Stressing or Resting

"As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in Your commands." Psalm 119:143

Last week I had a full schedule. I guess it goes with the season. Groups are hosting holiday gatherings earlier to avoid too many commitments crowding in closer to Christmas. I'm not blaming others, as I hosted two myself...on the same day! When these celebrations are added on to days already busy, we can feel pressure and stress bearing down on us. For more years than I want to recall, at some point between Christmas and New Year's Day I found myself sitting in the Emergency waiting room. With anxiety causing symptoms that made me even more nervous, I would need the reassurance from a doctor that physically I was going to be fine. Now my stress seems to manifest itself in the form of a migraine headache after the string of demands passes and the tension I was hiding is released.

The Psalmist gives us wisdom on how to handle the inevitable pressures that we will all experience at times. It has been said that the Bible is the first book ever written on stress management, yet how many of us go to it when the weight of the world bears down on us? Most often, our thoughts spiral out of control with all that needs to be accomplished and we feed the anxiety with swirling chatter in our heads. Psalm 106:14 describes this so perfectly: "In the wilderness their desires ran wild, testing God's patience in that dry wasteland." It is in the wilderness and wasteland of circumstances overwhelming us where our desires run wild, multiplying in our imaginations, and we no doubt do test God's patience, being consumed with all our faithless striving and worrying.

Do we realize that the main cause of stress is distrust? We place the preparation, plans and end product on ourselves, forgetting that God, unlike others who may have let us down in the past, is completely reliable and He will provide the strength to see things to completion. As demands begin to dictate our emotions, we must determine to relinquish control to the Lord. There is nothing more positively counteractive to our pressures than the power of quiet surrender to God. It is a beautiful posture of humility and submission.

Scripture can turn pressure to praise. God's Word can lift our spirits when we are feeling crushed by expectations and "to-do" lists. Time sitting with the Lord, the very time we feel we cannot afford to give, will refocus our hearts to the Source of our joy. Our stress is not only stabilized, it shifts and lifts as God strengthens, sustains and supplies for all our needs. Add to this a chorus of worship. Singing can be a great release, especially when we raise our songs out loud, increasing the volume to drown out the voices wearying our souls.

To the scoffers, doubters and naysayers who say this response is too simple a solution, only adding more fuel to the flames by the guilt if the burden lingers, I want to validate this struggle. I myself grew up knowing these biblical truths, memorizing and reciting the ancient words, yet feeling like a failure every time stress surfaced. I understand the battle, but God will use it to draw us closer to Him. God invites us to intimacy with Him in the middle of our chaos, and in His very presence there is fulness of joy, Psalm 16:11.

God's power is released through His promises and His peace is realized through His presence. If pressure and stress are bearing down on us right now, as long as we are leaning on the Lord and spending time in His word, we must trust His grace to accomplish what we cannot do on our own and find joy in every message God speaks to our hearts. William James writes, "The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." Wise advice, but if that chosen thought is not from scripture, we will start racing toward another rabbit hole. We can only know true joy, and rest from stress, in God alone.

"Jesus I am resting, resting, in the joy of what Thou art;

I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart."

*Hymn: "Jesus I Am Resting, Resting"; lyrics - Jean Sophia Pigott; music - James Mountain; copyright 1876

"Let Me..."

"Let us..." Hebrews 10:22-24; 12:1-2, 28; 13:13, 15

Did you know, that of the 15 "Let us" exhortations in Hebrews, 9 of them are found in the final chapters? They emphasize the key themes in Hebrews by way of our application. I thought it might be interesting to look at these exhortations and embrace these invitations.

"Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it." Hebrews 4:1 (NIV)

"So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall." Hebrews 4:11

"So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe." Hebrews 4:14

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16

"So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again..." Hebrews 6:1a

"Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding..." Hebrews 6:1b

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up." Hebrews 12:1a

"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1b

"Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe." Hebrews 12:28

"So let us go out to Him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace He bore." Hebrews 13:13

"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name." Hebrews 13:15

Each "let us" statement needs to be reflected upon to become a "let me" response of obedience.

A Better Hope

"For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God." Hebrews 7:19

Hopes. They can vary in degree and intensity. We might hope to purchase a new home, car, pair of shoes or cup of coffee. Maybe our hopes are in getting married or becoming a parent or grandparent. We can have hope of advancement and finding favour in the workplace. We can have hopes about learning new things, gaining knowledge, achieving greatness. We might also hope to become more disciplined at exercise, diet, or refraining from gossip. Maybe our hope is to travel, or to finally find time to stay home. Hopes can be realistic or unrealistic. They can encourage and frustrate. A worldly hope is like my grandson's "maybe" as we sit watching and waiting to see if the Zamboni will drive out and clear the ice. We hope it will, but we just don't know.

What is hope? The world views hope as an expectation of something that might happen. It is a feeling of wishfulness and desire that may or may not result in fulfillment. Skeptics often view hope as an aloof illusion that leaves us empty when unsatisfied. Often it is held with caution for fear of placing our hopes too high and then being disappointed when the anticipated outcome does not materialize.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that as believers we have confidence in a better hope. This hope is an absolute certainty and will result in obtaining the desired outcome. The word "better" implies a comparison, so what is this hope better than, and how is it different?

The Old Covenant had offered hope, but it was partial and could only go so far. With Jesus as our hope in the New Covenant, He is perfect. The New Testament hope is rooted in the priesthood of Christ. The previous Levitical priests, although ministering in obedience to God's law, were limited in their role. The Son of God came, "With His own blood - not the blood of goats and calves - He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever." (Hebrews 9:12) It is through the blood of Jesus that this hope became better. Christ is the provider and pathway to better. 

Blood is something we hesitate to talk about. Just reading the word can make some squeamish. We do not naturally associate blood with purification, but Hebrews 9 explains, "even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal". After Moses sprinkled the book of God's law and all the people with the blood of goats and calves he said, "This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you." Scripture goes on to tell us, "In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." (See Hebrews 9:18-22)

Because of the blood of Jesus we have both purification and confirmation of this better hope. No longer does a Levitical priest have to intercede with sacrifices repeatedly on our behalf, but with this better hope we have a permanent High Priest who saves to the uttermost those who come to Him and He intercedes to His Father continually on behalf of those who draw near. (Hebrews 7:25) Without this intercession of Christ, we would have no hope. Without drawing near we have no intercession. 

A better hope is not just a possibility, it is the fulfillment of a promise, and His name is Jesus.

Blessed Assurance

"For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened - those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and power of the age to come - and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing Him to the cross once again and holding Him up to public shame." Hebrews 6:4-6

I am not one to shy away from difficult texts in Scripture. This is probably one of the most debated passages in the pages of God's Word. I am not saying I have the answer, but if I'm pondering its meaning, then I have to assume you, as the reader, have struggled with understanding it too. So, lets strive together, maybe not for a complete grasp but with the gentle help of the Holy Spirit, at least a contented hold and acceptance of these verses.

At the onset I will state with assurance, that these verses are not saying we can lose our salvation. We always have to look at Scripture as a whole. God's Word never contradicts itself. Although there are times it appears to our finite minds that we are seeing disagreements in text, we are just looking at too sides of the same coin, a coin that is sometimes a foreign currency to us, but its value has remained unchanged.

John 10:27-29 tells us, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me, for My Father has given them to Me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand." Take a deep breath. If you are truly saved, you are forever saved. Held by the Father's hand, nothing and no one can take you out of His grip of grace.

In Romans 8, Paul writes that nothing can separate us from Christ, no powers above or below, nothing in all of creation has the power to take away our salvation once we have truly understood our need for a Saviour, the sacrifice He made on the cross, acknowledged our sin, confessed and repented, believed and received. So, what will we do with the verses in Hebrews?

For myself personally, one of the first things I bring to mind is that I am not God. I will never understand perfectly all He has written. Romans 11 echoes these sentiments when Paul asks, "For who can know the Lord's thoughts?" If we were able to discern every word in the Bible, we would be God. That does not mean we do not study scripture. 2 Timothy inspires us to be good students of the Word of God, and Proverbs is packed with encouragement to gain wisdom and seek knowledge, so that, as David writes in the Psalms, God's Word will guide and direct us through every area of life. However, we cannot get caught up in disputes that will land us no-where, and even possibly, through misunderstanding or misinterpretation, weaken instead of strengthen our faith.

Biblical scholars who have examined and applied exegesis to this text have drawn conclusions in two camps. One, either the person has tasted truth but not truly been saved, or the writer has set up a hypothetical situation, presenting a premise that could never happen. What is being described becomes logically absurd, making the every idea of Christ-followers losing their salvation completely out of the question.

The main take-away from this passage is not to have a false sense of security. There is a state of heart that makes salvation impossible, but we can know that we know that we know we are saved. When a person has experienced the blood of Christ being washed over their lives for the forgiveness of sins, they see the fruit of that cleansing and transformation. If God truly is our everything, He will not let us go.

Be assured of the hope found in the mercy and justice of God.

For those desiring to understand deeper: https://www.calvary.on.ca/sermon/opportunity-knocks-for-awhile/

Saving The Best For Last

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world." Hebrews 1:1-2

Being last is not usually viewed as anything remotely close to spectacular. Most people don't like last place. Very few people in last position feel they have anything worthwhile to celebrate. Standing at the end of a give-away prize line, we wonder if anything of value will be remaining when we finally make it to the front. The word "last" often carries feelings of defeat, rejection, loneliness and abandonment. "Last" is a forgotten placement.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that it is in the "last days" when God began speaking to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Previously God had spoken many times in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets, but now in these final days God speaks through His Son. The last days encompass all the time from Christ's arrival until His return. Doesn't "last" suddenly sound more thrilling! It is those of us who have been gifted life during these "last days" that have had the wonderful opportunity of hearing God's Son speak to us.

When we think of the variety of ways God speaks through Scripture, He employs so many means to deliver His message. To Moses He used a burning bush. To Balaam it was a donkey. To Elijah it was a still small voice. Isaiah saw visions while Daniel and Joseph had dreams. The Speaker and Script-writer never changed, but His methods for delivery were vast. Although He can still use anyone and anything to convey His word today, God saved the best for last, yet so often we yearn for a donkey or a dream, missing the miraculous right before our eyes.

God speaks to us through His Son, who is the very Word of God. As David Guzik writes, "He is the message", and as Scripture tells us, He "expresses the very character of God." Sadly, our Bibles are too often regarded as just another book. God's voice is shouting through pages as Christ, through the power of His Spirit, speaks life and hope, giving direction, His Word alive and active because He arose and is living, yet we fail to comprehend what we have while foolishly seeking something more. God's Son is the superior revealer of truth, to whom we have access continually, and still, we long for lesser deliverers. When the Son speaks, we hear the very voice of God.

Like the wedding at Cana, God surprised everyone with the best wine last. Without Jesus, the heart of the message was missing and absolutely nothing can take His place. He may have arrived "last" but He fully completes and fills the gap of all that we lack. As He speaks, He exposes weaknesses and unbelief, reveals new truth, discerns spiritual health, and demonstrates power, sharpness and accuracy. When we hear, obey and apply God's Word we give evidence of listening.

Justin Peters has said, "If you want to hear from God, read your Bible. If you want to hear Him audibly, read it out loud." Yes, God continues to speak through His Son and will do so until we see Him face to face. The Best is yet to come!

Quieting Your Soul

"Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me." Psalm 116:7

The approaching Christmas season is one of the greatest competitors to finding any type of rest. With so many added activities and things to accomplish before the "big day", what should be the most wonderful time of the year becomes the most stressful time of the year. So, before we flip the calendar over to the month of December, I thought I would address this often-elusive soul rest.

I don't believe soul rest means sitting still, although it certainly can include physical relaxation. We can be pretty good at leisure, but we are terrible at resting. Soul rest is more a reprieve from inner striving, even while working, confident in the Lord's care and love. We can place so many unrealistic demands on ourselves that our souls become overwhelmed. The constant chatter in our minds and hearts are "making a list and checking it twice" and then adding to it, requiring not only more, but more with perfection. 

Only two days ago I opened an online devotional I receive daily entitled, "Soul Rest". They key verse from Jeremiah 31 stated, "When Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you."

The author wrote, "Finding true rest isn't easy for me. Maybe you can relate. My mind races with too many burdens, responsibilities, and unfulfilled dreams. Even when I try to slow down - reading my Bible or spending time in prayer - I often find myself still weighed down by the noise of life. My soul longs for rest, but sometimes it feels just out of reach." (Lina Abujamra)

Taking a deeper look at the verses from both the Psalms and Jeremiah we see that God says that rest can be found in remembering the goodness and love of God. Psalm 94:19 also reminds us, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul." In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus extends an invitation to His children to come to Him to find rest for our souls. We will never experience soul rest without Christ. David writes in Psalm 62:5, "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."

Overpacked lives and crammed schedules deplete our souls, rushing us forward into a frenzy of activity. We might remark, "life is just crazy right now", but our "right now" has lasted for weeks and our heart cannot settle. A feeling of anxiousness has attached itself to our every moment and we struggle with restlessness. We long for just a moment of peace, yet soul rest can be a lifestyle, not just an occasional, fleeting reprieve. 

The prophet Jeremiah addressed this soul rest as well when he wrote in Jeremiah 6:16, "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, "We will not walk in it.'" Soul rest is the rich reward of seeking, seeing and following the Lord in obedience.

Until we rest in God alone, our souls will be restless. Please Lord, let our souls be at rest again, for You have been good to us.

A Family and Home Blessing

"May the LORD richly bless both you and your children." Psalm 115:14

My eyes teared up as I read that verse today. This is the prayer of my heart for my sister and her family.

Yesterday I helped as three generations moved into the family home. Built by Grandpa Coulson Scott in 1956, renovations were made to welcome their son, his wife, and two precious grandchildren. Over the past months and weeks one of the things that has moved my heart beyond measure was to watch as the family of God came together to make this transformation happen. Although contractors were employed for structural and electrical changes, friends heard of needs and "just showed up", doing all the painting, installing floors, attending to the plumbing, washing windows, adding baseboards, raking leaves and filling every need.

The list of volunteers is endless. Like a "barn-raising" in pioneer days, friends just appeared and took care of every detail, including providing the most delicious lunch for over a dozen of us yesterday. A car drove up and a dear sister-in-Christ brought tray after tray into the kitchen for all the famished movers. We stood amidst boxes and furniture, not seeing the chaos, but relishing in the gift of love. Although there is nothing but thankfulness and pure delight as my sister and her husband have expanded their home to include additional family, the road was paved in sacrifice. Yet, as scripture promises, those who weep in tears, have a harvest of joy. Yesterday we saw that unbridled joy!

Today I pray a blessing over their lives. It is my longing that the Lord richly bless my sister and her husband, their children, and their children's children. All the packing up, giving away, and discarding to accommodate four more people into their home has not been easy, but I know the Lord is going to honour the steps of obedience taken.

I pray for all families today, that the Lord would be the foundation of each home. I pray for strong beams of trust, hope and forgiveness to rest on footings of love, so their lives will never be shaken. I pray that unkind words will not enter their dwelling place, but gratitude, gentleness and encouragement will be the language of each one.

Father, bless them with music and rejoicing. Let every "first" be a cause for celebration and may the song of life be embedded in the walls. May there be feasting, dancing, laughter and games! May Holy days be celebrated within. May the advent of our Lord be anticipated by sharing the sacred stories of His birth. May thankfulness be the theme of each moment and may You continually be glorified.

Lord, bless them with times of silence, peace and rest. May each one recognize the gift of quiet and embrace it. May the wisdom of the elders be respected and valued, and with the passing of time may the different generations find even greater joy in each other's presence.

God, please teach the children insight and perspective at the knees of those who have walked ahead of them. May they be inspired by wonderful stories and shared heritage and rich experience.

Let there be prayer in this home with both praise and supplication. May prayer be the first and natural impulse when there is need or plenty, accomplishment or failure, sickness or health, birth or death.

Of all the words uttered by each one abiding within, may Jesus be the sweetest name of all.

*Although not direct quotes, some thoughts taken from "Bless This House"' Gloria Gaither; copyright 1998

Shade Dwellers

"My people will again live under My shade..." Hosea 14:7a

When vacationing at Muskoka Bible Conference Center during the summer months, afternoons find our family down by the lake. We always head to the exact same location daily to set up our chairs. Although the beach is pretty open, we bypass it for a grassy area with a grove of trees. This area is closer to the marina, but the shelter of those trees provide shade from the blazing sun. I'm definitely more a shade than sun girl.

The wording of Hosea 14:7 caught my attention. "My people will again live under My shade." Living under the shade of God. Other translations use the words shadow or protection. There is no better shelter than the shade of the Lord.

An observation I have made about shade while resting in my lawn chair by the water is that closer is best. The nearer we are to the object providing the shade the more sheltered we will be. If I leave the covering of the branches and leaves, I am fully exposed to the heat of the day. The same is true with God. 

Think of rainy days. An umbrella only allows us to stay dry while we remain under its circumference. When we are protected by its perimeter, we do not get wet. Likewise with the Lord. If we make choices that take us out from under God's care, we become defenseless and vulnerable to unknown elements. 

Another analogy that is often used throughout scripture that depicts the same provision is being covered with His feathers and finding refuge under His wings (Psalm 91:4). How easy it is for our mind's eye to see a mother bird with her babies close, completely covered and surrounded by her love and care. The Hebrew word that describes this type of shelter means "secret place" or "hiding place", and although we have the invitation and promise of this hidden shade, it does not mean we will never encounter hardship, but that God is still preventing and protecting as we face the different difficulties that touch our lives.

Unlike the tree or umbrella that shield us temporarily, God desires that His children live, or reside in His shade continually. He is to be our dwelling place. We are called to remain with Him as He abides in us and we abide in Him.

May this precious old hymn be your prayer as you live and rest under God's shade today.

Under His wings I am safely abiding;                        Under His wings what a refuge in sorrow!

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,      How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;          Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.                  There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.

Under His wings - oh, what precious enjoyment!       Under His wings, under His wings,

There will I hide till life's trials are o'er;                     Who from His love can sever?

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;                 Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Resting in Jesus I'm safe evermore.                            Safely abide forever.

Hymn: Under His Wings; Lyrics - William Orcutt Cushing; Music - Ira David Sankey; copyright 1896

Harried or Happy Mother

"He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD." Psalm 113:9

I will never forget, years ago, when a dear friend highlighted this verse from Psalm 113 to me. Moira Brown, co-host of the daily, Christian television program, "100 Huntley Street", entered both marriage and motherhood later in life. She shared that although experience was on her side, energy was not. Trying to juggle work and toddlers was challenging, and eventually the Lord called Moira to full-time homemaking.

A "Google" search of the word "homemaking" reveals it is "the creation and management of a home, especially as a pleasant place in which to live." That definition is quite biblical when seen in partnership with today's key text. 

Moira admitted however, that the atmosphere in her home was far from pleasant or "happy". She used to describe the environment more as a "landing strip", where there was a lot of coming and going. Hectic, hurried activity marked each day. Even after becoming a stay-at-home mom to two preschoolers, there were always jobs to be accomplished and life was full. One day her darling daughter's plea awakened her to reality: "Mommy, do you want to come outside and watch us? You can bring your papers with you!"

The Psalmist writes that God can settle women in their homes as happy mothers of children. Moira is not alone in the struggles of motherhood. As thrilling and wonderful as it is to welcome new life into our families, it is tiring. Moira continues her story by sharing the following: "Pouring into two little people felt anything but natural and meaningful. Each weekday morning, Richard (husband), would enjoy every second with the two of them until the moment I dreaded, when he stood with his back against the front door, and announced, 'bye, bye'. Everything in me screamed 'NO!!!! DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!'"

One day her husband phoned home with a question from his co-workers. "The women want to know how you are enjoying being at home with the children." Moira responded, "It's pretty much maintenance!", to which her husband replied, "It's not maintenance, it's development."

Motherhood. Such a happy, yet exhausting role. Moms can be overwhelmed by all that must be accomplished and miss the joy of delighting in their children, feeling instead the weight of tasks that must be completed. We set our hopes on "nap-time" only to discover our little ones have very individual schedules. We plan an outing to the park and it rains. The playmates we had hoped to visit have to cancel because of runny noses. Ahead of us are hours to fill, and it is only 5am!

Earlier in the Psalms David writes, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." The key to being a "happy mother" instead of a harried one is a heart issue. Guilt, shame, inadequacy and a multitude of other emotions will attempt to stress, but God's word encourages us in Isaiah 40:11, "He gently leads those that have young." 

The Lord can impart a joy to our hearts as mothers. It is maybe better described as an inner restfulness or satisfaction of soul that roots its understanding in the truth that motherhood is a joy given by God. With conscious choice, the everyday-ness of motherhood can actually become exciting when the role is viewed as a tremendous gift. Reframing our minds to this incredible and noblest of callings brings the realization that the Lord has invited us to be part of "the creative majesty of life itself." (Linda Weber)

In moments of despair, doubt and discouragement, mothers can find delight, not just in the little people the Lord has entrusted to their care, but in a renewed, restored and revived purpose of shaping young lives for God's glory.

*Linda Weber quote; "Mom You're Incredible"; W Publishing Group; copyright 1994

Pressing On

"Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring." Hosea 6:3

Knowing God. As believers that is one of our greatest desires. We long to know the Lord. How can I say that with such confidence? Over fifty years ago a little book was published by J. I. Packer simply titled, "Knowing God", and it has been read by millions. According to Amazon book reviews, in continues to sell in tens of thousands to Christians around the world.

As I ponder the sale and wide-spread desire for a man-made product to help us understand the character of God, I am in no way dismissing its value, (I have at least one copy of this book on my shelf as well), but we must remember that it is only a tool for drawing us to God's word, the only place we will really deepen our relationship with Him.

Hosea encourages that we need to "press on to know Him". You see, some of us give up too soon. We need to continually be moving forward and persevering in seeking God. "Press on" suggests that there is something we are "pressing against", hindrances that I guarantee will rise in resistance as our desire to know the Lord increases.

Just last evening "my Bible study girls" and I were discussing what keeps us from spending more personal time with the Lord. Work, busyness, schedules, weariness, distractions, and lack of understanding are just a few of the "pressing againsts" that arise, pushing us out instead of pressing us in.

And, to be clear, this is not just about having a daily "quiet time". My friend Kimberly Henderson shared years ago that "Jesus doesn't just want to meet with us at our kitchen tables, only for us to go on about our days unaware of Him. We need Him ALL. DAY. LONG.....We are cheating ourselves if we live with a rhythm of just 'quiet timing' over continually abiding."

Think about how you get to know anyone and develop a deeper relationship. It is being together. It is intentionally seeking to discover who they are. You see, pressing on to know Him is not about head knowledge. It's about a deep friendship and intimacy with our Friend and Heavenly Father. I was sharing with "my girls" last night that what gets me out of bed, every morning, just after 5am to spend at very least the next couple of hours in God's Word and reflecting on what I've read, is the absolute joy of knowing Jesus. I know I do not do this perfectly, but the lyrics to an old chorus come to mind and echo the passion in my heart. May this be the prayer of all our hearts every day.

"All I once held dear, built my life upon, All this world reveres and wars to own, All I once thought gain I have counted loss, Spent and worthless now compared to this.

Now my heart's desire is to know You more, To be found in You and known as Yours, To possess by faith what I could not earn, All surpassing gift of righteousness.

Oh to know the power of Your risen life, And to know You in Your sufferings, To become like You in Your death, my Lord, So with You to live and never die.

Knowing You Jesus, knowing You, There is no greater thing, You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness. And I love You Lord."

Kimberly Henderson quote: Facebook post, August 12, 2020

Song quote: "Knowing You, Jesus"; Graham Kendrick; copyright 1993 Make Way Music

Even Though, Even Now, Ever There

"Then the LORD said to me, 'Go and love your wife again, even though she...." Hosea 3:1a

I've become a huge fan of "When Calls the Heart." Fortunately, since we do not subscribe to any specialty television channels, our local library carries the series in DVD and I am currently enjoying watching each episode. Last evening the program included the difficulties faced by newly married couple Leland (Lee) Coulter and his wife Rosemarie, or "Rosie" as he affectionately calls her. Although Rosemarie's heart is in the right place, she can be overbearing, insensitive and selfish. Lee was trying to teach her how to drive, and well, in her impatience she ends up almost crashing their newly purchased vehicle into the front of the local mercantile. When her husband addresses the event, in an act of stubborn defiance she moves out of their home to stay with her neighbour, Elizabeth.

Thankfully, it does not take long for her to come to her senses and admit the error of her ways, but throughout the 11 seasons thus far her husband's commitment to love, honour and cherish his wife, for better or for worse, is an ongoing, beautiful example of the covenant they made on their wedding day.

I know it is just a fictional story, but the wholesome, and often biblical applications are such an example for us. Many may see the portrayal of characters and situations as "old-fashioned", but they refresh and encourage my heart in their innocence and morality. The example of covenant love is depicted so clearly through the example of Lee and Rosemarie.

In Hosea, God's relationship with His people is portrayed as a marriage. God is the groom, and Israel, His bride. Israel is portrayed as an unfaithful "wife" through the marriage of the prophet Hosea to the prostitute Gomer. Hosea was instructed by God to experience this struggling relationship for all to see as an example, not only of Gomer and Israel's infidelity, but also our own personal disloyalty to God. The Lord desires genuine, intimate, heartfelt love, yet how prone we are to adultery as we chase after other affections.

Even with the fruit of Gomer's idolatry, bearing children outside of wedlock, God instructs Hosea to "go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the LORD still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them." The love Hosea is told to offer the prostitute is outside of the marriage bed (Hosea 3:3). 

Many reading this are likely married, so for just a moment I want to encourage you in your "even though" struggles. No one has the perfect spouse. There will be "driving lessons" that "almost crash" in all our relationships, but God calls us to "go and love again." This is evidenced in tender ways of expressing appreciation to one another, gentle touch, care, kind and honest compliments, respect, honesty, understanding, listening, acceptance, time, putting the others needs before our own. It could include baking their favourite dessert or making their favourite meal. Maybe it is surprising them with something as simple as the chocolate bar you know they enjoy.

Hosea was to go and love his wife again after all the times she had left the umbrella of his protection. It may seem like an unreasonable and impossible request considering all she had done, until we stop and think about the number of times we have abandoned our first love for lesser loves. As believers, God is to be our greatest passion and deepest desire. Through all our "even thoughs" God is "even now", ever there, never leaving or forsaking and always loving unconditionally. He is forever faithful despite times when His devotion to us is not reciprocated. Receive His love today and return to His open arms.

Empowering Touch and Talk

"Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. 'Don't be afraid,' he said, 'For you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!' As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, 'Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.'" Daniel 10:19

I cannot tell you the number of times someone has come to me with a word of encouragement that has strengthened me in a moment of weakness. Their timely offering of care and love has arrived when needed most and brought hope and courage. Sometimes the messenger has provided insight and wisdom to a concern, while other times they have spoken words of kindness, grace and truth that reminded me of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Just moments ago, another devotional I read daily shared this verse, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) We are not lone-rangers, and we desperately need one another.

For three whole weeks Daniel had been in mourning, when suddenly another vision came to him, leaving him weak. Scripture tells us that he was so overcome by the vision and the voice that spoke that he fainted, and fell with his face to the ground. At that moment a hand touched Daniel and lifted him, encouraging, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you."

Three times in Daniel 9-10 we read that Daniel is told he is very precious to God. To know we are valued by the Lord is such a gift. The actual Hebrew is translated, "man of preciousness". It is having the certainty that we are greatly beloved by God. Today, believers have God's word to remind us, and the cross to testify of the Lord's great love for us and how deeply He treasures us. As a man with a yielded heart, Daniel received these remarkable words that gave immediate reassurance.

The angel then continues to inform Daniel that from the first day he began to pray for understanding, humbling himself before God, his request was heard in heaven, and now this ambassador of God has come in answer to Daniel's prayer. The angelic being explains that for twenty-one days, the exact three weeks that Daniel had been seeking the Lord in prayer, this messenger had been opposed and detained by demonic opposition even though having been dispatched immediately. Oh, how we need to persist in prayer. Prayer is a powerful weapon in the war between God and Satan, and we cannot ignore it or lessen our intensity when answers seem long in coming. 

Daniel had been so completely overwhelmed by the vision he had seen and now this intermediary, sent from God, touches and strengthens him. Today, as believers, we may not feel any physical touch from without, but we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within, empowering us, and comforting us by the truth of God's word. Often the Lord sends encouragement to us through another of His children. We open an email from a friend to find the exact scripture verse that enlivens our heart. A hug is given when we are in desperate need of some tender affection.

When we feel weak and overwhelmed, weary and faint, the Lord is so gracious to send us strengthening faith through our intermediaries, the family of God. And, do not forget, we too can be agents of His touch and encouragement to others. 

Voice of Victory!

"Daniel answered..." Daniel 6:21

Those two words must be among the list of the most incredible phrases in Scripture. We can never lose our wonder and awe, or take for granted all the miraculous ways God reveals Himself throughout His Word. Here God is evidenced in a voice that responded. Let's review this amazing account recorded in Daniel.

Daniel is a remarkable young man. He was a survivor, not just of a lion's den, but of decades of "dens" through his time in Babylon and Persia. He appears to thrive in the toughest of environments. Living under extreme threats, He still retained His trust and faith in God, living an uncompromising life even in the face of death. 

In the opening verses of Daniel 6, king Darius recognizes Daniel's qualifications as a leader and starts to make plans to place him over the entire empire. Upon hearing this, the other administrators and high officials search to find fault with Daniel, no doubt jealous of this competitor rising in position and power. Scripture tells us that they could not find anything to criticize or condemn. Imagine living such an exemplary life that even those scrutinizing every detail can find nothing for which to accuse you. God's word tells us Daniel "was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy." (6:4b)

Desiring to trap Daniel somehow, they devise a way to see him fail because of his faithfulness. They convince king Darius to make a decree that for thirty days, "any person who prays to anyone, divine or human - except to you, Your Majesty - will be thrown into the den of lions." They know full well that because of Daniel's integrity and love for his Lord, this is the way they will be able to capture him and end his life, or so they assume.

"But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God" (vs10). I love those six words: "Just as he had always done." Prayer was such a natural, consistent component of Daniel's life, and there was no edict that could change his devotion. He did not worship the Lord only when it was convenient. He was a man of courage, commitment and conviction. Without hesitation or deliberation, he continued to do what he was accustomed to doing. We will never have a "just as he had always done" response if we do not currently have a "just as we are always doing" reality. Without a pattern of prayer, it will never become our go-to habit. Daniel knew the law had been signed, so his actions are essentially sealing his death sentence, yet he knelt as usual, in a room with open windows, and prayed.

The king had no choice but to follow through with his rashly made rule. Daniel was arrested and thrown into the den of lions, much to the regret of Darius, yet not without the king first offering a quick prayer: "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." Scripture tells us that "Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lion's den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, 'Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?'"

Imagine the emotions in that question. Would there be a response? Had Daniel's life been spared by his God? And then we read it. "Daniel answered." Does your heart thrill with all the Lord is able to do? God protects and defends His people. He is sovereign over every situation. He is still shutting the mouths of lions.

As believers today we are not immune to lion's dens, but we will only live through them by prayer and the power and preservation of God. Our voice, on the other side of seeming impossibilities, is victory!

A Confident Heart

"My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing Your praises with all my heart!" Psalm 108:1

While making my coffee this morning I was clearing out emails received while I slept. One arrived via a ministry to which I subscribe. The writing was about "breaking free from anxious spirituality." The author, Kristen LaValley, was giving gentle guidance to those honestly seeking to know what they believe. In her compassionate response to the struggling doubter, she assures that questions are OK, but to keep them within the perimeter of safe parameters. 

"Even in my most secure and 'certain' stage of faith, I lived in constant fear of doing the wrong thing, saying the wrong thing, sinning against myself or other people, making God angry, or losing His approval and favour. So. Much. Fear. Even when I was sure of what I believed. My faith wasn't in a loving God, but in the doctrines that made me feel secure. I elevated the 'rightness' of my beliefs over communion with Christ. I sought frameworks and put my trust in them. And then they broke and I fell apart."

Kristen continues to write that rebuilding faith can be "like discovering it for the first time. The house that fear and shame built crumbled and I burned out trying to save it. But underneath the rubble, something sincere and beautiful started to grow. It was outside the parameters I trusted in, but fully in the presence of a good and kind Creator."

"We fry our spiritual nervous systems out when we allow fear to control our instincts and ultimately, our pursuit of Christ."

What keeps belief from unraveling? We must have confidence in God and in His unchanging character. God is not the author of fear. Recently in a Bible study I have been facilitating, we have spent a lot of time understanding that it is God's kindness that leads us to Him (Romans 2:4). When we are striving to understand, He draws us to Himself through His goodness and love. He desires for us to meet Him personally, and maybe understand and experience Him the first time.

Our questions do not necessarily mean anything negative. They are tools that simply bring revelation to places in our faith that still needs to grow. Kristen writes, "It might just mean you need to wrestle with the integrity of your belief framework. Instead of asking, 'Is this even true,' you ask yourself, 'Why do I believe that?' It's an inward looking and ordering instead of an outward pursuit."

Do not allow your feelings to dictate truth. We can live life with a heart certain and confident in the Lord. We can echo the words of 2 Timothy 1:12 and say with assurance, "for I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return." In that place of surety we can lift our voices and sing praises with our whole hearts.

Quotes: "breaking free from anxious spirituality: the reconstruction of a doubter"; Kristen LaValley; November 16, 2024;  https://kristenlavalley.substack.com/p/breaking-free-from-anxious-spirituality

Three Men And Their God

"So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisors, 'Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?' 'Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,' they replied. 'Look!' Nebuchadnezzar shouted. 'I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!'...'Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!'" Daniel 3:23-26

I never tire of reading about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. Because these three men refused to serve the gods of king Nebuchadnezzar, or worship the gold statue he had set up, the king's rage moved him to throw these Jews into a blazing furnace. I want to highlight some of the reasons why this account of what happened excites me every time I find myself studying this passage.

First, these three men were dedicated to integrity. They had resolved to follow the Lord always and it is from this place of determined decision that they were able to carry out their actions without wavering. We cannot wait until we find ourselves faced with a difficult choice and expect to automatically respond in a God-honouring way. We have to take steps prior to the arrival of the tempting predicament. The way of obedience must be certain before the point of crisis appears.

Next, we see that obedience does not guarantee safety. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did everything right. They held to truth. They refused to worship any manmade idol. They remained loyal to the One and only God. They trusted in the Lord, regardless of the outcome. Even living so completely surrendered to their Heavenly Father, they were still led to a fiery furnace. 

I love how those first two sentences in the verses above flow without any gap or added information in between. Our three securely tied heroes fall into the blazing flames and instantly we read, "But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed...I see four men...and the fourth looks like a god!" God's appearance with His children is immediate. He always meets us in the midst of our fire. There is never a second that He is not with us. He is often seen most clearly in the middle of our furnaces.

And look at the incredible description! Although tied securely before falling into the flames, now they are unbound...walking around...still in the fire...but unharmed. Each one of those phrases is remarkable! The flames only destroyed the ropes that had bound them!

The king's next command is one of complete belief and faith. The ruler shouts, "Come out! Come here!" Nebuchadnezzar fully believes that they are alive and able to come out! One would not shout to corpses. God's presence not only helps us endure fire, enabling us to make it, but exclaims to anyone watching, His great love and faithfulness to His people. God is seen with us through our suffering. 

The Lord stands with us when life gets "hot". In our trials today, is His presence with us obvious to others?

Grievances Covered By Grace

"I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus..." Philemon 1:10a

The book of Philemon is only one short chapter. It was a letter Paul wrote to his co-worker Philemon, after becoming aware of the connection Philemon had with a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul had enjoyed the privilege of introducing both men to the gift of salvation, and now Onesimus was returning to his earthly master, and although by Roman law Philemon could press for Onesimus's execution because of his escape, Paul was encouraging him to welcome the servant back without recourse. Paul writes, "I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus." Paul, in his advocacy for the slave, even writes, "If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me."

How do we respond when someone has "done us wrong"? We are so quick to desire consequences for the evil exercised against us. We are often more willing to forgive if the pardon still comes with punishment. Paul is urging Philemon to forget any of the past mistakes and welcome Onesimus back as family. "He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother...Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord."

Unforgiveness neglects to believe the transforming work that God can do in a life fully surrendered to Him. We cannot negate the power of the cross and the saving blood of Christ that through rebirth makes a life completely new, healing relationships. The one thing that is continually needed over the long haul in all connections with others is forgiveness.

I do not know that we ever make it through a day without the need to extend forgiveness, whether to others or to ourselves. Proverbs 19:11 tells us that we earn respect when we overlook wrongs. This does not mean that we deny or dismiss actions that need correction, but even those interactions can be handled lovingly, resulting in forgiveness and healing. Absolutely no relationship can survive without forgiveness.

We need to be less concerned about our personal hurts and more concerned about our personal holiness. When we struggle to forgive another, we are forgetting who we are. As Paul offered to pay the debt of a slave, a debt Paul did not owe, his letter stands as a perfect illustration of what Jesus did for us. We were all born sinners, guilty of turning away from God, owing a debt we could not pay and worthy of death. It is only because of the price Christ paid for us on the cross that we can stand forgiven and restored. Christ has extended unfathomable kindness to us. 

Colossians 3:13 encourages, "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." "Make allowance." Do not be too sensitive. Cut some slack. Lighten up. Forgive freely. Remove any attached strings. Drop the grudge. Even when grievances are real, we must remember grace. In grace, we don't just forgive, we show kindness. Whose name has God placed on your heart to forgive? God is saying in this moment, "I appeal to you to show kindness to ________." 

Wise Men Still Seek Him

"Search for the LORD and for His strength; continually seek Him." Psalm 105:4

It's incredible the things for which we will spend hours seeking. How many times a day do we search for keys, cell phones or glasses? My twin sister Japhia often texts me and asks me to pray that the Lord will guide her to some item she has misplaced in her home. Minutes and hours are consumed as we look for temporary items that can most often be easily replaced.

Absolutely nothing can compare to the value of a life that is spent seeking the Lord.

In a devotional written for InTouch Ministries, Canada, the author asks the question, "What does it mean to seek God?" His response: "The phrase describes a wholehearted effort to know the Father and follow Him more closely. Those who pursue this kind of fellowship with God are determined to spend time with Him. They also want to forsake anything that could hinder growth in their relationship with the Lord. God's committed followers claim His promises and trust Him to fulfill His Word. Their experiences with the Lord bring amazing satisfaction yet cause them to hunger for more of Him."

"The Christian life is meant to be an ongoing pursuit of God. To walk through the door of salvation and stand still, without drawing any closer to Him is to miss the treasures that are available in Christ. Those who seek the Lord soon discover that knowing Him is the greatest reward of all."*

Many years ago, I purchased a Bible study entitled, "Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival." The copyright date is 2004, so my guess is I actually did buy it twenty years ago. I had great intention of working on this 12-week study and my longing to seek the Lord was real, but it was not passionate enough. How do I know? Still not one page of the homework has been completed. I could share so many excuses. Twenty years ago, my son was twelve years old, and it was the year we moved back to my hometown. I would have been helping my parents, volunteering with a speech pathologist in the school and facilitating weekly Bible studies. That's just it though. It is the good that always crowds out the best. Do you recall the sentence standing alone above? "Absolutely nothing can compare to the value of a life that is spent seeking the Lord."

Here's a thought to consider as this year comes to a close. "What if someone told you that one year from now you could look back over twelve months of consistent spiritual growth? You could be walking more closely with God than ever before. You could be enjoying a deeper awareness of His love for you and your love for Him. You could be walking in greater freedom over sin. Your life could be bearing the fruit of the Spirit and God would be using you as an instrument of His grace in others' lives. Would you want that? These are not pipe dreams; they are the fruit we bear as we grow in intimacy with God."**

Seeking God is not just about "doing devotions" are "having a quiet time", but a call to devotion. It is cultivating a personal, intimate, love relationship with God. The phrase adorning many Christmas cards this season is so true. Wise men still seek Him. Do you?

*In Touch devotional quote: https://www.intouchcanada.org/read/daily-devotions/pursuing-the-lord

** Seeking Him: Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival; Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth & Tim Grissom; Life Action Ministries; copyright 2004

One of the All Things

"The LORD takes pleasure in all He has made!" Psalm 104:31b

Do we realize what this means? Do we understand that the God of the universe takes pleasure in us? I don't know about you, but there have been times in the past when I have found it difficult to believe that God could possibly find pleasure in me. Dealing with insecurity, fear, shame and other debilitating issues, "To know me is to love me" has been a concept that eluded me. Yet, God is saying that He takes pleasure in ALL He has made, and I am one of the "all things." You are one of His "all things."

In my mid-thirties I was struggling to understand I had value. I wanted to be accepted and loved. I longed for a life that was fulfilling and worthwhile. I had lost my place. My young son started school and my husband was working seven days a week. I wrote the following at that time; on the day the Lord vividly revealed His love for me after a season of feeling adrift and alone. I would love to change some of the words and "tidy it up", but I give it to you as I penned it, raw and unedited. I offer it up as a praise to the Lord for finding pleasure in me. You alone are my special possession. (Ezekiel 44:28b)

Where and how do I begin to pen the thoughts that not even my heart can tell

A story so real that it pierces to my deepest soul

A Friendship more cherished than all my dreams could fathom

After seemingly endless years of being adrift on a raging sea

With deafening loneliness surrounding all my days

An emptiness much blacker than the darkest night consumed me

As I struggled to be everything to everyone - but me

Smiling through countless days while screaming from within

A struggle to keep up the charade or end this constant, perfect life

On, the mask I wore...and how easily all were fooled, until...

You

You with Your hope, forgiveness and love

You with Your eyes that penetrated my soul

Eyes that looked past the surface and into the depth of my being

Oh, how You frightened me at first

How I wanted to run and hide - to shut You out

Should my fortress crumble and walls fall - what then?

I wasn't worthy of anyone's friendship or love

Your closeness frightened me, unnerved me, but softened me

Could someone actually know me and love me?

Was there worth in me, a value that I never saw?

Emotions came close to destroying, but You wouldn't let go

Not having any strength myself to begin, You carried me to Your throne of grace

A place where mercy and peace flowed freely

You refused to stop believing when all my hope was gone

You picked me up, held tight and wouldn't let me drown

Together, I discovered life - a life brand new

A life where I am treasured, valued

A life where my opinions can be voiced and not ridiculed

A life, though sometimes still filled with hurt, can be surrendered to a Father who sees my need

Sees who I am and loves me still

And now my heart cries to know You deeper

I experienced the healing touch of Jesus

You are everything I had always wanted

All I'd longed for, hoped for inside,

Oh, the beauty of Christ

I want to mirror Your life in every way

You embraced me with Your acceptance

You found worth in my life

Smiles, sunshine and laughter began to fill my days and soon became natural

The unshared thoughts that burdened me didn't make me evil

The rejection I had felt for disappointing others - not being the person they wanted to fit their mold

Lost its powerful grasp

I began, for the first time, to have confidence

Confidence in You who created me

Created me to be all I can be with You

You gave me a life-changing gift

It sometimes scares me to think where I'd be - if I'd be

If You hadn't reached out to find me

You gave me life, saved me, rescued me from myself

You've turned sorrow into dancing, so let the music play

There's been a breakthrough - a new beginning

Changes which will last a life long have taken hold of me

I see myself from a new point of view

I'm free to be me, to dance, to sing

I'm aware of who I am, and it's all because of You

And now, how our relationship has deepened

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You will always be there

I don't need to hold on tight - I will not lose You

Our love affair will only grow deeper

We listen and laugh

We share and encourage

We talk to each other in prayer

Our intimacy is so beautiful, it's breathtaking

All works of true art are miracles

You add colour to my life

May I remain the Hand of the Master Painter

Allowing You do add only what You desire

Thank You for making my life richer

You are my Friend, my Father, my Lord, and my King.

Minister To

"The room beside the south inner gate is for the priests in charge of the altar - the descendants of Zadok - for they alone of all the Levites may approach the LORD to minister to Him." Ezekiel 40:46

Receiving her phone call and invitation to lunch, I had a preconceived idea how our visit would go. I knew she was going through a difficult time and I had often provided a listening ear in the past. I prayed for the Lord to give me insight and understanding that I would know when and what to speak to be an encouragement to her. Can you imagine my surprise when we sat down, and after ordering our meal, she turned to me and said, "What's on your heart today?" Her question took my breath away. How wrong I was in my assumptions. In our time together she desired to minister to my heart. 

In the vision that God gave Ezekiel, He shares how the descendants of Zadok are the ones who will minister to Him. Do we often pause and think about ministering to God's heart? Would we even know how? Not ministering for Him or with Him or in Him, but to Him. Is that even possible? Can we in all our frailty do anything at all that would be a ministry to the Lord?

One of the key things we need to see is that the descendants of Zadok approached the LORD to minister to Him. A basic condition to minister to the Lord is drawing near to Him. Drawing near requires stillness and solitude. Many of us find it much easier to be "doing" for the Lord. The problem with all our activity is that often it is done for self, just following our natural inclinations and doing things we personally desire to do with no thought of actually doing it to minister to God. Think of the service areas where we say 'yes'. I am not saying we cannot enjoy ministry opportunities, but how often is our 'yes' fueled by desiring to be with friends or wanting to be recognized? Do we primarily respond with the attitude that we are saying 'yes' to minister to the Lord?

To minister to God, we must draw near. As Watchman Nee writes, "It is impossible to stand afar off and still minister to Him. We cannot serve Him from a distance. There is only one place where ministry to Him is possible and this is the Holy Place. In the outer court you approach the people; in the Holy Place you approach the Lord."

Until we take time to approach Him and minister to His heart by waiting and listening in His presence, how can our lives delight His heart by our obedience? Simply serving because it seems good can be the greatest hinderance to what the Lord most desires for us, and that can only be determined by "approaching the LORD to minister to Him." Ministering to the Lord happens in a specific place. Further on in Ezekiel 44:16, concerning the descendants of Zadok, we read, "They shall enter into My sanctuary, and they shall come near to My table to minister unto Me, and they shall keep My charge." (KJV) "Ministry that is 'unto Me' is in the inner sanctuary, in the hidden place, not in the outer court, exposed to public view. People may think we are doing nothing, but service to God in the Holy Place far transcends service to the people in the outer court."

Responding to God's message today we need to examine ourselves. I am not advocating resigning from all ministry positions. If we are dedicated for a time, we need to honour our commitment and serve faithfully, but we must allow the Lord to reveal our motivation. Are we serving God from a place of ministering to Him, or are we serving the work? Is our ministry unto the Lord or primarily for others, that we are seen and appreciated? Ministry in the "outer court" can be more thrilling and exciting, but are we willing to forsake the glamour for God's glory and minister to Him in the "inner sanctuary"? The Lord does not so much require volunteers as He does recruits who have been called by Him and led to ministry through time in His presence. "It is service Godward that urges us out manward." Yes, we can have enjoyment in ministry, but first His joy must be made full. May we pray for grace that God will clearly show us what it means to "approach the LORD to minister to Him."

Quotes: Article: "Ministry to the Lord" - Watchman Nee

Reining In and Reigning Over

"But You, O LORD, will sit on Your throne forever..." Psalm 102:12a

Last evening the Discipleship Community small group that my husband and I attend at the church had barely started our discussion when this question was posed: "What area of your life requires more obedience to God's Word?" There was barely a pause when one participant identified their struggle to trust instead of worry. Before long this participant was sharing the cycle of concern and anxiety that is difficult to escape when we are feeling overwhelmed. Immediately other members began agreeing and admitting how worry plagues their days as well. One member shared how they know all the scriptures in their head to combat the conversation of their thoughts, but putting truth to practice can still be challenging. According to research, on any given day the average person has approximately 70,000 thoughts. Let's face it that can translate into a lot of wisdom or a lot of worry! It is so easy to become mentally distracted by divided thinking.

Just four days ago I began attending a five-week care and equip class for women entitled, "Quieting the Soul: A Biblical Approach to Anxiety, Fear & Despair", led by Jenn Martin, Biblical Counsellor currently on staff at Calvary Baptist Church. Recognizing the tremendous need to minister to women who battle with these debilitating emotions, she created a resource that helps a "noisy soul" begin to identify the issues we struggle to overcome and look to our God, our Overcomer.

This first week focused primarily on the divine providence of God. Like the Psalmist in Psalm 102, we constantly need the reminder that the LORD is seated on His throne, forever! From His posture of rest, He is sovereignly working out His plan. When we worry, we have God-forgetfulness. Jenn shared with us that "Worry is a description of our thoughts" which then takes up residence "in our hearts." Worry steals our concentration and perspective, preventing us from seeing the larger picture. It can control and deceive us unnecessarily when we allow it to simmer. And, have you noticed how quickly anxious thoughts reproduce? Worry has a large litter!

In her "I Feel That" teachings, Dr. Lina Abujamra shares how God created us with emotions and they are all meant to glorify God. She shares how we regard negative emotions as a spiritual failure instead of recognizing that God wants to use them for the purpose of moving us to seek Him. Our emotions are not meant to control us, but they become a tool to transform us. We far too often define ourselves by how we feel, but our emotions are not the most important thing about us. The most important thing is what we believe about God. As Lina says, the end goal of a Christian's life is not feeling better, but loving God more and walking more closely with Him. It is not about a method or a formula to cling to, but a Saviour to lean on.

When we truly understand that God is seated on His throne forever, ruling righteously over every detail of our lives, our souls will start to quiet and our emotions will surrender to His sovereignty. When we consider not only His control over everything, but His character, reflecting on His love, mercy, care, provision, faithfulness, forgiveness and grace, our hearts not only find rest, but are filled with hope.

The Psalmist also recorded, "In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul." (Psalm 94:19, KJV) That is exactly where our worry and anxiety take birth. Beginning in our mind, they can multiply and consume us, but God desires to console, calm and comfort when unwanted thoughts flood like a rising river. We continually need to pray, with Paul from 2 Corinthians 10:5, for God to help bring our thoughts captive under the Lord's control. Without Christ reining them in, we can race down so many dangerous roads. It is so exhausting when restless thoughts fill our mind. Perplexing thoughts need sacred comforts. May God rein in and reign over our anxious thoughts as we remember this truth: "But You, O LORD, will sit on Your throne forever!" Amen!

Jenn Martin: ministrytowomen.com 

Lina Abujamra: I Feel That series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pdtP_YjjbPrIv3WCpyH9g7tWpcYezqt

Legacy of Integrity

"...I will lead a life of integrity in my own home." Psalm 101:2b

Yesterday I attended another funeral. It seems like I am doing that more and more. I am not aging alone, and with that truth there are dear ones who are going home to Jesus ahead of me, not from sudden disease or disaster, but just tired physical bodies taking their last breaths.

The gentleman whose life was remembered yesterday was the dearest man. In his 95th year, he always, and I mean always, had a smile on his face. Unassuming in stature, quiet in demeanor, he always reminded me of my father-in-law in appearance. Both men were hard-working and characterized by serving. The tributes we heard yesterday, given by family, repeatedly revealed that this dad, husband, grandpa, brother, and friend lived a life of integrity where it counted the most - in his own home.

It is often said that the hardest place to live the Christian life is in our own homes. John MacArthur once made this statement: "If you want to know whether a man lives an exemplary life, whether he's consistent, whether he can teach and model the truth, and whether he can lead people to salvation, to holiness, and to serve God, then look at the most intimate relationships in this life and see if he can do it there. Look at his family and you'll find the people who know him best, who scrutinize him most closely. Ask them about the kind of man he is."

This is so true. Chap Bettis writes, "If we're honest...home is often the most challenging place to live out the gospel's implications. We say things to our children that we would never say to anyone else. We express anger to our spouses that we hide from others. Laziness others don't see is obvious to them. Family relationships, which God intended to be a blessing, can become a war zone."

God often uses our family as a floodlight to reveal the condition of our hearts. Living with integrity within our homes, the first place and most likely the hardest environment to demonstrate God's love and grace, gives opportunity to those closest to us to see Christ. Our first field of service is within our homes.

During the service yesterday five young adult grandchildren shared about their "Papa". Consistent in each reflection was his integrity and faithfulness to the Lord where it matters most...in his home. He modelled Christlike character before his family first. They each gave testimony to this patriarch's passion to know Christ and make Him known. Before getting out of bed every day there were scriptures he would pray as he dedicated his day to the Lord, desiring to live fully poured out for His Saviour. He lived prepared for every encounter, carrying homemade tracts in a blue wallet in his back pocket. With his winsome way he could disarm or defuse any argument or rejection, even engaging skeptics in calm conversation. Everything about him was non-threatening and all-loving. He lived in a way that made the gospel message attractive and others were drawn to know Jesus by meeting Him through this man's life.

Driving home following the service, I wondered what my life is writing now for future tributes. Nothing was mentioned about worldly accomplishments and yet I am sure he had many in his 94 years. The one thing people remembered...Jesus. Oh Lord, may it be true of our lives as well. Help us to live now for a legacy of integrity.

Sitting Before or Sitting Under

"Son of man, your people talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors. They say to each other, 'Come on, let's go hear the prophet tell us what the LORD is saying!' So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say...You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don't act on it!" Ezekiel 33:30-32

The prophet Ezekiel is faithfully delivering God's message to the exiles in Babylon. They come before him and pretend to listen, but their hearts are set on personal gain. His teachings go in one ear and out the other, hearing but not heeding God's commands. After leaving the prophet's presence the people go out and promptly disobey the words they professed they loved to hear.

Sadly, church sanctuaries are filled weekly with people "sitting before" a message from the Lord, attending with no intention of doing what it says. A posture of passivity fills their hearts and minds. Matthew Henry writes, "How many are there in the midst of our assemblies, where the gospel is preached, that do not sit under the Word, but sit by! It is to them as a tale that is told them, not as a message that is sent them; they are willing that we should preach before them, but not that we should preach to them." 

When Sunday gatherings become a social club there is great danger. The transition can often go undetected as fellowship and fun should be part of the Christian community, but it cannot be the primary purpose. One of the ways to determine your own personal view, is what motivates you to go to church? Are you most eager to see friends? Does the coffee in the lobby kick-start your morning? Is it the 60-90minutes of free childcare that excites you weekly? There is a troubling trend in many churches that indicate that the majority of people attend for multiple reason, but one of the least is to actually hear from God. The message of Jesus Christ can become the minor part instead of the most important. This is the sad condition of greater Christianity today. How can I say this? Look around. If all across the world the people who walk through church doors were truly listening to Biblical exposition of His Word, the impact of Christ at work in hearts would be altering homes, families, relationships, communities, global events etc... Could the difference be that we are sitting before rather than sitting under God's Word?

At the close of a sermon do we give time for what we have just heard to penetrate deeply? How quick are we to indulge in some casual conversation after the final "Amen"? Do our words reflect the response of one who has longingly sat "under" the revelation of God's Word or impatiently sat "before", completely missing the miraculous? Holy words are falling around us, but not within us. We cannot be satisfied with less when God wants to give us so much more. Sitting before makes us an observer. Sitting under makes us participants.

Where are we positioning ourselves? It is not so much in our favouite pew, sandwiched between our best friends, but a spirit's posturing. Are we truly coming to be fed by the Lord? Will the truths we hear change our hearts? What Word has God revealed to us that requires action today? Do not be caught just "sitting before." Do something!

"If you will actively engage yourself in every message you hear or read, you will never hear or read another ineffective message." (Beth Moore)

Is It The Lesser Of Two Evils?

"Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He will carry off its wealth, plundering everything it has so he can pay his army. Yes, I have given him the land of Egypt as a reward for his work, says the Sovereign LORD, because he was working for Me when he destroyed Tyre." Ezekiel 29:19-20

Recently I was chatting with some friends who had to make a choice. They were presented with two alternatives and neither was favourable, yet a decision had to be made. Sometimes we have to resign ourselves to the "lesser of two evils" and that can be a difficult place to be in. Standing in opposition against both options we can feel forced to select something we cannot fully support. I was reflecting on that this morning after reading in Ezekiel.

In the Bible, Babylon is a symbol of evil, and King Nebuchadnezzar was far from being a righteous man, yet in Ezekiel 29 we see God rewarding him with spoils from another evil country, Egypt. Pharaoh and the Egyptians had enslaved God's people and held them in bondage for over 400 years. It is time for God to judge Egypt and He chooses to use Babylon as His weapon of consequence upon these people. God uses the armies of one evil kingdom to destroy another evil kingdom and then rewards the conquerors for their actions.

Sometimes we just see the "rewards" of those prospering and it makes us believe that evil is winning. Certainly, we can look around at our world and see the atrocities advancing and we can question what is happening and how long it will last. I think we always have to keep in mind that our God is "the Sovereign LORD". There are so many things that we see occur that our finite minds cannot begin to fathom. When it seems like evil is winning all around us, we must not forget who is in control and that all things are "working for Me", says the God of the universe.

As instruments of His judgment, God could and did bless Babylon according to His wisdom and will for carrying out His plan. The pagan king is promised wealth, and to us it may appear that God's got it wrong. It can bother us greatly to see the Lord employing such wickedness in His plans, and yet He does. From past to present God ordains both the means and the ends with even enemies and evil playing into His hands. Proverbs 16:4 says, "The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." The wicked are subservient to God's eternal plans, and even their rebellious actions cannot change what God has designed, ultimately demonstrating His power, justice and goodness for the purpose for all to know "that I am the LORD."

When we are invited to make difficult decisions, I wonder if there is ever an ideal choice. We struggle and hesitate to choose the lesser of two evils, but God does seem to use this method for His agenda. There are accounts throughout Scripture where lesser evil wins over worst. As one commentator pondered: "What choice does He have considering what there is to work with?" Even the Israelites, God's own chosen people, frequently walked away, serving and worshipping other gods, yet the Lord still chose them and used them to further His mission.

And, pause for a moment. Is God using you? We are all imperfect, sinful, wicked people who have been saved by grace to be sent on mission for Him. Does it amaze you the same way that God employs you in any of His plans for His glory? It should.

So, when our hearts are filled with confusion over happenings we cannot control, keep trusting. This morning I was also reminded when reading Psalm 99 that "The LORD is King!" and "He sits on His throne between the cherubim....The LORD sits in majesty...exalted above all the nations." I have always loved the image of God sitting and at rest. While the chaos of our lives swirl, God is seated. May that truth speak peace and settle your heart today.

Humble Pie

"Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor..." Ezekiel 28:17

"Little Jack Horner, sat in the corner, eating his pumpkin pie.

He stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum and said, 'What a good boy am I.'"

Do you ever stop and think much about the contents of nursery rhymes? For example, I wonder, did Jack just like sitting in the corner or was he there as a form of punishment? Why was he sitting all alone? If he was placed there as reprimand, why on earth did he get a treat? Then, where are his manners? Sticking his thumb in his food? Any illustrations I have seen of this childhood chant depicts Jack as old enough not to be playing with his food. And, assuming his location is the result of unfavourable behaviour, he displays no remorse as he arrogantly announces, "What a good boy am I."

How many of us are little Jack Horners, proud of our corners and sitting contentedly in them? Proud of appearances, appointments, accomplishments, accumulations and accolades. Our wisdom has been corrupted by our love for splendor.

The prophet Ezekiel is describing the destruction of Tyre, a city that glorified itself in position and greatness. It did amass a lot of wealth, but this led to its arrogance and downfall. In his commentary on this passage, Chris Tiegreen writes, "pride is the poisonous root of all rebellion and sin, and humility is its antidote." 

C. S. Lewis has said that "Pride...is the complete anti-God state of mind."

Nancy Leigh DeMoss says it is the roadblock to revival. "Pride blinds us to our true spiritual condition..."

John Flavel writes, "They that know God will be humble; they that know themselves cannot be proud."

C. H. Spurgeon says, "Oh! Man, hate pride, flee from it, abhor it, do not let it dwell with you!"

The prophet Obadiah says, pride deceives so that we think we are invincible and untouchable (1:3).

Solomon teaches pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and God hates pride (Proverbs 8:13).

The Psalmist tells us that there are consequences for proud actions (Psalm 31:23), and that pride keeps us from seeking God (Psalm 10:4).

James tells us that God opposes the proud (James 4:6).

Pride will never be overcome without brokenness. There needs to be an acknowledgement of pride and then a humble surrendering, with a willingness to bend the knee. Just last evening a precious group of friends gathered in my home and online via Zoom for Bible study. We were looking at the life of John the Baptist. John's genuine humility cannot go unnoticed. We noted how he displayed no envy or rivalry, but laboured on, content to do what he was called to do, even though Jesus gained more attention and recognition. John the Baptist lived the words of Matthew 16:24-26, denying self and devoting his life to another...Jesus. This too is our daily calling.

Maybe the nursery rhyme should read like this:

Little Jack Horner chose to sit in the corner after serving the pumpkin pie.

He then bowed his head, and quietly said, "Lord, You are greater than I."

Self-Almighty

"Then you will know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 25:5

"Then" moments.

I underlined that phrase, or one almost identical to it, nine times in my reading this morning. Each time it followed a list of horrific consequences for sin. Punishment for choices made as the people wandered down paths, abandoning God.

Unable to see their own godlessness, the Lord needed to get their attention. Repeated disobedience had toughened their skin making them callus to the gentle nudge of His Spirit inviting them to repent and return. Forgiveness was not sought, received or appreciated, but taken for granted. God's grace was expected to be extended, so sin continued to abound. Pride and arrogance were a double blindfold over each mind, keeping those straying from understanding and seeing the error of their ways. There was no reverent fear of the Lord. They were serving the almighty. Self-almighty.

We no doubt all know someone walking a destructive path. Convinced completely that the road they are on is right, yet it is so contrary to God's Word. They have fooled themselves into believing they have a relationship with God and are even erroneously crediting Him for opening doors that He would never open. In fact, He would place a huge barricade before them, warning them that choosing these ways are sin and leading to death. They are living lives completely forsaking God and His Word and pursing dishonest gain, lust, adultery, materialism, manipulation, blackmail and lies, all while claiming God is directing them. It greatly worries me.

In the graphic illustration God gives Ezekiel in chapter twenty-three, even when given opportunity to see and turn from their ways, they ignore lessons that could change the trajectory of their lives and continue to "follow right in the footsteps" of evil (see Ezekiel 23:11). 

Consider the ways the Lord tried to get the people's attention in Ezekiel. Children killed. Loneliness. Abandonment. Loss of livelihood. Judgment. Destruction. Removal of strength and power. War. Famine. Disease. It frightens me to think how the Lord will get a hold of the hearts of these dear ones and bring them back so that they again will recognize that He is LORD. At the same time, it scares me even more that Satan has them so bound that they continue to turn a deaf ear to God's warnings.

I would love to pray that God would bring a quiet "then" moment into their life. A gentle awakening to the depth of His love and the power of the cross. A sudden awareness and revelation that what they call "happiness" God calls sin. Yet, there are consequences for blatantly defying the Lord. 

Dan Dean, in song lyrics recorded by Phillips, Craig and Dean, expressed how God's mercy extends beyond our worse mistakes, and His love will run farther than we can run away. The Lord's hand will keep reaching to bring the lost home. Gospel recording artist Mandisa also sang a song written by Ronnie C. Jr. Freeman, conveying that we do not know how God will try to get our focus on Him, "but He'll do and He'll use whatever He wants to, to tell us I love you."

Do you see God's primary message? It is not "you're wrong", or "you've sinned". It is always, "I love you." Father, bring these deceived souls to a place of brokenness. Move in their lives in such a way that they will know that You are the LORD and that they are dearly loved.

Standing In the Gap

"...I searched for someone to stand in the gap...but I found no one." Ezekiel 22:30

I love a great God-story, and if it involves my family, I treasure it all the more.

I recall so vividly, as a child still living in my parent's home, my Dad was at a crossroads. While employed for a company that supplied for our needs, yet often seemed to bring more stress than blessings, he was approached to take a position as full-time Pastor for a church in need. Although not an ordained minister, this was my Dad's dream opportunity. Vastly different than his job at the time, he was not however foreign to this calling. 

At least fifty out of the fifty-two weeks in a year, Dad was standing behind a pulpit in some church, somewhere, sharing the Gospel message. If a Pastor went on vacation or suddenly became ill, our phone would ring and Dad would be the "pulpit supply Pastor" for as long as needed. Although we did have a fellowship we called "home", most Sundays of the year found us as the "visiting family", always travelling with Dad, and often becoming part of the package as "special music". My sister and I would frequently play a piano duet or "sing and sign" (American Sign Language), a worship number.

Dad was overjoyed to receive this invitation, and the church extending this welcome was willing to have my father step into the position without a formal degree, supporting him as he continued the courses he had begun at Bible College. It seemed too good to be true. A long-time desire fulfilled. Leaving a good position at a job that brought so much pressure, in exchange for lesser income but more joy. As both my parents did with everything, Dad took it to the Lord in prayer. 

When we ask the Lord to provide direction, how open are we to His leading? Sometimes we come before God with the answer we want so desperately on our hearts, that our minds miss any other path He might confirm. We keep reading God's Word until we find a verse that will validate the way we want to take. We must always come before the Lord with open hands, open will, open ears and obedient heart.

The morning God made His will for Dad clear is one I will never forget. Dad had been enjoying a time with the Lord as he did every morning, sitting in his big, blue chair. He was closing in on the final verses of his Bible reading that day when, in the King James Version dad read Ezekiel 22:30, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land...but I found none."

Do you see it? Have you felt it? When you are looking for the Lord to speak specific direction and then suddenly, and often unexpectedly, His words jump off the page so vividly, you are almost blinded by the light they provide. What follows is an unspeakable joy. Even if the guidance takes the path you had least wanted, to know that God wants you there surpasses any other desire. Dad was to remain at his employment and continue in his "gap-filling" ministry. He had no more doubt. He could respond with the assurance of knowing where the Lord wanted him and continue with an awakened passion in a position that had become tiresome and tedious. This confirmed vocation at his current job would continue to financially provide for his weekend ministry, as Dad always refused any remuneration offered. His Sunday speaking was His gift to the Lord. 

And, as only God can write really great God-stories. The following morning my Dad went to his company office and a broken, searching soul wandered in. Right there, in the very place he longed to leave, he had the honour of guiding a co-worker to respond to Christ's invitation of salvation. It was not time to resign yet. His life was being used to share the message of the cross every day of the week. The cross that bridged the gap between our sin and our Saviour. Yes, Dad was following in the steps of his Heavenly Father. They were both in the gap filling business.