Two Songs

"The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance." Ezra 3:13

A day of rain has ushered in cooler temperatures. Actually, this is "my" weather. I am not a huge fan of extreme heat. Happily, I grab a sweater or cozy up with a blanket on the front porch or back deck. It won't be long now until we welcome Fall. Seasons in our world flow one after another. Our calendar each year records the first day of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Each one begins on a designated day, coming expected, unchanging and predictable. The seasons in our life are not as reliable. Personally, we can experience spring's freshness, the warmth of summer's rest, autumn's cooler winds and winter's harsher climate at any time of the year. We can even live with the elements of two seasons running parallel across our lives at the same time.

Observing the construction of the Temple, as the younger men rejoiced, the minds of the older men were flooded with memories. They knew this reconstruction would probably never be able to measure up to the grand structure Solomon commissioned. They had no doubt stood and watched in despair as the previous Temple had been destroyed and those remembrances filled their thoughts. This type of reflection brings with it a danger. "The backwards look that discounts present activity is always a peril. Regrets over the past which paralyze work in the present are always wrong. Moreover, all such regrets, as in this case, are in danger of blinding the eyes to the true value and significance of the present." (G. Campbell Morgan)

The other morning, I was awakened by the sound of nature outside my window. Two birds were welcoming the day. The little songbird's melody was breathtaking. The trills this sweet bird sang as he cascaded up and down octaves was a glorious song of celebration. Yet, joining in the duet was the mournful cooing of a dove. This accompaniment sounded so sad in comparison. Both were singing the song the Lord had given them, but one tune was overflowing from sheer joy, while the other brought to mind an offering of sacrifice, praise through pain. Both in the same proximity have a different response. Each one is equally real.

How often in our lives two songs are being played together at the same time. We can be praising because of God's goodness in one area, yet confused, fearful, grieving or doubting in another. It is like looking out the window right now and seeing evidence of summer, while feeling the approaching winter winds on our hearts. Summer's delight is bridled by winter's pain. As Christ-followers, we know the joy that should continually be ours through all circumstances, but sadly we only see the reality of the situations surrounding us. Living in the now and the not yet. Having the joy of one event clouded by the trials and hardships of another. One brings laughter, the other tears.

We consider laughter a gift. We often rejoice in laughter, yet hide our tears. Tears, too, are a gift from God. They do not go unnoticed by Him. Both emotions are beautiful wordless expressions. Years ago, I read how tears caused by laughter are very different than tears caused by sorrow. Their composition is different. Tears caused by sorrow matter so much to God that they even have a different consistency to distinguish them from "happy tears". That's how He designed us.

Ken Gire writes, "The closest communion with God comes, I believe, through the sacrament of tears. Just as grapes are crushed to make wine and grain to make bread, so the elements of this sacrament come from the crushing experiences of life."

It is so hard being caught in the middle of one piece of music. The treble part is victorious and lilting, while the bass accompaniment lingers long, low and harsh. Inside, emotions are torn. The arms of our heart are stretched out, each one being pulled in the opposite direction. A battle is being fought. Joyful shouting and weeping mingled together. The journey of life brings the Road to Emmaus with the resurrection joy of meeting Jesus but it also encounters the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering. Two paths. Two seasons. Both leading to the same Saviour.

Rejoicing In Our Refuge

"But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O LORD; You surround them with Your shield of love." Psalm 5:11-12

Refuge - That which shelters or protects from danger, or from distress, trouble, unhappiness or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; a place inaccessible to an enemy (as defined by Websters).

When you think about God being your refuge, what picture comes to mind? Do you associate the word with a walled-city or a strong, imposing fortress? When I envision the Lord being my fortress, I think of an impenetrable structure that surrounds me so completely absolutely nothing can touch or harm me without His being aware. There are emotions that accompany my imaginings too. Peace. Confidence. Rest. Security.

Years ago, when my son was working on a project for school, he had to create a legend for symbols on a map he was designing. One of the elements of the assignment was to somehow portray the idea of refuge. He approached me and asked, "Mom, what can I draw to depict a sense of security?" 

Without any hesitation I immediately answered, "Well, I know what I would draw. I would sketch either an empty tomb or a cross, because my security is found in Christ alone."

The "right" Bible answer if there ever was one! Yet, as I consider the Lord as my refuge today, I hear God speaking to my heart, "Joy, if I am your refuge, why do you live life so afraid?" An honest question.

The Psalmist David describes a time when enemies were rising against him, but he knew where to run. The Lord was his strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). Our Heavenly Father longs to be our hiding place. His refuge doesn't mean that we won't experience difficulties, but His shield of love will surround us as we face our battles. Struggles intended to grow our trust will touch our lives, but we can remain under the shelter of His care through the hardship.

If God truly is our refuge, our response will always be joy! David declares that those who truly experience the Lord as their shelter will sing joyful praises forever, and that they will be filled with joy. An indicator that we have the assurance of God being our stronghold is the evidence of joy. Our words declare the praise of the One who continues to be our place of peace in any storm.

Our trust in the Lord must result in joy. Joy is the measuring stick that confirms our dependence is on Him. Someone who is truly resting in His care can only respond with joy, because in His presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11). It is impossible to be so near to the Lord and surrounded by His shield of love without a response of rejoicing.

The question becomes, are we professing that Christ is our refuge while clinging to other people and things for protection? Are we responding with the right words, knowing truth, but not living truth? The refuge God offers His children is everlasting, so our joy should be ongoing. Having God by our side should make us glad. Joy is the privilege of the believer. I've heard it said that trust is the backbone of joy and joy is the overflow of trust. The two are really inseparable. If we claim to know, love and trust the Lord, if we take Him as our refuge, joy will be the result. Does your joy despite circumstances declare that Christ is Your refuge today?

Seated Higher

"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honour at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else - not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church....For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus." Ephesians 1:19-22, 2:6

I will never forget the sermon link my friend Cheri sent me back in 2011. At the time I was awaiting surgery to remove an unknown mass in my abdomen. She forwarded her pastor's teaching as a reminder and encouragement. The message, from this passage in Ephesians, was such a blessing. Apparently, as this gentleman taught, expounding on this passage, he had a ladder on the platform, and as he shared from God's Word he began climbing up each step, to emphasize how we are "seated above" the tests and trials that touch our lives. It was a powerful illustration, but an even more powerful truth.

If we have been redeemed by God's grace, scripture tells us that we are seated with Him in heavenly places. "Physically, we still live in the natural world. But God, by His great power, and because of His immense love, mercy and grace, raised us from our spiritual dead status to new life in Christ. We now sit in heavenly places." 

"Got Questions" goes on to explain it this way: "To sit in heavenly places is more than a figure of speech. It is a spiritual reality for the believer. Because of our union with Christ, we reap the benefit of His position of divine authority (Psalm 110:1, Acts 2:34-35). He is our Head and our Representative. Peter taught, 'Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honour next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers accept His authority' (1 Peter 3:22, Philippians 2:9-11). The gates of hell will not overcome the church (Matthew 16:18, 1 John 2:13), because we are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37; 1 John 5:4-5), who gives us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Our spiritual seat in the heavenly realms is a position of high honour, much like being seated at the VIP table of a Presidential luncheon. We have been given the royal privilege of being enthroned with the Son and will one day partake of His glory. If we let this spiritual truth sink in, it will change the way we think and live. Because we are seated with Christ in heavenly places, our position in heaven is secure, but we much never forget that we don't deserve our place there. We did nothing to earn it, but God graces us with it anyway (Ephesians 2:8; 4:7; 2 Corinthians 3:5).

As we sit in heavenly places while still living on earth, we have access through Jesus Christ to all of heaven's privileges and spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3-14). The power of God that raised Jesus from the dead is available and working on our behalf as we walk in this world (Ephesians 1:18-19; Acts 17:28; 1 John 4:9). We have the whole armour of God at our disposal to helps us 'stand against the devil's schemes' and stand firm 'against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:11-12)."

I'm a visual learner, so thirteen years ago when my head and heart first made this connection after listening to the sermon that had been sent to me, I searched "Etsy" for a ladder borche. Purchasing this pin, I wear it whenever I need that extra reminder that in Christ, I am seated higher. He has seated me above...fear, insecurity, doubt, disease, tests, trials, enemy attacks, pain, grief, unkindness, inadequacies, whatever the condition that pulls at our ankles trying to hold us back from stepping up. And remember we are "seated with Christ", not anxious, but at rest, trusting in our wonderful Saviour who has already gained the victory!

Quote: https://www.gotquestions.org/seated-im-heavenly-places.html

Safely Through the Night

"I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me." Psalm 3:5

My husband is now retired, but during the years he worked as an engineer for General Motors he often had to travel and occasionally, when a new vehicle was being made, he had to work the midnight shift. The simplest way to explain what he did, is that he programmed the robots that built the cars. When his job required him to be away from home, I hated it. Sure, I missed him, but I was nervous being home over night by myself.

Not living close to family in the early years of our marriage, I always felt so nervous as the evening hours approached. Our home was larger, on a quiet court, that backed onto a park and ravine. The location was perfect during the daylight, but as night approached it always seemed to take on a different dimension. Although a gorgeous setting, it wasn't without a cost. Groups of teenagers would often use the park as their gathering place, and for "fun" throw eggs at our windows. If your house has never been egged, be grateful. Not only does it sound like a bomb exploding, but trying to remove the mess afterward was always a challenge.

I would stay up late, trying to decrease the night hours before morning would come and the sun arise. Often, I would try to sleep on the sofa on the main floor. It just made me feel more central should something happen. I don't know exactly what that "something" was, but in my mind, it was always a possibility.

I didn't speak of this fear very much. I tried to be courageous, after all, I was an adult. So many of my friends had husbands who were often away overnight and they seemed to handle it well. I've later found out that most of them didn't. Many went to visit their parents. Others, to this day, have someone else stay with them and have never spent a night alone. Making this discovery, still with all my fear, I became the brave one. Ironic.

I remember when I came across this verse in the Psalms for the first time. I was at a local Christian bookstore, and a beautiful painting of a peaceful bedroom had this scripture inscribed over the scene. I fell with this calming artwork. I purchased it and brought it home to hang on a wall in our bedroom. I began focusing on realizing that I was not alone. The God of the entire universe was watching over me through the night, as He never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4-5). 

Instead of considering all the "what if's" and panic-inducing possibilities, I began setting my heart on "Who is" and His presence with me. I would climb into bed, (yes, no longer downstairs on the couch), and remind myself of this truth. I would begin to pray through as many attributes of God as my mind could recall at that moment, believing I would experience each one, even as I slept. I would place my life in His hands for safe-keeping through the night. I would pray for the blood of Jesus to cover over every doorframe, window, and even the slightest crack, visually imagining the Lord surrounding my home with His keeping, protecting me from unknown danger without, and any disturbances within. I intentionally placed myself in His hands, believing He truly was a shield around me.

I know my growing trust was sincere, because I slept! Although still not my first choice to be home alone, my faith has grown in these opportunities to abandon myself completely in His care. His Word is true. He is watching over us, and He will bring us safely through the night.

Burn the Ships

"So Josiah removed all detestable idols from the entire land of Israel and required everyone to worship the LORD their God. And throughout the rest of his lifetime, they did not turn away from the LORD, the God of their ancestors." 2 Chronicles 34:33

Years ago, Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman had a song that used to be played frequently on the radio entitled, "Burn the Ships". The song was birthed from an idea that originated in 1519. In that year, Cortes set sail to Mexico with his crew. Upon arrival, his men became weary and scared, desiring to turn back home to their old life. As legend has it, Cortes had the men burn their ships, leaving no option but to press on. The ships represented a past to which they could not return.

We can't just move sin out of arm's length, because if we only displace it and not destroy it, the next time darkness calls and our cries to the Lord are met with silence, we often default to destructive behaviour that will end in despair. If we think just making sin more difficult to reach is enough, we are gravely mistaken. Sin not destroyed will continue demanding from us. We will never drift into holiness simply by ignoring sin. We must be adamant to put to death every sin or it will slowly be killing us.

Josiah's actions taken to remove all the detestable idols in the entire land was a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken about him before he was even born. In 1 Kings 13:2 a man of God prophesized that Josiah would bring destruction in fulfillment of God's plan. Here it is 300 years later and the young king is fulfilling what was forecast as he clears the temple, demolishing opposition against the Lord.

The writer of this account in 2 Kings 23 gives more detail to Josiah's actions using so many descriptive verbs. It says that he commands, brings out, burns, does away with, grinds to dust, throws, defiles, breaks down, smashes, breaks in pieces, cuts down and demolishes. We need to be just as determined to rid our lives of anything that rises in opposition against the Lord. Turning a blind eye to sin does not remove it. We must be continually slaying sin.

Matthew 18:3-9 tells us that if our hand, foot or eye causes us to sin, cut them off or gouge them out and throw them away. God does not take sin lightly. Although His Word here is expressed in hyperbole, exaggerating to impress a point, these verses should heighten in our hearts the serious nature of sin.

We need to constantly be asking the Lord to show us where we are becoming unaware of the danger of little things we have excused and allowed to slip into our lives. It does not take long before all sensitivity diminishes and we start justifying sin and even redefining it as respectable, accepting actions without any awareness of their impact on our lives and on our abiding in Christ.

I am currently helping my twin sister as she prepares for a renovation project at her home. She and her husband are anticipating having their son and his family residing with them. In order to accommodate four more people in their dwelling space, some decluttering needs to be done to downsize. In the process of accomplishing this, she and I have touched every article in their house. We have opened every cupboard, removed all objects on every shelf, emptied every drawer and weeded out every closet. There is nothing that hasn't been held in our hands for consideration of removal.

This is how serious we need to be about sin. We cannot allow any sin to escape scrutiny. We need to weigh each activity and attitude in our hands. We must ask the Lord to search our hearts and reveal to us anything that rises in opposition to Him. It must be removed and all the ships burned, leaving no option but to press on in the strength of the Lord.

Approaching Assyrians

"Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: 'Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!' Hezekiah's words greatly encouraged the people." 2 Chronicles 32:6b-8

Hezekiah had taken radical measures to remove pagan idols, restore Judah, reopen the Temple and reinstate religious reforms. The writer of Chronicles tells us that Hezekiah sought God wholeheartedly, and as a result he was very successful. It is after Hezekiah has faithfully fulfilled this work that King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah. Under the guidance of his officials, Hezekiah sets to work to prepare against the enemy and prevent loss.

Hezekiah was not immune to attack. Although he was walking in obedience with the Lord, an opposing army rose to threaten and destroy the people of Judah. We can sometimes think that if we are walking in step with God that we can avoid difficulty, but obedience does not equal ease. Walking in the ways of the Word is right, but it is also hard and can invite further adversity from those who are hostile to the Lord.

Upon hearing of the approaching army planning to attack, Hezekiah consults with his officials and takes steps to prudently prepare. Being forewarned of battle, he forearms the city. Yes, sometimes the Lord asks us to do nothing, stand still and watch Him intervene on our behalf, but most often there is a role for us to fulfill as we look to God to provide. We cannot be foolish in our trust, putting God to the test, but use the wisdom He has given us do our part in His plan.

It is to this situation that Hezekiah speaks a word of encouragement. Although the king of Assyria makes a vigorous attempt to terrify the people of Judah, Hezekiah reminds them that "mere men" are no threat to God. As King Sennacherib continues to taunt all those in Jerusalem, desiring to make them doubt any hope of rescue, he compares God to one of the pagan gods, made by human hands.

Hezekiah speaks with such assurance, making every effort to silence fears and increase faith. We also often need reminders that God's power is irresistible, His presence is irremovable, His promises are inviolable and nothing with Him is impossible!

King Sennacherib asks the people in the city, "What are you trusting in that makes you think you can survive?" "What makes you think your God can rescue you?" Hezekiah is not blind to the great army coming to destroy them. He recognizes the reality of the situation they are in, but he knows that "there is a power far greater on our side!" "We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!" We are never outnumbered when God is on our side! One is a majority when that One is the Lord!

After the enemy concluded his insults, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah responded by crying out to the Lord. Their prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19. They prayed for deliverance so that all the world would know that the LORD alone was God. We need Hezekiah's and Isaiah's in our day, who zealously seize moments to pray in situations when God is shamefully being scorned.

The "Assyrians" approaching us today might appear in a variety of forms. Yes, it could be people taunting us and mocking our God, dismissing our faith and sneering at the Lord, but our enemy could also be disease, depression, discouragement, doubt, dwindling donations and all kinds of different difficulties. We need to take a dose of Hezekiah's spirit. We can demonstrate the same faith, because we have the same unchanging God on our side who is greater too! Be encouraged, and let's keep watching for the Lord to show Himself mighty on our behalf.

Reporting For Duty!

"'My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The LORD has chosen you to stand in His presence, to minister to Him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to Him.'" "Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the LORD." 2 Chronicles 29:11, 30:22

An exclamation mark always catches my attention! Preceding words take on power. There is urgency and emphasis expressed. In this call to continue, the Lord is stirring hearts back to service.

Taking personal inventory, we need to all ask ourselves, have we become inactive or ineffective? Have we, or are we, neglecting our duty? There can be times, whether by choice or circumstance, when for one reason or another, we remove ourselves or pull back from formal ministry positions. There might be seasons that require us to serve quietly at home, caring for family needs or giving attention to our own health, but what about other times? Wondering, has stepping away been God's direction or our decision? Often weariness plays a part. Feeling overlooked, overwhelmed and unappreciated, we withdraw. We embrace the mentality that we have "done our duty", served in the nursery, led the Bible study for years, taught that Sunday School class, sang in the choir, served endless luncheons and cleaned up after enough events. It's someone else's turn.

Well, I've got news for us all. Regardless of age, attitude or ability, until the Lord calls us home, we have purpose and He has a plan. God isn't finished with us yet!

I remember years ago I was in desperate need of some time of refreshing. I was sure the Lord would understand if I stepped back from my position as Bible Study leader at our church. I was tired. I didn't feel like anything I was doing was benefiting the ladies who were faithfully attending the gathering each week. Ironically, at the time, we were studying Lysa TerKeurst's book, "What Happens When Women Say 'Yes' to God", and I wanted to say 'no'!

I approached my co-leader and asked her if she could take over the remainder of the year. She lovingly told me that she would, but only if I first agreed to pray about my decision for a week. No problem. I was sure God would just confirm what I already knew.

On the 7th day, I opened my Bible to have my morning time with the Lord, and this is what I read, "Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching." (1 Timothy 4:11, The Message)

No easy road out. I was not to neglect my duties. The Lord, for some strange reason, had chosen this inadequate, weak vessel, and He did not want me to abandon this ministry.

As Hezekiah challenged the priests and Levites to no longer neglect their duties, He reminded them that they had been chosen by the Lord to stand in His presence, minister to Him and lead the people in worship. I love their response! The following verse begins, "Then these Levites got right to work..." They didn't hesitate or argue, but immediately jumped back in to ministry. They reopened the Temple, removed all the defiled things they found and had a time of rededication, offering sacrifices and singing praises. Scripture tells us that God saw their response and blessed their efforts by enabling everything to be accomplished so quickly (2 Chronicles 29:36).

I love how Hezekiah not only called the Levites back into active service, but then he followed up with encouragement. Let's not forget to express appreciation towards others. A little word of sincere praise goes a long way. We are often so quick to criticize, but maybe today your child's nursery worker needs a hug...your Pastor's wife would be uplifted by a precious note in the mail...the church custodian could be blessed by a coffee...the office secretary's heart might be uplifted with some fresh flowers. I don't know what God will place on your heart, but those who faithfully "stay at their post" would benefit and be refreshed knowing that they are seen. Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act."

If we know the Lord as our personal Saviour, He wants us in active service. If we are uncertain exactly what that calling is right now, stand ready. God will reveal His plan to us. Be prepared that it may not be your first choice or preference, but we can experience great joy even in areas where we at first might reluctantly obey. As we wait for further instruction, search Scripture for all His revealed will, instructions such as loving our neighbour, acting justly, extending mercy, giving cheerfully, praying continually. Let's do it with our whole hearts, praising and honouring Him, whatever the task, big or small. As we look to Him to guide us in a specific and personal way, walk in compliance to all we know to do, and in the process, He will make His direction clear. 

He has recruited us. Today won't you join me in reporting for duty!