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Milquetoast

I would propose that none of us have ever come close to the rejection and persecution of Paul. Yet we have assimilated several “acceptable” excuses to be much less bold – milquetoast.

It’s Interesting. We can be so concerned about what others may think of us that it gives cause to be meek and mild regarding sin, or to be low-key and quiet about our faith. How many times have I thought to myself that I should say something, bring up Truth, but don’t because I will be thought of as pushy or weird. Often, I do move forward with talk of Jesus, but often this is only after I have tested the waters and I’m reasonably sure I won’t receive a negative reaction. I am bothered by my lack of boldness in some situations. Perhaps the reader can relate.

Are we as afraid of being offensive to our God as we are to others? I wonder how it would change things in the lives of believers if they were to develop more of the mindset we see in Paul.

Ac 20:24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

So what if someone doesn’t like what you believe! I’m not proposing an in your face approach because that may come off as being prideful, and may shut down the conversation before it has a chance to begin. I do believe we need to be genuinely interested and sincere with others. But I am considering that we, believers in general, have learned to be so sensitive to offending others that we have accepted a form of social quietness about God. However, when I read about the lives of the apostles, there is no such consideration.

Instead of waiting upon most opportunities to share the Truth, opportunities were made. People expected that they would hear about God when they saw Paul.

What has happened?! What do others expect when they see us? What kind of conversations can they count on?

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Several years ago, a movie titled ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ was released. A word used in that film seems to describe my concern perfectly: Milk Toast. This is how the bride’s Dad described her betrothed. Milk toast, no backbone. Dictionary.com states that a person who is “milk-toast” is an ineffectual, timid person. In my searching, I came across this spelling of the word: Milquetoast, meaning a very timid, unassertive, spineless person. Answers.com explains that this word comes from a comic strip character, Casper Milquetoast, who exhibited the characteristics of being timid, meek and unassertive. Wikipedia says Caspar Milquetoast was a comic strip character created by H. T. Webster for his cartoon series The Timid Soul. This character was given the name Milquetoast as a nod to the popular food prepared in the early 1900’s for children, the sickly and the aging, because of its bland taste and soft texture. The recipe simply calls for toasted bread set in a dish of milk, sometimes sprinkled with sugar and/or cinnamon.

When it comes to the Gospel, or addressing sin, I don’t want to exhibit the characteristics listed above! I definitely want no part in being Milquetoast. Paul says ‘he did not consider his life of any account as dear to himself’. Give me more of that, please!

The translation of Acts 20:24 in the RSV reads, But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Chapter 20 of Acts begins with the reminder of the problems that had arisen because of Paul’s teaching that there was only one God and this was not a god made by human hands. A silversmith named Demetrius would be directly affected if the people began to follow this teaching because his business in making silver shrines would suffer. The concern was not really if Paul’s teaching was right or wrong, it was monetary. If there was no need for idols then there would be no need for craftsmen to make them. The financial likelihood of this group would be in danger. So the whole city of Ephesus was in disorder, led by Demetrius (see Acts 19).

This turmoil did not stop Paul however. In Acts 20, we have record of the Jews plotting against him. Paul recounts his hardships in Acts 20:19 – “serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews”. “Well might the apostle say, he was in deaths often, in perils of robbers, in perils in the city, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils among false brethren.” William Burkitt New Testament

Through all the apostles’ trials and tribulations, imprisonments, and false accusations, the example we have recorded for us is his boldness for Jesus. In Acts 20:20-21 we read that Paul “did not shrink from declaring anything profitable and teaching publicly from house to house, solemnly testifying to everyone of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” And, although he knows afflictions and imprisonment will continue, he is not thwarted in his goal to preach Christ.

The questions, “Why?” and “How?” beg to be answered. I would propose that none of us have ever come close to the rejection and persecution of Paul. Yet we have assimilated several “acceptable” excuses to be much less bold – milquetoast. Look again at Acts 20:24. “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God”.

The KJV of this verse start out with the words, “But none of these things move me”. In other words, no persecution or imprisonment or any kind of adversity whatsoever, keep me from my purpose. Wow, we are given a picture in the heart of a soldier that has a high view of God and sees himself as only an instrument for God’s purpose and glory!

Consider. What keeps you from sharing the Gospel? Is it a concern that people won’t like you? Do you refrain from showing your excitement about Christ because others will be turned off or think you’re weird? Is it possible to take your faith too seriously? I’m not promoting the idea that everyone should become a political activist, I’m not suggesting we hold large signs and stand on the corner of a busy intersection, but what about just bringing up the subject with your words? What have you got to lose? Sure, some may roll their eyes but you just might encourage a lost soul to look at the only One who can truly help them find their way. I wonder if the apostle Paul even considered his own comfort in sharing Christ…

We have to ask an additional question. How do we address sin in ourselves and in others? Do we measure our actions and thoughts according to the world around us, using what is acceptable as our scale? Or, do we see sin clearly from God’s truths and take action to put off behavior that is inconsistent with being a child of God?

I was in a conversation with someone who had been struggling with the battle of a specific sin. They had come to the resolution that it would just have to be okay to allow this behavior in their life because the thought of doing without was too much to ask. They assured me they loved Christ and were desiring to live for Him, just not in this one area. The thought that God would ask them to deny themselves this one pleasure for the rest of their lives was difficult to accept. Can we serve God wholeheartedly and still choose to live in sin? This was a difficult interaction but the answer is so clear. We are to honor God in all things.

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (KJV)

Ga 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Ro 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts,

No amount of negativity thwarts Paul’s mission to proclaim truth. His own life is not held as valuable as the message he has been commissioned to preach. His own desires are not what he lives for. He says his life is not ‘dear to himself’. He honors God; the message of Christ is more precious than his reputation. Do we care more about what others think of us than what they think of God?

Why does Paul make the statement, ‘But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself’? He goes on to explain his thinking as we move through the verse. Acts 20:24 continues, ‘in order that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus’. So if his own consideration of his life gets in the way with the ministry he has in Christ, then he chooses to uphold his mission above himself. You want to just be a cheerleader for Paul, right! But maybe, we want to be more than cheerleaders on the sideline, maybe, we want to be on the squad, in the game.

How is Paul able to do this? How are we able to have this mindset? Consider. Where did Paul receive his ministry? From the Lord Jesus. This is a win-win! If God wants us to do something, He will provide what we need: His understanding, His strength, His boldness, His grace – whatever is needed to fulfill His will for us to accomplish the works He has ordained. I began writing this blog several months ago. As I’ve been studying, and praying about my own lack of boldness, I’ve seen some incredible changes that can only come from God working in me. Seriously, over the last month I’ve been able to share the truths of God’s word with more people than I can count. These are not people that I know, I haven’t even ‘tested’ the waters before I speak. I’ve just asked the question straight up, “Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?” or “Have you been able to trust in Jesus for ……?” People want to tell you about themselves, about their problems and struggles – I think God is giving me better ears to hear, coupled with a growth in genuine concern and compassion. The conversations God has ordained have been incredible! Mostly interactions have been encouraging with opportunities to share the Gospel message; a few individuals were closed doors to Truth, but still positive words were exchanged. I truly believe that God has blessed my desire to tackle my own problem of Milquetoast! Certainly, all glory to God for His amazing grace and work in the life of a sinner such as myself. But, He will use us. He will provide understanding, strength, boldness and grace – whatever is needed to fulfill His will for us to accomplish the works He has ordained.

I love the encouraging truths from Philippians 1:

Php 1:3-7 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, 5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 [For I am] confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.

What is the mission? To testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. To witness to others, specifically the gospel, God’s grace in the lives of sinners. This is more than just witnessing by my life style, and by what others see in me. Although this is important and may even lead to conversation, it is passive. It’s more ‘the sidelines’ cheerleader and the extra players on the bench than it is being on the team on the field. Paul has been on the field, in fact, leading the way. Remember Paul’s testimony? 1Ti 1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost [of all.] None of us are without sin; a perfect God does not need to save perfect people! Let’s get out there with the right motivation, remembering who we are without Christ, sharing out of gratitude what we’ve been given.

1Ti 1:5; 9-11 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

Where are we in our boldness for Christ? We are to be exceedingly joyful to serve our Lord Jesus in the ministry we have received to earnestly share the good news of God’s grace! Are we instead choosing to be Milquetoast?

One Year Later

God continues to intervene in my plans on a daily basis, the opportunities to serve have increased, I have been stretched to the ‘breaking point’ several times, and I’ve messed up even more times. But in all things God has shown His grace and mercy. I am still walking on two legs, have breath in me, and an increasingly strong desire to remain focused on the One who provides all I have and who has made me in His image and called me His child.

It has been just over one year since I began this blog. As I reread my first entry, (to see this click here) I am so very thankful that God lead me to share His truths in a forum that is accessible to more than those I am blessed to be in personal contact with. I am still not computer savvy, yet God has allowed my patience to be tested on numerous occasions as I’ve learned new IT terms, programs and what it means to be floating around in ‘the’ cloud!

I love my Lord and Savior more with each passing day and can absolutely attest that my desire to know Him and study His word has greatly increased. The opportunity to write, to be encouraged, challenged, reminded and comforted by digging in to Scripture is a blessing to cherish. To be able to share what God shows me with others, is one of the greatest excitements in my life!

I have heard from you stories of how God is working in your lives, and the encouragement from those stories is part of what drives me to continue to move forward in sharing my pursuit in knowing Jesus more.

So here we are, 92 posts and Bible studies published; being read in China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Israel, Sweden, the Russian Federation and Netherlands, as well as the United States; over 46,000 visits and a truly humbled heart that perhaps one individual has been encouraged to seek God’s truths. I am a bit overwhelmed that God can use a person such as myself, the only title to claim being His child, for His glory. Gratitude fills my heart as I continue this lifelong pursuit of growing in my understanding and knowledge of my Lord and Savior.

Thank you for hanging in there with me, even when technical issues were discouraging and things didn’t load correctly. Forgive me for spelling and grammar errors. Prayerfully, I will continue to Focus Heavenward and sing towards the heavens in my soul to Thee – The One True God! May He bless you with the riches of Eternal Life in His presence!

Please continue to pray for me! My prayer for you is contained in one of my favorite sections of Scripture, in the words of Paul, written to the Ephesian church:

Eph 1:17-19 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him 18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

For His Name’s Sake

I love how John Wesley’s Notes on the Old Testament explains the words, ‘He restores my soul’ – “He brings it back; from its errors and wandering. Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.”

Psalm 23:3

Ps 23:1 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Think of what it means to be restored. I love restoring old furniture. I don’t necessarily bring the item I’m working on back to its original state, instead I refresh it by putting on a new coat of paint. Often, screws need to be tightened and seams need regluing in order to strengthen the piece. I normally sand the wood pieces before I paint, and sometimes I sand after, to give it a ‘loved’ look. Reupholstering can also give a fresh new look to some pieces but older items may need the cushioning replaced in order to really strengthen and fix the entire object.

When I looked up the Greek word restore is translated from, I was presented with quite a long list of definitions. Generally, its meaning is to retreat again, bring back home again, to call to mind, to continually deliver. The words recall, recover, refresh, relieve, rescue, retrieve and to cause to return are included in the long list of expressions defining the word ‘restore’.

The above seemed a lot to decipher, so I looked at the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge to try to get some additional insight. Here are a few verses using the same Greek word <shuwb> or restore.

Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says “to restore the soul is to revive or quicken it.

Ps 80:3 O God, restore us, and cause Thy face to shine [upon us], and we will be saved.

There are numerous uses of this same word throughout the Bible, many in the book of Genesis. The majority of uses for this word have the same thought – return(ed), returned continually, brought back, brought again, certainly return, restore(d), come again, bring again, to deliver, and draw back.

Psalm 23:3 says He restores my soul. God comforts His children. God refreshes His children. Not necessarily by changes that occur outside, but by those that come from within.

Consider. How long does an outward change last if only superficial? In other words, if I don’t take the time to fix the integrity of the furniture I restore, it will still be weak even though the outside may look new. God restores our soul, the very center of who we are. He refreshes us from the inside. Initially, He saved my soul from the grip of sin so that I would have eternal life. Continually, He brings me back from wandering by His guidance and protection. When I am weak, God gives me refreshment in His truths and strengthens me.

God not only has gifted us with eternal life, He also is here to direct us and guide us, to restore us, to bring us back when we go off in the wrong direction, to give us rest when we become weary. This is a beautiful picture of our Great Shepherd and His continual care for His children. “Just as a shepherd brings back his wandering sheep from those craggy, untrodden paths, wherein they would lose themselves; and leads them into plain and easy ways, wherein they find rest and safety.” Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

“When the soul grows sorrowful He revives it; when it is sinful He sanctifies it; when it is weak He strengthens it. … Are any of us low in grace? Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. Pray to Him then for the blessing – ‘Restore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!” Treasury of David

Ps 23:3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

God not only restores my soul, He leads me, He guides me, He puts me on a straight path, the right path.

Think of those times you’ve taken a wrong turn. About twenty years ago, my husband and I surprised my parents with a trip to Alaska. My Dad had always dreamed of going there. While we were walking through some ruins from the 1964 earthquake that registered a 9.2 on the Richter scale, my husband took a turn and we all followed. Soon, we found ourselves right in the middle of mosquitos nesting. This was as horrible as it sounds: the little critters were everywhere, our skin was covered and if you opened your mouth to say anything or scream, they entered your mouth. I remember having mosquito bites on my tongue, and in my ears along with every exposed skin surface. God doesn’t lead us on a path of calamity, he leads us on His path of righteousness.

Ever have those times where you don’t know which way to turn? The direction you should take doesn’t seem clear and there doesn’t seem to be a good answer or right choice. We’ve all been there at one time or another. Several of us have been there multiple times. Some may even be there right now. What do you do?

Always, always, always go back to the truths you know in Christ Jesus. Psalm 23:3 says God will guide us to His way, what is best. Place your trust completely in His truths given to us through His word. You can rest in the fact that God does what He says. His answers may not come as quickly as we would like which means we need to wait. His answers may also not be what we want, but they will be what we need. His answers are often not easy, but will cause us to trust Him every step we take. Remember the truths written for us just in this Psalm alone.

Ps 23:1-3 (A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Ps 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Ps 31:3 For Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name's sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.

Pr 8:20 "I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice,

“In the paths of righteousness; in straight, and plain, and safe paths, where the sheep is neither hurt, nor wearied, nor in danger of wandering. By his word he directs me to the right ways of truth, and holiness, and righteousness, and by his Spirit he inclines and enables me to choose them, and to continue to walk in them.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

Ps 143:8-10 Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in Thee; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to Thee I lift up my soul. 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in Thee. 10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Isa 42:16 "And I will lead the blind [literal or figurative] by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone."

I have been saved from sin, I am continually led by my Shepherd to all that is needed, and I am saved to live a life in sync with His will. Only God is able to guide me into His ways. There is no possible way I am able to seek out His truths and follow them on my own without the help of the Holy Spirit. But, being saved from sin I am saved to righteousness. This is my hope, what I know for certain. God is my guide and He never fails to restore His children and guide them – even when they get lost or stray off the path, even when the way seems unclear or difficult. A shepherd will carry the weakest sheep if needed until they are strong enough to walk on their own. Do you trust Jesus to shepherd you?

Consider. The promises of God are certain. The faithfulness of God is sure.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

2Co 1:20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

Isa 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.

1Jo 2:25 And this is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Ps 36:5 Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness [reaches] to the skies.

Why does God restore my soul and guide me in the paths of righteousness?

For His name’s sake.

On account of who He is. His character. To display the glory of His grace towards those He loves. Because He is perfect and good.

We are likened to sheep. We easily lose our way and will perish without a Shepherd. It is not because of anything in us that we are able to live lives of righteousness. I am not worthy. But God is and it brings great glory to God’s name when He guides us in righteousness, protecting us from harm. This is a display of His power and faithfulness.

Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name; and deliver us, and forgive our sins, for Thy name's sake.

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done;

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Fanny Crosby, 1875

Peace

There is no mistake that again what we see is a continuous work, a lifelong pursuit, a habitual way of thinking and acting as we walk along our course of honoring God.

So I mistakenly posted the study on Ephesians 4:4 before this study on Ephesians 4:3, sorry for the confusion. Anyways, isn’t the picture of this peace sign great?! It brings back memories of the 60’s and 70’s for many of us. Peace in the world is good when found, but the peace offered from God surpasses anything we may be able to accomplish here on this earth. God’s family are able to be united His Spirit and when we concentrate on what we have in common in Christ, we can enjoy peace as His children looking forward to the same future, having the same purpose.

Eph 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The first verse of Ephesians 4 presents a charge to us to act like children of God. The second verse of this chapter answers the question ‘How is this done, what does it look like’. Now, we move on to the third verse and we will see the results of following God’s commands, the reason why it is so important to pay attention to this exhortation from Paul.

The words given to us in these first few verses of Ephesians 4 are not a one-time action, rather, they are continuous. We are to continually be walking in a manner worthy, continually having a character of humility and gentleness, continually responding with patience and long-suffering to one another. In other words, the idea of ‘I was patient’ doesn’t really measure up to this charge. Instead, our course is one of perpetual effort.

Ephesians 4:3 begins with the words ‘being diligent’ in the NAS translation. We also find these first few words translated as endeavoring in the KJV, giving diligence in the ASV and eager to maintain in the RSV.

When I looked up the Greek word <spoudazo>, the first definition given was ‘to use speed’, in other words to make an effort, to be prompt or earnest. Following ‘to use speed’ were the words to give diligence, to be diligent, to endeavor, to labor, to study.

There is no mistake that again what we see is a continuous work, a lifelong pursuit, a habitual way of thinking and acting as we walk along our course of honoring God.

Consider. What does diligence look like? WordWeb says: 1. Quietly and steadily continuing a task despite any difficulties, and 2. Characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks. What is the opposite of being diligent? Negligence! Accordingly, a good question to ask ourselves may be, ‘Are we negligent in our efforts to walk worthy as a child of God’?

Negligence is not a quality any of us would like associated with ourselves! It means we’re not taking care of our responsibilities. Those who are negligent lack concern and fail to act reasonably. This is different than simply making a mistake. It is continually lacking discretion or discernment. This is not good.

We are to take seriously our responsibilities as God’s children – all the time, in each circumstance, weighing carefully what God would have us do, according to what His word says. The characteristics of walking worthy – humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance – all work together in preserving our unity as a family of God.

Almost every summer, I will spend time preserving the fruit from our trees. It is a bit of work but the payback is keeping the quality of fruit as fresh tasting as possible. Preserving it means it won’t spoil as it may if left alone in an environment where the temperature and bugs will eventually take over and cause it to go bad.

We are to be careful to keep unity among ourselves as followers of Christ. We are to preserve it. In order to do this, we may need to frequently be reminded of what the previous verse of Ephesians chapter 4 says: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love. It takes effort, work and care to preserve unity in the body of Christ. We need to be diligent in our protection of oneness. Paul knew this was difficult, hence the fact that he implores us in his words to take action.

Practically speaking, what does a heart of humility and gentleness, acting with patience, hanging in there for the long run, look like? My best answer to this question is to look at Christ’s own actions towards each one of us. His humility and gentleness, His patience and forbearance, all out of love. I am so very thankful God did not give up on me. Who am I to not treat a brother or sister in Christ with the same consideration?

God’s church is made of people who act and think differently. But, in the Spirit, we are bonded together as one. Oneness, unity. Children of God have the unified Spirit of understanding Jesus as Lord and Savior. The acceptance of Jesus’ death on the cross and victory of Jesus’ rising from the dead – this acceptance of our need provides our common thread of oneness. We are joined in the Holy Spirit as we strive to walk worthy. The church at Ephesus which Paul addresses in Ephesians, was a combination of Jews and Gentiles coming from different backgrounds, the Jews were expected to follow the Law while the Gentiles were not held to it. You can see right away the problem and hear the words being muttered, ‘It’s not fair’. This statement may seem an appropriate response, but then we need to think upon our own standing in Christ. Is it fair that I’m saved? What did I do to earn this gift? Of course, the answer is nothing – nada – zip. Strife could easily have been a problem yet Paul stressed the necessity of laboring to preserve unity among them. There was only one church, not a Jewish church nor a Gentile church, but the Church of Christ. The different denominations we have in the world now were not in existence then.

Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary says the unity of the Spirit “refers to unity of affection, of confidence, of love. It means that Christians should be united in temper and affection, and not be split up in factions and parties.” It goes on to say, “There are so many different tastes and habits; there is such a variety of intellect and feeling; the modes of education have been so various, and the temperament may be so different, that there is constant danger of division.”

This unity described in Ephesians 4:3 comes from within the hearts of God’s children. It can’t just be outward motions because it won’t last, we will get tired, and we will fail. It must come from an understanding of our oneness within. Despite all our differences, we have much in common.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Verses 4-6 go on to explain our unity and peace as believers. We can either destroy one another in our differences or come alongside one another in our sameness.

Eph 2:12-18 [remember] that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both [groups into] one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, [which is] the Law of commandments [contained] in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, [thus] establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary on Ephesians 4:3 referring to the words, ‘in the bond of peace’, states, “in peace as the bond which keeps the members or parts of the church together, which by dissensions are dissipated and scattered. The first step to this unity is humility, for where that is not, there will be no meekness nor forbearance without which unity cannot be maintained”.

Joh 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

Ro 14:17-19 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this [way] serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

1Co 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Col 3:13-15 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Jas 3:17-18 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Consider. We can either concentrate on our differences or choose to be unified in our purpose. In Christ, we are united. We are sinful creatures saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, in need of His guidance through the Holy Spirit, looking forward to the promise of heaven.

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One God

Each person represents unique characteristics and qualities, talents and interests. Our education is diverse, our childhoods differed, and our families are not the same. Yet, God’s children, His church, are unified in His Holy Spirit and all that is associated with His saving grace.

Ephesians 4:4-6

Eph 4:1-4 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:4 [There is] one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

We all look different, act different, and think different. Each person represents unique characteristics and qualities, talents and interests. Our education is diverse, our childhoods differed, and our families are not the same. Yet, God’s children, His church, are unified in His Holy Spirit and all that is associated with His saving grace. The apostle Paul encourages the church to concentrate on those things that unify rather than that which tears apart. Through Paul, God gives to us the reasons we can be united. Remember the word used in verse one – we are entreated to walk worthy, this includes our unity.

One body The Church, whose head is the Lord Jesus Christ. Not a particular denomination or group but all those who have been called by God because of His grace and mercy, all believers throughout the world.

Eph 1:22-23 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ro 12:5; 1Co 12:12-13; 27; Col 3:15

1Co 12:25 that there should be no division in the body, but [that] the members should have the same care for one another

“Every sincere Christian is a brother in that church… Being one by the design of the Savior …” Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary

One Spirit The Holy Spirit which dwells in the church and guides the body.

1Co 12:4, 11; Eph 2:18

“The same Spirit has awakened all; enlightened all; convicted all; converted all. Wherever they may be, and whoever, yet there has been substantially the same work of the Spirit on the heart of every Christian. There are circumstantial differences arising from diversities of temperament, disposition, and education; there may be a difference in the depth and power of his operations on the soul; there may be a difference in the degree of conviction for sin and in the evidence of conversion, but still there are the same operations on the heart essentially, produced by the same Spirit.” Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary

One hope Of eternal life – we are looking forward to the same inheritance heaven.

Eph 1:13-14; Col 1:5,12; Col 3:4; 1 Pet 1:3-4; Tit 1:2; Tit 2:13

Ro 4:25 [He] who was delivered up because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

“Hope on earth does not always produce union and harmony. Two men hope to obtain the same office; two students hope to obtain the same honour in college; two rivals hope to obtain the same hand in marriage – and the consequence is jealousy, contention, and strife. … Not so with the crown of life – with the rewards of heaven. All may obtain that crown; all may share those rewards.” Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary

Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One Lord The Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the church body, the Savior of all those who believe, the One whom we serve and obey and He alone.

Acts 10:36; Ro 10:12; 14:8-9; Phil 2:11

Zep 3:9 "For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD, to serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

1Co 8:6 yet for us there is [but] one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we [exist] for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we [exist] through Him.

Zec 14:9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be [the only] one, and His name [the only] one.

“Let two men, who have never seen each other before, meet in a distant land, and feel that they have the same Redeemer, and their hearts will mingle into one. They are not aliens, but friends. A cord of sympathy is struck more tender than that which binds them to country or home; and though of different nations, complexions, or habits, they will feel that they are one.” Albert Barnes NT Commentary

One faith By grace we have been saved through faith. We believe in the same Savior. We are justified by the same Sacrifice.

Ro 10:17 So faith [comes] from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

There is only one basis for our faith which is the Gospel. The object of our faith is Jesus Christ; the origin of our faith is Jesus Christ. Only one faith purifies the heart. Only one faith can change a heart – this is the work of Christ.

Ga 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

Tit 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

One baptism All true believers enter heaven through the same door – Jesus Christ, and are baptized into the same body, the church.

Mt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Note, there is only one source of baptism, not a means of salvation but a public profession of belief in Christ. Baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Ga 3:27-28 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

One God Who surpasses all in all.

One God – over all

King of kings and Lord of lords, supreme in all, excellent in His nature, presiding over all, sovereign over all

One God – through all

Present at all times, providing for all things everywhere

One God – in all

Through His Spirit, giving understanding, working through His children

“The fountain of all being, self-existent and eternal” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Mal 2:10 "Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us?

Ro 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him [be] the glory forever. Amen.

Joh 17:20-23 "I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, [art] in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. 22 "And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given to them; that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him.

“True believers are one; Christ has only instituted one church, he has quickened it with but one Spirit, and set before it one sole hope. The Lord is the alone Head of the church, she has not two Lords, neither has Jesus revealed more than one faith, or commanded any other than one baptism: hence believers should anxiously maintain unity, and endeavor each one to promote the good of the whole.” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

A prisoner of the Lord will walk worthy with a heart of humility and gentleness, practicing patience and forbearance to one another in love. We have every reason in Christ Jesus to be unified in our pursuit of holiness. We are part of one body – the church. We have the same Spirit indwelling us, and the same hope of eternal promise. We serve One Lord, have been saved through one faith and share in one baptism. We trust in the work of One God – His creation, His redemption plan and His gift of salvation to all who believe.

What is the evidence in your life to these truths? Are you walking worthy? Do you seek unity by upholding the truths we have in Christ?

Heb 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

Ps 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.

Ro 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Ro 14:19 So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Being Flexible

Remember the ‘Slinky’ toy? Invented by Robert James, they were originally metal and appeared on the scene in the 1940’s. Still popular today, available in many colors and in a plastic material, they are incredibly flexible. I remember watching my slinky go down the stairs. Fascinating! They stretch to several times their original size, and go forwards and backwards.

The introduction to my blog states my need to remember flexibility – holding my schedule loosely – because His plan may be (and usually is) different.

I am being pinned to that statement right now as my heart is disappointed in the change of plans we had. We are blessed to have two of our grown children and their families living within three miles of us. This means we get to see the three grandkids who live here at least once a week, often a few times a week. We also have a grown son and his family who live across the country on the east coast. Again, we have been incredibly blessed to be able to see them and our two east-coast grandchildren about every 3-4 months. Either we fly there or they fly here. So here we are prepared for their visit, anticipating a time of family all being together, planning to pick them up at the airport and we get a phone call. A fever and a highly contagious virus has presented itself in their children! One day before they leave. Bummer. Disappointment. Heartache for the hugs that won’t happen. Sadness for cousins who were all looking forward to their visit. Really missing my sweet little ones and their Mommy and Daddy.

But, God knows. He’s in control. He has allowed this sudden change of plans and it will be used for His purpose and glory. Trying to be thankful that this virus presented itself the day before rather than on a flight. Those are the truths, now how to snap out of a tearful heart and move through the day with a smile that is not just pasted on the outside but coming from a joyful heart within.

These things are hard. So Lord, please show me Your faithfulness in Your word as I trust in You. I know this isn’t a very big deal in comparison with most other disappointments, in fact, right now even in our own personal lives, we are dealing with several more serious issues. But, we were so looking forward to squeezing our little grandbabies. On to the truths of scripture to find salve for an aching heart.

This same day, in the afternoon, I ran into a friend at the store. When I asked her how she was doing she shook her head and tears welled up in her eyes. So, we stepped aside and she shared with me that her daughter at 26 weeks pregnant, with her first child, just found out they needed to deliver the baby early because of some complications. She talked, we prayed, and spoke of the truths of God’s word – His plan, no matter how difficult or confusing it may seem, is perfect. We all need to hold on to the truth of that fact because our emotions and feelings can take us elsewhere. Such as, ‘It isn’t fair’, or ‘Why’.

Consider. Is it fair that Jesus died for all man’s sin when He Himself is perfect? Is it fair that He was silent as He was mocked and scourged, even while He was innocent?

What is fair? To treat someone with fairness means there is no favor being shown, nothing more nothing less than deserved. Certainly, if God’s Son willingly chose to release His deity in order to redeem mankind, we can only be thankful and humbled that we are not ourselves held to fairness in our own condition. What do we deserve? Eternal separation from God. Nothing good or right or beautiful. No blessings, or enjoyment or pleasure. What do we have? God’s children have an eternal promise of heaven; everything good, right and beautiful; abundant blessings, enjoyment and pleasure. Why? Because of His great love.

We can develop high expectations of what we should have or deserve when the reality is, if we were to think in terms of fairness, none of us have been given what we truly deserve. Even those who have rejected God’s sacrifice have been given air to breathe and countless other blessings too numerous to list. I pray my response, even in difficulties and disappointments, is always one of thankfulness for everything I do have. And a heart of gratitude for everything that has been withheld because of God’s mercy. Thank you Lord that I have not been treated with fairness.

We’ve all been in situations where decisions we’ve made have proven to be wrong. Think of the times you’ve inadvertently run a red light or almost caused an accident while driving, yet you were protected. Fairness would mean you would have received a traffic violation at the very least. Each of us can remember times when it seems we’ve been given a second and even third chance to improve. Fairness would mean getting what we deserve, no second chances. Mercy is what we’ve been given.

Ps 86:15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Eph 2:1-9 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places], in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast.

1Ch 16:34 O give thanks to the LORD, for [He is] good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Mercy that endures forever is what we have in Christ.

In Psalm 136, the phrase ‘His mercy endures forever’ is stated in each of the 26 verses. It is a hymn of praise. Can you imagine it being sung in ancient times, perhaps in Solomon’s Temple, as the people remembered their deliverance from Egypt and journey through the wilderness? God’s mercy was understood and voices of thankfulness were lifted to Him for His exceeding mercies. They deserved none of what they received and received not what they truly deserved.

We neither want nor need fairness. We need mercy! For each day. Let’s praise God for what we have, focusing on His great lovingkindness towards us, recognizing even in disappointment, He is the One guiding our lives for His glory. Circumstances may change around us unexpectedly but God and his mercy will never change. I pray I am able to lift a heart of gratitude towards my great God at all times.

What! give God thanks for everything,

Whatever may befall –

Whatever the dark clouds may bring?

Yes, give God thanks for all;

For safe He leads thee, hand in hand,

To thy blessed Fatherland.

What! thank Him for the lonely way He to me hath given –

For the path which, day by day

Seems farther off from heaven?

Yes, thank Him, for He holds thy hand

And leads thee to thy Fatherland.

Close, close He shields thee from all harm;

And if the road be steep,

Thou know’st His everlasting arm

In safety doth He keep,

Although thou canst not understand

The winding to thy Fatherland.

What blessing, thinkest thou, will He,

Who knows the good and ill,

Keep back, if it is good for thee,

While climbing up the hill?

Then trust Him, and keep fast His hand,

He leads thee to thy Fatherland.

The Christian Treasury, 1865

Quiet Waters, Psalm 23:2

Psalm 23:2

Following is a Bible Study for the assisted living home my Mom resides at. I’ve been reminded how important it is to continue to labor for God even as age sets in, wherever we are placed and whatever our physical condition. The blessings are all mine as I meet these individuals, mostly in their eighties, nineties and beyond, and they sweetly pray or read scripture out loud in their quiet, crackling voices! May all of us continue to walk worthy of our calling well into the frailties of old age …

Last month:

What does it mean personally to be able to say, “The Lord is my shepherd”?

Explain the words, “I shall not want”.

Ps 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

The Lord gives us rest.

Consider. Would you put sheep in a land of waste, weeds and dried up grasses? Why not?

Green pastures literally means tender green grasses or herbs, a pleasant place. This is what we find in God. Not just rest, but nourishment. All that is needed to fill our soul with peace and rest is found in Him.

Consider. How does this work? We don’t literally find a pasture to lie down in, right? (Although, it sounds appealing!) As a child of God, we find rest in His truths written for us in His Word. Look back again to the first verse of this Psalm: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. What are these "green pastures" but the Scriptures of truth -- always fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. When by faith we are enabled to find rest in the promises, we are like the sheep that lie down in the midst of the pasture; we find at the same moment both provender and peace, rest and refreshment, serenity and satisfaction”. Treasury of David

Does the fact of His care give you peace? Does the truth of His provision for everything you might need, put your mind at rest? Consider who you are and who God is. When we understand the assurance we have in Him and His grace towards us, we find safety and comfort.

Our Psalmist, David, was a shepherd so he well knew about pastures. At that time, a green pasture where the sheep were placed was often a penned in area where they not only had new spring grass to eat but also were safe and could rest without the threat of attack. If you’ve ever had teenagers or young adults in your house you understand the idea of going to ‘sleep’ with one eye open! You go to bed but really don’t get any rest until you hear the return of your ‘kids’, knowing they are safely home. Only then do you truly rest without concern. The rest we find in Jesus’ arms is completely satisfying because we know we are in the arms of safety, we don’t have to keep an ear listening or an eye open. We can trust in God’s care for us at all times and in every situation. He has everything under control.

The second half of Psalm 23:2 says, He leads me beside quiet waters.

Let’s think for a moment about water in general. The ocean can be beautiful when it’s calm and quiet, but also, it can be treacherous during a storm with large waves crashing all around. The sound of a gentle brook spilling over pebbles is relaxing and almost mesmerizing. Yet, when heavy rains cause water to flow fast, that same brook can become deadly in its power to devour the earth around it.

Consider, quiet waters. The words used to define quiet (or still in the KJV), are peace, comfort, ease and rest. God provides rest in a world where things are happening around us all the time. We have schedules, deadlines, dates to remember, expectations put upon us, and responsibilities required of us. Most of you, even in your latter years living in a place where some responsibility has been lifted off your shoulders, still have a list of things to get done or remember. Several of you probably are expected to make certain phone calls. Most of you still need to keep track of a meal schedule and several activities that are provided for you to take part in.

When we think of quiet waters, or a tranquil place, it is rest from all things around us. I treasure my ‘quiet’ time each morning. I turn off my phone, sit at my desk in the office and engross myself in God’s word. This is a place where I don’t think of a schedule, or a list of responsibilities or my concerns or worries. I just rest in God’s truths as I read and study my Bible and I am filled with the peace He offers. This is quiet waters, a hub where there is no disturbance, a place of calm.

My husband has suffered from multiple sclerosis for years, almost since the year we were married. He now has a brain affliction that is causing his personality and thinking to change. It is sad and scary to watch and it would be so easy to become fearful and focus on what might be. But this will not change the future God has planned and it will only feed into a heart that could be overtaken with the “what ifs”. Instead, I choose to find peace and rest and quietness of heart in God’s truths. How does this practically work, what does it look like? When the temptation to become fearful of the future begins to set in, I think of what is true. The truth is, none of us know the future and before our fears ever become real, something else could happen. In other words I can become overwhelmed by something that may never be. Instead, I can concentrate on today, on this moment, and what I have in Christ. Right now, I have an opportunity to invest in others; right now, I can make memories; right now, I can know that God promises to walk every step of the way with me into His perfect plan.

Where are you refreshed? Where do you find rest and safety? What helps you to focus on all things that are good and right and true, instead of the negative and unknowns?

We’re in the middle of summer months right now and we have experienced temperatures over 100˚. In countries where hot afternoons are common, the practice is to lie down for a bit in the afternoon in a cool place, out of the beating sun. The picture of a green, grassy field with a slowly meandering stream brings a sense of relief from the scorching heat.

Eze 34:15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD.

Have you ever been lost? Most of us have been lost at one time or another. Two such incidents quickly come to my mind. Once I was driving from a very long distance with my three young children. After driving all day and into the night, I was excited to think we would finally be home in about an hour or so. Unfamiliar with the freeway system and in a day when technology had not yet provided a GPS system, I was left to my own sense of direction to navigate. Unfortunately, I made a wrong decision and drove myself and my children a few hours out of our way. Upon realizing my mistake, I’m thankful God protected us and gave me the energy and focus to get us all home safely. Another instance that comes to mind is much more embarrassing! Eons ago, I drove an ambulance for a living. This was back in the day of using a Thomas Guide. Reading a map well was essential for this position when time was of the essence. You had to depend on your work partner to give you correct directions while you maneuvered through traffic with lights and siren blaring. Printed maps did not always keep up with real construction changes. As a result, there were a few times when it seemed like you were circling the place of emergency without reaching the exact location. When you did finally arrive, the looks from bystanders said it all.

We all get lost, in all sorts of ways. Not just in direction, but in purpose. There is a familiar phrase most of us have heard, of someone ‘losing their way’. This means the bigger picture is lost, distractions along the way change our planned direction. Psalm 23:2 says “He leads me…” Matthew Poole’s Commentary remarks, “He leadeth me, lest I should wander and perish”. God leads us to what is good, to where we can rest when needed, to safety. God protects His sheep; He sustains them, carrying them when necessary, guiding them gently to Himself. God’s care for us will not end on earth. God’s children can look forward to the promise of being in His presence forever.

Re 7:16-17 "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes."

Our lives are a journey. We are expected to take part in this journey with action. We have been given a guide. Psalm 23:2 tells us that God is our guide, He is the One who leads us. He even knows when we may need to be led by the quiet waters and away from a storm.

God is good – He leads us to green pastures and unlike a green grassy knoll we may envision, God’s provision is never picked bare, it doesn’t turn brown with seasons; He leads us to quiet waters where drought cannot touch His constant source of refreshment. Do you depend on His provision for you in green pastures and quiet waters?

With All Humility …

Humility is thinking rightly of ourselves and highly of Jesus; it’s recognizing who we are in light of who God is and what He has done.

Eph 4:2

Eph 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Eph 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,

In our study on Ephesians 4:1, we took a closer look at what it means to be called a prisoner of the Lord. As someone under the control of Christ, the apostle Paul records words for us that beg a characteristic of children of God – that we walk in such a way to honor God. We are to represent the One we have bowed to. The privilege we have in being able to call God our heavenly Father is not without responsibility. Now, we move to the second verse of this chapter. I’m excited to dive in with you!

The word ‘with’ in the NAS begins the 2nd verse of Ephesians 4:2. ‘With’ denotes that there is something to accompany the thought beforehand. Therefore, Ephesians 4:2 answers a question for us, what does it look like to walk in a manner worthy of being God’s child?

With all humility. When I see this word, I immediately am reminded of who I am and who God is. We have every reason to be filled with a heart of humility. There is nothing to support a feeling of personal pride in the Gospel. Just consider the gospel message. God creates man – man sins against God – God provides the only solution in His Son Jesus Christ who is crucified for all men’s sin (and don’t forget, man was at the center of this most heinous act) – Jesus arose from the dead in victory over man’s sin – God’s relationship with man is restored. It’s all about God saving His children, redeeming us from our sin. We are nothing without God, we have nothing without God, there is no future without Him, there is no joy, no hope, no strength for the weary, and no light in the darkness. We are the ones in need!

Consider. What are you able to take credit for in your own life right now? Are you intelligent? Praise God! Are you a parent? Praise God! Have you been successful in your job? Praise God! Are you physically strong? Praise God! And even if you may be thinking that many of these things have come your way because of your hard work, consider who gave you the ability to work hard. Who put things into place so that you would be able to study and become intelligent? Who made it possible to conceive a child? Who designed your body to be capable?

I am blessed to know several people who are incredibly talented. I’m not just talking about an ability that is above most of us, but truly, above the top talented. One individual I know was destined for great fame, the timing was right, she even met someone who could launch her career into the world of voices such as Barbara Streisand and the like. Everything was in place, except … it was not God’s plan. She sometimes thinks of what might have been, yet totally accepts the blessings of God’s divine and perfect direction for her life. This takes a humble heart, and an absolute trust in God.

Having a heart of humility is not thinking poorly of ourselves, in fact, it glorifies God to recognize our special abilities and talent, rather it’s understanding who gifted us with our strengths. Humility is understanding our sin, our inability to rectify the stain of sin on our soul, and the need for our Savior. Humility is thinking rightly of ourselves and highly of Jesus; it's recognizing who we are in light of who God is and what He has done. It’s lowliness of mind. It’s knowing that anything you could or do accomplish anything it is only because God has specifically blessed you to do so. It’s having a modest and right view of who we are, a humble opinion of ourselves. Our only boast is in God. We are to esteem ourselves SMALL in light of our GREAT GOD.

Ps 34:2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.

Ps 44:6-8 For I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me. 7 But Thou hast saved us from our adversaries, And Thou hast put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Thy name forever. Selah.

Jer 9:23 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; Jer 9:24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD.

Humility of mind allows us to serve with a heart fully desiring to honor God and help others. Humility of mind has no expectation for self-gain or recognition. It doesn’t keep track of what others say. It doesn’t concentrate on telling others where they have erred. There is no need to point a finger at someone else when we are busy fighting sin in our own life. Consider. When you feel the need to share with someone else about a difficult conversation you’ve had, or how hard you’re working to make things right with others, who are you elevating? Humility of mind esteems others more than self. It doesn’t look for recognition. Humility of mind puts God on the throne. It accepts God’s plan, and His dealing with us, without dispute. Humbleness befits our calling as God’s children. Have you received forgiveness for your sin? Doddridge says, “let the remembrance of it engage you to behave with all humility and lowliness of heart, under a sense of your former guilt and misery, and your unworthiness of that mercy which God hath magnified towards you; and thus to carry it with meekness towards those who may have troubled you by their forwardness, tenderly passing over their infirmities and indiscretions, as sensible what great offences have been forgive to yourselves.”

Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;

And gentleness. This is translated from a different Hebrew word than humility but seems closely associated. The word meekness and also the phrase ‘quiet behavior’ are presented in several bible translations. As humility or lowliness of mind is directed at how we are to think of ourselves, gentleness or meekness refers more to our attitude towards others. When we have a right view of self, the temperament we have towards others is affected. We cannot be gentle or meek without first being humble. When a humble heart is present, then gentleness can be sown. We are then not so easily offended or angered. Have you been around someone who is irritable? This is the opposite of gentleness. Consider. The tone of your voice, your attitude, your demeanor and body language towards others. Are you exhibiting a spirit of gentleness? Do you accept injuries without the need to seek revenge? Do you accept the weaknesses of others or must you point out what they have done wrong?

Ga 6:1 Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; [each one] looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Many, many years ago, I was faced with an unfaithful husband. He was the one who left our marriage, he was the one who practiced infidelity, yet because of God’s grace in my life, I was able to forgive quickly. Why? Because I knew it was only because of God’s grace that I was not the one making unwise decisions. I could just as easily been the one who was caught in sin’s grasp. When we realize and accept our own sin problem, we become increasingly aware of our need for a Savior. Remembering the gentleness and forgiveness He has bestowed upon us, helps us to reciprocate a gentle spirit towards others.

Tit 3:1-2 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration (humility, meekness, gentleness) for all men.

With patience. Patience or long-suffering is also bred from humility. What does it mean to have patience? This is a word most of us can work on in several areas of our life. It means to have fortitude, in this case to keep on keeping on in spite of difficult circumstances, to endure without complaining. The need for developing patience begins early on. The object of our patience changes as we move through life. We may need to learn patience as God clearly shows us the path we are to take in education. Patience may need to be practiced as we wait upon His direction for our future with a spouse or career or move. Of course, anyone with children has been educated in their own need to grow in patience as they guide their kids. There are many more examples that could be listed, but the importance of developing patience is something each of us has experienced and this will probably continue till we are called to our heavenly home. I love the way one commentary explains long-suffering, “Long-mindedness – never permitting a trial or provocation to get to the end of your patience”. Albert Barnes NT Commentary describes longsuffering this way: “Bearing patiently with the foibles, faults, and infirmities of others.” He goes on to suggest that patience should be seen in our manner of receiving the provocations which we meet with from others. How do you respond to the mistakes or short-comings of others? It may well be helpful to remember that God has made each of us to be different, unique. We may react differently to situations. For example, while some may become quiet, others may be more boisterous. Each of us has a different disposition and way of doing things, neither is right or wrong in most situations, just different. Our way of speaking, thinking, and reacting differ. Things that are of no importance to us and have little affect may be incredibly important to another and affect greatly. That’s okay!

Col 3:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Showing forbearance to one another. Take the idea of patience or long-suffering and add forbearance! We are to sustain one another, support each other even through the difficulties of life. We are to endure. This means, not once do we show humility, gentleness and patience but we continue to literally “hold oneself up against or put up with” weaknesses of others – just as Christ does with us. Included in the definition of forbearance is the word suffer. Consider. When you think of the real suffering Jesus endured for us on the cross, is it too much to ask that we ‘put up’ with others; can this even be categorized as true suffering?

Ro 15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not [just] please ourselves.

Ga 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

Our practice of patience and long-suffering towards others directly affects how we are to relate to one another in unity, as we will explore further in Ephesians 4:4. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling”.

1Co 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong [suffered,] 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

In love. Agape: affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast: -- (feast of) charity (-ably), dear, love. Agapao, to love in a social or moral sense.

1Co 13:1-7 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have [the gift of] prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed [the poor,] and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong [suffered,] 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Gentleness, patience and forbearance are born in humility. Then a humble heart is demonstrated by our love for one another. Without love for one another, it is impossible to be unified in our pursuit of holiness and honoring God.

“With the greatest humility, and meekness, and with long-suffering, support one another under the miseries of life, by doing every good office in your power to each other, from a principle of unfeigned love”. Macknight on the Epistles

“The word signifies a diligent, industrious, and united endeavor, to preserve and keep, to support and maintain, to unity of the Spirit; that is, a union of heart and spirit, a unity of faith and doctrine, and unity of judgment and affection, amongst all the professors of Christianity”. William Burkitt New Testament

Walk worthy with humility and gentleness, patiently enduring each other because of love.

The Lord is my Shepherd

Truth – God is our Shepherd.
What does a shepherd do? A shepherd feeds, guides, and protects. A shepherd tends a flock, watches over it, takes care of it, keeps it from harm, and leads it to green pastures where there is plenty of nourishment. God, as our Shepherd, cares for us and attends to all our needs. He leads us to safety and even draws us back when we wander.

In late May of this year, I published a study titled “Dinosaur Age”. This study began with the explanation that I was sharing it in an audience the median age of 85 at the assisted living facility my Mom resides at. The sweetest blessings have come from that time. You have to picture individuals slowly entering a room using a cane, walker or wheelchair. Most of them, beautiful white hair the color of snow, thin wire rimmed glasses and adorable smiles (albeit with some teeth missing). The best part was the desire for encouragement in God’s word. It is my privilege to have been asked to continue a study once a month at this facility. So as I spoke with my Mom about what might be a good topic to concentrate on, she suggested that they all have the common need to continue to be useful even with bodies that don’t function quite right anymore. We started our monthly study in Psalm 23, last month and had an encouraging time looking at scripture that many of them were familiar with in their remembrance of hearing the words. I am greatly blessed by remembering our Lord as our Shepherd. I pray you are blessed also!

His Care.

Truth – God is the Author and Giver of our physical bodies.

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

God is the Lord. Jehovah – the Self-Existent One, the Eternal One.

This is important to understand in order to accept the truth that God can do anything He wants. God is eternal, meaning He has always been in existence, even before time began. There is no one other than God who is able to claim this truth.

God existed before creation. He is the author of all creation. Therefore, He has license to do what He wants with His creation. Consider. If I make something – a quilt, a cake, or even plan a party – I am the one who has the right to do it the way I think is best. Usually, I even have a plan in my mind of how it will turn out.

God made us, therefore, He has the right to do with our lives what He deems best. Well then, we might ask, why would He give me a body that is falling apart, or the aches and pains of getting older?

Truth – God is our Shepherd.

What does a shepherd do? A shepherd feeds, guides, and protects. A shepherd tends a flock, watches over it, takes care of it, keeps it from harm, and leads it to green pastures where there is plenty of nourishment. God, as our Shepherd, cares for us and attends to all our needs. He leads us to safety and even draws us back when we wander. Because we’re talking about God as our Shepherd, we must define who the flock is. The flock is everyone who has truly repented of sin and follows God in obedience, having accepted the promise of eternal life given by grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These are God’s children, the flock, His sheep.

It is noteworthy that this Psalm follows Psalm 22, commonly referred to as “The Psalm of the Cross”, which is full of lamenting over what looks like the lack of God’s answer to David’s prayers. The Psalmist begins verse one of Psalm 22 with a repeat of the words spoken by Jesus in His last hours on the cross, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” It is necessary to recall here that it is the shed blood and suffering of Jesus which allows us to have a relationship with God so that we are even able to say “The Lord is my Shepherd”. God does allow His children to suffer but ultimately it is for their good and His glory.

Consider. When do you truly feel the need to prostrate yourself before the Lord? Is it when everything is going well or when you are ‘at the end of your rope’? When we feel strong in ourselves it is easy for us to forget we require a Shepherd. We then depend upon our own strength and wisdom which is sorely lacking. Weakness confirms our need to hold the Savior’s outstretched hand.

Joh 10:11-15 I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hireling, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, beholds the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf snatches them, and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hireling, and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

Isa 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

Eze 34:11-12 For thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.

God will protect and provide for His children. We can have confidence in His care here on earth and forever in heaven. Psalm 23 is full of the comforts offered to God’s children as His sheep. Notice the Psalmist, David, refers to God as ‘my shepherd’. This denotes a personal relationship with him.

Consider. You wouldn’t introduce someone as ‘my dad’ if indeed he was just an acquaintance. So, there is a criteria for us to be able to call God our Shepherd. We must acknowledge Him as our heavenly Father and accept the gift of His Son’s payment for our sins. Only then can we gain the confidence of His grace towards us and His care for us.

Ps 79:13 So we Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture will give thanks to Thee forever; to all generations we will tell of Thy praise.

Joh 10:27-30 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 "I and the Father are one."

1Pe 2:25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Look at how God is described in the above verse, “the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls”. Think of what those words mean. First, we have God as our Shepherd, and His continual care for us. Then we see God as our Guardian meaning He oversees our life. A guardian is responsible to protect and care for those in their charge. When God, in His grace, calls us to Himself as His children, He gladly takes us under His care. He doesn’t do this with a haphazard commitment. He takes on the responsibility not only for our lives here on earth but for all eternity. There is great peace in the truth that the Lord is our Shepherd! No wonder, Psalm 23:1 goes on to say, “I shall not want”.

Truth – I shall not want. Rather, I shall have no need for want. Everything necessary is given to me by my Father in Heaven.

Think! What does ‘I shall not want’ mean? Does it mean that anything and everything my heart desires will be given to me? Of course not! But what it does mean is that I will never lack what I need to do God’s will, to fulfill His plan for my life.

I may feel as if I need more strength to complete even simple daily tasks on my own. God knows exactly what truly needs to be done and will provide strength enough for that. Many of you are no longer able to prepare your own meals, that’s okay, God has provided someone who will do that for you. Most of you are unable to drive, that too is okay, because you have been given transportation when you need it. In your eighties, nineties and even into the century mark, you can be assured that God will continue to bless you with all that is needed to please Him. You may not be able to train for a marathon, let alone run one, but you will reach the prize. The end goal is eternal life with Christ. If you’re His child, you’ve already received the winner’s ribbon – it was pinned on your heart the day you accepted Jesus.

God will not withhold the blessings that allow you to live a life pleasing to Him. You will not fail because you lack what is needed to fulfill His plan for you. If you do not have everything you desire it is because God has not considered it necessary.

God will feed us, He will lead us (Isa 40:11)
God will provide guidance for us from others who follow His truths; In God, there is no need to fear, nor be dismayed; there is no lack (Jer 23:4)
God will search for you and seek you out when you stray (Eze 34:11-12)
God has ransomed you with His Son’s very life (John 10:11)

“I shall not want”. God’s children can say those words with confidence. We all have a choice to be satisfied with what God has supplied. We have a choice to be content where He has us.

Php 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Notice the words in the scripture above. It says God shall supply. Not maybe, not perhaps, but will!

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

Again, carefully take notice of the words used in the previous reference. It says we will ‘always have all sufficiency in everything’, ‘an abundance for every good deed’. Without the cross, we are lacking; with the cross, at the feet of the Savior, there is no want.

Read how Paul encourages the Ephesian church: Eph 3:13-19 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. 14 For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; [and] that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Don’t lose heart either for others or for yourself! Although you may feel like your physical body is waning, God will continue to strengthen you in your heart and soul. For His glory. He will continue to bless His children with the knowledge of His security and a love immeasurable until that day you are complete in Him in heaven. The Annotated Bible Notes says we can be assured that ‘nothing really beneficial to body or soul will be withheld’.

Re 7:17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes."

The role we have in attaining the comfort of God as our Shepherd, and having confidence in His every provision, is that of a sheep. Sheep stand meek before their shepherd, willing and wanting to be led. Sheep know the voice of their shepherd and they follow him. Do you recognize God as your Shepherd? Are you seeking to follow Him? If yes, then trust in God’s care.

Ps 34:9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want.

Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Mt 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

Lu 12:30-32 "For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. "But seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Ro 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

“I shall not lack for temporal things. Does he not feed the ravens, and cause the lilies to grow? How, then, can he leave his children to starve? I shall not want for spirituals, I know that his grace will be sufficient for me. Resting in him he will say to me, "As thy day so shall thy strength be." I may not possess all that I wish for, but "I shall not want." … It is not only "I do not want," but "I shall not want." Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, "I shall not want." Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. I have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because "The Lord is my shepherd." Treasury of David

Mt 6:25 "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

One of the poor members of the flock of Christ was reduced to circumstances of the greatest poverty in his old age, and yet he never murmured. "You must be badly off", said a kind hearted neighbor to him one day as they met upon the road, "you must be badly off; and I don't know how an old man like you can maintain yourself and your wife; yet you are always cheerful!" "Oh no!" he replied, "we are not badly off, I have a rich Father, and he does not suffer me to want." "What! Your father is not dead yet? He must be very old indeed!" "Oh!" said he, "my Father never dies, and he always takes care of me!" This aged Christian was a daily pensioner on the providence of his God. His struggles and his poverty were known to all; but his own declaration was, that he never wanted what was absolutely necessary. The days of his greatest straits were the days of his most signal and timely deliverances. When old age benumbed the hand of his industry, the Lord extended to him the hand of charity. And often has he gone forth from his scanty breakfast, not knowing from what earthly source his next meal was to be obtained. But yet with David he could rely on his Shepherd's care, and say, "I shall not want;" and as certainly as he trusted in God, so surely, in some unexpected manner was his necessity supplied. John Stevenson.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. These are beautiful words to the believer. Find contentment in His provision, have confidence in His Truths, and trust in His Care.

Beautiful, Precious, Costly Freedom

Consider Patrick Henry in his speech on March 34, 1775. Most American’s are familiar with this famous quote: “give me liberty or give me death”. It means that freedom is worth dying for.

Freedom. We are blessed to live in a country where we are free to pursue the things we believe. Our freedom came at a great price. Countless lives have been lost in obtaining our independence from neighboring countries. Most Americans would agree they are thankful for their freedom and for those who died fighting for it, and for those who continue to defend our country.

Complete freedom is found in Christ. Our freedom from the control of sin was purchased at a great price – Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus’ victory over sin once and for all was obtained when He miraculously rose from the dead. Those who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and have accepted His gift of deliverance from sin’s grasp, celebrate freedom now and forever where we will one day be free from sin’s presence altogether. Praise God for His love and mercy shown toward us and for the sacrifice of His only Son!

Joh 8:32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Free meaning to liberate, to deliver. Consider Patrick Henry in his speech on March 34, 1775. Most American’s are familiar with this famous quote: “give me liberty or give me death”. It means that freedom is worth dying for.

God chose that our freedom from sin was worth dying for.

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
― Patrick Henry

Praise God that He has chosen you to live in a country where you are free to worship Him. Your freedom from slavery in this country has been purchased with the price of countless soldiers. Your freedom from slavery to sin has been purchased with the price of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties, is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow. – John Jay, First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

America was founded on the understanding of its need for God and trust in God. Pull out the coins and paper money you have in your wallet and consider what it says: In God We Trust. Do you?

Distractions

Onward to scrutinizing the next line in our vows: ‘Forsaking all others, keeping myself only unto You’. When we forsake someone or something, we withdraw. Forsaking means to leave one thing for another, to give something up. This is an important concept when we consider the sin nature we have. Before understanding of God’s grace was bestowed upon us, we lived for what we thought was best. Living for Christ, our motivation changes to do what God says is best – a giving up of self for God. We need to remove those things that tempt us to set God aside, and replace them with the people and things that draw our devotion toward Him.

Purity and Devotion

Till Death Do We Meet, part 7

This study follows part six of the series, Till Death Do We Meet, titled, “To Love and to Cherish” published May 31st. The next and second to last line in our traditional wedding vows states, ‘Forsaking all others, keeping myself only unto You’. This series has taken traditional wedding vows that had been recited for decades and appropriated them to our relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

It’s not always easy to look closely at ourselves, our struggles and weaknesses, and the many times we fall short. Our failures sometimes seem to flash back at us like bright neon signs. However, there is encouragement! God won’t change His mind about the love He has given us and He accepts even our smallest offerings of service. He knows we’re weak. What He desires from us is our heart, our devotion.

Consider. What pulls you from your relationship with Christ? We can easily become distracted by the things around us; we forget that while we may live on this earth, our citizenship is in heaven. The promise of our life with Christ should point our affections towards God and away from the things in this world, as we look forward to our future in God’s kingdom. This truth causes us to have a joy from within as our hearts are drawn to our true treasure!

What transpires when you plan a trip? First, a destination is chosen. Then you might think of the details about how you get there. At one point, you begin to pack the clothing and things you’ll need. Often, maps are looked at, and time schedules are decided upon. All the while, excitement builds as you prepare and you find your thoughts gravitating towards your future plans. Anticipation motivates you as get closer and closer to arriving to your destination. As you eagerly await your trip, more and more of your time, energy and thoughts goes into preparation.

God is already preparing for His children’s arrival! Joh 14:2 "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. Are we devoted to preparing ourselves for Him, forsaking the things that draw our attention away?

In earlier studies of Till Death Do We Meet, I addressed some of the more difficult times in our lives: times when God allows trials for the purpose of discipline, times of struggling and need and times of physical weakness and illness. In all of these situations as well as when times are good, we are to put God first – in every circumstance, at any cost.

2 Timothy 4:2 tells us to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” This scripture says to proclaim Jesus when the opportunity is convenient and likewise when it is inconvenient, even when there are obstructions or hindrances. In fact, if you back up to the first verse of 2 Tim 4, you’ll read that this is a charge to us, not a suggestion!

2Ti 4:1 I solemnly charge [you] in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

Several years ago, I attended a Sunday service at Heritage Bible Church in Florida. The sermon topic was on witnessing and there was a newsletter included in the bulletin entitled “Glimpses” of people, events, life and faith from the church across the ages. It was published by the Christian History Institute. This pamphlet had an article about George Whitefield, a controversial evangelist born in the 1700’s. He was considered controversial because he “refused to soft-pedal his preaching. His bluntness sometimes offended people”. The article also said that George Whitefield detested lukewarm Christianity. “To him, it was worse than no faith at all … he made every effort to shake churchgoers out of their apathy”. He reminded his listeners of “the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:16, where Christ said He would spew such congregations out of His mouth. The only kind of faith that pleased God was fervent, heartfelt belief …” Wouldn’t you have loved to have been at one of his sermons!!

Read this quote from Barnes’ Bible Commentary: “A man who is greatly intent on an object will seek every opportunity to promote it. He will not confine himself to stated times and places, but will present it everywhere, and at all times. A man, therefore, who merely confines himself to the stated seasons of preaching the gospel, or who merely reaches when it is convenient to himself, should not consider that he has come up to the requirement of the rule laid down by the apostle (Paul). He should preach in his private conversation, and in the intervals of his public labours, at the side of the sick bed, and wherever there is a prospect of doing good to anyone. If his heart is full of love to the Savior and to souls, he cannot help doing this”. That’s what you call devotion, putting God first, forsaking all else!

In John 4:34, Jesus says “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work”. Job, even in the midst of his sufferings claimed “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Did you catch the use of the word food in the above scriptures? Food is necessary for growth! Food sustains our lives. Without it, we would starve. Starvation is a severe form of malnutrition. According to The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, total starvation is fatal in eight to 12 weeks (section 1, chapter 2).

Consider. Are you devoted to a steady diet in God’s word or are you starving, barely taking enough in to keep you alive? An important part of being devoted to Jesus is setting the priority to spend time with Him by reading the Bible and praying, asking God to search your heart, give you understanding, and show you how to apply the truths He so graciously has preserved. If you are saved, God, in His goodness and mercy, has chosen you. Isn’t it reasonable to presume that we would make a deliberate decision to get to know Him by spending concentrated time with Him? It’s not that we put God in a box and check it off, He’s always with us throughout each moment. But it is giving an unhurried and uncluttered heart, mind and soul without distraction just as we would do for anything or anyone we are truly interested in. How else are we going to be prepared in season and out of season to share His glorious truths to those around us? How else are we going to be able to navigate through a difficult and sometimes treacherous climb?

Devotion to God is a constant commitment to Him, a dedication to follow His ways. It is not just grazing when we run out of energy or need encouragement. Or gorging ourselves at one time then starving ourselves at another. To be dedicated to God means we show our allegiance to Him, we are loyal. In a marriage, it is accepted that fidelity to each other will be practiced. Keeping a marriage relationship pure with having only eyes for one another is part of showing your complete devotion and commitment.

The way we use our time speaks of our commitment to God. In Luke 1:75 we read that we are to live “In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days”. All of them, not just some of them or most of them. We don’t seek God on Sunday then claim the rest of the week as our own. If this is our practice, we are in danger of malnutrition! Consider. When you take a vacation, do you vacate God?

Ro 14:6-8 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

In whatever we do, we are to be devoted to God, we are remain pure in Him and for Him, we are to bring glory and honor to Him with our lives.

1Co 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Joshua reminds us of the choice we need to make. Jos 24:15 "And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Ephesians 5:27 tells us that God loves us and is waiting to present us “to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”.

There was a time when my husband and I would go out to lunch each Sunday after church. One such time, we decided to try a new place that had opened which served mostly barbeque. We ordered our lunch and were enjoying the delicious food. Having six different sauces to try at the table proved to be a fun experiment. I found my favorite and picked up the squeeze bottle full of this sauce called ‘sweet and zesty’. I gave the bottle a hefty squeeze and almost the entire contents exploded out onto the white skirt and lilac colored shirt I was wearing! My hair, face, arm, blouse and skirt were covered in rich red sauce. Get a good mental picture of this and you’ll have the complete opposite of our presentation to Christ without stain or blemish! Because of our union with Him, we are justified, sanctified and will one day be glorified as we are presented to Him pure and undefiled.

The Bible says God looks at our character, our heart. I think we can conclude that the most important characteristic of someone who is godly is their obvious love for the Lord, their devotion to Him. Despite circumstances of our lives on this earth that disappoint us and the heart aches we may experience, we are to remain faithful to God. Our choices and actions should honor His name. Times of uncertainty or when we feel let down by another, should turn us toward God, seeking His perfect instruction, not away from Him. In Joshua 1:16, we read “whatever You have commanded us we will do, and wherever You send us we will go”. May that be the commitment of God’s children.

The devotion to God in the Macedonia church is recorded for us in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Now, brethren, we [wish to] make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability [they gave] of their own accord, 4 begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5 and [this,] not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. Notice that the Macedonian Christians first honored God by the giving of themselves to Him We need to be dedicated to honoring God with our whole lives – our time, efforts, resources, and abilities – anything He requires of us. All we have is from Him and is to be used for Him.

When I first wrote this study as a retreat more than ten years ago, I had struggled with putting God first sometimes, I really had to put effort into forsaking all the things that seemed to scream at me for my attention. I recalled the many times I had been in the middle of reading my Bible and studying when the phone rang and I chose to answer it. Or I allowed the buzzing of my clothes dryer to draw me away from what was truly important. Or, my mind would begin to wander into thinking of all the things that needed to get done that day. The question that begs to be addressed is, “Do we find as much time for God as we do our family and friends”? Most of us wouldn’t consider leaving the house without brushing our teeth but we have left the house without reading and praying, feeding our soul. Perhaps you make time for exercise, which is a good thing, but at the expense of time with God, which is the better choice. Our priorities say a lot about what is most important to us. As I stated, I was convicted by my choices of letting things distract me. I began turning everything off that could be a distraction, and praise God for many years now, I have been able to enjoy a quiet time with no influences pulling me away or causing my attention to be divided.

There used to be a television show called “What Not to Wear”. The hosts basically sabotaged an unsuspecting person to point out all their fashion blunders. At the beginning of the show the person they approach has to agree to give themselves over, “mind, body and clothes”. The key here is the necessity to give everything over, allowing the hosts to sort through all their clothing, throwing out what they don’t like. Then they must follow the guideline set for them by their personal fashion designers in choosing a new wardrobe, including hairstyle and makeup. Once they agree to this, they are handed a visa card with $5,000 on it. (Just a side note, I would most definitely have participated!) Some of the transformations truly are remarkable. The individuals revealed at the end of the program usually look quite different than they did at the beginning. And often, their personality seemed to gain a new sparkle!

Our whole being needs to be devoted to Christ:

Heart – our feelings, intuitions, emotions, character, and affections

Mind – including our ideas, perceptions, intellect, judgments and reasoning

Soul – our core, the embodiment of our consciousness and very being.

When we are completely devoted to Christ, we learn to trust Him as He transforms us. We become less of self and more of Jesus. I’m sure many of you are able to look back several years ago and see change in your thinking and behavior. I seriously don’t even recognize who I was decades ago, I truly am completely changed by God’s grace, and He’s not done with me yet (thankfully)! Keeping ourselves wholly devoted to God requires more than just lip service, it is our life service.

Most of us are fairly good at lip service, sharing what we think should be done. But action needs to follow. The best intentions mean nothing of they aren’t carried out. James 2:17-18 says, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, [being] by itself. 18 But someone may [well] say, "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Read also James 2:26, For just as the body without [the] spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Lawrence Richards’ Teachers Commentary says, “Knowing the Bible is not the key – applying what God has revealed in our daily lives is what counts. Knowing what we should do is not enough – it is putting what we know into practice to live a life worthy of God”.

Lord, help us to forsake all things contrary to Your truth, keeping ourselves fully committed to You as our Heavenly Father. In purity and devotion, give us eyes and hearts only for You.

A Prisoner

Consider. What are the characteristics of a prisoner? They are not free. They are under the control of someone or something else. They are captive. A prisoner bows to authority, they follow someone else’s rules.
This idea almost immediately seems like an oxymoron. We hear often the words, ‘we are free in Christ’. We are free in Christ – we are free to live under His power instead of sin’s clenching hold. It’s one or the other – live for Christ or live for sin.

I’ll just say right off the bat I’m hardly able to crawl never mind walk in a manner worthy of being God’s child. We – I’m using this pronoun to include others because I have a feeling I’m not the only one who can start out with good intentions that fail – are absolutely in a battle of the flesh! Don’t you feel it?! In our mind we generate expectations of others, of situations, and of appropriate responses to circumstances. Seldom are the pictures that we’ve conjured up, conceived as reality. Disappointment then fills our thoughts. Then what? How do we respond?

Or, perhaps the struggle is not disappointment. Perhaps the nemesis we fight is worldly thinking which leads us to being okay with compromise.

There’s a split second in which we either think right or we don’t think at all, and we speak not so righteously or don’t speak at all. Or, we choose to fight or to succumb. Depending on that split second decision, we are led into peace or turmoil either within ourselves or with others. Maybe you’ve been there and can relate or maybe you don’t think you’ve been there, which is doubtful because of our sin nature. The point is, it’s easy to memorize Ephesians 4:1 and agree with it whole heartedly, but doing it is really difficult.

If you are unable to relate to these thoughts then continue doing what you’re doing and praise God, for it is only in Him that we can walk in a manner befitting of the King’s child.

If you, like myself, can relate to similarities in your life where you fall short, then let’s be encouraged and challenged together by God’s word. I am personally convicted to more promptly recognize that split second of time where my choice determines to follow a path that does not honor God. By His grace, I pray that sin is uprooted in my life. Do you ever just want to peel off your perishable body to exchange it for one clothed in holiness? It would be so cool if we could just find that secret zipper that would rid us of sin that wants to linger. What a beautiful day we have to look forward to, when all sin is vanished!

So I thought I’d begin a study on Ephesians 4. I think perhaps I have done one in the past but it is amazing how you can go to scripture again and again and continue to learn new truths. I’m tempted to read previous notes I have, but I’m truly desiring to go where God leads me in this. He knows my heart and my needs so much better than I do. God is faithful to highlight those exact things that demand a closer look once again.

When I am especially tired or feel as if there is more to get done than the hours in my day allot – I am prone to get irritated. That is not likely a word we want associated with ourselves. It means to be annoyed, to be bothered, to be peeved, and even to get riled up in anger. We all know anger is sin and we don’t like using such a strong adjective when it is connected to ourselves. But anger happens and consequently needs to be addressed.

Consider. When we’re not quite up to par in our health, or have a headache or some other annoying malady presents itself, we seem to be more vulnerable to sin. When trying to encouraging someone with the Truth seems to have no benefit, or reaching out to someone in love is rejected, we are prone to discouragement. What happens to the fruits of the Spirit in our lives in these times? Most of us could list them by heart: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22). We don’t lose them – we just don’t use them! I’m sharing my personal thinking in the hopes that you realize you’re not alone in this struggle. I absolutely don’t want to promote a ‘misery loves company’ concept, but it is good to know that we are all trying to move forward in spite of our daily weakness and disappointment, continuing to honor God – to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. Walk on my friend, together we can help each other over the potholes of sin. My plan is to begin with Ephesians 4:1, then periodically between other studies I’m writing, we’ll slowly move through the chapter.

Eph 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

The first thing that glaringly stands out to me in the above verse is how the author describes himself -- the prisoner of the Lord. Wow, this phrase merits a close look. The word prisoner comes from a Greek word desmios. The meaning is to be a captive (as bound), in bonds, a prisoner. This specific word is only used in the New Testament. It is used in the book of Matthew, referring to Barabbas. The same word is used in Acts 16 in the account of Paul and Silas being imprisoned. Throughout later chapters in Acts, the word prisoner is associated with Paul. It is not surprising then that Paul, the author of Ephesians, would use this word to describe himself. He very well knew what it was like to be imprisoned, unfairly, without cause. But being imprisoned is something that happens to you, typically it is not by choice. However, in Eph 4:1, it is by choice that Paul calls himself a prisoner. In Eph 3:1, Paul again chooses to call himself “the prisoner of Jesus Christ”. So, the concept of choice has also entered into our thoughts on Eph 4:1.

This idea almost immediately seems like an oxymoron. We hear often the words, ‘we are free in Christ’. We are free in Christ – we are free to live under His power instead of sin’s clenching hold. It’s one or the other – live for Christ or live for sin. Our author happens to be physically imprisoned and in that sense is not free to roam around and speak of the truths of the Gospel. However, he is continuing to encourage others in the faith by his writing and he is proclaiming Truth to those in close proximity to himself, by words. He trusts that God has allowed his physical imprisonment, and considers himself a prisoner of God rather than any earthly establishment. Isn’t that cool?! How is it possible for someone who has been thrown into prison – tired, uncomfortable, physically mistreated, definitely misunderstood – still have the mindset of serving others. We don’t have recorded for us complaining or an attitude of disgruntlement yet you know Paul is suffering. But that was not what was truly important. Was Paul superhuman? No, but He chose to see himself as a prisoner of the Lord. In all things, Paul, our example, was focused on God. He was working for Him, seeing himself as a captive for Christ, under His authority rather than man’s. The Lord God was his Supreme Authority, his Master.

What was Paul’s focus as a prisoner? Was it that things didn’t go the way he planned? Or that his expectations weren’t met? Or that his pleasures were not filled? In our text, we read that he was concerned about the encouragement of others, that they not lose heart, and that they continue to pursue righteousness, even though they saw ill-treatment and unfair accusation of Paul. Read the text again.

Eph 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

It’s just one tiny letter of the alphabet, “I”. But it is so important. I need to walk worthy. I don’t need to prove to others what they have or haven’t done. I need to walk worthy, choosing to forgo the pull and pleasures of sin. I need to walk worthy, proving by my thoughts, words, and actions that I am God’s child, saved by His grace. My concentration needs to be on the responsibility I have been charged to, in living a life pleasing and honoring to my Lord.

God’s word to us in Ephesians 4:1 entreats us to walk worthy. Entreat means to call us near, to invite, or to invoke by imploring. It is a strong word and is translated as beseech in the KJV. It seems, as I look at the definition, it can also be a word of encouragement used to comfort, such as a reminder of what we have in Christ. In other words, we can walk in a manner worthy of our relationship with Him, it is entirely possible! This same word is used to bring a message of comfort in Matthew 2:18 and 5:4. It is used in the sense of pleading throughout the New Testament and also of praying to God. In the book of Acts, chapters 8 and 9, the word parakaleo, translated beseech in Eph 4:1, is used in connection with desiring someone to do something. In Acts 28:20, Paul uses this word when he says “I called for you”. Read Romans 12:1 below.

Ro 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

The strong sense of this word can’t be missed! We are implored, beseeched, desired and urged to follow God’s truths, to walk worthy. We are not commanded to live a life of holiness and then left to ourselves to figure it out. We have what is necessary to please God and honor His word, through Christ. We are definitely able to walk in a manner worthy of our calling in Jesus. God desires us to be comforted and encouraged to do so. This isn’t a suggestion, it is an exhortation to press on and live worthy! I recently had a conversation with someone who claims to be a believer. In that conversation, they readily recognized that choices they were making were sin. But, also quickly offered the suggestion that their sin was a struggle and everyone struggles. That is true, but then to just choose to succumb to our weaknesses is to devalue God’s power! It’s like saying, ‘Yeah, I struggle with sin but oh well that’s just the way it is’. This is a mockery of who God is and what He has done for us! To choose to just struggle with sin on a continuing basis, lacks an understanding of who we are and what we have in Christ! You really have to wonder if there is a clear understanding of what Jesus did on the cross for us. Are you desiring the blessings of eternal life but not bowing to the authority of the almighty God?

Consider. Would you admit to having an alcohol abuse problem, sorrow over your struggle, and then walk into a bar and sit at the counter? Of course not! Hopefully, we would all recognize that choice as foolish! God is all-powerful and through Jesus, has conquered the power of sin’s control. We have a choice. Do we willingly place ourselves as a prisoner of God – under His authority – at all times, in all circumstances? Or, do we pick and choose to follow when it is easy or convenient or meets our own desires? Leaving the door open to wander in and out of the pleasures of sin, allowing anger or actions that dishonor God, does not coincide with being His child, redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus.

God knows we are weak. This should come as no surprise to us – if you are His child you have recognized your need. You will be able to say with Paul that you are desiring to be under the control of the Lord. The desire to walk worthy will impact your thoughts and actions, sin will be addressed and fought with a mighty effort.

I personally love that the pace at which we move along in Eph 4:1 is described as walking! I realize this verbiage is not really addressing the rate of our physical stride, but when we are tired, it is difficult to consider running, so I am thankful that perhaps walking is sometimes okay! The scriptures that quickly lend themselves to mind are 1 Cor 9:24 and Heb 12:1.

1Co 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but [only] one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

The verbiage in the above verses speak more of a course than the actual act of physically running. I, for one, am thankful for that! We are to walk – to tread all around, to walk at large (especially as proof of ability), to live, to deport oneself, to follow, to go, to be occupied with, and to walk (about) – in a manner worthy. This really describes what my life needs to be about. No matter what. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. You could say things weren’t going real well for him, it probably wasn’t the highlight of his plans, but his focus was on honoring God, not pleasing himself. I need to be absorbed in living my life for Jesus. This will be my main concern, what captures my interest and what fills my mind. We can see how this mindset will affect the way we react to others when we are disappointed. If I am occupied with walking in a manner pleasing to God, I will not get derailed by disappointment. Discouragement will not be what I act upon. I will not choose to put my pleasures above God’s commands. I will still have concerns, I will still feel hurt, I may struggle with being annoyed, and I will feel the pull of sin. But these things will quickly be handed to God’s care as I walk forward in Christ’s strength. My course will not veer off into an area where my life reeks of the sin that once controlled me. I am now under God’s control, a captive of His great love for me. Because of Jesus I am worthy, I can and should act in a way appropriate to my calling as God’s child.

Choose God’s authority, choose to walk worthy, and choose to uphold your calling in Christ. Choose to be a prisoner of God’s great grace and power.

Be Still My Soul

Most of us have been blessed with what we consider a close friend or two, those individuals who just seem to be in sync with the way you think and do things. Hopefully, if you are married, you have a deep friendship with your spouse. When someone knows you really well, you can share what is in your heart. You learn from those who are your closest friends. Accepting correction and suggestions about turning a different direction, are much easier to digest when you have a trusting relationship. Pr 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

I have a little sign in my sewing room that says, ‘I would rather be doing nothing with you than something with anyone else’. That’s how I feel about my Sweetheart! There’s a comfortableness and value in true friendships.

Besides my Better Half (he truly is!), I have the joy of a few friends I can be absolutely honest with. I learn so much from them and they are quick to hold me accountable to Truth. I am taught to think in terms other than my own, and to look at things with a different perspective. I have been encouraged to be gentler when needed and to stand strong in the Truth when necessary. Most of all, I am confident that these friends are with me even in the thick of things. In the best of times and in the most challenging, I can count on them. They are incredibly important to me, treasured. Consider those who are closest in your life, your ‘best’ friends, as we move forward in this study.

We find several stories of friendship in God’s word. There’s the relationship between Jonathan and David – the Bible says, “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David” – in 1 Samuel 18:1. This special relationship is described further for us in 1 Sa 20:41, 2 Sa 1:26, and 2 Sa 15:37. A friendship between Hiram, king of Tyre, and David is mentioned in 1 Kings 5:1. Paul and Titus were friends and when Paul was unable to find Titus, he became distressed (2 Cor 2:13). Paul describes Epaphroditus as his brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier and minister to his need, in Philippians 2:25. Timothy speaks of the refreshment and acceptance he received from the house of Onesiphorus (2 Tim 1:16). We could go on and on describing these special relationships found throughout the Bible. Consider Ruth and Naiomi (Ruth 1:16) and the ‘Mary’s’ (Matthew 27-28).

There’s a story of a friendship in the Bible that gives us a strong picture of faith and trust in God. Elijah and Elisha. In 2 Kings Chapter 2, Elijah was about to be taken up to heaven and Elisha was with him.

We have to pause right here and understand the significance of what is happening. The taking up of Elijah is usually what we concentrate on in this story because it’s an incredible miracle in itself. But consider what else is about to happen: the loss of a friendship, a close friendship. Elijah would be leaving. Elijah was Elisha’s teacher, that person who probably knew him best. There was probably joy in Elisha’s heart for his friend, knowing what would soon take place. But, think of the sadness that must be present also. Elisha knew that he would soon be without Elijah. Twice Elisha was questioned by others about what was to happen.

2Ki 2:3 Then the sons of the prophets who [were at] Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know; be still."

2Ki 2:5 And the sons of the prophets who [were] at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be still."

Let’s pay close attention to the response in both sections of scripture above. Be still. Consider. Elisha’s mentor, his best friend, his confidant, is about to leave forever. Humanly speaking, this is heart wrenching. Yet, we see the trust that is displayed in Elisha’s response to others who are unsettled. Imagine the thoughts of those around them. ‘Do something’! ‘How can you be okay with what is going to happen’? ‘Do you understand what is going to occur’? Elisha did fully understand. He also had complete faith in God and trusted in His plans. Be still.

In the KJV, the words are translated, ‘hold your peace’. Chashah: to hush or keep quiet, hold peace, keep silence, be silent, be still.

This is not even just a ‘be still’ for a moment. It is keep still, ongoing, remembering continuously Who is in control, Who has the better plan – the perfect plan.

Ps 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. The words ‘be still’ are translated from a different Hebrew word damam. However, the meaning is relatively the same: to be dumb as in astonished, speechless; to cease, to hold peace, to quiet self, to rest, be silent, tarry, wait, to be still.

We are to stand in awe of God. The previous scripture causes us to remember when David had been appointed king and was being persecuted. What was his response? He exhorted those who were against him to be fearful of God’s judgments and turn from their sin, to search their own heart and hold their peace – be still.

Ps 46:10 "Cease [striving] and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Cease striving, what a needed phrase! It means to slacken, to abate, cease, to be faint, be feeble, be idle, to leave, to let alone, be still, be slothful. Many of us need to learn how to be still!

There is painted for us in scripture a beautiful picture of giving up of ourselves, our concerns, our drive that something has to be done, and our attitude of fixing it, to the hands of God. Rest, be quiet, pray – He has it all under control. I can’t tell you how often I need to remember this as I’m trying to serve within my many human limitations of strength and understanding! This is definitely not giving up as in ‘I quit’, rather, it is giving up to the One who can do anything and will do everything in His time and His plan. This is absolutely not a license to be lazy and do nothing, we must remain available, desiring to serve, diligent in using our time well. But, we do need to recognize when we are the ones pushing for results, when we want to see something change or happen, that it may be a product of our own plan and time line instead of God’s.

Perhaps the oft heard reminder of ‘letting go’ and ‘letting God’ is a good one. But not in the sense that the world views this phrase. The Bible doesn’t tell us to let go and let God. We need to be discerning about what is truth and what just sounds good. The world has penned this phrase, not God. We are to be about doing, so just sitting back and letting things happen is not acceptable. Doing nothing, having no motivation, taking it easy, and watching the world around us is not our calling as God’s children. We are in the middle of a spiritual battle, and to do nothing would hardly be the purpose of a soldier. However, we do need to let go of the thought that we can accomplish anything in our strength or that by our independent striving, we will be able to defeat sin or defend God’s word. Without God’s spirit, we can do none of these things. We need to be diligent, we need to strive to serve with all the ability we’ve been given, but we also need to remember that God is the driver, it is His work in us and through us that we seek after. Let go – to the confidence you can have in Him, to the peace that results from that confidence, and the rest that comes from knowing He has a perfect plan. Look at the example we have in Timothy:

2Ti 1:8-9 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with [me] in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

Here, in the midst of suffering, we see peace from trusting in God’s purpose. Think of it as acquiescing to God’s plan and His power to bring things about perfectly. God doesn’t need us to acquiesce, but when we choose to follow His plan rather than fight it, we are a step closer to peace. We need to ‘let go’ and ‘not be anxious’ about everything we can’t figure out or fix. Be still.

Php 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As we learn to be still in God’s plan, Philippians 4:8 tells us distinctly what we can be about doing as we wait and trust in God.

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

We are also encouraged by the promised result of following God’s truth as we look at the next verse in the same Chapter of Philippians.

Php 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Peace: quietness, rest

Be still…Be still…Be still…Be still…be still…be still.

Purposed for His Glory

Our purpose for each day will present itself if we listen to God and follow Him and desire to serve Him. Who is it all about anyways? Is it about doing what I want to fulfill my life? Or is it about doing what God commands to bring glory to Him? My life is not my own!

The United States Army had a slogan for twenty years, “Be All You Can Be” – in the Army. It generated a feeling of being able to push yourself to all extremes and do it for a cause that was believed in.

Several weeks ago, someone told me they just wanted to find their purpose in God. With a sincere heart, they were struggling and desiring for their purpose to be clear. I would propose that finding our purpose is not so difficult, it is quite clearly written in God’s word: why we are here and what we are to be about doing. So perhaps, the words, ‘finding my purpose’ can better be equated to acting upon what I know to do. Finding a purpose is not difficult, it’s doing. And it’s being content in the place and position God has ordained for us. Our greater purpose is to glorify God. Each of us has what you might call a lesser purpose. Such as, maybe you have a talent or strength in the arts or science or teaching. It could be that raising a family, caring for a parent, or being an encouragement to others is where you are at this time in your life. If we concentrate on our sole purpose to please God with the lives He has given, then our roles or what He has individually planned for us will become clear. Our lesser purpose may change from time to time as God moves us around to serve in different ways for Himself. Our purpose for each day will present itself if we listen to God and follow Him and desire to serve Him. Who is it all about anyways? Is it about doing what I want to fulfill my life? Or is it about doing what God commands to bring glory to Him? My life is not my own!

What is our purpose according to God’s written word? Actually, I like the word ‘charge’ we looked at in a recent women’s bible study. We’ve been going through Psalm 119 for several years now, it seems like a long time but really there is so much to consider as we look verse by verse at God’s perfect words to us.

Ps 119:138 Thou hast commanded Thy testimonies in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness.

The word ‘commanded’ in this verse is from <tsavah>. In Strong’s Concordance, part of the definition reads (to give) a charge. Also included are these words: (Intensively) to constitute, enjoin, appoint, bid, send a messenger, put (set) in order.

As I wrote earlier, I gravitated towards the idea of being given a charge. There is responsibility in that thought. A purpose. Action. When we are given a charge, we are assigned a duty, given responsibility; we have an obligation to act upon something. Obedience is enjoined in our purpose.

This same word was used when God told Adam he could eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Adam’s charge was to obey. Throughout chapter three in Genesis, this same word is used as God places judgement on all of mankind for Adam’s failure to follow God’s commands.

God commanded Noah to build the ark (Gen 6-7). Noah’s part in this was action, obedience to God’s charge. God commanded the Israelites through the entire book of Deuteronomy. God meticulously told them what to do – their purpose. Joshua was given a charge, or command, to be ‘strong and courageous’ (Jos 1:9). God commands obedience (Jer 7:23).

In Matthew 15, God commands that honor be shown to our father and mother (Matt 15:4). The translation of ‘commanded’ in this verse is from a different word, <entellomai>, which carries the same meaning of ‘to be given a charge’.

Acts 10:42 says, "And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead”. Ordered, or commanded in the KJV, comes from <paraggello>. Again, the same idea of being given a charge to do something. A purpose.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of words or scripture, but it is certainly enough to merit our attention to the ‘purpose’ we have been given in this world as God’s children. Most of the explanations of words are Greek (or Hebrew) to me!!! (This is funny, but true). But, we are not required to be a student of language or theology in order to understand what God wants. We have been given clear commands, or charges. Our purpose is found in God’s word.

This is so contrary to the world’s thinking. We are groomed from a very early age to ‘be something’ or ‘to do something with our life’. Jobs are important, therefore education is important in order to get employment that will bring in a paycheck so that we are able to provide what is needed for ourselves and perhaps family and others. These are all good things and require our attention and some hard work. And, God has given the human mind an amazing capacity for understanding information and solving problems. Goals are important – we are to use our time and energy wisely – but our plans should never supersede God’s commands.

Consider. What is the first thing we say when someone asks us to tell them about ourselves? Do we rattle of a list of accomplishments, job titles and positions before mentioning anything of our relationship with Jesus Christ? That we are His child, living for Him?

What is our purpose according to God’s word?

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We have been created for good works. Our purpose is to be occupied with leading holy lives. Eph 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. …

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

2Co 5:5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Joh 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Mt 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Col 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Good works does not save us, however, we are created for good works. Our purpose. No amount of our own effort has value in bringing us to live a holy life. But, God has made us to be holy for Him. In Him alone are we able to walk in holiness. We are designed by God and enabled by God to live in a manner pleasing to Him.

Ephesians gives us some of the characterization of walking in good works.

Eph 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Wow! This is quite a list, right! For myself, just being purposed to do the things above gives me plenty of ‘things to do’ during the course of each day. Consider. What would it look like to purpose to forgiveness in all things for everyone; to show kindness, to be compassionate towards others in every circumstance, no matter what? And why would we try to do this? It’s our purpose. It brings glory to God when we strive to live in holiness. Because God tells us to do so and our purpose is obedience to Him.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 8-9, But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We have been destined – not for wrath – but for obtaining salvation! Talk about purpose! When I looked up the word destined <tithemi>, part of the definition says purpose. Our destiny, God’s intention for us, our fate is for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is incredibly encouraging and humbling at the same time. Encouraging because my purpose is clear, humbling because God has chosen, in His grace, to call me His child, to rescue me, to purchase me, from the ravages of sin, to the righteousness of Christ. I don’t know myself as well as God knows me, yet I do know that sin wages war in my mind daily; there is a constant battle going on; a fight to do what is right; a perpetual clinging to Jesus to produce the good works I have been created for.

Since we are destined for obtaining salvation in Christ and charged to live lives that are holy and blameless, we need to fight sin. In ourselves, this is impossible. But, with the tools given to us from God, this is entirely plausible!

We are to be sober. We are to be temperate, careful, and watchful.

1Th 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1Pe 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

1Pe 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour

The word ‘vigilant’ comes to mind. When we are sober, we are able to be observant and attentive to possible dangers. We have our eyes open and looking about for the things that threaten us. We are on guard against sin.

Ro 13:13-14 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts.

Eph 5:6-8 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

We are to be ready to work and even fight, using God’s armor.
- the breastplate of faith and love

Consider. What does a breastplate protect? Our heart. Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this: “what the breastplate and helmet are to a soldier's heart and head, such are faith, love, and hope to us. Faith enables us to endure, as seeing him who is invisible; love excites us to diligence and activity, and makes us bear our troubles and difficulties pleasantly; hope helps us to anticipate the great end, the glory that shall be revealed, and which we know we shall in due time obtain, if we faint not.”

Eph 6:16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.

By faith we are justified in Christ. Being justified means we are righteous before God. This righteousness is what shields our heart from attack. Consider. Where are we without the breastplate of righteousness protecting us? We are vulnerable to the darkness of sin. We are defenseless against the attacks of the evil one. What is protecting your heart against attack?

- and as a helmet, the hope of salvation

A helmet protects the head from blows. As God’s children, we have His protection. Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary says this: “A soldier would not fight well without a hope of victory. A Christian could not contend with his foes, without the hope of final salvation; but, sustained by this, what has he to dread?”

Macknight, on the Epistles, says our “head is the seat of reason”. It is responsible for our thoughts and feelings. If left unguarded, without the light and truth of God’s word, we are susceptible to attack. Hope helps us to continue, even through dangers. Our hope is certain. Hope <elpis> means to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation or confidence.

Job 19:23-27 "Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! "That with an iron stylus and lead They were engraved in the rock forever!" And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. "Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; Whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.

Ps 42:5 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.

Ro 5:2-5 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Heb 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

1Pe 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pe 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

We are purposed for action, we are purposed for obedience, we are purposed to have Hope.

Continuing in the book of Thessalonians, we see listed for us a purposed way to live.

v.11 We are to encourage and build up one another,

v.12-13 We are to appreciate and esteem the leaders in our church,

v.13 We are to be at peace amongst ourselves,

v.14 We are to caution those who are defiant to truth, encourage the fainthearted, care for the weak, and be patient towards all.

God’s plan for us, our purpose, is written all over scripture! If we continue in this

same section of the Word, we read that we are to rejoice always (v.16) and pray

without ceasing (v.17).

We are instructed to be thankful.

1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This charge is not just to be thankful for some things, or when something nice has happened. It literally says ‘in everything give thanks’. When things don’t go as planned we are to be thankful knowing God has a better plan that He will bring to fruition. Even in heartache, God is still the One who is causing all things to work for our good and His glory. We have limited knowledge; He is all-knowing.

Eph 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

Accordingly, my purpose is to always be in the spirit of prayer and to be continually grateful and obedient. If God’s grace has called you to be His child, your purpose is to be His child!

We are created for good works, to bring glory to His name. To live holy lives. To treasure the life He has bestowed upon us. To honor His name in all things by our obedience. To take action in doing what the word says. To have hope for the future. To be an encourager and a peacemaker. To rejoice always and to be thankful in all things. This list is by no means exhaustive, there are many, many more scriptures that speak to our purpose. Anything and everything we are able to accomplish or have any amount of success in, is only because of God’s grace in our lives. He has purposed us to live for Him.

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Consider. A rooster has been purposed to crow like a rooster. A fish has been purposed to swim like a fish. A person has been created – purposed – for God’s glory. Living for Him will guide us exactly on the path He has destined for us!

The Cubbies group in our AWANA program at church had a simulated boot camp. Of course, one of the songs they sang was, ‘I’m in the Lord’s Army’. This is a great concept! Be All You Can Be – for God. Live for Him because you believe in His greater cause! This is your purpose.

Grow Like a Lima Bean!

God is the source of our light, are you reaching for Him? Are you using every available means to maximize your exposure to Truth?

Grow Like a Lima Bean

1 John 2

Right now, our garden is in full swing! I love planting seeds or small seedlings that I’ve purchased, and watching them grow. There is something about preparing the soil and digging around in it and tenderly caring for the sprouts that poke their heads up. I check my garden just about every day, sometimes more than once. I make sure there is enough water and when I see any type of bug or disease that doesn’t belong, I’m careful to take care of the situation. We also have larger pests like ground squirrels and gophers. My strawberries were just beginning to turn red and I was excited to show them to my grandchildren so they could pick them. When I took them to my strawberry fountain, there were no strawberries to be found! My husband found the culprit the next morning – a squirrel just sitting on the stone leisurely having his breakfast!

When the grapes and berries and fruit trees begin to ripen, we net them or hang strips of foil to help keep the birds away. Although I love the sound of the birds, and it is special when they choose a place in our yard to nest, I know they can wreak havoc with the fruit harvest. So we do what we can to limit their consumption.

It’s interesting that some things we grow seem to mature quickly and continue producing throughout the summer and fall. Other things, like the grapefruit take months and months to mature! Melons are the same way. Perhaps one of the fastest growing and most prolific yielding crop we grow are of the legume type. Pole beans and snap peas seem to have an almost continuous yield and quick growth.

Remember growing lima beans in school? For many of us, it was the first time we saw a ‘seed’ sprout and grow leaves!

1Jo 2:1-2 says My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for [those of] the whole world.

The author is writing to new Christian converts. The information he reveals to them is help keep them from falling into sin and thus ‘missing the mark’ of a believer. Encouragement is given in the way of a reminder that the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ keeps them in a favorable relationship with God. Through Jesus, all sin has been reconciled.

What do we understand from this?

We need an intercessor. His name is Jesus.

a mediator, a negotiator, someone who acts as a link

We need an intercessor because we are sinful.

transgress against God

There is hope to live a life not ruled by sin.

a certain expectation, a promise

Jesus is the link to our Father God.

Ro 8:34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, [and] one mediator also between God and men, [the] man Christ Jesus,

Heb 7:25 Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Heb 9:24 For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

Consider. How does a lima bean grow? Always towards the light. One resource I did not mention in my description of gardening is the light. It is crucial. It is what healthy seedlings grow towards. Scientifically, this is called phototropism. This process is easily seen in a sunflower. It will bend towards the light in order to maximize its exposure to make energy. A plant’s growth and strength are dependent upon the light.

God is the source of our light, are you reaching for Him? Are you using every available means to maximize your exposure to Truth?

Jas 1:17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

God created the light.

Ge 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

Isa 45:7 The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.

God’s light leads His people.

Ps 78:14 Then He led them with the cloud by day, and all the night with a light of fire.

Ac 9:3 And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;

Ac 12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and roused him, saying, "Get up quickly." And his chains fell off his hands.

God’s light casts out darkness and gives us understanding.

Ec 2:13 And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.

Joh 3:20-21 "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 "But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God."

The better thing is to resist temptation completely; however, when we fail, and we certainly will, we need not despair because Christ is the One who makes us acceptable to God.

1Jo 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Think of the privilege you have as God’s child. Free from sins’ possession, held up in God’s promises. Is your hope founded in the mercy and grace of God through His Son?

How do we know if we’re growing well, if we’re growing towards the Light?

We will keep His commandments (1 John 2:3-4)
We will keep His word (1 John 2:5)
We will abide in Him and walk in His manner (1 John 2:6)

None of this is new information. It is knowledge available to all who call themselves children of God.

1Jo 2:7 Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard.

God’s children have a Light that is living and shining! We have the true embodiment of light in Jesus Christ.

Those who are growing towards the light

Will love their brother (1 John 2:9-11)
Have forgiveness of their sins (1 John 2:12)
Have strength in Christ to overcome sin (1 John 2:13-14)

Our lives will show the affections of our true love.

1Jo 2:15-16 Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Mt 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Jas 4:4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Consider what happens to a small seedling when it does not receive nourishment or light. It may sprout up for a time and even look strong and healthy but eventually it will wither, it will succumb to drought or disease and die. Only the healthiest plants survive. These are the ones that have grown roots in fertile soil and gather water through their roots and push their leaves towards the light. These are the ones that will last and grow strong and yield a produce. (1 John 2:17-19) Where do you get spiritual nourishment? God’s word contains all we need to remain strong in Him. Tendrils reaching out into the world will only pull us in the wrong direction.

God’s children have discernment between the things that are true and those that are lies. They will remain strong in the Truth. (1 John 2: 20-24)

1Jo 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous;

Joh 14:6 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

We can have confidence in God’s promise of eternal life as we abide in Him. (1 John 2:25-29)

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

1Jo 4:16-17 And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this, love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

What does it mean to abide in God? Abide <meno> means to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy; to continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry.

Staying by God’s side – think protection; remembering our relationship with Him and most importantly, His relationship with us, what He did for us and continues to do.

Doing what is expected of His children – do we place ourselves in positions that encourage us to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God so that we know what His word says?

Continuing to strive to do what will honor God – even when it’s difficult or there is a way that seems better, even when it may cause pain or someone may be unhappy with us or disagree.

Dwelling in God’s presence all the time. Instead of dwelling on our problems, how about dwelling on God’s promises? Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Think about what encompasses your day. Consider. Spending our time pursuing the world, placing our thoughts anywhere but in Truth, striving for the things that are unprofitable to our relationship with God – all are robbers of abiding in God.

I love the word tarry in the definition of abide. Tarry paints a picture for us of lingering, of hanging around, of staying and resting awhile. This is a delight in a busy world! We find refreshment as we abide in God.

Grow like a lima bean! God will continually care for you as you abide in Him. As you continue to grow, He will provide all you need to be nourished and to remain strong. He is the light to reach towards. His truth is your strong foundation – plant your feet firmly in Him. When you are weary, rest in His shade and drink from His word. God is your protection from all things that threaten to uproot you. As you abide in your Savior, you will be amazed at the yield He will produce for His glory, all by His amazing grace.

Dinosaur Age!

I wrote this study to share at the Assisted Living Home that my Mom now resides at. They offer a devotional group every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and I was blessed to have the opportunity to encourage my Mom and some of her friends and residents with God’s word. It is a delight for me to watch those who are getting up there in years have the desire to serve God in any way they are able. Sometimes it may just be an encouraging hug and smile. I have been given the blessing of watching my Mom bloom spiritually in her nineties! A few months ago she told me that God had a plan for her right where she was with the ‘older’ people! She is developing a heart of compassion towards those who are lonely and she has taken it upon herself to become an encourager. God is truly amazing to have allowed me to witness this caring heart in my Mom in her senior years!

Several weeks ago, while in the car with my six year old granddaughter, she asked me this question. “Mina, do you have pictures of Tyrannosaurus Rex?” My reply was yes, I think we may have a few pictures in a book. She then proceeded to let me know what she really meant. She wanted to know if I had pictures of myself as a child with a T-Rex! Apparently, her Daddy had told her that dinosaurs lived a very long time ago. She had concluded that I must have lived with them! To a six year old, I am beyond old!

Try to think back to when you were in your twenties. Remember how you would look at people in their thirties and forties and think they were pretty old?! Then, suddenly, when you find yourself in your fifties, you realize you have friends in their sixties and that age no longer seems so old. Now, as I’m pushing sixty personally, seventy still seems rather young to me! Age, at least the number of our years, is relative. How old or how young you are depends on your comparison. For instance, to my grandchildren, I am old. To those in their nineties, I am still young!

There are many accounts of old people in the Bible.

In the book of Genesis, we read that Adam lived to be 930 years old (Genesis 5:5). In comparison, you are all just infants! Still in the book of Genesis, we read that Seth was 912 (Gen 5:8), Enosh lived to be 905 (Gen 5:11), and Jared died at 962 (Gen 5:20).

You’ve heard of Noah. He lived to the ripe old age of 950 years old. By the way, the ark was built over a span of approximately 100 years and Noah began construction of it when he was about 500 years old! Now that seems extremely old to us as we consider age, but when you take in account that he lived to the age of 950, Noah was only middle aged when the construction of the ark began! Isn’t it encouraging to know that at 500 years old God still used Noah?! What does that mean for us? No matter our age, God has a purpose and use for His children! Our understanding of time is measured in what we know, so it has limits. God’s measure of time is eternal.

Methuselah has the honor of having the longest life span recorded – he reached the age of 969 years before he died. So all of us should be thinking that we’re pretty young by now!

Jacob, the father of Joseph, only lived to the age of 147. Young by the standards of those who lived before him.

There are some good things and not-so-good things about aging. Try to recall when you were a teenager. You probably got up each morning and practically jumped out of bed. You didn’t know what sore muscles were and the energy to do everything was readily available! That is a good thing. The downside for most teenagers, is the need to fit in with the crowd. You may have acted or dressed a certain way in order to look like everyone else.

As you become older, you may not have the same boundless energy, but independence develops, and the constraints of looking or acting like those who are the same age disappear. The pictures I’ve seen of my Mom when she was a young adult are striking. She was fashionable and wore the tight sweaters that were popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Isn’t it true that the style of clothing as you become older is chosen for its comfort rather than if it’s trendy or not? I remember thinking it was odd that my Mom would find a certain kind of top she liked and she’d get it in every color. For her, it was practical, it was comfortable and it worked! There was no concern of needing to ‘fit in’ with the crowd. This is a good thing! What does the Bible say about becoming older? We’ll look at Psalm71:5-9 and break it down into sections.

Ps 71:5-9 For Thou art my hope; O Lord GOD, [Thou art] my confidence from my youth. 6 By Thee I have been sustained from [my] birth; Thou art He who took me from my mother's womb; my praise is continually of Thee. 7 I have become a marvel to many; for Thou art my strong refuge. 8 My mouth is filled with Thy praise, and with Thy glory all day long. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.

We can read the above scripture and be encouraged by it as we apply it to our lives right now. For instance, if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be able to look back upon your life and see His hand in supplying you with exactly what was needed through the good times and the difficult times. God gave us life, He caused us to born into this earth. And, like the Psalmist, our praise should be continually of God. He is the reason we live! King David was able to proclaim these truths because he trusted in God completely. When we place our complete trust in God for His direction and His answers, we find peace. We realize we’ve already been chosen for His team! There is no pressure to try to fit in, to look like everyone else. We also no longer feel the need or have the responsibility to figure everything out. An important question then to ask ourselves personally is, ‘Have we placed our trust in the One True God, or have we placed it in someone or something else?’

Most older individuals have learned that they cannot trust in their health. It becomes obvious that our body has a life span as it begins to break down. But what about other things we might trust rather than fully relying upon God? We may trust in someone or something in the sense of counting on them, but how often are we disappointed? Money doesn’t last and really can’t buy true and fulfilling happiness. People, even our closest family and friends, are not perfect and therefore can sometimes be a discouragement or can disappoint us even without meaning to. God is the only constant in our lives. With Him there are no variables. He has never changed and will never change. He is always available and accessible. He alone provides true joy even in the midst of uncertainty and pain. The conclusion?

God is our hope,

God is our confidence,

He has sustained us,

He will continue to do so and,

Our response should be continuous praise to Him!

Let’s continue with Psalm 71 and look at the next verse.

David, our Psalmist, says he ‘had become a marvel to many’. Consider. He was just a shepherd boy when he fought off Goliath with a slingshot and a stone. This same boy became King and reigned for forty years! It is amazing what God can do with a life, how He orchestrates His perfect plan.

I’m sure many of you have the most incredible stories of God’s hand in your lives. It is a blessing in older age to look back and recognize how God has protected you, encouraged you, and strengthened you. Some people may even look at your long life in amazement as they have seen your ability to remain steadfast in God even through difficult and scary times. It is a marvel to watch God’s work! A blessing of becoming older is being able to see God’s story in your life. As you look back and see His care and guidance, your assurance of His continued work in your life grows.

I love that the second part of Psalm 71:7 says, “for Thou art my strong refuge”. Consider. What is a refuge? The Hebrew translation of this word [machaceh] means a shelter, hope, a place of refuge, trust.

God is our refuge. Our shelter, our hope and our trust. This truth is incredibly comforting. Whether we consider ourselves to be young or old, we have a place of hope. We have Someone to trust. Our nation seems to be taking a turn away from God rather than following Him as our founders did. Some of you can recall a television show from years ago, ‘I Love Lucy’. There was no foul language, no violence, and no morality issues in that series – it was just a funny show, made for entertainment. I must be getting old because I can hardly find a television show that I believe is decent today. Perhaps things really are just getting worse. Regardless, there is truth we can stand on. God is in control and He is not at all surprised at how things are going in the world. In fact, He knows the whole story from beginning to end. And, we can completely trust Him! When life seems bleak and our paths take a difficult turn, when exhaustion sets in or pain is something to be dealt with on a daily basis, you name it, in any circumstance – God is our place of comfort, our hope for the future and our shelter from the storm.

Let’s not miss out on the word that precedes ‘refuge’ in Psalm 71:7. It says, “strong” refuge. Strong: great power, force and authority. I’ve noticed that as I get older, I’m not as physically strong as I used to be! My arm muscles seem to have fallen from the tops of my upper arms! Some of you may notice that the strength in your legs has decreased as you’ve aged. Eyesight changes, balance can change and the need for a cane or walker for support may become necessary. The brand of hearing aids is a topic of conversation in older circles. But there should be no discouragement in these facts of aging. Why?

According to the Bible, strength is found in God. Now you may not be able to physically do the things you want, but when our strength is found in God, He will give you the ability to do whatever He desires of you. God is our force – our drive – and He is our security – our protection. Consider. If God was powerful enough to cause a young shepherd boy to slay a giant, and commission Noah to build an ark at the age of 500 years old, then He is able to use anyone, regardless of age or ability, for His glory!

There is a story of a woman named Joni Eareckson Tada. You may have heard of her name. She became paralyzed from her neck down when she was quite young. God has used her life to encourage many thousands of people even though most of her life has been spent in a wheelchair.

The second reason we can be encouraged is that every step we move forward here on earth brings us closer to our eternal destiny! Heaven. Forever with God. In the book of Revelations there is a beautiful description of heaven. This particular section of scripture is close to my heart as it is the one I read with my Dad just weeks before He died. I remember that as we read this together, he was peaceful even though he was in significant pain. He was comforted and had a smile on his face as he closed his eyes and pictured the place he was being called home to in a short while. His body was breaking down but He trusted fully in the work of Jesus on the cross, and he had been given the assurance through his trust in Jesus that his soul would live on. God was his strong refuge even through the process of a dying physical body.

Re 21:4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be [any] death; there shall no longer be [any] mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." I encourage you to read Revelation 21:1-27.

Did you know that being old and gray is a privilege? Not everyone gets this opportunity.

Pr 16:31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.

The Hebrew words in this scripture can actually be translated to say, “old age is beautiful”!

Pr 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair. (The word ‘honor’ in this verse means magnificence, ornament or splendor – beauty) Consider. The one thing that comes with age is experience. An older person has the blessing of looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness in their life.

Just as God showed His love and faithfulness to the Jews, God’s children can trust that He will continue to be faithful, “even to old age and even in graying years”.

Isa 46:4 Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.

Job 12:12 "Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.

We do need to be careful. Old age is not to be held above those who are younger. There are many young individuals who are wise and have understanding. Both youth and age have advantages and we can all learn from and help one another.

Perhaps the encouragement that can be taken is that even in old age, you have many things to offer. If God has planned for your life to reach well into the eighties and nineties and even beyond, you can be sure He has a reason for it. Consider it an honor that He still is working through your life for the sake of His glory!

In the book of Titus, there is a list of characteristics for older men and older women. (Titus 2:2-3)

Older men are to be:

temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love and perseverance.

Older women are to be:

reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, not enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good.

When we are tempted to wonder about our usefulness or our purpose, especially as we get older, the above lists give a clear directive of what we are to be about doing.

In the book of Hebrews, we read about Jacob as he was dying. According to Genesis 47:28, he was 147 years old.

Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

We are given a picture of an old man, feeble and weak. As he leaned on his cane, he blessed his grandchildren. Most important to note is Jacob’s worship of God. One of the commentaries I read says,

“Nothing was more natural than that the old man should lean reverently forward, and incline his head upon the top of his staff, and adore the covenant faithfulness of his God.” (Albert Barnes NT Commentary)

Jacob expressed his gratitude towards God. He had the assurance that God would fulfill His promises. Jacob was weak in his body but remained strong and hopeful in his faith. God was his strong refuge.

The assurance that God is your strong refuge, your hope, your confidence and your strength will lead you to praise and worship of Him for His promises. Sometimes, it is easier to complain than to think of what is good. When you realize that your very breath comes from God, and that He has your life planned for His glory, there is much to be thankful for. The next verse in Psalm 71, verse 8, says “My mouth is filled with Thy praise, and with Thy glory all day long”.

Let’s recognize a few key things in this scripture. First, the words, ‘my mouth is filled’. Specifically, the Psalmist’s speech is filled or confirms God’s glory, honor and majesty. And notice this is not a one-time thing. It is continual – all day long. Perpetually. David remains in the place of offering God praises continuously. As you look back at God’s faithfulness in your own life and ‘marvel’ at His guidance and protection, does praise for who He is and what He has done fill your mouth?

Consider how this attitude might be an encouragement to those around you! Having an attitude of praise to God in all circumstances is an incredible tool in encouraging someone else. Just a smile and friendly hello or sincere question of concern can lighten someone’s day.

Read what this commentary (Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman) says about Ps 71:8, “And that I shall still have abundant cause to praise without ceasing thy most magnificent goodness towards me”.

Ps 35:28 And my tongue shall declare Thy righteousness [And] Thy praise all day long.

Ps 146:2 I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Our hearts should be filled with gratitude because of God’s goodness to us. His faithfulness to His children produces an assurance of His love and protection for all of their life. The recognition of this truth can then lead us to know that even into old age, God will not forsake His children. He will not abandon us just as He did not abandon Jacob. Look at Psalm 71:9.

David, our Psalmist, calls to God for His help just as he did when he was young. He requests of God to continue to use him even in his older age and weakness. God does not discard us when we become old. He will continue to give His strength to His children. Our bodies may become weak, but our souls remain strong in Christ.

Ps 71:18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Thy strength to this generation, Thy power to all who are to come.

Ps 92:13-15 Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Isa 46:4 Even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you, and I shall deliver you.

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Charles Spurgeon, in his ‘Treasury of David’, says this, “Old age robs us of personal beauty, and deprives us of strength for active service; but it does not lower us in the love and favour of God”.

If you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then you have seen Him work throughout your life for His glory. His blessings abound and will continue to do so even through your aged years and weakness. We can all have this hope in Christ and continue to be used by Him if we trust in His work on the cross. It’s never too late to come to an understanding of who Jesus is and recognize your need for His grace.

John Wesley wrote the following on his 86th birthday. “This day I enter on my eighty-sixth year. I now find I grow old:

(1) My sight is decayed, so that I cannot read a small print, unless in a strong light.

(2) My strength is decayed, so that I walk much slower than I did some years since.

(3) My memory of names, whether of persons, or places, is decayed, till I stop a little to recollect them.

What I should be afraid of, is, if I took thought for the morrow, that my body should weigh down my mind, and create either stubbornness, by the decrease of my understanding, or peevishness, by the increase of bodily infirmities; But Thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God.”

Whether you feel as if you lived with the dinosaurs or even perhaps think you look like you may have lived in the prehistoric time, the blessing of God’s favor and presence is available to each of His children at any age. There is no need to fear getting old if your faith is placed in the one true Eternal God of the Bible. Old age is a crown of glory and a blessing.

2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Exceeding Faithfulness

“All that which God hath testified in his word is right and truthful. It is righteous, and may be relied upon for the present; it is faithful, and may be trusted in for the future.”

In my last post, ‘A Charge to Obedience’, we saw that God, in commanding His word to us, has given us a responsibility to follow His precepts. He has entrusted us with the testimony of who He is, what He has done and what He will do. Included in His witness to us is the expectation for His children to act upon the treasure they’ve been given. We have a clear map of how we are to live in order to bring honor to God. We have written examples and instruction for our lives.

Psalm 119:138 not only reveals that God has commanded His testimonies to us but also that He has done so in perfect righteousness. God is absolutely righteous, pure, and holy, without the ability of doing wrong. His character defines righteousness. Therefore, the gift of His word we’ve been given is beyond value. There is no error in His instruction! God’s perfect righteousness demands our steadfast obedience.

Now, in part two of this particular study, we’ll look at the last part of Psalm 119:138 which says that God has commanded His testimonies in exceeding faithfulness.

Ps 119:138 Thou hast commanded Thy testimonies in righteousness And exceeding faithfulness.

God has commanded His testimonies in exceeding faithfulness. – They are firm, they are secure, they are truth, and they are steady.

Faithfulness from a perfect God is perfect faithfulness, something we are unfamiliar with in this world. Perfect faithfulness means we can depend on the word of God at all times and in all circumstances, to be right, to be available, and to be unwavering. God’s word does not change.

Ps 19:7-9 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.

God’s testimony is:

Perfect, it converts souls, it is faithful, it gives wisdom, it is right, it produces joy, it is pure, it enlightens, it is trustworthy, and it is altogether righteous.

God, because He is gracious and merciful, has given to us an amazing valuable gift, His testimony – His word. We have a picture of who He is, of what He desires from us, of His comfort and His judgment, of His character and love. His word is a treasure to be held and used and pondered and studied. God’s word contains the greatest love letters ever written. Why? Because His is a love that never ends. It always says the right thing, always does the right things, always understands perfectly, and is always at the ready for support and encouragement. God’s children have been given a map. It is not a map we have to figure out by solving a riddle. There is no question that if we embrace Him and follow His word, treasure will be found. We don’t have to hunt around and try to find out how we are to live, we already have the directions.

Everything that proceeds from God represents His perfect nature.

Jas 1:25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. God wants us to be successful!

Consider. Psalm 119:137 says Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgments. Here is a statement about the righteousness of God and His perfect judgments. God’s righteousness is also seen in His testimonies and His faithfulness to carry out all He has said. Is there anyone or anything that can make these claims with unabashed certainty? Consider. Have you ever thought you were okay, you did pretty well or were good enough? The definition of perfection in WordWeb is “having no flaw or defect, being complete, pure, precisely accurate, and exact”. Think of just one area in your life and answer this question according to the words above – How faithful are you really? The answer is no one is able to be perfect in faithfulness.

De 4:8 "Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

God, as our heavenly Father, is faithful to His word. He is faithful to the blessings He has promised and He is faithful to the training of His children.

Ps 119:75 I know, O LORD, that Thy judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.

“All that which God hath testified in his word is right and truthful. It is righteous, and may be relied upon for the present; it is faithful, and may be trusted in for the future. About every portion of the inspired testimonies there is a divine authority, they are issued and published by God's command, and they bear the impress of the royal style which carries omnipotence about it. Not only the precepts but the promises also are commanded of the Lord, and so are all the teachings of Scripture. It is not left to our choice whether we will accept them or no; they are issued by royal command, and are not to be questioned. Their characteristic is that they are like the Lord who has proclaimed them, they are the essence of justice and the soul of truth. God's word is righteous and cannot be impeached; it is faithful and cannot be questioned it is true from the beginning, and it will be true unto the end”. Treasury of David (emphasis mine)

“The English translation gives the quality of the testimonies; the Hebrew gives that which is commanded; as if we might say, Thou hast enjoined righteousness to be thy testimonies, and truth exceedingly”. --John Stephen.

The above quote refers to the way Ps 119:138 has been translated a bit differently in the English and Hebrew languages. Look at the translation in the KJV: Ps 119:138 Thy testimonies [that] thou hast commanded [are] righteous and very faithful. In either case, God commands in righteousness and faithfulness and His testimonies are both righteous and exceedingly faithful.

So when we consider who we are and realize we are before a perfect and faithful God, our response should mirror that of Psalm 19:14.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Thomas Scott says this of verse 138: “‘Thou hast commanded justice by thy testimonies, and truth especially,’… — The law commands perfect righteousness; and even the gospel requires truth in the inward parts.”

Ps 51:5-6 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.

Let’s not overlook the strong description of faithfulness in Psalm 119:138. The word ‘exceeding’ precedes faithfulness. The KJV reads ‘very faithful’.

Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary defines this word as vehemently, diligently, exceedingly, louder and louder, mightily, quickly and utterly. Obviously this is a strong adjective and very descriptive of the behavior of faithfulness.

God’s testimonies are exceedingly faithful! God’s testimony is His witness to us of who He is, what He expects, what He has done and what He will do, all contained in the amazing package of His word, the Bible.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

La 3:22-23 The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. 23 [They] are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.

Ps 89:8 O LORD God of hosts, who is like Thee, O mighty LORD? Thy faithfulness also surrounds Thee.

Ps 89:33 "But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, nor deal falsely in My faithfulness.

2Ti 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.

Ps 36:5 Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Thy faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Ps 119:90 Thy faithfulness continues throughout all generations; Thou didst establish the earth, and it stands.

We could go on and on with scriptures about God’s faithfulness. Faithfulness is part of God’s character. He is great in His faithfulness. He has established His faithfulness. There is nothing that compares with His faithfulness. His faithfulness never fails. God’s faithfulness extends beyond boundaries and it will last forever. We see God’s faithfulness in His works, we see it in His judgments, we see it in His promises and we see faithfulness in His forgiveness of sin. God is exceedingly faithful!

Are we exceedingly faithful to God’s testimonies?

We are commanded to righteousness in our obedience to God’s laws. If we are striving to be righteous and faithful to God, we will be careful to strive to observe all His commands. We will desire to take care to practice His statutes. We will choose to walk blamelessly in His ways and do what He says. We will call upon Him for perseverance and strength, and we will delight in His direction as we consider His truths constantly.

De 6:25 "And it will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the LORD our God, just as He commanded us.

Ro 10:5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.

Lu 1:6 And they [Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth] were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.

Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

We are to ‘wear’ righteousness. Consider. When we wear something or put on an item of clothing, it covers us. It protects us from the elements. It can be seen by everyone we come in contact with. Our ‘clothing’ says something about us. What are you wearing, how do you prepare to stand against the elements, are you protected?

Isa 11:5 Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist.

Isa 59:17 And He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.

Remember the definition of righteousness: purity, that which is right, equitable and just. As we strive to live in righteousness, our thoughts, actions and words will take on a character that is pure and holy in all circumstances. God’s perfect word will be our manual for living, His Spirit, our encourager for remaining steadfast in reaching our goal.

What does it look like to be exceedingly faithful to God’s testimonies?

This word, ‘faithful’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘emuwnah. It literally means firmness. It conveys the idea of security, being morally faithful, steady, and true.

Several questions pop into my mind as I write this definition. Am I purposed to follow God? Am I resolute in my faithfulness to keep His truths? Do I remain firm in this conviction at all times? How steady is my walk with Christ?

Mt 24:13 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him.

Re 2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

We are to be faithful with the truths God has entrusted to us. We are to be exceedingly faithful, even to the point of death. Faithfulness extends beyond just knowing and believing, it is doing. Do we exhibit faithfulness in our service to God, in helping others? Are we faithful to declare His word? Are we faithful stewards of the people and things God has entrusted us with? Are we faithful in holding one another accountable to God’s testimonies? Are we faithful in our work, in our speech, in the very smallest things? Not just a little faithful, or mostly faithful, but exceedingly faithful!

Pr 28:20a A faithful man will abound with blessings,

Mt 25:23 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

God has commanded His testimonies in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness because He is perfect. Matthew 5:48 says, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”. We are to strive towards that end.

Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you that You are righteous and faithful in all things. Help us to wear the clothing of righteousness and extreme faithfulness for You.

A Charge to Obedience

we have been given a charge or have been appointed to receive God’s testimony. There is great responsibility on our part in accepting this gift.

Session 8, Psalm 119:138, part 1 of 2

Several weeks ago I posted a study on Psalm 119:137 titled ‘Unwavering and Upright’. This marked the beginning of the eighteenth section of Psalm 119. Verse 137 says, Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments.

God is righteous.

His very character is righteous. God will not act outside of His character. Therefore He is the embodiment of all that is right and good. God represents perfect righteousness.

Ps 71:19 For Thy righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens, Thou who hast done great things; O God, who is like Thee?

God’s judgments are upright.

Because God is righteous, His judgments are equitable. He sees everything exactly as it truly is. His judgment is without favoritism or deception. It is perfectly fair. There is no room for questioning or deliberation.

De 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

The Hebrew letter that begins each of the eight verses in Psalm 119: 137- 144, is TZADDI which is translated ‘purity’. Keep in mind the purity of God as we continue on to 138.

Ps 119:138 Thou hast commanded Thy testimonies in righteousness and exceeding faithfulness.

1. God has commanded His word to us.

2. God has commanded His word to us in righteousness.

3. God has commanded His word to us in exceeding faithfulness. (this will be included in part 2)

God has commanded His word to us. This means we have been given a charge or have been appointed to receive God’s testimony. There is great responsibility on our part in accepting this gift. Imagine being entrusted with something that has great value. What do you do with it? How do you treat it?

To be given a charge means we have been assigned a duty, we have a responsibility or an obligation to do something. God’s testimonies include all He has given to us in His word. The examples, the commands, the warnings, the encouragements, the judgments, the expectations, the hope – these are all God’s witness to us of who He is and what we are to follow. This charge or command to His children is a treasure – not hidden to find as if hunting for something valuable and unseen – but written for us to understand with the help of His Spirit and practice in His strength.

A command from God is not a question, it is an order. His children are instructed to obey His commands. De 13:4 "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.

Consider who God is. The one and only true King. Isa 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. When a king makes a decree to his subjects, there is no question whether it will be obeyed. In the same way, God’s chosen are not to question or think that there is a choice in following His will.

Ps 51:5-6 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me know wisdom.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

God has commanded His word to us in righteousness. God’s character is absolutely one hundred percent morally right. There is not one once of wrong or sin or unjust way or thought or decree in God’s being. Only God can claim absolute righteousness. And He has given His witness in all righteousness; meaning His word is right, it is pure, and it is equitable. Is there any other who is able to state a testimony of unequivocal righteousness?

God’s righteousness demands our obedience. He is worthy of our praise. Praise is our offering up of ourselves to God. Ro 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. What does this practically look like in our lives? “We cannot confess God to be righteous unless we live uprightly and truly as he has commanded”. 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

Consider. How can our lives give glory to God? In order to live a life that offers praise to an all-holy God, we need to know who He is and what He requires of us. Consider the steps we take to become good or proficient at something. It takes time and practice to acquire a skill. Action is required to gain knowledge of something and to develop a good understanding of it. How strong is your desire to know God? What actions are you taking to improve your understanding of His word?

Moms

First they need you for everything, then they want you for everything, then suddenly it seems they don’t want you for anything (except maybe clean clothes and food).

Mom. Mommy. Momma. It’s an incredible blessing to be a Mom. Unlike some titles, once you’re a mom you’re always a mom. It’s not a position that stops, you don’t retire from being a mother. No matter if you have babies in heaven or on earth, being a Mom lasts forever in your heart. Some of you are brand new at mothering with the tiniest of little ones dependent on you for everything. Others have toddlers with sticky faces and hands that demand attention almost constantly.

You go through cycles with your children as they grow. First they need you for everything, then they want you for everything, then suddenly it seems they don’t need or want you for anything (except maybe clean clothes and food). For a while, the need for mom may get pushed away, life gets busy, independence is developed. But, you’re always there anyways, because you’re Mom. Today is the day we celebrate moms! What does the Bible say about moms? Perhaps, the most well-known mother is Mary.

Mary is the mother of Jesus. We can learn from what God’s word says about her. God gave Mary special honor and blessing (Luke 1:28). Through the angel Gabriel, she was also given news that was difficult to understand (Luke 1:31-34). Read her response below.

Lu 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Mary called herself a Bondslave of God and trusted in His plan. She chose to place herself in servanthood to God. And she praised God even through what must have been a million questions running around in her head.

Lu 1:46-47 And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

She was full of praise for God and recognized Him as her Savior. She is an example not only of servanthood and trust but also one of humility (Luke 1:48). Throughout her journey of trust, she glorifies God’s name. In Luke 1:49-55, Mary exalts God as she visits with her cousin Elizabeth and is quick to speak of His goodness, specifically His blessings, His holiness, and His mercy towards those who fear Him, and His power, and judgment. In verse 53, Mary speaks the truth that satisfaction is found in God, He fills hearts with His goodness. And He will fulfill His promises made generations before.

As a mother, Mary was asked to do incredibly difficult things: Like carry a child she conceived before marriage (though she had not known intimacy with man) which in that time was punishable by death; make a long, arduous journey at the end of her pregnancy, flee from dangers with a newborn, and protect the child whom King Herod wanted murdered.

We do see a sweet moment of tender mothering in Luke 2:19: But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Mary understood what it was like to realize your child had wandered off. It even seems she experienced a bit of panic when she questioned her Son and relayed that she and Joseph had been looking for him. (Luke 2:48). Mary also witnessed the execution of her Son. We can only imagine the pain that must have pierced her heart as Jesus was pierced with a sword.

While it is clear we are not to worship anyone or anything besides God in heaven (2 Kings 17:16; Deuteronomy 4:19, Exodus 20:4; Leviticus 26:1), we can strive to follow the characteristics of those God has chosen for Himself to do His will.

So what does it mean to be called Mom? Just looking at this one example, we learn we can submit to God in all things and choose to serve Him with our lives. We develop hearts of humility as we quickly realize we don’t know much! We can trust in God’s plan for ourselves and our children. We can cherish the blessings of parenting. We can have confidence that God is working in our children’s lives, no matter how young or old. And we can praise God for giving us the wonderful opportunity of being a Mom.

I’d like to propose a different way to think about Mother’s Day. Certainly it is good to show your Mom you treasure her by a phone call or card or some small sentiment. But let’s give praise to God that He, in His goodness to us, has chosen us to be part of the process of giving life. God has entrusted parents with the stewardship of His children. Sometimes it can be really difficult, tears are often shed, and hearts can be broken. Parenting can result in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in emotions. But the moments of a tender smile or hug, and the lessons we learn through raising children are priceless.

Happy Mother’s Day! … and thank you Lord for the special blessing you have bestowed on Moms! All praise and honor and glory to God.

Chill…

taking a step back, taking time to truly think about the real problem or concern, and remembering that God is never surprised with circumstances, is always the key to reacting properly to anything. TRUST.

A Short Consideration of TRUST.

There is a slang term you’ve probably heard: ‘Just chill out’. It means to calm down, no worries, it is okay, take a deep breath. As I was considering what happens when there is a lack of TRUST – all the ‘what ifs’ that dominate our thinking – the thought that we (I) just need to chill out for a bit came to mind. For me, taking a step back, taking time to truly think about the real problem or concern, and remembering that God is never surprised with circumstances, is always the key to reacting properly to anything. TRUST.

Ps 65:5 By awesome deeds Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou who art the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;

Ps 9:10 And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

The truth is that trusting in the name of God induces our focus to remain on the certain hope for our eternal future in heaven. Confidence built on His promises turns fear into peace. So regarding areas of TRUST, it seems obvious that trusting or having faith in God’s truths keeps us from fretting over things we have no control over – which is pretty much everything!

However, the obvious isn’t always what happens. Many of us can and do TRUST God for our future. We say we trust that He will guide and direct us to His ways, and that He will be glorified as we take steps to follow Him. We say we TRUST that He is not at all surprised by our failures and that He will use them to grow us and teach us.

Turmoil appears to be increasing worldwide. If you look around you, it seems that God’s perfect values of love, patience, gentleness, self-control, long-suffering, and being at peace with all men have long since been discarded. Even so, we know we can continue to TRUST that His plan is going according to His ultimate purpose and it will culminate in the fruition of His eternal kingdom. All this is good, and trusting in God for these things settles well in our mind and soul.

Yay and okay, right?! Except, although I know I personally need to TRUST in all things, I repeatedly struggle with an internal fight to take control, to do something. When things don’t go as planned I can fall into a need of wanting to place blame on something or someone or even place blame on myself because I ‘should’ve been able to do something to fix it’ or I wonder what I did wrong. I can wish things were different and then begin to resent that they aren’t. My demeanor and words can even be affected and become cold and abrupt. Perhaps you’re thinking you should pray for me, and yes, that’s always welcome. Or just maybe, you can relate. There is something all of the above have in common. Somehow, the area of TRUST has broken down on my end.

Consider also the struggle we have with trusting God to work in others. We pray. We try to encourage. But often, we pray for God to work specifically in the areas we see. We pray that God will change a heart to become more in tuned to becoming a better financial steward. Or we pray that someone would be able to recognize their greed in repeatedly asking others for things. We pray when we see impatience in raising children and the need to control rather than correct behaviors. We have concerns with those who become absorbed in their own problems instead of reaching out to help others. You could add a plethora of additional concerns we pray about for others. What I have been made aware of is that I’m trusting in God to bring about my answers to these prayers. And I usually want to see the answers quickly. This is trusting in my solutions rather than completely trusting in God for His work.

My solutions are that financial irresponsibility would become financial responsibility, that greediness would be turned to generosity, that impatience would turn to patience, controlling behaviors would become correction done in love, and that being self-absorbed would change to an awareness of serving others. These are my answers to prayer, the way I think people would be most helped. God sees the bigger picture, and although the qualities I’m praying for are good to desire in all of us, the method of how God gets us there is His alone to know. Consider. The areas of our lives that look like they need rearranging are usually just a symptom of an internal heart issue. Others, including myself, see the outside. We see with limited knowledge, what appears to be. God sees the heart. The motivation. The true intent and the real struggle.

1Sa 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God [sees] not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

So often, we put forth what we want others to believe about us. Just think of someone you know who seems to have it all together. Outwardly it’s not so difficult to look as people expect. But, each of us has learned to walk, and in the process there have been scraped knees, bruises and knots on the head. Each time I am blessed with getting to know someone a bit better, I get a more accurate understanding of their struggles and weaknesses. The barrier seems to weaken and a real picture begins to unfold. Transparency is a beautiful gift to the receiver. All the other stuff we see initially as a problem is really just a symptom of hurting or insecurity or neglect or a difficult past or lack of TRUST.

So let’s break down the specific area of ‘taking control’ I mentioned earlier. This is a symptom that is directly related to failure in trusting God completely. Perhaps you’ll be able to relate and we can be encouraged to grow in this area together. It’s easy to say I TRUST in God, and I do wholeheartedly. I TRUST in who He says He is, in what He says He has done, and in what He says He will do. But, it’s another thing, at least in my life, to put this TRUST into practice all the time. There is a disconnect between knowing and doing, like a short-circuit that causes a temporary detour in the connection between my soul and my brain.

Taking control. Becoming impatient with a waiting process or disliking the direction of someone or something causes us to ‘take control’ for ourselves. There is a need many of us have to manage life – usually we contain this need to our own life but sometimes we feel the need to manage others’ lives as well – Oh vey! We certainly must make plans, and goals are necessary and should be accompanied with action. But, what do we do when our plans and goals are derailed? We can get nervous or anxious and decide to take command of a situation. Some people become dominating over others or take advantage of authority to influence control. Control may present itself in always having to have a part in decisions or needing to have everything go your way. We also can resort to the common exercise of manipulation.

What’s the truth? We are not in control! No amount of bullying or badgering or planning or structure or manipulation will result in us having complete control. So, what do we need to tell ourselves when this is a struggle? – ‘Get over it!’, ‘Move on’, ‘Take a chill pill’ – or better, TRUST MORE and concentrate on what is truly important.

God is in complete control, you may call it His divine control of all men.

2Ki 19:28 'Because of your raging against Me, and because your arrogance has come up to My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose, and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way which you came.

Above is a vivid picture of God’s control. In this particular case, it’s His control of those against Him but it is a clear description of how God causes man’s direction. It was not uncommon at the time to put a metal ring into the nose of an animal and attach a cord to it in order to control its direction. Picture a bull with a large ring in its nose. God is in control of everyone. This may either be a comfort or a discomfort to the reader. If you are against God, He will take care of you at His will; if you are following God, take comfort in knowing He is in control. It doesn’t matter who you are, what your title is, your influence, your possessions (which all belong to God), or your earthly importance.

Job 12:19 "He makes priests walk barefoot, and overthrows the secure ones.

Pr 21:1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

God is all-powerful!

Isa 48:13 "Surely My hand founded the earth, and My right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand together.

Na 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

De 32:39 'See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded, and it is I who heal; and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.

Da 4:35 "And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?'

Ec 3:11 He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

TRUST that God has an incredible plan. A plan we are unable to fully comprehend. A plan that is for good to those who have received His Son as Savior and Lord. It may look like things are out of control. We may even wonder ‘why’ when we see difficult circumstances. The truth is, God doesn’t need us to ‘take control’ of anything. He’s got everything and everyone covered. We are to TRUST in Him, in His ways, and in His promises.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

2Ch 16:9a For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

Eph 1:19-20 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly [places],

Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

However God brings about His purposes here on earth for His glory, His children can TRUST in the certain hope of their future in heaven for eternity with Him.

Isa 26:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

Let’s practice being okay with not being in control! C.H..I…L….L….. and TRUST!

Unwavering and Upright

Because God’s judgments are straight, there is no deviation to His execution of right and wrong. He is not only perfectly righteous, God is also faithful in His righteousness.

Psalm 119:137 Part Two

Ps 119:137 Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments.

In the first half of this verse we looked at the righteousness of God. He is morally pure. His character is guiltless in all areas. He is the essence of perfection. Because of God’s absolute holiness, peace amidst circumstances that seem unfair will resonate in your soul. Your heart will remain calm with the knowledge that God is righteous.

Psalm 119:137 also says God’s judgments are upright. Literally meaning they are straight. You’ve heard the idiom “on the straight and narrow path”. It means you’re following an honest way. According to the Cambridge Dictionary it may be taken from Matthew 7:14 which says, "For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” Because God’s judgments are straight, there is no deviation to His execution of right and wrong. He is not only perfectly righteous, God is also faithful in His righteousness. Hence, all His judgments are right. Again, we see God always acting within His character, without exception.

De 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Ps 119:137 (RSV) Righteous art thou, O LORD, and right are thy judgments.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this of Ps 119:137: all thy dispensations to men [are upright].

Ver. 137. -- David's great care, when he was under the afflicting hand of God, was to clear the Lord of injustice. ‘Oh! Lord, saith he, there is not the least show, spot, stain, blemish, or mixture of injustice, in all the afflictions thou hast brought upon me. I desire to take shame to myself, and to set to my seal, that the Lord is righteous, and that there is no injustice, no cruelty, nor no extremity in all that the Lord hath brought upon me.’ He sweetly and readily subscribes unto the righteousness of God in those sharp and smart afflictions that God exercised him with. "Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments." God's judgments are always just; he never afflicts but in faithfulness. His will is the rule of justice; and therefore a gracious soul dares not cavil nor question his proceedings. --Thomas Brooks.

cavil: quibble or raise trivial questions

Think again about our litmus test. God’s word. His absolute righteousness. His perfect judgment. As God’s children, convinced of His purity, we have examples to follow.

We are to show an example of righteousness towards others,

We are to be faithful to living out God’s commands,

We are to be obedient to act in a manner that represents His true character, and

We are to trust in all His ways.

“The righteousness of God, the infinite rectitude and perfection of his nature. As he is what he is, so he is what he should be, and in everything acts as becomes him; there is nothing wanting, nothing amiss, in God; his will is the eternal rule of equity, and he is righteous, for he does all according to it.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

The truths we’ve considered in Psalm 119:137

Lead us to conviction of our own sin because God is always right.
Lead us to obedience. Why would we not follow what we know is right?
Lead us to trust in His ways and His timing because God’s plans are perfect even if I can’t see or understand them.
Lead us to adoration of God because He is 100% right in all His ways. How could we not worship Him?
Lead us to look to His promises with faith that He will return and restore His kingdom because He says so, therefore it’s true!
Lead us to focus on the hope we have for our future because in Christ it is certain, it is glorious, it is what we look forward to, and it is why we have been created.

Apply these truths to your life and circumstances right now. How are you encouraged to think or act differently because of these truths?

For example, look at the first bullet point again. It says, the truths we’ve considered lead us to conviction of our own sin because God is always right.

Consider. Standing before a righteous God, understanding more completely what that means, causes my sin to be more evident. It is so easy to ignore or accept what we might regard as the ‘small’ errors in our lives. It is always less difficult to look at the sin of others around me and to look at what they should or should not be doing or saying. I may even assume to know their motives and then judge them on my [usually wrong] thinking. However, if I place myself at the feet of the One who is Holiness Himself, I am quickly stripped of my own delusion about who I am and forced to remember the incredible need I have for a Savior. In fact, thinking upon God’s perfect righteousness and judgment, causes a certain holy fear of Him that leads to a want of obedience. I am God’s child but I am not free from the presence or temptation of sin. Because God must act according to His character, I can expect my sin to be dealt with. I can count on suffering the consequences of sin. Remember what Psalm 119:137 says: Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments. When I begin to fully realize Jesus’ voluntary, suffering death for me, I am caused to recognize the necessity of my complete obedience to Him and thus address the sin that continues to reside in my heart.

Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, gives us these beautifully written words. “The sinful courses of God's children occasion bitterness enough; they never venture upon sin, but with great Joss. [Joss: a graven image or idol. Perhaps referring to how easy it is for someone or something to become our motivation rather than God] If Paul give way to a little pride, God will humble him. If any give way to sin, their pilgrimage will be made uncomfortable. Eli falls into negligence and indulgence, then is the ark of God taken, his two sons are slain in battle, his daughter-in-law dies, he himself breaks his neck. Oh! The wonderful tragedies that sin works in the houses of the children of God! David, when he intermeddled with forbidden fruit, was driven from his palace, his concubines defiled, his own son slain; a great many calamities did light upon him. Therefore the children of God have cause to fear; for the Lord is a just God, and they will find it so. Here upon earth he hath reserved liberty to visit their iniquity with rods, and their transgression with scourges. I must press you to imitate God's righteousness: "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him".

Mt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Jas 1:4 And let endurance have [its] perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

There is a standard set for us on this earth. Just because we know we cannot attain perfection here amongst a sinful world, does not take away the responsibility we have to continue to reach for it.

Complacency over even the smallest sin should drive us to concern and lead us to immediate action. We give up because the fight is hard and it is continuous. I’ve said and thought the words, “When I get to heaven, then I won’t struggle with _____________” (fill in the blank). While this is absolutely true, and a really comforting thought, I am in no way excused for the sin in my life while on this earth. It is a big deal! Jesus died for me. I cannot take that truth lightly. We need to continuously be reaching for the goal.

Read this verse most of us are probably familiar with.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God’s word is living and active! It does change lives! We can be victorious over the temptation of sin. I love the illustration presented in Jeremiah about God’s word.

Jer 23:29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?

The picture that comes to mind is one of seeking gold deeply imbedded in quartz. My husband and I have purposefully collected both large and small pieces of rock. Then, either out in the field or at home, we begin the process of smashing these pieces of quartz with a strong hammer to get to the tiny bits of gold scattered throughout. This is what God’s word does. It shatters sin. It refines us just like fire, melting away that which is not good and exposing what is beautiful.

Consider again how God would have you personally apply the truths in Psalm 119:137: Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments. Ask yourself this question. I’ve shared some of my heart in hopes that you will be encouraged to do your own soul searching.

- My life in general is affected because I am much more apt to look at my own responsibility toward sin. There is so much work to be done in myself, that I don’t really have the time nor should I take the time to be concerned for what others are doing or not doing. This is a weight lifted off my shoulders! Remembering it is God’s work is refreshing!

- My personal circumstances are affected because my focus remains on God and His righteousness. The circumstances in my life are exactly what He is allowing in order to cause me to become the child He has designed me to be. This truth affords Peace! In all things. I can move through whatever God has given me, knowing it is in His perfect plan.

My actions are affected when God’s truths are applied to my life.

- Concentrating on the areas of my own life that need attention certainly reminds me to be gracious and patient towards those around me as I am reminded we all have the same need of God’s saving grace. Thinking upon what He has done for me even while I don’t deserve any of it is humbling. This is good! A heart of humility is soft and moldable.

- When my thoughts are centered on Christ and my heart is teachable and flooded with Who He is and What He has done for me, I cannot help but radiate His love in all things. I am drawn towards seeing the hope even in what seems truly difficult. I look forward to the promise that I can trust that God is working. This produces joy in my heart even amidst hardship or uncertainty or sorrow.

- I don’t have to understand everything! I am not expected, nor am I able, to have an answer for everything! This is a great revelation and one that truly lifts a burden I can place on myself. Because God is always right, I can look at what He says, accept what He is doing, and not forfeit my time and energy to that which is not my responsibility. Each day is a gift given to me by Him that is filled with exciting possibility for honoring Him as my Father. How much fun is that?! I don’t have to live in discouragement because of my sin, it has been covered! I don’t have to be worried or anxious for circumstances now or in the future, He has it covered! I can glory in the true fact that God is righteous in all things. And He has called me His child!

- Lastly, but perhaps most important, I truly fear sin. I don’t want to be caught up in sin. I am cautious to not allow sin to be harbored in my heart. I take measure against being fooled by sin’s craftiness. This causes me to desire to engulf myself in Truth. I need God’s word to direct me because I am weak.

God is righteous in His very character which means all judgment from Him is absolutely equitable. And He is always faithful to execute His judgment.

“Jehovah both saith and doth that which is right, and that alone. This is a great stay to the soul in time of trouble. When we are most sorely afflicted, and cannot see the reason for the dispensation, we may fall back upon this most sure and certain fact, that God is righteous, and his dealings with us are righteous too. It should be our glory to sing this brave confession when all things around us appear to suggest the contrary. This is the richest adoration -- this which rises from the lips of faith when carnal reason mutters about undue severity, and the like.” Treasury of David

Please. Listen with your ears and your heart to the truths God is showing you through His word. Take the time to God’s truths to your life. The Bible is not just a book to read and feel good about. God’s word is not meant to be an intellectual exercise. It is a book that is living and it will change you through the work of the Holy Spirit. Dig in and watch the transformation as God guides you into a deeper relationship with Him. After all, He loves you enough to have sent Jesus.

1Jo 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

Pondering God’s Purity

Our lack of holiness is magnified when compared to God’s perfect righteousness.

Psalm 119:137 Part One

In the seventeenth section of Psalm 119, verses 129 thru 136, we read about the Psalmist shedding tears over those who had professed to know God but were not obedient to His commands. David’s heart was crying both for the destruction he knew would come upon the unfaithful from God, who is perfect in judgement, and also because God’s name, whom He loved so dearly, was being dishonored by the actions of those who professed to know Him.

Our Psalmist now chooses to concentrate on the righteousness of God. This fact alone is an encouragement, and a direct application for us to follow. He could have chosen to continue to focus on his sorrow, the circumstances of disobedience that surrounded him and even threatened to take him down, or his own exhaustion of staying in the fight. Instead, his next writing to us revolves around the purity of God.

We can also choose to get caught up in the mire and the mud of disappointment or we can direct our focus to concentrate on what is true and right and holy and good. Back to God’s righteousness.

How would you describe your personality? What qualities make up your character? What behaviors do others see in you?

Consider. Think of those you know well. It is possible to predict their reaction to certain situations based on their character. You can ascertain what will cause them to be happy or sad or even mad. In this eighteenth section in Psalm 119, we will explore the character of God. The Hebrew letter at the beginning of each verse in this section is “P” – TSADDI. God’s purity is the overriding theme. Our lack of holiness is magnified when compared to God’s perfect righteousness.

Ps 119:137 Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments.

righteous <tsadiyq> just, lawful, righteous

The synonyms listed for the adjective righteous in WordWeb are clean-handed, good, innocent, just, moral, upright, virtuous and worthy.

What does it imply to describe someone as ‘just’? Let’s look at some definitions.

just: (adjective), 1. Used especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting; 2. Fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience; 3. Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules; 4. Of moral excellence.

God is described as being righteous throughout the Bible. Earlier in Psalm 119, David proclaims God’s righteousness.

Ps 119:75-76 I know, O LORD, that Thy judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me. O may Thy lovingkindness comfort me, according to Thy word to Thy servant.

Below are a few more examples.

Ps 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.

Da 9:14 "Therefore, the LORD has kept the calamity in store and brought it on us; for the LORD our God is righteous with respect to all His deeds which He has done, but we have not obeyed His voice.

Ezr 9:15 "O LORD God of Israel, Thou art righteous, for we have been left an escaped remnant, as [it is] this day; behold, we are before Thee in our guilt, for no one can stand before Thee because of this."

Ps 48:10 As is Thy name, O God, So is Thy praise to the ends of the earth; Thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Ps 65:5 By awesome [deeds] Thou dost answer us in righteousness, O God of our salvation, Thou who art the trust of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;

Ps 97:2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Ps 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.

Jer 23:6 "In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, 'The LORD our righteousness.'

Below is a list taken from several commentaries on the explanation of God’s righteousness:

He is infinitely holy in His nature.

He is just and faithful.

There is nothing wanting, nothing amiss, in God.

He is unable to do any wrong to any of His creatures.

Every word of God is pure, and he will be true to it.

The righteousness of God brings comfort: He does not change with time or circumstances.

How does thinking upon and understanding God’s righteousness affect you?

In an earlier blog, I talked about a litmus test. This is a test that relies on a single indicator for showing the acidity or alkalinity in a solution. The idea of having a single indicator is the focus. It’s the thought of something being either right or wrong, black or white – there is no middle ground or gray area.

Consider. God, who is perfectly righteous. His word, given to us, written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who is perfectly righteous. We have a measure of right and wrong. What to do and what not to do. It is clear, it is true, and it is God’s righteousness handed to His children to know and to follow.

Esteeming God’s righteousness will result in accepting His judgments as perfect. No questioning, no wondering, no pouting. Acceptance whether we understand or not. Whatever God chooses to portion out to man is just, precisely what is deserved. Not too much, not too little. He hasn’t missed something or misinterpreted the situation. Whatever God tells us to do is right, it is what He expects of His children. The different situations in our lives are what He has allowed, for our good and for His glory. The only thing we need to remember is that God’s righteousness demands our obedience when we understand who He is.

However, God’s judgment has been questioned throughout time. Read Jeremiah’s question of God’s ways as he contemplates the prosperity of the wicked.

Jer 12:1 Righteous art Thou, O LORD, that I would plead my case with Thee; Indeed I would discuss matters of justice with Thee: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?

Job also had a rough time accepting God’s ways.

Job 21:7 "Why do the wicked still live, Continue on, also become very powerful?

It is not uncommon for someone to ask why God allows sin or why bad things happen to ‘good’ people or to hear the statement, “If there is a God, why is there sin? If God is love, He wouldn’t allow people to suffer.”

How often have you personally heard the words, “It’s not fair”? Or even thought to yourself that something shouldn’t have happened. Or wondered why a tragedy occurred. It often seems that those who cheat or ‘don’t follow the rules’ seem to do better in terms of ‘success’ than those who try to live righteously. Have you considered why someone that seems so nice gets fraught with many hardships? And those who live according to their own plan seem to do exceptionally well?

“When we find ourselves tempted to distrust by looking to the prosperity of the wicked, let us look up to God, and consider his nature, his word, his works, and we shall find comfort.” Treasury of David

“Righteousness is essential to him, it is himself; and he can no more defraud the godly of their promised comforts, not let the wicked go unpunished in their sins, than he can deny himself to be God, which is impossible.” --William Cowper.

Earlier in the Psalms, David gives us some good advice concerning the apparent success of those who did not follow God. He tells us not to fret or be envious of their prosperity. We are also warned of the slippery slope that can result from being envious of those who seem to do well without following the moral compass of Truth.

Ps 37:1 (A Psalm of David.) Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers.

Ps 73:2-3 But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling; my steps had almost slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant, [As] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Read this beautifully worded definition of God’s righteousness: “Essentially, originally, and of himself; naturally, immutably and universally, in all his ways and works of nature and grace; in his thoughts, purposes, counsels, and decrees; in all the dispensations of his providence; in redemption, in the justification of a sinner, in the pardon of sin, and in the gift of eternal life through Christ.” TOD, John Gill

In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet poses questions to God that ask why it seems the wicked are prospering while the godly are being oppressed. God exhorts them to patience while they trust in His righteous judgement that will come. In other words, God is in control. He knows full well what is going on with every person in every circumstances. He sees the situations so much better than we ever could. He reads a man’s heart perfectly and will render His perfect righteousness and judgments in His perfect time.

Take a look at our verse again.

Ps 119:137 Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments.

“Upright are thy judgments, the promises and threatenings and the executions of both. Every word of God is pure, and he will be true to it; he perfectly knows the merits of every cause and will judge accordingly.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

De 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

Ne 9:33 "However, Thou art just in all that has come upon us; for Thou hast dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.

Ro 9:14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be!

Pr 11:31 If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, How much more the wicked and the sinner!

1Pe 4:17-18 For [it is] time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if [it begins] with us first, what [will be] the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Verse 137: ‘The emperor Mauritius [Gibbon, Decline and Fall, ch. 46], seeing all his children slain [his five sons were murdered one by one in his presence] before his face at the command of the bloody tyrant and usurper Phocas, himself expecting the next stroke—exclaimed aloud, in the words of David, “Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.”’— Bp. Horne. This story is a good exposition of the verse; and if satisfactorily authenticated, would be a most admirable exemplification of the genuine tendency of the doctrine contained in it, namely, confidence in God, and acquiescence in his will under the severest calamities. Thomas Scott (emphasis mine)

How does God’s absolute righteousness comfort you? Are you able to rest in His plan even though it may seem difficult to understand?

Take some time to ponder the purity of God and the fact that He has called you to be His child. Amazing …

It’s No Joke

I remember specifically when I first heard someone speak of man’s sin. I knew I blew it sometimes. But I rarely set out to be ‘bad’. Being controlled by sin was a concept I didn’t embrace.

The true origins of April Fools’ Day are uncertain, but one theory is that it began in 1582, when France adopted the Gregorian calendar. Before then, New Year’s Day fell on March 25, not January 1. And those who continued to celebrate the old New Year (at the beginning of April) were called “fools” by their early adopting peers. Bing.com

Tomorrow, April 1st, happens to be Easter, the day Christians celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead. In order to understand the significance of the resurrection, we need to believe that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to be born into the world. We find an account of His genealogy in the book of Matthew.

Mt 1:16 and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Jesus, God’s Son, was the perfect embodiment of righteousness. Jesus was born so He could die for our sins and thus save us from paying the penalty of death that we owe.

2Co 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We all sin. Our thoughts, our actions, our words, the things we don’t do that we should and the things we do that we shouldn’t. We have effectively seared our consciousness to what sin is, and we heartily approve behavior that is against God. Here, at this point, is where you may decide to stop reading. I understand. But please, please, hang in there with me. I remember specifically when I first heard someone speak of man’s sin. I knew I blew it sometimes. But I rarely set out to be ‘bad’. Being controlled by sin was a concept I didn’t embrace. At least not on the level it was being addressed.

1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

I had learned Jesus was God’s Son and even that He died and suffered for sin. It’s good to believe in God. There’s a safety net in agreeing with something that is good. After all, America is largely still considered a Christian nation. I personally tried to do what was right and I thought I was actually pretty good in comparison to those around me. I had never killed anyone, I didn’t purposefully break the law or cheat or steal, I didn’t often use bad language, I was aware of morality and respected others to an extent, being polite and acting in a way that would generally be considered upstanding. I tried to follow through with my word, I worked hard, and I was faithful to my marriage vows.

Then, sin’s full force hit me square across the face! It hurt, bad. It affected those I loved the most, my children. I was powerless to stop the consequences. This is when I first heard that people, in general, suffered from being under sin’s control and that we all need a Savior. I heard someone say that men were wretched. I immediately thought it was pathetic that those who were sitting around me agreed with this statement. They certainly didn’t think very highly of themselves. How sad it must be to consider yourself to be so lowly. I was definitely not of the same mind!

Boy, did God grab ahold of my heart. He took away the things I had placed my faith in. The people I trusted, the possessions that made me feel secure, even my own ability to work hard and make things right again. God did immediate spiritual surgery on me and transplanted the understanding I had of who He was, to the Truth of who He said He was. Incredible! God showed me that on my own, without the power of Christ in my life, I am nothing. I am wretched, prone to sin and even desiring sin, justifying it as ‘not that bad’. What I failed to understand previously is the extent of my sin. Perhaps the most important benefit of acknowledging sin for what it truly is, was the beginning of being freed from its grip. Sin is anything and everything that goes against what God says in His word. His commands. His testimony to us.

Consider. Be careful of getting confused with what men say you are to do. You can find opinions for everything you have questions about. What is right and what is wrong. Problem is, opinions are just that – opinions: personal beliefs or judgments that are not based on proof or certainty. Right and wrong in the world is largely based on popular and changing concepts or strong persuasion. Several different organized religions have their list of rules to follow and tout they have the answers. Some traditions, set up by men, have become viewed as necessary for acceptance into God’s eternal kingdom, yet you won’t find record of them in His word, the Bible. Man’s answers to ‘finding’ God or being ‘enlightened’ are based on man’s understanding, which is flawed. And unfortunately, so often, personal gain is associated with following a certain organization or group. Typically, someone benefits either through status, finances, or increased influence upon others. Look carefully at who or what you choose to follow or not follow.

Isa 29:13 Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned [by rote,]

Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

What God wants is not a list of ‘what I have done’ or ‘what I haven’t done’. He wants my heart. My obedience. Doesn’t matter what I’ve done before, what I believed, how I’ve messed up or how I haven’t messed up at all. God doesn’t care about my title, my education, my color, my language, where I live, how I dress, or what I have. Yet, it is so ‘normal’ for us to think this way. We might think we’re not good enough for God to even consider. That’s true, we aren’t! We may even think we don’t need God because we’re doing fine on our own. Eventually, death will knock on the door. Then what? Eternity is a long time to regret a decision.

Men are imperfect. Most everyone would agree with that. Even the most educated, most inspiring, most righteous-looking person has flaws. God alone is perfect. He is the only One worthy of our devotion. It is His word that is true and right and profitable and shows us the way to live according to His standards. Do you know of anyone else who claims to have given their only perfect Son to die and suffer for an undeserving mankind? When was the last time someone died a horrendous death for you knowing you hated them and would kick them to the curb regardless of their sacrifice? The truth is, Christ died for you.

Isa 53:5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being [fell] upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.

Whether you choose to believe it or not, the facts remain the same. Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, died for the sin of man so that we might be saved from the penalty of death. We’re talking spiritual death. Complete separation from anything good. Full wrath unleashed. HELL.

God’s standard is perfection. It has to be because His character is perfect. He is unable to be in the presence of sin. In order to have a relationship with Him, we need to be perfect. Not close to the mark, not just in our intentions, not in comparison to another, but in everything, an exact bull’s eye. Mt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Obviously, we fall short. Missing the mark is called sin. As stated earlier, sin’s consequence is death. Spiritual separation from our Creator, God, for eternity. Alienation from God.

Eph 4:18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;

Consider. Anything in this world that is good is from God. The origin of all that is harmonious or gives you true joy is because of God’s blessing to this world. Spring is just beginning and the trees are starting to bloom, bulbs are poking up out of the earth, birds are dashing about looking for an area to build their nest. We could go on and on about all the newness of this season. Without God’s Son, the hope of new life would not be present. Death would reign forever, its effects would permeate all things, and there would be no hope, only despair.

Ps 104:24 O LORD, how many are Thy works! In wisdom Thou hast made them all; the earth is full of Thy possessions.

Mt 19:17 And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."

Ps 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Ps 145:9 The LORD is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.

Even those who have not accepted the true story of God’s love, Jesus’ birth and life and death, and His resurrection from the dead, experience blessings. But, those blessings are temporary rather than eternal. Fun things happen, good things are all around us, pleasant memories invade our photo albums, and smiles abound. But we all have a deficit. A hole in our heart that only God can fill.

Sin is still present on this earth because man is imperfect with desires of selfishness. We are weak and unable to be victorious over sin by ourselves. But with the power of Christ in our lives, sin is conquered. Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us victory over sin. In fact, a believer is unable to live a life controlled by sin. The struggle to obey is real, but those who are truly God’s children can triumph over sin’s grasp through His strength.

Ro 6:2b How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

1Pe 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

When we trust in Jesus, believing that His death and resurrection conquered sin’s power and penalty, then we can live a life victorious over sin. And we are given the certain hope of being in the presence of God forever. This is cause for celebration! Peace permeates our lives even though struggles.

Ro 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2Co 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Christ’s death was necessary for the payment of man’s sin just as His resurrection was necessary to conquer the power of sin.

Ac 2:24 "And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

Without the resurrection, there would be no reason to celebrate. The sorrow and suffering that Jesus endured for mankind has been turned to joy and hope for all who believe. Remembering His pain, produces gratitude in the heart of a believer. This gratitude inspires us to live a life pleasing to God. We all trust in something. Perhaps you trust in your wallet, in your best friend, in your occupation, in your physical strength, in your intelligence, in your residence, or even in yourself, that with enough elbow grease you can conquer the world. Something or someone becomes the foundation of our security. But, there truly is only One who is certain, who is constant and reliable. Jesus Christ’s resurrection is proof that He will fulfill all He has promised, in His perfect time. God said He would raise His Son from the dead and He did! There is only One who was and is able to conquer the power of sin in your life. It only takes one small lapse in judgment to have cause enough to need a Savior. Consider where you have placed your trust, then consider its eternal value. Only a relationship with God, who is eternal, has value beyond death. Everything else stays. You can’t bring a suitcase to heaven.

1Co 15:13-14 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.

Lu 24:45-46 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day;

Jesus Christ’s resurrection is recognized on April 1st this year which is commonly referred to as April Fools’ Day. But the facts of Christ’s resurrection are certainly not a joke. You have been given a chance at new life if you accept God’s gift to you. Fools will turn away from this gift. Don’t let yourself be fooled. Reach up to God and ask Him to show you His truths. You’ll be amazed at what He has done and what He will do in your heart!

1Co 15:19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

Have a glorious Easter celebrating the reason we live – Jesus, Lord Over All, reigns forever!

“Rolling Thunder”

Ps 89:52 Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.

I received this video a few days ago. This is one of my grand daughter’s favorite songs, she calls it ‘Rolling Thunder’. It is my favorite hymn and hence the name of this blog, thensingsmysoultothee. I neither want to add to it nor detract from it because its message is beautiful! Enjoy, and let your soul sing!
Ps 89:52 Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.

Love, What’s it all About?

Do you sometimes get tired of loving those who are difficult? Have you ever disappointed someone by not acting in a loving manner towards them? Human hearts can grow weary of trying. But God never grows weary. Imagine God saying to you, ‘Just a minute, I’m busy now’, or ‘I’ve already given you a chance, too late’, and ‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too tired to bother with you right now’.

Love conjures up many different thoughts and memories for people. Valentine’s Day was last week and its focus, of course, is on love. Most stores you walked into, had hearts displayed in the form of cards or balloons or bouquets. Several jewelry stores capitalized on this day. Couples got engaged and some held their wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day. The evening of February 14th is popular for restaurants also. It’s one of those times that reservations are absolutely needed. It’s good to celebrate love! However, the greatest love we can ever know is that which originates in God. God’s love for us came in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ. True and complete and perfect love is synonymous with the Gospel – Jesus’ death for mankind in order that we might have a relationship with the Father.

We like the warm, fuzzy thoughts of love. We should anticipate the blessings that come from being a child of God. But, the reality is, sometimes love is hard. If you are God’s child, meaning you have accepted His gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, then you have been, are being or will be disciplined at some point in your life. Expect it! God disciplines those He loves. Our Pastor taught on this passage in Hebrews Chapter 12 a few Sundays ago. His message challenged us to think of discipline in the right way: as training, not always punishment. The discipline of God is a reminder of His love for us. You can download a copy of his live sermon here, you will be blessed!: http://www.valleybible.net/Sermons/mov/sermon2018-02-11.mov

While we know God’s love is always for good, even when it’s tough, the love we show to one another can disappoint. Consider. Do you sometimes get tired of loving those who are difficult? Have you ever disappointed someone by not acting in a loving manner towards them? Human hearts can grow weary of trying. But God never grows weary. Imagine God saying to you, ‘Just a minute, I’m busy now’, or ‘I’ve already given you a chance, too late’, and ‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too tired to bother with you right now’.

Isa 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

I can get tired of myself and my inability to see things correctly. To remain patient and act lovingly towards others can be challenging at times. To forgive myself for blowing it is difficult. But God doesn’t have limits to His love. When I’m unlovable, God is still there. So not only does God not grow weary, He loves in spite of our shortcomings. This truth should be incredibly encouraging to God’s children.

Job 11:7-9 "Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? "They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? "Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

God’s love is unconditional. It is not dependent on me or my actions. God’s love is not a reward for good works! It is not earned because of my merit. I could never do enough and I could certainly never do enough perfectly, which is His standard. God’s love towards His children is freely given in grace.

1Jo 3:1a See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and [such] we are.

Consider. God has given us the blessing of experiencing love in this world among our families, friends, spouses and children. But this love we know is only a small sample of real love. God is love. Therefore, we must look to Him for what love truly looks like.

God’s love is UNFAILING:

Isa 49:15-16 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.

God’s love is SECURE:

Ro 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s love GUIDES us:

Ho 11:4 I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; and I bent down [and] fed them.

God’s love is FOREVER:

Jer 31:3 The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

God’s love is UNDESERVED:

Ps 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.

Ro 4:4-5 Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

Ro 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Because God has shown His love towards us, we are able to love others. So celebrate the love you’ve received by reaching out in love to those around you. Practice true love which is patient and kind, not jealous, not proud, it is decent and it is not selfish, it is not easily angered and it is good through and through. True love is being happy for others, it patiently endures and is full of trust and hope. The love born from a heart that follows God always blesses others. And, we practice this love all the time, every moment of every day.

Dear Lord, help us to Love others as you Love us!

Chariots

When our faith is placed in God alone it always has perfect results. It doesn’t mean we won’t get hurt but it does mean we’re more likely to recover with a perspective that will challenge us to forgive and move on, to continue to serve and take part in fellowship, and to trust in God’s ultimate will for ourselves and others. It is God we serve. It may be through people, and at times it may be super difficult, but it is God we are serving, living for, trying to please. Often, we can give others more credentials than we ought.

Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (ESV)

In biblical times, chariots were a sign of strength. The more in number you possessed, the mightier was your threat. Chariots would be gathered from the losing side of battle and often the description of an army would be by numbers of chariots and horses. Some learned to place their trust for victory in these numbers, while others knew their success was dependent on God. Spurgeon says, “The most dreaded war engine of David's day was the war chariot, armed with scythes, which mowed down men like grass: this was the boast and glory of the neighboring nations; but the saints considered the name of Jehovah to be a far better defense.”

Consider. The honesty and reliability of others and things compared with the absolute truth of God who is infallible and omnipresent.

Several months ago I began thinking about the significance of where we place our trust and the result of misplaced trust. I jotted down some thoughts when I was spurred on by a conversation that I will describe further down this page. I finally sat down to look at the notes I had written earlier and began studying some application of scripture related to this subject. Excited to continue my study this morning, I turned on my computer, opened my Bible program and alas, it had been totally reconfigured, through an automatic update. The translations of the Word I use most were missing! KJV, NIV, NASB all disappeared and were not even in the list of options to pull up! If you’ve read my profile page or know me at all, you know that I am challenged by the world of electronics and information technology and the fact that I even write this blog is a small miracle in itself.

Even when we’ve completely trusted in Jesus for salvation through His death and resurrection, and perhaps consider ourselves a ‘seasoned’ believer, it is still easy for us to place trust in other things. It’s not bad to trust that appliances will function or children or husbands will come home from school and business. We depend on people and things to work according to our plans. But how do we respond when the expected doesn’t happen? Albeit, my computer not working properly is an easier illustration than the loss of trust in personal relationships. The annoyance I feel when things don’t work ‘as they’re supposed to’ causes me to sit back, take a deep breath, calm down and consider the realization that there is truly only One I can absolutely depend on always – God.

(As you have probably figured out by now, I did discover what was wrong with my computer, for the record, by myself! and happily I am back up and typing on my keyboard with my original preferences on my Bible program. Thank you Lord!)

We’ll look at the placement of our trust. We all trust in something or someone. It’s where we place our trust that will significantly alter our responses and future security.

Placement. The act of putting something in a certain place.

We learn placement early. Toys get put away where they belong. Clothes are folded or hung and placed in a dresser or basket or closet. Shoes have a place, some by a door used to enter the house, others in a specified location in a bedroom. A kitchen table belongs in a kitchen. Position of utensils in a plate setting are specific when done according to proper etiquette: forks on the left in order of use. Typically, we feel good when things are in the ‘right’ place.

But, in the real world, at least in mine, stuff is not always where it belongs. We get busy. I don’t always take the time to put things in their place. Its okay for a bit, but it can get out of hand. Like in the garage…. or in a closet….don’t even get me started about the ‘junk drawer’. I’m not inviting you to take a look, just trust me!! (Pun intended.) It’s not the ‘end of the world’ when things are not exactly in place. (Although, if you have the tendencies of OCD it feels like it). We still function. No tears need to be shed. However, there is one area where placement matters big time.

‘Listen’ to this recent conversation I had with someone I haven’t seen in a while. (Me) Hi, how are you? Fine. Haven’t seen you at Bible study. We’re fine. We’ve missed you at church. We’re fine. Should I be concerned? We’re fine. Are you going to church somewhere else? Are you in fellowship with others? No. We’re fine. How can I pray for you? We’re fine.

This conversation caused my heart to cry. After a bit more prodding, hoping I could encourage and feeling genuinely concerned, I found out they had been hurt by words shared from others. No details, which I don’t need, but obviously the hearts of this sweet family were hurt to the core and their faith in those they trusted was damaged.

Unfortunately, this happens. It shouldn’t. In a perfect world, it wouldn’t. But we are sinful and people get hurt by others. Words are shared carelessly. Offense is taken personally. When our faith is put in people, it is harder to forgive and bounce back. Then, we punish ourselves. We pull out. We don’t want to be hurt. We stay away. Sometimes we even retaliate. We answer sin with sin. We say we’re fine. But are we? What happened to our placement of faith? Was our faith in God or in our expectation of people?

Faith in humankind always disappoints. People are weak, sinful, and have poor judgment. They are selfish, proud and hurtful towards others, sometimes its purposeful, many times it’s just a matter of thoughtlessness.

Consider. We all place faith in something or someone.

Dreams, plans, friends, family, marriage, home, success, health, education, government, yourself, your computer programs (hahaha). This list could continue with many more things or persons. Do we have an absolute promise that any of the above listed will perform as expected?

Dreams seldom come true. Plans rarely turn out exactly the way you expect. Friends, no matter how close, can unintentionally hurt. Family is counted on and should be there for you, but not in every case. Marriages fail. Homes flood, burn down, break down and generally have something needing to be fixed. Success is fleeting. Health is unpredictable. Education is momentary. Self is downright scary!! Technology is finicky. But God is the source of all that is True. He will never fail us and is predictable according to His character. God is always just, always honest, always loving (even if it doesn’t always feel like it when we are being disciplined), always available, always understands – even better than we do.

Placement of our faith in anything except the one true living God won’t carry you to the finish line of peace and hope now and in the future. Sure, we might do well for a time, we may be able to stumble along and look like we’re moving forward or doing just fine, but we’ve taken on a prison sentence we don’t need to carry. We become trapped because we’ve placed our faith in everything uncertain. We punish ourselves when others let us down by choosing to disassociate with those who truly do care about us. We miss the joy of living for Christ because we’re derailed by disappointment.

Placement of our faith in others to act or respond a certain way will most certainly cause despair. Consider. Have you always said and done everything appropriately? Has every circumstance panned out the way you thought it should? Of course not! When our entire cause for existence is placed in God, we are not so readily sidetracked by things or others’ actions or comments or judgment. God is the only one that truly matters. When we embrace this, we are able to forge ahead with the security of complete trust placed in Him alone Who never fails or disappoints.

Is God our object of trust? How do we know? Think of your responses to unpleasant things that happen and towards people who may be less than understanding. Do you try to look through the eyes of God’s grace or do you quit? Do you keep moving forward or do you run and hide? Do you embrace your anger and let it grow?

The placement of our trust should be in God’s strength.

Isa 26:4 "Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

The placement of our trust should be in His continuous care for us.

Ps 9:10 And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; for Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

The placement of our trust should be in God completely.

Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

The placement of our trust should be in the God who knows us personally.

Ps 31:14 But as for me, I trust in Thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God."

The placement of our trust should be in His word.

Ps 119:42 So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Thy word.

The placement of our trust should be in God’s mercy.

Ps 13:5 But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

God is the only one we are able to place our trust in for eternity.

Ps 52:8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

The trust we place in God is not just a hopeful trust that things will probably work out okay, but it is a confident, certain trust born through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joh 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Eph 3:12 [Christ] in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

2Co 3:4 And such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

The placement of our trust should be in God at all times.

Ps 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

God says it is better to place our trust in Him than anyone or anything else.

Ps 118:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Jer 17:5 Thus says the LORD, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

Pr 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.

So, back to the beginning of this study, its development, and the conversation I had. Misplaced trust causes us to act in a manner that is outside of God’s will. We can become annoyed easily. We can let hurt become anger. We can desire to quit instead of forging ahead. We can hold resentment in our heart instead of living free in Christ. The reality is, we punish ourselves when complete trust is not properly placed in the only One who deserves and requires our full confidence and faith.

Either our trust is placed and settled securely in God for all things

It is placed precariously on top of an unsteady pile of persons and things that may topple over at any minute.

Isa 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, [And] rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!

Pr 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Sheep.

God will provide for us, He will feed us, He will preserve us for His purposes, He will sustain us, He will defend and protect us and He will care for us in every conceivable way.

Sheep. Timid animals that need direction and protection. The keeper of a flock of sheep is called a shepherd.

While in Arizona last week, we were on our way to an animal rescue reserve when we happened upon Jerome, an old copper mining town built into the sides of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley. It is located in the Black Hills of Yavapai County and was founded in the late 19th century. We changed our plans and enjoyed the day walking around this small town. At one point we entered a historic tire manufacturer turned artist’s gallery. Inside, the old warehouse was sectioned off into separate displays. One of the sections had two exhibits, glass blowing on one wall, clay figurines on the other. It was incredible to see examples of the creativity God has endowed to certain individuals! As we walked out of the stall, I couldn’t help but notice a sign posted that had big arrows pointing to each side that read, ‘the religious views on the that side  don’t reflect the views on this side ’. Wow, you could immediately feel the tension that must be going on. We walked farther into the building and found the same clay figures we had seen earlier with handwritten scripture displayed throughout. I had the opportunity to speak to the owner and it was sad to hear of the tension going on between different artists. In an adjoining section, beautiful clay forms had been sculpted depicting scenes from the Bible. Although spiritual warfare was present, Truth was shining and God was protecting his ambassadors with His care. It was fun to be able to encourage the owner to keep on keeping on. I was given permission to use the photos I took of his wife’s original artwork for my blog. I would have loved to purchase a large piece of art but settled on a small sheep as I thought of God’s tender care for us as the Great Shepherd of our souls.

In Ezekiel chapter 34, God reprimands those who were to care for the nation of Israel. The Levite priests had become more interested in their own welfare and advancement rather than taking the time and energy involved in truly shepherding God’s people. As God puts forth His judgment on those who ceased to acknowledge Him, He also gives His promise that He will take care of His flock.

Eze 34:11-16a. 11[a] For thus says the Lord GOD, [b]"Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. 13 "And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land. 14[a] "I will feed them in a good pasture, [b] and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD. 16a "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick;

Eze 34:11a For thus says the Lord GOD,

This is God’s answer to those who had been unfaithful to care for His people and His promise to those who had been neglected.

Eze 34:11b Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.

“the construction is emphatical in the Hebrew and well expressed here; I, the Owner, the Lover, the Maker, the great Shepherd, even I, who committed them to your care, never submitted them to your rapine and cruelty, am as angry with you for devouring them as I am zealous for their welfare.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

God Himself will search for His children. He will pursue you, He will seek after you, He will care for you!

Consider. The Lord God will not let His children stay lost! Just as a shepherd gathers and guides the sheep, God will be certain to account for each of His children.

Eze 34:12 "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.

What does it mean to care for someone? WordWeb gives us the following ideas of this meaning: to have a fondness for, to be attached to, to cherish, hold dear, treasure. And these descriptions are only what man can perceive. Imagine how much more a holy and perfect God cares for those He loves! We truly are never alone. We may feel lost but we are not lost to God if we’re His children. Even in situations where we seem to be the only ones promoting Truth, God has His hand on us, caring for us.

“As a shepherd doth gently gather them together, counteth them, brings them to the fold, views what they have suffered, whether lame or torn, and binds up, and healeth; if any are wanting, he looks till he findeth them, and brings them back; so will I, saith the Lord. If the shepherd find the wolf or lion among them or near them, he will either kill or drive him away; so will God …” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

I love that we have a descriptive text of the extent that a shepherd would go to care for the flock in 1Samuel 17:34-35. But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.

As I was searching to find insight on the words ‘cloudy and gloomy day’ in Ezekiel 34:12, I was led to all spectrums of interpretation. The words themselves mean what they say. One commentary said it referred to ‘the day of their affliction and misery’. Another seemed to associate this phrase with ‘times of general distress and persecution’. Then I was led to scripture with the same overtone.

Zep 1:15 A day of wrath is that day, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

Joe 2:2 A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, so there is a great and mighty people; there has never been anything like it, nor will there be again after it to the years of many generations.

The cloudy day; when the storm first began to arise from abroad or at home; here in persecutions, there in warlike preparations. Dark day; that the land was invaded till the desolation of Jerusalem, the times of maladministration of their own governors, and violent irruption of their enemies. Matthew Poole’s Commentary

We’ll concentrate on what is certain – we are under the perfect protection of God. Now and in the future. When things seem at their worse, we need not despair or fear. We have a Shepherd who will not let us be devoured by anything sinister. Even in the darkest, gloomiest of times, we have a light to guide us safely through the storm.

Eze 34:13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.

Jer 23:3-4 "Then I Myself shall gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and shall bring them back to their pasture; and they will be fruitful and multiply. "I shall also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.

We may not be led back to the land of Canaan as the Israelite nation was, but the promise to care for us remains true. God will provide for us, He will feed us, He will preserve us for His purposes, He will sustain us, He will defend and protect us and He will care for us in every conceivable way. Sheep are timid and defenseless. They are readily preyed upon. A person who is sheepish is usually vulnerable and follows along rather than stand strong. God knows His children need to be cared for. And He has given His promise that He will Shepherd us. This is truly amazing if you stop to consider who we are and who He is. God continues to lay out His promises to the Israelite nation in Ezekiel 34:14.

Eze 34:14a I will feed them in a good pasture

feed <ra’ah> to tend a flock; pasture it; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend) …

good <towb> as an adverb (well): beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease; … graciously, joyful, kindly, loving

God will rule His own and graciously tend to them. And this is not just throwing food and water to us as you might tend an animal. If you are His child, you will be able to look back at the countless times God has guided you through difficulty. Even foolish decisions we have been allowed to make, have been turned into times of learning and growing in our understanding of Him and for His glory. My husband and I were revisiting the years leading up to our meeting and it is so clear that God was directing both of our paths towards each other as we followed Him. We were both saved through divorces neither of us chose. We were baptized the same day, same place, same church albeit unknown to us. He was praying for a family to lead, I was praying for a leader, a husband and dad to my young children. I could go back even further into our history but for the sake of length I won’t. Coincidence or Providence: “the guardianship and control exercised by a deity”? I believe that none of the events, or timing, were accidental! I challenge you to take the time to recognize God’s shepherding in your life.

There are no coincidences! A coincidence is defined as, “An event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental” (WordWeb). However, there is a God-ordained plan for our lives and it is full of circumstances purposefully arranged in order to bring glory to Himself. God allows and even determines the times of dark and cloudy days.

Consider. When circumstances are difficult whether by your own doing or another’s, don’t you learn to appreciate even more the times of quiet and rest? Each relationship and each condition God has put in your path, has allowed you to learn something. That’s called being shepherded by a tender, all-knowing, merciful and perfect Father in Heaven.

Ezekiel 34:14b-15 goes on to paint a picture in detail how God will care for His people: and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD.

Ps 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Consider. God provides all that we need to grow physically and spiritually. Are you eating in His good grazing grounds, are you resting in His rich pastures?

Isa 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

Jer 31:25 "For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes."

Joh 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Consider. Does God at any point in time forget His children who have wandered away? Or leave behind those who have been misled? What happens to those who are broken-hearted or seemingly destroyed? Are the weak and afflicted cast aside never to be remembered by Him?

Eze 34:16a I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick;

Isa 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry [them] in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing [ewes.]

Mt 18:11-14 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

Sheep: A timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon; a docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision. WordWeb

“Sheep have little ability to defend themselves; Even if sheep survive an attack, they may die from their injuries or simply from panic.” “The illustration [of the Good Shepherd] encompasses many ideas, including God’s care for his people. The tendency of humans to put themselves into danger’s way and their inability to guide and take care of themselves apart from the direct power and leading of God …” Wikipedia (sheep/shepherd)

Most of us have heard or read Psalm 23. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “It is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and dependence upon Him”.

Ps 23. (A Psalm of David.) 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

God is our Shepherd. In Him we find peace and guidance. He will comfort us when we are fearful or in distress. We can calmly walk forward through all circumstances in His care. We can be brave when surrounded by evil. God is sovereign, He has conquered sin and gives to His sheep a hope that will never die. We are able to find complete satisfaction in His provision. He promises His goodness and mercy shall follow each step we take.

Sheep. Timid, defenseless creatures. But, with Christ as their Shepherd, they are brave and completely protected from harm as they are led on a path of righteousness through His mercy and in His grace to an everlasting hope of His presence forevermore.

Shine!

Within the large framework of gorgeous rock formations, as I began to look closer at the smaller details around me, I saw these tiny little wonders of beauty: ice crystals looking like glass as they slowly melted.

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My husband and I are in Arizona this week. It snowed and the landscape and colors around us have seemed to intensify. We walked along the rim of the Grand Canyon yesterday. Our God is awesome in wonder! There is no qualified way to describe His power and creation. But, so often we focus on only the big picture. Within the large framework of gorgeous rock formations, as I began to look closer at the smaller details around me, I saw these tiny little wonders of beauty: ice crystals looking like glass as they slowly melted. They literally seemed to shine and glimmer as they reflected the sun light! My thoughts? That’s what I want! To shine as God is reflected in my life. For Him. Out of thankfulness. Whether it’s noticed by many or few. I had to look really hard to discover some of the most beautiful and brilliant reflections of light.

So, of course I started asking Rick, my husband, questions about reflection and refraction!! Because that’s what you do when you go places with a geologist/geographer. You learn to appreciate everything around you, even the smallest details of formation 

reflection: The phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface; the image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material); syn. manifestation, mirror image, reflectivity. to reflect: give evidence of certain behavior. syn. shine WordWeb

refraction: The change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another; the amount by which a propagating wave is bent. to refract: capable of changing the direction (of a light or sound wave). WordWeb

Consider a rainbow, caused by the refraction of the sun’s light in a drop of water, a symbol world-wide of God’s promises. Picture in your mind the sun’s rays reflecting off water on a leaf or flower or tree. If you look just right at light shining through a water droplet it’s beautiful! The colors and brilliance are nothing less than amazing. Different colors are formed when light bends at different angles. Perhaps you’ve noticed ice crystals as they melt in the warm sunlight, they seem to sparkle almost like they’re dancing, their slow drips form glass-like tear drops that shine like jewels.

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When something refracts, it bends. It goes through one object then changes direction when it hits resistance. What we then see, in the case of water and sunlight, is the reflection of light being thrown back, like looking in a mirror. Refraction is caused by bending; reflection is caused by bouncing. This seems like a whole lot of explanation for one small thought I had!

We must be bent in order to shine brilliantly for Christ, for our lives to reflect His goodness. Blessings are promised to us in abundance as we follow His ways.

God promised countless blessings upon the nation of Israel if they listened and obeyed His direction and commands.

De 28:2-14 "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the LORD your God. "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they shall come out against you one way and shall flee before you seven ways. "The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you. "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you will keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and walk in His ways. "So all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of you. "And the LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. "The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. "And the LORD shall make you the head and not the tail, and you only shall be above, and you shall not be underneath, if you will listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully, and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

No tongue can express nor finite mind conceive the number, greatness, variety, richness, or duration of the blessings which flow from obeying God. Family Bible Notes

In order to follow, we must learn and understand. God gives us countless opportunities to learn, to practice His truths, to prove His faithfulness, to grow in our trust and dependence on Him and His word. These opportunities are called blessings. Do we only see Him in the larger focus or do we recognize His hand in even the tiniest detail?

Consider the air you breathe. Do you have lungs that work? Some don’t. I drink a cup of coffee every morning. Do I need it? No. Do I enjoy it? Yes = a blessing! Did the sun rise? Do I have shoes to put on my feet? A place I call home? It goes on and on, right? Blessings, they are all around me in abundance. What do I do with them? Are they used for Him, reflecting His light and goodness to others, shining for all to see?

Sometimes blessings are easy to recognize and we accept them with pleasure. Sometimes we don’t readily receive difficult circumstances as blessings – especially when bending is part of the process. However, the bending is necessary in molding us to be more like Christ. Sometimes we’re detoured, sometimes our direction is completely changed. But the result is always God’s blessing. I am learning to recognize with greater intensity the beautiful way God causes His children to shine, even after a storm. Appreciation of things we took for granted are suddenly seen as blessings. We so often see this huge, amazing, spectacular picture of God and His gift of salvation towards us but we forget that the journey there is filled with nuances of light and color as God directs us on our walk towards heaven.

Ps 119:135 Make Thy face shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes.

Consider. Is God’s light reflected in my life? No matter how difficult the storm proves to be? Am I able to sparkle even as He guides me through circumstances that cause my very world to bend?

Da 12:3 "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Pr 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.

“‘The ways of the righteous shine like the light; they go on, and shine until the day be perfected.’– The path of the just or righteous is that way in which a believer walks, from the time when he begins to seek the Lord to the close of his days. A glimmering of knowledge at first pervades the darkness of his mind as to spiritual things, and some feeble desires after God and holiness arise in his heart. Thus the day dawns. But frequently these feeble beginnings cannot be distinguished from many specious appearances, which afterwards vanish; when, however, they arise from divine life communicated to the soul, the glimmering light will increase. Advancing knowledge gradually dispels ignorance and error; peace and comfort are obtained, and established on a firm base, and holy affections and dispositions ripen into fruits and habits. Thus this light whines progressively, not wasting as that of a taper, or declining as that of the setting sun; but increasing as that of the morning, until perfected in the knowledge, holiness, and felicity of heaven. This light comes from Christ at the first, and is augmented, and will be perfected by the knowledge of him: and the way in which he directs the soul, and on which it shines continually, is that of humble faith and obedient love.” Thomas Scott

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Shine bright! When the heat is turned up, reflect His truths. When you feel like you’re being bent by a blacksmith, being hammered by circumstances, look for the blessings and know that tear drops can glisten with God’s promise of hope.

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Be encouraged! The tiniest ice crystal can shimmer and sparkle as it reflects light.

We are Blessed!

Be Still

Yes, I know; be still. It’s okay. Trust. No need to get all worked up. Take a deep breath. Shhhhh.

Babies. Toddlers. Busyness. Constantness. Nap time. Needed!

Most of us can relate to the sudden, sweet quiet of a busy home during nap time or when, finally, children are in bed for the night. The atmosphere quiets down and suddenly you are able to actually think, or get something done, or just be still and breathe deeply for a few moments. I remember cherishing that small piece of quiet time where my brain could reorganize with no interruptions. We should wave a banner that says, ‘Adults need quiet time too’!

Or, picture a quickly beating heart stirred from emotions of excitement or fear or anger or uncertainty or even pleasure. Think of speech that elevates in volume or has become nervously fast. The rushing around of needing to get things done. The feeling that you have to do something right now or fix a problem immediately. Sometimes we can feel like we’re on a playground merry-go-round. You know, the metal ones that have the bars you hold onto and then the ‘strong’ kid comes and decides to spin it really fast while you desperately try to hold on without getting sick?!

Be still.

2Ki 2:1-5 And it came about when the LORD was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 3 Then the sons of the prophets who [were at] Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know; be still." 4 And Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets who [were] at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be still."

<chashah> to hush or keep quiet:--hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still.

Elisha was totally aware that God had plans for Elijah. Only Enoch had been taken up to heaven in the same manner without a physical death. Others wanted to talk about it. As Elijah was making his rounds making his last visits, probably saying good bye, Elisha was being questioned both at Bethel and again at Jericho. You can almost hear the prophets saying, ‘Oh my, you know what’s going on right, what are you going to do?’ or ‘Can you believe what’s going to happen?’ This must have been hard for Elisha. Consider, this was the one he had followed and walked through Jordan with. He learned from Elijah. And what was Elisha’s response to the questions? Yes, I know; be still. It’s okay. Trust. No need to get all worked up. Take a deep breath. Shhhhh. We know it was hard for Elisha to say farewell to his friend and mentor, 2Ki 2:12 And Elisha saw [it] and cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces, but he gives us a great example of trusting God for His plan. What did he ask? For God’s blessing to be upon him. 2Ki 2:9 Now it came about when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." Not for God to change the plan. Be still. Hold your peace. Be silent. Trust.

Do we accept God’s plan? Choose to not question even if it seems ‘out of this world’ impossible? Even when we know it will cause pain through loss?

Turn to Nehemiah. Ne 8:11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved." We see the Levites repeating to those who could not hear Nehemiah to lay aside their worry, their pain, their anger, displeasure, and grievances. Anything that was a distraction from worship. Be still. Right now, be still. For a time, be still.

<hacah> to hush:--hold peace (tongue), (keep) silence, be silent, still.

When I read the above definition, I immediately thought to the struggle I had in keeping my talk silent. Some of us feel uncomfortable with silence when we’re with others or we feel there should be a conversation developing. Learning to be okay with unresponsiveness and not feeling the need to ‘fill in the gaps’ has been an incredible tool God has taught me in improving my listening and understanding of others. Silence is good. It gives us time to digest words said earlier. It gives us time to think. It gives others time to think. Try it! Stop talking and be still.

Are we able to put our cares aside as we come before the Lord in worship and prayer? Do the concerns on our heart shadow our ability to fully rejoice in Him? Can we rest in His holiness?

Ps 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

<damam> to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish:--cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

Read the first five verses of this Psalm. Hear David’s call to God for his own safety, for the concern of others and then his trust in knowing God hears him and finally his response to wait. Be still.

Ps 4:1-5 (For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.) Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? [How long] will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. 4 Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.

Can we focus on the amazing wonder of God, quiet our heart and trust in His plan and care for all things?

Hush. Keep quiet. Hold your peace. Be silent. Cease speaking. Be astonished. Stop. Quiet your heart. Rest. Wait. Be still.

Surrender

These words are important because it seems the inclusion of surrendering is not only what we may possess in physical material, but that also which we may possess in our own ‘rights’ as individuals – our very selves.

$C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\surrender.jpg$ In 1896, Judson W. Van DeVenter, a teacher, painter, artist and photographer, penned the song “I Surrender All”. Read the words to the first stanza and refrain. All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

When we think of the word surrender, it can have a negative connotation. Giving up may be the words you associate with surrendering. Yet, for the sake of this study, we will consider surrendering and giving up to be different in their motivation.

To surrender can mean to agree to forgo power or possession. It describes a relinquishment of control to another. A yielding to another.

Typically giving up is associated with defeat or a lack of hope. It marks the end of something.

Lu 14:33 So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (RSV)

Lu 14:33 "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. (NASB)

renounce, give up <apotassomai> literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); to renounce; bid farewell, forsake, take leave, send away. The word relinquish is given as a synonym for renounce in WordWeb.

You can read in the definition that this verb is a choice.

Lu 5:11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

They forsook all (KJV). They laid aside everything or yielded up absolutely all.

Lu 18:22-23 And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when he had heard these things, he became very sad; for he was extremely rich.

All that you hold: your possessions, abilities, relationships, and conditions, in order to follow.

Php 3:7-8 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,

Just previous to the above verses, we are given insight to how we easily place our value and confidence in ourselves and the things we are able to accomplish. Our verification rests on what we have done; our goodness on our performance in light of others. The conclusion is all things that we might do are useless in comparison to what Christ has done for us. There is an obvious repetition of phrases: “the loss of all things”.

I have suffered the loss of all things] …for whom I have thrown away all things-I have made a voluntary choice of Christ, his cross, his poverty, and his reproach; and for these I have freely sacrificed all I had from the world, and all I could expect from it. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Look again at Luke 14:33 above. “All that he has” or “possessions” comes from two Greek words.

<huparchonta> things extant or in hand, property or possessions; goods, that which one has, things which one possesses, substance

<heautou> himself, own selves

Consider the difference between giving up a material possession and surrendering a thought, or right, or what you consider is fair. Which is more difficult?

Self must be secondary when following Jesus. No room for ego. No room for self-concern. No room for self-interest. Even our identity becomes wrapped up in Christ. We have personal concerns and interests, but what takes center stage? What make our heart beat? Who do we live for? Are we willing to give ourselves to His cause?

For the sake of encouraging even just one of you, I’ll take this to a personal insight of my own. I would have readily told you I absolutely have surrendered myself to following Jesus. It is what I whole-heartedly desire. But, God has torn my heart up a bit and graciously as shown me that I struggle with this in a way that is probably considered acceptable, you might say it’s one of those ‘acceptable sins’. I get hurt by words. Then my personal insecurities flood my mind. I am too easily disheartened by the knowledge that others think poorly of me because of something carelessly said or misrepresented in relation to my person or motives. Most of us would say, “Well that’s okay”. But, is it? The conviction God is putting on my heart says NO! Why? Because my ‘tender hearted’ reactions cause my focus to sway from what I should be doing to what others are doing. This effectively lessens my serve. I am not completely giving up of myself to follow when I am concerned about myself. I still care about Me! Ughhhhhhh…

Are you able to relate? How is ‘self’ still imbedded in your life? Look hard, look deep, it may be subtle.

We are asked to surrender all things that may stand in the way of our ability to do what God desires. Anything we hang onto that allows our affections to be swayed, that keeps us from being wholly committed to living for God. Am I focused towards God or away from God in my interests? Is my relationship in Him being built up or torn down by my activities or thoughts? Am I being encouraged to persevere in His will or drawn towards myself?

Doddridge puts it very straightforward: “So then do you consider whether you think it worth your while to adhere to me on these terms, for I assure you, I will admit you on no other; and whosoever he be of you that does not steadfastly resolve to give up all his possessions whenever he is called to it on my account, he cannot be owned by me as my disciple indeed.”

Robertson’s NT Word Pictures states, “The spirit of self-sacrifice is the point”.

“We may not be called actually to do so, but we must be quite ready to lose all for Jesus' sake, or else we are not his true followers.” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

“To forsake all, without following Christ, is the virtue of a philosopher. To follow Christ in profession, without forsaking all, is the state of the generality of Christians. But to follow Christ and forsake all, is the perfection of a Christian.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Mt 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?"

Here is where I remind you once again I am not a Biblical Scholar in any stretch of the imagination. But, it seems Peter gets the first point right in leaving his fishing nets, boat and all worldly possessions behind but perhaps doesn’t really get the total picture of sacrificing self. He questions, what’s in it for him. Maybe he just didn’t completely understand. Perhaps he just needed to be reaffirmed of what he heard in the previous encounter between Jesus and the rich young man in Mat 19:20-21. Jesus had there stated that if the young man were to give up all he had and follow Him, then he would have treasures in heaven.

“After all, what have any of us to lose for Jesus compared with what we gain by him? ‘What shall we have?’ is a question which we need not raise, for we ought rather to think of what we have already received at our Lord's hands. Himself is reward enough to the soul that hath him.” Spurgeon’s Commentary on Matthew

I am caused to look carefully at motivation. Do we look for rewards in following Jesus? Certainly, as His children, we have the promise of eternal life. Do we seek rewards here on earth? Is that the motor that drives us? I think as we strive to labor in doing good, following God in all things, knowing that He loves us and sent His Son to die for us should be enough reward in itself. Just the thought that He chose us to know and understand His great love is the greatest gift we ever will receive. The comparison of all other things we could have is not even close.

Consider. What have we really left behind to follow Jesus? Answer. All that was never really ours to begin with!

1Ti 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.

Nothing. Naught. Nada.

Pray that we willingly relinquish control of all things, every conceivable possession or thought, to God who owns all things and causes all things, including persons, to glorify Himself. Surrender. Hope is increased when self is relinquished.

Side note: this was a hard study for me to write, to recognize and to share. I pray you are blessed and encouraged to be real, transparent and humble before your God.

Happy New Year!

God will change your thinking and enlighten your understanding if you are desiring. Why? Because He is merciful. He will give you discernment of the things which are good and acceptable and complete in His will.

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Happy New Year! Resolutions abound. If you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution or need ideas, just open your phone or any social media and you’ll find several suggestions. I’m not big on making a statement of fact that I will do something different or accomplish a specific task simply because I know there is a good chance I will fail. It’s easy to begin strong and then get distracted or lose heart, then the excuses begin. So, I personally choose to avoid this popular activity of the New Year. However, as I was considering this, I realized perhaps I just need to make a resolution that is within a different realm of thinking. God-centered. God’s will and desire. Success will then be at my fingertips! Because of Him.

Resolved! To know and follow God more fully in the coming year! This resolution is a winner because it’s what God wants for me and is within His will to accomplish.

Jer 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD.

To boast here means to shine, to celebrate, to praise! Shine for God. Celebrate God. Praise God. For all to see! God has chosen to give you understanding and consideration of who He is. He wants you to know Him!

Php 3:8-11 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from [the] Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which [comes] from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Consider. All things in your life should be unimportant when compared to the superiority of knowing Jesus. What floats your boat? Is it sitting at His feet trying to understand Him, the miraculous gift and power of His resurrection, being able to share in whatever hardships He allows for the sake of knowing and understanding Him more? Wow! This is the example we’ve been given. This is what God wants for His children! Our hearts should be breaking out into a chorus of Halleluiah’s right about now to be considered worthy of His fellowship.

Halleluiah indeed!

Ro 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

know <ginosko> allow, be aware of, feel, have knowledge, perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.

Resolved! In my direction and purpose determined to know my Lord and Savior, the only true God.

Jer 29:13 'And you will seek Me and find [Me,] when you search for Me with all your heart.

Only by His grace and mercy. Because it is what He wants for me! He will see to completion my resolution to seek Him.

Pr 8:17 "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me.

It is a Happy New Year! Amen. Halleluiah. Praise God!

Marvelous Faith!

Consider. A young girl, in her teenage years, betrothed to a man she was to marry. Innocent, yet asked to endure a situation that very well could have cost her life.

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Fall back to your teenage years for a moment. Many teens are still very insecure, concerned about what others think of them, somewhat irresponsible, perhaps even selfish being more apt to think of themselves before they consider the feelings of another. I was not yet saved as a teen so compounded with the above, I was enticed by the world. Worldly thinking, worldly values, it was all about me or so I thought. I had a job so there was some responsibility. I remember scooping ice cream at a well-known ice cream shop. I worked hard, but I was rewarded with a paycheck. The thought of sacrifice for another was pretty foreign.

Mt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

[She was found with child] Her situation was the most distressing and humiliating that can be conceived. Nothing but the fullest consciousness of her own integrity, and the strongest confidence in God, could have supported her in such trying circumstances, where her reputation, her honor, and her life were at stake. What conversation passed between her and Joseph, on this discovery, we are not informed; but the issue proves that it was not satisfactory to him: nor could he resolve to consider her as his wife, till God had sent his angel to bear the most unequivocal testimony to the virgin's innocence. His whole conduct, on this occasion, was exceedingly benevolent and humane. He might at once have taken the advantage of the law, and had her stoned to death. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

De 22:23-24 "If there is a girl who is a virgin engaged to a man, and another man finds her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city and you shall stone them to death; the girl, because she did not cry out in the city, and the man, because he has violated his neighbor's wife. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.

Consider. A young girl, in her teenage years, betrothed to a man she was to marry. Innocent, yet asked to endure a situation that very well could have cost her life. The punishment for engaging in premarital relations was death by stoning. Imagine how scared she may have been. Yet her willingness to trust God in the role He placed her in, surpasses the circumstances most of us will ever experience.

Trust is difficult. Especially when you feel alone, when others don’t understand. You rely upon those who know you to believe your ‘story’. Sometimes they do, other times you are alienated. But that’s okay! Because God understands. Remember His promise.

Mt 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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 SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

Jer 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

While we don’t venerate Mary to be anything more than the vessel God chose to carry His Son, we can be encouraged and even amazed at her willingness to follow God in what was a difficult and even dangerous position He chose for her.

Lu 1:30-35 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.

Consider Mary’s response. ‘Lord, I am your servant’. I wasn’t there so I don’t know but I can imagine she didn’t fully understand how everything would actually come about. But, she was fully willing to comply with God’s plan. There is no account of even a struggle with choosing to follow God. Just immediate compliance with His plan for her life. And this was life-changing. Probably not the plan she had in her mind being betrothed to Joseph. And, consider how she was to explain to Joseph her condition.

Lu 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Such trust, I am unable to comprehend. But, I pray God touches my heart to trust so completely in Him. Total confidence without fear. No apprehension for His plan for my life. A full expectation in the fulfillment of His promises.

Do we have opportunities to trust in God’s perfect plan? Absolutely! Everyday. We can be ready to obey God’s commands at all times. We can focus on His truths that He will accomplish His work in us for His purpose and glory. We can willingly and immediately submit to God’s will as we trust in His promises.

Ps 119:38 Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.

Ps 116:16 O LORD, surely I am Thy servant, I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid, Thou hast loosed my bonds.

2Co 5:1-7 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this [house] we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven; 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, shall not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--

Marvelous, humble faith! Readiness to give up ourselves for God’s plan. Firm belief in God’s divine care and providence. A submissive and obedient spirit. For these things I pray.

Sweet Delight

To look across the room at those you love as they laugh, and sometimes cry, together. To hear the sound of music lifted up in praise to the only One worthy. To witness the prayer offered by a child. Delight!

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Turkish delight is a jellied candy originally flavored with rose water. It is now found in several fruit flavors, with or without nuts and is typically coated in powdered sugar. Yum! It sounds like the beginnings of gummi bears 

WordWeb defines the word delight as “A feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction.” “Give pleasure to or be pleasing to”. Enjoy. Enthrall. Please.

To wake up with a smile on your face. To know that your day has been planned by God! To feel joy at the possibilities before you. To be overwhelmed by a consuming love for the One who created you. To take pleasure in His company. To desire to know His ways. To be thankful there is one more day to serve Him through those you love. To understand He works all things for His good. To share an embrace with a fellow believer. To have opportunity to worship as a church body. To look across the room at those you love as they laugh, and sometimes cry, together. To hear the sound of music lifted up in praise to the only One worthy. To witness the prayer offered by a child. Delight!

But where does everything stem from? God. Knowing God. Understanding God. True delight, extreme excitement comes from Him. A heart changed by God is overwhelmed with delight for His word. His direction.

Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Ps 40:8 I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart."

delight <chephets> pleasure; desire; a valuable thing; acceptable; delight; purpose; willingly

To understand and act upon God’s will is desirable, it is valuable. It is delightful!

Ps 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

delight <anag> to be soft or pliable; have delight

To have a focus on finding your pleasure in God, having a bent towards His truths will result in a fulfilled heart.

Ps 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight; [They are] my counselors.

Ps 119:92 If Thy law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.

Ps 119:143 Trouble and anguish have come upon me; [Yet] Thy commandments are my delight.

delight <sha’shua’> enjoyment, delight, pleasure

From God comes the ability to enjoy all things good. From His word comes pleasure. Unspeakable delight, even in the midst of hardship and concern and uncertainty.

The challenge? Pray to have a heart that is filled with delight in the Lord! It is entirely possible. It is what He wants for His children.

Smile from within. Because of God. Be delighted! It’s a beautiful word.

Everywhere

So, we take a deep breath, plan our day, and know for certain that what has to happen will, what doesn’t happen won’t matter.

Have you ever felt like you just can’t be everywhere at once?! Let’s see, I probably first felt that way when I was blessed with my third child. Two hands, three different requests, at the same time. Impossible! So, what do you do? This is probably when I began asking myself the question, “What really has to be done right now”.

I thought of this, this morning. My husband and I were talking about what needed to happen today. We are planning for our neighborhood Christmas party this evening and are hopeful that the light of Jesus shines through as familiar and unfamiliar faces walk in our home. But, we do need to be prepared! That means putting the hot cider on, making (or buying) cookies, having a festive looking punch available (not red or purple please) and the house welcoming and unhurried so that guests can relax and conversations can develop into what we pray will be opportunities. So, we take a deep breath, plan our day, and know for certain that what has to happen will, what doesn’t happen won’t matter. I’d love to have about eight arms right now and be able to be in several places at once – dropping off a ‘gifts of love’ at church, picking up batteries for lights, and at the grocery store. But, enough about me and my plans. What about God?

He is able to be everywhere at all times. Truly amazing! Part of His character is His omnipresence. Something I can’t understand but I accept as truth because it’s in His word. God is omnipresent. Present everywhere at once. I did a search for this word in the Bible and came back with a ‘sorry, your search had no results’ answer. However, the reality of God being omnipresent is definitely in the Word.

Psalm 139 begins with the intimate knowledge God has of everyone. Then, in verse 7, we read a description of His attribute of being omnipresent.

Ps 139:1-10 (For the choir director. A Psalm of David.) O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known [me.] 2 Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. 3 Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all. 5 Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me. 6 [Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is [too] high, I cannot attain to it. 7 Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Thy hand will lead me, And Thy right hand will lay hold of me.

Jer 23:24 "Can a man hide himself in hiding places, so I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD.

Isa 66:1 Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?

Even though I cannot be in several places at one time, and attend to every need that is present, God can! He sees all things and is everywhere. Lord, keep me focused on what is important as I try to organize my day with my limitations. Give me total trust in Your faithfulness to allow me to complete what is truly necessary and important to fulfill Your glorious plan! Remind me of the comfort and truth that You are always present everywhere. Amen.

Consider Jesus

Consider. It’s so much more than a baby being born. It’s about love. God’s love. From Heaven. God’s gift. For you. God’s answer to our sin. Jesus. Born in a place for animals. Laid in a manger. Humility. Meekness. The King. No royal palace. No guards. Accessible to all.

God’s perfect plan. Celebrate His birth!

Anticipation

The season we are entering is about Jesus’ birth, but His birth is significant because of His death and resurrection. That’s the complete Christmas story we need to share.

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As we enter this season of celebration, there is a heightened sense of getting ready for family and friends who will be visiting. Many of us will be preparing traditional and favorite foods, planning for gatherings and maybe even freshening up a guest room for those who will be staying in our homes. Lots of additional planning for guests means thinking ahead. All of this anticipation is part of what makes this time of year exciting, something many of us look forward to!

It is fun that in our culture, a time of Thanksgiving is what kicks off the holiday season. What a fantastic place to start! Giving thanks for what we have and what we’ve been given. Thanks for what God has done in sending His Son to earth in the form of a baby so that we might receive life everlasting! I love this season of focus on the most incredible gift of all!

As I consider the time and energy that goes into planning and preparation, I can’t help but consider the importance of these same concepts in my spiritual life. Planning with anticipation to ‘hear’ God’s truths in His written word. Planning a schedule that puts Him first and foremost in all things in spite of the busyness. Planning to encourage those around me to ‘see’ what all the excitement is truly about. Planning to reach out with the story of Jesus’ birth and the gift that we celebrate in His death and resurrection. Preparation for all this planning is essential! How do you make sure your heart is prepared to be sensitive to opportunities to shine during this time? Although certain things do need to be accomplished physically, isn’t it so much more important that our hearts are prepared spiritually?

Planning: an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action; the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening. WordWeb

Planning and preparation are similarly defined in the English dictionary. They are closely related. What does God’s word say about the importance of preparing for something?

In the book of Exodus, specific plans were set forth for the tabernacle (Ex 26:30). Solomon was given plans for the building of the temple (1Chronicles 28:11-12). Sometimes, God causes our plans to fail because they are not in agreement with His plan (Ne 4:15; Isa 8:10; Isa 30:1).

Before time began, God planned the path for His only Son.

Ac 2:22-23 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this [Man], delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death.

Wow, this is a strong, heart-wrenching section of scripture for those who believe and trust in God. The season we are entering is about Jesus’ birth, but His birth is significant because of His death and resurrection. That’s the complete Christmas story we need to share.

In Psalm 78, David gives a warning on the importance of following God’s plan and the preparation of a heart that is faithful.

Ps 78:1-8 Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their children, 6 that the generation to come might know, [even] the children [yet] to be born, [That] they may arise and tell [them] to their children, 7 that they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments, 8 and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Time, energy, planning and preparation. What do these concepts look like in your heart? Is your faithfulness to God in all things held high above all else? Even when you’re busy planning and preparing?

I love decorating my home, the home God has given us, in preparation for this season. It’s actually necessary, because it’s the one time of year absolutely everything comes down off the shelves and gets cleaned and polished! Even the window sills! We usually put up more than one tree and have a wonderful collection of nativity scenes that we carefully unwrap and display. The snowmen come out from their packaging and find temporary homes amongst the holly. We have several Santa’s from all over the world,

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some antique from my husband’s Grandmamma. I pray none of this is offensive to anyone. But, for me, a figurine of Santa kneeling before the Christ child is a warming picture that all will bow before Him when He returns. The focused celebration is the gift of Jesus, the truth of His death, resurrection and the anticipation of His eventual return! This is certainly what we should be excited about. Amidst the gingerbread men and the ornaments, the worship and honor is to God alone.

One of the best things about this time of year are the open doors for encouragement to those around us to set their eyes upon Jesus. To be mindful and focused on God takes time in preparation of my own heart. It takes energy and a willingness to put all other things aside, all the items on my to-do list, to do what is truly necessary – to keep my heart set on Jesus. If I don’t plan to spend time in the word, learning and being reminded of who God is and what He desires of me, it simply won’t happen. If I don’t ask God to prepare my heart to see His will, I won’t!

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I pray our hearts are shining brighter than the lights on the Christmas trees as we anticipate the most glorious gift of all. Thank you Lord, for the incredible blessing of Jesus!

1Ti 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Why not?

So, a sweet friend tells me she has ripe olives on her trees she doesn’t want. Decided to try brining our own olives! Why not? One week later, changing the solution and encouraged to see that this may be a success. Several months to go, but so far, they look like real olives? Thank you Jenny! Thank you God for the gift of friends and fun resources, including Google — how to brine olives!

Thanksgiving

Let’s not be silent about what God has done, who He is and what He offers! Sing praises to His name, speak boldly of His love.

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Thanksgiving.

1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Christ gave thanks to God the Father.

Mt 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.

I praise Thee, also translated I thank Thee, meaning ‘I fully agree with Thee – I am perfectly of the same mind’. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Mt 26:27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you;

Joh 6:11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.

Ac 27:35 And having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he broke it and began to eat.

Joh 11:41 And so they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou heardest Me.

Those in heaven will give thanks to God.

Re 4:9 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever,

Re 7:11-12 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."

Re 11:16-17 And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, "We give Thee thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who art and who was, because Thou hast taken Thy great power and hast begun to reign.

We not only have examples before us of giving thanks to God, but we are commanded to give thanks to God.

Ps 50:14 "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High;

Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

It is good to give thanks.

Ps 92:1 (A Psalm, a Song for the Sabbath day.) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High;

Paul offered thanks.

1Ti 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service;

Ro 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Heb 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

We are to give thanks always and for all things.

Eph 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

We are to be thankful for the encouragement and prayers of one another.

2Co 1:11 you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.

Eph 1:16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;

1Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;

Daniel gave thanks to God when he prayed (Da 6:10). We are to give thanks when we gather (Ps 35:18).

We thank God for His holiness.

Ps 30:4 Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name.

Ps 97:12 Be glad in the LORD, you righteous ones; and give thanks to His holy name.

We thank God for His goodness and mercy.

Ps 106:1 Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Ps 107:1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Ps 136:1-3 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

God is power. God is King. (Rev 11:17); only God can change a heart (1 Th 2:13);

Most importantly, we thank God for giving us His Son so that we might live!

2Co 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

1Co 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s not be silent about what God has done, who He is and what He offers! Sing praises to His name, speak boldly of His love.

Thanks – an acknowledgment of appreciation; and exclamation expressing gratitude.

Giving – a voluntary act expecting nothing in return, or the act of revealing information.

May God bless us with opportunities to practice Thanks and Giving!

Nothing is Impossible!

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It’s too hard, you’ve got the wrong person for the job!

God tells Jeremiah that he has been appointed to Himself for the purpose of speaking truth to the people. Jeremiah does hear God and has been given some really encouraging words. Specifically, that God has known him all along and that He has a plan for his life. This is all cool, but then he gets more details. How does Jeremiah respond?

Jer 1:6 Then I said, "Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth."

Interesting, when I looked at the word ‘Alas’ in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, I found that it was a word used to express pain. Similar to something we might say like “Oh no”. Even with the encouragement that God had shared with Jeremiah, Jeremiah was reluctant to jump in with both feet! Have you been there? You know that something is good, it is right, it is what God would have you do, but…! Perhaps, the unfolding plan was not what you had expected or it seems very possible that what you should do may cause either yourself or others to be uncomfortable. Or perhaps, you’d rather stay on the quiet, unnoticed side of things and let someone else be the outspoken one. In Jeremiah’s case, he claimed his youth as an excuse to bowing out of God’s plan.

Let’s look at the words Jeremiah used to address God.

Lord <Adonay> as in my Lord.

God <Y@hovih> self-existent or eternal

This again speaks of the personal relationship Jeremiah had with God as he calls Him my God. The acknowledgement of God’s eternal existence agrees with the information Jeremiah had received that God knew him even before he was born. So Jeremiah answers God saying, “Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth”. It’s like he’s saying, ‘c’mon God, you know me, you understand me, I’m still young and I can’t say things well, I don’t have what it takes’.

It takes little imagination to think of what his unspoken thoughts might have been. ‘Give the job to someone else’, ‘Look, I’d like to help but this is not my comfort zone’, or ‘Really, are you sure I’m the one you want, there are others that would be a better choice’. We see this same kind of reaction to God’s plan elsewhere in the Bible. I immediately think of Moses. He voices insecurity in God’s plan as he questions Him with a list of ‘what ifs’.

Ex 4:1 Then Moses answered and said, "What if they will not believe me, or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'"

After the ‘what ifs’, Moses tried another tactic.

Ex 4:10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Moses couldn’t proclaim youth as his excuse, instead, he reminded God that he wasn’t an eloquent speaker – like God needed a reminder!! Later on in the same book, Moses reminded God again that people wouldn’t listen to him…

Ex 6:12 But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, "Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?"

How did God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns?

Jer 1:7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.

Well first, He threw the youth problem out the door! As Jeremiah was hoping to shrink away from the directions God was giving him, his protest of youth was negated. With God there are no limitations in performing the work He has set out for us! We may think we are too old, too young, or too shy. Perhaps we let lack of education or experience cause us to shrink away from stepping into a direction God is leading. Maybe we feel past mistakes disqualify us from being used by Him. No matter what obstacles we may perceive, there are no barriers that will keep God from being able to use us according to His plan. The question is, “Are you willing”? Don’t cling to your excuses, concentrate on His truths:

Ex 15:2a "The LORD is my strength and song,”

2Sa 22:33a "God is my strong fortress;”

Ps 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

2Co 12:9a And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

Heb 11:33-34 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Jg 16:3 Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron.

2Sa 22:40 "For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.

Isa 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Da 11:32b "but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Lu 18:27 But He said, "The things impossible with men are possible with God."

Lu 1:37 "For nothing will be impossible with God."

That’s quite a list of encouraging scriptures, and it’s only partial. There are so many more that we can cling to as we trust that God will give us everything needed for the task He puts in front of us!

I love that the NAS translation of Jeremiah 1:7 uses the words ‘everywhere’ and ‘all’. It’s not like God will get us started and then leave us on our own to finish! He’s not saying, “I’ll show you once, then you’ll do fine”. He’s with us. From the beginning to the end. Everywhere He sends us we are accompanied by His Spirit to strengthen, to encourage, to pick up when we fall, to even put words in our mouth when we don’t have any!

“Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.”

We have no excuse. In God we are able. Are you timid? God will cause you to be brave! Do we have insufficiencies? Sure! It would take me a very long time to list my weaknesses. Should this stop us from going forth to follow God’s will and direction? Absolutely not.

Matthew Poole’s Commentary suggests this wording from the Hebrew: “Thou shalt go upon all errands and messages that I shall send thee”.

Ac 26:16 'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;

Jer 1:17-18 "Now, gird up your loins, and arise, and speak to them all which I command you. Do not be dismayed before them, lest I dismay you before them. "Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city, and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land.

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Get up my friend! Be brave in the Lord! He’s picked you as His child. Nothing is too difficult for God. He has called exactly whom He wants to do the job He requires!

A Purposed Plan

Consider. Here’s a response to someone’s call for attention that we’ve all used at one time or another – “Not right now, I’m busy”. If Jeremiah had responded similarly to God’s voice, he would have missed the blessing and comfort of knowing the plan God had for him and the nation of Israel.

Are you a planner? I think everyone is in some way or another. Some people are

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low-keyed and just keep a plan in their head. That’s great if it works for you, but I’ve always thought if my head wasn’t attached I’d lose it, so this approach is not the best for myself! Plans really are our expectation of what is to happen. On the extreme side, there is now a whole system of planners and calendars at one of the larger craft store chains. I haven’t looked too closely at what is available but it seems you can color code and use different stickers or symbols to designate your plan for the day/month/year. For me, this may be a bit much because I would have to plan to work on my planner. We have short term plans. My daughter is having Thanksgiving at her house for the first time with several of her husband’s family arriving early in the week. She has had her plan for the food and seating and overnight guests written down for several weeks. There are plans for all kinds of celebrations: birthdays, weddings, holidays – you name it, we’ve learned to celebrate it!! We have long term plans. Ideas for the direction of our own lives, desires for certain goals for those we love, hopes for the paths of our children’s lives, even thoughts for the care of our parents as they age and for our own retirement years. Plans. Lots of plans. They keep us to the task at hand, they help to keep our focus on accomplishing certain steps for the future. Most of us even feel more secure when we have a plan or we know what the plan is.

The first definition given for the word ‘plans’ in WordWeb reads like this:

1. A series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished.

In a previous blog and Bible study, (“Identity Crisis”, see link below), I mentioned how Jeremiah 29:11 was instrumental in the encouragement of my faith very early on. To know that God has a plan for good for His children is comforting. Going back to the beginning of the book of Jeremiah, God uses the truth of His predestined knowledge of His plan for Jeremiah to encourage him for what is to come…

Jer 1:4-5 Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

There are several encouraging observations in these two verses.

… the word of the Lord came to me saying…

Jeremiah was receptive to God’s words. To His direction. I am not a Biblical scholar able to determine whether this was an actual appearing of the Spirit of the Lord. It seems it certainly could have been since there are accounts of God’s word going forth in the Old Testament through His appearance (Ezekiel and Daniel). Also, reading further in this chapter, we are given more information about this encounter. Jer 1:9 Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. But let’s concentrate on the fact that Jeremiah’s heart heard God’s plan. Doesn’t this give us a glimpse of Jeremiah’s relationship with God?

Oftentimes in our relationships, we are not always attentive, which means we don’t always hear. Our minds can be distracted by other things. We don’t always look at the greater picture but instead get side-railed by a number of smaller, less significant things. There are times I can be so focused at the specific task at hand that I don’t even hear my husband as he proposes a question or thought. I assume you can relate to this in some way. How much are you aware of another person speaking to you while your concentration is focused elsewhere?

Jeremiah was attentive to God’s word and because of that, he heard Him. He didn’t just hear God, he listened to what God was saying. Is it possible to hear but not really comprehend? I think so! I think the phrase we use is ‘tuning someone out’. It goes back to the problem of not giving our full attention to something. We are aware of those things in our lives that are truly important to us. Case in point: I can be fully engaged in preparing a meal for family but the minute I hear a grandchild say my name (they call me Mina), you can bet I stop what I’m doing and respond! So, do we hear God’s voice, His calling, and direction given to us by His Spirit? Or are we too engaged in other things to listen?

Jer 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Oh wow, just ponder what this verse says! We now have amazing technology that allows parents to ‘see’ their unborn children in utero when they are just the size of a peanut. As they grow, the clarity of a defined face and limbs certainly is a wonderful picture that produces anticipation of meeting your new little baby. But, with all this technology, we can’t really know too much about these sweet babies. What color will their hair be, how tall will they get, what will their temperament be like, what talents or abilities will they present.

It’s clear Who made us, right? Jeremiah 1:5 says, ‘Before I formed you…’ God is the creator of life. And our life is not happenstance. It is purposed. Before He formed us in our mother’s womb, He knew us. God had a plan for us and knew all about us, every last tiny part of us, before we were even a thought in our parents’ minds. Purposed and planned – that’s what our lives are!

Have you seen a child trying to get someone’s attention? We don’t need to get God’s attention, we’ve always had it, from before time began. Think about what it means to know someone. We can just be aware of someone but not really know them. We can know something about an individual but we can never know all things, the deepest part of the heart. We can know someone by acknowledging them but not have a relationship with them. We can have acquaintances but be clueless of situations that may be a part of their lives, we can know how someone acts but not understand the motivation, and we can be familiar with a face or voice but not know the person. God knows us. And… He has a plan.

“And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah heard from God that before he was born, God had chosen him, He appointed him for salvation. I don’t get how God’s mind works but I believe what He says is true, and since He is God and He made us, He can do whatever He wants. This is perhaps a simplistic way to look at the subject of ‘how are some saved and others not’, but I’m content leaning on faith instead of explanations. I’d rather concentrate on those things that we can understand.

Jeremiah was greatly encouraged by God’s words to him as he realized God knew him, meaning He understood the deepest parts of him, and that God had an incredible plan for his life. God went on to reveal that He appointed Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations. God had a very specific plan for him. That plan was to proclaim God!

The Bible reveals to us account after account of the plans God has for His children.

Isa 49:1 Listen to Me, O islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The LORD called Me from the womb; from the body of My mother He named Me.

Isa 49:5 And now says the LORD, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, in order that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the LORD, And My God is My strength),

Ga 1:15-16a But when He who had set me apart, even from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness."

Eph 4:11-12 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

God knows His children intimately before they are even born. God has a plan for His children. God has set apart His children for service to bring glory to Himself. I pray you are part of this magnificent plan and are excited to discover where God will use you for His purpose! This truth is certainly something we can be thankful for as we reminisce over our blessings with friends and family this week.

http://thensingsmysoultothee.com/identity-crisis-2/

My God Understands

…coverage was flooded with news and reports on the mass shooting in a small church in Texas. What stuck in my mind is the pastor’s reply to the question of “Why do you think this happened?” He answered, “I don’t understand, but my God does”.

$C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\praying.jpg$ “My God Understands”

As I was listening to CNN on the radio in my car yesterday on the way home from the grocery store, the coverage was flooded with news and reports on the mass shooting in a small church in Texas. What stuck in my mind is the pastor’s reply to the question of “Why do you think this happened?” He answered, “I don’t understand, but my God does”.

Only God sees clearly a man’s heart and motives. We can only speculate what may have driven someone to take the lives of so many innocent people. There are specialists who are looking at the past history of the criminal. Violence has been reported at earlier times in his life. Why? Can we fully comprehend what is in the mind and heart of another? Perhaps, there are those who can try in order to possibly prevent the reoccurrence of a similar act.

But, what we do know, is God understands. He knows perfectly what is going on. He alone has every answer. So where does this drive us? Hopefully, to Truth. To the Word. To what we can know.

1Ch 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Job 28:20-24 "Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding? 21 "Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the birds of the sky. 22 "Abaddon and Death say, 'With our ears we have heard a report of it.' 23 "God understands its way; And He knows its place. 24 "For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees everything under the heavens.

Ps 33:14-15 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth,15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.

We can know that God understands. We can know that God will deliver perfect and righteous judgement.

1Sa 2:10a "Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;

1Ch 16:33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; For He is coming to judge the earth.

Ps 9:8 And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.

Ps 50:6 And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah.

Ps 96:13 Before the LORD, for He is coming; for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.

Ps 135:14 For the LORD will judge His people, And will have compassion on His servants.

Ec 3:17 I said to myself, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man," for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.

Isa 11:4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.

Eze 18:30 "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct," declares the Lord GOD. "Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you.

Eze 24:14 "I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming and I shall act. I shall not relent, and I shall not pity, and I shall not be sorry; according to your ways and according to your deeds I shall judge you," declares the Lord GOD.'"

We can know that we can be saved from the judgement of death for our own sin.

Joh 3:17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.

Joh 12:44-50 And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me does not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me. 45 "And he who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. 46 "I have come [as] light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47 "And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49 "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak. 50 "And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."

Mr 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Peace can be found outwardly in conditions of tranquility with others but true and lasting peace is only through a right relationship with God. Spiritual peace is possible even in a fallen world filled with violence.

1Co 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Jas 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

What we do know is we have something valuable to share with those who are hurting and injured and frightened by circumstances beyond their control. What we can do is pray for all those affected by sin in this world that they might know that God does in fact understand. That He will ultimately right what is wrong and that true peace in this difficult time is found in His mercy available to all those who believe in Him.

Bible.org October Newsletter

When I read this a few days ago, I knew I had to share it. God has been really working in my life in the area of being so much more concerned about following His ways regardless of being liked or popular. He is refining my thinking and finally allowing me to grasp wholeheartedly that I am here to honor and serve the God of Truth in all things. So, why am I surprised when controversies present themselves? My desire is to continue to share what is Truth, not necessarily what is acceptable in the world. I pray you join me in honoring the one true King with a heart that is completely devoted to Him.

Below is an excerpt from Bible.org’s October newsletter.

WHAT IS TRUTH?

37 Then Pilate said, “So you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world — to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate asked, “What is truth?” When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leaders and announced, “I find no basis for an accusation against him” (John 18:37-38, NET).

It has always been easy to quickly pass by Pilate’s cynical words here as the mere verbalization of his frustration with the problem of dealing with Jesus, which had been dumped into his lap by the Jewish religious leaders. As a political leader many tried to get a hearing with Pilate, to convince him that their analysis and their solution of a particular problem was the truth. Surely the same thing happens today. And yet these words are descriptive of our own times, and of the current response to any claim of truth.

It was not that long ago that our culture was at least willing to grant that there was such a thing as truth, and that anything else must be false. There may have been some debate about what that truth might be, but at least folks believed in truth, in principle, if not in particular. In those days the “battle for the Bible” (to borrow an expression from Tim LaHaye) had to do with inspiration, inerrancy, and authority. Those days are gone (so far as current debate goes). Pilate’s words accurately depict the current attitude toward truth – What is truth? Is there really any such thing as truth? If there is, who can know it? Whose claim to truth do I accept?

At Bible.org we are confident that the Lord Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and that He has revealed the truth to us in His Word, the Bible (Luke 1:3-4; John 14:6; 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21). Beyond this, the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17; 15:26) has been given to bear witness to the truth, and to convince men of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-14).

Our task at bible.org is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, depending upon the Holy Spirit to convince lost men and women of its truth, and to illuminate believers to understand the things of God which they would otherwise not comprehend (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).

Out of Control…

Things happen! Difficult things happen! Unfair things happen! Tragic things happen! Where do you go for understanding, for comfort? How do you respond to those unexpected tragedies?

OUT OF CONTROL…

In 2008, Natalie Grant released the song In Christ Alone. Read the words to the first line below.

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song.

Things happen! Difficult things happen! Unfair things happen! Tragic things happen! Where do you go for understanding, for comfort? How do you respond to those unexpected tragedies? Is there truth to be considered in the lyrics written above?

Consider. Hope placed in any resource, except that of the promises of God, is at best fleeting. Temporary comfort, brief periods of peace, momentary relief, and abbreviated times without stress, can be found. Religion or religious entities offer some answers. But, following a religious beliefs and customs, adhering to standards written by men, practicing rituals in order to attain peace are all things WE do. Consider. If we had the power within ourselves to bring about true lasting peace in all circumstances, why did God send His Son to die on the cross? In Christ Alone…

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

2Co 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

A living hope. Living. Something that endures. Something active. Something in existence. Not dead. Not extinct.

In Christ alone my hope is found. Truth – when we take ourselves out of the equation. Dependence on me, on myself, in doing anything other than relying upon God’s promises, offers only temporary hope. Devastation and unforeseen tragedy will kill all hope found in anything but Christ.

Ex 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.

He is my light, my strength, my song.

God created light. Ge 1:3-5 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

God gives light. He gives us understanding. Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Ps 119:130 The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

Christ is our strength. 1Ch 16:11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually.

How is Christ our strength? He is our force, our security, our majesty, our praise, our boldness, our power. Ps 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Ps 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.

The Lord is my song. My reason for praise.

Ps 103:1-5 (A Psalm of David.) Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Ps 34:1-6 (A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him) (away and he departed.) I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

“This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.” 2008, Natalie Grant

Always out of our control… NEVER OUT OF GOD’S CONTROL

Hope found in Christ gives us light in the darkness, strength when we’re weak and reason to praise at all times!

Rollercoasters and Socks

God doesn’t just play a game with us, moving us like pawns on a chessboard hoping everything will turn out as planned. He has specifically established His perfect plan for our lives.

Crazy – madness or insanity, possessed by inordinate excitement.

I had a crazy weekend with many unexpected turns, rearranged schedules and blown expectations of what was planned. My plans changed and re-changed as God gave His direction, not in a complete picture of understanding, but in small glimpses of how we could help by being flexible.

A few things come to mind looking back at the last few days. The saying “go with the flow” and scripture in Proverbs 16.

Go With the Flow. This idiom has several interpretations of meaning. One dictionary says it means to cope with adversity; to accept one’s lot. Another explains it as moving along with the prevailing forces, accepting the prevailing trend. This would be much like the familiar picture of a school of fish all swimming in one direction. As I looked at several other explanations of the saying, ‘go with the flow’, I realized that my use of these words didn’t really match up with all the definitions given. Rather, my mind considers that going with the flow means to accept whatever direction God points. It’s more than just coping with adversity, it’s looking at changes with a mindset that God’s plans will prevail and His plans are always better than the schedule I set for myself. It is in that sense, to accept and move forward in His lead, that ‘go with the flow’ is a good description of this last weekend. The adjective crazy does still apply however! Maybe insanity is a coping mechanism?!

The Bible always has the best interpretation of how I should be thinking, and it is always on point. Proverbs 16:9 says “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps”. This verse sounds like my life! The meaning of mind, or heart in the KJV, includes the feelings, will and intellect; basically everything about him. Man plans his way. I make plans, you probably make plans also. We certainly make choices, we consider what direction to take, and we write our schedules in a calendar to keep track of them. This is all good – as long as we’re ready to release our goals to be rearranged, flipped upside down or even thrown out by God’s better plans. When I looked up the Hebrew word for ‘directs’, I found it contains the words faithfulness, perfect, preparation, provide, stable and establish. God doesn’t just play a game with us, moving us like pawns on a chessboard hoping everything will turn out as planned. He has specifically established His perfect plan for our lives. He is in control of all things and He is faithful! This seems to go along with the verse in Romans 8:28.

Ro 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [His] purpose.

Yes, the events of this last weekend were not at all what we had planned! We were going to celebrate our son-in-law’s birthday – He was called to take a last minute flight to family that was ill. My oldest granddaughter and I had plans to work on a sewing project, we even purchased the fabric, then it became evident that just a time of snuggling and talk and encouragement was a much higher priority. Our oldest son and his wife received news of complications of health in a family member. Again, our plans were redirected to help with their children so they could attend to encouraging others. Tired? Yes! Actually, kind of exhausted. But, God is faithful! We even had the energy to keep one of our grandsons overnight last evening so his Mommy could go to work. Blessings? Yes! From God – a calm, gentle spirit through all; thankfulness that He kept us available; encouragement by the responses in our grown children to immediately help others and the blessing to see their reliance upon God; opportunities to discuss with my oldest granddaughter how topsy-turvy events can still be a blessing; sweet early morning hugs from a grandson and many more blessings I’m sure we don’t even recognize. One more blessing of thankfulness to point out – I’m really thankful for the energy God gave me when I was younger to raise my kids! Children take an enormous amount of time. I am reminded to always keep our young families in prayer for steadfastness each day in God’s strength.

I don’t necessarily enjoy roller coasters, but this crazy, eventful life God has given me is definitely a reminder that I need to stay grounded in him through all the unexpected turns and somersaults He faithfully allows in my plans. For His good. Because I love Him and am called by Him!

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I pray your direction is clear, your plans remain flexible and your Savior blesses the socks off your feet as you follow Him in all things! 

Make Lemonade

You know how you suggest to others different Bible verses to help with whatever circumstances they are facing? Usually, those scriptures stick in our mind because they have been instrumental in our own lives.

One of my favorite sections of scripture is familiar to most believers. It begins in Philippians Chapter 4 verse 6. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. To be anxious means to be disquieted, to be worried or nervous or uneasy. We are commanded to not be troubled by anything at all! Easier said than done, right? Instead of being worried we are to earnestly pray, presenting our requests to God. The result promised, when this is done, is peace – the opposite of a disquieted spirit – a quiet, restful, serenity of mind. These two verses go on to say that we cannot even begin to understand how peace can enter into our troubled hearts but, when we obey and act according to God’s word, it does and the result is a heart and mind that is protected in Christ Jesus.

The first time I truly studied this scripture in a pen-to-the-paper practical mode, I was in California and my son and his wife lived across the country. My young daughter-in-law was found to have an extremely large tumor which would require immediate and extensive surgery, followed by a long recovery and the question of whether pregnancy would ever be possible. It’s in those times especially that you feel the distance of miles that separate you from loved ones. I was unable to sleep and was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed by circumstances. It’s so cool how God uses His word to direct us to the place He wants us. I was led to Philippians 4 and when I carefully read verse eight, God showed me clearly there was a very practical exercise that would direct my thoughts to a place of rest. This was the first time I took out my notebook and physically wrote a list according to the categories in Phil 4:8: (I’ve done this several times since.)

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”

After completing my list of all that was absolute truth, the facts; all that was honest and honorable; all that was just and pure and acceptable; and so forth, in connection with my son and his wife and the challenge they were facing, I had so much to ponder of God’s grace in their lives that my heart was put at rest once again.

There is a saying: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. How about adding to that? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade and dwell on God’s Truth – then you will be refreshed both inside and out! Dwelling on Truth – an incredible, practical remedy for discouragement. Sometimes life can seem overwhelmingly complicated, confusing, unfair and downright depressing.

Have you been in a place where you’ve almost had to physically will yourself to remain hopeful and joyful in the things that were true and honest and good so that the things that were unfair and dishonest and bad were unable to find a dwelling place in your heart? God understands and He offers His Divine direction.

Once again, in Philippians 4:9, God promises his peace with us as we seek to follow Him.

Php 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

When tears are at the surface, when the words don’t come, when you are tired and feel like giving up, or you don’t know which way to turn, focus heavenward. God’s prescription for healing has already been written.

Why?

I can’t imagine the nightmares that are being relived over and over in those who were present. I can’t imagine the fear of being in danger with nowhere to escape. I won’t pretend to understand what causes a mind to shatter and become someone who annihilates innocent people. I don’t know how to begin to comfort those who have experienced something so horrific.

ABC News: “live from the scene of the harrowing mass shooting in Las Vegas”
NBC News: “after gunman’s deadly spree, a lingering question: Why?”
FOX News: “Las Vegas shooter described as unstable”

Feelings and thoughts that are unsettling, fear-provoking, sorrow-filled, empty, perplexing, and doubting and threaten to give-up all hope, fill the mind.
How do we respond? How should we respond?

It’s difficult to know. I can’t imagine the nightmares that are being relived over and over in those who were present. I can’t imagine the fear of being in danger with nowhere to escape. I won’t pretend to understand what causes a mind to shatter and become someone who annihilates innocent people. I don’t know how to begin to comfort those who have experienced something so horrific. I am unable to explain how God allows such tremendous evil and pain in the world without just doing away with all of us.

This is what I do know. God has perfect knowledge and understanding.
Job 34:21 For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps.
Heb 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
I know that God hates sin.
Pr 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who pursues righteousness.
He is all-powerful.
Job 42:2 “I know that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.
It doesn’t make sense to my limited mind. But I am convinced He has a plan. I’m convinced that plan is good. He never promised us all warmth and fuzzys on earth.
Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

We want to hear God is love; we aren’t so excited to hear God is just.
De 32:4 “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
In fact, He promised His wrath on sin.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

I won’t begin to even try and understand how this all works. Is my thinking weak, is it a cop-out, a choice to not deal with something hard? No. I simply am unable to fully appreciate the ways of God.
Job 26:14 “Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him! But His mighty thunder, who can understand?”
Do I need a reality check? No. Is God a fairy tale? No. Sin is real, very real. Evil is real, painfully real. God is true, He is the Truth.
Joh 14:6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

Consider: The God of the Bible cannot be a fairy tale. No man would write a story that would contain the events in the Bible. It would never be a best-seller. People don’t flock to theaters to be reminded of how much they are in need. God’s word does contain a story, but it is not trivial. It’s real. However, it is not written by human understanding.

In the beginning, God. Creation of the world and all it contains. Providing all perfection. For man. Whom He loves. Then, man’s sin, challenging his Creator. What Father would not discipline His child whom He loves? The consequence, death. But whose? The offering of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect atonement.
Heb 2:9 But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, [namely,] Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Jesus willingly accepted our punishment.

God’s love for us is so far-reaching it is without human comprehension. He doesn’t ask for us to understand, just believe. Trust. Have faith.
Ac 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.”
Isa 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.

So where are we left with the recent massacre in our country? How do we help? Share what you know to be true. If you knew for certain that a massive destruction would occur, and that it would take out the people you work with, the people in your neighborhood, those in your family, your friends, acquaintances and all others in your path, would you warn them? Of course. If you truly loved them and you truly believed in the source of your information, you would. So, are you?

Ro 10:8-9 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” –that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;

Even in the wake of a harrowing mass shooting, we can have peace. Let’s concentrate on what we know rather than what we can’t understand. There is hope in the promises of God. We set our hope on His future return. He will make all things right.
Ps 39:7 “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee.
1Co 15:19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
Ro 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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