Interactive God

I feel like I'm getting a new lesson from the Lord about His activity and engagement in our lives. As I'm reading through the Old Testament, I am not struck as much by the "Old Testament God" people talk of - who is supposed to be harsh and unyeilding. Instead, I am struck again and again by the Lord's tender heart for His people, His mercy and His closeness and presence in their lives.

Here's a demonstration of that:

"In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' "" 2 Kings 20:1-6 (NIV)

I loved reading this. I have heard several really good teachings on the few example stories there are in the Bible of God's mind being changed by His people. For today's purposes, I have zero desire to broach that subject at all. My point is, regardless of the specific context of the story, the thing I am struck by in the message is that He is close at hand, present and affected by our bitter weeping. Even typing that and letting it really sink in brings tears to my own eyes...He is a present King!

I'm not sure there needs to be more explanation than just that. If you ever feel like God is distant, as if He doesn't hear you, or isn't responding to your prayers, be corrected by this scripture. Hezekiah's heart was His, and He was Hezekiah's Lord & Master. But, moreover, He was and is the "I AM" for whom there is no words; He leads, He rules, and in a way that we can neither fully understand nor articulate, He loves. And love is an action. And His love is active. Today. Right now. He is by your side. Don't doubt it. He's here.

A Specific Word

While I'd love to be able to quote a concise few verses here for you today, the basis for today's writing is actually two full chapters of the Bible. So, on your own, I'll encourage you to read 2 Kings 18 & 19; it tells quite a great story!

There's some potentially important nuance to the story, but the short version (and basis for my writing today) is this: The king of Assyria, Sennacherib, comes to those guarding Jerusalem and basically says, "You're fools for depending on the Lord. He can't save you from us; we're powerful! Don't listen to Hezekiah. Come join our side!" He goes onto say that the Lord has actually instructed him (Sennacherib) to destroy Hezekiah & his people. It's a lie, but it's effective.... the people are afraid. And Hezekiah, it seems, is confused and afraid.

However, Hezekiah goes to the Lord directly in prayer, and also sends some of his staff to see the prophet Isaiah on the matter. To make a long story short, Isaiah comes back with a specific and clear word for Hezekiah, and the long and short of it is: Sennacherib is full of it, and he's messed with the wrong people. I'm gonna make him very, very sorry. The Lord even promises to defend the city Himself, saying He will save it and defend it.

Wow!

For me, this was a powerful reminder. God does get involved in our personal lives when we let Him. Needless to say (I hope!), God kills Sennacherib through his own sons and further sends death to 185,000 in the Assyrian camp. Yeah, he messed with the wrong God. As I wrote about last week, God is searching for those of us whose hearts are fully committed to Him, and He wants to prove Himself strong on our behalf!

This story relayed an important thing to my heart: God can, will and does speak specific words over specific scenarios in our lives. It's not all over-quoted platitudes about general wellness, leading and grace. Please know that I do not intend to undervalue these broader promises; they are the foundation for all of His promises and much of my own faith! At the same time, there is a different part of my heart that is encouraged to see yet another example of Him getting down and dirty in the details. Hezekiah loved the Lord, and he followed Him in earnest. An enemy (the enemy!) came to call and threaten, and when Hezekiah sought His hand, the Lord came in and whooped up on Sennacherib. End of the day, that's the story. End of the day, that's the point.

He is right here, as close as the air we breathe, and He is more than ready to get involved in the details of our lives. Invite Him in, and make room for Him to work. He may just have a specific promise for YOU!

To Show Himself Strong

I'm nearly certain I've written about this specific verse before, but the Lord has brought it back into focus for me, and shown me a new way to see it...so, I'm sharing with you!

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NLT)

The portion of this verse that has newly struck a chord in my heart is in the middle: "to show Himself strong."

What does that mean? I've been meditating on and praying about that very question for a few days now. What does it mean?

What would it mean if my brother showed up to "show himself strong" on my behalf? Well, it'd mean a few things, but somehow, the immediate visual I get includes big muscles, powerful punches and protection. It might involve pushing through a crowd, grabbing my hand and pulling me through the confusion. It might mean stepping in when I'm hurting, and putting aside his own stuff to just lend a shoulder upon which to cry.

Can you see your tender Savior stepping in to do the same for you, my friend? I can... it's a lovely thing. And what's more is that the scripture says He doesn't just do this reluctantly or when we're in a jam. No, His eyes run to and fro, and He is looking for you & I. He is looking for hearts fully committed to Him, and that's it. We just have to love Him the way He told us to...with all our hearts, our souls and our minds. And He is ready, willing, able and eager to PROVE Himself strong. Give Him a chance to show off today; let Him love on you. And praise His holy name for a heart willing to be here, for me, any moment...proving His strength and mercy.

Together in Prayer

Matthew 18:19-20 is a familiar passage to many of us:

"Again I say to you, if tow of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them."

I, personally, have always thought about this verse within the context of church. I've thought about tiny Bible studies and small prayer gatherings, and been grateful to know that Jesus gathered there with those praying, and that the Father listened just as intently to their prayers as those lifted up by large groups.

The picture I had in my mind about this particular verse tonight, though, was something different and new...and it gave me a rush of gratitude in a whole new way.

I thought of worried parents, huddling together in prayer waiting for a child who should have been home for curfew hours ago. I thought of siblings, kneeling together at the foot of a sick mother's bed, praying over her sickness and physical body. And I thought of a newlywed couple, bowing together at the altar, seeking God's direction as they build their new life together.

With these scenes passing through my mind, I was humbled anew at God's gracious and spacious love for us. Friends, as we gather together - in moments of fear and grief, as well as in moments of adoration, gratitude and praise, Jesus is there with us. I can just picture Him laying hands on the bowed heads of that couple, praying with us, praying with them, that the Father's hand of guidance and favor would be on their lives. The thought brings tears to my eyes.

God's ways of answering prayer are sometimes hard for me to understand, but I believe He hears and answers, in His way and in His time, each one. If you've ever doubted His tender ear's attention to your words, remember that, when you join with another in the agreement of prayer, the two or three of you are always joined by one more. Hallelujah...

Think on This...

So, today, I got a little sucked into a bit of historical information, and my experience around that is the source for today's post.

I'd heard in a sermon recently that, apparently, Haitian leaders in the late 1700s had made a rather well documented pact with the devil, promising Haiti into Satan's hands for 200 years if he (and other voodoo "gods") would deliver freedom from the French.

Rather than getting into all the ins and outs of the story (and the various debates surrounding it), I will stay focused on my topic for today.

I started reading about this, and then DID get into all the details and debates and stories that intertwine contemporary Haitian history and politics with a pact made just over 200 years ago, and so on and so forth. My intention in doing this research was not only simple self-edification, but also to equip myself for prayer against the evil things plaguing the greatly-struggling Haiti of today.

However, as a creepy feeling of dis-ease began to settle over me, I realized that the graphic gore and description of the associated rituals, voodoo practices and beliefs had begun to saturate my mind as I was reading.

I had to stop.

I put away and closed down each source of information, and I turned to the best weapons I know to wield: prayer & scripture.

Most immediate in my mind was this verse, which I find to be perfectly appropriate:

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

There are verses to reference and prayers to be said for Haiti as well, regardless of its history, but first and foremost, I had to secure my own head-space. It seems like the perfect "in" for a spiritual attack, if you ask me.

So, here is what I used to fill my head; it's one of my favorites. I will close with this passage; let it fill you as you read. As you'll see, I found it to be equally appropriate for both my own filling and as a promise for ALL of those who turn their hearts to the Lord, in Haiti or anywhere else!

Isaiah 61 (NIV)

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.

Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.

Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.

"For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.

Boldness Please

I'm doing a very careful reading of Acts for a class I'm in right now, and I am learning so much and being enriched in so many ways. If you haven't, I'd encourage all to take some time to slowly dig into this amazing book of the Bible!

The story that has inspired me to day is in Acts 4. Please read it for yourself, but in lieu of that, here is a short synopsis: the leaders of the Jewish religious and legal community of the day bring Peter & John in to figure out how to challenge and condemn them after they perform a miraculous healing in the name of Jesus. They're essentially stumped for the short term, but send John & Peter away with a command to stop preaching and healing in the name of Jesus.

What happens next is truly awe-inspiring! Peter & John return to their friends and fellow believers, they retell what has happened, and the church breaks into fervent, scriptural prayer. The last recorded words of their prayer are these:

"And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”" Acts 4:2 9-30 (NLT).

My prayer for today is that when I am faced with challenges and attack, the prayers of my heart will follow the same pattern as what is shared here. I ask that I would desire further boldness and that I would pursue more glory for your name, Lord...no matter what the cost!

Quick Fixes

Sometimes, I can become fairly easily overwhelmed and discouraged by the ways in which God works. From an objective and reasoned place, I do absolutely trust and believe that His ways are perfect and, furthermore, in my own life, I have absolutely seen that His paths and plans work far better than my own ever could!

At the same time, I sometimes would really like a quick fix. I'd like for grief to have melted away to a balmy acceptance years later; I would prefer for healing to be a clear straight line... always improving, and never been caught off guard by the discovery of a new wounded place. I'd like it to work that way sometimes. Or at least I think I would.

I also acknowledge that, if God did always work that way (because sometimes, He does), I'd never appreciate the journey. And I'd miss all the important "scenery" along the way. A wave of God's magic "wand" might seem like an attractive option, but, in truth, I'd not know so much of what I've learned about the journey of redemption and restoration. Jesus spent years forming the single act that changed the entire universe; I suppose I ought to take a cue from that. Could He have descended and done it all in a 10 minute window? I'm sure He could have! But He didn't! I think it's reasonable to assume that the reason is that there's purpose in the journey. Purpose in the building, and sometimes, in the tearing away.

I am grateful God is God and that I am not. I am grateful that Jesus willingly, lovingly and patiently sits on the throne of my life. And I am reminding myself and all who read these words that His ways are perfect. His path may seem long, but He's mapped it the way He has for a reason, and the reason is for your good and mine. I surrender to that, and I submit to His ways. Sometimes I need a reminder, but I'm glad He is only a heartbeat away when I need them!

His Ways

I came across an interesting gem of a story in the scriptures today, one I don't remember hearing before... Here's a quick summary:

Naaman comes to Elisha, the prophet in Israel, looking for a cure for his leprosy. Elisha hears that he's coming, and sends a messenger telling Naaman to wash himself seven times in the Jordan river, and that this will heal his leprosy.

Naaman, however, is upset by this action from Elisha. Scripture says, "But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage." 2 Kings 5:9-12 (NIV)

Thankfully, Naaman had some servants who challenged his anger, and encouraged him to take Elisha's advise. They reminded him that, if the prophet had told Naaman to do something "great," he would have done it...so why not something more simple? Naaman heeds their advice, washes in the Jordan as instructed and is healed.

It's not immediately clear to me the exact emotions behind Naaman's anger; his response seems to indicate he was offended by being bet with a messenger, rather than the prophet himself. However, he also indicates that he'd expected a lot more flourish and show.

I had to smile to myself as I read. How many times have I been able to relate to Naaman's experience here? In the many instances in which I approached God, asking for His intervention, there have also been many times during which I have nearly missed (and surely, sometimes, missed) His hand at work because I'd been expecting one thing, and He'd chosen to do another.

Isaiah 55:9 says "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (NIV)

Yep, that sounds about right.

The end of the Naaman story in 2 Kings 5 is also important, I believe. In verse 15, after he's been healed, "...Naaman and all his attendants went back to [Elisha]. He stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. Please accept now a gift from your servant.""

Naaman clearly sees how wrong he was, and in this verse (and those following), he undertakes acts and offers of humility; he gets that he missed the mark.

There's hope in this story for me. I miss the mark all the time. Sometimes it's in ways such as this; sometimes its in other ways. The good news is that we can always turn back around, acknowledge our wrongs, seek humble amends and then keep walking forward in assurance of God's love and grace.

I learned something from Naaman today; I hope you did too!

As for me...

A few words I needed to hear today...

Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing praises to your name. (2 Samuel 22:50)

Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts. (1 Chronicles 16:9)

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness
and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. (Psalm 7:17)

I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:2)

Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done. (Psalm 9:11)

Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name. (Psalm 18:49)

Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength;
we will sing and praise your might. (Psalm 21:13)

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name. (Psalm 30:4)

My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed. (Psalm 71:23)

As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob. (Psalm 75:9)

Praise the LORD.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him! (Psalm 147:1)

He says,
"I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." (Hebrews 2:12)

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)

Like me, you may notice that there seems to be some consistent direction given here. I'm choosing not to brush that off; this is a message to us all. Have you spent any time singing praise to your Father today?

Expectation

I had a cool, albeit small, experience I'd like to share...

There are certain changes in myself I've been praying about, gifts I'd like to see manifest and become a real, active, daily part of my life. I was praying about this stuff the other day, and felt the nudge of the Spirit ask me what I was waiting for...

Consider this passage:

""I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:23-24 (NIV)

Now, I felt like the direction I was getting was the same type directly communicated in these verses. The missing element wasn't God's unwillingness to grow my heart and character, to gift me spiritually. The missing element was my belief.

I chose in that moment to expect what I was asking for, to know it was being given to me...right then, right there.

I'm telling you, friends, change was evident and immediate.

Sometimes the "mysteries of God" allow me to put the facts of His grace, His faithfulness and His constancy out of my immediate view. His word is absolute. I chose to believe Him, and He showed up, just as He said He would.

It was a lesson to me, and I'm already on the lookout for application in other areas of my life. I wonder, what things might we waiting for me that God is letting sit, waiting only on my willingness to receive wholeheartedly? What is He holding in promise for my life? What about for yours?

The Thing that Makes the Difference

There are certain projects that require specific tools. I simply cannot bore a hole into a thick piece of metal without the proper drill... There are other jobs, however, that afford one more leeway. If I want to get a nail into the wall, I can use a hammer. But, I can also use the back cover of a heavy book, the heel of my shoe or any variety of other things I may have lying around. Perhaps we might all agree, however, that certain equipment will make a job easier than it would be with less well-suited tools.

So, let's extend this metaphor to life. Paul wrote to Timothy that, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Yes, all scripture (catch that? all...) is useful. And it is through its application that men and women may be thoroughly equipped. To me, I think there are few relevant view-points here. For starters, it is true that sometimes one can look to the wisdom of the world and find the same solution or answer one might find if searching scripture. If I have a challenging relationship at work, a kind and reasonable counselor might tell me to rely on my heart, or my feelings for guidance. And, in a feat that on some days seems truly remarkable, my feelings might actually get me to the same spot the Word would. I might decide to respond kindly to this coworker, because the conflict created otherwise isn't appealing. In the end, maybe I come to the same conclusion.

However, I need only quickly review my own history to find convincing evidence that my feelings and instincts, however well-meaning, are often misguided and unreliable. I have done what "felt" right or "seemed" smart in the eyes of the world many, many times only to have it end poorly. Yet, when I have searched scripture & let the Holy Spirit lead my actions, I have never (really, never!) regretted it.

I think about all the complexities of life, the pain of life's seasons and trials, many of which are completely beyond our control. And I wonder how the "me" of a former life (before Jesus) would have responded to the things I see in my world today; in truth, I can only guess and it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that I know His guidance and the leading of His word and Spirit are the turning point, each and every time. He will lead me, and that is good every time!

Announcement: Publishing Schedule

Just a quick FYI - we'll be publishing on weekdays only from here on out! :) See you Monday!

Friendship

I had an experience today that provoked me to stop and remember just how valuable our friendships are. I absolutely believe that our God, a God of relationship, must have put special love into His design for Godly friendship.

From His word:

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV)

A friend of mine had a scary incident today, and reached out for some support. I was so honored and glad to be available in her moment of worry and fear. The situation resolved well, but did leave me thinking. Where would I be without the friends in my life today and in years passed that have meant so much to me? I am grateful to say that there have been few times in my memory during which I was one of those who had no one to help me up. The Lord has been faithful in providing me always with a friend to help me when I fall.

As has been my experience of God's principles and precepts, being a part of them in any role is always beneficial. In this context, that means that it's good to be not only the one receiving help from a friend, but also the friend helping another. I find that both are gratifying, and on any given day, I am certain God smiles down on us as we live out His love for the people in our lives.

For me, it's an encouragement to remember that part of His designs includes being there for our friends. On some days, I feel like this is some of the most important ministry work I undertake. So, as we go into our weekends, let's all remember how much being a real friend can me - and maybe even take time to thank someone who's been that friend we needed in that challenging moment or season. It gets talked about a lot, but I'm hoping to overcome the cynical feeling of "Oh yeah, that's trite" and instead put enough time, heart and energy into really appreciating and valuing my friends today. I trust it will bless not only them, but me as well! God's plans work like that; it's a wonderful thing!

Vantage Point

"Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:10-12

Each and every one of us has bad days. Yesterday, one of the computer systems over which I have purview crashed, I hadn't gotten enough sleep, my head ached all day and I was cold. All I wanted to do was to go home and sleep, and yet, even after I was off work, I had commitments I needed to fulfill - and they ended up going longer than anticipated. I got home late, tired and stressed.

Yet, even in the midst of what really amounts to nothing more than a "bummer" day, I am utterly convinced of the reasons for gratitude and joy, and not just it spite of the bad day. This verse (and the many, many other like it - praise God!) remind me of the necessity of looking at life with His eyes and from the vantage point of His kingdom and the big picture.

I look at my life before I decided to let Jesus have His way with my heart, and I can't deny that, yes, there was wailing. There was the modern day equivalent of sackcloth and oh-so-much grief, sadness and mourning. My heart felt nearly dead for many years.

Do I still have occasion for grief, sadness and mourning in my life? Yes, of course. But when I look at the scope of my entire life, and the landscape of my heart as a whole, I have joy. I dance and I sing. It is these facts of which I hope to never lose sight. And I have found that when I keep my eyes pointed toward Him, no cruddy morning can take them from my sights. And I'm oh-so-grateful!

Amazing Faith

The seventh chapter of Luke opens with a story that is among my favorites in the gospels, and a source of much recent inspiration for me.

I encourage you to read the story for yourself, but the short version is that a man comes to Jesus, asking Him to come heal one of his valued servants. Before they get all the way to the man's house, however, the man balks and tells Jesus that he (the man) isn't worthy of Jesus' presence in his home.

The man goes on to say to Jesus, "I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."" Luke 7:7b-8 (NIV), emphasis mine

Now, here's the good part: "When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."" Luke 7:9 (NIV)

I don't know about you, but I definitely want to take a lesson from the man whose faith amazed Jesus. Hello! Amazing to JESUS?!? Um, yes please!

So, I started taking a look at my own faith and the times, places and situations in which it shows up outwardly & inwardly. And I started looking at this situation. What's similar about the ways in which I sometimes believe? What's different?

Here's what I realized.

God has been pushing me and teaching me a lot over the last year about believing Him for His promises to me - promises found both in the Bible, and also those specific ones He's made to my heart through the Holy Spirit. And I have gratefully come a long way. In the instance of this story, however, the man approaches the Lord without any pre-existing promise specifically related to the topic of his ailing servant. If anything, he may come with the foundation of promises that tell us that our prayers are heard, and that God will respond to us. So, at least so far, that is part of what I've realized makes the faith of this man so amazing.

He comes with a new boldness. Although I do not mean to diminish my own journey in believing, I must admit that things for which I've been learning to believe Him haven't been particularly remarkable. So far (and it IS a journey I've only just begun in so many ways!), I've come into a place of learning to believe Him for the things He's said. Truthfully, this isn't all that remarkable. If my friend says, "I'll meet you at 3:30," I expect to see her at 3:30. When my co-worker says, "I will bring that in to lend to you," I am not surprised when she brings it in to share with me. This is the kind of belief I, personally, have had to work on with God. In essence, His word has said, "I've got this thing I'm going to do" and "Here are the things I'm going to take care of" and I've had to get to the place of simply believing He'd do the things He says He will do - specifically.

So, my suspicion for the next lesson for me is that God's ready to work on getting me to believe Him for my requests, whether He's explicitly affirmed them or not. Now, don't get me wrong; I am certain that there are some parameters that are in play here. I know there is abundant commentary on such things, and I'm sure I'll delve into some of that in my own study at some point, but for today, I'm just looking at the path ahead and taking in the view.

So, for now, I'm just realizing that God's plans for me include not only the faith I've built with Him so far (and it's amazing to me!), but also so much more. He is good, and I am SO grateful that His view is wider and greater and far above my own! So, here's to the next leg of the journey! I can't wait!

Wilderness with Purpose

"And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not." Deuteronomy 8:2 (ESV)

I think we all go through various times one might consider a wilderness. Not to over extend an often-over-extended metaphor, but I think these wildernesses can be entire chapters in our lives, or, sometimes, just a part of a week. I know I've had even parts of a single day that felt a wilderness like for me.

What I love about the verse about (which may seem like an odd verse to "love") is the reminder of the purpose in it. Even the Israelites who wandered in the literal desert for forty years (talk about a season!) were brought to that place for a reason. Perhaps it was their own rebellion as a people that brought them to the place in which they needed saving, but truly, even then, God redeemed the time. He used it to test them, to refine them. I know that, at least for me, the idea of being tested by God isn't immediately met with a big "yay!," but in truth, I do want God's testing to come, because 1) it's the way I learn and grow and 2) it's His will working and whittling away at the dross in my life.

So, for today, especially in my few-hour "wildernesses," I am going to be grateful for a God who uses the uncomfortable predicaments into which I may lead myself. I am grateful for a to a God who takes what seems like it could have been counted as loss and restores it with intention. When I remember that it is into His hands that I must commit my journey, crossing the deserts of my life becomes much easier. Thank God for that!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is...

Second Corinthians 3:17 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Talk about a promise. I can rely on that word: where His Spirit is (which, really, just means where I invite in the Spirit & make room for His presence), I can count on freedom.

I think there's another possible application for this verse as well. When I consider the lives of those around me and my relationships, I can give them the gift of freedom more easily when I let th Spirit run the show. I know that, for me personally, I sometimes want to try to control others in my life. I want them to do what I want, prioritize the way I do, or respond in a certain way to the things I say and do. Yet, there isn't love in those desires; it's control. While one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:32), I think this extends into this idea of freedom quite well. I can release my loved ones into being who they are, fully and freely, when I remember that my root is in Him. When His Spirit guides my day, I am able to better embrace others - just as they are, and also to stand steady myself, regardless of how others receive me.

I think that's the essence of true freedom on this earth in many ways. And I am not only grateful for the option to live into it, but also thankful for the reminder that, on tough days, the path from "here" to that place of freedom is all about letting His Spirit guide the way. God is good; I just have to let Him do what He does best.

Promises Kept

I came across a verse I had as a "favorite" a while ago... I'd sort of forgotten about it. While part of me has a moment of "oh no, don't forget these verses!," I am more amazed by the realization that there are so many verses like this in the Bible, I can forget some of the individual instances.

The verse:

"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Numbers 23:19 (NIV)

The main point, as I read it, is "Hey, this is GOD we're talking about here. He's not going to bail on you, change His mind or flake out on ya. He promises and He delivers. Every time."

And I don't know about you, but I need reminders fo that fact again and again and again. Somehow, I manage to almost forget that so often! I call it the "pea brain syndrome." My little human "pea brain" simply cannot grasp the enormity of the concept of a truly faithful God, without fail, without wavering. His steadfastness is truly beyond my reach in so many ways.

In any case, He is who He says He is. And He DOES do what He says He'll do. Every time.

He's not like you & me. (Thankfully!)

So, I am reminding myself today that the promises He makes are kept... this includes the promises in scripture, but it also includes the tested & tried words He's spoken directly to me. The Bible reminds us that we're to test all things and retain the good, but once we have clear confirmation, we can count on God, 100%. No ifs, no buts... just YES. Yes yes yes. He is faithful - beyond my pea brained imagination, and I am SO grateful!

Baggage at the Cross

I had this mental image yesterday that I want to share with you all. It came to me while I was thinking in the context of new believers, so let's start there.

The image is a simple one... it's people burdened and weary walking up to the cross and unloading the luggage they've been carrying... some have heavy backpacks and are dragging along a suitcase or two behind them. Some have heavy, old trunks, clearly packed full that are strapped to their back; they can barely stand under the weight.

Each walks timidly at first up to the cross and sets his or her load down at the ground. For some of them, it's clearly painful and difficult just to take it off their backs; it's probably been there a long time. There are so many things they've been holding onto. They finally have somewhere to lay it all down.

Once they're finished shedding their excess burdens, there is an amazing transformation. Some leap and jump with joy. Some fall to their knees, weeping in gratitude. And some, (I think I would have been one of these) simply stand there, a little stunned and unsure of what to do, but light is around them and their countenance has changed. They are at the beginning of a special journey.

The reason this image stood out so much to me was 1) I think I need reminding, often, that this is what I'm invited to do and what I have done (once and for all!) at the cross. I can run back up there, pick up my load and trudge around for awhile if I really want to... but I DID lay those things down a long time ago. And 2) I find new things. The jacket I thought was keeping me warm turns out to be full of pockets, each one stuffed with old garbage. When I find these things, I can stick them back in my pocket and continue to wander, or I can turn back toward the cross (It is always right next to me) and put them down, leaving them for Jesus to tend forever.

Remember that you, too, have a choice. Each and every day. Each and every burden. We do not have to carry them alone. In fact, we don't have to carry them at all!