Posts
God had promised Abraham a son. As the years rolled by, Sarah watched her husband’s hopes dashed and wept for his pain. Years later, a wise king would write “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12)
Sarah often mulled over the words God had spoken to her husband. “A son coming from your own body will be your heir.” (Genesis 15:4) That’s it! Sarah thought to herself. God promised my husband an heir from his body. He said nothing about mine.
It was the custom of the day that slaves were property, not humans, so any children they birthed automatically belonged to their masters. Sarah had been given a young Egyptian woman to serve her.
Sarah’s mind raced. All I have to do is allow Abraham to wed Hagar. She will be his lesser wife and her children will be my children! Surely this is what God meant.
She hastened to explain her interpretation of God’s promise to Abraham. In her love for her husband, she lay alone in their tent, sending him to procreate through her servant. Soon Hagar became pregnant by Abraham.
Mission accomplished.
Sarah’s daughter-in-law Rebekah also felt the need to help God achieve his purpose. While she was pregnant, she experienced so much movement in her womb; she went to God for answers.
God promised her “two nations are in your womb…and the elder shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23
Jacob was born after Esau and became Rebekah’s favorite. He hung around the home like a true mama’s boy while Esau became Isaac’s favorite, an outdoorsman—a man’s man.
Years passed without Rebekah seeing the God’s promise fulfilled. Then one day she overheard her husband asking Esau to hunt for wild game and make him a stew of it. Afterwards, he would bless Esau.
In those days, the firstborn son inherited most of the father’s property as well as the leadership of the next generation. But this is not what God had promised Rebekah!
She had to act quickly to help God fulfill the promise he’d made to her many years ago. Jacob, already skilled in deceit, had no problem following his mother’s scheme. He tricked his father and stole Esau’s blessing.
Mission accomplished.
Both women helped God, but at what a cost! 4000 years later, their descendents continue their hate war. God doesn’t need our help to fulfill his purpose or promises. Don’t panic at the 11th hour. Trust him and relax. He is the Almighty One.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Fountain of Life
I stare into the fountain, transfixed. Cool droplets of water strike my hot cheeks, run down my neck and into my collar. It is so hot – so very hot. The years melt away until I am seven again.
“Elsa!” Mama’s frantic voice cuts through my joy.
It is the hottest July of my short life. My grandpa and grandma have gone far away. Next, Papa and Johann joined them. Mama tells me they are gone on an exciting adventure, but I know better.
I am young, but I have eyes – and ears. Every night I hear the urgent, hushed voices, planning, planning, always planning. Mama knows we will be next to go. Fear tinges her eyes and words.
The last time I ever saw Mama was as we crossed the town square together. The fountain waters beckoned me to come close. Without thinking, I plunged my hand into the wonderful, chilled waters. Soon, I had my face in the flow. Water poured over my hot body and down my tattered dress. Mama screamed for me to come away before the police came. I didn’t understand. I didn’t care. It was too hot. How could police be cruel to a little girl on such a hot day?
But they could and they were. They saw me and threatened with their guns. Mama threw herself on me. One bang and she lay still. She didn’t speak. Mama had left on her own private adventure where I could not join her.
The years lurched together. Of all the family, I alone survived. “You are lucky,” they tell told me.
“Not lucky. Cursed,” I replied. “Cursed to live in a world where humans continue to snuff out life without remorse. Babies killed before birth." A chill envelops me, piercing the humid heat.
Babies. I had one. “See, God has blessed you after much sorrow! Rejoice, Elsa!”
I scoff inside. God never blessed me with anything but sorrow.
My baby grew up to embrace the Jesus of her best friend. She talked about him all the time.
“He’s our Messiah,” she’d tell me. “He was born of our people. Born to save us.”
She loved to quote the prophets, especially Isaiah, as proof of his divinity.
This Jesus was born poor, loved by the ordinary folk but despised by the religious. Finally killed by his own people. My people. Some god.
My baby’s baby got cancer – and died. She held cradled the dead body of her daughter and praised Jesus.
Ridiculous.
“Mama, I want to go to the land of our fathers and plant a tree for my baby. Please come with me.”
We toured the “Holy Land” which made me scoff at life even more. Commercialism everywhere, trying to make money on this Jesus.
I watched my daughter change. Her sorrow melted away as she walked the streets her Jesus walked, head held high, in holy confidence and joy.
We went to Bethlehem. A church stands where Jesus was supposed to be born. No sign of poverty there. But my daughter could feel it. She could smell the animals and hay. She could live his rude birth.
As she bowed her spirit in admiration, I stood as straight as a steel arrow, staring ahead, seeing nothing. Without warning, my nose twitched. I sniffed, smelling something peculiar. Hay! Hay, and then sheep.
Sheep – the Passover lamb – the Lamb of God. In an instant, I understood his plan, as God swept the stupor from my dead heart with gentle fingers. A fountain of tears gushed from my eyes, as decades of hatred towards God, my captors, and life in general melted away.
A child’s delighted squeal jolts me from my reverie. Her golden curls bounce, glinting in the sun. Nearby, a policeman stands, smiling.
Carefully I place my seventy-seven year old feet on the rim of the fountain and step in. I hold out my hand, exposing my dark secret. With joyful abandon the child grasps it and we walk into the flow together. The policeman does not shout, nor does he threaten. No, with tears in his eyes, he salutes my valor, for he sees my brand – and understands.
“Elsa!” Mama’s frantic voice cuts through my joy.
It is the hottest July of my short life. My grandpa and grandma have gone far away. Next, Papa and Johann joined them. Mama tells me they are gone on an exciting adventure, but I know better.
I am young, but I have eyes – and ears. Every night I hear the urgent, hushed voices, planning, planning, always planning. Mama knows we will be next to go. Fear tinges her eyes and words.
The last time I ever saw Mama was as we crossed the town square together. The fountain waters beckoned me to come close. Without thinking, I plunged my hand into the wonderful, chilled waters. Soon, I had my face in the flow. Water poured over my hot body and down my tattered dress. Mama screamed for me to come away before the police came. I didn’t understand. I didn’t care. It was too hot. How could police be cruel to a little girl on such a hot day?
But they could and they were. They saw me and threatened with their guns. Mama threw herself on me. One bang and she lay still. She didn’t speak. Mama had left on her own private adventure where I could not join her.
The years lurched together. Of all the family, I alone survived. “You are lucky,” they tell told me.
“Not lucky. Cursed,” I replied. “Cursed to live in a world where humans continue to snuff out life without remorse. Babies killed before birth." A chill envelops me, piercing the humid heat.
Babies. I had one. “See, God has blessed you after much sorrow! Rejoice, Elsa!”
I scoff inside. God never blessed me with anything but sorrow.
My baby grew up to embrace the Jesus of her best friend. She talked about him all the time.
“He’s our Messiah,” she’d tell me. “He was born of our people. Born to save us.”
She loved to quote the prophets, especially Isaiah, as proof of his divinity.
This Jesus was born poor, loved by the ordinary folk but despised by the religious. Finally killed by his own people. My people. Some god.
My baby’s baby got cancer – and died. She held cradled the dead body of her daughter and praised Jesus.
Ridiculous.
“Mama, I want to go to the land of our fathers and plant a tree for my baby. Please come with me.”
We toured the “Holy Land” which made me scoff at life even more. Commercialism everywhere, trying to make money on this Jesus.
I watched my daughter change. Her sorrow melted away as she walked the streets her Jesus walked, head held high, in holy confidence and joy.
We went to Bethlehem. A church stands where Jesus was supposed to be born. No sign of poverty there. But my daughter could feel it. She could smell the animals and hay. She could live his rude birth.
As she bowed her spirit in admiration, I stood as straight as a steel arrow, staring ahead, seeing nothing. Without warning, my nose twitched. I sniffed, smelling something peculiar. Hay! Hay, and then sheep.
Sheep – the Passover lamb – the Lamb of God. In an instant, I understood his plan, as God swept the stupor from my dead heart with gentle fingers. A fountain of tears gushed from my eyes, as decades of hatred towards God, my captors, and life in general melted away.
A child’s delighted squeal jolts me from my reverie. Her golden curls bounce, glinting in the sun. Nearby, a policeman stands, smiling.
Carefully I place my seventy-seven year old feet on the rim of the fountain and step in. I hold out my hand, exposing my dark secret. With joyful abandon the child grasps it and we walk into the flow together. The policeman does not shout, nor does he threaten. No, with tears in his eyes, he salutes my valor, for he sees my brand – and understands.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Attitude Check after the Recent Election
For all Christians who truly love the LORD:
The Body of Christ stands at a serious crossroads in this point of history. I understand 97% of America’s “black” population voted for Obama. For many “white” believers, who have heard a lot of dirt about Obama, this is inconceivable.
It’s time for the Body of Christ to step back and consider a few facts.
1. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.( Galatians 3:28 NIV) His body is not black, or white, or pink or purple. His body is the color of God. Surely, the God we love, is grieved when we judge our brother or sister by their skin tone.
2. The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1 NIV God has used vile men to fulfill his purposes. God has used righteous men to fulfill his purposes. Whether Obama is a righteous man, or filled with evil, only God knows. But God will fulfill his purposes.
3. I am deeply concerned with Obama’s liberal viewpoints, especially re: abortion and homosexuality. Many scriptures point out God will not tolerate the murder of the unborn forever. Neither will he tolerate homosexuality forever.
4. For some, Obama is like King Saul. The people clamored for a king, so God gave them what they wanted. What Obama says publicly is what people have in their hearts.
For others, Obama represents all the repressed peoples of our country, finally getting their voice in government.
With all this in mind, I wrote a letter to a “black” sister whom I respect deeply, asking how Christians could vote for a man who will probably appoint two or more justices to the Supreme Court, setting the cause for overturning Roe v. Wade back for decades. She shot back a most thought-provoking question, asking why Christians depend on presidents and courts to restore righteousness to our land.
She went on to write, “Maybe our prayers ought to be targeted at Christians coming together to address this issue in a more effective way than judging each other.”
5. How easy it is to blame the failures of our nation on administrations, the government, the times we live in, etc. However, the blame starts with the Body of Christ. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God…1 Peter 4:17 God will judge “his kids” before the ungodly.
6. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22,23) Jesus said this hours before he died for all of us.
Are the “white” believers willing to fellowship with the “black” believers? Are we in complete unity? How can Jesus come and snatch away his long-awaited Bride when she is snipping at herself?
The writer did not vote for Obama because of his liberal agenda. However, her “black” sister greatly changed her heart attitude with the challenges written above. If Obama’s administration does well, can I rejoice with those who rejoice? If his administration goes badly, will I weep with those who weep, or cast stones, saying “I told you so?”
God help us have pure hearts and clean hands. Each of us will stand individually before God. He will judge MY motives. I want my heavenly Father to tell me “well done!”
I willingly humble my heart before him, to advance his purposes, not mine. Anybody else with me on this?
The Body of Christ stands at a serious crossroads in this point of history. I understand 97% of America’s “black” population voted for Obama. For many “white” believers, who have heard a lot of dirt about Obama, this is inconceivable.
It’s time for the Body of Christ to step back and consider a few facts.
1. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.( Galatians 3:28 NIV) His body is not black, or white, or pink or purple. His body is the color of God. Surely, the God we love, is grieved when we judge our brother or sister by their skin tone.
2. The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1 NIV God has used vile men to fulfill his purposes. God has used righteous men to fulfill his purposes. Whether Obama is a righteous man, or filled with evil, only God knows. But God will fulfill his purposes.
3. I am deeply concerned with Obama’s liberal viewpoints, especially re: abortion and homosexuality. Many scriptures point out God will not tolerate the murder of the unborn forever. Neither will he tolerate homosexuality forever.
4. For some, Obama is like King Saul. The people clamored for a king, so God gave them what they wanted. What Obama says publicly is what people have in their hearts.
For others, Obama represents all the repressed peoples of our country, finally getting their voice in government.
With all this in mind, I wrote a letter to a “black” sister whom I respect deeply, asking how Christians could vote for a man who will probably appoint two or more justices to the Supreme Court, setting the cause for overturning Roe v. Wade back for decades. She shot back a most thought-provoking question, asking why Christians depend on presidents and courts to restore righteousness to our land.
She went on to write, “Maybe our prayers ought to be targeted at Christians coming together to address this issue in a more effective way than judging each other.”
5. How easy it is to blame the failures of our nation on administrations, the government, the times we live in, etc. However, the blame starts with the Body of Christ. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God…1 Peter 4:17 God will judge “his kids” before the ungodly.
6. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22,23) Jesus said this hours before he died for all of us.
Are the “white” believers willing to fellowship with the “black” believers? Are we in complete unity? How can Jesus come and snatch away his long-awaited Bride when she is snipping at herself?
The writer did not vote for Obama because of his liberal agenda. However, her “black” sister greatly changed her heart attitude with the challenges written above. If Obama’s administration does well, can I rejoice with those who rejoice? If his administration goes badly, will I weep with those who weep, or cast stones, saying “I told you so?”
God help us have pure hearts and clean hands. Each of us will stand individually before God. He will judge MY motives. I want my heavenly Father to tell me “well done!”
I willingly humble my heart before him, to advance his purposes, not mine. Anybody else with me on this?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Squirrel Wisdom
Fall arrived two days ago in my part of the world. Although the trees have yet to change to autumn glory, we awaken each morning to a definite nip in the air.
Now, I don a jacket while drinking my morning coffee on my porch. I live at the end of a gravel lane. Directly across from our home is nice sized garden. I have enjoyed watching the elderly farmer plant his vegetables, lovingly tend them, and now—he harvests the fruit of his labors.
The man also owns several pecan trees, to the delight of neighborhood squirrels. Their home is a large tree on my side of the lane. For some time now, I have watched as they gather food for the winter ahead. And, believe it or not, I have learned a few things from my observations.
Squirrels have fun while they work.
Although gathering nuts is preparing for the future, they also enjoy the moment.
Squirrels work from dawn to dark, gathering their supply.
Work is a game with them. They run down and across the lane, seizing nuts and then scamper back to their home. They bounce about, flicking tails, chasing one another, and finally run to deposit the precious food in storage.
At times, the squirrels run up a telephone pole, dash across the wire and halfway down another pole before leaping into their tree home. They love to chase each other on the wire as they come and go.
Often they will run to the top of the pole to search for the whereabouts of the farmer’s cat.
Here is what I have learned from observing these furry, frolicsome critters:
Enjoy your work. It makes time pass more quickly.
Work hard to enjoy the return on your labor.
Learn to play. Chase your mate around the room. Joke with your friends. Life is hard enough. Put some levity into it.
Take a risk. The squirrels don’t have to run up the poles and across the wires to reach their home. They just do it because it is there. Let go, fly high. Do something others would consider foolish. Enjoy the heights.
Be on guard for anyone or anything that could steal your joy.
Monday, September 8, 2008
COME WITH ME
“If anyone wishes to be a follower of mine, he must leave self behind; day after day he must take up his cross, and come with me”. Luke 9:23
As humans how quickly we focus on “negative part” of this verse. Breathing sighs of resignation we plod through each day, grimly enduring our own personal “daily cross” until we are consumed by the pain and struggle of our burden.
Have we ever read past those two words to the next phrase “and come with me?” God never intended us to endure hardship for hardship’s sake. He never planned on our being bowed down by the weight of the cross.
God’s cross is a form of fellowship with himself. Elsewhere, Jesus says “bend your necks to my yoke and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29) No animals work closer than two oxen, bound together by one yoke. Either they will work in complete unison, or become chafed and sore.
God’s purpose is not the gleeful observance of his people suffering. God craves to be yoked with each and every believer, each child born of the Spirit. He craves the intimacy such closeness demands.
Yoked oxen are so closely bound they see and experience exactly the same. Both must turn as one. Both must walk at precisely the same speed. Both must raise or lower their heads at the same time.
God yearns after such intimacy with us. “Come with Me” he beckons. “Let’s walk this path together. I promise when you pass through the waters, I will be with you! (Isaiah 43:2) I’m holding your hand (Isaiah 41:13) and I am not going to let go!”
As humans how quickly we focus on “negative part” of this verse. Breathing sighs of resignation we plod through each day, grimly enduring our own personal “daily cross” until we are consumed by the pain and struggle of our burden.
Have we ever read past those two words to the next phrase “and come with me?” God never intended us to endure hardship for hardship’s sake. He never planned on our being bowed down by the weight of the cross.
God’s cross is a form of fellowship with himself. Elsewhere, Jesus says “bend your necks to my yoke and learn from me.” (Matthew 11:29) No animals work closer than two oxen, bound together by one yoke. Either they will work in complete unison, or become chafed and sore.
God’s purpose is not the gleeful observance of his people suffering. God craves to be yoked with each and every believer, each child born of the Spirit. He craves the intimacy such closeness demands.
Yoked oxen are so closely bound they see and experience exactly the same. Both must turn as one. Both must walk at precisely the same speed. Both must raise or lower their heads at the same time.
God yearns after such intimacy with us. “Come with Me” he beckons. “Let’s walk this path together. I promise when you pass through the waters, I will be with you! (Isaiah 43:2) I’m holding your hand (Isaiah 41:13) and I am not going to let go!”
Friday, August 29, 2008
Yielded
Numbed in spirit, soul and body, I pressed my face against the cement floor while The Lord’s Prayer played softly in the background.
Our Father….
O Father! Daddy! Papa God!
Hallowed be Thy Name…
I know You are holy, but how can You be just? If you are just, why didn’t you stop my husband from leaving? As a true Proverbs 31 wife I did all the right things. You say “the king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD and [You] direct it wherever [You please].” (Proverbs 21:1) Why didn’t you direct my husband’s heart back to the wife he vowed to love forever?
Thy kingdom come…
Yes, please come and rescue me from this mess. End the torture now. This earth holds no pleasure for me anymore.
Thy will be done….
Yes, do Your will! Surely it is Your will for my husband to return. Surely it is Your will for us to reconcile. Do Your will and bring him back.
On earth…
It’s real painful down here. I can’t think about spiritual stuff when my heart is breaking. How can I find heavenly peace in an earthly hell?
As it is in heaven…
Take me now. I want to die. I want out of this mess. I want to be in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread…
How am I going to make ends meet without his income? How can I survive alone?
And forgive us our debts…
Did I sin, God? Is it my fault he left?
As we forgive our debtors…
What? I have to forgive him? He cheated. He lied. He left. You expect me forgive him?
And lead us not into temptation…
I want to get even. How badly I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me
But deliver us from evil…
“Vengeance is Mine”, says the LORD. “I will repay”.
For Thine is the kingdom…
O God, forgive my sin. Forgive these black thoughts. It’s not about me. It’s about You and Your purpose for my life.
And the power…
I know that You are strong enough to see me through this valley.
and the glory…
whatever happens, I bow my heart in humble adoration
forever…
from here on out, Lord
Amen.
As the last Amen of the prayer ended, pure peace settled over my body as a billowy cloud, soaked into my soul and rested in my spirit.
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126:5
Our Father….
O Father! Daddy! Papa God!
Hallowed be Thy Name…
I know You are holy, but how can You be just? If you are just, why didn’t you stop my husband from leaving? As a true Proverbs 31 wife I did all the right things. You say “the king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD and [You] direct it wherever [You please].” (Proverbs 21:1) Why didn’t you direct my husband’s heart back to the wife he vowed to love forever?
Thy kingdom come…
Yes, please come and rescue me from this mess. End the torture now. This earth holds no pleasure for me anymore.
Thy will be done….
Yes, do Your will! Surely it is Your will for my husband to return. Surely it is Your will for us to reconcile. Do Your will and bring him back.
On earth…
It’s real painful down here. I can’t think about spiritual stuff when my heart is breaking. How can I find heavenly peace in an earthly hell?
As it is in heaven…
Take me now. I want to die. I want out of this mess. I want to be in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread…
How am I going to make ends meet without his income? How can I survive alone?
And forgive us our debts…
Did I sin, God? Is it my fault he left?
As we forgive our debtors…
What? I have to forgive him? He cheated. He lied. He left. You expect me forgive him?
And lead us not into temptation…
I want to get even. How badly I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me
But deliver us from evil…
“Vengeance is Mine”, says the LORD. “I will repay”.
For Thine is the kingdom…
O God, forgive my sin. Forgive these black thoughts. It’s not about me. It’s about You and Your purpose for my life.
And the power…
I know that You are strong enough to see me through this valley.
and the glory…
whatever happens, I bow my heart in humble adoration
forever…
from here on out, Lord
Amen.
As the last Amen of the prayer ended, pure peace settled over my body as a billowy cloud, soaked into my soul and rested in my spirit.
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126:5
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Privilege of Pain
I want to know Christ
and the power of his resurrection
and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings...
Philippians 4:10
I very much want to know Christ more intimately and the idea of his resurrection power is very cool...but...the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings? That doesn't sound good at all.
Have you ever lost someone or something very dear to you? Who do you turn to at such a time?
One who has experienced the same thing, right?
I remember exactly where I was the moment I first thanked God for a divorce that almost destroyed my spirit...while praying with a woman going through the same thing...
My own suffering and experience gave me credibility in her eyes. While I prayed with her, my heart soared in thankfulness that I was God's hands and feet to a fellow hurting human.
The privilege of pain is twofold: Greater intimacy with our God and credibility to minister to others in like circumstances.
and the power of his resurrection
and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings...
Philippians 4:10
I very much want to know Christ more intimately and the idea of his resurrection power is very cool...but...the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings? That doesn't sound good at all.
Have you ever lost someone or something very dear to you? Who do you turn to at such a time?
One who has experienced the same thing, right?
I remember exactly where I was the moment I first thanked God for a divorce that almost destroyed my spirit...while praying with a woman going through the same thing...
My own suffering and experience gave me credibility in her eyes. While I prayed with her, my heart soared in thankfulness that I was God's hands and feet to a fellow hurting human.
The privilege of pain is twofold: Greater intimacy with our God and credibility to minister to others in like circumstances.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
How ever did God manage to run things before I showed up to "help"?
Have any of you readers watched a person dear to your heart go through a hard time? My dearest husband has been going through a rough period for about five years. The hardest thing to do is...NOTHING.
When God is working in the heart and spirit of our loved one, the best thing we can do is NOTHING...except PRAY. Especially we women...we want to fix everyone's boo-boos...
especially those of our spouse or kids.
The one clear word I heard from God about my husband's situations was "this is between ME and him." It was God's way of saying...keep your nose out of it! Or, in plainer English...BUTT out!
Well, I have cried and I have prayed. Occasionally, when my husband has asked for my opinion, I have given it. But, to date...I have NOT tried to FIX IT.
God taught me that when we try to "fix" situations...we are treading in His territory. Not a good place to be.
Take heart, Beloved. Continue to pray. Continue to wait. And always know that God is good! Always!
When God is working in the heart and spirit of our loved one, the best thing we can do is NOTHING...except PRAY. Especially we women...we want to fix everyone's boo-boos...
especially those of our spouse or kids.
The one clear word I heard from God about my husband's situations was "this is between ME and him." It was God's way of saying...keep your nose out of it! Or, in plainer English...BUTT out!
Well, I have cried and I have prayed. Occasionally, when my husband has asked for my opinion, I have given it. But, to date...I have NOT tried to FIX IT.
God taught me that when we try to "fix" situations...we are treading in His territory. Not a good place to be.
Take heart, Beloved. Continue to pray. Continue to wait. And always know that God is good! Always!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Broken Heart-Broken Chains
Some wandered in desert wastelands…
They were hungry and thirsty,
And their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way…
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
And his wonderful deeds for men,
For he satisfied the thirsty
And fills the hungry with good things.
Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom,
Prisoners suffering in iron chains.
They cried to the LORD in their trouble,
And he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness…
And broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
And his wonderful deeds for men.
Psalm 107: 4-15
Beloved Friends,
Do you have anything in your life that binds you as chains? Fear? Unforgiveness? Anxiety? Injustice at the hands of others?
For years I wandered in the wasteland of uncertainty and unworthiness bound by countless fears.
Then I was abandoned by my husband. I faced two choices. Dig an emotional pit to protect me from all the ugliness of life, or run to my Papa God. I chose the latter. Slowly, he healed all the heart wounds. Today I shout the above verses taken from Psalm 107 for their truth! Many bad things have happened in my lifetime………..BUT!
I give thanks to my LORD, my Lover, my Friend for HIS UNFAILING LOVE!
Cry out to the LORD. Only HE can break the chains that bind us and keep us from living the full, abundant life he promises!
They were hungry and thirsty,
And their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way…
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
And his wonderful deeds for men,
For he satisfied the thirsty
And fills the hungry with good things.
Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom,
Prisoners suffering in iron chains.
They cried to the LORD in their trouble,
And he saved them from their distress.
He brought them out of darkness…
And broke away their chains.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
And his wonderful deeds for men.
Psalm 107: 4-15
Beloved Friends,
Do you have anything in your life that binds you as chains? Fear? Unforgiveness? Anxiety? Injustice at the hands of others?
For years I wandered in the wasteland of uncertainty and unworthiness bound by countless fears.
Then I was abandoned by my husband. I faced two choices. Dig an emotional pit to protect me from all the ugliness of life, or run to my Papa God. I chose the latter. Slowly, he healed all the heart wounds. Today I shout the above verses taken from Psalm 107 for their truth! Many bad things have happened in my lifetime………..BUT!
I give thanks to my LORD, my Lover, my Friend for HIS UNFAILING LOVE!
Cry out to the LORD. Only HE can break the chains that bind us and keep us from living the full, abundant life he promises!
Friday, August 22, 2008
God Works in Mysterious Ways
When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Genesis 30:31
Numerous times in the Bible we see God “opening and shutting” wombs: Sarah, Michal, Hannah, Elizabeth, to name but a few.
After our marriage, I learned my first husband was sterile. I wasn’t upset when I learned the news because I knew God still had power to “open and shut” wombs. I fully expected God would reverse my husband’s sterility and we would have our own biological children to raise holy before the LORD.
Years passed. God did not answer my prayers or reward my faith.
Correction: God did not answer my prayers or reward my faith the way I expected him to.
Why? Because God knew the future and I didn’t. After 22 years of marriage, my husband abandoned me. In tears, I thanked God we had no biological children to suffer the pain of divorce.
Was I robbed of children? Absolutely not. I have mentored exchange students, prisoners, family members and others. So many young people call me “Mom” that when asked how many children do I have—my favorite response is “I forget.”
Numerous times in the Bible we see God “opening and shutting” wombs: Sarah, Michal, Hannah, Elizabeth, to name but a few.
After our marriage, I learned my first husband was sterile. I wasn’t upset when I learned the news because I knew God still had power to “open and shut” wombs. I fully expected God would reverse my husband’s sterility and we would have our own biological children to raise holy before the LORD.
Years passed. God did not answer my prayers or reward my faith.
Correction: God did not answer my prayers or reward my faith the way I expected him to.
Why? Because God knew the future and I didn’t. After 22 years of marriage, my husband abandoned me. In tears, I thanked God we had no biological children to suffer the pain of divorce.
Was I robbed of children? Absolutely not. I have mentored exchange students, prisoners, family members and others. So many young people call me “Mom” that when asked how many children do I have—my favorite response is “I forget.”
No More Fear
Soon after my 1st husband abandoned me, God spoke the title words to me VERY clearly: NO MORE FEAR. At the time, I thought he meant no more fear of my husband. But what he meant was, no more fear in my life...Period.
After an unwanted divorce, God began to gently work on every OTHER fear in my life, and today....he is working on another!!! Fear of technology!!! YUK!
For a long time, I have maintained a "ten-second rule." If I don't get the technology in ten seconds...I'm outta here!
I have started this blog for the purpose of interacting with, encouraging and learning from my sisters all over the world! To do so, I must master some technology...so hang on and let's enjoy the ride!
After an unwanted divorce, God began to gently work on every OTHER fear in my life, and today....he is working on another!!! Fear of technology!!! YUK!
For a long time, I have maintained a "ten-second rule." If I don't get the technology in ten seconds...I'm outta here!
I have started this blog for the purpose of interacting with, encouraging and learning from my sisters all over the world! To do so, I must master some technology...so hang on and let's enjoy the ride!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)