Be Still – When Striving Cease 

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David, the Giant Slayer; David, the Mighty Warrior; David, the Beloved King; and yes, David, “the Man after God’s own heart. David messed up, he questioned, he suffered, he ranted, he despaired, he relented, and most importantly, he returned to God.

How many times in the last three to four years have we found ourselves in a tight spot; a frustrating or fearful time? Maybe in a season of doubt, questioning, struggling, and maybe even a seasoning of feeling defeat?

I ran across a quote today actually two. The first one was from Psalm 38:9. (more on it later) The second was on an index card note taken from a Bible study years ago by Beth Moore called The Quest which said: “Every single season of defeat is driven by a lie.” I had to take a few moments to ponder that one. I thought of Adam and Eve and their deception in the garden. It was accurate. In fact, that was the first deception or lie. It brought shame and separation; they realized their exposure, covered it and hid from the very God, the very One who made them and placed them in that beautiful garden.

“Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’? ” “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:1, 4-5‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Then there was Moses. Moses when he was upset about the people grumbling against him and his leadership, God told him they were not grumbling against him, rather against God, Himself. Also, accurate. Moses was feeling defeated because he believed the lie that the people’s displeasure was directed to himself but the truth was they were angry with God.

Another example that comes to mind is the incident where the twelve spies went into the promised land: they brought back some of the treasures from the land. Two of the spies had wonderful things to say about the land, but the other ten only reported there were giants in the land. Big scary Giants! So the Hebrew people continued to wander in the wilderness rather than possessing the promise. My conclusion, this is a quote which is well worth putting some thought and research behind. The second quote follows below:

“Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You.”
Psalms‬ ‭38:9‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

The above is the second quote I ran across this morning. How comforting a promise is this? How often do we go through difficult times and often feel no one else knows, sees, or understands? We all go through times of struggle, down times, suffering, illness, doubt, and the list could go on. One problem, we don’t often talk about it and we think we are alone in our struggles. This particular Psalm is entitled Prayer of a suffering Penitent. David, king, and ‘man after God’s own heart’ struggled, suffered, did wrong, and felt contrition. He describes his condition like this:

“O Lord, rebuke me not in Your wrath, And chasten me not in Your burning anger. For Your arrows have sunk deep into me, And Your hand has pressed down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; There is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. My wounds grow foul and fester Because of my folly.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:1-5‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

“I am bent over and greatly bowed down; I go mourning all day long. For my loins are filled with burning, And there is no soundness in my flesh. I am benumbed and badly crushed; I groan because of the agitation of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:6-10‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
A Psalm of Suffering by King David

“Benumbed and badly crushed; I groan because of the agitation of my heart.” Can we not relate? Just a quick look at the headlines— Wars, Baby food shortages; school shootings; rapidly increasing food and fuel prices; the list is ever increasing and surely we can relate much more than we’d like to admit. Our world is fast paced and filled with many demands, expectations and responsibilities. We have many gadgets to help us be productive and get things done faster and easier. One would think that would free us with more time available for rest and relaxation to renew and restore our hearts, our souls. But no, for many or maybe most, it just gives us more time to push ourselves harder, get more done and fall exhausted into the bed to get up and do it all over again. Can we, like David, find our answer?

“Yes, I am like a man who does not hear, And in whose mouth are no arguments. For I hope in You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God. For I said, “May they not rejoice over me, Who, when my foot slips, would magnify themselves against me.” For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. But my enemies are vigorous and strong, And many are those who hate me wrongfully. And those who repay evil for good, They oppose me, because I follow what is good. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:14-22‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Again, for many or maybe most, it just gives us more time to push ourselves harder, get more done and fall exhausted into the bed to get up and do it all over again. It’s quite like a hamster on a wheel or a dog chasing it’s tail. Until we stop, and do something different; we continue to get the same outcome. Maybe it is time to stop the wheel, get off and find a quiet peaceful place and be still. Be silent for a time. Reflect on the best thing instead of falling constant prey to the tyranny of the urgent; the things of the moment. Taking time to seek the One whom “our sighing is not hidden.”; the One who knows us best just might be the answer we need. I’d like to suggest to you that perhaps God alone is the One to whom we can take our deepest issues, disappointments, unmet expectations, worries and fears and completely trust them to be safe, understood and addressed.

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:13-17, 23-24‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Stormy Seasons…

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It’s been an intense year since my last post, and yet it seems at times to have flown by!

Seemingly, there have been constant changes in our personal life since the beginning of 2019, and gathering storm clouds within our nation as well. From the presidential race and political rhetoric, to the Covid 19 threat and everything that fits in between—many experiencing fear, chaos and confusion. Added to that there has been contention, division, offence, derision, accusations, bickering, and hostility have been running the streets of our land! Civility and citizenship seemed disappear in those same streets. The results seem to range anywhere from hyper-vigilance to pure apathy.

Our country is suffering and struggling to make sense of that which is senseless; more people than we realize struggle with the fall out of the last three years. Children have been hit hard; taken out of their normal daily routines by the pandemic, education in many cases lagging behind, and some still not back in schools even now. Many businesses and most churches closed for at least a time. Economic impact on many has been extreme and people are divided. Few if any Americans have escaped without lose of loved ones.

These things weigh heavy on our hearts and our minds. They touch us emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. That doesn’t include weight of polarized leadership and the politically charged barrage of other bad news: Afghanistan withdrawal, Ukraine invasion by Russia; increased suicides, violence and drug related deaths; racism; abortion rights vs. right of innocent babies to live. Now, added to that the murder of innocent children and teachers by school shooters twice within a week.

It Is TOO Much for our minds and hearts to handle!

I honestly think it would be impossible to move forward in the environment of the last few years without my faith and belief in God, prayer, and the Word of God to encourage me and be my moral compass. However, the same issues are the very reason some cite as the reason they question the existence of God and move from belief in Him. Since the fall in the garden, the deception of the first man and woman; evil has been in this world and growing. Is it possible that it has been gaining strength and momentum? Why are believers deconstructing?

Reconstructing? Turning to Progressive churches? Changing religion all together or turning their backs on all religion? Are these things new or are they age old ideas repackaged for a new generation? Was it ever really about a religion or is it about an individual and personal relationship with God, Jesus?

Should we expect anything different. Are these not similar to some of the Biblical prophesies for the end days? Is it nearly as harsh or devastating as the days described in Jesus’ Revelation to John? Should we be looking up? (Luke 21:25-28)

Is this a time of shaking as mentioned in Hebrews 12?

“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:25-28 NKJV

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, reacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, Avoid such men as these. For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7 NASB1995

“Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2 NASB1995

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NASB1995

These are the some questions I’ve asked myself during this past year along with many others; searching to make sense of some of the things that I feel or that people have shared with me. I thought I’d share a few of the sources that I have found interesting or helpful along the way just in case you or a loved one is struggling. Of course, the Bible is the best go to. As always, it is wise to weigh what you hear and read against the Word of God in other to determine it’s truthfulness and helpfulness.

Grace and peace to you!!

True Freedom

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What is true freedom? Some people would say it is the absence of rules, restrictions, other people telling you what to do, and other such ideas. Is that really true freedom? Many things that lead to freedom that fall into those categories ultimately can lead you into captivity instead.

For example, we all need food for survival and be healthy. But food over done and misused can lead to health problems and disease. Other substances, some legal and some not, if misused or abused can become both addictive and many times deadly. People often fight for years trying to kick the habit (captivity); proving that freedom isn’t always a positive for us.

We have a Constitutional right in the USA to keep and bear arms, and freedom of speech. We also have freedom of worship, religion, the press or media according to the Bill of Rights. Each of these are great freedoms when used for good and can be absolutely devastating when they are misused. When used appropriately as intended, they can be healthy; protective; informative; and life-changing for all people. When used inappropriately, they can be deceptive; disruptive ; abusive; and devastating. This is especially true for those who choose to use it to either report lies as truth or misrepresenting opinions as truth which can cause confusion, ambiguity, arguments, offense and much more.

So what is freedom?

How is it achieved?

Is it true freedom if others lose theirs at at the expense of you gaining yours?

For example, if I attempt to explain my belief to another for the purpose of understanding each other and accepting another; it shouldn’t be offensive. But if I attempt to coerce or force that belief on them; it impinges upon their freedom to believe what they choose. Sharing your thoughts on something is considerably different; it presents an alternative thought or belief and should not be threatening. However, forcing it, insisting as the only correct answer, is divisive, threatening, intimidating and offensive. The first example frees the hearer to consider the differences and makeup their own mind. The second examples stirs up offence, implies the hearer is wrong, less than for thinking differently, and possibly less intelligent. Perhaps the worst side effect is closing that person off entirely causing loss of credibility and/or the relationship all together.

This has become a very popular reaction in recent years in the American culture and has led to the current culture of cancelling out anyone and everyone that is different than you. We once proclaimed multiculturalism; now a considerable number want to cancel all who hold to a different political ideal, different belief, world view, religion or denomination and not just cancelling their speech or belief but total denial as if they didn’t exist. That doesn’t seem very freeing to anyone!

What is it we truly long for?

In our deepest depths of our heart, what is it we truly want?

I would suggest perhaps it’s not the freedom we desire although it is a good thing and we enjoy it. I would also suggest it’s not happiness we search out; for it is fleeting. I would ask you to consider what we really need and desire; and I would submit to you that perhaps the answer is wholeness and peace. Yes, I think these serve and fulfill a greater need in life than we realize we need.

Those who have read my blog before know and it is only fair to disclose that my postings are predominantly from a Biblical world view but are never intended to offend; only share. I often will dig into the original languages and context when sharing my thoughts on a verse or topic. Last week I ran across a scripture quoted in fictional literature and it captivated me for some reason. Let me share it with you and I’ll explain more.

“Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble. Psalms 119:165 CSB

“Great peace have they which love thy law And nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165 KJV

At first glance, this verse seems pretty straightforward and clear whether you agree with its meaning and context or not. As I dug into the words in the original languages and their meanings, The verse seemed to open up and bloom into a deeper meaning.

Let’s take the first word great to start

Great. English – as of an extent intensity amount above what is considered normal or average. Hebrew – the word rab which according to Strong’s Concordance H7227 means: abundant, enough, exceedingly, manifest, multiply, plenteous, Process of time, sufficient.

Peace. English – freedom from disturbance, quiet, tranquil. Hebrew: Strong’s H7965 Peace, safe, well, happy, welfare, health, prosperity, whole, sound. I found this expanded meaning of peace comforting and completely descriptive of what many of us desire out of our life. I have also heard it said peace (Shalom) means nothing broken, nothing missing. What a blessing that would be!

Love. English – the word love has many different definitions ranging from a deep affection to affectionate greetings. It may include the ending of a letter, a great interest, something you find pleasure in. The original word used for love is Strong’s H157 ahab (a-hav) in this instance only has one meaning; an affection for.

Law. English– system of rules in a country or community regulating actions of its members and enforced by penalties. Original – word used is Strong’s H8451- tora meaning precept, statute, Decalogue, Pentateuch, or Torah (first 5 books Genesis-Deuteronomy).

Nothing. English- not anything, not a single thing, zero, no value. Strong’s H369 – ‘in (een) meaning: no thing, not existent, less, be gone, naught, without.

Offend. English – Cause to feel upset resentful or annoyed; A person who commits and then legal act; a person or thing that offends, does something wrong or causes problems. Original – miksole (mik-shole’) Strong’s H4383 stumbling block, obstacle, enticement, cause of fall, offence, thing offered, ruin.

In summary, is it possible that this verse with its deepest meaning could technically be understood to mean:

Abundant (abundant, manifold, plenteous) peace

(wellness/wholeness, happiness, health, prosperity

and soundness) have those who love (have great

affection for) the law (God’s precepts, Word, statutes,

Torah) and nothing (no thing, nothing that exists,

be gone, naught) shall offend (be a stumbling block,

caused to fall, be an obstacle, entice, offend, ruin)

them.

Just something to ponder. Is there anything that doesn’t describe what most of us want out of our life contained here?

What if rules and laws are boundaries for our good and protection rather than a set up to manipulate and control us?

If so, this verse tells us exactly how to achieve our hearts desire.

What is God’s law?

When ask about the greatest commandment (Law), Jesus answered:“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:46-40

Related verses:

Proverbs 3:1-2; 3:23

Isaiah 26:3; 32:17; 63:13

May you enjoy grace and peace along your journey!

Abiding

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The longer coffee or tea sits; the stronger it gets. Jesus said, “

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John‬ ‭15:4-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A House Divided? Who Do You Trust?

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2020; it was the sound of silence; a stilled pen. I began the year with three words on my heart: Righteousness, Peace; and Joy. Based on:

     “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and  drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.” Romans 14:17 CSB

 The year had barely begun when we began hear rumblings of a “Novel Corona Virus” later referred to as Covid-19. On top of a virus spreading around the world about which we knew very little, it was also an election year in America. One or the other alone was bound to cause concern, curiosity, fear, anger and a number of emotions. Combined and add in the polarization already existing between those who agreed with and respected the current President and those who had no like or respect for him; the margin was narrow of those who saw that he had indeed done some good for the country but also knew that in other areas his behavior and attitudes could tamed to be less inflammatory to those who had little regard for him. One year felt more like three! Also, many found themselves anything but peaceful or joyful. Fear caused many to behave any way but righteously.

Fast forward, elections are over. A winner declared and chaos at the capital ensues purportedly by some of the supporters of the out-going President. Some insist on impeachment; others insist with only days until inauguration, it is foolish. America is a house divided! Fear and anger is running rampant and tensions are high. There is strife within households and between friends and this is why my pen is no longer silent.

America has long been known for its faith in God and for sending missionaries out into other parts of the world proclaiming the Gospel to other nations. Perhaps we need a refresher right here in our own nation… 

I have been thinking about Daniel for a while now. It is thought that Daniel was a teenage boy; perhaps late teens when he was taken captive and to Babylon. He and his three friends were Hebrew and believed in the one true God of their fathers. Though they were in a new culture, learning a new language and given new names from that culture; they remained faithful to their religion and their culture. They are described in Daniel 1 as:

“from nobility; young men; without physical defect; good looking; suitable for instruction in all wisdom, knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king’s palace.’ Daniel 1;3-7 They were to be trained in the language and trained to be inservice to the king; eating and drinking from the king’s table. 

We are lead to believe that these young men were cooperative in every way possible with the exception that they very respectfully requested to be allowed to continue to eat their current diet that met with the parameters of God’s instruction for them in order not to defile themselves. They agreed to a ten day trial which proved their diet superior to what the other young men were eating. 

They chose cooperation with their captors, respect, and obedience to those in authority over them in all areas except where it would cause them to be disobedient or disrespectful to God. They remained faithful to their beliefs and to God and God honored their obedience. Eventually they had greater tests of obedience and had to choose between God or man. Each time they choose obedience to God. When instructed to bow to the kings idol, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego responded:

     ““King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18 CSB

When faced with instructions to no longer pray to his God, Daniel refused and accepted his punishment. Having experienced God’s provision for the other young men, the king said to Daniel:

     “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you!” Daniel 6:16 CSB

They all understood that God could choose to deliver them in their situation, thru their situation, or from their situation. 

They accepted the risk of their obedience knowing God was still in control; they believed no matter what happened they could trust Him. The first three trusted God and walked away from the fire not smelling of smoke. Daniel slept with hungry lions and walked away without a single scratch. We would do well to do the same.

What can we learn?

     1. gratitude- we aren’t captives in a foreign land under foreign rule

     2. remain faithful, act accordingly (do right) and trust God

     3. believe- if struggling, pray about our unbelief

     4. be kind, caring, compassionate, empathetic, respectful to those around us; even when we may not agree

     5. pray- keep praying: asking, seeking, knocking

     6. seek God’s will; His best- He sees the big plan (His Kingdom)

     7. Remember:

  “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him. He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I offer thanks and praise to you, God of my ancestors, because You have given me wisdom and power. And now You have let me know what we asked of You, for You have let us know the king’s mystery.” Daniel 2:20-23 CSB

           “At the first light of dawn the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he reached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel. “Daniel, servant of the living God,” the king said, “has your God, whom you continually serve, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke with the king: “May the king live forever. My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths; and they haven’t harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him. And also before you, Your Majesty, I have not done harm.” Daniel 6: 19-21 CSB

     8. Results:

  “Then King Darius wrote to those of every people, nation, and language who live on the whole earth: “May your prosperity abound. I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end. He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6: 25-27 CSB

Believers, will we choose to believe, trust, do right; or will we worry, fret, fight each other trying to prove who is right and wrong? AND: will we trust God, His sovereignty; that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours and that ultimately, His will must prevail.

“The Lord bless you and keep you,

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.” 

Numbers 6: 24-26 NKJV

Grace and peace to you!

Change is Inevitable-What Can We Do? Updated version

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    Little did I realize the turn of events that would bring us to July, 2020 and how radically different a few months would change so very many people’s lives. A very good friend recently read and reminded me of this post so I have revisited it today. I am reposting for one reason only. Perhaps my ramblings might bring a glimmer of light or hope to someone else struggling with the massive changes or with difficult times. After all, many are struggling with loses like never before; wrestling with clashing ideologies and cultures; living in fear of the dreaded risks of Covid-19; witnessing violence in their streets and for some even their homes. May we consider the words below as we try to navigate the challenges of our times and not be overwhelmed:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist when the times are evil, and after you have done everything, to stand firm.”

Ephesians 6:12-13 TLV

Originally PUBLISHED ON March 8, 2019

     Change is all around us; some good, some not so good, and some traumatic. You may feel like you are continually experiencing it. Or ask, as do I, questions like why it seems that things are always in flux? What is especially frustrating and most of us have or will experience this sometime in our lives is when you seem to get caught in whirlwind, quicksand, or whirlpool. You may have experienced it. When something negative happens and seems to trigger a series of chain-like events and you can begin to forget what normal life feels like when this happens.

     Why am I writing about this? Three reasons. First I seem to be in a contemplative season in my life, and secondly, it seems to have the potential to suck me in and drag me down as described above by the terms whirlpool or quick-sand. Lastly, I woke up this morning with a song stuck in my head (more about that in a bit).

So what can we do when this happens?

     If you are a believer, my first advice is to pray and listen for the answers and search for them in the Word of God. I get it; sometimes this is hard. There are seasons when we don’t know what or how to pray BUT we have an intercessor praying for us, and He knows how to pray and how to translate our groanings and our outcries when we don’t understand what to say!

     Personally, sometimes all I can utter is Lord, help or Jesus…  Second, we are not the only one experiencing troubles, we are not alone though it may feel like we are. When we feel like we are, we hesitate to let others come along beside us to help carry the burden. Maybe we are embarrassed, shamed. That is usually the enemies attack and tactic to keep us isolated from others and God. We also need to remember plenty of God’s people experienced seasons like this and overcame them. Most of the best known and revered people from Biblical times found this to be true. Sampson was consecrated as a Nazarite and had taken a vow; he met with temptations that he succumbed to, like taking honey out of a lion carcass, dating and marrying outside his own culture, and other such shenanigans.  Still, he did mighty things for God, and his life counted. There’s also Moses, Jacob, Rahab, Saul, also known as Paul, King David and the list could keep going. This situation is NOT the end of our story unless we choose to let it be!

     Next, one thing that has been helpful to me was to stop watching the news. I did this personally in 2003. I will occasionally watch world news, major events and I’ll check in for weather events briefly. Mostly I avoid it like the plague or most recently a pandemic. It is just too much. I once counted up the hours our local stations run news. It is in the neighborhood of eight hours every single day. They start a story and continue it in the next hour, and possibly again in the following hour. Perhaps hoping you’ll stick around and watch it all. If you do, you are inundated with the same tragic and horrifying stories over and over. What has this got to do with change? When we are struggling with a difficult season of life, hearing ghastly stories about our communities, cities, and the world repeatedly; it seems so much worse than if we’d only heard them once. It is not helpful. The truth is, you’ll still come across plenty to keep you current whether it is posted on social media, a notification on your phone, or walking by a store display or news stand! Continually watching it can be stressful at best and depressing at it’s worst.

 Our minds are bombarded every single day. Pulling back on some of the access gives our brains a rest and gives us more time to do things we enjoy whether it is a hobby, exercise to relieve stress, read, meditate, or get more sleep which so many of us are deprived.  Rest helps, it may not answer the problem, but things look much better when we get proper amounts of rest.

That brings me to the song…

     This morning I woke up a song on my mind, or more accurately my heart. That isn’t unusual for me, but the song was. Recently, I heard a song I remembered from childhood in the seventies. It was written or released in 1963, but my exposure was later. “The Sound of Silence” was re-released recently by Pentatonix and I ran across the video and listened. Did I mention I’ve been in a reflective state lately? So I pulled up the lyrics and began to read them and think about them. Some people thought them rather dark, which I had never considered. I found them more prophetic than dark. In the early sixties, a few saw them predictive of the so-called Hippie or free love movements according to some. My thoughts ran to the changes I have seen in our culture over my lifetime as I listened. I ran across another rendition by Disturbed. I was not familiar with them; I decided to go and look at their interpretation of the song. It seemed powerful, serious, and poignant.  It was possibly a bit darker but considering all the changes in life and culture during my years on the planet. It seems accurate and still prophetic. 

Excerpt from ‘Sound Of Silence’:

“And in the naked light, I saw

Ten thousand people, maybe more

People talking without speaking

People hearing without listening

People writing songs that voices never share

And no one dared

Disturb the sound of silence

“Fools,” said I, “you do not know

Silence, like  cancer, grows

Hear my words that I might teach you

Take my arms that I might reach you.”

But my words, like silent raindrops fell

And echoed the wells, of silence

And the people bowed and prayed

To the neon god they made

And the sign flashed out it’s warning

In the words that it was forming

And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls

And tenement halls”

And whispered in the sounds of silence.”

Paul Simon

      Also in 1963, prayer was taken out of schools. Ten years later, Roe vs. Wade passed making abortion legal. Though the majority at the time were against these acts, the vocal minority won; perhaps because of the sound of silence. That has happened many times throughout history from ancient times up until current events. The Holocaust is one example, though there have been many other examples as well. Different times and different places, but the sound of silence has allowed travesties to happen over and over and if good men/people do nothing or say nothing; it will continue. 

     As in recent news, yep it still gets through, even without watching, it may be particularly prophetic. Controversial bills are passing to allow abortion up until the babies due date; the law to protect babies born alive in late-term failed abortions failed to pass; a seventeen-year-old gave birth at home and stabbed her just born baby, taking it’s life. All shocking and devastating, especially the last! Yet, enough of the government representatives opposed the protection of life bill so that it didn’t pass, and her country says it is the mothers right whether to choose life or not. So, maybe based on that, she thought it was okay, despite the devastation to her life and the babies. She is charged with murder; as would someone be  who had attacked a mother and caused the death of her baby before it had been born — mixed signals from our laws, controversial things many or maybe most hesitate to speak out about and remain silent.

      Whether it be on a community, city, state or national level or a personal level, silence can be detrimental and cause devastation. We need to be there for each other, be reasonable and have mature conversations even when we have disagreements;  we need to find common ground. Sadly, a vast majority get deeply offended; of those, some become silent, and others become vocal to the point of being abusive and unkind. Still, others are marginalized and seem voiceless. 

     As I read Colossians 3, something stuck out to me that I’d never considered from this passage:

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Col. 3:1-4 NASB

     I have read this many times, but this time what struck me was when it says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth”.  Just maybe it meant not only to not get caught up in possessions, jobs, wealth, or cares of the world; maybe it meant “neon gods of their own making” as referenced in the song. Perhaps it means not letting the things we can see, hear and experience get to us; keeping them from sucking us in; but rather refocus immediately on God when issues come trying to inundate us and give them to Him before they cause fear, concern, temptations and other negative, unproductive feelings and actions to creep into our lives. 

I had previously only considered it as a warning against getting too caught up in the world, but now it seems clear that it is a protection, a plea for us to keep our focus above on Jesus rather than getting caught in the snares that can lead our hearts into troublesome places. Places that can cause us to lose our direction and silence our voice rather than follow the next directions:

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”  Col.3:12-17 NASB

     Perhaps you wonder how the above passage fits into this train of thought, I did. Honestly, we all desperately need some grace!  We also need to give it to others; and yes, even to ourselves sometimes. We need God’s grace and mercy. Silence is sometimes appropriate; other times it is deadly. 

      God help us to have the wisdom to know when to speak; when to reach out for help; and when to hold our tongue.  Grant us the courage to speak up and speak out when the time is right. Help us to reach out when we are overwhelmed, first to You for wisdom and then lead us to those we can trust for help that won’t add to our burden. Grant us wisdom in what and how much we open ourselves up to in the form of news and entertainment and help us find alternative ways to spend our time to protect our mind and heart where it is needed. Help us remember everyone is going through something at any given moment and give us the strength to show kindness, mercy, and grace as often as possible.  In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Grace and peace to you!

Inevitable: Temptation

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I’m still hanging out in James, the first chapter. If by chance you’ve read it, you know by now I skirted around a certain passage. It told myself it was for continuity and I’d return to dig deeper into it. Here I go, James 1:13-14:

“No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.”

James 1:13-15 CSB

I find this passage both practical and quite daunting. First, we aren’t to accuse God of tempting us, it is not in His character. Simply stated, He can not be tempted and He does not tempt us. That’s pretty straight forward and something I have accepted by faith and it has proven true in my life. So where does temptation come from? According to James, our own evil desire entices us; draws us away from God’s way or will. Could this really be true? Could we really be our own worst enemy when it comes to temptation?

As I’ve pondered this over the last several days, three examples have come to mind.

  • The fall of man in The Garden of Eden
  • Satan’s temptation of Jesus
  • Jesus time in the Garden of Gethsemane

How was it Eve found herself tempted? What did the serpent say? How did that bring temptation? Genesis 3, enter the serpent and he spoke to Eve:  “Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”” CSB

He followed up with an answer: “ “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will bell opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”” Genesis 3:4-5 CSB

  1. He questioned Eve’s understanding of what God had actually said.
  2. The serpent worded his answer deceptively; he implies that God purposefully is keeping them from the fruit so they will not be like Him (God).
  3. The serpent implies God is holding out on them and keeping knowledge from them that they need to know.

Is it possible, in the quest to please God and a desire to be like God, Eve’s own desire(s) are what tempted her to do exactly what God had instructed the not to do. We were told, and perhaps even Adam and Eve, though it is not specifically said; they were created in the image of God. Both were already like Him, created in His image. Perhaps, because God is sovereign and His ways are higher than ours, He was protecting them by keeping them from this tree of “Knowledge of Good and Evil”. Keeping them innocent of the evils that were possible in this new world. Was their sin allowing their desire to be like God to tempt them to disobedience? Were they placing their will above God’s will? Were they snared by the serpents deception or were they really trapped by their own desire to be like God? Maybe it really was because of there own selfish desire for more.

Temptation of Jesus

“Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone. ” So he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. The devil said to him, “I will give you their splendor and all this authority, because it has been given over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If you, then, will worship me, all will be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. ” So he took him to Jerusalem, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you, and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ” And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God. ” After the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.”

Luke 4:1-13 CSB

The Bible tells us Jesus was tempted in every way we have been, yet was sinless. This is a great example. How was Jesus so strong and resistant to sin? Possibly because He was in constant communication with His Father and He was determined only to do what His Father said! He focused on His purpose and His goal not His own selfish desires or His hunger. He realized something higher was at stake. This is pretty good proof that though outside forces can bring on the means of temptation, they are not responsible for us falling into the snare that was set before us.  Rather it is our own selfish desires that over come us and cause us to fall into the trap.  

Lastly, Jesus in the Garden, a mind anguished but firmly set on the prize set before Him!  

““He went out and made his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he told them, “Pray that you may not fall into temptation.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me — nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he got up from prayer and came to the disciples, he found them sleeping, exhausted from their grief. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you won’t fall into temptation.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a mob came, and one of the Twelve named Judas was leading them. He came near Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?””

Luke 22:39-42, 44-48 CSB

We find Jesus example here exemplary. Anguished to the point of sweating drops of blood, He remained true to the course set before Him until the very end when He was arrested, mocked and beaten, judged wrongly and executed.  We also find a different example in the disciples. Jesus asked them to watch and pray for an hour so they would not fall into temptation. They failed, though they may have tried; their tired flesh had it way. Though Jesus awakened them to remind them; they fell into the temptation of sleep each time.

I’ll be the first to say though I’d rather not admit it; “it’s not the devil made me do it” (a throw back to Flip Wilson comedy); and it certainly is not God tempting us. It might be considered a test but ultimately bottom line we make a decision and we are responsible for our actions. Even in not deciding, we have made the decision to let what happens happen. 

Tough saying this is:  “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.”

May God give us grace and strength to decide wisely and set aside temptation and choose life; keeping our focus firmly set on the prize set before us. When we fall, may His beautiful forgiveness, grace and mercy surround us!

May His grace and peace be with you and keep you.

Inevitable: Loss

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For the third day in as many days, I have awakened with a specific thought on my heart and felt compelled to write. I’m not sure why that is; perhaps it is a reminder of something I will need in the coming days or there is someone that God in His infinite grace, wisdom, and mercy already knows will stumble across and find some comfort and companionship in what they are going through. Whatever the case, here goes!

Last night in passing, my hubby commented that today was a “special” day. Just for a moment or two I pondered his statement noting that the date would be November 7. Then recognition set in. November, though it contains one of our favorite holidays, has tended to be  hard month for our family. By that, I mean hard things tend to happen in November. November 7th is the day my Mom passed away. It has been 23 years this year and honestly very few years have passed that I didn’t have some kind of memory of that day on this 7th day of November. Certain days you just remember- birthdays, holidays, special shared occasions, missed special days when they would have been there if possible; like weddings, graduations, etc.

Do I still miss my Mom? Oh good heavens, yes! Her passing was fast and unexpected- almost out of the blue. She transitioned into eternity at a young age of 59, when her grandchildren were just ages 10 and 13. my youngest had just turned 10 ten 9 days earlier. She would miss my sons 14th birthday coming in just 43 days! Thanksgiving and Christmas would be different in the years to come; something would always be missing without Mom’s presence. In a similar way, my Dad entered eternity just seven years and a few weeks later; also in November. Remember, if you read this blog, a couple of days back- James 1 talks about trials in our life and makes it clear it is when they come, not if they come. Loss of a loved may be one of the hardest knocks life gives us! Even to those of us who are people of faith and have the beautiful hope of eternal life and being reunited one day in heavenly places; Loss is hard! Whether it is sudden and unexpected or it is gradual during a long fought battle with disease; it is never easy and you are never quite ready for it. Yes, your loved one may have been through a painful battle and it may be a relief that their pain and suffering has come to an end; but it is still hard. We still miss them and their presence and influence in our daily lives.

Perhaps it is because the holiday season is upon us and depression and anxiety always seem to escalate during this season. We face shorter days with less sunshine; grief and losses still come; increased and even unmet expectations are all around; for many, holidays mean financial stress; cold weather brings increased bill expenses; risks of colds and flu that come around in the fall and winter increase. Regardless, people struggle more this time of year and perhaps that is why this topic is weighing heavily on my mind and heart. It could it be remembering my first childhood memory this morning; a fall day when I was around 3, (I was almost four since my birthday is in December)?

 That memory was of the family gathering after a funeral. I don’t remember the funeral, I probably stayed at my great aunts with my slightly older cousins and a sitter. It stands out because we were together, the whole extended family. Also, because I lost my new and beautiful golden birthstone bracelet. It disappeared among all the fallen leaves on the ground, never to be found. Superficial, I know but I was 3! I only share this story to let you know from that day to the day we buried Mom, I had been to almost as many funerals as years I had lived. (We tend to be a close knit family, and people of my grandparents generation tended to larger families).

I guess the point I’m trying to convey is loss is hard (at the risk of being redundant); you aren’t alone; no one knows how to navigate it well; each loss is different and yet the same; whether through death or by other means, it is still loss and it is still hard; I have never found a proven way to navigate loss, though there are some ways that may be healthier than others; and finally, we all deal with it and the associated grieving differently. It just looks different on each of us. In my life, focusing more on the treasured good memories has been helpful. Some folks find talking about it helpful; others find it painful and hard. We are all different but we are not alone! Faith and our Heavenly Father are a great help in getting through the tough times associated with a loss and there are many comforting scriptures to sooth our troubled souls in such times.

If this is you, my prayer is that you will find comfort, peace, and in time that your joy will be renewed and refreshed! May His grace, mercy and comfort be like a blanket around you as you navigate these roadways! There is life beyond loss!!!

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

Inevitable- Part 2

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Back to James chapter one! What a great and needed reminder of Who we need to go to when we face trials.  Who better to go to for help than our Creator? He knows us better than anyone! God has given us each a measure of faith and He has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11); a hope or knowing that there is more out there than what we see all around us. A deeper desire and longing that we may not even be able to understand or explain. Then there was the reminder that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father who never changes or shifts like shadows! It’s no wonder I never got past verse 19 just meditating on His goodness!

Now., as I read, I find it interesting the very next section begins by saying: “My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”

James 1:19-20

I’ve got to wonder, why talk about about anger on the heels of faith? Perhaps anger is one of the biggest hindrances to our faith? Anger comes in many forms from injustice to deep wounds to our soul. Some of us go as far as experiencing deep seeded anger at God Himself because of our wounds and grief. It is easy to feel anger when we are treated wrongly, or someone we love is treated unjustly; when we experience losses we don’t understand; when we feel neglected, ignored or invisible; when we feel our prayers go unanswered or are answered differently than we’d hoped.

Let’s look at each of these things James mentions and see how they might fit:

  • Quick to listen:  We live in a world today of sound bits. We get lots of small bits of information all day through texts, media, and many other sources. Yes, we still have some full conversations but  I believe on some level, the sound bites of life tend to damper our listening skills. I believe we get rusty and if someone is too long winded, many either interrupt or zone out. James tells us it is important to be quick to listen; be a good listener.
  • Slow to speak:  I think James is advising us to be careful. Listen and be present; take a few minutes to really think about what is being said. Hear It out and ponder. Don’t get all fired up, planning your response but truly hear what was said and think about it. Respond instead of reacting. Because you have Listen to the actual heart of what is being said.
  • Slow to anger:  This is pretty self explanatory. When you are really listening and taming the impulse to react without thinking and trying to fully understand the person, their situation or concerns, and their heart; it is much easier to have an objective and less emotional or angry response. It also helps us to move from opinion, selfish desires, and tunnel vision. When we truly try to see the bigger picture and that there may be multi-facets to the situation or problem and unknown variables— we have a better chance or reaching reasonable outcomes that better serve everyone involved and hopefully avoiding anger outbursts in the process.

There sure is a whole bunch of wisdom in James and we are just 19 verses  into the Book! Who says an ancient and timeless book can not be relevant today?!!  I’m just a simple lady. I don’t claim or pretend to be a scholar or have any expertise beyond sheer life experience and maybe the school of hard knocks. I can say that I haven’t found many, if any, situations in life that I haven’t been able to search God’s Word and find passages that were relevant and helpful and often times bringing peace and comfort to the situation.

May God bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace!  -Numbers 2:24-26

Inevitable: Are Trials Unavoidable?

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Interesting how life ebbs and flow! Writing is something I have enjoyed for quite a while, whether personal journaling or blogging. Lately, it seems I have been in a season of distractions when it comes to the inspiration it takes to get me writing in either area. Maybe that’s a thing of the past…perhaps I’ve just been letting those distraction have too much power in my life.

Today, I began my day earlier than usual. It is still very quiet and peaceful, my favorite condition to find myself in; especially for pondering important stuff and for writing. In our modern, fast paced lifestyle, it is often illusive and hard to find. Determined to do just that, I got up early, settled in my reading chair and opened a new Bible-fresh, unmarked, clean slate. Because a passage in James has come up several times since late September, I began my reading there. First, I ran across a devotional about James. It intrigued me and pulled me in. At the end, it asked three great questions. Basically the paraphrased version would be:

How can you see God’s hand of blessing in your life today?

Have you seen God go above and beyond your expectations? How?

In this season, how is God asking you to be a blessing to someone?

Wow! Answering those questions challenged me to think, to answer, to pray, and to get busy reading.

Blessings: A loving and faithful God who knows everything about me and call me worthy because of Jesus; a terrific family; answered prayers for resolution of a couple health issues; just to get started.

Exceeded expectations: Going through a recent surgery with only a few hours down time and very little pain. Which because of the other circumstances happening, was a blessing way above and beyond anything I could have asked or imagined!!

Season to be a blessing: Approximately 36 hours after surgery, a very close family member in my husband’s family graduated to heaven. Together we are being called to a season of more responsibility and caregiving; hopefully to be a blessing and not a stumbling block.

Back to James! Verse 2 is a show stopper! This gets me every time. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”. James1:2 Most everyone who has heard a sermon on this portion of James has heard a pastor say, “notice that it does not say IF you face trials.” In every version or translation I have ever read, it clearly states that we are to consider it all joy or pure joy when or whenever trials come. Stated this way, it becomes clear that in every one of our lives it is inevitable (certain and un-avoidable) we will encounter trials. Yet when one comes our way, it seems to surprise us or even shock us. Human nature I suppose.

Familiar with this passage since early adulthood, it still strikes me fresh and anew every single time I read it! Perhaps that says as much about me as it does the actual verse, however I think it really shows us how counter-intuitive it is to our human nature. God sees the end of the situation even before it begins. We humans do not. It is a stretch for us to look beyond the initial aggravation of whatever trial presents itself to us and search for a lesson to be learned as we go through that trial that will bring us out on the other side better than we were before we went through it.

When the trial or struggle comes, what will we do with it. We may not be able to keep it from coming. We may not be able to avoid it. So, what next? I personally think it comes down to what we do with it. Do we just wrestle and struggle with it; do we fight against it; ignore it; give in to it; become overwhelmed by it; or go into problem solving mode to fix or solve it? Some would say we should ask what we are supposed to learn from it.

Responses vary probably as much as people. Scripture seems to be saying it is an opportunity to be joyful or choose joy; not because we have the trial or the problem. Because God is faithful and if we turn to Him in the circumstance and trust Him to see us through. When we take our struggle to Him, it tests our faith; producing endurance in the trial. Can we get through this situation? Will God answer our prayers about it? Will He answer them the way we want Him to answer? Is there a reason for Him to answer differently that we can not see/understand? Do we trust when the Word says that Gods’ ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts?

” because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4

Trials, bring about the testing of faith according to James. Testing of faith leads too endurance. Endurance when fully acting or in full effect brings about a maturity; completeness. Is it possible that faith could be compared to a muscle and the more exercise it gets, the stronger it gets. Could it be the stronger your faith gets, the less we panic or worry when another problem hits and the sooner we take it to our Heavenly Father in prayer?

Please know in these questions and ramblings, I am not trying to oversimplify. Life can be difficult and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it seems problems come in waves as often and as rhythmic as the waves hit the shoreline. I do find comfort that the very next section assures us that when we need wisdom all we have to do is ask God. It assures us that He gives wisdom freely, generously. James also warns us. Ask in faith. Don’t doubt. Be single minded, sure that He will answer. Find yourself doubting? I do, and find myself praying… “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

I also find a great deal of comfort that the endurance of trials come with a promise or a reward if you will. James 1: 12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” I hope that you find this as encouraging and helpful as I did this morning. I certainly needed this reminder and though I didn’t make it through a whole chapter these words breathed fresh life into my heart. Finally, I would like to encourage you with the following words that James penned many years ago:

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created.” James 1:16-18

Grace and Peace to you!