Restrained, Released, Remaining

“The army of heaven was restrained from responding to this rebellion.” Daniel 8:12

Lord, why? Times when evil appears to prosper and flourish. All things good and right seem denied. We question, where is God and why is He allowing satan to go unchecked? Doesn’t the Lord see our suffering and pain? Doesn’t He hear our prayers and cries for intervention? Why is the army of heaven restrained from responding on our behalf?

I wish I had an answer. The truth is, I don’t know. I have, now and again, been blessed with hindsight when a trial is over and enjoyed the gift of seeing how God used a certain situation to glorify Himself. Other times, not so much. At the end all I see is confusion, bewilderment and pain, yet the truth of God’s Word tells me that this too is working out somehow for my good and His glory.

There are just so many things right now to which I am saying, “Lord, where are You?” I mean, I know His presence is with me, that is not what I am doubting and questioning. But, Lord, where are You working in these circumstances? Why must these dear ones endure so much? Lord, You tell us You won’t give us more than we can bear, and that with the burdens, if we remain yoked with You, You will bring Your strength to carry us, but how much more Lord…how much more? Oh that You would loose the army of heaven to conquer our foe and let us see the victory that is ours through Your Son. We know eventual victory is promised and we trust You Lord, but how we long to see You overcome in these situations promptly.

Yet, maybe the victory right now will not come through positive answered prayer or the removal of rebellion, but by remaining faithful.

Lord, will You come alongside these precious ones right now who are weighed down, discouraged and despaired and let them feel You, shoulder to shoulder? Will you whisper in their ears that they are not alone, abandoned or forgotten? Father, strengthen their faith. One especially is fairly new in their walk with You. Lord hold this dear one so close that they feel Your heartache for them and heartbeat in them. Lord, may they not give up. Surround them with Your presence. May we who are soldiers in Your army here on earth, rally around them and offer the support and help we can. Maybe heaven’s army is restrained because there are those of us here You want to release and use in answering their prayers. Father show us what we can do today to be part of Your relief and rescue mission as these dear ones wait for the rebellion to end.

With You

“And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The LORD Is There’”.

Yahweh Shammah. The LORD is there.

There. Here. With you. Wherever you are. Wherever you need Him to be.

He will never leave us or forsake us.

He is with you.

Special Possession

“…I alone am their special possession.” Ezekiel 44:28

If you had to suddenly leave your house quickly, what would you grab to take with you as you hurried away? I’ve heard many people respond to this question with the word, “photos”. Irreplaceable moments captured on film. Home videos are also treasured keepsakes. Wedding rings. Your Bible. The one that is marked and underlined with dog-eared corners. Pages speaking of journey’s through joy and tears, chronicling your walk with the Lord and the relationship that has grown over time. All these, priceless items, that fill your heart with love. However, if you know Christ as your Saviour and Lord, you already take your most “special possession” with you as you leave.

Do you see Him as your most special possession? Do you realize that nothing else you own or will ever acquire can even come close to being as valuable to you as He already is right now? He is your “pearl of great price”. Do you treasure Him as such? Do you hear Him saying as He did to the priests, “I alone am her special possession”?

It was 14 years ago today my son made a decision to ask the Lord to be his special possession. We are celebrating his spiritual birthday today and thanking the Lord for all He is doing in his life.

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. 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?” She wanted to listen to me. She desired to minister to my heart.

The verse above speaks of the descendants of Zadok who approached the LORD to minister to Him. Do you ever think about ministering to God’s heart? Would you even know how? Not ministering for Him, or with Him or in Him, but to Him.

My mind drifts to the passage in Matthew 25:31-46. We minister to the Lord when we feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked and visit those in prison. When we share His love with others we are ministering to Him.

How will you minister to His heart today?

Signs and Wonders

“I want you to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High has performed for me.” Daniel 4:2

In recent writings I have shared the miraculous story surrounding my birth (Aug 14), as well as the account of God’s miraculous provision as I stepped out in faith and trusted Him (July 13). As I ponder other signs and wonders the Lord has performed for me, I think aback to a high school gym exam.

I am not athletic at all. The only reason I was in this physical education class was because it was mandatory. The day had come to be examined on a piece of gym equipment, either the uneven bars, the “horse” or the beam. Although class time had been given to create a routine on the apparatus of my choice, I hadn’t had the courage to attempt even touching one of them. I don’t know what made me thing the beam would be easiest, but when my name was called, I walked towards it hesitantly.

Saying a quick prayer, somehow I managed to hoist myself up and I suddenly found I was standing at the end of this very narrow piece of wood, several feet off the ground. I was to walk it’s length three times, attempting different moves before dismounting. To this day I can’t tell you what I did. An unseen force carried me and held my feet from slipping. According to my friends who congratulated me afterwards, I even did a couple of little jumps! I didn’t receive a glowing mark, but I did meet the requirements for a passing grade. I really believe that day marked another miraculous wonder.

My life has been filled with divine interventions. Times when the Lord has decided to show His power to me, in me and through me. I’m sure the Lord has acted on your behalf many times as well. Are you sharing His story? I’d be encouraged to read of His miraculous power demonstrated to you.

One Word Reputation

“These men had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders of their clans.” 1 Chronicles 5:24

Reputation. Notoriety for some particular characteristic. The general estimation that the public has for a person. A social evaluation. How you are known, e.g. coward, clever, funny etc…

These men had a great reputation as mighty warriors and leaders. WOW! Walking down the street, heads must have turned as they passed by. Reminds me of the verse in Proverbs 31 that speaks of the husband of this virtuous woman as being well known in the city gates. He had a good reputation.

Years ago I sent an e-mail to several close friends asking them to describe me in one word. Their answers were revealing. I feel they were an honest reflection, but it was an eye-opening exercise as well. How we are seen vs. how we’d like to be known. Sometimes they can be polar opposites.

Regardless of all the adjectives and nouns that could be used in describing my character, more than anything I want others to see Jesus in me. I pray people would forget my name, but remember His. Would I be labelled as a witness? Am I accused of being an ambassador for Jesus Christ?

On her CD entitled, “Freedom”, Mandisa sings a song called, “The Definition of Me”. The lyrics in the chorus say:

“I want the One that you can’t see
To be the definition of me…
I want the truth that I believe
To be the definition of me.”

What one word would Jesus use to describe me?

Ignoring the Fire Alarm

“When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warnings, they could have saved their lives.” Ezekiel 33:3-5

Watching the news last night I heard the broadcaster warning the people in California to evacuate due to the raging fires that have doubled in size during the past 24 hours. They were reporting that although many cautions had been delivered, still five people had refused to leave and were now trapped. They did not heed the warning.

Several times I have been in a Mall when the fire alarm rings. It always amazes me all the people who carry on as if that siren isn’t even sounding. They ignore it completely. Even the sales clerks don’t bat an eye.

I remember watching the news one evening and being shocked to see the response of some people in regards to Hurricane Ike. Despite warnings and recommendations to head for safety, there were those who voluntarily chose to remain behind and ride out the storm. Grant you, I'm not a 'storm girl', but if the experts are advising evacuation, well, my suitcase would be packed in minutes and I'd be gone. There is no way I would tempt the forecast, baiting it to be proven wrong or wanting to be hailed as a brave survivor. The residents are knowledgeable of the approaching storm, yet they are responding in foolishness. No way would I knowingly place myself in dangers path...yet...do I?

Danger is anything that makes you liable to loss pain or injury. Do I sometimes choose to walk paths of peril? Do words I decide to say cause pain? Do activities I partake in hurt others? I make some dangerous choices every day. I know they aren't God-honouring, yet I carry on regardless, allowing emotions, instead of truth, to guide my way. You may respond, 'At least they are not life threatening', but that's not true. God's Word says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. My destructive words can kill.

I heard a story once of a suicide note that was found. It simply read, "They said...." Apparently this young person could no longer face the cruelty and accusations that tore at her heart in silence. The childhood rhyme is only half true. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but names do hurt us. Do not allow your mouth to be a weapon of Satan, leaving a trail of devastation greater than any force of nature.

Temptation lures in many areas, and I succumb. The winds that blow with gale force strength can demolish my character and beat upon the lives of others. A decision to follow Christ down a safe street is abandoned to indulge in a thoroughfare of trouble. Why? Because it feels good? Because I think my actions are justified? Because I have my 'rights'? Because it satisfies some sick sense of self vindication? The results of not heeding the Spirit's prompting can range from personal feelings of guilt and failure, to loss of relationships and disappointing God.

There's another path that results in even greater danger and that is a roadway walked in rebellion. Refusing to acknowledge that God is God. One day at His return it will be too late to change direction. No one knows the day, the hour or the time of Christ's reappearing. Unlike predicting the land fall of severe weather, Christ will come again like a thief in the night. Scripture warns of the gradual, increasing winds of wars and rumour of wars, giving opportunity for decisions to be made now. Those who choose to laugh in the face of approaching apocalypse, not ignorant of the truth, but ignoring it's severity, will find themselves tormented in a state of frantic confusion.

God implores, today, while you hear His voice, respond. (Hebrews 3:7-8) Do not harden your hearts. Do not reply in foolishness, believing you alone will be exempt from devastation. There will come a day when all will be judged, both the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5)

When warnings are adhered to, lives are spared. May this be a warning for eternity today. If you are not prepared for the sudden evacuation from earth to heaven, a decision today can change your life forever. Christ is the Eye of the storm. He is the calm in the center of life's chaos. Turn to him today. Like those who remain behind when warnings of approaching disaster are given, it is the fool who has said in their heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1). Let’s also be used to pull the alarm ourselves when we see smoke rising in the lives of others.

**Please know that my heart goes out to any who lost life in the wake of Hurricane Ike or the fires in California. It is not my intent to sound calous or insensitive to those who lost friends and family in these disasters. Please forgive me if any of my words have sounded harsh and uncaring. I realize there were some who remained behind serving as agents of rescue and protection. I just see a parallel between those who took a risk to stay behind, shown on the news broadcast I watched, laughing in the face of danger and those who are risking eternity by the choices they are making today. My desire is to be an agent of rescue as well.