The Sky is So Blue! (12//8/14)

As we take a drive on a brisk December day Helen, my 93-year-old companion, comments “The sky is so blue!” There are fluffy white clouds drifting against a brilliant, blue background. The brightly shining sun creates an amazing view. Even though it is cold outside, the beauty of the sky is spectacular.

Because Helen’s memory does not work as well as it once did, she often repeats a comment only moments after she has spoken it. In the 10 minute drive between her house and mine, I heard “The sky is so blue!” at least eight times. One might find this repetition humorous or even annoying. But in times like this, my attention is drawn to the true beauty of that sky. On my own I may look up and appreciate the massive blue background to the clouds, birds and outlines of trees and buildings. I may note and possibly even voice my appreciation once. Then my mind would move on to other things. In Helen’s forgetfulness, her repeated comments bring me back to truly appreciate what is before me.

As we drove home later, that same sky was now dark. Stars were beginning to become visible and all traces of the blue we had seen before had vanished with the setting of the sun. This dark sky brought no comments from my friend. We spoke about other things as we made the return trip to her home.

Had anything really changed in that sky? The sky itself was exactly the same. It doesn’t change. What changes is the reflection of the sun. Without the sun to reflect what was blue becomes black. Other changes occur when clouds block the beauty of the blue sky. A sky full of gray clouds can hide any evidence of blue leaving a dreary image of pending rain. Yet behind those clouds that beautiful blue sky has not changed.

The sky of our lives is very much the same. God has placed each one of us on this earth in exactly the right place. His grace and mercy are like that blue sky. They are canopy over us that does not change. Regardless of the circumstances in our lives at any given time, God remains the same. “For I am the Lord, I do not change;” (Malachi 3:6a AMP) All His mighty attributes and faithful love are steadfast. We may simply not be able to see them at that given time.

The key factor to blue sky is a reflection of the sun. The key factor in accurately seeing God’s canopy over us is a reflection of the light of His Son, Jesus Christ. In order to see clearly, we must enter relationship with the true light. “…He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.” (John 8:12 AMP) Without the light of Jesus we can never truly see the loving nature of our Heavenly Father.

When we look up to the sky and see only gray it does not mean that the skies have actually changed. Rain clouds have moved into our line of vision blocking that brilliant blue. When trials and hard times are all that we can see with our natural eyes, God’s faithfulness has not changed. He is still Jehovah Rohi, the Lord our Banner! His love and protection is continually over us. We must cling to this truth. Even the grayness of the rain clouds brings a promise of much needed water for the earth. The grayness of the trials we face, likewise bring the promise of much-needed grace, mercy and strength from our loving Heavenly Father. In these times, we must cling to the Scriptures and the true nature of God. We have this promise, “Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 36:5 AMP)

Doubting that God’s nature of love and concern for us is like doubting that the sky has remained intact. Riding in an airplane, the truth about the sky can become readily apparent. When traveling through a storm, the pilot will often guide the plane to an altitude that is above the clouds. The thunder, lightning and grayness of those clouds remain beneath the plane while the brilliant blue of the sky is all around. Through thanksgiving, praise, worship, Bible study and prayer we can rise above those clouds of trials just as the plane did. Like the pilot choosing to point the nose of the airplane upward, we can choose to lift our eyes up beyond the natural sight and look into the spirit realm where God’s true nature is obvious. We can know that the sky is still blue.

When facing trials, we may need to become a bit like my elderly friend, Helen. We may need to continually speak out the fact that the sky is still blue. We may need to remind ourselves over and over that beyond our current circumstances the grace and mercy of God still stands. His faithful protection of us has not changed. His love remains constant in all things. We remember, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1 AMP)

If everything is going well in your life right now, thank God for the blue skies. If things are rough, remind yourself that beyond the clouds the sky is still blue!

Pre-Shrunk? (4/14/14)

I recently completed a project for a tray table cover. My husband uses this tray for his computer. I was really happy with how it turned out. It fits snugly over the tray and has the pockets he requested on one side. I do not sew very much, so this was quite an accomplishment for me.

Until… this thought crossed my mind. What happens if the material shrinks? The tray cover will inevitably need washing at some point. At that point my cover will become too tight to get over the tray. Any seasoned seamstress would have thoroughly washed and dried the material before beginning a project. The material would have shrunk in this process.  Then later there is no fear of shrinkage ruining the project.

Sometimes we may feel a call of God on our life. It may be a burning desire to do something for Him. We just want to get on with things and begin the work. But God’s plan seems to say “wait” far longer than we would like. It may even seem that we are going backwards. These are times when God is working on our character. He has something beautiful to create in our lives. But He is very aware of how character flaws can destroy ministries and relationships.

Many great men of the Bible received promises and visions from God. There was a long time and many trials between this initial vision and the receipt of the promise. Joseph dreamed of his future position where even his family would bow down to him. In the years before this would come about, Joseph was thrown into a pit to die, sold to slave traders, worked himself up to a position in a wealthy person’s home only to be lied about an thrown in prison. He was forgotten in prison by two men whom he interpreted dreams for, until Pharaoh experienced a recurring, distressing dream. It was not until this time, when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, that he became second-in-command in the entire land of Egypt. (See Genesis 37–42)  From the arrogant youth sharing his dreams of lording it over his family, Joseph became a man of resolve and compassion. He had the wisdom to watch over Pharaoh’s affairs and the love to forgive his family for the wrongs they had done to him.

King David’s life showed a similar pattern. He was anointed king when still a young man. But before that came to pass, he served King Saul and later fled as Saul’s armies sought to kill him. He eventually became king and ruled for some years. Yet again he fled from the armies of a son. During his times in the caves, hiding from his enemy, David learned much of the ways and laws of Almighty God. His love for God grew immensely as did his character. He was even called a man to God’s own heart. “And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully.” (Acts 13:22 AMP) (see Psalms written by David) 

And the apostle Paul, after his dramatic transformation and great ability to preach from his Pharisee training, went away for a time before beginning his great ministry.  ^“Nor did I [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles (special messengers of Christ) before I was, but I went away and retired into Arabia, and afterward I came back again to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:17 AMP) God had much to teach him about the message and the people he would bring that message to. 

Like these men, we may go through uncomfortable times being made ready for work that God has planned for us. God has great concern for all His children. When we are working for Him, we can bring the healing He longs to give to many broken lives. Or operating out of the selfish character or erroneous idea, we can cause great hurts that will also be credited to His name. 

This principle is also true about relationships. I look at the years of my life that I thought I should have already been married. (I was married at age 29) But looking back, I see that there were insecurities and other issues in my heart.  If God had not had the time and my attention to work some of these out, I may have destroyed my husband. I may have been demanding from him what only God could give me. 

So, at whatever point you are right now, remember my little project. Allow God the opportunity to pre-shrink your character. Then at the right time He will place you where He can use you. You will have already been through the trials that will make you strong and enduring for His kingdom.

Turn On the Correct Light Switch (5/17/14)

I live in a tri-level home with a very open floor plan and a vaulted ceiling. The main level consists of a kitchen – dining – living room that wraps around a partial wall. This style of house allows for plenty of light. The kitchen is affected by light that comes in the living room window. The living room is likewise affected by light that comes in through the windows and patio door of the kitchen. These also affect the den which is on the lower level and the upstairs hall.

In the evening and early morning, while it is dark outside, the same happens to a lesser degree from the lights in each room. Because of its central location, this is particularly true with the dining room light. This light fixture also shines brighter light than the lamps in the living room. When I turn this on, all four rooms will receive plenty of light to navigate your way through without difficulty, even when items that may have been left on the floor by the dogs. However, it does not provide enough light to clearly see everything in the all rooms.  For that reason, each room has its own lights.

When I get up in the morning it is usually still dark. My routine is to let the dogs out, get their food ready and make my coffee. Although I could accomplish this with only the dining room light, turning on the kitchen light enables me to clearly see exactly what I am doing.  This light shines directly on the counter where I perform these tasks.

The word of God tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 AMP) God’s word will direct the steps of our everyday lives. Spending time reading and studying the Scriptures will direct us as we go about our daily tasks and make decisions. The light of God’s word will illuminate and cause things to become clear.  It shines directly where it is needed and spotlights our feet and our path.

As we shine this lamp on the path of our daily life, we will find help in all we do. My dining room light illuminates much of the two lower levels of my home and shines up the staircase.  Likewise all of God’s word brings light. Walking into specific areas of our lives is like walking into individual rooms in my home. Although the general light is shining, a more focused light may be required to accomplish the task we are to undertake. If we are seeking God for direction concerning a decision for our future, reading verses on guidance and following the Lord is what we need to do. If we are lacking in hope, then verses on hope will provide the light we need far more so than verses on any other subject.  The same is true for love, forgiveness, provision, serving or any other topic we choose.  When attempting to overcome negative habits, we should also concentrate on Scriptures that refer to the specific sin we are working to overcome.

God’s promises are true and apply to all who seek His face.  He knows what His children need and when they need it.  He is ready to give good gifts to us as we ask.  We then seek out the hidden treasure of the His word for each specific need in our lives.  We must also be willing to obey what we see as we study to get the full benefit.  Willing obedience opens the eyes of our hearts to let more light enter.  As the path is lit, the feet can walk along it following its twists and turns.

The Bible also says, “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” (Proverbs 4:18 ESV)  As we continue to seek God’s direction in any area of our lives it will become clear, little by little. As the day progresses the sun outside shines brighter and overcomes the need for interior lights in my home. Also, as we become more fully aware of His truth, the brightness of Jesus, Himself, will shine in our heart. His word will become a part of us.

What areas are you seeking answers from God today?  Find Scriptures that shine the light of His truth on those specific areas.  His light will shine and make your path become clear.  

Playing To Win (The Game of Living in the Wisdom of God-3) (11/8/13)

You have learned the rules and taken a step off start. Now is when the game really gets fun. Are you extremely competitive? Not too many people play a game without wanting to win. Competition can bring out both the best and the worst in us. As we continue to play games as we grow up, we hopefully become better sports.  As a child, I hated being sent back to start because someone else landed on my spot. I was sure I would lose the game.  As an adult, I see it as merely a setback.
As we walk through life, testing and trials of can bring either the best or the worst out of us. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, or out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 ESV)
The longer we walk with Christ and see God’s faithfulness, the more we will develop faith and trust that he will bring us through.  We learn that setbacks do not determine our outcomes.  Our attitudes should improve, and our hope and trust soar.
To be successful in any game you must know your opponent. Football teams watch video of games played by their upcoming opponent. They study strength and weakness, and they proceed from there. Chess players study the moves of other players, both to sharpen their own skill and defeat their opponents. Whether it be a board game, card game, sport or any competition, watching the opponent to see his or her tendencies can be very valuable. But even more than knowing your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, it is important to develop your own strength. This is done by daily walking in the Word.
So in life, who is our opponent? “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter five: 8 ESV) So often we think we are fighting against other people. This simply is not true. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”(Ephesians 6:12 ESV)  Our enemy is the same enemy that tripped up Adam and Eve.  He is the same enemy Jesus faced and defeated.  The devil is the enemy of God and we belong to God.  Therefore, he is our enemy.
Our enemy, the devil, knows the Bible and will taunt us with it. This was evidenced by his attempts to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. (Luke 4)  He repeatedly quoted Scripture to Jesus. He knew what the word said, but did not allow the Holy Spirit to show the true meaning. He twisted the word to tempt Jesus, and he will do the same to us. It may come as a thought or a misunderstanding of something said by another. The intent is always the same. He will either try to deceive us and cause us to sin, or to doubt the direction God is leading us.
We are called to fight with faith. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV) We are to keep advancing around the game board. Though the enemy will try to make us retreat, we seek the will of God, trust the word and advance.
We are not in this game alone. This is a game played with partners. These partners are your brothers and sisters in Christ. People who play games or sports with the same partner for a long period of time get to know, trust and rely on those partners. They can often tell exactly what moves that partner will make. Then they can adapt themselves to those moves. We also can get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can operate together to advance the kingdom of God. “Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor;”(Ecclesiastes 4:9 AMP)  We are all in this together.
And our greatest partner of all is Jesus! He walks beside us, every move we make. “For he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b ESV) We can trust that He will be with us until the end. The final words of the Matthew’s gospel states, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16b ESV)  We are never alone on this journey.
Our opponent has already been defeated. “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,“Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” (Rev 12:10 ESV) So move forward in the power of God. Many are watching and cheering for you. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
So follow the directions you have received. Play the game to win.  Your ultimate victory is guaranteed! 

Playing By the Rules (The Game of Living in the Wisdom of God-2) (11/6/13)

Once you have set up the game board and placed your piece on start, the next step to successfully play any game is to learn the rules.  You accomplish this by reading the directions.  For a successful walk with God, the directions come from His Word.  Fear of the Lord, our starting point, respects the fact that His plan is the best.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isaiah 55:9)  We must acknowledge that He has the perfect plan for our life.  Then we must invest time and energy to find that plan. 

Learning the Word of God is the key to playing the game successfully.  The Bible is our rule book and our playbook.  Reading, studying and memorizing it provides the directions for our daily life. It guards against sin. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 ESV)  It provides direction “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Once we learn the rules, we must agree to abide by them.  Many board games and card games have a series of “house rules” that people have added over the years.  To speed up monopoly, my family dealt out three properties to each player at the start of the game.  I remember a friend coming over and being both confused and upset with my brother for doing this.  There are certain card games that my husband and I always clarify the rules before playing.  I don’t think either one of us knows what the original rules actually state.  We just know how we’ve played in the past. 

For a game this practice may be fine, but not with the Word of God.  We must not only learn the rules and directions set forth by the Bible, we must also follow them.  We cannot alter His directions to make things more convenient or to our liking. Throughout generations, these alternate interpretations and additions to the Word of God have led to divisions between believers.  On an individual level, one can try to make God’s Word support a preconceived idea or desire.  The only successful way to operate your life is to take His Word and keep listening until you are following His original directions for you. 

Obedience is the key.  We learn His Word and do what it says. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James1:22 ESV)  To avoid deception, we must obey what we hear.  We must do what the Word instructs us to and not do what we think it says.  King Saul learned this the hard way when He did some of what God commanded, but did not follow through with the whole plan. God’s response was not what he expected.   “And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)  God is not pleased when we make up our own rules by adapting what the Bible teaches.  Our good works apart from His leading are not pleasing to Him. 

With these tips in mind, it’s time to get in the game.  Study the Bible, your rule book.  Listen to God’s direction for you.  His voice is so much better than rolling the dice or spinning a wheel. Then start your journey around the board of your “Game of Living in the Wisdom of God.”

Stuck on Start (The Game of Living in the Wisdom of God-1) (11/4/13)

Does anyone set up a board game and then stop on the space marked Start?  Do you open up your computer and click the Start icon, but never chose a program to open?  Do athletes bolt out of the Starting block, only to stop after the first step or two?  Although these statements seem a bit absurd, sometimes Christians do just this in their walks with God.  Some have come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and even taken a move or two in building that relationship.  But then they seem to just stare out at the game board (a deep walk full of the wisdom of God).  They watch their fellow players (other believers) move around the board without continuing on very far.  Start is the beginning.  Its only purpose is to set something in motion. 

Proverbs 1 defines the origin of wisdom. “The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7 AMP) Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the starting point and essence of wisdom.  We must come to that place of reverence, of respect, admiration and honor for God.  We must truly acknowledge and remind ourselves of His greatness. Without a vision of just how awesome He is, we will never have a true trust that leads to wisdom.  

For years I would quote this and I well knew that I must respectfully worship God to gain wisdom.  I often found myself asking for wisdom.  I would acknowledge that all true wisdom comes only from Him. I sometimes even reminded Him that He promises to give His children what they ask for in prayer. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”.  (John 15:7 ESV) However I checked off my list of ‘All I know to do’, I could not seem to receive and continue to walk in God’s wisdom.

 I have received His guidance in many areas of my life.  But I have recently discovered the reason why there has been an inconsistency.  I have realized that the wisdom did not generally arrive as I sat in times of contemplating the greatness of God.  It did not come when I simply spent time in worship or as I voiced my gratefulness. It did not even come simply because I requested it in prayer. There was another key to moving off start and actually moving in wisdom.  In the last year, I have come to realize the other aspect of my life that was this key.

Directions for how to develop and live in the wisdom of God are found in Psalms. “The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of [a]Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their praise of Him endures forever.)”  (Psalm 111:10 AMP) We have already established in Proverbs that the starting spot of the game of Wisdom is reverence and respect.  To get off start and actually move through life with wisdom, we must do something.  This wisdom is given to all who do His will.

 Obedience was that missing key.  We must listen to and do the will of God.  As we walk in obedience to each direction He gives us, we will obtain the wisdom for the next step.  We often want it the other way around.  We want the entire game plan before we start to move.  But God tells us to move and He will supply the direction as we go.  He leads from in front, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV) As we walk, He also leads from behind.  “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21ESV) He has also given us the rule/play book; the Word of God.  So, we must walk in obedience, trusting that wisdom will be given, even when we begin to misstep. 

We start by learning who God really is.  This is not just titles, but truly encountering His nature.  We stand in amazement of and acknowledge Him.  Then we walk in what we know, being led step by step.  One move at a time we will advance around the game board of this life.

 So, get off start.  Make your move of obedience and get it the game.  It will be great!

Where Are You Going? (1/19/15)

One day, a young mother was walking on her treadmill when her two and a half year old daughter entered the room. The toddler paused for a moment and a puzzled look crossed her face. In a sweet, innocent voice she asked, “Mommy, where are you going?” After a moment of confusion followed by a hidden chuckle, the mother replied, “Nowhere honey. Mommy is just walking.”

Remembering this story always brings a smile to my face.  I wonder if we don't sometimes spiritually live out the same scenario. Caught up in daily activities that we perform out of habit, do we step on a spiritual treadmill where we get a lot of exercise, but do not gain any ground. Does the voice of the Holy Spirit ask us where we are going?

There are several types of spiritual treadmills that we can choose to step on. A few that come to mind include striving to meet the expectations of others; engaging in activities that are more busyness then have an actual purpose; and repetitive prayer and Bible reading with no real faith or concern for what God truly has for us.

Striving to meet the expectations of others can be an exhausting, futile attempt. We are to serve those around us. This is clear in the Word of God. But it is also clear that we have only one master and that is God. It is He that we are to please. The apostle Paul addressed this topic. “Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).” (Galatians 1:10 AMP) We are not accountable to other people because we are servants of God. “Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another’s household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.” (Romans 14:4 AMP) We do not have to strive to make others happy if we are doing what God directs. He is the only one to please and He is happy with His faithful servants.

Busyness is a common thief in our society. It disguises itself as necessary work. Jesus addressed a very hardworking Martha in this way. “But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but ^[a]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [^[b]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:41-42 AMP) We can also get caught up doing what we believe we must do without ever consulting the Lord. This is not the type of sacrifice that He wants from His children. We must listen so we can obey. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” (1 Samuel 15:22b AMP)

Prayer and Bible study, done simply as a duty, does not have the deep, pleasing aroma that true fellowship with God offers. We must come with a desire to get to know God better and believe that He will act according to His Word.  “But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].” (Hebrews 11:6 AMP) Time with God must be initiated by love and a desire to know and trust Him more. Genuine prayer and study are real communication with the Lord.

Jesus has called us to follow Him. “Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me,” (Matthew 4:19a AMP) He also promised us rest. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28 AMP) The Lord never intended for us to live hard lives that are going nowhere. He does not want us striving to be what we, or anyone else, think we should be. He wants us on the path He sets.

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

 There is a path the Lord wants each of us to walk down.  This path contains genuine service to the Lord.  We are to receive direction from Him and follow where He leads. Then we will always be in His presence and can walk purposefully in joy. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 AMP)

The answer to the question, “Where are you going?” will be this, “I’m following the path the Lord has planned and He walks beside me.”

 So do not walk for the sake of walking? Get off the treadmill and walk with purpose on your God designed path. He will be with you every step.