Thinking....



“Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them…Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.

It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. 

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

 Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
Phillipians 4:5-9 from The Message

This passage has been heavy on my mind for several days.  It holds one of the lists we are given in scripture that is worth noting.

• True
• Honest
• Just
• Pure
• Lovely
• Good report
• Admirable
• Praiseworthy

That’s some good stuff.  But it is so much easier to dwell on the negatives.  Certainly, our enemy will influence us to do so, to criticize, tear down, accuse.  I surely don’t want people letting him influence them to be of that mindset toward me.  But so often, I confess that I am influenced to go there myself.  God help and forgive. Even more, restore what may have been damaged by my error.

Wherever my mind goes is often where my words and actions follow.  Paul’s instructions here are to be purposeful in our thinking.  Can we step back and examine what is influencing our thoughts?  What might a careful examination reveal?  What sources beside God’s will and Word might influence our thinking, thereby influencing our behavior and our words? 

There is so much wrong, everywhere we look we can easily find wrong!  Oh Lord God, help us to have eyes to see good things, and to be the instruments in Your Mighty Hand to build up, to encourage,  to bring unity, and to be people who love.  Especially when it is difficult to love.  Pour into us extra measures of love and grace and make us as free to give as we are to receive. 

 

Whole lotta shakin' goin' on....♪♫••*•♫♪♫•*•♫♪♪*•♫♪♪♫••*•♫♪♫•*•♫♪♪*•♫♪♪♫••*•♫♪♫•*•♫♪♪*

“At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."

The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken--that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..”(Hebrews 12:26-28 NIV)


We are abrupty brought to realize the fact…what we depend on is undependable.

Health fails, then we can’t work to earn the money we depend on, or we lose our job and lose the income we rely on to meet our needs.

Death strikes unannounced, and removes people we planned to grow old with. Accidents steal parts of what we imagined lay ahead.

Betrayal changes what we thought our future would be like.

Spouses leave, children rebel, parents forsake, and what we anticipated and assumed goes up in smoke.

Shaking. It knocks us off balance, brings us to our knees our heads reeling and our hearts breaking. Every single thing in this realm can be shaken and might fall apart at any moment.

There is only One Who is unshakable, only one thing sure, and that is eternity.

I purpose today to live in His kingdom, depend on His provision, and trust Him for tomorrow.

I purpose to appreciate what He has given but not cling to it, knowing that it is only Him that I can truly anchor myself in. He can and will remove everything else….

All is calm, all is bright…

Miles from home and family, a long and uncomfortable ride on a donkey at full term pregnancy, a city full of fellow travelers, no place to find shelter except a barn full of animals…yet everything calm and bright? 

When I get to heaven, I want to sit and visit with Mary.  I want to talk about all those things she “pondered in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 KJV) Was that night calm and bright?  

Just yesterday I heard a young woman testify about peace.  She had a tragic and terrifying event in her life.  Horror and fear were consuming for days and days.  Yet today, she marvels at the peace she has found. 

Mary was an ordinary young woman. Whatever calmness she experienced was from her God.  The young woman I mention receives her peace from the same God. 

Jesus spoke and the angry sea became calm. (Mark 4:39) 

He is Lord over creation, and we humans are His creations. 

He can speak calm into our lives.  

I am confident that Mary basked in His peace on more than one occasion.  She was an ordinary human being, chosen for an extraordinary task.  

What task might we be chosen for?

Will we, like Mary, say "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38 NASB)

Mary was and will never be anything more than... human.  She was created and redeemed by the same God of heaven.  

With God’s help and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we too can walk thru whatever God allows into our lives experiencing His peace.  

Even our chaotic world can indeed be calm and bright. 

 

Swimming upstream...

Times roll around when I find myself exhausted from all the effort.  I feel like a fish trying to swim upstream against a very swift current.   Three steps forward followed by two steps back.

I am reminded by that still small Voice that it’s not always as it seems.  Probably, it is seldom like it seems to me in the moment.

It is easy to become frustrated and discouraged.  Work hard, make some progress then watch things stop going smoothly and become challenging.   Again.

I hear in my spirit that whisper.  “Don’t focus on this moment.  Don’t assume the future.  Look behind you at all the hard places you have been and know that I am still God, still have purpose, and am still in command.”

I can’t swim much at all. I would surely have a hard time swimming upstream.  I can dog paddle just enough to keep my ears out of the water. (I hate having my ears fill with water.)

Why does God allow me to again and again face current?  Why when I finally get to smooth waters does He allow the current to become swift again?  The age-old question.  Why does God allow suffering?

I look back on the most difficult times of my life and see His fingerprints all over me.  I would not have the relationship with Him that I have were it not for times of difficulty.  The swimming upstream had purpose, to adapt me spiritually.

I must  face the struggles of today and in days ahead bravely and confidently with the knowledge of that truth.  “I consider that my present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in me.” (Romans 8:18 NIrV personalized by me)

God does not allow suffering into my life just to watch me squirm.  He intends to bring blessing from every pain.

He can.  He is God.  And I am simply not.

Hallelujah

Copycat...

When I was a child, being called a copycat was a bad thing.  When my little brother repeated every word I said, trying to make his voice sound like mine, it was more than annoying.  Telling him to ‘stop copying me’ was useless.

I have heard it said that it’s a compliment.  I can do without compliments.

Being a copycat isn’t a new thing.  Personally I think the devil started it all.  He wanted to be like God.  From the incident in the garden he has been copying God and he hasn’t stopped yet.

In Revelation, John described the vision he was given.  Chapter 13 describes a dragon, a beast from the sea, and a beast from the earth.   I don’t put a lot of time trying to assign an identity to them. Whoever they are they are certainly not God.  In fact, they are yet another copycat of Him.



Satan tries to pass himself off as triune.  Our God is three in one.  The holy Trinity.  Satan’s dragon and his beasts are three but they are separate and they are unholy.

“…the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.” (Revelation 13:3 NIV)

Satan even counterfeits the wounds of Christ.

“ It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark.” (Revelation 13:16 NIV)

Satan counterfeits the seal of the Holy Spirit.

“…a second beast……exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf.” (Revelation 13:11-12 NIV)

Satan counterfeits the relationship and unity of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son.


Satan is a copycat.

We are wise to know the authentic Creator so well that we spot a copycat without pause.


“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”(Revelation 13:9 NIV)

Thank You God for giving this Revelation to John.  Thank You that it has stood the test of time, preserved throughout the ages so that we know the end of our story.  Come what may, You are God and You will not be displaced from Your throne.  

Hallelujah.

Know it all...

I’ve been called one.  I’ve called a lot of other people the same.  Truth is, there’s not one.  Nobody knows it all except God.  Even Jesus Christ didn’t know it all.


“Heaven and earth will pass away. But my words will never pass away. No one knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in heaven know.  The Son does not know. Only the Father knows.” (Mark 13:31-32 NIrV)

That used to be my excuse for not really applying myself to the study of  the book of Revelation.   Why try to figure it all out when Jesus Himself doesn’t know what day or hour?

I have discovered a huge truth this year as I attend Bible Study Fellowship and look at the scriptures of John’s Revelation.  It’s not about time stamps.  It’s not about knowing it all.

 I will never know it all until I awake on the other side of this realm.  Then I will “…see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1Cor. 13:12b NIV)   I can’t wrap my finite brain around the magnificent truths that are so other-worldly than my reality.


But John promised, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3 NIV)

I didn’t know it all when I began this study, I don’t know it all yet, and don’t expect to at the end of the year.

But I am blessed in the attempt.  I am blessed because it is a book that reveals Jesus Christ.  Not time stamps.

Pointing a finger....

There’s a saying about finger pointing.  You point one at someone else and three more point back at you.  I was taught as a child it wasn’t polite to point.  As an adult, I have learned that it is not beneficial to point out fault.  I’m guilty of it still, but I know it is counter productive.

Nobody likes their shortcomings pointed out, but the devil will do his best to insure that our faults are pointed out, even proclaimed.  He is called ‘the accuser of our brothers and sisters’ in scripture.  (Revelation 12:10 NIV)  Satan got thrown out for his wrong behavior so he is quick to recognize wrong behavior in us and eager to point it out to God.  He accuses us every chance he gets.

And he gets plenty.

Jesus instructed us to  "Settle matters quickly with your adversary…” (Matthew 5:25 NIV)

When the devil accuses us we can be secure in acknowledging the truth that we do come up short. We are sinners.  Every single one of us.  “..for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV)

I agree with Satan that I sin frequently and punishment is deserved.

But I do not live in condemnation.  I do not live under a burden of guilt.  Like those in John’s vision I have “…defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of my witness.” (Revelation 12:11 The Message personalized by me)

I have not defeated him by anything I have done or said.  The blood over the doorpost of my heart has defeated him.

My testimony of His grace defeats my enemy.

Not my rule keeping.
Not my attempts to alleviate my guilt
Nothing I do to make myself look better,.
No behavior I can add or subtract.
Not an emotional high.
Not enough time under baptismal water.
Not numerous times down the church aisle.
Not laying myself on the carpet of a church altar.

Absolutely no activity.

 “marturia- evidence given (judicially or generally): - record, report, testimony, witness.” (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary)

My report echos John’s words on the shores of Jordan.

My fingers point with John’s.

"Behold, the Lamb of God!"  (John 1: 36 NIV)

Fight like the devil....

I’ve used that phrase.  It’s not a good phrase.  I need to take it out of my vocabulary.

The devil does fight.  He has been fighting for a very long time.  “And there was war in heaven…” (Revelation 12:7 NIV)

 Fighting like the devil… yes, he most certainly is.  But he is a defeated foe.



I think of a scene in  the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou, where two of the characters discuss the devil.

Pete: I've always wondered, what's the devil look like?
Ulysses Everett McGill: Well, there are all manner of lesser imps and demons, Pete, but the great Satan hisself is red and scaly with a bifurcated tail, and he carries a hay fork.

I am certain the devil doesn’t look anything like that, and I am even more certain that the battle between God’s holiness and the devil’s fight is decided.


The more I study John’s revelation, the more I realize I can’t grasp it all.  But I am blessed in the effort.

Sweet and sour.....

In the revelation given to John, there is a scene where John is instructed to take a little book from a certain angel and eat it.  He was warned that it would taste sweet but would be sour in his stomach.

"Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me once more: "Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land." So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but 'in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.'"   I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.” (Revelation 10:8-10 NIV)

It reminds me of  when I was pregnant  and I got up at 2 a.m. every single morning for weeks and weeks, made myself  pancakes with lots of butter and syrup, ate them, and went back to bed to suffer horrible heartburn the rest of the night.

Every time I would promise myself that I would NOT do that again.  Then I’d wake up the next night at 2 a.m. and do it all again. The sweet midnight snack was something I craved uncontrollably for some reason.  But when it hit my stomach is was not so sweet.

Digesting what God says in His book can sure be the same way.  God’s Word is life giving, freedom bringing, peace making, and it is absolute truth.  Being instructed by God thru His Word and thru the power of the Holy Spirit is a sweet sweet thing.  We bear the fruits of His Spirit, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

But the conviction of the Holy Spirit is often like the heartburn after my 2 a.m. pancakes.

 There is such sweetness in the grace and mercy of God.  Yet as I measure the truths of scripture against the sin it reveals in my life there is a sourness in the pit of my heart.  Heart burn.

Jesus left His glory to get us out of the sin-mess we are all in.  What a sweet and precious thing He has done for us.

God has always loved us enough to not allow us to remain in a wrong condition.  It will never be His fault if we stay that way.  He will lavish us with His love and mercy as He pricks our hearts to make us aware of the sourness within us and around us.

Like the 2 a.m. pancakes, I want to always crave His teachings…even though it often brings some discomfort with it.

Restraining order....

My husband has been in law enforcement since before we met.  I’ve learned lots of the language and terminology involved.  Google says a restraining order is “ a temporary court order issued to prohibit an individual from carrying out a particular action, especially approaching or contacting a specified person.”

Such an order is often issued by a judge to aid a law enforcement officer to protect a person or the public or entity.   As a result of being served with such an order, a person is commanded to stay away, to cease some activity or behavior, or to not have contact.

It works most of the time, if for no other reason than fear of being thrown in jail if you do not comply.

As I read thru Revelation 11 I thought about the restraints that God Himself has issued.  I confess I am baffled by the meaning of so much I read in this Revelation John was given. But just as He promised, I am blessed.  I see glimpses of the character of God in His majesty and holiness as He gives fallen man myriads of opportunity to believe and repent.

I see the restraining order of human history past and the promises of human history yet future.

I don’t have the restraining patience of God.  But He is all powerful and because He has the last word in every single thing, He restrains and keeps perfect order in the course of human history.  When it looks like the power of darkness prevails, it is not so.  Even in the vision John was given, the rebellious unbelievers seemed to claim the victory.

“ When they (the two witnesses) have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them….their dead bodies will lie in the street …..peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth…..


 But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them.  And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.” (Revelation 11:7-12 NIV)

God has often issued a restraining order.  He issues it.  He enforces it.  He lifts it.

When He sees fit.

He is God and I am not.

Hallelujah.

Don't tell....

John was ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  (John 13:23 NIV)  He was with Jesus day after day.  He loved Jesus and knew that Jesus loved him.  And it was John that was chosen to be shown what lay ahead.  John was given the Revelation of Jesus Christ and he was told to "Write on a scroll what you see…” (Revelation 1:11 NIV)

And boy was there plenty to see.  It seems that John struggled to find language to describe what he was being shown.  He was instructed to send what he recorded to God’s people, the churches.

So John wrote and told it…detail after detail.

But then after writing and writing John “heard a voice from heaven say, "Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."

I wonder how hard it was for John to not write this part down with the rest.  Once he got started telling all he saw, did he have a hard time not telling the rest of the story?

Just like Daniel was told that some things weren’t to be revealed, John was told not to reveal certain parts of this revelation.    “He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.” (Daniel 12:9 NASB)



There is a common thing among many of us that prods us to tell everything we know.  We often want to be the first to tell it, whether good or bad news.  Especially if it is something that should be kept secret or quiet.  Those are hard things to keep to ourselves.  Many times we tell it in ways that puts our own spin on it.


 I have no doubt that John didn’t spin anything about these magnificent scenes.  John saw and heard such otherworldly things, how could he possibly need to spin it?  He just wrote what he saw and we read thru his words and wrestle to find the nuggets of truth.  We ponder the meanings of all the symbols.

But just as scripture says,  “How blessed the hearers and keepers of these oracle words, all the words written in this book! Time is just about up.” (Revelation 1:3 The Message)

There is indeed blessing in reading John’s account.   It is within our nature to want to know what the future holds.  We want and need to be ready for the end that will certainly come.

But the more important thing in our waiting is the Lord Jesus Who is revealed in John’s account.  We live for Him now and trust Him with what is coming, knowing that when He places His seal on us we are protected and loved.   Whatever John did not write won’t matter in our now.  There are obviously some things that just do not need to be told.

Silence is golden....

My brain has so much going on it is too noisy to sleep.  I can’t seem to turn it off tonight.  It has been a busy day, lots of people, lots of business, lots of fun, and lots of details to tend to.  I need at least one more of ME.  I’m not complaining.  It’s a wonderful problem to have.


I remember when my boys were still at home.  There was lots of noise then too.  I remember craving just an hour of silence.  Then I woke up one day and had it.  They were grown and gone and there was no noise.  Empty nest they call it.  The noise is good to hear again when they are under this roof to visit.

God has always taken care of my needs.  He has even blessed me enough for it to pour out on others.  I sure am glad He has the steering wheel because some days I feel like I’m on a ten lane freeway!

Yep.  Today was noisy and busy.  Tonight it is still and quiet and my mind is to busy to sleep.  It is in the sleepless quiet that I recall “….the silence in heaven…” (Revelation 8:1 NIV)

The Bible study I attend is studying  Revelation this year.  Up until the scene in chapter 8 there has been anything but quiet.  There are spectacular events described, Jesus indicating His power and authority, the throne room of heaven, and the multitudes praising The One upon the throne.

“….Then there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Revelation 8:1 NIV)

The hush of heaven.  It brings me almost to tears thinking  about the anticipation in that half hour.

I think about the old song lyrics, “Silence is golden, golden.  But my eyes still see.”   I wonder if it is not when we hush our mouth and quiet our brain that we really see.  Stop talking.  Stop thinking.  And just be quiet before God.

The multitude in heaven certainly got an eye full in their silence.

Getting ready to leave....

Some days from now, I’m taking a little trip to see my oldest son and his family.  Try as I may, there seems to be so much preparation to be gone from home.

I try to think ahead and take care of any problem that might arise from my absence, troubleshooting as best I can for the days ahead that I will not be in my normal routine.  I have perfected the packing.  I have clothing there so I don’t take much.  I can get by with just a few cosmetics.

What I think I need for the day of travel is about equal to my needs for the entire stay.  A day of travel requires a good book, a fully charged iPad, a light cover of some kind, and plenty of snacks.

As I made my preliminary list tonight, I thought about the lyrics to a song we often sing.

“Laying up my treasures in that home above
Trusting, fully trusting in the Savior's love;
Doing what I can for heaven's Holy Dove
I'm a getting ready to leave this world.”

I intend to be prepared to leave on this trip.  But more than that, my intention is to be ready to leave this world.

My leaving to see family is a few days. If nothing goes awry, I will go.

My leaving this world will be some unexpected day, maybe years ahead, maybe days, maybe moments. But I will go.  That is for certain.


“I'm getting ready to leave this world,
Getting ready for gates of pearl;
Keeping my record bright
Watching, both day and night
I'm a getting ready to leave this sinful world

Trusting in the riches of His saving grace,
In each earthly trial I His love can trace.
Sure that up in heaven I shall find a place,
I'm a getting ready to leave this world.
To prepare a mansion, Jesus said, "I'll go,
If it were not true I would have told you so,"
Just a little while to linger here below,
I'm a geting ready to leave this world.”


I’m looking forward to this visit.  I hope I leave nothing undone here that I could have done.  Yes, I’m getting ready. But, Father nudge me on, let me not leave any thing undone that You have for me to do.  I look forward to my arrival.

“…now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:16 KJV)

Hallelujah

Unpacking....

I moved every single thing out of my closet last night.  I unpacked the whole closet, with some muscle help from my husband.  I now have clothing piled up in my living room and boxes of shoes stacked in my dining area.  Packing all that back into a same sized space seemed impossible.  I have it spread out all over the place.

I’ve heard the word ‘unpack’ used to describe Bible study.   A passage of scripture can be read thru and the words understood, but when individual words and phrases are ‘unpacked’, very often new meaning and application are realized.  Study is harder than reading.  Study requires some unpacking, and we are wise to heed the advice we are given about doing it.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

I looked up the original word for study in this verse, it is ‘spoudazō’ and it means to exert one’s self, give diligent effort.

So Paul is telling us, as he is telling Timothy, that we should study, that the goal is to rightly divide the word of truth, that it is possible to be unprepared and ashamed, and that God  sees and cares whether or not we do. That is how I begin to unpack that verse.

Just as I unpack my closet, I ask myself some questions.  Who, what, where, when, why, how.

What is this, where did I get it, when will I use it, why did I keep it, who can use it, how do I dispose of it?

In unpacking scripture, those same type questions help shed light on the task of understanding and applying.

Who?
What?
When?
Where?
How?
Why?

If you want to learn better Bible study methods, I highly recommend Bible Study Fellowship.  Texarkana has a day women’s class and an evening women’s class.  I’d be happy to give you more information or point you in the right direction.   Classes start in a couple weeks and follow the school calender year.

It changed my life.

Trash or treasure.....

We have begun a remodel.  Before it’s over, everything in this house will be touched except the kitchen items, and those might be if I don’t run out of steam.  Today, I helped go thru things at my mother and daddy’s house.  Mother is in a nursing facility and Daddy spends his time going between us kids, most of that time at my middle sister’s house.  She has the advantage over the rest of us.  She has a big pond with lots of fish right out in front of her house, and my daddy does indeed like to fish.

My man and I spend two hard days at their house last year.  I went thru clothes and food and threw away several big trash bags of stuff.  Still, the small house was packed.  Today, we dug a little deeper and sifted thru drawers and closets full of all sorts of things.

The house has been uninhabited most of the last year.  Mice had packed away acorns in all sorts of places leaving behind little pellets of nastiness. It made me think of the warning we are given about what happens to an uninhabited place.

 “….it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then the evil spirit goes and takes seven other spirits more evil than itself. They go in and live there. That man is worse off than before." (Luke 11:25-26 NIrV)

We worked hard a year ago cleaning that house, but we left it empty and today, I found it in worse shape than the first go around.

I found a lot of trash again today.  Out of date food and medicines.  Melted vitamin capsules.  Dry rotted clothing.

Then I found two boxes of envelopes that would almost crumble when touched.  The box was littered with acorns and little black pellets too, but this box was not trash.  This box was treasure.  Letters.

My dad was in the army for a short while and stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington when I was born.  The letters began before my parents were married.  One box from Mother to Daddy, another box from Daddy to Mother.  I only scanned one.  I felt like I was intruding so I folded it away.

In another drawer full of paper, acorns, and little black pellets, I almost threw away a stack of school work.  My school work.  Crayon marked paper, crooked letters on Big Chief notebook paper.  I would never have expected to find anything like that.

Trash or treasure?  I suppose it depends…..

During this 60th season of my life, I am filtering thru the trash and treasure of both my childhood and my married, child-rearing life.  I see and touch so many things that have memories attached and I have to decide, is it trash or treasure?   Sometimes there’s a smile, laughter, other times a tear and great sadness.  But at the bottom of it all, is a realization of what a blessed life I have had.  Thank You Father.

“You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 The Message)

Singing a new song....

My husband was invited to share in a special service of a nearby black church.  The meeting was begun some years ago  and is held every year to honor a lady and the ‘old time religion’ she strived to preserve.  I wish now I had asked more questions.  We went because we were invited to sing, but as the service proceeded I found myself completely unfamiliar with the way things were done.

I know a lot of songs, but I found myself trying to sing along to a completely new song.  There was not a hymn book.  They was a piano, but it wasn’t used but a couple times.  There were some young girls that danced to songs that were new to me.  I purposed myself to remember the lyrics to one of them, ‘Take Me To The King’.  I was blessed to have been there but I left unsettled.  Uncomfortable.  NOT because of my black brethren but because of my own ignorance.  I had no idea how different my worship style is from theirs.  Not right or wrong.  Just different.

A few hours later, my phone lit up to remind me of the daily devotional.  God has such perfect timing and such purpose in every single thing….

“Hallelujah! Sing to GOD a brand-new song, praise him in the company of all who love him.  Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator, Zion's children exult in their King.  Let them praise his name in dance; strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because GOD delights in his people, festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!  Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they're sitting,
Shout the high praises of God, brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance--
A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations, a signal that punishment's coming,
Their kings chained and hauled off to jail, their leaders behind bars for good,
The judgment on them carried out to the letter --and all who love God in the seat of honor! Hallelujah!” (Psalm 149 The Message)

The name of the church was Mt. Zion, there were songs new to me, there were children exulting their King, there was praising Jesus in dance., and there were plain folks breaking out in praise, singing out from where they were sitting, shouting praises.

The man who brought the sermon remarked that there won’t be special heavens for Methodist, Baptist, black, or white.  Amen.  And one day we will all gather again, not at Mt. Zion church, but ON Mt. Zion, where we will join in together, singing a new song….

“I saw--it took my breath away!--the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, One Hundred and Forty-four Thousand standing there with him, his Name and the Name of his Father inscribed on their foreheads.  And I heard a voice out of Heaven, the sound like a cataract, like the crash of thunder. And then I heard music, harp music and the harpists.....

....singing a new song before the Throne…”
(Revelation 14:1-3 The Message)


Hallelujah.

A hard fall....

I have taken a couple of hard falls.  I got hit from behind by an out-of-control snow skier.  I ran over a dog while on my bicycle.  The pavement I hit wasn’t quite as soft as the snow was.

Both of those falls took me by surprise and nearly knocked me out.  I thought I was in complete control of my body, completely balanced and confident in my surroundings.  But I fell hard.

I imagine other cultures have the same issues, but this is my culture, the only one I know, the one I live in and am a part of.  This culture is in danger of a very hard fall.

Americans alive today have never known anything but freedom.  Even the poorest among us have resources to appeal to for aid.  For the most part, we call ourselves God fearing people.  I wonder just how much we are blinded to?  In a few short days I will be 60 years old.  I pretty much see black and white, and I have seen the world around me mix the two and form so many gray areas that are still just plain jet black to me.

Sexual habits.
Abortion.
Alcohol and other drug use and abuse.
Recognition and acceptance of other gods as equal to The Creator God of the universe.
I could make a long long list.

Sometimes I may sound like the wailing Jeremiah.  Certainly, as I read his words my heart cries out in agreement.

 “Jerusalem remembers the day she lost everything, when her people fell into enemy hands, and not a soul there to help. Enemies looked on and laughed, laughed at her helpless silence. Jerusalem, who outsinned the whole world, is an outcast. All who admired her despise her now that they see beneath the surface. Miserable, she groans and turns away in shame.  She played fast and loose with life, she never considered tomorrow, and now she's crashed royally, with no one to hold her hand…”(Lamentations 1:7-9 The Message)

Hundreds of years later, in 70 A.D.,  the Roman emperor Titus destroyed mighty Jerusalem.  He minted a coin to commemorate his victory, Jerusalem’s loss and his gain.  The image he used on the coin was a bowed down, grief shrouded woman.

“….. How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave.”(Lamentations 1:1 NIV)

I remember when sin was black and there was not so much whitewashing it.  I have lived to see so much ground surrendered to the enemy of our souls. At this moment, I hope I don’t live to see a hard fall that threatens what we think is so secure.  Be not deceived, if the holy city of Jerusalem fell, so also can America.  Already we have witnessed some shakings.  We have seen collapse and devastation.  Must every single one of us personally experience a devastating hard fall, or can we learn from history, both Biblical and current?

God allowed a very hard fall to His people of Jerusalem.  How dare we think we are above the same.


“But you have come to …… the heavenly Jerusalem…..to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all…..and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood…..See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.  And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN."  This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;  for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:22-29 NASB)

In some ways I am unsure about our future.  I care about those who are still on ground that can be shaken.  There is only one sure place to stand, and it is not American values, money, power, or any other such thing.  The only unshakeable place is in the Kingdom of God made possible thru Jesus the Christ.
Hallelujah.

Or else....

When I hear an authority figure use the term 'or else', I know there are consequences involved.  I know that if I don’t conform, there will be penalty.

If I get caught.

I might get by with speeding.  If radar registers me, there will likely be consequences.

I am quite familiar with the speed laws.  I am very familiar with God’s law.  Both are in place for my benefit, for personal protection and for protecting others. I might avoid a radar.  I might talk my way out of a speeding ticket.  But God can not be avoided or manipulated.

I confess that I am a sinner.  Every day is a battle.  I am given endless opportunities to choose evil over good.  Our enemy’s methods have not changed nor has he given up.  I don’t pretend to be less sinful, for I know that in God’s eyes, sin is equally ugly.  I am so very thankful that He sees the righteousness of Christ when He looks at me.

Yet, I look at the world and wonder how our Father can hold back His judgment today.  Scripture gives us history of His judgment falling on rebellious people.

“Morning after morning and long into the night I kept after you, sending you all those prophets, my servants, begging you, "Please, please--don't do this, don't fool around in this loathsome gutter of gods that I hate with a passion."  But do you think anyone paid the least bit of attention or repented of evil or quit offering sacrifices to the no-gods? Not one.   So I let loose with my anger…” (Jeremiah 44:4-6 The Message)

God speaks to us, instructs us to obey, “…or else.”

When we rebel in disobedience to God, we suffer.  Maybe immediately, maybe not.  But eventually the consequences come.  We may think we are enjoying our rebellion but be not deceived.  Judgment will come and the pleasure we thought we were having will be gone.

“…. I'll banish every sound of joy--singing, laughter, marriage festivities, genial workmen, candlelit suppers.” (Jeremiah 25:10 The Message)


I purpose to be easily taught, and easily disciplined.

Sitting in the shade....

Today the air had a bit of change in it.  The temperature was not as high, the air was not quite as heavy.   I enjoyed just sitting on the patio in the shade.  Many times I have sat and lifted my face to the suns warmth, or sat close to a fire built in the patio chiminea.  I have sat wrapped in a blanket.  Today, I sat with my Hawaiian Breeze fan blowing.

God certainly knew what He was doing when He gave us changing seasons.  When we are bitter cold, we welcome the heat.  When we are sweating in the sweltering heat, we welcome the cool.  God is good.   All the time.

It is easy and comforting to think of God’s love.  His grace and mercy are soothing, reassuring.  But we are foolish to enjoy cool breezes and warm fuzzies without recognizing God’s judgment and wrath.  He is God.  He will have His way.

“See, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire.  His breath is like a rushing torrent, rising up to the neck. He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; he places in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray.”(Isa. 30:27-28 NIV)


I admit, it is difficult for me to think about God’s wrath, about His judgment.  But those facets of His nature are as real as His love, grace, and mercy.  Our brother Peter explained it well.

 “God isn't late with his promise….. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.  But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief.…..Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?   Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arriva…..So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace.   Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation.……Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers.  Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever!”(2 Peter 3:9-18 The Message)

It is right to bask in the warmth of His love, it is right to enjoy the cool breezes He sends, those that bring refreshment to our weary souls.

But never without recognizing His sovereignty.
He is God.
And we are not.

Wake up....

I am very sensitive to medications.  A simple Tylenol makes me sleepy.  After a medical procedure where anesthesia is involved, it seems to take days and days for me to really wake up and stay alert.  Oh, I wake up in the recovery room, but I stay groggy.  I can’t fathom why anyone likes a drugged and numb feeling.

I’ve read the advice of the Wisdom Writer in Proverbs often.

 “Those who spend too much time with wine. Or those who like to taste wine that is mixed with spices.  Don't look at wine when it is red. Don't look at it when it bubbles in the cup. And don't look at it when it goes down smoothly.   In the end it bites like a snake. It bites like a poisonous serpent.  Your eyes will see strange sights. Your mind will imagine weird things.   You will feel like someone sleeping on the ocean. You will think you are lying among the ropes in a boat.   "They hit me," you will say. "But I'm not hurt! They beat me. But I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" (Proverbs 23:30-35 NIrV)

Medications and anesthesia are a blessing and necessary.  I am especially  thankful for them when I have to have a surgical procedure, but I want as little of it as possible.  I want to be awake and alert. Being groggy and grouchy about it, I wonder in what other ways I might not be fully awake and alert.  Scripture also speaks to us about that very thing.

“But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God.   The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed.   We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight.  Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!”(Romans 13:11-14 The Message)

Am I awake?  Or am I sedated, lulled into passivity, unaware of the precious moments passing by?  I fear I have dozed off and wasted some precious time.  Rest is needed.  Physical and spiritual.  But there is a time when we need to wake up and get up.  There are things to do and people to see.

 I purpose to heed the words spoken to the church  of Sardis in the Revelation,.

“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die……..I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.  Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says…” (Revelation 3:2-6 NIV)