This morning my reading took me into 1 Samuel Chapters 6-9. In the early chapters of this book it's revealed how God raised up Samuel to judge Israel. Samuel is a godly man and a prophet.
After defeating the Israelites, the Philistines foolishly tried to keep the Ark of God. Thousands died in their cities as a result. They finally returned the Ark to Israel but God's people were still relying on themselves rather than trusting in God. They cried out to God asked for a king. Samuel sensed this would be a big mistake but sought God's wisdom.
Here's the part I found most interesting. When Samuel asked God about giving the people a king God said, "heed their voice and make them a king." He gave Samuel a picture of what the people would deal with having a king and Samuel told Israel. But they still wanted their way.
The Lord doesn't make evil happen, nor does he plan for it. We have a choice - listen and obey or do things our own way. Let's take a little hike through history and see how that's worked out for us.
God created the world and everything in it. He gave mankind all that he could ever want and more. At the center of it all was a delightful tree with beautiful fruit that appeared to be delicious. And God said, "...but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil do not eat for you shall surely die."
We had to do it our way. We ate, now we die.
God told Israel to go into the promised land and kill all the people and take no plunder. Yet on many occasions they kept all the virgins and valuable assets. For their greed, over time, they were weakened and slaughtered, enslaved or driven out of those lands.
God told Samson never was a razor to be put to his head for he would lose all his strength. But he was beguiled by a woman and fell prey to her seduction. She cut off his hair and he was repaid by having his eyes gouged out by her brothers. Later he gave his life bringing down their temple - his vengeance too little too late.
In 2 Corinthians as Paul writes to the believers in Corinth, he's careful not to alienate them but makes it clear they need to be following Christ and not listening to a bunch of trouble-makers and false teachers. The Corinthian believers were bickering amongst themselves because they were all trying to do things their own way.
Over and over the people were told not to mix with people outside their race or worship their idols. Again and again the people did what they wanted. Time after time they were rewarded with desolation, plague, destruction and loss.
What's changed? There are few people in the world today who don't fall into the trap of rationalizing false religions under the guise of tolerance. There is none righteous, not one. And look where it's gotten us. The world is at war with itself because of sin: greed, sloth, poverty, murder, sexual immorality, political corruption, divorce, child abuse... Everyone is right but no one is righteous. Everyone has an answer but there is only one real solution. Everyone speaks love and humility with their lips but demonstrates arrogance and hate with their actions.
Psalm 97:10 reminds us "you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of the saints. He delivers them out of the hands of the wicked."
God says do what's right in My sight, not what we think is right. Tolerance is a word inviting evil to get a foothold. He delivers us when we listen to Him. If we ask and then go off and do our own thing, how can we expect anything but failure and misery?
In all the gospels, Jesus tells us to give up everything to follow Him. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to leave your home and family to pursue Christ. Each individual must seek God, hear God and obey God. It's that simple. Then He will deliver us out of the hands of the wicked.
Seek God - Prayer and Bible reading
Hear God - Bible and meditation
Obey God - Go where He sends
The image of God is in His word, in His Son who died for us, and in the Holy Spirit who guides us. Each in His turn impresses that image on our hearts. We need look no further than within. For the image of God is love.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
When Death Knocks
When death knocks, will you let him in? Or will you choose the window of life?
Beloved, things rarely go the way I plan. Do you find that in your life also?
Just as I had determined I would share my daily Bible study with you for your encouragement, God took me elsewhere and it has been some time since I've been able to spend an hour in study let alone process and write. So here I am, a little worse for the wear, a little wiser for the pain.
For as long as I've been a Christian, my family has abhorred my faith. Praise God, my mother trusted Jesus on her deathbed and the Lord has assured me she rests in heaven now.
My sister and I were inseparable as children. In our differences we completed one another. I liked the hamburger, she ate the fries. She liked the chocolate coating and I liked the vanilla ice cream on a Laddie Bar. She liked the yolks, I ate the egg whites.
Because of our differences we were at odds as adults. She detested my faith and would change the subject or make excuses to cut a call short whenever I mentioned the name of Jesus. As she got older she became paranoid and reclusive.
I prayed for many years for Jane to come to faith in Christ. Then she became ill a couple years ago and continued to decline, refusing medical evaluation or help. A few months ago, I drove 600 miles to see her. Jane's husband wouldn't let me in. I was utterly devastated and at that point I gave up all hope of her salvation or ever seeing her again.
As I prayed one morning, I released her. I told God I wasn't going to bother Him with my incessant pleas for her salvation anymore, but that I would just have to trust that He knows what's best and I'm done fighting for her when she clearly doesn't care. Wouldn't you know, just as God always does, He threw a curve ball my way.
I got a call one day from a friend I'd known since I was eleven years old. I hadn't seen Michelle for nearly forty years. She said she'd been trying to reach my sister who never answers her phone. I informed Michelle that Jane was quite ill and likely dying and that I'd given up hope of ever seeing or hearing from her again. I was grieving and felt for all intents and purposes, my sister was already dead to me.
Michelle had quite a different view. She insisted we continue to pray for Jane and asked if we could pray together weekly by phone so I agreed. I began to pray for Jane with renewed fervor, fueled by Michelle's attitude and encouragement.
A couple weeks after Michelle and I had been praying for Jane, I suddenly got a text message from an unfamiliar number which simply said, "I love you." I wrote back, "Do I love you back?" After no reply, I wrote, "I'm sorry, I don't recognize the number." She wrote, "Jane." I quickly texted back with my heart racing, "Yes! I do love you back!"
I didn't hear from her again for several days and then, "Please pray, the pain is excruciating."
I wrote, "I have been praying continuously. Hang in there. Will pray now."
This was a big step for her - she's asking me to pray to my Lord whom she's rejected!
God gave me a picture of her condition and I felt she was near the end. But I didn't want her to despair. I asked God what I should say to her and He gave very specific instructions. I wrote to her, "God has given me instruction for you. Are you willing to hear and obey?"
She wrote back, "yes."
I nearly fainted. "The Holy Spirit will take you through your life and show you those you need to forgive. You'll need to search deep and go a long way back and be willing to find forgiveness in your heart for all whom you've resented, hated or wished ill. Confess them to God and ask His forgiveness. Can you do that?"
"Yes," she said.
I then told her I would give her some time with this and to get back to me when she was ready.
She was silent a couple days and then wrote that the pain was getting worse and needed me to pray harder.
"Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better," I said, as I was thinking, God will take you home and it will be better forever. No more sorrow, no more pain. But I couldn't yet ask her to trust in Jesus because I know her so well, I knew she would feel I was pushing her and would shut me out again. I was walking on very thin ice. "God is with you. He has surrounded you with holy angels who are holding you up before Him."
"I don't need presence, I need assistance." she wrote.
"I know it's hard," I wrote, "I can't imagine the pain you suffer, I'd bear it for you if I could. Please don't lose hope, I know God is at work in you." Then I fired off a number of Scripture verses.
Silence.
The next day early, Jane wrote, "I'm better today. I actually slept last night."
Meanwhile, Michelle has also been texting Jane messages of encouragement. She sent her a Bible and texted the gospel message to her, something like, "it's simple. Just believe on the name of Jesus and trust Him as your Savior and He will forgive all your sins and you will have a place with Him in heaven for all eternity."
She wrote back, "I believe."
Michelle and I wept and praised God together.
Michelle seemed certain God would hear our prayers and heal Jane for the incredible testimony she might share. God, in His infinite mercy, had other plans.
I got the call Sunday afternoon, June 5th, 2011. It came from one of my nephews who said, "if you want to see my mom before the end, you need to come now." She had been admitted by ambulance and found to be infected with cancer in every organ and cell.
We couldn't get a flight out so my brother and I jumped in the car and drove the 600 miles again to Omaha and went straight to the hospital.
We arrived at about 5:30 AM to find that my sister had left this world around 11 PM the night before. The nurses were very thoughtful and kept Jane in her room so we could see her one last time. She wore a Mona Lisa smile on her porcelain-like face. She reminded me of a China doll.
I am certain she rests with our Lord.
He who began the work in her was faithful to complete it (Phil. 1:6.) Even when death is at the door, there is always a last minute opportunity to turn to Christ, because His compassion is great and His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23.) and He loves us so much He died for us (John 3:16.)
When death knocks, for those who trust in Jesus, the door remains closed. Death has no power, no welcome, no entry. Jesus takes His beloved and leads them through the window of heaven to reside with Him forevermore.
Praise You sweet Jesus, God's wonderful son,
Taking my sins on like they were Your own.
Thank You my Lord that this cold heart of stone,
Has melted with love and is headed for home.
Praise for the Spirit, who leads me Your way,
Who steers me on course every time that I stray.
Thank You for guiding me day after day,
Recalling Your Scriptures in all that I say.
Praise for my Father, who's holy and true,
Creator and Savior, there's none, God, like You.
You're the paper, the picture, the scissors, and glue,
Thank You for mercy in all that You do.
We know we're not worthy, we're humbled in faith,
We're empty and useless like smelly old waste.
You fill up our hearts with Your infinite grace,
And somehow transform us, reflecting Your face.
Let us walk in Your ways, let us Speak of Your love,
Let us honor Your holiness, glory above,
Let us pour finest oil on Your head and Your feet,
Let the scent of our prayers be an incense so sweet.
Beloved, things rarely go the way I plan. Do you find that in your life also?
Just as I had determined I would share my daily Bible study with you for your encouragement, God took me elsewhere and it has been some time since I've been able to spend an hour in study let alone process and write. So here I am, a little worse for the wear, a little wiser for the pain.
For as long as I've been a Christian, my family has abhorred my faith. Praise God, my mother trusted Jesus on her deathbed and the Lord has assured me she rests in heaven now.
My sister and I were inseparable as children. In our differences we completed one another. I liked the hamburger, she ate the fries. She liked the chocolate coating and I liked the vanilla ice cream on a Laddie Bar. She liked the yolks, I ate the egg whites.
Because of our differences we were at odds as adults. She detested my faith and would change the subject or make excuses to cut a call short whenever I mentioned the name of Jesus. As she got older she became paranoid and reclusive.
I prayed for many years for Jane to come to faith in Christ. Then she became ill a couple years ago and continued to decline, refusing medical evaluation or help. A few months ago, I drove 600 miles to see her. Jane's husband wouldn't let me in. I was utterly devastated and at that point I gave up all hope of her salvation or ever seeing her again.
As I prayed one morning, I released her. I told God I wasn't going to bother Him with my incessant pleas for her salvation anymore, but that I would just have to trust that He knows what's best and I'm done fighting for her when she clearly doesn't care. Wouldn't you know, just as God always does, He threw a curve ball my way.
I got a call one day from a friend I'd known since I was eleven years old. I hadn't seen Michelle for nearly forty years. She said she'd been trying to reach my sister who never answers her phone. I informed Michelle that Jane was quite ill and likely dying and that I'd given up hope of ever seeing or hearing from her again. I was grieving and felt for all intents and purposes, my sister was already dead to me.
Michelle had quite a different view. She insisted we continue to pray for Jane and asked if we could pray together weekly by phone so I agreed. I began to pray for Jane with renewed fervor, fueled by Michelle's attitude and encouragement.
A couple weeks after Michelle and I had been praying for Jane, I suddenly got a text message from an unfamiliar number which simply said, "I love you." I wrote back, "Do I love you back?" After no reply, I wrote, "I'm sorry, I don't recognize the number." She wrote, "Jane." I quickly texted back with my heart racing, "Yes! I do love you back!"
I didn't hear from her again for several days and then, "Please pray, the pain is excruciating."
I wrote, "I have been praying continuously. Hang in there. Will pray now."
This was a big step for her - she's asking me to pray to my Lord whom she's rejected!
God gave me a picture of her condition and I felt she was near the end. But I didn't want her to despair. I asked God what I should say to her and He gave very specific instructions. I wrote to her, "God has given me instruction for you. Are you willing to hear and obey?"
She wrote back, "yes."
I nearly fainted. "The Holy Spirit will take you through your life and show you those you need to forgive. You'll need to search deep and go a long way back and be willing to find forgiveness in your heart for all whom you've resented, hated or wished ill. Confess them to God and ask His forgiveness. Can you do that?"
"Yes," she said.
I then told her I would give her some time with this and to get back to me when she was ready.
She was silent a couple days and then wrote that the pain was getting worse and needed me to pray harder.
"Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better," I said, as I was thinking, God will take you home and it will be better forever. No more sorrow, no more pain. But I couldn't yet ask her to trust in Jesus because I know her so well, I knew she would feel I was pushing her and would shut me out again. I was walking on very thin ice. "God is with you. He has surrounded you with holy angels who are holding you up before Him."
"I don't need presence, I need assistance." she wrote.
"I know it's hard," I wrote, "I can't imagine the pain you suffer, I'd bear it for you if I could. Please don't lose hope, I know God is at work in you." Then I fired off a number of Scripture verses.
Silence.
The next day early, Jane wrote, "I'm better today. I actually slept last night."
Meanwhile, Michelle has also been texting Jane messages of encouragement. She sent her a Bible and texted the gospel message to her, something like, "it's simple. Just believe on the name of Jesus and trust Him as your Savior and He will forgive all your sins and you will have a place with Him in heaven for all eternity."
She wrote back, "I believe."
Michelle and I wept and praised God together.
Michelle seemed certain God would hear our prayers and heal Jane for the incredible testimony she might share. God, in His infinite mercy, had other plans.
I got the call Sunday afternoon, June 5th, 2011. It came from one of my nephews who said, "if you want to see my mom before the end, you need to come now." She had been admitted by ambulance and found to be infected with cancer in every organ and cell.
We couldn't get a flight out so my brother and I jumped in the car and drove the 600 miles again to Omaha and went straight to the hospital.
We arrived at about 5:30 AM to find that my sister had left this world around 11 PM the night before. The nurses were very thoughtful and kept Jane in her room so we could see her one last time. She wore a Mona Lisa smile on her porcelain-like face. She reminded me of a China doll.
I am certain she rests with our Lord.
He who began the work in her was faithful to complete it (Phil. 1:6.) Even when death is at the door, there is always a last minute opportunity to turn to Christ, because His compassion is great and His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23.) and He loves us so much He died for us (John 3:16.)
When death knocks, for those who trust in Jesus, the door remains closed. Death has no power, no welcome, no entry. Jesus takes His beloved and leads them through the window of heaven to reside with Him forevermore.
Praise You sweet Jesus, God's wonderful son,
Taking my sins on like they were Your own.
Thank You my Lord that this cold heart of stone,
Has melted with love and is headed for home.
Praise for the Spirit, who leads me Your way,
Who steers me on course every time that I stray.
Thank You for guiding me day after day,
Recalling Your Scriptures in all that I say.
Praise for my Father, who's holy and true,
Creator and Savior, there's none, God, like You.
You're the paper, the picture, the scissors, and glue,
Thank You for mercy in all that You do.
We know we're not worthy, we're humbled in faith,
We're empty and useless like smelly old waste.
You fill up our hearts with Your infinite grace,
And somehow transform us, reflecting Your face.
Let us walk in Your ways, let us Speak of Your love,
Let us honor Your holiness, glory above,
Let us pour finest oil on Your head and Your feet,
Let the scent of our prayers be an incense so sweet.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Life's Intricate Tapestries
My study today is based on Ruth chapter 4, Psalm 94, Mark 9:14-29, 1 Corinthians. 16.
The union of Ruth and Boaz produced Obed, father of Jesse, father of David. David and Bathsheba had Solomon, born of a sinful relationship. Solomon, purported to be a man of great wisdom, perhaps the wisest of all, fathered Rahoboam, who had Abijah, who had Asa. From Asa came Jehosaphat, then he fathered Joram, proceeding forward each son bearing another, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, Jeconiah, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliuid, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, the father of Joseph who married Mary, mother of Jesus. In earthly terms Boaz was the great times twenty-eight grandfather of Jesus our Savior.
Jesus came to replace the law since man had perverted the law for his own purposes against the laws of God (Psalm 94:20-22.)
Jesus' teaching while He went about healing, was centered on love, service and sacrifice. In this instance (Mark 9:14-29) the disciples were unable to drive out the evil spirit that inflicted a woman's son from childhood. Since Jesus had given them healing authority and they had performed successful healings prior to that, they didn't understand why they couldn't heal the man. Jesus' response was thought provoking, "this kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
Bear with me because my comprehension is abstract. The point is the sharp tip of the needle God uses to weave an intricate tapestry through the ages, a marvelous rendering of life. So let's see if we can tie it together from a heavenly perspective.
The law is perfect and holy as God is perfect and holy. Man is sinful and broken (Genesis 6:5.) Jesus is perfect and holy as is the Holy Spirit. When God became manifest in the flesh in the person of Christ, He took on our sinful nature but did not sin. When He died for our sins on the cross, He left us a "Counselor," the Holy Spirit. To all who are faithful to confess their sins, profess Jesus is Lord, and choose to follow Him, the law is abolished and our sins are forgiven. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we now live in the law of God, not the law of evil man.
In the lineage of Jesus, there were adulterers, murderers, a prostitute, foreigners, and every sort of sinner, along with a couple people who had a few righteous moments. They were all at the core of their beings sinners in need of a Savior - no matter how hard they tried, they could not abide the law.
Our salvation does not preclude the command of God to live by His laws, but rather gives us the divine ability to do so. When we violate Him in sin, we are grieved in the Spirit. Whether by selfishness, slander, resentment, murder, or stealing, we sin in His temple, not just ourselves. Our salvation makes us one with the Lord just as in marriage we become one with our spouse.
Man may create laws (such as the right to abortion,) that make an unholy thing legal but it doesn't make it acceptable in God's sight. In Jesus, we intuitively know the difference between right and wrong, sin and righteousness.
Then finally, in the last chapter of this first book of Corinthians Paul directs the church to lovingly care for the needs of those who are doing the work of God, carrying the gospel message to the ends of the earth. The message of salvation through Christ who died once for all for the forgiveness of sins, abolishing the law.
Once again, this is a picture of how God takes the bad things and uses them for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purposes (Romans 8:28-29.) This intricate design takes place through streams of time and space by our perceptions but are conceived, plotted and established in a timeless pattern by our omniscient, omnipresent Father.
I often feel anxiety almost to the point of panic concerning those I love who have not yet trusted Jesus. It makes me want to grab and hogtie them to force them to listen to the gospel and keep pounding it in until they get it. But that doesn't work - ever. We can't force people to make a decision - after all God gave us all free will. No matter how strongly we feel, all we can do is share the message in love and pray for the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Some may require us to fast and pray for them.
Don't be troubled by the urgency of the work God has called you to. Be faithful, steadfast, consistent and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The rest is up to God. In the end, when we've done all we can do by the power of His love, we will be blessed to hear when we get home, "well done good and faithful servant."
When we look to the past, we will see God's amazing tapestry of life, full of twists and turns but always threaded with the beauty of myriad miracles woven in His love.
For He lives,
anne
The union of Ruth and Boaz produced Obed, father of Jesse, father of David. David and Bathsheba had Solomon, born of a sinful relationship. Solomon, purported to be a man of great wisdom, perhaps the wisest of all, fathered Rahoboam, who had Abijah, who had Asa. From Asa came Jehosaphat, then he fathered Joram, proceeding forward each son bearing another, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, Jeconiah, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliuid, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, the father of Joseph who married Mary, mother of Jesus. In earthly terms Boaz was the great times twenty-eight grandfather of Jesus our Savior.
Jesus came to replace the law since man had perverted the law for his own purposes against the laws of God (Psalm 94:20-22.)
Jesus' teaching while He went about healing, was centered on love, service and sacrifice. In this instance (Mark 9:14-29) the disciples were unable to drive out the evil spirit that inflicted a woman's son from childhood. Since Jesus had given them healing authority and they had performed successful healings prior to that, they didn't understand why they couldn't heal the man. Jesus' response was thought provoking, "this kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
Bear with me because my comprehension is abstract. The point is the sharp tip of the needle God uses to weave an intricate tapestry through the ages, a marvelous rendering of life. So let's see if we can tie it together from a heavenly perspective.
The law is perfect and holy as God is perfect and holy. Man is sinful and broken (Genesis 6:5.) Jesus is perfect and holy as is the Holy Spirit. When God became manifest in the flesh in the person of Christ, He took on our sinful nature but did not sin. When He died for our sins on the cross, He left us a "Counselor," the Holy Spirit. To all who are faithful to confess their sins, profess Jesus is Lord, and choose to follow Him, the law is abolished and our sins are forgiven. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we now live in the law of God, not the law of evil man.
In the lineage of Jesus, there were adulterers, murderers, a prostitute, foreigners, and every sort of sinner, along with a couple people who had a few righteous moments. They were all at the core of their beings sinners in need of a Savior - no matter how hard they tried, they could not abide the law.
Our salvation does not preclude the command of God to live by His laws, but rather gives us the divine ability to do so. When we violate Him in sin, we are grieved in the Spirit. Whether by selfishness, slander, resentment, murder, or stealing, we sin in His temple, not just ourselves. Our salvation makes us one with the Lord just as in marriage we become one with our spouse.
Man may create laws (such as the right to abortion,) that make an unholy thing legal but it doesn't make it acceptable in God's sight. In Jesus, we intuitively know the difference between right and wrong, sin and righteousness.
Then finally, in the last chapter of this first book of Corinthians Paul directs the church to lovingly care for the needs of those who are doing the work of God, carrying the gospel message to the ends of the earth. The message of salvation through Christ who died once for all for the forgiveness of sins, abolishing the law.
Once again, this is a picture of how God takes the bad things and uses them for the good of those who love Him and are called to His purposes (Romans 8:28-29.) This intricate design takes place through streams of time and space by our perceptions but are conceived, plotted and established in a timeless pattern by our omniscient, omnipresent Father.
I often feel anxiety almost to the point of panic concerning those I love who have not yet trusted Jesus. It makes me want to grab and hogtie them to force them to listen to the gospel and keep pounding it in until they get it. But that doesn't work - ever. We can't force people to make a decision - after all God gave us all free will. No matter how strongly we feel, all we can do is share the message in love and pray for the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf. Some may require us to fast and pray for them.
Don't be troubled by the urgency of the work God has called you to. Be faithful, steadfast, consistent and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The rest is up to God. In the end, when we've done all we can do by the power of His love, we will be blessed to hear when we get home, "well done good and faithful servant."
When we look to the past, we will see God's amazing tapestry of life, full of twists and turns but always threaded with the beauty of myriad miracles woven in His love.
For He lives,
anne
Friday, June 3, 2011
At the Feet of Jesus
This morning's readings were from Ruth chapters 2 & 3, Psalm 93, Mark 9:1-13, and 1 Corinthians 15:29-58.
Ruth, a widow and daughter-in-law to Naomi who is also a widow, has left her home in Moab to travel with her mother-in-law returning to Naomi's homeland after the death of the womens' husbands. Ruth is a hard-working, loyal, humble woman who cares deeply for Naomi.
Boaz, a near relative of Naomi's, allows Ruth to glean in his fields and even tells his harvesters to intentionally drop some of the choice sheaves for Ruth to gather. Ruth then sleeps at Boaz' feet on the threshing floor as an act of submission which Boaz honors with integrity.
Ruth displays a selfless, sacrificial demonstration of daily giving up our own desires to pursue the kingdom of heaven. This gentile goes with Naomi in an act of love, even though Naomi offers her release. Jesus gives us the choice to follow Him or not.
Ruth asks permission of Naomi before proceeding with her desire to seek another mate from her deceased husband's family, demonstrating submission to authority, knowing Naomi will know what's best. Likewise, submitting to God is to our benefit for He knows what's best for us.
Ruth takes only the scraps and is later honored with the best sheaves to take home. When we humble ourselves in gratitude for the even the barest essentials, God blesses us with abundance.
Ruth puts herself in a humble position at the feet of Boaz, completely trusting in His integrity and submitting to His sovereign will. God calls us to trust Him even when what He calls us to do doesn't seem to make sense at the time.
Boaz sees Ruth's selflessness and blesses her. God sees our service which He rewards with eternal life in His heavenly kingdom.
Psalm 93 speaks to God's majesty and holiness. Boaz is a wealthy man but he is a righteous, godly man.
Mark highlights God's glory and future promises fulfilled. Boaz demonstrates God's glory in His kindness, and offers Ruth hope and a future.
Paul in his speech to the Corinthians speaks of the resurrection, staying in the presence of good people and the importance of believing God at His word even when it seems outlandish. By sticking with Naomi, Ruth had an opportunity for a new life in a good place with good people. Boaz tells her who to stick with, and assures her He will make sure she is well provided for. How uncomfortable it must have been for her to uncover a strange man's feet and lay down by them. But He cherished her humility and rewarded her accordingly.
The God of the universe, Creator of everything, whose glory we cannot even imagine, more brilliant and beautiful than the greatest diamonds on earth, more powerful than a tidal wave, more magnificant than the seven wonders of the world, cares for us - even the least of the gentiles!
God in His sovereignty knows best. He provides above and beyond all that we need. There is nothing on earth we can put our trust in that will never let us down. Only God can be fully trusted.
When we submit to His authority and seek His wisdom, when we stick with the righteous and steer away from evil-doers, when we confess our sins and proclaim Jesus is Lord and Savior, when we are faithful to serve without complaint, our Father in heaven rejoices, His glory shines, and His reward is eternal.
We are always welcome at the Lord's feet.
Ruth, a widow and daughter-in-law to Naomi who is also a widow, has left her home in Moab to travel with her mother-in-law returning to Naomi's homeland after the death of the womens' husbands. Ruth is a hard-working, loyal, humble woman who cares deeply for Naomi.
Boaz, a near relative of Naomi's, allows Ruth to glean in his fields and even tells his harvesters to intentionally drop some of the choice sheaves for Ruth to gather. Ruth then sleeps at Boaz' feet on the threshing floor as an act of submission which Boaz honors with integrity.
Ruth displays a selfless, sacrificial demonstration of daily giving up our own desires to pursue the kingdom of heaven. This gentile goes with Naomi in an act of love, even though Naomi offers her release. Jesus gives us the choice to follow Him or not.
Ruth asks permission of Naomi before proceeding with her desire to seek another mate from her deceased husband's family, demonstrating submission to authority, knowing Naomi will know what's best. Likewise, submitting to God is to our benefit for He knows what's best for us.
Ruth takes only the scraps and is later honored with the best sheaves to take home. When we humble ourselves in gratitude for the even the barest essentials, God blesses us with abundance.
Ruth puts herself in a humble position at the feet of Boaz, completely trusting in His integrity and submitting to His sovereign will. God calls us to trust Him even when what He calls us to do doesn't seem to make sense at the time.
Boaz sees Ruth's selflessness and blesses her. God sees our service which He rewards with eternal life in His heavenly kingdom.
Psalm 93 speaks to God's majesty and holiness. Boaz is a wealthy man but he is a righteous, godly man.
Mark highlights God's glory and future promises fulfilled. Boaz demonstrates God's glory in His kindness, and offers Ruth hope and a future.
Paul in his speech to the Corinthians speaks of the resurrection, staying in the presence of good people and the importance of believing God at His word even when it seems outlandish. By sticking with Naomi, Ruth had an opportunity for a new life in a good place with good people. Boaz tells her who to stick with, and assures her He will make sure she is well provided for. How uncomfortable it must have been for her to uncover a strange man's feet and lay down by them. But He cherished her humility and rewarded her accordingly.
The God of the universe, Creator of everything, whose glory we cannot even imagine, more brilliant and beautiful than the greatest diamonds on earth, more powerful than a tidal wave, more magnificant than the seven wonders of the world, cares for us - even the least of the gentiles!
God in His sovereignty knows best. He provides above and beyond all that we need. There is nothing on earth we can put our trust in that will never let us down. Only God can be fully trusted.
When we submit to His authority and seek His wisdom, when we stick with the righteous and steer away from evil-doers, when we confess our sins and proclaim Jesus is Lord and Savior, when we are faithful to serve without complaint, our Father in heaven rejoices, His glory shines, and His reward is eternal.
We are always welcome at the Lord's feet.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Journeying with Sisters in India
The Lord has blessed me tremendously by bringing a precious Christian sister from India into my life. until I have her permission, I will not use her name here, just an acronym, Sii, Sister in India.
Sii and I have been corresponding through email for many months now. I don't even remember our first contact but our friendship has blossomed and we now both desire that I would go to India to meet with and minister to the women there. There's nothing that could make me happier than to serve the Lord wherever He calls so we're praying that if this is His plan for us, He will open the door and lead the way.
I haven't been consistent about keeping up with this blog but have been doing all my journaling on paper. Since Sii has asked me to teach them, I will be posting my own daily study in God's Word here, as the Holy Spirit leads. Please pray with me for the Lord's divine guidance and that whatever I post will be according to His will for His glory.
We live in a very different world than the one where the Apostles of Jesus tread two thousand years ago. Though the scenery and names of some of the actors have changed, the show goes on with two prominent figures - the Star (Jesus our Savior) and the the unmentionable enemy, the understudy who seeks to destroy His kingdom and steal the stage. The script has already been written and we know the end. But we are now the supporting roles in this drama and we must follow the Director (the Holy Spirit) as He guides us in the plan of the Author (God our Father.)
Using a Navigators Bible reading plan, I've finished Genesis through Joshua, Matthew through Mark chapter eight, Psalms one through ninety-two, and 1 Corinthians through chapter fifteen.
I will begin tomorrow with my insights for Ruth Chapters two and three, Psalm ninety-three, 1 Corinthians chapter sixteen, and Mark chapter nine. Until then...
In the love of Jesus,
anne
Sii and I have been corresponding through email for many months now. I don't even remember our first contact but our friendship has blossomed and we now both desire that I would go to India to meet with and minister to the women there. There's nothing that could make me happier than to serve the Lord wherever He calls so we're praying that if this is His plan for us, He will open the door and lead the way.
I haven't been consistent about keeping up with this blog but have been doing all my journaling on paper. Since Sii has asked me to teach them, I will be posting my own daily study in God's Word here, as the Holy Spirit leads. Please pray with me for the Lord's divine guidance and that whatever I post will be according to His will for His glory.
We live in a very different world than the one where the Apostles of Jesus tread two thousand years ago. Though the scenery and names of some of the actors have changed, the show goes on with two prominent figures - the Star (Jesus our Savior) and the the unmentionable enemy, the understudy who seeks to destroy His kingdom and steal the stage. The script has already been written and we know the end. But we are now the supporting roles in this drama and we must follow the Director (the Holy Spirit) as He guides us in the plan of the Author (God our Father.)
Using a Navigators Bible reading plan, I've finished Genesis through Joshua, Matthew through Mark chapter eight, Psalms one through ninety-two, and 1 Corinthians through chapter fifteen.
I will begin tomorrow with my insights for Ruth Chapters two and three, Psalm ninety-three, 1 Corinthians chapter sixteen, and Mark chapter nine. Until then...
In the love of Jesus,
anne
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