WHY DOES IT STILL HURT TODAY?

God … are you there?

Can we talk?

 

You know the big sorrow I had years ago? I know You use everything for good – because I love You – because I’m called to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). And I want to be a good witness for You … but it’s just You and me now and I have a question.

 

I’ve read my Bible because I know Your Word will not return void but will accomplish everything You want and will achieve Your purpose. I understand by Your grace that Your Word is just like the snow and rain that water the earth, making all things grow … yielding nourishment (Isaiah 55:10 and 11).

 

I know You love me and forgive me (John 3:16). I know that You left me Your peace – different from the “peace” the world seeks – the peace You give cannot be taken away (John 14:27). I know that even at this very moment Jesus is standing at Your right hand, interceding for me (Romans 8:34) and that because of Him – I will never be condemned (Romans 8:1).

 

I know that when I get stuck in my prayer life … not understanding what to pray … with things I want to bring to You that I don’t know how to say … stuck in my weakness and lost … I know Your Holy Spirit prays for me. The Spirit prays perfectly and in Your will ... not even needing words (Romans 8:26 and 27).

 

So to my question … about the big sorrow…

Shouldn’t I have overcome this by Your Spirit?

Shouldn’t I have peace?

Shouldn’t the consequences be at an end by now?

Shouldn’t I have seen the part where You turn it into good?

Shouldn’t reading Your Word have explained this by now?

Shouldn’t Jesus have interceded for me so this hurt could be over?

 

Sorry … that was a lot of questions … I’ll make it just one:

 

Why does it still hurt today?

 

God … are You there?

 

The answer on Thursday, June 9th in THE ALLEGORY STORY entitled “WOVEN”

 

 

 

 

MAKING IT A GOOD DAY

I had a really bad day yesterday. From start to finish it just wasn’t my finest hour – in fact I didn’t even have a fine moment until evening but more on that later.

 

So my attention was turned to what makes a good day and how could I work on a better outcome for today. I decided to look into where it all started … yes … GENESIS.

 

While I of course can’t be God, I can try to follow in His footsteps. He left some pretty clear imprints on making a day that whispers after sunset -  “It was good.”

 

1.   In the beginning … His Spirit “hovered”.

Before God began His work of creation it seems He paused a moment. A good day in the making begins with a pause … so this morning I’m pausing first.

2.   God created with order.

Take a look at Genesis chapter one – Each day our Heavenly Father created a piece of the universe … starting with the large and moving to the intricate. Environment for life was tended to … before life was created.

3.   At the end of each day, God looked at what He had done.

Before I scurry to the next task … a moment to look at the completion of my work.

God wasn’t finished with the universe the second day … but He looked over what He had done and called it good … every day.

Raising children, a career, surviving an illness … none of that is finished in a moment … but take time each day to be thankful and feel fulfilled at the progress of the day.

4.   God created both the environment and life to perpetuate with purpose … allowing their differences to distinguish them …

Plants and fruit trees had seeds, according to their kind. And so there was food.

Animals and people bore offspring, according to their kind. And so there was life.

The universe was bathed in light, according to its time. And so day was sorted from night, month from month and year from year.

 

Do I sometimes forget the differences in people and tasks … that times and seasons exist … that all have purpose … that night must follow day.

 

5.   God blessed His work.

Do I look at my life each day with blessing? Do I speak critically of what I have done and focus on what I failed to do?

I spent the day in God’s universe under His care … no matter what else happened … the day is blessed.

   

6.   God rested.

The Lord God finished His work and completed His week by calling it good and resting. The seventh day – the Sabbath.

 

Do I follow that pattern? Working hard, diligently focused on the work before me … then resting and honoring the Lord … sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Hmmmm

 

7.   God walked in His garden in the cool of the day looking for companionship, handling problems as they arose.

Ahhh – the fine moment of my day. My friend found me at the park … walking with my grandson … precious companions …

 

 

So in the end I went back to the pattern of God … I paused this morning … I sorted the light from dark … I plan to look at things this evening as the sun sets and call it good … blessing this particular day … and putting it gently in the treasury of my life.

MALACHI

Offensive Offerings …

   Rebooting the heart …

         Recovering reverence.

 

“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.” (Malachi 3:16)

 

The book of Malachi – the last book before the New Testament – is a short and powerful word from God. The Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6) and what He sees at that moment of history both angered Him then … and angers Him now.

 

While frequently used to admonish a congregation or individual to standards of monetary giving – I suspect we miss the point when we limit the message of Malachi to church contributions.

 

The underlying problem described throughout Malachi is actually a heart issue, although one of the fruits of that issue is an offensive offering. People pouring into the temple with offerings that were blemished … less than the best … because their hearts were not set on honoring or respecting God.

 

The Lord describes priests who are supposed to be preserving knowledge but are teaching in ways that cause their listeners to stumble. Priests who are not listening to God but rather have gone their own way. Priests who are showing partiality in matters of the law.

 

The Lord calls out His people on breaking faith with each other. What was true of Judah and Israel is still true today … it is a desecration of the Lord’s sanctuary to intermarry His children with those who worship foreign gods. Are we trying to make God attractive to the masses? Picking up the sway of the culture to make God more acceptable? This choice is a desecration of the temple the Lord loves and creates unacceptable sacrifices.

 

How about our marriages? Are we remaining faithful? When times are tough … when spouses age or are ill … when someone else looks better? Are we breaking faith?

 

“So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” (Malachi 2:16b)

 

None of us has lived perfectly now or when this Word was initially given. Does that mean we are doomed? No – the Lord has never left us without hope and a way back to His heart.

 

So how do we reboot our hearts and recover a heart of reverence for the Lord?

 

Put down the blemished offerings, walk away from the intermarriage of our hearts with idolatry, and turn back to God. Let the Lord work in our lives with that “refiner’s fire” that cleanses us. Simply bow our hearts and recognize that He alone through Christ can make us righteous … wait for it … ahhhh!

 

Talk to each other with reverence about the Lord. He is listening. He hears us. He has a scroll of remembrance written with our names as we honor and respect His ways. There is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

 

“But for you who revere My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.”

May the book of Malachi (4 short chapters) bless our hearts today as we seek to bring an acceptable offering to our Lord.

THE ENTRANCE

Inside a lavish hotel people passed a room with doors thrown open leading to white-clothed tables of crystal glassware, silver utensils and china place settings. The center of each table boasted a regal receptacle of purest crystal exploding in splashes of colorful fresh flowers.

 

Just outside the room all eyes were drawn to a sign announcing the charity event. A table of purest white cloth held the place cards of the rich and famous who would attend. Men in tuxedos and women in long flowing gowns gathered with drinks outside the dining room.

 

After a short time, dinner was announced and everyone sat down on the gold covered chairs. The meal was worthy of a king with one succulent dish following another and the sound of tinkling glasses, conversations and laughter filled the room.

 

A handsome man stood at the podium in the front of the beautiful hall greeting the many dignitaries in attendance as spots of applause erupted for each one. Finally the moment they had all been waiting for … the amount of the gathered pledges was announced to an uproar of cheering.

 

They will gather next year to raise funds again.

 

***

A stable … a star … shepherd and angels … a few wise men … a baby.

 

A cross … an empty tomb …

 

One person at a time … in any clothing … at any income level … with any sins … a bowed head and heart.

 

The largest charity event in the history of the world was completed and need not be held again.

 

The dinner?  Coming soon … all are welcome … compliments of Jesus the Christ.

 

RECONCILIATION

Scripture: Romans 5: 6-10; Matthew 5: 23- 24; 2 Corinthians 5:16- 19 and a brief reference to Genesis 19:26.

 

The VERSES tab has today’s Scripture if you don’t have a Bible handy.

 

Reconciliation is a signpost in the kingdom of heaven, sort of how we know we are in the right spot. These signposts pop up in numerous places in our lives as we continue our journey from the cross of Christ into eternal life.

 

This process of reconciliation is important in three areas:

 

1.   Reconciliation with God. That’s the first one and the most important. The Word of God is a clear roadmap on how this reconciliation takes place – it is through Christ – and God started the process. Romans 5

At just the right time…

While we were still sinners…

God loved us…

And Jesus died in our place.

         So while we were enemies of God because of our sins, God reconciled us to Himself by the sacrifice of Jesus.

 

It’s free … but priceless

 

2.   Reconciliation with others. This was so important that Jesus taught – if we enter God’s house with an offering and remember that someone has something against us – we need to be reconciled to our brother first … then offer our gift.

2 Corinthians 5 goes on to elaborate more on this reconciliation  … it’s the ministry God has given us because we are no longer looking at people from a worldly point of view.

 

We can’t carry a message to people if we are hostile toward them. We can’t function in a body of Christ if we have malice toward each other.

 

Reconciliation with others can be a bumpy road; carrying God’s message of reconciliation can be met with rejection… but we press on because God says so … and if people refuse?

 

Romans 12:18 – 19: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

 

As my son Ryan says since experiencing this … “God will make it right.”

 

3.    Reconciliation with life circumstances. Remember the story of Lot and his wife fleeing when Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed? (if not read Genesis 19 – it is an awesome history)

They had specifically been instructed not to look back and not to stop. But Lot’s wife just couldn’t resist … and we know the rest – she was turned into a pillar of salt.

 

So here was a wife and mother who instead of sprinkling salt into the lives of her family, her new village, the world … was now a solid pillar of salt left in a barren place because of looking back.

 

That is what looking back does to us … we can’t move forward and we can’t sprinkle salt in the world. There is nothing we can do about what is behind us.

Philippians 3:12 – 14 – Paul talks about this specific thing – forget what is behind – press on to what is ahead – in Christ.

 

Is there a sin back there that we are living through the consequences of?

 

Perhaps the old places we have been look more attractive than where it seems we are going?

 

Reconcile to today. Accept – talk to God about it – and don’t look back.

 

Reconciliation goes on all the time. We need to stay reconciled with God by confessing our sins, repenting, and moving out of the area without looking back.

 

People … a tough reconciliation some days. But we make the effort because God Himself gave us the ministry and is dedicated in love to reconciling the world to Himself.

 

Life circumstances … designed for our good by our Lord – He will make everything right. Reconcile to where we are today and watch for guidance to get to tomorrow.

 

Join us on Thursday for the Allegory Story of Reconciliation.

 

May blessings and reconciliation be yours.

 

 

LUKEWARM

Revelation 3:16 – “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Like to avoid that fate? Let’s take a look today at lukewarm.

 

What makes for lukewarm?

 

Lukewarm is self-satisfied – “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.”

         Lukewarm doesn’t know real riches.

         Lukewarm doesn’t recognize true need.

 

Lukewarm doesn’t know the value of suffering – “gold refined in the fire”.

         Lukewarm wants to be comfortable.

 

Lukewarm doesn’t seek righteousness – “white clothes to wear to cover” the shameful state of nakedness.

Lukewarm thinks in terms of “I’m doing pretty well” and “everyone sins”.

 

Lukewarm has no vision – standing in the middle of life – blind.

 

Jesus pronounces the lukewarm to be “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

 

Coming across a person standing in the street who was in difficult times without food, clothing and unable to see … well most of us would realize they needed help.

 

But what about seeing our own situations through the spiritual vision of Christ?

 

Are we standing in our homes – looking around at furniture and clothes and catalogues?

 

Do we see our connection with Christ as church attendance or manageable monetary offerings?

 

When was the last time we thought about Jesus on the cross and cried?

 

When did I last give to the poor until I had no money?

 

When did I offer to talk to someone about eternal life in spite of feeling embarrassed because the person seemed far more together than me?

 

When did we last show mercy?

 

When were we last on our knees to cry out for a friend’s child who has lost their way?

 

When was the last time I laid my hands on someone because Jesus said I could and they would be healed?

 

Do I really grasp the tremendous love that was poured out for me as Jesus bled and died in my place?

 

Have I ever thought about the sunrise that first Resurrection morning? 

 

Wretched … pitiful… poor … blind … and naked.

 

Lukewarm leaves the rest of the world untouched as I sit in comfort.

 

Well … there is a solution for lukewarm.

        

Dear Jesus,

I have been lukewarm. Please grant me gold refined in the fire and keep me safe in the flames. Allow me to walk in the kingdom of heaven because You paid the price and grant me a white robe to wear. From today forward … let me see.

 

I know You rebuke and discipline those You love. Thanks for loving me so much to correct me and draw me closer. I repent.

        

         Love, Bev

Simple Faith

Some people think the world we live in at this crossroads in history is too complex for simple faith. “We need to change some things to keep up with the times”.

         This is not a new idea – as the writer in Ecclesiastes (1:9) said, “… there is nothing new under the sun”. From the moment sin entered the world … mankind has routinely pursued the need to change something about God or to ignore Him altogether.

         I am not gifted in apologetics so there will be no attempt here to logically meet mankind’s arguments … and besides if there is anyone who is NOT changing … that would be God. He doesn’t need to – He is perfect.

 

         But I thought today it might be refreshing to take a look at the faith that God accepts, loves and rewards. It isn’t complicated and we are given a perfect example in our old friend – Abraham. We can read in full about his relationship with God from Genesis chapter 12 – chapter 25:11.

 

         For our focus today though – let’s take a look at Romans chapter 4. I’m going to paraphrase so please read the actual text in case I make a mistake.

 

Simple faith – Abraham style

 

Abraham believed God.

         It was that simple. And that belief was “credited” to Abraham as righteousness. It wasn’t a “work” he did to please God - Abraham simply believed what God said.

         How many of us put the cart before the horse and head out for good works before sitting down to simply believe God.

 

Abraham hoped … in God.

         And … Abraham hoped against enormous odds.

                  Abraham didn’t count on his body or his age as a determining factor in his life … he put his hope in God.

 

Abraham was fully persuaded that God could do what He said He could do.

                  Abraham didn’t doubt … the King James Version says he didn’t “stagger” at the promise of God through unbelief.

                 

 

I get the first part … I believe. But I confess – I want to believe better- stronger – unwavering.

 

I’m getting better at the second … putting my hope in God … it is a choice to make everyday. And like Abraham, my body is aging … but … that is not going to be the determining factor in my life – hoping in God is.

 

The last one – wow –

         Yes absolutely. I am fully persuaded that God can do what He says He can.

 

And when I doubt or stagger – my plan is to run right back to simple faith – believe – hope – fully persuaded

                  That God can do what He says He can.

 

For that – I’m going to have to go now because I have to find out what all that is … headed off to Romans again … have a day of simple faith!

 

 

WHEN I REMEMBER YOU

I am susceptible to negative emotions: doubt, depression, discouragement … it is easy to sink into a state of darkness. Anybody else ever have that battle?

 

Turns out those negative emotions are well understood and the psalmist took great care to work through them. Let’s take a look at one example.

 

PSALM 77

         The psalmist describes crying out to God – he was miserable – couldn’t sleep – began to feel weak …

         Even as God showed up at his side, the psalmist was “too troubled to speak”.

 

         Ever been there? Life was too tough to even figure out how to pray.

 

         What came next for the psalmist is something we are often afraid to do – questions about our relationship with God:

        

         Will the Lord reject me forever?

         Will He never show me favor again?

         Is His love gone?

         Has God forgotten me? Forgotten mercy?

         Is He so mad at me that there is no compassion from His hand?

 

         When we enter those dark places of life, it is not unusual to wonder what God is doing. He knows what we think so we might as well work through the process – ask Him.

We don’t magically transport from darkness to light … we have to walk from one place to the other. Talking to God about what is really on our hearts is part of the journey.

 

         So how did the psalmist pass from the darkness of his misery into the light of God’s presence? The same way we still have available to us.

         He remembered …

                  That God’s ways are holy

                  That the Lord has done amazing things for His people with power, miracles and deliverance.

                  That God has ALWAYS led His people.

 

God’s first attribute is that He is holy.

         So if I want to be in His presence – I have to drop the sin at the cross. I can’t stand in the presence of a Holy God while clinging to my sin or my “right” to sin. I don’t have to let go of sinful ways – I get to choose. But if I want to stand next to God – He will not be in the presence of sin. It’s that simple.

 

God is powerful.

         I need to drop my strength and use His. I can continue floundering around this world in my own strength but I can’t overcome darkness in my own abilities. For real power – there is only one source that trumps darkness. The true light that came into the world.

 

God has always led His people.

         That characteristic is eternal. Read the Exodus of His chosen nation, the path of David to kingship, Jonah’s voyage, or how His Son Jesus slipped through crowds until the time had come ... for salvation to enter the world.

 

Having some dark days?

Remember God – everything about Him –

and walk as you remember… the path from darkness into light.

 

May we all have “songs in the night” that last us through the journey.

 

UNSUBCRIBE

A couple of weeks ago I received a message in my inbox with a request to “unsubscribe”. It was politely worded and simply requested removal from my list. I took care of it immediately and sent an email to the person thanking them for letting me know and advising them it was done.

 

It got me thinking about a few things.

         I was genuinely glad the person contacted me because I do not wish to be intrusive.

         I pondered how many of my group on the email list would like to be “unsubscribed” but were afraid of hurting my feelings.

         I thought about the things in my life that I probably need to “unsubscribe”.

 

I indulged in some quiet time to think about that word – UNSUBSCRIBE

 

Some messages the word conveyed to me:

         Thanks but I don’t have time for this.

         I don’t like the content of this.

         I already have access to this type of information in my life.

         I don’t think we are a match in interest.

 

There are probably dozens more but that’s where I landed.

 

So a couple of things …

         A group of people receive a direct email link to our site. Many thanks to those of you who have read the blogs and stories; commented on the posts; and passed them on to others.

         In the future I will not be doing direct emails with the link unless you specifically request that by sending me a request at yashmeajourney@gmail.com and no hard feelings if you don’t.

 

         It would be awesome if you simply want to check in with our site at www.yashmeajourney.com   Just look around for whatever you like – there are blogs which explore some thoughts about God’s Word and our world, there are short stories and we recently added a “verses” tab if you just want a quick bite of the Word to keep you going.

 

         And it is also perfectly fine to “unsubscribe” and leave us. The Lord willing, we will be here for a while - if you want to wander back in – the door is always open.

 

That brings me to the last of today’s blog … the idea of the “unsubscribe” and God.

 

Sometimes we push that button without even a conscious thought …

        

         Pause … before hitting the delete on Bible reading, before assigning that still small voice to a file folder out of sight, before running off into the day and “praying on the fly” …

         A moment to remember:

         GOD NEVER HITS THE “UNSUBSCRIBE” TO US.

 

         By the blood of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit – our Heavenly Father is subscribed at all times.

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

TRUSTING A LEADER

PSALM 20:7 – Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

 

Ecclesiastes states there is nothing new under the sun … it’s true you know. That’s why God’s Word works for all times, all situations, all people - because He spoke it to be an eternal word.

 

In Psalm 20 it refers to the items of the day that represented strength and the ability to overcome enemies at war – chariots and horses. Not something we see today … or do we?

 

We still have icons of strength in this modern world that we put our trust in … they just don’t happen to wear the same names …

                  MONEY

                  POWER

                  HEALTH

                  PEOPLE

        

                  This year we have an extra thrown in:

Finding the right candidate to trust to lead our country.

 

In turbulent times – who or what we will trust?

“We will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

 

Not the people who take His name on their lips … but we will remember and trust in the Lord our God. The only One who has ever saved any of us. One source of power, one source of strength, one source of trust. 

 

God waits for those who will return humbly before Him and pray. It isn’t hard to see Him … anyone can do it. Psalm 19 initiates the vision and assures us that the glory of the Lord goes out into all the earth.

 

The heavens declare His glory.

The skies proclaim the work of His hand.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

The law of the Lord is perfect.

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making simple people wise.

The statutes of the Lord are right and give joy to the heart.

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

 

Available to everyone, perfect, steady, equal education for all people, doing the right thing always, giving the people joy and vision, speaking truthfully … now that’s a Leader.

 

As for the elections … pray … do your best … but let’s not put our trust in the ballot box.

 

We will remember the name of the Lord our God.

RENEWAL

Have you ever reached a point in life where you wanted to change … desperately?

 

Maybe things aren’t working on a job, a relationship, or a circumstance. Maybe the dream you had for your life just doesn’t seem to be materializing. Perhaps emotions are mastering your days and keeping you up at night.

 

Life can seem as though we took a wrong turn and the only appropriate response is to scrap the plan/dream/ personality you have and find a new one. But as I wrestle with this dilemma in my own life … lo and behold - Ephesian 4:23-32 - and God speaks to me about RENEWAL.

 

Renewal involves the mind … putting off what I’ve stored there and letting God’s Holy Spirit guide me into new thinking.

 

Renewal definitely involves putting off some old and taking on some new – but not in the ways we would normally make changes.  

 

True renewal means to cease clamoring for material possessions and stop letting evil sit in our lap. The renewed person drops off whatever is not of God and picks up what is.

 

Renewal is a conversation changer. Our words are full of grace and truth – they serve to minister to others and build them up.

 

Renewal recognizes anger will come into our days, but insists it not reside through the night. Anger is to pass through our lives, not plant a seed that roots into sin.

 

My favorite wisdom from the renewal passage – involves holding my spot in the world for the Lord and not giving the enemy an inch. That’s right – we have a spot in the world – uniquely positioned in the place God has trusted us to hold for Him. Spiritual warfare – my favorite …

 

Perhaps I shouldn’t be too hasty to begin changes until … I walk a little more on this path of renewal.

 

Please leave a comment on what this passage in Ephesians says to you. Just click on the title of this blog and comment in the box provided. 

Looking forward to hearing from your spot!

                  

GRACE AND THORNS

Anyone need this message today? Well I do. So I’m writing with my Bible and my heart open … because I could really use all the grace my Heavenly Father is willing to pour out today.

 

I say pour because God is generous with grace – it isn’t handed out by the teaspoon but by the wheelbarrow.

 

I Corinthians 12:9 – Paul’s answer from God after he pleads with Him to take away his “thorn in the flesh”.

         “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

 

So what is our thorn/Achilles heel in life?

The thing that grabs our hearts and twists … the emotion that always defeats … the physical problem that dictates our day … the person who makes us crazy … the darkness that speaks into life … the secret torment that snuffs out our finest efforts at Christ-like behavior?

 

Of course we have asked God to remove it.

 

At what point do I get the picture that God isn’t deaf to my pleas but rather has revealed:

 

         His grace is sufficient for me. This weak spot in my life is for Christ to rest His power on me. His perfect power has this moment, this person, this circumstance, this health concern, and this dark place. I’m going to be much stronger with Jesus’ power on me than any earthly plan I can create for this situation.

 

         His strength in my weakness … grace.

 

         

A NEW DAY

Today is the season 2 opening for BERNIE SAYS SO. The creator of the series is our son, Ryan, but he will be the first to tell you that BERNIE doesn't happen without a whole team.

The team he has assembled for BERNIE SAYS SO involves some absolutely brilliant people, some funny people, some people who have great attention to detail, the list goes on and on.  You wouldn't believe the number of people it takes to pull off a 2 -3 minute web series.

It has been a privilege to participate. This morning when the first episode of season 2 went live ... well I cried. Yep - silly I guess but ... I just felt such joy to have been part of this incredible journey. And let's face it ... I'm mom ... I'm ridiculously proud of our son and the tremendous perseverance he has shown.

So I got to thinking about our Lord. Just wondering how He feels about His team/family when they work together and accomplish His will?

Since I'm made in His image - I have to believe He smiles and His heart is made happy when we all come together and participate with Him in His grand design. 

We had some great times on set making Bernie.

Let's do honor to our Father and participate in this life He has given us ... let's be together with a common goal ... let's recognize each others gifts and at the end of the day ... let's rejoice that we got to be part of God's team.

 

 

TEMPTATION

A while back I was part of a drama team and one of the performances involved making temptation into a character. Obviously we chose a beautiful lady who was a strong Christian.  Beautiful … because temptation looks good. Strong in faith … so the part would cause no spiritual damage.

 

Don’t kid yourself … playing with temptation is dangerous.

A script can write the defeat of temptation in a drama.

In real life – it isn’t so easy.

But it is simple and anyone can do it … with help from a Friend.

 

Matthew 4

 

The first temptation – Jesus is hungry. The enemy’s answer is ready … if you are the Son of God - turn these stones to bread.

 

Command the good things into your life – you have that power if you really believe. It sounds a lot like some of the extremes of the “prosperity gospel”.

                  The answer – the Word of God is how to live. Jesus is magnificent in answering those who would try to elevate one piece of the Word over the other. Know God … don’t worry about the situation.

 

Still hungry … Jesus moved on and so did the enemy.

 

The second temptation – the enemy takes him to the pinnacle of the temple and encourages him to “cast thyself down”. You won’t be harmed … it is written that angels will take care of you.

 

The enemy knows the Word also … and uses it to his own purpose. It’s how Legalism … the letter of the Law and not the Spirit … reared its ugly head in Jesus’ day as well as ours.

 

                  The answer – The Word – right back at the enemy. The content and fullness of God’s Word has every answer to life’s rough spots. We don’t have to go throwing ourselves around.

 

Still hungry and under attack … Jesus and the enemy move to the heart of temptation.

 

The final temptation – The enemy takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows the kingdoms of the world. All that is needed is to worship him.

 

“Eat Pray Love”

“The Secret”

Prosperity … health … peace … happiness … the list is endless –

 

Some good things … but not to be worshipped.

That would be IDOLATRY.

 

                  The answer – The Word expresses it best … “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”

 

And then angels came to minister to Jesus.

 

In Choosing a Battle …

Scripture reference: Deuteronomy 1 – 4

 

Embedded in this recount of Israel’s history and instruction is a glittering gem of wisdom. It is eternal wisdom. It is always true. Walk with me in the days of the trek toward the Promised Land …

 

Moses stands before the people reminding them of the Lord and how He has provided for them both judges and justice; geographical direction and promise; guidance and His presence.

 

The people of Israel have been instructed to pass through some lands and when they do … they are not to bother the people – don’t distress them – don’t meddle with them … because the land they pass through has been given to others.

 

But soon will come a territory where the Lord God has ordained His people to contend in battle against the people there. The Lord further instructs that He will place the dread of Israel on those people and the Israelites are to begin to possess the land that the Lord has given to them.

 

The land will be theirs not because the people of Israel are strong or the enemy is weak. Indeed in some places the enemies were towering giants and the cities were fortified to the max. The battle is won and the land is possessed because the Lord has given it into their hands.

 

Did you notice that glittering stone of wisdom?

 

Battles … are won when the battle cry is from the Lord.

 

Sometimes we are to merely walk through a territory with out bothering anyone … because it is not our “Promised Land”.

 

Are we perhaps exhausting ourselves in fights that are not ordained by God for land that is not ours to possess?

 

Asking for that which God knows is not our portion?

 

Moses recounts a poignant exchange where he beseeches the Lord God to allow him to cross and see the Promised Land. The Lord’s response:

         “Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.”

 

In other words the answer was no. Not because the Lord didn’t love Moses … He loved him greatly.

 

Moses’ last task for the Lord before his death?

 

To prepare Joshua … encourage him, strengthen him … for Joshua was to lead the people to their inheritance.

 

Fighting a battle that we are losing?

Asking for something not ours?

 

Perhaps the land doesn’t belong to us and the true task is yet to be revealed.

 

Deuteronomy 4:39 – “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath…”

 

        

 

 

A SUGGESTED CHRISTMAS LIST

Out of money and out of time?

 

Gifts that don’t cost any money to give but are priceless to receive … and the time is always right.

 

1.   Time

2.   Forgiveness

3.   A smile

4.   A kind word

5.   Acceptance

6.   Mercy

7.   Hope

8.   Trust

9.   A gentle answer

 

 

 

Well feel free to continue the list … and please share with us!!

 

Last but not least … the greatest gift of all

 

              Love

 

Best received at Christmas through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

When we run out of time and money and patience and hope …

 

     He supplies out of His riches … all we need.

 

     Merry Christmas!

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME …

GALATIANS 4:4 – “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law …”

 

Something special in life that you’ve been waiting for?

 

A situation you wish would be relieved?

 

There were people waiting for the Christ … for many years.

 

 Simeon, a devout and religious man, waited patiently in Jerusalem for “the consolation of Israel”. The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

 

Anna, a prophetess, waited - never leaving the temple. She worshipped night and day … fasted … prayed … watched. She was eighty-four.

(Luke 2:25-38)

 

Romans ruled over the nation of God. An angel appeared to a young woman. A census was taken by law, which required a young couple to travel to Nazareth. Mary found herself in the throes of labor without a place to stay. She gave birth in a manger.

 

The time had fully come.

God sent His Son.

Born of a woman.

Born under law.

 

An elderly woman gave thanks and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

 

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He was ready now to be dismissed from this world into peace for Simeon had seen the salvation of the Lord.

 

Ordinary people like shepherds were given a glimpse of heaven.

 

Wise men found a reason to search - to bow - to bring treasures to a stable.

 

A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of God’s people Israel.

 

Christ … the Savior … had arrived.

 

At just the right time … in just the right place …

 

Enjoy this season that celebrates perfect timing and perfect giving … all from God.

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14

 

A DIRECT QUESTION GETS A DIRECT ANSWER

MARK 10:17- 31 – The Rich Young Man

 

Today’s reading finds a person who approaches Jesus and asks the direct question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

 

Millions of people would love to know.

 

The answer is right there … yep there … in the Book … over there … the closed one on the book shelf.  Yeah that’s it … careful … blow off the dust … head to Mark chapter 10 …

 

The problem with the question is that there is an answer. It isn’t a mystery – a way to eternal life really exists. However it is an answer created and upheld by God and sometimes we don’t like the whole answer.

 

Please note that to get the truth of how to inherit eternal life, a real person asked the real God … the real question. This guy didn’t head for the synagogue, or the wise men, or even the Ten Commandments.

 

For those of us who are severely less than perfect, it is a daunting idea to approach God with our questions. The Father knows us, we are human – frightened – proud – wanting our own ideas. So He sent His Son – to show us the way. Seeking answers for our life is all about having a relationship with Him.

 

So enter our young man who by the way is wealthy and from his conversation with Jesus, he is a very good person. How wise of him to realize that his own goodness wasn’t going to be sufficient for eternal life. Seriously how do folks think they can match God’s holiness?

 

So what was the answer?

 

Jesus gives the young man three things:

         Being obedient to God      

         Letting go of his life

         Then come and follow Me

 

Don’t everyone start yelling at once that salvation is by grace not works … calm down.

 

God is not bestowing grace on someone who is disobedient, clutches his own life and turns his back on Jesus.

 

What Jesus gave the young guy were the keys to a real relationship, one formed in Spirit and in truth. As Jesus points out later to His disciples … the guy could never do it on his own.  But with God … all things are possible.

 

Including stubborn sinners and “good” people (who are also sinners) unclutching their lives and entering a relationship with the Savior.

 

Much is made of the fact that the rich young man goes away sad … “because he had great wealth”.

 

I think that is normal.

 

We count the cost …

         Obedience

         Letting go of our life (and lifestyle)

         Doing things the way Jesus says is the right way

                  Turning the other cheek

                  Forgiving

                  Things belong to Him

                                    Etc etc

  

Yes we speak the words and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior … to forgive our sins … that’s what entering the relationship looks like.

 

Then we look at our lives and release them to Him. If He wants the money, the things, changes in what we do … whatever … we let go day by day. Life and what defines who we are …  changes as we walk with Him. The relationship.

 

I have always thought the rich young man was sad because he was going to obey and it looked like it was going to be hard.  But then I imagine he met up with Jesus later – empty -handed and humble – only to find there were tremendous treasures he had never imagined waiting for him.

 

So how do we inherit eternal life?

 

A relationship is the only way.

         With God through His Son Jesus – in Spirit and in truth

         Putting down our life and taking up His

         Obeying God and walking behind Jesus … no backpacks allowed.

 

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?

This was a question I put to myself as I prepared to write. Because quite frankly, I’m not a believer in writer’s block … however … I felt stuck.

 

So I looked around.

 

When I get “stuck” in life it helps me to review God’s great work of creation. I never tire of the images Genesis produces and my imaginings of God at work.

 

As God went through the process of creation He made some broad strokes first, separating light from darkness; the waters below from those above.

 

He put together a way for the land to perpetuate vegetation, plants and fruits … they would bear seeds according to their kinds.

 

God put the environment in order. In the greatest lighting event ever done … lesser lights … a greater light … serving as signs to mark seasons, days and years. The stars were hung, the moon was assigned, the sun reigned … an order was born.

 

And on the fifth and sixth day, God dealt with life. Now there was an environment to receive and care for the greatest creation ever. The expanse of the sky was populated, as were the seas.

 

Each and every day, as God completed His work, He looked back and pronounced it “good”. No differently did the day end when the land produced living creatures at God’s commands … EXCEPT that when male and female were produced as “man” God pronounced it “very good”.

 

It’s crazy I know … same story … over and over as I age to pull me out of a “stuck” spot.

 

Never fails. Something different leaps out each time … real … eternal … useful to where I am now.

 

Life for me is a bit topsy-turvy at the moment. Our home is changing to a larger population and things are a bit messy. I have been sick for about ten days and a cough has wrapped itself around me refusing to let go.

 

So far plans of organization and medical assistance have not helped. Life just seems to be unfolding as it pleases. My workroom is piled into the middle of the house without much of any order … and I’m stuck.

 

So you might think that the order of God’s plan appealed to me the most this time.

 

Order is nice but … it was the stars.

 

The stars brought me around … assigned as “lesser” lights but with important duties … to be part of a team to mark days and nights … seasons … years.

 

But more than anything … to be the stars God made.

 

Whatever goes on around me … I have been assigned; created by God’s hand; called “very good” … that is where I am … how about you?

 

 

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW

MARK 8:34-37

 

         “”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

 

         What is my cross? … the hard stuff of life that looks like Jesus’ cross ... the one He took up and hung on for the sake of others.

 

 

 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but who ever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

 

Letting our grasping hands relax and release … determining our purpose will be for Jesus … and letting our hands stay held open to receive and give out.

 

 

Because … “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

 

None and nothing …

 

 

“If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

 

That sounds reasonable to me.

 

So let go of the ideas that:

 People should treat you better

Life should be easier

I’ve paid my dues - I deserve ___________

(whatever it is – no you don’t)

 

 

The paraphrase for today (Curt – are you out there?)

 

         Release everything in life to Him and for Him. Nothing valuable will be lost in this exercise.

         Stand up and worship God … no matter who is watching.

         For a day is coming when Jesus Himself will pick you out in front of everyone and return what you have given Him.