Missing Jesus

"...Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?..." ~ John 1:46

Every Christmas I hear it. Every Christmas I read it...the story of Jesus' birth.  Every year something new stands out to me about it. This last year was no exception.


Reading aloud from Matthew chapter 2 on Christmas morning, I read how King Herod questioned the wise men from the east as to where Christ should be born:

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (vs. 5-6)

This was a reference to a prophesy spoken by the prophet Micah hundreds of  years before:

 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. ~Micah 5:2

I then read how an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take his family and flee to Egypt for their safety. Joseph obeyed. As recorded in vs 14-15:

 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. 

This was a reference to a prophesy spoken by the prophet Hosea hundreds of years before:

 "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." ~Hosea 11:1

A little while later, once again, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, telling him to return to Israel, that it was now safe to go back. Scriptures expounds:

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." (vs. 22-23)

As I read through these scriptures I began to think about how, if someone had only heard the prophesy about the Savior coming from Bethlehem, but only knew Jesus as the guy from Nazareth, or if they only knew of the prophesy of  Him being called out of Egypt, but didn't know that as a baby he had ever lived in Egypt, would they have missed Jesus?  Would they have missed realizing who He was because they were so focused on that one detail and totally have missed the fact that he was love incarnate?  I couldn't help but wonder...would I have missed Jesus?

Many did. John 7:41-43 states that, "Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him." 

Right after that conversation the officers, chief priests, and Pharisees began to talk among themselves about Him. Nicodemus stood up for Christ, but the other leaders responded, "...Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet." (vs. 52)  Though, according to Matthew, multiple prophets had spoken of the Savior being a Nazarene, this group was all focused on the fact that He would come from Bethlehem. Apparently they had no idea He had been born there.

Even Nathanael would possibly have overlooked Christ, had Philip not been his friend and led him to Him:

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. ~John 1:45-46

In the same way that so many were able to miss Jesus, despite Him walking and talking with them, so we also can miss things in our lives, if we are not careful.  It can be so easy to find ourselves zoned in on one thing, one area of life, etc. and total miss out on the big picture. We have to be careful not to be so focused on the mundane that we miss what's most important. As the saying goes, sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees. 

We can be guilty of this in so many ways:

When reading scripture:  It is so important to read scripture in context. Everyone seeking a relationship with Christ needs to read the whole Bible and when studying the Bible they need to read not just a scripture, but everything around the scripture in context. For example, John 3:16 is a wonderful verse, but we can't embrace it, yet ignore verse 3-8. 

With relationships:  It can be very easy to get so consumed in the routine day in and day out responsibilities of life, that we can neglect the most important relationships in our life. We can also miss out when we choose to focus on and magnify a few faults in another, rather than choosing to focus on and celebrate their many strengths.

With God given callings:  Sometimes, we can lose the big picture and come to think inside a box that God never created in the first place. God is a very creative God and He doesn't always do things exactly the way we expect. The truth is, He rarely does. We can also be at fault in thinking that only certain gifts and talents are useful within certain positions. Due to this we may cast them aside, when scripture teaches us to use them all. (Matthew 25:14-30)

This list could go on and on, but the point is this: DON'T MISS IT! Don't miss what's most important. Step back. Take a good look at it all. Realize what is most important and focus on those things. These people who lived during the time of Christ were walking, talking, and eating with Jesus, yet many overlooked him because they didn't know his full background; they only knew the part that didn't line up with what they were watching for. Because of this, they missed Jesus.

Don't miss Jesus. 
Don't miss Him in the sunrise and the sunset.
Don't miss Him in the sounds of the streams or the sounds of the birds.
Don't miss Him in the smell of the rose or the smell of fresh rain.
Don't miss Him when you hold a cute puppy or are held by a loved one.
Don't miss Him in these things, because He created and gave you all of them.

The Ultimate Roadmap

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." ~2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

A few years ago I was staying in central London for a couple of days with friends, while on my way back to the states from Norway. My friends had to work during the day, so I was on my own when it came to finding my way around, other than them having pointed out a few important nearby landmarks. The first day I went out I didn't really care where I went or what I did. I had been there before, was still extremely exhausted from the activities from the prior week, and just really didn't care what I ended up doing. But, I reasoned, "Girl, you're in LONDON. You gotta at least leave the apartment!"

So, I did. I had no map, quickly got lost, and didn't care at all...that is I didn't care until it was time to go "home". Then, eventually, I finally gave in and bought a map, in a rather questionable looking area, in the smallest shop I've ever seen. I was desperate. 

Within a matter of minutes, I was back on the right course, and had arrived back at my destination in very little time. Road maps are wonderful things!

Now, of course, most of us use "road maps" in the form of GPSes on our dashboards or on our phones. I am so GPS dependent it's a little scary. I've traveled across the U.S. by myself totally at the mercy of that little voice coming from that electronic box to get me to where I need to go.

To most people it's common sense: Have a GPS or map? Then use it! If you're going on a trip you don't purposely leave it at home. No, you bring it with you, and if you realize you forgot it, you feel helpless very quickly. 

Well, there is another "road map" that's much more important than any GPS. It's one most people are familiar with.  A lot have it.  Some have more than one. Yet even those who have it may neglect to open it and allow it to navigate their lives each and everyday. The roadmap I am referring to is the Bible. 

This map will not guide you to Houston, or Boston, or San Diego; it will guide you to somewhere much better. It will guide you to Heaven. It will explain to you the only way to get there and the safest, most enjoyable way to complete the trip. Are you taking the time to use your "road map"? I don't recommend waiting until you're overwhelmed and feeling lost to pick it up; but if you are already feeling that way, by all means, do pick it up! The more you read it and let it direct you, the closer you will be to being back on the course God has destined and desires for you. 

Not only will this roadmap get you to Heaven, it will also teach you how to experience more peace while on this earth. Need advice on finances? It's in there.  Advice on any kind of relationship? It's in there also. Whatever the life question, the answer is in there somewhere. But, to truly understand it, it definitely helps to know the author personally. So, dust off that roadmap, or go get one if you don't have one yet, pray (talk to the Author), then open it up and let Him talk to you.

In the words of an old song by Don Reno:

I'm using my Bible for a roadmap; The Ten Commandments they tell me what to do. The twelve disciples are my road signs; And Jesus will take me safely through.

A Life Well Lived

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: ~2 Corinthians 3:2 

I had a really weird dream a while back.  Perhaps it was the result of too much cold medicine. Or perhaps it was the result of a rather unhealthy late night snack I decided to eat.  I have no idea. However, the craziness of it did get me thinking....

The dream:
I am on a road trip with a group of people I know very well, whom I have traveled with often. The purpose of our trip is a very special event we are to attend in the town of our destination. We arrive at a nice upper scale hotel and settle in our rooms to go to sleep.  The next morning we get ready and eat breakfast.

This is where all normalcy goes out the window....

After the breakfast we are just standing around outside in the pretty weather and sunshine, doing nothing of great importance.  In fact, to my bewilderment, a friend eventually starts trying to ask me to do something, something that I keep questioning if I am understanding correctly. It appears she is wanting me to water....a little pond? or was it a ditch?  At this point in the dream I have forgotten the actual reason we are there in the first place, but I do remember that there IS a reason and it is important. I keep looking around at everyone doing their own thing, thinking, "What in the world is going on?!"

The next thing I know we are in a vehicle, headed home. At this point I start remembering why we drove the 4-5 hours in the first place, look at the lady next to me and ask, "Is [the event] cancelled?...What ARE we doing?!"  She gives me an "I have no clue" look. At this point the drivers,while still in the destination town, stop at some beautiful scenic place that, despite the fact that I am still in Arkansas (I think), looks like Arizona. They get out with their cameras, so I dig for mine too, still thinking and asking every once in a while, "Why are we here again?!...Are we REALLY going home without even going to [the event]?!...I'm so confused!...."

And that is how I woke up...very very confused. My first thought was, "what an utterly pointless dream!"  But then, as I thought more on it, I realized that some people live their lives like this dream...

There had been a purpose. And that purpose has been forgotten.

How many people have started out with a clear understanding of the purpose God has for them, and they start in that direction.  But then, something happens. Perhaps they start to forget, then they see lots of other people just standing around, and it all begins to seem normal. In my dream, our trip had a purpose.  A purpose that wasn't being fulfilled.  This agitated me, both when I was fully aware of it and when I wasn't. I believe that same feeling is present in everyone that isn't fulfilling their full purpose.

First, every individual on this earth is born with the same purpose: to worship the One who created them. The problem comes when they don't know this or they stray from it. Then, like in my dream, nothing ever seems quite right.

Think about it...if you are "rapture ready" at this moment and God hasn't taken you yet, there is a reason you're still here, and it has nothing to do with your own personal pleasure.

During my dream, at one point, I was asked to spend time doing something that would have been absolutely pointless and a waste of time.  At another point we were simply distracted by something God himself had created. Yes, He had created that beautiful scene for us to enjoy, but our timing was off.

What is the point of this trip called life, if, at the end of it, when you are facing eternity, all you feel like you've done is whatever was popular, whatever was easy, whatever brought the most praise, etc?

In John 10:10, Jesus says, "... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." 

The word abundant can be defined as "superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon, or more excellent."

When I looked up the meaning of the word "epistle" as used in the scripture at the beginning of this blog, it does not just define it as a "letter" as I have heard many people say, but rather as a "composition" in the form of a letter.  A composition is something into which one puts great effort and thought. A musical arrangement is known as a composition. The love expressed through the usage of this word by Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, doesn't even come close to expressing how much more the composition of your life is written in God's heart. 

God wants your life to be lived in full abundance and He wants you, as an epistle, to live so fully and with such purpose that the light in you shines on the darkened paths of those around you in such a way that they can't help but ask where they also may find this light.

Perhaps you are one that is on that darkened path.You feel like there is more to life, and you are searching around in darkness, tripping here, stumbling there, reaching out, knowing that somewhere there has got to be light somewhere and a better way to live this thing called life.You're searching for purpose...for meaning. That void you feel was created by the God who made you, and it can only be filled by the God who made you. No drug, no lifestyle, no person, and no amount of money can fill it.  You were created by God and you can only experience true fulfillment through God.

It's quite simple: If you're walking in darkness, turn toward the light. 

Let Him heal you. Let Him restore you. Let Him direct you.

(If you would like to know more about beginning a relationship with Christ, feel free to contact me!)

Broken Pieces

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." ~Genesis 50:20 (NLT)

This verse has been on my mind so strongly lately.  Recently, I have heard stories, over and over again, that reiterate the lesson found within this verse...

A minister falsely accused of a crime, didn't put all his energy into fighting the accusation, but rather accepted that God's will would be done.  Now, having been in prison for years, a church has been started behind those bars due to his not despairing and seeing God's hand, even in such a tragic situation.

A child away from God, wandered much too far, and, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, accidentally killed someone. Now, both him and his nephew, also in prison, have come back to God and many others are coming to know God through them as well.  

These are both real stories that have been shared with me within the last couple of months. 

Granted, every story doesn't climax with someone in prison. (Thank God!) These just happen to be the two examples I felt to share. And every story doesn't  involve literal flesh and blood people causing the harm. Scripture says that, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~Ephesians 6:12 

The scripture at the beginning of this blog is from the story of Joseph, and Joseph's story is just that...Joseph's story.  In Joseph's story his brothers are the ones who did him wrong.  God took that and used it.  He used it to the extent that he was able to use Joseph to save the lives of a multiplied number of people, his brothers’ included. 

Each one of us has our own story.  The negative part of the story is not what matters. What matters is what you are willing to let God make of it.  God can take anything and make something beautiful.  He can take a royal disaster and make it into a royal masterpiece. But you have to be willing to hand it over to him...broken piece by broken piece.

You see, the picture of your future you had formed in your mind?  It's nothing compared to what the master artist can design. As a matter of fact, you will probably not even recognize what he creates as you begin to hand over those pieces, one by one.  

Frustration..hand it over.
Hatred...give it to Him.
Jealousy...let go of it.
Judgement...it's the Lord's.
Discouragement...lay it down.

Piece by piece by piece, watch God make something beautiful. Something others can look at and learn from. Something that can transform other's lives as well. 

Piece by piece by piece.

While at LA Camp meeting recently I heard the song "Healing is Here" for the first time.  Two particular lines stood out to me above all the rest:

You are the God of all power,
And it is your will that my life is healed. 

Yes, it is God's will to allow us to go through tests and trials.  If we continue to persevere,  these will transform us into vessels more fit for his kingdom.  However, it is also His will for our lives to be healed.  It is especially His will that our lives are healed.  The entire point of the sickness, trial, or test  is for Him to receive glory through the healing. 

Whatever your circumstance, it IS God's will that your life is healed. It IS God's will that others benefit through your testimony. God is not blind to where you are or the circumstances that you face. He took Joseph from the pit to the palace, but He didn't do it overnight.... 

He did it piece by piece by piece. One act of obedience followed by another act of obedience.  Back stabbed? No problem, shake it off. Forgotten? It's ok, it's not God's timing yet anyway.

Piece by piece by piece. Trust God. Obey God. And Watch God do what only HE can do. 

Jesus, At the Center

"...And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man..."~Revelation 1:13

During service at my home church Sunday night, while singing the lyrics to this well known Christian song, the Spirit of God began to move in such a beautiful way.... 

Jesus at the center of it all
Jesus at the center of it all
From beginning to the end
It will always be
It's always been You
Jesus, Jesus

Nothing else matters
Nothing in this world will do
Jesus You're the center
Everything revolves around You
Jesus You
At the center of it all

No doubt, those going through difficult circumstances were reminded that Jesus has everything under control.  Those who had begun giving up their allegiances to things that are only temporal were instantly brought face to face with the reality that there is only one that deserves that allegiance. I personally was reminded of what I am reminded of every time I hear this song, a message  preached by Rev. Marrell Cornwell that I heard many years ago.  I didn't hear it in a camp or conference setting or even during a church service. I'm not even sure how I ended up with a copy of the sermon in the first place,  but it has greatly impacted my life.  No, I listened to it via headphones while sitting on my back porch on a blistering hot summer day...just me, myself, and I, with an open sincere heart, desiring to let God direct and impact me as much as possible. Though so many years have past since that day, not one has past that I haven't taken time to step back, reexamine, and do what I call "The Candlestick" test.

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death...The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. ~Revelation 1:12-18,20

Jesus be the center of my life
Jesus be the center of my life
From beginning to the end
It will always be
It's always been You
Jesus, Jesus....

From my heart to the heavens
Jesus be the center
It's all about You
Yes it's all about You

Close your eyes and envision those seven candlesticks in your life...now, who or what do you see in the middle of them?  This isn't a "the right answer is..." type question.  This is a "be honest with yourself, there's a lot riding on this" type question.  So who is there?  Is it Jesus?  Is it Jesus and...? This is not a place He is willing to share. Has He been shoved out all together? Who or what is at the center of your life?  Who or what is at the center of your family's or your church's life?  Yes, I said it. Even church's are susceptible to becoming social clubs and thus becoming their own center.  

Jesus be the center of 
Your church
Jesus be the center of Your church
And every knee will bow
And every tongue shall confess You
Jesus, Jesus

So I ask you, Is your universe in the correct working order?   Thus as in our physical universe, if things were not perfectly aligned as God created them, chaos would ensue, so it is in the spiritual realm.  God will only take the reins to our lives when we hand them over to Him, and only by doing that can He align our lives so that they are working in perfect sync with His will, according to His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

From my heart to the heavens
Jesus be the center
It's all about You
Yes it's all about You.

Grace in Disguise

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." ~Genesis 6:8

Often when we think of the story of Noah we think of the verse above... how Noah found grace in God's eyes, how Noah and his family were spared the fate that so many other people had fell victim to, by their own choice.

Rarely do we think about what grace looked like on that ark on the 23rd, or on the 32nd, or on the 39th day. Rarely do we think about the fact that grace is not always pretty when living through the preliminaries, especially when we don't yet realize they are simply just that....a beginning, not an ending.

The Bible says in Genesis 7:24 that "the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days." 150 days living with a bunch of stinky animals....Imagine how gross those stalls must have been!

The smells...the claustrophobia...5 months!!!

Oh, but then consider the alternative.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ~Phillippians 4:11

Calvary was very ugly. It's hard for us to even comprehend the brutality that occurred on that day, but it was even worse for those who had walked with Jesus day in and day out, who had to stand by and witness God in flesh being treated worse than a criminal.

If  only they could have truly understood then, what we are so blessed to understand now.

Circumstances in your life may look bleak. You may feel like you have "drawn the short straw" ...possibly multiple times over. Know that His grace is sufficient. He trades beauty for ashes and makes all things beautiful in His time.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. ~Isaiah 61:3

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~2 Corinthians 12:9

What about the Potter?

So, it's past 1:00 and I am wide awake...the tragic result of drinking coffee too late. Anyway, earlier today..I mean yesterday, I was taking some time to read back through my prayer journal and came across this entry from early May. I  believe at that time that I was reading from Numbers (thus the reason for the references to Israel's relationship with God). Just felt this might be something worth sharing....Hopefully it will at least speak to someone...

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." ~Psalm 86:15

"I've been thinking about how God's relationship with Israel, as with us, is so much like that of a parent.  In one instance Israel will do something wrong and God will discipline them, yet, in the next instance, He is telling those in opposition to Israel to basically "treat them right or die." The wilderness was forty years of discipline for Israel, yet, at the same time, God was keeping outsiders from hurting them.  His Word is sure and He won't let anything happen to prevent it from coming to pass. Like a good parent, He always keeps His word, always protects, and always does what's best, whether painful or not, to make sure His child becomes the best He can be.

Yesterday, while having a potter walk my friends and I through the step by step process of the art of old fashioned pottery making, I found myself thinking, "Wow, that's ALOT of effort and inconvenience just to make that cup, bowl, etc...but then I realized, that's exactly the way God is with us!  Often I read poems and such about "being on the potter's wheel", written about yielding to the Potter's hand and they are always beautiful and well said...but, what about the Potter?!! Oh the patience, Oh the love!!!...Thankful for a God that never gives up on me. He protects me. He provides for me. And, above all else He's STILL working on me."

Then God Said, "No."

And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord. He said, “If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” So Jephthah led his army against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave him victory. He crushed the Ammonites, devastating about twenty towns from Aroer to an area near Minnith and as far away as Abel-keramim. In this way Israel defeated the Ammonites. When Jephthah returned home to Mizpah, his daughter came out to meet him, playing on a tambourine and dancing for joy. She was his one and only child; he had no other sons or daughters. ~Judges 11:30-34 (NLT)

In the margin of my Bible next to the scriptures above is written the word "rashness' and that is a perfect description of this terrible decision. Nowhere in this passage does God ask or even imply that a sacrifice was necessary for victory, yet, Jephthah insisted and in turn lost the most important thing in his life. 

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. ~ Hosea 6:6

A "sacrifice" may be defined as: "an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially: the killing of a victim on an altar" or "destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else".

What does it mean to sacrifice something to God? How do you know that's what He wants you to do? How do you know what to sacrifice? How do you know when to sacrifice?

If you're thinking I'm planning on answering all these questions, you might as well quit reading, because I'm not about to act like I have all the answers. All I have is experience to draw on. A sacrifice can be something as simple as fasting or giving something away. It can be short term. It can be long term. It can be necessary. It can be harmful. It all depends on if it is done in obedience to God or if it is done rashly, without consulting God before telling God. 

I have seen a few sacrifices that I knew were not "God ordained". For example, a person I went to Bible school with decided he was going to tithe to God 1/10 of his time to prayer each day forever (That would be 2 hrs & 40 mins). Now, I'm all about prayer, and believe times of consecration such as this can be necessary, but while being a Bible school student who had to work many hours and had a lot of homework, and who already was not getting enough sleep as it was, I did not believe this was a "God thing". And...time & his weary body eventually proved it wasn't. God expects for you to talk to Him every day, but not to do it to the extent that you're wearing yourself down physically and mentally.

On the flip side, there is a sacrifice I personally made quite a few years back that I believe has set the course for my life and calling ever since. It wasn't even a decision that I prayed and travailed over. It was a split second decision I made that involved letting go of something I desired in life, when it seemed close at hand, and choosing to give myself to service for the kingdom instead. A sacrifice God required of me? That I may never know for sure. A sacrifice He will bless me for? I have no doubt.

In most decisions in life I choose to err on the side of caution...you know "Better to out give, than not give enough." And I've always looked at sacrifices to God in this way. But what about about Abraham? When the word "sacrifice" comes up, he's usually the first one you think about, other than Jesus Christ himself.

Abraham. The ultimate sacrificer.
Abraham. The one who was willing to sacrifice his son on the altar, simply because God said to.
Abraham. The one who walked away with His son in perfect health.

...Ok. now stop. Read that again.

Abraham receives praise for being WILLING to sacrifice his son. Not for actually doing it.

What if Abraham had seen the ram and still went ahead and killed Isaac, because he said he was going to, and, by all means, he had to keep his word. Would God have praised him for loving Him enough to go ahead and do it anyway? No. Of course not. No doubt God would have even been angry, because He had a greater plan in mind. God simply wanted to know IF he was willing. God wanted to know what truly was in his heart...whom he loved most.

Isaac would be part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. God knew this when He gave Abraham the test. God had a plan even then. If Abraham had went through with the sacrifice, the lineage of Jesus Christ would have been severed!

Abraham said, "Yes.", then God said, "No." and because God "said 'No'" we have salvation through Christ today.

There is a place for sacrifice and there are times for sacrifice in every believer's life. Just be sure to consult God first, then tell Him, in that order, when deciding what those sacrifices should be, for, first and foremost, He delights in your obedience. 

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. ~1 Samuel 15:22

What Time is It?

^"And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you." ~Numbers 9:8 

 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses." ~Numbers 9:22-23

This morning while reading in Numbers about how God led and directed the children of Israel, I began thinking about how this applies to our lifes today... I believe there is much to be learned from this passage about God's leading and protection in our lives.

Numbers 9:8 is Moses' response to a sincere inquiry from men who were trying to do the right thing but were meeting opposition. These men didn't try to "get around the system" on their own or just say "forget it" and bluntly disobey God. Instead they talked to the man of God and sought His counsel. The first thing he told them was, "Stand still". Sometimes not doing anything is the best thing you can do for the moment. Always hold off on making major decisions until you have sought godly counsel and heard from God in a definate way.

Numbers 9:17-23 is, in my opinion, one of the most simple, yet profound, passages in the Bible about walking with God. There are many things one can learn from the passage, four of which I have listed below:

1) When God says, "Go", Go.
2) When God says, "Stay", Stay.
3) Going when God says,"Stay" = Very Bad Idea
4) Staying when God says, "Go" = Very Bad Idea

I know I know...Perhaps you are thinking, "Is it really THAT simple?!" I believe it is.
The "cloud" in this passage is representative of the blessings and favor of God on one's life.  If the cloud had moved, and the children of Israel didn't, their provision would no longer have remained.  Had they got tired of staying at the times they were to stay, and proceeded on their own, the same would have happened. They would have starved in the wilderness or died from heat stroke.  The cloud was both their direction, their provision, and their protection all wrapped up in one...and so it  is in our lifes today. Only now it's not a cloud, but rather the Holy Ghost inside us, and in those who are our spiritual authorities (who, if we're submitted, should also be our spiritual counselors).

On a personal level, there have been times when God has told me to stay, when I would rather have gone and times when He has told me to go, when I would rather have stayed. Sometimes our personal environments may reach a point where our flesh desires to take the escape route. Other times our personal environment may become our comfort zone, and no one enjoys leaving their comfort zone.

Please understand that I am not necessarily talking about only literally moving, such as to a different city, though that may well apply, but rather this could apply to a ministry situation, a relationship, a job, etc...any kind of change.

In the literal sense, however, it is also important to note that sometimes God says "stay" not to make one fidgety and miserable, but often it is because He wants you to rest and prepare for the journey ahead. Remain sensitive to the purpose of every season in your life. There is always a purpose.

Above you see a picture of Cookie Monster in shock that an option on his computer is "Delete Cookies". Cookie Monster loves cookies. He lives to eat cookies. So in his mind he's thinking, "Why in the world would you want to DELETE cookies?!!!"  Yet, even the most unsavvy computer user realizes that deleting "cookies" is, in general, a good thing.   And sometimes it is this way in life.  Cookie Monster in his ignorance would probably not press that button. However, a computer specialist might very well advise him to do so.

You see, making decisions in alignment with God's will is not about doing what you THINK is right or about what FEELS right.  If you make decisions based on this criteria, don't expect for God's favor to be on your life.

So, what IS it about? Well....It's about having good listening skills. What?! Yes. Really. It's that simple. I've heard it said that God has three answers: Yes, No, and Not Yet (Stand Still). I believe this is true. If you are seeking direction by praying and fasting, reading your Bible, and seeking godly counsel, God will answer you. It's not a matter of if He will answer, though sometimes you may think He's not when the answer is "not yet" or because it's not time for you to know yet, it's a matter of if you will obey when He does answer.

As in the Cookie Monster scenerio, sometimes the answer will come through a vessel of God. The question is, are you humble enough to listen to them and to act on it, even if it goes against what your flesh desires?  Are you willing to "delete cookies" if that's what God tells you to do? Are you willing to say goodbye to your comfort zone if that means staying hand in hand with God and His favor, provision, and protection on your life?

Observe the 23rd Psalm....

Green Pastures. Still Waters. Niiiice.

But what about The Valley of the Shadow of Death? The Presence of Our Enemies? 

Following God is not always a life of bliss nor should it be. If it were, we would never grow in Him. BUT if you walk with God He will always be there and there will be no need for want. He will always be leading. Always restoring, comforting, refreshing. and annointing. The best part? Goodness and mercy are yours to have, as well as the privilege to forever dwell in God's presence.

So, let's review:
1) When God says, "Go", Go.
2) When God says, "Stay", Stay.
3) Going when God says,"Stay" = Very Bad Idea
4) Staying when God says, "Go" = Very Bad Idea

"He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" ~Micha 6:8 

So, my question to you is, "What time is it in your life?  Is it a time to go or a time to stay?

A Bottle or a Well?

And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. ~Genesis 21:19

Hagar, sent out with just a bottle of water and bread, which was now gone, had lost all hope, given up on life, and was now planning to endure the death of her child. However, God heard her child's cry and revealed a source of provision for them much greater than what she'd had priorly. Before: A bottle (now empty) After: A well. How easy it is to be like Hagar, so focused on a problem that we miss the solution God has already prepared that's right in front of us.
      Sometimes we look through a microscope, when the answer is found through a panoramic view. Microscopic vision is man-made, an "I can figure this out if I try hard enough" mentality. Panoramic vision...this kind of vision is God given. This brings to my mind the feeling I experience inside when I stand on a mountain top overlooking a valley. Thoughts of God's amazingness, His power, and His glory overwhelm me every single time. In like manner, stepping back and allowing these same feelings of awe and this same perspective to take hold spiritually in the middle of life's difficulties will begat peace, which will give place to faith, which will produce the answer to any "impossible" situation one could ever face. Step back, pray, then look again...God might very well open your eyes just as he did Hagar's. An empty bottle or a well? Which will it be?

Cleaning House

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. ~Mark 3:27

Spring Cleaning. It's the big tradition in the states; it's even become a coined phrase used by many cleaning supply companies. It's a big deal. It makes the keeper of the house feel a great sense of accomplishment and it makes anyone else who may be living there quite happy as well.

I too am one of those who tend to jump on the Spring Cleaning band wagon. However, I also have another mood that hits me about this time of year...perhaps it could be called "Fall Cleaning". I know, I know. It doesn't quite have the same pep in it's step when you say it, but, none the less, it motivates me just about the same as the other. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is the fact that I know a long winter awaits, especially now that I am living in Northern Europe, and that the atmosphere of my humble abode is something that will be even more important during the long winter days ahead that I may be stuck at home. How clean it is... how organized it is...These are things that are going to be staring me in the face on a much more regular basis here in the near future. And, like anyone with a Momma who taught them well, I care. I really care. I haven't always cared so much, but the inner Ms. Homemaker in me has made her debut and the slightly OCD Martha Stewart side is starting to peek it's way through. My latest project: organizing the closet. Granted, I moved to Europe with only 2 suitcases worth of my belongings to live off of for over a year, and just a few random things have been mailed to me since, but you would be greatly surprised at how much I managed to squeeze into those two suitcases! That said, my closet now looks like something that would make even the manager of the highest end department store proud. And, this being the last of my extreme cleaning/ organizing projects for now...my home is now officially "winter ready".

In the midst of all this I'm reminded of one great thing about being single and not yet having a husband or children: Everything I have cleaned, and especially everything I have organized, will remain exactly as it is unless I personally choose to change or mess it up. Now, stick with me, I'm going somewhere with this...

Such is the Christian life. No matter how close you are to other people, whether family, friends, mentors, etc, you have to do the cleaning and organizing for your life and only YOU can truly change or mess up what you have worked so hard to "clean" or make right. Others can try to affect your decisions in positive or negative ways, however you choose whether you will ignore or heed to what they say. YOU make the final choice as to if you will act or not act on their advice. You and only you are the "homemaker" in your life. When all is said and done, it will be you that will stand before the Lord your maker by yourself. Your heart...your home, is your own. No one but God should ever be allowed to dwell there. God's voice should always be the one you listen to the closest when it comes to the cleaning and organizing of your life.

The Bible says that "you are not your own" but that "you are bought with a price". If you are truly sold out, if you are truly "not your own", then when your house is clean, you'll keep it that way. Anyone who has ever cleaned knows how much easier it is to get everything really clean, and then clean up efficiently on a regular basis, than to let everything get dirty and gross and then try to get it all cleaned up. The latter is much harder and in the mean time leaves you and those close to you in a very uncomfortable living situation as well. Why not just keep your "house" in order?

At the beginning of this blog I quoted the verse about the strong man, one often used in reference to evil, rather than good. However, it works the same both ways. If you are Spirit filled, the God in you is WAY stronger than flesh or any evil spirit. YOU are the one who chooses whether to be an overcomer or allow yourself to be bound. You choose the voices that you will listen to.

Your House = Your Heart

Keep your heart clean! Get things right with God. Then, die (repent) DAILY. Yes, daily. Don't just ask God to forgive you quickly then move on along, but ask Him to search your heart. There may be things hanging around that have been there for a very long time, of which you are not even aware,that are affecting your very being. However, if you won't take the time to listen to God, rather than just speak to Him, He certainly won't bother to reveal them to you. God is a gentlemen, He gives men the power of choice and will not speak out of turn. The cool thing: When your heart is clean the organizing side will gradually just fall in place. When you're repenting daily and seeking God's will daily, He WILL speak. He WILL lead you. You WILL feel a peace that passes all understanding, because you will trust and know, on a whole knew level, that God does ALL things well.

He desires your heart to be clean much more than we could every desire our homes to be clean. There is a great contentment that comes from having a tidy home. Philippians 4:11 says, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." When your "house" is clean, you will know contentment because you will daily be acknowledging that He does all things well and has all things in control. It is through this manifestation of your faith that He will begin to reveal his perfect will to you.

Do what you can; God will do what you can't. Keep your house clean. Find your contentment in God and He WILL, not might not maybe, not possibly, He WILL "order your steps" and "supply all your needs according to His riches in glory."

The End of The Beginning

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NIV)

I have had this verse on my mind all week...how very true it is! I am so thankful for the blessings of God in my life, but way more than that I am thankful that this 70 or so years isn't all there is. I have an eternity in Heaven with my Savior to look forward to! An eternity of total peace and joy. The link to the song below is about how Jesus dying on Calvary was not an end, but a beginning for all of us! Through Him rising and conquering sin, we are able to have our own personal relationship with Him. No more veils. No more standing outside while a designated man goes into the Holy of Holies. WE get to stand boldly before God's throne when we pray! When we repent, He forgives. When we are baptized in Jesus name, our sins are washed away and we feel cleaner than we have ever felt inside, and when we ask for Him to fill us with His Spirit, He is glad to oblige. (Acts 2:37-38) His greatest desire is to dwell in us. If we let Him live in us, the options are limitless as to the awesome ways He can use us for His glory and for the good of those around us!

The two quotes below, by the author C.S. Lewis, describe well what that yearning that every human being feels deep inside...it also explains how that yearning is proof of great reason to be sure to treat those around you with the special care they deserve. I pray God blesses and ministers to you as you read and listen to the below.

..."If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world...If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only... to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, echo, or mirage...I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to the other country and to help others do the same."

"It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor. The load, or weight, of burden of my neighbor's glory should be laid on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken....It is a serious thing... to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you could see it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare....There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. It is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendors...All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or the other of these destinations."

End of the Beginning

What if You're Wrong?

I was thinking about the song "What if You're Wrong?" today, and then while listening to my mp3 player I heard a sermon Rev. David Bernard had preached recently. At one point in his message he made a reference to a quote by a theologeon who lived in the 1600s, Blaise Pascal. Rev. Bernard referred to a wager Pascal once proposed...

"If you think of your life as a wager, should you bet that there is a God or should you bet that there is not a God?...Now think about this. What's the worst that could happen if you bet that there's a God and He's really not there? What's the worst that could happen? The worst that could happen is that you could die and never know that you were wrong. That's it. So you live your life. Your dead and your gone. That's the worst that could happen. You don't lose anything. You'd die and that'd be it, no matter what. But what if there really is a God and you bet that there isn't? Whether you become an atheist or rather you theoretically believe in God but you live according to your own will without consulting God, in effect you're betting that God doesn't matter. What if you bet that there isn't a God...and there really is. What's the worst that could happen? Well,you lose eternal life and you have eternal damnation."

Pascal went on to say, "So, from a purely practical point of view, what's the smart thing to do?... BET ON GOD! If you bet on God and He's not there, you haven't lost anything. But if you don't bet on Him and He is there, you've lost everything...for now and for eternity.

In reference to Pascal's quote, Rev. Bernard said, "Act as if He is real and you will find that He is real!" Once you take that step to open up your heart to God He WILL reveal Himself to you. Whether or not you believe in Him or love Him, He loves you. And He's simply waiting for you to take that first step. Like a loving Father toward His child, His arms are outstretched. The choice is yours.

I encourage you to read the lyrics to this song and watch the video link at the top.

What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you're wrong?

What if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

Hope

This morning I woke up in quite a good mood....with the lyrics to this song in my head:

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, help me stand
I am tired
I am weak
I am worn
Through the storm,
Through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious lord
Lead me home

My first thought was "I'm feeling just fine right now..so why am I waking up with lyrics to a song about feeling tired,weak,and worn? This was definitely not the song of choice I wanted stuck in my head all day.

Then, as I was reading my Bible this same morning, I read the following verse:

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.~1 Cor.15:19

Paul, the writer of the above scripture, experienced ALOT of bad things in his life, much of which is recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33. As shown in the verse above though, he realized that in the big picture of things it just didn't matter. He admitted that if he was just thinking about the present, the life he had experienced here on earth, and not the glorious eternity God has promised those who serve him, he would be most miserable. Not just miserable, but the most miserable of ALL men.....and after reading 2 Corinthians 11, who can blame him?!!! (On a side note, I have decided that from now on when I'm having a "bad day" I'm reading this chapter to keep things in perspective. :-)

The point:
It's ok to sometimes feel tired, weak, and worn. We are all human. We all sometimes wake up "on the wrong side of the bed" for what seems like absolutely no reason. The important thing is that our focus is right and that it never changes---

70 years vs. eternity....

Where and with whom have you placed your hope?

I remember many years ago as a Bible quizzer sitting on the bed in my grandma's house in the mountains of West Virginia late on Christmas Eve night memorizing verses for the soon starting season..... I remember this particular moment because I remember how quickened in my Spirit I felt as I memorized the verses below:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. ~1 Thess. 4:16-18

It's like I felt God saying "Hope in this. Remember this. Focus on this...This is what it's all about. Don't forget it."

This morning when I was thinking about how Paul said he would be "of all men most miserable", I began to think about "When am I the most miserable?" I am the most miserable when I take the blinders off..when I choose judgement or justice toward others over mercy...when I begin to look at people or circumstances through the world's eyes, rather than through Gods. I am the most miserable when I take my eyes off Christ and the promise of eternity in Heaven and turn my focus towards anything that is not eternal.

Thankfully we do not have hope in Christ in this life only. We have an eternal hope!

Through the storm,
Through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious lord
Lead me home!

Making a List, Checking It Twice

As most people know, the title to this blog is a reference to the line in a Christmas song about Santa Claus deciding who's good and who's bad...That's not at all what this blogs about...just wanted to get your attention, and with Christmas right around the corner thought that might be the best way. ;-)

Nope, it's about another list...a list in the Bible.


A list that contains nine characteristics every Holy Ghost filled person should exercise at all times:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23

The Amplified Bible defines the fruit of the Spirit as "the work which His Presence within accomplishes"

I like that! But, what exactly do each one of those fruits mean?

Love- unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another

Joy- a state of happiness

Peace- freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

Longsuffering- patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship

Gentleness- the quality or state of being gentle; especially:mildness of manners or disposition

Goodness-the quality or state of being good

Faith- belief and trust in and loyalty to God

Meekness- enduring injury with patience and without resentment
not violent or strong

Temperance- moderation in action, thought, or feeling

(Merriam-Webster's Dictionary)

So, why have I nicknamed this "The List?" Because, it's MY list. Each time I kneel down to pray, before getting back up, I take out this mental check list, and one by one go through each one. First, I assess how I am doing in each area. If necessary, I pause and focus on one if I am feeling weak at all in that area and pray about it until I feel God revive and strengthen me in it. Then, when I am done, I thank God for them because, while they may not be called "gifts", in my eyes they certainly are!

You might be wondering why I do this or why am I bothering to share it...

Well, the first reason is I think it's a good way to measure the temperature of that fire described in Jeremiah 20:9. Is yours burning like crazy, barely there, or has it been smoldered..with just a subtle sign of Jesus being in your life?

Also, these fruits are the visible representation of Christ in us. When they are active in our lives, it will be very obvious to those around us, both believers and non believers. It's not in the good times that a Christian's fruit shines the brightest, but in the difficult times. If in those times the fruit remains steady and strong and consistent within you, those are the times that that coworker, that family member, that classmate, that friend, that random acquaintance will see Christ in you and will desire to know more about Him.

I encourage you to review this list daily. Never leave it at home. You must take it with you every where you go!