Everything in my life is an unbelievable gift from the Father above to mold and shape me into the person that He created me to be! Yes, even the difficult and hard things in my life! Having said that, life, as I see it, is all about a loving relationship with God, and loving the people He places in our lives. Perhaps the journey is all about learning to love and offer grace to those around us inspite of our differences. Today’s world fights for it’s rights and has gone beyond just making it’s opinions known to a place where differing opinions are attacked and if possible silenced. Is this the world we want for our children and grandchildren? Oh how I hope not! I would love for my children and 10 grandchildren to experience a world filled with grace, hope, love and a chance to experience joy along their journey.
Here goes as I write my notes from yesterday morning, unfiltered.
4:40 AM; Startled shaken, suddenly awake. overdramatic? Maybe, but I don’t think so. Feels very startling then something falls off the nightstand loud; jolting! As my kneecap begins to throb yet again; right tendons and muscles cry out in pain and spasms in protest—I could really use a good cry; tears silent, tears try to form but nothing. Like a dried out well.
Always silent are just below the surface, trying to erupt, but shy just below the surface pooling, but never falling. Even this is rare, perhaps I’ve cried them all out over the years. Scarce for decades…
In 63 years, I’m not sure when exactly they retreated. It’s been a very long time since they’ve dared escape and fall down my cheeks freely. Only in the rare, hardest of times will one or two dare to surface. I guess perhaps my body/subconscious, finally began to believe all those times someone would say you’re too emotional; too sensitive; lighten up; comments carelessly tossed dismissing you because they’re uncomfortable with your transparency and vulnerability or just can’t be bothered with you at the moment. But I digress.
One more small bunny trail:
As I write this, an old song comes to mind out of nowhere seemingly.
“The Warrior is a Child”
Twila Paris 1984
This is a song I related to very much in a very stressful time in my young life, shortly after its release. It tends to circle back from time to time and I realize how true it is in my life. I wonder if anyone else feels this way— it is especially poignant at those times when those closest to you; your support system, are all busy or self- involved to be available when you need them. Don’t misunderstand, this is a good thing, it reminds you that there is only One who never leaves you for sakes you.
Back to that, raging alarm clock and crying body parts refusing to cooperate as something crashes to the floor and I long for tears to release my frustration. Finally, my wakeful mind starts to kick in and my next thought is to silence the alarm. You know, the one for your husband to wake him up because you still have an hour and a half of snoozes before you must be up yourself. Not today though, you’re both awake now.
Involuntarily these words came quietly out from somewhere deep within:
“I wish for once, I could just sleep.— sleep until I woke up on my own— refreshed, well rested, no interruptions—and taking care of myself for a change
instead of everyone else.”
I instantly felt quite selfish and yes, guilty for those quiet words. You see, I’m a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I love to take care of people, to nurture and do what I can. Mostly, it’s a joy and a pleasure taking care of others, but there are days that you need to take care of yourself.
Apparently this was one of those days. Or, perhaps I truly need for someone to take care of me occasionally. It was a soft, almost pitiful comment; the last few months have been challenging, trying to heal accidental but stubborn injury in the midst of a couple of challenging if not arduous years.
Both awake now and my husband preparing for the day ahead; no need for the snooze button or the secondary alarm to get him going—I lay quietly thinking about my words. I recall the song mentioned. Pondering the chorus:
“They don’t know
That I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know
Who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child”
Hassled, heavy, hurt, and needing this reminder of where my focus belongs and where my help comes from. Thank you, Jesus! You are always there, even when I don’t feel like it, even in the silence and the quiet, even when I need more sleep and a healing touch to a painful limb and joint; when I need refreshment, and even when it doesn’t come readily; you are always there! I can find calm, peace, and rest when I seek you.
Chorus:
“But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at his feet
They don’t know
That I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know
Who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child”
Now it’s time—time to wake up my granddaughter for school; to put on my grown up clothes; face this day and its challenges; time to seek the One who understands, who sees me when no one else does.
Breakfast ✅
School drop-off ✅
Homework drop ✅
Quiet devotional ✅
Gratitude ✅
Healing, rest—in progress
Peace/calm ✅
Like my vanishing tears my writing is also seen a dry season and this is not my typical post, but I’m hoping that it will encourage someone who is in a similar time or experiencing difficulties that are relatable to the story. We live in a busy and often chaotic world and it’s easy for us to come to a place where we feel unseen or unimportant; conversely, we may get caught up in the busyness and fail to see those most important to us when they need us the most. But there is One who never leaves us nor forsakes us. That is our Creator, the God who sees (Genesis 16:13)
““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?”
Matthew 7:7-9 NASB1995
May His grace and peace be with you as you ask, seek, and knock in search of Him!
“The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’”Numbers 6:24-26 NASB1995
Not willing to set aside; or to let go; is this equal to not trusting God.?.
It can be difficult for us as humans to trust!
Worry and fret leads to sleep loss, troubles and stress; faith shows confidence, trust, and brings peace of mind.
Do I fully trust Gods Sovereignty?
Trust His love for me?
Am I trusting in my goodness/lack there of; or am I trusting Him when He says Jesus paid the ransom price for me and I’m saved based on that alone and by nothing I bring to the table beyond seeking to trust, follow, and obey Jesus.
And, if ALL I have is a gift from God (James 1:17) then I have nothing at all within myself that did not originate from God to begin with.
Failing to acknowledge He created us and gave us what we need to survive and flourish leads to over confidence in ourself, and possibly over time becoming arrogant and so independent that we think we don’t need others and don’t need God. Perhaps this is why God loves the humble so very much.
The proud young ruler was so certain he’d kept all the commands and he’d done all required yet he felt the need to ask what else was required. There was no humility or acknowledgment that this was accomplished by the grace of God or that God was his source of life, power, strength, breath.
That said, how could he or even I arrogantly think or assume I have the power to make anything better— if I do, It is Him who gave me that power, strength, ability, gift. It’s the same with salvation. When we fail to trust Him, and fail to trust every good and perfect gift is from Him we develop the illusion that we have more control than we really have; build confidence in ourselves rather than Him.
If we truly believe in God, that He is who He says He is; and He can do what He says He can do; that He isn’t man that He should lie; trust He is Good, Faithful, and True—
If He is the very Breath of Life within us and If everything comes from Him, how can one be so arrogant to think they have any control beyond their personal choices which also originated with Him.
The Disciples Difference
Sometimes all it takes for a fresh understanding, is reading afresh in another translation, but be cautious it is trustworthy and accurate, not teaching contrary to reliable translations.
Today, I read the story of the rich young ruler in Scott, McKnight’s book The Second Testament: A New Translation, as well as, the verses following pertaining to the disciples as they decided to follow, Jesus. In that moment, their faith/trust was great. They chose to leave things, jobs, family behind and follow unconditionally as opposed the the wealthy ruler who went away sorrowful. Yet, we also cannot forget the many times as they followed that Jesus proclaimed, “oh you of little faith.”
Their faith wavered at times; Peter’s in the middle of walking on waves of water in a storm.
If they were face to face with Jesus and wavered, how much more can those of us who believe sight unseen have the same tendency?
We are all human and I doubt there is a single soul that has never struggled with a bout or two of doubt, unbelief, or with distrust. It might even be exacerbated if we tend to mistrust ourselves, especially in handling the disappointment that comes when our trust in someone or something appears misplaced or is delayed beyond our patience or understanding.
May we ask like the father who’s son suffering from childhood requested, ” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
“ I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants. Deuteronomy 30:19 NASB
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. 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 139:1-6, 11-12, 14-17, 23-24 NASB1995
Man has great potential both for great good and for evil; God deemed us worth the risk!! (Even knowing in His Sovereignty which each of us would choose.)
“Adonai is my portion and my cup. You cast my lot. My boundary lines fall in pleasant places —surely my heritage is beautiful.” ” I will bless Adonai, who counsels me. Even at night my heart instructs me. I have set Adonai always before me. Since He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. So my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body also rests secure.” Psalms 16:5-9 TLV
His Word promises His people a beautiful Inheritance; but it also warns us, “ In this world you will have trouble’s.” It doesn’t mince words, we will have trials, tests.hardships, and troubles.
Isaiah foretold Jesus coming and purpose with these Words:
“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord to glorify him. They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. But you will be called the Lord’s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their riches. In place of your shame, you will have a double portion; in place of disgrace, they will rejoice over their share. So they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and injustice; I will faithfully reward my people and make a permanent covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their posterity among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” Isaiah 61:1-9 CSB
For all of us who have ever experienced feeling as though we could never measure up to someone or something, whether it was a major goal, others expectations, or something else; and also for those who often find themselves feeling like we are just too much for others to handle: It is my hope these words will you pause and peace!
From one drought weary soul to another; May His Grace bring you peace and comfort and a thirst for more of Him!!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NASB1995
I’m sure there are many excellent reasons God choose these particular qualities to highlight and all of these make a great start when describing a person of character who draws the respect of others. There are other characteristics many would list and possibly higher on their priority list, such as honesty; loyalty; dependable—the list could be inexhaustible and all of them are great. Those above were the ones God choose and perhaps because they are harder and require the assistance of the Holy Spirit’s power to learn and readily practice on a consistent basis.
In Deuteronomy, we are also given this advice:
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NASB1995
Life is full of choices! On a quick and certainly not thorough search, articles suggested the average person makes anywhere from 227.6,1500, 2500, and up to 35,000 choices a day respectively. Just looking at those numbers makes me weary!
If I were you, I’d probably be wondering where this could be possibly going and why. What the connection is…
That last several years have been very challenging for most people. Sickness, loss, financial crisis, added stresses in so many areas of life. Our lives and what we are exposed to have changed often in unwanted and dramatic ways we were not prepared for and for many, hope deferred has become hope lost! Some of us are becoming socially detached because of circumstances we have or are living through. Some of us have been more observers than participators; others seemed to fall into the deep end and feel as though they are still treading water; but barely!
It’s easy to notice the tendency for those who have suffered disappointment, hurt, and loss to have a tendency to be looking for the next shoe to drop. Jesus spoke of these things to the people of His day and it still applies to us in our day,
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation(troubles), but take courage; I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 NASB1995
Just a few chapters before He says:
“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:9-10 NASB1995
Maybe in this next section will begin to pull together and begin to make sense if you’ve continued this far…
Could it really be as simple as Deuteronomy implies? Could all things fall into one of two categories? Something I’ve been pondering and wondering for a long while now. Can it really be that everything either falls under the category of either life or death??
Life Death
blessing Curse
Love Hate
Joy Bitterness
Peace Chaos
Patience Impatience
Kindness Meanness
Goodness Abuse, vileness
Faithfulness Unfaithful
Gentleness Harsh, severe, malice
Self-control Undisciplined, wild
Loyalty Betrayal
Freedom Captivity
Free-will Tyrany
Is it possible that anything less than pure, sincere, untainted love begins the shift toward death/dying and life is synonymous with pure love and love synonymous life and it’s fullness? Can you ever experience real life without unconditional love and can you attain or give this love without knowing it’s source; the Creator of both life and unconditional love?
Three questions I’ve heard people struggle with all my life:
If there is a God and if He is good, perfect, just;
1. Why do people suffer?
2. Why does evil exist?
3. Why provide a tree in the garden that Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from?
We strive to understand and reason these things out to the best of our ability and understanding and when our human reasoning cannot find a satisfactory answer; we doubt and begin looking for more evidence. Often we find more doubt. Conversely, if we can but exercise just a small measure of faith and really take notice at even the little positive outcomes; our faith will begin to flourish and in time doubt will diminish. We get to choose which muscle we exercise or we can choose an easy path or one of least resistance. Either way, it is our choice and responsibility for our response. We can not always make a difference in or control what happens to us, but we can to control our responses and make good decisions.
This leads to the third question I’ve heard asked above- I’ll start by saying No one likes a tyrant! Tyrant-A person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way.
God is described as good, fair, just, loving, among many other positive character traits. Because He is good, He gave us, humanity, all the propensity for those traits as well and the free will to choose. Had He demanded our conformance instead of letting us choose; by definition, He would be a tyrant rather than a good and loving God but instead He gives us choices…free-will. Choices have consequences; some good, some less ideal with less than ideal outcomes. Some outcomes aren’t as good as others, some are bad and others are downright evil. There are many times totally innocent bystanders are harmed because of the lack of good choices of others causing senseless harm and even tragic outcomes through no fault of their own. Perhaps these are the hardest to understand and accept. He doesn’t choose these for us but typically we either choose them, or they the result from us or someone else neglecting to choose, delaying, ignoring or avoiding making a choice. Then we look for someone to blame and many turn that blame unfairly to God. This is often because we haven’t taken into consideration that everyone is apt to make less than ideal choices which result in less than ideal outcomes and often effect other people unwittingly.
Just some meandering musings of someone navigating life with all it’s roads whether straight, hilly, twisting and turning, or sharp up hill curves and narrow roads and steep dangerous drops…and trying to choose well and at times falling short. May we all endeavor to choose life!
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
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.
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 yourinstruction; 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:
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
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
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.
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.”
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.
Living in His Grace 