Pillar of Cloud & Fire

6 May

In Exodus 13 we’re introduced to an amazing sight. The Israelites had the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire with them EVERY DAY. No matter what, day or night, they had a constant reminder that Yahweh was with them, protecting, leading, and providing for them.

Yet, what did they do? They grumbled about lack of meat and water. They complained when He provided them with manna to eat and water to drink. They murmured about basically everything. Here they have a visible, can’t miss it, sign of God being with them, and they rejected it for a deceived impression that they knew best.

It continued this way when the God of the universe sent His Son, Jesus, in the flesh, saying that His name would be Emmanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He walked among His people, healing, teaching, providing. Yet they rejected Him (John 1:10-11). After all, they knew best. Their delusion led to hanging Jesus on the cross.

After His resurrection and appearing to His disciples and others for many days (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), Jesus promised to be with them always (Matthew 28:20b). In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell God’s children, fulfilling Christ’s promise to be with them always. The Spirit leads, teaches, empowers, just like in the wilderness and in Jesus’s day. Yet, just like then, God’s children often ignore the continual presence of God in their lives. They complain, grumble, murmur because they believe they know best.

May we repent and rejoice with grateful submission that Emmanuel, God with us, indwells.

Photo by Max Saeling on Unsplash

Security! Se-cu-ri-ty!

18 Sep

Several years ago, my children introduced me to a TV skit where a not too competent worker at a burger place was taking food orders. If a customer asked for a change on his order, she would proclaim it as a “complicated order,” no matter how slight a change. If the person persisted in the request, she would call out, “Security! SE-CU-RI-TY!” It was quite humorous to us, and we’ve used the complicated order phrase and call for security many times in joking around at home.

Everyone wants security. We want the rescue of it when in perceived or real danger. We want to feel secure in relationships in a way that makes us feel worthwhile. But too often we go on a lifelong search for security, when the very source of it is found in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul knew this security of unconditional love and acceptance. In Roman 8:38-39, he speaks of being persuaded, convinced about it.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB1995)

He had come to this belief regarding God’s love for him and would not be deterred from that belief. It was a done deal for him. No matter the circumstances, he was holding on to the fact that God loved him unconditionally and accepted him.

Paul knew from personal experience many of the circumstances listed in these verses. In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 he lists even more difficult circumstances: imprisoned, flogged, multiple death threats, whipped repeatedly, often beaten, shipwrecked several times, alone in the open sea, stoned, in danger from everything and everyone imaginable; lack of sleep, hunger, and clothing; and his personal concern for those to whom he ministered. Any or all of these could have understandably brought into question God’s love and acceptance of him.

Yet despite all this, he was convinced that God loved him. He used the phrase “separate from” to describe the security he knows from this love. The phrase gives the picture of removing oneself from or placing a room between. But Paul states that nothing can cause God to bring this kind of separation to His children. Regardless of the circumstance, that sort of separation will never come to pass. God’s love is secure and gives us security in our relationship with Him.

Is Satan whispering in your ear, because of your current circumstances, that you’re not worthy; that God has left you to go to another part of the house? I can assure you He has not done so. He loves His children, and nothing can change that. Call for Him. He is right there with you in the circumstance. Bask in His love for you, His acceptance of you, the worth He has placed on you in Christ. Receive His security. Let Him be your SE-CU-RI-TY!

Photo by Wesley Marçal on Unsplash

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The Seal of Approval

3 Sep

But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 NASB1995)

What does it take to get a seal of approval? Is it belonging to the “correct” political party or accepting the current ideology? Is it money, the perfect body, the latest fashion, the perfect house, or something else entirely? Luke 10:38-42 gives us a clue as to what it takes to be approved. In these verses we meet Mary and Martha who are the sisters of Lazarus, a good friend of Jesus. These women have two totally different ideas about getting approval.

Martha welcomes Jesus into her home but is distracted with all her preparations. I can imagine that prior to Jesus’ arrival, she was making sure the house was spotless and the food was purchased for the meal. She was probably hoping that Jesus would recommend her for the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval after His visit. I think if we could see into Martha’s deepest thoughts, we may find she had the attitude of God got a “good deal” with her as the hostess. Mary on the other hand just wants to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening to and hanging on to His every Word.

But when the food prep becomes overwhelming to Martha, she asks Jesus for help – but on her terms. Get Mary in here…NOW! Jesus lovingly tells her that she is worried and bothered by many things, but that Mary has chosen the good part that will not be taken away. Mary’s faith has brought the Lord’s approval, not Martha’s works.

It’s interesting that Jesus could have banished Mary, Martha, and subsequently all women to the kitchen and kept them there. Instead, He commends Mary’s choice of listening to Him. At the same time, it’s an invitation for Martha (and us) to put down the dishcloth, and join Him, to listen to Him, undistracted by worries and burdens. He appreciates her work, but He wants a relationship with her more.

And, wonderfully, Martha’s story is not over. When Lazarus passes away, Jesus eventually comes to the home. After initially sounding disappointed that Jesus hadn’t come sooner, Martha makes this stunning declaration of faith in John 11:27: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.” Martha, too, had chosen the good part, the one necessary thing, that will not be taken away. She now walked in the Lord’s approval where her homemaking skills, submitted to Him, could be used for His glory. She had a new reason for living. Martha’s story gives us hope that God can change us and our attempts for approval as we listen to Him, hanging on His every word.

Photo by Susan Kirsch on Unsplash

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Can I Get an “Aman”?

11 Nov

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)

In Psalm 27, David extols God’s attributes, His heart for His children, and His great salvation. Then David makes this stunning declaration in verses 13 and 14. He was on the verge of despair because of his enemies, but instead he chose to BELIEVE God. The word here is the Hebrew word “aman”. It means “to stand firm, to trust, to be certain” (Strong’s Concordance). This is the same word that is used in Genesis 15:6 of Abraham where it is said that he “believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

This belief is not just a mental assent about God or what He said. That sort of belief does no good for us before our Heavenly Father. Mental assent will not save a person. The kind of belief displayed by Abraham and David is the Hebrews 11:6 kind that trusts and affirms that God is Who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. God looks at that kind of belief, this “aman”, and declares one righteous – in right standing with Him, secure in relationship with Him. This kind of righteousness leads to right living, significant and firm in purpose to bring glory to Him.

It is this kind of belief in Christ and His work on the cross that brings salvation and God’s righteousness to one’s life. It is this kind of belief that causes one to “wait on the Lord”, to look eagerly for Him to act, to be confident in Him. It is this kind of belief that utters the “amen” in prayer – the “so be it” of absolute trust and confidence in God. This aman/amen belief can wait and be strong and courageous because of relationship with Him. So…

Can I get an “amen”?

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Martha, Martha!

23 Apr

I rushed out to the car to get to work, via the gas station. My mind was racing with preparations for an upcoming trip, with some physical “ailments,” and housing issues. I had already spent the few short minutes of visiting with my husband prior to leaving with a myriad of worried questions and statements about all of these.

AnxietyAs I reached to open the car door, the words from Jesus’ gentle reprimand to Martha came to mind – “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). I looked over at my husband and said, “Sorry about being a Martha.” He gave me a knowing, forgiving smile.

On the way to work, another verse came to mind. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). I’d written about this verse a while back on this blog, and it seemed that I was going to need to learn that lesson again. The good part (Jesus) and God’s peace (Philippians 4:7) are mine for the taking. Choosing and obedience and relinquishing control.

I’m ready for Him to make me into a Mary instead of a Martha! Want to join me?

 

 

37 Years Does a Marriage Make

8 Feb

R&D MontageI’m not sure that this title is completely accurate, because there are so many factors that contribute to this thing called marriage. But Wednesday marked 37 years of marriage for Rocky and me. I am more and more grateful for the privilege of sharing life with this man God gave me.

I looked up biblical numerology just for grins the other day and found that 37 is not a number that means anything from a biblical standpoint. (Imagine that!) However, the number 30 can symbolize dedication to a particular task or calling. I can say without hesitation that my husband is dedicated to me and to our marriage. He is always looking for ways to encourage me, love me, and make our marriage stronger. It never ceases to amaze me how much thought he puts into doing this. Even though we’ve been married for 37 years, he doesn’t go on auto-pilot. He never assumes all is well. He continues to pursue, to enjoy, to lead me. What a gift and picture of God’s grace!

The number 7 stands for completeness and perfection. In no way am I claiming perfection, but the sense of completeness God has given me through being married to this man named Rocky is another manifestation of His grace. Rock has brought a richness and fullness and joy during these years of marriage that I did not know was possible. He is the most Christ-like man I know. He is a wonderful blend of God’s steadfastness and gentleness, and touches me with these characteristics on a daily basis. Rocky has been this way since the day I met him, and has never faltered. I know it is because of the work that Christ did in saving him and the continued sanctifying work of the Spirit in his life.

In our early days of courtship and engagement, we were impressed with the words of Psalm 34:3 as a relationship goal: “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Because of the dedication and commitment of my husband to Christ and to me for these 30 + 7 years, I’m ready for even more years of seeking to magnify and exalt the One who is our life…as long as we both shall live.

Happy anniversary, Rock!

The Eternality of God & Cars

18 Jan

junk car

Not my car…but you get the general idea!

As I pulled away from the house to return to work, I noticed a spot on the driveway. I angled back in the drive to investigate, and my suspicions were confirmed – a leak under the car! My car is a 2003 model and has over 175,000 miles on it. It’s a “Hails’ car,” so trouble with it is not a new occurrence for our household.

I sighed and watched for any indicator lights as I returned to work. When I left for Bible study, I noticed a fresh bit of liquid on my parking spot, not much, but definitely something.

At Bible study we had a discussion of Genesis 1:1 and listened to a video message from Jen Wilkin on the same verse (God of Creation, a Study of Genesis 1-11). She spoke of the implications of God as the sole Creator of everything – one of those being His eternality – the God who is not bound by time, and holds all knowledge of eternity past, present and future. As I’d worked on the homework and listened to her message several times, the sense of security that we as believers can have in such a sovereign God continued to be impressed upon me. I should not have been surprised that as soon as the study was over, this eternal God, my heavenly Father, would provide circumstances to let me see where my security was being placed.

Sure enough, as I approached my beloved car, a long stream of water was going down the parking lot from it. I headed home, watching for signs of overheating and praying. “Father, you knew this was going to happen today. You’re not surprised by this at all. Lord, you know that we just put X amount of dollars today toward one of our financial goals. You know that we have X amount of dollars set aside for a trip to see our kids. You know our need where this car is concerned. Thank you for allowing this situation. Please don’t let it discourage Rock when I tell him about it. Show us what to do.”

The hubster listened to what happened and went out to inspect the car. He couldn’t see anything at that moment, but told me he’d had a similar experience with his car as well! (Hails’ cars strike again!) And God heard my prayer. He wasn’t upset by the news. In fact, God was dealing with Rock in this area as well. (BTW – I love doing life with this man who follows Christ with all his heart…but I digress!) We would see what was going on in the daylight and take it to the mechanic if needed.

Today I got a call from Rock. He had gone to a meeting and when he came out, a huge puddle was under his car. He called our mechanic who said he’d look at it. I ran out to see about my car, and I had a small amount of water. It looked like we’d be riding together and shuffling use of cars for a few days.

The tremendous part about this was the sense that God was in control, and I was not in the depths of despair. Believe me, I can go to that well quite often where money matters are involved! Then Rock called to say we were both experiencing a condensation tube from our car heaters getting rid of water. We needed to be on the alert to be sure there was no antifreeze, etc. in it, but there would be no need for repair! Hallelujah!

Moses says in Deuteronomy 33:27a (NIV), “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” With gratefulness, I experienced His refuge and everlasting arms today. His Word truly is “a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), if I will let Him apply it to my life.

Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.” (Isaiah 40:27-28)

Agnus Dei

7 Nov

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(Not the sunrise mentioned in this post. Doesn’t do the scene justice!)

Last Saturday, I was able to travel to my college alma mater to meet my roommate for breakfast. We don’t get to see one another very often, but when we do, the years and miles disappear. She is, in the words of Anne of Green Gables, a “kindred spirit.”

The stretch of highway I was on is one of my favorites in Oklahoma because it has several twists and turns. As a college student it made me feel something of a race car driver – without the speed, of course! (My dad raced go-carts when I was a child, so it probably reminds me of him.)

The sky was aglow with the sunrise. I was listening to music, and as I rounded the corner, Michael W. Smith’s “Tribute” / “Agnus Dei” from his Glory album was playing. The combination of beauty from nature and the music arrangement nearly took my breath away! Worship ensued as I was able to reflect on the words:

Alleluia!

For the Lord God Almighty reigns!

Holy are You, Lord God Almighty!

Worthy is the Lamb!

Amen.

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The Benefit of Thorns

29 May

Re-visiting something written in 2011. 

ThornsDo you find yourself surrounded by a hedge of thorns? What kind of thorns make up your hedge? Unfulfilled dreams? Difficulties at work? Loss of job? Bad relationships? Poor health? Debt? Car troubles? Disappointments? Ridicule from those you wouldn’t call friends? Could it be something blocking you from doing what you want or need to do?

Their makeup can come from a variety of sources. Regardless of their source, however, thorns hurt. They can be prickly – just enough to smart, or they can be quite painful and totally ensnare you in their grasp.

But what if the thorns of life have a purpose that is of benefit to you? What if your thorns were the very instrument God used to cause you to evaluate your walk with Him, to call you into relationship with Him?

  • Could it be that your thorns are an indication of sin that was never fully confessed and forsaken? If that’s the case, your thorns will continue to trouble you until you deal with your sin (Numbers 33:55).
  • Could God be using the thorn to keep you humble as he did with Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7)? Is your importance worth missing out on the grace and power of God in your time of weakness (James 4:5-10)?
  • Could this thorn somehow be protecting you from seeking your own way and not the Lord’s (Hosea 2:6)? God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) and knows what is best for you at all times. He wants to use you to declare His glory (1 Peter 2:9). Would getting your way thwart His plan for you? Would you be settling for something good when you could have His best? Would your way diminish the influence you could have for Him?
  • Could God be calling you to a deeper relationship with Him by surrounding you with thorns? Would escaping their grasp keep you from knowing Him, fellowshipping with Him (Philippians 3:10), resting in Him (Matthew 11:28-30)?

Next time you feel hedged in by the thorny circumstances of life, don’t try to immediately hack your way out of them or get mad at their momentary discomfort. Let God search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Humble yourself under His hand (1 Peter 5:6). Set your will to follow Him (Matthew 26:39-44). Press on to know Him (Hosea 6:3), really know Him. Remove thoroughly what thorns you know are there by your doing, and let Him remove the rest in His way and in His time.

Let thorns be used to benefit your relationship and walk with the Lord. Doing so can make the pain and discomfort worth it all.

 

Pain

20 Jun

Pain ScaleI have many friends and family members who have recently experienced great loss or who are currently in the throes of physical, mental, financial, emotional difficulty. It breaks my heart for them. If I could, I would fix it for them. However, I can perhaps offer some hope based on a few verses I looked at this week.

Friends – The Lord hears your groaning!

I was reading this week in Exodus 6 along with some questions and commentary (from Lauren Chandler’s study Steadfast Love) on verses 2-8. In these verses, God reveals His name as that of “I Am,” or Yahweh (the Lord), to Moses and the sons of Israel. A great name, and one He revealed to His people when they were groaning from their great bondage! Verse 5 says that He heard their groaning. He gave them His full attention. He heard with a readiness to act on their behalf. That’s a really comforting thought. The Lord hears our groaning.

Friends – The Lord will act on your behalf!

In verses 6-8 there are at least eleven times, depending on your translation, where “I” is used. He’s the one acting. He’s the one to sit back and watch what He will do. Eleven or twelve times He states exactly what that will be. He promises that He will personally bring them out from under the burden, He will deliver them, redeem them, be in relationship with them, give them a home, be faithful to His promises from the past. Even more comforting words. The Lord will act on our behalf.

Friends – Don’t miss out because of the pain!

Sadly, in verse 9 it says that the people didn’t listen to this great encouraging message the Lord sent through Moses. The reason was their focus was fixed on their difficulties. Believe me. I do understand the tendency to continue groaning, to stay focused on the pain, BECAUSE IT HURTS! I get it. But if you and I would but shift our eyes from the circumstance, we can watch Him work in His way and in His time on our behalf. If you and I would but listen for His still, small voice, we might just hear His call to be in relationship with Him. We would get to know the great I AM – a thrilling, comforting privilege!

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11 NAS)

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