Speed bumps!

 Our neighborhood Target is remodeling and has parked dozens of semi truck containers across the drive from the store. In what I’m sure is an effort to keep the construction workers safe, they also installed a larger than normal speed bump on the entryway into the parking lot. They put up a stop sign on either side to make sure you cross the speed bump at a very slow speed otherwise you risk damaging your car. Yes, it’s that big!

My first trip over the bump included displeasure and strained credulity (look it up!) over the necessity of the mountain in my path. It rattled all the loose items in my van! I now go out of my way to avoid that speed bump! I know there is a purpose for these instruments of torture, I mean, traffic calming measures (really?). Here is what the Automobile Association says: “Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps are designed to slow traffic down and are usually used in residential or busy pedestrian areas. Successful speed limits should be self-enforcing through both good road design and clear signs. Traffic calming measures like humps and bumps can help enforce lower speed limits.” Needless to say, I’m not the only driver avoiding the main, direct entry to the store’s parking lot. I guess the speed bump has achieved its purpose.

The Automobile Association gives some advice for navigating those annoying speed bumps. “How should I drive over speed bumps? Slowly. Driving over speed bumps too fast can potentially cause damage to your car.  If you drive over them slowly, you shouldn’t see any damage to your car at all, but over time, regularly driving over cushions (speed bumps, traffic calming measures) can increase the wear on the inner shoulder of your tires. Take the time to check your tires every now and then.” Sound advice, don’t you think?

If the purpose of a speed bump is to slow us down, proceeding with caution, then there are “speed bumps” in every part of life, aren’t there? Railroad crossings, stop signs, traffic lights, posted “Rules of the pool”, dietary restraints, classroom procedures, family household rules, and on and on and on. Each speed bump is designed to keep us from doing something that could cause harm to ourselves, our lives or others. They are boundaries for living safely and wisely.

God placed a “speed bump” in Eden. Genesis 2:15- 17 “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, ‘You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 EXCEPT the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.’” Navigation of that speed bump - failure! All of mankind is still dealing with the damage caused by that one!

Then God gave Moses and the Israelites the ten commandments in Deuteronomy 5:6 - 21 saying “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” (Vs 6)

1. You shall have no other gods before me. (Vs 7)
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image. (Vs 8)
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (Vs 11)
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (Vs 12)
5. Honor your father and your mother. (Vs 16)
6. You shall not murder. (Vs 17)
7. You shall not commit adultery. (Vs 18)
8. You shall not steal. (Vs 19)
9. You shall not bear false witness. (Vs 20)
10. You shall not covet. (Vs 21)

For centuries these commandments (laws) have caused people to stumble. We either don’t want to follow the command (which is rebellion) or we don’t fully appreciate the consequences enough to avoid breaking them. Speed bump navigation -  failure each time we break a commandment.

Hundreds of years after Moses, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a stone that causes people to stumble, a “speed bump” if you will, in Isaiah 8:14 “… a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall,” That stone is The Lord Almighty, “the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear (or reverence), he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place (a sacred, indestructible shelter for those who fear and trust Him).” And in the very next chapter Isaiah foretells the birth of Jesus, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

More than seven hundred years later, Jesus was born fulfilling every one of the prophecies about his coming, including the stumbling. The religious leaders of his time questioned his teachings, his methods, and his authority to do what he did (Mark 11:27- 12:12) They tried to discredit him but in the end, they could only kill him, fulfilling yet another prophecy (Isaiah 53).

The commandments given through Moses thousands of years ago still hold the power to bless and preserve our lives. When we keep and follow the commands, they carry the promise that when we “do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, it will go well with us” (Deuteronomy 6:18) and we will be able to do the good things God planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) These are the actions that promote peace, rest and health.  If we could just slow down and appreciate the reason for these speed bumps, we could all find peace and quit damaging our lives because we failed to navigate the “speed bump” properly. 

After Moses taught the commandments to the Israelites he told them, “In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’ 21 “Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. 22 The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. 23 He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had sworn to give our ancestors. 24 And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. 25 For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.’ Deuteronomy 6:20 - 25

Romans 9:33 from The Message says it this way; “Careful! I’ve put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can’t get around. But the stone is me (Jesus)! If you’re looking for me, you’ll find me on the way, not in the way.”

God knows us and understands our questions of “why?”. He knows we are self-centered and lack compliance by nature. He knows we hate rules and have trouble believing His promises.

The Meaning of the Stone

Isaiah 28:16-17 MSG “But the Master, God, has something to say to this:

‘Watch closely. I’m laying a foundation in Zion, a solid granite foundation, squared and true.

And this is the meaning of the stone: a trusting life won’t topple.

I’ll make justice the measuring stick and righteousness the plumb line for the building.

A hailstorm will knock down the shantytown of lies, and a flash flood will wash out the rubble.’”

God’s speed bumps have true purpose, to bring us life and not harm. His ways give hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Righteousness (doing things the right way, following the rules, slowing down for the speed bumps and precautions) only comes by faith and believing in the reason for the rules. We can be doers of the rules, living in legalism, but have grumbling hearts which robs us of the joy of fulfilling the law! God wants us to know His purpose for the commands, rules, laws, boundaries - to bless us and preserve our lives. He loves us so much, He sent Jesus to be the stone that is to be found, through faith and trust, and not just an annoyance. “And the one who believes in him (Jesus) will never be put to shame.” Romans 9:33 NIV

Isaiah 26:7 & 8 NLT “But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. 8 Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.”

I hope the next time I encounter a speed bump I’ll remember it was placed there to protect me, my car, and the people around me from harm. I might even enjoy the journey!

Song: Faithful Then, Faithful Now

Vertical Worship - Faithful Now (Live)

In case you’d like more information about Speed Bumps - Automobile Association Article: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/speed-bumps#:~:text=Traffic%20calming%20measures%20such%20as%20speed%20bumps%20are,and%20bumps%20can%20help%20enforce%20lower%20speed%20limits.

I'm Supposed to do WHAT??????

The story of Moses is an amazing tale of God's protection and direction. Moses, born to an enslaved Israelite family, was spared miraculously from the infanticide of male children that was being used to "control" the slave population in Egypt. Discovered floating down the Nile river by the daughter of the king of Egypt, Moses was snatched from the waters and adopted into the king's family. His mother was employed to nurture him until he was weaned and then he was given to the king's daughter to raise. As a young man, Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating one of the Israelites only to discover that the Israelite didn't appreciate his help. The king found out about the killing and tried to kill Moses, so Moses ran for the hills - literally.  He married the daughter of a Midianite priest after defending her and her six sisters from shepherds that tried to chase them from the well as they watered their flocks. (Recognizing any pattern here? Moses the defender of justice.)

Moses seemed to be happy living in Midian working for his father-in-law.  But God saw what was happening to His people, the Israelites, in Egypt and remembered His promise to Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob. So, while Moses was tending his father-in-law's flock, God sent the angel of the Lord who appeared to Moses as a bush on fire to get his attention.  When God called to Moses from the bush, Moses answered, "Here I am." (Exodus 3:4) God declared it a holy place and told Moses "Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground." (vs. 5) In this holy place, God shared His plan to use Moses to rescue His people from the torturous hands of the Egyptians. 

"God said, 'I've taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I've heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of Egypt, get them out of that country and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I've seen for myself how cruelly they're being treated by the Egyptians. It's time for you to go back: I'm sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.'" (Ex. 3:7-10 MSG)

It's at this point that Moses starts down the road of doubt.  "Why me?" (vs.11)  Moses makes excuses and arguments about his abilities and qualifications to be a leader. God reassures him "I will be with you." (vs. 12) He even gives Moses the promise of proof. "This will be the proof that I am sending you: After you lead the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship me on this mountain." (vs. 12) The very mountain on which Moses was having this conversation was going to be the place of worship to seal the deal! 

Moses said, "Okay, I'll tell them ‘The God of your fathers sent me to you.' But what if they ask me ‘What is his name?’ Who do I say you are?" The Israelites understood who the God of their fathers is. That alone would have been enough but Moses wanted stronger proof.  God told him "'I AM WHO I AM' When you go to the people of Israel, tell them, 'I AM sent me to you'" (vs. 14)  From that time on, God was to be known as I AM (vs. 15) 

God even gave Moses the strategy by which to convince the people. He told Moses, "The older leaders will listen to you. And then you and the older leaders of Israel will go to the king of Egypt (Pharaoh) and tell him." (vs.18) God also told Moses that the king would resist and not let them leave. "Only a great power will force him to let you go, so I will strike Egypt with all the miracles that will happen in that land. After I do that, he will let you go. I will cause the Egyptians to think well of  the Israelites. So when you leave,  they will give gifts to your people. Each woman should ask her Egyptian neighbor and any Egyptian woman living in her house for gifts - silver, gold, and clothing. You should put those gifts on your children when you leave Egypt. In this way you will take with you the riches of the Egyptians." (vvs 19 - 22) What an amazing promise! 

Now, mind you, Moses is having this conversation with a TALKING, burning bush that will not be consumed and still he doubts. God gave Moses even more signs of proof that it was God Almighty talking to him.  “Throw down the staff in your hand.”  It turned into a snake and when Moses picked it back up again it turned back into a staff.  “Put your hand inside your cloak.” When Moses pulled his hand out it was leprous like snow. “Put it back into your cloak,” and when he took it out again, it was restored.  (Exodus 4:1 - 7) God gave Moses a plan and an instrument, his staff to perform miraculous signs with, for proving his call to the people. God had provided everything Moses needed to carry the message of deliverance to the Israelites. But Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” God replied “Who gave man a mouth to speak, ears to hear and eyes to see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”  

I guess we shouldn't be too hard on Moses. It has not been my experience to converse with a burning bush, but there have been times that I knew God was speaking to me and I had some of the same arguments with Him that Moses did.  "God, are you sure? I'm really not qualified."  "What if they don't believe me or accept what I'm saying?” “Can't you use someone else?" Etc...... In reality, God told Moses I AM has come down to help His people, pry them loose, get them out and bring them to a good land.  All God was asking Moses to do was give them and Pharaoh the message. (Ex. 3:8-10) God never expected Moses to do the rescuing, just the telling. God would do the rest! He would even help Moses and teach him what to say but Moses asked for a “pass”.

The saddest part of the story to me happens in the next verse, Exodus 4:13 “But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Can you imagine God’s heartbreak at this response? After all God had done for Moses and all the ways He had proven that He saw, valued and prepared him, Moses says “Please send someone else.” 

“Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, ‘What about your brother, Aaron the Levite?” Exodus 4:14. God didn’t change His rescue plan for the Israelites, just the messenger. Moses didn’t give up his job of carrying God’s message, just his audience.  “You (Moses) shall speak to him (Aaron) and put words in his mouth.  I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.” (Vvs 15 & 16)

Even though they had a rocky start, God’s story of deliverance for the Israelites from Egypt went just as He said. God used Moses and Aaron to demonstrate the power of God to Pharaoh through ten plague events that only God could have orchestrated, Exodus 7 - 12.  The Israelites followed the Lord’s commands given to Moses and Aaron, Exodus 12:28.  Pharaoh gladly released them “take your flocks and herds as you have said and go.” Exodus 12:31. The Egyptians gave silver, gold and clothing to the Israelites as they left, Exodus 12:35 & 36. Because they did just what the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, “on that very day (the day of their obedience) the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt.” Exodus 12:51.

God NEVER asks us to do something that He has not already prepared the way for.  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Proverbs 16:1  “ Go ahead and make all the plans you want, but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps.”

He NEVER expects anything of us that He has not already prepared us for. 1 Corinthians 1:7 "Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Proverbs 16:3 & 4 "Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. 4 The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose."

God can be trusted to do what He says He will do - especially whe He asks us to help!

1 Corinthians 1:9 "God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

The Devil has been chasing me all week!

When I was a kid we frequently had “pop-up” testimony services at church. The leader of the service would open the floor to anyone that wanted to share and you would just “pop-up” and testify. Usually, the testimonies were encouraging and uplifting stories of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. There were stories of healing, provision and rescue from sure disaster but every now and then one of the sweet, elderly sisters of the church would stand and tell about the struggles she had faced all week. She would go on for several minutes explaining the many stumbles and hiccups she had encountered in her journey of faith and almost always end it with “the devil has been chasing me all week” which in and of itself wasn’t so bad but then she would add “Praise his holy name!”  Of course, we all knew who the “his” was intended to be but grammatically it refers to the devil. I have to admit that, as a child, I found it pretty funny … and sad. My mom would encourage me to try to understand the unsaid things this sister intended. No matter what the devil had thrown into this lady’s path, God had taken care of her “Praise His Holy name!” I still thought she was funny! What??? I was a kid!!

As I was reading Psalm 89, I could almost hear that dear sister’s voice. According to the notes in my NIV Study Bible, this Psalm is “written by Ethan the Ezrahite as a prayer that mourns the downfall of the Davidic dynasty and pleads for its restoration.” The first thirty-seven verses recount the unfailing love of God for King David and his descendants. Verse 6 says “For who in all of heaven can compare with the Lord?” Verses 7 through 18 list the many wonders of God’s “glorious strength”(vs 17). Verses 19 through 37 rehearse the covenant and promises God made with David, “I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David and in my holiness I cannot lie: His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun. It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!” (Vs 33-37 NLT).

Psalm 89:38 MSG “But God, you did walk off and leave us, you lost your temper with the one you anointed.” “The bitter shock of that event (reflected partially in the sudden transition of v. 38) is almost unbearable - that God, the faithful and almighty One, has abandoned his anointed and made him the mockery of the nations, in seeming violation of his firm covenant with David - and it evokes from the psalmist a lament that borders on reproach.” NIV Study Bible notes. 

The rest of the Psalm pours out the broken heartedness of its writer in every verse (verses 38 - 51). Each verse lists another act of broken covenant, another way God has abandoned His fstborn son (vs 27).  Is it any wonder the psalmist closes the psalm with “Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge.” Psalm 89:49 NLT

It sounds a bit like people who blame God for all the bad things in the world, the injustices of life and accuse Him of lying.  “If God is unfailing love, then why…”. There is a long list of things that can be inserted after the why. They are legitimate questions EXCEPT God’s covenant with David (Psalm 89:28 TPT “I will love him forever and always show him kindness. My covenant with him will never be broken.”) has requirements or exceptions; expected behaviors.  God was clear of His expectations of David and his descendants. Psalm 89:30-32 “BUT if his children turn from me and forsake my words, refusing to walk in my truth, renouncing and violating my laws, then I will surely punish them for their sins with my stern discipline until they regret it.” 

Actions have consequences, yes, and we often walk through consequences of our own making. Many of David's descendants chose "to not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord his God, as their ancestor David had done" (1 Kings 16:2) and lost the favor of God. When we choose to turn from God and forsake His word and refuse to walk in His truth, we are choosing to walk in agreement with the devil giving him permission to “chase us” with schemes and designs contrary to God’s promises over us. That is why Peter warned us in I Peter 5:8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” And Paul says in Ephesians 4:27 “Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” The devil hates God and hates us because of God (Luke 21:17).

There is another “but” in Psalm 89:33. I quoted this verse earlier omitting the “but”. This exception or “but” is an assurance that even if we turn and forsake the ways of God, (see vs 32 above) He will never stop loving us. “33 BUT I will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives. My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them.”

The Psalmist ended the psalm rather abruptly “89:52 Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!” It almost feels like he’s saying “Ok, I’ll quit whining now.” Sometimes we just need to say what we’re feeling and hope we’ll be given grace to say it.

Maybe that dear saint from my childhood just needed to let us know the things she had endured and made the assumption that we would understand that what she really meant to say was “The devil has been chasing me all week but I’m still here and God is still faithful! Praise His Holy Name!” After all, God made a covenant promise with all of us and said “How could I revoke my covenant of love that I promised _______? For I have given them my word, my holy, irrevocable word. How could I lie to my loving servant _________?”  Psalm 89:34 TPT (I think it’s safe to fill in the blanks with your name!)

A Day without Deodorant

Have you ever had one of those days when everything is out of sync? The alarm didn’t go off at the appointed time, the adrenaline pumps through your veins and in your hurry things get out of order. Your routine is all messed up. On those days, the possibility of forgetting something is very likely. Maybe you forget to brush your teeth – not a problem, use a breath mint! Maybe you forget to put on all your make up or shave – not a problem, pinch your cheeks for color and unshaven faces are the new “GQ”. Well, I forgot my deodorant! The realization came to me just as I was getting into the car. Now I have to decide, is it worth the risk? I can be careful of proximity to people, never get too close. I can even make sure I stay calm and collected but as a choir director, I can’t avoid raising my arms! Of course, that would be the day I dressed in clothes that would have to be completely removed to correct the error but a day without deodorant is like a day not fully clothed. What to do??? 

As I was sitting there contemplating my options, the scripture came to mind about the man who looks in the mirror and then walks away forgetting what he looks like. It somewhat implies a lack of caring about his appearance. James 1:22-24 NIV “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

Listening to the Word and God’s instruction alone is insufficient to being fully “clothed”. You have to do what it says, apply the Word to your identity, actions and thinking. How many times have I told a half-truth and left it uncorrected? When was the last time I saw the sting of my words in someone’s eyes and failed to apologize? How often have I resisted an impulse or ignored what I was sure was God leading me to say or do something for someone? How many times have I believed an untruth of who I am in Christ or an accusation from the enemy of my soul rest uncorrected in my spirit? Are these not “listening to the word but not doing it?” The deceit comes when we think knowing or thinking we know what the Bible says is all it takes to count for righteousness (right doing). 

James 1:16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.” 

I wish I could say I went back in the house and added deodorant to my “clothing” that day but I honestly don’t remember. I do remember that feeling of inadequacy and doubt that follows you around when you know things aren’t completely right. We have a God-designed purpose, “a plan for good and not disaster, to give us a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. To allow anything to stand in the way of our doing or believing or agreeing with what the Word says about us is forgetting who we are IN CHRIST, his prized possession, with or without deodorant!

He Knew and did it anyway.

We’ve heard it said a myriad of times “If I’d only known then what I know now…” We usually think we would have done things differently if we had had that hindsight knowledge. Maybe we would have been wiser or more cautious. Maybe we would have been more courageous and gone after that dream or taken the other job or, or, or. But if we had had that hindsight knowledge, we wouldn’t have had the same outcome to our lives. We wouldn’t be the same people we are today. Our whole life would be completely different! 

God knows all and sees all - beginning to end. He knows the outcome before it begins. Even with that knowledge, He allows things to take their course. 

God knew that 

 … in the garden where all was perfect – Adam and Eve would sin - Genesis 3 

 … at the Passover dinner when He saved them from the death angel (Exodus 12:28-30)

 … to take them the long way to the Promised Land around the Philistine territory because if they faced battle they might change their minds (Exodus 13:17-18) 

 … even though He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:22) - they would not trust (Deuteronomy 1: 31-33) 

 … even though He rescued them from Pharoah’s army walking them across the Red Sea on dry land (Exodus 14) - they would accuse Him of trying to kill them ( Exodus 14:10 - 12) 

 … as they sang a song of deliverance (Exodus 15) - they would not be satisfied (Exodus 16:1-2; Exodus 14:11; 16:3; Numbers 11:1) 

 … when He gave them instructions for a good life in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 31:18) - they would be impatient and take things in their own hands replacing Him with their own god. (Exodus 32:1-8) 

 … when they became hungry for the foods of Egypt, giving them manna that rained down with the dew during the night and tasted like pastries baked in olive oil - they would complain and beg for meat. (Numbers 11:1-4) 

 … when He answered their cry for meat by sending a wind from the sea that brought more quail than they could eat - they would become gluttons (Numbers 11:31-32) 

 … after He showed them the wonders of the Promised Land - they would fear for their lives and plotted against Moses (Numbers 13:25-33) 

But it wasn’t just the Israelites that disappointed God. 

 … at the Passover dinner with Jesus and the disciples – He knew Judas would betray and Peter would deny Jesus (John 13:18-38) 

He still chose all these people to accomplish His plan and desires. He forgave their failings and restored them to His place of favor. Sometimes because they repented (Peter - Mark 14:72) and sometimes because someone was willing to stand up for them (Moses - Numbers 14:10) 

 There are many things God knows about us and the ways we will fail Him but He chooses to love us with unfailing love (Psalm 63:3). He promises to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He calls us His treasure (Psalm 135:4), His masterpiece or handiwork created to do the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). We are always on His mind (Psalm 139:17 TPT) 

God knows who we are - the good, bad and unacceptable parts of us - He knows our destiny and has chosen us to follow Him willingly to do what He knows we are designed to do.He calls us to follow Him knowing we will stumble, but He also knows our successes.  

From the very beginning to the end (Isaiah 46:10), He Knew! Search me, oh God, and know my heart! Psalm 139:23

Fibber McGee's Closet

 "Merely hearing God's law is a waste of your time if you don't do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God." MSG Romans 2:12-13

You may be too young to remember Fibber McGee and Molly. So am I! I learned of this radio show turned TV show from my mother. There were days as I grew up that Mom would open our hall linen closet and say, "It's Fibber McGee's closet!" Finally one day I asked who Fibber McGee was. She laughed and told me the story of the running gag on one of her childhood favorites radio show, Fibber McGee & Molly. Everyone dreaded the hall closet on that show and every time it was opened there would be an avalanche of stuff come tumbling out! Fibber's response was usually, "I'll have to clean out that closet one of these days!"

Now I'm grown with my own hall closet and sure enough, it periodically becomes "Fibber McGee's" closet! How does that happen? The worst thing is the Fibber McGee syndrome spreads to other

closets in the house! It is HIGHLY contagious! I even hear myself saying "I'll have to clean out that

closet one of these days!" and then shut the door and walk away! The truth is when you finally get

around to cleaning those closets, it is a HUGE job. It requires more time and more space to sort and

manage than the space of the closet itself.

A couple of weeks ago, I tackled my walk-in bedroom closet that was no longer "walk-in-able"! As I moved the items to my bedroom for sorting it became very clear I had waited WAY too long for this job! Just look at the mess I made of my room! Can you believe all that stuff fit in a 4'X8' closet? My son even commented "What's Dad going to say?"

It took ALL day to accomplish the 'ridding out process but when I was finished, what a deep, refreshing breath I was able to take! Everything in my life seemed clear and manageable again! It was like a new lease on life!

How many times had I looked in that closet and said "I really should do something about this!" I had

crammed clothes in so tightly they were wrinkled when I took them out requiring more time to get ready to go somewhere. The shelves had NO room because the things once thought too important to trash had taken every inch of space. I was stepping on shoes that had no place on the shoe rack. Let's not even talk about the dust! It was disgraceful!

James 1:22-25 speaks of seeing things that need attention but are ignored. James1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror, (or looking in your closet). You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. NLT

Matthew Henry comments on this passage saying: "If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and

an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last. If we flatter ourselves, it is our own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man. Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before us the corruption of our nature, the disorders of our hearts and lives; and it will tell us plainly what we are. Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ's blood is the laver (a ceremonial basin for washing) the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God's word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it. This is the case with those who do not hear the word as they ought. In hearing the word, we look into it for counsel and direction, and when we study it, it turns to our spiritual life. Those who keep in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in all their ways. His gracious recompense (payment for) hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God. 

     And mark the distinctness, it is not for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. Christ will become more precious to the believer's soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light."

In other words, cleaning out your spiritual "Fibber McGee's closets" brings peace and liberty to your

soul! It's not that anything in my closet was 'sinful' or disgusting, it's just that the closet was neglected

and dysfunctional! I know in my heart allowing things to crowd into my life, to take up space and rob

me of energy is dangerous. Life requires focus and clarity to maintain my walk with Christ. Clutter

trips me up and can cause me to stumble if neglected. I just allow myself the excuse, "I don't have

time right now". However, I need to be more diligent to keep the "stuff" of life manageable and sorted

as I go instead of letting it all pile up. 

Do I think I have all my "Fibber McGee's closets" conquered? Of course not! Even the apostle Paul knew that is impossible! He wrote in Romans 2:17-24 "But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. 21 It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. 24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? " MSG The good news is Paul didn't leave us hopeless! He gave us help in verse 25, "The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." MSG

I want to be sure to keep my spiritual closets clean, organized, functional and pleasing to the Lord!

Lord, help me be righteous before God by being not only a hearer of the word, but a doer through

Christ who gives me strength. "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

When absence just means "forgotten!"

Blogging is just an elongated "tweet" or facebook post, right? Then, why is it that I have so much trouble having something to say worthy of a blog? Maybe it's because a comment is rarely posted on a blog and I like feedback.  We used to call that - conversation! Now we text using abbreviations and "textese" (the language of text that completely ignores grammar and punctuation for the sake of 160 characters). Don't get me wrong - I LOVE being able to get in touch with someone by text. And Facebook, Google+ and Twitter are a great way to "stay in touch" with friends and family.  I just miss having back and forth dialog!

Call me!  Better yet, let's meet for coffee and TALK! My vocabulary is getting rusty and I'm growing tired of alphabetical exclamations!

BTW - IMY and need a good LOL!

A Moment In Time Can Change Everything

2 Samuel 11 & 12

It was a beautiful spring afternoon. The air was clear, the sun was shining and the roof was the perfect place to freshen up. Another month passes and no baby. Uriah was off to war with the king’s army. It will be a long time before her husband returns. No matter, life has a way of righting itself.

On a nearby balcony, the king, who had chosen to stay at the palace instead of going to battle with his troops, sees an unusually beautiful woman bathing on her rooftop. “Does she know I’m here? I’ve not seen such beauty! Who is this woman?” The messengers sent to inquire of her return with the news that she is Bathsheba, the daughter of a trusted friend and granddaughter of one of his advisors. She is also the wife of one of his most loyal soldiers, a member of his royal guard.

In that moment the king had the opportunity to walk away from the lust in his heart and honor the vows this woman had made to her husband.  But he didn’t.

A messenger was sent to the woman, calling her to the king’s chambers. She quickly responded and went immediately to the king. We don’t know the conversation but it is quite certain that the king made his wishes of her known. In that moment she had a choice to make, surrender to the king’s wishes or honor her vows to her husband.

Can you imagine what it would be like to be desired by the king? The flattery of being called to him, the honor of serving the highest authority in the land, it must have taken her breath away. Thoughts must have been turning in her head, “The king has many wives and yet, he wants me!” A blush of embarrassment and a schoolgirl’s giggle may have been the reaction. Or, had there been a devious plan on her part.

Did she know the king had not gone to war? It is most likely the whole city knew. Did she know her rooftop was in full view of the king’s balcony? Probably.  Did she desire the privilege of the palace, the luxury of being one of the king’s women? Did she mean for him to see her? She went to him and slept with him and then returned home.

The moment had passed. It might have been a one-time encounter but she became pregnant. Now what? Uriah will be dishonored, the king has no obligation to her – she’s married. What can be done? The law demands death for both David and Bathsheba. Bathsheba decided to leave it up to King David sending word to him of her pregnancy and the cover up begins.  Uriah was brought home but in his loyalty to his king and his brothers in battle, he refused to spend time with his wife. Even when the king got him drunk, Uriah was a man of honor. The only way out was to kill Uriah and marry Bathsheba. Uriah was sent to battle with the understanding on the part of his superiors that he was to be placed in the “front line where the fighting is fiercest so her will be struck down and die”. Uriah died defending his nation and his king.

How different things would have been if in those moments of decision, David and Bathsheba had followed the laws of God known well by both of them. Because of one moment’s weakness, David, a man after God’s own heart, broke the sixth, seventh, ninth and tenth commandments*, the very law he said was his delight, (Psalm 40:8)

The opportunity for this sin may have presented itself many times but it only took one surrender to the moment to change everything.

God in his justice, allowed David to marry Bathsheba but the baby born of their sin died. David’s heart was broken. He pleaded with God for the child’s life but God said “No.” (2 Samuel 12:15-24)

The good news to this story is God did forgive David and Bathsheba and gave their union a son, Solomon that ruled the nation with great wisdom and was loved by God (2 Samuel 12:24). Bathsheba was honored and loved by her husband and her son.

David was allowed to rule bringing his nation into the promise God had given their father Abraham.

We are given “moments” everyday that will determine our futures. We have to choose to make the right choices based on God’s commandments. It would be easy to allow the words or look of flattery to turn us. We may even be putting our livelihood and futures at risk by refusing to give in to those “moments” but God’s promises NEVER fail us. When we make the right choice IN THAT MOMENT, we are secure in the promise David knew to be true:

“ ⁷³ You made me; you created me.
      Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
   ⁷⁴ May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
      for I have put my hope in your word.
   ⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
      you disciplined me because I needed it.
   ⁷⁶ Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
      just as you promised me, your servant.
   ⁷⁷ Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
      for your instructions are my delight.  Psalm 119:73-77

*The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13-17)

Just Because

I recently received an unexpected check that had "Just because" written in the memo. It surprised me mostly because the givers have never given me a personal gift before and really have no reason or obligation to be blessing me with a gift of any kind. That is what made it even more surprising and special.

God does things like that for us all the time. He sends a cooling rain on a hot summer day, He warms the winter days with sunshine, He gives an encouraging song to the birds and smiling faces to the flowers just because He loves us.

My five year old granddaughter understands just how special she is to God. Here is her story written by her mother:

Pink Clouds

by Piper Hawkins Koeppen

 

I took Addison to McDonald's today and let her get a soda...I know, it's not good for her, but she was really good today and I just couldn't help it; she's my sweetheart. Later this afternoon we were driving home and she was whining about something. I finally had to say in a stern voice, "Addison, that's enough! No more whining!" Shortly after, she was still whining a bit and I decided I needed a Starbucks. She wanted a steamer, I knew I shouldn't get her one, she'd already had a soda AND she was being naughty....but I got her one anyway...I couldn't help it, she's my sweetheart. As we pulled away, with her steamer in hand, she whispered, "Mommy look!" I turned to see what she was pointing toward and there was the horizon with the sun beginning to set. Smiling she simply said, "See Jesus painted me pink clouds today." Right then I heard Him whisper, "I couldn't help it, she's my sweetheart."

God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. (Deut. 7:6) You don't have to take my word for it. It is all through the Bible how much God loves us. We are His treasure. He keeps us safely tucked away from harm in His "treasure pouch" 1 Samuel 25:29

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)


God doesn't have to do anything for us, but He does just because!

Additional scriptures:

John 3:16 (Whole Chapter)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.




Ephesians 1:4 (Whole Chapter)
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.


Exodus 19:5 (Whole Chapter)
Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

Deuteronomy 7:6 (Whole Chapter)
For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 14:2 (Whole Chapter)
You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 26:18 (Whole Chapter)
The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

1 Samuel 25:29 (Whole Chapter)
“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!

Malachi 3:17 (Whole Chapter)
“They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.

Dusted for Fingerprints

 

Call me crazy, but I truly enjoy all the forensic based shows on television. CSI, NCIS, NCIS-LA, CSI-NY, even Bones, (we can skip Horatio from Miami!).  My husband doesn’t understand my attraction to these shows. To him it’s all guts and gore. I don’t care for that part of the show either – when they do an inside the body scope-like journey to follow the track of the bullet or whatever. However, the mystery – the search for answers based on only the facts of the evidence is very intriguing to me. It is amazing the equipment that has been developed to determine chemical compounds and fiber matches. They have machines that can break down fluids into a number of chemicals; they have scopes and databases to tell the exact car a fiber came from or where a bit of dirt originated. It’s almost sci-fi in nature! But the old reliable “dusting powder” hasn’t changed and is still used to determine the very unique markings of fingerprints. Any time a person handles or just touches something we leave behind a fingerprint, a print that is undeniably our mark. Some fingerprints bring blessing; some bring destruction.

The power of Jesus’ fingerprints is revealed in the Biblical books of Matthew, Mark and Luke when He touched people at their point of need bringing healing and comfort to them.

·  Matthew 8:15
But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

·  Matthew 9:29 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

·  Matthew 17:7 
Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”

·  Matthew 20:34 
Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

·  Mark 1:41
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”

·  Mark 6:56
Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

·  Mark 7:33
Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.

·  Mark 10:13 
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

·  Luke 4:40
As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.

·  Luke 7:14 
Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”

·  Luke 13:13 
Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!

·  Luke 14:4 
When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away.

ALL these lives were changed by the touch of Jesus. His touch left the fingerprint of  God’s mercy and restoration.

Paul, a disciple of Jesus Christ, knew the importance of baring the marks or fingerprints of God in his life.  In ancient times the Greek word for “marks” was used of the brand that identified slaves or animals. Paul’s suffering (stoning, Ac 14:19; beatings, Ac 16:22; 2 Cor 11:25; illness, Gal 4:13-14) marked him as a “servant of Christ”.* The touch of God on Paul’s life so marked him that “When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his (Paul’s) skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.” (Acts 19:12)

The fingerprint of God on Paul’s life included pain and suffering but he fully understood the favor of God’s touch as well. When arguments arose among the first century Christians about circumcision, the first identifying mark of the covenant between God and Abraham (Gen 17:9-14), Paul gave explanation of the new covenant.  “¹² Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. ¹³ And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.

   ¹⁴ As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross^, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. ¹⁵ It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. ¹⁶ May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

   ¹⁷ From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars (or marks in some translations) that show I belong to Jesus.” (Gal 6:12-17)

What does the mark of God’s fingerprint on my life look like? Do those I encounter every day see God’s touch or the smudge of sin and failure? Is there a definite sign that I have been in God’s presence, marked by Jesus’ touch and empowered by the Holy Spirit? How will they know?

Jesus told his disciples at their last supper together, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13:34-35) The new command was much like the old one given in Lev 19:18, but for Jesus’ disciples it was new, because it was the mark of their brotherhood, created by Jesus’ great love for them (Matt 22:37-39). *

The people around us are always “dusting us” for fingerprints. There is a great desire to see genuine love and the demonstration of faith and confidence. People need to see we are who we say we are and do what God says we should!

Watching forensics shows make you want to be sure you clean your doorknobs well so, if the need ever arises, the CSI agents will be able to determine the unusual set of fingerprints found there to solve a crime! Even more, when we realize we bear the marks of things that touch our lives every day, we need to purify our lives with the touch of God.  It is the undeniable fingerprint of God Almighty that I want to display in loving my neighbors and demonstrating the love of Christ to my brothers and sisters in the faith.  I hope when they “dust me for fingerprints” I’m COVERED with God’s!

*Footnotes from the NIV Study Bible

Blessed Is She Who Has Believed

Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! Luke 1:45 NIV

Can you imagine what it would be like to have a spirit-being show up in your room? It would be even more unnerving to have him speak to you! What if he said “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” (Luke 1:28 Message) Well, that is EXACTLY what happened to Mary, mother of Jesus! Is it any wonder that Mary was “thoroughly shaken”? The Bible, no matter what translation you read, makes no mention of Mary screaming or fainting or losing control of her bodily functions. Nothing! It just says she was “greatly troubled” or “thoroughly shaken”. Yes, I think I would have had that response including a LOUD reaction.

Mary must have at least looked scared because the angel, Gabriel, said, “Do not be afraid”. To my knowledge, I have never met an angel face to face but I have the feeling, once you get past the sudden appearance, there would be great peace in their presence. That is the reason I think it was possible for Mary to believe the things Gabriel told her. “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest’. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever- no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

Mary’s only question was “How?” She didn’t ask “why” or “are you sure you have the right house?” She didn’t even ask “When?” Her only question was “How?” Gabriel explained God’s plan of supernatural conception; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God”. (Luke 1:35 MSG) Her response was “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” (Luke 1:38 MSG)

There are things God has spoken into my life; assignments, dreams, purpose; that have been difficult for me to accept. My questions are not only “how?” but also “Did I hear you correctly?” and “Are you sure I’m the one?” Its unfortunate there have been no angelic visits with an announcement and explanation but there has been confirmation through scripture and friends. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?

Mary’s faith was demonstrated in her ability to only ask “How?” It was a question that asked, “What do you need me to do to make this happen?” There was no hint of “are you kidding me?” or doubt. Once she understood God had a plan to make it happen she was ready to go. Gabriel encouraged her faith by telling her of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy “in her old age”. “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 NIV)

Mary may have also remembered the story of Abraham and Sarah who became the parents of the child that began the lineage of “many nations” promised to them. “Without weakening in his faith, he (Abraham) faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:19-21) Abraham’s faith “was credited to him as righteousness.” Because it was true faith, complete confidence in God’s promise. (Romans 4:22)
In today’s world, people who have that kind of faith are thought of as “kooks”, eccentrics or weak-minded. In reality, that kind of faith – faith that believes God will do every thing He said He would – requires great strength and confidence.

Abraham was credited with righteousness and Mary was called blessed by all generations (Luke 1:48) because they believed that the Lord would do everything He said He would. Lord, help me be the “who” and let You worry about the how, what, when, where, and why!

Luke 1:45 “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.” NLT
Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” spoken to Abraham & Sarah
Job 42:2 “I know you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” - Job
Jeremiah 32:17 “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” - Jeremiah
Luke 18:27 “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” - Jesus
Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Jesus