What It Says

“The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,” says the Lord.  (Isaiah 59-20)

 I found this verse very interesting.  It doesn’t say someone is going to come and heal everyone of His children.  The verse doesn’t say that God is going to swoop in and be the Daddy Worbucks of the world and grant every material wish it may have.  And Isaiah isn’t saying that the Redeemer is going to tap dance His way into our hearts with sales slogans or begging.  “The Redeemer will come….to buy back….those…who have turned from their sins.”

 Jesus came to earth as man for one reason and one reason alone:  to be the perfect Lamb.  He showed us the way and then paved the road for us with His own blood.  Now, when you confess your heart to God and accept Jesus as your Redeemer you are promised an eternity with Him.  All the blessings that fall on you, all the trials that make you stronger, the people who come into your life to make it richer, and looking in a child’s eyes—your child’s eyes—is all icing on an already perfect cake.  The Savior came for you, to buy you and bring you to the Lord, and your eternity has already begun.

 “And the people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God.  And note this:  Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be the least important then.” (Luke 13:29-30)

Your Red Sea

“The Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into try land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry land, with walls of water on each side!” (Exodus 14:21-22)

 

I was walking with my brother-in-law to McDonalds®. My sister had finally been placed in a room after her stroke and everyone else had left. Troy and I were hungry and ironically enough, a renowned heart hospital has McDonalds® on its ground floor. On our way down I told him that I would have the entire state of Iowa praying by the end of the night, that I would have friends across the country praying and even prayers being lifted from England by the next day. On the short walk down he mentioned that he had thought about getting back to church. He had been thinking life would get easier if they were going to church. I couldn’t help it. I laughed out loud. I said that is the inside joke of Christianity. For some reason the people looking in think that Christians have this easy cake-like life. However, the reality is life gets harder when you decide to walk the narrow path. It was then he remembered doing an alter call in his teens. “It was like as soon as I did that the girls flew down on me.”

 

God brought the Israelites to a new destination in an incredible way. They may have been free from 400 years of slavery but that didn’t mean that the rest of their lives were a picture of leisure and ease. It was hard. It was long. Many didn’t make it through. It brings me to the testimony I am giving this weekend. I had an amazing experience, a God-moment if you will, and I was refreshed, renewed, on fire, and alive in a totally new way (that is the jest testimony if you aren’t going to make it to church this weekend). I kid-you-not, within two days my world was crashing around me. I was on my knees and I didn’t know how I was going to get through.

 

We all have some sort of Red Sea in our lives. It’s that moment when we are walking with God and we reach a point where it seems impossible to break through or cross over. God is telling us to trust Him and to put one foot in front of the other and know that He will provide the dry ground. His Word is our staff and our church family, friends, loved ones, prayers, the sermons we hear, missions we are involved in, and circles we live in are His pillar of fire and smoke guiding us and pulling us forward. We know that He will always bring us through. We may not understand it. We may not see it. But we know that our Heavenly Father loves us and will us guide us Home.

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Be a Part of It

“The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years. In fact, it was on the last day of the 430^th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land. On this night the Lord kept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation.” (Exodus 12:40-42)

 

The Israelites were being guided by God. And I know we are guided by Him everyday but He was right there walking with them as they were able to turn their backs on Egypt. He was a pillar of smoke and fire leading the way. He most definitely had their attention. However, further into the story, they showed their human impatience and any moment they did not feel God’s presence they turned away and became disparate. (Exodus 32:4-5)  We have to learn that even on days when we may not feel God is near He is still guiding us and we need to continue to walk toward Him.

 

Today, I cannot see a pillar of smoke or fire in front of me. I hear a lot of angry people. I see a country tearing apart at the political seam. I watch as people become more angry, more disenfranchised, and more desperate for help. I am awed as people are either opening their arms to our new government or turning their backs. But here is the thing: people are paying attention now. People are listening. People are watching to see what comes next. Some people are waiting for their hope to arrive and some are using their hands and feet to realize their own future. It’s like we are all sitting at the bottom of the summit, regardless of our position, waiting to see what will happen. There is a loud rumble in the crowd as both sides lash out at each other. But look, we are all right here together.

 

We are all right here together. We are sharing this small place in space and time in history. We are all a part of it. And “it” is life. And regardless of where you sit on the political bench God is here. No matter if you rich or poor, black or white, employed or unemployed, sheltered or homeless, married or single, the perfect citizen or the hardened criminal God is here. When everything else in the world is distracting us, bringing us hope, and demonstrating pain, God is here. The true opportunity of changing the future comes from what God has given each of us. He has given us the ability to make the world around us and as more people step up to that call we will see more communities helped, more people fed, more children with shoes and school supplies, more abused women in shelters, more help for drug addicts changing their lives, and more opportunities to show the world the hope and joy that we are given by God. So go and be a part of it. Figure out what you can do and do it. Don’t wait for someone else to take care of your neighbor. Don’t think you are not good enough. Be a part of it and you will be filled with the hope that you are looking for.

 

“God blesses those who are poor and realized their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called he children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the kingdom of God is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3-10)

Sneaking In

“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

 

I take E. University to get to work everyday. I always stay in the right lane so that I have a straight line to get onto I235. Every single morning, as traffic builds, there are always a handful of people who don’t get in the right hand land at the earliest opportunity and, instead, wait and try to cut into the right lane so they can get onto I235. If that is you, I am sorry, but I am going to write about you today! This may seem rude but I get pretty upset when those “late lane changers” try to cut in front of me, or anyone, because it slows down traffic and it shows that they weren’t patient enough to get in line with the rest of us and I also feel it shows how important they must think they are that they get to cheat their way onto the ramp.

 

So, the other day I was a dork in my car cheering. I got through the last set of lights before the ramp and traffic was pretty heavy. A car on my left was trying to squeeze in and there wasn’t room in front of me or behind me. Well, this car missed the ramp and had to keep on driving. I felt vindicated and I hope that that person will get in line sooner next time instead of trying to sneak in there at the last minute.

 

There are always those people around us who tend to sneak and cheat their way to the same place you have worked so hard to get to and it is frustrating. But we can take heart in knowing that we may have chosen a harder path but the rewards will be so much more than anything we can imagine as long as we stick with it. As you make your choices everyday remember to always make sure God is there in the choice you make. Stay on the right road and He will bring you Home safely.

 

“I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” (Matthew 19:24)

An Exciting Day

“….give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21b)

 

Yesterday was an exciting day. I did not vote for our current President but I very anxiously listened to the inauguration. I say “listen” because I couldn’t get my computer at work to give me the video streaming I wanted. I have always liked to watch this ceremony because I want to see our President’s oath and promise to our great nation that he will serve. It’s kind of like when someone joins a church and stands up front to be recognized. It’s just a cool thing! I was equally stuck on the news last night as President Obama and our new First Lady went from ball to ball. I would have liked to have been a part of the hundreds of thousands of people who were part of this event.

 

I am anxious for this new presidency. I want to see which direction he is going to take our country. I want to see if his chosen officials are going to be able to make any changes. More than half our country, obviously by vote, should be feeling a lot more peace now that the White House has new residents and with I am hoping that that peace will spill over onto our economy and job markets. I pray that the fear that people have been living in will be replaced with purpose and they will feel motivated to help make the changes that they want. For me, it’s all about prayer.

 

It is not the end of the world because the President who took office isn’t the guy I wanted.  I actually like President Obama. I think he would be a tough guy not to like. He is the President and I will do my best to honor him. I may not always agree with the new policies but that doesn’t make me a hater. I believe that God has a plan for our country and no matter who is in office His plan will win. So, now I pray.

 

“ Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 3:2)

Crossing the Line

“But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

 

When I first wanted to start coming to church it wasn’t because I had some huge desire to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Goodness, I didn’t even know what that meant. I thought it was what good people did. The “good” people took their families to church on Sundays and had their children in Sunday school classes. When we started coming, as sporadic as that was, I had no clue what the pastor guy was talking about but I liked the music. It was Easter, and I was 23, that day I realized that all these people weren’t talking about bunnies but instead talking about Jesus dying. I knew He had died but didn’t know all that other stuff. And, therein, lays the beginning of my faith walk.

 

I was excited for my new found faith, I was full of zest, and I was probably really annoying. But you know when you love something and get all excited it’s hard not to talk about it. Then, being the nerd that I was and am, I started soaking. I soaked in the Bible, I took classes when I could (the kids were really small), I read articles, did research, read studies and books, I made friends and tried to make huge lifestyle changes. I slipped a lot. I was wrong a lot. I was arrogant at times and proud at others. God had to break me several times through life’s circumstance to bring to where I am today. Unfortunately, I am sure the work isn’t done yet!

 

I can remember the very moment I crossed the line from a person seeking to a person filled with faith. However, this life isn’t always easy. Good things don’t just blossom in my front yard because Jesus is my friend. I struggle the same as anyone else. I have really great days and I have really crappy days. There are things that happen that I don’t understand and there are things about this world that make me so angry. There are things I love about my life and things that I can’t explain about the beauty of this world. The biggest difference between me then and me now, besides eternal salvation, is hope. I don’t see the circumstances of today as an end or a cause but the beginning and a gateway. I crossed that invisible line of faith and I found hope, what did you find?

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiahs 29:11)

Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd;

            I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

            He leads me beside peaceful streams.

            He knows my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

            bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk

            through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid,

            for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

            protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me

            in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

            my cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

            All the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

I Made Her Cry

“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

 

It’s hard to see someone who is usually on the move lying in a hospital bed but that is exactly what my sister has been doing since Sunday. She tells me how friends have come in and try to hide their shock but when she looks at them she see their concern, which makes her tear up, then they tear up, then everyone is crying. Me, I have been a very good girl….until last night. I have saved my tears for when I am away from her because I don’t want her upset or thinking that my tears aren’t tears of joy and thanksgiving. But last night we were talking about something and a little water escaped my well trained eyes and then she started telling me I can’t get upset.

 

I think about all the stupid things I stress out about and I feel miserable about it. Although I don’t want to discount my trials and my problems because they were struggles for me, they still were nothing compared to the battle so many people have to endure to get back on their feet or, if you live in countries of war, famine, or genocide, the fight to simply live. Things aren’t where I want them to be in my life but I am blessed. My sister has a challenging road ahead of her but she has this amazing attitude and determination to get through it and I admire her greatly.

 

Lots of times, with my reoccurring dilemmas, I tend to think it’s pointless and not even try, which is hilarious considering how many things I had to work hard to achieve! Are there things in your life that you have given up on? Are there things that you feel are hopeless? I haven’t crushed all the snakes at my heel but I know it can be done. God gives us everything we need to accomplish this and if we aren’t meant totally smash it, He will give us the strength to endure.

 

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and stars you set in place—what a mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them! Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:3-5)

A Page from a Book

“All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (Jude 1:25)

 

This is an excerpt from the Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

 

“With tiny wrinkles and cries, he entered the world and, wrapped in strips of cloth, took his first nap on a bed of straw.  Subject to time and to parents, he grew to manhood and Roman-occupied Palestine, his gentle hands becoming strong and calloused in Joseph’s woodworking shop. As a man, he walked through the countryside and city, touching individuals, preaching to crowds, and training 12 men to carry on his work.  At every step he was hounded by those seeking to rid the world of his influence.  Finally, falsely accused and tried, he was condemned to a disgraceful execution by foreign hands.  And he died—spat upon, cursed, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride.  Jesus, the God-man, gave his life completely so that all might live.

 

At God’s appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus will burst into the world scene. Then everyone will know that Jesus is Lord of the universe!  Those who love me him will rejoice, greeting their Savior with hearts overflowing into songs of praise. But his enemies will be filled with fear.  Allied with Satan, the enemies of Christ will marshal their legions against Christ and his armies.  But who can withstand God’s wrath?  Christ will win the battle and reign victorious forever! Jesus, the humble suffering servant, is also the powerful, conquering King and Judge.”

 

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” (Revelation 1:8)

 

Reference:

 

(2004). Life application study bible: New living translation. Pg 2165, para 1-2. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, IL

I got that…maybe not

“Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do.” (1 Peter 4:4)

 

There were many passages I read this morning that really caused me to pause and ask: Do I get it? How is it that 2,000 years ago that people were going through the same things as we do today. I haven’t had any issues with former friends the way others I know have but there are other things that I can relate to and, yet still, other things I wish I felt I understood better.

 

Like 1 Peter 4:12 “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at that fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange is happening to you.” I got that. Our salvation does not keep us from life’s trials and we can use them to become stronger for God. I will honestly say I don’t like the trials and since I seem to go through the same trial over and over again I feel as though I am either not learning what He is trying to show me or that He is building me up for something.

 

2 Peter 2:19b “For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” This one sucks. There is no one person I feel that controls me. However, there are times when I feel out of control and I can’t seem to turn on my self-control button. The Bible says the Spirit gives us self-control, I just haven’t done a very good job of figuring out where it is. Consequently, there are days when I feel like I am a slave to my lack of self-control when I would much rather feel like a slave to God, whom I gladly serve.

 

1 John 1:9 “but if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” If we confess all our sins but forget one, I mean honestly forget, are we not truly forgiven. Once we accept Jesus into our hearts and are saved does that mean past, present, and future sins are forgiven by default? What if you die before you have a chance to confess a sin? Does it make a difference if that sin was by ‘accident” or if it was deliberate?

 

I imagine many of my questions, and some days there are more than others, won’t be answered while I breathe on this earth. Sometimes there are probably only questions that can be answered by God Himself, or questions we will most definitely see on the other side of Heaven. I am okay with not knowing all the answers though. Having a direct answer to any of my questions does not help decide if I have faith or not. I am pretty sure I had even more questions the day I stepped over that line into faith and belief. This morning I am just glad that God took the time to make sure His Word spoke to me, right where I am, this very moment in time, telling me He knows and He loves. Those are the only answers I really need.

 

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:10)