Family Ties

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Unsettled Heart

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

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

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

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

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

The Hand on the Handle

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

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

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

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

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

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

As Per Normal

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

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

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

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

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

Accepting "Excepts"

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

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

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

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

Bigger Still

"Have you ever been in a situation where something little suddenly felt really big?" Lysa TerKeurst

As I read that question on a Facebook post the other morning, my heart skipped a beat.  YES!  Can I share a story with you?

In February of this year I had just wrapped up the paper work for Winter Interlude 2014, an annual event for women held at our church, and was beginning the search for speakers for the next two years.  I found an Internet site that had short bio's for over 100 Christian Women Speakers from around the globe.  I bowed my head and asked the Lord to direct my search, then with a cup of coffee and pen and paper, I began clicking into each link, watching and listening to teaching videos that had been uploaded to the web.

Suddenly my heart was resonating with a young gal who was sharing about her love for Jesus.  I did a double-take on her name.  Who was she?  Why hadn't I heard of her before? I considered myself fairly knowledgeable of Christian speakers after serving on the "Women of Grace" ministry team, and acting as a consultant for women's ministry events.  How did I ever miss hearing about this precious young girl who was surrendering her anything for God's everything?

I "Googled" her name.  Videos and links began appearing.  I started reading everything I could find.  I watched and listened to every download and video.  I went to Amazon and ordered a book she had authored, as well as one of her Bible studies.  

After a long time of inquiry and prayer, I put her name forward to our ministry team.  This began a long process that sadly ended in dates conflicting.  I'll admit...my heart was dashed.  I had felt such an instant tug of connection with this godly young woman.  I was certain the Lord had led me to find her.

On July 2nd I pulled out her book and began re-reading.  Tears flowed marking the pages.  I questioned the Lord, "Why did You lead me to find this young gal only to meet a dead-end path when it came to booking her for our event for 2016?  Why?  I'm confused.  I felt so confident it was You who lead me to her.  I don't understand."   

I came to a chapter where she quotes a blog post she had written in 2010.  It was entitled, "Falling into Obedience".  Writing about her life being a "domino", she says: 

"But what if I laid down my life, my domino, and through that unleashed an army of others who laid down and unleashed their obedience, and through this matrix, God's glory was displayed through the laying down of lives in the midst of a generation?"

I saw myself as an affected "domino".  I was one little "domino" in this matrix.  I felt the Lord unleashing something in me that was so much bigger than "finding a speaker for an event".  In the quietness of my heart I heard God whisper to me:  Joy, I have led you to Jennie because there is something I want to birth in you.  I know your heart is ready.  I know you love Me.  I'm calling you to a new obedience.  I led you to Jennie just for you.   Just for me Lord?  You love me so much You'd go to all this work just for me?  Yes

I thought of "little actions" that suddenly "felt big".  I considered Simeon who was "moved by the Spirit" to enter the temple, a little action, not knowing the bigger revelation that would take place that day as he held the Savior (Luke 2:25-32).  I thought of Zechariah, who, because of the lot that fell to him, was in the right place at the right time to have an encounter with the Lord that spoke of the miraculous gift of a son to be born (Luke 1:8-20).  A little act of obedience with divine proportion.

My "little something" of sitting at my kitchen counter in February looking for a speaker, suddenly felt really big.  God was in this.

After feeling God's undeniable call on my life and becoming a Local Leader for "IF", the ministry for which Jennie is the founder and visionary,  I hosted the first event in August, where "Two Little Dominoes" gathered.

This past Tuesday, September 23, 2014, I opened God's Word early in the morning and through the prophet Joel, the Lord spoke to me "Gather the people...", "call a sacred assembly".  He said, "I will gather all nations..."   "Come quickly, all you nations from every side, and assemble there.  Bring down your warriors, LORD!  Let the nations be roused..." (Joel 1:14, 2:15-16, 3:2, 11-12)

The nations were roused on Tuesday evening.  Hosting "IF:Pray", women around the world met in homes, churches, parks, schools, and empty buildings to pray.  The menu was simple.  Prayer.  The results miraculous.

There were eleven women who answered God's call and met in my home.  Three different churches were represented.  Two ladies appeared at my door and just asked, "Are you Joy?"  I looked into their precious faces and responded, "You must be here to pray."  Only God can do this!  Only God!

After over two hours of kneeling at the feet of Jesus and joining together praying for our Pastors, our churches, our personal walks with the Lord, our neighbourhoods, our country, foreign missions, for God's plan for each of our lives, for unity, for unsaved friends and loved ones, confessing our own sins and praising and worshiping our Savior, we hugged and knew without a doubt, this was not the end, just the beginning.  God's Spirit was so present, He took our breath away.  

Something "little", searching for a speaker, had NOTHING to do with planning an event, but everything to do with God drawing me close to His side and inviting me on this amazing journey.  I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by His call.  I'm not exactly certain of what is next, but I know there IS a next and I know God will be in it.  Already more women are contacting me and asking, "When is the next prayer event?"  Falling to my knees and seeking Him.

When something begins to feel "big", take a deep breath and get ready and be thankful that God is bigger still.  AMEN

(The picture above is missing three gals who came later.  My photographer, aka husband, had left by the time they arrived.)

Here's the video that started it all.  Thank You Lord, and bless you Jennie.

Two Little Dominoes

As I listened to her speak I imagined the visual in my mind.

"What if...these little acts of obedience were a small part of a matrix of dominoes unfolding the glory of God (small because after all I am a small domino in huge matrix).  Could He bypass me and find another route? Of course-He is God.

But what if I laid down my life domino and through that unleashed an army of others who laid down and unleashed their obedience and through this matrix-God's glory was displayed through the laying down of lives in the midst of a generation?"

"We are all dominoes in this.  We all have our place in this. What is yours?

I beg you-all of us-to fall.  Fall into obedience that will shape the glory of God in our generation.  We don't want to get to heaven and realize we missed it.  God rerouted around us...and besides maybe it will be fun!"

"So 4 years later...it turns out it's been pretty fun and I can't wait to see what happens next.  I picture all of you in your places laying down your lives in so many small and big ways and I can't wait to get to heaven and see the impact all of our lives falling into each other had.  I know it won't feel small then."

Maybe you recognize the voice of the domino visual.  I only "found" Jennie Allen six months ago while searching for Christian Women Speakers, and immediately felt a heart connection.  Jennie is the founder/visionary of "IF Gatherings".  As I listened to this Live Chat three weeks ago, something within me responded.  Jennie was calling for local leaders to arise and share the vision the Lord had placed on her heart to gather, equip and unleash women to live out their purpose in communities around the globe.

I began to pray.  Lord...do You desire that I register as a local leader?  I asked the Lord to specifically speak to me through His Word as I spent time with Him each morning.  I started looking for the word "gather", opening my Bible and reading my scheduled passage in the chronological plan I've been following since January.

I began to document...

July 25
Isaiah 49:18 - the word "gather"

July 26
Isaiah 55:5 - nations coming to the Lord
Isaiah 56:8 - "I will gather still others...besides those already gathered."

July 27
Isaiah 60:3 - nations coming together
Isaiah 60:4 - "All assemble and come to you.."
Isaiah 60:21; 61:3 - The assembling happened for the glory of God.

July 30
Jeremiah 3:15 - the idea of the Lord giving shepherds who will lead their own communities/flocks

August 1
Nahum 3:18 - people are scattered with no one to gather them

August 2
Zephaniah 2:1 - "Gather together...gather yourselves together."
Habakkuk 1:5 - "Look at the nations and be amazed.  For I am doing something in your days that you would not believe, even if it were told."

August 3
Zephaniah 3:8b,9 - the Lord has decided to gather nations and have them serve shoulder to shoulder
Zephaniah 3:20 - "I will gather you."

Even with all this repetition I was fearful.  As the date for the local leaders event was fast approaching, I earnestly asked the Lord on August 8th to again speak with authority and confirmation.

August 8 - Jeremiah 8:14 - "Why are you sitting here? Gather together!" (Emphasis mine, but it's the way I heard it!)

Minutes later I had drafted an email and sent it out to 17 ladies all involved in leadership roles, influencing and impacting others.  A couple were on vacation.  Others lived a little further away.  Ideally at least five would come.  I waited.  By faith I set my table for six.  Ours would be an afternoon tea gathering.

My table was set.  A globe representing the leaders gathering internationally around the world was my table centerpiece.  A quote on the globe echoed my thoughts: "Hope is waiting with expectation for the good and miraculous things God will unfold."  Even my china plates spoke of "dreaming big".

My doorbell rang just once.

For the next two hours "two little dominoes" joined the matrix.  Although disappointed that my table wasn't full, my heart was bursting.  Together this dear one and I planned, dreamed, imagined, prayed and took hold of the vision.

Any great design starts with a single thread.  Our two dominoes, although tiny, are needed to make the matrix complete.

Falling into obedience and laying down my life domino.