God of the Moment?

“So the people believed;

and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction,
then they bowed low and worshipped.”
Exodus 4:31

This verse is recorded as Moses first returns to Egypt after the burning bush incident.  The people are quick to worship when they think that their affliction will be lifted.  But as Pharaoh continues to refuse their exodus, they begin to grumble and gripe and eventually it all comes to a climax when they are released and find their way to the Mountain of God where they bow down to the golden calf.  The Israelites were fickle people.  I don’t want to be that way.  I want to worship the one, true God whether I am in a time of affliction, poverty, wealth, suffering, etc…  He is the God who loves me no matter what my circumstances are.  He is the God who gave His Son to die for me when I was still a sinner.  He loved me in my shame and pain.  I can do no less, but to love Him no matter what.  My circumstances may change – I may go from bondage into freedom, or from freedom into bondage – but my God never changes!  I will praise Him in the storm and in the sunshine.  I will not bow to the god of the moment in order to manipulate the outcome.  I will be faithful to the end to the Living God.

 I hope that this is the cry of your heart as well.

 

You are a Somebody!

“Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.”

2 Corinthians 3:5

 When we are not trying to prove to the world or ourselves that we are adequate in ourselves, then we are free to be whom called created us to be.  It’s okay to just enjoy where you are for the moment.  Yes, it’s okay to have goals, but in the midst of reaching those goals, enjoy the moment.  Take time to be content with where you are on your journey.  I am of the personality that likes to plan ahead, know what’s coming, and control my future.  The truth though is that only God can control my future and He is faithful and trustworthy!  Only in Him am I adequate.  I am worthy and fully loved and accepted just because I am His.  I don’t have to “become” somebody, I am already somebody in God’s eyes.  I am His princess.  You are His prince or princess!  Take time to revel in the moment.  Look around and smell the roses.  Enjoy being and praise God for every breathe and every step.  You are somebody!

 

Love Your Enemies

“But I say to you who hear,

love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you.”
Luke 6:27-28

God requires us to have a soft heart for those who hurt us.  This is not easy.  But seeing them as God’s creation who have not yet understood their opportunity of adoption can help.  Pity them for their choices and for the hurt of their own hearts.  Love them with the love of Jesus who “died for us while we were yet sinners.” (Romans 5:8).  This does not mean that you have to make them your best friend or even a friend, but rather to treat them kindly and pray for them.  Then leave it at the feet of your Savior and put your mind to worthy pursuits.

 

Deer in the headlights

That was me this past week.  What!  Not really, Lord!!!  Gallbladder surgery?  But, God, I eat right.  I have a very lowfat diet.  I even just lost 14 pounds!  That's when I realized (once again) that I am not in control.  Yes, nutrition can give you a better chance at health, but ultimately, we live in this world and are a part of its decaying system.  Genetically, I am predisposed - my dad had his gallbladder taken out.  I hit every high risk category: woman, over 40, and had several children.  And, (who knew?) eating a diet too low in fat and calories and then losing weight can overload your gallbladder! 

"As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God."
Psalm 42:1

That's the picture of a deer that I want to be - one serenely drinking from the life giving water, trusting, eager, obedient.  So, in the midst of this latest "What?" in my life, I will quiet my soul, go before my Father, and wait, and praise,and be still and drink of His goodness.

Our Shepherd

I ran across this passage in Ezekiel – beautiful.  Here is an excerpt.

“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel…”

“For thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 
As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.
I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.
I will feed them in a good pasture…
I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest, declares the Lord God.
I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy.  I will feed them with judgment…
Then I will set over them My Shepherd…
I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate harmful beasts from the land so that they may live securely…
And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing…”
 Ezekiel 34:1, 11-26ish.

This prophecy refers to the end times - the Millenium and beyond! That is to come.  But Jesus is the Shepherd of His flock today.  He will give rest to our souls and guide us spiritually for now, and in the end times all our needs will be abundantly supplied.  Baa!!!

 

These Troubled Times

"In the world you have tribulation,
but take courage; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

The president has issued his executive orders.  Does it seem like things are getting out of control?  Guess what?  They have in the past and they will continue to be.  Jesus did not promise us peace here on earth, but rather peace in our hearts and for all eternity.  In the meantime, what is the role of a Christian?  We are to be faith ful in the midst.  I love stories about WWII.  The heroes in my mind were those christians that did what ws right in the midst of great violence and turmoil - corrie Ten Boon and her family, members of the French resistance, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Schindler and many others.  They did not remove themselves form the conflict, but rather engaged themselves in it with integrity.  they were not just looking out for their own necks, but seeking to serve Christ and fellow man in the midst. 

What conflicts are before us in the coming years?  I don't have the answer for that, but I do know that the heroes will be those who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ even unto their own deaths.  It may be that God will call you to do one small act of faith during the days ahead or He may put you into position to save many lives and souls for His Kingdom.  Start now.  be prayed up, be growing in the word of God and being transformed, be faith ful in whatever task God gives to you now.  He who is faithful in a little, will be faithful in the great! Stand firm.  Know your beliefs and determine in your heart to stand for Christ no matter what.

King of Kings

“The Lord sat as King at the flood,

Yes, the Lord sits as King forever.”
Psalm 29:10

 

Yes, I know I have used that verse recently.  But it is where the rubber meets the road in our Christian faith.  We pray for what we want, but then we must surrender to God’s will.  And we can surrender to God because as King He is able to do all things and He wants what is best for us.  His sovereignty makes my faith real.  Faith is the things hoped for and I can hope because God is able.  He protected His own (Noah and his family) during the flood, He kept the Israelites from the plagues in the midst of Egypt and led them out to make them a great nation, and He is my God as well.  When we know that He is King and we are His, there is nothing to fear.