GOD, A COVENANT AND A PEOPLE

A commentator asks, “Why do they hate Israel so much? It is just a tiny little country, situated on a small strip of land, surrounded by huge Muslim countries.  So, why not leave them alone?”

Sir, there is this one book that explains it all; I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this book we call the Bible.  You can start in Genesis, where the war began; in a garden.  Then move on to Abraham and a Covenant with God.

 Continue reading until you come to

Isaiah 9:6 “Unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace THERE SHALL BE NO END.” 

Move on until you see the verse from Isaiah fulfilled and then the Crucifixion.  Are you beginning to get the picture? 

Satan couldn’t destroy God’s creation in the Garden, so he began to war against the plan of God.  After Abraham, there are 3 main figures in every scenario…God, Satan and God’s chosen people; Israel; the Jews.

So it isn’t really about a tiny little country or a war of flesh and blood or even between the “Sons of Abraham”; Isaac and Ishmael.  It is a Spiritual War between God, Satan and God’s Covenant of Faith; a war between good and evil; Satan’s one last chance to overthrow God.

Move to the last set of chapters in that book you are holding; THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. 

Revelation 21:1-3 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

Do you see what is missing?  Yep, you got it…Satan.  God is still in the picture, there is a new Jerusalem; His people are still present…evil lost; GOD IS VICTORIOUS.

WITH JOY

Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the Wells of Salvation.

If you have known me for a long time or even followed me on Facebook, it will come as no surprise that a lot of my thinking is done in song.  I usually wake with a song going through my head and throughout the day a song will come to mind as an encouragement, material for a blog or as a compliment to various situations.

After living so many years, I am convinced that I have forgotten more songs than I can remember.  Actually, they are not forgotten, but catalogued into folders, filed in my brain, just waiting for the perfect time to pop into my “mental jukebox.”

This morning the old hymn that popped into my mind, begins like this,

♪♪ “Oh the joy of sins forgiven, oh the bliss the blood-washed know.” ♪♪

Isn’t that a beautiful thought?  Ok, I know it isn’t “OCEANS” or “THE KING OF THE WORLD,” or any of the current Praise and Worship songs topping the charts but when you know that your sins have been forgiven, OH THE JOY!!!

So now I’m singing…

♪♪ “Cleansed from every sin and stain, whiter than the driven snow,

Now I sing my sweet refrain, where the healing waters flow.”

“Where the Healing Waters flow, where the joys celestial glow,

Oh there’s peace and rest and love,

Where the Healing Waters flow.” ♪♪

I KNOW; I KNOW….it was written by H. H. Heimer and published in 1951, before most of us were born but life hasn’t really changed since that time.  We still need to have our Sins Forgiven, we still crave Peace and Rest and Love and the “Healing Waters” still flow from the foot of the Cross. So sing with me…

♪♪ “Oh this precious perfect love!

How it keeps the heart aglow.

Streaming from the fount above,

Where the Healing Waters flow.” ♪♪

IT WILL BE DIFFERENT

The predawn hours of Christmas…all is calm; all is quiet before the chaos of grandkids tearing open beautifully wrapped gifts, mom and dad directing picture taking and grandma overseeing cleanup.  Lying in bed, my mind drifts to past Christmas mornings, when 2 excited little boys ran down the stairs to the brightly lit tree, surrounded by presents, their faces aglow with anticipation…BUT it’s different now… the boys are the dads and the glowing faces are grandkids…Grandma sits by enjoying the drama of Christmas with the grandbabies in key roles and the parents, the directors…YES, it’s different now.

EVERYTHING CHANGES…but does it really?  The strains of an old song run through my mind as I consider that Christmas long ago…

♪♪ “It’ll be different the next time you come, wait and see.

You’ve got a lot of lonely children and one of them is me.

You know we want to see you; we’re never really at home

So if you’re waiting to be invited, Lord Jesus please come.” ♪♪

“But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son…”

It was the RIGHT TIME, Galatians 4:4 declares on that day; that year, the “FULLNESS OF TIME” occurred. 

It may have been an INCONVENIENT TIME according to Mary and Joseph, they had plans and a “premature” baby just didn’t fit…but God sent Gabriel to announce the news because it was the “FULLNESS OF TIME.” 

It wasn’t the RIGHT TIME to the Innkeeper…How do you tell an VERY PREGNANT woman, she has to spend the night in the barn because you do not have any space, let alone an empty bed to offer…but the LAMB OF GOD would be born in a stable and laid in a manger because it was the “FULLNESS OF TIME.”

It was the WORST OF TIMES for King Herod, who suddenly felt threatened by a small child; a small child that Wise Men from the East were seeking and calling King of the Jews. Herod was the King of the Jews and no one, especially some baby born to a peasant mother and carpenter father from Bethlehem would ever be allowed to come close to overthrowing his throne…but God said it was the “FULLNESS OF TIME.”

Yes, it would seem that it was not the RIGHT TIME according to “man’s standards.” Jesus was not welcomed into a safe, embracing world.  The world, to which He was born, was engulfed in political chaos, burdened by high taxes, ruled by an insecure despot and threatened by unknown dangers.  BUT IT WILL BE DIFFERENT THE NEXT TIME YOU COME, WAIT AND SEE…

SO, WOULD IT BE THE RIGHT TIME IF JESUS WERE BORN TODAY?

Would we find His appearance just a bit INCONVENIENT; a disruption to our important plans for the next year?  Could we find a little space in our cluttered, chaotic life to allow Him to “birth” something of monumental spiritual importance in us?  Does His “Call to Service” threaten our little kingdom; would we be willing to step down from our throne to give Jesus His rightful place? 

WHAT IF GOD DECLARED IT TO BE THE “FULLNESS OF TIME” AND GABRIEL WAS SENT TO ANNOUNCE HIS ARRIVAL?

Jesus would find that the world ISN’T SO DIFFERENT this “next time” either.  He would find a world engulfed in political chaos, burdened by high taxes, ruled by insecure despots and threatened by unknown dangers…BUT WAIT….

THERE IS ONE BIG DIFFERENCE…

There is a PEOPLE; a LOT OF LONELY CHILDREN; a CHURCH THAT IS CALLED BY HIS NAME waiting and longing to welcome His return.  They’ve been living in a “strange land,” preparing themselves to answer the call, spreading the news and excited about a home, He is preparing, just for them.  They have a PROMISE; they have a HOPE and some day…

IT WILL BE DIFFERENT!

Are you one of His lonely children, just waiting for Jesus?  I am and you can be too...

IT CAN BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME!!!

WHAT CONDESCENSION

Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but MADE HIMSELF of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men.

During morning devotions, the words of this beloved hymn began to play over and over in my mind…Down From His Glory by William Booth-Cliborn.

♪♪♪ “What CONDESCENSION, bringing us redemption,

That in the dead of night, not one faint hope in sight.

God, gracious, tender, laid aside His splendor

Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul.” ♪♪

CONDESCENSION, that word???  I had to think about it; investigate it.  Now many of the old hymns have words and phrases that are particular to the era in which they were written and no longer hold the same deep meanings for worshippers in the 21^st century. 

For instance, the song, “Royal Telephone,” which contains the line, “Central’s never busy, always on the line.”  Now that everyone carries their own personal device in their pocket and most of us do not even have land lines, who even knows what “CENTRAL” means?  If you are under 50, you probably don’t have a clue. 

Or this song written in 1911, which says, ♪♪“Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer, go in the rain, the cold and the snow, when there are many living in comfort, giving no heed to all I can do.  Farther along, we’ll know all about it.  Farther along, we’ll understand why.  CHEER UP, my brother, live in the sunshine.  We’ll understand it all by and by.”♪♪ Can you imagine a more depressing song, telling us to “CHEER UP?”  Talk about singing the blues…you’ll understand it all by and by.

We have all met “Condescending” people.  People who, as defined in the dictionary, “believe they are more intelligent and far superior than you.”  Sometimes they “condescend” to offer you advice or shake your hand or even offer a “bless you” before they ascend to sit with their equals.  So why use this word in a timeless hymn about Jesus?

My meditation and search continued to the next and then the next definition…

Condescension –Voluntary assumption of equality with a person regarded inferior

NOW I WORSHIP…To think the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN; the ONE WHO COULD FIND NO ONE GREATER TO SWEAR BY, SO HE SWORE BY HIMSELF; the CREATOR OF THE WORLD would CONDESCEND to become one with His creation.  He came, not just to give advice, shake our hand or bless “inferior” mankind before moving on to His equal but became one of us so we could HAVE HOPE; so the RELATIONSHIP destroyed by sin could be RESTORED; so we could receive SALVATION. 

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory, the Glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Yes, He lived with mankind for a short time; became the Sacrificial Lamb for sin and ascended back to the splendor of the Heavens but He did not leave us alone to blindly walk this new path.  You see God had a second part to His plan…HIS OWN SPIRIT! 

So GOD GAVE…GAVE His Only Begotten Son to satisfy the penalty for sin, then GAVE His Holy Spirit to give us comfort, direction and the power to live above sin.

Tears of wonder flow as I sing…

♪♪ “Oh how I love Him

How I adore Him

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all

The Great Creator became my Savior

And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him.” ♪♪

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.

TIS THE SEASON…The malls are full, the billboards inviting and every television commercial is designed to increase our desire for things we cannot afford, don’t really need and in some instances should absolutely  run to avoid succumbing to the enslaving tentacles. 

Lust for things that are beyond our reach or were never meant for a child of God is nothing new.  The enticements are just packaged in brighter, more attractive presentations.

So when did this insatiable thirst for the forbidden begin?

SATAN desired something that was not his.  He attempted to elevate himself and steal what belonged only to God.

ADAM AND EVE desired something that was not theirs.  They ate of the forbidden fruit to acquire what belonged only to God.

AND it doesn’t end there…

KING DAVID lusted for a woman that was not his.  She became pregnant with his child and David made sure her husband died.  He took a life that belonged only to God.

THE STORY continues…Even children desire what they cannot have.  Try this…. Set a figurine on a table, tell a toddler, “NO,” and walk away.  The first thing that child will do is reach for the figurine.  There may be a dozen other toys in the room but the child desires that which he cannot have.

DURING THIS SEASON, let us not focus on the things we cannot or should not obtain but the GOOD THING, which God has provided for His children.

BUT GOD GAVE!!!

Because ALL THINGS belong to Him, He gives REDEMPTION without restrictions and invites WHOSOEVER WILL to partake freely.  Then He asks you to spread the Word; to share the message of His gift so that all can become partakers. 

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift

 Have a blessed Christmas and enjoy the “GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS,” as described in this old hymn…

Down from His Glory, ever living story

My God and Savior came and Jesus was His name.

Born in a manger, to His own a stranger

A man of sorrows, tears and agony.

Oh how I love Him, how I adore Him

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.

The Great Creator became my Savior

And all God’s fullness dwelleth in Him.

What condescension, bringing us redemption,
That in the dead of night, not one faint hope in sight.
God, gracious, tender, laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo, to win to save my soul.

Without reluctance, flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan.
Oh glorious mystery, sacrifice of Calvary,
And now I know thou art the "Great I am."

THE GIVER AND INTERPRETER

Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the Name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His.

During the holidays, I receive several emails every day, showcasing the “perfect” gift, dream vacation, “best” deal of the year and other amazing offers designed to separate me from my husband’s hard earned money.  My favorite computer key has become the “DELETE” button and my “TRASH” file has become full.  This morning, I routinely began to “scan” and “delete,” when the Holy Spirit impressed me to “go back to the trash file.”  The particular email that caught my eye offered a book on “Dream Interpretation,” from an author celebrating “10 years of dream interpretation.”

Now WHY would the Holy Spirit direct me to this email?  I don’t even remember having a dream last night.  And HOW could a book, first written 10 years ago, tell me and thousands of other readers the meaning of a dream?  EXACTLY!!! Then the Holy Spirit began to whisper to my heart… 

“I am the GIVER of the dream and if you will seek me, I will be the INTERPRETER of the dream.”

Now before you begin to quote scripture and give Biblical examples of Dream Interpretation, I will give them to you.  God used “Dream Interpretation” to free Joseph from prison and elevate him to a place of leadership in Egypt and ultimately save his family…of course it was because of his “Dream Interpretation Bragging” that led to his eventual imprisonment; but that is a lesson for another day.

 God used a dream interpretation to encourage Gideon to lead the Israelite army to victory against the Midianites.  And of course, during this Christmas season, we remember that another Joseph was assured that it was okay to take a pregnant Mary to be his wife.  A couple of years later, Joseph was warned in a dream of impending danger and told to flee to Egypt.  As we search the Word of God, we find many other instances in which God spoke to people through dreams with warnings, assurances and direction. 

Daniel 2:28 But there is a God in Heaven who reveals secrets…

Perhaps one of the more famous Dream Interpreters is Daniel.  Daniel was a Hebrew taken into captivity in Babylon, where he continued to serve God.  Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, God gave him “understanding in all visions and dreams.” Daniel 1:17.  King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him greatly.  He called for his magicians, astrologers and sorcerers and asked; not only for the interpretation but that they also tell him the dream.  I guess that would weed out all the false prophets.  Of course they all failed and a decree was issued to begin killing all the “wise” men, one of which was Daniel.  Though it may have been the decree of the king, it was not the decree of God, so Daniel asked to be taken to the king, where he would not only interpret the dream but reveal the dream itself.

Yes, God speaks through dreams and God uses people to interpret and deliver a prophetic word, but…His desire is to speak DIRECTLY; one on one to the person with which He has a personal relationship.  Can a book really reveal the deep spiritual truths that God desires to share with MY heart?  Do I really desire to read the words on the sterile pages of a generic book instead of spending times in the warm embrace of my Father and feel the breath of His Holy Spirit as He whispers the interpretation of His dreams for me?

I am reminded of this quote by my nephew, Jonathan Sanders, “To those on a constant search for a prophetic word or sign…Try finding the direction in prayer and the Word of God.  God doesn’t have to put your mail in somebody else’s mailbox, if you check yours every day.”

Have you checked your “Mailbox” today?  God has the answer waiting for you, if you will take the time to “sort the mail.”  By the way, He also has several “love letters” waiting for you that you definitely do not want to miss.

Have a Blessed Day as you spend time with the GIVER AND INTERPRETER OF YOUR DREAMS!

WAR ON CHRISTMAS; AGAIN!!!

Wars are created when we are threatened; to conquer and eliminate the enemy.

Tis The Season and the “War on Christmas” rears its ugly head.  Now, you won’t see the “War on Ramadan,” or the “War on Kwanzaa,” or the “War on Festivus,” or even the “War on Hanukkah.” Well maybe Hanukkah, in some circles, since it is also about God sending a miraculous event.

Matthew 2:1-3 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the Days of Herod the King, behold wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying, where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him.  When Herod the King heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.

Don’t get all bent out of shape over the War and its Warriors; the battle has been raging for more than 2,000 years.  Its first human leader was a King named Herod.  Herod was threatened by a tiny baby that seekers were proclaiming “KING OF THE JEWS.” So the War began and Herod set out to eliminate and conquer the enemy.  GOOD NEWS; Herod lost the battle.

Mark 15:11-13 But the Chief Priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them.  Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with him whom you call “King of the Jews?”  So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”

Fast forward 30 years and the War on Christmas had a new general…the Jewish Religious Leaders.  Jesus threatened their position, power and authority, so a new battle line formed.  I’m sure a celebration was held in the Temple as the ring of the hammer sounded throughout the land…that is until the earthquake shook the foundation and the veil was torn in half.  GOOD NEWS; the High Priest thought he was leading the battle, but it was actually God’s plan from the “Foundation of the World.” Three days later, Jesus arose and the Jewish Religious Leaders lost the battle.

American Atheists – “Make Christmas Great Again…Skip Church.”

2016…and the War on Christmas continues with new champions, new slogans and new battles.  Familiar Christmas hymns are eliminated from school “Holiday” programs, nativity scenes no longer grace public squares and cheerful greetings of “Merry Christmas” threaten “safe spaces.”  Coffee shops no longer celebrate with traditional “Christmas” paper cups and bill boards pop up informing readers to “Make Christmas Great Again…Skip Church.” 

So should we get angry, feel threatened and outraged?  NO WAY!!!  I don’t have the energy to waste on fighting a war.  I’m too busy singing along to my favorite Christmas Carol, wrapping gifts for friends and loved ones, and once again reading the beautiful story that started the war.  Oh yeah….I’m doing this while drinking my delicious, home-brewed coffee from my bright red, “Christmas at our house” coffee mug. WAR????? WHAT WAR????  I refuse to participate.

Jude 1:14-15 “Behold the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”

The battles and the skirmishes will continue because Jesus threatens our flesh, our carnal thinking, our lusts and Satan’s mission.  So keep on smiling, put on that bright red sweater, tell someone Merry Christmas, drop some money in the kettle of that faithful bell ringer, enjoy watching three little Wise men fight their way up the aisle and Mary burp Baby Jesus, sing your favorite Christmas tunes at the top of your lungs because ONE DAY the final battle in the “War on Christmas” will be fought and won by the very One who started it all…

JESUS CHRIST WILL FINALLY WIN THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS!

THE END OF YOUR FAITH

Genesis 9:12-13 And God said: “This is the sign of the Covenant which I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations; I set my rainbow in the cloud and it shall be for the sign of the Covenant between Me and the earth.”

There is nothing more beautiful than a rainbow peeking through the clouds after a storm.  The beauty is not in just the different hues melded together but it is in the PROMISE that it represents.  Every child that attends Sunday School learns of the PROMISE attached to a rainbow.  The Bible records, that after He destroyed the entire earth and its inhabitants, except for Noah and his family, with a flood, God made a promise to never destroy the earth with water again.  Then, as a sign of His faithfulness, God set His rainbow in the clouds.

For centuries, rainbows have inspired the imagination to create a myriad of myths.  One of the most famous of course is the “Pot Of Gold At The End of the Rainbow with a Leprechaun Guardian.”  Australian Aborigines believe in the “Rainbow Serpent,” Hawaiian’s have a “Rainbow Maiden,” others call it a “Bridge to Heaven,” believe it is a “Road for Messages,” and has both blessings and curses attached.  Yes, we have been fascinated with the Rainbow and its Promise for thousands of years.

As a little girl, I was convinced that the “Pot of Gold” was real and someday, someone; maybe it would be me, would get to the end of the rainbow and discover the treasure. As I got a little older, I realized that no one could get to the end of a rainbow because it is really only refracted light through drops of water, but that knowledge has never lessened the PROMISE OF THE RAINBOW.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith-the salvation of your souls.

A few years ago, Steve preached a fantastic, hope-filled message, titled, “THE END OF OUR FAITH.” I love this quote from that sermon, “Sometimes our faith journey feels like a futile trek to the end of the rainbow, BUT…we have this beautiful promise waiting at the “END OF OUR FAITH.”

The Word of God tells us that FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, but at times it seems there is no more substance to our faith than the fading colors of a rainbow.  We claim things “by faith” only to find the “things” are no more than “refracted light.”  And we wonder…Is it worth it?  Are God’s promises more than just words in a book?  What lies at the END?

Although we cannot see the “End of the Rainbow” from our vantage point; although we reach out and try to hold the fading “colors” of refracted light, although at times our vision is filled with shattered dreams and empty hands, WE HAVE A PROMISE AT THE END OF OUR FAITH!  

Keep hoping, keep looking up, and keep moving forward to the PROMISE AT THE END OF YOUR FAITH-THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOUL!

ONLY A MEASURE

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

FAITH, one of those intangible elusive little things that we all say we want “more of.” The Bible says we have all been given a “measure of,” but most of us have a hard time manifesting faith, especially in crucial moments.

The most important aspect of Faith is its foundation…

On WHOM and WHAT is your Faith built.

 Some have great faith in their gifts and abilities.  Some have put their faith in objects, people or institutions.  Of course, most of us would say with our mouths that our faith is in Jesus Christ, but are your actions confirming the words you are speaking?  The SUBSTANCE OF THINGS is only as sure as the FOUNDATION OF YOUR FAITH.

Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”

Even when we have built our faith on a solid foundation, times of doubt will descend.  In Mark 9, we read of a father who brings a son to Jesus to be healed.  Jesus tells the man, “If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  Obviously, the man’s faith was directed correctly. He was building on a solid foundation, but there was a crack that he could not seal up just by erasing negative thoughts; the “POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING” just wasn’t enough.  The man cries to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”  It is apparent that this father believed Jesus COULD, he had come to him with his most desperate need. Perhaps, he was having trouble believing that Jesus WOULD!  Been there, have you?

Read the rest of the story…Jesus came through; He always does.  Jesus didn’t condemn the man for his unbelief but accepted the “measure of belief” that the man exhibited and said, “I can work with that.”  The man’s son was healed that day and I have to believe the father’s faith was increased beyond measure for the rest of his life.

We believe JESUS CAN but do we believe JESUS WILL?

You have presented your need, you have prayed and maybe even begged and your faith is waning.  You know Jesus CAN fulfill that need, IF ONLY you could muster up a little more faith…STOP!!!  You obviously have a “little faith,” you are asking God for help and He can work with that.

But what if “it” still doesn’t happen?  What if the situation doesn’t change?  I don’t have the answer to WHY our requests are not immediately or always fulfilled.  FAITH also involves accepting that God is doing a work even when the results are not the ones we expected or desired.

You have been given a MEASURE OF FAITH, God can work with that.

Bring your requests to Jesus, again and remind yourself of these truths…You have built your faith on Jesus Christ and in the power of His Spirit.  You believe that Jesus CAN though you need a little help believing that He WILL!!!  God desires only GOOD things in your life.  Finally, PRAISE HIM, though the results are not what you expected; He is at work.

Spend a little time in His Presence and watch your doubts being to disappear one by one.  Jesus is the answer for your unbelief, too.

THE COMFORT OF RELIGION OR THE LONELY PURSUIT OF GOD

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit

I love God but I hate religion.  I hate the division, the smugness and the self-righteousness so prevalent in religion.  I hate the way religion causes people to become comfortable and cease their pursuit of God.  I hate the way religion interprets scripture to support its position instead of seeking Truth.

I am currently reading “On the Winds of Change” by Misty Griffin, in which she chronicles some of the history and progression of the Amish church.  Many of us would look at their rules or Ordnung and declare, “of course it is not necessary for salvation,” then despise our brother or sister for not following our “sacred cow.”

The Amish Church is not unique; every religion devises its own particular set of rules, expecting its members to adhere or be shunned.

The following are excerpts from the book by Misty Griffin.  If you choose to read further, please open your heart and mind, allowing God to speak to your heart and cut through the noise of religion.

ON THE WINDS OF CHANGE by Misty Griffin…

The Amish Church as we know it today was a gradual one.  Over time, as one rule after another was added to the church “ORDNUNG” the Amish became more and more isolated from those around them.

The Amish separated from the Mennonites during the late 17^th century because of a perceived lack of discipline among the Mennonites.

From an 1862 letter read at an Amish Minster Gathering; the room divided into the ultra-conservatives and those of a slightly more liberal mindset….

“I firmly believe that in order for our church to continue, we must stem the gradual influence of this modern age.  By having a written document that lists the rules of the church, we will then be able to follow these rules without constantly bringing things into question.  I believe that having an Ordnung is the only way to keep our young people in order and stop this gradual lean toward worldliness.”

As we all know, without uniformity of dress, we are allowing pride to seep in and this must be stomped out. I have sadly observed many young women who are starting to make narrower capes for their dresses and young men who are cutting their hair shorter…

We must remember that we are not of this world; we are a people set apart and therefore must not associate with or follow after the things of this world.”

From one of the Bishops…

“I firmly believe we must make a written contract of rules which all church members must agree to uphold when they are baptized.”

A young man questions whether the size of a hat or width of a cape is that important.  The Bishop answers, “I know that these things may seem small to you, but let me warn you, any small thing that you are willing to change for the sake of pride will not end there.  The only way to keep the world and pride at bay is to avoid change”… “By writing a list of rules for our people to follow, we will ensure that we stay on the straight and narrow.”

A list of church rules was compiled and enforced for all baptized church members.  As these church rules became law, anyone who broke them, received a warning from the church.  If they did not immediately fall back in line with the Ordnung, they were shunned for 2-6 weeks or until it was deemed they were repentant.

Amish are taught from an early age that if they leave the Amish or may any significant changes to the Ordnung they will not go to Heaven.

Excerpts from the Ordnung…

Men: Hair shall be one inch below the ear, beards shall be untrimmed, beards shall be worn by all married men, hats shall have a six inch brim, suit shall be blue or black, and shirts of white muslin.  Shoes and socks shall be black, no suspenders or belts shall be permitted.

Women:  Kapps shall reach the side of the cheekbones.  Dresses shall be below the ankle and be dark blue, brown, green or black, a black cape and apron shall be worn at all times except Sunday, when a white one shall be worn.  A black bonnet shall be worn when leaving the house.  The hem of the dress shall be no wider than three inches, the kapp hem shall be no less than one half of an inch.  The side hem of the apron shall not be more than three quarters of an inch and the apron belt shall not exceed three inches.

Having experienced a Religious Shunning stemming from a refusal to sign and adhere to a Religious Loyalty Oath, I can state unequivocally it is not Biblical.  It was hurtful but caused me to seek God and study the Word without the “Security Blanket” of religion.

 I have learned that every "rule in the book" will NOT keep a person from sinning; it is only by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us that we can live a holy life.

I have learned that a LIST OF RULES does NOT produce the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT.

I have learned that when we make RULES a matter of SALVATION, we create a hypocritical spirit in that a person will follow the specific rules; no more and no less.

I have learned that when a religion codifies and enforces its particular Rules, SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS, CONDESCENSION AND JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDES are the results.

I have learned to trust that people can have a close relationship with God without agreeing on every point of a particular doctrine.  

I have learned to appreciate every bit of growth in a person’s life as they continue on their spiritual journey.

I have learned that to truly PURSUE GOD, one must abandon the COMFORT OF RELIGION.

I have learned that the JOURNEY OF PURSUIT is at times lonely; there is only room for YOU and GOD on the narrow path.

But most of all I have learned that it is HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and HIS HOLINESS that we must seek rather than flaunting our own…And that it is all possible, BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE.

FINISH FORWARD

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There was a time in my life when I had no idea how a football game was played…IMAGINE THAT!  I knew you had a ball and a quarterback, then...I met Steve Niswonger!  I loved him, he loved me AND FOOTBALL, so our Autumn, Sunday afternoon dates were spent at his house watching his beloved Chicago Bears.  I loved to hear his voice as he patiently explained every play and position…I actually retained some of the knowledge.  God knew He would bless me with 2 boys, so it was all preparation for the future.

Now, I enjoy Saturday afternoon, Michigan Wolverine and Sunday afternoon, Chicago Bear football (almost) as much as my guys and…I actually listen to the commentators instead of analyzing every play and player on my own.  Now you understand why this quote caught my attention…

The sign of a good Running Back is he always finishes forward with his legs moving toward the goal. (football commentator)

Think about it, read it again, let it percolate in there; now sit back and digest what you just read.  Every player wants the ball.  If you are on Offense, you want the Hand-off or the Pass to come to you.  If you are on Defense, your dream is to catch an interception or recover a fumble and run into the End Zone for a score.

Whether in ministry or sitting on a pew, we have all thought (or at least I have) “if I could just get my hands on the ball” or “if they would only hand the ball over to me;” or perhaps you have even had the opportunity to “recover a fumble.”  NOW WHAT?  What do you do now that you have the “ball” in your hands?”

REMEMBER…the person with the ball always becomes the target.

So, “God hands you the ball,” you finish your VICTORY DANCE, and prepare to move forward.  Suddenly you realize, I may have the ball but the path to the goal will not be easy.  Not only are there huge obstacles between you and the End Zone, but they are coming at you from all sides.  You may have a few teammates “prayer-blocking” for you, but there is a Storm of Opposition, who is focused on keeping you from reaching the goal and possibly take the “ball” away from you in the process.

Remember the quote…Keep moving TOWARD the goal and if you get knocked down, FINISH FORWARD!

Dear Lord, no matter how big an opposition continues to come at me or even the times it seems as if out of nowhere I get blindsided, help me always FINISH FORWARD, with my legs moving TOWARD THE GOAL.

MORE THAN A BRACELET

John 6:38 For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.

WWJD-What would Jesus do? Several years ago, a whole marketing campaign made these 4 letters a pop culture phrase among Christians.  They have appeared on bumper stickers, bracelets, coffee mugs, wall plaques and in the title of books. And long before we reduced “Christian Behavior” to 4 letters, many of us sang this old song…

“To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, on earth I long to be like Him.  All through life’s journey, from earth to glory, I only ask to be like Him.”

Oh we have the correct ACRONYMN and the older saints sang the correct words, but is our behavior matching the letters on our bracelet?  Are the words we sing, just lyrics to an old hymn?  What about life’s twists and turns?  What about facing adversity?  What about Facebook posts?  What about when someone doesn’t agree with our opinion?   What about current events?  Can we or do we ask WWJD? Or have we come to believe that there are some issues that just are not God’s concern? 

So, I’ll pick two topics…the two topics that are NEVER to be discussed in polite society, on the job or at family gatherings; the two topics that can cause the closest friends and family members to argue, shout at each other and refuse to communicate for days, weeks or even years.  Yep, you guessed them…POLITICS AND RELIGION…WWJD?

On Politics and Religion….

WWJD-What would Jesus do?

Jesus was born into an Imperial world, ruled by Caesar, without the privilege or opportunity to vote.  But what if Jesus had been born in the United States? And with what religion would He be associated? 

My thoughts…As a citizen, He WOULD vote but NOT debate and would not identify with any religious system because not one of them, EVEN YOURS, would mesh with the mission for which He was sent.

Regarding politics…Jesus was born in Bethlehem because his parents had journeyed to their city of origin to be counted in a census; obviously, He was raised by parents that believed and taught Him to be a law-abiding citizen. Jesus paid taxes and instructed his disciples to “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s.”

Regarding religion…If anyone could get on Jesus’ “last nerve,” it was the religious folk.  He would take the time to bless the children, go out of his way to encounter the “woman at the well,” stop a funeral procession or feed 5,000 hungry people but he had no patience with the superior attitude and behavior of those flaunting their religion.  He not only cast those out of the temple courtyard who wanted to use the law as a profitable enterprise, but He called the Religious leaders vipers and whitewashed sepulchers…SNAKES AND RECEPTICLES OF DEATH AND DECAY!

His mission was not to overthrow political leaders or reform religion; it was to fulfill the will of His Father.

WDSD-What does Susan do?

She becomes so consumed with politics; trumpeting her opinion with self-righteous indignation, daring anyone to disagree with her superior revelations.

And as to religion?  Oh, she is close to perfect in her religious pursuits…praying and reading the scripture daily, giving to the poor, supporting the church…HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE, putting it in writing makes it sound so Pharisaical. 

Could it be that I am so focused on BEING right in my philosophy and DOING right by following religious tenants, that the will of my Father has been cast aside, neglected and gathering dust.

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Oh God, I need forgiveness.  Forgive me for focusing on those things that are temporal.  Forgive me for endless debating instead of sharing the Good News.  Forgive me for pushing my opinion rather than seeking Your Truth.  Forgive me for pursuing my desires instead of following Your Will.  I ask that you cover me with Grace, that I may not only wear the bracelet, but that I may know WWJD and my behavior will bring Glory to Your Name.

THE WORD OF THE LORD WAS RARE

1 Samuel 3:1 Now the boy, Samuel, ministered to the Lord before Eli.  And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.

We watch the news; we shake our heads in disbelief and ask, “How did we come to this?”  I believe the verse in 1 Samuel explains our condition…“The word of the Lord has become rare; there is no widespread revelation.”

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, our behavior becomes more self-satisfying.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, our speech becomes base and irreverent.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, we treat each other with disdain.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, morality becomes self-defined.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, we raise a generation that no longer recognizes the voice of the Lord.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, our minds become so numb to truth that we begin to believe a lie.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, we find ourselves pushing aside the Holy until the profane becomes the new normal.

When the word of the Lord becomes rare, we defend sin.

What do we do?  As a nation, are we too far gone?  How do we make the word of the Lord precious again?  How can we receive fresh revelation?  Once again, I go to the written Word of the Lord…

2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people, who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David ENCOURAGED HIMSELF in the Lord his God.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!  YOU CAN LIVE FOR GOD ANYWHERE AND UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!!!

Talk about a bad day; talk about your friends forsaking you; talk about standing all alone…life was coming at David fast and furious and soon it could even include some well-aimed stones.  David had arrived home with his team of mighty men to find that not only had the city been invaded and burned by the enemy but all of their wives, sons and daughters had been taken captive.  Instead of the men having an Emergency Strategy Session to formulate a plan to rescue their families; they turned their pain to anger against David, their leader.  I’m not sure how STONING would help their captured women and children, but deep pain is rarely rational.

How was David going to handle this situation?  Write a Psalm begging God to save him?  Maybe!  Run and hide from his angry men?  The thought probably occurred to him.  Take the anger directed at him and transfer it as blame toward God?  Not for a moment!!!  DAVID HAD A HISTORY WITH GOD!

This was the same God who gave him songs as he sat on the hillside with his sheep.  The same God who gave him the strength to slay the lion and the bear as they attacked the flocks…yeah but the lion and the bear couldn’t pick up stones.  It was the same God that directed the stone from David’s sing toward Goliath to deliver Israel from its adversary.  It was the same God that had sent Samuel to anoint him, in his youth, to one day be king.  It was the same God that had preserved him all the years from King Saul’s anger and jealousy.  SO…David stepped forth, surrounded by his God-history, focused on the Heavens and ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD!!!

BEEN THERE, well not really…my family has not been carried into captivity and my friends are not standing in front of my home with stones in their hands…but I have felt forsaken and all alone.  Looking back over my life, I think of the cities God has placed us in that did not have churches.  Then He placed us in churches that did not have people.  Stones were not flying but they may have been easier to deflect than the woman who stuck her fingers in her ears, so she didn’t have to hear me play the piano or the person who refused to play the drums, if I was doing the music.  OR maybe it was the families who left because we didn’t have all of the “big church” programs or the pastor who sabotaged our efforts and lied to us or maybe it was the congregation that told us to start another church in town because they no longer wanted us to be their pastor.

And I could continue…But you see, I HAVE A HISTORY WITH GOD and I made up my mind to BE FAITHFUL TO THE ONE WHO HAS NEVER FAILED and I learned to ENCOURAGE MYSELF IN THE LORD!!!

YOU CAN DO IT!!! YOU CAN LIVE FOR GOD ANYWHERE AND UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!

You may feel all alone; Jesus will be your Friend, your Mother, Father, Sister, or Brother; no one will love you like Jesus.  You may feel that you are in the midst of a storm; He will come to your storm, even if it means walking on the water; He will calm the waves and still your storm.  You may feel betrayed and wounded; He will soothe your breaking heart and bind up your wounds; Jesus has been there too.  Look back over your history with God.

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD!!!

Just a few minutes in His Presence makes all the difference.  Your circumstances may NOT change, but your view of those circumstances will be very different and YOU WILL BE ENCOURAGED to continue your journey.

THE WORK HE HAS STARTED

Do you ever have one of those days when you feel totally inadequate; especially when it comes to your spiritual gifts and calling?  You look back over your life, searching for at least one tiny success but the only visible evidence is a broken attempt here, a shattered dream there, a still bleeding wound, a few bruises and many scars. These make up your only testimony to the true picture of the ministry God placed in your heart. That pretty much describes my perception as I knelt to pray this morning and all I could do was weep.

I wept over missed opportunity, my own willful choices, the failure of my heart to discern properly what God was saying, trying so hard to follow God’s direction but failing so miserably or so it seemed looking at the outcome.  In the middle of my prayer, I inserted a few prayer requests, and then wept because my petitions were so lukewarm and drowning in the whirlpool of my personal discouragement.  I followed my prescription of thanksgiving and praise but still, I could only weep.

At last the tears stopped and I opened my Bible to the chapters for today; Psalms and Philippians.  HE DID IT AGAIN!!!!  What a comfort…God knows exactly what we need.  When I am too consumed to hear His whispers of love, He will use His Word to assure me that He cares; He hasn’t forgotten me and I am still a work in progress.

I always read a Psalm first and this morning it just “happened” to be Psalms 138…

Psalms 138:8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy, oh Lord endures forever; do not forsake the works of your hands.

WOW!!! My heart began to beat again.  I’m not perfect; I’ve made mistakes: I haven’t always heard or understood the directions properly, but because of His mercy, HE WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNS ME. 

Resting in the comfort and safety of His strong arms, I turned to my next reading of the day.  It just “happened” to be Philippians 1:6…

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

COINCIDENCE????  I don’t think so!!!  I prefer to call it AMAZING LOVE!  Not only is He perfecting that which concerns me but He will finish all that He has started. PRAISE BREAK!!!

Right there on the floor, all I could do was raise my hands to Heaven and Praise.  He is a good, good Father.

I become so impatient…His plan isn’t the way I had envisioned; I’m not where I thought I would be; sometimes life becomes so confusing and all I can do is put one foot in front of the other and most of the time I’m on a “need to know” basis…God doesn’t reveal all the details until I “need to know.”

When I finally come to the end of my own understanding and place all the mess and confusion in His capable hands, He takes the time to gently remind me through His Word, that I am exactly where He wants me to be…on His HOLY WORKBENCH, where He can put the “Finishing Touches” on the “Good Work” He has begun in me. 

As to the IMPATIENCE????  I might as well brace myself for the “long haul.”  Philippians assures me the work will not be complete until the “Day of the Lord.”

FOR HE IS GOOD

Psalms 136:1 Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.

As I read Psalms 136, during devotions this morning, verse 1, echoed over and over in my mind; “Give thanks unto the Lord because HE IS GOOD!!!  That line pretty much says it all and negates the thought, “What do I have to be thankful for?”

The Psalmist continues in verses 4 – 25 to recount the historical evidence of God’s goodness with an utterance of praise at the end of each instance… “For His mercy endures forever.”

If you look at your life, your circumstance, your trials, your personal storm and you think, “Thankful? I see nothing to be thankful for,” try this little exercise and see if by the end you can’t help but join the Psalmist in the awe-filled praise, “God is good for His mercy endures forever.”

TRY IT…start recounting the HISTORICAL EVIDENCE in your own life….

To Him that has known me from my Mother’s womb; for His mercy endures forever.

And has a great plan for my life; for His mercy endures forever.

Who has loved me with an everlasting love; for His mercy endures forever.

He guided me through childhood, the pitfalls of adolescence, and continued throughout my adult years; for His mercy endures forever.

Has made a way through His sacrifice on the cross that I can be reconciled back to Him; for His mercy endures forever.

Gave me the gift of His Holy Spirit to lead me into Truth, daily guide me along the journey, send comfort in sorrow and give me a promise of eternal life with Him; for His mercy endures forever.

Has made Himself manifest in my life as my provider, my healer, my champion, and my protector…for His mercy endures forever.

Daily, He loads me with benefits, for His Mercy endures forever.

Filled me with JOY and HOPE; for His Mercy endures forever.

He will NEVER leave or forsake me; He will hold my hand along this journey and someday lead me into His glorious presence; for His mercy endures forever.

He is my Soon-coming King; for His mercy endures forever.

Now I know, you are praising Him with me, so go ahead and add a few praises of your own; praises reflecting your personal HISTORICAL EVIDENCE.  We serve a GOOD GOD; the GOD OF gods; the LORD OF lords; the GOD OF HEAVEN!!!

Psalms 136:26 Oh give thanks unto the God of Heaven; for His mercy endures forever.

STILL I WILL TRUST

Psalms 91:1-2 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust.”

It is becoming the new normal…every morning, it seems, there is another report of a shooter, a knife-wielding attacker, bomb scare or terror threat.  Fear, anxiety, apprehension are becoming familiar emotions.  The attacks are not confined to “bad areas.”  They can happen at the mall, a movie theater, a high school or elementary school, a restaurant, driving down the highway, walking along a sidewalk and even at church.  Is there any place we can go and feel totally safe?

I have never been a fear-filled person.  Oh, I lock my doors at night and try to be aware of the people around me as I walk out of the store toward my car, but in general, I do not spend much time anticipating danger, especially attacks.  But lately…

Steve and I were coming down a mountain trail in Vermont.  Aware of the lengthening shadows and the darkness that quickly envelops the wooded paths; we were only about 5 minutes from the trailhead and our vehicle, when a man approached us going up the mountain.  He was nicely dressed; we had on shorts and t-shirts.  He had on leather-soled shoes; we wore hiking shoes.  He was very polite when he asked how far it was to the lake and I felt no fear, although we were on a secluded mountain path.  I told him the lake wasn’t too far around the bend and cautioned him about the time and the approaching darkness.  He thanked us, turned around and ran back down the mountain.  I FELT NO FEAR, until…Steve said, “That was weird. Did you notice he had no camera? I didn’t feel comfortable, if someone ever attacks us, you be prepared to run.”  Suddenly, I FELT FEAR!

We arrived at the trailhead and didn’t see anyone.  Was Steve right?  Should I have been afraid?  Is fear the new normal?

Last night, the daughter of a friend went to the mall with her two babies, something we all do without much thought.  As she approached the store, the manager told her to get inside, there was an active shooter and they were going to lockdown.  Many people began to pray and she is safe at home but every day, there are some who don’t make it home safely.  SHOULD WE BE AFRAID?

Psalms 91:5-6 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lies wait at noonday.

We live in evil or what the Bible call, “PERILOUS TIMES.”  We must be aware and not stick our “heads in the sand.”  But, I REFUSE TO LIVE IN FEAR!  Oh it’s true, Men and Women do horrible things to each other and sometimes these horrible things happen to faith-filled Christians…but still I WILL ABIDE IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY; still I WILL TRUST!