As I read through scripture, I choose to focus on the amazing names of God. With the craziness happening in our world—how encouraging it is to read “God Most High”. The Hebrew word for most high is Elyon. Combing it with El Elyon, it becomes the divine title our God deserves. He is the ruler of not only the universe but of everything that touches us. There is no other God that reigns over Him. He is the MOST HIGH God! Yesterday, amid some stormy situations, I called on my Most High God. It brought such peace and trust. My mind calmed as I rehearsed many of the things that are under His feet.
Often in the Psalms we find the phrase the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (Jehovah Sabaoth). When Hannah prays for a son in 1 Samuel 1: 10, she uses this name to cry out to Him. It expresses the infinite power and resources which God acts for His people. Her situation had gone on too long and she needed to make her God bigger. He answered. When I read and meditate on this title, God becomes bigger and more firmly established as the Most High God. Psalm 80:19 Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. He is in charge, my friends, no matter what things may look like. When you are feeling small, call out to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. It will stir your soul. No demon in hell can stand against Him. He is Lord.
Need healing? Cry out to Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals. Jehovah Jireh is the God who provides. All these titles describe an aspect of our amazing Lord and Savior. The most precious name of all to me is Abba Father. Adopted into His family, by the shedding of His blood, opened the door to a relationship with this Most High God! Add these titles to your prayer communication and you will grow in faith and maturity. There is nothing better than curling up in the Father’s Presence during struggles and disappointments. His Comfort is there. However, I can’t stay there and see things change. I must join with Him, using His powerful Word to bring the needed change. During these darker and difficult times, we must grow in our understanding of God’s power and the authority we have as His children. Through prayer we can watch things change, but only if we release our faith and cry out to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
Let us join to pray for our world. Do not let discouragement take over your life. Stand strong as a member of His Army. No victims here, but victors. Pulling down strongholds. Watching doors open, and lives changed and healed, in His Name.
Lately it seems like many people I know are struggling with many different pressures of life. Financial challenges, relationship issues, physical struggles seem to be attacking so many of God’s people. Life seems to be harder for so many people right now. The winds of adversity have been blowing hard. The temptation is to want to find a way of escape from their relentless blowing–at least that is my initial response!
What is your reaction when adverse things begin to take place? Why is this happening to ME or my family? Does fear raise its ugly head and try to take root in your heart? Life here on this earth, comes with adversity. It just does. If we keep being surprised by them, then maybe we need to grow in our understanding of life on this earth versus life that will be in heaven. Scripture tells us that in this world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because He has overcome them.
But how do we handle the pressures of adversity? First we must understand we do not face them alone. Our God is with us, working all things together for our good. When natural winds occur, they clean the air, help distribute seeds for new plantings, and they help birds complete their migration. Strong winds test the roots of trees, causing weak rooted trees to be blown over so younger trees can take their place.
Winds of adversity in our lives often reveal our stamina or lack thereof. When things get hard and we want to quit, we have to “dig deep” as they say, and choose to stay the course. Choosing to continue on God’s path when these winds are blowing contrary takes perseverance, trust and tenacity. There are some things in life that there is no choice but to push through. I remember in the middle of laboring my son, I just wanted to quit. Since my body reacts differently than most women, I did not have the “urge to push”, so I just quit. I was tired and I didn’t want to “do it anymore”. In the midst of the pain, I lost sight of the goal. The wonderful nurse whispered in my ear, “in just a few more pushes you will be able to hold your baby, and we will all go away!” I don’t remember which was more motivating, the idea of seeing my child or the fact I could get rid of the annoying people telling me what to do, but soon our dear son was born. In reality, I had no choice but to finish that race. Other times, we must choose to renew our commitment and walk on.
When the pressures of life begin to assail, we need people around us to remind us of our purpose and plans. I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit and God’s Word that brings us hope and encouraging stability, but sometimes I need people who have been there and done that, to come along side and remind me that I, too, will make it! Storms do not last forever. As I walked the difficult journey after Darryl’s stroke, trying to come to grips with my new normal, I would have to stop and remind myself not to worry about the tomorrows. Matthew 6:34 so don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. For you young parents, remember the current season your infant, baby, toddler, pre-schooler, elementary child, high schooler–is in will pass. The night feedings, the toddler tantrums and the angst of growing up, though difficult, are best done in the present–with an eye on the future. His grace is sufficient for our today issues. If you are facing storms in your marriage remember your vows and the reason you married in the first place. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of God’s love and that He is with you in every day circumstances. Seek His wisdom and His ways. Do not let your thoughts run rampant. Capture them quickly.
If things seem overwhelming and you need help, ask for it. Somethings are too heavy to bear alone. Humble yourself, if need be. Many times just talking about how you feel will bring perspective and understanding. This is why God has placed pastors, teachers and leaders in His body–if they can’t help, they can lead you to someone who can. Too many suffer in silence in their own island because they are embarrassed to reach out. Do not be one of those people, listening to the lies of the enemy telling you no one cares. It is not true. I am available! Reach out to me, if you need a listening ear. Many times I have shouted out my prayers to the Lord, or taken time to write my thoughts and prayers in a journal.. Simply taking the time to name your feelings (cares) and then cast them back to Him brings the relief and hope needed.
In the midst of so many facing adverse circumstances I have also been amazed at how many prayers God is answering as well. He is not far off, but a very present help in time of trouble. Do not be jealous, or disappointed if you see others getting their prayers answered, but be encouraged He is not a respecter of persons! Your time is coming.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
In a nearby town there is a facility that is geared toward building stronger, faster, more resilient athletes, safely. It is called Gritworks Athletics. The reason I know about this place is because for a time they paid to have their FB ads show up on my feed. They are geared toward helping young athletes learn to develop safe movement, speed, agility to help them achieve growth in their preferred sport. Watching their ads to see the enrollees, young students are definitely being challenged to dig deep. You can tell from their faces they are having to dig deep to keep working out. I’ve also watched a documentary on how a Navy Seal is challenged and developed. It takes grit.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, grit in the context of behavior is defined as “firmness of character; indomitable spirit.” Observing many western believers, I think we struggle in this arena. It is so easy to think “it is too hard”, I can’t do it. This past week end I had the privilege of taking a couple of ferries and enjoying Victoria, B. C. Canada. I went with my friend, Mary Smith and though it was a short visit, we met with some challenges… Mary found us a very nice affordable hotel, but it was supposed to be about an hours walk from where we go off the boat. I admit, I had asked AI if this walk was doable, but the reply was “not recommended” if you have luggage. I thought, I can walk an hour!
We started strong. It was warm and a bit humid for this area, but it was exciting and fun to explore. My problem, which became Mary’s, unfortunately, my heart rate kept getting too high and I would have to stop and rest. She was such a good friend, and kept asking how I was doing. It took us over two hours (with all my rest stops!), but we made it. As we were walking along, I found myself declaring, “this is hard, but I can do hard things”. It began to change my perspective. I also added singing some out of date chorus’s to encourage me. I kept checking my body and the only problem my fit bit told me I was having as a raised heartbeat, so as I rested, it came back down. No other symptoms, so I knew I could keep going.
My friends, we walked the 4.6 km it seemed like it took forever with the heat and humidity, but I realized some of our challenges don’t have an “end destination” or “end date” and we just have to keep walking. If your current emotional, spiritual or financial challenges seem like this–take breaks, rest, revive yourself but don’t give up. Mary and I stopped and prayed a lot along the way. We turned out negative thoughts to positive. We encouraged each other and we made it. There were some definite inclines to our journey and those were hard. I found “resting” places and even discovered my rolling bag’s tall handle was helpful in rising from various retaining walls. We passed through some skanky places with poor folks nodding off. We prayed for them as we carefully passed by.
If you are in a challenging valley remember you are not alone. I met someone at the hospital this morning. Her husband had taken too many pills, and though she was a woman “of faith”, she did not have a local church family to help encourage and pray with her. She gladly let me pray for her and her sister in law. I was there to support one of church family, and they saw first hand that blessing. God is with you. I received a message from my friend, Mary, in India. They are facing another strong bout of persecution–this type of trial is so difficult. They can be arrested simply for sharing the gospel. How do you go through those types of trials and testing? By trusting, praying, resting in Him knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect, and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:3-4. God is working good things in our lives through the testing and trials, my friends do not quit. Do not stop walking in obedience. …we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5. NIV. Oh dear friends, my little walk that day was nothing compared to those who have suffered and are suffering for Christ’s sake. God build grit (perseverance) in each of us differently. But it is His will that we have an abundance of it, so we don’t quit. So we can bring the light of His love, faithfulness to others. He wants to turn your ‘hardships’ into your testimony, but He can’t if you quit before the fruit is born.
Keep walking through the fire, the flood, the plains and the mountains…He is with us. I need you to keep walking and so does the rest of the body of Christ. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, the flames shall not consume you. Isaiah 43.2
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name, bring and offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. I Chronicles 16:29. NIV
Oh my friends, I have been praying, meditating and thinking about the gift of worship. I have listened to all types of teaching on the various Old Testament words that describe different ways we can worship our God. On all the why’s of His worthiness and how it brings joy to Him. My head knows a lot, but what I have been desiring more is for my heart to engage differently.
So would you join me on a journey to grow in our connection to Him with our praise and worship? There are seven different Hebrew Expressions of praise. As I remind myself of each of them, I realize I have not engaged lately in most of them.
Barak: means to kneel, bow down. It is a way to show the Lord reverence and humility. Being raised Baptist we did not use kneelers in our church. I have used my older age to excuse myself from kneeling before the Lord. I think it’s time to find a way to include the posture of humility in my worship. Psalm 95:6
Halal: This fun word is the root word for Hallelujah! It means to boast, shine, celebrate, or act clamorously foolish out of extreme joy. I want to add more Halal to my worship. This is what David did when he worshiped before the Lord.
Shabach: This means to shout to God with a voice of triumph. To talk of His mighty power. Have you ever shouted the praises of God? It’s been awhile, I confess. It isn’t just being “loud”, its meaning carries the sense of putting your whole being into praising our God, because of who He is
Tehillah: To express ourselves with tehillah means we make up our own songs and tunes describing Him. It is a fresh expression of our love and His greatness. Go ahead try it! My husband used to play his guitar every morning during his devotional time. I would sing in my heart words to those tunes occasionally. When I forget the words to current worship songs, I probably am using tehillah!
Yadah: When I was young, my father would lead the singing in our Baptist church. It was so inspiring to watch him, because he was singing from his heart. He lifted up his hands in worship (yadah) even before it became popular. I don’t know if he was criticized for it or not. There are often times I can’t help but lift my arms in praise to our God. Surrendering myself to His goodness and will.
Towdah: We lift our hands in towdah when we are thanking him before we see the results. It is also an act of surrender–it is the sacrifice of thanksgiving. I have discovered the joy of praise and worship especially during hard times. It is a sacrifice when we are facing the unknown future that only our God knows. I have experienced God’s peace when I have worshiped Him during hard times.
Zamar: This is where we make music with instruments–plucking strings, drumming drums. It can also include singing with these instruments. Most of our current community worship is based on the word zamar. “I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises (zamar) to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 71:22 “I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will make music (zamar) to you.”Psalm 144:9
Here is a sample breakdown of how these individual words work together. I don’t think we need to overthink this, but understanding what please Him should be our priority. My husband hated green beans, I chose to stop serving them because I loved him. Loving the Lord should be similar, don’t you think? So often we choose our preference over His.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Towdah), and his courts with praise (tehillah)! Give thanks to him (Yadah); bless his name! Psalm 100.4
My friends, as we take the time to focus on the various ways God, Himself, encourages us to worship Him, shouldn’t we at least surrender our will to His in this area? These are tools to be included in our repertoire of worship. I know that when I am overwhelmed by His presence, it often causes me to go quiet and withdraw to my quiet place inside my heart. I know He loves these times of intimacy. The gift of worship is a gift we can choose to freely offer up to Him. When the Israelites started worshiping from duty and not from love, their hearts were more easily drawn away to other gods. This is still the case with us. I don’t want to replace true worship with rote actions–but my own feeble heart has those tendencies. I am so grateful for His mercy, aren’t you? It makes me want to worship Him more.
This past week I have faced some struggles–for myself and on the behalf of others. Instead of feeling overwhelmed I began to worship the Lord before I began to ask for HELP! Peace came more quickly and hope began to grow in the place of fear. Worshiping Him restores peace and sets Him back in His rightful place. He is such an amazing God.
Father, You are such a gracious God. I am so grateful You created us to worship You. Please teach us how to do it in a way that please You. You don’t have to give us anything back when we give You back only what You deserve, but You do. Truly You are an unfathomable God. Thank you for the gift of worship. In Jesus’ Name, amen
I know nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of al his labor–it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. NKJV
August 9 I was invited to join in celebrating a new season/milestone adventure in my oldest daughter and husband’s life. They were installed as Senior Leaders at Celebration Foursquare Church in Renton, WA. It was my first time visiting the church so everything was new. They sure do live up to their name–Celebration! To watch my children be honored by their “new” family and the installing Foursquare Supervisor brought a deep joy and appreciation to all the prayers we have prayed over 30 + years of their being a couple. They are an unique team couple. Watching them “team” teach the message was a joy. All I could do deep in my heart, was bow my head in worship to our faithful God.
During Rosanna’s teaching time, she referenced God’s faithfulness in drawing her atheist father to Him. She shared how he began to love Jesus so much, he followed Him into ministry and how God brought us together–which produced her! Our family had the joy of celebrating God’s legacy in both her and Andrew’s lives. I am amazed at how each of their children are choosing to follow Him in their own unique ways as well. Each of Rosanna’s siblings chose to take time from their lives to come and celebrate this milestone in their sister’s lives. Another reason to celebrate.
I know I am blessed to have all three of my children, their siblings and their children choosing to walk with Him. I have too many friends who are longing for that day to happen in their children/grandchildren’s lives. Please know–we were not perfect parents. Raising pastor’s kids is not easy as they are subject to the fishbowl of the congregation. One of the things we attempted to do was not be “religious” but we authentic believers. With Darryl not being raised in church with “religious trappings” helped us avoid that trap. He loved Jesus and His ways with every fiber of his being. We No comparison, but simply trying to help them understand “what the will of the Lord is”. There are two scriptures that were the foundations of our life, one we were given during our wedding ceremony. Whatever He says to you do it. John 2:5 NKJV. And this one in Ephesians 5:19. So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Presenting God’s will as the best will for our lives encouraged our family, even in the hard hard times, to turn to Him and trust Him. Bringing our children into the battles at their level to pray with us, helped them turn to Him during their own struggles. Celebrating this win for their sister was easy because they continue to pray for each other and genuinely want each other to succeed. Every celebration–birthday, anniversary, graduation or even celebration of life involves stories. I’m choosing to bring you into our celebration because it is better to celebrate together than alone. I know some of the cost it took for Andrew and Rosanna to get to this new chapter. I celebrate their faithfulness and surrender to our Lord. Darryl and I laid the best foundation we could–always trusting our good God to do the rest.
If your family story has more heart ache than heart joy, I am sorry. That doesn’t mean God doesn’t have good plans for you and yours. Try not to compare your story with ours. Scripture encourages us to mourn with those that mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice. I pray you find it in your heart to rejoice with us. There were many mourning days to get to this point, trust me. Keep trusting and surrendering, “not my will, but Your will, O’ Lord”, will bring you to His good place. Keep sowing love, forgiveness and obedience–they always bear good fruit. This week, along with the church installation celebration, I get to celebrate my sister’s granddaughter before she leaves for her first year of college and a friends special birthday. What a joy to celebrate others as well. In a couple of weeks I will celebrate turning another year older. I am so grateful to make it this far. I know Darryl would have been so blessed to watch the answer to prayer this past Sunday. Although I know heaven is amazing, I was so grateful I was here to celebrate with my family!
Father, I thank you for allowing me to witness this milestone in my children’s lives. The prayers, the trust the obedience they have walked through was all worth it. You have been using them for years, this is just a bigger platform. Thank you for helping my friends celebrate the good things in their lives as well! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:14. NLT
Sunday, our Associate Pastor, Josh Hubbard, preached a sermon from Colossians 3:1-17. It was the final message in a series called “Healthy Home”. This topic has already been on my heart for all the marriages and families in our world today. One of the statements that hit me came from our Senior Leader, Pastor Michael Hurley. “Good can get in the way of godly. We don’t just want good marriages and families, we want godly marriages and families”. The only way we can achieve godly marriages and families is if we surrender to our God.
This led me to think about the “put on, put off” scriptures. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires: to be made new in the attitude of your minds: and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4: 22-24. Getting up in the morning, putting off my nightclothes and putting on my day clothes, I got to thinking. I usually think about what my day’s schedule is like and dress accordingly. My closet has some dressy clothes, winter and summer choices, and even some stay home and lounge clothes. As I have gotten older, I realize comfort is my go to outfit. If I don’t think I am going to leave the house, I gravitate to comfy slouch. If the day holds appointments or even grocery shopping I will opt for a bit more presentable look.
The question I pondered this week was, what does my attitude closet look like? What are my go to thoughts? In writing more to the Ephesians, Paul goes one to say: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25. If I want to speak truthfully to my neighbor, friend or family, how do I speak about them in my own heart? Colossians 3: 12, Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. When was the last time you woke up and said, “Hmmm, where is my tender heart? I must have misplaced it!” Paul’s admonition was given not only to the Colossae church, but also the church at Ephesus. Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24. To the Romans he encouraged: But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14. The Thessalonians he wrote: But since we belong tot he day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. I Thessalonians 5:8. Reading each of the scriptures, scattered throughout the New Testament, makes me understand it wasn’t just something for “them”, but it is for all of us believers to not only take notice of, but do.
Much of our American culture have relaxed their dress codes. The honor of dressing up for church, travel and even business meetings has slowly slipped to what we can get by with. Giving honor by using formal names such as Mr. or Mrs. has given way to George and Sue, no matter their age or status. Mrs. Rodman sounds so formal, but when or if I’m called by that name, I do feel a bit honored. Could it be even speaking with honor and respect instead of using cusswords would help us reflect on how we are spiritually dressed? My friends, if we put on the Lord Jesus Christ every day, how we might influence our world. So many are short tempered, given to abusive language, and contempt and still want to represent Him. I think this makes Him sad.
It’s easy to “gussy” up for strangers with our attitudes. But what about our family? Those close to us? Do they receive our tender-heart, kindness and patience? It isn’t easy, but I think they should receive the best of our first fruits. What fills your attitude closet? God’s ways? Or your ways? I once was a member of a holiness church. There was a dress code–especially for women. Unfortunately there was deep sin in the camp. As I look back I can only wish they would have talked about dealing with our heart dress instead of focusing so much on the outer dress.
Father, help us clean our closet. Show us the right attitudes that bring glory and honor to You. Forgive us for falling so short of these exhortations, in Jesus
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. Proverbs 23:26.NKJV
Is that a funny phrase? A given heart? As I was reading this verse in Proverbs it caught my attention. My son–what a joy to have a father that is asking for our hearts. He isn’t taking it, expecting it or demanding it. When children are small, they usually have a natural affinity to their parents. They are their heroes, no matter what. Later, as they grow it is a decision they can make. This father is asking for his sons heart.
The next part, “and let your eyes observe my ways”. As a parent it is so hard to do everything right, and that is ok. “Observe my ways” can also include learning from the father’s mistakes. But our Heavenly Father is a different matter. We can and should observe His ways. How do we do that? First, of course is the Word of God. I love watching how He interacts with His people in both the Old and New Testament. Observing His care, provision and wisdom in the scriptures is something we can all learn from.
Another way we can ‘observe’ His ways is reading about the saints that have gone on before. I recently watched a movie about George Whitfield, so inspiring. The Wesley brothers, William Booth, and Billy Graham are such inspirations. They help me living taller and stronger. I’ve gotten inspiration from reading about Corrie Ten Boom and her family’s courage to put their faith in action by hiding Jews in their home. They were then betrayed by a fellow Dutch folks and the whole family imprisoned. Her struggle to forgive and keep faith while watching the Nazi’s kill and torture so many gives my own struggles a hefty swat of perspective.
There are current heroes to my faith. Sheila Walsh and her openness about dealing mental illness. Joni Eareckson Tada, a 76 year old quadriplegic, who speaks, writes, draws and encourages many to keep their focus on the Lord and trust Him. She was paralyzed in her late teens and I have followed her story since then. The other day I heard to say, “I had to have a very long conversation with the Lord when I lost my ability to feed myself”. She doesn’t think it too hard that she is not only a quadriplegic, but a two time cancer survivor! Observing how our God helps her bear and get through these challenges is aweinspiring.
What about closer to home? I’ve observed His goodness this week, when we thought Becca’s aunt was going home to Jesus…but she has rallied and we get to celebrate her 85th birthday today. At the ER the other day, she was encouraging us not to complain but to praise the Lord in everything. Do you have a community of believers close and personal that you can observe Him in and through? How about yourself? Do you observe His goodness in and through your life? Acts 28:26 Paul wrote: Go and say to this people: when you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes–so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them. My friends, let us freely given Him our hearts. Do not harden them, do not close your ears to His words of life or shut your eyes to His faithfulness. He is able to take you through, like He has these others. A given heart is a trusting heart. It is not always easy, but it is always good.
Father, I thank you that you receive our double minded, hard, deceitful hearts and turn them into soft hearts that you can write your words of life upon. Please help us listen to you, observe your ways so we may become more and more like you, in Jesus’ name. amen.
Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple. Job 5:2 NLT
I hate rodents. I hate them with a passion. They are sneaky. They show up unexpectedly and where they shouldn’t be. They transmit germs and are just something I will always wonder why God created them in the food chain. But spiritual “pests” are even worse. One of the most sneaky is resentment.
I don’t like to admit it, but there are times I battle this little rodent thoughts more often than I like. One definition of resentment is a reaction to a specific perceived injustice directed at a person or event. It is part of our emotional makeup. The thing about resentment is it isn’t “bad” in itself. Like the definition says, it is a reaction to a stimulus. We read the story of Cain and his brother Abel in Genesis 4. Cain got resentful to the Lord when Abel’s sacrifice was accepted and his wasn’t. The problem had is the same thing that can happen to us, if we don’t deal with it, it can lead to sin. Cain’s anger and resentment caused him to actually murder his brother. Maybe we don’t actually kill the person that we get resentful towards, but we can do it in our own thoughts. This is where we must learn to recognize those thoughts, and capture them.
Sarai urged her husband to take her handmaid, Hagar to his bed to father “their” child. So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong–you or me!” This whole scenario was faulty from the beginning. Abram didn’t say no to his wife’s idea of him sleeping with Hagar. It was culturally acceptable, but not God’s plan. Often resentment shows up when our own plans go awry. Plans we have not checked in with God about. I’m sure in Sarai’s imagination, Hagar would have the baby and he would have been hers to look after. She didn’t think about Hagar’s part in the story. That she might have emotions and reactions, too. Unmet expectations foster resentment more than we are aware. It was wrong for Hagar to treat her with contempt, but Sarai did not take responsibility for her own part in this story. One of the first steps in dealing with resentment is ownership of our part.
Often if we examine our hearts, we find unprocessed anger that led up to resentment. King Saul was angry and jealous at David’s success. Instead of celebrating his wins as a triumph for Israel, he allowed so much resentment and bitterness to build that he spent roughly 7-15 years chasing David. It became an obsession for him. It looks so silly from our position in history, but it seems like all Saul could think about was destroying David. Resentment is a time waster. We can only imagine what Saul could have completed as King, if he had released his resentment and moved on.
These three biblical examples of the results of harboring resentment are sobering. Job 5:2, is such a good reminder for us all. Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple. I find it humbling to acknowledge when I feel resentment. I think it is the perfection pride part of me! But once I admit it and bring it to the Lord, freedom really does begin. The Holy Spirit begins to show me the proper perspective, whether I want Him to or not! One thing I have learned in dealing with resentment, is not to keep “petting it”. I can’t rehearse it over and over. I must capture those thoughts and keep them captured. Forgiveness usually comes into play not only for the situation, the people involved but also for myself.
If we do not deal with resentments when they are small, they can grow into bitterness. Paul gives great advice in Romans 12: Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. I have found it definitely takes faith to let resentment go. We must trust that our God will deal with things as He sees fit. For the scriptures say, I will take revenge; I will pay them back, says the Lord. Instead, if your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.: Romans 12:19-20. He instructs the brethren in Ephesus even more clearly: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh word, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Ephesians 4:31. NLT.
Father, thank you for helping us deal with our resentments. Forgive us for not dealing with them when they first show up and allow them room in our hearts and lives. Any resentment we harbor is dangerous to a healthy soul. Once again, we are grateful for your mercy in these areas. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:1-4. NIV.
This has been a very interesting week. Last Friday I was busy running errands, including picking up some popsicles to help encourage the vendors (which included some of my grandchildren) at their art event. I quickly ran into my home, to put them into the freezer before my granddaughters could pick them up. It just so happened that I had asked for cash at the register as well. I did not take the time to put the cash away at the store, but left in a hurry. At home, after I put the popsicles away, I went to put the money in my wallet. But to my dismay, my wallet wasn’t there. I looked all around my car, my kitchen and it was no where to be found. My assumption was it had fallen out in the cart when I grabbed my shopping bag, my purse with my cash still in hand. Jumping back in the car, I zoomed back to Safeway. Nobody had seen it. No body had turned it in. I left frustrated and discouraged.
When I got home, I called my daughter and she suggested I lock my credit and debit cards. She was so patient. She knows I need a voice to stay with me when I need help…she lives 3 hours away, so she couldn’t come and hug me! We walked through the process and I was at peace nothing untoward was going to happen. I kept praying and trusting. Nobody turned it in the next day. I went to our Department of Licensing and replaced my license on Saturday morning. Thinking through my wallet contents, I remembered my library card I have had for 36 years. It made me sad.
Saturday morning, before I went to the DOL, I had a long talk with the Lord. I told Him I was sorry that these things stir up grief again, and sadness Darryl was not here. In the midst of my feeling like I had disappointed Him for not being stronger and “over it”, He spoke to me. It was so precious. He said: I am using your widowhood. I see your pain. It will be OK. Keep leaning into me. I am with you. I understand your struggles. Such few words, but such encouragement. Going back to Psalm 121:1: I lift up my eyes to the mountains… nobody else can lift up your eyes but you. We determine where we look for our help. Do we believe His promises? Do we trust Him not to let our feet slip as we walk this journey with Him?
Monday morning I went to the bank and ordered a new debit card. The gal was great, making it as painless as possible. She helped me set up Wallet Pay…so I could have some cash. Later that afternoon, I went into my garage. I wasn’t even sure why. I didn’t turn on the light, but noticed a small overturned box. Picking it up, I noticed there was something underneath. It was my wallet! How it got there is a mystery. This box was on the opposite side of the garage than my car. I did not go by there on my way into the house, but there it was. Safe and sound. My friend asked me, “now what did you learn from this?” Her mom’s answer is to slow down! I agree. My helper came, whether I found my wallet or not. I had accepted the fact I wouldn’t ever see it again, but I was wrong.
This is a reminder, we serve a personal God. In the midst of His declaration that if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple, understands our need to go to Him for encouragement and hope. If you are struggling with part of your “own” cross, take the time to pour your heart out to Him. He will come with peace, clarity and hope. Be encouraged my friend, even if this is the 126th time you need to go back to Him on an issue, He is still waiting and listening.
Father, please help your people go to you, in times of struggle and times of joy. Help your people remember this promise you made and keep. Open our eyes to where you show up, even when we don’t feel you. Thank you for being a personal God to all your children. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you to but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8. ESV
I have a confession to make. I sometimes overthink life. The should’s, the could’s the what if’s try to sabotage my peace, my direction and my life. This verse is one of my “reset” verses. It brings me back to what actually our God does actually require of us, as His children. He wants us to follow Him.
Years ago my daughter graduated from then, Whitworth College (it is now an university). The President of the school gave an impactful graduation message. He admonished the students: some of you have chosen to follow Jesus Christ and His ways, others for whatever your own reasons have chosen not to follow Him. I would encourage both sets to make sure that it is the real Jesus you are following, or it is the real Jesus you have chosen not to follow. He went on to encourage those who chose not to identify with Jesus to make sure they weren’t rejecting Him because of His representatives on earth. It is my heart cry to be such an example of a believer that I wouldn’t hinder others from knowing our precious Lord by my behavior. But this week I began to examine maybe there are flaws in my thoughts about this REAL Jesus. Do I really comprehend Him in His fullness?
This week I meditated on Luke 12:49-50: I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning. I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No. I have come to divide people against each other. When I pray and think of the Lord, I don’t think of Him as a divider. But, obviously, He is.
As I read these verses I found myself praying Father, will you show me the real Jesus? Who you actually are, instead of maybe the one I have pieced together for my own benefit. I used to think of you first and foremost as Savior and friend. Savior from my sins and myself. Friend so I would not be alone, a friend is someone we can talk to, share with and if needed cry with. Each of these are very self centered and immature. They are all about me. Very self-centered.
Then I began understanding His Lordship. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV. I am only beginning to understand what this means. Sunday morning I surrendered this week to the Lord in a different manner than usual. I simply prayed: Father lead and guide this week for me, to do much or little. I thank you for ordering my days and interactions as you will. In Jesus’ name, amen. The interesting thing was I wasn’t (anxious about this week. I wasn’t concerned or worried about anything. But the peace that descended on my heart went to a new level. Surrender is such a key part to a life that includes the REAL Jesus. If you love me, keep my commandments.John 14:15. NIV.
As Monday came around, I found myself making phone calls, meeting with people and flowing from one thing to another. The same thing happened on Tuesday. A chance encounter led to going to the movies and watching Young Washington! What a surprise blessing. I haven’t been to a movie theater in years. Wednesday plans got switched and my son’s in-laws brought lunch over so we could eat together, and then I was able to help my sister. So far today, Thursday, I had a surprise blessing from one of my granddaughters. So surrendering to the Lord and His will is not always denial, hardship and limitations. I don’t know if all of these blessings would have happened if I hadn’t prayed, but I do know I was much more aware of HIs leading because I did. The REAL Jesus we follow leads us through valleys and up to mountain tops. The good news is He shows up as Savior and Friend when we allow Him to be Lord. Keep on my fellow believers. As for God, his way is perfect. Psalm 18:30. NIV
No matter your circumstance, He is with you my friends. Stop and take a moment, seek Him in the midst of your circumstance and ask Him to show you what is good, how to act justly, to love mercy and most of all walk humbly with your God. You will never go wrong.
Father, I thank you for helping us understand how to follow the Real Jesus. Not one we make in our own hearts, but the one you truly are. Thank you for helping us be a light in the darkness to lead others to this real Jesus, In Your Name, amen.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 NLT
If you read last weeks writing (Faith and the Blessings of Surrender), you may notice I used the same referring scripture, Romans 12:2. It is God’s intention to transform each of His children into the image of Christ. Looking at my own life, I can see areas where I have changed or been transformed and other areas that still need some work. This past week I have been thinking about Paul’s words to the church at Galatia. He sounds so passionate in his longing for their transformation. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. (Gal 4:19 NIV). Paul’s reference to the process of how a baby is formed from conception to the actual birth is so good. The word translated as “formed” (morphoomai in Greek) means “to be or become developed into a distinctive entity”. Isn’t that what happens to a growing baby developing in its mother’s womb? Step by step, process by process the embryo changes from two cells uniting and multiplying into billions of diverse cells. These diverse cells, in a way only God knows, develop into the specific human being He already knows and cares for.
Every pregnant mama keeps track of how far along they are. There are fun examples of now your baby is the size of a pea, a coconut and finally a pumpkin! Each stage is important and exciting. The parents can picture the development or formation of their child, unseen but clear. Doctors have determined all the different stages or markers the child should be making at each stage. Do you think God has a development stage for His children? Could He use different markers for our spiritual development? Perhaps our maturity level?
I wonder how God would judge His kids maturity stages? Would it be how much we complain? How much we are willing to lay down our own lives for His sake? How quick we are to obey Him? Across the world, I wonder how many of God’s kids still remain in kindergarten? Still seeking their own ways and own pleasure. I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit continues to work in us and through us to become like Him. It is our choice to flow with Him, or resist Him. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16. Grown children, properly raised, become productive members of their community. Mature believers do the same. They become a positive influence for Christ’s sake and the Kingdom of God.
Transformation takes place when we surrender to Him and His will. We seek His purpose and plan above our own. Immature children put their own ways first. Growing children learn to wait and trust their parent to feed them, clothe them and meet every need. Learning to trust Him and His ways is part of this transformation from immaturity to maturity. Do you believe you can grow and change? Do you believe you can put off your old man? Do you want to? Looking at my life, I can see where I have actually matured! How do we know when we are growing up? Could it be measured in how we apply the Word to our life situations, even when it is not easy or comfortable?
The first step in transformation begins by asking Him to transform you. It takes humility, faith and trust. The second step comes by following through. Listening to those small prompts to follow through and do what He shows you to do. Put off anything you know is not like Him. Begin to put on those things that are. He is more than able to work His work of transformation in your life. Peace will come. The fruit of the Spirit will show up. It really is the best life imaginable. The world needs us to grow up and become more like Him. Paul’s passion for the Galatians to allow Christ to be formed in them should be the same passion each pastor and leader has for their flock. Let’s seek to conform to 1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. This is a picture of a believer who must have allowed the Holy Spirit to transform them to be like Jesus. He who overcomes , I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out no more. Revelation 3:12.NKJV. I think this is the goal of transformation, to become a pillar others can lean on.
Father, I thank you for the promise of transformation. Please help your children become more and more like you. I know it is your will and desire.We submit to your precious Holy Spirit, because we know we cannot change ourselves. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. This is not easy. My mind has been assaulted lately with regrets. Memories of things I can’t change. Wanting do overs in so many areas of my life. I mentioned one particular regret to my Life Group ladies last night. They were very quick to remind me to put on the helmet of salvation and let it go. The blessing of surrendering our regrets to the Lord is freedom! James 4:7 instructs us so humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. These condemning regret thoughts are definitely not my God’s thoughts toward me or the situation. As I humbled myself before the Lord, resisting the devil’s taunts he ran. The Holy Spirit began to show me God’s perspective, what a shift–from death to life! My choice: surrender to the condemning thoughts, or to the freedom of forgiveness and release? The end of Romans 12:2: then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. I know I have dealt with the issue of regrets before–but the learning obviously was not complete. I am grateful our teacher keeps on teaching us!
Another blessing of surrendering can be found in James 4:10. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. Our brother Joseph is such a good example for us. Sold into slavery by his brothers. Exalted to leadership in Potiphar’s house, then jailed on false accusations. Historians think he was in prison for 13 years, before he was given the opportunity to interpret Pharoah’s dreams. Here is a man who served humbly no matter where he was. As we learn to serve the audience of One–our Savior, He will advance us to where we need to be. Do your best and trust Him with the rest was one of my husband’s mottos. It brings the best peace into your lives.
Surrendering trust in His lifting you up or promotion frees us from competition with our brothers and sisters. It allows us to celebrate their wins and achievements. We become a better teammate because it is not about us, but about Him and His Kingdom, not ours.
The blessing of surrendering to His will not our own means we have access to His wisdom not our own. Many years ago, Darryl and I felt a change in the air. We spent time before Him asking for clear direction. It was such a difficult season with our choices affecting not only our family, but our church family in Oregon. During this season, my mom passed away. While we were meeting with her pastor, he said, “why don’t you come and help us here?”. He knew nothing about our prayer, but it ended up being the answer to our prayer. It has been thirty six years since we went through that door. We served and supported that church for twelve years, when once again the Lord said it was time to move. In 2002, we followed His leading to Lighthouse Christian Center (now Life Church). The blessing of surrendering to the field He calls is priceless.
The best blessing of surrender is no matter how difficult, we have the opportunity to fellowship with Him and His sufferings. That I may know him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, begin conformed to His death. Philippians 3:10.NKJV. There is something that happens when our surrender brings us to the opportunity of suffering. I watched my husband endure physical assaults twice while loving someone. It was hard. I have cried with the Lord over poor choices His children have made, knowing it broke His heart more than mine, was just a very small taste of fellowshipping with Him. Praying for our brothers and sisters in other lands who are being outright persecuted for His namesake, is part of fellowshipping with Him. Denying yourself because He said to use your finances differently is a blessing–then watching Him repay with untold joy and even more finances is an amazing blessing of surrender.
His road is the best road, no matter what it feels like. His road always leads to life eternal. Choose to surrender to His will, there will be no regrets in the end. He knows the cost for us and His knew the cost for himself. I believe it is always worth it…who else has the words of eternal life?
Father, I thank you for the blessing of surrender. No matter what my friends are facing, I ask you to give them the grace to say yes to your will. Thank you for the promise as we say yes you will change our thinking. We will learn to know your will and that is good and pleasing and perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Faith Encounters 