April 27: Of Gideon’s Roadmap

Judges 7:1-8:17

Luke 23:13-43

Psalms 97:1-98:9

Proverbs 14:7-8

What do we know about Gideon?  We know he and the rest of Israel were besieged by the Midianites, and Gideon was somewhere between fearful and prudent - which is why he hid as he threshed his grain.  We know he didn't think much of himself - the weakest clan, and all that.  And we know that even when He realized it was God giving him instructions, He remained fearful, completing his first task under cover of night. Oppressed, overwhelmed, insecure, fearful.  Sound like someone you know?

What else do we know about Gideon?  We know that when God called, he answered.  When God spoke, he heard and listened.  When God acted, he watched and saw.  And so he went from fear to faith, so that when God commanded, he obeyed.  And because he obeyed, he was blessed to witness God's victory over an overwhelming enemy, despite an inadequacy of resource.  

I would like to be blessed in the same way.  Often I find myself hiding, protecting my meager resources, overwhelmed and helpless.  But God is always calling.  

Father, teach us to follow Gideon's roadmap - to answer You when You call, to listen when You speak, to watch when You act, that we might get to know You.  Then we can live according to Your instruction, and witness Your victory.  

April 26

Judges 6

 

One of my favorite films is "October Sky." It's the true story of Homer Hickam, who grew up in the mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia during the 1950s. Everyone believed the sons of Coalwood were destined to be coal miners. The only exceptions were the lucky few who made it to college on a football scholarship. But young Homer had a different dream for his life. On an October night in 1955 Homer saw the Soviet Sputnik satellite in the night sky orbiting high above the earth. That single event changed Homer's life forever. Seeing Sputnik sparked a dream of flying rockets. As the movie unfolds, Homer chases his dream of launching his very own rocket. For Homer, living his dream meant lifting his eyes beyond the confines of Coalwood and looking skyward.

 

How about you? What dreams do you have for your life? Many people today do not have a dream, they are simply existing. But I think God wants us to have big dreams. I am talking about dreams that count for eternity. Big, scary, out of the box dreams that attempt to change the world.

 

Today in our reading we stumble upon a man hiding in a winepress threshing his wheat. What is interesting about the encounter with the Lord is the address. "The Lord is with you, MIGHTY WARRIOR!!" 

 

That greeting is a huge oxymoron. There is Gideon, the picture of defeat and discouragement, a man living in the pits, and the Lord is calling him, "Mighty Warrior."  That was the purpose of the visit of the angel of the Lord (Preincarnate Jesus). He came to Gideon to call him to a new dream of living in freedom from Midianite oppression. God had a dream of liberation and he wanted to partner with someone on this dream.  

 

New dreams start with a new identity. God saw Gideon differently than Gideon saw himself. There are two ways to view every individual;  

     Some see Clark Kent but God sees Superman.

     Some see Peter Parker but God sees Spiderman.

     Some see childless Abraham but God see the Father of nations. 

     Some see "Denying Peter" but Jesus sees Rocky. (our NT reading)         

 

If your dreams have faded or even died.

      If the pain from the past has crushed all hope of a better future.

         Even if you have become resistant to the idea of dreaming again.

Ask the Lord to Lord to allow you to become a dreamer. Lift your eyes above the pit and see that with God we can be all be "Mighty Warriors." 

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, April 25

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019

 

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,

    but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.” (Proverbs 14:4)

 

 

While this verse has a clear meaning in agricultural terms, it also extends to human relationships.  The Proverb speaks to the beauty and fullness that emerge from chaos, confusion, and messiness in this world.

 

This verse carries special significance in this year where many folks have taken action towards tidying up, following the pattern of Marie Kondo and her books.  Her method encourages us to evaluate whether something “sparks joy” and then reduce our positions according to that standard.  Throughout Christian teaching, there have been movements towards seeking simplicity as a means of focusing efforts on seeking God rather than goods.  Simplicity does allow us to avoid entanglements, worry, and frustration and to embrace the simple joys that God gives us in healthy food, the beauty of nature, the peace of sleep, the laughter of friends and family, and the joy of movement.

 

While Marie Kondo’s method may help us to avoid overly cluttered homes, there are limitations to applying this idea to human relationships.  We all struggle in our interactions with one person or another, and we may even surmise that limiting or even ending that relationship may “spark joy.”  Today’s verse -- and the deeper application -- cautions us against this self-protective thinking.

 

In the Proverb, the “empty” manger remains free of filth, disease, and chaos.  Yet, farmers must accept and embrace those elements in order to enjoy the “abundant harvests” that come “from the strength of an ox.”

 

Similarly, in our human relationships, we find “abundant harvests” in persevering in our relationships, continuing to show love and to avoid contempt.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, we may persevere in loving even difficult people, and the “abundant harvest” from those relationships may be the testimony of God’s love, leading to changed lives.  In addition, God shapes and refines our character as we persevere in love.  We become more mature and better able to experience “pure joy” through “trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2)

 

In what ways could you trust God to embrace the chaos of human relationships today?  How could you pray for His strength in loving others and bringing forth the fruit of “abundant harvests”?

 

 

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit and bearing Your fruit in our lives.  We all struggle with difficult relationships and desire that You strengthen us to persevere in faithfulness and love.  Give us opportunities to grow in maturity and character as we invest in the lives of others.  Bring forth the fruit of changed lives through this faithfulness.  Thank You for loving others through us.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, amen.

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection

Stamford, CT  06906-1423    |  and the life.  He who believes in me will

(C) 203.820.1741            |     live, even though he dies; and whoever

(H) 203.355.9374            |   lives and believes in me will never die.

(E) swe@edwa.info           | Do you believe this?'"    -- John 11:25,26

 

April 24

Luke 22:31-32

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

When I was in my first small group, this verse took a while for me to understand.  My mentor took the time by beginning to explain to me that much like in the passage of Job 1, Satan needs to ask God before he can reek havoc in our lives, (hard to believe sometimes).  Satan wanted to crush Job, here he wants to crush Simon, and on the daily he wants to crush us.  Through his attempts, Satan hopes to find only chaff that would blow away in the wind. So, what does that mean? If you've ever read the book The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis, you see a glimpse into the twisted thinking of the enemy. The attempt is to take our focus off of God and thus diminish our faith.  In this passage, Jesus assured Peter that his faith, although it would falter, would not be destroyed. So it is for us as well. I often find myself paying more attention to the challenging situation and less attention to focusing on the presence of God which is the source of my strength and faith. Lord, please forgive me. Our faith may falter and Jesus knows that, but as we learned on Sunday, our faith and hope rests in the empty tomb. It is there we find renewal, not only for ourselves but for our brothers and sisters around us. It is so crucial that we remember Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father and He prays over us every day (John 17).  I pray that even as the darkness grows around us, Father give us strength to remember we are called to be light.  I pray that we stay focused on the resurrected King and that even though we falter, give us strength to know that our faith in You will never fail us.  I pray that the same power that raised our Lord Jesus from the dead is the power that ignites a fire in our souls so that we can encourage our brothers and sisters in the the body of Christ and that others can only stop and ask us "what is the hope that we believe in?"  Lord, we thank You and come into agreement with every blessing You have spoken over us leaving our enemy helpless and defeated.

Randi

Bible blog Monday April 21st

Being A Wisdom Walker (Proverbs 13:20)

For several years I have attempted to grow a few vegetables in my back yard; tomatoes, cucumbers and string beans mostly.  I only had two small 4x4 garden beds.  Last year I asked my husband, Chuck, to build me another bigger bed that gets a little more sun.  My "garden" did ok.  We got some cucumbers and tomatoes.  The beans grew well.  The zucchini didn't fair very well.  I did manage to get two very small butternut squash.  But I found I was more frustrated with bad results for the effort I had made.

This year I decided it was time to stop pretending as if I knew what I was doing and to start learning how to do gardening right.  I began by asking Chuck to build me 4 new big garden beds.  I then thought about the vegetables I might like to try growing.  I found a reputable online gardener and began watching hours (yes hours) of their online video's about soil, sunlight, water, fertilizer, and compost.  I then sat through hours of videos on each of the different vegetables I wanted to try growing. I was learning when to plant what, how different things grow and what the different needs of each plant are.  I learned that some weren't a good idea to try and grow and I felt encouraged to add some vegetables to the list that I hadn't planned on growing.  I bought a book on gardening in the Northeast and graph paper and pencils to map out my garden beds and where I should plant what.  I found soil to buy to fill my beds and with the help of Chuck, and 3 other helpful young men from Church, I got the soil into those beds and ready for seeds and plants.  But first I needed to walk and talk with someone who has been gardening.  I needed to hear and see first hand the ups and downs of someone who had experience.  I needed the wisdom and advice of the best gardener's I knew.  I was graciously given the chance to sit with Kathie Taylor at her house and to have her share her and Scott's gardening wisdom and stories with me. She shared stories, gave me tips, pointers, information based on what they had learned and encouragement.  Then she walked me outside and took me through her garden to show me what they had done and what they were planning on doing.  I got to see how some things were growing and to hear of some of the struggles likes animals and insects that can attack the plants and your hours of hard work.  I left there feeling so blessed and ready to begin planting my own seeds and plants. 

Armed with a good deal of knowledge, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and intimidated but so very encouraged by what Kathie had shared that I began to plant.  I planted several things like peas, lettuces, and rutabaga,  - these are what I learned are called winter vegetables (meaning they can be sown when the weather is still cooler).  It took time to plant these seeds but it's been a couple of weeks and guess what?  My seeds have started to sprout!!!  What joy it is to see little leaves of green starting to poke through the soil and to know that with care and time they may produce something delicious to enjoy.  The work is not over.  Oh no!!!  I have summer vegetables to sow, seedlings to thin, mulch to lay down, checking for weeds, making sure everything has the right amount of water, protection from bugs, animals and disease and then harvest everything at the right time.  I am sure I will need to watch some more videos, read another book, and have another walk or maybe two with Kathie as my path to being a better gardener continues.  Wisdom isn't gained with just one short walk!

The hope for success began when I chose take the time to walk with those who had wisdom greater than I.  The guy with the online video's, the author of the book, and Kathie Taylor.  By recognizing my weaknesses and my needs I was able to then seek out those who had wisdom beyond my own to share.  What happened when I decided to walk with the wise gardener's?  I began to gain wisdom.  I began to grow wise myself.  I am no expert but as long as I keep walking with the wise I will keep growing and my garden will do better.

Proverbs 13:20 says "He who walks with the wise grows wise..."  This story of my path to gaining wisdom in gardening is no different than what it looks like when I want to live a life of Godly wisdom, a spiritual life of purpose, to be a faithful child of God who helps to grow, support and encourage others in the Lord.  I need to walk with the wise.  We all do.  We need to be sure to spend time with those who have grown in their faith, who read their bibles and study the word of God.  With those who have a hope and trust in the Lord.  Church is a great place to walk with the wise through great sermons and fellowship with the wise who attend.  Being in a small group bible study is another way to walk with the wise and glean from the wisdom of not just one person but a whole group.  Reading the bible is walking with the wise of the past, through the character's stories which includes their failures and successes.  If we want to grow in our faith, in hope, in trust of God we need to walk with those who have been on the path, who are on the path but a bit further along than us.  We gain wisdom from listening and walking with them as they share their failures, stumbles, successes and victories in the Lord.  When we humble ourselves and realize that we can gain much from those who have walked paths before us then we open the doors for wisdom to come in.  We begin to grow wise ourselves.  As long as We keep walking with the wise we will keep growing, we will be wiser, we will be better equipped to serve the Lord, to grow his garden (his kingdom).

Also, note that the online gardener who's video's I watched, the author of the book I read and Kathie Taylor all took the time to walk with me.  One through making a video, one through writing a book, and another by sitting, walking and talking with me.  We all have a bit of wisdom we can share with someone.  Let us make sure to be generous with our time and let God use our lives, stories, successes, failures, stumbles and victories to help others gain wisdom, to help them in whatever life has handed them. 

Then ask yourself these questions:

"Who am I walking with?"  and   "Who can I walk with?"

April 20: Of the First Black Saturday

Joshua 21:1-22:20

Luke 20:1-26

Psalm 89:1-13

Proverbs 13:15-16

"If you rebel against the Lord today, tomorrow he will be angry with the whole community of Israel….When Achan son of Zerah was unfaithful in regard to the devoted things, did not the wrath come on the whole community of Israel?  He was not the only one who died for his sin."

- Joshua 22:18, 20

Let's think about the aftermath of Jesus's death on the cross for a second, from the standpoint of those who had called Him Rabbi for the past three years, who had given up their lives - their nets, their tax collection, their livelihood - to follow Him, believing Him to be the one who would save Israel - from the Romans, they thought.  Let's think about how all the certainty they'd built up in their heads that they were making a good bet - "Lord, to whom else would we go?  You have the words of eternal life" - how all that certainty died with Jesus on the cross and was buried in the tomb with Him, leaving them bereft, vulnerable., lost and afraid.  

When they saw Jesus die, the apostles didn't just lose a Teacher and Friend.  They lost their purpose.  They lost their aspiration.  They lost their hope.  They trusted this Man Who, when Peter said "We have left everything to follow you!  What then will there be for us?" answered that "everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."  That Man was gone, and with Him any hope of receiving a hundred times as much.  That Man was dead - what then was He talking about when He said "eternal life"?

Can you feel, can you smell that fetid mixture of helplessness, hopelessness and desperation?  The worry that, if Jesus was dead, He was wrong all along, and the Pharisees were right…and so He would not be "the only One Who died for His sin"?

The disciples were afraid - and rightly so.  They did not have the benefit of the knowledge we have, that Jesus would rise again.  They had not yet seen His resurrection, nor received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  What they saw on Easter Sunday and afterwards, and what they received on Pentecost, changed them.  It took them from fear to courage; from desperation because of their circumstances, to hope and joy despite them.  It took them from what they thought was the end of their story, to just the beginning. 

Today, on Black Saturday, we have an advantage over those disciples.  We know how this story develops.  We know what is coming.  We know the disciples never had reason to be afraid, that the story God had written was far better than anything they could have imagined, and certainly far better than anything they might have feared. 

And yet, how often do we find ourselves in own little Black Saturdays?  When the rent is due and the bank account is empty, or the fever just won't go down, or the fights just won't stop and the marriage seems like a farce, and the kids are getting into things that simply cannot end well….these are our Black Saturdays, reeking with the smell of that same fetid mixture.  

Father, when our lives seem darkest, remind us of that first Black Saturday; of the needlessness of the disciples' fear.  Give us Your Holy Spirit to change our hearts - from fear to courage, from desperation to hope and joy.  Take what we fear to be the tragic end of our story, and turn it into the beginning of Yours in our lives.  

Good Friday

April 18, 2019

 

On this Good Friday I am humbled by the fact that we killed God. I am also overwhelmed by the truth that God not only allowed it, but he planned it so that I would be part of his family. It is staggering to contemplate. I was reminded this morning of a poem we have read at many of our Good Friday services. It is called, "They Took Him Down" by Jamie Owens. This poem should be read at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

 

They took Him down, His poor dead body,

and prepared Him for His burial.

 

They took Him down, His poor pale body

drained of life, ashen, and stained

with its own life-blood.

 

His healing hands, now pierced and still;

Serving hands, that broke five loaves

to feed five thousand;

Holy hands, often folded in fervent prayer;

Poor gentle hands, now pierced and still.

 

His poor torn feet, now bloodied and cold;

Feet that walked weary miles

to bring good news to broken hearts

Feet once washed in penitent's tears;

Poor torn feet, now bloodied and cold.

 

His kingly head, made for a crown,

now crowned—with thorns.

His poor kingly head, crowned with thorns.

 

His gentle breast, now pierced by

spear-thrust, quiet and still;

His poor loving breast.

 

His piercing eyes, now dark and blind;

Eyes of compassion, warming the soul;

Fiery eyes, burning at sin;

Tender eyes, beckoning sinners;

His piercing eyes, now dark and blind.

 

His matchless voice, fountain of the Father's

thoughts, stopped—

and stilled—to speak no more.

Silence now, where once had flowed

Wisdom and comfort, Spirit and life;

His matchless voice; stilled, to speak no more.

 

They took Him down, His poor dead body,

and prepared Him for his burial.

       

As we will sing tonight in church….

Sometimes it causes me to "tremble, tremble, tremble."

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, April 18

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019

 

“Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:9,10)

 

 

Upon Jesus’s entering Jericho, a tax collector Zacchaeus became quite intrigued.  Given his stature, he couldn’t see over the crowd.  His curiosity compelled him to climb a sycamore-fig tree “since Jesus was coming that way.”

 

Perhaps equally curiously, Jesus tells Zacchaeus that He would be visiting this chief tax collector’s house.  While Zacchaeus “welcomed him gladly,” the people questioned the prudence of this move and muttered about Jesus’s going to the house of a “sinner.”  Nonetheless, Jesus’s presence further compels Zacchaeus towards repentance, as he promises to pay back “four times” the amount by which he had created the people.  Jesus brings restoration for Zacchaeus’s heart and reconciliation with others.

 

We may also highlight Jesus’s missional commitment in vv. 9,10, which provides the focus and summary of Jesus’s ministry.  Please notice that, while the verse pertains to all people, the “saving” is ultimately personally restorative.  Reading the verse again, we find great joy in realizing that, like for Zacchaeus, “salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.”  Our identity has changed because Jesus has come into our hearts and homes, changing us from the lost to the joyfully found.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for making the transformation from lost to found possible by the finished work of Christ on the Cross.  Give us curiosity to seek after Jesus, just as Zacchaeus did.  Reaffirm our identity as Your beloved children, and strengthen us to follow Your Son on the mission of seeking and saving that which is lost.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, amen.

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection

Stamford, CT  06906-1423    |  and the life.  He who believes in me will

(C) 203.820.1741            |     live, even though he dies; and whoever

(H) 203.355.9374            |   lives and believes in me will never die.

(E) swe@edwa.info           | Do you believe this?'"    -- John 11:25,26

 

April 17

Luke 18:22-29

I've been reading on how Jesus spent His last week leading up to His death on the cross.  Today, Judas conspired to hand Jesus over and received 30 pieces of silver for it, (equivalent to about 3,000.00 in today's currency).  Today is also the day that Mary anointed Jesus's feet with expensive oil which was used in traditional Jewish burial services.  Wicked people are conspiring Jesus's death.

In today's reading, Jesus is challenging a rich man Peter, and the disciples to understand the cost of discipleship.  It comes with the price of giving up all earthly attachments.  The rich man wasn't ready to do that, and the disciples thought they had.  They both missed what Jesus was teaching.  Jesus explains it in verses 29-30.  He said that there is nothing worth more on this earth that has value over our eternal life.  This truth was so crucial for us to understand that the King of the Universe left His throne to make a way for us to enter God's Kingdom.  During this week, let's stop for a second and reflect on all that Jesus gave up.  There is nothing I own that compares to His sacrifice.  Neither the 30 pieces of silver or the precious oil Mary put on his feet compared to what he knew what coming on Friday. So as I go through Holy Week and prepare for tomorrow's Passover service which became our Lord's last supper, I find myself reflecting on what it means to follow Jesus.  Whatever He is asking of me, He is worthy of it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEY4TwMXUjU

Randi

Blessings in Time

April 16, 2019

Joshua 13-14, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 13:7-8

There have been so many chapters in my life where I have been in "The Waiting Game," and I can be an impatient one during these times. I like control and making things happen (sound familiar?) Being a middle schooler- I just wanted to wear make up. In high school, I wanted a boy friend. In college, life direction. Post college- wanted the career job, to travel, explore, and a husband. When the husband came around, I wanted the house, kids, etc. I felt like I was always 1-2 steps behind my peers and friends and never able to catch up. I'll always remember being so bummed that I couldn't join my bff backpacking across South America because I didn't have the money, the time off work, bills, etc. I complained to my mom and her words have always stuck with me, "You're time will come." And it did.

I was thinking of that phrase as I read through Joshua today, and what it must have felt like to be Caleb. He is one of those minor characters in the Bible we hear about in Sunday School, but the spotlight is always in Joshua. Rarely do we hear sermons on him and his faithfulness. We know from Joshua 14 that he was 40 years old when he and Joshua explores the land ahead and came back with a favorable report. We know that 45 years have passed and his time has finally come. In those 45 years he did not lose sight of God's promise to him and he "followed the Lord [his] God wholeheartedly." That phrase is used twice.

We know that after those four decades God kept him healthy, and that he was just "as strong today as the day Moses sent [him] out." 45 years is a very long waiting game, but shod did not forget him. He gave him the vigor, the health, and the spirit to reap in the blessings. Because Caleb was obedient, faithful, and trusted in God, he was blessed...His time came. It just took a while...a reminder that it's about God's timing, and not ours. He could have gone many other directions in the second part of his life, but to me, his example in faithfulness is to be sought after. Reminds me of Elizabeth, Hannah and Joseph. Other people who waited and waited for their time to come and later we're blessed by God for their faithfulness and perseverance.

I am reminded of those chapters in my life where I waited and waited. The waiting was not perfect and there were some messy moments, but I also know that I have a great God. He has said "no" many times to my requests and the waiting turned to moving on. There have also been many, many times where God has said "yes" to the waiting requests. I have traveled, I have a career, and an amazing family of Coetzee boys, but it was in God's timing and I recognize the blessings of health and being able to enjoy them....giving Hod the glory. So remember Caleb in these times of waiting. Serve God wholeheartedly, even if the answer is no, or not yet.

bible blog post monday April 15th

Cradled In Trust  (Psalm 84:12)

Trust is defined as (n): firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.  It is confidence, faith, freedom from suspicion or doubt, sureness, certainty, assurance, conviction, and reliance.

Blessed is defined as (adj); endowed with divine favor and protection, consecrated.  Bringing pleasure of relief as a welcome contrast to what one has previously experienced.  It is being fortunate, privileged, lavished upon, made holy, joyful, joyous, blissful, and glad.

Psalm 84:12 tells us that those who trust in the LORD Almighty are blessed.

The visual that immediately came to mind after reading this verse was Baby Asher, Nikkie and Divan Coetzee's newborn baby.  I watched Nikkie hold baby Asher in her arms at church and what I saw was a peace, a comfort, a contentment, a trust in that little baby towards his mother.  He has an unwavering confidence, a reliance, a firm belief in his mother to be there and to provide for his needs.  So much is his trust that even though he doesn't really understand this world he is living in he is able to rest in total peace, cradled in her loving, protecting, and comforting arms.  His trust in her allows her to lavish upon him her love as well as giving her the opportunity to provide all that she knows he needs.

God wants us to trust to Him like  newborn Asher.  He wants us to rest, to be cradled in His arms with such a peace, comfort, and contentment - such a trust -  no matter what the uncertain circumstance are around us.  God desires, He calls us to trust in His truth, ability, and strength.  He wants us to trade our fears, and uncertainty with trust so that we can have such a confidence, such a certainty and reliance on Him that we are free from even the smallest glimpse of doubt in life.  Like baby Asher, He wants us to rely on Him with unwavering confidence and hope and in doing so rest in all that God is and all that God will do. 

When we choose to trust God we open up the floodgates of opportunity for Him to bless us.  When we choose to trust God we open the door to be able to experience His blessing in unimaginable ways.  This doesn't mean that you are going to win the lottery or inherit a large sum of money.  This doesn't mean that life will be free from any struggle or hardship.  What it does mean is that you are not alone and that God's abilities and strengths can see you through.  He can and will be your peace during the stormy times.  He can be your light when life seems dark.  The joyful moments can be even more joyful.  As He sees you through all that life has in store God will be all that you need and He will lavish upon you a love unlike any you have experienced.  You can go through life feeling fortunate, feeling glad, because you let God be in control and His love, power, grace and forgiveness is enough for you - it is a blessing.

Trust isn't a simple thing.  It requires surrender to one who is worthy of it.  God is worthy!  He surrendered, gave up, His one and only son to let you know how much He loves you, how much He understands your needs (more than you do), how much He is willing and able to do if you will just trust Him.  If you will just rest cradled in the love and blessing of His arms.

We truly have nothing to loose but everything to gain - we will be blessed if we choose to trust!  Are you trusting the LORD Almighty?

April 13: Of Lori, Felicity, Achan and Our Children

Joshua 7:16-9:2

Luke 16:1-18

Psalm 82:1-8

Proverbs 13:2-3

One of the many controversies capturing the US public's attention involves a couple of actresses (and around 40 other parents) who paid bribes to get their children into good colleges.  Their actions meant students who might otherwise have been accepted were turned away.  The actress parents were found out and charged, one has pled guilty, and they are both likely to go to jail.  They tried to shield their children from the consequences of their actions, unsuccessfully.  Their children's admissions are being investigated, at least two have ceased to attend school, and one daughter who had built a strong social media following lost two major sponsors.  All this, because they wanted good things for their children, but obtained them the wrong way. 

I was reminded of this when I read today's OT reading.  Yesterday we read how Achan had disobeyed God by taking a robe and treasure during the plunder of Jericho.  And subsequently we saw Israel defeated by Ai.  Because of Achan's actions, thirty six Israelites died, likely leaving widows and fatherless children.  And because of his choices, not only did he pay a price, his sons and daughters did as well - they were stoned to death right after the father was.   All this because the Achan wanted good things - likely for his children as well - but chose to disobey God to obtain them.  

A harsh lesson, but an important one.  As parents, we want only good things for our children.  But the choices we make will carry consequences for them, however much we may try to shield them.  How then to ensure the choices we make are good?  By first - and, when conflict arises, only - choosing God, however attractive or well meaning the alternative might seem.  The NT reading makes it clear that there is no middle ground - "no one can serve two masters".  Either we choose God, or we do not.  And when we do not - again, however well intentioned our choices might be - there will be consequences.  Painful ones, even.

Father, it is when I believe there is a good result that will justify disobedience that I am most vulnerable to committing sin.  Not just for my sake, but for my children's as well - when tempted to listen to rationalization in my head, speak to my heart - shout, if You must - to remind me that however delicious the fruit looks, it is sin to take a bite.  Then give me the strength to back off.  

April 12

Joshua 7

How much is your sin going to cost me?

Joshua 7:1   But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord's anger burned against Israel.

Wait a minute. It says here the Israelites acted unfaithfully. I thought it was Achan who sinned?  We gain an insight into the cost of sin in this story. What Achan did ended up both infecting and affecting the entire group. In the end, 36 families had to have funeral services; 36 families lost a beloved father and would have to live their entire lives with a huge hole in their hearts. That is a tremendous cost for a single sin. It also says that the Lord's anger burned against Israel. So in addition, there was a vertical disconnection with God because of this sin.

Now,if you are saying this is unfair, this just isn't right, you are looking at it from a western point of view. We live in a radically individualistic culture where the individual reigns supreme. We even advertise it with slogans like "Have it your way" or we sing "I did it my way."

But in eastern cultures, the family and community are tightly bound together. You don't live individually; you live as a community. For one person to bring shame upon themselves, is to bring shame upon the family name or the entire group.

What we need to learn from this story is that we are all tied together. No one sins in isolation. The eastern culture is a clearer picture of the true cost of sin.

When I sin, I hurt Kathie, my children, my friends, my church and my community. They might not even know what is going on, but my sin will impact them because it impacts me. We are not just individuals; we are also a community. This should help us in our fight against sin and temptation.

The opposite is just as equally true. We need to make good decisions so that we become pillars of strength to those around us. Today, make good, godly choices and then become that pillar of strength for your family, church and community.

With God's help I will live a victorious life today and I pray that God will cause it to bless you!

 

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"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, April 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

"Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:  'If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.  And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.'" (Luke 14:25-27)

Today's passage from Luke contains some challenging teaching.  First, Jesus indicates that we should take such an attitude of humility as to invite and show love to those who may never be able to repay.  He urges us to eschew self-serving "love" that counts on reciprocity and on social engagements that boost our own standing.  Only from a Gospel motivation, grounded in the love of Christ, may we actually carry out such an attitude.

In this second teaching, Jesus shares another challenging word with the "large crowds... traveling" with him:  "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."  Wow!

We recognize several important elements from this teaching:

(1) The call to discipleship involves a personal and holistic commitment.  Jesus's call requires our individual surrender to Christ; others can't serve as our surrogates.

(2) Our love for Christ will make other loves seem pale in comparison.  Given the tremendous sacrifice of Christ and His loving servanthood, our love for Him should reign supreme in our lives.  Other affections will pale in comparison.  Yet, our love for Christ and relationship with Him — and the vertical wholeness there offered — will inform and guide our other relationships towards wholeness.

(3) Carrying our cross means surrendering our rights and small notions to embrace whatever God would have for us.  The Bible teaches us that, like seeds, we must first die before we may spring to life.  With the seed of the Gospel planted in us, we become fertile soil once we have let go of our demands to control our lives.  We allow God to become the cultivator and vinedresser in our lives so that we may become fruitful for Him. (John 15:1-8)

May we follow Christ wholeheartedly according to this call to real discipleship!

Lord God, thank You for giving us a clarion call to eternal purpose through authentic discipleship.  Help us to identify areas where we can surrender more of ourselves and to embrace Your mission for our lives more openly.  Strengthen us to continue in our growing into being more like Jesus.  In His powerful Name, amen.

April 10

Joshua

I am always fascinated when I study the Old Testament and find blue prints of Jesus.  The name Joshua (Y'hoshua in Hebrew), is translated as "Adonai is salvation". Another form of the name is Yeshua, which translates as Jesus.  So just as Jesus is understood to be God's salvation to lead people out of their wilderness of sin, Joshua is understood to be God's salvation to lead the children of Israel out of their wilderness and into the promised land. Yeshua is also revealed in verse 18 as the scarlet thread which Rahab let down through the window. Just as Rahab was saved by putting her faith and trust in the God of Israel, we are saved by putting our trust in Jesus. Perhaps we can compare the children of Israel crossing into The Promised Land with our own spiritual walk. They wandered under God's protection, provision and guidance for many years and were finally brought to a place of rest.  There are times when God chooses to take us through the wilderness. It might be to grow us spiritually, draw us closer to Him, or refine us even a little bit more into His image. When, in His timing, we cross through a hard time, God bring us to a place of rest. We can look back and see He was with us every step of the way, even though we didn't quite understand and perhaps like the children of Israel, complained much of the way.  I think it's important to remember that the wilderness is not our permanent destination. I find comfort reading the book of Joshua and seeing that is written as a reminder that deliverance comes form God alone and victory comes through trusting Him. The account reminds us of the power of God and choosing who we serve. Lord, I lift up everyone who is reading this today and ask that where ever they might be, what ever they are going through, You bring peace to their inner most being, knowing that you are the One is who providing, protecting and guiding. Lord, I pray You bring us to a place where our souls can rest and trust in Your will and Your plan for our lives.

Randi

bible blog post Monday April 8th

The Blood In Our Veins (Deuteronomy 32:47)

Today I was struck by a very short sentence in our reading in Deuteronomy.  Moses has heard from God and shared with the people all the truths and instructions he had been told.  He then tells the people this in 32:47 "They are not just idle words for you - they are your life."  This is the sentence that struck me.  Moses was telling the people do not be just hearers of truth but doers of it (James 1:22-25).  To let these truths be more than words. To let theses truths be their life, the blood in the veins, the nutrients they need to cultivate a fruitful life in the Lord.

The bible is compiled of words either heard by, guided by, or inspired by God.  Even the events recorded are reflections of God's desire to teach us, grow us, and guide us.  They are not just idle words for you and I - they are meant to be our life.  This is the dictionary definition of the word Life: "the condition that is manifested by 1. the capacity for growth, 2. reproduction, 3. functional activity, 4. and continual change preceding death."

God's word is not meant to be merely empty idle words that we read and forget.  His word should be engraved in our hearts and minds and cause or aide in growth, reproduction (multiplication), functional activity (our daily activities), and change.

Our time spent reading and studying God's word should be seen as the necessary nutrients we need to feed our life in the Lord.  The life giving truths of God's words should manifest in us 1. a constant growth, deeper and deeper growth, in our walk and relationship with Him.  2. Our life should be lived in such a way, in the truth of God's word, that our witness causes others to see and experience God's love, grace, mercy and forgiveness that then draws them into a relationship with God (expanding God's Kingdom).  3. Everything we do or say should not be thoughtless, careless or simply self gratifying but guided by the truths of God's word.  The truths should manifest themselves in every aspect and activity we partake in.  4. We should never look on ourselves as a finished product but to always seeks to transform and change in areas where we may not be strong or where we may need to prune things that don't belong in our hearts and minds.  This should be a constant daily activity every day of our life.  Feasting on the word of God!  Making it our Life!!

God's word is not meant to be idle - it is to be your life.

This short little sentence in Deuteronomy is meant to be a very big reminder.  Never let the words, the truth, of God's word be idle and ineffective in our life.  Let us see them and know them to be the daily fiber we need in order to live a life that is rooted in the truths of the word and reflects the Lord living in us. 

April 6: Of the Line from Helplessness to Victory

Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20

Luke 11:37-12:7

Psalm 78:1-31

Proverbs 12:19-20

One of the things that strikes me most in the stories from the Old Testament is how helpless and lost the Israelites who fled Egypt were.  Yes, they'd plundered the Egyptians when they left, taking gold and jewelry.  But they were in no position to do much of anything - not to defend themselves against the Egyptians, not to fight the battles they fought and won, not even to feed or clothe themselves.  Heck, they couldn't even say where they were going next, or when they were leaving.  

They were helpless.  And in their helplessness, they were completely dependent on God.  And in their complete dependence, they were obedient to God.  And because of that obedience, not only were they provided for, they were victorious.  

Now, I admit I struggle with that - not the victorious part, but everything before it.  I don't want to be helpless or dependent; I don't want to have to be obedient.  And the victory I want isn't characterized by clothes that don't wear out nor the absence of wine - I want the abundance of a full wine cellar, a stocked refrigerator, and decent wardrobe, and the ability to go where (and how) I want.  

The world will try to tell me there is nothing wrong with what I want, but in the clear light of scripture, what I want is sin.  I am telling God I know better and, in doing so, denying He is God, and setting myself up in His place.  And, truth be told, when I've acted that way, it has always gone poorly for me.   

Lord, despite our sinfulness, do not relent.  Remind us of the truth of our helplessness and dependence; give us obedient hearts, and lead us to the victory You choose.  

Blog Post: April 5,2019

Deuteronomy 28:1-68

Luke 11:14-36

Psalm 77:1-20

Proverbs 12:18

In Deuteronomy we see the consequences or curses that result from neglecting God or wrong doing towards others. These give us extra incentive to obey Gods Laws, while all these blessings may not come in our lifetime on earth, those who obey God will experience the fullness of his blessings when He establishes the new heaven and the new earth. One of the curses that we see for those who reject God is that they would go mad from seeing all the tragedy around them. Do you ever feel you will go crazy when you hear about murder, war, rape or kidnap in no ? The worlds evil is a result of neglect and failure to serve God. When we hear bad news, we must remind ourselves that God has ultimate control and one day Jesus will come back to make everything right.

The conflict between God and the devil: If a person is not on Gods side they are on satan's side. If you are not actively for Christ, you are against him. Jesus illustrates our human tendency to reform does not last long. People who put high value on family ties may loose all focus on God. A persons obedience to God is more important than a place on the family tree or worldly views and pleasures.

Jesus teaches about the light within us, in Luke 11:33-36 we see this. The lamp is Christ, they eye represents insight into our lives. Evil desires makes the eye less sensitive and blots out the light of Christ's presence. If you have a hard time seeing God working in your life, evaluate what you are seeing. Are there any sinful desires blinding you to Christ?

But know we are comforted through the hard times by remembering Gods help in the past by recalling past testimonies and His previous works, this gives us the courage to continue and strengthens our faith. When we cry out for help and put aside our doubts about Gods holiness He eliminates distress. As we pray to God, He shifts our focus from ourselves to Him. Let us not be reckless and refuse to learn but becomes wise in our words, love discipline, listen to others and lead others to life.

Amen.

The attached song is a song of comfort and a testimony that God is listening.

https://youtu.be/Ef52AmdVwYI