The Time of JOY
The third week of Advent celebrates the good news that was first delivered to shepherds in the field. Appropriately then, the third candle is called the Shepherd's candle.
This week we will re-light the first candle, the Prophecy candle, and the second purple candle, the Bethlehem candle, followed by the one pink candle, the Shepherd's candle. We celebrate the great joy of our living Lord. (some scholars say that the shepherd's candle is pink to symbolize the humanity of the mortals)
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you GOOD NEWS of great JOY which will come to all the people." (Luke 2:10 AMP)
""So they went with haste..." (Luke 2:16)
"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen..."
(Luke 2:20)
TAKE JOY
I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, which I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy.
Take joy.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.
~~Fra Giovanni
A.D. 1513
The message is clear---JOY is for the taking. It is the fruit (Gal. 5:22) of the Spirit of our Living Lord. We choose to be joyful. We are NOT intimidated by the circumstances. (See Deut. 30:19 and Deut. 28: 1-14)
"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12) For thou, Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11,12)
Many examples of joy can be found throughout the Word of God. Two stand out mightily. The account of Job, and the chronicled life of Paul, the Apostle.
"While he was yet speaking..."BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Everything gone, in a moment of time. We cannot even imagine such devastating events. However, consider Job's response: "Then Job...fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21) And said, 'Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' 22) In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1: 20-22)
"Thou he slay me, yet will I trust Him..." (Job 13:15)
"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10)
"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning..." (Job 42:12)
And what about Paul?
[while they were in prison] "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26) And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were loosed." (Acts 16: 25-26)
Paul walked the talk!
"Rejoice evermore. 17) Pray without ceasing. 18) In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19) Quench not the Spirit." (I Thes. 5:16-19)
The Shepherd's Path (a life of JOY)
J Jesus first Deut. 6:4-7 Matt. 7:12 Matt. 22: 36-40
O others next John 13:34 John 15:12
Y yourself last Romans 12:1
Remember, there are 366 instances in the Bible where we are told, "Fear not!" So, instead, let's take JOY and choose LIFE!
When you listen to the Christmas music this week, pay attention to the words in "The First Noel," "Angels From the Realms of Glory," and "Joy to the World." Be joyful, today and always!
Friday, December 12, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Advent - week two
The Time of PREPARATION and FAITH
You may recall that the second purple candle is called the Bethlehem candle. Now we have a "what" and a "where" in the divine mystery. What: the prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. Where: Bethlehem.
This week we will re-light the first candle, the Prophecy candle, and we will then light the second purple candle, the Bethlehem candle, as we continue to prepare our hearts for the anticipated Light of the world.
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord." (John 1:23)
The prophets foretold the special place that Bethlehem would have in history. (see Micah 5:2)
Now, listen to this! "Bethlehem" literally means House of Bread. How fitting that the Bread of Life would first appear on earth there! He has prepared a feast; He has called us to come and dine; what hinders us, then?
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)
Room for Jesus
"Have you any room for Jesus?
He who bore your load of sin...
As He knocks and asks admittance,
Sinner, won't you let Him in?"
"Room for Jesus, King of Glory...
Hasten now, His Word obey,
Swing your heart's door widely open-
Bid Him enter, while you may."
"And the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not always strive with man...'" (Genesis 6:3)
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)
"And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of Life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
Oh, yes! Celebrate with all your heart! Celebrate with great anticipation as you truly prepare a place within your hear for the King of Kings!
As you listen to your Christmas music this week, pay attention to the words of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The Bread of Life came to the House of Bread; why should anyone, anywhere ever go hungry again!
You may recall that the second purple candle is called the Bethlehem candle. Now we have a "what" and a "where" in the divine mystery. What: the prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. Where: Bethlehem.
This week we will re-light the first candle, the Prophecy candle, and we will then light the second purple candle, the Bethlehem candle, as we continue to prepare our hearts for the anticipated Light of the world.
"Prepare ye the way of the Lord." (John 1:23)
The prophets foretold the special place that Bethlehem would have in history. (see Micah 5:2)
Now, listen to this! "Bethlehem" literally means House of Bread. How fitting that the Bread of Life would first appear on earth there! He has prepared a feast; He has called us to come and dine; what hinders us, then?
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)
Room for Jesus
"Have you any room for Jesus?
He who bore your load of sin...
As He knocks and asks admittance,
Sinner, won't you let Him in?"
"Room for Jesus, King of Glory...
Hasten now, His Word obey,
Swing your heart's door widely open-
Bid Him enter, while you may."
"And the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not always strive with man...'" (Genesis 6:3)
"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)
"And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of Life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
Oh, yes! Celebrate with all your heart! Celebrate with great anticipation as you truly prepare a place within your hear for the King of Kings!
As you listen to your Christmas music this week, pay attention to the words of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The Bread of Life came to the House of Bread; why should anyone, anywhere ever go hungry again!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Advent - week one
The Time of ANTICIPATION and HOPE
This week we'll light the first purple candle, the Prophecy candle, and celebrate Christ with anticipation and hope.
Just as a child waits expectantly for the "big" day, so our hearts yearn for His Coming.
The scriptures reveal to us that this has been the plan, all along. God would become flesh and dwell among us!
Just as those of long ago waited in anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child, we celebrate His birth while looking beyond it to His glorious reappearing. And we prepare our hearts and minds for His return.
"Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:33)
From the Old Testament to the New Testament and back again, the great event was recorded.
"O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." (Isaiah 2:5)
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 'I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2) In my Father's house are many mansions: (if it were not so, I would have told you). I go to prepare a place for you. 3) And if I go and prepare a place for you; I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
"...'Surely I come quickly'...Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
There are many other passages that you might enjoy studying this week:
Matthew 24:37-44, I Thessalonians 4:14-18, John 1:1-14, and I Thessalonians 5:1-6.
Now is the time to dig out your Christmas CDs. Listen to "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and think about the exciting times that we live in today, knowing that Christ could return at any moment! Are you ready?
Think about the little things you do for a long overdue visit with a precious friend. When you learn that they are coming, you clear the calendar and make time for them. You savor every moment, and sigh when they must leave. The best part of His return is, even though we have waited a long time, this time He's not leaving us behind. No teary goodbyes for us. We're going with HIM!
This week we'll light the first purple candle, the Prophecy candle, and celebrate Christ with anticipation and hope.
Just as a child waits expectantly for the "big" day, so our hearts yearn for His Coming.
The scriptures reveal to us that this has been the plan, all along. God would become flesh and dwell among us!
Just as those of long ago waited in anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child, we celebrate His birth while looking beyond it to His glorious reappearing. And we prepare our hearts and minds for His return.
"Take heed, watch; for you do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13:33)
From the Old Testament to the New Testament and back again, the great event was recorded.
"O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." (Isaiah 2:5)
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." (Isaiah 9:2)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 'I am the light of the world: He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'" (John 8:12)
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1)
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2) In my Father's house are many mansions: (if it were not so, I would have told you). I go to prepare a place for you. 3) And if I go and prepare a place for you; I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
"...'Surely I come quickly'...Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
There are many other passages that you might enjoy studying this week:
Matthew 24:37-44, I Thessalonians 4:14-18, John 1:1-14, and I Thessalonians 5:1-6.
Now is the time to dig out your Christmas CDs. Listen to "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and think about the exciting times that we live in today, knowing that Christ could return at any moment! Are you ready?
Think about the little things you do for a long overdue visit with a precious friend. When you learn that they are coming, you clear the calendar and make time for them. You savor every moment, and sigh when they must leave. The best part of His return is, even though we have waited a long time, this time He's not leaving us behind. No teary goodbyes for us. We're going with HIM!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
an overview of ADVENT
ADVENT
"ADVENT," The beginning of an adventure!
Perhaps you have noticed that Christmas is coming sooner and sooner every year. This year the decorations were on display before Halloween! No wonder we get so frustrated and tired of the whole thing. Deep inside we are yearning for a spiritual holiday. And no wonder that we do, after all, it was God who "set eternity in our hearts." He is always interested in our spiritual posture, temperature, and general good health. Maybe Advent is just what you need to redirect your focus on the living Savior this season.
You may believe that you don't know much about Advent. But, that's probably not true! You may know more than you think. For example, have you seen or used an Advent calendar in your home during the Christmas season? If so, what was the purpose of the calendar? Most likely, it was to 'count down' the days to a climax...Christmas day.
The Church's celebration of Advent dates back to the 4th century A.D. when it lasted six weeks. Sometime in the 6th century A.D. it was established to include the four Sundays prior to Christmas day. Subsequently, it begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th, and continues through Christmas day. It all leads up to the most glorious celebration of all...our Savior's birth.
Consider the meaning of the word, advent. Other than its strictly religious sense (coming of Christ), it means "coming arrival" [example: the advent of Spring]. The original word is from the Latin for "to come to." Compare advent with its cousin, adventure, which means "an exciting or remarkable experience." Now that makes sense! Shouldn't our walk with God and our quest to be conformed to the image of His dear Son be an exciting and remarkable experience every day of our lives? If you have ever wanted more, especially at Christmas, you need to prayerfully consider adding the Advent celebration to your Christmas traditions. Right now, you may be thinking, "Oh, great! Just what I don't need: one more thing to squeeze in between now and the end of the year." But, if the Holy Spirit directs you, you will be eager to start the adventure!
Advent is rich in spiritual (all scriptural) symbolism. If you don't like symbolism, then you need to start ignoring every rainbow in the sky. God works through symbolism, and we can learn much from it.
First, let us consider the Advent Wreath. Traditionally, it is a circle. The circle symbolizes God's eternal plan---from our birth to our rebirth to eternity in His presence, a never-ending circle of love. The wreath is dressed with evergreens. They symbolize God's undying love for us.
Within the wreath, the four candles are placed. The light of each candle represents Jesus, the light of the world. Nowadays, the four candles are purple (the color of royalty---depicting the reverence due the King of Kings.) Some churches use royal blue (another "royal" color) candles. However, from the earliest times, three purple and one pink candle have been used. I prefer this arrangement for several reasons. First, I like the tradition of it. But, even more importantly, the strange arrangement, of necessity, begs for an explanation. Just sitting there quietly, they become the topic of conversation, and behold! the doors swing open for witnessing opportunities. With that in mind, let's continue to examine the meaning of each separate candle.
The first week of Advent is commonly called the time of "Anticipation or Hope." The candle of the first week is purple. We are anticipating the arrival of the King of Kings. He is heavenly royalty personified. The first candle is referred to as the "Prophecy" candle. The studies (individual, family, or group) that the first week of Advent revolve around concern the prophecies that the King would come. But, Advent takes you one step farther. You never stop with the coming of the infant child king; you pause long enough to absorb the wonder of the virgin birth, God incarnate. Then, you examine the King's coming into your own heart. But, that's still not all! Finally, you look forward, with joyful ANTICIPATION, to the return of the KING! What a way to refocus on the season of seasons! It may be noted that some groups refer to the first candle as the "Hope" candle. What you prefer to call it is your decision. The name is not as important as the reality. The reality must be that you not only believe that He came once, but that He's coming again and you're looking forward to it!
The second week of Advent is called the time of "Preparation." The second candle is also purple. (The second candle is usually referred to as the "Bethlehem" candle.) As Bethlehem was foretold to be the place chosen to prepare for the coming King, we were admonished, ourselves, by John the Baptist, to "prepare [ye] the way of the Lord." During the second week of Advent, we focus on the preparations that need to be made daily to receive a King into our very lives. (On the second Sunday, you re-light the Prophecy candle first, and then light the Bethlehem candle.)
The third week of Advent is called the time of "Joy." The third candle is the pink one. It is traditionally pink (rose-colored) to signify that Jesus is the Rose of Sharon. (It is often called the "Shepherd's" candle.) After all, the good news came to the shepherds and they left all and came with great joy to find their Shepherd King. The symbolism is so very rich here. God became flesh and presented Himself to the lowliest of society. What does he have to do today, in our lives, to restore such heartfelt joy among us? Allow His Holy Spirit to guide you as you encounter fresh joy "unspeakable, and full of glory." (On the third Sunday, you re-light the Prophecy and Bethlehem candles and then light the Shepherd's candle.)
The final week of Advent is called the time of "Peace." The fourth candle is the last purple candle, (commonly called the "Angel's" candle.) And of course, the angels in heaven rejoiced that earth had "received her King." Peace was born that day, on earth, and every man is able to be at peace with God. Study His Word, let it rise up in you, and guide you into perfect peace this blessed season. (This final Sunday you will re-light the Prophecy candle, the Bethlehem candle, the Shepherd's candle, and then finally, you will light the last one, the Angel's candle.)
There remains a single, white candle in the center of the wreath. This is the "Christ" candle, and it represents His purity. You may light it on Christmas eve and again on Christmas day to symbolize the light of the world!
Have you ever arrived someplace only to discover that you "just missed" a beloved friend or family member? That's what Advent is all about. We may have missed His first coming, but He has come into our own lives, and indeed, He's coming again to take us home. Our hearts are filled with peace and reconciliation while we wait, hopefully anticipating the love of God, and His eminent return to restore us into His family forever. If that isn't reason enough to lift Him up daily, and especially at Christmas, then I don't know what is.
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!!!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
don't hurry to worry
Early this morning (maybe it's because it's Throwback-Thursday) a praise chorus popped into my head...and just stayed there. I haven't really thought about this particular one in years.
It's a scripture-praise that was taken from Isaiah 28:16.
"Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold
I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone
a tried stone,
a precious corner stone,
a sure foundation:
he that believeth shall not make haste."
Do you remember it? As I recall, the music was quite like a Jewish dance tune...upbeat and stirring. It made you want to get up on your feet and at least tap your toe! At any rate, you simply cannot sing this chorus while sitting down...it begs you to get on your feet, clap your hands for joy, and let your happy be LOUD!
So, round and round it goes, and now I'm humming happily along, singing in my heart and letting the words register in my brain.
I wanted to share what some scholars have to say about this passage.
The Ryrie Study Bible, Expanded Edition, NIV, includes this note...
"Messiah is a foundation stone in His atonement, a tested stone in His temptations, and a precious cornerstone in His relationship to His people."
Jesus is our foundation. He is the foundation of His Church. He is the foundation of Israel, their promised and long-awaited Messiah! In short, Jesus is simply everything...everything that we will ever need in this life and the one to come, He has already provided. Isn't that wonderful?! There is nothing that we need that He is not aware of. There is nothing that we need that He would refuse us. (see Matt. 7: 7-11)
I am rejoicing in those precious promises today, as I hum along right through the cares and worries that are competing for my attention. And I am especially rejoicing in the last line of that little praise chorus...
"he that believeth shall not make haste." Now, when you extrapolate that phrase, it basically translates:
"he that trusts in God will not be dismayed/disappointed." And that little word "dismayed" means deprived of your POWER! Oh, yes, sweet friend, there is power in the name of Jesus! There is power to break every chain, in every area of our lives. There is power to elevate us up to where we belong...walking on sunshine once again!
So, there you have it. Put your trust in the foundation that holds you up, and never hurry to worry!
It's a scripture-praise that was taken from Isaiah 28:16.
"Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold
I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone
a tried stone,
a precious corner stone,
a sure foundation:
he that believeth shall not make haste."
Do you remember it? As I recall, the music was quite like a Jewish dance tune...upbeat and stirring. It made you want to get up on your feet and at least tap your toe! At any rate, you simply cannot sing this chorus while sitting down...it begs you to get on your feet, clap your hands for joy, and let your happy be LOUD!
So, round and round it goes, and now I'm humming happily along, singing in my heart and letting the words register in my brain.
I wanted to share what some scholars have to say about this passage.
The Ryrie Study Bible, Expanded Edition, NIV, includes this note...
"Messiah is a foundation stone in His atonement, a tested stone in His temptations, and a precious cornerstone in His relationship to His people."
Jesus is our foundation. He is the foundation of His Church. He is the foundation of Israel, their promised and long-awaited Messiah! In short, Jesus is simply everything...everything that we will ever need in this life and the one to come, He has already provided. Isn't that wonderful?! There is nothing that we need that He is not aware of. There is nothing that we need that He would refuse us. (see Matt. 7: 7-11)
I am rejoicing in those precious promises today, as I hum along right through the cares and worries that are competing for my attention. And I am especially rejoicing in the last line of that little praise chorus...
"he that believeth shall not make haste." Now, when you extrapolate that phrase, it basically translates:
"he that trusts in God will not be dismayed/disappointed." And that little word "dismayed" means deprived of your POWER! Oh, yes, sweet friend, there is power in the name of Jesus! There is power to break every chain, in every area of our lives. There is power to elevate us up to where we belong...walking on sunshine once again!
So, there you have it. Put your trust in the foundation that holds you up, and never hurry to worry!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
pawing the ground and snorting
Lately, I can't help but notice the level of intensity in which the enemy is operating against us. Simply put, he's on a rampage. Everybody is going through something, and there doesn't seem to be any end of it in sight. Spirits are low and faith is fading. But, I have an answer to all of that!
Times like these always remind me of Job and the terrible difficulties that he faced as he was sifted. God was proud of him; it was He who called attention of Job's fine character to Satan.
"One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord,
and Satan also came with them.
The Lord said to Satan, 'Where have you come from?'
Satan answered the Lord, 'From roaming through the earth
and going back and forth in it.'
Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant,
Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and
upright, a man who fears (respects the power of...) God
and shuns evil.'"
~Job 1: 6-11, NIV
Satan responded to that rather cleverly: He basically said, "Of course He fears and honors You. You have put a hedge of protection all about him and his possessions. In fact, You have blessed him mightily. But, I'll just bet that if You remove your protection from him, if You curse Him instead, he will not praise you then!"
Now is a good time to mention that God will not curse us (we often curse ourselves, but He doesn't do it), because we are in a blood covenant relationship with Him, He will never curse us. Satan knew this and he could not have been happier when God answered his challenge regarding Job:
"The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has in in your hands,
BUT on the man himself, do not lay a finger."
~Job 1: 12, NIV
Isn't that marvelous?! No matter what, God always has the last word...we always win!
And so began Job's trials and great trials they were. Still, God never would forsake him, not for one minute.
At times, I'm sure that Job did not feel that he could go on...there had to have been many days when he just wanted to give-in and give up! And yet, God was there all the time.
Now, fast forward to the end of the story (don't forget to read all about it in Job 42: 10-16). Toward the end of his trials, God came and talked with him, no doubt to encourage him. This is the conversation I want you to see:
"Do you give the horse his strength or give his neck a flowing mane?
Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?
He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray.
He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword.
The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance.
In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the
trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, "Aha!"
(note: in the KJV, it actually says, "Ha, Ha!" Isn't that great?!!!)
He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout
of commanders and the battle cry."
~Job 39: 19-25, NIV
God was reminding Job that even the horse is His in battle. He is unafraid to pursue the enemy because he (the horse) knows who his commander is!
It's true...sometimes life down here is incredibly hard; it often seems unfair. But, never give up on the Commander. He owns the battle. He has the victory, and we win...we surely win.
As you face the obstacles that are flung across your path while you are being sifted, just remember that your steed is pawing the ground...ready to fight...snorting at the enemy, and bellowing, "HA! HA!" We may be riding into the fray, but we are not alone. We will never be alone. God's eternal love for us will not allow Him to leave us or forsake us.
Now, get back up in that saddle, and give the horse of victory his head. He will take you to the other side of the battle...let him run, wild and free, escaping the enemy at every turn, pawing and snorting, "HA! HA!"
Times like these always remind me of Job and the terrible difficulties that he faced as he was sifted. God was proud of him; it was He who called attention of Job's fine character to Satan.
"One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord,
and Satan also came with them.
The Lord said to Satan, 'Where have you come from?'
Satan answered the Lord, 'From roaming through the earth
and going back and forth in it.'
Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant,
Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and
upright, a man who fears (respects the power of...) God
and shuns evil.'"
~Job 1: 6-11, NIV
Satan responded to that rather cleverly: He basically said, "Of course He fears and honors You. You have put a hedge of protection all about him and his possessions. In fact, You have blessed him mightily. But, I'll just bet that if You remove your protection from him, if You curse Him instead, he will not praise you then!"
Now is a good time to mention that God will not curse us (we often curse ourselves, but He doesn't do it), because we are in a blood covenant relationship with Him, He will never curse us. Satan knew this and he could not have been happier when God answered his challenge regarding Job:
"The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has in in your hands,
BUT on the man himself, do not lay a finger."
~Job 1: 12, NIV
Isn't that marvelous?! No matter what, God always has the last word...we always win!
And so began Job's trials and great trials they were. Still, God never would forsake him, not for one minute.
At times, I'm sure that Job did not feel that he could go on...there had to have been many days when he just wanted to give-in and give up! And yet, God was there all the time.
Now, fast forward to the end of the story (don't forget to read all about it in Job 42: 10-16). Toward the end of his trials, God came and talked with him, no doubt to encourage him. This is the conversation I want you to see:
"Do you give the horse his strength or give his neck a flowing mane?
Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting?
He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray.
He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword.
The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance.
In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the
trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, "Aha!"
(note: in the KJV, it actually says, "Ha, Ha!" Isn't that great?!!!)
He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout
of commanders and the battle cry."
~Job 39: 19-25, NIV
God was reminding Job that even the horse is His in battle. He is unafraid to pursue the enemy because he (the horse) knows who his commander is!
It's true...sometimes life down here is incredibly hard; it often seems unfair. But, never give up on the Commander. He owns the battle. He has the victory, and we win...we surely win.
As you face the obstacles that are flung across your path while you are being sifted, just remember that your steed is pawing the ground...ready to fight...snorting at the enemy, and bellowing, "HA! HA!" We may be riding into the fray, but we are not alone. We will never be alone. God's eternal love for us will not allow Him to leave us or forsake us.
Now, get back up in that saddle, and give the horse of victory his head. He will take you to the other side of the battle...let him run, wild and free, escaping the enemy at every turn, pawing and snorting, "HA! HA!"
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
caution: reduce speed ahead
Here in central Oklahoma, we've had a much 'cooler' summer than usual, but the weather forecasters are calling for a return of the hot days of summer next week. Even so, with the absence of the normal heat pattern, it makes it hard to believe that the kiddos are already heading back to school.
The newscasters are reminding us to be alert in the school zones, always watching for the children. It's rather ridiculous that we need to be reminded that the flashing lights indicate the possibility of small pedestrians walking to and from home, or simply standing...waiting for their ride. But, it's the same every year. We seem to be growing more and more oblivious to the school zones that may be on our normal route. Drivers are already distracted with the interaction of their mobile devices, and they get annoyed if they have to slow down. Rarely do I see a driver who maintains the more cautious speed until completely out of the posted zone. Why is that? Why are we in such a hurry all of the time? Where are we going?
Pondering on these thoughts, brought something else to mind:
You've heard me say this a thousand times, so one more time won't annoy you that much, right?
EVERYBODY IS GOING THROUGH SOMETHING. Normally, we don't even have a clue as to what the folks around us are going through at any given time. Unless they tell us themselves, or someone else tells us, or we overhear a conversation that clues us in, we "drive right on through" their caution zone. Lights are flashing, the Holy Spirit is urging, but we just keep right on going. Why is that?
Are we afraid that if we offer to do something, someone might actually take us up on it?! Okay, suppose that's the truth, and having limited resources ourselves, we may not be able to do as much as we had promised or hoped. It's a good rule to not make promises that you cannot keep. But, what about the One who has unlimited resources? Have we forgotten that He is always ready to "be the answer," supplying every need (spiritual, financial, emotional, physical) to us in His own way and time? How much of our precious schedule is altered when we stop and whisper a heartfelt plea: "God, please help my friend today."
Why can't we spare that few seconds worth of time? Why are we in such a hurry?
I have noticed that several times a day, the Lord brings someone to my mind...it's often just a fleeting thought, or a flash of memory that was triggered by some seemingly unrelated event. I have learned that the Father is sharing with us the grand opportunity to be part of their solution. If we will learn to stop, for a few seconds, and really listen and pay attention to the prompting, we may be entrusted with the treasure of heaven...the answer to someone's prayer or cry for help.
The prophet (Isaiah 6:8, NIV) answered the call.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'
And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
So, I ask again...where are we going? Where are we going with our lives? How will we account for our time here? In the end, will we even be worth the air that we had to breathe? There's one way to determine our own destinies...be available, always be ready to be part of the solution. It's true that we can't do everything, but there is a lot more that we could be doing. Stay 'prayed-up,' and always ready to whisper someone's name.
We need to make a conscious effort to slow-down when mentally racing through someone's caution zone...be alert for the weary traveler who just needs you to whisper their name. The Lord will always let you know if there is something more tangible that you need to do to complete the task of bringing comfort to the forgotten soul along the way.
Yes, Isaiah said, "Here I am; send me!" And Hollywood's Doc Holliday said, "I'm your huckleberry!"
Whichever one you can identify with...just do it! Be the one driver who slows down all the way through the zone. And then...check your rear-view mirror just to make sure that everyone made it through!
The newscasters are reminding us to be alert in the school zones, always watching for the children. It's rather ridiculous that we need to be reminded that the flashing lights indicate the possibility of small pedestrians walking to and from home, or simply standing...waiting for their ride. But, it's the same every year. We seem to be growing more and more oblivious to the school zones that may be on our normal route. Drivers are already distracted with the interaction of their mobile devices, and they get annoyed if they have to slow down. Rarely do I see a driver who maintains the more cautious speed until completely out of the posted zone. Why is that? Why are we in such a hurry all of the time? Where are we going?
Pondering on these thoughts, brought something else to mind:
You've heard me say this a thousand times, so one more time won't annoy you that much, right?
EVERYBODY IS GOING THROUGH SOMETHING. Normally, we don't even have a clue as to what the folks around us are going through at any given time. Unless they tell us themselves, or someone else tells us, or we overhear a conversation that clues us in, we "drive right on through" their caution zone. Lights are flashing, the Holy Spirit is urging, but we just keep right on going. Why is that?
Are we afraid that if we offer to do something, someone might actually take us up on it?! Okay, suppose that's the truth, and having limited resources ourselves, we may not be able to do as much as we had promised or hoped. It's a good rule to not make promises that you cannot keep. But, what about the One who has unlimited resources? Have we forgotten that He is always ready to "be the answer," supplying every need (spiritual, financial, emotional, physical) to us in His own way and time? How much of our precious schedule is altered when we stop and whisper a heartfelt plea: "God, please help my friend today."
Why can't we spare that few seconds worth of time? Why are we in such a hurry?
I have noticed that several times a day, the Lord brings someone to my mind...it's often just a fleeting thought, or a flash of memory that was triggered by some seemingly unrelated event. I have learned that the Father is sharing with us the grand opportunity to be part of their solution. If we will learn to stop, for a few seconds, and really listen and pay attention to the prompting, we may be entrusted with the treasure of heaven...the answer to someone's prayer or cry for help.
The prophet (Isaiah 6:8, NIV) answered the call.
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'
And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
So, I ask again...where are we going? Where are we going with our lives? How will we account for our time here? In the end, will we even be worth the air that we had to breathe? There's one way to determine our own destinies...be available, always be ready to be part of the solution. It's true that we can't do everything, but there is a lot more that we could be doing. Stay 'prayed-up,' and always ready to whisper someone's name.
We need to make a conscious effort to slow-down when mentally racing through someone's caution zone...be alert for the weary traveler who just needs you to whisper their name. The Lord will always let you know if there is something more tangible that you need to do to complete the task of bringing comfort to the forgotten soul along the way.
Yes, Isaiah said, "Here I am; send me!" And Hollywood's Doc Holliday said, "I'm your huckleberry!"
Whichever one you can identify with...just do it! Be the one driver who slows down all the way through the zone. And then...check your rear-view mirror just to make sure that everyone made it through!
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