prayer Archives < Just Bread Crumbs

God’s Presence or His Plan?

What is key to successfully navigating this life? God’s plan or His Presence.

I’m going to ask you a question that I felt the Lord was asking me the other day. I was reading about Gideon. Israel had been warned by an unnamed prophet that idolatry was the cause of their repeated defeat by the hands of the Midianites. It seems that every time there was a harvest, Israel’s enemies would swoop in and steal the fruits of their labor. It is the long told story of bully versus weakling. Israel was the weakling; and according to Gideon he himself was the weakest of the weakest clan in the weakest tribe of this weak nation.

You know how God sees the things we miss with our eyes wide open. He called Gideon “mighty man of valor” and challenged him to defeat those vicious Midianites. Did I mention this conversation happens while Gideon is hiding down in a wine press trying to thresh wheat? It always makes me smile to know God chooses the underdog.

This blog isn’t about Gideon though. It’s about the question. When God first assures Gideon that he can do this and be victorious, this is his promise:

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:12

Gideon responded with all his excuses. He was weak. His clan was weak. Blah, blah, blah…

“The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.'”
Judges 6:16

There is something missing here. A plan. The Lord did not roll out a battle map on a large rock showing troops here and there spotted around the Midian encampment. No hidden weapon or secret information about their weak spots. It was just, “Do this. I will be with you.”

So as I sat at my desk and considered this, the question came to mind. “If you were going into battle against an undefeated enemy and you could only chose one or the other, would you want God’s presence or His plan?”

Yes, we often get both. Even Gideon received instruction after God scaled back his army and even told him the odd “weapons” that he was to use. I’m thankful that God has plans for me. But as I sat there talking to the Lord, the question was A. Presence or B. Plan. What do you choose?

I knew what Moses would choose. When God told him to go on into the Promise Land but He wasn’t going with them, Moses said no way. “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Exodus 33:15. Of course that’s wisdom and the right answer.

But, honestly, I leaned toward the plan. How about you? How many times have you called out to the Lord, “What do you want me to do? I need a billboard with step by step direction. A sign in the clouds.” We know His plan will be successful and all that stands between us and victory is the Plan. Right? Right?

Yet, it seems that what the Lord promises over and over, as if it’s all we need (hint…hint), is His presence. Even Jesus when giving us the Great Commission, closed it with this:

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

So I am challenged and I hope so are you to think on this. Is my faith in the plan or His Presence. Do I think I can pull this situation off with just the right divine guidance? Am I comfortable going in my own strength as long as I know what God would have me do? Furthermore, can I just walk with Him as Abraham did not knowing where the road would take me, resting assured that His Presence makes it home?

I know you have situations. You’re breathing, right? How do I parent this child? How do I find a job when there are 20 million out of work? Wouldn’t you love a 12 Step Program to alleviate all marriage disappointments? A plan to lose weight, a plan to overcome shyness, a guide to build wealth and retire strong… It seems we just need the right plan.

Actually, we need Him. Allow Him today to fill your arena with His Presence. Sit before Him for a WHILE and worship, pray, and listen until you know He is there. He may tell you to wait. Rest may be the word you hear. You might not hear anything at all. It’s okay. Just remember His Presence conquers armies, delivers Promised Lands, shares the gospel with the world, and gives rest in the middle of it all. This is what God spoke to Moses as He sent him on ahead to conquer the land of milk and honey. No strategic plan, just…

“And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'”
Exodus 33:14

Get up and seek Him. It won’t feel like your gaining ground at first. Just do it. But you will get up and know that you have spent time with the King of the Universe. He enjoyed His time with you and will not leave you as you walk out the day. There is a hope that will arise and a road that will open before you. Sometimes you will feel as the fog has lifted and there is real reason to smile. Just look at this promise:

“You will show me the path of life;
In your presence is fullness of joy;
At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11

Psalm 91 Becomes So Real

In these days of bad news and worse news we find ourselves afraid to step out of our doors in fear that some invisible enemy named Coronavirus will land on our head and end our days. Interestingly, corona in Spanish (and Italian) translates “crown”. It can’t be missed that it wants to rule the land. If you have forgotten how bad it is, just turn on your computer or tv and at your fingertips will be all the forboding numbers and predictions. I have to daily pray and remind myself that God is my fortress and strong tower. I know His Word is true when He promises to cover me with His wings; His faithfulness being my shield.

As a matter of faith building in this time, I have prayed daily Psalm 91. You may be familiar with it. It is 16 powerful verses reminding us that God is our protector from terrors at night, arrows that fly by day, and plagues that stalk. I have read it in half a dozen translations and love them all. The promises are strong and reliable in every choice of wording. I even put it on my refrigerator. It doesn’t work as a snack deterrent unfortunately; but it does remind without even rereading it that God’s Word is sure and He is with me and remains my protector.

Now, there is a verse in there that has always made me raise my eyebrows a bit. “Does this really apply to me? Perhaps this is figuratively speaking. Right?” Verse 13 declares that:

“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”
Psalm 91:13

Psalm 91 is a psalm of David. I know David fought a few lions. That’s the confidence he carried into battle with Goliath. When King Saul asked David why he thought he could defeat Goliath, David responded, “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the Living God.” 1 Samuel 17:36. Yep, David could “trample the great lion and the serpent.”

But me? Well, first of all, besides the Houston Zoo and Barnum and Bailey Circus, lions are foreign to me. Behind glass or steel bars is as close to lions as I have ever been. Trample them? I don’t think so.

I can’t say the same for serpents. I live in southeast Texas and snakes abound. I see at least one every summer and sometimes 4 or 5. The most common poisonous serpents here are the copperhead and the water moccasin. We have others and some nonpoisonous as well, but this isn’t a discussion of snakes. Rather, it is how He makes us trample them.

As a Easter gift from a friend, I received a fence post sign that read “He is Risen”. It is beautiful and I love it. It was just the truth that I wanted displayed in front of my home. Thanks Jamie. As my husband and I were contemplating how to make it stay put, I suggested putting a hollowed out, half of a tree stump in front of it. We’ve had that half a tree stump in a flower bed for ages. I picked up the small (approx. 10 inches across) stump and moved it to the front of the sign. I then shoved it with my sandaled foot closer to the sign to hold it tight.

Gary and I decided that wouldn’t work because the stump would cover the “n” in risen. No, I would pick it up and move it again back to the side where it had been.

Gary immediately spoke, “No, let me have it. Let’s put the stump on the other side of the porch. He then picked it up and carried it away. While I am still staring at the sign, I hear him holler and throw the stump down.

I asked him what happened. Hornet’s nest? Giant hairy spider? Fire ants? Nope. On top of that stump that had been moved now three times was a copperhead that was now slithering off after all the excitement. Don’t miss this. I had picked up and carried a copperhead not once, not twice, but three times before handing it off to Gary! He carried it 3 or 4 steps before seeing the danger and doing the only logical thing. I ran for the shovel and now Mr. Copperhead is fertilizer on the vacant lot next to us.

We stood there in utter amazement and without a word. Together we had lived a miracle. Copperheads are not carried around like kittens. They are not known to be aggressive, but are most dangerous when they are disturbed or threatened. I never saw it while I held it close to my chest and leaned over it with my face. Even Gary, didn’t notice it until it was next to his head. I don’t know if God caused it to sleep, closed its mouth, or made it friendly, but it didn’t strike until it was on the ground out of harm’s way. And then it faced us with mouth wide open ready to bite.

With eyes bulging and jaws dangling while we considered what just happened, Gary’s phone rang and my normally strong and solid husband just about jumped out of his work uniform. Funny….after the severe case of “the willies” had subsided.

God had protected our lives and I almost never knew. It makes me wonder how many times He has shielded me from what the devil would have used to destroy me. And you too. Car crashes that were avoided and you don’t even know how. Someone has suggested that in life we have all walked or drove past a murderer or other dangerous person and never knew it. God protects us with little or no fanfare. Only heaven will tell the stories.

The next morning as I was going through Psalm 91 again, reciting every word as a petition and promise, I read verse 13. When I began the verse 14, it was as if the Holy Spirit cleared His throat, “Ahem”. I stopped and looked back. When I reread it I knew what the Lord was saying to me.

The same God that could deliver David from a lion, a bear, a serpent and a 9 foot giant, is the same God that can and does deliver me. It wasn’t David, it was God. David, on his own, would have been a lion’s lunch. Goliath laughed at David because he couldn’t see the invisible God that stood between him and the young boy warrior. The battles are not even. Nothing or no one is a match for God and you. He wins even when we are unaware of the danger.

Psalm 91 still applies. He is our refuge. He loves us enough to send His angels to guard our steps. He promises there is rest in the mere shadow of the Almighty. Awwww, rest. Don’t we need it? I trust the Lord when He says that “no disaster will come near your tent.”

I know. I know. What about the Christians that are suffering with covid-19 right now? I have prayed for several missionaries that I know have suffered with the virus. Really suffered. How does Psalm 91 apply to them? It is just as true. As the chapter draws to the end, the Lord says about the ones who love Him, “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Did you notice “in trouble”? Or the fact that He promises to deliver us, meaning we will at times need deliverance?

There are times when this fallen world deals trouble. God’s 91 says to call on Him. He promises in just verse 15 to answer you, be with you in trouble, deliver you and honor you. One of the missionaries that has been hospitalized for four weeks is now slowly coming off the ventilator. He told his wife today with labored talk that the presence of the Lord had been so strong and sweet that he knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be. How wonderful God’s presence must be that a person would accept this battle just to soak in the glory of Him. Another 96 year old women who caught the virus in the nursing home in Washington, early in this pandemic, told this story: During her sickest night when she wasn’t sure that she would survive, she would come to and feel the Lord’s presence and even his hand stroking her arm in comfort. She said it was the most amazing experience in her 96 years of life.

Why didn’t Jesus instantly heal her or protect from getting sick? I don’t know. But His presence was constant and I could tell from her smile and tears that they shared something amazing. It’s just like my miraculous protection from the snake bite. No doubt that God performed that work. On the other hand, Paul survived a shipwreck, washed up on the isle of Malta, only to be bitten by a poisonous snake….all while working for the Lord. Where was Psalm 91? Why didn’t God protect him? Well, He did. Paul called upon the Lord and trusted His God. God rescued him from the 14 day storm, the soldiers threat to kill him and all the prisoners on board, the ship breaking to pieces, floating ashore, and then the snake bite. You see God was clearly His strong tower.

So I totally rest in the promise of his protection. His Word is true. I pray Psalms 91 with every belief that God meant every word. I love the Lord. How can I help it? He is my refuge. I am never alone. I do not fear the coronavirus. God is always with me and no virus will “crown” my life. That belongs to Him.

Getting to Know…Me

There has been a thought rolling around in my heart for a while. I say heart, because that is where God deals. The question I ponder is not how well do I know God, but rather how well does He know me. I know on the surface that may sound a little, well, me-ish; but hang with me for a bit and see what I mean.

The idea first came to me after reading a very familiar passage.

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!’ “
Matthew 7:22, 23

This a scene of judgement. What strikes me is that even in judgement God wants to discuss relationship. Evidently many people will try making a case to enter Heaven that sounds “spiritually” compelling. Speaking personally, I’m not sure that my Christian resume reads anything like these. Prophesying, casting out demons, and performing lots of miracles would be enough to convince most of us they belong inside the pearly gates.

Jesus says otherwise and he says it plainly. “I don’t know you and as a matter of fact, get away from me.” Aye, yie, yie. I can’t imagine worse words to hear. It makes me cringe, just putting it in 2019 English. But my thoughts today aren’t on the fires of hell or even eternal judgement. It’s in that “I never knew you” part.

As believers, we strive to know the Lord. There are countless scriptures encouraging people to know God. Study the scriptures because they testify of Him. Seek His presence and His will. Seek Him with all your heart. These are all truths and the only way to be a disciple; but Jesus didn’t say plainly, ‘Get away from me evildoers. You don’t know me.’ It was clearly, ‘I don’t know you.’

If you are like me, your thought process goes something like this. But God knows everything. He certainly knows me. The Bibles tells me so.

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.”
Psalm 139:1-4

There is nothing hidden before God. Your heart is not camouflaged before Him. So, what gives? How can He not know those condemned in judgement? I asked the Lord.

He set my mind to thinking about the few people that I would say “know” me. My husband will ask me what’s wrong as soon as I walk in the house. He knows that face. My son answers my questions before I finish asking. It goes like this. “Did you…?” “Yea, I saw it.”

Some friends may even be able to finish my sentences. It may be a sibling, a spouse, or a bestie in your life. They’re fun to talk to because they understand your history. They know your circumstances and your people. It’s easy conversation. They also know your weaknesses and can be painfully honest with you. They know you and absolutely love you.

Now, ask yourself. Does God KNOW you like that? When I asked myself, I felt unsure but determined to change things. If God wanted to know me, then I was going to make that happen. Morning coffee would be shared between the King of Kings and morning, smash face, me. I started telling the Lord about myself. Not everything at once, but just interesting tidbits, like when making a new friend. Before long, I was sharing more. Somedays, I tell Him all that I have to do. Somedays, I ask lots of questions. Of course, my conversation with God seemingly always includes my pressing needs. He is God after all.

I encourage you to try it. Don’t let satan talk you out of it. I know his argument. “This is a waste of time because God already knows.” Of course He does, but He still wants to hear your heart. Remember when your children were small? When they came to tell you a big story that happened in their life, nothing, absolutely nothing was more important, even if you just watched it all happen in your backyard. You cared about every syllable. You wanted their take on the situation. You enjoyed their excitement, you understood their frustration, you offered your wisdom. God is the same.

A strange thing has happened in this quest to let Him know me: I have discovered some things about myself. God is so much more than a psychotherapist, but when I started telling the Lord how I felt, I heard myself say things I didn’t know were there. Not only was He listening, but by His Spirit, He was drawing out my feelings like a good friend.

In these heaven meets earth “convos”, My Father has reprimanded me with soft challenges. He helps me see the situations in my life spiritually, which is ALWAYS a different view than the one I bring Him. We even share a few laughs. I don’t mean God is up there telling me St. Peter-at-the-pearly-gate jokes. The laughs are more like those you share with friends who know you. The words don’t even have to be said. It was a shared experience and great joy comes in knowing you are both reminiscing about the same time. Such sweetness in a shared life.

David wrote, later in that same Psalm that declared God knew everything about him:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Psalm 139: 23

David, who had earlier proclaimed with certainty that God knew EVERYTHING about him, was now asking the Lord to search and know him. That’s the picture. Have you ever had an acquaintance for years and then the relationship turned a corner? You are close now, even best friends. You know how it happened? One of you opened up and shared a need, a hurt, a more personal story. The other felt trusted and began sharing too. Boom. A relationship blooms.

How sweet that is when it’s you and your Creator. It’s the path of everlasting life. Do you want the promise of Heaven? Let Him get to know you. He will begin to lead you on His path. Relationships are not built on judgement day. They are made today. Have a cup of coffee with the Savior and get started.

When God Reads Your Mail

When the enemy is threatening you, God takes it as a personal insult.

As a kid, I watched Batman and Robin every day after school. I had to because the day before the dynamic duo were strapped to a ticking bomb or rolling down a conveyor belt into a buzzing table saw, seconds from their death. I knew they would make it, but I had to tune in and find out how. That’s sort of how I left you last week. The devil (aka King Sennacherib) was making threats that seemed all too common today.

It could have been titled 7 Lies That Keep You From Trying. We’ve experienced them all and like all convincing lies, there is just enough truth to make us believe them. Then when we believe them, they in turn, become reality. My hope was by identifying them, we might recognize the lie before we start agreeing with it.

While, it’s great to uncover the enemies’ tactics, it’s greater to see how another hero of faith deals with the threats. One of the most interesting things, is what he doesn’t say.

“But the people were silent and did not utter a word because Hezekiah had commanded them, “Do not answer him.”
2 Kings 18:36

There are times we talk too much. The devil enjoys knowing what has boggled our minds and has effectively sidelined our faith for the moment. Like a chicken, he will peck at the sore spot. Don’t give him the satisfaction. I know there are times we just need a shoulder to cry on and a friend to help bear the burden. No doubt, that’s necessary and a gift from the Father. But our incessant complaining is praise to satan and drives our faith and other’s into the grave. Hezekiah commanded his people to not let their fears be heard. Don’t let the enemy see you sweat.

Humility is Necessary

“When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes and put on burlap and went into the Temple of the Lord.”
2 Kings 18:1

King Hezekiah humbled himself before the King of the Universe and went to church to seek His help. Yep, that was me last week. There are times in life when memorized prayers and polite little requests are not enough. You have to cry ugly, get in a posture of need, and find that place where you can get alone with God. Preferably, in reverse order. (grin). There is nothing pretty or religious about it. The devil says you look weak. Don’t believe him. I work in a church and the strongest people I know will come there when life gets difficult. They walk away strengthened.

Ask for Prayer

He also sent his advisers to visit the prophet of God, Isaiah. He told them to tell Isaiah just how bad it was.

“This is the what King Hezekiah says: ‘Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace. It is like when a child is ready to be born, but the mother has no strength to deliver the baby. But perhaps the Lord your God has heard the Assyrian chief of staff, sent by the king to defy the living God, and will punish him for his word. Oh, pray for those of us who are left!’.”
2 Kings 18:3,4

Hezekiah tells the man of God, that they are facing trouble, they have been insulted, and they are humiliated. I would venture to say most trials fall under at least one of those headings. You have suffered some kind of physical loss. Or your friend, or family, or boss has used words to insult you. Don’t words hurt? Or maybe you have had a failure that is humiliating. Deserved or undeserved. Seek the Lord and be honest.

Then he compares this trial to a baby coming to full term and the mother is too weak to deliver. He’s done. He has held his ground, watched and waited as Assyria got closer and closer, and now the moment has arrived to battle. Hezekiah finds himself too worn-out to labor. That is humiliating and dangerous.

Even when your faith is lacking

Did you notice the choice of words in his request? I don’t want to make more out it than there is, but I don’t believe there are any accidental words in the Word. Hezekiah says “perhaps” the Lord “your” God has heard. Perhaps? Oh, Hezekiah, the Lord’s ear is not dull. He heard the blasphemy. And why, “your God” and not “our God”? It seems to me his faith has taken some blows. His ears are still ringing with the threats. Perhaps Isaiah can persuade God to help. Look at that last line. Pray, Isaiah, for the few survivors that are still hanging on. Not exactly a fireball of faith, but still trusting in the Only One Who Can Help.

Easy Peasy

God gives a quick reply through Isaiah.

“This is what the Lord says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. Listen! I, myself, will move against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So he will return to this land, where I will have him killed with a sword.”
2 Kings 19:4

Okay, then. That’s that. God has spoken. Bye Felicia. That’s exactly what happens. He gets word that the king of Ethiopia has attacked and he must get home right away.

You would think the enemy would quietly sulk away and leave well enough alone. No, that’s not how the devil works either. Instead, Sennacherib sends another threatening letter to Hezekiah that begins with “Don’t let your God whom you trust, deceive you with promises that Jerusalem will not be captured…” and ends with a long list of defeated armies that trusted in their gods too.

The devil rails even in retreat

That is just like the devil. Even as he daily marches closer to his doom, he rails against us with threats. God clearly has the upperhand, as we will see in a minute; but that doesn’t stop satan from terrorizing the saints, even as he retreats to another losing battle.

Hezekiah doesn’t take this lightly. Despite having the promise of God’s rescue, he brings this new threat straight to God himself. He literally brings the message to the temple of the Lord and spreads it out before God and prays. This is so important to our victory.

Take your problems to God and lay them out. Written prayers are so effective. So many times what I think I need, or believe, is completely different when I put it in ink. Something about writing it gets prayers down to business. No fluff. No vain repetition. My selfishness or covetousness shines though when I think about my grandchildren finding these prayers after I’m dead and gone. Often, while writing, petitions become praise and complaints are deemed a waste of paper. Try it. Even a hand written list that you lay hands on and pray has an impact on your faith.

One day I was so troubled by someone that had proven to be my enemy, rather than friend. I had prayed for her. I had asked the Lord to help me forgive her. Though I thought I had forgiven, I still avoided her like the plague. The feelings just weren’t getting better. Like Hezekiah, I took it to church. Sinking down beside the altar, I felt like I had said everything already. So, I wrote her name with my finger on that altar and I left her and all the hurts there. I can’t explain it, but I got up free. I’m still free after many years.

The fight builds faith

Hezekiah’s prayer is wonderful. The fight had made him stronger. He starts with words of adoration. “You alone” is the theme of his praise. Then he says, “It is true, Lord, that the kings of Assyria have destroyed all these nations…” But this is different.

“But of course the Assyrians could destroy them! They were not gods at all – only idols of wood and stone shaped by human hands. Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power…”
2 Kings 19:17-19

Hezekiah’s faith is growing, even in the middle of the attack. “Now, O Lord our God”, shows that he knew he could call on God too. God knew him and would hear his cry for Israel. Hezekiah stood honestly before God with enough faith to ask for “the impossible”. He knew the history of this attacker. He knew so many other gods had fallen before him. But HIS God was different.

God’s answer found in 2 Kings 19:17-34 should be on our lips often, when the devil fires his darts of fear into our souls. It’s priceless. He begins by mocking Sennacherib’s own boasts. “I have ascended. I have cut down. I have reached. With the soles of my feet. Blah. Blah. Blah.” The king is exposed as God repeats the brags of a boastful warrior. But the boaster is deflated when the Lord says:

“But have you not heard? I decided this long ago. Long ago I planned it, and now I am making it happen. I planned for you to crush fortified cities into heaps of rubble.”
2 Kings 19:25

In other words, the ONLY reason that you have beat anyone, Sennacherib, is because I planned it a LONG time ago. You have no power to destroy where I have protected. You are merely a tool at my disposal.

Furthermore,

“And because of your raging against me and your arrogance, which I have heard for myself, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth. I will make you return by the same road on which you came.”
2 Kings 19:28

I love this picture.

If you put a hook in someone’s nose and a bit in their mouth, they will go exactly where you tell them, with little or no resistance. I dare say you could drag a dragon with that combination. So, where did God send this enemy of Israel? Back the same way he came. That spells retreat. He isn’t marching through the land as a conqueror. He is tucking his tail and setting the GPS for home. He’ll not be staying for tacos or having a king to king meeting. He switches from offense to defense as he heads home to save his own kingdom.

God then shares some promises with Hezekiah for the future. He even gives hope and a promise for those left in Judah. The “passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (vs. 31). I just love that “passionate commitment”. I couldn’t feel safer.

He gave the king of Assyria a promise too. “His armies will not enter Jerusalem. They will not even shoot an arrow at it.” (vs.32)

What are we worried about?

That night, the Angel of the Lord, killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Repeat: One angel. The next morning the Assyrian survivors broke camp and went home the way they came. Smart move. And King Sennacherib? Later, he was killed by his own two sons while he worshipped in the temple of his god, Nisroch.

Feel like singing, anyone? Yes, I do. Maybe dance too. God is victorious over and over in our lives. We have heard the devil breathing down our neck and consuming our thoughts. We have endured the labor pains but didn’t have enough strength to deliver. Then God reads our mail. We hand him what we can’t handle and he answers the enemy. It’s not what he bargained for. Not only will you be rescued, but he will be defeated. Go ahead. Get up and take a victory lap with the Lord!

Why Just Calm the Storm When I Could Walk on Water?

You just got to love Peter. You gotta love him. I’m not really the Peter type disciple. I’m not the boisterous, brash, cut off your ear if I need to, kind. But I do love and laugh at his realness and enthusiasm, and often wish I was a lot more Peter-ish. Case in point…

The beautiful Sea of Galilee on a calm evening.

Jesus and Peter Walk on the Water

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:22-32

Storms at Night

I LOVE THIS! Here’s the scene: A bunch of fisherman and other guys familiar with the Sea of Galilee, out a far distance in somebody’s boat, in the middle of the night. Can you imagine the darkness? When I was kid, my stepdad had a trotline on one of the inlets of Lake Houston. More than once, we went out at night to check the lines. (Those without fishing license prefer the darkness. Ahem.) When he would turn off the trolling motor and all we had for light was a flashlight, which he used sparingly, it was dark and oh so eerily quiet.

On the Sea of Galilee, the scene was the same until a storm suddenly blew. While I was in Israel, we took a boat ride, at night, into the Sea of Galilee. I don’t know where we went, because it was dark, but I know we ended up where we started. We had a wonderful time of worship and teaching, but I really just wanted to turn off the lights and music and imagine.

We were told that the Sea of Galilee is notorious for sudden storms. It has something to do with the mountains, blah, blah, blah. Sorry, I was probably imagining at the moment. He told us, on the tour he led prior to ours, they were hit by one of those storms. They normally tie 2 or 3 boats together to keep the groups in close proximity. During this storm, all the ropes had to be cut to keep the boats from crashing into each other. Life jackets were issued. I’m not sure about seating. We all had those plastic lawn chairs that I’m sure slid from one end to another, with tourists holding on for dear life. I know it was scary for them and I wondered if anyone had the boldness to stand and say, “Peace, be still!”

The Jesus Boat, found deep in the mud of the Sea of Galilee in 1986. The wood was dated to the 1st century AD, meaning it was a boat used during the time of Jesus. This boat was repaired using many different materials, making some believe it was a boat of significance. It is hard to tell in the picture, but it is actually 27 feet long and over 4 feet wide.

Then Comes a Ghost

For the disciples, it was crazy. A storm blows in. They’re far from shore. Jesus is somewhere on a mountain praying. It’s dark. And when things couldn’t be any more tremulous, they see a ghost.

Yep, life’s like that sometime. Have you ever looked at your “storm” and thought things couldn’t get any worse, and then a ghost appears. I guess it would take your mind off the storm for the moment. In today’s modern life, you are running late to yet another Teacher/Parent conference concerning son Johnny, when your 5 year old throws up in your new Skechers, and the family dog hasn’t come home since you let her out last night. The SUV is on empty and your husband has the gas card. Then the phone rings.

Your mammogram showed some suspicious spots. Can you come in for further testing? There’s a ghost.

The Bible says this terrified the disciples. They screamed in fear. I’ve never heard my husband scream in fear. (Unless it was on Space Mountain at Disney World.) These guys were afraid. Masculine pride left with the howling wind, and they screamed in terror at this ghost.

Jesus Gives Words of Comfort

“Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Jesus

Man, I need this on a bracelet, t-shirt, or something. “Be courageous. I am here. DON’T BE AFRAID.” Repeat.

Check out Peter, though. He says, “If it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

Why Not Just Ask for the Moon too, Peter?

Peter and the disciples are no doubt at risk of drowning. The waves are crashing, there is lightning, rain, wind, the works. MOST people would ask the Lord to rescue them.

“Still this storm, Lord!”

“Get us to shore!”

“Keep our boat strong!”

“Make 12 lifejackets splash into our boat!”

“Rescue ME!!!”

This is how I pray. “Get me out of this situation. I will lay out a 12 point plan that if You will follow, we will all safely arrive on shore…just a little waterlogged. Now, God, here’s what you need to do in order for us to survive. That is Your will……….Right?”

Peter, on the other hand, says “Lord, if that’s you, let me come play too!!” He’s not worried about surviving, or the boat, or the lesson learned, or the storm. He just wants to walk on water! His friend, Jesus, had done some really cool things, but this was epic. Fisherman Peter, had never seen a man walk on water. He was not about surviving a stormy night. He wanted to ride the waves with Jesus. And that was his prayer. “Call me out there too, Lord.” Call me right out in the middle of the storm, as long as I am with You!

Jesus’ one word answer is direct. “Come.” Isn’t that perfect? Just come.

Peter climbs out of the boat and walks on water. So cool. It dawns on me. This miracle really wasn’t necessary. This was just a little fun in the midst of the storm. If Peter hadn’t asked, it may have never happened, but Jesus was happy to oblige. The audacity to ask for a thrill during a trial.

We all know the rest of the story. Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind. His faith wavers and he begins to sink. He cries out to the Lord and the Lord rescues him. The Lord has a question.

Why Did You Doubt?

Catch the Lord’s words. “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?” FOR REAL. Why, Peter? I’m dying to know what would have happened if Peter had not looked at the wind and lost faith. Would Jesus and Peter have danced and ran and slid on the seas? After a while, surely another disciple or two or twelve would have climbed out of the boat too. Can you see it? All these grown men running and playing on the water, just because Peter had the crazy faith to ask. What a fun story that would have been for Sunday school 2000 years later.

Instead, they climbed in the boat and the storm ceased. All were safe and sound. They then worshipped the Lord, their Rescuer. “Truly, you are the Son of God.” That’s beautiful too. He certainly deserved it. He saved their lives. But I have to wonder if the Lord would have enjoyed, even more, some miraculous fun with friends on the Sea. You can almost hear his disappointment, “Why did you doubt?”. It could have been so amazing.

George Bailey, in It’s a Wonderful Life, promises Mary he will lasso the moon and bring it right down to her. “You want the moon, Mary? Is that what you want?”

How many times have I needed some light in a dark place? I’ve begged for a candle or borrowed a flashlight when the Lord would have handed me the moon? I have worried and strained to fix my world. I have worn out pillows and sheets “sleeping” with my mind going full speed ahead. All the while there stood Jesus standing in a cloud of peace that passes understanding. I’ve been so exhausted that jokes weren’t funny and kids were annoying. I needed rest and a long, deep, belly laugh. There stands Jesus beckoning me to become like a child so I, too, can enter the Kingdom.

“Why did you doubt? We could have had so much fun.”

16,425 Prayers & Still Learning

I’ve been a follower of Christ since the age of 7. My share of mistakes and failures would certainly balance my successes. But despite me and my flesh, I have called myself a Christian since then.

I give my credentials only because it bares witness (how’s that for some Christian-ese?) with what I’m going to say. I have prayed A LOT. I mean in the last several decades (never mind how many), I have talked to the Lord over lots of stuff. Real stuff. Stuff that makes your head swim. Stuff that pertained to that day, in that situation, and nothing more. Stuff that affected the world, ie: elections, natural disasters, wars and missionaries. To be honest there’s been some dumb stuff. ( I won’t give an example, in case you prayed some of those things this morning. =-) Yes, I figure I have prayed at least 16,425 prayers. That’s praying one prayer a day since the age of 7. (Okay, homeschoolers, there’s your extra credit algebra problem for the day. X = my age).

We all know there must have been a day or two that I chased butterflies and giggled with friends and didn’t have a care in the world to pray about; but most of those 16,425 days I had more than one reason to cause me to stop and talk to God. Multiple times a day.

So I must be an expert, right. HA! No such thing. Jesus was the only expert I remember telling others to “Pray like this…”

Praying in all circumstances

But today’s “crumb” reminds me that prayer is necessary in all circumstances. I was struck by a passage in Numbers that reminded me that Moses was a man of prayer. Moses has the awesome reputation of THE one who talked to God face to face. He was the one who went up the burning Mt. Sinai to talk to God and even more awesome, listen to Him. Moses was a man of prayer.

One of the beautiful mountains in Israel. This picture reminds me of the Israelites standing at a distance watching Moses ascend to the top to meet with God.

God led him and the children of Israel in such an intimate way that they knew when to camp and when to break camp. His presence would be a cloud by day and fire by night. If the cloud stayed put, so would they. When the cloud would lift, then they would pack up the tents and the tabernacle and follow. But here’s the verse that stopped me:

"And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, 'Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered!  Let them flee before You!'  And when the Ark was set down, he would say, 'Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.'"  Numbers 10:35,36

Okay, so here is the guy who is completely following the plan of God and leading several million behind him. He knows with all certainty that he is doing the right thing at the right time and he still prays. He takes nothing for granted. He calls on the God that holds victory in His hands. He calls for God to arise, when he has already seen the cloud lifted. He curses the darkness and the enemies of God. And he says this every time the Ark is picked up to travel!

Then when the journey is over, the cloud has settled over them again, and the Ark of the Covenant is set down, he calls for God to come be with them. This says to me that Moses didn’t want to spend a day without God’s help. There were never “chasing butterflies” days for Moses when he didn’t recognize his great need for God.

Prayers in Battle

What about you? Is there wilderness ahead? Maybe there are some enemies on the way? Don’t take a step without Him. Call on Him to arise and go with you. Are you confident that the way you are taking is God’s perfect plan? Many times we’re not sure. Even in confidence and with signs in the sky, call on Him. Pray for His presence to lead you, guide you, and protect you from that enemy, we call satan. Invite God into your journey.

Moses fought several battles to see the Promised Land. We always think of the warrior leader, Joshua fighting to receive what was promised, but Moses fought too. So when Moses prays, “let your enemies be scattered!”, he has first hand knowledge of the bloodiness of war and the victory of seeing your enemies run away. This wasn’t just the latest Hillsong worship tune, for him.

Prayers in Peace

It wasn’t all times of battle. There were times when the cloud stayed, the Ark rested, and some refreshing took place. Look at Moses. Before he takes a day off to stroll the camp and eat the latest manna craze, he prays and asks the Lord to return to them and be with them. How sweet that must sound to the Lord to be invited. I think I take Him for granted too often. He says He will never leave or forsake us and I just go with it. That’s Him. But how wonderful that Moses would welcome God and ask Him to stay. Every time.

When my son was growing up, we often had a house full of boys. It was my house and of course I had all rights to enter any room, at any time. They always knew I would be here if they needed me… or not. I enjoyed hearing their banter, watching them wrestle, talk some trash, and eat every single snack I didn’t hide properly. (When I’m dead and they are cleaning out my house, someone is going to find a 50 year old jar of cheez whiz hidden in some old jacket pocket in my closet.). I loved watching their lives, their struggles, their successes, right there from my kitchen sink. But what joy when I was invited to join them!

They would be sitting around the table discussing the most important issues of the day. Okay, it was pretty much girls. I would walk through the kitchen or down the hall past the bedroom and sometimes (rarely) get invited in. This is the moment where the angels sing. In the occupation of motherhood, all the refused suppers, poopy diapers, and messy rooms become worth it. “Mom, come here.”

Oh, the sweetness of being wanted. Sure, we have a great relationship. I knew Zach loved me. I knew he still needed me. For the most part, he was obedient. It’s not about that. It’s about, “Mom, I’m not going any further until you come in and listen to this.” I’m sitting here smiling just thinking about it.

I want to be that child. “O Lord, get up! It’s time for work. Come go with me and fight my battles. The devil runs when you’re around!”

Days end. “Come sit with me, Lord. Let’s enjoy the setting sun. I’ve got so much to tell you….”

Why Just Bread Crumbs?

“Jesus did not answer a word.”
NOT A WORD.

A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Matthew 15:22-28

And it was just the crumbs….

I love this story. It initially intrigued me that Jesus would infer that this woman was a dog. (Jesus never concerned Himself with political correctness.) But as I dug deeper, because the Lord kept calling me back to it, there is so much more that spoke to me.

Rarely was Jesus impressed with people’s faith. He was more likely to be amazed at their unbelief. But this gal was told her faith was GREAT. So, let’s look back at what she said and did.

She came to him and cried out. Did you see those exclamation points above? She didn’t secretly approach the Lord in hopes that she wouldn’t be made a spectacle. This Canaanite woman knew she didn’t have the “right” to ask Jesus for a miracle. She wasn’t even Jewish. Furthermore, her daughter was so demon filled that she “suffered terribly”. How hard was this for a mother to confess? She must have surely been embarrassed by this condition.

“My daughter is sick.”

“My daughter needs direction.”

“My daughter is even backslid.”

Those we can admit. But, “My daughter is demon possessed.” That raises eyebrows.

Assuredly, she bore the shame. We don’t know how the demons manifested. But demons are not polite company. Certainly, as a mom, she bore the feelings of guilt and responsibility for her daughter being subject to demons. Where did she go wrong? How many times had she had to leave public places with her daughter after the demons acted out. But none of that hindered her. She cried out! Desperate times call for desperate measures.

But then the unexpected happened.

“Jesus did not answer a word.” Not a word.

I’ve been there. Have you ever cried out to the Lord and heard nothing, felt nothing, saw nothing happen? It was so obvious that the disciples told Jesus to send her away. “She keeps crying..”

Jesus tells them that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. He came for the Jews. Most of us would have walked away offended at this. Just given up. Surely, His miracle working power was real; but it was meant for others. It’s just not God’s will for her.

Again….been there. Have you ever thought, “Maybe God has another plan for me.”?

Not her. She comes right in front of Him (AGAIN), kneels down, and cries, “Lord, help me!”

She reminds me of Mary, at the wedding at Cana. Despite Jesus telling her it was not his time yet, Mary turns and tells the servants to do what He tells them to do. Pushy mother and woman of great faith in her Son.

Back to our story, Jesus flat out tells her that it wouldn’t be right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs. I’m telling you that Jesus lost some followers with this. Not only does He not do the needed miracle but He calls her a dog. Some translations use the word, “puppies”. Funny. I guess that’s a little kinder.

Our dog, Sugar, who will unashamedly beg for crumbs from the table.

Either way, the answer was no.

But not to be deterred, this woman argues with Jesus, the very One whose help she desperately needed. He said it wasn’t right. She said, “Yes it is, Lord.”

And then she offers this counter, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master’s table.” She didn’t argue her worthiness. She didn’t offer a deal in return. She knew who she was (and wasn’t) and she knew who He was and she had faith that even the crumbs from His table were enough to defeat the enemy.

Here’s the amazing conclusion to this religiously awkward encounter. “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”
Jesus

The second attention getter came at the end. Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Whoa. Jesus knew and loved this woman. He loved that she persisted. He loved her. After all, this was a story God deemed important enough for the Bible. Here was proof that faith pleased Him, from Jew or Gentile. Faith that says “I won’t let go unless you bless me”. (Genesis 32:26)

So, this is the name of my blog. Just bread crumbs. My desire is to take small bits of God’s Word and serve them to the dogs (JUST KIDDING!). No, I’m hoping to share my crumbs with you, my friends. I know that just bread crumbs from His table, mixed with faith, will accomplish great things.

Hello Fab Five!

Jesus could have preached, exhorted, threatened, or cold-shouldered Simon Peter to get him to stand strong….He pleaded in prayer.

Who are the Fab Five? Well, you and four more. I figure that maybe five people will read this second post. Those five are the ones I felt confident enough to invite in to this attempt at blogging. You were chosen because I thought you to be honest, but not cruel; encouraging, but not flattering; a reader because you wanted to, not as an obligation to our relationship; and foremost because I love to ponder God and His Word with hearts like yours. And as fellow travelers, I have pleaded in prayer for you.

This is the foundation walls of what is believed to be Peter’s home in Capernaum. The odd roof looking structure above is actually the floor of a church built above it. This spot was hard to walk away from, knowing that Jesus had walked in those rooms, sat on those floors, and even healed Peter’s mother-in-law, right there.

Today, my mind is going on and on about these scriptures:

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³²But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail.
Luke 22:32

I love the thought that Satan must ask permission for everything. “Can I?” “May I? He whines.

The metaphor of being sifted like wheat is powerful too. I have felt the shifting and shaking of the enemy, myself.

But I feel so loved with the words of Jesus when He tells Simon that He had prayed for him. Jesus didn’t just pray. He pleaded in prayer for Simon. This was no piddlin’ prayer. In all the recorded prayers of Jesus, none seem like He is pleading. This one was earnest.

What was He praying and pleading for Simon Peter? That his faith not fail.

Here is the question? How often have I pleaded in prayer that a fellow Christian believer wouldn’t fail in their faith? Shouldn’t this be our constant prayer for our friends? We see them struggle. We see them slipping away. A sickness leads to missing church. Missing church leads to missing devotions. Missing devotions leads to a cold spirit. The next time we see them, Satan has sifted them like wheat and we are disappointed in their backslidden condition.

Maybe we have those that we say to ourselves, “they just won’t stay with the stuff”. We know those who are in and out, strong and then weak. They join everything in church for the first two meetings and then their faith fails. We might find it even irritating to pray for them. Why can’t they put on their own armor and take care of business? Plead in prayer for them

Jesus tells Peter just a few verses down (vs.34) that Simon Peter would deny him 3 times before morning. He knew there was going to be some failings. He knew this friend was going to deny even knowing Him. Yet, He pleaded in prayer for him.

Jesus knew His prayers were not in vain.
“So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32

Jesus could have preached, exhorted, threatened, or cold-shouldered Simon Peter to get him to stand strong in those hours after His arrest; but our Lord knew what would have the best outcome. He pleaded in prayer.

So today plead in prayer for that one who satan is asking for. They may never know you cried in prayer for them. They may go from strength to strength because you pleaded in prayer. Plead for their faith . Pray that they not fail. Plead for the one that seems most weak.

One day they may strengthen you.

Category: prayer

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