My Only Strength

"But David found strength in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6b

Where does your strength come from? No, seriously. Think about it. If you're a Christ-follower, don't be too quick to give the "God answer." How do you find strength when you are physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually depleted? Do you rely on a good night's rest to refresh you? Is there a friend you call to share your struggles knowing you'll receive their encouragement? Do you throw yourself into activity to keep yourself busy so you don't have to deal with the root of your current weakness? Maybe you simply ignore your lack, pushing back, a smile covering the weight of the world you are carrying that is pulling you silently under. And then, possibly you isolate, withdrawing yourself from further contact and attack.

David was facing an angry troop who were threatening stoning him, bitter and hurting over the captivity of their families. Feeling the blame of his men, David is distressed, exhausted and weak in physical strength and heart. There are times when no one around us can give us the encouragement and strength we need. It's at these moments we must strengthen ourselves in the Lord. God will transform painful to both precious and purposeful while maturing us at the same time as we lean on Him.

When God calls us to strengthen ourselves in Him, it is a place we must go with God alone. It's a time when He places us in His intensive care. Most often overwhelming situations have arisen and we feel broken. We wrestle to know God's will and understand His plan. As we look to Him for His strength, we begin to come to a place of acceptance. God begins to do a changing work in us.

Sometimes all of these truths we read in God's word are only theories until they become an act of trust. Nothing prepares you to respond to a knock on the door and be met by a police officer informing you that your husband has been in a car accident as a result of a cardiac arrest, currently without vitals. It is in that second, when without the Lord's sustaining arms you would collapse, you cry out for His strength and find it as sufficient and sustaining as He has always described it to be and you learn that pain is part of His strengthening process.

As I reflect back on that day over nine months ago, and as I continue to walk this journey with my husband's health, I can testify that God has carried me and is still enabling me to do, go, see, and stand in places I would have guaranteed that I could never have endured without crumbling, and yet, I did, I am and I will. As Beth Moore writes, "What comes out of a battle isn't nearly as important as who comes out of a battle." God is working in me and through me, drawing me to a deeper knowing of who He is through all He is providing by His strength in me.

Father, my heart's desire is to depend on You. I want the faith that is credited to me as righteousness. I long for unwavering belief in Your promises. I recognize that it is often only through pathways of severe, unwanted battles that this depth of knowing You emerges, and that can frighten me. In honesty, I really don't want to experience the very things that will draw me to a deeper dependence on You. How I wish the way to knowing You more was always pleasant and peaceful...easy. Lord, forgive me for all the times I have looked to my own strength, or the strength of others for my provision. I thank You for every time You have carried me and opened my eyes to see You in ways I never would have met You without the trial before me. Thank You for always knowing exactly what I need to touch my life to help me see You, all that is required to change me into Your likeness. Ultimately that is my longing. As days and weeks turn into months, and when I feel exhausted, forgotten and weary, Your strength remains without decrease. It is as strong today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow. May my life give testimony of who You are so that You are glorified. It is in my weakness that Your strength is seen.

And Joy found strength in the LORD her God.

Peacemaker

"David replied to Abigail, 'Praise the LORD the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands." 1 Samuel 25:32-33

After being refused provision by Nabal, David and 400 of his men have set out on a mission to kill all of Nabal's household. No inquiring of God. No self-control. Having just demonstrated such restraint from retaliating with Saul, now David acts with impulsive anger. 

Enter Abigail, Nabal's wife. In contrast to her husband's cruelty, Abigail shows kindness, humility and diplomacy. In wisdom she diverts a disaster. She quickly reminds David that God is caring for his life and that He will avenge. She encourages David not to blemish his record with the sin of murder, but trust the Lord. Abigail's encounter with David thwarts his plans and peace continues to reign. Although David was capable of great violence, he was easily entreated.

Peacemakers. These wonderful reconcilers who help defuse conflict when it begins to arise. It can be a risky role, but so valuable. We aren't talking about peacekeepers, those who keep peace at any cost, even forfeiting truth just to remain amicable. No, a peacemaker is one who uses good judgment and wisdom to be an arbitrator, intervening before situations escalate and emotions spiral out of control.

By pursuing peace, we pacify and disarm strife. Friction can only grow when we continue to fan the flame of discontent, demanding our rights. David thankfully did not appear to harbour a grudge or hold on to resentment. He received Abigail's appeal to keep a clear conscience.

Growing up in our home, my mom could often bring disagreements between my twin sister and I to an abrupt end by cleverly beginning to sing. Over our angry yelling, mom's voice would rise with these lyrics: "To be like Jesus, To be like Jesus, All I ask, to be like Him. Along life's journey, From earth to glory, All I ask to be like Him." If that didn't silence the storm, then she would break into, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, All His wonderful passion and purity. O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine, Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me." It was really hard to keep arguing with mom serenading us about being like Jesus and having His beauty seen in us. Her singing always worked, although I'm not sure if it was Holy Spirit conviction or my sister and I just joined forces in surrender to silence mom.

We need to seek godly resolution to conflict. When tempers flare and situations become heated, we can be agents of peace. With divine discernment and the power of the Holy Spirit we can find courage to speak. There is such benefit to a timely word delivered calmly and caringly. Abigail didn't emphasize the negative, attacking David with a list of how wrong and foolish his steps will be if carried out, but drew attention to God's calling on his life, highlighting a need for him to keep living out his destiny with integrity.

David praises God for Abigail's intervention and blesses her for preventing him from making a terrible mistake. Abigail is the Lord's instrument of interception and David's response reveals a heart growing more and more like God's.

Tensions and disagreements will arise in life and both Abigail and David provide excellent examples of how to be reconciler and receiver. In Matthew we are told, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9 NIV) To the degree Christ reigns in our hearts, peace will rule. When God is sovereign, His Spirit in us will empower us, dictating our actions, and extending His peace to others. Let's live as peacemakers today.

Resisting Revenge

"But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. He said to his men, 'The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn't attack the LORD's anointed one, for the LORD Himself has chosen him.' So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul." 1 Samuel 24:5-7

Revenge can seem like a reasonable reaction when we have been the recipients of unwarranted responses. When David is placed in a position with the opportunity before him to kill his avenger, in an incredible act of what appears to many of us to be such unmerited favour, David spares the life of Saul but cuts off the hem of his robe. David resists revenge over the very one who has him running and hiding, making him live like a fugitive even though he has done nothing wrong.

Most of us look at David's actions and applaud, but he responds differently. He is almost immediately conscience-stricken. Seeing Saul as God's chosen and anointed one, David regrets what he did and confesses his sin. Sin? It seems like such a small and insignificant action. In comparison to what he could have done, and we might think, should have done, it was nothing. 

We are quick to minimize David's sin against Saul because Saul's offense against David seems so much greater. We view sin in such relative terms. David measured sin, not by Saul's wickedness, but by God's holiness. Because of his intimate relationship with God, David's discernment of wrongdoing is heightened and his sensitivity to conviction increased, resulting in a change of behaviour. David knew that momentary revenge was not worth the price of separation from God.

I can't help but think of a scene from "Les Misérables". After Jean Valjean has lived as a fugitive almost all his adult life, being tracked and hunted mercilessly by the prison warden Inspector Javert, an opportunity arises for Valjean to get revenge. Instead of killing the man who made his life miserable, he lets him go free. Javert can't receive or live with such grace and in the end takes his own life. Recipients of undeserved favour often don't know how to respond. They know they aren't worthy. 

Kindness in response to hatred highlights the depravity of the one who came against us. In Proverbs 25:21-22 we read, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." By responding this way, we are not overcome by evil, but we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).  Anyone can overcome evil with evil, but when a Christ-follower returns good for evil the contrast is startling.

It all begins with acknowledging our sin. If we brush off actions as trivial, we will miss the blessing of the Holy Spirit's work of conviction. Without conviction, there will be no repentance. Beth Moore writes, "One sure measurement of our proximity to God, whether near or far, is the length of time between conviction and repentance."

When, like David, we honour another person out of respect for God, obedient to His Word, we can be certain that God will honour us. Vengeance belongs to God. He will repay. When an opportunity arises to retaliate after being wronged, let the Holy Spirit do His restraining work in us so that God is glorified and others see the love and mercy of Christ. Remember too, that we have been the undeserving recipients of God's unmerited favour and grace.

Jonathan Friends

"Tell me what I can do to help you,' Jonathan exclaimed." 1 Samuel 20:4

Jonathan and David's friendship is truly unique. It has been criticized, dramatized, analyzed, yet still recognized as one of the most loyal and encouraging examples of two individuals in scripture. Jonathan, at great risk to his own safety, vowed to remain committed to David, asking God to destroy all of David's enemies, knowing his own father Saul was one of them. Jonathan was content to play a supporting role as friend to the next reigning ruler. By being David's champion, Jonathan strengthened both a king and a kingdom. 

Jonathan friends. We all need them. These are the dear ones who don't wait, or ask, they just show up at our door and simply say, "Tell me what I can do to help you". Knowing there is a need they come to meet it. They get their hands messy, travelling down our dirt roads. The dust on their feet is testimony of their close proximity to each weary walker.

Jonathan friends hear more than words. They listen to longings of the heart and act. As I've reflected over the characteristics of such a sojourner in life, acknowledging that undeservedly I have been blessed with many, I think primarily they are the hands and feet of Christ in practical ways to us. It's through them we encounter Jesus. Their ministry at a time of desperation is never forgotten.

I'll always remember the day my doorbell rang, and in walked a precious friend who had come to share her life and gifts with me. Aware of anxiety on my heart she encouraged me to sit comfortably in my rocker while she walked over to my piano. I closed my eyes as she began to play worship music, lifting her voice in song. The lyrics that spoke of God's presence filled my heart, and my home. It was one of the most beautiful demonstrations of Christ-likeness that I have ever received. She was willing to fight through her own insecurities to come and selflessly encourage me.

These friends are like the stretcher bearers in the New Testament who just grab a corner of our "mat" and carry us so that we know we aren't doing life alone. I recall other friends who just "showed up" at hospitals or nursing homes with home-cooked meals, knowing my family and I hadn't made time to eat in the middle of the crisis we were experiencing. The neighbour who knocked on my door just days after Gord's cardiac arrest and said, "I'm here to take your garbage out." They know our minds aren't functioning at their best and they come to look after the forgotten details of day-to-day living. Without even asking they cut the grass, shovel the snow, deliver groceries, prepare meals, share clothing, repair fences, build decks and supply transportation.

Another characteristic of Jonathan friends is that they pray. They don't just say they will pray, they seize the moment, right then, right now to come alongside in agreement, storming heaven on our behalf. Prayer is not just something they promise to do, but an immediate response as they take your hand and bow with you in God's throne room. Prayer indicates knowing, not details of the entire situation, but of the God who alone can intervene. Prayer says I believe with you that the Lord has power over apparent, current impossibilities and He is able. Together we will trust Him to provide. Corridors. Hallways. Parks. Department stores. Check-out lines. Gas stations. All can become sacred spaces and holy encounters.

How can you be a Jonathan friend today? I guarantee you there is someone in your circle in need of what you have to give. David's life was spared by the sacrificial friendship of Jonathan. As Christ sacrificed His life for us, loving us, pursuing us, we can find ways to extend this kind of friendship to others. As we look to our perfect Friend, Jesus, He enables us to be a Jonathan friend to those He purposefully places in our life. 

"Tell me what I can do to help you."

Day 41 Meets the Breath of God

"For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army....So David...picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:16, 39-40

The account of David and Goliath is a familiar one. The first song I remember my son singing had these lyrics, "God is bigger than a giant, God is strong as He can be, I can do all things through Jesus, Because He lives in me!" Those truths are powerful to recall at any age as giants still threaten, taunt and tease. However, what I want to look at today is the significance of a couple of numbers. 

Often my attention is drawn to the repetition of certain lengths of time. Did you know that the number 40 appears over 150 times in scripture? Of those references, "forty days" is specifically mentioned 24 times. I don't want to over-spiritualize or over-emphasize something that is non-consequential, as 40 can simply and literally mean 40, but there is evidence that it also accompanies times of trouble and hardship.

I'm not focusing so much on the actual numerology, hidden message or secret code, but instead drawing attention to the outcome. God's Word speaks plainly and He is not trying to hide meaning. What I want us to consider is day 41. 

Recently there has been an article circulating on social media drawing attention to the number 40. I'm not quoting it here, but it does reference many of the "40 day" references found in the Bible. We read in Genesis how it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, then day 41 came and the rain stopped. Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments from God on day 41. The prophet Jonah preached to the Ninevites for 40 days and on day 41 God spared their lives. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days while being tempted by the devil, and on day 41 His enemy fled. After Christ's resurrection, He appeared to His disciples for 40 days, and on day 41 ascended into heaven. After 40 days of listening to Goliath defy the armies of Israel, along came day 41 and God, through David, slew the giant. 

I wonder how often we miss the miracle of our day 41. Forty days is a long time to endure continual hardship. We cannot give up or give in. Direction will come, salvation will happen, temptation will end, hope of eternity is certain, rain stops, promised land is entered and giants fall.

But next I ponder the mention of five stones. We all know it wasn't the impact of the rock from the stream that made Goliath fall, but the hand of the Rock of Ages. If the stone had any influence on contact, the giant would have fallen backwards, not forward. That's just a simple law of science. Any object hit by another will continue to travel in the same direction. God alone slayed the giant, so why five stones? The number five in scripture has been associated with the grace and favour of God. The pronunciation of this digit is similar to the sound of exhaling. You could say it was the breath of God that fell Goliath.

Where do you need to experience the breath of God in your life today? Forty days represents a time of endurance, but as in each example above, it didn't last forever. We can't quit a day to soon. The breath of God, His very Spirit, will impart His presence and power to give you the strength needed to continue. As the ancient hymn lyrics express, we join in prayer asking the Lord to breathe on us breath of God, filling us with life anew. Day "41" is coming.

What's Your God-Story?

"Everyone will share the story of Your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about Your righteousness." Psalm 145:7

There is nothing I love more than hearing a good "God-story". Just yesterday a dear friend messaged me with an update regarding her cousin's husband for whom I've been praying. "No mass on the liver. Other spots on the CT scan are benign. Thank You God!!! This is a great cloud now lifted." I cried as I offered praise to the Lord, overwhelmed by His wonderful goodness!

How quickly do we share all that God does for us? We need to be declaring His goodness and singing with joy as we lift our praise to the Lord. Do you know that Psalm 145 is the only Psalm actually designated as a "Psalm of Praise"? Although other Psalms definitely include similar themes, this one alone captures the daily joy that should overflow from God's covenant people.

"Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power." (Ps 145:4). This is one of the benefits of our faithful sharing. Our children, and our children's children will hear about the goodness of God and in turn share their God stories.

I'll always remember a Skype conversation with my son during one of his university years. With only a few minutes' drive, but a good hour walk back to campus, the bus he was riding in, completely filled with students coming home from church, suddenly rolled to a stop. The driver had no idea what had happened. The vehicle was in good working order, or should have been. Checking under the hood, while the students hurried out to help push the stalled menace to the side of the road, the driver saw no apparent mechanical reason for the engine to stop.

With it being a Sunday, service would take a while. Several students immediately began walking back to the university, while others joined together, praying for the bus to start up again. After all, God could miraculously have the engine running the next time the driver turned the key. Instead, the Lord showed these students His care and provision in a different way.

After only about five minutes another school bus rolled along, and it was empty! An empty school bus, on a Sunday, driving down a residential road! Only the Lord could have inspired this other driver to come down this exact street at this exact time, minutes after a need had arisen.

The driver slowed her bus down and inquired, "Do you need help? Where are you going? Can I drive you?" Instead of ignoring the situation before her, she went out of her way to take a bus full of university students back to campus, and in the process they saw a God who hears and answers prayer. These young people were experiencing God, giving life to Psalm 50:15, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

I still recall my son's voice. With great enthusiasm and delight he shared this God-story, admittedly tinged with a hint of pleasure as he spoke of riding by and waving to those walking who had given up on God's provision too soon. In her mercy, the bus driver pulled over and stopped, letting these students experience God's care too. Even when we don't wait for the Lord in some of the choices we make, He extends grace to the undeserving. 

A God-story is simply sharing how we see God working. There is no such thing as a small God-story because the Author is the Lord. In His goodness, our Heavenly Father blesses us with personal encounters that strengthen our faith, grow our trust and deepen our walk with Him. Nothing that touches our life is a coincidence. As witnesses of God's activity our testimony doesn't stop with a prayer of salvation, but from revelation to revelation our sharing of His goodness must continue until the day He takes us home.

So, what's your latest God-story?

Saving Our Agag

"...Saul and his men spared Agag's life and kept the best...everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality." 1 Samuel 15:9

Earlier this month I wrote about "Partial Obedience", so I debated focusing on that theme again today, but often times we need a "sacred echo" of a message that may have initially stirred our hearts yet resulted in no actual response. Sadly, that's often how we can walk away from God's Word. We are diligent to read it daily. We "Amen" truth. We nod in agreement, recognizing the value, but the application is left undone. It's like what can happen between the sanctuary and foyer on any given Sunday.

Saul and his men were given very clear instructions. God, through Samuel instructed Saul, "Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation." Saul immediately mobilized his army, went to war, but instead of following God's command, they captured the king, sparing his life, and kept anything they felt was worthwhile that "appealed to them."

In the story that unfolds, Samuel comes to question Saul regarding his actions. Saul attempts to justify his sin by excusing his disobedience. He goes as far as to say, "But I did obey the LORD, I carried out the mission He gave me." He further mentions that anything his troops kept was only for the purpose of sacrificing to God. Somehow, we think spiritualizing our disobedience makes it acceptable.

Samuel replies with a very familiar passage of scripture. "What is more pleasing to the LORD; your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Why do we belittle obedience? Continually through scripture we see the blessings or curses that result from following or not following the Lord. We tend to obey when what God is asking of us is in line with what we want to do, but when there's a discrepancy, we convince ourselves, as did Eve after speaking to the serpent, "Did God really say? Surely He didn't mean everything."

Obedience is the pathway to seeing and experiencing God. Disobedience says we know better than God. We view His commands as suggestions and instead of walking in submission we make selfish decisions that fulfill our desires.

You may recall earlier this month when I addressed this topic I shared with you that I was still struggling with obeying the Lord completely in an area I knew God had specifically identified. After reading these chapters, I knew God was speaking again to me. "Why are you disobeying Me? Why are you saving your 'Agag'?" I immediately found a garbage bag and removed the last of the DVD television series I knew the Lord had spoken to my heart about previously. Although not viewing them, I was leaving a temptation that could be avoided if I only completely obeyed.

We think we're making an acceptable compromise when we choose to go partway, but there is no mutual agreement on God's side. What has God asked you to do that you still haven't done? Some of God's commands are difficult, frightening and costly, but all true obedience will flow from the strength He supplies. And the result? "Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD." (Ps 144:15)

Olly-Olly-Oxen-Free

"And the LORD replied, 'He is hiding among the baggage.'" 1 Samuel 10:22b

When Saul was chosen as King, he was nowhere to be found. He was hiding.

How long since you've played "Hide and Seek"? I recall early evening neighbourhood games during the summer months of my childhood. Little voices whispering. Feet scampering to find the perfect hiding place. Barely breathing, wanting to go undetected. Then, the squeals of fun at being found. More recently I've played the game with my 3-year-old grandson. Hiding is still easier with him. Even a blanket covering me as I sit in the middle of the room brings laughter.

Grown-ups most often don't play hide and seek. At least, not for fun.

Maybe someone reading this is hiding now. What 'baggage' have you surrounded yourself with to create a barricade of protection for your heart? Like the physical luggage that bears its name, it comes in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Shame. Fear. Insecurity. Pride. Appearances. People pleasing. Words. Control. Dressing in a stoic persona, we bear suffering in silence to spare others the pain. We think we're being brave, but we hide too well.

If only we'd realize that getting found keeps us in the game. Robert Fulghum, in his book, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten", speaks of the adult version of this adolescent play. He writes about, "Wanting to hide. Needing to be sought. Confused about being found. 'I don't want anyone to know', 'What will people think?' 'I don't want to bother anyone.'"

In reality, nobody truly wants to be left alone. Regardless of what their actions are saying, deep down they want to be found, but maybe they are afraid that no-one will care enough to keep looking. There is an even deeper ache of loneliness that accompanies never being found.

Where and what are you hiding today? The Lord is calling, "olly-olly-oxen-free, come out, come out wherever you are." Hiding takes so much energy. A secret can either be a promise or a prison and "the power of a secret lies not in its keeping, but in its revelation." (From "A Lifetime of Secrets")

I love that God's Word says that He came to SEEK and to save the lost, Luke 19:10. God is all about finding. A lost sheep. A lost coin. A prodigal child. We cannot hide from God. We might be experts at concealing truth from others, but Hebrews 4:13 says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

Will you do me a favour today? If you are hiding among the baggage like Saul, will you ask the Lord for courage to be found? I'm not saying it is easy. Maybe years have stolen so much of life from you that hiding has become all you know and the fear of exposure is so great. "But, the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" (Anais Nin). Don't let your heart be held captive any longer by the lies in your mind. Healing can't happen while hiding. The pain will only increase as you bury yourself in seclusion.

When playing "Hide and Seek", I remember trying to make myself as small as possible so I wouldn't be seen. Friend, it's time to live BIG. Today's the beginning of a new game. So, to all who have hidden too well, get found. Olly-olly-oxen-free!

Quote: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum, Publisher Ivy Books, copyright 1989

Quote: A Lifetime of Secrets, by Frank Warren, Publisher William Morrow, copyright 2007

The Least

"Saul replied, 'But I'm only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?'" - 1 Samuel 9:21

My favourite genre of literature is biographies. I love to read a good underdog story. Someone who has all the odds stacked against them, but despite everything they feel they lack, rise up from the ashes of their circumstances to a place of prominence and influence. Most often their character is marked by a genuine humility in their ability. They are not the ones expected to be destined for greatness. Beside their picture in a school yearbook you wouldn't see comments with expectations of grand, future success.

Under the direction of the Lord, Saul has sought out Samuel, whose heart has already been prepared for this encounter. In response to God's people crying out for an earthly king, Saul has been chosen by God to fulfill this role. Samuel tells Saul, "I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel's hopes." It is to this announcement that Saul responds with his list of insecurities and impossibilities.

Saul wasn't the only one in scripture who lacked confidence in a call. Gideon in Judges 6:15 answers almost identically, "'But Lord,' Gideon replied, 'how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!'"

Only. Smallest. Weakest. Least. Feelings of being inferior and inadequate. Why and how could we possibly be chosen with the list of deficiencies we know accompany our life? We are very aware we don't measure up to the standards the world requires for advancement. But isn't that what we see time and time again throughout scripture? God doesn't choose the most apparent, but the heart transparent that recognizes without the Lord's transforming power the task before them is so far beyond them. Anything God calls us to is never because of our greatness, but His faithfulness.

A good, godly leader knows they are unworthy and not qualified for God's assignment ahead. It's never because of the list of degrees behind their name. God can take an uneducated, unskilled, poor communicating, rejected and wounded Christ-follower and put them in positions of great impact for His glory. It is not a list of personal achievements that catch the eye of God, but lives fully devoted to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).

God knows our tendency towards self-righteousness and pride, so for that very reason He is most glorified in weaknesses, not strengths. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, "Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."

Our confidence in ourselves always works in opposition to God. He seeks out those whose trust in Him. Despite all they feel seemingly hinders, it actually honours Him. When we lower ourselves, God lifts us up. If you are living in a place of apparent insignificance today, keep looking to the Lord. As a child of our Heavenly Father, you are never the least. With Christ as your everything you have all you ever need to fulfill His desires for you. It could be, that what you think is of little importance today, is of extraordinary value in His Kingdom.

Immediate Intervention

"O LORD, I am calling to You. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to You for help!" Psalm 141:1

And the story in Italy continues to unfold and I have to share. This is our God!

Last evening I found this update:

"Ok friends. Specific prayer request. Been trying to get our insurance to cut through red tape so that my husband can get the surgery he desperately needs. I was literally on the phone non-stop for 6 hours today from ICU trying to get them to send the authorization. Please help storm the Throne Room to expedite this extremely slow process! Thanks so much!"

Upon reading this, my husband and I immediately went to prayer, asking God to move in miraculous ways. I claimed Isaiah 60:22, "At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen", trusting this need to His sovereign care.

Awakening today I reached for my phone to look for any further news. This is what I read:

"God is answering prayer! Last night I received a call from Andrea (Andrew) who is an acquaintance of our brother-in-law's cousin. He said, 'I am working on your behalf. What is your biggest concern?' I said it was cutting through the bureaucracy documentation so my husband can have surgery. And a place to stay near the hospital after Sunday."

"Someone called us later this morning and said, 'I am calling to tell you Andrea reached out to me, your husband WILL have surgery tomorrow, no more documentation needed. And I will call back with accommodations for you.'"

"I melted on the bed praising our Father for moving the mountain!!!"

Every prayer being lifted is being answered. My friend later received confirmation reassuring her that her husband is currently clinically stable and at no immediate risk. All the insurance information did indeed arrive, and surgery will proceed today. Accommodation is also being secured near the hospital for the remainder of their stay in Italy.

I literally sobbed as I read her message this morning. Just as the Psalmist cried out in need, the desperate cry for help last night saw the immediacy of God's answer. This stands in stark contrast to the Israelites being conquered in 1 Samuel 4, when they question, "Why did the LORD allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?" 

Some prayers for a "hurry" are met with a "hold up". It's possible you are there now. You might even feel cynical to read another account of how God so quickly intervenes for others as your wait continues for days, months, and possibly years. 

We want sudden relief from any trial, but instead God sometimes gives strength to pray with more intensity. As I read recently, "Any physician will tell you, the stronger the cry, the stronger the child." Faith has the opportunity to grow as deliverance is postponed. It is a tribute to God's power when a weak vessel endures in His strength. Persevering until the end and waiting on His purposes without seeing immediate relief is a testimony we would rather someone else illustrate, but God has chosen you. Don't get angry, resentful or envious of others. God loves you no less. He is deepening His intimacy with you and emboldening your trust. 

Any relationship that sustains through suffering and silence is strengthened. The life situation that God has appointed for each one of us is so that we will seek and find Him. Listening to every cry for help is a loving God who is good, faithful and true. Keep crying out to Him. Rest in the confidence of His unfailing love, caring sovereignty and tender mercy.

Quote: The Christian in Complete Armour, Volume One by William Gurnall; The Banner of Truth Trust; Copyright 1986

Deliverance in Due Time

"...the LORD remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son..." 1 Samuel 1:19b-20a

Hannah was barren. Unable to conceive she cried out to the Lord, and in due time He answered miraculously and little Samuel was born. God's intervention was monumental.

This past Sunday our Senior Pastor spoke about the importance of "Milestone Moments". He began the message by recounting with us examples of God's marvelous provision in the lives of those he knew personally. As he shared story after story of God's goodness, my heart rejoiced with those who had encountered the Lord in such incredible, uplifting answers to prayer. As each illustration unfolded, I found myself celebrating with those who had experienced such joy-filled responses, yet at the same time, as I considered my "milestone moments" with God, I thought how the majority have come through meeting Him in desert places and wilderness wanderings. It's been in the middle of barren, painful circumstances that praise has been birthed as the Lord has revealed Himself in a new and specific way.

Just yesterday, a friend of mine on holiday in Italy where her precious husband has taken ill and needs heart surgery, shared the following update. I identify more with her example of a milestone moment. This is God hearing her plea, remembering her, and in the midst of the path of heartache that she is currently walking in a foreign country, God's care is breath-taking. Here is the update she shared:

"Tonight as my daughter and I grabbed a quick dinner my phone rang. It said 'spam risk' so I didn't answer it. A few minutes later the same number called. I said, 'I'm going to take this because maybe it's someone wanting to help.'

'Hi, I'm S. Someone notified our church that you are in need of a place to stay. The church asked me to call because my wife and I are Americans and we've been where you are. Several years ago when we were missionaries in Thailand I got severely sick and my wife was frightened and alone. We have a place you can stay until Sunday that is a bible school/retreat center. After Sunday we'll figure something out through our church. You're not alone.'

He is coming to the hospital tomorrow to meet us. He is working here as a religious worker so he may be allowed to meet and pray with my husband. That would certainly give him peace of mind.

I am in awe of God's faithful provision. God is good. All the time."

I couldn't even get through reading her update without tears flowing. In barren places, God provides. He hears every plea lifted on bended knee. He is never unaware of our circumstances or cold and indifferent to the sadness that can envelop our souls when we feel forgotten and forsaken. God births hope and provision through His endless storehouse of resources, breathing life and hope into bleak and desolate situations.

Breathless and barren, keep waiting for Him. In due time new birth will be conceived and delivered.

The Best Wardrobe

"...clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ..." Romans 13:14

Many of us have very full closets, yet, we wake up each morning and wonder, what will I wear today? I'm always a little envious of private school uniforms. Not that every style is my choice or colour my favourite, but those students rarely have to ask that question. Their daily attire is dictated. No guesswork. 

How we look matters. Years ago I was chatting with my sister prior to speaking at a women's event and she said, "Joy, when you get up to speak, don't say anything of real importance for the first five minutes because most of the time no-one is listening. The ladies in attendance are looking you over, checking out what you're wearing, looking at your shoes, sizing you up and deciding whether or not you are worthy of their time, passing judgement based on appearance."

We can sigh and think how shallow that is, but sadly it is often true. We all want to dress our best, but we need to confess that the superficial impresses us more than we'd like to admit. In reality, as children of God, we need to remember that we are skillfully and wonderfully created, hand-made treasures fashioned for His pleasure with the Designer label of God's hand stamped across our lives.

Paul instructs us in Romans to clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord. What does that mean? We know from the prophet Isaiah that Christ had no outward beauty or majesty that would attract us to Him. There was nothing in His appearance that would draw us to Him. It's not about external characteristics but inward character. 

Do I bear any obvious resemblance to Christ's nature? Do my eyes seek to see the lonely? Do my hands reach out to touch and bring God's healing and love to hurting lives? Do my words encourage and strengthen? Do my ears listen with His compassion? Does my countenance reflect His glory? When people look at me, who do they see? How clear is my reflection of Christ to the people I come in contact with each day? Does anything in me keep others from seeing Christ? What in my life mars the view someone could have of Jesus? Am I allowing Christ's presence in me to be reflected purely through me?

We need to stop dressing for roles we are not even comfortable filling and begin clothing ourselves with Christ. Beauty isn't a treatment or a shopping trip. As long as we're depending on Prada, Armani, Dior or Ralph Lauren to cover us we are truly missing the natural radiance that comes from being clothed with Christ. Only Jesus can bring lasting beauty to our lives. At salvation, Christ covers us positionally, but we then need to daily decide to clothe ourselves practically by allowing the Lord to continue His ongoing sanctification in us.

Peter tells us that nothing is more precious to our Father as the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit and a heart fully devoted to Him (1 Peter 3:4). It's the holy presence of Almighty God that gives true beauty to any dwelling place and "we are the temple of the living God" (1 Corinthians 3:16). As God Himself says in 2 Corinthians 6:16, "I will live in them..." With Christ living in us we are clothed with garments of salvation, wearing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love and all the fruit of His Spirit. 

So today, as your reach into your closest for the perfect outfit, remember that the best wardrobe has already been purchased for you at quite a cost and is available free of charge. Not only that, but it always fits, the colour is perfect on you, and when worn well, will have others inquiring about the Designer.

He Will

"The LORD will work out His plans for my life..." Psalm 138:8a

Just a couple of days ago, I was messaging with a friend who was frustrated. Some work around her home needed to be accomplished by an outside source and she was at their mercy for the timing. Desiring that it had already been accomplished, or at least started, her last words to me were, "I just need some movement".

How good are we at trusting that God is moving and working out His plans for our lives? Do we fully believe that His hand is over every detail of our days? Our agenda may not be His, but He promises to work out His plans His way. Oh, how impatient we can become in any wait.

I've often prided myself in the fact, that in general, I can remain pretty patient in situations where I have no control. I usually don't mind waiting in a doctor's office, knowing that at some point he will have time for me. Getting slowed down in traffic can sometimes make me anxious, but I usually give myself quite a buffer of time so that delays won't impact my arrival. I gladly surrender my place in line at the grocery store when I see the person behind me with fewer items and my cart is full. To be honest, I often enjoy the extra time of solitude that waiting can afford.

Today I find myself sitting in God's waiting room with several friends. They have each invited me to accompany them into their life stories. Uncertain of what lies ahead they have asked me to pray and come alongside them as they wait to see God unveil His plans in their lives. Some needs include very practical provision. Others involve health, emotional struggles, family relationships or ministry direction. I don't know how God will answer, but He guarantees He will.

More and more that simple four-letter-word "will" is becoming my favourite. There is a certainty amidst the uncertainty. Something is going to happen. It is guaranteed and inevitable. An answer is going to be given, but we just don't know when it will come, what it will be, or maybe our greatest concern, if we will like it.

In many ways the fulfillment of this verse comes down to a deepening trust. Do we really believe that God is good and that He will work out His plans for us? The thing is, He will work out His plans, but what if they aren't our plans? We know from Isaiah 55 that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. That can initiate fear in our hearts, but it shouldn't. Do we believe that God is trustworthy? Do we know Him as faithful? Have we experienced His leading in the past? 

You see, too often when a problem arises, we decide to "help" God. When situations aren't changing quickly enough, according to our liking, we start getting involved when it would have been best to remain silent. How many times in hindsight do we discover we just should have trusted God, as our participation has now made matters worse? When will we learn that we don't have to work it out or try to fix things in our own strength?

God is a finisher. He always completes what He begins and His track record is perfect. Every purpose He has for us will be fulfilled. Nothing can hinder His plans. They are unshakable. Relying on God's faithfulness we can surrender ourselves and our situations completely to His divine leading. 

Lord, may we trust in Your sovereign plan when circumstances are challenging. When we are longing to see some movement, fill our hearts with a confidence that You will work out Your plans in each life today.

Zeal

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11 (NIV)

I remember when I discovered this scripture verse. I was writing a note of encouragement to a new friend and was searching God's word for a text that I thought would inspire her. As I read Romans 12:11 I thought it was perfect! She was energetic and enthusiastic and I wanted to motivate her to keep ministering with passion. Instead of writing the entire verse in the card, I just included the reference. After mailing the card, I happened to pick up another Bible translation so I flipped to the book of Romans to see how it was expressed in this text. I was so embarrassed as I started to read, "Quit being lazy!" Oh my goodness, that was not my intent!!! Lesson learned: Always write out the scripture you want to share, or at very least, identify the translation you want the recipient to read!

Zeal is defined as a feeling of strong eagerness; excessive fervor; readiness; prompt willingness; tireless devotion and diligent enthusiasm. It isn't passive, but passionate. It seems to be empowered with an excitement! What ignites feelings of zeal in you? We can be zealous for many things. Sports. Occupation. Recognition. Friendships. Ambition. Success. Social justice. Chocolate. Ice cream. (Those last two are with me in mind.) 

As a Christ-follower, am I eager to embrace this energy and enthusiasm over my faith? There isn't anything mediocre or half-hearted about zeal. It isn't causal, but contagious! I long to have zeal for the Lord, serving Him with joy. But, one caution. Paul also warns us in Romans 10:2 that we can actually have misdirected zeal if we aren't careful. In our exuberance, our emotions can also have us running ahead and doing things God had never planned. We can be very sincere, but we can be sincerely wrong. When the fire of zeal gets out of control it can become dangerous. As Spurgeon has said, "Knowledge is the bridle in the mouth of zeal."

Zeal needs to be partnered with wisdom. Proverbs 19:2 tells us, "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes." Zeal needs to be a Spirit-infused energy that isn't just self-propelled. Zeal and spiritual fervor are not just about being busy or active, nor are they an overflow of personality. Authentic zeal is fueled by the Holy Spirit. Zeal also seems to grow and flourish amid persecution. The zealous are never lukewarm, but actively sharing the gospel that results in lives radically changed.

Let this final thought by Spurgeon stir your zeal as you ask God to increase your hunger for His word, deepen your prayer life, call you to loving obedience, yielding to His Spirit, unashamedly proclaiming His truth, and courageously committing to following the Lord.

"If sinners are zealous in their sins, should not saints be zealous for their God? If the things of time can stir the human passions, should not the realities of eternity have a greater and more tremendously moving force? If these men will spend and be spent, and stretch every nerve and run the race merely for the crown of politics or of ambition, where are we? What idlers, what laggards are we, that we pursue the things of God with but half a heart!"

Give Thanks to The Lord

"His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 136

I am no Psalmist, but today I desire to follow the style of the writer of Psalm 136. Using a similar pattern, I have written my heart's Psalm. May it give praise alone to my Lord.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

In His great mercy, He gave me life.

His faithful love endures forever.

Miracles from His hand mark my days,

His faithful love endures forever.

I tell God stories of His marvelous deeds.

His faithful love endures forever.

He has blessed me with a godly family and heritage.

His faithful love endures forever.

He has called me to be His own.

His faithful love endures forever.

He adopted me into His forever family.

His faithful love endures forever.

He leads me in safety and watches over me.

His faithful love endures forever.

From wilderness wanderings to mountaintop moments,

He is always with me.

His faithful love endures forever.

His voice instructs me and His Word guides me.

His faithful love endures forever.

Early in the morning I seek Him.

His faithful love endures forever.

At night He is still with me.

His faithful love endures forever.

When fear attacks and worry threatens,

His faithful love endures forever.

He reminds me that I am His.

His faithful love endures forever.

His lavish grace still amazes.

His faithful love endures forever.

The astonishing truth that He chooses to use me for His glory!

His faithful love endures forever.

His patience with me is unending.

His faithful love endures forever.

He knows my secret longings and innermost thoughts.

His faithful love endures forever.

His presence is with me through grief and sorrow.

His faithful love endures forever.

When my heart is cold, He warms me with His love.

His faithful love endures forever.

He forgives every sin, removing all shame.

His faithful love endures forever.

He takes great delight in who I am.

His faithful love endures forever.

Give thanks to the LORD, the God of heaven.

His faithful love endures forever.

Hope Floats

"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping - believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, 'That's how many descendants you will have!' And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead - and so was Sarah's womb." Romans 4:18-19

"I need to get my hope on - it's not easy this morning." This was the final sentence in a message I received early yesterday. The content of all she shared was hard. Situations, circumstances, relationships, work, finances, doubt, all seemed to be creating the perfect storm. Drowning in a sea of discouragement she reached out requesting prayer. 

There are times we all need a fresh infusion of hope. When everything appears overwhelming, and in His silence, God appears to have abandoned us. But you see, there's something special about hope. It has a buoyancy that keeps it from being submerged too long. Hope really does float!

Do you remember as a child playing in a backyard pool? One of the things I would try to do is immerse a foam noodle under water and try to stand on it. Competitions would arise to see who could keep it down for the longest time. It wasn't easy. There were many laughs as these coloured objects would flip us off and rise to the surface. They are made to float! And understand this...so is hope! 

When the water displaced by the noodle weighs more, its force is greater than the object and it's pretty much impossible for it to remain under the surface. There's an upward force exerted by the water that opposes the weight of the deluged item. This is true about hope too! There is an upward pull by Someone greater that stands against the objects weighing us down so that our hope becomes unsinkable.

Abraham is such a wonderful example of hope. He had no humanly possible reason to keep hoping, yet he did. Belief in God's word is what gives our hope it's buoyancy. There are four words from the verses above that we all need to hold on to in desperate days: "For God has said". Placing our trust in the infallible word of God keeps hope afloat. Abraham knew that without the Lord, the situation was completely hopeless, but continued faith in God strengthened his resolve to remain watchful for the promise to be fulfilled, regardless of how things appeared.

As the writer of Proverbs tells us, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." When anything attempts to put our hope on hold, we must recall the word of God and all He has spoken to us. We need to keep trusting in God's promises, believing that what He has written will come to pass just as He said. Hope is a desire that is accompanied by an expectation and the reason it can float through the difficulties of life is because it has an Anchor.

Hebrews 6:18-20 says that we can know a hope that is an anchor for our soul; a hope that is both steadfast and sure. Psalm 62:5-7 speaks of a rock-like hope that cannot be shaken. When the storms of life want to cast us out into open, reckless, turbulent seas, we can know a secure hope. Who is our Anchor? 1 Timothy 1:1 tells us that Jesus Christ is our hope.

I don't know about you right now, but my corner of the world is currently surrounded with a lot of hopeless looking people and situations. There are hopeless appearing marriages...hopeless situations with children...hopeless health diagnosis...hopeless financial crisis...hopeless job and employment conditions, and just in general, hopeless hearts. I want you to know right now that with God there is no such thing as anything being beyond hope. Whatever circumstance you have faced, are facing, or will face, there is hope! There is hope to breathe life into every message of seemingly hopelessness because of the Messenger of hope. Our hope can live on and float today because Jesus, our hope, is alive!

Pressure or Privilege?

"Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His name." Romans 1:5

During my early teen years, I remember going with my family to what was then called the Gideon Convention. We spent a week at the Inn on the Park in Toronto (currently a Toyota and Lexus dealership) and our days were filled with activities. As my parents attended meetings pertaining to the Gideon's (now Share Word Global), my sister and I attended workshops, concerts, and banquets designed to teach young people about evangelism. 

One afternoon we were instructed to choose a partner and head to a nearby park where we were encouraged to engage strangers in a gospel conversation. Armed with "The Four Spiritual Laws" we were sent out two by two. I can still see myself wandering the park, trying to muster up the courage to approach someone and start talking with them. Anyone who thinks I'm shy and quiet now, needed to know the teenage me. I was painfully and undoubtedly an introvert. I had trouble speaking to people I knew, never mind people I had never met. That afternoon had to be one of the longest afternoons in history and in the end, I felt like such a failure as I never found the boldness to approach one person.

In Romans, Paul tells us that God has given us the privilege to tell what God has done to bring salvation so that others can believe, come to know Him and walk in obedience, but do we really see this gift as a privilege? A privilege is a special benefit or opportunity, but I'll be honest, the fear I felt on that day only filled my heart with dread, not delight.

I think often times we miss the privilege because we make sharing the Good News into a formal formula instead of letting it flow from doing life with others. My mom was the perfect example of someone who lived lifestyle evangelism. Instead of seeing sharing the gospel as an event, set for a specific time, it was always and simply who she was and what she did. In my eyes, she never missed an opportunity to bring glory to His name as she naturally brought the Lord into every conversation.

One of my favourite examples was an afternoon I was enjoying coffee with mom in the café area at the nursing home where she was a resident. At one point she left our table to speak to the gal at the front desk and when she did the lady sitting at the table adjacent to us leaned over and inquired, "Is that your mother?" When I responded "yes", she then began to tell me how she often notices my mom when she's visiting her family member and commented on how beautifully my mother always appeared. When mom returned, I shared with her the kind comments that had been spoken. My mom immediately turned her chair around and thanked this woman saying, "My daughter told me the sweet words you shared with her, but if you see anything beautiful about me it's because I pray every morning that the beauty of Jesus will be seen in me. What you are really seeing is the beauty of Jesus." As I instantly thought, "Oh boy, guess that will end the discussion quickly", this lady turned her chair around, asking if she could join us as she'd love to hear more. Minutes later mom was sending me off to our church to bring back free tickets to an upcoming worship presentation this new friend now desired to attend. That was my mom. She never hesitated to share about her Lord. 

Mom knew the pardon she had received from her Saviour, and the privilege it is to share the truth of the gospel. Enthusiasm and joy should fuel our evangelism when Christ abides in us. We may need to reframe and shift our mindset, removing the pressure of a perfect presentation and instead pointing to a perfect Person, embracing the incredible privilege of partnering with the Lord in sharing the greatest message ever told!

Handfuls of Purpose

"And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not." Ruth 2:16 (KJV)

I still remember the first time I noticed this verse. Years ago, while working on a Bible study entitled, "Ruth - loss, love and legacy" by Kelly Minter, I came across the phrase "handfuls of purpose". Immediately it grabbed my attention. The account of Ruth is one of unbearable loss, but through it all she is a woman of such integrity and commitment. After accompanying her mother-in-law back to Bethlehem, following he death of both their husbands, she just "happens" to find herself working in a field that belongs to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law Elimelech. Not only did Boaz instruct his workers to let Ruth gather grain among the sheaves, but they were actually told to pull out some heads of barley from the bundles and drop them intentionally for Ruth to pick up. 

"Handfuls of purpose". Something about that phrase resonates deeply in my heart. I love that! Such a beautiful word picture. Maybe it falls on my heart so deeply because I feel that I too have been the recipient of handful after handful of God's purposeful care for me.

What incredible favour. Ruth wasn't just gathering food from the fringes of the field, but from the very fingers of her kinsmen redeemer. Boaz foreshadowed the coming of our Redeemer, the One who calls us from the outskirts as outcasts and welcomes us, giving us "handfuls of purpose."

I read a commentary that expressed how "It is a picture of how God goes before each one of His toiling servants and lets fall 'handfuls of purpose' - some tokens of His goodness, some special encouragement, some evidence of His care, that serves to keep us moving forward and keep our hearts bent on the divine task. Has there not been a time in your life when, overcome with the weight and burden of the day, you were about ready to give up the task God had given you, and suddenly He let fall some 'handful of purpose'? Have you not experienced such a moment of divine encouragement? Perhaps it was a word in a sermon, a word from Scripture which was quickened by the Spirit to your heart, or perhaps a line in a devotional commentary. How gracious and loving is our Lord." (Selwyn Hughes)

How has God graced you with His "handfuls of purpose"? Maybe you've been about to quit, or sadness is so overwhelming you don't think you can fake another smile. Have you felt forgotten and alone, and then suddenly and unexpectedly something or someone blesses you in a way that words can't even describe and you know God sees and knows? At that moment, in your heart, everything changes. 

Just recently God timed my favourite hymn, "How Great Thou Art", as the closing offering of worship for our church service. Circumstances were weighing heavy and I was weary. As soon as the opening chords began to play, I knew, and with tears in my eyes I thanked the Lord for this gift to my soul. Not only did it bless my heart, but reminded me of His greatness in the midst of my struggle. "Handfuls of purpose." Or the message that arrived surprisingly that had me crying as friends offered their loving help to fulfill a desire of mine while my husband recovers from heart surgery. "Handfuls of purpose." Or the dear one who sent me an audio recording of the gift her son created just for her, but the timing of its arrival and its words speak to me more than she will ever know. "Handfuls of purpose." God uses the hands of others often to deliver His handfuls of purpose.

Today I encourage you to look for ways that God is intentionally scattering handfuls of purpose to encourage your heart. Receive His bounty and give Him thanks.

 

A Call to Speak Up

"Think about it! What are we going to do? Who's going to speak up?" Judges 19:30b

I think Judges 19 holds one of the most horrific crimes in scripture. In fact, it is so heinous that one commentator on this passage, F. B. Meyer, has actually recommended not reading it. He suggests reading the first verse alone: "It will be sufficient to ponder these words, which occur four times in the book, without reading further in this terrible chapter, which shows the depth of the depravity to which many sink apart from the grace of God."

Finding no hospitality in Gibeah as a Levite and his concubine travel home, they are forced to spend their night in the open square. Eventually, an old man from Ephraim sees the couple and invites them to stay at his home. While enjoying fellowship together, troublemakers come and surround the house, demanding the Levite come out so that these perverted men can "know him carnally". (NKJV)

After begging the men of Gibeah to leave and stop behaving so wickedly, all participants in this unfolding drama become guilty, except the concubine herself, who was then abused all night. In the morning, the Levite, discovering her deceased, cuts her body into twelve pieces and distributes the portions to the twelve tribes of Israel. "Everyone who saw it said, 'Such a horrible crime has not been committed in all the time since Israel left Egypt. Think about it! What are we going to do? Who's going to speak up?'"

How do we respond to injustice? What can we do in the face of such atrocity? We wonder why such a gruesome depiction is included in scripture, yet it vividly highlights how far the people have fallen having no king and "all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." (Judges 17:6)

We cannot disregard or tolerate evil. As the key verse from Judges 19 encourages, we need to consider it, discuss what action should result, and speak up. Warren Wiersbe writes, "When spiritual leaders fail to obey God and set godly examples, the church and the community suffer and ultimately the whole nation decays." Godly influencers need to take a stand.

The moral state of our world today is sadly no different. Allowing conscience to be a guide, instead of God, evil actions are the result. Impurity replaces personal holiness. The ruin of our day reflects those of these ancient people. We should respond in righteous indignation. 

One of the greatest problems we face is best described in this quote by Blaise Pascal, "Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it." A growing population participate in such lewd behaviour without even recognizing it as sin. Fear of the evil surrounding us can't silence us. We actually strive against God when we neglect to speak up. This is not a call to convoys, but to conversations. We can't respond to injustice with indifference but Spirit-led involvement, and our initial interaction needs to be on our knees before God in prayer, asking Him to intervene. In whatever way we are then guided to address the issues, we need to remember we are Christ's ambassadors and do so in a way that is still pleasing and honouring to His name.

Our voice against injustice will most likely be met with accusations of being judgmental. The world wants tolerance in all things, but God wants loving confrontation in truth. The boldness to do this won't come from self, but in the Spirit's empowering and enabling. Lasting encouragement is found in knowing that one day God will finally destroy all works of wickedness. Until that time, seek His guidance in the 'how' and 'when', remaining a willing instrument to always share the gospel truth for His glory.

Not My Concern

"...I don't concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp." Psalm 131:1b

In 2020, around the start of the Covid pandemic, my family physician retired. She had become a grandma and her desire was to devote more time to her growing family. She interviewed many doctors for her replacement, and the young man she prayerfully chose has been overseeing the health of our family for the past four years. 

I had initiated a visit last summer because of something that was concerning me, and after the exam he just looked at me and honestly said, "I hear what you're saying, but I really don't know." He then proceeded to have the receptionist make an appointment for me to see a specialist in this specific field of health.

Some of you reading this might think that was terrible. Many could accuse him of not being able to fill this role. I on the other hand was thrilled! I loved his forthright admittance that this was beyond his current knowledge, and instead of making a guess or prescribing a medication just to "save face", he humbly acknowledged he was uncertain of the diagnosis. In fairness, as I waited to get in to see the specialist, my doctor did call me, initiating a return visit a couple of weeks later, desiring to follow-up and find out if anything had changed. He had also been doing further research on his own, and talked to me about the findings he had discovered. I was impressed. He hadn't dismissed my concerns. He was teachable and willing to learn. He was honest with his ability and knowledge. Have I mentioned yet how much I love this guy!!!

The visit to the doctor who specialized in this area of health knew immediately what I was experiencing and she asked me, "Your doctor is quite young, isn't he?" When I answered in the affirmative, she was so gracious in her reply. She assured me that everything was quite normal and said, "He will learn, he probably just hasn't seen this before."

So often in an effort to appear well informed, we involve ourselves in matters we should avoid. At very least, remaining silent or pointing the person to someone who is knowledgeable in the particular field, would be more beneficial. I will be the first to admit there are things far beyond my understanding and control. Entering into conversations about things I may never comprehend this side of heaven is futile. Polite discussions can ensue, but I will most likely never be able to reason questions of pain and suffering...why a child can be kidnapped or murdered...senseless shootings...abuse...planes hitting towers...famines...wars...things "too great" and "too difficult" for me. (NASB)

Sometimes, like my new doctor, the most truthful reply I can voice is, I don't know why this has happened, but I'm so very sorry. Beth Moore writes, "The primary reason we are sometimes at a loss for words is that we should be at a loss for words." I know in these circumstances I often initially express bewilderment and confusion. I allow myself to grieve and cry, and in time I rouse my spirit to begin claiming truth and quoting promises. I remember that even in all my questions, God is faithful, compassionate, gracious, rich in mercy, forgiving and loving.

Lord, protect me from the pain that questioning Your ways can bring. Keep me focused on Your absolute truths, and the promises in Your Word. Help my faith to stand when I'm lacking answers.

I'll close with a quote from an eleventh-century English monk, who in considering the unanswered questions we face, wrote: "I do not seek, O Lord, to penetrate Thy depths. I by no means think my intellect equal to them; but I long to understand in some degree Thy truth, which my heart believes and loves. For I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe, that I may understand." 

Both quotes from "Stepping Up, A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent" by Beth Moore; LifeWay Press, Copyright 2007

Messy Middles

"Then Samson prayed to the LORD, 'Sovereign LORD, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time..." Judges 16:28a

I watched a funeral service about a month ago. The niece of the deceased was sharing about her uncle. She described his life this way: "My uncle's story reminds me very much of Samson's story, in that it starts strong, and it ends strong, but it was the middle part that got kinda messy. Fortunately for us, Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith never leaves a story unwritten or a work unfinished. As His word tells us in Philippians, 'He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.'...My uncle Bob's story, so much like Samson, started well and ended well and the middle was only messy because, like Samson, he had determined to trust in his own strength. But the difference between a story of tragedy and a story of victory is the ending. My uncle's story is a story of victory and what a comfort it is to know that this very day he is breathing in the very perfection he longed for all his life, the peace of Christ's flawlessly finished work. Thanks be to God, for He is good."

Messy middles. We maybe all can relate in some form or fashion. Yes, Samson's story starts well, and ends well, but the middle is messy indeed. There is no doubt that Samson was chosen by God and used greatly by Him, but his life was filled with sinful choices. Even though deceived by sin, he wasn't disqualified from usefulness, and despite the wrong decisions he made, God used Samson.

In Judges 16 we see a man who failed to guard his heart. Falling in love with a prostitute, the strongest man in the world grows weak under the influence of a woman. As Delilah lures him, eventually lulling him to sleep with his head on her lap, a man comes in to shave off his hair, the symbol of his strength. Satan no doubt had a hand in the sound slumber. In reality, it wasn't Samson's hair that made him strong, but it represented the vow he had made and God's favour on him.

What follows is a sad result of Samson's sin. Following this entrapment with Delilah, the Philistines gouge out his eyes, the very eyes that led him astray, ensuring he will never see another woman again. In her book, "Fractured Faith, Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction", author Lina Abujamra shares this memorable thought: "Samson's only visual memories were his mistakes and his regrets...It was only when Samson lost his eyes that he finally got his vision back."

Lina continues: "Somewhere in the pit he came to find out that even in our darkest spaces, God's presence is still right there. On that day Samson's only hope was that the same God who had called him and loved him in his youth still loved him in his brokenness. So he hedged his bets on God and he prayed...Samson's life shows us that it's not the strength of our repentance that earns us our forgiveness but the goodness of our God. Samson never lived a day past his repentance, yet his name made it into the list of men who lived by faith in Hebrews 11."

Although Samson's hair grew back and God strengthened him for one final act of victory, his life ends tragically, such great potential wasted. Regardless of his messy middle, God never abandoned him and Samson did indeed die being used by God to conquer the Philistines. Scripture tells us that "he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime." (Judges 16:30)

It's true, our lives can have messy middles. There is never a time to think we are able to handle life in our strength. For Samson, prayer was the turning point, and it can be our returning as well. Praise the Lord, for Samson and "uncle Bob" the middle wasn't the end. There was more to their stories. Our lives can end victoriously too!

Memories of "Uncle Bob" shared by Jennifer Hayes.

Quote: "Fractured Faith, Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction" by Lina Abujamra, Page 66, Moody Publishers, Copyright 2021

Replacing "IF" with "WHEN"

"...When Your words come true..." Judges 13:12a

Recently I read an article with suggestions for parents of young children. To avoid some of the battles that can develop, the author was encouraging replacing the word "if" in any vocabulary with "when". For example, instead of saying "If you eat your supper we will go to the park", change the statement to "When you eat your supper we will go to the park." Switching up that one word not only eliminates the idea that eating supper is optional, but gives a positive affirmation of expectation. There is an assumption that the supper will be eaten and a time of fun outside will follow.

As I read Manoah's response to the angel of God who prophesied about his son Samson yet to be born, the word "when" caught my attention. Manoah doesn't say "if" Your words come true, but "when". He fully believed that what had been spoken would happen. How confident are we in the word of God? If God speaks it, do we believe it?

Just yesterday I listened to an interview with Helen Smallbone, her daughter Rebecca St. James and her daughter-in-law Moriah, three of the ladies involved in the movie currently in the theatres, "Unsung Hero". Helen was asked by the interviewer Annie Downs to share a little about her prayer life. She shared that as a child she had watched her father, a Methodist preacher, pray for miraculous healing on behalf of others. She questioned how he could pray for healing, asking "Is God really going to answer your prayer?" Her father's response was significant to her. He said, "I'm not responsible for how God answers that prayer, I'm responsible for praying."

Helen was then asked, "Were you ever worried that the Lord wasn't going to answer, and this was in front of your children, and their faith was at risk here?" She replied by saying, "I actually don't think I was. As Christians we have to stand on the word of God, and He says, 'I will provide your needs', 'I will look after you.' It's a promise, so the only question I would go back to then, 'Are we where God needs us to be? Are we following Him? And if my answer is 'yes', then there's a trust element that He has promised He will look after us, He has promised He will provide for us, He has promised He knows what our needs are...for me if I know I am where God wants me to be, there's no better place."

Helen unshakably expressed no "if's" that God would provide as He says, only a knowing that He would keep His word. Our role is to be obedient to pray, releasing the prayer to God and believing He will act in His time and in His way. God's word is filled with promises and many of us need to start believing that they are more than possible suggestions. When God speaks, the outcome is guaranteed. 

As Samson's parents confidently believed all the angel of God spoke to them concerning their son, we must have faith that all of scripture is true and then live in the assurance, not of "if", but "when". I think it is more than young parents who need to remove the word "if" from their speech. "When" is a word of belief. Let's start speaking it more often and live with the exuberant hope in the One who never fails.

To see the full interview with the Smallbone family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCqLOUVyFOA 

Accused, Used and Abused

"But Jephthah said to them, 'Aren't you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father's house? Why do you come to me now when you're in trouble?' 'Because we need you,' the elders replied..." Judges 11:7-8a

When I was in High School, there was a girl who lived down the street whom my twin sister Japhia and I would 'call on' every day as we passed her house. We walked to school together for years, yet it was always the same. As soon as we reached the corner of the school property she would say, "Bye twins" and hurry away. I guess you'd have to say that my sister and I were 'nerds' or 'geeks' in those days (although I'm doubtful that has changed over the years), and although she seemed to enjoy our company over the mile that we walked daily, she did not want her peers to see her with us.

At noon hour each day my dad would come and drive us home during his lunch break. Again this "friend" would suddenly appear and hurry to our car, hoping no-one saw her with us in the school parking lot, yet still appreciating the free ride home. Basically, we were being "used" because of the transportation we provided, especially on extremely cold or rainy days. Not acknowledged in the halls of the school, but teased and ridiculed by this same gal when she was with her other friends, my sister and I experienced the hurt and pain of being taken advantage of, often accused, daily used and our relationship abused.

In Judges 11, Jephthat, being a son of a prostitute, was chased off the land by his half-brothers. Yet, because he was a mighty warrior, in their time of need, when being attacked by the Ammonites, they suddenly desire his friendship and his fighting prowess.

Jephthat asks, "Why do you come to me now when you're in trouble?" They reply, "Because we need you."

It's hard when friendships are based on need and not want. When someone comes to you because you have something that will fulfill their desire without any intention of anything more. They aren't really interested in developing a relationship, but they see you as a means to an end. Maybe you've experienced being either 'used' or even the 'use-ee'. Neither is good. But, it gets me wondering.

Do I sometimes treat the Lord similarly? Do I ever go days without acknowledging His presence in my life? As He is walking beside me, do I ever ignore His nearness or run quickly away when something momentarily appears more enticing? Are there times when I hurry from Him or neglect to mention His name, being ashamed or embarrassed? Do I live my life with God-forgetfulness until I'm suddenly in a crisis? Calling out to Him from a place of need, does He ever question, "Why do you come to Me now when you're in trouble?" I answer the same way as the elders, "Because I need You."

Lord, I can do nothing on my own. I need You every hour...EVERY hour, minute, second... Father, help me not to cast You aside or think I can make it on my own. In bad times and good times, I desperately need Your presence in my life. May my own self-confidence and pride never blind my eyes to my need for You. You are my love, my life, my all. Give me courage to boldly proclaim that I am not only Your friend, but Your child. Thank You that even when my actions speak of neglect, You always keep me in Your view. You never refuse my advances towards You even if time has lapsed. Waiting patiently for my return, You welcome me back and love me unconditionally. I am the apple of Your eye, precious and honoured in Your sight.

Needing You always.

Vain Labour

"Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good." Psalm 127:1

Do we really understand that everything and anything we do is only ever accomplished because of the gracious hand of God on us? We labour in vain when we think we can succeed in any endeavour without the Lord. How prideful it is for us to accept praise for our achievements. Yes, we may have studied and worked hard. I'm not denying that we have a part to play, but who brings the knowledge to our mind or gives the skills or vision for the task? We need to always humbly respond to admiration and applause by also acknowledging the Giver of our gifts and abilities.

In Judges 7 we see a perfect example of God protecting Gideon and his men from becoming proud in their own strength. Gideon is assembling an army to defeat the Midianites. He gathers all his warriors then the LORD speaks to Gideon and says, "You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to Me that they saved themselves by their own strength. Therefore, tell the people, 'Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.' So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight. But the LORD told Gideon, 'There are still too many!'" The LORD gives direction on how to separate the warriors again, until only 300 men remain. "The LORD told Gideon, 'With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.'"

Bigger is not always better. Sometimes the Lord has to remove our safety net. We can plan and prepare for anything in such a way that the outcome of victory results in missing seeing God. At times He has to strip away all other trusts so that He is evidenced and experienced. The Midianite infantry numbered 135,000 so even if all of Gideon's men had joined the battle, the Midian men outnumbered them by over 100,000, yet God didn't want them to miss this opportunity of seeing His power at work. In the end it was only 300 men who were given success over an army numbering 450 times their size! Keeping the other 31,700 would have actually hindered their victory and been a detriment to Gideon. Any doubt now who enabled them to triumph?

When will we finally understand it is never about us and our abilities? Psalm 75 tells us that God raises whom He will. In Ecclesiastes 9 we read how the results of a race are not always to the swift or the battle to the strong. It is God's participation in every activity of our lives that determines the outcome. Now, that does not give us permission to sit back and do nothing. In thankfulness and love for the Lord, we are told to always give our best, doing each thing that our hand finds to do with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). We honour God when we give our best, and in turn He often blesses our efforts, but the outcome is always up to Him. He has purpose in every deemed "failure" and in every "win".

I think it is safe to assume that not one of us desires our work to be in vain, but if God is not involved in what we are doing, it is meaningless. Let's commit the tasks before us to the Lord. We don't want our lives to be futile, but fruitful. It is only God who causes all things to grow. May we not expend our energy on worthless pursuits, but invite the Lord into every area of our life, trusting Him to determine the outcome for His greatest glory!

"You Will Not Die"

"'It is all right,' the LORD replied. 'Do not be afraid. You will not die.'" Judges 6:23

Judges 6 is one of my favourite chapters in Scripture. In 2011 the Lord used the above verse so powerfully in my life. Can I tell you a story?

Following a year of back-and-forth visits to my family Doctor because of tests that revealed what was thought to be a "simple cyst", finally a decision was made that I needed to see a specialist as the growth of this mass had increased enough to warrant more concern. This specialist connected me with a surgeon who in turn wanted me to see an oncologist. 

To make a long story short, the outcome was that I would have pretty extensive surgery to remove this tumor. Very early on the morning of the operation my husband and I headed to the hospital out of town. It was shortly after 3am, and as my husband drove, my cell phone began to ring. My twin sister Japhia had awakened early to spend time with the Lord and pray for me. Her early morning Bible reading had deeply spoken to her heart, and she felt it was a word of encouragement she needed to share with me.

Before I share the rest of the story, you need to know one thing. I was more afraid of dying on the operating table than I was to hear the word "cancer". It wasn't that I was uncertain as to where I would spend eternity if I died, but years prior my family and I had walked a difficult road with my dad because of a hospital error and I was frightened something similar could happen to me. No one but God knew that I was harbouring this fear. Now, back to my sister's phone call.

Japhia excitedly began to encourage me with her reading from the Book of Judges. That morning, instead of asking God to speak to her heart, she had prayed that He would give her a Word for me. She began reading to me over the phone from Judges 6. As I listened to the verses she was sharing, suddenly I heard, "'It is all right', the LORD replied. 'Do not be afraid. You will not die.'" 

As my sister continued reading, I interrupted her. "What did you say?" I inquired. She read verse 23 again and then chuckled, "Well, I didn't think you were going to die."

I cannot tell you the peace that flooded my heart at that moment. God didn't guarantee that I wouldn't hear a cancer diagnosis. He didn't promise that I wouldn't have to go through chemotherapy treatments. He didn't spare me from losing my hair. He promised me everything would eventually be alright and I would not die. He spoke the assurance of life to my heart. That was the very word I needed to move forward in truth for the journey ahead.

I later discovered that this verse that meant so much to me wasn't the verse my sister had called to share. What had excited her heart that morning was a few verses earlier. In response to the sign Gideon requested, scripture tells us the angel of the LORD "consumed all" (vs 21). My sister was confident that God would "consume all" my cancer, and although my original diagnosis of stage 3, grade 3 ovarian cancer had a bleak prognosis, I have experienced that truth now for 13 years! Praising the Lord for how specifically He speaks into our lives, calming our hearts and providing all we need.