God

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.

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.

Mold me please!

Praise God for His intervention in our plans, for not always giving us what we want or fulfilling the picture we carry in our mind for our own life!

I know what I want! I can picture it, I can dream it. I can even plan it. I have an idea of what I would like to see happen in my own life and even in the lives of those I know and love. The problem with what I want, even though it seems good, is often, it is probably not really what I need according to God’s plan for me.

Consider. The circumstances you thought would go one way and ended up going another. The plans you made that were thwarted. All of the dreams and ideas you’ve held on to for a time that you’ve eventually learned to let go of. Have you ever said or thought to yourself, ‘I’m so thankful things didn’t go the way I wanted’? Praise God for His intervention in our plans, for not always giving us what we want or fulfilling the picture we carry in our mind for our own life!

Consider. The goal. To be more like Jesus. To grow in the way I think, to have no lapse time between understanding and the light bulb finally turning on, and to have my desires line up with His will in all things. To bring honor to His name. These goals are not the kind I can draw out a plan for, follow it, and see the wanted results achieved. To become more like Jesus is not a curriculum I can follow in a class to complete or a diet to count calories and measure portions for success. This is God’s work in me. All I can offer is a willing heart and unwavering trust in His plan. Obedience to God’s will requires the desire to give up my own tarnished will. I’ve purposely used the word desire because it is incredibly hard to give some things up. Without even realizing it, we can hold so tightly to our wants, our goals, and our plans. I am unable on my own to just turn off my desires for some things. I need Jesus to literally change my heart to want His plans for me. He does do this and it is truly amazing to look back at the things that used to be important and hold value for me. I realize that I don’t care so much about former things, I think differently! God has taken my desires and changed them to line up more with His will. Incredible.

God knows my heart better than I do, therefore His path set out for me is best because it will bring about what I truly need in order to continue to be molded in His likeness. Have you ever watched an artist design something out of clay? They take a lump of clay that looks like all the others and begin to pinch and pull and knead to create something that is one of a kind, with its own uniqueness. Sometimes, additional tools are used to smooth out the rough areas or to carve out distinctive lines. After all the initial shaping is done, color may be added. Perhaps subtle or maybe bold, whatever the potter has in their mind’s eye. The potter alone understands the purpose for its use once it’s finished. Then, comes the firing. Heat – extreme heat – turned up between 1,500 – 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. And we’re still not done, because often a glaze is added before a second firing at a lower temperature.

In the book of Isaiah, the nation of Israel looks to God as their Judge, their Comforter and their Redeemer. Once we get to chapter 64, their prayer continues with acknowledgement of God’s power and their transgressions. Following their confession of waywardness, in verse 8, we find this sweet scripture of recognition of God’s sovereign care and control of His children who have returned to Him. Repentance and obedience bring us to the place of dependence on God for His work in our lives. Think of the scenario. Here is a nation who has rejected God, His holy temple has been decimated, yet they know they can still appeal to Him as their Father for His mercy. This is a kind of love that is beyond the reach of human capability.

Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and all of us are the work of Thy hand.

“Even though O Lord by your just judgment you may utterly destroy us as the potter may his pot, yet we appeal to your mercies, by which it has pleased you to adopt us to be your children.” Geneva Bible Notes

I especially love the technique used for the clay sheep I have sitting on my desk. (You can read more about where it was purchased in my blog, thensingsmysoultothee.com, titled, Sheep published February 1, 2018. The artist pinches lumps of clay into shapes. The idea of pinching is sometimes how I feel God is working in my life. Ouch! It is not pleasant to be pressed and squeezed. Or to have pieces of myself nipped off. It is often painful as God changes my heart to be more in tune with His own. It hurts when my sin is exposed and cut off from the source. I often don’t understand that an area even needs a bit of readjusting. But the Creator sees the whole beautiful finished piece of work that He is making with His hands. He is preparing me for Himself to bring glory to His name here on earth and to forever be with Him in Heaven.

Please continue this study on Isaiah 64:8 by clicking on this link.

“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.

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. 8a Love never fails;

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.

No Hiding!

Have you ever just wanted to run? With no real purpose in mind, just run like you could outrun a difficulty or a problem that needs your attention.

This is a picture of one of the ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua Indians in Sedona Arizona. Sometimes, a cave to retreat to and hide in seems appropriate, right?

Have you ever just wanted to run? With no real purpose in mind, just run like you could outrun a difficulty or a problem that needs your attention. Most of us have had that feeling. Some of us more than once. I’ve walked through a store not really seeing anything, trying to keep tears back, hoping others won’t notice, ‘escaping from reality for a moment’. I’ve gone for a walk nowhere in particular while the tears flow, trying to digest unexpected or difficult circumstances. We react in different ways to the stresses of life but we all seem to want to run at one time or another. Not too far, but far enough so that we can clear our thoughts, get them in line with right thinking and integrate new or disturbing information in a fashion that will honor God. We have such limited understanding. We cannot see into the future. Often we are focused on the things at hand rather than the things of heaven. Everyone encounters suffering in some way. Look at the apostle Paul. Although his situation was different, we read that he struggled with disease and insults and distresses. What was his response?

2Co 12:10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

In the verse preceding, God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”, 2 Corinthians 12:9a. Consider. Because of God’s promises, His grace towards me, His divine influence in my heart and His work in my life, I am able to choose to think well of, and be a willing recipient of weaknesses, whether in mind or body. No grumbling or ‘it’s not fair’, no wondering if God got it wrong, no stomping the feet and cursing the sky, no refusing or yelling ‘why me?’ Rather, a willing acceptance and peaceful attitude towards difficulty. I whole heartedly want this to be true of my life no matter what. Not that I seek trouble or problems, in fact my initial response is to run as I’ve mentioned above, and then hide and stay in my comfortable place, alone with God, studying His word, contemplating His amazing grace and marveling at His love for someone such as myself. I would be comfortable doing this all day, ignoring the world around me to a large degree. But, He has not called us to be secluded in a hole somewhere. Sure, that time alone with God is sweet. It is necessary and to be sought after and protected and nourished. However, we are to participate in life with others. We are to be lights in the world, encouragers to fellow believers, and to serve in His name. We can’t do this if we’re not engaged with those around us. If we hide in a cave we become ineffective tools for God to use. How can we be light if we’re not out there? A willingness to be exposed to the world and the pressures around us just make us more mindful of the need we have of Christ!

Eph 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

2Co 1:3-4 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

To take pleasure, in the context of 2 Corinthians 12:10, means to approve of the circumstances God allows in my life knowing it is for His glory and my good. This approval is not in the sense of giving permission or allowing, but in the sense of recognizing God’s sovereignty and direction for my life. It’s being willing to embrace whatever God has deemed necessary. It’s desiring to include all elements of my life that are presented, knowing that they are part of a perfect plan. Any amount of suffering, either in mind or body, is for His glory because He is exalted, and for my good because I have the opportunity to trust even more which proves a faith that is real. So that when I run, I run towards Him, not away. As tears fall, I pray for direction, for peace, for trust, for perseverance. Take a deep breath, dry the tears, and move forward in His grace and strength.

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Pinions

He doesn’t leave our side for even a moment, He doesn’t even look away. It’s like having the best bodyguard full time. And, God protects more than just our physical being. He protects our thoughts, what’s in our mind and heart.

Ps 91:1-3 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence Ps 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Truth. We can trust in the faithfulness of God’s protection and strength. For studies on the first three verses of Psalm 91, see “The Perfect Shelter” on Ps 91:1; “Fort Jefferson or Jesus” on Ps 91:2; and “JITNOT” on Ps 91:3.

Psalm 91:4 continues with the same assurance of God’s protection.

Last summer, a beautiful bird made a nest between the fork of three branches about five feet off the ground in our peach tree. The nest looked very stable and secure with several larger twigs and small pieces of twine and threads closely interwoven. It was surprisingly dense and sturdy. It was a good size nest, about the size of my hand. It was past spring so it seemed a bit late for eggs to be laid but lay them she did. Three beautiful oval shaped speckled eggs. Then she sat and when she did she opened her wings to entirely cover the nest. What a fun gift from God for us to enjoy! And a beautiful picture of tender care. Each time I would walk by to check on her, she would squawk loudly warning me off.

Ps 91:4 He shall cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

cover <cakak> to entwine as a screen, to fence in, cover over, protect, defend, hedge in

Think of a child pulling the covers over their head when they’re scared. Why? They feel protected. If you’re close to my age, you’ll remember the siren raid drills during school hours. They would go off and you would immediately hide under the desk with your head down and your hands clasped over the back of your neck. Why? For protection, just in case there was a nuclear bomb attack. Protection or the feeling of protection gives us assurance that things will be okay even when we’re frightened.

God protects us completely. Psalm 91 says He will cover us with His pinions. Picture again the mother bird covering her nest with her wings. The nest was covered so well that you weren’t able to even see the eggs she was protecting. In fact, the nest itself was barely visible when her wings were spread. Now think of how big God is! We are unable to imagine this because He is everywhere all the time! His protection for His children is without flaw. Perfect. Unlike the mother bird, He doesn’t leave our side for even a moment, He doesn’t even look away. It’s like having the best bodyguard full time. And, God protects more than just our physical being. He protects our thoughts, what’s in our mind and heart. Where else can you find this kind of care?

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Misstep

In our walk with God, there is no need to be alone. In fact, there is no need to misstep if we walk with Him all the way.

My Dad used to tell us about how he walked six miles to and from school, uphill both ways!! It’s not so common now to have a child walk to school because safety has become a real concern. Well, I didn’t walk six miles to school and certainly both ways were not uphill , but my brothers and I always walked to school, to friends’ homes, and to a place we called ‘the little store’ which was a convenience store where you would buy penny candy. Sometimes we would meander around the neighborhood which had a radius of a few miles, sometimes we would hurry to our destination if we were running late or it was getting dark. You always had to be home by dark for dinner. Once, I was walking home from school after hanging out with my friends so it was a bit later than usual so I was kind of half walking, half running. I somehow missed my step and rolled my ankle really bad. It swelled up like a baseball within minutes and turned purple pretty quickly. No one would really look for me until dinner time. So I was on my own. I hobbled home with crocodile tears in my eyes all the way!

In our walk with God, there is no need to be alone. In fact, there is no need to misstep if we walk with Him all the way.

Ps 119:133 Establish my footsteps in Thy word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.

Consider. What does it mean to establish something?

establish: set up, lay the groundwork, make clear by example or explanation, institute, bring about, place

establish (KJV – order) <kuwn> to be erect; hence to set up, establish, fix, prepare, apply. confirm, direct, order, be stable

order my steps (KJV)

direct my steps (NKJV)

keep steady my steps (RSV)

Ps 17:5 My steps have held fast to Thy paths. My feet have not slipped.

Have you ever been on a hiking trip or taken a long hike in the mountains? How important is it that your steps are carefully placed? What happens if not?

God governs our steps; God guides our steps; God keeps us from losing our step. In other words, we have a map, we have a guide and we have someone holding our hand helping us through the uncertain or difficult areas of our journey!

So why do we falter? We let go, we move ahead without waiting because we’re impatient, we choose not to look at the map and we get lost.

“Ver. 133. Order my steps in thy word. This is one of the Lord's customary mercies to his chosen, -- "He keepeth the feet of his saints." By his grace he enables us to put our feet step by step in the very place which his word ordains. This prayer seeks a very choice favour, namely, that every distinct act, every step, might be arranged and governed by the will of God. This does not stop short of perfect holiness, neither will the believer's desires be satisfied with anything beneath that blessed consummation.” Treasury of David

Read what the next part of Psalm 119:133 says:

Establish my footsteps in Thy word,

word <’imrah> commandment, speech, word

Pretty clear, right. God’s word. His truth. The bible. Think! What does it mean to be ‘in something’? We have common sayings such as, ‘we are in love’. We can be in church, in the store, in the back yard, etc. We are physically there! We are part of whatever we are in. Being in something speaks of our location, or our surroundings. I belong to a quilting group – I am in the quilting group. I am in a growth group. In the summer, we are in the water, meaning we are involved with it, surrounded by it.

Ps 64:10 The righteous man will be glad in the LORD, and will take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart will glory.

“Steps taken before, or in the presence of God. Steps butted and bounded by a divine rule. These are steps indeed." --John Bunyan, in "Solomon's Temple Spiritualized."

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Complete Transformation!

He grabbed your heart and remolded it to beat for His glory! He didn’t ask for permission, He chose to do His work in you! Amazing! Transformation. Total metamorphosis.

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I like the word transform. It means to change or alter in form appearance or nature. It can be the change of only outward structure or looks, or can be used in describing a total metamorphosis such as a pollywog becoming a frog or a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. I recently transformed my Mom’s old chest of drawers she got when she was married in the 1940’s. I love the way it turned out! A bit of leftover paint found in the garage, some heavy sanding and distressing with a hammer, new drawer pulls and voila – a seemingly new piece of furniture!

Transformers. When they first came out, my oldest son was little and couldn’t get enough of this magical toy. He’d start with a robot and with a few adjustments it became an airplane! Innovative in its day and the thought that one toy could be two was attractive. However, there were only two choices, one or the other, to transform the figure. It changed in its appearance but was still the same toy.

I think back to who I was before God chose to reveal His truth in my heart. Talk about a transformation! It’s difficult if not impossible to see any similarity in the before and after of who I was and who I am now. My thoughts, my purpose, my entire character is so completely different. I seriously don’t even care about many of the things that seemed important to me then. How can this be? I’m certain this is not an alteration that is just ‘skin’ deep. It comes from within, from my very soul, I have been changed to be a child of God. How do I know I’m His child? He is teaching me to think like Him, care about the things He cares about, use the words that are acceptable to His character, spend my time in the things that are of value to His concern. Folks, this is not my doing, not my work, not my goodness! I didn’t wake up one morning and proclaim that I was going to change. I didn’t even see the problem or need for something different! I could never have pulled this off so perfectly, so completely. Only God can change a heart from within and reshape and repurpose it for His family!

So why am I writing this particular blog? To stimulate us all to remember to be thankful for the miraculous transformation that God has caused in His children’s lives! It’s truly remarkable, without explanation, but absolutely verifiable. Look within. Look at your life! How has your thinking changed, how is it so completely different from the world? What used to be important to you? Who’s been working in your life from the inside out? Where does this tremendous love for God come from? How do you even know to approach Him for Truth? There is only one explanation. He grabbed your heart and remolded it to beat for His glory! He didn’t ask for permission, He chose to do His work in you! Amazing! Transformation. Total metamorphosis.

Eph 1:3-6 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Eph 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

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.

Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Ps 100:3 Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; [We are] His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

1Co 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

I do not believe there is a qualified rebuttal to these truths. There is no other plausible explanation for the difference between those who run after selfish ambitions and those who look heavenward to Someone and something greater. Do you know of anyone who is able to perform a complete heart and brain transplant and without any visible incision? Miraculous transformation! Much better and much less expensive than plastic surgery! Perfect.

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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.

Preparation

The earth will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

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Many of us have spent hours upon hours of preparation for Christmas. For me, it started right after Thanksgiving and has continued to this point. In fact, I began pulling out my Christmas fabrics several months ago with the plan to sew a few things for the holidays. Well, it never happened, at least not yet!

The house has been cleaned, the halls have been decked with boughs of holly – literally – the furniture is polished, the gifts have been purchased. All in anticipation of one singular event. Christmas. Literally, Christ’s Mass. A special day set aside to celebrate the Messiah or The Anointed One. Preparation indeed! I can think of no better thing to celebrate than Jesus!

But what about my heart? How much time, effort and concentration is placed on preparing my heart to seek out the word of God? Why do I celebrate Christmas? My home looks like it’s ready for something special. Am I?

As I ponder this thought I pray that my diligence in preparation for the return of Christ begins within. In Malachi 3:1, the coming of the Christ was foretold. The messenger, John the Baptist, was to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Malachi 3:1 Mal 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

It happened just like God said it would!

Lu 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.

Lu 1:76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

Joh 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

So why the need for preparation if Jesus has already been born to this earth?

He will come again. It will happen just like God says!

Ac 5:31 "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

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.

Is the same effort, time and energy put into our preparation for the return of Christ? What a glorious day for those whose hearts have been diligently attended to.

Most of us have heard the term, ‘refiner’s fire’.

A refiner's fire does not consume completely like the fire of an incinerator. A refiner's fire refines. It purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. desiringgod.org

The earth will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

Mal 3:3 "And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.

Pr 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts.

Consider. When all the decorations are taken down, gifts have been opened, parties have been attended, friends and family have left, what remains, what are we left with? Does my heart continue in preparation for Jesus to come? Or is the ‘reason for the season’ put away in a box until the same time next year?

I pray hours and hours of preparation will continue to polish my heart as I yield to God’s refining fire from within. Let’s celebrate Jesus continually as we ready for His return! It will happen.

Lu 21:36 "But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Re 22:7 "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."

The most precious gift you can give to Jesus is your heart; the most valuable gift you can give to those you love is the Truth of the Gospel.

December 25th will come whether you are fully prepared or not; Jesus was born according to scripture, some were ready to receive Him, some were not; Christ will return again according to the scripture – is your heart prepared?

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.

In Excelsis Deo

Just think about the blessing and privilege it is to know God, to have access to Him, because of His Son. Jesus, who was born for us, died for us and lives again for us! This is spectacular! The celebration of Jesus commands our attention every day as we seek to live for Him.

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Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Glory to God in the Highest!

I’m just about done decorating our home for the best birthday party ever! I love the holiday season. Open doors to sharing what is truly important abound. God has been so gracious this year to provide a way for all of our extended family to gather in one place from around the country. My 91 year old Mom, her four children with their spouses, 9 grandchildren with their spouses, and 10 great-grandchildren. 36 total! This will be a party to remember. All about Jesus. All because of Jesus.

While I’ve been decorating, of course the Christmas music has been playing over Pandora (I do remember when we used to change the cassette tapes)! Often I just have to stop and think about the words as I sing along with familiar songs. In Excelsis Deo. Hard to say, right? But what does it mean? Glory to God in the highest. Words that are so full of meaning, so rich, so appropriate to worship our Heavenly Father.

glory <doxa> dignity, glory, honor, praise, worship

glory: 1. a state of high honor; 2. brilliant radiant beauty. WordWeb

highest <hupsistos> highest, the Supreme, the heavens: most high

highest: 1. greater than normal in degree, intensity or amount; 2. being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation of upward extension; 3. standing above others in quality or position. WordWeb

These words of praise and position of honor go to God alone. God, who is Light (Isa 60:19); God, who is Love (1 John 4:8); God, who is Invisible (Col 1:15); God, who is Unsearchable (Job11:7); God, who is Incorruptible (Ro 1:23); God, who is Eternal (Ps 90:2); God, who is Immortal (1 Ti 1:17); God, who Knows All Things (Ps 139:1-6); God, who is Everywhere At All Times (Ps 139:7); God, who is Unchanging (Ja 1:17); God, who is Perfect (Mt 5:48); God, who is Holy (Ps 99:9); God, who is Just (De 32:4); God, who is the True God (John 17:3); God, who is Gracious and Merciful (Ex 34:6); God, who is Faithful (1 Cor 10:13); and God, who is Patient (Nu 14:18).

This is the God to whom we sing Gloria, in Excelsis Deo.

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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!

JITNOT

I had only made one dessert, a three tiered lemon cake, the favorite of most of those present. It was centered on the table outside like a star begging you to notice. Well, it did get the attention of —– our dog!

Ps 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Ps 91:3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence.

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Summer. Barbeques. Family. The weather was beautiful. The family was gathered. The food was good. The kids were all running around in the backyard. The adults were relaxing, talking. Some were cleaning up in the kitchen, others were sitting around the table outside. Soon it would be time for dessert. I had only made one dessert, a three tiered lemon cake, the favorite of most of those present. It was centered on the table outside like a star begging you to notice. Well, it did get the attention of ----- our dog! As quick as you can say no, the lemon cake had a large bite taken out of the side. My oldest brother laughed as he shooed Pooh Bear away and told us what happened when we came out from the kitchen. We were able to cut a large margin off the cake where the insult had taken place and still enjoy my efforts. Just in the nick of time? Or not? Injuries were apparent but there was salvage.

‘Just in the nick of time’ is a saying most of us have heard. There’s actually an acronym that showed up for this phrase: JITNOT! It means ‘at the last possible moment’.

My three children and I had moved around about every six months for a period of three years. We weren’t hiding or choosing to move, we were surviving through a really rough period of time. One of our last moves was into a low-income government housing project. Not the best place for a young single mom with three kids, two under the age of five, but nevertheless a place that provided shelter. It was a bit scary and not what you might particularly choose, if you had a choice. Drug dealing was rampant and obvious, the sounds of fighting and yelling were commonplace and even my sweet five year old son got punched in the face by a girl as I was watching him on the swing set placed in the center of the apartments. My paperwork was to be completed the following morning to sign a contract for the lease and I remember thinking there had to be a better solution but was unable to come up with one. The only things I knew to do was pray, trust and be thankful for what God had provided. Then there was a phone call from a leader at the church the kids and I attended and a request to come by right away that evening. As I was offered a real home and asked not to sign the papers in the morning I remember tears of thankfulness. A couple in our church had purchased a tiny home specifically for our use! Asking only for rent we could pay within our meager income. This house was in a safe neighborhood. Next door to an older couple who quickly became dear friends. Just in the nick of time! Perfectly in God’s time. He delivered us out of a situation that had become increasingly difficult. JITNOT! Could God have rescued us sooner? Sure. But the increasing values of trust, patience, dependence on Him, thankfulness for what you have, recognizing the needs of others, learning that joy comes from within rather than outside circumstances, were His gift to myself and my children, learned through hardship – one that is forever embedded in our hearts.

Ps 91:3 says, For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.

In the previous verse of this chapter, David had called God his refuge, his fortress, his trust. Why? Because he knew God would rescue him from harm.

For it is He who delivers you….

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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.

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.

Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

What does the world say? “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”.
This means don’t put all your resources on one hope, possibility or avenue of success or just one person. If that fails then you are left with nothing.

Yes, we have chickens! Yes, we do collect the eggs each day in an egg basket! It started with a thought. It grew into a reality. They’re actually pretty efficient. We give them our fruit and veggie scraps and our garden clippings and supplement it with lay mash and hen scratch and they give us eggs! Beautiful, tasty, organic, free range eggs. Of all colors – green, blue, chocolate, tan, speckled, and white. There is an additional benefit we hadn’t thought of when we started our hen house. Doors in the neighborhood now open with anticipation as my husband walks around to deliver the extra! God can and will use any means He wants as a door to building relationships – even chickens. Isn’t that fun?!

What does the world say? “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”.

This means don’t put all your resources on one hope, possibility or avenue of success or just one person. If that fails then you are left with nothing. answers.com

Think of the word resource. The noun resource means an available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed. A source of aid or support. The verb resource means to provide with or obtain resources. Types of resources may be assets, ingenuity, inventiveness, aid, assistance, backing, support, funding, help, inventory, livelihood, recourse, refuge, and sustenance. Information taken from WordWeb.

Wikipedia Encyclopedia says: “A resource is a source or supply from which benefit is produced. Typically resources are materials, energy, services, staff, knowledge, or other assets that are transformed to produce benefit and in the process may be consumed or made unavailable. … From a human perspective a natural resource is anything obtained from the environment to satisfy human needs and wants.”

When reading on about resources, limited availability and the potential for depletion, is a grave concern in the world. Renewable and non-renewable resources are addressed. Land, labor and capital are considered resources. A current goal of natural resources is sustainability. These would include water, air, fish and minerals. Sometimes restrictions are mandated on the use of our resources in the hopes that they will last longer. Large companies and even the government are dedicated to finding ways to limit use of depleting resources and to convert items that we have in abundance to fill our needs.

Think of your personal resources. Where are your needs met? Have you diversified your assets so that you feel secure or do you realize your greatest asset is in God? Are you willing to give Him everything and trust that He will fulfill your needs or do you have alternatives in the world just in case?

What does God say?

Keep reading…click here

Broken Hearts

Back then, she would have proudly told you she could do anything. With enough hard work, she would have the life she dreamed. Dependence on others showed weakness.

Broken Hearts – Broken Dreams – Broken Trust

Consider the following phrases. Work hard. Laborious effort means success and then doors to dreams will open. Others respond well to success. Hard work will get you where you want to go. Learn to live up to expectations. Hard work helps make the sacrifices of those who love you seem worthwhile. Be strong. Don’t disappoint.

She was not a beauty, and average in just about everything. She didn’t really having a single, outstanding talent, but was willing to spend hours in becoming a stellar student. She maintained a GPA worthy of receiving awards and recognition. In her senior year, an offer of full tuition to a well-known university was awarded. So it seemed, she could excel, with no need to rely upon anyone else but her own relentless drive and hard work.

Back then, she would have proudly told you she could do anything. With enough hard work, she would have the life she dreamed. Dependence on others showed weakness. She was convinced that she was solely responsible for the direction of her life. In fact, it was critical to take pride in yourself and your accomplishments in order to achieve goals. Help was seldom needed. Confidence in one’s self was unquestionably the key.

Confidence that proved she could do it all. Until that one day. Suddenly unable to direct her future. No matter how hard she tried, something she could not fix presented itself. For the first time, hard work and self-assurance, and doing the “right” things, didn’t produce the expected outcome. This was unimaginable. A total failure. It was at that lowest point she was forced to accept she lacked the power to determine the direction of her life. The independence and confidence that had always empowered, suddenly felt empty. Just about everyone around her bailed out. No one liked failure. It didn’t matter who was to blame. What happened?

Human reality. Sin. Self. Actions born out of pride, always looking for something more, something better. People tiring of imagined promises of happiness. Decisions made to end relationships that required more effort than seemed reasonable. Responsibilities seeming overwhelming. Then, after the bomb dropped, before the dust was even settled, came the realization that the source of her identity, fulfillment and hope wasn’t to be found in the person she originally thought was the answer to her future. The “I do’s”, the “I will’s”, the vows, all cast aside. Sin. Man’s sin. It happens. All the time. I am guilty. You are guilty. The affects are strong. Often pointed to those ignorant and unsuspecting. Often to those who have learned to rely on self because they are so engrossed at making things seem right that they don’t see what’s going on around them. Often to those who have fooled themselves into thinking they controlled the direction of their life. Most often to those who look to themselves for happiness and success. Always to those who hold themselves in greater esteem than their Savior.

Broken hearts, broken dreams, broken confidences stem from confused hearts, self-serving dreams, and misplaced trust.

Jeremiah understood his need of God. He desired God’s direction. Instead of being proud, he humbly acknowledged his weakness. Jer 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.

The Bible supports the truth of God being in control of all things. Read these verses from Proverbs.

Pr 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Pr 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.

No one wants to be dependent upon another. It seems weak. It feels disqualifying and restricting. Yet our relationship with God is built on dependence. Total dependence. We are unable to bring anything to the table of our own accord. We need His grace and mercy in all things. Complete dependence. Absolute reliance upon God.

Because God loves us, His grace is often shown through the consequences He allows in our lives. The horrific consequences of sin. Then, we fall to our knees, prostrate before Him. Crying to Him for help as our life support.

Ps 116:6 The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Is this a sign of weakness or wisdom? Both!

Recognizing our weakness bears the mark of wisdom. Understanding our dependence on God frees us from depending upon ourselves and others to make life meaningful.

Click here for continued study…

Grocery Carts and Special Gifts

I can’t explain all of this, but by His grace, I knew, I understood. I wasn’t alone. I never had been. We treasure the gifts that are most precious to us.

We remember the most significant times in our lives. Sometimes with such clarity that we are able to picture exactly where we were and who was present. Memories can be so strong that even our senses and emotions of a particular event instantly flood back into our consciousness just as if we were there again. Perhaps you can recall several of these times in your life over the years.

A few memories come to my mind. The first time I took my three young children to the grocery store. By myself. It seems like a funny thing to have a strong memory of but I can see it in my mind like it was yesterday. I know where I parked the van, I remember the market I went to and the nervousness I felt wondering how I was going to get a newborn, a two year old and a six year old to the store and back with groceries. Another memory I have is of a particular Christmas morning. My family always had what we needed but not much extra. I was only about six years old and I desperately wanted a specific baby doll and also a mini playhouse with little mouse characters one year. It would be very unusual to receive both gifts so I was set on being happy for whichever one ended up under the tree. I remember being totally surprised – to the point of tears – upon receiving both of my desires.

The gift I received when God unveiled my eyes to His truth is by far the most significant event in my life. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I know the room I was in, I can feel the emotions. An overwhelming sense of relief and peace flooded my mind as I recall giving up my way for God’s direction. I remember the immediate release of burdens I had unnecessarily placed on my shoulders. Circumstances that were too heavy for me to carry were given to God. I can’t explain all of this, but by His grace, I knew, I understood. I wasn’t alone. I never had been. We treasure the gifts that are most precious to us.

The gift of salvation is special because of its significance. There is simply no other gift that is able to change your life completely in the present or for eternity!

What marks its significance?

It is Spectacular in its effects on the heart.

De 30:6 "Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live.

Eze 11:19 "And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,

Do you know of anything else that has such an outstanding, dramatic and real response as a heart that has been miraculously changed from within?

The spectacular effects on a saved soul is undeniable. No one is able to refute the change that took place in my heart when God opened my eyes to His truth.

It is Striking in its ability to direct attention to God.

2Co 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2Ti 1:9 [God] 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,

Ac 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Isa 45:22 "Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

God used circumstances to direct my full attention towards His truth. One moment I was focused on what I needed to do, then through His grace, I was directed towards what He had already done for me.

It is Sensational in its strength.

1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Ro 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God [did:] sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and [as an offering] for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

1Co 15:54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"

Ro 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

Isa 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."

Following rules and regulations set by man’s wisdom only changes the outside appearance. We learn to concentrate on what things look like. I thought I was okay because I looked good to myself and others on the outside. God’s Truth cuts through to the soul, exposing the need we have for Him. I know of nothing or no one who is able to read my heart perfectly – except God.

It Shines from its source of Glory.

2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Ps 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

Ps 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with splendor and majesty,

God is light. In Him there is no darkness. He alone is worthy of praise and honor and glory. He has chosen to touch His children with the gift of salvation that none other can give. The Spectacular, Striking, Sensational, Shining gift of Salvation. Have you unwrapped His gift?

Click for study on Psalm 119:130

Great H O P E

I sincerely desire to be a witness for God of His truth and majesty and love and forgiveness. I make no claim to knowing everything, much less anything, but I do strongly believe that God can work in a willing heart that is yielded to Him and that that is all He needs.

I just read a sign that says “Great hope comes from faith in God”. So true, but exactly what is hope?

We say things like, “I hope it’s warm today”. Or, “I hope I get sleep tonight” and “I hope we’re having spaghetti for dinner”. You could probably fill in a number of other familiar phrases following this same pattern. I remember thinking that I hoped I had passed a test in school. Sometimes, while playing around with a new recipe, I hope it turns out good, or at least eatable! Have you ever hoped that the jeans you love will not be too snug after finding out they were washed and dried on a warm cycle?

Certainly, hope is optimistic. But used in the above examples, the intent has only a possibility of fulfilment. We can have hopeful feelings that some kind of goal would be met. We can be hopeful for the direction our older children are taking, or hopeful that escrow closes on time. We hope medical personnel will be able to decipher our ailments. On and on….

The word hope, when attached to God is different than just having a good feeling that something will turn out well. Hope placed in the Truth is certain, it is to be counted on. It has no question mark at its end. Hope is fulfilled in Jesus’ work on the cross.

I have not attained any degrees in language study. Definitely no formal education in Hebrew or Greek. I have used a Strong’s concordance almost daily for a number of years and a combination of different Bible translations and an English dictionary along with the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and multiple commentaries and Bible dictionaries. My main resource is the Bible with related scriptures interpreting one another and prayer, lots and lots of prayer. And direction, wisdom and advice from my beloved God-fearing husband who is always excited to read my next study. (Kudos to God – thank you for this incredible gift of my husband.) I sincerely desire to be a witness for God of His truth and majesty and love and forgiveness. I make no claim to knowing everything, much less anything, but I do strongly believe that God can work in a willing heart that is yielded to Him and that that is all He needs.

The first retreat I spoke at, I remember being ridiculously scared, nervous and needing to use the restroom several times – sorry for the descriptiveness. But, some of you understand. The scripture I was lead to was in Exodus, go figure! Not necessarily a book we spend the most time in. But somehow, (God’s direction), I landed in Exodus 4:10. It says: 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.” I remember reading this and thinking yep, that’s me. But then I continued to read… Ex 4:11 And the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes [him] dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Ex 4:12 “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Moses questioned God again and God was angered towards him. I was immediately embarrassed that I had put myself in a place where somehow I thought I had to figure out what to say about God. He’s already said it, I’m just following His lead and relaying the info! And, He doesn’t need me for anything. But, if I trust Him, He will use me for His purpose. God will use whomever He chooses in whatever way He chooses. Who am I to question His direction?

So, I write and share my studies and thoughts as His servant. Please read my words as what God has placed on my heart through study and prayer and then sit down with our Lord and Savior and ask Him to reveal His truths to your heart and circumstance.

Click here for more, a study on Great Expectations.

The Perfect Shelter Ps 91:1

There is One perfect shelter that will withstand all attack. And this is pretty cool – it’s free! At least free to us. The price was significant to God.

There are shelters of many kinds. A shelter provides protection from danger and weather. There are women’s and children’s shelters, homeless shelters, tornado shelters, animal shelters, credit shelters and wilderness survival shelters.

We use an umbrella as a shelter from the rain and the sun, and there are shelters at many public transportation stops that are used while waiting for a bus or train, etc., to arrive. I’m certain that a search of this word would produce many more names of different types of shelters. Wikipedia says “Having a place of shelter, of safety and of retreat, i.e. a home, is commonly considered a fundamental physiological human need…”

Peter Menzel, a well-known international photographer and journalist, has a series of photos on his website of different houses in different countries around the world. There is a photo of a mud-walled house in the West African City of Djenne, Mali; an earth house in Shingkhey, Bhutan; round homes in South Africa; as well as Victorian cottages in Massachusetts and adobe style homes in New Mexico.

If you are interested, you can purchase a bomb shelter. One website I was lead to, suggested that anyone who wasn’t paranoid about the world’s threats should be paying more attention. There is a bomb shelter company in Texas that can provide structures that protect from nuclear, chemical, biological, EMP, war and tornadoes. Kind of a one-size-fits-all bunker. (I did have to look up what EMP stood for: it’s the electromagnetic pulse that is emitted after a nuclear attack.)

So, what’s the point?! Shelters are important in our lives, albeit to varying degrees. I won’t be purchasing a build-it-yourself fallout shelter anytime soon. Perhaps I’m not paranoid enough yet. For most, a place they call home is their safety. Yet, consider: if there was total or perfect protection in a home, there would be no need to pursue or even think of the idea of additional shelter in the event of a catastrophic event.

There is One perfect shelter that will withstand all attack. And this is pretty cool – it’s free! At least free to us. The price was significant to God. Have you received His permanent protection? Are you able to take refuge in His shadow?
Continue for a study on Ps 91:1.

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.

To Be or Not to Be Content? That is the Question.

Find beauty in the desert.

Here’s my disclaimer. I am in no way a scholar learned Bible student. My only qualification to understanding and applying God’s word comes from His work in my life through His Holy Spirit. Therefore, what I share in this blog, in the Bible studies I help to lead, and in the retreats which I’ve had the pleasure of speaking, is from a heart that is devoted to following my Lord and Savior in all things. My efforts to understand God’s truth take me to several different resources that help my limited knowledge. I am thankful God has given me a passion to communicate His love and many avenues to express the urgent need we have for His gift of salvation.

Sometimes, I wish I had a more formal education in Biblical studies but, alas, that brings me to one of the words that has been on my heart.
Contentment – What does it mean?

Php 4:11-12 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

Let’s think opposites.
Want – Have
Content – Discontent, Dissatisfied

Are we able to change our circumstances? In many ways, yes. But do we want to or should we? We have the freedom to make many of our own choices. This is fun, it allows for individual likes and dislikes. But, think of those things that you are unable to change. For instance, I cannot change my age! A few years ago I was surprised to find out I was actually a year older than I realized – a true, albeit concerning, story that may cause you to question my mental status! I may be able to change my appearance to look younger but the numbers are what they are.

On a more serious note, many individuals are presented with physical challenges that are beyond their control. Change in these cases is not an option so management and satisfaction with the way things are becomes the normal. Think also of the number of people who find themselves placed in a geographical area that perhaps is not their primary choice. But it is a necessity because of employment or cost of living. In that case, it is well to accept where you are and be thankful for the opportunity to provide an income.

I grew up near the foothills of the San Bernardino mountain range. My teenage years were spent hiking on mountain trails just a half-hour away or driving to the beach with friends, equally as convenient. Later on, circumstances and choices led me to a different location.

I now live in the high desert. It has been my home for over thirty years. It is hard for many people, including myself, to find the beauty in the Joshua trees, tumble weeds, dry winds, and hot summers. Yet, it grows on you. I struggle with the lack of green, beautiful tall trees, natural woods, and what many would consider to be a more idyllic setting.

When we visit the northeast coast where one of our sons lives with his family, we enjoy the beauty that surrounds us as we walk through the Pennypack Trail just a few minutes away. It has always amazed me that everything is green and there are no automatic sprinkler systems except nature! But, there is a downside. Humidity and mosquitos!

So, what to do, if anything? I can choose to be discontent with what I don’t have or content with what I do have. I choose to be satisfied where God has placed me. Is this always easy? Heck no! My perfect world would have all my adult children and grandchildren living within a close radius of one another. My ideal setting would be for everyone to have employment that would provide well for their families yet grant time off for getting together. My preference would be to have a guarantee that all those I love would be called by God and live for Him.

It seems humans are wired to want what they don’t have, doesn’t it?! This begins early in life. Just spend a few minutes with small children wanting the same toy – often the toy that has been neglected until another child shows interest.

If we look back to our scripture in Philippians, the concentration is on becoming satisfied with whatever we have, wherever we are and with anything God has allowed into our lives. Paul emphasizes that he has learned to be content. This sounds like a choice. A conditioned response acquired over time. The more I am aware of God and who He is, the more I can sincerely say I want His plan. Why? It’s better than mine! It’s perfect.

So I will find beauty in the desert. When I’m missing my kids who live across the country and when I’m tired of the dry landscape surrounding me, I will thank God for the winds that provide clear blue skies. I will thank God for technology and the opportunity to FaceTime. I will appreciate the open land that surrounds me. The beautiful, color-filled sunsets. The occasional snow cover glistening on the Joshua trees.

Continue on for more study on contentment.

Big Match Tonight: Cerebral vs. Emotion. Don’t miss this!

Truth: because we are weak, we are unable to respond perfectly and accurately in regards to our feelings. So while emotions have a part in our lives, it is better to act upon knowledge – the facts we possess to be true and right and honest and holy.

The gloves are laced, the sounding bell rings and the fight of the year begins! In one corner, we have Cerebral. Solid and calculated in his reactions. In the opposite corner we have Emotion. Quick, yet sporadic and abrupt in his thinking and judgment. The first to make a move is Emotion. He shows aggression yet he is ineffective. As he throws a punch into his opponent without thinking, Cerebral places a careful aim to Emotion’s foolhardiness. The punch hits its mark! Cerebral is clearly in control of his action. Emotion is instantly down wondering what happened. The judges’ unanimous decision declares Cerebral the winner. Here’s the news headline: While Emotion was quick to react first, the careful knowledge applied by Cerebral proves to be no match!

Several days ago, the word-of–the-day on dictionary.com was cerebral. Interesting word isn’t it? The definition given is, “involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct”. The listed synonym for cerebral is intellectual. I was immediately reminded how important it is to approach life circumstances with knowledge and intelligence rather than with feelings and emotions.

The church I attend is largely made up of ‘cerebral’ thinkers! This is because aerospace is a main employment venue in our valley. Think problem solvers and fact collectors; using known results and developing new statistics. The outcome of this approach is carefully planned testing of ideas. Knowledge and intelligence applied, effects outcome that can be repeated. This way of thinking is void of emotional experience. It has to be in order to prove comparable data.

Consider. Gather a few dozen people in a room. Present the same scenario to each. Then, without ground rules or written data, ask how each might react to the circumstance layed out before them. This is like asking a few dozen people what they think about something!! Avoid it, plain and simple. Why? It leads to confusion. However, do the same thing with a list of facts and proven results and the answers will have more commonality. This is because the basis for the reaction is built more upon proven results and knowledge than emotion.

Should we then be void of feelings? Are emotions bad?

I sure hope not! I love the wonderful feeling of my grandchildren holding my hand or wanting to snuggle. I am happy when they walk in the door and run to me calling my name ready to give me a hug! We’re talking downright warm fuzzy in the heart feelings! I treasure the compassionate hug from my husband at the end of a long, trying day. I seek the touch of comfort from a friend when I’m hurt or sad.

So am I contradicting myself? I don’t think so. God gave us feelings and emotions so there must be a place for them. God shows His feelings towards different circumstances. Jesus, on earth as the perfect man/God, felt emotion. The shortest verse in the Bible says “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Jesus shed tears. That’s emotion. Strong feelings from those who followed God are also recorded in the Bible.

God is love. He is the personification of love. The originator of love. Love, <agape>, is an affection. To have affection for someone is to have a positive feeling of liking for them, to have a fondness for them, tenderness, warm-heartedness. The Gospel is based on God’s love. God’s perfect love.

Joh 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”.

We read in the Bible that God is love but He also showed anger. WordWeb characterizes anger as a strong emotion.

2Ch 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out to meet the army which came to Samaria and said to them, “Behold, because the LORD, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, He has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage which has even reached heaven”. God caused the slaying of thousands because they were acting in ways against Him. This is a display of His perfect righteousness.

What’s the difference between our response to emotions and God’s actions towards emotions?

Perfection. Job 5:2 says, “For vexation slays the foolish man, and anger kills the simple”. Man is both foolish and simple in comparison to God. Not many of us would deny that. The foolish man is destroyed by anger because it is rooted in a depraved soul. The foolish man is led away in lust when presented with feelings of love unhindered by intelligence. The foolish man is devoid of good sense or judgment. The simple man is child-like. Not in an innocent sort of way, but rather, in lacking the mental capacity to see things clearly. He acts or responds before thinking upon or considering the consequences.

What can we say then? Perhaps it is not the actual feelings or emotions we have that are bad, but how we act upon those emotions. It’s what we do with emotions. How much credence do we give our feelings?

Truth: because we are weak, we are unable to respond perfectly and accurately in regards to our feelings. So while emotions have a part in our lives, it is better to act upon knowledge – the facts we possess to be true and right and honest and holy.

Largely, action driven by emotion is immediate. Action driven by knowledge takes time to sort through facts, consider details and seek wise counsel.

People get angry. Anger in man often causes one to hold a grudge against another. Anger in the wrong hands of flawed judgment leads to nothing good.
Ps 55:1-3 Give ear to my prayer, O God; and do not hide Thyself from my supplication. 2 Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the pressure of the wicked; for they bring down trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me.
Ps 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.
On the flip side, perfect righteousness leads to perfect anger and judgment. Only God qualifies perfection.
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.

We are to attain to God’s perfection, strive towards it. To do this, we must follow His example. It is necessary to adhere to what He says. We are to look to His word in all things, including the handling of emotion and feelings. We should strive to become more cerebral in regards to our actions and responses.

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.

Which gloves will you lace up and wear? The ones marked Cerebral or Emotion?

Focus Heavenward

Flash back to the spring of 1998. My first child was accepted into a college he had applied to. This was great news and this was not so great news as felt by a mother’s heart. This university happened to be located almost fifteen hundred miles away from home! Think the late 1990’s, before FaceTime was available to the general public. Keeping in touch was done by phone, email or snail mail. There was no snap chat or instant messaging, and pushing a “purchase” button on an Amazon shopping icon wasn’t familiar, if it even existed. We had cell phones but compared to the devices we have now, they were pretty slim in their options (however, not in their size!! They looked like big black walkie talkies with antennas, and forget fitting a phone into your jeans pocket!). Everyone we knew had land lines as their main phone connection.

I plastered a smile on my face to hide the hole in my heart and helped our son get ready for the grand adventure ahead of him. We decided to make the trip into a vacation for all of us. The traveling provided some good together time before the makeup of our family, as we knew it, changed forever.

We gave our son several prepaid phone cards, and after we helped settle him into his dorm room, we said good-bye. There is something about that first child moving out that brutally reminds parents that this person they had nurtured from birth until now, had always belonged to God. It’s something you know and fully accept and even want for them but the reality hits hard when you begin the long drive home with an extra seat in the van.

Ge 33:5 And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”

In accordance with Scripture, everything we have belongs to God. We are stewards of His creation. This includes our children!

Any type of change disrupts our comfort. The birth of a child, the release of a child, marriage, relocation, illness, loss of a friend, and even ministry changes, serving in a different area or assuming different responsibilities. It doesn’t matter whether it’s good, bad, exciting or disturbing, chosen or forced upon. Change is difficult and scary and leaves you feeling vulnerable.

What does one do with the emotions that accompany significant change?

In the world you turn towards the things that seem to offer stability, albeit temporal. You may concentrate on the things you feel you can control. You may decide to ignore changing circumstances until the point in which they must be acknowledged.

In the believing Christian world, the effects of change are still felt but (hopefully) the reaction is different. You turn towards God for peace and assurance. You trust He is in control and will guide your direction. You pray for perspective and a response that proves you are His child. You focus heavenward.

At the time of releasing my first child I began writing via email to him, signing each letter with the reminder to keep his focus heavenward no matter what circumstances were presented. (I always drew an arrow pointing upwards as a visual.) Focusing on God, keeping him close in heart is the one thing I knew would act as a comfort and guidance to my son. I’m not sure if that reminder did more for me or my child. But, I knew God’s plan was for good and I personally needed that constant message to keep my focus on His truth, His promises, His care and to trust in God’s ownership of my son.

How do you focus heavenward?

I had a website at that time under the name ‘Focus Heavenward’ with the statement that its purpose was to be used as a tool to look to the Bible for growth, purpose and encouragement. The site was a collection of past and present Bible studies and women’s retreats I had written over the years.

In order to focus heavenward, a direction is assumed. That direction is up. Up towards a higher position, up towards God. Up towards something that has greater value. In order to focus heavenward, faith in someone bigger than ourselves needs to have been claimed. In order to focus heavenward, a desire to give attention to someone other than ourselves is necessary. In order to focus heavenward, we need to follow the One whose established throne is in heaven.

Whenever life’s direction is significantly altered or disrupted from what is familiar, we respond in one of two ways. We fight it or we accept it. Fighting change won’t stop change, it will only make change more difficult. Accepting change as a necessary part of life will ease the paths of uncertainty.

God permits and sometimes even instructs circumstances in our lives in order to draw our eyes upward. Hanging onto God’s overwhelming love for His children, and His perfect plan and control of all things will allow us, through His grace, to focus heavenward through joyous times and even through tears.
Click here for more…

Identity Crisis!

Having a sense of identity is important because it allows people to stand out as individuals, develop a sense of well-being and importance, and fit in with certain groups and cultures. Why is identity so important? | Reference.com
www.reference.com/world-view/identity

Beyond the basic need for a sense of control, we are deeply driven by our sense of identity, of who we are. We are in the middle of our individual world, where we place central importance on our sense of individual self. As Descartes said, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Many social theories are to do with creating or preserving our sense of identity. Changingminds.org

Images of identity
Bing.com/images/public domain

identity: the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; the individual characteristics by which a thing or person is recognized or known. WordWeb

With technology increasing and permeating the work place, financial markets and just about every aspect of our personal lives, identity has become a big topic. Mostly in connection with fraud and the need for protection. There are those who feel as if they’ve lost their identity in certain situations.

Several individuals we know, including ourselves, have had experiences with stolen identity within different organizations. Years ago, my husband was in the hospital for ongoing medical issues and we received a call from the admitting department that there was an inpatient using the same social security number. A few years ago, our tax return was stolen by someone who had assumed our identity and filed taxes under our social security numbers. Several years ago I received a letter from the IRS stating I owed thousands in back taxes – my name had been associated with someone else, again, an identity breech. This is real and it is unnerving.

You can purchase several different plans for identity protection. Sometimes, a company will offer protection for up to a year if the fraud has happened on their end. Of course, there are fees attached to most of these programs.

What does the future hold as technology becomes more complicated and ingrained into every area of our lives? I suppose we should take reasonable precautions and approach the possibility of identity fraud as real. However, no one can hack into my true identity.

My identity in Christ is impossible to lose once claimed. I need not fear something will be taken from me or that I would lose my representation in Christ. I did not have to purchase this identity. It was purchased for me! In Christ. By his death and resurrection. Because of His Father’s love. It is given to me as a gift. My identity in Christ is 100% foolproof. No one will steal it. Yet, they can join me in this same identity, for free. Just by accepting the gift of God’s Son.

This is a wonderful source of peace and comfort in this world of uncertainty.

Continue reading here

Light(ning)s – Camera – Action!

God directs all things for His ultimate glory. If you are His child, having claimed Him as Lord and accepted the gift of His Son’s death, you are in the mighty, powerful hand of the One who directs all physical and natural phenomena

Lightning. An abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light. Atmospheric electricity. A physical phenomenon associated with the atmosphere. A physical phenomenon is a natural phenomenon involving the physical properties of matter and energy. A phenomenon is a process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning; a remarkable development.

Here, in the Antelope Valley, we are largely unaware of true weather. It gets hot, it gets windy, and it gets windy and hot. Then it gets cold, it gets windy, and it gets windy and cold. That’s pretty much our weather pattern. If or when we get a sprinkle of water from the sky it is for the most part celebrated and enjoyed for all its worth. If or when we receive real snowflakes or hail is a topic of conversation for days.

But, I like living here, it kinda grows on you. You learn to appreciate fewer bugs because the hot, dry heat is not conducive to their need for moisture. Bugs dry up quickly. And, the dry weather gives you a reason to try out many beautifully scented lotions because your skin cries for moisture as you watch it shriveling before your eyes – hmmm, citrus or floral??

Lately, we’ve had more moisture than in recent years and all of a sudden earthworms are everywhere. The chickens love them, along with the current development of cockroaches – Arrgh! or “Yucky” (in grandchildren language), a fairly gross insect. My better half has become creative in what to do with these new ‘blessings’. One of our grandsons loves digging up worms and feeding them to the chickens and probably the best natural cockroach deterrent are the dozen beaks of hungry hens!

On to the recent weather. We’ve been experiencing beautiful lightning storms. We’ve even had what you might call short downpours of rain with thunder and lightning. Of course, this makes me think of God’s ultimate power over the universe. He paints the picture of lightning bolts in our sky. He controls the sound of thunder we hear. He knows the number of rain drops He sends. He directs the speed of wind.

Thunder is called the voice of God in His word.

Ps 29:1-4 (A Psalm of David.) Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in holy array. 3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD is over many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is majestic.

Job 37:2-3 “Listen closely to the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that goes out from His mouth. 3 “Under the whole heaven He lets it loose, and His lightning to the ends of the earth.

God sets “a limit for the rain, and a course for the thunderbolt”. Job 28:26
See the pictures below that my husband took of a lightning strike last night. First, a course for the direction of lightning is paved by an initial current that comes from the ground. Then the lightning follows that exact path in reverse direction back down to the ground. Look at the direction of the ‘fingers’ in the second photo. Wow! God’s world!

Who are we to doubt His power? Are you able to answer the questions God asked Job of his understanding of God’s ways?
Job 38:24-25 “Where is the way that the light is divided, [Or] the east wind scattered on the earth? 25 “Who has cleft a channel for the flood, or a way for the thunderbolt;
Job 38:35 “Can you send forth lightnings that they may go and say to you, ‘Here we are’?
God directs all things for His ultimate glory. If you are His child, having claimed Him as Lord and accepted the gift of His Son’s death, you are in the mighty, powerful hand of the One who directs all physical and natural phenomena.
Ps 18:14 And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, and lightning flashes in abundance, and routed them.
I pray you join me in acknowledging God’s glory and strength, power and majesty (Ps. 29:1-4); His control over all heaven and earth (Job 37:2-3); His direction of all scientific and natural phenomena (Job 28:26; 38:24-25;38:35); and His right to set forth the comings and goings of all things (Ps 18:14).

De 4:35,39 “To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him. 39 “Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

Light(ning)s – Camera – Action – Praise!

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