I Samuel 26- Excuse me, your fear is showing.

I Samuel 26- Click here to Read it!!

Who or what do you fear? 

I know. You don't want to tell me. Or maybe you don't even know. We are all living with some degree of self deception- at different levels. But it is there.

But it's ok. You don't have to tell me what you are afraid of. Your life tells everyone that wants to listen. It shows.

Are you horrified when your children have a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store? Why? Is this their first one? Ever? No. In fact that same tantrum elicits a slightly different emotion in the confines of your own home. You might feel frustrated or annoyed, but in the middle of the store? It's fear. What will people think???

What about right before people come over? Are you running around like a crazy person? Are you more intensely encouraging(read: yelling) your children to clean their rooms  than normal? That's fear. What will people think?

I looked online for a list of what people fear, and found the following list to be the most relevant. Yes, people are afraid of spiders and public speaking. But when thinking about the fears that drive our lives and affect our decisions, this list is right on.

Losing your freedom

The Unknown

Pain

Disappointment

Misery

Loneliness

Ridicule

Rejection

Death

Failure

That list. It humbles me.

Daily we are making decisions from fear. But here is the kicker. That is actually a good thing. However fear becomes a problem when it is misdirected.

Because the “Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10

As Christians, we are always on this mysterious hunt for wisdom. Without a doubt, “wisdom” would have to be the number one answer to the question, “How can I pray for you?”

And right here we have the key to the beginning of wisdom. Fear God. The contra-positive is also true. Making decisions without fear of God, not so wise.

How do we show fear for God?

Example: 

I fell in love with a guy who had made a commitment not to date anyone for a year, two weeks before he met me. Consequently, for an entire year, we made no mention of any feelings for each other. None. No hands held. No kisses exchanged. Nada. Because I knew enough to know, that you do not mess with a vow to God. My decision was based on a healthy fear of a righteous God who says it is better not to make a vow to God at all then to make it in haste and break it. And I liked this guy too much to risk messing it up royally by starting it out breaking his vow to God. (spoiler alert........it worked out!!)

Chapter 26 displays a prime example of fearing God rather than man. David had another chance to kill Saul. But he passed. Why? Because more than he feared Saul (which was a lot) he feared God.

9 But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the Lord’s anointed and be blameless?” 10 David added, “As the Lord lives, the Lord will certainly strike him down: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. 11 However, because of the Lord, I will never lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let’s go.”

Those are two larger than life examples of how we show a healthy fear of God. But the really expression of obedience is in the day  to day decisions.

Misplaced fear leads to the need to control. Control your children. Control your friends. Control your spouse. Control your environment.Control your boss. The list goes on and on.

Yet fearing God leads to freedom!

David knew that Saul's days were limited, because of God's promise. David knew his victory was going to come directly from the hand of God. He feared God, not man. He was free.

So many things that stress me out during the day are related to fear. I would challenge you to think about  this as you go through the day and find your own stress building.  Don't let that moment pass you by. Examine yourself before the Lord as we are told to do time and time again. Discover what is causing you to fear. Revisit the above list. Identify the misplaced fear and replace it with freedom. 

Fearing God leads to trusting God.

Just like our actions give away our source of fear, our actions also display our lack of fear. If you do not fear God, it will show.

If a fool says in his heart “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1) than what about a man that knows there is a God, and yet does not fear Him. Too often, that is us.

This is what the Bible says about those that fear the Lord.

Prov 14:26-27 (NIV) He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Ps 34:9 (NEB) Fear the Lord, all you his holy people; for those who fear him lack nothing.
Prov 19:23 (NEB) The fear of the Lord is life; he who is full of it will rest untouched by evil.

Ps 118:4 (NIV) Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever." 

Take one or any of these verses today. Write it out. Meditate on it. 

Also, check out this video link below on the fear of God by Pastor Chet Lowe. I guarantee  that you will not soon forget the truths expressed. I have never experienced a service like this one. Ever. It was truly powerful and necessary.

Click here to hear "The Fear of God." Taught by Pastor Chet.

Reviewing a Rough Road- Psalms and Samuel

So call me crazy, hormonal, or inconsistent, but I am about to disagree with myself.

Two posts ago, I said how the “Review” posts were my favorite. And they normally are. But not in this case. I am not sure I want to think about what I just learned because it was hard. It still hurts. And my heart has not fully healed yet.

You see, God in His sovereign wisdom and grace, prepared me for these last two weeks through His word. However, to review those lessons, means to go deep into what He is trying to teach me, which I am still trying to learn, through tears.

Before my church was turned upside down, God talked to me about what peace really is, showed me how I need to be rescued from my flesh, and reminded me that when I feel overwhelmed, He knows. Afterwards, he showed me what to do when a leader falls and how easily that could be me. And people, this is just my daily chapter by chapter reading. I did not search these lessons out.

Some may say it is narcissitic to claim God speaks to my need through His word, but I just call it love. And the same love is waiting for you.Through His word He tells us Who He is,who we are, who we are destined to be, and more. Such love.

The following is a recap, but for each full post, click on each title.

Psalm 120- Defining Peace

Psalm 120
In my trouble I cried to the Lord,
And He answered me.
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips,
From a deceitful tongue.
7 I am for peace, but when I speak,
They are for war.
So what did Jesus have to say about peace?

Matthew 10:34-36
Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.

Jesus, who is called the “Prince of Peace” claims that he did not come to bring peace, meaning the absence of war or fighting, on the earth. Why? Well, for one, He knew that as long as there is sin in the world, this could never happen. So what kind of peace is He talking about?

Romans 10:15

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

I love how Matthew Henry expounds on this verse:

(Peace) It is the word of reconciliation between God and man..... it is glad tidings of good things. The things of the gospel are good things indeed, the best things; tidings concerning them are the most joyful tidings, the best news that ever came from heaven to earth.

Peace is reconciliation with God.

It is this definition that makes this portion of the Psalms, and even Jesus title as "The Prince of Peace" become so clear.

And here is the verse of the day, one to meditate on and reflect back on, when all seems not so peaceful..

One of my favorites:

Ephesians 2:14a For He Himself is our peace!

Psalm 140- I need to be rescued.

Crying out for protection, Psalm 140 records once again, David's need to be rescued.

Like me. I need to be rescued.

Unlike David, however, I do not have a world leader hunting me down. The fact remains, however, that there is a roaming, roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And God reminds me,

“For you wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Now it is with David I pray,

Rescue me, keep me, You are my God, the strength of my salvation. You have covered my head in the day of battle,

because this life is a battle.

I can't be the only one who feels that war raging inside.

I can't be the only one who doesn't always want to do the things I know I should do!

I know that this struggle is from the cradle to the grave. I know that greater men and women then me have warred against their flesh, yet I also know that there is victory in Christ Jesus. How do I know this?

Number one, because He has told me. It is all over His Word. Countless examples of the power to change lives from a murderer to a preacher, from a coward to a warrior, from an orphan girl to a queen who saves. Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world.

Number two, I have seen it up close and personal. I have seen His hand in my life, in my family's lives, in my friends' lives.

If you are still who you were, then we have a problem.

Part of the problem and part of what holds us back is that we don't know how badly we need rescuing.

That is pride.

I pray that we would approach our days with the same vigilance that David did, that we would see our moment by moment need to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and that we would not turn to sugary substitutes or quick fix fillers to quiet those needs, but that we would surrender and submit to the will of God through worship and prayer and the study of His word. Amen!

Psalm 141- Hungry?

Psalm 141
Lord, I cry out to You;
Make haste to me!
Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense,
The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

I was so HUNGRY to get into the Word tonight.

Lord, I cry out to You;
Make haste to me!

I felt these words to my core when I read them. Hurry up Lord. Please meet me hear fast as my praises go up, and Your mercies come down.

The lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing,

Hello? Can I get a witness?

The power of our words is real. I desperately want this verse to be true in my life.

Let the righteous strike me;It shall be a kindness.
And let him rebuke me;It shall be as excellent oil;
Let my head not refuse it.

Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy. Constructive criticism rarely feels good, but is profoundly necessary. I thank God for friends and family that look with love on my life and tell it like it is. It almost always offends at first hearing, but upon reflection, when pride is put down, real growth is possible.

But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord;
In You I take refuge;

At the end of the day, I needed this. My eyes, upon the Lord, my soul taking refuge. Keeping my eyes on Jesus. This song came to mind, and  it is my prayer for us!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Words & Music: Hel­en H. Lem­mel, 1922

Psalms 142- What To Do When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed.

Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path.

He knows. He sees and He knows. Sometimes, all we need is to know that someone knows, someone understands, and someone sees. And it is enough. All day long my children clamor for my attention. They want me to know everything that happens. If they did something right, I need to know. If they have been wronged, I need to know. And just me knowing, quite often is enough.

He has seen my path. He knows where I have been and where I am going. He has been there the whole time. And He defends me.

Every day the enemy's goal is to overwhelm us. And our Lord's plan is that we run to Him and His Word. His Word is life. Don't take that for granted. Read it. See how God's character is displayed and grab that verse to hold onto throughout the day.

I Samuel 25:1 A Time to Mourn

I Samuel 25:1

As I have been reading through I Samuel chronologically, there have been a few stops in Psalms. Those of you that are on this journey with me, know that I have been aching to get back into I Samuel. I feel like I left David hanging. He is hiding from Saul, and I need to get back there to get him to safety. :) Nevertheless, God had many beautiful lessons and comforts for me in the Psalms, for which my heart is glad.
So finally, FINALLY, today is the day. I am back in I Samuel. And what is the first verse? The first three words I read?
Then Samuel died;

Wait, what? No, no no!! Samuel can't die. Not now. David needs Samuel. He is the one who has mentored him, anointed him, prayed for him. Samuel. What will David do without Samuel? Oh the feelings that must have surged through David's heart. Will the calling still be fulfilled? Who will take his place? What will happen to the people? What now?

and the Israelites gathered together and lamented for him

What happens now? The answer is simple, but it might surprise you.

What do they need to do first before anything else?

 Mourn.

 It has to be done. Nothing else can happen until it does. And this verse, this one, matter of fact verse, seemingly separate from the rest of the chapter, bears more relevance to me and a million other people in the world right now than most of us would care to think about.

What is mourning?  It is the outward expression of grief.

Who is mourning? Well, it might be easier to answer ......... who isn't? 

 

Mourning happens as a result of loss. The death of a loved one is the most commonly spoken of reason for grief, but there are countless other losses that evoke this same type of feeling.

The loss of a dream. The loss of a home. The loss of a marriage. The loss of a job. In David's case? The loss of a leader.

This great loss.....a loss I know too well.

Click on the link for the rest of the post. I didn't know how to condense this one. It was too personal. It is still.

I Samuel 25b-

In I Samuel 25:1, Samuel died and the people mourned. And now, even though David's calling is yet to be realized, life still goes on. The people have practical needs. David's army is hungry. David attempts to provide for them, calling in a favor from a man he had helped in the past. This man, Nabal, however, refuses. Now what? Instead of praying for guidance, David relies on what he knows. He prepares for battle. He will get what is due him by force. Providentially, however, Abigail, Nabal's wise and winsome wife, gets wind of what is going on. Upon hearing of her husbands refusal to help David, she knows his actions will likely bring disaster to her family. So she collects some food and supplies, and sets off on foot to hopefully stave off any potential harm. And it works. David is moved by her kindness. He is thankful. And consequently David is saved from making a big mistake.

There are many lessons to be learned from this passage of scripture. First of all, David did not seek God first about this potential battle. He just barreled on full steam ahead. God, however, had other plans.

“A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his path.”

Too many times I have gone ahead and made plans without truly seeking God and been stopped right in my tracks. Sometimes it was not a pleasant stop, but I was stopped nonetheless. How good is God to warn us when we are headed in a way that leads to destruction?

Hebrews 12:6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives.

And in this moment, my heart is overwhelmed with His love for me.

God warns us. He woos us. He calls us. He does this because of how much he cares. But sometimes, we chose self. We choose an immediate pleasure over longtime love. We choose instant satisfaction over ongoing sanctification. 

But oh what amazing growth would happen in our life if the next time we were confronted with a need for change we reacted like David.

“Praise the Lord who ......restrained His servant from doing evil.

How did the Lord keep him from doing evil? He sent someone to remind him of who he is and the high calling on his life. She goes to him in meekness and grace.

28 Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the Lord’s battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you.

She takes responsibility for the sins of her husband,Nabal. She reminds David of who he is anointed to be speaks a blessing into his life.

What would happen church, if the conflicts in our home, our work place, and within all of our relationships were handled this way on a daily basis?

Approach with grace and receive with praise.

Wow.

I pray that we would be receptive to correction, taking it to the Lord for true clarification. I pray that when we have an issue to bring before someone we would do so with humility and grace, knowing that our Lord in heaven, came to us, he washed our feet. And while I rejoice in a God that loves me just as I am, I am eternally grateful that he loves me too much to let me stay that way.

Confessions of a Creationist: When the Bible doesn't match science.

Confession time.
 The Bible's account of creation does not always line up with Science.
 There. I said it. Now what?

Well because of this, some really smart men out there that consider themselves to be Christians, embrace evolution. Regularly, those Christian evolutionists repeat the same words heard in the garden, all those years ago....

"Did God really say....?

However, the reality that science does not always line up with scripture doesn't bother me.
Wait, what??
That's right.  And it shouldn't bother you either. 

Here's why.

1. Expecting our understanding of science and the Bible to line up in perfect harmony is ridiculous.

Read this carefully. If you are dismayed when science seems to contradict the Bible's account of creation, how do you feel when "science" does not line up with the rest of the Bible?

Virgin birth?

Yup. Bible says it. But science? A baby born with no male donor? Not possible.

Healing with mud?

The Bible says Jesus did it. But I dare you to find a scientist with the research to back up this unprecedented claim.

Walking on Water?

Seriously, what man has ever replicated that? Not very sciency.

And rising from the dead?

3 days after dying?  And I mean dead.  Not, “Oh, we thought he was dead, but look, he's alive and kicking in a body bag in the morgue.” I mean heart pierced-water- flowing out dead, but now alive.

Yes, there are some real problems in the Bible conforming to some apparent scientific data. But creation is definitely not the most egregious.

We need to remember this one crucial fact:

  The One that created the laws, has a way of making those laws fit what He declares to be true. It's called a miracle.

2. God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

That's it. Bottom line.
 So saying things like, “Well, they are really smart, and they believe this” does not an argument make. For instance, a lot of these really smart thinkers will claim that they believe the Bible and evolution.  But once you dig deeper into their theology, it's clear that they really don't believe the greater part of the Bible. This brings us back to number one. They are producing theories to try to make the Bible line up with science, when God never asked them to do any such thing. Because, logically, if you are going to do that, wouldn't you start with the resurrection? I mean, I hope that we can all agree that the resurrection is the most important event detailed in the Bible. So why then, don't the Christian evolutionists try to tell us what actually happened at the tomb? Surely God didn't mean that Jesus rose from the dead. We all know that doesn't line up with science.

Listen, I am not saying to check your brain at the church door. In fact, please don't! But when choosing what to believe, the Bible has to win. It is written by the one that is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. The problem with any apparent discrepancies is that science just hasn't caught up with God yet. For instance, Revelations says that the whole world will see two prophets die. Ten years ago, one would have said, “Preposterous!” “Impossible!” How could the whole world see a single event at one time.  But now we know that 90% of the world can see any given event in minutes, seconds even. Time after time, predictions that we couldn't possibly understand at the time have come true.

3. They know the truth but refuse to repent.

The reality is that some of these brilliant scientists actually know that some of what they are saying is a complete lie. The soldiers that knew that Jesus rose from the dead told the authorities that Jesus rose from the dead. And what did these authorities do when confronted with truth? Nothing. They covered it up. Or at least they tried. Sharing from the pulpit this past Easter, Franklin Graham highlighted this very fact. Those in authority knew the truth, but refused to repent, and determined to lead others astray. Sadly, this is true not only in science, but in everyday life. We grieve the heart of God and destroy the lives around us because even though we know the truth and know what we ought to do, we do not repent. We choose self. I pray that we, the body of Christ, would continue to battle against the powers of darkness on our knees, and in our hearts that we might see fruit in due season.

Yes, I will admit that the Bible doesn't always line up with science.  Because frankly, it is above science. Like here:

And truth be told, evolution has the same problem.  However the major difference is that Creationists can rest on  "God said" which easily trumps "Darwin said" any day.

We walk by faith, not by sight, and without faith, it is impossible to please God. Study to show thyself approved, but remember that God's Word is the ultimate authority and His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. AMEN!! (2 Cor. 5:7, 2 Tim. 2:15, 2 Peter 1:3)

What did He say?- Review time

Since I have been blogging this personal study through the Bible, my favorite posts have really been those that review. Repeatedly in the Bible we are exhorted to "remember" because, man, we are forgetful!  So strap on your seat belt or your thinking cap, and get ready to review! Click on the link for the entire post.

Psalm 31- Choosing to Trust

Reading the Bible to me, means looking for the Character of God and allowing it to shape me.
 After reading and meditating on Psalm 31 for a few days, one word continued to jump out at me.

  But I trust in the Lord.

 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in Your hand;

God is trustworthy. I trust Him. But in a world with so much noise, so much distraction, sometimes it becomes a choice, more than a reflex. Yet I don't choose to trust with ignorance. I choose to trust because I have been here before. And I have seen His hand. I have felt His heart. I have heard His voice. And I say with Job:

⁵ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;

Job 42:5

Psalm 34- A love that delivers.

Through David's tears and pain, he praised. And knowing how often his words have carried me through hardships, I can't help but wonder how many people since David penned those words, have been helped through the night, through the day, through the years, from his words, those words he expressed while he lived a nightmare.

I have seen such sadness over the last couple days on facebook. Two different families, two different states, both saying goodbye to a newborn. Yet the words flowing from their hearts are not those of anger or bitterness, but insight and faithfulness. Like David, in their darkest moments, of unthinkable pain, they praise. 

:Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

And then,

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18.The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

He is near to the brokenhearted. If you are feeling brokenhearted, downtrodden, or crushed, turn your face to heaven, and magnify the Lord with me. Let us exalt His name together. 

 Psalm 52: Even When Truth is Ignored, God's Love Still Endures.

 Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man?
The loving kindness of God endures all day long.
2 Your tongue devises destruction,
Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit.
3 You love evil more than good,
Falsehood more than speaking what is right. [c]Selah.
4 You love all words that devour,
O deceitful tongue.

Feeling a bit frustrated this morning as I read through the headlines.
Just How? How can lies be passed off as truth, over and over and over? And then even when lies are exposed, no one cares. So I put down my newspaper ( metaphorically speaking of course, who holds a newspaper anymore?? ) Finally, I flip open the Bible, (which I clearly should have opened first) to the assigned reading, as I go through the Bible chronologically and I am reminded that there is nothing new under the sun. Those that love deceitful and destructive words have been around for thousands of years. They are blinded by pride and a lust for power.

Yet, the loving kindness of God endures.

And this was my assigned reading for the day. Seriously? I couldn't have picked a more appropriate passage if I had googled "passage in the Bible that will encourage me after feeling defeated by the lies perpetrated in our world."  There is no greater proof for the veracity and power of God's word, then reading through it for yourself, and realizing the relevance and power God has to meet you exactly where you are!

One of my favorite things about the Psalms is that over and over again, David airs his grievances before the Lord, unashamedly and unfiltered. Yet by the end, he is encouraging himself, and us, thousands of years later, in the Lord. So if you, like me, can feel discouraged by this uphill fight, read on.

Psalm 56- Believe it or not!

I can't recap this one! You just have to read it ;) It might be my favorite because of what God did for little ol' me.

1 Samuel 25b- Pull over!

I Samuel 25b- CLICK HERE TO READ FIRST:) :) :)

In I Samuel 25:1, Samuel died and the people mourned. And now, even though David's calling is yet to be realized, life still goes on. The people have practical needs. David's army is hungry. David attempts to provide for them, calling in a favor from a man he had helped in the past. This man, Nabal, however, refuses. Now what? Instead of praying for guidance, David relies on what he knows. He prepares for battle. He will get what is due him by force. Providentially, however, Abigail, Nabal's wise and winsome wife, gets wind of what is going on. Upon hearing of her husbands refusal to help David, she knows his actions will likely bring disaster to her family. So she collects some food and supplies, and sets off on foot to hopefully stave off any potential harm. And it works. David is moved by her kindness. He is thankful. And consequently David is saved from making a big mistake.

There are many lessons to be learned from this passage of scripture. First of all, David did not seek God first about this potential battle. He just barreled on full steam ahead. God, however, had other plans.

“A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his path.”

Too many times I have gone ahead and made plans without truly seeking God and been stopped right in my tracks. Sometimes it was not a pleasant stop, but I was stopped nonetheless. How good is God to warn us when we are headed in a way that leads to destruction?

When I was a teenager I couldn't get away with ANYTHING. Not one thing. That praying mom I mentioned here? The mom that was always fighting for our family? I blame her prayers. Whenever I did anything dishonest, it was sure to backfire. That verse “Be sure your sin will find you out?" That could have been my life's verse.

Yet there was a girl in my high school who had the opposite life. She was allowed to do anything that she wanted. I was so jealous. One day while we sat waiting for our respective rides home on the bench after school, I let her know how lucky she was that her parents didn't care what she did. Staring off down the road she answered soberly without skipping a beat, “Yeah, they don't care.”

And I understood. That short conversation has stayed with me all of these years.

Hebrews 12:6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives.

And in this moment, my heart is overwhelmed with His love for me. Seriously. This passage in I Samuel. Today. I am just reading through I Samuel. Who could know the relevance for this my life right now? God. That's who. A sovereign loving God who has treasures in His word, waiting for us, just to read and receive.

God warns us. He woos us. He calls us. He does this because of how much he cares. But sometimes, we chose self. We choose an immediate pleasure over longtime love. We choose instant satisfaction over ongoing sanctification. 

How many times has someone come to you with a complaint about your character, only to be dismissed. Was it a coworker, an overseer, a spouse, your child? What happens in our hearts when we are confronted  by someone who thinks our intended path is wrong? In my own heart my first reaction might be defense. “How could you say that about me, don't you know I......(fill in the blank with excuse or justification.) Or accusation “Who are you to tell me that? ”

But oh what amazing growth would happen in our life if the next time we were confronted with a need for change we reacted like David.

“Praise the Lord who ......restrained His servant from doing evil.

David could have ignored Abigail, he could have hung onto his hurt pride and charged forward to make Nabal pay. He could have chosen vengeance over mercy. But he didn't. He let go. David's pride was in check. His response?
Praise.
 Praise to a God that kept him from doing evil.

How did the Lord keep him from doing evil? He sent someone to remind him of who he is and the high calling on his life. She goes to him in meekness and grace.

28 Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the Lord’s battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you.

She takes responsibility for the sins of her husband,Nabal. She reminds David of who he is anointed to be speaks a blessing into his life.

What would happen church, if the conflicts in our home, our work place, and within all of our relationships were handled this way on a daily basis?

Approach with grace and receive with praise.

Wow.

I pray that we would be receptive to correction, taking it to the Lord for true clarification. I pray that when we have an issue to bring before someone we would do so with humility and grace, knowing that our Lord in heaven, came to us, he washed our feet. And while I rejoice in a God that loves me just as I am, I am eternally grateful that he loves me too much to let me stay that way.

One thing I learned from Bob Coy.

 

With so many new visitors on my site, I wanted to say hi :) and share with you why this blog is here.

I started this blog, like most,  as an outlet for my opinions, a place for my point of view. I started blogging in August of last year tackling different topics. That in and of itself was terrifying. Then in November, I felt the Lord nudging me to start logging my personal Bible study for accountability on the blog as I work through the Bible chronologically.

You see, one thing that has been imparted to me throughout my decades at Calvary, has been the need and love for reading through and studying scripture. I loved listening to Bob Coy teach. But contrary to popular (and condescending) opinion, it was not for his jokes.  Let's be honest. After 20+ years, I have just about heard all of his jokes. And when he tells that one liner again for the millionth time, I would normally just smile and roll my eyes like I do with some of my dad's jokes. The real reason I loved listening to BC teach is that he dedicated so much time behind the pulpit to actually reading the scriptures. So many preachers start with a verse, and then talk about that verse for 45 minutes. But the real life changing power of preaching is in presenting the scripture- and lots of it. (I also developed a love for alliterations under this guy! Can you tell??) But how, you may ask, could God use a man that was living in sin for whatever length of time? The answer is simple. God can use anybody or anything, like a donkey, the stars, a rock. Anything! That truth goes for you too, by the way. So the next time you feel particularly proud of yourself for being “used” just consider the company with which you keep.

Since having started this online devo blogging, I have learned so much. The process of really searching out the scriptures to discover more about God's character and then expressing it in words has been incredibly edifying and educational for me. It has also deepened my appetite and awareness for how desperately I need that time in God's word! Feeling anxious? Get in the word. Feeling sad? Get in the word. Feeling blessed? Get in the word. And really, get in it! Meditating on it all day, remembering the lessons extracted from the living breathing Word of God that morning, that is powerful.

Our Father longs to comfort us through His promises, teach us through His commandments, encourage us through His exhortations. But friends, we have to read it. And not only read it. Search it. Hold on to it. Meditate on it. Share it. Here's why. ;)

 the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

But know this.  I am not a professional blogger, writer, theologian, or grammar specialist. So adjust your expectations accordingly. :) Nevertheless, I do consider myself an apologist because this:

a·pol·o·gist

əˈpäləjist/

noun

noun: apologist; plural noun: apologists

1. 1.
   a person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial.

Synonyms

Defender, supporter, upholder, advocate, proponent, exponent, champion, campaigner:

Oh, and for fun look at the antonym given : critic …...Ouch.

I would love to have you join me on this study through God's word and life in general. Each section of scripture is so full, and I am not doing a verse by verse exposition. So there will be other elements of God's character or lesson to be learned from each passage that I don't cover. In the comment section tell me what you saw, or if you can relate with what I saw, tell me how.

 I am so grateful to those of you that have “held me accountable” thus far even by simply reading through the devo posts. Just knowing you are there reminds me to keep going. And if we have learned nothing from these past 2 weeks, I hope we have learned the importance of accountability.

Secrets of a Mega Church From an Insider.

With so many articles and blogs showing up exposing the dangers of "Mega Churches,"  I felt compelled to finally come out with all of the secrets that I possessed. You see, I have gone to Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale for over 20 years. Who better to show the hidden world of the .....dun dun dun......MEGA CHURCH...then me. I have even obtained video footage!! You won't believe your eyes!


Did you know that my mega church  ministers to those with special needs? Every week! Volunteers come and serve weekly just to give the parents a break???? How dare they! Watch this video and see if you aren't outraged! (sarcasm intended)

 

Not only that, but some other people at that church dared to start an amazing radio station that doesn't just play the same top ten Christian songs on regular rotation! This mega  radio station uses worship songs and gospel messages to uplift and encourage the community! Outrageous. And if that isn't bad enough, a listener of this radio station named Miguel heard the need of a caller on an afternoon radio show, and Miguel actually tracked this man down to meet his need!!!! WHA????? Yes, it's despicable, I know. (Watch this only if you would like to cry like a baby)

And then one day Christians from that mega church opened a school where the gospel is taught daily, hourly even! So reckless. All that gospel has resulted in serious transformations. Exhibit A: This student published an incredible, unbelievable children's book and gave the money to help orphans! Orphans!  What are they teaching them at that mega school!!! (Watch this only if you want to be really really proud of the ministry of Calvary Christian Academy)

As if all of that wasn't enough, that pastor, of that mega church, began a foster kids program, and those people that go to that church? They take in children. Over 17,000 kids have been helped in the last 15 years. Psh. Figures right???

 

And lastly, the attendees would bring their friends to this church for these mega Christmas and Easter services. Then that mega pastor, who thought he was so funny,  would preach the Word, the uncompromising Word of God, and his hilarity brought clarity. People let their guards down, and God's Word did not return void.The evidence is right here. This Muslim couple was invited by a friend, and frankly, you won't believe what happened next. You just have to watch. Ugh. So typical!

So there you have it folks. I told you it was shocking. However, if you are like me, maybe you didn't even watch any of the videos, you just read to the end. But seriously, you have to watch these videos. At least one. Any one. They will all leave you feeling the exact same way.

But wait there's more!

I couldn't upload all of the video footage, so if you click here, you can watch the story of a woman with panic attacks that found peace and now helps others, a drug addict now clean, a suicidal woman stopped in her tracks and now living in victory, a Liberian child soldier that was adopted by one of our pastors. Yes you will find story after story of lives changed by the power of the gospel.

But that's not even the half of it. There are more. There are thousands and thousands of people whose story has not been captured in video form. If you are one of those people, like me, whose life has been forever been changed through the power of God working through the people at this mega church, than for the love of all that's good and right.....start telling people! We have to get the word out. God is good, and we have been blessed. Don't keep it to yourself. Ready......set...go! And make disciples!

(P.S. I am in no way insinuating that my church or pastor were perfect in anyway. Far from it. Obviously. But I am just tired of all the negativity from all the Monday morning arm chair quarterbacks. So if you would like to comment on all the pitfalls of a mega church, then find a different blog. There are hundreds of them.)

 Matthew 7:20

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

A time to mourn.- I Samuel 25:1

I Samuel 25:1

As I have been reading through I Samuel chronologically, there have been a few stops in Psalms. Those of you that are on this journey with me, know that I have been aching to get back into I Samuel. I feel like I left David hanging. He is hiding from Saul, and I need to get back there to get him to safety. :) Nevertheless, God had many beautiful lessons and comforts for me in the Psalms, for which my heart is glad.
So finally, FINALLY, today is the day. I am back in I Samuel. And what is the first verse? The first three words I read?
Then Samuel died;

Wait, what? No, no no!! Samuel can't die. Not now. David needs Samuel. He is the one who has mentored him, anointed him, prayed for him. Samuel. What will David do without Samuel? Oh the feelings that must have surged through David's heart. Will the calling still be fulfilled? Who will take his place? What will happen to the people? What now?

and the Israelites gathered together and lamented for him

What happens now? The answer is simple, but it might surprise you.

What do they need to do first before anything else?

 Mourn.

 It has to be done. Nothing else can happen until it does. And this verse, this one, matter of fact verse, seemingly separate from the rest of the chapter, bears more relevance to me and a million other people in the world right now than most of us would care to think about.

What is mourning?  It is the outward expression of grief.

Who is mourning? Well, it might be easier to answer ......... who isn't? 

 

Mourning happens as a result of loss. The death of a loved one is the most commonly spoken of reason for grief, but there are countless other losses that evoke this same type of feeling.

The loss of a dream. The loss of a home. The loss of a marriage. The loss of a job. In David's case? The loss of a leader.

This great loss.....

The Bible specifically mentions those that mourned loss.

In Numbers 14:39,  The Israelites mourn the loss of entering the promise land. Dreams and expectations shattered.

In Psalm 119:136, the Psalmist mourns the sins of God’s people. He says, “Tears stream down from my eyes, because they do not keep Your law.”

Hosea 4:3 tells us that the land mourns because of Israel’s sin and because of the consequences that have come upon the land as a result of that.

More often than not, feelings of grief are ignored and left unidentified causing decades of damage.

I have felt deep grief a handful of times. And those early days? When you are going about your day, and  all of a sudden remember that your life is never going to be the same again? Those moments that take your breath away and make you literally shake your head in disbelief? That is grief. Even if no one has died.

Disclaimer: I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, I dare you to find a more ardent defender of the bride of Christ than I. But this needs to be said.  Allowing others to mourn, is not our specialty.  Grief makes us so uncomfortable. 

It usually takes about 3.4 seconds after hearing the news that someone's loved one has died for them to hear the following exchange:

Was he a Christian?
Oh good.

Well, at least he's in a better place. 

Or how about a women that cannot bear a child? How many times has she heard a flippant, “Well, you can always adopt right?” This is not compassion.

Look, I am as big a fan of Pollyanna's glad game as anyone, I am just saying, it would be a good idea to apply scripture in these instances.

Bear each other's burdens.

Mourn with those that mourn.

 Mourn.

Not without hope. No. We have hope. We have The Hope. But some rush so fast through the “We mourn” part of that verse and only express the “hope” part.

Recently I gave a mom permission to cry her eyes out after the death of her son. Her response?  Relief and surprise. It's ok, I stressed to her.  I needed her to know that she wasn't somehow less spiritual because of her deep sadness. The fact that she didn't know this was a wake up call to me. How did she not know that it is within her absolute right as a mom, nay a Christian mom, to sob uncontrollably for what she has lost? What have we done when a mother feels guilty for appropriately mourning the loss of her son?

Why are we rushing people past their God given imperative to mourn, just to put on a happy face? Don't do it. If you are mourning, take it to God. Let Him walk you through it. If you know someone who is mourning a loss, any loss, mourn with them.

Don't rush me.  I won't do it. I am allowed to mourn.  No matter how often you tell me God has a plan, I will just tell you that I know He has a plan, and mourning is part of it. Mourning doesn't make you any less of a Christian. It doesn't mean you don't have joy. Or strength. Or faith. On the contrary. It takes faith to let yourself sob, heaving uncontrollable sobs, on someone's shoulder. It takes strength to reach out to someone and let them know you need help, that you need a burden bearer. 

Grief isolates. Mourning brings people together. 

Mourning does not look the same for everyone. I am not an expert. I only know what it looks like for me.

Writing. I have to write. I have to organize my thoughts. 

Talking. I need someone to know I am sad and be sad with me. I need to be understood and be able to express my thoughts.

Crying. It cleanses me. 

Praising. I have never reached my hands higher to God than I have in those lowest of low moments. Praise songs rise from my lips as tears fall to the floor. And I am healing.

Meditating on scripture. I need a go to verse.
Laughter I don't want to brag, but I have some of the funniest friends on the planet. And with one word, they can make me laugh out loud, erasing the pain, if only for a moment.

There are a lot of wounded people walking around that have never allowed themselves to mourn, and some actually feel that this is the godly way. 

My dear friend is always saying "We need more burden bearers." And I couldn't agree more. You don't need the perfect words to say. Just be there. Hug. Sit. Pour a glass of water.

Ecclesiastes 7

² It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
since that is the end of all mankind,
and the living should take it to heart.
³ Grief is better than laughter,
for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad.
⁴ The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure.

In your moment of mourning. Take note. Learn. Oh there is so much to learn. Soak in the presence of God. Feel every feeling. Invite your family and friends to mourn with you. Turn to each other, not on each other. God promises to turn our mourning into laughter, our weeping into dancing. He says there is a time to cry. It will not last forever, but it. must. be.

If we do not mourn properly, grief turns to bitterness and despair.
 

I pray for those that are mourning, by name. I know so many of you. Too many. Join with me. Lift up your brothers and sisters in prayer. Call. Email. Text. Love. Bear burdens. We are the church. We.Are.The.Church. We are family. And they will know we are Christians by our love for one another.

I'm not missing you at all.

This week was the last meeting of the year for our Classical Conversations Home school group, and if I am going to be totally honest, there are a few moms there that I am just not going to miss during the break. But for the sake of time, I will just mention one.

Her name is Eunice. Eunice and I are total opposites in so many ways. She says things like “when we finished all our school work before noon,” or “when I was writing lesson plans” and “when I finished cleaning,” …..all things I have never said. She has three boys about the ages of my three girls. Did I mention she is blond and Southern? Hailing from Texas,of all places, that drawl comes out once and a while standing in stark contrast to my New Yorker speed talking. I couldn't tell you exactly how it started, but all of a sudden she became the go-to recipient of my weekly, “Hey, I am running late” text on Tuesday morning, to which she would reply with grace and and smiley face :) She was the one who laughed at my silly comments at our Tutor meetings when I thought no one was paying attention. Yes, before I knew it, or could have predicted it, we were friends. I felt understood by her, and I have learned from her.  I want to be more like her when I grow up. Parting for the summer can be sad with this type of friend, but on that last day, she tried to make me feel better by letting me know that she had a feeling...... she wouldn't miss me. Did you read that? Yup, She said every word of it. “Wait, that came out wrong,” she said. “I mean, I have a feeling I am still going to see you.” Oh, ok. Yes. That's better. We fumbled through some get together ideas, until I finally invited myself, with children, over to her house to swim. Satisfied, we hugged and parted ways.

It was then that I determined that I was going to not miss some other ladies from my wonderful group of Tuesday Family Friends. Life is so busy with stuff. But this summer, I want it to be busy with friends. Old and new. Intentionally. Normally, I am the queen of the last minute invite. “Heading to the park, are you free?”  Even though it is hit or miss, at this stage of life, it is usually all I feel capable of coordinating while swimming upstream in a sea of laundry and dishes.

I have often just shook my head when hearing of other hyper planners that do things like....plan....Planning is something my mother does. I mean, if I have to, I will plan things, but it is painful. Some people love to plan, like my first born daughter. Imagine that. But it is not in my nature, for a number of reasons, not the least being, I am the baby of the family. The end.

But not this summer. Look out. I am tired of saying “We should get together” and knowing almost instantly that it won't happen. I am going to start hunting some of you down and penciling you in. You have been warned, especially if you have a pool. :) And when we get together, I want to know more about you. I want to know how you found Jesus. And how you met your husband. And what was your major. Why did you chose that? What do you want to be doing when your kids are grown? I want to know more about all these beautiful faces that I see in the hallway, once a week. I want to know what we can learn from each other. I want know what you have learned about the character of God in your life.

Let's go deeper this summer, building relationships, sharing life, sharing prayer requests, and making memories,   all the while allowing ourselves to see a person beyond preconceived ideas and superficial differences.

What are some ideas you have for getting together so you can not miss your friends when your school year is over? Share in the comments!