troops, I am also interceding for those serving the country of Israel, God's chosen land. My spirit is grieved for the battle-weary state, and the words of the Lord as recorded by the prophet, Joel, have been on my heart this past week: "In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter in judgment against them concerning My inheritance, My people Israel, for they scattered My people among the nations and divided up My land." (Joel 3:1-2).

This morning, I was also drawn to remember a different kind of memorial, that which Aaron, the high priest, wore on his shoulders and over his heart (reference Exodus 28): " 'Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.' ... 'Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.' " (verses 12b and 29).

Beloved, even as we give thanks and praise for the abundant and gracious blessings, which the Lord has bestowed upon us in our temporary residence, let us never forget that this earth is not our home. "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20).

Today, as you pause to remember American veterans, remember, too, those soldiers in the Lord's army, serving the cause of Christ (reference 2 Timothy 2:1-7). And, don't forget to remember the source of our true freedom, for "... 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 1:25; see also 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1).

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of this day. Let us never forget to remember You and Your eternal kingdom plan; may our every thought, word, and deed be in accordance with Your good will, purpose, and pleasure. Keep our eyes eternally focused, precious Lord, and keep our hearts heaven-bound. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the great High Priest in Whom I confess (reference Hebrews 3:1, 4:14, 6:20). Amen.

"I will perpetuate Your memory
through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise You
for ever and ever."
(Psalm 45:17)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Every Day is Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T20:42:00.003-04:00

"Fix these words of Mine
in your hearts and minds;
tie them as symbols on your hands
and bind them on your foreheads.
Teach them to your children,
talking about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses
and on your gates,
so that your days and the days of your children
may be many in the land
that the LORD swore to give your forefathers,
as many as the days
that the heavens are above the earth."
(Deuteronomy 11:18-21)

"Mom, I'll Need You ..."

(This video clip is brief but powerful.
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May the Lord richly bless you and your family on Mother's Day
... and every day!
"Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old
he will not turn from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Prayer (in the Name of Jesus Christ) ... America's Hope

2009-05-07T10:47:00.006-04:00

"May Your unfailing love
rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in You."
(Psalm 33:22)
Today is the 58th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is "Prayer ... America's Hope", and it is based upon the above Scripture from Psalm 33:22.

In 1775, the Continental Congress first called the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, and the call to prayer has continued throughout American history. President George Washington first proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving on February 19, 1795. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. President John Adams declared May 9, 1798 as "a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer," during which citizens were asked to pray "that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it". In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry Truman, officially established an annual National Day of Prayer, and, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed an amended law, which permanently designated the first Thursday in May to be the annual National Day of Prayer. Since the birth of our country, many other US presidents have publicly called for national prayer and repentance. This year, the White House will not publicly participate in the National Day of Prayer.

Regardless, for Christians, the time for mere observance is over. It's time to act. It's time to wake up, rise up, and speak up. It's time to cry out to the One and Only Most High God ... in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let's not be generic in our prayers, privately or publicly. I intend absolutely no dishonor or irreverence to my Holy God, Yahweh, as I note that people of different faiths with different beliefs can conveniently convince themselves that my God is the equivalent of their god, whomever or whatever that might be.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ, as you faithfully pray--today and every day--make sure to invoke the Name of the One Who is unmistakable: the One Who divides, the One Who reigns, the One Who saves ... the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Through Jesus, therefore,
let us continually offer to God
a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess His name.
(Hebrews 13:15)
For more information on the National Day of Prayer, please visit the NDoP official website. For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Rising Waters

2009-04-30T15:42:00.002-04:00

"I tell you,
now is the time of God's favor,
now is the day of salvation."
(2 Corinthians 6:2b)
Beloved, I've missed you! Those precious few of you who regularly stoke "Fan into Flame" know that the posts here are often irregular. I don't write daily or weekly but only when prompted by the Holy Spirit ... only when the Lord gives me something to say. Sometimes, it flows like a flood! Sometimes ... {insert sound of chirping crickets here} ... it doesn't.

The times of stillness are a glorious gift from the Lord. Be assured that He is graciously and wondrously speaking. I'm just listening to Him. And learning from Him. And leaning on Him. And loving Him. I pray that you are, too, during this Harvest journey.

In the three weeks since Good Friday, I've been watching. Observing. Listening. Grieving. Rejoicing.

I am an alien and stranger here on earth (reference Psalms 39:12; Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11), but, as time passes, I acutely feel even more alienated ... and stranger than ever before! I discern in my spirit--and witness in my flesh--waves of deception washing over the earth. They once were fewer and farther apart, but, like the labor pains immediately preceding childbirth, they are greater, faster, and unrelenting. The shock is drowning some, who haven't accepted the Lord's safe harbor. The turbulence is neutralizing some, who haven't learned to navigate enemy waters. The impact is knocking some to their spiritual senses, all glory to God! And the tumult is bringing some to the surface, who stand amidst the storm, rising confidently and firmly in the power of the Lord.

Beloved, the side effects of polluted waters abound. I don't need to list them here. There's neither time nor space to exhaust the list of ills weakening our country and our world. They make me sick. I know they make you sick, too. And, you know I'm not talking about swine flu.

Let's just call a spade a spade here. Let's address the cause beyond the symptoms. The common denominator behind every perversion of the Lord's goodness, holiness, and righteousness is the enemy of the one and only Most High God. He is a counterfeiter and a liar, and those who don't recognize that truth are, sadly, floating in the filthy waters of his deception.

"... Jesus ... said, 'I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.' The Pharisees challenged Him, 'Here You are, appearing as Your own witness; Your testimony is not valid.' Jesus answered, 'Even if I testify on My own behalf, My testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, Who sent Me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am One Who testifies for Myself; My other witness is the Father, Who sent Me.' Then they asked Him, 'Where is Your Father?' 'You do not know Me or My Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.' ... 'You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the One I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.' 'Who are you?' they asked. 'Just what I have been claiming all along,' Jesus replied. 'I have much to say in judgment of you. But He who sent Me is reliable, and what I have heard from Him I tell the world.' They did not understand that He was telling them about His Father. So Jesus said, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the One I claim to be and that I do nothing on My Own but speak just what the Father has taught Me. The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.' Even as He spoke, many put their faith in Him. To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.' They answered Him, 'We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can You say that we shall be set free?' Jesus replied, 'I tell you the Truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill Me, because you have no room for My Word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.' 'Abraham is our father,' they answered. 'If you were Abraham's children,' said Jesus, 'then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill Me, a man Who has told you the Truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does.' 'We are not illegitimate children,' they protested. 'The only Father we have is God Himself.' Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on My own; but He sent Me. Why is My language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the Truth, you do not believe Me! Can any of you prove Me guilty of sin? If I am telling the Truth, why don't you believe Me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.' "
(John 8:12-47)
Beloved, this post is not what I intended it to be today. It never is. All thanks and glory to God! I planned an exhortation about the freedom, power, and authority you have in Christ. Perhaps that's another post (or series of posts!) for another day.

In the meantime, know that the waters of deception will continue heighten. They just will. Godlessness will continue to increase. It just will.

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
(2 Timothy 3:1-5)
But, most of all, precious ones, know this: The enemy's days are numbered--they are! Jesus Christ reigns--He does! He's returning--He is! And, when He does, He will replace the seas of sickness with the River of Life (reference Revelation 22). He will. He just will. And we who know Him will dwell with Him in the house of the Lord ... forever.

"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, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 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. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations He has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire. '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)
Precious Father, how wondrous it is to live in the embrace of Your grace! You sit enthroned over the flood (reference Psalm 29:10). All glory to You! Thank You for strengthening Your children during the storm; thank You for the protection of Your peace in the midst of the turbulence. Your Living Water refreshes us, sustains us, and keeps us afloat. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--Your perfect Son and my precious Savior. Amen.

"Therefore let everyone who is godly
pray to You
while You may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him."
(Psalm 32:6)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Written in RED

2009-04-12T05:00:00.007-04:00

" 'For God so loved
the world
that He gave
His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have eternal life.' "
(John 3:16)

May your Resurrection SONday be glorious, joyous, and richly blessed!

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

"T.G.I.F" -- Thank God It's Friday! (Do You Know Him?)

T.G.I.F. --Thank God It's Friday! (Do You Know Him?)

2009-04-11T10:27:00.006-04:00

"... 'Look, the Lamb of God,
Who takes away
the sin of the world!' "
(John 1:29)
Thank God it's Friday! Thank God it's GOOD Friday!

Words fail to adequately express the significance of this day. On this very good Friday, we remember an unimaginable offering. A self-inflicted sacrifice. A Divinely designed death. A triumphant trial over sin and evil.

We remember the perfect Son of God, purposefully made flesh to dwell among us. Deliberately sacrificed to save us from eternal separation from the one living God.

And, in the darkness of this Friday, we anticipate SONday ... the celebration of His glorious resurrection and victory over death.

Do you know Him?

(Please note that there is a 20-second delay before the video's audio begins. If you're receiving the post via e-mail, click over to the website to view/hear the video/audio.)

" 'Now this is eternal life:
that they may know You,
the only true God,
and Jesus Christ,
Whom You have sent.' "
(John 17:3)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Fools for Christ

2009-04-01T12:42:00.002-04:00

" We are fools for Christ ...
For the message of the cross
is foolishness
to those who are perishing,
but to us
who are being saved
it is the power of God."
(1 Corinthians 4:10; 1:18)
Today is April Fool's Day. I don't know the origin of this day, nor do I know why we are supposed to randomly trick, fool, and prank each other. Quite frankly, I do not really care to know because today, I am finding the state of the world around me to be no laughing matter.

I had not intended to write today, but the Lord gave me an assignment this morning, so I am obediently and expectantly sitting down to my keyboard.

My mind is swimming with knowledge that I wish I didn't possess today ... bits and pieces of others' broken lives are swirling around in my head. Death. Disease. Deception. Dissension. Details of things I wish I didn't know. Desperations that I wish I could relieve. Serious things. Life-and-death things. Heaven-or-hell kind of things.

And, in the midst of the burdens that I carry for these others--some of whom I know and some of whom I have never met--, I am feeling rather impatient with the foolishness of the world ... and many in it. Today, I am not in the mood to gladly suffer fools.

Yesterday morning, the Lord led me to Scriptures about wisdom and discernment, and I ended up in an online dialog with someone--whom I do not know--who did not appreciate my Christian views. After the fact, I received some information that explained her extreme vitriol. During the course of our brief communication, my spirit properly responded in love, but my heart cried out, "Is this the way you repay the LORD, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, your Creator, Who made you and formed you?" (Deuteronomy 32:6). Probably didn't help that just prior to this dialog, I learned that a friend's infant daughter died in the night of a brain hemorrhage after a valiant battle with a whole host of health issues. The entire few months of her precious life was spent in the hospital. Her family's faith was unshakeable through the unimaginable trial, and their witness for Christ, even in her death, revealed the depth of His love that dwells within them.

And, as I sit this morning, praying for the Lord to guide the writing of this humble servant, I am transfixed between the faith of those who remain firmly fixed in Christ, unflinching in the fire, (reference Daniel 3) and the foolishness of those who ... well, who don't. This morning, the Lord has me meditating on Scriptures about fools and foolishness, and, beloved, I. am. NOT. amused.

We're all foolish from time to time. I think of Samson (reference Judges 16), the strong man whose one weakness cost him greatly, even though he was set apart by the Lord from birth. I think of Moses, the chosen leader whose momentary lapse of wisdom cost him permission to enter the promised land, even though he otherwise faithfully obeyed the Lord all of his life (reference Numbers 20). I think of David, whose indiscretion and subsequent cover-up created heartache and pain for himself and for others, even though he was a divinely anointed man after God's own heart (reference Acts 13:22).

Our repentance restores our relationship with God, and the Lord uses the faithful in spite of our foolishness, but precious ones, my heart is most burdened today for those who are imprudently abandoning Him altogether. "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' " (Psalm 14:1a).

Time is short, my friends. Earthly, temporal pleasures and pursuits are meaningless, even if our intentions are good and our causes are noble (reference Ecclesiastes). Our earthly focus must remain on our eternal future; there is no time for judgment lapses or journey languishes. " 'For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.' " (Proverbs 1:32-33).

" 'My people are fools,' says the Lord in Jeremiah 4:22. "They do not know Me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding.' " Jeremiah responds, "O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. I thought, 'These are only the poor; they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the LORD, so I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the LORD, the requirements of their God.' But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds." (5:3-5). See the rest of Jeremiah, as well the other Old Testaments prophets, for the consequences of that uniform--and high-ranking--folly and indifference.

" 'Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the Rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the Rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.' " (Matthew 7:24-27; see also Luke 6:47-49).

" 'At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the Bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The Bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the Bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!' Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the Bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' But He replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.' " (Matthew 25:1-13).

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the Truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 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. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man ... Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts ... They exchanged the Truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--Who is forever praised. Amen. ... Although they know God's righteous decree ... they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Romans 1:18-32).

"Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. ... We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. ... But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise ... the weak things of the world to shame the strong ... the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- ... so that no one may boast before Him ... so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." (1 Corinthians 1:20-2:5).

"We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him'—but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 'For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).

Oh, beloved, praise God that we have the mind of Christ! Praise Him that we have the revelations of His Spirit! A royal eternal inheritance awaits us (reference Romans 8:17 and Galatians 3:29), but, for now, the world may see us as court jesters. That's okay with me, because as long as I live on this earth, I have opportunities to be a fool for Christ. I have opportunities--big and small, but all significant--to reach those for whom heaven and hell hang in the balance. And, to me, my beloved, that's no joke.

Precious Father, thank You for Your wisdom! Thank You for the divine inspiration and spiritual perception that you provide for those who are willing to assume it. Keep us discerning, precious God. May we always "be wise in the way [we] act toward outsiders, mak[ing] the most of every opportunity. Let [our] conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that [we] may know how to answer everyone" (reference Colossians 4:5-6). I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God (reference 1 Corinthians 1:18). Amen.

"Don't you know
that you yourselves
are God's temple
and that God's Spirit lives in you?
... Do not deceive yourselves
If any one of you
thinks he is wise
by the standards of this age,
he should become
a 'fool' so that
he may become wise.
for the wisdom
of this world
is foolishness
in God's sight."
(1 Corinthians 3:16-19a)

"I hope you
will put up with a little
of my foolishness;
but you are already
doing that.
I am jealous for you
with a godly jealousy..."
(2 Corinthians 11:1-2)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

The Power of Prayer

2009-03-26T14:06:00.002-04:00

"The prayer of a righteous man
is powerful and effective."
(James 5:16)
Do you ever wonder if your prayers matter? If God hears them? And, if He does, if they really make a difference? I mean, considering that He is sovereign and all.

I used to. Wonder, that is. I prayed all the time, all throughout the day, about everything. But, even as I prayed, I wondered if my prayers really mattered. I believed that God heard them; I just didn't know if they made a difference.

Have you been there? If so, or, if you're there now, let me assure you and encourage you that your prayers do matter. God does hear them. And, yes, they do make a difference ... even under the reign of a sovereign God.

What the Lord has taught me over the years is that prayer is my privilege; it is a blessing, not an obligation. Prayer is powerful and effective, not a fruitless exercise. Simply put, prayer an ongoing conversation with an all-knowing, all-seeing, ever-present God. I talk; God listens. God speaks; I listen. And, the "I listen" part is the toughest--and most important--end of the dialog.

Ever been stuck with someone who monopolizes the conversation? Ever been face-to-face with someone who talks about "Me, Myself, & I" all the time, without thinking to ask about you? Ever spoken with someone who downloads a litany of complaints and concerns and then moves on to the next victim--I mean the next conversation? Exhausting, isn't it? Tiring. Wearying. Life-sucking.

When we pray, when we talk to Him, the most important part of the conversation is His response. And, we need to stick around to hear it. It may be "No". It may be "Yes". It may be "Later". (And, sometimes I wonder if it is "You have GOT to be kidding Me!") But, beloved, be assured that He does answer.

The Lord listens, hears, and responds to the prayers of the righteous, to those who are earnestly seeking Him, to those who are repenting and crying out to Him, to those who revere Him. The greatest example is Jesus Himself. "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission." (Hebrews 5:7).

Jesus was God in flesh, yet He still prayed to the Father. Beloved, meditate upon this side of the conversation, and then consider the answer the Father gave Him in response to Jesus' most earnest prayer! "Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.' 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.' Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. 'Could you men not keep watch with Me for one hour?' He asked Peter. 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.' He went away a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done. When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing." (Matthew 26:36-44; see also Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46).

All thanks, honor, praise, and glory to God for His answer that prayer! Otherwise, we would be doomed to eternal separation from Him.

Precious ones, I love the description of what transpired during this particular prayer, as recorded in Luke's gospel: "An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him." (Luke 22:43). Luke writes that Jesus was "in anguish", praying "earnestly" to the point that His sweat "was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (v. 44). Talk about prayer warriors! That was some zealous prayer.

And, beloved, although the Lord's will prevailed (and, again, praise Him that it did!), it encourages me to read that the Lord strengthened Jesus to receive His answer and endure His plan. Just reflect upon how passage from Hebrews 5 continues: "Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all Who obey Him and was designated by God to be High Priest in the order of Melchizedek." (v. 9-10).

Precious ones, there is so much be said about prayer; there is simply not enough room in one post to flesh it all out. And, today's writing certainly took a different direction that I had anticipated (which is a very good thing! Thank you, God!). Perhaps there will be additional posts on the subject; we will see how the Lord leads, but, as I close for today, I would like to leave you with some encouragement that I received from the Lord this week during my conversations with Him.

"I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. ... The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry; ... The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him."
(Psalm 34;
see also Psalm 55; 1 Peter 3:10-14)

Precious ones, the Lord's answer to your prayers may not be what you hope. But, you can be assured His answer is best. This side of heaven, we may not ever understand His response, but we can know for certain that He will strengthen us to live within it.

Precious Father, what a blessing and a privilege it is to take everything to You in prayer! It is so glorious--and so humbling--that You have given us complete access to You ... anytime and anywhere ... all the time and everywhere! I thank You for the ever-deepening intimacy that develops during our prayer conversations, and I thank You that even when I don't know what or how to pray, Your Spirit intercedes for me (reference Romans 8:26-27). I pray now and always in the name of Your Son, Jesus, "Who died—more than that, Who was raised to life—{and} is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for {me}" (Romans 8:34). Amen.

"For this reason
I kneel before the Father,
from Whom His whole family
in heaven and on earth
derives its name.
I pray that out of
His glorious riches
He may strengthen you
with power through His Spirit
in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell
in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you,
being rooted and established
in love,
may have power,
together will all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long
and high and deep
is the love of Christ,
and to know this love
that surpasses knowledge--
that you may be filled
to the measure
of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him Who is able
to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine,
according to His power
that is at work within us,
to Him be the glory
in the church
and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen."
(Ephesians 3:14-21)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

"Forsaking My Pace ..."

Hide and Seek

2009-03-23T15:00:00.002-04:00

"Nothing in all creation
is hidden from God's sight.
Everything is uncovered
and laid bare
before the eyes of Him
to Whom we must give account."
(Hebrews 4:13)
As I reflect and write this morning, there is a bathtub on my front lawn. And a toilet. And a shower pan. And a pile of broken tile. There in broad daylight, for all my neighbors to see, the sun is shining on all the remnants from my master bathroom.

Today, there's a whole lot of shakin' going' on, but it's coming from inside my own house as two contractors (my new best friends!) demolish old cover-ups and lay a new foundation for fresh fixtures. This week will not be fun as we endure the dust, noise, and inconvenience of a much-needed renovation, but, oh, how I am looking forward to the end result!

Truthfully, the renovation is long overdue. For years now, we've been patching and covering up signs of some serious problems, whitewashing the inevitable, doing the equivalent of what my husband refers to as "putting lipstick on a pig". I'm really afraid to see what has been hiding underneath all the tile and drywall all these years! But, when the workmen break for lunch, I will most definitely run upstairs and take a peek.

Regardless of what horrifying things may appear, the good news is that I will now be able to see beneath the surface with new clarity and a fresh perspective. It will be an up-close view, unhindered by exterior decoration and excessive clutter.

The mess in my bathroom, I think, serves as a good analogy for the mess in my being. As a Christian, I must strive to be pure and clean from the inside out. Surface sanitation is not sufficient. Fully surrendering to Him requires stripping away my facade, digging deep below the surface, unearthing impurities lurking beneath my veneer, and throwing them out into the light of the sun ... and into the light of the Son. Only He can take my whitewash job (reference Matthew 23:25-28) and make it as white as snow (reference Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 1:18).

During each season of my sanctification, as I continually surrender to the Lord's rebuilding project in my life, He reveals unexpected treasures, things that I previously couldn't see through the layers of muck that covered them. Each step of obedience on my part yields additional clarity. Additional clarity enables greater understanding. Greater understanding initiates increased responsibility. Increased responsibility furthers His eternal kingdom plan.

Precious ones, the time is coming when hasty and deceptive whitewash jobs will not withstand the judgment of the Lord, and soon, the proverbial lipstick on the pig will be revealed for what it is: pure hogwash (reference Ezekiel 13). " 'Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, 'Who sees us? Who will know?' '." (Isaiah 29:15; see also Ecclesiastes 12:14; Jeremiah 16:17, 23:24; Amos 9:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).

It's time to focus less on hiding our own mess and to concentrate more on seeking the Lord's wisdom, for "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:22).

The Lord promises that " 'You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.' " (Jeremiah 29:13; see also Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Chronicles 16:10, 22:19, 28:9; 2 Chronicles 11:16, 12:14, 15:12, 19:3, 30:18-20; Psalm 22:26, 27:8, 69:32, 105:3, 119:2, 10). And, beloved, His treasure is worth the search.

So, let's stop hiding. And, let's start seeking. And, let's prepare ourselves to receive His coming revelations.

Precious Father, thank You for the revelation of Your Truth! Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, "in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). I praise You for Your promise that though Your complete "revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false", and I thank You for Your encouragement that "though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (reference Habakkuk 2:3). In the meantime, precious Father, I pray to remain a pure and useful vessel for You, unhidden and in plain view before a watching world. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus, "for [I] died, and [my] life is now hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Amen.

"There is nothing concealed
that will not be disclosed,
or hidden
that will not be made known."
(Matthew 10:26b;
see also Mark 4:22,
Luke 8:17, 12:2)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

"SON Light in the Dark Night"

Not Guilty ... by Association

2009-03-14T12:48:00.004-04:00

"Then he showed me
Joshua the high priest
standing before the angel of the LORD,
and Satan standing at his right side
to accuse him."
(Zechariah 3:1)
For the better part of 20 years, I have suffered from chronic migraine headaches. My migraines begin with a shortness of breath, followed by a paralyzing and lingering pain on the right side of my shoulder, neck, and head. Just this week, I awoke on Monday with a migraine. Today is Saturday, and although the initial nausea and intense pain is gone, the stiffness, discomfort, and shortness of breath remain. In one dreadful instance, several years ago, the aftershocks lasted for over a month!

My head is so rarely completely clear, that I hardly remember what it feels like to function without pressing through the discomfort. As I've prayed through these debilitating headaches over the years, the Lord has led me to several Scriptures, but none have resonated like the one above from Zechariah 3.

As I mentioned, my migraines are always on my right side (with one exception in 2003). As I read Zechariah 3 last autumn, this portion hit me afresh: "Satan standing at his right side to accuse him".

Beloved, in the name, power, and authority of Jesus Christ, I rebuke Satan and any of his minions flanking and accusing me! We are free of condemnation in Christ Jesus. The righteous are innocent because of His shed blood. By association with Him, we are not guilty.

But, that doesn't stop our accuser. The big loser. Even if the enemy can not reverse the Lord's verdict, he will try to neutralize, paralyze, and terrorize us to the end. Try as he might, however, he can not condemn us. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2).

Jesus Christ, in His purity and righteousness as the Son of God, assumed every shred of our deserved condemnation, every bit of our warranted guilt, when He perished on the cross. And, He when He arose victoriously from the tomb three days later, we who live in Him were pronounced innocent ... not guilty by our association with the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Precious ones, let us live in that freedom! Let us not be depressed, oppressed, suppressed, or otherwise harassed by one who has no authority to judge us! Accuse as he may, the enemy is blowing hot air. "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He Who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign LORD Who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment the moths will eat them up." (Isaiah 50:8-9).

As I clung to the Lord and sought His comfort and reassurance during this latest attack, He led me to Psalms 34 and 37. "I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. ... The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. ... The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry ... The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. ... Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34).

"... Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. ... For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. ... The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish--vanish like smoke. ... Those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand. ... I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. ... For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever ... the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. ... The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Wait for the LORD and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. ... The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him." (Psalm 37).

Beloved, I have prayed for insight into my headaches. I have pled for relief. I have begged for mercy, all the while considering those who truly live in chronic pain and disease exceeding the relative insignificance of my headaches. I have not yet received a reprieve, but I know that His "grace is sufficient" and His "power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Beyond that, I know that Christ Jesus and His indwelling Spirit are interceding on my behalf ... and on the behalf of all who put their trust and hope in Him. "... The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. ... Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:26-27, 33-35).

Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. No one can prosecute us before Him. We are burning sticks, whom He has snatched from the fire. He has removed our filthy rags, clothing us in the richness of clean garments (reference Zechariah 3:2-5). We are free, and, soon, He will dwell among us. "He will wipe every tear from (our) eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain ..." (Revelation 21:4).

Beloved righteous ones of the Most High God, be free in the knowledge of your sentence and your status! No guilt; no guilty. No condemnation; no condemned. No accusations; no accused. Only innocence. Only innocent. By association.

Precious Father, thank You for being my Defender (reference Psalm 68:5-6), my Deliverer (reference 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalm 18:2, 40:17, 70:5, 140:7, 144:2), and my righteous Judge (reference Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:8-11, 9:8, 50:6, 58:11, 72:2, 96:13, 98:9; Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 11:20; 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 12:23). I trust in Your goodness, Your grace, and Your justice, and I long for the day when I will eternally dwell in Your house forever (reference Psalm 23:6). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, for I know my Redeemer lives (reference Galatians 3:13-14)! Amen.

"... 'Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power
belong to our God,
for true and just
are His judgments...' "
(Revelation 19:1-2)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Son Light in the Dark Night

2009-03-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

"The hour has come
for you to wake up
from your slumber,
because our salvation
is nearer now
than when we first believed.
The night is nearly over;
the day is almost here.
So let us put aside
the deeds of darkness
and put on the armor of light."
(Romans 13:11b-12)
Daylight savings time begins tomorrow. Tonight, clocks will spring ahead one hour. Tomorrow morning, people will be late for church. (Always happens to at least one of us, doesn't it?!) :-)

I love light. I am not a fan of fiddling with the time (either fall back or spring forward, and let it be!), but I do love the light. Lamps burn continually in my home, even in the daylight hours. My husband has stopped turning them off, because he knows I'll just turn them back on again.

Scripture records God as the creator of all light (reference Genesis 1; Isaiah 45:7); In His Word, the Lord also reveals Himself to be light itself (reference 1 John 1:5). Light exposes what darkness hides.

About a year ago, we replaced our single, outdated, ceiling-mounted, kitchen light box with multiple recessed lighting fixtures. Mercy! I had no idea how dirty my "clean" kitchen really was until I saw my cabinets, flooring, and fixtures under the illumination of a more powerful light. Beloved, what an analogy for our lives as Christians!

Through the eyes of an unilluminated world, we may seem pretty immaculate. Through our own dim vision, we may view ourselves as fairly well-kept. But, precious ones, spotless is relative perception, isn't it? I look okay with bare arms and bare legs in the soft lights of my dressing closet. But, if I see my same reflection in the revealing lights of a store dressing room, I will purpose to wear long pants and long sleeves even in the height of the summer!

The discerning of you realize that my purpose today is not to write about physical appearance. Rather, what the Lord has laid upon my heart is the condition of our hearts, relative to His. We can camouflage our flaws before the world. We can hide our dirt in the cover of darkness, and we can sweep away our sin into the dusty corners of our lives where no one thinks to look. But, precious ones, we can not hide our hearts before the Lord. "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Let us not deceive ourselves into believing that our internal housekeeping is okay because it is better than someone else's standards. There is only one standard and one standard-bearer: the Lord Jesus Christ. " 'I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' " (John 8:12; see also 1:4-5, 12:46; 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 John 1:7). Viewing ourselves through the lens of a lesser light is deceptive, defeating, and, honestly, defying to the Lord.

Jesus Himself addressed this practice in Matthew 23: " 'Everything they do is done for men to see ... Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. ... You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.' " (Matthew 23:5, 25-28; see also Luke 11:39).

To the righteous, the Lord's light is pure, true, reassuring and welcome. To the wicked, it is harsh, invalid, disturbing, and unwanted. Regardless, man's attempt to manipulate the light is rapidly coming to an end.

Beloved, the night is nearly over; the day is almost here (reference Romans 8:12; 1 Corinthians 7:29; Philippians 4:5; James 5:9; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 John 2:18). Light is illuminating the darkness. Truth is penetrating lies. The Son is shortening the shadows. And, soon, the righteous will dwell in the everlasting light of God's glory (reference Revelation 21:23). No adjustments. No fiddling. No darkness. No hiding. No more.

Precious Father, how I long to live in the warmth and truth of Your light! How I long for Your face to shine upon Me! Dear Father, there are so many Scriptures about Your light, and I want to meditate upon them all. I pray, Lord, that Your light penetrates all who stumble across this post. Illuminate their minds, O Lord, to perceive You. Open their eyes, O Lord, to see You. And, soften their hearts, O Lord, to receive You. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your shining Son and " 'the Light of the world' " (John 8:12). Amen.

"There will be no more night.
They will not need
the light of a lamp
or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God
will give them light.
And they will reign
for ever and ever."
(Revelation 22:5)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Good Mourning

2009-02-24T17:03:00.002-05:00

"The LORD ... said to me ...
'Oh, that their hearts
would be inclined
to fear Me
and keep all My commands always,
so that it might go well with them
and their children forever.' "
(Deuteronomy 5:28-29)
This morning didn't begin so well for my daughter. As she left for school today, she pulled out a "green slip" for us to sign. A green slip is not a disciplinary action, but it is an admonishment, giving the student and the parents fair warning that some assignment was uncompleted, some responsibility was unfulfilled, or some standard was violated.

The egregious thing about this morning's revelation was our daughter's calculation in presenting it to us just prior to leaving for school. It had been in her possession since Friday, but she neglected to mention it throughout the long weekend, during the time when we were reviewing her assignments, and before she had enjoyed her weekend privileges. And, it's not the first time she "forgot" to mention a green slip or substandard test score until the last minute.

We were not amused. As a matter of fact, her deliberate deception cost her all of her privileges for a period of time still to be determined by her dad and me. It also resulted in a parent-teacher conference scheduled for this Friday, initiated by my husband this morning after he drove her to school.

Is she a bad kid? No. On the contrary, she is a wonderful girl, who just happens to be in her first year of middle school. Oy vey. Some people say that this kind of thing is "normal" for preteens and teenagers. We say that nothing "normal" or "average" about the world applies to Christians. We say that nothing below the gifts, abilities, and expectations that the Lord has for her is okay. And, so, after exercising repeated mercy and grace, her actions have wrought her consequences.

We do not like to discipline her. We love her and want only the best for her. It hurts us to punish her. But, precisely because we do love and want the best for her, God requires that we teach her and discipline her when necessary.

I shake my head sometimes, lamenting and thinking, "Oh, child, child. What are you doing? If you'd just listen to us and heed our instructions, you'd save yourself a lot of grief. Your life would be so easy if you'd just live within our guidelines and do the right thing."

It gives me compassion for Jesus, and at least a tiny taste of how He felt, when He mourned over Jerusalem: " 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.' " (Matthew 23:37; see also Luke 13:34).

Jesus grieved over His people, lamenting their disregard for His Truth and love, bemoaning the knowledge of the corresponding consequences of their choices, wanting them to accept the relative ease, safety, and protection He provided. " 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.' " (Matthew 11:28-30).

I also see God's similar plea in the Scripture that begins today's reflection. " 'Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all My commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!' " (Deuteronomy 5:29).

Moses implored, "... be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). "Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. When the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, Who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, Who is among you, is a jealous God and His anger will burn against you, and He will destroy you from the face of the land. Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah. Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees He has given you. Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said. In the future, when your son asks you, 'What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?' tell him: 'We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. But He brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that He promised on oath to our forefathers. The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.' " (Deuteronomy 6).

Sadly, we know that most did not fear the Lord, nor did they live in obedience to Him. That is another post for another day, but, suffice it to say that out of all whom the Lord saved from Egyptian bondage, only Caleb and Joshua inherited the promised land (reference Numbers 13:1-6, 30; 14:24, 30, 38; 27:65; 32:10-12; 33:50-56; Deuteronomy 1:36). The marked difference, specifically in Caleb as the Lord highlights, was a matter of the heart. " 'I have forgiven them ... Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw My glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times--not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated Me with contempt will ever see it. But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.' " (Numbers 14:20-24; my highlighted emphasis).

Beloved, the Lord is mourning over us even now, calling us to return to Him with childlike (although maybe not middle-school-aged!) faith and trust, urging us to repent of our waywardness, wooing us to come clean, imploring us to release what we think we best for what He knows is best. Why do we insist on rebelliously and short-sightedly clinging to that which does not satisfy? The Lord has blessings prepared for us, but we can not receive them unless we are willing to walk through this earthly life on His terms. " 'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.' " (Matthew 7:13-14).

That Scripture from Matthew reminds me a scene from the movie, Facing the Giants. It's one of my (and my daughter's) favorite scenes in the movie. In it, one of the assistant football coaches is helping train the new kicker, who tends to kick everywhere around the goal ... but never through it. "Listen son," the coach says. "You act like you're gonna miss before you even kick the ball. You're kicking it wide left and wide right. Anybody can kick it wide left and wide right. My momma can kick it wide left and wide right, but that ain't what's gonna get you home. You gotta kick it through the middle. It don't have to look pretty; it don't have to look smooth. It can look like a dying' duck, but the ball has got to go through the middle. You're gonna have to choose the narrow way, because that's the only way you'll get your reward. Now kick this ball through these pearly posts!" (My paraphrase. :-) And, if you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it!)

It is good that the Lord mourns for us; it shows His intense love. But, precious ones, we should be the ones in mourning. Let us lament the grief that we have caused to our loving Father. " 'Even now," declares the LORD, 'return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.' " (Joel 2:12-13).

As I close today's reflection, I remember that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the historical day of repentance beginning the Lenten season. How very appropriate. :-) (And, by the way, Katy is now home from school and working very diligently on her homework. She's not wearing sackcloth and ashes, but she did earnestly apologize for her lack of diligence and said, "Mom. I'm not fooling around anymore." Oh, that we could say the same to our Father!) May the new morning bring good mourning.

Precious Father, I thank You for Your mercy, grace, and love, and I ask Your forgiveness for the times when I stray to the left or to the right. I pray, Lord, to remain wholehearted in my devotion and obedience to You, and I ask for the guidance of Your Spirit to keep me on the narrow way. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your perfect Son and my perfect Savior. Amen.

"Then those who feared the LORD
talked with each other,
and the LORD listened and heard.
A scroll of remembrance was written
in His presence
concerning those who feared the LORD
and honored His name.
'They will be mine,' says the LORD Almighty,
'in the day when I make up
My treasured possession.
I will spare them,
just as in compassion
a man spares his son who serves him.
And you will again see
the distinction between
the righteous and the wicked,
between those who serve God
and those who do not.' "
(Malachi 3:16-18)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

The Cost of Priceless Love (Free Gift: No Exchange; Return Required)

2009-02-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

"You see, at just the right time,
when we were still powerless,
Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die
for a righteous man,
though for a good man
someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates
His own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us."
(Romans 5:6-8)
Beloved, the Lord took my Valentine. I planned to use a graphic image of Scripture at the beginning of today's post. It's John 3:16, arranged so that the word "Valentine" is highlighted within the text. Oh, here it is; I don't think He minds if I show you:

But, precious ones, He replaced that sweet and sanitized image with something a little more graphic: a rather gritty but true picture of John 3:16: Jesus--bleeding, suffering, and dying on the cross.

Even as I type this, my fingers hover motionless over the keyboard. Where does one go from there? What can possibly be written or said about that incomparable sacrifice of love? The truth is that God's love is not a fluffy confection, which looks beautiful on the outside but lacks substance on the inside. It's not an artificial treat, which gives you a temporary high but leaves you quickly crashing. It's not perishable. It's not necessarily pretty. And it's definitely not perfunctory.

The love of God, manifested in the death of His Son on the cross, is unequivocal. It is unembellished. And, it is unending.

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.' "

(Jeremiah 31:3)

Beloved, the love of God for His creation and for those expressly created in His image is real! It is unimaginable. It is life-altering ... and life-saving. "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Psalm 103:17).

And, precious ones, the love of God, this salvation from Christ, is free! It is a gift of God's grace, the ultimate expression of His love, but it is a gift that must be accepted. It is free, but it didn't come cheap. It is priceless, but it was costly. And, precious ones, it is a gift that demands reciprocity.

"But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is
with those who fear Him ..."

(Psalm 103:17)

Did you catch that? "... the LORD's love is with those who fear Him ..." (my highlighted emphasis). His love is available to all, but the full measure of His grace covers those who love Him in return. Not those who know about Him. Not even those who believe in Him. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:19). God's love is personal. Intimate. Tangible. It requires relationship.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). What a wonderful--and often misunderstood--Scripture. The first part sounds glorious: " ... in all things God works for the good ...", but we mustn't stop before the qualifier: "of those who love Him" (my highlighted emphasis).

Beloved, we must not take the love of God for granted. We must not sugarcoat Christ's sacrifice. We must not exchange His gift for artificial substitutes. Above all, this Valentine's Day and everyday, we must not fail to accept His love, and we must not fail to return it.

Precious Father, Lord, I thank You for the gift of Your love and Your amazing grace. I do not know how You can continue to love and cherish us when we so often take Your love for granted, but precious Father, I am so grateful that You do. Lord, let us not forget that Your love came with a price tag too high for us to afford (reference Psalm 49:8; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23), but let us rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ paid that price in full. And, "... how priceless is Your unfailing love!" (Psalm 36:7). Precious Father, I love You. I love Your Spirit. And I love Your Son, Jesus Christ, in Whose Name I pray. Amen.

"This is how we know what love is:
Jesus Christ laid down His life for us."
(1 John 3:16)

" 'Love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind
and with all your strength.' "
(Mark 12:30; see also
Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, 11:13-14, 13:1-4, 30:6;
Joshua 22:5; Joel 2:12;
Matthew 22:37; Luke 10:27)

"Grace to all
who love our Lord Jesus Christ
with an undying love."
(Ephesians 6:24)

"He said to me,
'It is done.
I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End.
To him who is thirsty
I will give to drink without cost
from the spring of the water of life.
He who overcomes
will inherit all this,
and I will be His God,
and He will be My Son.' "
(Revelation 21:6-7)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Believer or Deceiver?

2009-02-05T17:53:00.002-05:00

"Do not be deceived.
God cannot be mocked ..."
(Galatians 6:7)
Precious ones, God's comfort has been a tremendous blessing to me in the past two weeks. No big tragedies have unfolded, just little hurts that the Lord has tenderly soothed. That is a wondrous thing about the Creator of the universe; He is mighty and glorious beyond imagination, yet He loves each of us so personally and so completely. Nothing in our lives is too small for His concern!

So, in that respect, I would love to write today about the joys and blessings of God's comfort. I even chose my opening Scripture: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3). But, that's not what the Lord has impressed upon me to communicate today. Instead, He has given me the word "deception".

Truly, beloved, I begin to quiver as I ponder the deception that surrounds us today. As I researched the definitions of "deception" (ruse, trick, false representation), this particular one arrested my attention: "an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers". "Naive" can mean "simple" in a charming kind of way. It also means "lacking judgment, knowledge, and instruction". Precious ones, the children of God can not afford to be naive! Superficial knowledge of God and His Word is not sufficient! The Lord's enemy is relentlessly searching for naive believers, those whom he can easily mislead with his counterfeit misrepresentation of God's Truth.

In Matthew 10:16, the Lord Jesus Christ warned His disciples, " 'I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.' " In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter also warned, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

The enemy has purposed to deceive God's children since he first duped Eve in the Garden of Eden. His method of operation is to beguile, to confuse, and then to destroy. Although his deception has existed throughout human history, God forewarns us that it will only increase as the timing of Jesus' second coming draws near. In the 24th chapter of Matthew, Jesus teaches His disciples about signs of the end of the age. " 'Watch out that no one deceives you. ... You will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. ' " (4-14).

In both the Old and New Testaments, God's Word outlines the fate of false prophets. This admonition from Jesus in the 7th chapter of Matthew gripped me afresh in my morning devotion today: " 'Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!' " (15-23).

False prophets will be judged for their deception, even if they are deceiving only themselves. Ministries and churches that are not honoring, glorifying, or pleasing God will eventually crumble beneath the weight of their humanly conceived ideas and plans; those that are outright defying the Lord and deceiving His people will perish. Sadly, those who are deceived will also perish, but not before they have had the opportunity to know the Truth. "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the Truth and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, my highlighted emphasis).

Beloved, God is just, righteous, merciful, and gracious. He desires none to perish. "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this 'coming' He promised? ...' But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. but in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:3-18, my highlighted emphasis).

Did you catch those two highlighted phrases in the Scriptures above? Those who perished refused to love the Truth. They deliberately forgot the Truth. But, precious ones, what is not implicitly stated in these two Scriptures is what must be remembered: in order to have rejected the Truth, they first must have been presented with the Truth. You can not refuse what is never offered. You can not forget what you do not know. However the Lord chooses to reveal His Truth, you can be certain that all have the opportunity to receive it. "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). (I encourage you to read the entire Scripture in context from Romans 1:18-2:16).

Well, beloved, this a far cry from writing about the Lord comforting and binding up broken hearts. But, I urge you to be on guard. Test everything against the Word of God. If it doesn't align, run like crazy. "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1).

Believe, and you will receive. Deceive, and you will grieve. And, beloved, once the Lord returns, there will be no reprieve.

Precious Father, I thank You for being the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort (reference 2 Corinthians 1:3). I revere You for Your justice and righteousness. Most of all, precious Father, I praise You for being the God of Truth (reference Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 65:16). You are Light; in You there is no darkness at all (reference 1 John 1:5). And, precious Father, darkness and deception can not live where Light and Truth dwell. So, I pray that all who are exposed to Your Truth will cling to it and never let go. I pray that the moment they recognize it, they will not waver from it. I pray for Your mercy and grace to envelope them, giving them a fresh hedge of protection against the enemy and all who masquerade as light and truth. May they hold tightly to You and to Your Word, so that they will know the Truth, and the Truth will set them free (reference John 8:31). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--the Way, the Truth, and the Life (reference John 14:6). Amen.

"So, as the Holy Spirit says:
'Today, if you hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts...'
See to it ...
that none of you has
a sinful, unbelieving heart
that turns away
from the living God.
But encourage one another daily,
as long as it is called Today,
so that none of you
may be hardened
by sin's deceitfulness.
We have come
to share in Christ
if we hold firmly till the end
the confidence we had at first."
(Hebrews 3:7-14)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

"The Great Depression"

Calculating Correct Change

2009-01-24T22:34:00.002-05:00

"I the LORD do not change ... "
(Malachi 3:6)
The word "change" became a viral buzz word during the recent United States Presidential election. Much change was promised, and, less than a week after the inauguration of the nation's 44th President, much change has already been set into motion.

Change for the sake of change, however, can be reckless--useless at best and dangerous at worst, and any change that leads away from God's Truth is headed for disaster.

Used as a noun ("We need change!" or "Change is on the way!"), the word "change" is defined as "a transformation or modification; a variation or deviation; a substitution; absolute caprice". The one consistent attribute of change is its inconsistency, and while the world may be in a constant state of flux, there is one certainty that remains changeless:

"Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever."

(Hebrews 13:8)

Throughout God's Word, His character is immutable, invariable, and unalterable. He is faultless and faithful, sure and steadfast, trustworthy and true. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19).

Beloved, the only change needed is a turning of our hearts--away from the deceit and distortion of the enemy and towards the Truth of God. Throughout history and throughout His Word, He graciously gives warnings and opportunities for change:

" 'Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But My people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,' declares the LORD."

(Jeremiah 2:11-12)

" 'This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions ... If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.' "
(Jeremiah 7:5-8)

" 'Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will stop to ask how you are? You have rejected Me,' declares the LORD. 'You keep on backsliding. So I will lay hands on you and destroy you; I can no longer show compassion. I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I will bring bereavement and destruction on My people, for they have not changed their ways.' "

(Jeremiah 15:5-7)

"And He said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and come like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.' "

(Matthew 18:3)

Throughout history and throughout God's Word, godly leaders also warned and encouraged the people about correct change ... and interceded on their behalf:

"And if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with You in the land of their conquerors and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; and if they turn back to You with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to You toward the land You gave their fathers, toward the city You have chosen and the temple I have built for Your Name; then from heaven, Your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive Your people, who have sinned against You; forgive all the offenses they have committed against You, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy."

(King Solomon, 1 Kings 8:47-50;
see also 2 Chronicles 7:37-39)

"God, Who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them--men who never change their ways and have no fear of God."

(King David, Psalms 55:19)

God's Word also reminds and warns us about the ungodly leaders among us:

"For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace f our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. ... These men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals--these are the very things that destroy them. Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion. These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm--shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted--twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: 'See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.' These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."

(Jude 4-23)

Precious ones, making incorrect change is a life-altering error. Calculating the necessary and correct change is a life-saving choice, when it's made on the foundation of an unchangeable God. Count the cost today, and you won't find yourself shortchanged in the end.

Precious Father, I thank and praise You that in this constantly and crazily changing world, You remain the same and do not "change like the shifting shadows" (James 1:17)! Please give Your children eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to discern Your unchangeable Truth. Lord, let us search our hearts for the only kind of change that You desire--repentance and a return to righteousness. Let us stand on Your solid foundation, secure in the knowledge that "The Lord knows those who are His" (reference 2 Timothy 2:19). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)! Amen.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery:
We will not all sleep,
but we will all be changed
in a flash,
in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised imperishable
and we will be changed."
(1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

There's a Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On!

2009-01-07T14:05:00.006-05:00

"I have set the LORD
always before me.
Because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken."
(Psalm 16:8,
see also Acts 2:25)
My home is within about 10 miles of a major military base. From time to time, I can hear (and feel!) the military maneuvers in progress. The aftershocks physically shake my home, rattling windows in the frame, popping nails in the ceiling, and shaking dishes in the cabinet. Sometimes, an explosion is so palpable that it quickens my heart, jolting and startling me, even though I'm halfway expecting it.

Today is one of those days, and, as I listen to the sound of military exercises for the practice of war, my heart is drawn to those in the Middle East, particularly those in Israel and the Gaza Strip, who are being shaken by the sounds of actual war.

I'm not sure that the Lord desires for my opinions about the current fighting there to litter this post, but I am sure that He desires my prayers for all who are being affected by it.

One thing I do know, as does anyone who treasures God's Word as recorded in The Holy Bible, is that we are commanded to pray for the peace of Israel. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity." (Psalm 122:6-9).

Another thing I know from God's Word is that there will not be lasting peace until He returns to restore it (reference, among other Scriptures, Isaiah 9:7, 49, 66:12-16; Jeremiah 23, 30; Ezekiel 13:10-16; Hosea 2:16-23; Micah 3:5; Haggai 2:1-9).

In the meantime, there is a whole lot of shakin' goin' on ... not only in Israel, not only in the Middle East, but in every city, every country, and every continent around the world. The shaking will only intensify until it culminates on the Day of the Lord (reference, among other Scriptures, Isaiah 2:6-22, 13, 24, 30; Joel 2; Amos 9; Haggai 2; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-36).

As the Lord's shaking sifts and winnows, hold fast to Him. Be encouraged by His Spirit and enlightened by His Word.

"Do not fret because of evil men

or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass
they will soon wither,

like green plants
they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land
and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD

and He will give you
the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in Him and He will do this:

He will make your righteousness
shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause
like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for Him;

do not fret
when men succeed in their ways,

when they carry out
their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger
and turn from wrath;

do not fret—it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,

but those who hope in the LORD
will inherit the land.

A little while,
and the wicked will be no more;

though you look for them,
they will not be found.

But the meek will inherit the land

and enjoy great peace.

The wicked plot
against the righteous

and gnash their teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,

for He knows their day is coming.

The wicked draw the sword

and bend the bow

to bring down the poor and needy,

to slay those
whose ways are upright.

But their swords
will pierce their own hearts,

and their bows will be broken.

Better the little
that the righteous have

than the wealth of many wicked;

for the power of the wicked
will be broken,

but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The days of the blameless
are known to the LORD,

and their inheritance
will endure forever.

In times of disaster
they will not wither;

in days of famine
they will enjoy plenty.

But the wicked will perish:

The LORD's enemies will be
like the beauty of the fields,

they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

The wicked borrow and do not repay,

but the righteous give generously;

those the LORD blesses
will inherit the land,

but those He curses will be cut off.

If the LORD delights in a man's way,

He makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the LORD upholds him
with His hand.

I was young and now I am old,

yet I have never seen
the righteous forsaken

or their children begging bread.

They are always generous
and lend freely;

their children will be blessed.

Turn from evil and do good;

then you will dwell
in the land forever.

For the LORD loves the just

and will not forsake His faithful ones.

They will be protected forever,

but the offspring of the wicked
will be cut off;

the righteous will inherit the land

and dwell in it forever.

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,

and his tongue speaks what is just.

The law of his God is in his heart;

his feet do not slip.

The wicked lie in wait
for the righteous,

seeking their very lives;

but the LORD will not leave them
in their power

or let them be condemned
when brought to trial.

Wait for the LORD

and keep His way.

He will exalt you to inherit the land;

when the wicked are cut off,
you will see it.

I have seen
a wicked and ruthless man

flourishing like a green tree
in its native soil,

but he soon passed away
and was no more;

though I looked for him,
he could not be found.

Consider the blameless,
observe the upright;

there is a future for the man of peace.

But all sinners will be destroyed;

the future of the wicked
will be cut off.

The salvation of the righteous
comes from the LORD;

He is their stronghold
in time of trouble.

The LORD helps them
and delivers them;

He delivers them from the wicked
and saves them,

because they take refuge in Him."

(Psalm 37)

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which enlightens and encourages us. Thank You for the gift Your Spirit, Who indwells and guides those who accept the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23). Father, I pray for Your people, Israel. I pray so many things on their behalf, but, most of all, I pray for the complete revelation of You. I pray for those who harm them out of ignorance, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). I do not know what to pray for those who purposefully defy You, but I trust in your justice and righteousness (reference Job 37:23; Psalm 9:8, 33:5, 36:6, 89:14, 92:2, 103:6; Isaiah 1:27, 5:16, 9:7, 16:5, 28:17, 32:1, 32:16, 33:5, 51:5, 56:1; Jeremiah 9:24; Hosea 2:19; Amos 5:24), and I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, "the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1)! Amen.

" 'Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet My unfailing love for you
will not be shaken
nor My covenant of peace
be removed,'
says the LORD,
Who has compassion on you."
(Isaiah 54:10)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

A New Song (Sing Along!)

2009-01-01T10:03:00.009-05:00

"Sing to the LORD
a new song;
sing to the LORD,
praise His name."
(Psalm 96:1)
Happy New Year, precious friends! It is a fresh new year, and a fresh new day. Let your very first thought this morning be this: the Lord loves you! HE loves you! He LOVES you! He loves YOU!

And, it is "because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning ..." (Lamentations 3:22-23; see also Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 33:2). Beloved, before you write one resolution or set a single goal for this new year, resolve this: do not live another minute without making Him the priority of your life. "For I resolved to know nothing ... except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Know that He loves you. Know that He died for you and that He still would have died for you ... even if you were the only person on earth! And live in the light of that love. Love Him in return. And praise Him; oh, praise Him!

I love to sing, but I've never sung well. I have spoken before large crowds since I was young with no anxiety at all, but singing is a different matter. I was so unsure of my voice, that I even mouthed our hymns of praise during church worship services. Singing (at least in public!) was never more than a soft whisper. There is little that I fear, but singing in public was one thought that filled me with dread (and even gave me a few nightmares!).

The Lord, though, has a great sense of humor, an encouraging Spirit, and a way of helping us face our fears, whether we want to or not.

About a year and a half ago, I was taking a walk around our neighborhood, which is heavily wooded. No one was out except for me; it was a quiet morning, and I heard the beautiful and sweet sound of a lone bird, chirping and singing in the trees. I couldn't see her at first, but my eyes eventually focused, and I saw her sitting all by herself, nestled back in the trees, joyfully singing at the top of her little lungs. She was rather plain, just a simple brown little bird, and it was as if she was singing for no one except the Lord and for no reason other than His pleasure. As I stopped to listen and marvel at her voice, the Lord whispered to my heart, "Sing to Me a new song." (Reference Psalm 33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9; Isaiah 42:10. Also Revelation 5:9, 14:3.)

In that instant, I was filled with joy, and I realized afresh that He created everyone and everything to give praise to His Name. It absolutely pleased Him that I praised Him privately in song, but I felt Him encouraging me to praise Him publicly in song. "Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the saints." (Psalm 144:9).

Long story short: a few months ago, I joined the choir at our church. Now, beloved, I had no idea what I was doing. I could read piano music, but I did not know the difference between an alto, a soprano, and a no-no!

A few weeks after joining the choir, the Lord prompted me to show up to sing in our church praise and worship band. "What?!?!" I exclaimed, "That's only a handful of people who have been doing this together for years, and they don't even practice until a few minutes before the Sunday service!! I don't even know if they accept new band members. What if I have to try out?" But, in obedience to Him, I arrived early the Sunday morning after His prompting and hesitantly said, "I'm here to sing with the band." I don't know what everyone thought, but they were kind enough not to say it out loud.

Again, I had no idea what I was doing, but the Lord graciously led me through every song, note by note. I was amazed! And, I loved it! I loved praising Him in this new way! I have so far avoided any solo parts, but now, He is impressing me to share an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace" that I sing to Him in my own private praise and worship. Oh, have mercy! Please pray for me!

I share this, precious friends, to encourage you to put all of your faith, trust, hope, and love in Him. Listen to Him, and be obedient to Him. Most of all, love Him and praise Him! "For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and joy in His dwelling place." (1 Chronicles 16:25-27; see also Psalm 96:4-6).

Most of the world celebrated 2009 by ringing in the new year at midnight. I fell asleep about 11:30 pm but woke up thirty minutes later to the sound of gunshots ushering in 2009. (Which one of my neighbors was doing THAT?!) I stumbled past my sleeping husband, my sleeping dogs, and into the room of my sleeping daughter, to kiss her forehead. And I praised the Lord. "At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous laws." (Psalm 119:62).

Beloved, it is not the new year that gives us hope but our new birth in Jesus Christ. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade -- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:3-7).

We can do nothing in our own strength ... but everything is His (reference Philippians 4:13). All glory and praise to Him!

Precious Father, thank You for Your love! Thank You for making all things new. Thank You for Your Word and the promises within it. I pray that 2009 will yield a harvest of righteousness for those who love and trust in You (reference 2 Corinthians 9:10; Hebrews 12:11; James 3:18). May we all sing a new song to You and "may everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Psalm 150:6). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Good News! Amen.

"See, I am doing
a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way
in the desert
and streams
in the wasteland."
(Isaiah 43:19)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Epiphany: Our Coming King

2008-12-26T08:42:00.005-05:00

"Every good and perfect gift
is from above,
coming down from the Father
of heavenly lights,
Who does not change
like the shifting shadows.
He chose to give us birth
through the Word of Truth,
that we might be
a kind of firstfruits
of all He created."
(James 1:17-18)
Beloved, I pray that your Christmas was filled with the hope, love, joy, and peace of Jesus Christ!

As we begin to clean away the remnants of our celebration, and as the world moves along, expediently but blindly going about its business, I encourage you to linger in the glory of Christ. Move beyond the celebration of the manger to the appreciation of the cross. And look beyond the appreciation of the cross to the anticipation of the coming King.

Today begins a twelve-day journey from Trumpet and Torch Ministries, specifically written to keep us Christ-centered and King-focused as we move from 2008 ("The Year of the Lord's Favor") to 2009 ("The Year of the Harvest"). "Epiphany: The Coming King" provides three daily devotions (one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), conveniently delivered via e-mail. Click here to receive twelve more days of Christmas!

Precious friends, God is so good to intersect the hearts of those who love and live for Him "at such a time as this" (reference Esther 4:14). It is indeed a divine blessing to share the privilege of serving our Lord with you.

Precious Father, I thank You for Your goodness, Your love, and Your good gifts, especially the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As our traditional Christmas observances end, precious Father, I pray that we would remain filled with the ebuillient joy of the Wise Men (reference Matthew 2:10), the humble amazement of the shepherds (reference Luke 2:8-20), and the unshakeable faith of Mary (reference Luke 1:26-38, 46-55; 2:19). May we acknowledge that the baby in a manger is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and may we live pure and holy lives in anticipation of the establishment of His righteous and eternal kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our coming King! Amen.

"In the presence of God
and of Christ Jesus,
Who will judge
the living and the dead,
and in view
of His appearing
and His kingdom,
I give you this charge:
Preach the Word;
be prepared in season
and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage--
with great patience
and careful instruction."
(2 Timothy 4:1-2)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

2008-12-24T11:46:00.001-05:00

"Now there was
a man in Jerusalem
called Simeon,
who was righteous
and devout.
He was waiting
for the Consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit
was upon him.
It had been revealed to him
that he would not die
before he had seen
the Lord's Christ."
(Luke 2:25-26 )
Oh, beloved, I am so excited! Today is Christmas Eve, and I feel like a little girl with butterflies in my tummy and joy in my heart. Yet, my anticipation is not for gifts but for the Gift. Not for presents but for the Presence. Not for fun but for the One.

It strikes me especially this year that we celebrate our Lord's birth on a day and in a season when He was not actually born, but that's another post for another day. Regardless, we celebrate. And we appreciate. And we anticipate.

We celebrate ... His birth.

We appreciate ... His sacrifice.

We anticipate ... His return.

And, it is in anticipation of His return that my stomach dances, my heart sings, and my flesh tingles. The waiting is the hardest part, but wait I must. Not passively but actively. Not dejectedly but expectantly.

"In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation."
(Psalm 5:3)

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
(Psalm 27:13-14)

"We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy Name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You."
(Psalm 33:20-22)

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
(Psalm 37:7)

"Wait for the LORD and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it."
(Psalm 37:34)

"I wait for You, O LORD; You will answer, O Lord my God."
(Psalm 38:15)

"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry."
(Psalm 40:1)

"I wait for Your salvation, O LORD, and I follow Your commands."
(Psalm 119:166)

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning ... O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption."
(Psalm 130:5-7)

"Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway. For whoever finds Me finds life and receives favor from the LORD."
(Proverbs 8:34-35)

"... Wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you."
(Proverbs 20:22)

"I will wait for the LORD, Who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him."
(Isaiah 8:17)

"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for You in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for You. When Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the LORD. O LORD, Your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it ..."
(Isaiah 26:8-11)

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!"
(Isaiah 30:18)

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways ... "
(Isaiah 64:4-5)

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new each morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."
(Lamentations 3:22-26)

"But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always."
(Hosea 12:6)

"The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind."
(Micah 5:7)

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
(Micah 7:7)

"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
(Habakkuk 2:3)

"... Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to com 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)

" '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— all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.' "
(Zephaniah 3:8)

" 'Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had know at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.' "
(Luke 12:35-40)

" 'The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.' "
(John 3:29)

"... 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from His mouth. You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.' "
(Acts 22:14-16)

"The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
(Romans 8:19-25)

"Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed."
(1 Corinthians 1:7)

"Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."
(1 Corinthians 4:5)

"... They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, Who rescues us from the coming wrath."
(1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men ... while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."
(Titus 2:11-14)

"And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised."
(Hebrews 6:15)

"... Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him."
(Hebrews 9:28)

"But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool, because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
(Hebrews 10:12-14)

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."
(James 5:7-8)

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through Whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him."
(1 Peter 3:18-22)

"Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."
(Jude 1:21)

"When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?' Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed."
(Revelation 6:9-11)

In the commercialized craze of the season, let us still ourselves as we wait at the manger. But let us never stop at celebrating only the infant Jesus. For the baby will soon return as the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Our glorious Savior will soon visibly rule with unmistakable, undeniable, and eternal justice and righteousness. And the waiting will be over.

As you celebrate His first coming and anticipate His second, may your Christmas be richly blessed with the love, hope, joy, and peace found only in Christ Jesus.

Precious Father, oh, how I thank You for the gift of Your Son! Oh, how I wait for Him! Lord, the waiting is hard, and some days I feel as though I can not wait another minute. Yet, as I wait, and until He returns, I stand firm in Your power and authority, completing the task that You've given me and all who belong to You: to proclaim the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I remember how He Himself waited for more than thirty years to fulfill the reason for which He was born, and I stand amazed that even we wait for Him, He is waiting for us and preparing a place for us in our eternal home (reference John 14:2). Father, I pray that the secular is superceded by the spiritual during this Christmas season and that the world will be on notice to acknowledge Your Gift and to anticipate His return. "For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7). It is with celebration, with appreciation, and in anticipation that I pray in His Holy Name. Amen.

" 'My righteousness
draws near speedily,
My salvation
is on the way,
and My arm
will bring justice
to the nations.
The islands
will look to Me
and wait in hope
for My arm.
Lift up your eyes
to the heavens,
look at
the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish
like smoke,
the earth will wear out
like a garment
and its inhabitants
die like flies.
But My salvation
will last forever,
My righteousness
will never fail.' "
(Isaiah 51:5-6)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

"Homeward Bound: I'll Be Home for Christmas
(if Only in My Dreams)

Homeward Bound (I'll Be Home for Christmas ... if Only in My Dreams)

2008-12-13T12:12:00.002-05:00

"But in keeping
with His promise
we are looking forward
to a new heaven
and a new earth,
the home of righteousness."
(2 Peter 3:13)
Oh, beloved, I am homesick. As Christmas Day approaches, my longing for home intensifies. The desire within my heart, however, is not for a place on this earth. My longing can not be satisfied, no matter how lovely or familiar my surroundings, for the home I crave is one that I have not yet known but for which I have been created: eternity with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I yearn for for the new heaven, the new earth, and the home of righteousness that Peter describes, my heart swells and my eyes tear as I reflect on the fact that God sent His Son away from that perfect home to dwell among us. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. ... The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-2; 14).

Jesus left the right hand of the Father to enter the world in the most humble of births and to leave it in the most humiliating of deaths. His sole purpose: to provide us with the opportunity to spend eternity in His presence. " 'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.' " (John 3:16-18).

Within each of us, God created a yearning to dwell in the perfect love, peace, and righteousness of His presence. Some of us may not realize that the unsatisfied longing in our hearts is actually the desire for Him; it is a Divine void that can never be satisfied with worldly things. There is no surrogate for Jesus, and there is no substitute for Heaven. The very best earthly home is but a foreshadowing of the heavenly blessings that await us in our eternal home. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12; reference also Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 8:5, 10:1).

Even as I participate in the celebrations of this season, remembering the incomparable gift of Christ's birth and the inconceivable grace of His death, I am yet unsatisfied, inwardly aching to be in the presence of my Father and my Lord. "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in Heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling ... Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We ... would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).

While I am earthbound, I do thank God for the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit, my constant Divine companion, Who soothes my heavenly homesickness with the promises of what is to come and the encouragement to stay the course in the meantime. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18).

I am encouraged by the faith of those who have lived before me, such as Abraham, who, "when called to go to a place that he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:8-10).

And, I am encouraged by the promises of the Lord Himself:

"My people will live
in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest."
(Isaiah 32:18)

" 'But you, O mountains
of Israel, will produce
branches and fruit
for My people Israel,
for they will soon come home.' "
(Ezekiel 36:8)

" 'They will come trembling
like birds from Egypt,
like doves from Assyria.
I will settle them
in their homes,'
declares the LORD."
(Hosea 11:11)

" '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 3:20)

This Christmas, I rejoice in the knowledge that even as I remember the birth of my Savior and yearn to be forever in His presence, He, too, is remembering me and preparing my eternal home. (Oh, my eyes are just brimming with tears as I write this! I can hardly see the computer screen ...) " 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.' " (John 14:1-4).

So, although I am currently in the world, I am not of the world (reference John 15:19, 17:16). I am temporarily earthbound, but I am always homeward bound, dreaming of my eternal home. One day soon, I will be home for Christmas; I will be home with Christ Himself ... forever. I'll no longer dream of home, I'll be home. Home, sweet home. I pray that I will see you there.

Precious Father, thank You for preparing an eternal home for me! Thank You not only for preparing it but for showing me the way there, through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I praise You for creating me so intimately, personally, and uniquely; You know the desires of my heart for You planted them within me. How I long for the day " 'When the Son of Man comes in His glory ...' " (Matthew 5:31). How I yearn to hear " 'the King say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.' " (Matthew 5:34). Come, Lord Jesus, come! I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

"Then I saw
a new heaven
and a new earth,
for the first heaven
and the first earth
had passed away ...
I saw the Holy City,
the new Jerusalem,
coming down
out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride
beautifully dressed
for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying,
'Now the dwelling of God
is with men,
and He will live with them.
They will be His people,
and God Himself
will be with them
and be their God.
He will wipe every tear
from their eyes.
There will be
no more death
or mourning
or crying
or pain,
for the old order
of things
has passed away.'
He Who was seated
on the throne said,
'I am making
everything new!'
Then He said,
'Write this down,
for these words
are trustworthy
and true.' "
(Revelation 21:1-5)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

"A Star is Born"

A Star is Born ...

2008-12-04T12:25:00.005-05:00

"... A Star will come
out of Jacob;
a Scepter will rise
out of Israel."
(Numbers 24:17)
Oh, precious friends, how I've missed you! I was ill during Thanksgiving but still counted my blessings. I pray that regardless of your circumstances, you, too, were richly blessed!

Since I last wrote, I have been star-gazing, marvelling at the wonder of God's creation. About two weeks ago, I noticed two bright stars, or what I thought were stars, in the sky. As they did not appear to be part of a commonly seen constellation, I was drawn to them and wondered why I had not noticed them before. Before I was able to research them, I became ill, but while I was bed-ridden, I learned that the stars were actually the planets of Jupiter and Venus, and on the evening of December 1, 2008, they appeared in close proximity with a crescent moon--a rare astronomical phenomenon not mathematically predicted to occur again until November 2052, 44 years from now.

For a brief time, the three brightest objects in the sky (following, of course, the sun) formed a smiley face in space!

(Stargazers at Kathmandu.
Photo courtesy of Gopal Chitrakar/Reuters.)

The heavenly "smile" filled me with delight and drew my heart to remember the joy of the Magi, who traveled to Bethlehem for the occasion of Christ's birth. They "saw His star in the east" and came "to worship Him" (reference Matthew 2:2). In Matthew's account of Magi's visit, " ... the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." (Matthew 2:9-11).

The Magi were "overjoyed" to see the star--not because of incredible phenomenon of the star itself but because of what the star indicated: the arrival of the Messiah, the King of the Jews.

Oh, precious ones, even today and ever since, the Lord posts indicators all around us. Every day, we, too, are blessed by demonstrations of His mercy, His grace, and His love. Every day, there are signs of Messiah's impending return. Are we overjoyed by what the signs represent? Are the indicators what we expect? Are we even noticing them?

When Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, most missed it. He was not what they were expecting. Isaiah records, "... He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him." (Isaiah 53:2). (Sob! This Scripture always brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes!)

Oh, beloved, the Lord moves among us even now, but we must refocus our eyes to recognize Him! In this precious Advent season, stress often crowds our joy of His birth. Activities encroach upon our time at the manger. Excessive spending robs us of our true gifts. Noise blunts our hearing. Commercial decorations blind our eyes. Our elaborate stage sets overpower the Star.

The Star has been born. For those who recognize Him, the Star shines among us. One day soon, He will return in full glory. And, this time, no one will miss Him.

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ! Oh, forgive us, Father, for relegating Him to a backstage prop when He is the Star of the show! During this Advent season, may we recognize Your Light, and may we reflect it to others (reference Daniel 12:3; Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-16). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, "the Bright Morning Star" (reference Revelation 22:16). Amen.

" 'I, Jesus, have sent My angel
to give you this testimony
for the churches.
I am the Root
and the Offspring of David,
and the Bright Morning Star.' "
(Revelation 22:16)

"And we have the word
of the prophets
made more certain,
and you will do well
to pay attention to it,
as to a light shining
in a dark place,
until the day dawns
and the Morning Star
rises in your hearts."
(2 Peter 1:19)

" 'Only hold on to what you have
until I come.
To him who overcomes
and does My will to the end,
I will give authority
over the nations ...
I will also give him
the Morning Star.' "
(Revelation 2:26-28)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Count Your Blessings

2008-11-24T11:43:00.003-05:00

"Blessings crown the head
of the righteous ..."
(Proverbs 10:6)
Thanksgiving blessings, dear friends! As I thought about what to write in acknowledgment of our American holiday this week, every focus seemed too expected, too familiar, too trite. But, after taking it to the Lord in prayer, He spoke to my heart, "Count your blessings."

In the past, I have chafed at this greeting ("Blessings!") because I often perceive it to be commonly and cavalierly offered, seemingly without the reverence and respect due to such Divine favor. I have resisted using it myself because, regrettably, the word "blessing" has been much misused by some who have twisted it to suit their own interpretation of earthly prosperity. While the Lord can certainly bless one with physical and material wealth, position, and power (and there are Biblical examples of such blessing), the most important--and I believe the purest-- form exists in the spiritual blessings granted through faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to God's law.

Those whom the Lord blesses, I believe, are pure of heart, delighting in God's revealed and written will, choosing to live faithfully and trustfully in the sovereign care of their gracious and loving Father, using His blessings not for selfish pursuits or exploitative purposes but for the benefit and blessing of others. The blessed are not those who are temporarily happy due to earthly circumstances but those who are consistently joyful due to eternal expectations. Blessings are not found in earthly storage units but in heavenly storehouses (reference Matthew 6:19-20), and the most bountiful blessings on earth are but a shadow of the heavenly reward awaiting the Lord's faithful!

Below are a representation of Scriptures, which define those who are "blessed". Beloved, I pray that as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, you will meditate upon God's Word, fully embracing your Divinely bestowed blessings and fully acknowledging the Lord Who favors His faithful. And please know that "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (Philemon 1:6-7).

Count your blessings ...

"Blessed is the man
who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers."
(Psalm 1:1)

"Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered."
(Psalm 32:1)

"Blessed is the man
whose sin
the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit."
(Psalm 32:2;
see also Romans 4:7-8)

"Blessed is the nation
whose God is the LORD ..."
(Psalm 33:12;
see also Ecclesiastes 10:17)

"... blessed is the man
who takes refuge in Him."
(Psalm 34:8; see also 2:12)

"Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods."
(Psalm 40:4)

"Blessed is he
who has regard for the weak ..."
(Psalm 41:1)

"Blessed are those
You choose and bring near
to live in your courts!"
(Psalm 65:4a)

"Blessed are those
who dwell in Your house ..."
(Psalm 84:4)

"Blessed are those
whose strength is in You,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage."
(Psalm 84:5)

"O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man
who trusts in You."
(Psalm 84:12;
see also Proverbs 16:20;
Jeremiah 17:7)

"Blessed are those
who have learned
to acclaim You,
who walk
in the light
of Your presence, O LORD."
(Psalm 89:15)

"Blessed is the man
You discipline, O LORD,
the man You teach
from Your law."
(Psalm 94:12;
see also Job 5:17;
Proverbs 29:18)

"Blessed are they
who maintain justice,
who constantly do
what is right."
(Psalm 106:3;
see also Isaiah 56:1-2)

"Blessed is the man
who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight
in His commands."
(Psalm 112:1;
see also Proverbs 28:14)

"Blessed is he
who comes
in the name of the LORD."
(Psalm 118:26a;
see also Matthew 21:9;
Mark 11:9;
Luke 13:35, 19:38;
John 12:13)

"Blessed are they
whose ways are blameless,
who walk according
to the law of the LORD."
(Psalm 119:1)

"Blessed are they
who keep His statutes
and seek Him
with all their heart."
(Psalm 119:2;
see also Luke 11:28)

"Blessed are all
who fear the LORD,
who walk in His ways."
(Psalm 128:1;
see also Proverbs 8:32)

"... blessed are the people
whose God is the LORD."
(Psalm 144:15)

"Blessed is he
whose help
is the God of Jacob,
whose hope
is in the LORD his God."
(Psalm 146:5)

"Blessed is the man
who finds Wisdom ..."
(Proverbs 3:13)

"Blessed is the man
who listens to Me,
watching daily at My doors,
waiting at My doorway."
(Proverbs 8:34)

"... blessed is he
who is kind to the needy."
(Proverbs 14:21)

"... the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all
who wait for Him!"
(Isaiah 30:18;
see also Daniel 12:12)

" 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' "
(Matthew 5:3;
see also Luke 6:20)

" 'Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.' "
(Matthew 5:4;
see also Luke 6:21b)

" 'Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.' "
(Matthew 5:5)

" 'Blessed are those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.' "
(Matthew 5:6;
see also Luke 6:21a)

" 'Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.' "
(Matthew 5:7)

" 'Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.' "
(Matthew 5:8)

" 'Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called
sons of God.' "
(Matthew 5:9)

" 'Blessed are those
who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.' "
(Matthew 5:10)

" 'Blessed are you
when people insult you,
persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of Me.' "
(Matthew 5:11;
see also Luke 6:22;
1 Peter 3:14, 4:14)

" 'Blessed is the man
who does not fall away
on account of Me.' "
(Matthew 11:6;
see also Luke 7:23)

" '... blessed are your eyes
because they see,
and your ears
because they hear.' "
(Matthew 13:6;
see also Luke 10:23)

" 'Blessed is she
who has believed
that what the Lord has said to her
will be accomplished!' "
(Luke 1:45)

" 'Blessed is the man
who will eat at the feast
in the kingdom of God.' "
(Luke 14:15)

" '... blessed are those
who have not seen
and yet have believed.' "
(John 20:29)

"So those who have faith
are blessed
along with Abraham,
the man of faith."
(Galatians 3:9)

"Blessed is the man
who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised
to those who love Him."
(James 1:12; see also 5:11)

"Blessed is the one
who reads the words
of this prophecy,
and blessed are those
who hear it
and take to heart
what is written in it,
because the time is near."
(Revelation 1:3)

" 'Blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord
from now on.' "
(Revelation 14:13)

" 'Behold, I come like a thief!
Blessed is he who stays awake
and keeps his clothes with him,
so that he may not go naked
and be shamefully exposed.' "
(Revelation 16:15)

"... 'Blessed are those
who are invited
to the wedding supper
of the Lamb!' "
(Revelation 19:9)

"Blessed and holy are those
who have part
in the first resurrection."
(Revelation 20:6)

" 'Behold, I am coming soon!
Blessed is he
who keeps the words
of the prophecy
in this Book.' "
(Revelation 22:7)

" 'Blessed are those
who wash their robes,
that they may have the right
to the tree of life
and may go through the gates
into the city.' "
(Revelation 22:14)

May you, my precious friend, be richly blessed!
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3). Precious Father, I thank You for the gifts of Your grace, Your mercy, Your love and Your Salvation. I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, whom You sent to atone for my sinfulness and to provide the only Way to Your Holy presence. I am grateful for Your blessings, and I pray that I will never take them for granted. I pray to look "intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and [to continue] to do this, not forgetting what [I have] heard, but doing it—[so that I] will be blessed in what [I do]." (Reference James 1:25). I give You thanks and praise in the name of Jesus Christ, the Blessed One (reference Mark 14:61; Luke 1:42; 1 Timothy 1:11, 6:15; Titus 2:13). Amen.

"When the Son of Man
comes in His glory,
and all the angels with Him,
He will sit on His throne
in heavenly glory.
All the nations
will be gathered before Him,
and He will separate the people
one from another
as a shepherd separates
the sheep from the goats.
He will put the sheep
on His right
and the goats
on His left.
Then the King will say
to those on His right,
'Come, you who are blessed
by My Father;
take your inheritance,
the kingdom prepared for you
since the creation of the world.' "
(Matthew 25:31-34)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Ready or Not ...

2008-11-18T11:40:00.002-05:00

" 'So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man
will come at an hour
when you do not expect Him.' "
(Matthew 24:44)
Oh, precious friends! I am so delighted to be back at the keyboard! The past week and a half has been busy, and while my flesh cried out for time to write, my spirit patiently waited upon the Lord's timing.

Many reflections are swirling about in my head and in my heart. I want to write about faith in the fire, as righteously exemplified by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. I want to write about greed, deceit, and the love of money, as unrighteously demonstrated by Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. But the word that the Lord has given me for today is "ready".

Among the definitions for "ready", this particular one struck me: "completely prepared and in fit condition for immediate action or use".

Completely prepared for immediate use. Completely fit for immediate action. Oh, beloved, does that description fit you? Does it fit me? Does it fit the Church, the bride of Christ?

Much is being said, written, speculated, predicted, and prophesied right now about end times. I suppose there are such signs in each generation, and there are certainly many indicators of end times present in today's world. But, dear friends, it really shouldn't matter whether Christ returns tomorrow, next month, next year, or a hundred years from now. We should be ready, regardless.

We do not know when Christ will call for His bride. " 'No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.' " (Matthew 24:26, see also 24:50, 25:13; Mark 13:32; Luke 12:46). We do have signs of the end of the age as recorded in God's Word (reference Mark 13 and Luke 21). But, dear ones, I believe that our purpose is not to live in conscious analysis of current events and select passages of Scripture. Rather, I believe we are to live in the unconscious synthesis of the Holy Spirit (reference Galatians 5:16-26) and the entire Word of God. That seamless manifestation of His Truth, His Light, and His Love can radiate from us only when we are completely surrendered to the Lord.

The Bible states "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." (Proverbs 25:2) and "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7). The Lord reveals Himself everyday ... in every way. But, precious ones, I don't believe that we are to seek to exist in the ecstasy of His signs and wonders. In order to be of service to the Living Lord, we must descend from the joy of our mountaintop experiences and live in His Truth and in His Light, down on the ground in the midst of the battle.

Living every day as a soldier in the Lord's ground troops is not for the weary, the uncommitted, or the faint of heart, and the Lord winnows His warriors (reference Judges 7:1-8). It is hard work, often requiring us to slog through some most undesirable circumstances. But, precious ones, faithfulness and obedience in those seemingly unglorious assignments are precisely what readies us for His return.

What glory does He get from a watching world, which perceives Christians as incubated and intubated in a Holy bubble? If I may be so bold, I submit that the Lord's greatest glory comes not from periods of untested joy and prosperity, but from periods of proven faithfulness and obedience, purposefully independent of earthly circumstances. From faith in the fire, a la Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3). From faith in the absence of fact, demonstrated by Noah (Genesis 5:28-9:29; Hebrews 11:7). From faith in fearful circumstances, characterized by the obedience of Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18; Hebrews 11:8-10). From faith in circumstances beyond human control, reasoning, and understanding, characterized by Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38, 46-55, 2:19). From faith in the face of death, represented by Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), and ultimately, embodied by Jesus Christ Himself.

The faith of these, and the faith of countless others--known and unknown, named and unnamed, past and present--was and is a ready faith, cultivated by a carefully chosen lifestyle, which consistently honored and glorified the Lord. None were perfect, but all were faithful. Long before (more than 500 years before!) the Lord directed Noah to build the ark, "he walked with God" (Genesis 6:9). Long before Abraham became our Divinely appointed patriarch, his life was characterized by prompt obedience to and faith in the Lord (Genesis 12:4, 15:6, 17:23, 22:3, 22:8). By continually walking with God, by constantly seeking His face, by consistently searching His heart, they were--and we are--made ready for the day of our greatest test of faith.

Beloved, let us cast off every shred of complacency and mediocrity, clothing ourselves instead with the full armor of God (reference Ephesians 6:10-18), including "the readiness that comes from the gospel" (reference Ephesians 6:15). Let us be ready. Let us be completely fit for His service. Let us be completely prepared for His immediate use.

He's coming ... ready or not.

Precious Father, oh glorious Lord, I thank You for incomparable and inconceivable eternal kingdom plan! I thank You, Lord, for the treasured glimpses of Your delight in our faithfulness, which encourage us as we trudge forward on the ground below. Please help us remember that our plodding is not without purpose and that our sole responsibility is to remain rooted and ready in You. I pray that our witness would go before You, "... in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17). May we " 'be dressed ready for service ...' " (Luke 12:35), and may we sound a clear call so that others will ready themselves for battle (reference 1 Corinthians 14:8). On the day of the Lamb's wedding supper, may we be found worthy to hear those precious words, " '... For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.' " (Revelation 19:7) I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Leader and Commander (reference Isaiah 55:4). Amen.

"Praise be to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In His great mercy
He has given us new birth
into a living hope
through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead,
and into an inheritance
that can never perish, spoil or fade--
kept in Heaven for you,
who through faith
are shielded by God's power
until the coming of the salvation
that is ready to be revealed
in the last time.' "
(1 Peter 1:3-5)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

Wishing Well: Be Careful What You Wish For!

2008-11-07T09:49:00.002-05:00

" ' ... the Most High is sovereign
over the kingdoms of men
and gives them
to anyone He wishes ... ' "
(Daniel 4:17; see also 4:25, 32; 5:21)
There's a well-known saying: "Be careful what you wish for", which subtly underscores the fact that what seems so wonderful on the surface may not be the blessing for which we hope. To put it more bluntly, if we wish for anything contrary to the heart and Word of of God, we can be sure that whatever we desire will be our downfall.

The 2008 US Presidential elections are over. There is not enough time or space here to articulate the significance of choices that were made, but, before we further flesh out this morning's reflection, let us remember that, as Christians, our battle is not against other human beings, all of whom our God created in His image. Our battle is against the Lord's enemy, the great deceiver. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12).

The battle, in fact, belongs to the Lord, and if you've read the back of the Book, you know the Lord wins the war! But Divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, and, as long as we are on this earth, we are to stand firm on this earthly battleground, clothed in the full armor of God (reference Ephesians 6:10-20), uncompromising in His Word, and unyielding in His purpose.

The day after the elections, I turned to the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel and sadly reread the account of Israel demanding an earthly king. They were not satisfied under the rule of the King of kings; they wanted an earthly king "such as all the other nations" (v. 5) had, and they pestered Samuel to appoint one.

As Samuel prayed with a troubled heart, the Lord told him: " ' ... it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their King. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.' " (v. 7-9). Verses 10-17 recount the actual burdens that would accompany the kingship for which the people wished, but, not seeing the proverbial forest for the trees, the people pressed on, unrelenting in their desire for an earthly ruler.

Samuel warned, " 'When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.' But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.' When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.' " (v. 18-21).

The Lord chose to turn the people over to their wishes, and they lived in the consequences of their desire. Hindsight is 20-20 vision, as another saying goes, and, in retrospect, I am certain that after the Lord granted their wish for an earthly king, many of of the Israelites recognized that the grass is not always greener on the other side (where are all these sayings coming from today?!) and wished that they had been more discerning in their demands.

There are good earthly rulers, and there are bad earthly rulers, but all are under the sovereignty of God, Who "sets up kings and deposes them" (Daniel 2:21). Scripture records the accounts of all kinds of rulers, all of whom were used for the Lord's purposes. Jeremiah 22 is one portion of Scripture that details God's judgement against evil kings, and this particular passage strikes my heart: " ' People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?' And the answer will be: 'Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.' " (v. 8-9).

Beloved, regardless of who is temporarily granted earthly authority and power, our love and loyalty must never stray from the Lord Jesus Christ, "the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). No human being can ever fulfill our desires for abundant freedom, love, protection, and welfare. Those pangs of longing will be softened here on earth only by the peace that comes from personally knowing and publicly acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ, and one day, for those who persevere in faith, in trust, and in love, those longings will be forever and fully satisfied as we joyfully enter our heavenly home where "the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17).

In the meantime, precious ones, let us move forward as Paul did: "... straining toward what is ahead ... press[ing] on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14). Let us choose carefully and let us wish well, remembering that "the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17).

Precious Father, what a holy, just, righteous, and incomparable King you are! My mind can not begin to comprehend the depths of Your love, mercy, and grace. But neither, precious Father, can I comprehend the shallowness of our own hearts. Please forgive us for swaying whichever way the wind blows (reference Isaiah 24:20; Matthew 11:7, 22:16; Mark 12:14; Luke 7:24; 2 Timothy 3:6), and please help us stay firmly rooted in You. I pray that Your people will choose carefully, discern divinely, and wish well. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--King of kings and Lord of lords! Amen.

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'
And let him who hears say, 'Come!'
Whoever is thirsty, let him come;
and whoever wishes,
let him take the free gift
of the water of life."

(Revelation 22:17)

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

Resolute ... in Absolute Truth

2008-11-04T08:14:00.003-05:00

"As the time approached
for Him to be taken up to heaven,
Jesus resolutely set out
for Jerusalem."
(Luke 9:51)
Today is Election Day in the United States of America. As I write this (at 6:00 am EST), polls are opening. Men and women are voting. Many important positions will be filled and many important issues will be decided today, but none are as pivotal as the election of our president and vice-president.

Yesterday, a much treasured friend and sister in Christ called and asked me about my current state of spiritual awareness and discernment. She wanted to know how and what I was feeling.

I answered, "I am resolute. I am at peace, but I am resolute."

That description was not premeditated. It is not a term that I'd use describe myself, but it is the word that the Lord gave me at that moment.

Interestingly, my dear friend shared that "resolute" was the exact word that she had been given Sunday night to pray over one of the associate pastors at our church. (I just love the Lord! He is amazing!)

I believe there's more to that connection, and I am still praying through it, but, for the purposes of today's post, I think "resolute" fits quite well with what the Lord is impressing me to write about today's election.

In today's reflection Scripture (NIV), Jesus was resolute as He "set out for Jerusalem". My NIV study notes indicate that the literal translation of that phrase is "set His face to go to Jerusalem". It also references Isaiah 50:7: "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." The study notes for that Scripture state: "Like the prophets, the servant will endure with great determination."

Resolute as defined by several sources means ...

- unwavering, undaunted.

- firm, steadfast, fixed in purpose or belief.

- convinced; satisfied; sure.

- determined; decided; fixed; steadfast; steady; constant; persevering; firm; bold; unshaken.

Beloved, I am unwavering in my belief of God's Truth. I firmly believe that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ..." (Psalm 33:12). I also am sure of Isaiah 60:12: " ... the nation that will not serve You will perish; it will be utterly ruined."

Much rhetoric is flying, as always during an election year. Much is being said. Much is being promised. Much change is forecast. Words fly according to the way the political winds blow. Foundations sway. Sands shift beneath the surface of well-polished and carefully crafted appearances.

There is only one thing that is sure. There is only One person in whom Truth, Light, and Life are absolute (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). There is only one way that I can vote today, and that is according the the principles and commands of God's Holy Word. I resolve to honor the sanctity of His created life. I resolve to uphold marriage as He designed it. I resolve to support His people, Israel.

No human leader will perfectly fulfill all the duties and responsibilities, but, to effectively govern with Divine justice and righteousness, one must have the Lord Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the administration. I resolve to cast my vote for the person who best represents God's heart and best meets His criteria. As a Christian, I must be so resolved, for one day, I will stand before my Judge, Who will hold me accountable for choices made within my knowledge of Him.

As "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem", He knew exactly what events were before Him. It wasn't pretty, but it was the purpose for which He was born.

As I resolutely set out for my polling place today, I do not know what the results will be after the votes are tallied. It may not be pretty, but it will be what the Lord has purposed.

I can not presume to assume what will transpire in the days, weeks, and months ahead, but I do know this:

God is sovereign.

God is just.

God is righteous.

And, one day soon, Jesus Christ will return to visibly rule His kingdom.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of this day! Thank You for the blessing and privilege of serving as salt and light in a bland and blind world. Thank You for Your promise in Isaiah 11; how I long for its fulfillment! May Your will be done today, oh Holy God, on earth as it is in heaven (see Matthew 6:9-13). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Amen.

"For to us a Child is born,
to us a Son is given,
and the government will be
on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government
and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
(Isaiah 9:6-7)

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

"In God We Trust"

"Applying Amos"

"A Battle Rages: Stand Firm!"

Unmasking & Illuminating Halloween: Trick or Treat?

2008-10-31T11:29:00.004-04:00

" 'But if serving the LORD
seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day
whom you will serve,
whether the gods
your forefathers served
beyond the River,
or the gods
of the Amorites,
in whose land you are living.
But as for me and my household,
we will serve the LORD.' "
(Joshua 24:15)
Today is October 31, 2008. On this day in 1517, 491 years ago, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, triggering the world history movement known as the Reformation.

But, today, I don't think that the majority are thinking about Martin Luther, the anniversary of the Reformation, the Church, or Jesus Christ. Most people today, I somberly assume, are planning their Halloween festivities.

A few years ago, I am sad to say, I was one of them. Oh, I have been a Christian for most of my 42 years, but, in retrospect, much of my witness was a well-intentioned compromise of God's Truth ... rebellion born not of deliberation but of ignorance. For example, I didn't focus on--nor was I really aware of--the pagan origins of Halloween or the evil celebrations of it, but I helped my daughter find a costume, dressed her up, took her trick-or-treating, participated in neighborhood gatherings, and attended community carnivals. The fact that I participated in any part of it, as "benignly" and "innocently" as our participation may have been, was a direct, though unintentional, rebellion of His Word, and this year, more than ever, I am clearly convicted of how costly any compromise can be.

An old worldly proverb states that "ignorance is bliss", meaning that not knowing something is much more comfortable than actually knowing it. Once the Lord has revealed something to His children, however, once we are convicted, once we are aware, once we know ... then we are accountable to act according to that knowledge. The Bible teaches:

"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin."

(Romans 3:19-20)

No one can perfectly uphold God's law because we are currently sinners living in a fallen world. If we were saved according the law, we would not need the grace of Jesus Christ's atoning death. God's law, though, is our plumb line, our standard, His heart, and it is through God's law that we recognize what He deems right and wrong, just and injust, good and evil. His Word teaches us, and His Holy Spirit convicts us. And, once we know, we are accountable. Otherwise, we are purposefully and disobediently rebelling against Him.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord continually instructed His people to completely destroy "the high places". Some did, some did not. Some evil kings rebuilt the previously demolished high places. Some demolished every evil except the high places. The Truth is, no matter how pure our intentions, no pagan observance can remain among us without defiling the glory of the Lord. Reference this study note on 1 Samuel 9:12 in my NIV Bible translation:

"After entrance into the promised land, the Israelites often followed the custom of the Canaanites in building local altars on hills. ... In later times, worship at these high places provided a means for the entrance of pagan practices into Israel's religious observances and, for this reason, it was condemned." (My emphasis.)

Another study note on 1 Kings 3:2 further addresses the danger of using pagan practices/venues even for the well-intentioned worship of the Lord:

"Upon entering Canaan, the Israelites often followed the Canaanite custom of locating their altars on high hills, probably on the old Baal sites. The question of the legitimacy of Israelite worship at these high places has long been a matter of debate. It is clear that the Israelites were forbidden to take over pagan altars and high places and use them for the worship of the Lord (Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 7:5, 12:3). It is also clear that altars were to be built only at divinely sanctioned sites (see Exodus 20:24; Deuteronomy 12:5, 8, 13-14). It is not clear whether multiplicity of altars was totally forbidden provided the above conditions were met (see 1 Kings 19:10, 14: Leviticus 26:30-31; Deuteronomy 12; 1 Samuel 9:12). It seems, however, that these conditions were not followed even in the time of Solomon, and pagan high places were being used for the worship of the Lord. This would eventually lead to religious apostasy and syncretism and was strongly condemned (2 Kings 17:7-18, 21:2-9, 23:4-25)." (My emphasis.)

The word "tolerance" is thrown about rather cavalierly these days. No where in the Bible does the Lord command or even encourage us to tolerate evil. We are to love everyone through the compassion of Christ, but we are not to tolerate any attitude, behavior, or practice that is inconsistent with--or in direct opposition to--God's Word. Tolerance and compromise, I believe, are the enemy's attempt to dilute God's Word and distort God's Truth, and we, as the Body of Christ, can not participate in that perversion in any way, shape, or form.

Much is on my heart this morning about "choice". There is much to say about the choices that we Christians make every single day. As I focus on what the Lord is leading me to write this morning, my mind drifts to other important choices that we face, including our vote in the upcoming United States presidential election ... but that's another post for another day. I also am pondering in my heart lesser profile choices, like the fact that I am typing this post on a computer that was created by a company which now (or maybe always has ... and I just wasn't aware of it!) tolerates and even encourages policies which are inconsistent and contrary to God's Word. I am acutely conscious of indirectly rewarding those unrighteous policies by the fact that I continue to use this company's products, but, again, that's another post for another day.

Today, precious friends, I encourage you to inventory your life with fresh eyes. Pray that the Lord will convict you of any area of compromise in your life. You may not be consciously aware of an indiscretion, but that doesn't mean that it fails to exist. Whether you intend it or not, anything unrighteous in God's eyes colors our testimony a rather ugly shade of gray, regardless of our bright intentions. Ignorance can not be excused any longer. The stakes are too high. Our God is too worthy. The grace of Jesus Christ is too great. "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30).

Precious Father, oh, Lord, I repent of any and every part of my life that fails to honor, please, and glorify You. Lord, if there is anything that in my life that is a "high holy place", please convict my heart and make me aware of Your Truth. I pray, Lord, for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ, that we would focus on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" and that "—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—" we would "think about such things" (reference Philippians 4:8). I pray, Lord, for the courage to "purge the evil" from among us (reference Deuteronomy 13:5; 17:7,12; 19:19; 21:21: 22:21-22, 24; 24:7), resisting compromise and refusing tolerance. And, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--the Light of the world. Amen.

" 'This is the verdict:
Light has come into the world,
but men loved darkness instead of light
because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light,
and will not come into the light
for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the Truth comes into the light,
so that it may be seen plainly
that what he has done
has been done through God.' "
(John 3:19-21)
--------------------------------------

"Trick" and "Treat" in the Scriptures:

"Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 'You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?"
(Acts 13: 10)

"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests are hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else."
(1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)

" 'Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to Me, so they will not profane My Holy Name. I am the LORD.' "
(Leviticus 22:2)

"The LORD said to Moses, 'How long will these people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?' "
(Numbers 14:11)

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting, the LORD's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children-with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Praise the LORD, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. Praise the LORD, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will. Praise the LORD, all His works everywhere in His dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul."
(Psalm 103:8-22)

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

Lost and Found

2008-10-23T17:18:00.002-04:00

" 'But we had to celebrate
and be glad,
because this brother of yours was dead
and is alive again;
he was lost and is found.' "
(Luke 15:32)
My family and I live in a large, wooded neighborhood of about 2000 acres, including approximately 400 acres of protected wetlands. It is not unusual to see various forms of wildlife, and, a few days ago, as my daughter and I drove home from school, we saw three deer on the side of the road. I slowed down (even less than the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit!) so that Katy and I could take a better look at them (and so I could quickly react should they decide to dart in front of our car!).

They were so beautiful; one was larger and two were smaller, so I assumed that it was a doe with her fawns. Suddenly, something startled them, and the mother and one of her babies ran towards the creek. The other baby, perhaps frightened and disoriented, ran in the opposite direction ... across the road and into the woods.

"Oh, no!" I exclaimed. "The momma has lost one of her babies!"

My pre-teen daughter, who has a soft heart that currently--and, hopefully, temporarily--beats a little stoicly, all but rolled her eyes at me, but, as I pulled over the side of the road, she turned and looked with me through the back windshield of our car. As I silently grieved for the lost fawn, I hoped that she would be reunited with her family before she came to harm.

As I sat neutralized on the side of the road, pondering the lost fawn's fate, the mother (and the fawn that stayed with her) ran back up from the creek, across the road, and into the woods ... presumably to search for her lost baby.

I don't know what happened after that, but I have hope that the family was reunited. Can you just imagine the joy of the mother finding her lost baby ... and the joy of the lost baby seeing her mother again?

My heart swelled as I marveled at the doe's instinct to go after her lost fawn, even though she had another safely with her, and I thought of Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep:

" 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.' "
(Luke 15:4-7)

In Matthew's parallel account of this parable, Jesus concludes:

"In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."
(Matthew 18:14)

Oh, beloved! What an incredible Truth! Our Father in heaven, Who uniquely and purposefully created each and every one of us (reference Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13, Isaiah 45:12, Jeremiah 1:5, Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 2:10, Revelation 4:11), does not want to lose a single one of us! No matter how many of us are safely within His fold, He constantly seeks those who are lost.

" 'For the Son of Man came to seek
and to save what was lost.' "
(Luke 19:10)

In the ultimate seek-and-rescue mission, God the Father sent His Son, "... our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep" (reference Hebrews 13:20) to literally lay down His life for all of His children.

" 'I tell you the Truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the Shepherd of His sheep. The watchman opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.' Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what He was telling them. 'I tell you the Truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the Gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have Life, and have it to the full. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me--just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father--and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one Shepherd. The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.' "
(John 10:1-18)

My favorite hymn is "Amazing Grace", composed by John Newton between 1760 and 1770. I sing it privately to the Lord all the time in my own little praise and worship offering to Him. Here are the lyrics of the original hymn:

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

And, in a true testimony to the timelessness of the hymn, here is a modern rendition by Chris Tomlin:

Precious Father, I praise You for Your amazing grace! Thank You for seeking Your lost children and for tirelessly searching for those who have strayed. May we repent of our waywardness (reference Jeremiah 31:19), and may we never forget Your commands and your faithfulness (reference Psalm 119:76). Thank You for sending Your son, Jesus Christ, Who has compassion upon Your children who are "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36; see also Mark 6:34). And, it is in the name of Jesus Christ--my Lord, Savior, and Good Shepherd--that I pray. Amen.

" 'For this is what
the Sovereign LORD says:
I Myself will search for My sheep
and look after them.
As a shepherd looks after
his scattered flock
when he is with them,
so will I look after my sheep.
I will rescue them from all the places
where they were scattered
on a day of clouds and darkness.
I will bring them out from the nations
and gather them from the countries,
and I will bring them into their own land.
I will pasture them
on the mountains of Israel,
in the ravines and in all the settlements
in the land.
I will tend them in a good pasture,
and the mountain heights of Israel
will be their grazing land.
There they will lie down
in good grazing land,
and there they will feed in a rich pasture
on the mountains of Israel.
I Myself will tend My sheep
and have them lie down,'
declares the Sovereign LORD.
'I will search for the lost
and bring back the strays.
I will bind up the injured
and strengthen the weak,
but the sleek and the strong I will destroy.
I will shepherd the flock with justice.' "

(Ezekiel 34:11-16)

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me 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 ...

"In the Shadow of His Wings"

Proclaiming the Proper Prescription

2008-10-17T18:51:00.003-04:00

" 'What I tell you in the dark,
speak in the daylight;
what is whispered in your ear,
proclaim from the roofs.' "
(Matthew 10:27;
see also Luke 12:3)
Precious friends, I pray that you are being well-fed with Traci's rich and meaty e-mail devotions during this Feast of Tabernacles!

There is a lot to savor and digest in those devotions, but, at the risk of gorging you, I thought I'd share an extra portion that the Lord laid upon my plate today ...

Once upon a time, I filled my public waiting time by reading newspapers and magazines. In recent years, however, I've begun taking my Bible everywhere I go.

Absolutely, I read it at home, at Bible study, and at worship service. But I don't want to EVER be without it! So, today, I take it everywhere I go. (OK, maybe I don't have it in the grocery cart, but it's on the front seat of my car waiting for me ... and I do have that purse-size edition in the store with me!) Now, whether I'm waiting on a friend at Panera, waiting in the car line at my daughter's school, or waiting in the doctor's office, the love letter from my BFF is always with me.

His Word is written on my heart (reference Deuteronomy 6:6; Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10, 10:16), but that's invisible to a watching world. I worship and praise Him, but those outside my home and my church might never witness it. I bear His fruit (reference Isaiah 32:17; Hosea 10:12; Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8, 6:43-44; John 15; Romans 7:4; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:10-14; Hebrews 13:15; James 3:17-18), but those who don't know Him might not recognize it.

The Word, which became flesh as Jesus Christ, (reference John 1), is currently invisible to an unseeing world. So, I carry what can presently be seen: His Word as recorded in the Holy Bible.

Oh, how I love my quiet time with Him! Oh, how I love the refuge of my own little Bethany (reference Matthew 21:17; Mark 11:11; Luke 24:50)! But, how can I keep Him all to myself?

I can not. I must not. I should not. He says not.

People are perishing. The enemy is prowling. The spiritually ill are growing fainter by the day, but many do not even know that they are sick.

My heart is drawn to Jesus' words in Matthew 9:12-13: " 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.' " (reference also Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31; and Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:9).

My daughter has been ill for about two weeks with a cough, runny nose, and congestion. I assumed she had a cold, so I've been treating her with over-the-counter meds. For the past two days, though, she's was running a low-grade fever, indicating that perhaps her condition was a little more serious than "just a cold". This morning, a doctor confirmed Katy's condition. It was not a cold but bronchitis. A few minutes later, we left with a clear diagnosis and an antibiotic prescription. (And, yes, I had my Bible with me in the waiting room!)

I could have continued to treat Katy with ineffective medications that temporarily masked her symptoms, but her condition would have worsened (aside from a supernatural healing!). Thankfully, I recognized the clues to Katy's illness, but I didn't have to heal her. I just needed to refer her to the doctor.

Beloved, how many people do we see each and every day who are spiritually sick? I see them all around me. They're sick and tired. Sick to death. And, some of them don't even know it. Actually, I think many of them do recognize their symptoms, but they are self-medicating with one thing or another. Drinking. Eating. Shopping. Surfing the net. Trying to fill the void. Searching for relief. Constantly treating the symptoms ... but failing to treat the cause. Masking the aches and pains ... but failing to receive a proper diagnosis. Arbitrarily trying every hopeless placebo ... but missing the Holy prescription.

You know, we are not responsible to heal them. That is the work of the Great Physician. But we can recognize the telltale signs of their condition, and we can refer them to Him.

It is He who "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)

But it is we whom He "has anointed ... to preach good news to the poor ... to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

And, when He returns, if we've saved only ourselves, I believe He will hold us accountable. " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them ... I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice ... I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? Must my flock feed on what you have trampled and drink what you have muddied with your feet? ... See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns until you have driven them away, I will save my flock, and they will no longer be plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another ... I the LORD have spoken.' " (Ezekiel 34:11-24)

We may rest assured in our salvation, but we must proclaim it before a watching world. We may not be sick, but we must recognize those who are. Jesus is too precious to keep to ourselves. And, He alone provides the prescription for eternal life. We just ... we must ... proclaim His healing grace and refer others to His eternal remedy.

Precious Father, thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ! I praise You that one day, Your children will be physically and spiritually whole, that "No one living in Zion will say, 'I am ill'..." (Isaiah 33:24). Until then, let me proclaim Your name before the suffering and the sick, in the hope that they will turn to You. I pray that I may declare You and Your Word fearlessly, as I should (reference Ephesians 6:20). And, it is in the name of Jesus Christ that I submit this prayer to You. Amen.

" 'If anyone is ashamed

of Me and My words

in this adulterous and sinful generation,

the Son of Man will be ashamed of him

when He comes in His Father's glory

with the holy angels.'

And He said to them,

'I tell you the truth,

some who are standing here

will not taste death

before they see

the kingdom of God

come with power.' "

(Mark 8:38-9:1)

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 ...

"Time is Short; Seek the Lord While He May be Found!"

Once ... and For All

2008-10-08T09:43:00.019-04:00

"God presented Him
as a sacrifice of atonement,
through faith in His blood ..."
(Romans 3:25)
At sundown today, the observance of Yom Kippur begins in Judaism. Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the most solemn and important of the Jewish holidays. The Ten Days of Repentance, which began on Rosh Hashanah, culminates on the tenth and final day with Yom Kippur.

For 25 hours, practicing Jews pray and fast, seeking atonement for their sins. Historically observed on the tenth day of Tishrei (the tenth day of the seventh month as outlined on the Hebrew calendar) in accordance with Leviticus 23:27, Yom Kippur 5769 begins this year at sundown on October 8th and continues through the evening of October 9th.

As Christians, how should we acknowledge this Jewish high holy day?

Well, let's first consider the definition of "atonement". The very first offering in several different secular dictionaries refers specifically to Jesus Christ, defining atonement as the "reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus".

The annually repeated sacrifices in the Old Testament Law of Moses, as I view them through my unschooled mind, foreshadow Jesus' single sacrifice upon the cross.

"For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; He entered Heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did He enter Heaven to offer Himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people ..." (Hebrews 9:24-28) (My highlighted emphasis.)

Once for all. No matter how many times we sin, stray, and squander our inheritance. No matter how many times we mess up, if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, His atoning blood covers us. Completely. Absolutely. Unconditionally.

So, we're back to our earlier question. As Christians, how--and indeed, why--should we acknowledge this Jewish high holy day?

Consider the following Scripture from Hebrews 10:

"The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said, 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about Me in the scroll--I have come to do Your will, O God.' ' First He said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor were You pleased with them' (although the law required them to be made). Then He said, 'Here I am, I have come to do Your will.' He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool, because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says, 'This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.' Then He adds: 'Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.' And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin." (Hebrews 10:1-18) (My highlighted emphasis.)

As Christians, our sins have been covered once for all by Christ's death and resurrection. Still, the question hangs: if we're covered by grace, why acknowledge the law?

Let's continue in Hebrews 10:

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living Way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with Pure Water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He Who promised is faithful. ... If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the Truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' and again, 'The Lord will judge His people.' It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:19-31).

Oh, beloved, may God have mercy on us! We know Him! We know Him! We love Him, accept Him, and profess Him ... and we must not take His grace for granted! Do we reverently remember His atoning death, or do we cavalierly cast it aside? Oh precious friends, we should not live a moment outside the awe-inspiring fear of the Lord!

Jesus Christ did not render the law irrelevant; Jesus Christ consummated the law!

" 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.' " (Matthew 5:17-19)

As the Body of Christ, Christians can not take His perfect sacrifice for granted. And, while our faith in Him secures our eternity, that very faith demands our continuing sanctification. "So we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law." (Romans 3:31).

So, again, dear friends, (if you're still with me--and, if you are, thanks for hanging in there!), why does Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, matter to Christians?

Well, it matters to me because it reminds me to repent of my sins, to sit at the feet of Jesus, and to seek His face instead of His hands.

It matters to me because it reminds me to pray for all Jewish people, the Lord's holy and treasured possession (reference Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6).

It matters to me because it is recorded in God's Holy Word.

And, it matters to me because it mirrors Good Friday, the day on which I most solemnly observe the crucifixion of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who died for me. For you. For everyone. Once ... and for all.

Precious Father, I can not begin to fathom the significance of this Yom Kippur, but, Lord, I do believe it is important to You. Especially this year, I pray to remember. I pray to remember Your people, Israel. I pray to remember Your Body, the Church. And, I pray to remember Your Son's atoning death. I thank You for that incomparable sacrifice, which You offered through Jesus Christ ... once and for all. And, it is in His name I pray. Amen.

"... and He will appear a second time,
not to bear sin,
but to bring salvation
to those who are waiting for Him."

(Hebrews 9:28)

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 ...

"Sweet & Sour"

"Time is Short"

The Great Depression

2008-10-03T08:51:00.024-04:00

" 'I have indeed seen the oppression
of My people in Egypt.
I have heard their groaning
and have come down
to set them free ...' "
(Acts 7:34)
Dear friends, we are battling a great depression, and I am not referring to the US economy. Every day, the Lord brings Christians across my path who describe themselves as "depressed". It breaks my heart. Precious ones, there is no such thing as depression in the Word of God! (Well, actually, there is one instance of depression in my NIV Bible, but it refers to a physical indentation in a house wall caused by mildew.)

I believe that what some Christians are battling is not depression but oppression. And, oppression comes not from God but from His enemy.

To oppress means "to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority; to keep down by severe and unjust use of force; to burden spiritually". Oppression is "the arbitrary, unjust, and cruel exercise of authority or power". Our oppressor is satan, who roams the earth in his limited authority, seeking to make the most of his abbreviated period of power, accusing and confusing the righteous (reference Job 1:7, 2:2; Zechariah 3:1; 2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 5:8).

Satan has lost us for eternity, but he is literally hell-bent on neutralizing and paralyzing us, robbing us of our freedom and joy in Christ and preventing us from furthering God's eternal kingdom plan.

There are those who are so comfortable in this cloak of oppression that we wear it like a martyr's hand-me-down: ragged, dirty and ... depressed. We are clothing ourselves in the tatters of enemy lies! The children of the Most High God are not meant to be depressed, oppressed, repressed, or suppressed!

The definition of depression is "a pressing down, a state of feeling sad, a lowering of vitality or functional activity". You see, we are allowing the enemy's oppression to depress us! By pressing us down with his unjust authority, satan is squashing the life out of our Christian witness and inheritance!

Beloved, we are royalty! We "are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God"! We are not to cower in the shadows of the enemy; we are to "declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light"! (Reference 1 Peter 2:9).

We do live in a fallen world right now. We physically exist in the temporal realm of "the ruler of the kindom of the air" (reference Ephesians 2:2), but, as Christians, we spiritually live in the freedom of Christ. Some of us, though, wander around like the Israelites in the desert, who had been so accustomed to their yoke of Egyptian slavery and oppression, that most seemed to prefer it!

You'll remember that, as recorded in the Old Testament, the Lord graciously saved His people, releasing them from enemy captivity with plans of leading them to the promised land. And, like a bunch of stubborn old mules, most wallowed in their new-found freedom, looking backwards instead of forwards, rehashing and romanticizing their past instead of embracing and enjoying the journey to their future.

The Lord gave them Divinely appointed leaders to guide and encourage them on their way; He sustained them daily with fresh manna from heaven. And what did they do? They grumbled, complained, and continued to hold themselves hostage. "In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron ... 'If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt!' ..." (Exodus 16:2-3).

Have mercy. The Lord freed them, and they wished to be enslaved again! They Lord provided manna to nourish them, and they viewed it with selfish and thankless suspicion. "... 'What is it?' ..." (Exodus 16:15). " '... we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!' " (Numbers 11:6). And, even though they didn't really like the manna, some still disobediently, greedily, untrustingly (and fruitlessly!) hoarded it, and, because of their faithless gathering, God's Divine provision rotted in their proverbial clenched fists.

(As I write this, I am cognizant of the many exclamation points I am using. (!!) My first instinct is to edit them out, but I believe the Lord is emphasizing His passion on this topic, so I will leave them in. Also, I sat down this morning, intending to write on a subject from Malachi, but, as you regular readers know, "my" ideas seldom make it into these posts! :-) Maybe we'll see Malachi in the next post ... maybe not. We'll see whatever the Lord wants to communicate through the power of His Holy Spirit. I am not depressed or oppressed, but I do digress ... sorry about that!)

Beloved, please know that if you believe in and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are free!

"It is for freedom
that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves

be burdened again
by a yoke of slavery."

(Galatians 5:1)

Cast off that oppressive shroud with which the enemy is smothering and choking you (reference Matthew 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7,19; Luke 8:7, 14)! Cloak yourself instead with the zeal of the Lord (reference Isaiah 59:17).

Your imprisonment is a lie. Your freedom is the Truth. The distance between the two is your choice. The Lord has provided the key to your release. In fact, He has already unlocked your shackles. All you have to do is walk out in hope (reference Isaiah 40:31), walk forward in faith (reference Romans 4:12), and walk on in joy and Truth (reference 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3-4).

March, my precious friends, march! Your royal inheritance, the promised land, is but a step away.

Precious Father, thank You for Your Truth, which sets us free (reference John 8:32)! My heart is burdened for those who live in the light of Your Truth but exist in the shadows of the enemy's deception. May they--may we all--realize that You have freed us from our chains (reference Psalm 116:16)! May we cast off our self-inflicted cuffs, carrying our spiritual brothers and sisters with us (reference Isaiah 52:1-2, 58:6). I pray in the name Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Light (reference John 14:6). Amen.

"To the Jews who had believed Him,
Jesus said,
'If you hold to my teaching,
you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the Truth,
and the Truth will set you free.

... I tell you the Truth,
everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Now a slave has no permanent place
in the family,
but a son belongs to it forever.
So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed.' "

(John 8:31-36)

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 ...

Sweet and Sour

2008-09-30T08:14:00.011-04:00

"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 ...

In God We Trust

2008-09-26T12:39:00.010-04:00

"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)

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