Sacred Places

"One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush....When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' 'Here I am!' Moses replied. 'Do not come any closer,' the LORD warned. 'Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.' " Exodus 3:1,2,4,5

"Moses

knew palaces, inside,

(no wistful gazes from without)

Walked with kings

and gave commands,

tasted power

and cracked whips,

protected by his position.

It took a desert, stripped and barren,

instructions from One invisible,

loudly calling,

flames, searing by not consuming,

before he truly heard.

But I envy the clearness

of communication.

For I see no burning bush

blazing in my backyard.

No clear commands

Invade my thoughts

cutting through common sense and staidness.

Lord, lead me out of Egypt,

from the protection of palace walls.

Lead me away

alone to unpeopled places.

Alone, I'll take off my shoes.

Alone I'll listen.

I'll find You on Your holy ground."

Joan Rae Mills

God encounters. Oh how we love to hear about them, and long even more that they mark our daily lives. Our hearts desire a "burning bush" and the clarity with which Moses heard God speak. Holy ground. Sacred places. Breathing in moments of glory and seeing Christ. This morning I yearn for such barefoot worship. There's absolutely nothing of perfection or pride, performance or platform. Humility removes shoes and comes thirsting, seeking more.

Moses had taken the sheep "far into the wilderness". It's in this often undesirable space that God appears. We resist, but God insists because He knows it's the answer to our soul's hunger. He draws us into deserts to bring us to Himself. 

And do you see it? It was Moses' coming closer, yearning to see clearer, that prompted God to speak. Moses took time to turn aside. Seek and you will find. James 4:8 puts it this way, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." The prophet Jeremiah wrote of the Lord, "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

I believe God offers this opportunity continually to His followers. He is present in "burning bushes" but our lives are so full that we run by, only catching a peripheral glimpse instead of pausing to gaze. Moses came to take a closer look. Where are we drawing near to really see Him? A kitchen table. A church pew. A coffee shop. A hospital hallway. A recliner on an early morning. A child's embrace. A nursing home. Bended knees. A barren wilderness. A whirlwind. The bedside of one entering glory. His daily word. Sacred places are all around us.

"Oh, praise the Lord!

'This earth is crammed with heaven!'

Oh, praise the Lord!

And, Christian, look around!

For every bush you pass with fire is flaming,

And every spot you tread is holy ground."

Anne Ortlund

 

The Restraint of Love

"...'My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?' " Matthew 27:46

When was the last time you were deeply moved reading God's word? Actually, it's often the gauge in how I sense His leading in which scripture to share daily. Whether it's a response of joy or tears it can be the indicator that dictates my writing. If emotions have been stirred, I need to take note.

This morning I was sobbing through the chapters I read. Just two days ago I had a conversation with a friend about parenting. She was concerned that she may have intervened too often on behalf of her children. She felt she should have allowed them to suffer more consequences in their younger years. It's a tough call. I think we have all been "mama or papa bears" at some point. The longing to protect and defend our children is a very real instinct and we have to constantly seek the Lord's direction as to when to get involved and when to step back.

Today as I read about the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion and the His final cries on the cross, I kept thinking about the heart of God. There were so many opportunities for Jesus' Father to step in and stop the pain that His Son was suffering. Imagine as a parent witnessing the mocking, beating and being spit upon. Consider watching as all of Jesus' closest friends deserted Him, then one denying and another betraying. God had the power at any moment to stop all the abuse yet He allowed His Son to endure unfathomable pain for a purpose. God's hands weren't tied. I can only guess that His heart was aching watching such cruelty thrust upon His only Son, but there was a greater love...a love that restrained His present protection for an eternal good.

I believe there are so many times in our lives, where like Jesus, we may feel abandoned by God. He isn't responding as we feel He should. Don't ever believe it's because He's unaware. He is not avoiding you. He knows every detail of the situation but He also knows a greater good. He takes no pleasure in allowing hardships and disappointments to touch our lives yet He restrains Himself from stepping in and answering according to our desire because of His love for us. This is the restraint of love.

See, I would have pulled Jesus off the cross, and as my friend Kimberly Henderson has written, my actions would have cheated the world of a Saviour...of salvation...and eternal life. Sometimes love is best displayed in what may appear as doing nothing. That "nothing" is accomplishing a great something.

** I have to share with you one of the most powerful writings I've ever read. My friend Kimberly Henderson wrote this years ago. It's truth still captures my thoughts today.

"I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. And I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine.

I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul's spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. And I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king.

I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. And I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.

And I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. And I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.

And oh friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce.

He knows the beauty this hard will grow. He's watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. And He's promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.

So instead of trying to pull you out, I'm lifting you up. I'm kneeling before the Father, and I'm asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I'm asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I'm asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I'm asking Him how I can best love you and be a help to you. And I'm believing He's going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you've been on."

Kimberly D. Henderson, copyright 2017

Are You Strong?

"And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:10-13

I can still hear her voice asking, "But are you strong? Are you strong?" 

Years ago, my dear friend Sharon Glasgow came to speak at our church for a women's event. In one of her messages she was sharing how a casual belief in God won't be enough as the persecutions upon Christ-followers increase, signifying His return is near. In raising her young family she and her husband Dale would often present this question to their girls. It will take more than human strength to remain steadfast to the end.

The power to hold on and the resolve to remain as Christ followers won't happen automatically. The repetition of the word "many" in the verses above in contrast to "the one", brings tears to my eyes. This is referencing dear folk who know and love the Lord, walked with Him, gave their lives to serve Him, yet their dedication to Christ deconstructed when disasters and deception tested their faith. Oh Lord, that I, my family and loved ones, wouldn't be included in that "many".

Before you think that could never happen to you, declaring, I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Can I ask you a question? When was the last time you knew exactly what God was asking you to do, yet in fear you lacked the courage to obey His call? If we display insufficient strength to take a stand without the pressures of direct interaction with false prophets deceiving us and sinful activity surrounding us, how will we continue when in the presence of such opposition? Decisions today build the foundation for then. It's not that we don't have the ability to stand, it's because of our amnesia. Fear has the power to increase God-forgetfulness, thinking we have to do it on our own instead of tapping into the power He provides.

Before we despair, there is hope! My mind goes to 1 John 4:4: "But you belong to God my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." As children of God, the ability to withstand is within us. Praise the Lord! 

Be aware. Don't assume you'll escape oppression or deception. Be rooted in God's word, asking for understanding of biblical truth and adhering to His commands. Seek discernment when it comes to those who teach, write and claim to speak in the name of Christ. John encourages us to "test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God" (1 John 4:1). 

It's essential that we are walking in obedience to His promptings now when we aren't daily facing the immediate threat of persecution before us. Memorizing scripture is necessary while we have the opportunity. Pray that God will make you mentally aware of the slightest inconsistency with His word. Ask Him to empower your faith. Be vigilant in cultivating godly friendships and encourage one another not to give up. Remember God promises that He is with you and will strengthen you. Pray. Rejoice. Be thankful!

The strength we need to endure to the end is within us, because He is in us! "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26). Amen and Amen!

Actions and Attitudes that Affirm Faith

"I pray to You, O LORD, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if You are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to You for help, as I lift my hands toward Your holy sanctuary....Praise the LORD! For He has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7

David gives us an excellent example of what to do between a prayer and an answer. Just yesterday I was messaging with a friend who is looking to the Lord for direction and hasn't yet received any specific guidance. It can be difficult to rest and experience joy in the unknown, but it is possible.

Coming to the Lord seeking deliverance, David is desperate. He recognizes that without the Lord's help he will remain in distress. David not only knows to take his request to the Lord, but he acknowledges his dependence on Him as his rock. He longs to hear an answer from God. There is nothing more agonizing, so seemingly hopeless, so killing, as a soul seeking God's favour fervently and being met with His silence. Yet, even in his misery David lifts up his hands, not only in earnest desire, but in earnest anticipation. David expects an answer and his hands are raised, ready to receive.

Nowhere in this Psalm do we see evidence that the answer was provided, but David turns his words to the assurance of truths. He worships God for who He is and declares what he knows to be true. In faith he begins to give thanks to the Lord for hearing his prayer. Even though the silence continues he is as confident in the answer as if it has already been provided. Accepting and believing God had heard the cries of his heart, David begins to praise the Lord. He acknowledges that going to the Lord is never in vain. A heart that unwaveringly holds to this truth will be filled with great joy. A heart that bursts out in song expresses its delight in gratitude.

Is God your strength and shield in the silence that is holding you captive today? In the waiting how does your life testify to the truth of His power and protection? Plead in prayer. Reassure yourself that God promises to hear. Reaffirm your trust. When we can't see God's immediate provision may we lean into His faithfulness. Acknowledge the Lord. Lift up your hands. Expect. Listen. God will answer in His time and according to His will. Worship as you wait.

It's Not About the Answer

"You can pray for anything, and if you have faith you will receive it." Matthew 21:22

Does this not sound like one of the greatest promises in all of scripture! Jesus speaks this encouragement to His disciples, even sharing the example of a mountain being lifted up and thrown into the sea as a result of a prayer of faith! This was spoken at a specific time to a specific people, but does it apply to us as His followers today?

What's your track record of prayer look like? I can think of heartfelt prayers with unwavering faith without the expected answers I had longed to receive. Some are quick to blame the results on lack of faith. "If I only believed more, God would have met my desire." The sad thing about that response is that it puts all the weight of the outcome on the one coming to God in prayer. Basically they are saying, I'm in this mess right now because I didn't have enough faith. I'll tell you, hearing that crushes, and does nothing to encourage the one who is already confused and struggling. They may have believed with every ounce of faith they had, yet the tumor was malignant, all their study resulted in failure, the relationship ended, and the promotion was given to someone else.

How are we going to handle this verse? Words like "anything" and "receive" really make it sound like asking equals getting. This text partnered with Matthew 19:26 reassures us that with God everything is possible so we know that absolutely nothing is too hard for the Lord. 

As Christ-followers we understand that when we come to God in prayer, we are to pray according to His word and His will. We can't emphasize His power and ability apart from His purposes. We have to marry this scripture with Jesus' prayer before His crucifixion. Knowing His Father was more than able to make "this cup pass" from Him, He didn't hesitate to ask, but then in complete submission, surrendered to, "yet not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42) Part of asking in faith involves assenting to God's plan as best.

As Jesus instructed Peter in Matthew 16:23, too often our prayers are clouded by a human point of view. Things aren't always as they seem at face value. We don't always necessarily know the will of God concerning a request we are bringing before Him. There is no problem in asking in faith, but we must trust our loving heavenly Father with His answer. God is not a genie in a bottle waiting to grant our every wish. In His wisdom, love, knowledge, sovereignty and goodness His answers are meant to draw us closer to Him and for His eternal glory. Sometimes the things that glorify God most will humble us. 

Come, cry out to the Lord. Ask in faith. Pray according to His will, surrendering to His way. Then trust in His infinite perspective and unfailing love. Be confident. He truly is working all together for our good. Oh to get to that place where the answer isn't the issue, but deepening our relationship with the Lord initiates every prayer. May we be found praising and thanking the Lord through every season as we experience His goodness, faithfulness and love.

Choosing Our Battles

"However, we don't want to offend them..." Matthew 17:27a

When to "offend". Not every issue has to become a point of contention. When matters aren't clearly contrary to scripture, we need to prayerfully consider our response. It often seems to me that some people look for opportunities to initiate controversy. 

In the text from the verse above Jesus and His disciples had been asked to pay a tax that wasn't mandatory for them to pay, but to keep the peace He was willing to go beyond what was required so as not to incite more trouble. Although not obligated, Jesus was setting an example of how we need to respond at times, not because we have to, but to demonstrate to others what we ought to do.

The Bible is clear that when we stand for truth, we will offend people. It comes with the territory of being believers. That being said, there are so many nonessential battles. Knowing that the gospel message will be viewed as offensive doesn't give Christ-followers permission to make choices that purposefully cause heightened disagreements. We must never exchange the truth for a lie, but we also don't embellish it to get our own way, reflecting negatively needlessly.

Every issue does not need to become a dramatic power play. We need to choose our battles. The response to offense is too often defense. When something isn't in direct disobedience to God's word, we need to relinquish personal rights, and like Jesus, walk the higher road. Could it inconvenience us? Yes. Might it cost us? Most likely. Will it help others see Jesus more clearly? I pray that it will.

Let's not make mountains out of molehills. Our obedience to Christ and His word will naturally offend others without our going out of the way to give them ammunition to hate Him more. There are some things we just need to let go for the sake of Christ. Instead of challenging every little thing today, let's choose to go the extra mile and in love bless others in the name of Jesus.

Deep Roots

"But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word." Matthew 13:21

Richard Foster has said, "The crying need today is not for more intelligent people or more gifted people, but for deep people." Deep takes time, and roots don't grow to great depths overnight. I read that even the roots of a simple, flower can grow 40 inches. And did you know that the roots grow before the emerging of anything above the surface of the soil? The foundation for growth is established before the shoot is seen. The key to deeper roots is to water deeply so that the roots grow downward to find the water.

When we look at a beautiful garden, we rarely think about the roots below the dirt that are providing all that the flowers need to grow. It's what is happening in the quiet of the soil that is giving the plant life, strength and beauty.

How are your roots? There are so many surfaced-soul believers. They know enough about Jesus to join a conversation and appear to blend in with the others growing in His family, but they are content to live with faith that is skin deep. When the storms of life come, they don't know that underlying place of quiet rest that is unaffected by the winds of fear, worry and panic.

I recently read an illustration about tourists visiting the Great Barrier Reef. There are those who stand ankle-deep, amazed at the wonder of the vast ocean. Others enjoy a pastime of snorkeling, playing it safe near the surface. But a few brave visitors scuba dive, plunging deeply beneath the waves and enjoying the wonder of the ocean depths. When each one is asked to describe their experience later, although all had been in the same location, it's only those who went deep, who were exposed to the richness that is unique to the depths, who really knew the Great Barrier Reef. "The inscrutable glories of the deep cannot be described to those hooked on the safety of shallowness." (Calvin Miller)

It has been said that "deep is not a place we visit in our search for God, it's what happens to us when we find Him." Deep should not be an occasional dip on a Sunday morning or a weekly small group. Deep happens daily through diving into God's word and passionately pursing Him. Deep roots are possible, and once experienced the interest in shallow living no longer satisfies. 

Let's suit up and become scuba divers, discovering the beauty only known by diving deep. 

Saying Grace

"Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32,32

Carrying my lunch tray to the crowded table I set it down and squeezed onto the bench. The noise level was high and I never felt welcomed. I hated the noon hour. Looking around I knew what I had to do next, but also the response it would receive. Desiring Christ's command to "watch and pray" be interpreted that I could keep my eyes open when thanking the Lord for my meal, I would quickly voice a blessing in my head while nervously scanning the room to avoid drawing any further attention to myself. I will say, it always felt wrong.

Enter the key verses today. I always remember the impact they began to have on this young teenager's life. Fear was keeping me from publicly acknowledging my allegiance to Christ in the simple act of saying grace before eating a meal in a packed High School cafeteria. I recall the first steps of change. Bowing my head for the fleetest of seconds, and most likely rubbing my forehead or some other concealing action, while I lifted the shortest prayer faster than a blink of an eye.

The disappointment in myself I felt for not having faith enough and love for the Lord enough to unashamedly let my actions speak of my devotion to the Lord. I avoided the cafeteria as much as possible, yet really that wasn't the issue. I was allowing my peers perceived response to have power over me. I cared more about people whose names I didn't even know, then the God I claimed to be in love with.

It didn't happen overnight, and if I was to be honest, sometimes I'm still anxious in coffee shops and restaurants, but little by little, in the simplest act of saying grace, I began to publicly acknowledge my allegiance to the Lord. The thought of Him ever denying knowing me because of my refusal to testify to knowing Him deeply saddened my heart.

Yesterday I wrote about "seeing faith" and certainly "saying grace" is one way for our faith to be visible. Our lives must have evidence that we are followers of Christ. We are called to a radical commitment to Christ, and yes, this can bring opposition. Several verses earlier in Matthew 10 Christ spoke of the trials we could face as believers, but He also shared how opposition can open up opportunity. Not just opportunity to witness more, but occasion for more dependence on the Lord as we trust Him to provide.

I don't know where you need to take steps to acknowledge Christ as Lord today, but we need to understand this reciprocal response. Spurgeon says it this way: "What Christ is to you on earth, that you will be to Christ in heaven."

I'm saying grace with you today, declaring my love for the Lord.

Seeing Faith

"Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.'" Matthew 9:1-2

Faith. For those of us who know the Lord as our personal Saviour, faith is a very familiar word. We use the expression "come to faith" to describe someone who has responded to Christ's invitation of salvation and has placed their trust in Him. From that one-time decision we then are called to live by faith, believing in the unseen. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we now walk by faith and not by sight, confident in the One with whom we have placed our trust.

Faith however is not just a decision of the will, a response of the heart or an acknowledgement in our mind. Faith is an action word. It's a verb, not a noun. It is not passive, but active. Faith does. Faith never exists apart from action.

In the previous chapter in Matthew a Roman officer came to Jesus pleading for the healing of his young servant. The officer's trust in Christ caused Jesus to respond, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" (Matthew 8:5-13)

Faith needs to be seen. It must be visible. It's not just speaking, it's stepping. Faith doesn't just sit still. Every day we have opportunity to live our faith so that others see Jesus. Faith goes beyond personal abilities and securities with the assurance that our obedience will be met by Christ's supply. Faith is abiding so closely with the Lord, that with confidence we never doubt that He will provide, and when His ask seems too grand, we know it will be met with His hand.

Seeing faith builds an ark when there's never been a drop of rain. It steps into the Red Sea. It picks up a stone to slay a giant. It sings in prison...walks on water...keeps praying, keeps believing and never loses hope. "Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." (Matthew 7:20)

How is your faith being seen today?

Why Pray?

"...And your Father who sees everything...your heavenly Father already knows all your needs." Matthew 6:18b,32b

Recently I wrote about God promising His presence with us always, therefore a prayer we never need to lift is, "Lord be with me" (January 15). So, how do I respond to today's text. Twice in Matthew 6 we are told both that God sees everything, and that He knows all our needs. If this is true, why do we spend so much time on our knees telling the Lord things that have happened and presenting our requests before Him?

We need to understand what prayer is and what prayer is not. If prayer to us is nothing more than an exercise or ritual with a list of desires we want met, we have sadly misunderstood the purpose of prayer. Prayer is not giving God information that He doesn't already know. Prayer is the amazing that welcomes us to enjoy communion with a personal God. Prayer is primarily about glorifying God, and one way to do that is to voice our trust in Him as we present ourselves and our needs before Him. It's incredible that we get to articulate our thoughts, feelings, emotions and physical needs to the God of the universe at His very invitation.

I'm so thankful that God knows my needs before I ask. I don't have to pray long, use the correct words or get all the details right...He knows. Like an earthly father very aware of his child's need for help, often our heavenly Father watches and waits for us to present our requests to Him. As we acknowledge our inadequacies, we honour the Lord by expressing our reliance on Him. Prayer reminds us that in the end, our entire lives are dependent on Him. It's acknowledging not my will, but Thine be done.

I will be the first to say that I don't understand the connection between divine sovereignty and our responsibility to pray, but I do know from experience that my relationship with the Lord deepens and grows through prayer. A persistent faith and fervent prayer touch the heart of God. I pray because God commands me to in His word and I know He listens and will graciously answer in His time.

In closing I want to share a passage from Isaiah 62:6-7 that I found while searching for insight to the "why pray" question. The prophet recorded this: "O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD. Give the LORD no rest until He completes His work, until He makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth." God is saying, pray, pray and keep praying. You haven't prayed too long. The request is not too big or too small. He is not bothered by hearing you ask again. If the request is coming from a pure heart and surrendered to His will, don't be discouraged and give up. Give Him no rest. We have unrestricted access before His throne of grace and He wants to hear from us. Don't keep Him waiting.

"...the greatest obstacle to prayer is the simple matter of beginning..." Emilie Griffin

Passion in Praise!

"...With music and singing we celebrate Your mighty acts." Psalm 21:13b

It's no coincidence that yesterday afternoon I was reading about lifting praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. We need to sing and celebrate who God is and all He has done.

"Stand before the majesty of God. Let its splendor silence you. But when the hush passes, so must your silence. Then it is time for anthems and glad hallelujahs."

Christ followers should know the joy of compulsive praise that grows from hearts of gratitude and erupts with thanksgiving.

"Theologians do us the very great favor of doctrine and definition, but they can never create our worship. Adoration is born when people touch Christ and find they must rhapsodize their gratitude in thanksgiving."

When was the last time that your heart was so filled with love for the Lord that you spontaneously burst forth with song? "The Welsh have a word, gorfoleddu, which means 'ecstatic rejoicing.'" This lifting up praise is marked by exuberance. It's not distracted or half-hearted. 

How often have you stood to sing a worship song in the congregation of God's family and because of familiarity of lyrics, gone through the motions without letting the words captivate your soul with rapture? The consuming fire has been reduced to a candle flame. We need to awaken our souls again.

On any given Sunday, imagine a seeker entering our church and seeing real worship. "Let them see that rare and hard-to-forget phenomenon of believers honestly, joyously praising God. As they experience this wonderful mystery, they might want to come back for the sheer glory of seeing it again."

In Luke 19:40 Jesus expressed it this way, "If they keep quiet, the stones along the road will burst into cheers!"

"Praise will always be the buoyant evidence that the church is telling the truth - a rapturous truth that cannot be done without."

It's time to "break forth with song before the rocks grow tongues"! 

(All quotes taken from "Into the Depths of God" by Calvin Miller)

A Joseph Calling

"Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly."  Matthew 1:19

Reading a very familiar passage today my heart was drawn to Joseph. Although scripture is silent about most of his life, I think there's one thing we need to clearly see. As Mary's fiancé, Joseph was just as chosen as Mary, and his quiet integrity may be one of the reasons God chose him. His role in the account of Jesus life, although not diminished, is often neglected, but I'm thinking he was ok with that. Mary certainly took center stage giving birth to the Messiah, and as the chapters in scripture unfold Joseph fades into the background. Mary and Jesus would get far more attention than he ever would receive, but he remained a faithful husband as he obediently followed every recorded direction from the Lord.

We need to understand that vital doesn't have to mean visible. God can call us to unseen Kingdom work that happens in backgrounds, basements, back seats and behind the scenes. There are many personalities who would find this hidden work hard, if not impossible, so God chooses those with quiet character and a level of humility needed to carry out these tasks. Their commitment to the invisible, often allows and enables those in the spotlight to shine even brighter.

The expression "second fiddle" has come to be a term that suggests unimportant, minor or small input. It implies a lesser position, yet any conductor would tell you that it's the most difficult position to play. Music and harmony are achieved only through the participation of all. 

Every calling from God is necessary. A servant heart doesn't calculate the perceived importance of any role, it knows the value of the cup of cold water given in Christ's name and places it in the hand of the one who is thirsty with the same love and enthusiasm as the one who walks on stage to thunderous applause. If you have a "Joseph calling" be encouraged today. You are equally as chosen, needed and vital in God's plan. Never doubt...He sees you. God has called you specifically and intentionally to fulfill a task that only you can fill. Genuine humility is a beautiful virtue that is developed by God's gracious Spirit actively at work in a life. May it be evidenced in my life today.

Dying Faith

"Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, 'When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.'" Genesis 50:25

I don't think I've ever seen the significance of this verse before. I've previously thought of Joseph's desire to be buried with his ancestors in his homeland, but there's so much more to it than a lasting resting place for Joseph's bones. This request is one of tremendous faith. 

Joseph's request is evidence that he still trusted God to fulfill His word concerning the Promised Land. Joseph believed with all his heart that one day the Lord would lead them back to Canaan, and when He did, Joseph desired to go too. This spoken desire by a dying man showed such an incredible heart of belief that it is recorded in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews. "It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left." (Hebrews 11:22)

Scripture tells us that the Egyptians embalmed Joseph and his body was placed in a coffin. For the next 400 years this visual would be a silent testimony to the people of Israel that they would one day return home.

Joseph's words need to mark our vocabulary. It's not "if" God comes, or "should" God come, but "when God comes". Although the timing is uncertain, the truth of the provision is not. Joseph didn't see the fulfillment of the promise, but he didn't doubt the fruition of it.

Some promises from God take a very long time to fulfill. Joseph died believing in and looking forward to the unfolding of God's plan. Today my encouragement is: don't stop believing! Whatever you're waiting to see God fulfill in your life, keep praying...keep trusting...keep hoping...keep looking with expectation. If God has said it, He will surely do it!

Crisscrossed Blessing

"But Jacob crossed his arms as he reached out to lay his hands on the boys' heads..." Genesis 48:14

Jacob's life is drawing to an end and Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim to his father to each receive a blessing. It was customary that the oldest son, Manasseh, would be granted the greatest blessing. Even though Joseph did his best to position the boys before his father so they could be appropriately blessed, Jacob crossed his arms as he reached out his hands, pronouncing the greater blessing over the younger son, Ephraim.

Immediately Joseph sees the "mistake" and attempts to correct the error being made, but his father responds, "I know, my son, I know." (Gen 48:19)

Jacob's words moved me to tears. I thought of times when God's answers to me have seemed crisscrossed, just like Jacob's hands. I've felt so certain that God was going to move in one direction, providing as I had expected and yet the opposite has occurred. The "right-hand" blessing that I longed to see fulfilled didn't fall on my head. Instead I've received the lesser....or was it?

Just like the intentional switching of Jacob's hands, so everything that God permits to touch our lives is purposeful and planned. As we look up to Him in confusion He says, "I know, my child, I know. I know this isn't what you prayed would happen. It's not what you desired, but trust Me. Although it may not appear this way to you at the moment, this is the blessing that will draw you closest to Me."

Lord, I pray You will strengthen my trust in You. When things seem crisscrossed to my understanding may I know that from Your view in heaven the path is accurate and Your way is perfect (Ps 18:30,32). Help me not to resist the road before me, but be confident in Your hand on me, guiding each step and bringing the blessing that will make me more like You.

Blessed By Blood

"Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Tell your brothers....I will give you the very best land in Egypt, and you will eat from the best that the land produces....Take wagons from the land of Egypt to carry your little children and your wives, and bring your father here. Don't worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.'" Genesis 45:17-20

How do we feel about or respond to those who have treated us harshly? I'm guessing few if any reading this have experienced being thrown in an empty well by siblings or been sold as slaves to traders from a foreign land. The majority of us can be offended and angered by much less. Joseph's brothers had purposefully abandoned, rejected and betrayed him and yet we see no retaliation from his heart. Joseph never minimized the evil done to him, but he saw it all in a larger context under God's guiding hand.

His brothers have now returned to Egypt and the great reveal has occurred. They have been reunited and Joseph has had opportunity to share how God had been actively working to bring them to this very moment of reconciliation, providing resources and healing relationships.

Upon hearing about the reunion of this family, Pharaoh blesses the brothers. I doubt that Pharaoh has ever heard the chain of events that brought Joseph to the palace. Joseph's response of seeing the Lord's hand over each step indicates to me that he viewed his brothers as the instruments and not the initiators of all that has happened. And now, because of their blood relationship with Joseph, Pharaoh gifts them provisions and the best of all the land.

Like Joseph's brothers, we have acted in ways that deserve condemnation. We have spoken unkind words that have cast hearts into pits of despair or shared a confidential trust, selling a loved one out through a "prayer request" of gossip. We are more like the brothers than we care to admit, but like Joseph's brother's we have a blood relationship with One who grants our pardon, and instead of treating us as our sins deserve, returns to us blessings (Ps 103:10). Just as Pharaoh showered Joseph's family with the best of all available to him, God's word is filled with abundant blessings that are ours, not because we are worthy, but because of His Son's blood shed on a cross setting us free.

If we know Christ as our Lord and Saviour, every sin past, present and future has been washed in the blood of Jesus. Where we should be met with punishment, God not only brings forgiveness but blessings. And, it's not mediocre blessings, but the best that He has. "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

Wherever we are today, look around. Because of Christ we are blessed by blood. Our personal relationship with Jesus yields dividends for "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Cor 9:8)

My humbled heart is lifting a prayer of praise.

Life Is For the Living

"...he is all I have left..." Genesis 42:38

The words above were spoken by a father still grieving for the loss of his son. The sad thing being, they were spoken in the presence of his living sons.

The account of Jacob in scripture is such an incredible retelling of a large family with one favoured son. We are all familiar with Joseph. Storytellers and screenplay writers have often portrayed him as a tiresome teen, full of himself and confident in his position as the preferred child. I honestly don't know if that is fair or accurate, but we certainly see a father who openly acknowledges his love for this son above the others.

At this point in the narrative, because of a severe famine in the land, Joseph's brothers have travelled to Egypt, stood before their brother who "is no longer", and now returned home, leaving Simeon in prison, with an order to bring their youngest brother Benjamin back to Egypt. Upon hearing this directive, the boys father refuses to adhere to any such demands. His response breaks my heart. We can assume that at least nine of his sons are standing right before him, when in reference to the request for Benjamin's presence in Egypt, Jacob says, "My son will not go down with you. His brother Joseph is dead, and he (Benjamin) is all I have left. If anything should happen to him on your journey, you would send this grieving, white-haired man to his grave." With apparently no thought of Simeon or his sons standing before him, Jacob expresses his love for Benjamin.

Jacob has not seen Joseph for over 20 years and has been led to believe he is dead. The loss of Joseph was still daily directing his response to life. He lived to protect himself from any further pain.

Grief can be a dictator. When deep anguish consumes us, it has the power to entomb us, burying our lives in sorrow that fills our days and controls our choices. In doing so, we can become so fixated on the one loss that we lose focus on the abundance still living.

I so vividly remember my mom's final days on earth. She knew my sisters and I, along with our husbands, had planned a winter weekend away to a marriage retreat where Steve and Marijean Green would be ministering. Repeatedly she would encourage us not to allow her deteriorating health to keep us from attending that conference. "Life is for the living", she would encourage us. 

Mom took the hand of Jesus just days before the scheduled event. The Lord granted us our desire to all be with her as she left her earthly tent and opened her eyes in heaven. Many may have thought our decision to so quickly head off on a "holiday" was disrespectful, but we saw it as God's divine gift of healing. 

If you are going through a season, where like Jacob you are saying, "Everything is going against me!" (Genesis 42:36b), it's just not true. Joseph too had many opportunities to utter the same words as his dad and give in to the pain, but instead he trusted God's purposes. What looks like the end, often isn't. As Joseph said in reference to interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, "It is beyond my power to do this, but God..." (Genesis 41:16). With the Lord's help He can make us "fruitful in this land of my grief" (Genesis 41:52) as we fix our eyes on the living Christ and see the abundance remaining and the gift of all those standing right in front of us.

Please take time to listen to this song: "Lift your head, Morning is coming there's more to the story, Don't forget, In grief and in glory, Still great is His faithfulness." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHg6Qa5UO-c

Notice and Know

"The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph..." Genesis 39:2-3a

God promises His presence with us at all times. His very name, Immanuel, means God with us (Matthew 1:22-23). As Christ-followers, He is also with us through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us (John 14:16-17). I love the promise of Jesus from Matthew 28:20, "And behold, I am always with you, to the end of the age." David, in Psalm 139, reminds us that there is absolutely nowhere we can go where God's presence isn't with us.

One prayer we really don't need to continually pray is "Lord be with me". He is with us. We may more accurately ask that He make us aware of His presence, but we need never doubt that He is with us. The Lord being with Joseph was manifest through the blessings and favour that became evident wherever God placed him. Blessing and favour not to bring glory to Joseph, but to God. Potiphar didn't notice that Joseph was great, but in seeing his success realized the Lord was with Joseph.

What do our lives reveal? Do others look at our achievements and blessings and think, she must be really diligent, or he works extra hours to accomplish his goals? Hard work is something to commend and the Bible tells us to do everything as unto the Lord, but we must remember and acknowledge that any favour we receive is because of the Lord's hand on our lives.

So, are blessings the only evidence that God is with us? No. We also see through Joseph's life that God's presence with us doesn't mean we won't face difficulties, but we won't walk through them alone.

I think it's so beautiful that Potiphar not only noticed a difference, he identified that it was the Lord with Joseph that made the difference. We are never told that this Egyptian army leader ever came to know the Lord, but he had opportunity to see Him through the life of Joseph. My prayer today is that God, who is always with me, will be seen through me. Whether evidenced by favour or hardship, may others both notice and know the Lord because of His presence filling my life.

The "F" Word

"Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.'" Psalm 14:1a

I remember being taught from a young age never to call anyone a fool. Although not labelled in the same category with swear words, this four-letter-word was also taboo in our vocabulary. With synonyms like silly, stupid and senseless my parents warned us against attaching these descriptions to a person. We could say a decision or action was foolish, but we couldn't directly call anyone a fool.

David in this Psalm not only has the freedom to use the word "fool", but through the prompting of the Holy Spirit as he writes, attaches it to everyone and anyone who claims there is no God. Evidence of our Creator is so vast, that those who deny His existence can only be described as lacking common understanding and reason.

Where do we see God? Look around. I remember singing the following lyrics in my younger years: "In the stars His handiwork I see, On the wind He speaks with majesty". One of my favourite Steve Green songs is titled "Symphony of Praise". The song shares all the ways that the earth declares God's glory moment by moment, day after day. If you need a reminder of who God is, Louie Giglio has an incredible teaching entitled "Indescribable" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh4HcVY2_KE). Paul tells us in Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." 

And that is why those who deny God are called fools. This refusal to believe is not just a dismissal of a Deity, but a personal decision of unbelief. Fools refuse all the evidence of the existence of God. This rejection is not only intellectual, but as David wrote, it's "in their hearts". It's not just thought, but heart. 

The original Hebrew word for "fool" being used here actually emphasizes not the lack of intelligence, but the presence of sinfulness. This verse is stating that it is a wicked thing to deny God. This evil is actually described in the second half of the verse saying, "They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!" This foolishness is a lack of desire to live righteously, leading someone to reject God.

In my late teens there was a gospel singing group called "Silverwind". Lyrics in one of their songs actually addressed those who reversed the truth in today's text, calling Christ-followers fools for believing in Him. Over 40 years later I still recall and rejoice in the words of the chorus: "He is no fool who gives what he can't keep, to keep what he cannot lose, He is no fool who wants to have Jesus and everything else refuse...The wisdom of God you'll not understand if you're just a worldly man, But God has made the foolish thing to confound the wise."

Loving the Lord and living for Him is not a foolish response to Christ's invitation of salvation, it is the wisest decision you will ever make. Don't find yourself being called a "fool" today. The choice is yours.

(Now, humour me a little. A blast from the past, but a truth that endures: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdNdt655CDQ)

Prevailing Purposes

"These are the names of the twelve sons of Jacob: The sons of Leah were Reuben (Jacob's oldest son), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Bilhah, Rachel's servant, were Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Zilpah, Leah's servant were Gad and Asher..." Genesis 35:22b-26a

Four wives! I look at that and think, wow, what a mess. We are still so early in the Bible narrative and as I reflect back, we've already seen almost every one of the yet unspoken Ten Commandments broken. The only one I'm unaware of seeing disobeyed thus far, is honouring the Sabbath, but all the rest have been violated through events in Genesis up to this point in our reading.

Into this shambles of self-gratification steps God. Think about it. God actually uses a birthing competition between jealous and envious women to bring forth Israel's twelve tribes and to build the nation of promise. In no way does God condone sin or excuse the evil things man does, but He redeems brokenness and accomplishes His will. 

Despite failures, choices, weaknesses and trespasses it's encouraging to know that God can still work out His plan. That doesn't give us freedom to live however we'd like. As believers we should never knowingly walk paths of disobedience, but it does mean that in some incredible and divine way they don't become obstacles to His purposes. Remember, it was through Leah's sons Levi and Judah that the two greatest tribes were birthed (the priestly tribe through Levi and the royal tribe through Judah). Greater still, our Saviour came through Leah. What began with deception, by the grace of God, brought our redemption. Never doubt. Trust Him. His purposes will prevail.

Footsteps of Faith

"Then Jacob prayed, 'O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac - O LORD, You told me, 'Return to your own land and to your relatives. And You promised me 'I will treat you kindly.' I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness You have shown to me, Your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps! O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. But You promised me, 'I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore - too many to count.'" Genesis 32:9-12

What do we do in times of uncertainty and fear? Jacob is preparing to return to the land of Seir, or maybe more accurately described right now as the land of Esau. Twenty years earlier Esau swore that he would kill Jacob. It's understandable that Jacob has every reason to feel afraid. He had wronged his brother and his life is hindered by the memory and the guilt that is now consuming him. Jacob's mother, Rebekah, had promised to send for him when his brother's anger had subsided (Gen 27:45), and with that never happening it could only mean one thing: Esau was still desiring revenge.

In his distress, instead of expressing conditional faith as he had in the past, this time Jacob does the right thing with a heart full of trust. Fear pushed Jacob forward to faith. With humble thankfulness, total honesty and complete dependence, he expressed his fear but remembers God's faithfulness and His promises. Relying on God and recognizing his own unworthiness, he recounts all that God has spoken.

Oh how we need to recall God's word to us, and then being mindful and assured of what He has spoken, our subsequent actions must bear witness to our belief. 

I love the life of George Mueller. If you've never read the book "Delighted in God" by Roger Steer, I greatly encourage you to do so. He was a great man of faith and prayer. One time he was asked, "What is the most important part of prayer?" This was his answer: "The 15 minutes after I have said, 'Amen.'"

Jacob's prayer shows renewed trust in God, but the greatest testimony to his trust are the actions that follow. We can too often pray with fervency without follow-through. Rising from our knees, anxiety consumes us, the words we've just uttered forgotten. Words do not equal obedience.  Jacob did head out in obedience, relying on God. Where does the trust in your heart and the words in your prayer need to find footsteps today? The fear may not diminish, but you'll only encounter God through obedience.

Unconditional Faith

"Then Jacob made this vow: 'If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father's home, then the LORD will certainly be my God." Genesis 28:20-21

Just prior to these verses God has spoken some incredible promises to Jacob in a dream. Basically, God repeated the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac, confirming the promises and blessings that would be fulfilled through Jacob, as well as committing His presence and protection over Jacob. Sadly, Jacob seems to honour the place more than he does the Person who has just spoken words of His plan, provision and promises over his life. Jacob needed to understand that God is with him everywhere and that He will never fail to fulfill His words to us. There is nowhere we can go that His presence is not with us. Every place we step is a Bethel (Gen 28:19, Ps 139:7-12).

Jacob's conditional reply can often be similar to our response to the Lord. We want to see to believe. We treat God's word as if it isn't enough. Instead of receiving in awe and believing in trust all that God has spoken, Jacob appears to be negotiating a deal. Essentially Jacob responds, Lord if I see You do this...then I will do this.

Heavenly Father, how I long to believe Your word fully and completely. When You speak it's as good as done. Why is it so hard to trust? You proclaim an incredible word to our hearts, and then we often go about trying to fulfill the outcome ourselves instead of waiting on You. 

Lord, You call us to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Our tendency is to be sight-walking-people. It's interesting that we will receive salvation by faith, confident of our eternal home with You, yet in our day-to-day we struggle to trust. We want evidence to eliminate all unknowns. We ask You to grow our faith yet we don't want the situations that are needed for You to answer that prayer request.

Help me be like David in Psalm 11 as He considers Your sovereignty and greatness and realizes that trusting You is the safest response. He lifted his eyes to You to find faith in times of uncertainty. Father help me to know that You can be completely trusted; yes because Your word never fails, but also because of Your great love for me. Once again I pray that my response of faith will be the greatest evidence of my love for You.

Indulging Self While Crediting God

" 'The LORD your God put it in my path!' Jacob replied." Genesis 27:20b

I still recall the first time Exodus 20:7 and Deuteronomy 5:11 were explained to me. These scripture passages contain the Ten Commandments that Moses received from God. Growing up many of us memorized these verses as "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain..." As a child, and even growing into adulthood, this was the "Do not use the name of the Lord as a swear word" command. Although I do believe that is true, this law encompasses so much more.

In the verse above Jacob is ascribing to God something God did not do. Oh, in a round-about-way we can justify Jacob's actions knowing that the Lord did indeed plan for him to receive the first-born blessing, but I think Jacob's only concern at that moment was what worked best for him. Jacob is excusing his sin by crediting his actions to the Lord, believing his sinful conduct would fulfill the promise of God.

Before accusing Jacob too harshly, I'm guessing we've all been there. Maybe we hesitate to go as far as Jacob did by attaching the Lord's name to our sin, but we make disobedience justifiable by walking a mental trail that leads to our actions being acceptable. 

Jerry Bridges, in his eye-opening book "Respectable Sins", shares how we can so easily indulge ourselves in behaviour and actions without even sensing any awareness of wrongdoing. Like Jacob, words can flow from our lips and our conscious can feel not even the slightest remorse. Giving way to "justifiable sin" not only despises God's law, but despises God Himself.

Today I'm asking God's Spirit to search my heart for any tendency to misrepresent the Lord. May I foremost remember that He is holy. Yes, in some unconceivable way God can still accomplish His divine will through my human weaknesses, but may knowing that not guide my actions and cheapen His forgiveness and grace. Instead, may love for Him empower obedience and truthfulness as I live to glorify His name.

The Vocabulary of Faith

"...I will...We will...God will...He will...The Lord...will..." Genesis 22:5, 8; 24:7,40

Does the faith of Abraham amaze you? Although earlier in Genesis we saw him taking matters into his own hands in an effort to see God's promises fulfilled, Genesis 22 and 24 are overflowing with examples of unwavering trust in the Lord. Seeing God's promises carried through to completion does that. It strengthens our faith for the next trial. We recall God's faithfulness in the past, and we know that our unchanging God will be faithful again.

I wept throughout my reading today. I can lack faith even with such smaller asks from the Lord. I can hesitate, doubt, be anxious and wonder. What if the direction I'm sensing isn't from God or my response is a possible misguided moment of devotion? 

Abraham heard repeatedly from the Lord (at least four times in Genesis) that he would have innumerable descendants. In Genesis 21:12 God tells Abraham that Isaac is the son through whom his descendants will be counted. Abraham believed God's promise. If Isaac was to become a patriarch of the Jewish nation, Abraham trusted God to keep His covenant, and even though the current ask of sacrificing his son seemed like it would be the one thing that would make the fulfillment of this promise impossible, Abraham's obedience and faith remained. We see God's ultimate test of faith, and Abraham's ultimate expression of it.

The writer of Hebrews provides further insight. In Hebrews 11:19 it says, "He (Abraham) believed that if Isaac died God would bring him back to life again; and that is just about what happened, for as far as Abraham was concerned, Isaac was doomed to death, but he came back again alive!"

Abraham not only believed in his heart, but he spoke of his confidence in the Lord. We too must use the language of trust. The dictionary defines the word "will" as expressing inevitable events. God's word to us becomes unavoidable, inescapable and unpreventable. If God has spoken it, it will surely happen. In the time between receiving the pronouncement and the realization of the promise we need to use the vocabulary of faith. 

What promise has God made to you that is becoming dim? Are your words and thoughts filled with uncertainty and doubt? Today I challenge us to use the vocabulary of faith. With the prophet Isaiah let's say with assurance, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)

Majesty and Glory!

"O LORD, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens...O LORD, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth!" Psalm 8:1, 9

The bookends of Psalm 8 are verses that declare the Lord's majesty and glory. Do I often stop and consider either? I know I sing the praise of both, but do I pause and ponder this declaration of His name or the eternal beauty of His goodness and holiness displayed in His attributes? 

Too often my thoughts of God are small. My praise is mediocre instead of majestic. I lack the awe and wonder that is the only response to One so glorious. The word majesty should draw my thoughts to power and greatness. God's glory, although really quite indescribable, is higher than the heavens and is seen through the manifestation of Christ. 

As I try to search for words to describe what my heart feels and my mind is thinking, it seems impossible to capture adequately my response. Words fail as I bow in adoration of His majesty and glory. I long to worship the Lord in all of His splendor. Today Lord, awaken my heart and open my eyes to see You. I pray Your name will fill the earth with a fresh shout of praise and may my voice be leading the way!

Indescribable

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea

Creation revealing Your majesty

From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring

Every creature unique in the song that it sings

All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow

Who imagined the sun ad gives source to its light

Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night

None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name

You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

You are amazing God

In describable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

Incomparable, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same

You are amazing God

You are amazing God

Written by: Laura Story, Jesse Reeves

Lyrics Copyright Capitol CMG Publishing

Lasting Security

"I come to You for protection, O LORD my God..." Psalm 7:1a

I'm all about security. I like feeling safe. Some can pursue protection with a passion. They purchase security systems, install locks, buy alarms and firewalls for homes, office and computers. My mom actually had a friend who was so fearful, she lived a good portion of her life in her home. It took every ounce of courage for her to go outside the walls of her house.

Often we think we can find protection in places. A building can provide refuge in a storm. As a child, a classroom shielded me from the cruelty of the playground. A bedroom often offered comfort. Hiding under the covers I was shielded from the threat of imaginary monsters or the reality of unkind friends. After all, if you can't see it, you can pretend it's not truly there. The shelter of my daddy's arms always calmed my heart. What about protection behind closed doors or beneath a guarded heart?

I'm guessing we all have embraced some kind of safeguard at least once in our life to help us manage times of insecurity and anxiety. It's incredible all that we will cling to when our lives feel threatened. That being said, refuge in places and things will never fully satisfy. They offer false security, temporary relief and can only resist the enemy of fear for so long. It's a constant, futile struggle to try and control situations, people, or emotions. True safe-keeping is only found in a Person. It's the shelter of our Heavenly Father's arms that provides lasting protection. Oh, that doesn't mean that harm will never touch us, but it does mean we have the assurance of the presence of the only One who can hide us in the cleft of the rock, and cover us there with His hand.

Praying the Lord will always be my first thought when fear and anxieties arise. When uncertainties lurk and the storm clouds of life appear menacing, may my immediate "go to" be the Lord and may I rest in His everlasting arms.

The Voice of "Sarai"

"And Abram agreed with Sarai's proposal." Genesis 16:2b

It's so interesting to me the phrases and words that the Holy Spirit draws our attention to when we read scripture.

In Genesis 15-16 we read of God repeating His covenant promise to Abram. I love that God confirms His incredible promise multiple times, but instead of trusting and waiting for God to fulfill His promise His way, Sarai steps in to provide a suggestion.

When God speaks a word to our hearts I think we have to be cautious of two things: who we share the revelation with, and we must resolve in advance how we will respond to their reply. Even well-meaning, believing family and friends won't always share our enthusiasm and commitment, sometimes even causing us to doubt that God spoke at all.

I'm not suggesting that we can't gain wisdom and godly counsel from others. The Bible encourages us to do so (Proverbs 15:22). Nor am I in any way saying that if we are married we shouldn't share things with our spouse. However, we need to watch our obedience. Definitely some prayerful consideration should be given to any caution or advice we lovingly receive. It could be that in our enthusiasm we are rushing ahead. Often in scripture we see where a promise spoken precedes a time of watching and waiting. We don't want to be reckless in a revelation, but respond with discernment and direction from the Holy Spirit.

Up until this point in scripture Sarai's name has not been mentioned as the mother of the baby, so we could argue that Sarai's idea to have Hagar as a surrogate was culturally common, but we must remember that this path was a sin against God's plan for marriage. In Genesis 2:24 we read of God's design for one man and one woman coming together in a one-flesh relationship. I can guarantee that a promise from God is never fulfilled through sin. Disobedience will never be part of the fulfillment of a promise from God.

Without any delay, Abram agrees with Sarai's proposal. So eager to see the promise begin they take matters into their own hands.

I'm thinking of times when God has very clearly, without a doubt, spoken a direction over an area of my life. I mean it is completely obvious what He desires. Confirmation often follows through further scripture and I know that I know that I know what God is asking of me. Sadly "Sarai's" still arise. They down-play God's word, discourage obedience and doubt the fulfillment. In times like these, don't be quick to dismiss what God has spoken, but fall to your knees and hear again His voice. May His words speak clearer than the chatter around you and may your heart keep believing as you courageously walk in obedience.

** After hitting "Post", I opened a daily email devotional I receive from Living With Power Ministries. It ties in so perfectly and adds such value to my thoughts today. If you don't subscribe to this free, e-devotional I encourage you to do so: https://www.livingwithpower.org/powerminute/   Here is today's reading:

Living in the gap

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. - Luke 1:45

First comes the promise, then comes our receiving the promise, and finally comes the hard part: the part where we must wait for the promise to be fulfilled. That's where true faith must show up. That's where true faith grows. I call it "life in the gap."

Mary, the mother of Jesus shows us how to live in the gap. In Luke 1:45 it says: "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

After being told that she was chosen to carry the Messiah, she believed God even though His plan sounded crazy to her human mind and waited patiently on God. She trusted that if God has said it, He will surely fulfill it.

That's life in the gap and I have a feeling you're familiar with that place. If you're living between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise, you're not alone.

Like Mary, resolve not just to receive God's promises in submission and trust, but be willing to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. When you do, you too will be found blessed.

Lina AbuJamra

Family Ties

"...Abram said to Lot, 'Let's not allow this conflict to come between us...After all, we are close relatives!'" Genesis 13:8

As a child I would often approach my parents at any gift giving time and ask what they wanted for their birthday, anniversary or Christmas. Without fail my mom always answered in the exact same way. She would say her greatest desire was knowing that everyone was happy and that my two sisters and I always remained friends. She knew how tender relationships can be and the enemies longing to destroy families.

Abram obviously had a wonderful sense of kinship also. His family ties were strong. Not only did he act quickly to resolve the conflict that was arising, but he completely surrendered any of his longings, giving his nephew Lot opportunity to make the first decision on his choice of land.

I am thankful that from a young age my parents instilled the value of family on my heart. Do we ever argue or get upset with one another? Oh boy, that's a definite 'yes'!, but we are very quick to resolve issues and before you know it we are hugging and asking the Lord to forgive us and restore our love for one another. Often when my twin sister and I were bickering as children, mom would start to sing, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, All His tender compassion and purity, All His nature divine, All my nature refine, 'Til the beauty of Jesus is seen in me." It's pretty hard to keep a fight going with that song being serenaded. I often wonder if we stopped our disagreement quickly because the Spirit tendered our young hearts by the lyrics, or we just wanted to silence mom. Whichever the case, it worked.

Yesterday I spent a lot of time going through old photos. Boxes and albums filled with pictorial memories. One thing that blessed me over and over again was the number of snapshots of family gatherings around a table. Not all were initiated because of a specific celebration. Many of the moments together were not "have to's", but "want to's". We genuinely love being together. The smiles around the table give testimony to that love.

Today let's focus on family. Distanced relationships, not in proximity but intimacy, may exist. It's not too late. If the divide seems unsurpassable remember that nothing is impossible with God. Start today by praying for that parent, sibling or cousin and don't allow the conflict that came before you to remain. May the Lord restore and bring healing, and even if you feel you are completely innocent, do whatever you can so the beauty of Jesus is seen in you. 

An Unsettled Heart

"He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there." Genesis 11:31b

After hours of cleaning, tidying, running errands, exhausted I sit down, telling myself I'm just taking a five minute break with full intention of moving shortly and continuing the list of things I need to accomplish. However, often five minutes leads to ten and before I know it at least half an hour has passed. My enthusiasm to get up and attend to the next task has waned. 

In the scripture text above Terah, Abram, Sarai and Lot start to head to the land of Canaan, but for whatever reason they stop. They don't reach the location they intended. Their stop wasn't fleeting because we find out they settle in Haran.  Don't misunderstand, I'm not in any way implying we don't need periods of rest, but stopping becomes a deterrent when it distracts us from our destination and becomes our dwelling.

Has the Lord called me to anything in this New Year? Equally important has He called me away from anything? Partial obedience is not obedience. May I not be satisfied with anything less than all God desires of me.

Dear Lord, as I walk into this New Year, grant me followship. Guide my steps in righteousness and keep my feet from following evil. Help me pursue peace, flee temptations and run the race You have chosen for me. Do not allow me to stray if wider, open paths appear easier. When I want to stop and sit on the bench of complacency, unsettle my heart and cause it to beat again with a rhythm of renewed passion and desire. Help me not to make excuses, but give me courage to climb each mountain, patience in every valley and strength for the rugged terrain. If distractions threaten to lure me away, let me hear and heed the prompting of Your Spirit. May I never turn away, around, or race ahead, but purposefully place each step in the imprint Your sandal leaves before me because Your footsteps are always safe to follow. Keep me faithful wherever You lead, until I dwell in Your house forever.

The Hand on the Handle

"Then the LORD closed the door behind them." Genesis 7:16b

When I walk through the neighbourhood I'm often drawn to the style of the front door on the homes I pass. I'm partial to the ones without any glass. A good solid door, usually dark in colour, with some shaker style framework in its design always takes my attention.

A front door is more than esthetic beauty; it is there to provide security. A door is a boundary between the outside world and an inner place of peace as it shuts out the noise and chaos that can surround us.

Doors are often mentioned throughout scripture. In John 10, Jesus refers to Himself as the door. In Acts 14:27 and 2 Cor 2:12 God opens a door for the gospel message to be heard. A door can often be synonymous with new opportunities. We like the idea of open doors. It implies the welcome of possibilities, adventures and freedom.

So, what's our reaction to closed doors? I think it really depends on seeing whose hand is on the handle. In Genesis after Noah completes the building of the ark and all his family and the animals God instructed are gathered inside, the text tells us that the LORD closed the door behind them. When God closes a door you don't need any other bolts or locks. Safety will not be in question. And, we love it, as long as it's a door we also wanted to see shut tight. What about when the door closing brings us disappointment? 

I'm praying that the Lord will teach me the value of a closed door. When God closes a door it is always for my good and His glory, even when I don't understand. There is mercy in every closed door. And, just because it's closed now doesn't mean it will never open. This time could be temporary as God is preparing me for when He will fling the door wide open with blessings beyond my imagination and it will be better than anything I could possibly hope. My trust is built during times of closed doors. Instead of viewing it as a time of confinement, I need to view it as refinement. God is getting me alone with Him and at His appointed time He will say, as He did to Noah, "Leave the boat" (Genesis 8:15). Lord, help me accept Your closed doors and make me open door ready for Your glory.

As Per Normal

"So God said to Noah...." Genesis 6:13a

This phrase caught my attention this morning because of it's casual insertion. Nothing surrounding it sounds miraculous. God didn't draw Noah's attention with wind, storm, fire or even a whisper. He observes what is happening in the world, and initiates a conversation with Noah. Imagine, the God of the universe coming to chat with you about His plans. To Noah it was natural and normal.

Earlier we read in Genesis 6:8-9 that Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord, and that he walked in close fellowship with Him. There was intimacy. They had a relationship that invited mutual sharing. God didn't need Noah's advice or approval, but He chose Noah to share His observations and carry out His will.

Every day, through His word, a timely message, lyrics from a song, a conversation with a friend, and a variety of other ways, God speaks to us. Hearing from the Lord, although always miraculous, shouldn't be so surprising. If we are walking in close fellowship with God, we need to expect God to speak and anticipate Him interrupting our thoughts at any moment with His plans for our day. 

Noah's response? It says at the end of Genesis 6 that Noah did exactly what God directed. Presented with a staggering task before him, one that would take years to complete, we see immediate, simple obedience. God knew Noah would obey. Does He know that about me? Am I walking in close fellowship with God? Can I be trusted with His confidence? Does God have the assurance of my obedience? Would His voice today startle me because it's so unexpected, or has our time together through the years developed such intimacy that we do commune as Friend to friend? Lord help me to be living in a way that brings Your favour, and whether Your request is "Ark-sized" or "ant-sized", may I instantly obey, delighting in You.

Accepting "Excepts"

Genesis 3:13, "Then the LORD God asked the woman, 'What have you done?'"

Today's scripture reading had me in Genesis 1-3. I asked the Lord to open my eyes afresh to a new truth from a familiar passage. In Genesis 2:16 the Lord told Adam and Eve that they could "freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden, except..." one. They have an abundance of choice surrounding them, blessings galore, with a restriction on just one tree and that "except" becomes their focus. The serpent later draws their attention to the limitation and suddenly they are consumed with consuming its fruit.

If you're anything like me, God's question above sounds familiar. In a moment of weakness I have succumbed to an "except" that God has spoken, and I've walked in disobedience. He has given me countless gifts and provisions, yet the "don't eat" warning increases my desire. My heart has heard both His questioning and His heartache..."Joy, what have you done?"

Father as I walk into this new year, help me value Your "excepts" even when I don't understand. Help me to not resist but trust You. You have divine purposes that are rooted in Your goodness and unfailing love. Lord, when I fail, enable me to hear Your Spirit asking without condemnation, "What have you done?" and may I respond quickly in repentance, receiving Your love and forgiveness. Lord, may You and Your word be my daily delight and guide me to walk in the way of Your "everys" accepting Your "excepts".