A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory[c] will be a canopy. 6 It will be shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:5-6(NIV)

Over all will be a shelter and defense, a protective covering of His presence and His divine love. This reminds me of so many references to God’s care for us: under His feathers; a strong refuge; in the cleft of the Rock; a strong tower; under His wings; in the palm of His hand.  If I could but grasp His loving provision of shelter from the storms and calamities of life, my life would truly be transformed. I read it, experience it for a moment, and then when the treat of another storm comes, I sometimes hold my breath reminding myself of His promises, rather than lying back in His arms of protection, relaxed and confident that He is my refuge and shelter during the storm

O Lord, forgive me for my short memory and lack of faith!  Release me from the anxieties of the storm. “Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand. Keep me safe till the storm passes by!”

False Security

10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Isaiah 3:10

Amid all the horrible judgements on the wicked and unfaithful in Israel, God drops in this word to the righteous. When all hell breaks loose, do not fear, I know your deeds and will reward the fruit of your labor.

There is coming a day of judgement and justice when all deeds will be evaluated and brought to light. Those who think they have it made because of their silver and gold, their high fashion, bold and arrogant words will be disappointed.  Those who have oppressed and plundered the poor, will be brought low and disaster will befall them. BUT, the righteous need not fear this disaster because the Lord will reward them for their faithfulness and kindness to the poor and oppressed spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.

So, what does that mean for us today? Are we dressed in our royal robes of salvation, with the precious oils of the Holy Spirit, and all the fine jewelry of the church membership, and important positions of church leadership, to see it all destroyed because we did nothing to minister to the poor and oppressed?  The poor and oppressed in spirit who needed a word of encouragement, rather than human judgment. The oppressed who needed to be understood and led to freedom in the Spirit, rather than ignored for their foolishness and lack of spiritual direction. Who have we ignored or brushed aside because we are too busy with committee meetings and Bible Studies, and doing important work for the church? Much to ponder.

God, forgive us if we ever think we are to busy or too spiritual to walk along side a poor or oppressed brother or sister in Christ, or to share Christ with one who is hungry but looking in the wrong places for good food. Open our eyes to see the poor and oppressed and open our hearts to reach out with Your compassion to offer help. You did not offer a reward for our perfect attendance at all the church activities: Bible studies, prayer meetings, staff meetings, special events, conventions or retreats. Not that those are bad, but only if deeds of love and compassion done for the poor and oppressed, and cups of cold water given in Jesus’ name are your top priority. Lord, please help us to keep a holy perspective and realize that only what’s done with compassion in the name and love of Christ will last.

Made to Worship

The tribe of Dan officially adopts the idolatry that Micah built.. Judges 18:30

The tribe of Danites seeking for a place to settle, came against Micah and stole his idols and priest for their own worship and threatened him if he came after them.  I see in this story man’s need to worship something or someone.

We were created with a heart for worship, meaning all humanity must worship something. That sounds so simple, but it explains all sin and evil as people worship whatever or whoever meets the needs and expectations of their sinful desires. That explains cults and unbelievable “religious” practices. This tells me why religious people believe half-truths, those that tickle their ears and promise success, and why it is important for us to give people the absolute truth of God’s Word. God’s story ends differently than all others and is guaranteed by the God of all creation. He doesn’t ask you to beat your body, sacrifice your children, crawl up hundreds of stairs to prove your dedication, or violate yourself sexually in His name! Instead, He gives you hope and a future, changes your heart, mind, attitudes and desires. He offers a clear conscience, a purpose in life, and a deep settled peace that only a true believer can understand. He does not offer health, wealth, success or a rose garden life which all pass away and can be taken from us. Instead, He offers the promise of a forever life free of pain, sorrow, competition, jealousy, and the compete satisfaction of all needs, especially our need to WORSHIP!!

OH, Lord, may those of this world desperate to worship anything, see the error of their ways as your children share the absolute truth about true worship of the One and only Creator, God. Open our hearts and eyes to things we may be tempted to worship or make an unhealthy priority in life.  Help us to keep our focus and worship centered on You. Help us to seek Your truth, know Your truth, share Your truth and offer others the opportunity for a relationship with the One who is worthy of worship. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive honor, and glory and praise forever!

Harassment vs. Obedience

Delilah said to Samson, “Until now you have mocked me and told me lies. Judges 16:13

Observation

The story of Samson is a much sadder story than I imagined from childhood. This story has so much to it but I will settle here for the sake of one point.  Samson was dedicated to the Lord from birth and took the Nazarite vow in order to fulfill God’s purpose, but time and again he betrayed his vow. Now he is enamored with Delilah. He is full of lust and desire and once again seems to excuse his sinful behavior. He knows instinctively that Delilah is out to get him, so he lies to her three times. Then finally her mocking and harassment is more than he can handle, and he tells her the truth. Samson knew what was happening, knew he should dump Delilah, but refused to act on the truth and chose to trust in himself rather than his God. Little did he realize without his God, he had no strength.

How often do we choose to ignore sin or choose to convince ourselves that God surely understands our sins. I remember a few relationships when I was younger that I knew instinctively (spiritually) were not the best, but chose to think that I had good intentions and God surely understood. I was sure I could change that boyfriend or make that friend see truth. Like Samson, I refused to see or listen to God’s voice in my heart and only made things worse. Thankfully, I did not stray long or far, but who knows how my life would have changed if I had not stopped and listened to that still small voice and obeyed . I repented and God has been faithful to me over the years, but I could have saved myself many tears and some regret had I been obedient the first time. Our strength is never in ourselves, and it never will be. Our strength is in the One who died that we could live in victory over sin, Jesus!

Lord Jesus, thank you for this reminder of how important it is to keep our eyes and minds focused on You and Your strength for daily obedience. Help us not to excuse our sins and think we will still have Your favor. When we repent , You forgive, You can use our failures for Your glory to teach others the truth of your love and the destruction of sin. May our obedience bring You glory and our lives be enriched by Your continual presence.

No Shortcuts

And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!” But his wife said to him, “If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things, nor would He have told us such things as these at this time.”Judges 13:21-22

Manoa and his wife had been told by the angle of the Lord (Jesus) that they would have a son and gave specific instructions about her pregnancy. When they offered a burnt sacrifice, the angel disappeared in the cloud of smoke and they realized they had just seen God, face to face! Manoah, possibly remembering Moses experience thought they would surely die, having seen the face of God. His wife corrects him with the facts of the message and the logic that the message would make no sense if they were dead!

This so reminds me of Jeremiah 29:10- For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. What an encouragement to know that God doesn’t ask us to do something and then not fulfill His promise. He does not reveal Himself and then punish us for recognizing His presence. What He says, He will do. What He commands of us, He will provide the way to accomplish. And He calls us to obey His instruction to the “T”, not take shortcuts! He makes it simple, but we often make it sound complicated. Obey and be blessed; disobey and suffer the consequence.

Lord Jesus, You have revealed You plan and directions for living out Your will, in Your Word. You don’t play “cat and mouse” with us. Help me not to complicate what You have made simple. Help me to have confidence in the hope and future You have planned for me and not question Your ways. Help me to trust and obey!

Think Before You Speak

36. So she said to him, “My father, if you have given your word to the LORD, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon.” Judges 11:36

Jephthah became the leader in Israel and asked the Lord to grant him victory over the Ammonites. There is an interesting history lesson in this chapter, but Jephthah is definitely the hero at this point. He made a vow to the Lord that if He would grant him victory, Jephthah would offer up to the Lord the first thing that came out of his door when he returned. The fact that he says ”thing” indicates that he wasn’t thinking it would be a person, but an animal. Sadly, when he came home his daughter came dancing out the door to meet him.  Jephthah was serious in his vow and determined to keep it no matter the cost.  His daughter apparently understood the seriousness of the vow as she willing yields to her father because of the victory given the Israelites.

This is an incredible story of commitment and total surrender to the will of God. I had to look at a commentary to see if he literally sacrificed her on an altar. It is said that he dedicated her to the temple where she served out her life as a virgin. I can’t imagine how Jephthah felt when he saw her, but I am more amazed that she complied so genuinely. Such faith and commitment from both of them is astounding!  I committed my life totally to the Lord as a freshman at Olivet University. As I knelt at the chapel altar, I remembering quoting from Job,” If He slay me, yet will I serve Him” (Job 13:15)    I have kept that commitment, although not perfectly. He has called me to repentance and correction many times over the years. The sincerity of my heart has not changed but become stronger since that day. I am still being called to repent and can trust Him to correct my faulty thinking and understanding as I continue to seek Him daily. I shall long remember this passage and the outstanding faith and commitment of this father and daughter.

Lord Jesus, thank you for this example of faithfulness of our promises to You. We live in a world that is full of lies and misinformation. A world where truth is hard to find and someone whom you can trust even harder. I am so thankful that I can trust You to not only fulfill Your promises but to encourage and help me to keep my promises(vows) to You. You know my heart and I pray that I will take seriously the promises I make and not be quick to just commit and promise without counting the cost. Help me to realize You will never ask me to do something against Your divine character or will. There is much here to ponder. Thank You for opening my eyes once again to Your truth.

Look What I Did!

Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house. Judges 8:27

Gideon had just defeated the Midianite Kings. He then asked his men for all the earrings and other gold items they had taken or possessed. (Red Flag) Once melted down he had it made into the shape of an ephod, the overgarment the priest wore.  Hum??? Maybe it was just to remind them of their victory, but it soon became an object of worship, thus disobedience. Most of the memorials that God requested were made of stones. Maybe he was thinking He would show better thanks with gold, or perhaps just a “hint” of pride. Trying to honor God with something made of man’s pride led to their downfall.

The glory always belongs to Jesus, and He usually doesn’t display Himself in gold and silver, the measure of the world’s wealth, but by humility, sacrificial blood and praise to His Father. Wonder what we would do if, if by prayer and fasting, we were able to overcome the evils of government in our world. Would we rise up in praise of our strength and cunning victory or would we bow in praise to Him who gave us the victory. Would the pride of victory cause us to take away free choice? God never forced the Israelites to obey and serve. It was always an offer with a promise, then a choice. Victory came from the choice to obey. Do I blame my lack of victory on God, or on my lack of obedience? Do I dictate to Jesus what victory should look like? Do I think victory means a future of forced, regulated, legislated choices (my expected choices), or do I celebrate His victories, give Him glory, and offer good choices to those around me knowing they are still free to choose obedience or disaster?

Jesus, I so want others to make the choices that I see available in Your Word. Yes, I even want to force those choices upon them. But You didn’t, and I can’t!! When a victory comes, do I want to take just a little credit and hang a banner that points 90% to You, but keeps 10% for myself! My ephod may not be made of gold, but it may just as easily be an attitude hidden in the corner of my heart that says, “Yes! I obeyed, and some of that success is because of me!!  God, forgive me! Cleanse me of all unrighteousness and remind me that, ALL, ALL, ALL the Glory belongs to YOU!!!!

Blow and Shout!

Get up! The Eternal has given you victory over the army of Midian! We strike now. 16 He divided the 300 men into three companies, and he gave them all trumpets and empty jars with torches placed inside of them.17 Watch me. Do what I do. When we come to the outskirts of their camp, do what you see me doing. 18 When I and my company blow the trumpet, I want all of you to blow the trumpets all around the camp and to shout: “For the Eternal and for Gideon!”….22 When the 300 trumpets sounded, the Eternal set the Midianites fighting against each other with their swords. Judges 7: 15b-18, 22

After God honed down Gideons army from 32,000 to 300, He proceeded to ask the impossible- blow you trumpets and break your pitchers. What??  What good will that do? But, they obeyed, because God and Gideon said so! Then God did the seemingly impossible and turned the entire Midianite army against each other. It doesn’t say a word about Gideon’s army using any swords. When Gideon obeyed against all human odds, God stepped in and began the defeat. Actually the 300 had the easiest job. It was the other tribes who pursued and fought and totally overcame the Midianites. Victory was assured from the beginning, but God used Gideon to get the ball rolling. Had Gideon not obeyed they would have been overtaken by the Midianites and changed history.

Once again, there is so much more to this chapter, so many lessons, but the theme is definitely obedience in the face of impossible odds! 32,000 Gibeonites against 135,000 Midianites! Oops! 10,000 Gibeonites against 135,000 Midianite. Uh, no, 300 Gibeonites against 135,000 Midianites!! I don’t think I have ever faced such odds, but maybe I have. Sometimes, it feels like Satan has unleashed legions of spiritual forces against me and I don’t see how I can be victorious.  

Then, I remember what God said through Isaiah. “10 Fear thou not; for I am with (you), be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen (you); (yes), I will help you;( yes), I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 KJV

We often forget that when He asks the impossible of us, He just might want to do the impossible through us. Will we step forward with our trumpets and pitchers, (no sword) and shout for the Lord when our life is on the line? Much to ponder!!

Oh, Jesus, help us to have the strength to believe and obey against impossible odds. Actually, all odds are impossible without You! Sometimes it’s harder to have faith in the small things than the big ones. Speak, Jesus, and help us to listen regardless of the size of the challenge and be ready to take up our trumpets and shout against the enemy!

Come Here, Child

The day is coming when you will make a request in My name, but I will not represent you before the Father. 27 You will be heard directly by the Father. The Father loves you because you love Me and know that I come from the Father. John16:26-27 – The Voice

Jesus is preparing the disciples for his departure from this earth. He is giving the truth about the Father and Himself one last shot. Apparently they still have some questions about Him. Their big request all along has been, “Show us the Father!”  In this scripture He is telling them that very soon they won’t need to go through Him to talk to the Father, they will go directly to the Father with their requests.

Oh, how I love this truth. I love the truth of having a brother, friend, Savior, healer and comforter in Jesus, BUT, oh how I need a FATHER! A Father I don’t have to schedule an appointment with, curtsey before, go through several doors to get to and wait for Him to notice me. I can burst in, run and jump into His lap and laugh or cry knowing He is pleased to see me. He wants to hold me and to meet my needs. Yes, He may even need to discipline me, but I never leave His arms in despair or shame. He extends His grace, mercy and forgiveness and never withholds His love from me.

Father, I am so thankful that You made a way that I could come directly to You in any situation and feel Your love and pride because I am Your beloved child. I can be assured that You are doing and allowing everything in my life for a loving and redemptive purpose. I am never alone in my pain, sorrow or life’s challenges. I can’t wait to run into Your loving arms and bask in that love for eternity!

Home Sweet Home

“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.   John15:9-10

Jesus had just described the metaphor of the vine and the branches and staying connected to the Father through Him. He operated out of the Father’s love and passed that love to His disciples. And now He encourages them to be at home, completely comfortable in His love.

Home is the place where you let your hair down and relax, where you feel secure and protected. Home is a warm fire on a cold night, where you can be yourself and not worry about trying to meet other’s expectations. Home is where the heart is! Is that how you feel about Jesus?  Do you feel you can let your hair down and relax and feel protected in His presence?  Do you enjoy the warmth of His presence in a cold world, not trying to impress Him with your churchiness or holiness? Is your heart so totally one with His, that you are comfortable no matter where He sends you or what He asks of you?

Jesus, help us to feel totally at home in Your love today.  Even when we fail or sin, we can feel perfectly loved and know Your immediate forgiveness. You know us intimately, understand us completely and love us unconditionally. Keep working on us until we fully accept that love. We will only receive that love as we sit by the home fire daily with you.