Faith and Worship Reset

March 28, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

You must worship only the Lord you God. He is the one who will rescue from your enemies. 2 Kings 17:39 NLT.

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I like to skip over introductions and prefaces, and get to the “meat” of the things. I discovered I do that a lot when I am praying. This means I often just jump in to talking to the Lord about my issues or my friends and family concerns. I do this without taking the time to worship and honor Him. It means I have inadvertently developed a habit and left out an important part of prayer: worship. I know that there are several different types of prayer: thanksgiving, intercession, adoration and supplication, for example. But I felt the Holy Spirit touch this area in my prayer life for a re-set.

I am changing my ways, not legalistically, but relationally. Now, as I take the time to stop and acknowledge Him with a worshipful and honoring heart, it is like a reset. Worship is an attitude of the heart and when our attitude is in order, it affects our actions. I so appreciate it when my grandchildren take the time to ask me for a snack, rather than assuming they can barge in and raid my snack cupboard! Even though, it is where they will end up going anyway, after I usually say “yes”. I think it must be the same with our Lord. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful or dishonoring to Him, but now that I have consciously added it back, it has been a blessing.

Worship re-focuses me on who He is. It is a humbling position where we bow our heart before Him. When I do, I find it resets my heart and focuses on what is important, not necessarily urgent. My quick prayers are heard, I know, but they don’t really build the relationship I want with Him. Including a time of worship brings re-connection in some new ways.

When Jesus was teaching his disciples how to pray, He left us a pattern found in Matthew 6. Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. As I read through this passage again, I found myself repenting for my arrogance. The first thing Jesus wants is His Father’s name to be kept holy and honored. I love the scripture in Hebrews that reminds us we can come boldly into the throne of God in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) But making a habit of not taking the time to honor and acknowledge Him in His position eventually robs me of the deeper relationship I long to have with Him. The joy of sitting quietly, acknowledging Him and His position in my life, has added such and awareness of His presence into every area of my life.

Maybe, this is just my personal issue. If so, that’s ok. Making a habit to consciously, respectfully honor Him and His position with my words, not just my heart has been a good thing for me. Does He want to make any changes in your life?

As we approach this Easter and all the celebration, help us honor and glorify you in whatever way You desire. You are so worthy, my Lord of all our praise and worship.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for teaching me how to honor and worship you through prayer. Please keep on working to teach us your heart and your ways. Thank you, for loving us enough to keep perfecting us, no matter what the area. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and “Senior” Life

March 22, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Even in old age, they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! There is no evil in him!’ Psalm 92:14. NLT.

What an amazing promise! Our church has been blessed to be growing. There are many unfamiliar faces between our two services. One day, as I was praying and worshipping during the service, I noticed some of our long- time members. I thought, these are the faithful who were there when the building was built. I know some of their amazing God stories, but these new people probably don’t. I knew it was their time, treasure, and talent that physically and spiritually helped lay the foundation of this church almost fifty years ago. It was a humbling thought.

I did not want them to go to their grave, not knowing they were not only seen, but appreciated. Even more, I want them to know they are still useful to His church. Their abilities may have changed, but they have much more to give. I spent more time in prayer and contemplation, then broached the subject with our pastor. He sent me to do some investigation on the needs or desire of such a ministry. There was an overwhelming sense of “yes.” So Senior Life Ministries is beginning.

Many seniors feel invisible. I, myself, have experienced the feeling of invisibility. For example, my daughter-in-law accompanied me to a doctor’s appointment. I was a new patient. As I was filling out the forms, the receptionist kept looking at her for my answers! It was noticeable to both of us. Her attitude made me nervous and question my own competence! The great news is no matter what our age, we are not invisible to our God, nor should we be to His family.

I admit, I can’t do some things I used to do. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us: therefore, we do not lose heart, though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. Compared to some seniors, not even close to my age, my outer self has not wasted away as much as it could have! But, no matter how much we easily tire, or struggle to have the strength to open jars we must not lose heart. We must not let our bodies’ failures cause our soul to become discouraged. My dear ones, old and young, God has a desire and need to use you for His Kingdom’s sake, no matter your age.

Wisdom is found with the elderly and understanding comes with long life. Job 12:12. Sometimes, we assume people know what we know, or people don’t want to know what we know. One of the goals for our Senior Life ministry is to work cross generationally with our Next Youth program. Plans are already in the works to pray with them. To successfully cross pollinate, us seniors need to walk with God’s grace and humility. We can’t develop impactful relationships with a haughty, judgmental attitude. We need to make sure we’ve dealt with any bitterness, unforgiveness that would taint our influence. We need to put away the “grumpy” old man and lady persona and show them how to age with grace. We have things to share, but we must be careful they are God’s thoughts, not our thoughts. We don’t want to cause discouragement, disillusionment but hope and truth. The Jesus we want to share with them is the real Jesus, the loving powerful Savior that walks with us and talks with us. Discipling, teaching, mentoring are so needed for this next generation. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your p0wer to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Many Bible scholars believe David wrote this Psalm during a time when he was under the crisis of Absalom’s rebellion. You can hear his desire, “let me proclaim your power to this new generation”. Is that your desire? Begin to ask the Lord for these doors. It may start with a friendly “hello” at church. Or asking a young person about their life. My senior friends, God has a job for you to do. Just ask Him. Don’t give in to the devil’s lie, that you have nothing to offer; or nobody wants to hear from you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, work in your heart and put you to work! Remember, the harvest is ripe but the laborers are few.

If you are still breathing, God can use you. As a Senior, you already know life isn’t easy or necessarily fair. My prayer, when my husband had his stroke, was “Father, you better get everything you can out of this, because it is hard”. I’ve watched Him use my story to help others. Those hard things you’ve gone through can help someone else.

Father, I thank you for helping every Senior reading this article to open their eyes, their hearts and their hands for your use. I ask you to open the eyes, hearts and hands to younger folks to receive those gifts. Make room for them in your body, dear Lord. Stir up our hearts to be about our Father’s Kingdom no matter what our age. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Faith and a Circumcised Heart

March 14, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Circumcise, therefore, the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. Deuteronomy 10:16 ESV

These past few weeks have been very busy. I have been spending time with the Lord and His Word, but I felt a separation from Him. As I prayed this morning, I asked Him for grace to receive from Him whatever I needed to connect. My daily reading schedule brought me to this verse, but I read it in the New Living Translation. Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn. I thought, wow, that’s pretty clear. As read through the footnotes, it talked about uncircumcised hearts. In nature, foreskins, which have been removed, do not grow back. Unfortunately, our spiritual hearts can grow calloused, hard and unfeeling, which can lead us to unreceptiveness to the Holy Spirit. This effectively, separates us from our God.

Walking with the Lord in this life exposes us to not only our own thoughts and experiences but also those of our friends, family, co-workers and even our governmental leaders. Our heart is then subject to the abuse and challenges of life. The question is, what are we going to do with the disappointments, discouragements, and unmet expectations that we encounter? Whether or not we acknowledge it, it affects our heart (soul).

In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses was trying to prepare the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. He wasn’t just interested in their bodies entering, but their entering in with an understanding of whose they were and the whys. He spent some good amount of time reminding them of their shortcomings, and God’s grace. He rehearsed the mess up with the Golden Calf and how he had to go back up to the mountain with God a second time. He shared with them how he interceded for Aaron and the lives of the Israelites. I believe his heart was to help them understand the importance of making a decision to serve the Lord and Him alone, no matter what lay ahead.

I think he was speaking corporately, but in order for a nation to serve the Lord, every individual needs to make that decision. It is the same with the Body of Christ, we each need to decide to make Him Lord. And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 10:12. So how can we love Him, with all our heart and soul, if our hearts are hardened? If we have grown calloused? We find part of the solution in verse 16. Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn. Circumcision of the heart implies submission and humility. It is acknowledging, God is God and we are not. It is choosing to walk in His ways not our ways.

When things don’t go our way, our fleshly tendencies rise up, and we want to take control. Maybe we look around for other “gods” to follow? My friends, the best thing we can do when we find ourselves in these scenarios, is yield to Him and His ways. Take the time to pour your heart out to Him and listen. Heartache is inevitable, but He binds up the broken-hearted. When we allow Him to comfort us in our sorrow, our hearts stay softened.

If you find yourself with a hardening heart, go to Him, not away from Him. Lean in to Him and His ways. Stay in His Word and take time to worship Him. These are all softening agents. Maybe confess your story to a trustworthy friend and ask them to pray with you. Expect God to respond. Release your faith. He is ready, willing, and able to help us through any difficult struggles. What joyous fellowship when we return–even if we have only strayed a little way. Take the time to allow Him to search your heart for all the “no’s” you might have said to Him. That is the beginning of a hardened heart.

Father, I thank you for helping us to walk with humble, soften hearts toward you. I ask you search our hearts for areas where we may have allowed anger, disappointment or discouragement to seep in, hardening our hearts. Remind us of your loving care. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and “Reminders”

March 7, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’, says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6. NKJV

Let’s get a little background on this scripture. Zechariah, was a postexilic prophet–called to encourage the returning Israelites to complete the Temple. The people were discouraged. They had begun a good work, but due to lack of funds and leadership they had drifted to dealing with their own lives. The Temple rebuild had come to a stand still. These people had returned with enthusiasm from Babylon, but opposition from the Samaritans and other distractions took its toll. Have you ever felt discouragement try to whittle away at your God given assignment? Are you fighting doubt or your own discouragement? You might need this reminder: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Zechariah 4:6. NLT.

Zechariah (whose name means Yaweh Remembers) was sent to encourage Zerubbabel, the leader that was sent to restore the Temple. This was the fifth vision, Zechariah had. It was a vision of a golden lampstand and two olive trees. The golden lampstand had a bowl of oil on the top surrounded by seven lamps, each having seven spouts and wicks. I appreciate Zechariah’s forthrightness. “What are these, my Lord? What do they mean?” Don’t you know the angel asked. No, my lord, I don’t. The he said to me, This is what the lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I keep repeating this scripture, because most things we are facing we can’t fix. But He can. It is a reminder of how much we need the direction, power and strength the Holy Spirit can give us.

I am sure Zerubbabel struggled with the weight of the task he was sent to do. The exciting expectation that the returning Jews had, waned. They began with great strength, but now they had stopped working on the Temple. The angel continued talking to Zechariah. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerrubbabel sets the final stone of the temple in place, the people will shout: “May God bless it! May God bless it”. Then another message came to me from the Lord: Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Zechariah 4:7-9. What an encouraging word to Zerubbabel! He would complete the re-building. I want to encourage you today. He that has begun a good work in you, (and subsequently) through you, will complete it. It may not look like you expect at this time, but it will be what He plans.

The angel was not finished. He went on to say: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. God rejoices when we begin, no matter how small. He rejoices when we do not grow weary in well doing. He rejoices in the small attempts we make. Zerubbabel still had to rally the workers to finish the Temple, but having the word of the Lord to boost his confidence was priceless. My friends, do not forget His Presence, just like the lampstand is there to give light. He wants to show us the how, when most times we are so busy asking the why we don’t proceed to the how and when. Zerubbabel already knew the what. The restoration was completed in 515 B.C.E. God’s promise was fulfilled. Keep walking my friends, your promises will be fulfilled as well, if we surrender and partner with the Holy Spirit. He is our power and might.

Father, help us to remember that Your work in us begins with Your Holy Spirit. You want us to rely on Him. He will lead us and guide us in all things. Help us to keep our eyes open to see what you are doing in the midst of discouraging situations. Help us to listen to Your voice and share its encouragement with those around us. We trust you, dear Father. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Faith Trust · Uncategorized

Faith and His Promises

February 22, 2024 Martha Rodman2 Comments

Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Psalm 119:49-50. NLT

I am so so grateful for God’s promises. I am grateful that He is a promise keeper. He is faithful to His promise, when I am not. Today I am feeling a bit distracted and stuck. Trying to press through and spend time with Him, but it isn’t working too well. So I put on some worship music and tried to settle in. Still a struggle.

Spent a bit of time kneeling prostrate before Him, humbling myself and realizing our God is hearing me, no matter what I am feeling. He sees my heart and struggle to meet with Him. As I quieted my heart and just rested in the knowledge of His presence, peace came. I began to feel restored and strengthened. I found the above scripture and was comforted by His promises, once again.

Why do we make it so complicated? He longs to have a relationship with us. He paid the costly price of restoring our relationship to Him. What a joy for Him when He sees us wanting to be with Him, surrendered and waiting.

I love that His promises are personal. I can claim them, and so can you. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us (one of my favorite promises!). I read there are over 7,000 promises in the Bible. Take a look at your concordance and read some of them. They are refreshing and comforting. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. Psalm 145: 13

We find a marvelous example of what happens when we believe His promises in Romans 4:20. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. Om fact, his faith grew stronger and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. When we continue to grow in our faith in God’s promises (His word), we bring Him glory. The Holy Spirit wants to help us grow in this area. What promises are you trusting in today? Keep on my friend, keep on believing. Do not let the enemy steal your hope. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. May God who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4-5. NLT. Abraham and Sarah waited a long time to have their promised child. I can only imagine how difficult it was for them to keep trusting. (We know it wasn’t easy, because we have the story of Hagar and Ishmael).

Take time to renew your hope in His promises by reading His Word. Remind yourself of the stories (testimonies) of those who have gone before us. Remember that He who has begun a good work, will go on to perfect it. Philippians 1:6. If you need to remind yourself that He forgives when we ask–read Matthew 6 and the Lord’s prayer. Oh my friends, do not let a gap develop in your relationship with Him. No matter what season you find yourself in, He is present, able and willing to meet with you and me.

I find so much comfort in His promises, don’t you? Today, as I finally reminded myself of His promises I was able to enter in and find the rest He promises. It took some time, but it was so worth it!

Father, I thank you for your promises. I thank you that they are faithful and dependable, even we feel we aren’t worthy of them. I thank you for helping us trust in them and like Abraham, bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Asking

February 15, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 4:2 NLT

This morning, I was praying for my friend. A few weeks ago, her car was stolen and destroyed so much the insurance company considered it totaled. So, she needs a different one. I realized, that I have not asked her what kind of car she would like! What is she believing for? I know what I think she needs, but that may be far from her desire.

Many years ago, our family was a one family car. I don’t quite remember the make, but it was a blue van. It was very useful for both carrying people and things. But, if Darryl needed it, I was stuck at home. It is not bad to have to coordinate schedules–it keeps the communication open, for sure. But our season of life was changing as our oldest daughter was beginning school and it wasn’t convenient to always work around her schedule. So as I was praying, I saw myself driving around in this little red car. I began to thank the Lord for this car.

We did not have the funds for an added car, but we did have the need. This was the first major purchase God put on my heart first, before Darryl in our marriage. I went to him, and said, “We need a second car. This is what God has shown me.” I think he was a little skeptical–but that was ok. I kept praying. We didn’t share it with anyone. A few months went by, and my mom called me and said, “Martha, I want to buy you a car. I can only give you $3,000.” I was so shocked! She had never, ever offered me anything like this ever before.

What a joy to go car shopping! I kept the picture God gave me in mind. As we told the salesman what we were looking for, I spied a little red VW Rabbit on the lot. I just knew it was the right car. Next to the Red Rabbit, was a green one. We drove both. The salesman tried really hard to put us in the green one, but I just didn’t like it. Long story short, we drove off with the Red Rabbit without paying him a dime! My mom had yet to send the funds. He trusted us to come back and pay him. We also negotiated it down to exactly $3,000! How I loved that car, mostly because it was a symbol of God’s provision and grace. It became our only car when we lent our van to a missionary family (it was gone for six months!). This blessing gave us the freedom to help meet our friends need before we even knew they needed it!

The first part of James, chapter 4, Paul asks why are there quarrels and conflicts among God’s people. Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 4: 1-2.NLT.

I think most of us are too refined and civilized to physically fight, but how many “conflicts” and “quarrels” have you fought in your own mind about the blessings others may have while you feel left out? The car my friend had stolen, was actually a gift to her from our church several years ago. I am sure, when she was selected, others may have felt disappointed because it wasn’t given to them. My friends, we must learn to rejoice with those that rejoice! We must learn to celebrate and trust our God is a God of both. He can bless you and me at the same time.

Even if these are internal or quiet jealousies, they will grow and cause separation between each other if we don’t deal with them. We must confess them to the Lord and allow His perspectives to become our perspectives. Last week I took a vacation with my daughter Elizabeth and her family to Disneyland. We had a wonderful time in the torrential rain!

There may be some who read this and become envious, but I hope not. This was a trip they had prayed and believed God for. It was a testimony to their children of God’s faithfulness. My grandchildren asked if I could come along! We made memories and it was a very special time. Please rejoice with us. So many times we settle for less, because we don’t even think there could be a way for us to do something. When those thoughts descend, you stop dreaming, much less praying. Begin to ask the Lord for His will and plans for you–maybe even outside of spiritual things. This trip stirred my faith to see what one man dreaming could accomplish. Many times getting out of our environment opens up greater vision.

While I was on the plane, God began to talk with me. He told me that He had given me the gift of faith, not just to my husband. As I began to think about the amazing things faith had accomplished through our lives, I was humbled. Looking on the horizon facing me–I have thousands of dollars of home repairs (more than when we left!), a new ministry to lead and some health issues to release my faith and see Him move. Boldly asking for provision, wisdom and healing brings peace as well as hope. Do I believe He is able to do all these things? Yes, He is more than enough. He is not only a God of both, He is a God of many facets.

Our testimonies lead to more faith and more testimonies if we let them. Of course there are new challenges which must be met with increased faith. Don’t stop growing in your faith, my friends. Remember, He is a good God, doing good things in and through our lives–yours included, if we don’t get stuck in unbelief or fear. There was a reason God told Joshua several times “be strong and of good courage”, it takes both those things to press forward in His ways. I want to remind you–it is worth it. Don’t give up.

When I see my friend, I am going to ask her what kind of car she is believing for, and then I will join my faith with hers and watch our God show up!

Father, teach us how to release our faith in these days. Teach us how to apply Your Word to those difficult situations and to take the time to ask you for things, not just whine because we need them. I thank you for loving us, teaching us and helping us grow in these areas. Forgives us our jealousies, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and a Testimony of Thankfulness

February 1, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. Colossians 1:11-12. NLT.

January is finally over. This new year brought so many challenges to so many of my friends and family. Some of them are still ongoing (like the passing of loved ones), while fortunately some will soon be forgotten (my plumbing issue). This post is to simply thank God for His work in and through my life. I hope it encourages you to take a moment and thank Him for what He is doing in and through yours.

For several months, as I looked around our church, I saw many of the pillars from the past aging and unable to contribute as they used to. It bothered me that they seemed to becoming invisible without people knowing their contributions. So I began to pray and then made an appointment to speak with our pastor about this need. I envisioned a ministry that would encourage and help the Seniors at our church. When I shared my heart with him, I could see it touched his heart as well. With a very humble heart, we began this journey. I am very thankful for his open and caring heart.

What I didn’t know at the time, was how this would stretch me. How I would be confronted by my own sense of inadequacy as this task began to take on a ministry with a much bigger scope than I ever imagined. I saw it as a giant octopus with so many legs that were flailing around. How could we ever tame the beast and make it work? For weeks I wrestled with the overwhelming task. Why did I take this on? I am thankful for this wrestling. I am thankful because I am/was forced to seek Him in new measures. I am thankful because He gave me the compassion to continue when I wanted to quit. It seemed overwhelming and it was very uncomfortable.

Thankfully, God began to send team members with like-minded hearts. We came together and began to brainstorm and dream. Our accumulative strength, faith and grace gave me the courage to press on. For this I am so very thankful and grateful to our Father.

It is still a very fledgling ministry, but I have confidence that it will grow and develop to touch many lives. Do I know how it will all work? No. After much struggle in prayer, I realized one of my missing pieces. We were trying to develop a “program” based ministry, but I realized through the Holy Spirit, it needed to be relationship based, because that was how it was going to be built. Then we could discover the real needs that need to be met. When that revelation took place much of my struggle ceased. I began to see Jesus and His ministry was relationship based. He didn’t have programs! The young church in Acts developed feeding and caring programs, which came after they were in relationship and saw the need. How simple and obvious it seems now. But I am thankful for the struggle I went through because it reinforced it was not my idea to work this program, but it is God’s plan. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this lesson yet again!

As we move toward our public (church wide) launch March 3, I am getting excited and I feel much more confident than I was when we began. I am thankful for teammates who compliment my skill set, but I also know I need to set myself to learn some new software admin type stuff. I am grateful because the Lord has helped me understand I can rely on Him to quicken my mind so I am not afraid of tackling it. Do I expect to mess up, probably. But understanding you are ignorant in a scenario does not mean that God won’t challenge you to learn something new. I am so thankful for courage to learn. Do you need some fresh courage to learn or step out in God’s assignments for yourselves? Ask Him.

Once again I have been confronted to believe God and His Word in fullness, not just in my mind. Is His Word true? Of course, then act like it! Sounds simple, but He understands how the process of renewing our mind works. I am thankful I can see and sense a change in my own soul in these areas. My faith is growing in Him, not myself. Sometimes we are not aware of how much unrest we carry, until He brings His peace. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3: 15. Faith is released more when we are have peace. It is interconnected. He is working in all our lives to bring this about and we can trust Him to do it!

My friends, God is such a good God doing good things in our lives. I encourage you to look around to see how He is working in your life and thank Him for it. Thank Him for even the hard parts. They will work out for your good, He promises!

Father, I thank you for your faithfulness to work in our hearts and lives. To bring us to places we could never go ourselves. I thank you for helping us learn how to let your peace reign and rule in our hearts so we can be free to accept your challenges and opportunities! You are so amazing, thank you for not leaving us as we are. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Seen

January 18, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Therefore, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, ‘You are the God who sees me”. Genesis 16:13 NLT.

As I read this scripture yesterday, it struck me once again that we are people who are seen. Not only seen but seen by a powerful God who can do something about our situation. Hagar, an Egyptian slave girl did not have an easy life. We don’t know how she became a slave to Sarai, Abrams wife, but she was in their midst. I wish I knew her backstory.

Most of us know the story, but let’s go through it again. God promised Abram a son, even though they were well passed child bearing age. Sarai got impatient and following a tradition suggested that Abram father a child through her maid Hagar. Hagar had no say in the matter. Genesis 16:1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named, Hagar; so she said to Abram, ‘The Lord has kept me from having children, Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”

From the advantage of hindsight, we can see all the problems with this choice. God had promised them children, but Sarai is blaming the Lord for keeping her from having children. I think every month Sarai did not conceive brought her more and more despair. By now, Abram was about 85 years old which made Sarai 75 years old. I can see why their faith might have struggled, can’t you? So Sarai comes up with this plan for her to use Hagar in hopes she could build a family through her. This was a common practice in their culture, but not God’s plan for their legacy.

Reading this story always makes me take a pause and pray, “Father, please help me to find and follow Your will, not my good ideas. Help me trust You and Your plans, no matter what”. I want to encourage us all to do the same. God’s ways are always higher than our ways and usually don’t look like our ways.

So Abram slept with Hagar and she conceived. Instead of the happy family Sarai must have pictured in her mind, Hagar began to hold Sarai in contempt. Sarai then blamed Abram! 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 are me! Abram replied, “look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. Genesis 16:5-6. NLT. This triangle relationship did not work on any level!

Not one of these people really did the right thing. Abram, as the husband and the one God had spoken to, should have said ‘ no, that’s not what God said, we are going to trust Him.’ Sarai did not think things through when it came to her own heart. Her heart wasn’t in the right place to enlarge it to encompass Hagar as a pregnant sister wife. Hagar acted very immature in her attitude toward Sarai–all things we can and should learn from.

So Hagar runs away into the wilderness. There is a surprise twist to this story. Neither Abram nor Sarai go after her. But she has the most amazing encounter. The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. He not only found her, but he encouraged her. He began to instruct her to go back to Sarai and submit to her authority. You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means God hears), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. How amazing. I think it is interesting that Hagar got to name her son, instead of Abram. But the angel went on to tell her a few more things about her son, that I don’t know if she really wanted to know! This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey. He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives. I am sure this is something she pondered in her heart.

My friends, God see you. He sees your circumstances and He is moving on your behalf, as you participate with Him. Hagar went back to Sarai and hopefully they both treated each other with a bit more respect. Sarai only had the promise of a child at this point. It would be 14 more years till she bore her own child. What a test. We do know that after Isaac was born, Sarah demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. Genesis 21 tells the story of Hagar’s next encounter with the God who sees. He doesn’t forget her, nor does he forget us. Please be encouraged, no matter how many times you hear this story, let it go deep into your soul. Take encouragement also from Colossians 1:23. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.

Father, I thank you for seeing us. Let the fact You, the God of the Universe sees them and is helping them make a difference in their hope and faith today.

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Faith and God’s Help

January 4, 2024 Martha Rodman3 Comments

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it shall be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Every year for about 15-16 years I have read through the Bible, starting with Genesis and going on to Revelation. I’ve used different plans, some with devotionals, some time without. This year was the first year I did not look forward to starting over. My attitude really surprised me. On December 30 as I looked through the YouVersion Bible app for a new devotional, I finally admitted to myself and the Lord that I didn’t want to do it again. I was embarrassed to admit it! But then I shared it with the Lord. I told Him, you are going to have to help me with this. I am sorry for my attitude, I know it is not right. But there it is. I know Your Word is important. I left it in His hands.

So,Sunday, December 31, our pastor began shari1ng the importance of starting our day/year with Jesus. He quoted Matthew 6:33, But seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need. NLT. He then went back up to Matthew 6:9-13, with what is known as the Lord’s prayer. Now, I already knew I was going to keep reading and studying God’s Word, no matter how I was feeling on December 30, but God began to shift my heart and my feeling, in other words, He began to help me.

As Pastor Hurley expounded on “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy”, I found myself repenting again. My heart was stirred to keep God’s name and attributes through my life holy. I know I can’t/couldn’t do it on my own. I need Him, the Holy Spirit and His Word to help me accomplish that goal. He mentioned as we declare God is holy, we are joining Heaven’s chorus! The thought that our voice and life can unite with those who have gone on before and God’s angelic beings brought me to such a humble place. I felt small and yet strong and able at the same time.

As I began to read His Word (in Genesis!) on January 1, I found an excitement and noticed things I had not seen before. Was this surprising? No, because the word is alive! For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12. NLT. Our Life Group is beginning a study on the book of Colossians. In prepping for the study, I began reading it on Monday. I left my time in His Word strengthened, encouraged and knowing God had answered my prayer.

So yesterday, January 2, I ran a load of wash. I heard some gurgling and found water backed up into my tub. Because I felt so strengthened by His Word, I simply began to pray for solution. A year or so ago, I needed a plumber and found a great one–but I couldn’t remember the company’s name. I prayed, and after a bit, it came to me. I called and left a message. The water eventually drained. So I did another load this morning…it was even worse. I received a call back from the plumbing company. They are booked out until the end of February! I asked for referrals, she gave me one. I called and am waiting for a call back and appointment for early next week. Is this upsetting? Yes…but I decided something based on my Colossians study. I will not let this situation distract me from God’s plan or His truth. Is it inconvenient? Of course. But I will not let it take my joy nor my position in Christ. Money will fix the problem. God is the provider and He will make sure it is taken care of.

What I am trying to express, is God listened to my desperate heart cry to help my heart change. He brought my pastor’s great message, my own discipline in spending time in His Word and the Holy Spirit’s leading to the book of Colossians to help me face this challenge with strength. I refuse to worry about the what if’s. I refuse to be afraid of the bill. It isn’t worth it! This is one of the verses that brought me to this stance: We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. Colossians 1: 11. I prayed this prayer for myself on Monday. I felt His power strengthening me, and it still is. The next verse: May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. Colossians 1:12. Isn’t it silly how easily we get our joy robbed from us because we let it happen. God wants to us to walk full of His joy, not with an empty or low tank. He wants us to have enough joy to carry us through every situation we face, no matter what, and we can have it because He is our helper!

I know my plumbing situation is a small thing in the big sphere of things, but isn’t often the smaller things that trip us up? God wants us to grow this year in our ability to handle the things life hands us. He will teach us the how’s, the ways and give us all the grace and mercy we need to learn, as we trust Him. Isn’t He awesome??

Father, thank you for loving us enough that you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for understanding our weak places, but not leaving us there. Thank you for helping us grow up in you and your ways this next year, because we want to let our lives to glorify Your Name. I ask you to strengthen my friends this day, in every needed area, in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Shepherds

December 21, 2023 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Glory to God in highest, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Luke 2: 14 NLT.

I admit it is hard for me to comprehend the word “glory”. It is not a word that shows up in my vocabulary often! And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they werer filled with great fear. One angel showing up brings the glory of the Lord to these shepherds, just one. Imagine, these shepherds were doing their normal watch…looking out for predators or wandering sheep when suddenly their whole night was shifted. It was a sudden change of events. An angel showing up would probably cause me to be afraid as well!

This angel says to them: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Wow–talk about a great interruption–an angelic visitation with good news.

We aren’t told much more about these shepherds. They were available for interruption because they were watching! Some background study of the culture of the time, reveals that shepherds were considered even lower than Samaritans. They were not allowed to be witnesses in court cases, and they were considered untrustworthy because they had a reputation of being thieves. Yet, for some reason God decided to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with these fellows.

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God and saying, ” Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Did you get that last phrase? Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Maybe that is why the Angel came to the shepherds, to show them that God accepted them. A huge vast host of angels giving glory to God must have been amazing. As I was pondering this event, I was thinking about how these angels really knew, first hand, the God they were praising. When we really encounter Him, our praise is genuine.

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” I am sure there must have been some discussion about what to do with the sheep because after all, they were their livelihood. But they took the angels news as an invitation to go and see this grand event.

Do you think you would have gone? Or do you think you would have needed a clearer invitation? The Holy Spirit must have motivated them to simply follow the clues given. Hmm, you will find him wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. They knew about mangers, I am sure, and they probably knew that mangers would be found in a barn like structure–so off they went. They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Amazing, right?

But then, God used them to spread the good news. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. They became the first evangelists! All who heard the shepherds story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:18-20. NLT.

The shepherds took up the praise and glorifying God, like the angels. Our God is moving amongst us and is answering prayer. I’ve watched Him this week change discouragement and depression into hope. Bring financial blessings to those who need it, because He is a real God, still doing real things. He is saving people from their sins and from themselves. For that I can only give Him the glory. This is a gift we can give our Heavenly Father, glory.

Father, I thank you for showing me new things in this familiar story. I ask you help me and your children to take the time to glorify your name, as you deserve. Let me not take you for granted. I am so grateful you came to the shepherds and used them to spread your good news. It gives me hope you can use me. Thank you, in Jesus’ Name, amen.