"All He Desires? It's Us" - 04/10/16 - Judges 9-12

^"Saul said, “If we go, what do we have to give him?
There’s no more bread in our sacks.
We’ve nothing to bring as a gift to the holy man. Do we have anything else?” 
The servant spoke up,
“Look, I just happen to have this silver coin!

I’ll give it to the holy man and he’ll tell us how to proceed!”  (9:7-9)



What did I have to give Him.   My ABBA.

Looking into my heart, I could see, I too had nothing to bring as a gift for Him. 
Even after eating my fill of the bread of the world, my life was still an empty sack.

 Thinking because I "just happened to have a silver coin" in doing a good deed here and there,  that would squeeze me by.  Everything I was basing my life on had worldly value, but in God it was  nothing. 

No matter how much silver I may have had, I was unable to make my way into Him.  Not by works, bartering, boasting, nor is there any sneaking "into" Him. 


What gift could I give to Him?

How humbled I am to think The Creator of all - My ABBA, My Daddy -
He wanted only one thing from me - it was my "self". 

Even more humbling is the thought my starved "self" came before Him, wrapped in the ugly, filthy, stench scented rags of sin.

How my heart filled seeing the joy and delight He took in taking the present of my "self". 
How He held my "self", this dirty, ugly wrapped gift,  as His most precious treasure. 
He never turned away, trying to draw in a fresh breath of air, as the stench rose up to His nose. 
He gently, firmly, carefully, unwrapped my "self" and then..........

He smiled.  

He dipped me into My Savior's blood, His precious Son, to cleanse me.  Making me pure and holy.  He covered me in the perfume of His Grace and Mercy.   
He clothed me in the beautiful silks of The Holy Spirit. 
He fed me the meat of His Word - His Truth.

My "self" is His most precious treasure.

When I think about how long it took me to realize and act upon this, my eyes tear of the wasted time spent away from Him.  All those years I walked in the world, focused on "self", trying to fill up in all ways possible,
and still I was empty. 

The world is all about the taking for "self". 

And then there is God's way. 

A way which only makes sense if you are "in" Him. 

His way is about giving. 
Giving up "self" - to Him. 
Giving up "self" - to be a vessel for Him. 
Giving up "self" - to give blessings to those you encounter. 
Even when it brings pain, suffering. 
His way is all about giving.  The emptying out of "self".

When I gave God the gift of my "self", He filled me. 
He filled the void. 

No matter how much I give, I can not out give Him. 
He continually replenishes me - like a living spring that never goes dry as it runs towards the ocean. 

He filled me and no longer am I an "empty sack". 

"Clean House" - 04/09/16 - I Samuel 4-8

"Then Samuel addressed the house of Israel: "If you are truly serious about coming back to God, clean house.

Get rid of the foreign gods and fertility goddesses, ground yourselves firmly in God,

worship Him and Him alone,

and He'll save you from Philistine oppression."(7:3)



There is a saying, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your schedule".

 

Each year I have one for our downtime season.   It is to go through our home and  shop.  To totally clean and organize them top to bottom.  It seemed this season was incredibly short, but I did manage to check off the list our taxes are done, the office up to date and the shop is completed as well.  The house.  Well, remodeling the downstairs put a kink in my schedule. 

I have found over the years if I do this every winter, it is much easier to stay on top of things during our busy time. There are days when we begin not much after dawn and are driving home in the dark. Even though I am so very thankful for the work He is providing - it robs me of my energy and motivation when I do get home.

The truth is - I love an organized and clean home. I hate the amount of time and energy I waste when looking for something, or having to buy something, because it is "lost" in the mess. 

I love opening up closets and cabinets and seeing order. Most of all, I love seeing empty space. I used to be so sentimentally attached to everything - it was too hard to throw it away. Not a hoarder like what you see on TV, but too much "stuff".

And that is exactly what it is - stuff.
Stuff which can slowly become my god.

Before I know it,  I begin to find comfort, security, worth, etc. in stuff.
It gets in the way of my relationship with God.

 It affects my ability to be a good steward of what He has given me.
 It can wreck havoc on my life.

Our house isn't filled floor to ceiling with paths in each room, but there are areas in need of attention. In my journey through the Daniel Fast, I discovered why food and clothes were too important to me. I would find it hard to part with clothes I really don't like - in case I will need them. There was almost a physical pain when I would get rid of something someone gave me - even though I didn't like it nor would I ever wear it. He helped me see in my journey, those Items, hanging there on the hanger, were becoming my god.

"God answered Samuel, "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting you.
They've rejected me as their King.
From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they've been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods.
And now they're doing it to you. So let them have their own way.
But warn them of what they're in for."(8:7-9)

I know in these verses they are referring to wanting an earthly king. Someone to take the place of God amongst them. Someone they could physically see and hear. But, I also know with these verses He is telling me, "yes, you can keep all this stuff - but there are consequences." I recognized from some of the material and mental stuff I was hanging onto,  there came the false sense of security in keeping it.

He opened my eyes to see I need to be holding onto Him - not the "stuff".

He has shown me, "having my way", it really is a burden and helps me to rid my life of the "stuff".
He has given me the freedom which comes from living life without all the "stuff". 

Looking back I now see, I wasn't experiencing life the way He has planned. 
He wants me to enjoy this life, to be prepared, to be a warrior for Him.

To be totally secure In "Him".
Not "stuff"

"His Hannah" - 04/08/16 - 1 Samuel 1-3

 

I am greatly ashamed for the many times throughout the years when I have read about Hannah, the sacrifices she made, and did not recognize her as the strong and great woman of God she was, sooner than I did.

 

One of the many great blessings of rereading His Word each year is how He has helped me in "getting to know" those I had often "skimmed" over. I so wish I could have spent time with her, to know more about her. There is so much I have been taught through Scriptures, I can only imagine how much I would learn if able to have shared life with her face to face.

 

The blessings I receive from the little I do know, are amazing.

 

She first captured my heart with whon she turned to in her pain - God. She never turned inside and lashed out at the injustice she endured. To live as a barren woman in those days was one of the greatest types of shame. She was looked at as a complete failure. And yet, how her husband, Elkanah, loved her.

 

Her first great love though - is God.

 

"Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk." (1:13) "The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God."(1:15)

 

How often do I pray to God in such a way? Do I take the privilege of prayer for granted? How often does it look to God as though I am drunk - because I am pouring my heart out to Him. How often do I hold back bits and pieces I feel He won't like, won't accept, won't find important or won't change? How often do I forget He desires to hear all of my heart. How often do I forget, He already knows all there is to know about me.

 

I look upon her with great admiration and respect.

She loved God so much that she vowed to give Him back her son if she were to be blessed with one. And she did. Jewish children were usually five years old when they were weaned. This is probably how old Samuel was when they left him with Eli the priest - to live.

 

 

I look upon her with great admiration and respect.

When I picture the separation, I don't see Samuel smiling and waving bye bye. I envision tears and fear as he stood beside a man, Eli, whom he did not know. I envision a little boy watching his mommy and daddy leaving him.

 

Could I have done this? We lost two babies which I think is one reason I have hung on and cherished Adam and Nichalas so much. But, at times I have been very guilty in placing a burden upon them by placing my worth in being their mom, in loving them more than God.

 

Hannah left with a song -

 

"Hannah prayed: I'm bursting with God-news! I'm walking on air.

I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation. Nothing and no one is holy like God.....(2:1-10)

 

The boy Samuel stayed at the sanctuary and grew up with God.(2:11)

 

Hannah left with a song.

 

I look upon her with great admiration and respect.

A child's character and personality are "formed" by the time they are five. It says so much about Hannah as a mommy in the man who Samuel grew up to be. We only know for sure she saw him once a year when they went to make sacrifice, no other time is written about. God blessed her with other children, but none can take the place of the other. We know that Samuel lived in Ramah when he was older, I like to assume that he was spending time with his family.

 

I gain much wisdom and strength from Hannah.

When Adam was living in Liverpool, NY and now with Nichalas and Amber in Phoenix, I draw comfort in Hannah's focus. It was totally on God. She didn't fall into a pity party for not being able to spend more years with Samuel - she was thankful for the time she had. She didn't keep count - she just drank in the days she was given. She turned to God in her great pain and drew strength and comfort from Him. By doing that - she had peace and joy.

 

Joy in a situation where I would be in tears. I pray I may be the mommy Hannah was. I pray our children Adam and Ashley, Nichalas and Amber, Charlie, Ella, and other future grandchildren and all generations to come will be known as Samuel was:

 

"Samuel grew up. God was with him...Everyone...recognized that Samuel was the real thing—a true "child" of God."(3:19-21)

 

I also pray I shall do my part as a mom, following after Hannah in the lives I touch, for "in" Christ, we are all priest.

 

"I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house and he will walk before My anointed always."(2:35)

 

And from Hannah, she has taught me how to have a song in my heart.....for always.

 

 

 

(reposted/edited from 2015)

"Filled Up" - 04/07/16 - Ruth 1-4

"God hasn’t quite walked out on us after all! He still loves us, in bad times as well as good!” (2:20)

 

 Looking back, there were many times I felt God wasn't with me.  I wondered why I was put into certain situations or the treatment I received, in which I had no control over. 

There were many times I felt totally alone. 

And starved.

Deep down within me there was such a void, such a deep, deep void. 

I ached because of it.  

During that time, I was constantly walking down dark paths, trying to fill that void.

But I always came away lonelier and hungrier. 

Totally empty - yet filled with sadness.

Since I have begun walking in an intimate relationship with our ABBA, I have learned He was and is always with me.   There was never a time He wasn't.  The situations I was in, came about because of the consequences of free will.  It wasn't part of His plan.  It was of the world. 

 

He was there protecting me from things I was completely unaware of. 

He desired me to be His. 

He was the only way to fill the voids.

Today, I am so aware of His being with me through all trials, tribulations, joys, sorrows - the all of my life.  I am filled with The Fruits of The Spirit within me.  When there are those who tell me they don't feel He is with them, I gently try to put their focus back onto Him, off of themselves and the lies of the world.  They too, are never alone.   

 

Being His, we are promised there is nowhere we are able to go that He isn't able to go also.

 

Ever.

 

 

 

 

"The King of Kings" - 04/06/16 - Judges 19-21

"At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing."(21:25)

Throughout the readings of Judges, I have not enjoyed it.  There has been such ugliness.   I have such incredible sorrow in how people are outside of God.  So many of the verses seem to ring true of today. The mistreatment of the women, the way people would "bend" the laws to suit their desires, how they would make a vow and change things up so they wouldn't lose face.  And again, I am reminded of how we humans really haven't come that far over the years.

 

His verses today were really a downer.  It brought to mind the world and how it can be so discouraging.  After reading,  I sat with my hands on my Bible feeling the wind was out of my sail. My focus was about the status of the people, their sins, the way the world was/is and I wasn't hearing what He wants me to know. It was then He breathed into me His fresh breath of Hope, giving me a memory of a realization.

Not long ago, we were traveling down 48th street and the moon caught my eye.  It was hanging up there amongst the clouds.  Its light illuminating all below in an almost magic like glow.  So bright it almost hurt to look at it.  And yet, I couldn't tear my eyes away. 

And it hit me. 

One night in a garden, far away from Quincy, Il - kneeled a man.  A man who was wrestling with the greatest journey He would ever, ever have to take.  A man who was in communion with His Father.   A man who knew all the ugliness of sin in this world, and still loved each and every soul who lived and will live.   

It hit me.

That man who looked up at the same moon as I was, how so very much He loves me. 

How His Daddy was going to separate Himself from His Son - for me. 

 

The heartbreak they were going through in that garden. 

A man who made the choice to separate Himself from His Father. 

Just so I may be with Him for always.  For all who chose to take Him as their Savior. 

The King of Kings.

He became HOPE.

It hit me.

He took all the ugliness in Judges.  All the ugliness of this world.   

And hath made it beautiful.

 

 

 

"Our Gift" - 04/05/16 - Judges 16-18

<sup>"When Delilah realized that he had told her his secret, she sent for the Philistine tyrants, telling them, “Come quickly—this time he’s told me the truth.” They came, bringing the bribe money." (16:18)



Last evening it was almost 8pm as we stood in the shop.  We had put in a full day of work and still not time to call it quits.  I stood before Curt as he was telling me about the clutch that had went out on one of our mowers earlier in the day.  Thankfully, they had a new one at the store and it was now installed.  All we had left to do was load up the trailer and ready everything for today.

While listening, I was also thanking our ABBA for this man of many gifts and talents.  My partner in all the roles of this life.  My heart leaped when my eyes caught his wedding ring on his left hand.  A precious reminder of how much he is "My Gift" from our ABBA.  "My Gift"  whom has been more than I could ever imagine.   

Most nights, the last thing I remember thanking God for is my Curt.  "My Gift".

Usually, I am holding his left hand and my fingers touch his wedding band.  There is something about him wearing that band of gold that touches my heart.  Knowing that when someone sees it on his finger, they know he is "taken". 
 
 He is mine.</sup>

 

<sup>We will be celebrating 34 years together this coming June 9th, the anniversary of our first date.  In that time, we have been through many ups and downs.  Thankfully, we made it - only because of God's help. 

Exactly 28 years ago, we were in a major down.  I can remember being on my knees and begging, pleading to God, that He would save our marriage, that Curt would not leave us.  I didn't know where else to turn.  Thankfully, I turned to ABBA, because He is who kept us together.  Almost 13 years ago we were in another major down.  This time it was me who wanted out.  I know  I hated our marriage and thought I even hated him.  There were such harsh and painful words I threw out at him.  Wanting only to hurt and drive him away.  But, he went down on his knees and begged to God I wouldn't leave.  He refused to let me go, as I refused to let him go, so many years prior.</sup>

<sup>He reminded me of a little rat terrier with a tight hold of my pant leg.

I recognize there are some marriages which do not make it through the lows because of ensuing circumstances.  It is with great thanksgiving to the many Scriptures telling me how God knows my heart better than I do.  He knew without a doubt, under all the hurt, anger, harsh words - my heart was head over heels in love with Curt.  Through our ABBA, His Word, prayers, counseling, friends who fought to keep us together, we made it through the many battles during our upward climb on this mountain called marriage. 

Today, He has blessed our relationship in needing only the required regular maintenance, as we continue this climb which will go onward until death do us part.  I go to sleep at night, live throughout each day, so very thankful and blessed beyond words, that our Abba kept us as one.  Not only for ourselves, but for our Adam and Ashley, Nichalas and Amber, Charlie, Ella, other future grandchildren and the next generations beyond. 

When I read of the relationship Samson and Delilah shared, I wonder if he was really in love with her or was it just lust?  Did he share his "secret" because he did love her or was he exasperated by her nagging?  Was there ever a moment afterwards, that Delilah regretted what she had done?  Did she realize there was something there in Samson's heart for her?  Did she ever think about what she traded in for bribe money? 

How much like the relationship in a marriage is our relationship with God.  We are given "The Gift of Christ"  and reject it for the bribe money of satan.  There are some who do not want to put the vested interest or work into relationships anymore, choosing to take the easy way out. 

 As some do with their relationship with God. 
   
My heart breaks when I think about the "Delilah's" of this world.</sup> 

<sup>They hold in their hands "The Gift of Christ", the key to eternal life and cast it aside. 

 For the bribe money of satan.</sup>

 

 

 

 

 

"There Will Be Ripples" - 04/04/16 - Judges 13-15

"Some days later when he came back to get her, he made a little detour to look at what was left of the lion. And there a wonder: a swarm of bees in the lion’s carcass—and honey! He scooped it up in his hands and kept going, eating as he went. He rejoined his father and mother and gave some to them and they ate. But he didn’t tell them that he had scooped out the honey from the lion’s carcass." (14:8-9)

Drama - What I think of as I read through these verses of Samson's life. 

How he goes from being a servant for God into a servant for self.  Eating honey from a dead lion carcass?  Why would he even want to go back and check on the carcass?  Not only was he becoming unclean by touching the carcass - he ate honey from it!  Along with the bees -there would have been maggots, flies and stench.  But then, why do we constantly go back and look at sin.  Before you know it, you're down on your knees, reaching into the decay, eating of it, sin now becoming a part of you. 

 I too, have and do the same, as did Samson.  Going back to check out sin - sitting down to eat of what I think is too good to pass up, ignoring the filth it is surrounded by.  Ignoring the way the filth of sin will cling to me - become a part of me as it passes through my lips. 

This proves that we alone can not even be around sin - it will consume us.  It is only through Christ we are protected.  Only In Him are we in a shield that is impenetrable. 

There is a flip side of the lion's carcass.

It is us in sin.  Dead.  Only God can transform total ugliness of sin into the pure sweet honey. 

Don't miss out an important fact in these verses.  Samson gave his parents the honey without telling them where it came from.  In their eating of it, they unknowingly became unclean.  When Jesus left, He left us to continue as His vessels in making disciples.  One drop of water creates a ripple.   Our  living life is a drop of water.  Every single thing you do has consequences - good or bad - touching  lives all around you.  Those who are living and those to come - even those who are gone that were once in your life.  When you look into the mirror, deep into your soul, ask yourself - what are you passing on? 

Are you a part of our Living God, passing on to all His pure sweet honey - the gift of Him, eternal life.

Or are you a part of the carcass of sin - the decayed, maggot infested, stench of eternal death.

What is your ripple? 

"Enough" - 04/03/16 - Judges 10-12

"They just walked off and left God, quit worshiping Him." (Judges10:7)



Upon reading these verses, my instant thoughts are, "How can anyone just walk off and leave God".


It dumbfounds me how anyone could live life without Him.  My mind becomes filled with such self-righteous and unholy thoughts.

And then I recall the years I lived life without Him.

Even today,  I know until the day I die, I shall struggle with walking off and leaving Him, quit worshiping Him.  Although it is only for a short period, it happens each and every time I choose to put "me" before Him. 

A sin is a sin.  It is only because I am in Christ am I saved.  Made Holy by His Blood.  Covered with His Grace and Mercy. 

Thankfully, He is continually transforming my heart to not be judgemental and self-righteous to those who choose not to worship our ABBA.  Instead I am looking at them with compassion, sorrow, fear for them, and Christlike love.  And yes, there are still moments instead of praying for them...........I slip back into my old habits of not being Christlike to those of this world.

He brings to mind a woman I have had to interact with these past 14 years when working on a commercial property we take care of.  Each encounter I have made it a conscientious effort to smile, be nice and pleasant.  I have tried putting myself in her place, giving her the benefit of the doubt that her life is not a very happy one, etc.

One evening while spraying, I had my hose laying across the road as I went from side to side making my application.  A car slipped up on me and I had to hurry over and move my hose.  I glanced over to see "she" was behind the wheel.  As she drove by me, I waved and smiled.  She just gave me the once over look and drove by.  No wave, no smile - just rudeness.  At first I was really angry.  How dare she reject me like that - again. 

And then He started to work His accountability.  It isn't about her and me.  It is about Him and her.  It is about Him and me. 

Am I glorifying Him in all that I think, say or do? 
So what if she rejects me.  Stop taking rejection personal.
Bottom line - am I waving for His glory or mine. 

I was aware of the minutes ticking by before I began to pray for her.  Minutes ticking by before I took my pride and squished it beneath my heel. Each and every day I am striving for "immediate", not minutes or seconds later. With each encounter, He has me realize what little I know of a persons life..  I look about and recognize how our world is in such a self-destructive mode. I can hear God telling us, ""When they oppressed you and you cried out to me for help, I saved you from them. And now you've gone off and betrayed Me, worshiping other gods. I'm not saving you anymore. Go ahead! Cry out for help to the gods you've chosen—let them get you out of the mess you're in!" (Judges 10:12-14) 




 And I wonder so many moments, at what point in today's world is He going to say, "Enough is enough"? 


It scares me. 
Not for myself - I'm in Christ and covered. 

I have fear for those on the outside of His family.  Those who are living a life totally focused on "self".  How thankful I am our ABBA protects His own under His umbrella, that our souls are shielded from just how dark sin really is.  My heart is breaking though, knowing there are persons living in such a dark, empty, sin filled world.  It motivates me to try and introduce them to Him.  To introduce them to a world that is full, safe and pure. 

A world that is Him.


So many societies have self-destructed because they have walked away from God.  America is a good place to be on this world.  I pray for our future leaders, for the media, for people walking down the street. 

 I pray His own will choose to reach the masses for Him.............before "enough".

"Means of Escape" - 04/02/16 - Judges 8-9

04/02/16 - Judges 8-9

"Means of Escape"

"Abimelech went on to Thebez. He camped at Thebez and captured it. The Tower-of-Strength stood in the middle of the city; all the men and women of the city along with the city’s leaders had fled there and locked themselves in. They were up on the tower roof. Abimelech got as far as the tower and assaulted it. He came up to the tower door to set it on fire.

Just then some woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and crushed his skull.

He called urgently to his young armor bearer and said, “Draw your sword and kill me so they can’t say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” His armor bearer drove in his sword, and Abimelech died." (9:50-54)


There are times when it seems as though the enemy has encircled us, trapping us in our tower and we have nowhere to go.  No escape - believing the enemy will win. 

And then - 

God uses what we deem as worthless, insignificant, without any power, the smallest of small - and uses that as a means to overpower and escape from our tower.

When these verses were written, and today in some civilizations, women were considered less than dogs. 

I wonder what do I hold at such a low level of worthlessness in my gifts and talents.  All of what He gives us is to be used as part of our weaponry against the enemy.  Not some of - but all of - our gifts and talents, even those we feel "aren't good enough". 

He has created them, given them to us . They are part of Him, part of "us" whom He made in His image.  He designed us for His purpose. 

I read this today, and it struck home how often it is we don't utilize what He has given us. 
How often we do not use His measuring stick to evaluate how "good" our gifts/talents are.  

I am once again reminded there really is nothing new under the sun.

All we can do as writers and readers and thinkers and lovers and pray-ers is to link arms and pull when someone’s stuck, or push when someone’s scared, and pray when we’re all lost. Not because we are hopeless, but because we actually know that there is Hope and at all times, we all just need reminded of it in different ways.

There is so much of our gifts/talents we think is useless or not good/talented enough and then we end up not utilizing them to help strengthen someone in or out of "His" family. 

                                                                                     
Someone who is fighting the enemy.                                                                      

Someone who desperately needs to be reminded there is Hope.  

Someone who is trapped in their "tower".

 

 

 

 

"God Is Never Outsized" - 04/01/16 - Judges 6-7

^"God said to Gideon, “You have too large an army with you. I can’t turn Midian over to them like this—they’ll take all the credit, saying, ‘I did it all myself,’ and forget about me."  (7:2)

God uses all  things for His Glory. 

Even when we pick up doubt, focus on it, and it becomes fear.  

Our imagination sets in.  The lying voices ring out loudly in our ears.  We begin to take everything personal.  Begin to believe that we are losers.   Begin to see obstacles of life are just too big to be removed or even to make our way around.  

Much like the Israelites felt each moment that Goliath came out and taunted them.  Taunted them and God.  They shook in fear.  

And along came David.  A young man, a slingshot, a small stone.

And His Faith.
In God.

David was so outsized there was no denying our God was in control.  


Outsized.

How God wants us to be, so we won't forget about Him and go on thinking "we" did it.   He uses our doubt and fears, when we feel "outsized", for His glory.  Looking back to those "mountain in the road" moments in my life, I can see all proof  - it was God who got me through, over, or around.   

There are times our God will peel us down to what we think is nothing, so He is all we have to depend on.  He removes our pride, our way, our revenge.  There are so many times His way doesn't make sense, because we are still focusing on that doubt. 

But in the end - His way which has already won.

 

 

"He Wore My Crown of Thorns" - 03/31/16 - Judges 3-5

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


 I was so naïve 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)

 

 

 

 

"Self-Injury" - 03/30/16 - Judges 1-2

"They cut off his thumbs and big toes." (Judges 1:6)



Throughout Joshua and coming into Judges, we read the accounts of the many wars.  Wars which were necessary for eliminating the Promised Land of pagans - who like a cancer would destroy the Israelites from within.  As I read today a summary of wars, it again reminds me - we are still fighting for souls.  The Scriptures continually point out I too, am a warrior. 

God has equipped me with all I need to fight in this battle for souls.  Being on the side that won, God of All, He is my Daddy and Leader.  He provides me with a full armor - His Word -  detailing for me all moves needed in the strategy of war.  The Holy Spirit within and around me.  There is no doubt that I am surrounded by His hedge of protection, the power of His family joining together and fighting as one.  I am not alone!

And still with all He has equipped me with - when I sin, I am cutting off my "thumbs and big toes".  

A warrior in order to shoot a straight arrow and hit the target, must grasp the string with both his fingers and thumb.  They would have trouble balancing and running without his big toes.  They would lived the remainder of their life disgraced because they could no longer fight.

Each time I choose to serve "me" over Him, I am hindering myself.  A self-destructive cycle.  Much like cutting off my nose to spite my face.  Something I find myself doing often in the roles of my life. 

How thankful I am He completely heals me, sets me straight and we begin again - each of those numerous times.  How thankful I am He is bigger than my mess ups.  That His grace and mercy have me covered. 

One of my greatest fears used to be Judges 2:10 - "Then another generation grew up that didn't know anything of God or the work He had done".  There aren't enough words to express how thankful I am all of our family unit knows Him intimately.  That they are about being a Light for Him - a Warrior. 

But, I see when I look around so many who do not know Him and He is giving me a sense of urgency to be the best possible Warrior for Him. 

To take care not to "cut off my thumbs and big toes" so I am not hindered......to not be a disgrace.  
The warfare going about isn't about serving "me" - it is all about serving Him. 
To be His Warrior for lost souls.

"Willingly" - 03/29/16 - Joshua 22-24

"Now, stay strong and steady....... Hold tight to God, your God, just as you've done up to now."  (Joshua 23:6-8)



In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
In 1620 the Mayflower set sail.

Just two of many, many historical events that required people to "stay strong and steady".  All on the way to a new life, new dreams.  All these people wanted better for themselves and their families - generations to come.  So much and many were sacrificed for the dreams to become a reality.



God cleared the way for the Israelite's dream to become a reality.  His only request - "stay strong and steady - hold tight to Him".  And still that is all He wants - desires.

He went on to clear the way for all of us with the greatest sacrifice of all.

Our Savior. 
Our Christ. 
The Messiah.

I'm not one who likes surprises, suspense, the unknown.  (I believe this most likely goes back to a control issue.)  Would I have left all to journey onward for the better?  Do I today?  Do I leave my comfort zone to journey into the world as a warrior for Him?

All through Joshua there were wars, destruction, killing and purifying.  I like to be on the other side - at peace.  My comfort zone. Yes, God wants me to enjoy the "fruits of the land", but not at the expense of souls.  It is so easy to settle in and be content at doing nothing except enjoy "the fruits of the land".   

And before you know it -  it is all about serving "self".

I pray the words of Joshua, the journeys many have made throughout the centuries, the sacrifices - I won't take them for granted. 

Most of all.  I pray I shall never take the sacrifice of our Savior for granted.

I pray, I too, will willingly sacrifice "self" and journey onward for those ahead of me. 
What an honor and blessing to be part of His lineage. 
Part of His army. 
Part of His plan.
Part of Him.

"All Our Days" - 03/28/16 - Joshua 19-21

^"Not one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of Israel. Everything came out right." (Joshua 21:45)

 

We began this past weekend with Good Friday. 

It is always a very bittersweet day.

A day causing my heart to break, my eyes to tear - when I think about and picture what our Abba and Savior went through that day.
Knowing.

Knowing within hours, his friend, his travel companion of these past three years, one whom He had shared life with, not only life as they walked the dusty roads, but also the key to life of eternal. 

Judas. 

With a kiss. 

The Lamb would be led to slaughter.


That day - He stood there, knowing He was God, power to crush them all with only a look - He stood silent. 

That day - He felt the pain from the thorns shoved into His head, that pure and beautiful head.  The whip of glass and stone, across His back, tearing the pure and beautiful skin to shreds.  His blood, that pure and beautiful blood, splattered and running, covering sin.  His ears, those pure and beautiful ears, hearing denial, curses, and taunts from those who had claimed to have loved Him.  His eyes, the pure and beautiful windows to His soul. 

His soul. 

His pure and beautiful soul, which He poured out for me.

For us.

For all.

His love.  His pure and beautiful Love.

He gave up all He was.  All He had. 

For Love. 



That day. 

That day - when the sun would turn to dark. 

That day - when it seemed that satan had won.  That all God had said, was lost. 

That day -  is the day -  is the beginning of the end. 

That day -  is the day He became our sacrifice, our hope, when it seemed all was lost.

That day -  is the day His blood was shed for me - for my sins.

That day - is the day He died for my sins.

That day - is the day He took my place.

^"Not one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of Israel." 

That day - Everything came out right."

And again, I am reminded how I struggle with the time of Lent, our celebrating Good Friday and Easter for just one weekend.  It should be remembered, recognized, and celebrated.

Each Day.
Every Day. 
All Days.

"Stop Sittin Around" - 03/27/16 - Joshua 16-18

“How long are you going to sit around on your hands" (18:3)

 

Get off my duff.

Quite easily, I could sit in His comfort zone for hours, days, months, even years.

This isn't what He expects me to do.  The "comforts" He has blessed me with are to be an encouragement for me to get out and lead others to His "comforts".  

"Go as I LIVE, making Disciples".(Matthew 28:19)

Can not very well LIVE if I am sitting in His "comfort room".

Yes, I can open up His "comfort room" for others to come and enjoy. 

Most often though, they are ones who have already found the "comforts" of being a part of His family.  Not saying spending time with His family is a bad thing, but Jesus gave us example after example in the spending of time with those who are outside of  His "comfort room".  He met them where they were.  

 

And most times, those outside don't feel "comfortable" coming into His "comfort room".  

It isn't until you are In Him that His "comforts" are no longer uncomfortable.

So - which do I choose. 

Getting off my duff, out of His "comfort room" and getting into an uncomfortable place - which would be their comfort room. 

Or if they reject my invite to His "comfort room",  do I continue to sit back enjoying His "comforts" while not showing any concern for them.   Focusing so intently on His "comforts" I totally forget about or ignore those on the outside.

How easy it is, after being in the world and recognizing it really wasn't a "comfort" place at all, so now all you want is to remain in His "comforts".  It is our natural bent to be selfish.  To become settled and lazy. 

To become, well, comfortable. 

Only through and In Him are we able to go against our natural bent and be transformed.  He will change our vision to seeing those outside of Him as lost and the time is flying by.  That all of us are dying and the last breaths could be - well - just a breath away.  He opens our eyes to see others as "Divine Appointments" in which we have to leave His "comfort rooms" to make.  He gives us the sense of  urgency in not breaking these Appointments.  He gives us an awareness it may be the last appointment the person He has lined up for you will have.  He tells us, "We may be the only vessel of Christ they will see".

 So go.  Get off your duff.  Bring those outside into His "comfort room".