How long will we wander, before returning to Him?

Posts tagged ‘strength’

135) Let God out of the box you’re keeping Him in

mount of olives

But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. (2 Samuel 15:30)

Day 135 reading: 2 Samuel, chapters 13-15

Between today’s scripture reading and another book I am reading by Mark Batterson, “The Circle Maker,” I am all about God’s testing and our response of ultimate faith in our very BIG God! Here, David was trusting the Lord for direction through uncertainty, just as you and I have to do every day, too.

It is too easy to put God into this neat little box that fits just exactly where we think He should be. We bring Him out when we think we need to, but leave Him boxed on our shelves, or in our purse, or our pocket when we’ve got everything under control. Some days we forget how powerful He is, yet how simple our prayers need to be to be heard an answered.

I don’t know how much this book corresponds with today’s scripture reading, but with recent events in the news of child abductions and recovery, and this biblical history of Tamar’s rape by her own half-brother, I believe we all need to step up and surround ourselves in a prayerful wall. Trusting God as we circle around our children, our marriages, and career paths, our parents and in-laws, our friends, and all those we love. When we circle around them in deep devotion to God and in faith that He will keep His promises, we will see His love and grace unfolding in front of us, our faith will be further strengthened, and our walk with Him more steady with each step.

These are the road signs we are looking for, but we can’t see them when we don’t look for Him through opened eyes. I believe David had his eyes closed for a moment when all of these things were going on in his kingdom. Right under his own nose, his own son Amnon used David as a puppet in his desire for Tamar. And David’s own brother acted as an accomplice.

I’m here to give every person I love to the Lord for His ultimate protection, and trust that He is much more powerful than my human mind can fathom.

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Psalms, chapters 3-4, 12-13, 28 & 55

Category:

2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Children, Faith, Prayer, Seeing God, Trust

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131) We’re in this for the long haul!

David dancing worshipDay 131 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 10; 1 Chronicles, chapter 19; Psalm 20

Today, my friends is a joyous day for all. We were given life eternal and today marks another day that we are able to live life and share His love with the world.

David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” (2 Sam. 10:2, 1 Chronicles 19:2, NIV)

We ought to show kindness to our brothers and sisters in Him, just as He has shown kindness to each of us. The kindness will not always be well-received, but you and I only have control over our outward expression of love, and no control over other’s response.

In the case of David and his armies, they lost a small battle in the initial humiliation of his men whom he had sent to offer condolences; but they certainly won the war. As Joab said, “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in His sight.” (2 Samuel 10:12, 1 Chronicles 19:13, NIV)

It’s not simply cliche to say that God helps us win the wars we fight every day, even if we must lose some smaller battles along the way. It is Truth. “Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV) I believe that verse could be restated any number of ways to apply to each of our lives daily.

  • Some trust in guns and some trust in knives, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Some trust in their own human understanding and some trust in their pride, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
  • Some trust in __________ and some trust in __________, bu we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (What does YOUR version of this statement say?)

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. (Psalms 20:6, NASB)

Have the faith and trust to serve Him and know that sometimes in our human eyes we lose some battles but through trusting Him and His guidance, we will each win the war! Amen!!!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 132 reading: Psalms, chapters 65-67, 69-70

Dear Lord, Please give us all the desires of our hearts and make all of Your plans succeed through us. (from Psalms 20:4, NIV) Thank you for Your blessings, Your mercy and Your ever-flowing love. Please protect and guide each of us as we go through our daily lives, serving You and doing all You have sent us to do. Amen.

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Eternity, Faith, Perseverance, Psalms, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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126) Living a Life of Great Thanksgiving

Day 126 reading: Psalms, chapters 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, & 132

Friends, is it all right to admit that sometimes it’s a little difficult to focus, even on the daily, living, breathing Word of God? This evening I am distracted by sore throats and crying and up and down and bathroom breaks and excuse after excuse…and that’s just from one of our five children… Focus, Marilyn….think happy, calm thoughts…

Mt Magazine

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?

Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. (89:5-7, NIV)

I am so grateful to serve a loving, caring, just God. He is judge and jury, but He is fair, whether we like to accept it in our own human boundaries, or not. Righteous and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (89:14, NIV) I love this, though.

A little later in the reading, we are told that even when we mess up, even when we forsake His laws, even when we violate His decrees, even when we fail to keep His commandments, but I will not take my love from him (US!), nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. (89:33-34, NIV) He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations. (105, 8, NIV) 

Friends, it is refreshing to me that my God loves me as a father. He truly loves me like I love my own children. No matter how many times they mess up (or get out of bed long past bed time), I will punish but I will not remove my love from them and He will not ever stop loving you and I.

Isn’t it amazing how the scriptures open themselves up to us at exactly the time we need them most. My own heart is gushing with love after reading that, even sitting and stewing in my parenting frustrations (and still hearing the occasional scamper of tiny feet through the house).

He will judge the people with equity. (96:10, NASB)

TV mush brainI know I have expressed my complete dislike of televisions here before, but I have to get on that bandwagon–briefly–here again.

When I hear or read the word “idol” I don’t think of the music reality TV show, or golden calves, or money, or mansions on the hill; I think of the television first and foremost. It just may be the most distracting thing in my life and certainly the distraction that never adds but only takes. Sure, the occasional family movie is fun sitting around the living room, but that rarely happens at our house. I have a few television shows that I watch, but for the most part I have little use for the TV, and the shows I watch aren’t of any great importance to my quality of life, either. But in our house there are televisions in every room except the bathrooms and at least two are on at all waking hours. It drives me absolutely bonkers! It doesn’t bother my husband; he’s the one who turns them all on. And it’s not the TV’s fault or my husband’s fault, even, that I have such a grudge against television.

My BIG issue is that if it’s on and I’m in the room, I can’t keep from staring at it. I will stop dead in my tracks and stare at whatever is flashing up on the screen. Commercials. Sci Fi. News. Weather. Sports. I really don’t care, it’s not the show itself, it’s the IDOL. It angers me that I can’t ignore the television like my husband does. For him, it’s background noise (and I won’t go into the theories I have about people who can’t just be in silence…ever). For me, it’s like a magnet drawing my eyes in. So, I do my best to stay away from rooms where there is a television on, lest I become a human statue.

For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. (96:4-6, NASB)

As idiotic as my TV idol is, this is the effect idols have on us and it is up to you and I to keep ourselves from the temptation.

I will walk in my house with blameless heart; I will set before my eyes no vile thing. (101:2-3, NIV)

I do my best to stay out of rooms if there is a television on. What do we do to combat other idols in our lives? How do we quench the ever-growing thirst for more and more…money, possessions, idols?

Worship the Lord in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. (96:9, NASB)

P.S. “holy attire” doesn’t give you permission to go out on an over-the-top shopping spree! :-)

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (100:4, KJV)

Praise Him! Be thankful and–dare I say–content with all that He has already blessed you and I with. Like a parent, He does not have to give us the things we want, He does so out of His love for us when our desires and His path merge. Just like those parents among us do for our children, there is method to His seeming madness, too. There is justice in His punishment. There is righteousness to be found in our obedience.

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

God is the ultimate artist; His work is showcased every day in the big and small things.

Every morning I will put to silence all the wicked in the land. (101:8, NIV)

Isn’t that beautiful? What a wonderful verse and thought: not only should we start our morning with prayer and thanksgiving, but every morning we should put to silence all the wicked in the land.

Silence the gossip and terror and bad reports in our own heads and look at each day as a completely new day and a completely fresh start.

Ahhhh. I’m feeling more relaxed and more thankful already (even though there are STILL footsteps around the house…)!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 127 reading: 2 Samuel, chapter 7; 1 Chronicles, chapter 17

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Forgiveness, Praise, Psalms, Seeing God

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124) Ug–that dreaded “O” word

I don’t know about you, but for me today’s scripture passage was packed full and dense. There was so much to take in, but I’ll do my best at making sense of all my thoughts here.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:1-23; 1 Chronicles, chapters 13-16

Whew!

What stands out to me the most today can be summed up in one word: Obedience. Obedience isn’t a word we generally like much, but it’s critical to our successful walk with God. King David inquired of the Lord, then did as the Lord commanded him. (2 Sam. 5:19, 23, and 25; 1 Chron. 14:10, 14, and 16) Then, when there were failures, like when the Lord struck down Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Lord, they realized they had not inquired of the Lord how to go about moving the ark in the prescribed way. (1 Chron. 15:13) When we inquire of Him to direct our paths, He responds with direction. When He responds with direction, the key is obvious but sometimes so difficult for our own wills to handle: Obedience.

David tells us through the Living Word:

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chron. 16:11, NASB)

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. (1 Chron. 16:23-25, NASB)

David dancing worship

Friends, I want to be brave enough and humble enough to dance and sing praises to our Lord with all of my might. No matter who is watching, and no matter how mankind might judge, because man does not determine my ultimate fate.

This is so easy to SAY and not always so easy to DO, but I firmly believe that our outward actions begin with the heart and He knows where each of our hearts are right now.

As our hearts are more and more filled with the conviction of the Spirit, even those of us who hide behind our written words will get up and get out, serving and dancing and singing praises. And I don’t care who’s watching!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture passage: Psalms, chapters 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68

Category:

1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Hope, Perseverance, Praise, Rules worth LIVING by, Service

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116) When We Wander, our Lord Gets Harder to See

Isn’t it interesting how your life can come to a screeching halt when you forget your priorities? Life can just get to feeling a little “off.” Allowing busyness to be an excuse for giving Him the tithing of time He deserves makes life get off track, even in small, barely noticeable (at first) ways. This is the place I see the psalmist looking out from as we read through today’s scriptures, and I can totally relate. But through all he sees Hope, which each of us have in our Maker.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms, chapters 73, 77-78

But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling,
My steps had almost slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
As I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (73:2-3, NASB)

Whether my feet just come close to slipping or I am already caught in a downward spiral, hurdling toward the pit, there is a way up through Him. When I speak to Him, it clears my mind of fear and frustration. When I call out to Him, I feel at peace even in the midst of uncertainty.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (73:25-26, NASB)

He is my portion forever. Besides Him nothing truly matters. We get so caught up in so much stuff, stuff that makes no difference in the long haul yet consumes all of our day, our nights, our relaxation time and our sleep. The junk that clutters up our time is also the junk that stands in the gap between us and Him. Friends, together let’s make a pact to de-clutter. I have my hand raised high in the air, screaming, “Please remove all of the junk that stands in the way of my steady, constant, unchanging relationship with YOU!”

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;road work ahead
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works. (73:28, NASB)

When I am living my life in line with His path for me, His works are on my mind, in my heart and on my tongue. But when I get distracted and wander off that right road, His works are harder to see. Not because He’s changed, but because our eyesight weakens from the drainage ditches.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds. (77:11-12, NIV)
 
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done. (78:4, NIV)

Compared to Him, we are but specks and without Him, we are empty.

He remembered that they were but flesh,
a passing breeze that does not return. (78:39, NIV)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 117 reading : 1 Chronicles 6

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Quiet time, Seeing God, Trust

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114) Better is ONE DAY in Your Courts

Now that we’re really sinking our teeth into the meat of the Old Testament, I am even more pleased with the way the Word is opening up to me.  This is why I chose to read the Bible chronologically instead of straight through cover-to-cover as I had done before; by reading chronologically everything is put into context.

For instance, I have really enjoyed reading David’s psalms, which are like his own personal journal entries, written approximately the same time as we are reading the history of what was happening in his life. This has already been such a fascinating journey for me and I hope you have enjoyed it, as well.

Day 114 reading: Psalms, chapters 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

In today’s reading, I was particularly drawn to the King James translation of these psalms. They were beautifully written and, for me, encompassed the essence of what the Psalmist was most wanting to convey.

O send out thy light and they truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. (43:3, KJV)

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. (84:5, KJV)

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness; therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (45:7, KJV)

Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (49:20, KJV)

Those scriptures are absolutely beautiful and so packed with meaning. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. Send out they light and they truth and let them lead me. Please, Lord, give me honour and understanding. It’s like a cleansing rain falling down on me as I read these scriptures and know that even the Lord’s anointed sometimes felt alone, that even they sometimes begged Him for vindication, and that even they prayed for guidance as they walked along the path.

Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love. (45:26, NIV)

My mother did something so neat for me after reading Day 113′s article; she brought me over an envelope of genealogy for her father’s side of the family. The Lord will count when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” (87:6, NASB) It has been so much fun pouring over the names and birth years and all that was revealed just through the most basic information. Some names popped out from the pages that I had heard for years from my grandparents but had never really put into context, and some friendly heart stirrings of people that I miss.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. (84:10-11, NIV)

Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me–those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him–the ransom for any life is costly, no payment is ever enough–that he should live on forever and not decay. (49:5-9, NIV)

But God will redeem me from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead); for He will receive me. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (49:15, Amplified)

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 105 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 3-5

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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112) My Prayer through the Psalms

Day 112 reading: Psalms, chapters 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, & 21

My prayer through David’s words:

BibleO Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor alive the heavens! (8:1, NASB) When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is bad that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? (8:3-4, NASB) I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. (9:1-2, KJV) I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (16:8, Amplified) Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. (16:5, NIV) Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. (6:8-9, NIV) The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (9:9, KJV) The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. (19:7-8, NASB) O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear. (10:17, NASB) I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. (16:7, NASB) Will evildoers never learn–those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. (14:4-5, NIV) For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (9:10, NASB) Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (19:12-13, NIV) Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I put my trust. (16:1, KJV) For I trust in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High I will not be shaken. (21:7, NIV) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (19:14, KJV) AMEN!

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 113 reading: 1 Chronicles, chapters 1-2

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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109) Satan Wants You to FEEL alone!

wpid-imag0851The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. (Psalms 18:20-21, NASB)

Day 109 reading: 1 Samuel, chapters 28-31 & Psalms, chapter 18

When Saul was distressed, he called on the Lord and got nothing. Maybe a cricket hummed in the distance. But when David called, in his humble way, the Lord answered and led.

When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. (1 Samuel 28:5-6, NIV)

What a difference that is from David’s calling upon the Lord:

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears. (Psalms 18:6, NASB)

When we walk upright in the Lord and hold Him close in our hearts, He knows and He responds to us, as well. There are times when it is easier to act holy than actually have a heart for the holiness of our Lord, but we must continually call upon Him to keep our hearts right and our eyes looking to Him for our guidance. It is when we feel the most alone that we are the most likely to look to other sources for our fulfillment.

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay. (Psalms 18:17-18, NASB)

Satan wants us to feel alone, to be on the outskirts, to be easy to reach; the Lord wants us to be together, living with other Christians and being held up in our times of need, never feeling alone or abandoned by Him or our brothers and sisters in Him.

When David and his men returned home to find their wives and children abducted and all the town destroyed, they wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep…But David found strength in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:4 & 6, NIV)

Like Job and so many great men of our biblical history before him, David found strength in the Lord, even in his darkest hour, even when all seemed lost to the human eye. Oh, my friends, we have so much to glean from this Living Word.

The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. (Psalms 18:20-21, NASB)

Dear friends, my prayer is that each of us reading along on this journey or stumbling over this posting in a seemingly random happenstance, allow our Bibles to open up to us each in a whole new way, with fresh eyes and a completely fresh understanding. Every day that I read, I want to read and catch something I’ve never noticed before or understand some point or passage deeper than any previous time. Through Him, we can do just that! Through prayer and communion and faithfulness, He will continue to reveal so much “newness” to us through these pages and this study that at the end of our 365 day journey, we will have a completely new and exciting view of the inspired Word of God and my prayer is that each of us will be better equipped to go out into the world and share the Word with others. The Lord doesn’t want even one sheep to go astray, and each day He is making shepherds of each of us.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: Psalms, chapters 121, 123-125, & 128-130

Category:

1 Samuel, Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Faith, Gifts & Talents, Healing, Prayer, Psalms, Trust

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105) The Eye of God is Upon Us

Day 105 reading: Psalms, chapters 7, 27, 31, 34, & 52

PSALMS 7–Quite honestly, this song is scary enough that I’m even hesitant in my reading. David is brutally honest and laying it all on the line and that can be terrifying.

O Lord my God, in You I take refuge and put my trust; save me from all those who pursue and persecute me, and deliver me,
Lest my foe tear my life [from my body] like a lion, dragging me away while there is none to deliver.
O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands,
If I have paid back with evil him who was at peace with me or without cause have robbed him who was my enemy,
Let the enemy pursue my life and take it; yes, let him trample my life to the ground and lay my honor in the dust. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (7:1-5, Amplified)

He is essentially saying to God, ‘Lord, if I have ever done wrong against another, strike me down here and now; repay me for all that I have sinned.’

Vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me. (7:8, NASB)

I think of all the sins I have committed that I am aware of, much less all those I don’t even realize and it’s terrifying to invite the Lord in for examination. He knows it all anyway, but as humans the difficulties come with actually facing it and laying our humility on the line.

If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword (7:12, NASB)

He has dug a pit and hollowed it out, And has fallen into the hole which he has made. (7:15, NASB)

PSALMS 27–I believe this psalm should be read daily. Period. It is gorgeous as a prayer, as a meditative time, as a gentle tap on the shoulder, or as a swift kick to the rumpus. It’s an amazing passage. Of the four versions I have at my fingertips, here is my favorite version. And, although I know you have already read it in your own bible, I believe it is well worth the reread. Enjoy (again):

eye of GodThe Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hid me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea. I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Here, O Lord, when I cry with my voice; have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thee face, Lord, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger; thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LOrd, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies; for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalms 27, KJV)

PSALMS 31–Friends, I have been struggling lately, not with my faith, but with my humanity and the world around me. I have been feeling overwhelmed at times, but still have endured absolutely nothing in comparison to David while Saul was pursuing him with every army of warriors he could muster up. We only think we have trouble! But because of my own personal struggles, this particular psalm really struck me at the heart.

Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. (31:4, NIV)

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. (31:9, NIV)

But I trust in you, O Lord. (31:14, NIV)

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (31:24, NIV)

I have a lot to learn about strength and faith from David. I feel blessed to even be studying him right now, as my own struggles threaten my walls.

PSALMS 34–And on the heels of that…

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (34:1, NASB)

I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. (34:4, NASB)

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (34:17-18, NASB)

My friends, as we draw closer to Him, we open the door which allows Him to draw closer to us. He is where our protection lies and without His guidance and love we are nothing. That alone is enough to bring a great big smile on my heart.

PSALMS 52–Ahh, the response to Doeg the Edomite tattle telling to Saul as to David’s whereabouts. I only wish I could be this eloquent in my insults or this well versed when going against the enemies in my life. I can absolutely see and understand why so much of the Bible is devoted to telling about David’s life, and why so many Bible studies have been written about him; he is an inspiration to us all, that even in his human errors he truly was a man with a heart for God.

Friends, may people say the same of each of us long after we are gone. Like that Amy Grant song, My Father’s Eyes, may those around us see Him reflected when they look at us.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 106 reading: Psalms, chapters 56, 120, & 140-142

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Healing, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalms, Seeing God

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95) Deceptive Delilah

wpid-IMG_20120806_231645.jpgMan, it seems like the closer we get to triple digits, the further away it is! ;-)

Day 95 reading: Judges, chapters 16-18

Today we begin our reading with the story of Samson and Delilah. Now, I’d like to check in with the ladies out there. Let’s be honest, we know our man’s weak spots, don’t we?

What makes them tick and what makes them weak in the knees. But, let me just say, weaknesses aren’t something I sought out to find in my husband. No one wants to see the people they love at their lowest, so at what point do you think Samson should have caught on to Delilah’s schemes? I know that if I asked my man what his deepest fears or greatest weaknesses were, then turned right around and brought out that kryptonite, it wouldn’t go over well and he wouldn’t keep answering, either!

I had to laugh (and relate) when I read about Samson finally giving in and revealing his weakness: With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. (16:16, NIV)

Can you relate to that? When you are just being nagged to death about something (or the one doing the nagging) that you’ll do or say just about anything to make it stop?

Look at the physical human pain Samson endured because of this woman and that weakness. Look even moreso at the pains you and I endure every day because of our own human frailty. Like Samson we must keep going and push through the tough times, we will come out on the other side of every pain, and be better for the struggle.

Oh, and won’t it be neat to meet Samson in heaven? I’d love to hear him tell these stories from his perspective…and to see just how closely Charlotte’s estimation of Samson being likened to her Daddy is really spot-on :-)

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

Day 96 reading: Judges, chapters 19-21

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Judges, Perseverance, Service, Trust

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94) Ohhhh, Samson!

SamsonI have to share yet another funny story on our dear youngest daughter. This is just for the “kids say the darndest things” category, but it actually does apply to today’s scripture reading. Charlotte has a bible of her own and she loves to read it daily. When she saw the picture of Samson in her bible, she said it was her Daddy. Of course, all kids think their dads are the strongest men on the planet, but this was especially cute to me because the running joke in our family is that my husband, Steve, can lift anything, so I guess Charlotte was pretty clever in seeing a drawing of Samson and seeing her Dad in the muscle!

Day 94 reading: Judges, chapters 13-15

Can you imagine what it would be like to be visited by an angel of the Lord, or to be one of the chosen few to have an encounter directly with the Lord? It happens so much throughout the Bible that I have to actually remind myself that the time-span of the chosen pieces of our heritage were inspired to share for a particular reason, but not to give the impression that angelic encounters were necessarily daily activities in biblical times.

There do seem to be an inordinate number of angelic appearances to women which are regarding the bearing, upbringing, and naming of chosen children of the Lord. We have already studied a few, and are sure to study more as we continue our chronological scripture reading. It’s interesting to me, as a mother, that the Lord oftentimes worked through the matriarch of the family to ensure the proper steps to be taken for the preparation of a mighty leader or warrior of the Lord. I particularly enjoy that Samson’s father prays for the angel to appear a second time so that he and Samson’s mother can be instructed on how to raise the child, and I believe he gets a little different answer than the one he was fishing for when the angel replies, “Your wife must do all that I have told her.” (13:13, NIV)

And again in Samson’s life, we see the filling Presence of the Lord that we discussed in part on Day 93.

The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. (13:24, NIV)

The Lord is stirring is us every day, also. But truly, friends, it is only when we allow Him to be ruler of our lives that we are the most open to identifying His stirring Presence as the leading Spirit that it is. Otherwise, either in our misunderstanding or outright disobedience, we may mistake or ignore the Lord’s calling on our lives. We cannot allow that. After all, “The devil is in the distractions.” When we ignore the stirring call of the Lord in our lives, we are really just distracting ourselves with other junk in an attempt to fill the gaps that only He can fill.

Steve deadliftingAnd the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion as he would have torn a kid, and he had nothing in his hand.” (14:6, Amplified)

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and slew thirty men of them and took their apparel [as spoil], and gave the changes of garments to those who explained the riddle. (14:19, Amplified)

And when he came to Lehi, the philistines scame shouting to meet him. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon [Samson], and the ropes on his arms became as flax that had caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands. (15:14, Amplified)

And God split open the hollow place that was at Lehi, and water came out of it. And when he drank it, his spirit returned and he revived. (15:19, Amplified)

God is able, my friends! He is able to send us into battle armed with seemingly nothing to our human eyes, but with the armor of God, all things are possible.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 95 reading: Judges, chapters 16-18

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Blessings, Children, Health & Well Being, Judges, Perseverance, Seeing God, Service, Trust

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63) The Roller Coaster of Trust

Today’s scripture passage cuts painfully close for me. I never realized I would see myself in the book of Numbers, but there I was this morning, right there on the pages of the Living Word of God.

Day 63 reading: Numbers, chapters 21-22

Then Israel made this vow to the Lord: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities.” The Lord listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. (21:2-3, NIV)

roller-coasterSo, once again, God saves the day in a big way. I feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride with the Israelites at the helm, but I’m sure that’s how my own life will feel in retrospect, too.

But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses (21:4-5, NIV).

Again? And again…and again…and again. Why do the Israelites keep forgetting that He’s the real deal. Why do they only call out to Him when they need His miracles and then throw Him by the wayside when they are bored?

Aren’t we just as bad about that? I hope none of you reading this can relate to this, but I know my own walk tends to vacillate at times, too. You know, one minute you’re praising God and high as a kite on Him alone, then the next moment your child walks in the door with a bad report card and all of your praising goes out the window. Or you have a car wreck and although you are thankful to still be alive, you’re cursing the woman who broadsided you because she was talking on the phone, putting on lipstick and had a dog in her lap…all while attempting to drive.

Things happen in our very human lives that render very human responses; and I believe that God understands that completely. He knows what is in our hearts. He knows that He is in our hearts. So having very human moments in our day to days will not tear us from our Lord, but speaking out against Him over and over again as the Israelites are doing obviously took it’s toll on the relationship between the two.

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. (21:6, NIV)

So Moses prayed for the people.

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” (21:8, NIV)

Again, the Lord gives His people an “out.” Just think of the  scripture passages from just the past few days when the Israelites watched as the earth opened up and swallowed so many of their people whole, then were consumed by Holy fire, then a plague wiped out a number of them. So many watched their fellow comrades die on the spot because of their attitudes toward the Lord, yet here they were again, speaking out against Him; And here He is again saving them and proving His Presence with them.

And is it just me or was Moses almost as forgiving as the Lord Himself? Always praying for the people even after they rebuke him and speak against him? He has a supernatural tolerance for the people, because of what God had done in his life.

The Lord said to Moses, “Gather the people together and I will give them water.” (21:16, NIV)

He always provides for our needs. Always.

Then the people when on and won another battle and occupied more land, just as the Lord always said they would. And even in their fear, the Lord spoke to Moses to cover them.

The Lord said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of [Og king of Bashan and his whole army], for I have handed him over to you, with his whole army and his land.” (21:34, NIV)

When God is for us, when God is leading us, when we take God by the hand and follow Him and the path He has laid out for our lives, who can possibly stand against us? Hear this: NO ONE.

“A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.” (22:5, NIV)

Recall this passage from Day 16 of our journey:

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12: 1-3, NIV)

Then, we meet Balaam (and myself face-to-face in the mirror of the Living Word of God):

But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” (22:12, NIV)

But Balaam answered [Balek and the other princes], “Even if Balek gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God.” (22:18, NIV)

Are those ever words to live your life by. Only God gives me strength to do all that I do.

That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you.”

Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him.

When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field.

When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it.

When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with a staff.

Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”( 22:20-22, 23, 25, 27-28, NIV)

I have a confession to make. I uses to write my blog postings at night. It’s my most creative time and the juices are flowing. The problem with this is that then I stay up far later than I should and don’t end up getting enough rest at night. How many of you know that alarm clock or children pounding down the hallway come at the same time every morning no matter how much or how little sleep you get? So, my answer to this issue was that I would start going to bed earlier and waking up earlier, too. But at least by studying and writing early in the morning, I have a set time and a set schedule to keep me on track. The key there is that I can’t sleep through my alarm clock…

At night I pray that the Lord wake me up as early as I need to be woken up in order to read and write on the next day’s scripture passage, and this morning as I was set to get up and read, my alarm was set for 5:00 a.m., but my Lord work me up at 4:21 the first time. Note: the first time. Some mornings, I can’t seem to help having mental bargaining going on in my head with God. Me bargaining with God. Really? I’m as bad as the Israelites! So, this morning I slept through His 5:21 wake-up call, then His 4:28 wake-up call, then His 4:33 wake-up call, and on they went until I finally responded.

Friends, I don’t know if that makes me more like Balaam or more like the donkey in today’s passage, but let me tell you that when I finally got out of bed and into the Word, I was struck down by this last portion of scripture.

Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. (22:31, NIV)

Doesn’t life go smoother (at 4:21 a.m. or any other time of the day or night) when we follow the path He sets for us. When we ask for His Mighty Hand to save the day (or wake us up), doesn’t it work out better when we follow His path, step-for-step? Friends, I have to tell you, I don’t want to be like the Israelites on their roller coaster ride. I want to live a life of smooth sailing, following God close on His heels, never distracted from the world, but always facing Him for guidance, then actually DOING WHAT HE SAYS TO DO.

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Day 64 reading: Numbers, chapters 23-25

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Forgiveness, Numbers, Perseverance, Quiet time, Rules worth LIVING by, Seeing God, Trust

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19) The Lord our Provider

Today’s theme (rather, the theme of our life): The Lord Will Provide.

Today’s reading: Genesis, chapters 22-24

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
(22:1-8, NIV)

LIFE IS GOODThe Lord DID provide for that burnt offering. The Lord DOES provide all we truly need now. And, the Lord will CONTINUE to provide for us in the future. By testing us, God is able to prove again and again that He will forever provide for our needs. After we pass these tests, large and small, God blesses us with greater responsibility.

I love the quote from Mother Teresa, “I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

God blessed Abraham for his faith, and He blesses you and I, as well.

The Lord rewarded Abraham for passing the ultimate test:
I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” (22:17-18, NIV)

God blesses us all the more because you have obeyed me.

I want to pose an open-ended question. Don’t panic, it won’t be too deep…it’s more a Sunday school question, but hopefully over time we can add some depth to our answers.

The question is two-fold:

1) How do we, in our daily lives, obey God? How do we, REALLY, obey Him daily? Not, what should we doing, but what do we do?

2) What proof have we experienced in the past that when we obey God, we truly are blessed in cause and effect kind of responsiveness?

My answers, #1) In my daily life, I have to have my “God time.” And most of the time that need to have quiet time alone with Him is because I feel so lonely without it. Whether I spend the time on this chronological journey, reading and writing, or it’s time spent in prayer or some other form of time with Him, I know I must have it in order to remain full and focused.

Through this year’s reading journey, I am purposely avoiding commentaries and teachings that pertain to the passages we are reading together. This is not to suggest that I don’t love to hear my pastor preach, or get so deeply involved with my latest ladies Bible study, but I have not gone out of my way to research the daily scripture reading passages more in-depth. If it’s not in the Book, itself, it can wait. This year for me is about knowing what the Bible actually says, without spin or outside interpretation. There are so many great thinkers and students of the Bible that have incredible insight, but I first want to strengthen my own biblical foundation in the Word so that I can make out right from wrong, skewed from biblical, in the teachings and readings I come across in the future. In fact, I am already thinking about next year’s self-assignment (I know, I know…we’re not even out of the teens and I’m already planning for the next 365 day stretch), and I think it will involve commentary. Right now, I am just enjoying the living, breathing, Word of God. Aren’t you?

My answers, #2) Even as I posed the second question my mind went blank. Isn’t it frustrating when you know there’s so much to say, so many exciting stories, and you just lose it? I would say that 90% of my prayers also include pleas to God to make the pathways He wants me to follow as obvious as possible; I’m always afraid I may miss a turn and completely miss the awesome life God has in store for me. That being said, I have had countless wonderful experiences with God, when I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was being greatly blessed because I was faithful and trusting in Him. Cause & effect.

Steve Marilyn Christmas 2011The summer of 2009 was a difficult one in my family. Anyone who is or ever has been married knows there are hills and there are valleys. Let’s just say, the summer of 2009 was a rocky valley; it was a test that my husband and I barely made it through. It was a summer that I knew would make me stronger if I persevered or weaken me to a shell of the person I once was if I didn’t hold strong. I say with unwavering certainty that that rocky valley, that test of strength, was the best thing that could have ever happened in my family.

Sometimes, we have to hit rock bottom, to completely lose sight of the light, so that we can crave it so much that we finally seek after it. And, friends, when we regain our sight, it is a beautiful thing! I don’t ever want to return to that dark hole. I don’t want my feet to ever touch that rocky place again. Steve and I are blessed today because we passed a very difficult test. We are closer to one another; we are happier parents; and, best of all, we are closer to God and feel more secure in our relationship with Him, than we ever were before the rocky valley. Glory to God!

I look forward to hearing each of your insights into the cause and effects of God’s blessings. I want to live out His daily Word through my life in this world. It’s a tricky balancing act, as you all know, but together and with His Word and His Spirit, we will pull through the tests and our foundation of sand will be strengthened into the Rock!

Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis, chapters 25-26

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

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Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Genesis, Trust

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9) God our Father, our Creator, our greatest Force

Today’s reading: Job, chapters 21-23

image

My own earthly father, who has always taught me of our heavenly Father

Is God a brooding, looming, judgmental figure in your eyes, or a gentle, caring, loving force? Different people view God differently. So much depends on the way we were raised, how God was presented in our homes and in our spiritual walk. I heard a pastor say recently that he had always referred to God as a mighty father figure, but only after decades of teaching and preaching thought through the fact that God as a father figure isn’t a good thing to all people. People are raised in abusive homes, abandoned by the ones who are supposed to care for them. Some have concerned, but disconnected parents. Some are blessed with wonderful parents and truly story-book childhoods. But not all view God, the Lord of all Creation, as a mighty father-figure. My own father is a strong, God-fearing, God-praying, God-studying, man of incredible strength and humility, so I am among the fortunate who have no qualms with God the Father. But what about the friend who was sexually abused by her father from an early age or whose father left when he was just a baby, never to be seen or heard from again? We all view the Lord, our God, in different respects.

For Job’s friends, God is distant, at best. Eliphaz the Temanite says, “Is not God in the heights of heaven? And see how lofty are the highest stars! Yet you say, ‘What does God know?’ Does he judge through such darkness? Thick clouds veil him, so he doe not see us as he goes about in the vaulted heavens’” (22:12-14)

But Job and I have a different view of God’s placement in our lives. Job knew that God had not overlooked him in his agony. Sometimes we look and we think He’s not there, but sometimes that is simply part of the plan.

“But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” (23:8-12)

My dear friends, He knows the way that YOU take. He knows our every thought, our every movement, our every plan, even before we do. He loves us dearly. Though I haven’t always and I still struggle (but I try, and try again), I am so thankful that He has not given up on me, that He knows me and my sinful self and loves me anyway!

“Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not upon them… They spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace. Yet they say to God, ‘Leave us alone!’ We have no desire to know your ways.’” (21:6-9,13-14)

Don’t you ever wonder that the same as Job did in the midst of his struggles? Why does Joe Blow, the drug lord, live in the mansion up on the hill, surrounded by family and trusted friends, when will he get his judgement? Any time those kinds of thoughts (though usually less exaggerated) cross my mind, I trust completely in the Lord. It doesn’t matter what’s going on around me, what matters is my faith and duty to God. That’s not to say that it’s not my Christian duty to spread the Word of God and tell of His good news, but it is not for me to judge or to get bent out of shape when I am struggling and someone else is flourishing. I am not the judge. You are not the judge. There is only one true Judge, and He’s got it covered. He is not removed, He does see all, and He will Judge each of us in due time. We truly have to have a child-like faith in things like this, as we are all so quick to judge others the older and more hardened we become.

I would like to add my own slant on the following passage, in closing today. I hope this portion of scripture means much to you as well, but in the least it is still lovely and heartwarming:

Surely then WE will find delight in the Almighty and WE will lift OUR faces to God. We will pray to him, and he will hear US, and WE will fulfill OUR vows. What WE decide on will be done, and light will shine on OUR ways. (22:26-28)

When we commit our lives to living by God’s Word and His guidance, our decisions will be based on His ways, so His ways will become ours, and we will have walked with Him all the days of our lives. “My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside” (23:11).

Tomorrow’s reading: Job, chapters 24-28

Make it a great day, Marilyn

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Job, Seeing God, Trust

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4) Persevering through trials

Today’s reading begins our diving into Job…OK, I realize that Job is a love/hate kind of book. Either you love it or you hate it. But either way, we are going to read it and get more out of it than ever before! You in? Then, let’s go!

Today’s reading: Job, chapters 1-5

022509-0482Since we are reading through the Bible chronologically, we will be back in Genesis on day 16; until then, we’re going to read about Job and his friends’ sage advice.

Similar to Noah, whom we’ve been looking at for a few days, Job was an honest and innocent man; he honored God and stayed away from evil (1:1).

As if that one statement doesn’t pretty much cover how blameless Job was in God’s eyes, we read a little further on that he even offered sacrifices for on his children’s behalf because he thought, “My children may have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this every time (1:5).

This reminds me of a wonderful story that a friend of mine told me several months ago. When he was a teenager and would go out with his friends, his mother would pray over him before he ever walked out the door, and she didn’t stop praying for his safe journey until he was home safe and sound. He said what a great sense of comfort that gave him while he was gone from the house, even if he was just going to get pizza with his buddies; he always knew his earthly mother and eternal father were looking out for him.

Let me just be honest here. After hearing this true story of my friend’s mom, I thought how lovely that was and how I would like to begin regularly praying over my children before they leave from school in the mornings. You who have children out there know that school mornings are absolute chaos. It doesn’t seem to matter how early you get up or how well you plan, they’re like fire drills. Making time for morning prayers is tough, but what a great way to start the day!

Job had ten children, countless servants, land, animals, and with all of that comes great responsibility and stress. Yet, Job offered up offerings for his children’s sake regularly. Now, that is devotion.

Unlike Noah’s life story, Job is so perfect that God gives Satan permission to test Job’s devotion. He kills off his 10 children, all but a few of his servants, 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. Even one of these blows would have been enough to devastate most of us, but what was Job’s faithful response?

When Job heard this, he got up and tore his robe and shaved his head to show how sad he was. Then he bowed down to the ground to worship God. He said: “I was naked when I was born, and I will be naked when I die. The Lord gave these things to me, and he has taken them away. Praise the name of the Lord.” (1:20-21)

I cannot even wrap my head around how much trust and faith that takes. Yes, I can stay strong when my bank account goes red. I can stay faithful when I lose a beloved member of my family to illness. I can stay faithful when my family is barely hanging on by a thread. I’m thankful through a lot, but all at once? It’s like when Mother Teresa said (and I’m paraphrasing) that God doesn’t give us a challenge without also giving us the strength to deal with those challenges. I know that’s true, and even that worries me. I wish I were strong enough to handle more than one hiccup at a time, but look at how strong in his relationship with God Job must have been? I love Job’s reply to his wife when she tells him to just give up, shrivel up, and die. Job answered, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Should we take only good things from God and not trouble?” (2:10)

And even after all of the aforementioned happened to him, AND his own body was struck with disease, remember this: In spite of all this Job did not sin in what he said (2:10).

I have trouble going a day without doing something that I know is a major offense, and Job has such a spiritual maturity, that he doesn’t even sin against God with his thoughts, words, or actions, even now. Does this mean that this pain and sadness doesn’t effect him and make him question and even debate with God? No. Job had a very human reaction in his grief, but he never forgot that God was the most important element in his life, both on earth and eternally.

Within this first day’s reading in Job, I appreciate his friends, primarily the initial days of silence that they allow him.

When these friends heard about Job’s troubles, they agreed to meet and visit him. They wanted to show their concern and to comfort him. They saw Job from far away, but he looked so different they almost didn’t recognize him. They began to cry loudly and tore their robes and put dirt on their heads to show how sad they were. Then they sat on the ground with Job seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him because they saw how much he was suffering. (2:11-13)

When I am grieving or am going through a particularly difficult phase of life, I want to know that my friends and loved ones are thinking of me and lifting me up in prayer and happy thoughts, but I also need quiet space to take it all in. This quiet time, surrounded by his friends, probably meant the world to Job. Then, his friends began talking and giving him mini-lectures and theology lessons. Over the next few days we will see how that conversation unraveled between the friends and Job; and where God steps in and takes the reigns, silencing all.

As much as I struggle with the book of Job, within today’s reading there is a passage, spoken from Job’s friend, Eliphaz the Temanite, that I appreciate:
“But if it were I, I would appeal to God;
I would lay my cause before him.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.
He bestows rain on the earth;
he sends water upon the countryside.
The lowly he sets on high,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
He thwarts the plans of the crafty,
so that their hands achieve no success.
He catches the wise in their craftiness,
and the schemes of the wily are swept away.
Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; 
at noon they grope as in the night.
He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth;
he saves them from the clutches of the powerful.
So the poor have hope,
and injustice shuts its mouth.
Blessed is the man whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
For he wounds, but he also binds up;
he injures, but his hands also heal.
From six calamities he will rescue you;
in seven no harm will befall you.”
(5:8-19)

The same friend also touches on the primary point of our Bible in a Year journey: “Those who live in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth! Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces; unnoticed, they perish forever” (4:19).

I do not want to perish in this world. I want to build up my foundation, take it from dust to concrete reinforced with steel! I want my foundation to be upon God’s Word. There is so much we can learn from Job and the struggles he went through so long ago, that are still all too applicable in today’s world.

“Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden?” (3:23)

God has given me a very distinct mission here on Earth. You have one, also.  Each of our personal missions are just that…personal. Only God and you truly know what they are, and we only really know to the same amount that we are willing and open to accept what He tells us through the Word, through prayer time, and through quiet study with Him. He speaks to us in that quiet time. Just like it’s hard to have a conversation with a friend over blaring music or with the TV on…it’s hard to hear God’s gentle whisper in our ear when we are too busy and have to much going to just be quiet and listen. Along with this chronological Bible study mission, let each of us also devote this 365 days to deepening our time with God. He gave you life, let’s give ourselves back to Him.

Tomorrow’s reading: Job 6-9

Until then…

Make it a great day,
Marilyn

“We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself” (5:27)

Category:

Bible in a Year-Chronological Study, Faith, Job, Prayer, Quiet time, Trust

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It’s Not About ME!

Spoiler Alert: its not about you, either.

Life seems a little overwhelming at times. There is so much for us to do. So many people depending on us. So many giving us praise or criticism. So much of our worlds naturally revolve around “ME.”

This is true for all of us, but the truth is that in my own life, I can tell a positive difference in ME when I am putting HIM first. When I humble myself before the Lord, He does lift me up (see James 4:10). He lifts me up, He carries me, He helps me act and react in difficult situations, He is my guide. He cannot be my guide, however, if I put ME before HIM in my personal list of priorities.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

To put him first is like being continually fed by the river of Life. When we go to God first with our trials and frustrations, fears and doubts, excitement and joy, He fills us full of overflowing care and guidance. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) When we first go to God, we please Him and are, in turn, fulfilled.

How can we go to God first with everything, though, if we do not hold Him up and exalt His name above all others? We must train ourselves to keep God on our first proverbial speed-dial button in our hearts. If something horrible happens, call Him first. If something wonderful happens, share your joy with Him first. In going through the day-to-days, we can live in constant communion with our Lord. He knows all, sees all, and knows all of our wants and needs before we do, but He loves any opportunity that we allow Him one-on-one time.

The book of Job reminds us that dominion and awe belong to God (Job 25:2). Our human nature puts ME, our careers, our husbands and wives, our children, our friends, and even our pets and civic causes before HIM. We are told countless times through the inspired Word of God to hold Him up in the greatest light,and not to be so self-centered that the face we see in the mirror every day is more important than the One who created it. Do not think of yourself more highly then you ought (Romans 12:3),  but rather be humbled before Him and receive His blessings of grace (see Proverbs 3:34).

Friends, let me tell you, God has been speaking this lesson to my heart so I can hear it as well as pass it along to others. I have to remind myself continually that this life is not about me, that I am merely a messenger and teacher and that my purpose is not for ME but to further HIS kingdom. I have a lot of old wounds and old habits and I must remind myself to trust in Him to make my path known to me, to guide me and direct me, and to open my eyes to see and follow.

You were taught, with regard to your former ways of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self; created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

To put off your old selves. That is a refreshing analogy for me. To shed my old life that existed when I thought I was smarter than God and independent from Him. I also like the way it is phrased in Romans, that we are to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. (Romans 12:1) We do this when we realize HE is bigger than ME and that HE comes first.

I have a very fresh example of this in my own life. Just a few days ago I was having a great, productive day at the office. I work for our family business, designing and manufacturing custom and signature pieces of fine, heirloom-quality jewelry. Now, I pray for our family business a lot. A LOT! I pray for God’s hand to be on our business sales, strategies, craftsmanship; I want every aspect of our business to be conducted in a way that pleases Him. This seems particularly true in these tough economic times, as I pray for my family’s livlihood and blessings.

So, the other day I had a great morning. I even made a pretty good sale and was just so excited and thankful to God for sending this customer to us. Generally, I take leftovers for lunch but that morning I had forgotten to pack a lunch so I headed home to eat a quick bite and get back to the office. My husband was also home and frustrated with kiddo issues (when you have five kids, there are bound to be issues). He was venting and I was working hard to keep his foul mood from spoiling my awesome day.

Here’s where the freeze-frame would be if this were a movie: As he was talking, venting, and getting more frustrated and angrier at the situations he had been dealing with all morning, I had to completely stop and just pray. I shut out all noise and prayed, silently and to myself. Alone, I didn’t have the answers my husband wanted or needed to hear, but I knew that with God’s guidance, we could make a new path.

We had been down this road of parenthood frustration countless times so I knew so many of the negative alternate endings that could happen if I allowed ME to assume I knew more than HIM. So, I prayed a quick prayer for guidance and direction, for my words, actions, and reactions to be in line with God’s plan for me, and I returned to my husband as the action sped back up to real-time.

God gives answers. God gives direction. God helps and encourages. God supports and leads. God gave me wisdom that day to say exactly the right words to calm my husband’s frustrations, open some new pathways to help resolve the issues at hand, and allow me to get back to the office. The Lord is my rock, in whom I take refuge (Psalms 18:2).

God does not falter. He loves us unconditionally. He sees us when we are happy and when we are sad. He created us in His image, but we have allowed the world to come between us and our Creator. Today is a fresh new day, and every moment that passes is an opportunity to realign yourself with God’s plan for your life.

Make Him a priority. You don’t have to make a big show of it, faith is a very personal thing, but let me tell you, when you put the Lord first in your life, people see the difference in you without you even having to say a word. HE is bigger than ME, so I put my faith in HIM.

Dear God, Thank you for every person who ever reads these words. Thank you for giving me the lesson to learn for myself and to pass on to others who may need to hear the same message. God, please walk with me and these friends and clear the path for us so we can see clearly the path you have laid out for us. I know you have incredible plans for our lives and I submit fully to you now and am so excited to see how you tell my story. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Category:

1 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Isaiah, James, Job, Proverbs, Psalms, Romans

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