"Bed of Roses" - 03/31/14 - Judges 3-5

"They were there to test Israel and see whether they would obey God's commands" (3:4)


When signing up for The Lord's Army, I came in thinking that life would turn around and all would be a bed of roses. Knowing ABBA is in control of everything, He was my guarantee behind my way of thinking.


In growing "in" Him, I have found, the bed of roses has its thorns.  There are some places it becomes not a bed, but a tangle of thorns, scratching and at times even tearing into my flesh, as I journey through this "bed" of life. 


And sometimes, the thorns are there so we may help others climbing through their own thorns. 
So, when I become focused on "self" and cry out that life isn't fair, I am drawn back to my Christ. 
My Savior.
His Word runs through me as a living stream, showing me the "thorns" my Savior climbed through - for me. 
His Word shows me my Savior - who wore a "Crown of Thorns".






For all of us. 



His Word quickly shuts up my self-pity.  His Word holds me accountable.  It is continually showing me the "thorns" I am going through are really nothing compared to what my Savior endured.  His Word also gives me hope.  It gives me Wisdom and security knowing I am not traveling through this life alone.  He surrounds me - completely.  He takes the brunt of the "thorns" and allows enough pain to test me. 
The Lord not only preserves our temporal life, but maintains the spiritual life which he has given to believers. By afflictions we are proved, as silver in the fire. The troubles of the church will certainly end well. Through various conflicts and troubles, the slave of Satan escapes from his yoke, and obtains joy and peace in believing: through much tribulation the believer must enter into the kingdom of God.  All for His Glory.  All for Love.  Pure Love.



For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.(Psalm 66:10)

"Utmost Priority" - 03/29/14 - Joshua 22-24

"Now, vigilantly guard your souls: Love God, your God.' (23:11) 


CHECKLIST:


"Now"


1. at the present time or moment.

2. without further delay; immediately; at once.

"Vigilant"

1. keenly watchful to detect danger; wary. 

2. ever awake and alert; sleeplessly watchful.    

"Guard" 

7. to take precautions (usually followed by against). 

8. to give protection; keep watch.    

"Souls"

1.	The spiritual part of a person, capable of redemption from the power of sin through Divine Grace. UTMOST PRIORITY: "LOVE GOD, YOUR GOD".

             

"Needed" - 03/28/14 - Joshua 19-21

"portion turned out to be more than they needed." (19:9)


Have you ever made a list of what you "need"? 


"Need". 


Not "want".


Yesterday, Curt and I went grocery shopping, with a list corresponding with my menu of two weeks.  It also contained items we had run out of that needed replenished.  I just wrote, "needed".   Yes, some items were "needed".
                                                                                
We did a pretty good job sticking to the list, although my shopping partner did add to our cart chips, cookies, which I know aren't "needed", even though his opinion differs with mine.

After writing a check and realizing one bag of "stuff" used to average $10 now averages $20, we carted our "needed" items home and put them in their places.  It was hard for me to add this "stuff" to the cupboards I have just cleaned and organized.  I really enjoy the empty spaces in drawers and shelves. 


It got me to thinking, how much of this "stuff" is actually not needed.  The bags of chips and cookies aren't "needed" and aren't healthy choices.


And then ABBA asked me, "How are you doing in your spiritual life?


How often do I go through my "self", following His lead, purging and organizing.  Leaving clean spaces that He desires I fill up with Him, and find myself putting "self" back in those spaces instead.  How often do I fill up with "chips and cookies", instead of the "meat" He gives me?  How often have I picked up "doubt" and thought His giving wasn't filling a "need" and took matters into my own hands?  How often have I lied and said my "want" was a "need"? 


And how many times have I felt there must be "more"?  When I don't see the "needs" He has given me as "more than enough"?  How often am I realizing He fills "needs" to others through me and follow through in His prompting?  How often have I selfishly gathered all I have around me, like a small child not wanting to share toys?  How often do I see my "more than enough" and offer it to someone who "needs" it?  And when I do, is it with a Christlike heart?  Is it about His glory or mine?


As I grow "in" ABBA, His Word, He is continually transforming my whole being.  Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…”


More than enough.............

"His time - His way" - 03/27/14 - Joshua 16-18

"But later, when the Israelites got stronger" (17:13)


All is in His time, His way.  The blessing He rains down upon me,  the trials and tribulations I encounter today, He has prepared me for - I wasn't ready for them before His time - His way.


It is for our benefit He has commanded:


 “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)


Comfort in knowing He is my leader.  We are not alone in the spiritual warfare going on about us, within us.


So thankful for the "later" in my life - growing stronger day by day - "in" Him!
 love, your ABBA............

"Given Rest" - 03/25/14 - Joshua 9-11

And Israel had rest from war. (11:23)


Rest.  From war. 


I so look forward to that time.  Heaven.  Peace.  Joy.  No conflict.  No Struggles.  No Pain.  No Suffering.  No Lies.  No tears.


No Doubt.


As I sit inside, I can hear the strong winds whipping about our home, the wind chimes responding to the forces, ringing out their melodies.  Inside, I am save, warm, protected. 


As I am "in" Him.  While on this earth, the winds of war will swirl about me, at times my spirit will become bruised from the debris flying about.  But "in" Him, my soul is protected.  Until Heaven, the only place of "rest" is "in" Him.  satan wants more than anything for me to pick up doubt and go with the winds of destruction.  To focus on the lies and not on my ABBA. 


Falling before Him on my knees,  I pray and His Word washes over me, shields me from the lies that are blowing over me, trying to penetrate into my self.  My fingers are in my ears, shutting out the sounds from outside and I am able to hear only His Voice from within me, whispering over and over from one of my favorites.




His Word - another Taste of Heaven He gives me as "rest from the war".


Psalm 139. 


You have searched me and known me.               
You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.            
You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.              
For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.            
You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.            
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.            
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?            
If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.            
If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,            
Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.            
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me;            
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.            
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.            
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.            
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.            
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.            
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!            
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.                 
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;            
And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

"Immediately" 03/24/14 - Joshua 5-8

"He said, "Neither. I'm commander of God's Army. I've just arrived." Joshua fell, face to the ground, and worshiped. He asked, "What orders does my Master have for His servant?" God's Army commander ordered Joshua, "Take your sandals off your feet. The place you are standing is Holy." Joshua did it. (5:14-15)


Christ has promised us that we "will know His Voice". 


Knowing His Voice brings such comfort and joy.  But, are there ever times when it doesn't?  Perhaps when He instructs us in a way that brings about pain?  or rebellion?  or anger?  When it causes "self" to rear its ugly head and begin shouting out?


I love how Joshua immediately fell, face to the ground and worshiped.  What an example for me to follow, but do I?  Is my reaction immediate or do I take my focus off of Him and begin to worship "self"? 


When I gave my life to Christ,  it was also a giving up of "self".  I entered into The Covenant and The Holy Spirit came into me through baptism.  Upon that moment, I became Holy Ground.  And how often do I choose to continue wearing my "self" sandals?  How often do I question His instruction, instead of submitting?  Or how often do I take "self" steps, instead of following His Steps? 


I hear His Voice, through His Word.  He tells me the accounts of persons in my "family", ordinary humans, my ancestors, who He used for His Work.   Just like you.  Just like me. 


In reading and studying His Word I learn all but our Christ, failed to heed His Voice at all times.  I also learn those that give me the example of Christ, took the steps following His instructions.  They show me it was a continual battle, until they died.   It gives me hope in reading, Moses and so many others, failed and were redeemed by God.  Used for His Glory.


He has written my name, amongst all the many others, including you who are "in" Him, in His Story of Life. 


Without hesitation, immediately, take off your sandals of "self" and follow His Steps  - You are His Holy Ground.
                                                                                                                                                                    

"Become" - 03/22/14 - Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91

Benjamin: "God's beloved; God's permanent residence. Encircled by God all day long, within whom God is at home." (Deuteronomy 33:12)


No greater joy.  No greater Love.   My name is here with Benjamin.  I am His Beloved. 





^"He touched their eyes and said, “Become what you believe.” It happened. They saw."(Matthew 9:29)


In Him "Beloved" - He has touched your eyes.   “Become what you believe.”


It has already happened.


Open your eyes and see.

"Daily Word" - 03/20/14 - Deuteronomy 28-29

"a person who hears the words of the Covenant-oath but exempts himself, thinking, "I'll live just the way I please, thank you," and ends up ruining life for everybody. (29:19)


It amazes and saddens me how often we feel our actions, or lack of, don't affect others.  There isn't an escape from the ripples we create in the river of life, regardless of if we choose to live for ABBA or "live just the way I please".  Who are you living for?  Is ABBA your first priority or self?  Do you continually place Him lower and lower on your "list"?  There is a reason the Holy Spirit is within us, to be our Helper.  Our natural tendency is to serve "self".  There is a reason ABBA has instructed us to be in His Word so much that His Word is in us.  He tells us to wear it on our foreheads and carry it in our hearts.  ABBA gave us His Word, giving us a first hand account of our Christ.  Our Christ, who we are to strive and become like.  His Word transforms us, but it is our free choice to set aside "self" and make Him our first priority. 


Psalm 1:1-3 "... read in an undertone day and night"

Joshua 1:8 "... book of the law should not depart from your mouth ... read in it day and night..."

Ephesians 6:17 likens God's word as being as important to a Christian as a sword is to a soldier in battle.

James 1:25 encourages Christians to 'persist' in God's word.


I have found, more often than not, as I grow in Him, study and knowing His Word, I fall back upon it when sin enters into my choices.  His Word has transformed my heart in ways that astound me.  His Word continually comes into my thoughts, my eyesight.  It has brought me closer to Him.  I love living my life in constant awareness of His being in and all around me.  He has shown me this life isn't about stuff, status, etc.  It is about the Spiritual warfare, which is all about us.  satan is trying to collect as many souls as he can, and ABBA is using us, His Warriors, in this war. 


"God put a million, million doors in the world
 For His love to walk through
 One of those doors is you
 I said, God put a million, million doors in the world
 For His love to walk through
 One of those doors is you" (Jason Gray - With Every Act of Love)


His Word is our manual, our inside "battle plan".  It is our direct link to The Lord of lords - our ABBA - our "bestest friend".
  


Many people make it a daily habit to read The Bible. When asked why he reads The Bible every day, one Christian replied: “If I repeatedly pray to God during the day and expect Him to hear me, why shouldn’t I also listen to God by reading His Word every day? If we want to be a good friend, why would we do all the talking?”

"Marbles" - 03/19/14 - Deuteronomy 24-27

"And today God has reaffirmed that "You" (insert your name here) are dearly held treasure, just as He promised" (26:18)


He continually reaffirms.  Don't pick up doubt and believe the lies.  "You" are His - dearly held treasure.  Christ is living proof of that!  Promise!!


I read or heard something recently in regard to a man who had two jars, one filled with 365 (or 366 for the leap year) marbles.  Each day he would remove one marble and put it into the other jar, symbolizing another day he was blessed with.  Isn't it exciting knowing with each "marble" you are also given His affirmation that you - "YOU" - are His dearly held treasure!!!  What a great way to start each day - basking in His Affirmation - enjoy your "marble"!!!

"Transformation" - 03/17/14 - Deuteronomy 17-20

You have to purge the evil from your community.(17:7)


For his birthday, instead of a Christlike card, praising him for Whose and who he is to God and so many others, Adam received a very distasteful one.  If he were younger, I would hold the person accountable, but am comforted knowing Adam also felt as Curt and I did.  What an opportunity to grow their relationship with Adam they missed.  It was validation that they don't know him, for instead of finding humor in the card, he felt disgust.  He saw it as degrading towards women and how our ABBA created them to be viewed, cherished, treasured.





Thankfully, ABBA is changing my heart that instead of self-righteousness, I am instead having sorrow for them.  ABBA has also held me accountable that I must be on guard to have empathy not apathy when those who are outside of Him will act as the world and not of Him.  To have faith that He is bigger and in control and His hedge of protection is about our "community" - aka our family.  What a blessing and encouragement it is to see our fruits, Adam, Nichalas, Amber, walking closely with Him.  To see our "community" is continually growing in Him, having distaste towards evil and purging it from their lives as they strive to become more Christ like. 


His Community - my family in Him - the numbers go beyond the five of us.  In this spiritual battle we are in, it is by purging evil from our "community" that we are strengthened to recognize and fight off the world and its evil when it tries to invade us.  God doesn't allow us to live in the gray of living - it is either black or white.  Not fence straddling.  Only by filling ourselves with Him, through His Spirit, His Word, are we able to know, see, and be Warriors in His Army against the evil. 


His Word enables us to live life with eyes wide open -


against the evil trying to settle into His "community". 

"What are you leaving behind" - 03/10/14 - Numbers 35-36

"Don't desecrate the land in which you live. I live here too - I, God (35:34)









The other day, we were conversing with some friends about hiking and camping, and they shared with us the latest about Mt. Everest.  Decades of mountaineering have taken a toll on the peak, which is strewn with rubbish from past expeditions, including oxygen cylinders, human waste and even climbers' bodies, which do not decompose in the extreme cold.  Because of this, there is a vast amount of garbage littering the mountain earning it the nickname "World's Highest Garbage Dump".   Climbers scaling Mount Everest will have to bring back 17.6 pounds of garbage, plus what they carry in, under new rules designed to clean up the world's highest peak, a Nepalese official said Monday.  Thinking about closer to home, while mowing, it still amazes me how anyone can roll down their window and throw out all the garbage from their fast food meal. 


Isn't it amazing how there is "nothing new under the sun", and we still don't learn?  How we simply think so much of what is convenient for ourselves, we neglect to see past the end of our nose.  So many times we throw out our "trash" believing it won't matter or affect anyone else. 


But it does. 


Every single action we take, or don't take, causes a ripple across the expansion of time.  What our ancestors did hundreds of years ago, is still a part of our lives and will be a part of the lives of future generations.  You can't escape from it - it is a part of your makeup.  Either in your genes or traditions handed down.  There is a story I have heard about a new bride fixing a ham for the first time.  Before putting it into the pan, she cut off the ends.  Her husband inquired why she was wasting so much meat and she replied it was how her mother always prepared the hams.  Upon asking her mother why, she realized it was because of following the example of her mother.   When asked why she did this, the grandmother replied, "because the pan was too short". 


In this Scripture, I apply it not only to the land I walk in, but my spiritual journey.  Our future generations have enough of their own battles to fight without having to haul around my trash.  This is why I take my lead of life from His Word.  It is Truth for all situations.  It is what I want to hand down to my future generations. 


I am so thankful my Savior went up the mountain and gathered all my "trash", disposing of it.  I am so thankful His clean up is so powerful, it has power washed me clean! 

"Bubbling Over" - 03/05/14 - Numbers 23-25

He and his descendants are joined in a covenant of eternal priesthood, because he was zealous for his God (25:13)


"ZEAL"
/zil/ Show Spelled 

fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor.
  

"ZEALOUS"

Ardent, fervent; exhibiting enthusiasm or strong passion.
 

Just wondering what your Zeal is.  What are you Zealous about.  For whomever it is, whatever it is - you are passing it on.
 

Just wondering are you aware of what you are passing on to those in your care?  Who will cross paths with you for a moment or season.
  
What is spilling out of you because you can't contain it.  Because you are Zealous.

 Is it your ABBA? 

"Snake on a Flagpole" - 03/04/14 - Numbers 21-22

God said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it on a flagpole: Whoever is bitten and looks at it will live." (21:8)


I have always been bothered by this verse.  It is almost as if God is putting up an idol of sorts.  Why not have them have them bow down before Him while He is there as a cloud or a pillar of fire? 




Then I realize. 


Humans. 


How fickle we are.  How often God is right there before us, and we can't see Him because we have gotten "used" to Him, taken Him for granted, need something bigger and better to worship.  How often has He showered us with blessings, and we begin to grumble soon afterward.  Much like a small child opening presents, ripping through the paper to the next one and when finished unwrapping, wonder where are the others - not enjoying the presents.

Sometimes, He gives us "a snake on a flagpole", because that is all that will get our attention.  That will turn us away from the selfish, self-absorbed, self-gratifying, self-centered worship we are centered on.  Even when we are being bitten and dying.

That is what happens when our focus turns away from Him.  We get caught up in the snake infested world we live in, much like a snake charmer.  We are risking our souls for eternal death. 


And when we look at the snake on the flagpole, we have to look past it and focus on Him. 


Otherwise, we begin to worship the snake. Be it the building we feel comfortable worshiping in, ministers who deliver His Word, people or things that draw us near to Him.   


We need to stay focused on our Christ and what His sacrifice did for us. Freed us from.


If we stay focused on His death and not His resurrection, we miss the reason for our Christ, our Savior.  We miss the hope.  We miss the grace and mercy.  He doesn't want us to stop at The Cross.  He wants us to continue onward.  Making Disciples as we go and grow.


And sometimes, He gives us a snake on the flagpole, as a signpost on the road. 
                                                 
                                                                                 To head us in His direction.
To eternal life............................