July 31

Psalm 24, Romans 14, Proverbs 20:12

We went to my parents house the other day to clean out a room. I have never seen so many clothes haphazardly piled 4 feet high. This is no joke, nor is it an exaggeration. As we took on the task of separating donation piles from trash, I was overwhelmed by trying to understand what one person could possibly do with so much stuff. Clearly, the trend setting pull of the world manifested in this one tiny room. In knew it was more than could be accomplished in one day and I prayed for strength to get through the task. 

I think there has to come a point in our journey (long before we find ourselves in a cluttered space with useless stuff), when we face a fork in the road and our choice boils down to answering one question, Whose Kingdom am I building?  Like Enoch, am I walking with God, or am I following my own agenda seeking my own comforts just to get through this thing called life. Both Genesis 1 and John 1 start the same, "In the beginning..." God was in the beginning. Today's reading helps piece this together. Through today's reading in the Psalm we see how everything belongs to God because He created it all, every thing and every person. Paul tells us that whether we live or die we belong to the Lord. Proverbs tells us that the Lord made both ears that hear and eyes that see. I have made some pretty poor decisions in the past because I had learned life is about living to clutter the room (my life) with useless stuff. I was building my own kingdom, following the ways of the world, not realizing there was a more meaningful way to live. I am grateful that I learned Jesus's life and death frees us from being trapped in a room with useless stuff. Anxiety, worry, fear, addictions, keep us focused on doing things to numb our pain, we end up cluttering our lives and building our kingdom around our needs to feel better. We learn through Scripture that Jesus is a real person and everything and everyone belongs to Him. When we spend time in prayer and sit in His presence, we experience this truth. Toby Mac sang a song about doing everything we do to the glory of the One who made you and if you listen to the song, it doesn't matter what it is you're doing. I pray we keep that in mind when we're at the fork in the road or wrestling to clean out the stuff in your room, or in your life. The earth is Adonai's and all that fills it, the world, and those dwelling in it. (TLV) The only path to real joy is repenting of building our own kingdom, spending time with God and making him known to others. Reach out to Jesus to give you strength, live to build His Kingdom.

Randi

Bible blog post Monday July 29th

Practice make Proficient  (Romans 12:1-21)

Growing up in my house it was always a given that Sunday after church our dinning room table in our small dinning room would be filled with guests for lunch.  My mother would invite different people, offering them a seat at our dinning table as well as an ear to listen to them share their thoughts on the sermon or about their life.  There were some regulars who often graced our dinning table as well a newcomers.  One of the regulars was a man named Lenny Larson.  He was an older (borderline elderly) gentleman.  He didn't have much as far as the world was concerned but his love for the lord made up for that and he always knew he had a seat at my mothers table.  Sunday lunch wasn't the only time we had people over, no, we would have people over for picnics and on holidays as well.  My mom and dad opened up their home all the time.  We also were invited to many different homes for a meal.  Some homes had fancy sit down meals and others were casual home style affairs.  I loved them all.  I loved getting to know people, seeing how they lived, learning how they liked to entertain.  To get an invitation felt special, it felt welcoming, it felt loving.  It was a great time of being connected to others over a meal with good conversation.  I still love to have people over and to go over others peoples homes.  I don't care if the dinner is hot dogs on a paper plate or a 4 course meal it's simply the time spent that is so special. 

As our lives become more and more busy, more and more full of activities, events, work, ministries, and so on we can tend to make opening up our homes to others less of a priority.  I was watching a short video the other day on words that people don't really use any more and one of them was the word "company", as in "we are having company come over".  It talked about how people are just so busy and so much to themselves these days that having company over is becoming obsolete.  I find this so very sad and troubling.

In Romans 12 Paul writes a list of reminders of how we should live, how we should use our gifts, talents, resources, time, our lives as an act of worship to the Lord.  The one that stood out to me was at the end of verse 13, "Practice Hospitality".  He didn't say to do it only if you had the "gift" for it.  He didn't say to do it only if you could replicate a pintrest themed party.  He didn't say to do it only if you had a big enough house.  He didn't say to do it only if you have the time.  He didn't say to do it only if you were a fabulous cook.  No ladies and gentlemen he said to "PRACTICE" it.  The definition of practice is as follows,  "perform (an activity) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency."  We are to regularly practice opening up our homes to others and in the process we will become proficient at it.

I don't think Paul was listing this for those who simply had a passion for it, to include them in this list.  No.  I believe this was a call to all of us who call ourselves children of God.  Christ invites us all to fellowship with him at his table.  His desire is for us to draw near to him so that he can draw near to us.  Practicing Hospitality is a call to worship, it is opportunity invite people in just as Christ does and to love them where they are, to fellowship with them, to let them draw near to us so that we can draw near to them.  To practice hospitality opens up, not just the door of our home but, the doors of our hearts to love others, the doors of our ears to listen and hear others, the door of opportunity to know how we can be there for others.  If we want to put into practice the things Paul lists in Romans 12 then Practicing Hospitality is the perfect avenue to do so.  If we are too busy to Practice Hospitality then we are too busy and we won't be successful at any of these things Paul lists.  Everyone can Practice Hospitality.  EVERYONE!!!  The more we Practice the better we get at it and God is Glorified and Worshiped more and more in our lives.

Don't make excuses.  My parents are in their 70's and 80's and they have not stopped Practicing Hospitality.  They moved recently to a senior community and one of the first things they did was open their home to their new neighbors for dinner.  It doesn't take much to start Practicing.  So what are you waiting for???  Put aside the excuses or fears, clear some time on your calendar and invite someone today!!!  Let's all make Practicing Hospitality the priority it should be.

26th Blog post

Bible Blog 26^th July

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34

Romans 9:22-10:13

Psalm 20:1-9

Proverbs 20:2-3

Today's reading was a reminder that in times when we feel we are struggling, depressed and alone, we can find comfort in the word. David's prayer in Psalm may help us during these difficult times: God alone can preserve a nation or an individual. We need confidence in God who gives eternal victory. Who do you trust?

I recently have been diagnosed with Lupus and it has been a struggle, but I have learned that instead of solely searching for comfort in people, I can solely find rest in Jesus Christ. I have received tremendous support from family and friends; however, I need to be in constant prayer with our Lord and reading David's prayer has helped.

A person who is truly confident in his/her strength does not need to prove it. A truly brave person does not look for chances to prove it. A resourceful woman can find a way out of a fight. Foolish people struggle to avoid strife. What kind of person are you?

We can see in Romans 9:22-10:13 how the people pursued the law as the way of righteousness but have not attained their goal. But why? We may sometimes be like those people, always trying to get right with God by keeping his laws. We may think by attending church, giving offerings, doing church work or being nice will be enough, we then have followed the rules, haven't we? Paul's words are sharp and hit hard as he explains, God's plan is not for those who try to earn his favor by just being good, it is for those who realize that they can never be good enough without God and they must depend on Christ. We can be saved by only putting our faith in what Jesus Christ has done for us. If we can do that, we will never be disappointed. 

Rather than living by faith in God, the Jews established customs and traditions in addition to God's law to try and make themselves acceptable in God's eyes. But no matter how sincere, the human effort can never substitute for the righteousness God offers us by faith. It is impossible to earn salvation by being perfect but we can only hold out our empty hand and receive salvation as a gift. If we believe in our whole heart and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.  So, I pray that instead of trying to do it all ourselves like I did, that we may look to Jesus for strength and guidance to praise and worship him whole heartedly,

Amen

July 27: Of Favorite Stories, and Early and Long Reflections

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37
Romans 10:14-11:12
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 20:4-6

Let's think about this for a second.  I tried to do some research, and I think that by the time Jehoshaphat found out about the army of the Moabites, the Ammonites and the Meunites coming to wage war, they were already in En Gedi, along the Dead Sea.  That was a mere 45 mile hike to Jerusalem going by today's roads.  They were already THATCLOSE.  

Today, a general would revert to training.  He might call up what troops he could quickly muster, and send them to fight a sacrificial moving engagement meant to slow the enemy and buy the nation time to mount a more effective defense.  

Jehoshaphat did no such thing.  "Alarmed," we read, he "resolved to inquire of the Lord."  Instead of strengthening his soldiers with food and drink ahead of the battle, he proclaimed a fast.  Instead of sending out his troops, he called the people of Judah "together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him."

It gets better.  Where earthly leaders might address their people with words to inspire confidence, Jehoshaphat did the opposite: before everyone, he cried out to God with the utmost honesty: "we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

But wait, there's more.  It wasn't just Jehoshaphat that stood before God: "all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord."No one was second guessing Jehoshaphat, demanding he send troops into battle; no one was calling for his overthrow.  No - together, father, mother and children, king and citizens, they stood before God, confessed their helplessness, and sought His favor.

And finally, as they were marching to what they had reason to believe would be a bloody battle, Jehoshaphat, in response to what I can only imagine was a palpable fear that threatened the army's resolve, "appointed men to sing to the Lord", to "praise Him for the splendor of His holiness...saying 'Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever."

Wow.  I read this and realize it's going to take me a few days to take in everything that's happened to this point.  But for now, here's what I want to focus on: when they began their march, THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT FORM GOD'S FAVOR WOULD TAKE.  If I were to guess, the best they hoped for was a victory that wasn't too costly. And let's face it - God's favor could have just as well taken a form similar to the favor Jesus gave the one criminal crucified beside Him - an earthly death, admission to Paradise.  

What I DON'T think they expected, don't think they could have possibly imagined, was that they'd find the battle already won. That, just as they were marching off, the enemy had already been defeated, their carcasses strewn across the ground.  That the arms they anticipated would be burdened by sword and shield to be laden with plunder instead.  And I don't think they expected the time they thought it would take to fight - and hopefully win - the battle would instead be spent gathering "a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value".  

Three things I pray the Lord let me take away in my heart, let change my life:

1.  The Lord is omnipresent, in space and time.  Everywhere is here to Him, everywhen is now to Him.  The time and place of my problem, the future of its resolution - to Him they are both right here and right now.  

2.   The Lord's solutions aren't just always going to be better than mine, they are always going to be better than anything I can imagine.  Even if they don't look very good from where I'm standing.  

3.  The best response to a problem, no matter how BIG?  Turn to Him in surrender.  And however difficult, praise and trust Him.  

4.  Like the general, and like Jehoshaphat, whom we know followed the Lord, the best way to respond this way, every time, is to train for it.

Father, give us the wisdom to know You are always and everywhere in control; that Your ways are perfect and ours are not; and the best we can do when faced with a problem however big, is to delegate upwards to You, and trust You to deal with it.  Give us the opportunity to develop this perspective, so that even in the midst of greatest trial, we can sing your praise.

Thursday, July 25

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

 

 

“At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.  Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen?  Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand.  For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.  You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” (2 Chronicles 16:7-9)

 

 

The passage from 2 Chronicles reviews the history of Asa’s reign.  During his time as Judah’s leader, he provided godly leadership, sparked by a prophetic visit from Azariah son of Oded.  To Asa’s credit, he responded to Azariah’s counsel to “seek the Lord” and brought forth important reforms, turning the hearts of Israel back to their First Love.  God subsequently blessed Judah with peace for the first 35 years of Asa’s reign.

 

In the waning days of his life, however, Asa faced the threat of invasion from Baasha, king of Israel.  From Hanani’s words above, it appears that Asa abandoned his trust in God’s provision and instead turned towards reliance on Ben-Hadad, king of Aram.  This change interrupted the peace that Judah had previously enjoyed and instead sent them into war.

 

For his part, Asa reacted to the prophet’s words in the following manner:  “Asa was angry with the seer because of this; he was so enraged that he put him in prison.  At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people.”  It appears that he allowed pride and complacency to stand in the way of seeking God wholeheartedly.

 

The Scriptures include relatively few examples of kings or other characters who finished well.  The writer of Hebrews encourages us to stay focused on the finish line:  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

 

By looking to Jesus’s example of perseverance, we may stay the course through challenging moments.  Whatever the circumstances, trusting God is the right decision.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for teaching us through the examples of biblical characters like Asa.  Help us to understand our vulnerabilities and to remain steadfast in our pursuit of You.  Encourage us today to follow Jesus’s example, and give us strength through Your Holy Spirit to honor You.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, amen.

 

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July 24

Psalm 18, Romans 8

A few years ago we were in a financial crisis. This Psalm became my daily prayer. A few months ago I was reminded of this Psalm, and again, it became my daily prayer.  Life is hard, and I don't mean to sound cliche, but we truly are not alone. There are spiritual battles and warfare around us that manifest into natural conflicts, often disasters in our lives. Again, we are not alone. God did not leave us to fight by or for ourselves because He knew we wouldn't be able to.

2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. Something beyond what we can explain happens when we pray God's word and by faith believe that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him. I would like to encourage everyone to read this Psalm and with whatever battle you might be facing, turn this Psalm into your prayer. The hardest part is learning to trust that God will crack through the spiritual clouds, fight our battles, and rescue us.  The rescue might not look like what we picture, but He will always shine in our darkness.

Randi

July 20: Of Slavery

2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17

Romans 6:1-23

Psalm 16:1-11

Proverbs 19:20-21

Let's court controversy today, shall we? 

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" - Romans 6:16

Slavery.  A hot button topic in the US once again, for various reasons.  But when I read today's New Testament reading from Romans, I am struck by a few things:

1. Whether we like it or not, we are all slaves.  
2. The choice isn't slavery or freedom, the choice is the master we will serve.: sin, or God. 
3. When we choose the master, we surrender our freedom to that master.  Agreement is not a prerequisite to obedience.  This is obvious in God's case; less so in the case of sin, but no less true - you ever notice how difficult it is to kick a sinful habit, even after we've decided we don't want to do it anymore?
4. And while we are able to choose the master, we are unable to dictate the consequences of that choice.  Slavery to sin leads to death; slavery to God, and to obedience to God, leads to righteousness.  

There are people who will see the word "slavery" and, in a burst of indignation, will refuse to read further.  There are those who will read what slavery to sin is about, and try to justify it, arguing there is nothing wrong with what they want. And there are those who will read through the verse, acknowledge where they have chosen poorly, and switch allegiances.  

I wish I could say I fell squarely into the last category.  I am, still, very much the person who tries to justify the selfish and sinful choices I make with the slightest hint of ancillary benefit.   I pray I learn to live like David, who in today's psalm declares "Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup."  May I learn the truth in today's proverb, that however many the plans in my heart, ultimately it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.  And may I learn to choose my master wisely.  

Blog Post July 19th

Blog Post July 19th

 

In Psalm, God calls us to be morally upright, he gives us 10 standards to determine how we are doing. We live in a world where we live among people whose standards and morals are eroding. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we develop a desire to live by his standards. Words are powerful and how you use them reflects on your relationship with God. Another example is people who are so obsessed with money will change their God-given standards and lifestyle just to get it.  Whatever is a controlling force in your life, it must be restricted, or it will destroy your relationship with God.

 

Reading David's plans for the temple, gives a sense of how important Gods word is. If we ignore Gods will and neglect his teaching, anything we attempt to build will soon tumble.

The Lord searches every heart nothing can be hidden, it makes no sense to hide thoughts or actions from an all-knowing God. This leads us to only have a relationship with God and that with God we can find anything possible.

 

I pray that we have joy and not fear because God knows even the worst about us and love's us anyway. May we pray for people to desire above all else, to serve God,

Amen.

 

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Thursday, July 18

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.  For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath.  And where there is no law there is no transgression.

"Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham.  He is the father of us all.  As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.'  He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." (Romans 4:13-17)

Paul continues the great exposition of the Gospel's mysteries in Romans 4.  Having explained that God has made possible a righteousness that come by faith in Jesus Christ "to all who believe," Paul expands into a reflection on how Abraham provides an example of receiving this righteousness through faith:  God credited Abraham's faith as "righteousness."  Despite his humanity and shortcomings, Abraham became God's friend by faith.

Paul interweaves a further discussion of the insufficiency of "earning" God's acceptance through the law.  Rather, the law makes us conscious of sin and points us towards God by highlighting our need for grace.  The law's fixed standards show our shortcomings.  A rational analysis of our lives leads to the inevitable conclusion that we have sinned and fallen short of God's standards.

If this realization ended the story, however, we would be left in despair.  Nonetheless, the Gospel's promise of righteousness by faith brings tremendous hope and freedom.  This offer comes through the completed work of Christ on the cross—open to all and effective for "all who believe."

Paul reinforces, too, that Abraham's becoming a father of many nations would tie to his faith, not just to human offspring.  God's redemptive power would bring life to the dead:  both in terms of (1) an elderly Abraham and a barren Sarah, giving them children, and (2) those who would repent of their sin and receive Christ as Lord.

How have you experienced this newness of life?  How has the redemptive work of Christ brought joy into your life?  How could you give thanks for this redemptive joy and power today?

Lord God, thank You for bringing life to the dead.  Thank You that, through Your Son, we may receive righteousness by faith and be able to draw near to You.  Help us to share this message of unending joy and amazing love with a hurting, broken world.  Sharpen our mind's eye to see the full effects of Your redemptive power in our lives.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

July 17

Psalm 13

Trust in His Chesed

I love the summer time.  Now, please do not misunderstand me, I do not like excessive heat and humidity. What I love about summer is that I get to unplug myself and spend much needed time feeding my soul.  I've read through three books so far and have a few more waiting before summer ends.  I'm calling this my "Summer of Solitude". Deliberately carving out time, not only in my day, but in my spirit, to spend time with God, asking Him to transform and renew my mind and conform my soul more to His image.  Now, please understand, there is a lot I am depending on God for, like getting me through this summer in many ways, but that's not all that I'm hoping for. In my quiet time, I am seeking to know God, not for what He can or will do in answering my prayers, but for who He is. I want to know His character, much like I know many of you reading this blog.  Today's Psalm talks about God's Chesed. Chesed is the Hebrew word David uses to describe God's character.  It means mercy, kindness, love. It describes the very nature of God. When we read scripture and allow our hearts to be washed by every word of God, we enter into an intimate relationship that allows us to experience the very nature of His character. Knowing God in this way leads to the spiritual transformation we long for, while we trust in His goodness to provide everything else we need. I hardly ever understand God's answer to prayers, but I'm learning that when we read God's word and our hearts desire is to go beyond intellect, and go beyond comfort, we experience God in a new way. We see David's heart transform through this Psalm in the same way. He begins by asking God if He will forget him forever. Obviously David must be waiting for God to answer a prayer, not understanding what's taking so long, just like you and I. After he pours his heart out, David comes to the place we all need to be. Trusting in God's lovingkindness.  From Deuteronomy 6 through all the gosepl accounts, we are told the greatest commandment is to love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, in that order. Did you notice that "heart" comes first?  Lord as we seek you with our hearts, I pray You meet us where we are. I pray we all experience an intimate encounter with You which will fill our souls and transform our spirits.

Randi

The Nagging Wife

1 Chronicles 22-23, Romans 3:9-31, Psalms 12:1-8, Proverbs 19:13-14

On this most recent trip, Divan asked me "can we come up with a sign, so when I do it, you will stop asking me the same question over and over?" This was his response after I had offered to help hold or carry something at least ten times in a matter of 2 minutes. He was getting ready to drive, holding coffee, and we had just had a stressful situation. I was trying to help. He was fine and had it, (but according to him) I was nagging and wasn't trusting him in the situation. When I read Proverbs 19 today, this example came to me. 

We weren't quarreling not was there any contempt in this example, but we have had our moments. Knowing the sound of a leaky faucet, I definitely don't want to be compared to the continual dropping of rain...annoying! But when reading these two verses together, it puts a picture of marriage together....it comes from the Lord. 

"A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord."

Proverbs 19:13-14 ESV

Divan and I have a very far from perfect marriage. We have some pretty rough spots, but we have also had some pretty great moments. I know without a doubt that God made us for each other. I also know that from the time I was in my moms tummy, my parents were praying for my future husband. I have now for years, been praying for the future brides of my little boys. They will come from the Lord, and I pray they are a balance to the men they become, and most importantly that they love God more then themselves. As a wife and as a partner, I pray that God makes me more like Christ, that I may be prudent, loving, and have patience. 

Blog post 12/7/2019

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17

Romans 1:1-17

Psalm 9:13-20

Proverbs 19:4-5

In today's reading, being a humble servant for God stood out to me, Paul writes a letter to the church of Rome by portraying the sinfulness of all humanity, he explains how forgiveness is available through faith in Christ. God used Paul to spread the gospel throughout the world. Paul humbly calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ and an apostle. Are we completely dependent on and obedient to God?

Our willingness to serve and obey Jesus Christ enables us to be useful and usable servants to do work for Christ. When we give up our idols and turn away from conflicting interests, we will identify ourselves with Jesus and discover his will.  God forgives our sins, when we believe in him as LORD. God may or may not call us to witness as a missionary's but he does call all believers to witness and be an example of the changed life Jesus Christ has begun in you.  Christians of all ages need to be reminded that God is the only permanent source of our salvation. God sends his love and forgiveness to us through Christ and through Christ we send our thanks to God. When you pray continually about a concern don't be surprised at how God answers, we see this in Paul's experience in Rome (Romans 1:1-17). When you sincerely pray, God will answer in his own timing. We may have some "no's" in our lives that God is planning to use, but if we should faithfully do what lies directly ahead of us instead of worrying about why we didn't get our way.

We see how eager Paul was to preach the gospel. Is our serving done in the spirit of eagerness or do we simply serve out of habit, feeling obligation or reluctant duty. When we fully understand what Christ has done for us and what he offers to others, we will be motivated to share the word.

I used to worry about when and how to share the Gospel of Christ but if I focused on God and what God is doing, rather than my own inadequacy, one would not be hesitant to share the Gospel. Due to trails and tribulations my faith has grown stronger, and seeing how God has changed my life gives me the eagerness to spread the gospel.

By trusting Christ, our relationship is made right. God declares us to be righteous because of faith and faith alone.  I pray God may rekindle that fresh eager attitude that wants to obey him and to tell others about Christ. I pray that we open our hearts and seek God first above all else.

Amen.

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July 13: Coincidence? Or God-incidence? Choose Wisely, Grasshopper.

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36

Romans 1:18-32

Psalm 10:1-15

Proverbs 19:6-7

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be know about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them."

There are many things plain to me.  Among them: the distance from the sun.  The distance and placement of other heavenly bodies.  The range of temperatures.  The water cycle.  The air cycle.  Photosynthesis.  Gravity.  The ozone layer.  The Bernoulli effect.  Even tides.   These are but a few things that are plain to me, and that have to be "just right" in order for man to survive.  

When I contemplate the cause, the origin of these things, I find I have a choice: to believe they are the product of chance, or of creation; they are the result of "coincidence" or "God-incidence".   

When I choose to think the latter, I find myself surprisingly at peace, whatever my circumstances.  The things I contemplate become confirmation of a loving God, in control, so that whatever I might be going through, I go through with Him and because of Him, under His protection and care, so I can be at peace even thought I might neither like nor understand what He has chosen for me.  

When I choose to think the former, I find myself worried about things I cannot control, frustrated with situations I cannot change.  I am angry, hopeless and miserable.  I pursue relief in things that exacerbate my misery. I find myself moving in the direction of being "filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity…envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice…"

Father, when confronted with Your creation,  You know I am tempted to choose to see things from a perspective that allows me to deny Your existence, so I can gratify myself.   When I start going down that path, please yank me back.  Hard.  And make what I may know about You plain to me once more.

July 11, 2019

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019

 

"'Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!'

 

"For two whole years, Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 28:28,30-31)

 

 

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name will trust in you,

      for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (Psalm 9:9,10)

 

 

At the conclusion of Acts, we find Paul having reached Rome and awaiting trial before Caesar's court.  In the meantime, he takes full advantage of his months of waiting, spreading the Gospel message with those who came to visit.  In Paul and other missionaries, we find tremendous resourcefulness and a willing spirit of adaptability. 

 

For the missionary—and for all believers—circumstances are temporary, but God's purposes are eternal. As a result, we may trust in God through temporary rough patches and believe His promises through them. We can actually approach these difficult moments with a sense of anticipation, anxious to see how God will provide. For me, this focus becomes easier in missions settings because of the inherent focus on serving God's purposes rather than our own, sometimes muddled agendas.

 

Yesterday, during a business trip, I saw an artistic postcard in a colleague's office, with the words from "No Longer Slaves": "I am no longer a slave to fear;/ I am a child of God." This reminder tied into some reflections that have recently been stirring in my mind from Romans 6: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." (vv. 11–14)

 

What would it look like for us to live with "no fear"? Wouldn't our lives become more fruitful and a greater testimony to God's faithfulness?

Like Paul, for those who have received Christ, we can embrace our identity as the redeemed and "under grace." May we live boldly and navigate changing circumstances with confidence in God's provision and excitement to see what He has in store.

 

 

Lord God, thank You for setting us free from sin and death through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Thank You for the testimony of Paul's boldness in preaching the Gospel and taking advantage of even adverse circumstances. Help us to look beyond difficult circumstances to trust You more deeply and fully. Free us from fear and help us to live righteously before us. Strengthen us to be fully yielded to You rather than sin and to experience true wholeness by the power of Your Holy Spirit. 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

 

July 10

Psalm 8

As David exalts God in the beginning of this Psalm, giving Him praise and adoration for His excellence and splendor, this verse sticks out, "what is man, that You are mindful of him? And the son of man, that You are for him?"  How humbling.  In the midst of the great, vast, universe that God created, He thought of you and me. Not only did He think of us, He has given us an invitation to be part of His creative story through Jesus. With each splash of color against the dark void, He was mindful of us.  Please bear with me for one moment here. John 1 tells us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, so Jesus was sitting with His Father as He placed the earth and the stars in their respective spots and watch creation take place. Then, He left His throne to come make a way for us to be a part of eternity. We were part of His plan, even way back then. As I let that sink onto my soul, it gave me an incredible sense of worth having nothing at all to do with anything I can buy or accumulate. We all experience challenges and hurts and I am not minimizing any of them, but what if through God's strength, we bow heads, get on our knees and take one moment to realize that even though we are broken vessels, God is mindful of us. What if for one moment we allow ourselves to experience what it feels like to be loved by God in the middle of our mess and in the midst of our brokenness. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDSE438XMaQ

Bible Blog Post Monday July 8th

Are You Ready For A Fight???  (Read 1 Chronicles 5:18-22)

The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had an enemy, the Hagrites.  Not just an enemy but one with allies that would fight, that would make the battle harder.  But these tribes were prepared.  They were skilled and well trained for battled.  Rather then sit and wait to be attacked, we read that they waged war against this enemy and the allies siding with it. They didn't go into battle empty handed.   We read that the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh were skilled in handling the sword, shield and bow, they were physically and mentally skilled for battle.  One would think that was the extent of their training for battle.  But....I think they were trained in one more important skill, spiritual training...trust in God!!!.  I think I would call it faith training.  We read in vs.20 how during the battle these tribes cried out to God and God answered, not because of their physical training, but because they trusted Him!!!  They were victorious against all those who stood against them during that battle not because of their skill with the sword or shield (earthly weapons) but because of their trust in God.  What was it they had trusted?  I think the answer is found in vs.22 which says "...the battle was God's."  This enemy, their enemy, was God's enemy too therefore this battle was for God to fight and win, it belonged to God.  They knew their God was an undefeatable champion with unmatched and limitless power.  If they trusted Him, if they saw this as His battle to fight and win, if they trusted Him to lead them and use their swords and earthly skills then God would see them through victoriously.  That is just what happened.

Every single day of our lives we awaken and have an enemy that waits for us.  It is an enemy that is sneaky - is crafty.  It is an enemy that sometimes waits in the shadows letting us think all is safe.  Other times it can attack before we've even gotten out of bed.   It sometimes tries to befriend us and lull us into thinking it isn't really a threat - it's more like a friend.  This enemy is always waiting, watching and seeking ways to destroy something small or big in our lives - our thoughts, our faith, our hope, our truth (God's truth), our physical well being, our relationships, you name it!!!  This enemy is Satan, our spiritual enemy.  This is why Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us to be skilled and well trained for battle (just like the tribes in 1 Chr 5).  We need to know what the armor in Ephesians is, how to use it, how to hold onto it daily and we also need to pray.  We need to pray with the same kind of trust and hope that those tribes had.  Why?  Because this battle is the Lord's, it belongs to him (1 Sam 17:47).  Our enemy is God's enemy.  We need to remember that our enemy is already defeated.  Satan was crushed when Christ was nailed to the cross, died and then rose again.  So each day when our enemy rears his ugly crushed head in an attempt to defeat us and render us useless for the Lord we need to cling to the armor of God in preparation to use it, we need to pray in hope, and trust that God will help us through these earthly struggles (battles) and be victorious.  God will be glorified when we trust him.

The battles that await us look different for each one of us.  Anxiety, worry, depression, addiction, faithlessness, pride, self-sufficiency, selfishness, greed, jealousy, anger, bitterness, lack of forgiveness, lack of self control, pornography, gluttony, gossip, lying, stealing, prosperity, lack of contentment, betrayal, busyness, laziness...this lengthy list names just a few of the battles our enemy will seek to lure us into and cause us to loose focus, loose hope and loose faith.  Our enemy is patient.  As soon as we think we don't need to read and study God's word we drop the sword, our only defensive weapon, and the enemy will be ready to pounce.  He wants to draw us into worry and anxiety in order to knock the shoes of peace off our feet so we will struggle to stand firm in our faith.  He will speak lies to try and unbuckle our belt of truth which all the armor is built upon.  You see the battle does belong to the Lord but he still wants us to be equipped for the fight so our trust, our faith can be unwavering.

Don't loose hope.  Trust the Lord.  Wear and carry your armor and be ready for whatever fight awaits.  Above all else, pray and trust in your all powerful Father.  The battle doesn't just belong to him, he already won it for us!!!  Let that be your confidence and hope!

The following is a link to a song to encourage you and to sing as reminder of why we need to be prepared and to trust the Lord.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE_9OsMsdfY

July 6: Change Our Hearts, Not Your Circumstances

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4

Acts 24:1-27

Psalm 4:1-8

Proverbs 18:16-18

I follow Tim Keller on Facebook, and today he wrote something that struck me: "It's remarkable that in all of his writings Paul's prayers for his friends contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances."  I tried to remember if this was true; I'm not certain, but I think Pastor Keller is right. 

It certainly is true in today's reading.  Consider: Paul has done nothing wrong; he has preached that Jesus is the Messiah, arguing from scripture.  He has done so peacefully.  And yet the Jewish leaders have harassed him, threatened him, arrested him, and now have sent him to judgment before a Roman government the Jews themselves believe is illegal, to a governor who is hoping for a bribe to grant him the freedom he rightfully deserves. 

Paul certainly had reason to cry out to God, demanding a change in his circumstances.  But he didn't.  Instead, he chose to recognize God's sovereignty in all situations, including ones he might not have understood.  And he chose to recognize the earthly authorities God had placed him in front of, even if he had reason to question their legitimacy.  Without this willingness to submit to God, to acknowledge His dominion over all situations, it is difficult to see how Paul might have been such a mighty instrument in God's hands.  

In today's environment, in both my native and my adopted countries, this is a very difficult lesson.  So many people - Christians, even - are wringing their hands in despair at the state of their government, for what they - and many more - believe are very good reasons.    In this context, today's psalm can be seen very differently.  The "relief from my distress" need not mean a change in my circumstances; the "delusions" and "false gods" could well refer to our insistence we know better, what we want is better, than what He wants.  

Lord, rather than change our circumstances, change our hearts and open our eyes, so that in all things we might see Your hand upon us, we might know that You are in control.  Then, as the psalmist prays, "in peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Blog post -5th

Bible Blog

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17

Acts 23:11-35

Psalm 3:1-8

Proverbs 18:19

When readings todays passage, I get the sense that we are not alone. God knows and remembers the face and name of each person. As we recognize and accept his love, we discover both our uniqueness as individuals and our solidarity with those around us. Each of us is building a reputation, developing personal qualities that will be remembered. How would God summarize your life up to now? The way we live today will be remembered by others and how you will be judged by God. What you do now, today, does matter.

There are times when we feel like everything and every one is against us and we may be tempted to think God is also against us. David reminds us that the opposite is true. When everything seems to go wrong, God is still for us. If a circumstance has turned against you, don't blame God- seek him. If you are lying awake at night worrying about what you cannot change pour out your heart to God, it is God that is in control. Gods ways are not our ways, our ways are limited. Don't limit God by asking him to respond your way. When God responds things will work out for the way he intended it to be, much better than we could anticipate. Just like God choose the Roman army to deliver Paul from his enemies (See Acts 23:11-23).

 I pray that we lean not on our understanding but on Gods. That when we are overwhelmed with troubles and doubt, we will call on to the Lord, 

Amen

Thursday, July 4

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

 

 

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)

 

"Why do the nations conspire

    and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth rise up

    and the rulers band together

    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

'Let us break their chains

    and throw off their shackles.'" (Psalm 2:1-3)

 

 

Happy Fourth of July!  May we give thanks today for the tremendous freedoms that we enjoy as Americans, particularly the freedom to live out our faith and to bring glory to God.  May the people of God bring blessing and honor to Him in our day so that we might bind up the broken-hearted and bring peace and joy where strife exists today.  Let us turn back to Him and bow willingly before Him, trusting Him for His guidance and provision.

 

Today's reading highlights the real-world conflicts that will occur.  While God exercises sovereignty over history and every nation, people "conspire... and plot in vain."  They seek to counteract God's sovereignty, particularly in rejecting Jesus's Kingdom and placing themselves in that exalted place. 

 

The writer of Hebrews highlights Psalm 2:7 as evidence of Jesus's exalted place, declaring Him superior to the angels.  He starts out the letter by pointing to the completeness of God's revelation in Christ:  "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs."

 

While we celebrate our freedom today, we will find our greatest purpose and joy in remembering, acknowledging, and embracing the sovereignty of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.  By His shed blood, He has opened up His Kingdom to us, and we rejoice in how He escorts us into wholeness and relationship with God.  He call us to rest in His care.  His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

 

How could you more fully embrace God's sovereignty and purpose and the superiority of Christ today?  Where could you yield more to His calling?  For what could you give thanks today?

 

 

"My Country, 'Tis of Thee"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKj7FLg3WVA

 

Fourth verse:  "Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing  / Long may our land be bright, with freedom's holy light, protect us by Thy might, / Great God our King.”

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

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

 

Blog post :3rd July

Bible blog

2 Kings 22:3-23:30

Acts 21:37-22:16

Psalm1:1-6

Proverbs 18:11-12

Recently with a few of my friends I have had to draw the line with our relationship, as they were mocking God and my belief and that is why todays reading Psalm stood out to me as the writer boasts about the joys of obeying God and refuses to listen to those who ridicule or discredit God. In today's current times our workers and friends have a great influence on us. If we are determined on having friendships with those who mock what God may consider important, we may sin by becoming indifferent to Gods will. Do your friends and family lift your faith up or do they tear it down? Great friends bring you closer to God, not diverting you from God. 

God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex or national origin. God judges us on the basis of our faith in him and their response to his revealed will. There are only two paths of life before us – Gods way of obedience or the way of rebellion and destruction.  The more we delight in God presence, the more fruitful we are. On the other hand, the more we allow those who ridicule God to affect our thoughts and attitudes the more we separate ourselves from Jesus.  We must have contact with unbelievers if we are to witness to them, but we must not join in or imitate their sinful behavior. The phrase "Whatever they do prospers" does not mean difficulties it means that when we apply Gods wisdom, the fruit we bear will be good and will receive God approval. 

I pray that we do not become influenced by sin around us today and that we may share what Christ has done in our lives. May we faithfully and responsibly present the gospel and leave the results to God,

Amen

Blog post Monday July 1st

What Is Your Story  (2 Kings 18:13- 19:37)

When we find ourselves in life situations where the odds are stacked high against us it is not a time to listen to the voices urging us to give up but rather it is a time to exercise the faith that we have professed and to fling open the doors of opportunity that will allow us to see the author of our faith, our God, work in ways we couldn't have imagined possible.  When we choose faith over fear and we give God a chance to be seen the results are full of endless glorious possibilities.   The critics are quieted, the lies dissolved, the pride filled are humbled, and those impossible odds are turned upside down and suddenly shifted in our favor.

In the July 1st reading we read a story about a King who faced seemingly unbeatable odds and had to listen to the voice of the enemy shout what were lies meant to cause fear and doubt.  What happened though is we saw faith exercised and then we saw God's grace and glory revealed.  The result was victory that nobody saw as possible.  It was a great and encouraging story.

On Sunday my husband and I were at a picnic with some friends and we were all asked to a share a story of a time when things seemed like impossible odds but how we chose to exercise faith and how we saw God show up?  It was such an encouragement to listen to the different struggles, the stories of impossible odds where people chose to have faith in their God and the different ways that God responded and emerged victorious.  It was a reminder of how amazing our God is, how faithful he is, and how much bigger my faith could and should be especially when facing what others would call impossible odds.

I encourage you to think about your own story (or stories) of faith and God's provision when you weren't sure how things were going to work out.  We all have a story.  Some may be big, some may be dramatic, and some may be small and some maybe seem more simple but they all should encourage us to walk each impossible day with a faith that holds our heads and hearts up to keep focused on the God who is so much bigger than anything this life has in story. 

So what is your story?  Ponder it and then find someone to share it with, it could be just what they need to hear!  Then ask someone if they too have a story they can share so that you can encouraged as well.  It is a great time to share a story!!!