Speaking to Mountains of Hurt

Wounds from a friend or a spouse are painful. A grudge often feels like the only “control” you have in the situation. But Jesus tells us to speak to that mountain.

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Every Christian’s mind twirls with excitement when we read this red letter promise:

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Mark 11:22-24

Oh yes!! Amen and amen! It’s just this kind of gospel that makes me wonder why everyone doesn’t sign-up. Even all of the imaginations of Marvel Comics hasn’t come up with a super hero that speaks AND MOVES mountains. This is serious power. And I believe Him who declared this truth. Jesus was not subject to hyperbole or evangelistic exaggeration. He meant that with enough faith in God mountains will get up and dance their way into the nearest sea. I can’t read it any other way.

He said this in response to the amazement of His disciples when they noticed the full leafed fig tree He had cursed the day before was already dead and withered. It was as if he was saying, “This is no big deal. Why, if you would just have faith in God, you can pray for anything – even to move mountains.”

Though I love the mountains and head to them whenever I get the chance, there are none in my way here in the Texas Gulf Coast area. A freeway overpass is just about as high as any of us get around here. But before we dismiss this scripture as a promise for another land, another time period or another people, let Jesus instruct us a little further.

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.

Mark 11: 25

Then Jesus Shifts Gears

Whoa. Who stuck that in there? We were moving mountains and praying about anything and receiving it. Now we’re talking about grudges? Forgiveness of sins? That’s no fun.

No, grudges are not fun. As a matter of fact, they often smother a good time. Ever avoided a family get together because so-and-so will be there? Maybe you’ve dropped attending a small group at church because a grudge against someone there ruins the mood. Grudges and unforgiveness sour just about everything in our life.

Honesty check…. Did someone not respond the right way this Christmas to a gift you gave? I mean you thought it through, purchased it, wrapped it, carried it, and nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not even a real, ‘thank you’. A tinge of grudge has now colored the holiday. Next year, you might just send a card…or nothing.

Even more likely, there is something much more serious. A broken marriage vow may have caused unforgiveness to set up camp in your soul. Maybe you have been betrayed by a “bestie” or deeply wounded by your own child or parent. Those are painful and a grudge often feels like the only “control” you have over the situation. It says something along the lines of, “They won’t ever do that to me again. This wall is so high and impenetrable; its mortar is the glue of bitterness. No one will ever get that close to me. I’ve got to protect me.”

On the other hand, forgiveness seems like a reward to the offender. It seems as if they just walk away scot free. We think there is no justice just letting go of those ugly offenses. How will we control the situation? How will they ever learn their lesson? Somebody has to pay.

First Things First

Yet…Jesus says, when you are praying (as a mighty Christian does), FIRST forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against. Why? “so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Notice the total absence of loopholes here. There are no qualifiers like forgive only those who ask sincerely, or forgive those whom you equally offended. You are also not exempt from those most horrible, unspoken offenses or the ones that happen and happen again.

Does the word impossible enter your thinking? Does it seem too much? You can’t just say, “Poof. Everything is forgiven.” Or can you? Could it possibly be that easy? Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen’. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.”

Yes, massive boulders and dirt and immeasurable tons of rock lifting up and rolling into the sea is awesome, but boulders of hurt, the festering dirty wounds of life, and rocks stacked in protection against any further pain coming down so quickly is a miracle. You can speak to that mountain.

Speak to it. Believe what God says. Tell the grudges and unforgiveness to find a new home in the bottom of the ocean. You will no longer carry them or imagine yourself protected by their crowded walls. Jesus said to do it FIRST. No dilly-dallying. Speak to the mountain, trust God, and see what happens. That’s taking control of the situation.

I know that some have had traumatic events that require counseling . By all means, get good counsel. Walk through those events with the scriptures in hand and allow God to minister to your soul. But today, speak to the mountain.

Even if it is nothing more than a molehill, speak to it. It is important that you tell it to go. Those little mounds of unforgiveness have tripped up more people and broke more ankles than many mountains.

Forgiveness is a Gift to You

You are not rewarding the offender. They still must deal with their sin. Their patterns will continue until they are corrected. Not your problem. That is completely the work of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is a gift to you. Thus, Jesus ends this teaching with the reminder that forgiveness on our part actually opens the door for our own sins to be forgiven. Honesty check #2. How bad do you need this? Probably as bad as I do.

The old year has left us. What did it leave us? Maybe a few large painful boulders or a pile of rocks, each pebble an ugly word from someone you love. Maybe it was just another layer of rock on top of years of previous mountains. Whatever it may be, I’m sorry. Life stinks sometimes. But God gives hope and it’s found in the promise to “Say to this mountain….”

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When God has Done Everything He Could

Does that title cause a pause? Do you think something strange about the wording? What is left when God has done all that He can? Nothing. We know that there are no limits to God’s “can do”. So what does it mean that He has done all He could?

He tells the oceans where their borders are set.

When a doctor says he has done “all he can do” to treat an illness or a mechanic says he has “done all he can do” to fix your automobile, we know the limits have been reached. We might even follow that statement with, “It’s in God’s hands.”

But this week I read a scripture where God said He had done all He could and I had to ponder the situation. Have I ever drove Him to His limits? Let’s read the verse.

“…when I, the LORD, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.”

Micah 6:6b

To get a better understanding, it’s important to read the full chapter. To get a full understanding read the full book of Micah. In this chapter, God is speaking. As a matter of fact the chapter begins with “Listen to what the LORD is saying:” He then calls a hearing between the Israelites and Himself. The mountains will be the witnesses.

He then asks what are their complaints. “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me!” Micah 6:3

I once was at a women’s retreat when the elderly speaker stopped her message of encouragement and edification and walked over to a woman in the crowd of about 300. She appeared hardened and angry. I hadn’t noticed her until this moment when the speaker spoke directly to her, “God wants to know what else He can do for you?” She met the woman’s scowl with equal intensity. You could have heard an eyelid blink if anyone dared move. I thought for sure the news would tell that night of the brawl at the Christian Women’s Conference.

The speaker went on to question her, “God has given you life. He has given you His son as a sacrifice for your sins. He offers you peace and joy and salvation. But none of that has been enough for you. So, God wants to know what else He can do for you?”. The silence that followed spoke to us all.

The woman didn’t budge for a bit. The speaker asked her name. I honestly don’t remember it. But this lioness of God, our speaker, spoke to her again, “Okay, (name), you are angry at God because some things in life haven’t gone your way. You have sat here tonight thinking you are going to show Him how angry you are. Nothing I have said, none of the worship songs we have sung have moved you. Even the people that have brought you here did not cause your heart to soften. So, God wants to know what else He can do for you?”

This time the awkward and intense silence was followed with tears. The woman broke before the Lord and melted before our eyes. I have seen miracles before and this ranks right up there with the greatest. A woman’s heart changed in an instant. What life and hard choices had built as a impenetrable wall came crumbling down as she realized that God had already done all that was needed in her life. He had given everything He could, His only Son, to save her. How could she act as if there was more He could offer?

Back to the scripture in Micah. God begins to remind the Israelites of the journey they had endured through the wilderness. He mentions the wicked King Balak who bribed Balaam to curse them. God turned the curses into blessings.

He reminds the Israelites how he rescued them from Egypt. He gave them Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead them and redeem them from slavery.

“And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal,….” vs. 6.

from Acacia Grove (Shittim on this map) to Gilgal..

Acacia Grove (Shittim) is where the Israelites camped before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It’s there that Joshua sent out two spies to check out Jericho. Gilgal is on the west side of the Jordan. It was the first stop in the land of Israel and there they renewed their covenant with God. These two places represent the wilderness and the land of blessing. God said to remember the journey.

“And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the LORD, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.”

Micah 6:5

That was His purpose. He did everything to teach them about His faithfulness. God is faithful. It does us well to remember the days and moments in our lives where God is teaching us His faithfulness. Remember the journey.

I just got home from a missions trip to Poland. These trips are fuel for my soul and I have never gone on one of these missions journeys without great changes in my life. But that’s a whole other blog post.

This recent trip left me exhausted and stressed the first night. I had not slept and the day stretched on and on as we traveled multiple time zones. We had a 8 hour layover in Holland and decided to store our luggage at the airport and tour a little. All went well until we got back to the airport. Despite having mapped all this out before leaving Texas, I could not find the lockers where all 16 of us had stored our luggage. Time was running out before our connecting flight and my team could tell I had lost the lockers. Panic set in and it seemed everyone had a better idea of where those lockers might be hiding. Loooong story short, we found them. Some of us (yes, the team split up) went through the passport control multiple times before finding our way.

The two hour flight from there to Poland was quiet and reflective for me. It was the first day and I had already failed the team. One pause to consider the route and I had lost control and confidence of the team. How could I think that I could lead a team of 16 “across the pond” to a place I’d never been myself. What in the world was I thinking?

I got to the missionaries’ house, saw everyone to their respective rooms. got orders for the next day, and collapsed in bed. There would not be any sleep for me. Exhaustion does that sometimes. So, I picked up my Bible and read this chapter. As I began to read of their journey, I couldn’t help but to think of mine.

Yes, God had been faithful through the land of fundraisers. He had passed us through the maze of passports. He guided me to the flight of least connections and best prices. He answered when we needed insurance, airport parking for a van and trailer, and wisdom to understand TSA packing. God had brought our team through flooded homes and flooded businesses, sick relatives, and dying friends, medical tests, anxieties, job loss and financial struggles all while He prepared us for the mission.

The trip was a great success. Thankfully, we never got lost again. With God’s great faithfulness, the journey brought us to the place of His blessing and back home again. The journey was wild and wonderful. And all of it was God just doing everything He could to teach us His faithfulness.

A path full of His faithfulness lessons.

And how does God show His faithfulness? Well it’s always in our need. He is faithful when we are lost as to the next steps. Faithful when our bodies are in need of healing. He is faithful when relationships are twisted and tangled. God is faithful as the roads of life get narrow, offer too many side trails, or have obstacles too big to pass. We could never know His faithfulness if we never stood in need.

His faithfulness is displayed best for those leaving the comforts of the familiar to enter the unknown of what He has promised them. As we rise up to seek the Lord and His ways, He never promises to make the walk an easy stroll. His promise was never to pave the path with gold and supply soft cushions to rest on as we pursue Him. His promise is to do EVERYTHING HE CAN to teach us about His faithfulness.

So whether in the journey of life or the next trip to the grocery store, look for the places that God is teaching you. I’m sure there is a lesson happening even now. Many times God extols us to remember the days of our past. Take a look down memory lane and see where lessons were given and learned. Do tomorrow’s troubles seem looming? Look at the miracles of yesterday. He is always in control and never loses a teachable moment. He is doing everything He can to teach you His faithfulness.

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Just a Servant of the King

Those opportunities you have taken to go the extra mile; bringing soft rags when ropes were all that was required, have been recorded by The KING. Don’t believe me? They why do we know Ebed-melech’s name?

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Sometimes the little mentioned and lesser known people in the Bible are my favorite examples. They are just ordinary enough for us to imagine ourselves in their sandals and yet extraordinary enough for us to imagine being that heroic.

I am reading the book of Jeremiah and while the determination and heroism that Jeremiah displays amazes me, there is another guy that has my attention. Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in service to the king . As a matter of fact, his name literally translates, “servant of the king”. I’m assuming the king may have had a say in that. The question is, to which king was he servant

He was in the palace of King Zedekiah. Wielding borrowed power, Zedekiah was a “puppet” king of Judah appointed by none other than the King of Babylon, His Royal Highness King Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah wasn’t just a Babylon royal flunky or a street urchin from Jerusalem, he was actually the son of King Josiah of Judah, but not of the same caliber. His biggest failure was of course, disobeying the Lord.

“Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the LORD had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.”

Jeremiah 37:2

But he did like some prayer cover from Jeremiah. He is recorded saying, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us.” Jeremiah 37:3b. He would send for Jeremiah secretly and ask for a word from God. I’ve seen this before. All of my life, U.S. Presidents, would call on Rev. Billy Graham to pray on the eve of an important event. They might not be obedient to the Lord themselves, but hey, Rev. Graham was, so let’s get him to ask God for help. It couldn’t hurt. Personally, I was always glad to see it. The same was true of Zedekiah. He knew that the Lord’s blessing was needed to survive but obeying just never came easy.

Who was Jeremiah?

Jeremiah was a prophet with an unpopular message and to ask him to pray was to ask for the truth of God’s message to the people, no matter how harsh. Jeremiah had already endured great suffering for the messages God gave him. He had been flogged, held in a cell, a dungeon, stocks, and was forced to hide from his own people. God had also put some demands on him. He was told to walk around without clothes for a time, wear a metal collar, buy property in a land going into captivity, and other extreme”object lessons”.

Why so much hatred for Jeremiah? His message: Judah was going to be captured by Babylon and the only way to survive was surrender. Just follow your captors and make the best of it. If you stay here in the Promised Land and try to fight you will surely die. Your great sin has brought God’s judgement. Not exactly patriotism and prosperity.

As a matter of fact that scripture that we all love so much and quote as our own promise:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Those are instructions for going into captivity. Jeremiah gives them this promise right after telling them their captivity would last seventy years and then God would come do all the good things He had promised. Knowing their condition makes this verse an even more welcome promise.

Setting all that aside, we know Jeremiah made personal enemies throughout his life by calling out false prophets and denying the swelling words of Israel’s leaders. He could have originated the saying, “don’t shoot the messenger.” Jeremiah said in chapter 20:8, “When I speak, the words burst out, ‘Violence and destruction!’ I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke.” Yet, Jeremiah was faithful to the true warning and His God who spoke to Him.

Opposition Comes – Brings Opportunity

In chapter 38, a group of court officials decided they had heard enough. Without going into the backgrounds of each, suffice it say they had either had confrontations with Jeremiah themselves or their father and grandpa had and there was a family grudge against him.

So these officials went to the king and said, “Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!

King Zedekiah agreed. “All right,” he said. ” Do as you like, I can’t stop you.”

Jeremiah 38: 4,5

Okay Zedekiah. These are court officials. Your court officials. You are the king. I don’t know what kind of royal politics is being played here, but kings usually trump princes. Nevertheless, they won and Zedekiah sat on his weak hands and let the man of God suffer.

A song titled: Alone in a Muddy Pit

The Bible says “they took him from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. There was no water in the cistern but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom and Jeremiah sank down in it.” (The pictures above were taken from the plot of ground said to be Caiaphas’ yard. He had several cells behind his home and this cistern. These were from Jesus’ time and a church has been built on top.) The fact that there was a thick layer of mud makes me think this would have been in the rainy season, probably cold. Jeremiah is sitting in this deep, dark, wet mudhole waiting until starvation took his life. The mud is making his skin sensitive. He is cold with no relief. All of his clothes are wet and heavy with mud. Soaked to the bone but thirsty beyond words, Jeremiah sits and laments. Literally, he was the author of the book of Lamentations. He wrote this of his experience.

My enemies, whom I have never harmed, hunted me down like a bird. They threw me into a pit and dropped stones on me. The water rose over my head and I cried, “This is the end!”

Lamentations 3:52-54

That’s where our friend, Ebed-melech appears. Jeremiah 38 tells us that when Ebed-melech realized what had happened to Jeremiah, he ran to King Zedekiah who was holding court in the Benjamin Gate. Surrounded by more court officials, Ebed-melech accuses the other officials of wickedness for putting Jeremiah in the muddy cistern. The food had nearly run out in city and Jeremiah would surely die.

A servant telling a king that his decision was wrong, his court officials were wicked, and making this pronouncement while the king is holding court is unthinkable. Ebed-melech was only a servant of the king. He took a great chance. He spoke against the popular opinions of the day. This wouldn’t lead to promotion. It might lead to death. It’s becoming more clear, which King he serves.

“Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”

Proverbs 31:8

King Zedekiah, always the puppet, agreed with Ebed-melech this time. “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.” 38:10.

Serving the King is ALWAYS an Adventure

The Bible tells us that Ebed-melech went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury and found some rags to soften the ropes he would use to pull out Jeremiah. Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, “Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.” vs. 12. When Jeremiah was ready they pulled him out.

Ebed-melech’s care shows extraordinary compassion. It wouldn’t do for Ebed-melech to tie off a cattle rope and throw it down to Jeremiah with the instruction to pull himself up. Ebed-melech didn’t say, “Hey, I talked to the king. You thirty guys heard him. Get him out.” Ebed-melech didn’t even rush Jeremiah. The Bible points out that he didn’t pull a single inch until Jeremiah was ready.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

Colossians 3:12

He was a servant of the KING. He knew a servant should be entrusted with a job from start to finish, and that his work reflected on his king. His king loved Jeremiah and he was worth the effort.

The rescue is completed and the book of Jeremiah continues. Jeremiah is held in prison, not free, but not in a muddy cistern. While he is there and shortly before the captivity of Jerusalem is completed by Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah received this message from the Lord.

Jehovah Remembers

Say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward, I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’

Jeremiah 39:16-18
“You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you.” Words from the KING.

The Lord sends word that Ebed-melech’s service was not only noticed but would be rewarded. He’s told that his rescue of Jeremiah will result in God’s rescue of him. The city would fall. The disaster, as promised, would come but that which Ebed-melech feared wouldn’t destroy him. He was a believer in the messages of judgement Jeremiah had preached. He feared God’s wrath on Jerusalem. The LORD’s final words must have brought such relief. “I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

God never loses count. He can destroy and spare simultaneously. Ask Rahab. He knows those who belong to Him. He really knows them. It’s the kind of knowing that says, “I know your fears.”, “I saw that selfless act.”, and “I know you are trusting me.”

Even when the “king” we serve at the moment may not seem just or wise; or the times we must swim against the flow of popular demand, He sees. Those opportunities you have taken to go the extra mile; bringing soft rags when ropes were all that was required, have been recorded by The KING. Don’t believe me? Then why do we know Ebed-melech’s name?

And the rewards are certain. The KING that Ebed-melech served has spoken.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the LORD, as a reward. It is the LORD Christ you are serving.”

Colossians 3:23-24

What is you’re calling? Just a Servant to the KING.

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He Made Us,…

He made us and we are His. That answers so many of life’s questions.

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“Acknowledge that the LORD is God!

He made us, and we are His.

We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Psalm 100:3

When I was in the fourth grade, I joined the kids choir at First Baptist Church in my little town. We practiced every Wednesday afternoon and eventually our small group signed up for a church choir competition, although I’m sure it wasn’t called that. Christians don’t compete, we “encourage” one another on to excellence. Anyway, the verse above was the opening to our worship song. Actually, we quoted all 5 verses of this well known chapter.

A couple of weeks ago, I came across this chapter again and then wrote down that middle line. “He made us, and we are His.” Let that roll over your mind for a bit. Maybe write it down. I apologize for not getting too deep this week, but often the simplicity of the Word is what astounds us.

As I considered this verse, I began to answer questions with it. Let me give you an example.

Q. Why should I obey God?

A. He made us, and we are His.

Or,

Q. Why does He love me?

A. He made us, and we are His.

You can try it.

Q. Why am I so fill in the blank?

Yes, “He made us, and we are His.“

You catch my drift? Once I got started, the questions kept coming:

Why should I not fear satan?

He made us, and we are His.

Why should I not fear…period?

He made us, and we are His.

Do I have a purpose?

He made us, and we are His.

Does anyone really love me?

He made us, and we are His.

Do I have any skills or talents?

He made us, and we are His.

My husband has left me for another.

He made us, and we are His.

My parents always favored my sister over me.

He made us, and we are His.

Again, another promotion has passed me by.

He made us, and we are His.

Really nothing compares to those 7 sweet words. He made me and I belong to Him. Again, this sounds like a lesson you teach your toddlers, but I couldn’t get away from it. Sometimes our exhaustive studies of Hebrew roots and Greek translations are just that – exhaustive. The Lord invites us back to the simple promises that brought us to Him in the first place.

He made us, and we are His.

Some time back, I had listened to a sermon and it pierced me. I could barely raise my head when it was over. The conviction of its words seemed to pinpoint past the excuses and facade and dealt with things I didn’t even realize were there. I needed some time alone with God. I headed to the park. We have a nice walking path and the Lord had me quote this scripture over and over as I circled the park for nearly an hour.

“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine…”

Song of Solomon 6:3
Full disclosure: Those aren’t my shoes or feet.

Now that might sound a little obsessive, but as I repeated its’ truth, it went in deeper and deeper. I had repented, the fog of sin had lifted, and now He was assuring me of His never failing love. I belonged to Him. I am my beloved’s, no matter what threats or accusations are assailed at me.

“But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.”

John 1:12

Children of God!! We are not those generic children-of-the-world that God created, therefore called “children of God”. No, we believed in Him and accepted Him and have been given such rights as a child of God. God is Our Father. No matter what the devil may tell you this week, this is the truth.

You do believe in Him and have accepted Him, right? If not, there is no better time than this to be adopted. It’s as easy as believing that Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died to pay for your sins. He came back to life three days later, to show victory over satan and death. He now sits on the right side of God and prays (intercedes) for us. Just ask for adoption into the family of God and start living like a child of GOD would live. All of your mistakes and sins in the past will be forgiven when you ask, too. You start out brand new. Yes, there’s much more to the relationship, but God gives us a lifetime to learn about Him and His many benefits.

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

Ephesians 1:5
One of Africa’s most precious. Discarded by man, but adopted by God.

All of this happens because of Jesus. Ironic, because He is the one and only begotten son of our Father. From His lofty position in the Family, He brings us into adoption. His authority and love from the Father is not threatened by us because there is no end to either. He can freely share because the Father has freely shared with Him. We just bathe in the benefits.

So, welcome to the family if you are just getting started. Don’t forget His many benefits, if you have been here a long time. Repeat those early promises if you need the reminder. John reminded the Christians of his day.

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!”

1 John 3:1

…And we are His.

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You’ve Got Mail

You walk in the door leaving the stresses of your job in the garage, where you will pick them up tomorrow. Now it’s time for supper, kitchen clean-up, a little yard work before it’s dark, and then pay a few bills before bed. Ho hum. But first, you rifle through the mail. Bill, catalog, another cruise advertisement, bill, letter, dentist appointment reminder…. Wait! Go back! It’s a letter. I got a letter. It doesn’t look like an invitation. It’s not my birthday. I don’t even think it is a thank you card. It’s a real, this-changes-my-whole-day, letter! Been there?

You brew the coffee, put up your lunch bag, let the dog out and make sure all is right in your little world before you sit down to tear open this rare envelope. You want to savor it. I will typically read it once, quickly jumping from bit to bit as if it will vanish if I don’t read it fast enough. Then I reread it and let the words enter my heart and mind like a good song.

That’s the power of a letter.

It is an art that is vanishing with the click of an email, or even faster, a text. I’m not opposed to those. I use them all the time. But there is an uniqueness to a handwritten letter. Words are chosen carefully and put down in ink for all to see and often kept for posterity. Just after I finished 8th grade my parents decided to move us to another town. It was actually an adjoining town to where I had grown up, but it might as well been another universe. Starting high school with no friends was terrifying. I remember when I received a letter from my old Best Friend Forever back home. Her words soothed an anxious soul. She missed me “lots” and quoted an Amy Grant song that we both loved, “in a little while, we’ll be with the Father”. (I told you it was traumatic.). I still have that letter.

I have a stack of postcards that a close friend sent to me as her and her hubby traveled for weeks at a time after he retired. Her day-to-day adventures and laughs were shared with me to refresh my non-vacationing soul. It was as if I was making memories with them.

Speaking of hubbies, mine is a man of few words; but I have a heart shaped box full of letters he wrote before we married. Priceless. What a gift that will be for my grandkids.

I bet you tried to read the letter above. See how inviting they are?

Then there are the letters that came in the mail from a friend at the very moment it was so desperately needed. “I want you to know how much our friendship means to me.”, “I prayed for you this morning.”, or “I read this scripture today and I thought of you.” Those are the ones you pull out of the folds of your Bible and reread on those days your love tank is sucking fumes……or on just any day a “word hug” is needed.

Letter writing is biblical. David wrote letters as king. Elijah wrote a letter in 2 Chronicles and Jeremiah is recorded as a letter writer as well. The first apostles wrote letters to the early church, Peter wrote several letters and of course there is Paul writing the epistles (letters) to the Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians and so on. Some of the most famous letters were those Jesus instructed John to write to the seven churches in Revelation.

We are still rereading those and will continue until the words are all fulfilled. Their words were of course inspired of God and Holy. (2 Timothy 3:16). Ours can be also. I’m not saying that people will one day memorize your letter to Aunt Myrtle, but the words you prayerfully scribble could be the very encouragement or truth that God would say to her today.

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain…”

Proverbs 10:11

“The words of the godly encourage many,…”

Proverbs 10:21

“Some people make cutting remarks; but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Proverbs 12:18

That note that you keep putting off could make all the difference, even bring healing. God can use your stationery and pen to give life. There will be a word or story or a question that shows concern and it makes an impact on the reader’s day and ultimately her life. When she reads your story she’ll know you think enough of her to share. She will pull it out to show family and they too will enjoy your tales.

I know the blank sheet of paper, no matter how beautiful, can be intimidating. Where do you start? What should you say? Well, let me answer with a question. What were the thoughts that made you want to write this person in the first place? Do you have a word to encourage? Do you miss them? Have you a memory that made you smile? I can’t imagine anything sweeter than being reminded of a special laugh shared between friends. Sometimes we have something difficult to say or too awkward tete-a-tete. That is the perfect time to write those words. You can practice the lay of them and get the meaning just right. For those of us who stumble frequently over spoken words, writing them gives the pause I need to make my thoughts meaningful.

Let me also encourage the men who are reading today, this pertains particularly to you. History tells us that President Ronald Reagan was a prolific letter writer, having written at least 10,000 letters in his lifetime. His legacy includes letters of appreciation and encouragement to prime ministers as well as private citizens, his family, and even children. There are volumes of love letters he wrote to his dear Nancy. Thankfully, many of our forefathers were the same. Much of what we know about their beliefs and convictions is from letters they wrote. Can you imagine what an impact you could make on future generations in your family? I think I have kept every letter that my dad ever wrote me. Your written word, Dad, could be the word needed and held to for decades.

Speaking of legacies, they are not made of phone calls. You can’t reread a telephone conversation. Even in the repeating of the story often the truth is lost. Texts are necessary and memes are hilarious, but a written word of truth lasts. Often, I find myself ending a letter with scripture. It’s almost as if to say, “Never mind all the gobbledy gook I just jotted in the last six paragraphs. Here is the truth.”

I found this quote and thought it pretty much nailed me.

A woman seldom writes her Mind, but in her postscript.

Richard Steele, Spectator

Paul would often close his letters with final instructions. Greet these friends, beware of those, hope to see you soon. So-and-so sends his love. Then he would evidently sign it with his own large handwriting. Maybe someone did the letter writing from dictation (often Paul’s hands were chained) and he would sign. It was important to him. It’s the handshake at the end of the message and proved it was from him.

Peter said in 1 Peter 5:12, “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.” Those words are still assuring to the follower of Christ. I want to write letters that encourage and speak grace to the reader, causing them to stand firm and continue in the battle. Don’t you?

So what do you say? Grab a nice sheet of paper and your favorite pen and “hug” someone with words today.

You want my address???

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His Laws – An Offer You Shouldn’t Refuse

David knew God’s commands were the secret to a wonderful life. He wrote 176 verses celebrating that truth. Let it encourage you.

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Pure Joy!

A lot of blogs offer a free product. Sign-up and you will receive my “12 Secrets to Cure Turkey Neck” or “How to Become a Millionaire Just by Watching Reruns”. Believe me, I’ve been tempted. But what if I offered a product that delivered truth, joy and great peace. It is thoroughly tested and found to be trustworthy and true in every instance. It is sweeter than honey, worth more than gold, fine gold, and has no limits to its use. Wait! There’s more! If you are one of the next 30 subscribers…..

No, but seriously, there is something so wonderful and it’s FREE. The longest chapter in the Bible is a tribute to the wonder of God’s commands. Psalm 119 has 176 verses that proclaim that God’s law was the best thing that had ever happened to David the Psalmist.

“I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.” vs.14

“I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.” vs.30

“How I delight in your commands! How I love them!” vs.47

Psalm 119

He clearly loved the law. He has written a literature masterpiece where each stanza begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each verse begins with that letter also. This took some thought and required lots of words and passion for God’s Word. Give it a try. I got stuck on the first line:

Always truth in every line,
And brings life to its reader.
uhhh......

David continues for 176 verses and shares what only a lover of God’s commandments would know. Here are a few of the benefits of the law that he listed:

  • Gives joy: vs. 1, 2, 35 (Who doesn’t want that?)
  • Guards against sin: vs. 9, 11 (the only guard we have against it)
  • It’s wonderful truth: vs. 18, 160 (for a world without truths)
  • Those who wander from it are cursed: v. 21. (read that one again!)
  • Wise advice: vs. 24
  • Encouraging: vs. 28
  • Gives life: vs. 37, 25, 93, 149 (REAL life)
  • Answers those who taunt: vs. 42
  • My only hope: 43, 114
  • Freedom: v. 45 (it’s interesting that His law brings freedom – most laws don’t)
  • Comfort: v. 55
  • Direction for life: vs. 59, 133 (needed through all the seasons of life)
  • Fair: vs. 75, 137
  • Trustworthy: vs. 86, 138
  • Remains true: vs. 91 (I love laws that stay the same and apply to everyone)
  • Has no limit: vs. 96
  • Constant guide: vs. 98
  • Wisdom: vs. 95-100. (something I long for more and more)
  • Sweeter than honey: vs. 103 (sweet, sweet commandments?)
  • Lamp to my feet: vs. 125 (an old Sunday school favorite)
  • My treasure: vs. 111
  • Is right: vs. 128 (wonder what “the right” thing to do is?)
  • Thoroughly tested: vs. 140 (by millions of believers and unbelievers through the centuries)
  • Perfectly true: vs. 142 (PERFECTLY)
  • Lasts forever: vs. 152, 160
  • Great peace: vs. 165 ( not just regular ol’ peace, but great peace)

Consider this, David was writing this about the Law. At the time David was writing Psalms there were only the books of Moses, creation, and the law. There were prophets in his time, but no prophetic books. There was no encouragement of the New Testament, no forgiveness in Christ, no exhortations by Paul. David was this excited about God’s Old Testament law.

“I rise at midnight to thank you for your regulations.”

Psalm 119:62

When was the last time you got up in the middle of the night to thank God for the Ten Commandments? Maybe we don’t understand their benefits.

“Your laws are my treasure, they are my heart’s delight.” vs. 111

“Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.” vs. 127

“I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.” vs. 131

Psalm 119

As I read these verses, I am forced to compare my passion for God’s commands to David’s panting and longing for the same. I do love God’s word. I dare not start a day without it. I can say “amen” to every one of the descriptions that David offered. At times in life, the words have literally leapt off the pages and saved me all over again. God’s commands are powerful and true.

So, why does Pinterest and YouTube grab my attention when I want a mental break? Why is it that I can try memorizing a recipe but not a scripture? Sometimes I find myself searching for a good devotional instead of the very words of Christ. It’s a battle. Even when I am reading the Bible, I often look for the promises and scan over the rules.

Looking over the list above, I clearly understand why the devil would have us distracted. It serves him. The last thing the devil wants is for you to believe that God’s commands are the best choice. It’s one thing to know that we should be obedient to God. He is God, after all. But it is a whole different level to totally believe that following His commands would deliver those benefits. How much easier to obey rules when we are convinced they are the route to God’s best.

What do you need for victory? It’s found in His commands. David kept his head in the battle by meditating on God’s law.

“Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.”

Psalm 119:95

God’s word helps us stay focused, with right priorities – another blow to satan’s plans.

“Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your Word.”

Psalm 119:37

The world strives for peace and cannot achieve it. We want peace among nations and around kitchen tables. Even peace in our own hearts is often evasive. But His commands bring peace.

“Those who love your instruction have great peace and do not stumble.”

Psalm 119:165

David knew and believed that God’s commands and law were not only true but his only hope. There wasn’t a viable plan B. I want to live my life this way. May God’s commands be the option I believe in. When sin wags its tempting finger, I will not beckon. I know that God’s laws are better.

David says it best:

“Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!”

Psalm 119:129
Truth, Joy, and Peace laying in her lap.

That’s it. When we are convinced that obedience is good for us, we obey. When we forget that God’s laws are beneficial, we more readily accept another way. Isn’t that how satan tempted in the garden? He told Eve that to disobey God’s commands would make her like God, wise and all knowing. She agreed and at that moment decided God’s commands weren’t for her benefit and sin entered the world. She was wrong and so are we when we disregard the wonderful commands of God.

We have to read and know His commands to appreciate and obey them. I challenge you to up your game in pursuit of God. Are you reading a chapter in the morning? Then add one at night. Find a reading plan that challenges you. Read the Bible all the way through. That’s the only way to understand the whole beautiful story. Study the commands and the promises. Let’s study until our midnight wake up is just to say thanks for His Word.

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Sufficient Grace is Amazing

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

2 Corinthians 12:8,9

I thought I knew. It’a word I throw around like it’s common; a catchall of words to describe God’s goodness. I walk in this, rest in this, and I’m literally saved by this. Truth is, I was going to name my daughter this. Instead I had a hulky boy, now man, that would have had a hard time explaining his name as GRACE.

New York City, October 2015, Manhattan

GRACE. Isn’t it just one of those Christianese words that seems to flow out of our mouths often and yet, I’m guessing we hardly give it a deeper thought. We throw it in with mercy and lump it into salvation and there we go with another pretty way to say we are forgiven.

As I began to search just a small bit deeper, the meanings and examples are amazing. Besides the verse above, there are many others that made me think and ponder. Here are a few:

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8

“The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; …” Esther 2:17

“… The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’ ” Zechariah 4:7

“And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40

Just these five verses show the diversity and depth of grace. For Noah, it was how God saw him amidst the chaos and sin of the world. Esther was King Xerxes’s favorite and obtained grace. God gives grace along with all the other good things he gives to the upright. Notice, the upright receive grace. We typically think of the sinner getting grace. Zerubabbel shouted “Grace, Grace” as he set the cornerstone for the temple. He might be doing the work, but it was God’s grace that would see it accomplished. And finally, Jesus is described as a child with the grace of God upon Him. That is certainly not forgiveness or mercy.

We are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8,9). We are invited to approach the Throne of Grace to receive mercy (Hebrews 4:16). Romans 6:14 tells us that we are no longer under the law, but under grace. Grace is a small word with a HUGE gift. I was so pleasantly surprised to read the definitions.

Strong’s defines grace as kindness, favor, beauty, pleasant, precious, well-favored. In the Outline of Biblical Usage it is favor, grace, charm, elegance, and acceptance. How wonderful to be seen in the eyes of the Lord like this. We can’t earn those entitlements; they are given by God. God gives His grace to us and we walk with the elegance and acceptance of His favored children. How pleasant!

Horses are the most graceful of animals. They are regal with a sense of knowing they are animals of the kings.

You may have heard the definition of grace as “unmerited favor” and that is true, but for me that doesn’t paint the complete picture. Maybe I get hung up on the unmerited part. It’s not only the idea of mercy for the woeful sinner I am, but the amazing truth that I’m favored – a favorite. That’s grace.

So, when Paul is plagued with some thorn in the flesh from satan and asks the Lord to take it away three times, the Lord responds that “His grace is sufficient for Him.” God doesn’t offer forgiveness nor healing, not mercy or wisdom. He promises grace sufficient. His grace. It is that gift of walking in this life with the precious and pleasant favor of God. Charles Spurgeon wrote about this verse, “He who knows, like the bee, how to suck honey from flowers, may well linger over each one of these words and drink in unutterable content.”

MY – GRACE- IS – Sufficient – for – YOu

Growing up I always loved the movies Cinderella and Snow White. No matter the wickedness that threatened and plotted against them, they walked in the pleasantness and charm of grace. The inner beauty of grace caused birds to sing and princes to swoon. They knew they were loved and that made all the difference. Even though they are fictional, the movies portray the confidence and humility that comes from knowing our KING loves us and His grace is our gift. Grace says, “I know that I appear to be not up to the challenges, but HIS power is made perfect in weakness.” (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). “His grace is sufficient for me.”

Reading Paul’s letters, I concentrate on the closings. I’m a letter writer and find that a letter in the mail is one of this life’s greatest joys. Paul would take care of business when he closed and usually ended with a blessing that reads like your favorite Psalm. The last verse of 2 Corinthians closes with:

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God, and

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

be with you all.”

2 Corinthians 13:14

His amazing grace! This “kiss of God’s favor” is all I need. I can’t think of anything I would rather have. When the world is so unkind, grace tells me I am His masterpiece. When my soul is troubled and I can’t find any good, grace shows me His goodness. Grace leaves me “handfuls on purpose” left by my Savior. And though half my life over and all down hill, I will age grace-fully. Grace is a gift of God. Like the old hymn taught us, His grace is quite amazing.

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Come Here, Courage

The Old Testament is chock full of stories of courage. There were men who sat with lions, danced in the fire, and defeated armies that surrounded them. There were women who killed enemy commanders, defied kings, and hid their children from death.

In college, I had to read Profiles in Courage, a biography of courageous men in history. Sam Houston was my favorite. This week I picked up a children’s story book that was printed in 1923. That has been eye-opening on many fronts; one is the extraordinary courage of the characters in the stories. There are little boys and girls walking through dark and deep woods to survive, working for cruel masters and making harrowing escapes. It makes me wonder if perhaps our literature is too safe these days. Where are the heroes?

Remember Cruella??

This week I read the story of Jehoida, a priest of Judah. He served during the reign of Queen Athaliah, whose wickedness makes Cruella Deville seem neighborly. When her horrible son/king was killed, she finished off the rest of the royal family – some were her own children and grandchildren! No one was safe under her rule, especially followers of God.

One of her infant grandsons was hidden in the Temple of God by the sister of the dead king. This sister, Jehosheba, was also Jehoida the priest’s wife. The infant was safe in the Temple presumably because Queen Athaliah would never visit. The child stayed hidden for seven years. Jehoida and his wife, Jehosheba, knew their lives were in danger. This child, Joash, knew nothing of the outside world. He grew up in the presence of the Lord.

Jehoida knew that things were bound to change. He could have waited a little longer, at least until Joash was a teen. He could have just grabbed wife and child and escaped to Egypt or fled to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. But…

“In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada the priest decided to act. He summoned his courage and made a pact with five army commanders:”

2 Chronicles 23:1

I love that wording. “He summoned his courage”. There sat Jehoida, another month hidden in the temple, baby-sitting the real king, and watching wicked Queen Athaliah stroll around Jerusalem. He knew God had given him the assignment. If life was going to change, he would have to say, “Come here, Courage.”

The story is so much better than I can paraphrase here. It’s all there in 2 Chronicles. 1 and 2 Chronicles are both good reading. There is so much wisdom to be gained from their successes and failures. In this account, Jehoida summons (along with his courage) five commanders, who travel throughout Judah calling priests and people to gather in Jerusalem for the express purpose of crowning Joash, the seven year old, as king.

The act was treasonous, as Athaliah would scream while her kingdom crumbled around her head. As Jehoida was crowning Joash and handing him a written copy of God’s laws, the people began to shout, sing, and praise God for their new king.

This was the music Athaliah heard as she was led to the Horse Gate and killed. Her story was over.

Jehoida went on to be the young king’s advisor and a great reformer in Judah. He rebuilt the temple, tore down idols and brought worship of the true God across the land. Jehoida lived to be 130 years old, in a time when long lives were rare.

All of this happened when Jehoida summoned his courage. It takes “guts” to make changes, to reorder our lives. It is so much easier to just “go along to get along”. He could have lived a quiet life inside the cloisters of the temple with his wife and rescued child. After all, what more could God ask? He had rescued and cared for the true king. But Jehoida knew there was more, as there is so many times in our life. He knew it was time to act and told his courage to “come here.”

Life takes courage. An Overcomers life takes great courage. Try to rid yourself of an addiction. Or a habit. Change your lifestyle. It all takes courage. You must summon your courage and take a step away from the comfortable. You must believe that God will meet you there in the unknown.

It takes courage to step out in ministry or to allow God to use you. The most courageous decision you’ll make is to follow Christ as a believer and then to be obedient to Him after the decision. Of course, that is the right decision. So many agree to the conditions of repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life; but find that obedience is so scary. It’s hard to trust His commands are best.

When the Lord begins asking you to forgive others that are clearly wrong, that’s another level of courage. What if they do “it” to me again? No cowards love their enemies. That takes the courage of God. Courage is necessary to trust God with your finances and time.

It requires courage to be a witness to others. We can trust God with salvation, but find it hard to make a stand when surrounded in the lunchroom at work. OH, the courage it takes to speak up for God!

Great men risk it all for the cause in which they believe. We “risk” nothing in obedience to God. He holds us all safely. Even if we should lose our life, He rewards us with life everlasting. Jesus promised that anything we should surrender to follow Him would be given back, not only in this life, but the life to come. (see Mark 10:29,30) We don’t follow a cause, we stand with a King.

One last verse to consider, written by the Psalmist, describes the unbelief of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. Because they didn’t trust God to fight for them, they died in the desert.

“The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn’t believe His promises to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord.”

Psalms 106:24,25
Remember this act of trust? “Look, Mom, no hands!”

It’s really an either/or situation. Will I summon my courage and walk toward the Promised Land, trusting the One Who Walks with Me; or sit in my “tent”, refuse the One Who Stands Outside, and grumble about my unfair life?

What is God calling you to do? I’m guessing it isn’t easy. Most likely a comfort zone is not included. But you…you are believing His promises, thankful for the calling and boldly entering the Pleasant Land. And when the path looks formidable, you call out, “Come here, courage!”

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God Loves a Sacrifice

Giving is part of our relationship with God. It’s a beautiful part of worship that attracts the heart of God.

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The Joy of a Gift!

I’m not taking an offering or asking for a donation to keep this “ministry” alive for another month, so I can write this with freedom and a smile. There is nothing for me to gain except the satisfaction of sharing what God pointed out to me recently…and then again. He loves a sacrificial gift from His people. He enjoys a present. He needs nothing, but loves an offering. If the God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament (and I know He is), He gets plain excited when presented gifts from sincere hearts.

When Solomon had been handed the keys to the Kingdom of Israel, he stood before God, overwhelmed by the immensity of the job. 1 Kings 3 tells us that Solomon offered 1000 burnt offerings. 1000! That night the Lord appeared to him and offered to give him whatever he requested. Solomon chose wisely to choose wisdom.

Many years later, we read in 2 Chronicles the events surrounding the dedication of the Temple. Solomon was the first King to build God a temple. It was magnificent. Before they moved the Ark of the Covenant into the Holy of Holies, “There, before the Ark, King Solomon and the entire community of Israel sacrificed so many sheep, goats, and cattle that no one could keep count!” 2 Chronicles 5:6.

Ummm, read the book of Numbers and tell me these people can’t count! They counted everything…twice. But this day, there are so many sacrifices it was impossible to keep count. That’s some sacrifice!

What happens next? They move the Ark into the Most Holy Place. The priests begin to worship and play instruments. The praise to our God rings out across the mountain.

“At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God.”

2 Chronicles 5:13,14

That had to be an unforgettable moment. Grandpas would be telling grandkids generations later. “The glory of God was so thick, I couldn’t see your grandma standing right there next to me. But over the din of instruments I could hear her weep tears of joy knowing Jehovah was in our midst. Awwww, it was something to see.”

His grandson will ask, “What did you bring Grandpa? How many sheep did you give Jehovah?”

He will answer his grandson, “How much offering did we bring to the celebration, you ask? Could have been three sheep or three hundred, He is worth it. I never regretted the offering.”

That’s what a good sacrifice feels like.

The story is not over though. Solomon stood before the Temple and the people and offered praises to God, who had brought this great building to completion. He thanked Him for his faithfulness in keeping every promise and then offered a very specific prayer of dedication. (2 Chronicles 6)

“When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple. The priest could not enter the Temple of the LORD because the glorious presence of the LORD filled it.”

2 Chronicles 7:1,2

Again, God showed up in power, after sacrifices and worship. Now, I’m not making light of God’s work here, but how cool is our God? He sees man’s effort to please Him with “burnt” offerings, and to show His appreciation, He burns them up with a flash of fire from Heaven!

It’s like giving Him a homemade, lopsided, box mix cake with little, hard sugar letters that spell out Happy Birtday, because the “h” broke peeling it off the package. Then you sing the birthday song to Him, completely out of tune, like you’ve heard it so many times. He smiles, blows out the candles, and BOOM, it’s a cake the Cake Boss couldn’t dream up. That’s our God.

“Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices to the LORD. King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. And so the king and all the people dedicated the Temple of God.”

2 Chronicles 7:4,5

Alright now, consider those numbers again. Twenty two thousand cows and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep and goats! That is some sacrifice…even for Solomon. Think about the blood shed, the mess, the effort it took for priests to slaughter and properly sacrifice that many animals. Some may have thought it a waste, although it is not mentioned. Maybe some of us would have thought, like Judas, the meat could have “fed the poor”.

Not to mention the timing of this gift. This sacrifice was made after God had made His presence known two times already, in the Temple and on the way to the Temple. This was after so many sacrifices had been made that no one could keep count. We might say, “Enough already!”

They clearly understood that worship included a sacrifice and were happy to give and give some more. This challenges me. When my worship seems dry and I am longing for His presence I am challenged to give.

This is not tithe. That ten percent is our obedience to Him. This can’t be giving so that I can receive. That is manipulation. I must give what I know will bless God.

The challenge is to worship with our sacrificial offering. We will give before we feel His presence, while we feel His presence, and after we know God has visited us. O God, may we also sing while we give. The Israelites did.

I emphasize this because it’s true and God loved it. The Israelites continued to celebrate for seven more days the Festival of Tabernacles. “Then at the end of the celebration, Solomon sent the people home. They were all joyful and glad because the Lord had been so good…” 2 Chronicles 7:10

This week give a gift to the Lord. Don’t just wait until a dire need is presented. Don’t just give to get that special CD offer from your favorite preacher. Don’t give because I said so or because guilt has set in. Let’s give because we are just so in love with our Savior. He loves a sacrifice and we love Him. The best gifts are the unexpected ones. Let your worship come with a sacrifice and all to His delight. Who knows? Maybe He will send fire!

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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.

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