AMONG THE PAGES…

     I have been reading through the book of Isaiah (yes Lulu again) … I love everything about this book especially all the emotions that bubble to the surface as I read.

                  Awe – in the character of the Lord – just, righteous, merciful, redemptive … well you read it.

                  Sadness – at the way we just keep rejecting Him

                  Joy – at the way the story ends

                  Fear – in what the world lives through first

                  Comfort – at the Lord’s care for us

                  Shame – for my sin

                  Hope – in the Lord’s salvation and lasting blessing

         I am an emotional person so while others may be exhausted at this roller-coaster ride … I am in my element of laughing, crying and being amazed at the descriptions in Isaiah.

         But I found an extra nugget this time in my favorite chapter (chapter 55 in case you want to check it out). It was written in my own handwriting … yes I write in my Bible, in fact I write in 3 Bibles, one for each of my children.

         I digress … again.  My nugget? I have written at the top of chapter 55 these words: “Raven joins the family Feb 2016”.

         Ahhh … you are thinking I have a sweet grandbaby named Raven. Well yes … and … no. Raven is a canine version but greatly beloved in our family.  Just a little note of something that happened in my life that made me happy.

         I am a pretty serious person, not particularly fun, and intense about the Bible. But every now and then, my beloved Savior reminds me to leave room in my life … to just enjoy a moment, a memory, or a new puppy.

         So - there in the Bible that goes to my son, Ryan, sits a little reminder that in the midst of soaking in the Lord’s invitation to come to Him … a puppy arrived.  She is adorable.  Her brother Kanon sits somewhere recorded also. I will run across him periodically. Lest you think I forget my two-legged grandchildren … they too are scattered amidst the well-worn pages.

         God’s word has never failed to teach, inspire, correct, convict … and has always addressed “real” life for me. So I make notes.

On the pages of His Word, the Lord shows Himself and gives promises so enormous I can’t contain them. So I make notes.

A Savior so loving is revealed that takes even the likes of me … amazing. This one makes me cry.

The breath of life resuscitates me as the Holy Spirit teaches my heart things too wonderful to pass by … even in the midst of trials. I write because of this.

And in the middle of pages of perfection, wisdom and greatness … I plunk my life … undeserving and imperfect … but by His grace, I feel at home.

So that’s how Raven came to be in Isaiah 55.

JAMES - CHAPTER 2- Guest Blog by Lauren Lindsey

The book of James is such an amazing book. (Who am I kidding, they are ALL amazing) BUT! The book of James is so clear and clean cut in exactly how things are suppose to be. I think that's why I love it so much.

Favoritism:

"my brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." (James 2:1)

We, as fellow believers must not show favoritism.

To each other over non-believers

To rich over poor

To young over old

We must not show favoritism.

 Pretty clear cut, huh.

These are my favorite verses:

"For whoever keeps the whole law and stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, 'You shall not commit adultery,' also said 'You shall not murder.' If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker." (2:10-11) Don't those verses sound so condemning?

But they are very clear. A sin is still a sin. No matter what sin it is.

But, "...Mercy triumphs over judgement." (2:13) While 10-11 sound so harsh, we still have mercy. There's still hope.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" (2:14)

To believe is not enough. "You believe there is one God? Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." (2:19)

"...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead." (2:17)

Okay. So maybe you read that last part and are thinking to yourself,

What deeds do I have to do?

What does “deeds” mean?

Deeds could really be almost anything.

Examples from the Bible are Abraham and Rahab.

God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, on an altar. And Abraham was prepared to do so. (If you don't know the end, God stops Abraham before he actually sacrifices Isaac. This story is found in Genesis 22).

Rahab was a prostitute who took in spies to hide them from the king of Jericho who was after them. When people came looking for the spies, she sent them in the opposite direction of the spies. (This story is found in Joshua 2).

Both of these examples are listed in James 2:21 & 25.

So right now, maybe you're still thinking,

'Okay so I'm suppose to sacrifice my kids and hide criminals from the president?'

No.

Deeds are things done that please God. So maybe today you helped someone in need.

Or you taught someone about the Bible.

Or you prayed with someone who is going through a hard time.

Talk to God. He will guide you to do what His will desires.

Deeds can be all kinds of things.

Take these things as a guide as you go through this week. Work on them little by little and don't be afraid to ask God for help making these things happen in your life.

#WordPower

Reference – Mark 11: 13 -14 and 20-25

         At first blush these verses seem to show Jesus a little tough on fig trees. After all it wasn’t really the season for figs so of course the tree wasn’t bearing fruit. But this passage actually highlights the extreme power in words spoken in faith.

         While it amazed the disciples that the fig tree had withered from the roots in one day after being cursed by Jesus, He points them to greater faith. Jesus shows a connection prevalent in God’s Word … the heart is connected to the tongue. Together they can change the world.

         Have faith in God

                  Don’t doubt in our hearts

                           Believe what we say

                                    And it will be done

        I don’t think this was to be used for a “prosperity gospel” or to get what we want for selfish desires, but rather to teach us that our words make a difference in the world.

         Jesus makes the incredible statement that we have such power with words and hearts focused on God that we can move mountains. After all we are created in the image of God who spoke the world into existence.

         Jesus brings us farther still when He teaches us a fundamental principle of prayer in this passage … and prayer is one of the finest uses of word power.

                  “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.”

         When we stand praying … we are to pray from a gentle heart that harbors nothing against anyone. Prayers where we release our tally marks against others so that our own slate can be wiped clean.

         Made in the image of God, we hold so much power in our tongues … the words we pour into the world. We have such potential in positive speech but stand in grave risk misusing our words.

         Matthew 12:36 and 37

         “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

         Abandoning the careless and embracing the higher forms of word power …

         What might happen if we prayed for our world?

         Forgiving and forgiven … a nation speaking before God.

         What kind of word power might we bring?

         What kind of mountains could we move?

         Let’s talk more … about Word Power

         Your thoughts would be most welcome …

WHAT REALLY MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?

The voices call from everywhere …

         Taunting with the steady pressure that everyone must be embraced, accepted, loved. If a lifestyle offends faith – the error lies with faith. After all God loves everyone – who are we to judge? Or perhaps God doesn’t really exist the way that pesky Bible says?

         Society gathers to assess our values, shouting to push platforms forward, shoving aside opposing views, and raising to a roar the sounds of opinions that clash and fight on streets running red with blood ... a dark shadow strangles the people.

         The same routine as always has started the chaos – the lie. The lie has been around since the first Adam and the lie plans to dance in the streets and the quiet places of men’s minds until the end.

         In the crystal clear light of God’s presence and will, an enemy slips among us and says, “You will not surely die … for when you have eaten … your eyes will be opened … and you will be like God.”

         Rejecting the idea that life has behaviors that are allowed and behaviors that bring death … the people push forward to their own will. And to promote the lie, as always, the enemy brings a truth to drape atop the lie.

         “If He is the Son of God … He loves us all …”

         True on both counts. Jesus is the Son of God and He loves us all. Separate the truth from the lie. The truth is about people … God has never rejected anyone who comes to Him.

Acceptance by God has never been based on the color of skin, the country of origin, the language we speak. Have we not read in Revelation 7:9:

         “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”

God through His Son, Jesus the Christ, has made a way for everyone into His heart and into His heaven … no one is rejected who comes through that gate.

         The gate where we meet Christ face to face, the gate where we decide to believe He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. Entering the gate calls for bended knee … acknowledging the greatness of God, confessing our sins, depending on Jesus ….

Ahhhh and that is where the lie begins again as in ages past …

Because while it is true that God never rejects a person who comes to Him – He has always made clear there are behaviors that are not acceptable … indeed that He hates.

Revelation 21:8 – “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

God has told the truth about what is evil and what is good. He has that kind of wisdom.

The enemy has lied … again. We don’t become enlightened when we embrace behaviors that God has rejected. We don’t become like God … we just immerse ourselves in sin which separates us from Him.

So in the streams of shouting, accusing, declaring our own righteousness by the opinions we hold … here are some suggestions:

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind … Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

And a couple things to remember about how things turn out:

“Love never fails.”

God wins.

You’ll notice this blog doesn’t take up a cause against a particular sin … we have all sinned and come way short of the holiness of God. He knows we struggle … struggling against doing the wrong thing is awesome– worthwhile – obedient. Do it.

Reject the lie … start a wave of obedience … let’s dive into the Word of God and see what He likes and what He doesn’t … let’s believe we don’t have a better idea and we certainly won’t become better people by our own wisdom.

Let’s vote for Jesus Christ as King … the rest of it is on Him.

With much love,

Bev

James Chapter 1 - Guest Blog by Lauren Lindsey

Being a teenager is not an easy thing in today's society.

There are so many influences, good and bad, that teenagers experience daily.

Social Media... Music... Friends... School...

It is very easy to get off track with our Faith and forget what God has planned for us.

Everyone experiences trials in their life.

Even teens.

But how do we know how to handle these trials?

Why do we have to go through them?

Some kid at school keeps making fun of you for carrying your Bible around school.

Why would God allow this?

Could this be a trial?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Isn't that easier said then done.

But it is important that we rejoice during trials. Trials make our faith stronger, even if it sucks to go through them sometimes. But you have an Almighty God who isn't going to let you fall.

“Blessed is the one who preservers under trial... that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

“When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God can not be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone...”

Isn't it hard sometimes not to blame God for the situations going on in life?

Why is God continuing to allow this?

God does not tempt us.

Evil does.

Do you remember the story of Satan tempting Jesus trying to get him to do the wrong thing?

Jesus never faltered with his ways and he did not let Satan tempt him into doing anything wrong.

That is what our faith is suppose to be like.

Strong enough to resist the evil temptations of the world.

Will we slip up sometimes? Possibly.

But God will always help us back up again.

“My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteous ways that God desires.”

That’s all pretty plain and simple now isn’t it.

Of course, easier said than done, but most things are like that.

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceives themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

That can be difficult in society today, trying to keep up with the lingo of all the teens today.

It can be easy to just follow what your friends do or say because you want to fit in.

But here we are warned against that when it comes to the things we say.

We can not just simply claim to be religious, and not let our words prove it.

It is easy to get caught up in the world today, but it is important that we continue to follow the plan that God has for us, even if it isn’t what our friends and classmates do.

And remember to share the word.

Spread it and get it out there to those teens who maybe don’t know God yet.

Its always amazing when new people come to God.

DISTINCTION

The condition or fact of being dissimilar or different …

A distinguishing factor, attribute or characteristic …

Excellence or eminence, as of performance, character or reputation …

One of the many themes running through the Word of God is the recounting of the history of Israel during the exodus from Egypt.

The plagues are examined again and again ending in the dark night where the firstborn of every household in Egypt died … except the Israelite homes.

As the people moved through the plagues sent by the Lord, sometimes the magicians of Egypt with their “secret arts” could mimic the plague … but eventually there were acts they could not follow … there is one God … a distinction from a Pharaoh … or a king … or a president.

The Lord created a conflict with Pharaoh to mark the distinction of His people and of Himself.

For the nation walking through the plagues was a painful process.  Locusts … gnats … darkness … bloody water … everyone experienced the effects … and then the distinctions arose ending with the most dramatic. One people would die … one people would not.

On a dark night the Lord reached down and delivered His people from the hands of the oppressor … it was dramatic, overwhelming, and completely without equal even to this day.

Imagine the trembling fear as the cries went up from household to palace. Imagine the tension of not knowing what would be next as the Israelites stood in their homes eating - coats on and ready to roll.

It is a history that even to this day the Jews remember and honor, Christians teach to children, and even unbelievers are aware of …

Pharaoh was warned.

The signs were everywhere.

Many times.

Pharaoh chose to think he was bigger than God.

The character of the Lord never changes. He loves His people. He is aware of our plight. He responds to our cries. He marks us with distinction … living among the world … yet brought out to a place where evil cannot touch us anymore.

He warns … and then He acts.

Recently I found myself awake in the night … crying. We have all had those times … just like the rest of mankind. My distinction? I have a Savior who is Jesus Christ and He too was awake in the night ready and willing to walk with me … until the day when He delivers me completely.

Nothing in the world can mimic that. No one else will ever understand my situation like Him. No amount of earthly counseling or hobbies or fulfilling work or riches or “purpose” will ever be able to snatch me from darkness into light like those nail-scarred Hands.

I hope you also know Jesus … if not I’d love to speak with you about Him.

And if you are one of my brothers or sisters in Christ … I hope this day you live in the distinction of that relationship.

From death to life … be blessed.

In light of the life of Terri Dowe …

The world is a better place … particularly Waukegan, Illinois and her beloved “up north” community.

A husband and a son were loved and cared for deeply … and completely.  No wonder they are both such fine people.

Family and friends were cherished, given immeasurable amounts of fun, and shown kindness at every contact … all were completely blessed.

Terri in her steadfast work life impacted those around her, brought good to her employers and colleagues, dedicated herself to going above and beyond … she served well.

John 12:24 – Jesus in preparing the disciples for His death calls to their attention … “unless a kernel of wheat fall to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds”.

Death comes … even to a lady of blessing like Terri … but it doesn’t come randomly – no matter what it looks like here on earth …

Psalm 116:15 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

July 20th was a precious day in the Lord’s sight … a day protected and prepared as He received one of His finest as she came home.  She has finished well her earthly part.

It is right that tears flow and grief is deep … this is a time of mourning here on earth.

But heaven waits now joyfully with Terri in their midst to see about the harvest …

 The harvest begins as the seed of Terri’s life takes hold in the hearts of those she loved and touched. May it be a bountiful harvest of great blessing to many … as is only fitting …

          - in light of the life of Terri Dowe.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

No I didn’t make that up … James 5: 13 – 16

And speaking of healing … cruise through the gospels and see how many people Jesus healed … when they asked Him … when they touched Him… when they cried out to Him … when their friends brought them to Him … when someone came and asked on behalf of another … 100% of those who came to Jesus were healed.

How about any one out there have an enemy?

Proverbs 25:21 – If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Luke 6: 27 and 28 – But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Yes but … They have done something really really bad

Romans 12:19 – Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

And when that happens …

Proverbs 24:17 – Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him.

Any money problems among us?

Give and it will be given to you … Luke 6:38

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 10:6

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11: 24 and 25.

As anyone who knows me well can testify to … I am not a fan of teaching or learning from single verses. But I only have a short space here to make a difference so this is an effort to share a bite size little snack today. It’s up to each of us to take in His Word … in full, nourishing portions to build muscles of faith and receive healed hearts.

The point is … there is a different way of finding solutions to life’s problems. Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun – so whatever trial we may be experiencing today – God understands and has a solution for … but it probably looks nothing like the solution the world would give us.

Jesus didn’t raise His hands and heal everyone in the crowd, but rather paid attention to each person and their need. Everybody got their own piece of fish and bread. Jesus dealt with the individual … and still does.

When they left His presence, each one had exactly what they needed to be healed, fed, convicted and converted … we still do.

We can’t leave sickness, evil people, troubles, poverty, greed … all the “stuff” in the world outside our experience. But we have some very powerful, simple solutions that we can embrace along the way:

         Prayer … singing … kindness … mercy … generosity … and that single marvelous spot next to Jesus designed just for us.

GENESIS REVISITED

What do you remember most from the book of Genesis?

Beginnings … order … families …

I started through the Bible again recently, excited to begin this journey anew because each time I find old friends and new truths.

I have always loved the account of God’s creation … from nothing He brought forth the world. For those of you with the gift of administration or wisdom – it has to be thrilling to see the order of the universe. God chose to make the broad brushstrokes of environment before the intricacies of life. Amazing.

For those of us with a creative streak, the sheer imagery of waters separating and land rising; the glimmer of stars and the blaze of sunlight; the dust formed into man and the breath of life from God … the ultimate Creator in action.

Ahhh but then we get to us … mankind. From the start a choice to ignore God’s rule, a path that leads to banishment. But there He is – holding out His hand and making the first clothing – determining from the beginning that redemption would be given. The enemy introduced with the guarantee that his head will be crushed even as he strikes our heel.

It was on a heel-striking day that I entered into the stories of the families and there I stayed for several days remembering …

         Murder is not new.

         God has emotions … grief and pain … love … we affect His heart.

         Rainbows are a sign.

         Some men come forth and live in such a way that God notices them … and blesses those around them.

         There are consequences to looking back.

         Families have always had conflict.

         Jealousy and deception give birth to problems.

         The Lord sometimes moves His people to unfamiliar surroundings.

         It’s better to let God give a solution at the perfect time than to make our own.

         Lying causes problems.

         Too much alcohol leads to undesired consequences.

         The Lord presents Himself to people … what they do with Him determines their future.

         Bad things happen to people … God has the ability to turn things around.

         Life is scary, people can be deceitful, grown children cause pain, parents can make bad choices …

         Rape is not just a modern day crime.

         The Lord can elevate us in a king’s house or in a prison.

         It’s nice to be loved in our imperfect families.

         The Lord blesses those who love him.

         God always keeps His promises.

What about you? What is your takeaway from Genesis?

THE ONE TALENT RESPONSE

MATTHEW 25:14 – 30

The kingdom of heaven in this parable is likened to a man going on a journey. He calls his servants and gives them differing amounts of his property to manage … according to their abilities.  Two earn more for their master in his absence … he is very pleased with them.

But the servant who was given only one talent went off … dug a hole … and hid his master’s money. Upon his master’s return, the servant went into a long explanation of how he knew his master’s character and was afraid. Therefore he made the decision to hide the talent and simply give it back to his master when he returned.

According to my Bible notes – a talent was worth more than $1,000. So back in the day this story was told it is important to realize that even the servant with “only” one talent … had been given a generous portion.

Some points to ponder for today:

1.   All of the riches (talents) that were distributed belonged to the master. That ownership did not transfer, he merely gave his servants the opportunity to manage while he was away. Seize opportunity … not ownership.

2.   The master was careful in his assignment of responsibility … giving each one “according to their abilities”. No one had too much or too little … like in Goldilocks … just right. Never mind what the other guy has or can do, we have been given exactly the right amount for our abilities.

3.   What pleased the master most were the two servants who went out and worked to gain an increase – regardless of it being 5 talents or 2 talents – they got the exact same response from him. He called them faithful, rewarded them, and welcomed them to share his happiness. Work in the world to gain for the kingdom.

THE ONE TALENT RESPONSE:

         This servant totally misjudged his master’s character and so his response when given one talent to manage … fear.

         In fear he buried what he was given …

         In fear he hid what he was given …

         In fear he missed the whole point of his opportunity to work for his master.

         In fear he held on to what he had been given …  and didn’t do a thing with it.

AVOIDING THE ONE TALENT RESPONSE:

1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

God is happy to show us who He is … the Word is clear.

He loves us so much … He sent His only Son … Christ is the way, the truth and the life … no one comes to the Father except through Him.

May we pursue that relationship so that we never have a “one talent response”.

Instead … In love … working for His increase … content with our “talents” … waiting on His words: “Well done – good and faithful servant”.

WHY DOES IT STILL HURT TODAY?

God … are you there?

Can we talk?

You know the big sorrow I had years ago? I know You use everything for good – because I love You – because I’m called to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). And I want to be a good witness for You … but it’s just You and me now and I have a question.

I’ve read my Bible because I know Your Word will not return void but will accomplish everything You want and will achieve Your purpose. I understand by Your grace that Your Word is just like the snow and rain that water the earth, making all things grow … yielding nourishment (Isaiah 55:10 and 11).

I know You love me and forgive me (John 3:16). I know that You left me Your peace – different from the “peace” the world seeks – the peace You give cannot be taken away (John 14:27). I know that even at this very moment Jesus is standing at Your right hand, interceding for me (Romans 8:34) and that because of Him – I will never be condemned (Romans 8:1).

I know that when I get stuck in my prayer life … not understanding what to pray … with things I want to bring to You that I don’t know how to say … stuck in my weakness and lost … I know Your Holy Spirit prays for me. The Spirit prays perfectly and in Your will ... not even needing words (Romans 8:26 and 27).

So to my question … about the big sorrow…

Shouldn’t I have overcome this by Your Spirit?

Shouldn’t I have peace?

Shouldn’t the consequences be at an end by now?

Shouldn’t I have seen the part where You turn it into good?

Shouldn’t reading Your Word have explained this by now?

Shouldn’t Jesus have interceded for me so this hurt could be over?

Sorry … that was a lot of questions … I’ll make it just one:

Why does it still hurt today?

God … are You there?

The answer on Thursday, June 9th in THE ALLEGORY STORY entitled “WOVEN”

MAKING IT A GOOD DAY

I had a really bad day yesterday. From start to finish it just wasn’t my finest hour – in fact I didn’t even have a fine moment until evening but more on that later.

So my attention was turned to what makes a good day and how could I work on a better outcome for today. I decided to look into where it all started … yes … GENESIS.

While I of course can’t be God, I can try to follow in His footsteps. He left some pretty clear imprints on making a day that whispers after sunset -  “It was good.”

1.   In the beginning … His Spirit “hovered”.

Before God began His work of creation it seems He paused a moment. A good day in the making begins with a pause … so this morning I’m pausing first.

2.   God created with order.

Take a look at Genesis chapter one – Each day our Heavenly Father created a piece of the universe … starting with the large and moving to the intricate. Environment for life was tended to … before life was created.

3.   At the end of each day, God looked at what He had done.

Before I scurry to the next task … a moment to look at the completion of my work.

God wasn’t finished with the universe the second day … but He looked over what He had done and called it good … every day.

Raising children, a career, surviving an illness … none of that is finished in a moment … but take time each day to be thankful and feel fulfilled at the progress of the day.

4.   God created both the environment and life to perpetuate with purpose … allowing their differences to distinguish them …

Plants and fruit trees had seeds, according to their kind. And so there was food.

Animals and people bore offspring, according to their kind. And so there was life.

The universe was bathed in light, according to its time. And so day was sorted from night, month from month and year from year.

Do I sometimes forget the differences in people and tasks … that times and seasons exist … that all have purpose … that night must follow day.

5.   God blessed His work.

Do I look at my life each day with blessing? Do I speak critically of what I have done and focus on what I failed to do?

I spent the day in God’s universe under His care … no matter what else happened … the day is blessed.

6.   God rested.

The Lord God finished His work and completed His week by calling it good and resting. The seventh day – the Sabbath.

Do I follow that pattern? Working hard, diligently focused on the work before me … then resting and honoring the Lord … sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Hmmmm

7.   God walked in His garden in the cool of the day looking for companionship, handling problems as they arose.

Ahhh – the fine moment of my day. My friend found me at the park … walking with my grandson … precious companions …

So in the end I went back to the pattern of God … I paused this morning … I sorted the light from dark … I plan to look at things this evening as the sun sets and call it good … blessing this particular day … and putting it gently in the treasury of my life.

MALACHI

Offensive Offerings …

   Rebooting the heart …

         Recovering reverence.

“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.” (Malachi 3:16)

The book of Malachi – the last book before the New Testament – is a short and powerful word from God. The Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6) and what He sees at that moment of history both angered Him then … and angers Him now.

While frequently used to admonish a congregation or individual to standards of monetary giving – I suspect we miss the point when we limit the message of Malachi to church contributions.

The underlying problem described throughout Malachi is actually a heart issue, although one of the fruits of that issue is an offensive offering. People pouring into the temple with offerings that were blemished … less than the best … because their hearts were not set on honoring or respecting God.

The Lord describes priests who are supposed to be preserving knowledge but are teaching in ways that cause their listeners to stumble. Priests who are not listening to God but rather have gone their own way. Priests who are showing partiality in matters of the law.

The Lord calls out His people on breaking faith with each other. What was true of Judah and Israel is still true today … it is a desecration of the Lord’s sanctuary to intermarry His children with those who worship foreign gods. Are we trying to make God attractive to the masses? Picking up the sway of the culture to make God more acceptable? This choice is a desecration of the temple the Lord loves and creates unacceptable sacrifices.

How about our marriages? Are we remaining faithful? When times are tough … when spouses age or are ill … when someone else looks better? Are we breaking faith?

“So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” (Malachi 2:16b)

None of us has lived perfectly now or when this Word was initially given. Does that mean we are doomed? No – the Lord has never left us without hope and a way back to His heart.

So how do we reboot our hearts and recover a heart of reverence for the Lord?

Put down the blemished offerings, walk away from the intermarriage of our hearts with idolatry, and turn back to God. Let the Lord work in our lives with that “refiner’s fire” that cleanses us. Simply bow our hearts and recognize that He alone through Christ can make us righteous … wait for it … ahhhh!

Talk to each other with reverence about the Lord. He is listening. He hears us. He has a scroll of remembrance written with our names as we honor and respect His ways. There is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

“But for you who revere My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.”

May the book of Malachi (4 short chapters) bless our hearts today as we seek to bring an acceptable offering to our Lord.

THE ENTRANCE

Inside a lavish hotel people passed a room with doors thrown open leading to white-clothed tables of crystal glassware, silver utensils and china place settings. The center of each table boasted a regal receptacle of purest crystal exploding in splashes of colorful fresh flowers.

Just outside the room all eyes were drawn to a sign announcing the charity event. A table of purest white cloth held the place cards of the rich and famous who would attend. Men in tuxedos and women in long flowing gowns gathered with drinks outside the dining room.

After a short time, dinner was announced and everyone sat down on the gold covered chairs. The meal was worthy of a king with one succulent dish following another and the sound of tinkling glasses, conversations and laughter filled the room.

A handsome man stood at the podium in the front of the beautiful hall greeting the many dignitaries in attendance as spots of applause erupted for each one. Finally the moment they had all been waiting for … the amount of the gathered pledges was announced to an uproar of cheering.

They will gather next year to raise funds again.

***

A stable … a star … shepherd and angels … a few wise men … a baby.

A cross … an empty tomb …

One person at a time … in any clothing … at any income level … with any sins … a bowed head and heart.

The largest charity event in the history of the world was completed and need not be held again.

The dinner?  Coming soon … all are welcome … compliments of Jesus the Christ.

RECONCILIATION

Scripture: Romans 5: 6-10; Matthew 5: 23- 24; 2 Corinthians 5:16- 19 and a brief reference to Genesis 19:26.

The VERSES tab has today’s Scripture if you don’t have a Bible handy.

Reconciliation is a signpost in the kingdom of heaven, sort of how we know we are in the right spot. These signposts pop up in numerous places in our lives as we continue our journey from the cross of Christ into eternal life.

This process of reconciliation is important in three areas:

1.   Reconciliation with God. That’s the first one and the most important. The Word of God is a clear roadmap on how this reconciliation takes place – it is through Christ – and God started the process. Romans 5

At just the right time…

While we were still sinners…

God loved us…

And Jesus died in our place.

         So while we were enemies of God because of our sins, God reconciled us to Himself by the sacrifice of Jesus.

It’s free … but priceless

2.   Reconciliation with others. This was so important that Jesus taught – if we enter God’s house with an offering and remember that someone has something against us – we need to be reconciled to our brother first … then offer our gift.

2 Corinthians 5 goes on to elaborate more on this reconciliation  … it’s the ministry God has given us because we are no longer looking at people from a worldly point of view.

We can’t carry a message to people if we are hostile toward them. We can’t function in a body of Christ if we have malice toward each other.

Reconciliation with others can be a bumpy road; carrying God’s message of reconciliation can be met with rejection… but we press on because God says so … and if people refuse?

Romans 12:18 – 19: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

As my son Ryan says since experiencing this … “God will make it right.”

3.    Reconciliation with life circumstances. Remember the story of Lot and his wife fleeing when Sodom and Gomorrah were being destroyed? (if not read Genesis 19 – it is an awesome history)

They had specifically been instructed not to look back and not to stop. But Lot’s wife just couldn’t resist … and we know the rest – she was turned into a pillar of salt.

So here was a wife and mother who instead of sprinkling salt into the lives of her family, her new village, the world … was now a solid pillar of salt left in a barren place because of looking back.

That is what looking back does to us … we can’t move forward and we can’t sprinkle salt in the world. There is nothing we can do about what is behind us.

Philippians 3:12 – 14 – Paul talks about this specific thing – forget what is behind – press on to what is ahead – in Christ.

Is there a sin back there that we are living through the consequences of?

Perhaps the old places we have been look more attractive than where it seems we are going?

Reconcile to today. Accept – talk to God about it – and don’t look back.

Reconciliation goes on all the time. We need to stay reconciled with God by confessing our sins, repenting, and moving out of the area without looking back.

People … a tough reconciliation some days. But we make the effort because God Himself gave us the ministry and is dedicated in love to reconciling the world to Himself.

Life circumstances … designed for our good by our Lord – He will make everything right. Reconcile to where we are today and watch for guidance to get to tomorrow.

Join us on Thursday for the Allegory Story of Reconciliation.

May blessings and reconciliation be yours.

LUKEWARM

Revelation 3:16 – “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Like to avoid that fate? Let’s take a look today at lukewarm.

What makes for lukewarm?

Lukewarm is self-satisfied – “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.”

         Lukewarm doesn’t know real riches.

         Lukewarm doesn’t recognize true need.

Lukewarm doesn’t know the value of suffering – “gold refined in the fire”.

         Lukewarm wants to be comfortable.

Lukewarm doesn’t seek righteousness – “white clothes to wear to cover” the shameful state of nakedness.

Lukewarm thinks in terms of “I’m doing pretty well” and “everyone sins”.

Lukewarm has no vision – standing in the middle of life – blind.

Jesus pronounces the lukewarm to be “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Coming across a person standing in the street who was in difficult times without food, clothing and unable to see … well most of us would realize they needed help.

But what about seeing our own situations through the spiritual vision of Christ?

Are we standing in our homes – looking around at furniture and clothes and catalogues?

Do we see our connection with Christ as church attendance or manageable monetary offerings?

When was the last time we thought about Jesus on the cross and cried?

When did I last give to the poor until I had no money?

When did I offer to talk to someone about eternal life in spite of feeling embarrassed because the person seemed far more together than me?

When did we last show mercy?

When were we last on our knees to cry out for a friend’s child who has lost their way?

When was the last time I laid my hands on someone because Jesus said I could and they would be healed?

Do I really grasp the tremendous love that was poured out for me as Jesus bled and died in my place?

Have I ever thought about the sunrise that first Resurrection morning? 

Wretched … pitiful… poor … blind … and naked.

Lukewarm leaves the rest of the world untouched as I sit in comfort.

Well … there is a solution for lukewarm.

Dear Jesus,

I have been lukewarm. Please grant me gold refined in the fire and keep me safe in the flames. Allow me to walk in the kingdom of heaven because You paid the price and grant me a white robe to wear. From today forward … let me see.

I know You rebuke and discipline those You love. Thanks for loving me so much to correct me and draw me closer. I repent.

         Love, Bev

Simple Faith

Some people think the world we live in at this crossroads in history is too complex for simple faith. “We need to change some things to keep up with the times”.

         This is not a new idea – as the writer in Ecclesiastes (1:9) said, “… there is nothing new under the sun”. From the moment sin entered the world … mankind has routinely pursued the need to change something about God or to ignore Him altogether.

         I am not gifted in apologetics so there will be no attempt here to logically meet mankind’s arguments … and besides if there is anyone who is NOT changing … that would be God. He doesn’t need to – He is perfect.

         But I thought today it might be refreshing to take a look at the faith that God accepts, loves and rewards. It isn’t complicated and we are given a perfect example in our old friend – Abraham. We can read in full about his relationship with God from Genesis chapter 12 – chapter 25:11.

         For our focus today though – let’s take a look at Romans chapter 4. I’m going to paraphrase so please read the actual text in case I make a mistake.

Simple faith – Abraham style

Abraham believed God.

         It was that simple. And that belief was “credited” to Abraham as righteousness. It wasn’t a “work” he did to please God - Abraham simply believed what God said.

         How many of us put the cart before the horse and head out for good works before sitting down to simply believe God.

Abraham hoped … in God.

         And … Abraham hoped against enormous odds.

                  Abraham didn’t count on his body or his age as a determining factor in his life … he put his hope in God.

Abraham was fully persuaded that God could do what He said He could do.

                  Abraham didn’t doubt … the King James Version says he didn’t “stagger” at the promise of God through unbelief.

I get the first part … I believe. But I confess – I want to believe better- stronger – unwavering.

I’m getting better at the second … putting my hope in God … it is a choice to make everyday. And like Abraham, my body is aging … but … that is not going to be the determining factor in my life – hoping in God is.

The last one – wow –

         Yes absolutely. I am fully persuaded that God can do what He says He can.

And when I doubt or stagger – my plan is to run right back to simple faith – believe – hope – fully persuaded

                  That God can do what He says He can.

For that – I’m going to have to go now because I have to find out what all that is … headed off to Romans again … have a day of simple faith!

WHEN I REMEMBER YOU

I am susceptible to negative emotions: doubt, depression, discouragement … it is easy to sink into a state of darkness. Anybody else ever have that battle?

Turns out those negative emotions are well understood and the psalmist took great care to work through them. Let’s take a look at one example.

PSALM 77

         The psalmist describes crying out to God – he was miserable – couldn’t sleep – began to feel weak …

         Even as God showed up at his side, the psalmist was “too troubled to speak”.

         Ever been there? Life was too tough to even figure out how to pray.

         What came next for the psalmist is something we are often afraid to do – questions about our relationship with God:

         Will the Lord reject me forever?

         Will He never show me favor again?

         Is His love gone?

         Has God forgotten me? Forgotten mercy?

         Is He so mad at me that there is no compassion from His hand?

         When we enter those dark places of life, it is not unusual to wonder what God is doing. He knows what we think so we might as well work through the process – ask Him.

We don’t magically transport from darkness to light … we have to walk from one place to the other. Talking to God about what is really on our hearts is part of the journey.

         So how did the psalmist pass from the darkness of his misery into the light of God’s presence? The same way we still have available to us.

         He remembered …

                  That God’s ways are holy

                  That the Lord has done amazing things for His people with power, miracles and deliverance.

                  That God has ALWAYS led His people.

God’s first attribute is that He is holy.

         So if I want to be in His presence – I have to drop the sin at the cross. I can’t stand in the presence of a Holy God while clinging to my sin or my “right” to sin. I don’t have to let go of sinful ways – I get to choose. But if I want to stand next to God – He will not be in the presence of sin. It’s that simple.

God is powerful.

         I need to drop my strength and use His. I can continue floundering around this world in my own strength but I can’t overcome darkness in my own abilities. For real power – there is only one source that trumps darkness. The true light that came into the world.

God has always led His people.

         That characteristic is eternal. Read the Exodus of His chosen nation, the path of David to kingship, Jonah’s voyage, or how His Son Jesus slipped through crowds until the time had come ... for salvation to enter the world.

Having some dark days?

Remember God – everything about Him –

and walk as you remember… the path from darkness into light.

May we all have “songs in the night” that last us through the journey.

UNSUBCRIBE

A couple of weeks ago I received a message in my inbox with a request to “unsubscribe”. It was politely worded and simply requested removal from my list. I took care of it immediately and sent an email to the person thanking them for letting me know and advising them it was done.

It got me thinking about a few things.

         I was genuinely glad the person contacted me because I do not wish to be intrusive.

         I pondered how many of my group on the email list would like to be “unsubscribed” but were afraid of hurting my feelings.

         I thought about the things in my life that I probably need to “unsubscribe”.

I indulged in some quiet time to think about that word – UNSUBSCRIBE

Some messages the word conveyed to me:

         Thanks but I don’t have time for this.

         I don’t like the content of this.

         I already have access to this type of information in my life.

         I don’t think we are a match in interest.

There are probably dozens more but that’s where I landed.

So a couple of things …

         A group of people receive a direct email link to our site. Many thanks to those of you who have read the blogs and stories; commented on the posts; and passed them on to others.

         In the future I will not be doing direct emails with the link unless you specifically request that by sending me a request at yashmeajourney@gmail.com and no hard feelings if you don’t.

         It would be awesome if you simply want to check in with our site at www.yashmeajourney.com   Just look around for whatever you like – there are blogs which explore some thoughts about God’s Word and our world, there are short stories and we recently added a “verses” tab if you just want a quick bite of the Word to keep you going.

         And it is also perfectly fine to “unsubscribe” and leave us. The Lord willing, we will be here for a while - if you want to wander back in – the door is always open.

That brings me to the last of today’s blog … the idea of the “unsubscribe” and God.

Sometimes we push that button without even a conscious thought …

         Pause … before hitting the delete on Bible reading, before assigning that still small voice to a file folder out of sight, before running off into the day and “praying on the fly” …

         A moment to remember:

         GOD NEVER HITS THE “UNSUBSCRIBE” TO US.

         By the blood of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit – our Heavenly Father is subscribed at all times.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

TRUSTING A LEADER

PSALM 20:7 – Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Ecclesiastes states there is nothing new under the sun … it’s true you know. That’s why God’s Word works for all times, all situations, all people - because He spoke it to be an eternal word.

In Psalm 20 it refers to the items of the day that represented strength and the ability to overcome enemies at war – chariots and horses. Not something we see today … or do we?

We still have icons of strength in this modern world that we put our trust in … they just don’t happen to wear the same names …

                  MONEY

                  POWER

                  HEALTH

                  PEOPLE

                  This year we have an extra thrown in:

Finding the right candidate to trust to lead our country.

In turbulent times – who or what we will trust?

“We will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

Not the people who take His name on their lips … but we will remember and trust in the Lord our God. The only One who has ever saved any of us. One source of power, one source of strength, one source of trust. 

God waits for those who will return humbly before Him and pray. It isn’t hard to see Him … anyone can do it. Psalm 19 initiates the vision and assures us that the glory of the Lord goes out into all the earth.

The heavens declare His glory.

The skies proclaim the work of His hand.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

The law of the Lord is perfect.

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making simple people wise.

The statutes of the Lord are right and give joy to the heart.

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Available to everyone, perfect, steady, equal education for all people, doing the right thing always, giving the people joy and vision, speaking truthfully … now that’s a Leader.

As for the elections … pray … do your best … but let’s not put our trust in the ballot box.

We will remember the name of the Lord our God.