Quietly Overtaken, Merry Christmas

Week 6
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy

"I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;
         For He is the living God and enduring forever,
         And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
         And His dominion will be forever."  Daniel 6:26 (NASB)

Somewhere in time, between chapters five and six of the Old Testament book recorded by Daniel, the Persian army overtook the Medes in Babylon. The king, Belshazzar, had become rather complacent. He believed that since the army was outside the walls of the city that meant he was safe. Not so. According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, the reason the city was overtaken by the Persians was due to the fact that the Euphrates River, which ran through the city, was diverted to the north. This nixed the barrier of water and the army was able to infiltrate the city. Who says we don't need to pay attention to what's going on around us?

Belshazzar was killed. The prophet and advisor Daniel was left. The new king, Cyrus (apparently also known as Darius) liked him (Daniel.) Daniel's coworkers didn't care for him very much, so they came up with a plan to get rid of him for good. Unfortunately their plan was foiled by The Highest Power. Daniel didn't let go of his faith. He held on to his integrity. The Lord was with him and saved him, literally, from the lion's jaws. The new king was impressed with the might of the one true God. He made the proclamation I have referenced above.

In light of what's happening with our nation these days, I offer this prayer:

Please, Heavenly Father, I ask for your mercy on our nation. I ask for peace in Jerusalem. Let your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Open our eyes to see how our wrong thinking, attitudes and resulting behavior have shown that are hearts are far from you. Turn us back to you, Father. We need your love to flow through us. Forgive us for covering up the light that you gave us. Lift the basket up off the lanterns we hold within our hearts so that we may shine your light once again. We say one thing and do the opposite. May we not be hypocrites! May we glorify your name. It has always been and will always be the name above all names. We give you praise that you sent your son for us. Thank you, Jesus, that you took the nails meant for me, for all of us. Our sin is equal. Help us to share with our fellow man the good news of your coming, life, death, and resurrection. We are so weak. Strengthen our resolve. I know you hear us and answer us according to our faith. I'm so glad you look at your children through the crimson flow of your son's blood. Thank you, Jesus that we are as freshly fallen snow because of you. 

We have for us a White Christmas not because of crystallized rain, but because of the cleansing consummated when Love came down from heaven. No matter the scenery of our landscape, if we keep Christ in us and let Him flow through us, Christmas will be. The peace is for those of us who believe. May our belief be transparent, flaky, and full of the seasoning of His great love.

 

Of Highest Price

Week 5
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy

As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone. -Daniel 5:4 

The first thing I thought of when I read through this was a little lie that was told to me when I was immature, meaning new to Christianity. You may recall I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior at the age of sixteen. One of the problems I ran into was not having someone to disciple me. Not one person said, "Here's how we go about living a life that honors what He's done for you." 

My aim here isn't to condemn anyone. The goal I have in mind is to encourage anyone new to the Christian life, or anyone needing some discipleship. Be willing to learn from my mistakes. Have a heart that is prepared to take risks, such as losing long-time friends who don't help you maintain integrity. This is what the first half of the book of Daniel is centered on. It focuses on doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do- even and especially when no one can see you doing it (I assure you that God knows.) You are doing something if you're thinking or speaking, so just to clarify: Actions, thoughts, and speech are all part of "being holy." 

What do I mean by "holy?" Holy simply means set apart. Consecrated is a fancy word that is also used to describe the definition of holy. One question asked by Beth Moore in this chapter was "Are you fully able to accept the truth that you are a holy vessel?" I answered yes. I had a more difficult time answering the follow-up. "Do you see yourself as holy?" Uh. Let me think about that one for a moment...


I'm not singling any one out here as I write this, so I beseech thee not to take offense. Many life stories are similar. It's a little thing I like to call "humanity." Anyway...it seems like the elephant in the room is sex among young, and/or unmarried Christians. Okay. So, the elephant is here sitting next to me. Let's talk with the elephant and see what it has to tell us.


Good evening, Elephant. (No response.) I sense some tension. How do you feel talking about this? (Still nothing.) It may be painful, but let's just get to the nitty-gritty.

Why don't some Christian men and/or women place the same value on their bodies as Christ does? Well, sometimes it's just easier to continue living like the lie is the truth because it's hard to change the way you do things. And in other cases they aren't instructed any differently. In other words, sometimes we don't realize we're continuing to live a lie because other Christians haven't clued us in.

When I was going through "Pre-marriage Counseling" with the pastor who married my husband and I, she asked me about our sex-life. I thought that was interesting. Why would she assume we were sleeping together? She was right though. My husband and I were sleeping together. Then she said, "Well, I'm not going to tell you to stop, because I know you probably won't." Thinking back on that now, I cringe. A little bit of encouragement in treating our bodies as holy would have gone a long way. We both wanted to do the right thing. But you know what? Even though she didn't take the opportunity to instill the value of ceasing bedroom activities, and resuming once we were married, I felt convicted. God spoke to me in that moment. I told my soon-to-be-husband that I wanted to wait until our wedding night to have sex again. He agreed. It was only two weeks.

Paul leaves to his protege, Titus, some ways to make sure that the believers are taught how to live their new lives in Christ. Chapter two, the mentoring chapter, gives some sage advice. Paul lets Titus know what things are important, which issues need addressing, and why these guidelines are so paramount. I have here for you parts of Titus 2:

 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God... Instead, they should teach others what is good...to live wisely and be pure,... to do good,...Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us...For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Sit down, Elephant. I'm not finished yet. 

If we miss this, it has lasting consequences with overwhelming impact: emotional turmoil, distorted thinking, spiritual decay, physical disease, hopelessness.

A father neglects to tell his daughter how beautiful she is. A mother doesn't respect her own body, so her daughter isn't taught to love herself. A little boy is abused and no one comes to his rescue. A new believer doesn't have anyone willing to mentor her.

Beth had this to say about the lowering of standards:

"A high regard for the things of this world always signal a lowering regard for God...When we have a low regard for what God has called holy (Himself foremost, followed by what belongs to him), we open the door for captivity." p. 101

It is fair to say that people, men and women alike, don't value their bodies the same as Christ does because no one has told them either by saying it or showing it. 

"You are precious. I care enough about you to make sure you know the truth." Admonition goes far with those of us who have a primary love language of Words of Affirmation. And actions speak louder than words. One can let another person know they are esteemed by showing kindness and respect. If we're treated like we're loved, we'll probably feel and believe that we are loved. It's a good idea to take your fingers and point to, and then read 1 Corinthians 6:20. Scripture tells us, "You were bought at a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body." 

This seems to be an uncomfortable topic for you, Elephant.

Who has told you that you have worth that is far above rubies? When did you last hear that when Jesus looked out his living room window and saw you, that his heart beat faster and he smiled and said "I want her in our kingdom, Dad. I will pay whatever it costs to see her become your princess. Will you sign the papers to adopt her as my sister? She can have everything I own. We will share it for eternity." 

I want you to know, Elephant, that you have purpose and meaning. Tell me about a time when you believed it was okay to misuse your power. What's that? I couldn't hear your voice over the noise your foot made as you slammed it on the floor. There is a time and a place for you. And you are good.

To err is human. This I know, however sex doesn't happen on accident. What's the good news? Your past doesn't define your future. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus when you accept him as your Lord and Savior. When you tell the world that he has changed you, you want to uphold the integrity of your life. The truth is, you can choose to wait. The truth is you won't die. The truth is, you are clean! The truth is you have more value than to give away what no longer belongs to you. You trust God. He lives in you!

This doesn't feel good to talk about. I once felt very dirty after being abused. I believed I was worthless. I believed that it didn't matter if I gave myself away because I was "damaged goods."  No one took the time to tell me that I am worth the wait. You too are worth the wait! Gold, silver, rubies, diamonds...these precious gems are no match for you in God's eyes.

 I had to tell you all of this because you are loved by God. If you are in Him, then you are my sister, or my brother. I couldn't look you in the eye if I didn't tell you the truth.

Beth closes the video session for week five with this last sentiment: 

"Vessels that have been treated as unholy can be treated as holy again." p. 90

The Elephant has left the room.

A Serving of Humble Pie

Week 4

Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy

 

"But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the wild animals among the plants of the field." -Daniel 4:15 (NLT)

A month has passed since my study of Daniel ended. It was twelve chapters divided into slices of character and vision. Slowly, but surely, I've processed the deluge of information Beth Moore doled out. Each week I had become more expectant than the previous waiting for new bits to chew on. So now we get to sample a piece of humble pie.

Pride is a liar. Pride is like that nasty green jello served to patients at nursing homes for dessert- disgusting. It's also the central issue of Daniel chapter four. This passage begins with the king praising The Most High God. It didn't take long for old Neb to decide he had made himself great, and everything he had was because of his majesty. Sometimes the transition from praising God to taking pride in our own ability is a quick as licking that last bit of goodness off the fork. Savoring the richness of the creamy filling can sometimes lead us to forget the crust...the thing that holds it all together.

It seems to me that the issue is insecurity. Fear of the what ifs. My definition of insecurity is what happens when we rely on ourselves to do something fully aware that we are not sufficient to do on our own. I recall a conversation with a woman about reading the Bible. It centered on not understanding what was being read, yet at the same time this person didn't want to ask what was meant by the passage(s). After I had remarked that sometimes people like to preserve their image instead of publicly seeking answers to their questions, she then said, "Oh, I don't care what people think of me, I just don't want to sound like a dummy." Well, which is it?

The king had forgotten that what he had done was because God allowed him to do it. The riches and land and people he had conquered and amassed was because the Lord Almighty had given him favor...for a time and a purpose. Neb wanted to be sure that everyone else was aware of his accomplishments. In that he had conquered the known world, and to him, there was none who was greater, coupled with forgetting the One who gave it to him, he had compared himself to God.

Luke 18 gives an account of Jesus describing what can be summed up as pride. Verse ten begins his dialogue:

"Two men went into the temple courtyard to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed, 'God, I thank you that I'm not like other people! I'm not a robber or a dishonest person. I haven't committed adultery. I'm not even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my entire income.' "But the tax collector was standing at a distance. He wouldn't even look up to heaven. Instead, he became very upset, and he said, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' "I can guarantee that this tax collector went home with God's approval, but the Pharisee didn't. Everyone who honors himself will be humbled, but the person who humbles himself will be honored."

 God desires that we come to him with a humble heart. He honors our humility. When we don't understand, it's necessary for us to say so. He's already aware of our need, and He's always waiting for us to realize that we need Him to help us. It's counted as righteousness to seek Him.

The good news is that there is grace in the person of Jesus Christ. Notice his last statement in Luke 18:14. That's grace. It's the whipped cream. It's the kindness that complements the goodness. Speaking of pie and Jesus, let's take a look at some qualities that make up the delightful decadence that is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

Crust-

He is our foundation. Our lives are built on him. As followers of "The Way," we recognize that he offers truth that doesn't change. His Ways must become our ways, otherwise we will continue to have to reshape our dough, or graham crackers. How do we come to know His ways? We have to read what He said. What do we do if we don't understand? My crust keeps falling apart. What am I doing wrong? [Gasp! I might be doing something wrong?] If a recipe has been tested time after time and the originator of the recipe says, "Do it this way and it will turn out properly," then perhaps it may be the one reading the recipe who is in error.

Filling-

The Holy Spirit fills us up with things that prove our love for God and for each other. We can't give something that we don't have. A humble spirit is something we receive from God, and then we give little slices of it away. So if we're always recognizing our need for more of Him, He will continue to fill us with our needs. These needs are the same for everyone: acceptance, identity, purpose, and security (and I'd say these "fillings" really go back to our crust.) The thing about these primary needs is that humans aren't perfect, so it's impossible for us to fulfill these needs for each other. Only God can do that. When we rely on each other to fill us with things that only come from God, we end up disappointed, and our pie tastes awful.

Topping-

What makes a pie more appealing than whipped cream? Presentation, taste, creativity are enhanced by grace. Those extra touches that go above and beyond expectation have a way of bringing immeasurable pleasure. Jesus' dealing with the woman at the well, healing the blind man who was unable to see from birth, the lame man that Peter and John made jump for joy are good examples of grace. 

For Nebuchadnezzar, God didn't just take away his kingdom and it was done. God provided a warning, gave a lesson, and then restored what was temporarily restricted. There was a foundation, a crust, if you will: I am God, I make the rules and give to whom I please. I want you to acknowledge me. Neb remembered for a time where his prosperity came from, and then he forgot again. This was a pattern he had developed. It needed correction. So God took away his slice of pie.

Sometimes we need a "refilling." Christians need to remember that God disciplines His Children. According to the Bible, the apostle Paul says this as a good thing. "Hey, the Lord knows there's hope for me yet. Okay, Father, I'm sorry for _____. Please forgive me. I need you to help me to not do that again."

But then in His great love, God gives grace. That beautiful topping makes the slice we were handed back appear fresh, and perhaps uneaten. Not only did Nebuchadnezzar gain back his sanity, but he was restored as leader of his kingdom. Daniel recorded God's word to the king, "But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules." (Daniel 4:26)

There is hope for a tree when it is cut down. It will sprout again. Its shoots will not stop sprouting. Job 14:7

Keepin' It Real, Representin'

Week Three, Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy

Each week of the study follows the corresponding chapter of Daniel. This week we took at look at chapter 3, which deals with three friends of Daniel who were thrown into a fiery furnace for not bowing down to worship the statue that King Neb had made. Essentially, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego let the king know in no uncertain terms that he has no real power over them. That's bold stuff! Here's the short of what happened:


1.   Neb made a gigantic statue.
2.   He invited everyone who was anyone to come look at it in all it's golden glory.
3.   A few noticed that there were three Jewish men, who had a degree of authority, but they weren't saying awesome things about it.
4.   The music started and they just stood there while everyone else acted all a fool.
5.   Someone decided, "Oooooo, I'm tellin'!"
6.   They told.
7.   The king got mad.
8.   He asked if it was true.
9.   Said he'd give them one more chance.
10. Then threatened them with "Or else!"

And so now we have the three guys who don't give in...take a look at Daniel 3:16-18.

16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Italicized are the words of verse 16. Now we're talking about loyalty. Tests of loyalty. What it is to maintain loyalty...real examples. Neb wasn't loyal. Just one chapter back he proclaimed what a great God that God was and how He was LORD over kings! How quickly we change our minds when we don't have loyalty.

A few things that Beth points out for us in our study (concerning loyalty- to God especially) is that it " is not something we suddenly are at the flash-moment of testing. It's something we already were that surfaces in the test." One aspect of loyalty that I had not considered before, or maybe I knew it in my heart, but didn't know how to explain it with my head- and give voice to it with my mouth, was that when you have it, you are ready, you are prepared.

I'm impressed by two different commentaries on this passage of scripture. The first is by Wesley, he remarks, "there is no need of any answer in this case for it is in vain for us to debate the matter; the king is resolved to have his will of us, and we are resolved on the contrary." What it seems he is saying is that it doesn't really matter what they could have said to the king, he still would want them to bow down and worship this idol. No amount of prodding, even to the point of death, would change their mind on turning their back on their LORD's command to serve no other gods. Matthew Henry though, in my opinion sums up the matter really well by stating the deeper, more subtle issue- another person's perception of you. In his words, "Fear of man and love of the world, especially want of faith, make men yield to temptation, while a firm persuasion of the truth will deliver them from denying Christ, or being ashamed of him. We are to be meek in our replies, but we must be decided that we will obey God rather than man."

So that's it. Who are we going to be loyal to? I think of a movie in which I never watched myself, but my husband has quoted from it mockingly, but it happens to fit really nicely here. The storyline of the movie is about an educated man who trades places with another man to avoid some kind of unjust punishment. The man he trades places with is a hoodlum. This hoodlum does his best to impress others with his high-class talk, and it would seem that this irritates the educated man, so he does something a little unconventional.

This act takes place but for a moment on a passenger train at dinner time. Both men order from the menu, but one's request may not have been able to be fulfilled. He orders "the yard bird burnt to a crisp. Then I want ya ta spit on dat wit a lil bit of dat hot tabasca and I'ma wash all dat down wit a 40 dog of Schlitz malt liqa!" And so the man who wasn't actually the hoodlum, but was pretending to be, streams line of profanities and then, " How you gonna run a successful business without any Schlitz malt liqa? You ain't keepin' it real. You ain't representin'!"' It came out funny because he spoke like a mad man, but it wasn't really funny because he himself wasn't keeping it real or representing.

Jesus, I bet, meant that when he said, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?" It's a great idea, but have you thought it all the way through? Do you know and are you willing to do what it takes to see it be done? You need to already have your mind made up. You need to know what you'll do just in case.

I'm resolved to not give in. How about you? Let's hold each other accountable. I like this great visual tool she gives us to remember why and how the Lord is with us in all of our tests, trials, and temptations...

(Mid-June 2011)

Apology

I'm sorry, I've been grouchy lately. It isn't right for me to complain. Please forgive me.

Met Eunoias Douleuontes, Ephesians 6:7

Get Culverized. Check.

Not too long ago I had a dream about the youth of today. This afternoon, to my displeasure, I lived the dream. Not exactly, but certainly close enough. A quick summary of the dream is that I was sitting at a table with some mixed company. Many of the people I sat with would be best described as distinguished citizens. I remember having a discussion with two people in particular. One comment came from a man whom I could not see. He said that young people are irresponsible. The other made mention that today's youth don't live for the future, they live for the very moment they happen to be in.

My daughter and I took a trip to the store to get a few things that we needed. Once we had made our purchase and walked back to our vehicle, as I had promised, we buckled up and headed to Culver's to get a treat. (Praise God for Team Scoopie Tokens!) The gentleman at the counter waiting patiently to serve us was pleasant enough. He informed me that Strawberry Cheesecake was the flavor of the day. It sounded scrumptious, but knowing it's not a gluten-free item, I said the two of us would have the chocolate custard. This is the point at which my affect was slightly altered. Un-gentleman says from a few feet afar, "Don't think I'm gonna make you anything."

In my mind I had many equally unrefined words for him. But you see "gentleman" had it covered. He simply walked over to the frozen custard case and scooped it out himself. What a guy! Not a single word was exchanged between the two of them.

You know, I remember what it was like to be a teen. The whole world was ridiculous and so on and so forth. There was pressure to maintain a certain image; most assuredly if you didn't realize who you truly were. And sometimes it would appear that no matter what you did, some aspect of it was wrong. Something in the present just doesn't seem the same though.

Ephesians 6:7 in the NIV says, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men," and I'm left wondering if maybe the problem is that neither is happening; serving men or the Lord. And yet it occurs to me that there was a teen who through no words at all handled an uncomfortable situation with mercy for his co-worker and compassion toward my daughter and I. There is hope for our future after all and that very hope is in us, and I trust it is also in this gentleman. He certainly shows some good fruit! As the saying goes, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." 

I'm thankful that the Lord shut my mouth to prevent me from saying something hurtful to Mr. Un-gentleman. With unrestrained, wisdomless words, I could have ruined a divine appointment. I don't know what the truth of his situation is, still the fact of the matter is I can influence him. It seems to me his gentlemanly co-worker can influence him more so, but I believe I did make an impact since his face appeared to be waiting for a reaction. Instead I responded with a smile and a thank you to the kind, willing gentleman worker.

I intend to love teens especially because God loved me in my past- when I was a teen; in my present- while I'm still so dull; and in my future- when I will meet him face to face with hope of hearing "well done, my good and faithful servant." Meanwhile there are two important things for me to keep on the sticky side of my mind, one is that there is always a remnant. The second is that change begins with me.

The Overflowing Cup of Inadequacy

If Jesus were the comedic type, would he walk the streets with a shirt that reads "I'm With Stupid" having an arrow pointing in both directions? Which scripture qualifies this as a thought to be reckoned? Let's see. In the book of Mark, one can find him asking if one of his personally chosen disciples is still "so dull," in the NIV. Another version states it the same but different as you can tell by the language, "Are you so ignorant?" (ISV) Looking at the actual pages of scripture, I keep wondering. It may very well be. One arrow certainly could be reserved for me, and yet he has a predominant sway to draw me near to him. Studying his ways in the Bible tells me that he's not in the habit of making a spectacle of people who are sincere in their search for him, however he's not shy in telling it like it is.

Over the years, as I have looked to him for recovery from the pain I've caused myself, he's reached out his arm and elicited a response of gratitude. In leading me toward the truth of my situation, for there are innumerable aspects I neglect to fathom, the two of us cross arms and head for a quiet place.

The biggest struggle that I seem to face is dealing with feelings of inadequacy. Often times I have a greatly elevated sense of the manner in which my day ought to proceed.  Each day I make grand plans and frequently it evolves into something quite different. Unfortunately, I don't always take a moment to relax in the presence of God and make a request of his opinion on the details of my day. This is where it goes horribly wrong. And so in the midst of my struggle, I give myself a time-out for being foolish. 

Foolish. Up the page a little I wrote about how Jesus asked his disciples how it was that they were still lacking understanding. Hm. In Strong's Concordance, number 801 gives us the Greek word "asunetos," which briefly, means "failing to put facts together." Presently, I'm going to take a moment to sip on the truth that I have great value because of my relationship with Jesus. As an adopted daughter of the King of kings, he loves me no matter what. Knowing that is a real confidence booster because otherwise I'm just not enough. 

There is so much freedom that is given when I take to heart the fact that I AM INADEQUATE. What makes it okay is that God's grace is enough. Tonight I commit to asking God's permission to do, and say, and think. Hold me accountable when he says no. Laugh with me as he finds favor with me.

My cup runs over now because I have sat with you, my Wonderful Counselor. When I sat down with you I was empty. I had nothing left to give. But in your great mercy, you poured back into my cup those things that had been taken away, or given away recklessly. Forgive me, Lord, for my foolishness. Impart to me a refreshing shot of your grace. Design my day for your glory, for you are Alpha and Omega. I need you more than the air I breathe. Thank you for sitting with me, stilling my mind, whispering through the noise that often distracts me so that I may incline toward you to hear your gentle voice. You alone bring peace. I love being in your presence. You have overcome for me. I live with you in me and so I have your authority and power. May I bring your name nothing less than praise. Your arm is long enough to hold me and fight for me simultaneously. You are my hero. You have sweetened the contents of the cup I must drink from.

All the Sudden a Tear or Two

Last night, I decided to have Owen read a story out loud to me. After a few pages his brother, Alex, had finished reading his book. I invited him to come sit with us and listen as well. There we sat, three of us, stretched out upon the sofa, reading The Tale of Three Trees. 

About the middle of the story, I decided that I would take over the reading. Almost immediately I thought, "Perhaps this was a mistake." By the end of the page I was unable to speak except in tiny fragments which were noticeably quieter due to the fact I was attempting to hold back tears. The gravity of what I had been seeing with my eyes, feeling with my heart, and saying with my voice rested on my chest. Inhale, exhale, I reminded myself to breathe. In just a few short pages the weight of sin transcended through paper, time, and space and settled in my heart. It surely was too heavy for me to bear, as I could not hold it in. Stumbling through the remaining pages was my best. Stopping at each word. Releasing the burden with every remembrance that Jesus was the one who came and took it all away from me, from you, from any one that would say, "I can't handle this myself!"

And so in a few moments I had finished the story (It's not a long book,) but I felt impressed to go back to where I had begun to fight back the tears. Then I flipped back several pages and explained the reason that I was sobbing.

"But one night golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box.

I wish I could make a cradle for him," her husband whispered.

The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. 'This manger is beautiful,' she said.

And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world."1

That last sentence. It got me right there (I'm pointing at my heart.) Each of the three trees had their own plans settled on for their lives. Eventually their dreams began to fade as they saw that it wasn't going to pan out the way they'd hoped. The first tree had hopes of holding valuable treasure and was at first disappointed at being made into a feeding box for barnyard animals. He didn't know he'd hold priceless treasure far exceeding the value of precious stones and gold! 

Through dripping, warm tears I repeated to my boys once again that Jesus chose to come down from heaven. He left the perfect environment with streets and paths and walls made of the precious metals and jewels the tree-now-box wanted to embrace. He made a decision to be born a baby, a son to a humble, poor young woman and a man who would choose to call him his own. All of this for the glory of His Father.

The second tree wanted to be a strong sailing ship fit for a king. But he was cut down and formed into a small fishing boat. So much for being used greatly. And the story continues. 

"The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, 'Peace.' The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. 

 And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth."2

 Here is the record of Jesus' great power being displayed. In the midst of chaos and confusion, the Lord showed his faithfulness. And I've learned along the way that as long as I invite him into my situation, there is nothing he won't bring me through. Wanting to be loved, he loves me; wanting to be noticed, he notices me; wanting to be remembered, he remembers me; wanting to be thought of, he thinks of me; wanting to be pursued, he pursues me; wanted to be rescued, he rescued me; wanting him present, he is always with me. Still, he takes me through places that would normally cause significant anxiety, but when I keep him near, I am not fearful. He has consistently proven his faithfulness. There is nothing that will or can keep his love from reaching out for me. 


Now to tell of the destiny of the third tree. After thinking that she had been forgotten for all those years, one Friday morning she was picked out of a stack of lumber for a purpose not yet known. People were angry. People were shaking their fists. As the man's hands were nailed to her, the feeling of shame came upon her.

"But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything.

 It had made the first tree beautiful. It had made the second tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God.

That was better than being the tallest tree in the world."

I hope nothing more than through this tale that we all walk away with a renewed sense of purpose in the body of Christ. Sometimes it will be that we're not used the way we expect to be because of our pride. The Lord has his plans for us, and they are always for our best and to demonstrate his glory. It is imperative that we take the focus off of us and put it on him. He is our leader, the one we are not fit to follow if we are unwilling to humble ourselves.

Father, I am using this as an invitation to accept you and respond with a resounding Yes! I have great expectations that there would be many who are touched in such a way that their hearts would return to you. I humbly send this out to all, those who will and those who won't. I lift them all up to you.  In His Precious Name. Amen.

The Dreaming Gentile, The Revealing Jew

Week Two of the Beth Moore Bible study on Daniel:

The lessons always begin with prayer, and usually they are specific to God revealing deep secrets within his own words. What makes this particularly special is that the mystery is planted in the mind of a king. It arises from the dust of his mind during the night, and creates for him a circumstance beyond his control. So heavy does this weigh on him that he is unable to return to his sweet slumber. The king's dream is recorded in Daniel 2.

I've had dreams like this before, and it seems the Lord wants to keep me up at night so that I can see his plans, confer with him, and sometimes jot it down. I am blessed by this immensely and never want it to stop because God always gives me the time back in some way, in his time. And it is good! Matthew 13:11-12 recalls Christ telling his disciples that, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not [to the masses]. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance." Perhaps one could classify me as a Daniel, or a Jeremiah, closer to a Jonah? I see things...I tell people, they shoo me away...I decide they should face harsh punishment...


Anyway, Daniel (a young Jew of royalty who was captured and now serving the Gentile king) was a man of The Word. He knew it. And it knew him. And Daniel was very shrewd- like a serpent (only not evil...can you tell I don't like snakes?) I believe to a certain extent that "King Neb," as Beth so jubilantly calls him,  was shrewd as well. He wasn't about to allow the astrologers and sorcerers to take what was his dream and turn it into an ear tickling festival. Nope! He told them that if they were unable to tell him his dream and interpret it that he would have them pulled apart like monkey bread. What did they do? Plead for their lives! The astrologers and sorcerers admitted that they couldn't even begin to guess what his dream was because the "gods" hold knowledge to the things of that nature. And death was upon them.


You got that right! Except, it isn't "the gods" who hold this knowledge, it's The God. The Living God, Creator God, Almighty God. Age to age, He's still the same. He gives the dreams and he gives the meaning of the dreams. 

Enter Daniel, the hero with the hook-up. The saying is absolutely true that it is all about WHO you know. This boy simply astounds me. I mean, he's got chutzpah! How much confidence in your God do you have when you're willing to speak up to the man who came to kill you about something that could be considered none of your concern? Daniel, just a boy, really, had faith in his God and an excellent understanding of how to approach someone of tremendous power. What a gift! There is no "foot-in-mouth disease" here. And so by stepping up and trusting God, Daniel found favor with the king. 


Finding favor with my king, the King of kings, starts with me approaching him. He whispers in my ear and plants dreams like trees of hope that are life-giving, but sometimes disturbing. Even so, I know he can and will provide nutrients and water to grow...it happens frequently. Let me tell you, he doesn't dispense on merit, otherwise I wouldn't make the cut. True story. Since it happens ALL THE TIME, you can make an inference that I approach His throne constantly (it may be appropriate to refer to me as Our Lady of Perpetual Discombobulation.) So be it. In the New Testament, James, the brother of Jesus Christ- who once thought his divine sibling insane, does a little backtracking and gives us a bit of sage advice: to ask God when we need wisdom because he's willing and able to give it...and he won't call you a schlub for doing it!


Father, you say, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." You had David write in the Psalms, "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." His son, Solomon, was given your words, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Let us seek you out to find your wisdom. May it be that your enduring love spares us of foolishness, but if we are fools, we are fools for you! Thank you that as the giver of dreams, you also have the meaning, and you are waiting for us to call on you to give that too! You are a good God!

When the Gavel Falls

A few weeks ago I was invited to a fellowship/worship gathering. Tonight was my date with destiny. A meeting with friends, mostly new, and a meeting with God. The topic we discussed amongst ourselves was judgment. As Christians, we are often seen in a negative light. Partly because of our collective history, partly because we are hypocrites, and partly because we are misunderstood as we misunderstand. 


A good handful of friends shared stories of possible solutions to overcoming the weight of judgment. Not only for us as a body, but also as a Post-It note for ourselves to be mindful of the way we choose to view others. For our perception is frequently as far unrealistic as it can be. 


My story of how to solve the dilemma began with my personal testimony. Interestingly enough I was able to share briefly, my testimony on facebook as I answered a comment to a thread I had earlier posted on. More on that in a minute. So I shared the life I lived and how coming from adversity helps a believer of The Way to avoid judging others. I began with the beginning.

This is what I came out of: As a child I was sexually abused, my parents divorced before I was in kindergarten, my stepfather sold drugs from our home. By the time I was ten, it became normal for me to be drunk, though at the time I didn't know it. I just knew I felt different and better, momentarily. My mom gave us up in order to keep her other children, and so I went from being raised in a home with virtually no rules to a home that was incredibly strict, though not "religious" in the sense that we went to church regularly, there were tones of religiosity. This happened the same year I went from elementary school to middle school. I had a sexual relationship with another girl and in my heart, I knew it was not right. During my teen years I compiled lists of ways to end my life. I was in a pit of despair. 

And then I met Jesus when I was 16. He has proved himself faithful every time I needed him to.


I can't say that I wanted to go through any of that, and let me tell you, there are things I'm leaving out, but to be able to be in the position I am in now, I would choose to go through all of it over again. He USES the evil in our lives for the GOOD and the advancement of his Kingdom! We can't truly help anyone if we haven't been broken ourselves. I remember in January I went to a special worship night at church and over and over I heard God saying to me that he was binding up wounds and that he was restoring broken hearts. The woman who sat next to me told me that unless we are broken, we cannot shine God's light.

And so tonight, twice, I shared the story of me and Jesus. It is so much easier to consider there may be more to the story when you have been broken so much, so often yourself. This is how I answered the question of how we know what the Bible says is true. In it I included my personal story which you read above a moment ago.

I take it in faith that what the Bible says is true and I do so because of the life I came out of. I choose to believe because of how Jesus has changed me. I've found that personal testimonies provide the best opportunity for showing what we (as believers) believe to be the truth. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the evidence for things unseen. Peter talks about how we should be prepared to give the reason for what we believe.  I didn't immediately "live my life" for Jesus, but over the years I have grown to love him deeply. My thoughts, actions, and words have changed in such a way that you wouldn't recognize me if you knew me before Christ. I fail everyday. I am not perfect, but the truth is, he (Jesus) is perfecting me. That is the best answer I can give you right now.

We have to want to see people the way God sees them. We have to see ourselves the way God sees us. We have to choose it. We have to ask for his help. We get it wrong.

When I came home and the babysitter had left, I marveled at the freedom my daughter felt to dance as if it were only her in the room. She watched herself sway her nightgown in the window. As she lifted her hands and twirled, I could see her eyes dancing with delight at noticing her own reflection. It gave a present reminder of what tonight's meeting was about. Seeing ourselves as God sees us and others. Only, we see ourselves and others quite dimly compared to Our Father. 

My Holy God, you are beyond my comprehension. I cannot know anything apart from you. I believe without a shadow of a doubt that as you formed me in my mother's womb and laid out the plans you have for me that you saw every moment. Those tears that were shed by me, during all of that pain and heartache, you hold each one in your hand. You are the God who sees. El-Roi. Let me see with your eyes, Lord. Let me hear stories with your ears. Let me love with your heart. Let me respond with your spirit. Here in time and space I only see with my human eyes and hear with my human ears. I love with my human heart. You took my heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh. But sometimes, God, I become hardened by my own failure and hurt. Forgive me, Father! Thank you that you made a way out! I praise you that I am not who I was. Thank you that you know the true situation. We see now our reflection very poorly. One day we will see everything with perfect clarity. I am longing for that day, God! But as I wait, empty me of me and fill me with you so that I can see the truth. 

God of Our Yesterdays, Chris McClarney, take a listen. 


Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 
 1 Corinthians 13:12, NLT

To Eat, Or Not To Eat, That Is the Question

Matthew Henry stated in his commentary of Daniel 1:8 that, "It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence."

Intentional living. Who accidentally eats too many cupcakes? Who unintentionally walks into a store and purchases a newer, bigger, better, flat screen tv ? When is the right time to smoke marijuana? Cupcakes, flat screen tvs, and (only if you have glaucoma) marijuana are not sinful in and of themselves. However, the purpose for their use can be. Filling voids. Ego boosting. Escaping. Self-focused thinking. This all comes from the world. It's frequently and gleefully displayed for us on a shiny silver plate, looking scrumptious and delectable, yet with so much potential for destruction. 

What will I choose to take off that plate? Anything? One thing? Nothing? This is my chronicle (Session 1) of the Daniel study I blogged about earlier.

On a beautiful evening, just a few days ago, I chose to tarry among a few fellow believers in my living room to become a scholar of all things prophetic and historical. It was an intimate class. Windows were open, pouring in the remaining day's rays of light. Our classroom was divided equally into two comfortably padded couches. Introductions had been kept to simple hellos as we all knew each other.


As soon as the video began, I was captivated. Just as at a wedding feast, there were exciting sights and sounds. Anticipation of what was to be served held my attention. I felt like a dog under a table awaiting crumbs. Believing that something would fall within my vision, and trusting that I would sense God's offering of wisdom and knowledge, time seemed to both stand still and spiral speedily. 


On the banquet table was a smorgasbord of truth. It refreshed me and nourished areas that had been neglected. I hadn't taken time to notice that I was even hungry for what had been prepared so carefully. Truths such as, "He (Satan) wants us to believe we haven't made any progress... our culture indoctrinates us into self-will, self-absorption, and overindulgence... knowing where to 'draw the line'; and determining not to eat from the world's table," satiated my appetite.


What a treat it was to consume God's word, and to fellowship with sweet grace, ending it all with a slice of cake. In my notes I have written that, "in Eastern standards, to share a meal was to commit oneself to friendship. It was of great significance."1

Jesus came and ate among some pretty detestable groups of people. He took interest in their lives because of his great love for them. Those moments of humility and grace filled empty spaces in hearts that were changed forever. May the dishes we serve be seasoned with love as the world takes in the aroma of a holy meal. May we honor God by honoring each other, as believers especially, but not forget to make allowance for those who really need to taste the goodness of the Lord.

Father, forgive us when we set our table according to the world, and more importantly when we set it according to our liking. Help me to select the proper place settings, an impeccable menu, and the perfect atmosphere so that it will be as you want it to be. Prepare my heart, strengthen it so that when I am faced with temptation to partake of things unholy, I will remain undefiled. I don't want to take anything that you don't want me to have. Paul said in his letter to the Romans that he struggles with not doing the good that he wants to, but still does those things that he doesn't want to do. We all struggle with something, Lord. Give us power to overcome! Thank you, Jesus, for your redeeming love! 


But I thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It's like a fragrance that fills the air. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (GWT)


I feel more at ease at a table amid people I love having conversations with that are important to me. When we share a common interest, it makes for a very rewarding experience. In my imagination, it seems to me that there will be plenty of singing at the wedding banquet of Christ to his bride. Maybe we'll sound a bit like this...Take a moment, if you desire, to listen to this song, which I believe ties in beautifully with this part of the study. Aaron Keyes, "Psalm 62"


1. Joyce G.  Baldwin, Daniel (Madison, WI, Inter-Varsity Press, 1978), 83.

Team Dodo

This summer I will participate in a team oriented youth event called "Tribal Warfare." My team's name: The Dodos. While I'm not ecstatic about the disparaging epithet, I am absolutely aflutter to join these adolescents in annihilating our adversaries. 

According to a 1995 article by Jerry Bergman, the Dodo is not only extinct, but highly misunderstood. Many myths abound about the size, agility, and intelligence of this unique specimen. Clearly, those who held these beliefs had not studied it as well as they had thought. Notable characteristics of this fine feathered friend of ours are "swift on foot," leg bones were designed to allow shifting it's center of gravity, thin bodied. So, here you have it, the Dodo is, in fact, not the "obviously unfit" bird some claim it to be. 

May this be a sign to us of victory as a team who can take flight!  

"No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:37 (NLT)

Finding Integrity in Prophecy

I've decided to take on the very weighty task of studying the book of Daniel via Beth Moore. As described on Lifeway Christian Resources' website, those joining me will embark on a "faith-building study of prophecy and learn how to live with integrity in today's self-absorbed society. The prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and to confront temptations and threats. Today, believers in Jesus Christ face many of the same trials." 

Recently, the adult small group I attend (the hosts, anyway) decided to take a break. This is an answer to prayer. I don't mean that I didn't want to still meet with this great group, but it has been a long time in coming for me to host a Bible study for whoever will come. I've even had people ask me if I was going to lead another one. In some ways I feel apprehensive though, because last summer I open-ended an invitation to study the book of Ruth with a Kelly Minter study. It seemed at first that many would join me and as the weeks drew closer to the start date, the numbers dwindled. Then after a few weeks, I realized it would be just me. 

It can be an unusually good gift from God to do a Bible study on your own however. I was enlightened with incredible things that, had I been accompanied by anyone, I may not have discovered the treasures I gleaned. Sometimes, I think, when you are alone with God, he does his greatest work in you. I believe last summer was one of those occasions. Many wounds were healed because I allowed God to become for me who He always has been, and will always be.

Lyrics to a song that Ms. Minter penned with Sarah Hart have really touched my heart. It's entitled, "I Lay Down". She writes about complete surrender. The bridge reads like this:

You are my hope, You are my peace

You have always been and will always be

I once was lost, now I've been found

I lay down, I lay down

To hear a sample of Kelly Minter's music click here.

I have hope, so I let go. I want peace, so I surrender. The One who can give both does- when I exchange my burden for his freedom. Speaking of hope and peace, back to the Daniel study.. 

The reason I want to study the book of Daniel is to gain insight on a topic that is of obvious concern to many people. Lately it has been so threatening that even network television has covered areas of prophecy, specifically the second coming of Christ. Though, I strongly believe it has more to do with proving Christianity in general pointless and foolish, but I digress. Now, I've read the book of Revelation, and I have a good knowledge base, and eschatology is exciting to me. That and an admirable woman of God leading the way, have convinced me it's time to study such engaging and educational literature! 

You know, the Bible says that God's people perish because they aren't aware of what they need to know (Hosea 4:6.) Unfortunately, we have seen in our day by this example, how little scripture God's own people know. My prayer is that as I go through this study, transparently, loved ones and even strangers would come to believe the truth and stop believing man-made lies about God and what he says. Perhaps some will give their life, surrendering to Him, completely. 

So, if you'd like to join in on the fun of frolicking in freedom-giving fresh fare of "foolishness-in-the-eyes-of-the-world," then be sure to get your copy of Daniel: Lives of Integrity; Words of Prophecy by Beth Moore and be ready to begin on Sunday, June 12 at 6 pm in my home. Otherwise you can catch glimpses of my study here on a weekly basis.

Prized Possession

I was given a Bible that belonged to my grandma shortly after her death. It has taken me a few years now to really decide how I wanted to present it to the world. The book itself stands alone. A treasure among treasures, this has been the best gift I have ever been given. Almost as precious as the Word, is the great value given to it by it's previous owner. There are marks and highlights and notes that fill the pages. I can see with my own eyes which passages inflamed her heart.

Tucked inside the front cover, I counted seven bookmarks. One has a little girl on the front holding flowers. It has a vintage look, with the prayer-poem "Day by Day" on it. Another looked as if a young relative, perhaps a grandchild, crafted it from yarn. It's a light-green cross. 

A list of scriptures that deals with subjects like dreams, prophetic visions, and apocalyptic revelations from God lined the backside of a photocopy from a book about prophets of old. Notes on a Bible study of the book of Daniel, favorite hymns, more prayer poetry, a "How To Pray" in the A.C.T.S. style, maps of the Holy Land, and last but not least a bulletin dated April 9, 2004 were folded and filed in the front cover of her prized possession.


The Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:1-17 had numbering each one separated by "1st, 2nd, 3rd," and on and on. By the way she lived her life, at least the life I saw her live, she didn't believe anything other than Jesus saves us alone by what He did on the cross, and we have victory because of his resurrection. Clearly, she knew of His saving grace. "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." -John 6:40 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." -Acts 4:12


One of my last memories of her was shortly before she passed into eternity. We were talking in my living room about different members of our family not being saved. I told her of a dream that I recently had about my younger brother. He was wrapped in the arms of a man wearing a bright white robe. She just said that's a promise to hold on to. I think about that and am reminded by another passage underlined- John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." Promises made by man are often neglected and forgotten, but the Promises of God last forever and are always brought about in perfect timing. 

Her faith in God's power to overcome for those who trust in Jesus filled our conversations. At each opportunity given, she spoke of how her children were going to serve the Lord. She believed it. She spoke it. It has come to pass.