It's Friday and I really didn't feel like going to the gym today, but I did. I decided to play the second portion of my power walk play list. As I was singing along, the song by Steven Curtis Chapman came on called "Jesus Is Life." I love that song. It is so motivating, especially while I'm treading along on the tread mill.
Some how as I was listening to the words of that song, I started thinking about something I read yesterday in the Bible. As I happen to read a passage I had read earlier in the week. But I don't think it was an accident, it was something for me. It was the last two verses in Luke 21. It says, "Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple." I thought about the Mount of Olives. When we read about the Mount of Olives, it sounds like this romantic place of olive trees. At least that is what I think of. At the foot of it is where Gethseme is located. For some reason I have never connected the dots until now. Having stood at the top of the hill, it literally is a hill, and looked down into Jerusalem, the whole hillside are graves. Now I don't know if there were that many graves on the hillside in Jesus day, but it was still a cemetery. In fact, that is a special place for Jews to be buried. So if you think about it, why would Jesus spend the night in a cemetery? I sure wouldn't do that. Yikes! But Jesus did. And when he made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem he chose the path through the cemetery. Hmmm, this really makes me think.
John 10:10 says that Jesus came to give us life and life more abundant. He often refers to himself as the bread of life and the living water. Why would someone so confident of his purpose, sleep and walk among the dead? My thought is that he was using this as a metaphor to explain why he came. Maybe it was his way of saying he was not afraid of death because he has overcome it. The scripture does not say anyone was with him when he spent the night on the hill. It says they went to the temple early in the morning to meet him.
What else is interesting having read the through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy is that the Israelites were not to touch a dead body or they would be defiled. Jesus was always creating a stir among the Pharisees. After all, he had brought a few who were dead back to life. I wonder if that could have been an issue for them as well. How can this man who claims to be the Messiah sleep where the dead sleep?
But my last thought on this is, maybe Jesus was showing us in the natural what happens in the spiritual. He was showing us that we being dead in the spirit can only live as long as his Spirit lives in us. As I was just looking through the concordance, the Mount of Olives is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament. But its only mentioned in the New Testament in reference to Jesus. Jesus actually spent a lot of time on the Mount of Olives. Very interesting.
The Mount of Olives is the location where Jesus will return. In Zechariah 14:4 it says that the Lord will stand with his feet on the Mount of Olives and it will split apart. Maybe Jesus was showing us where to look for him when he returns. That that should be the first places to find him. Thats how we will know the difference to those claiming to be the Messiah. If when they stand on it, it splits apart.
I've never known cemeteries to be places of holy ground, but I wonder if this cemetery could be considered holy ground because the One who brings life spent a lot of time there. After all, those dead will rise up on that day! Oh what a day it will be when Jesus comes back! I wonder what the "Pharisees" will say that day? If they will even be able to speak! They might say, "Jesus Is Alive!"
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Do Not Fear That Inflation Is Here
Flour, rice, eggs and cooking oil are the next to be hit by the economic bomb. Milk is already at an all time high and bread is almost $4 a loaf. The reason I bring this up today is that was the headline on the morning news. Farmers are not producing enough grain to feed us and livestock because they are using the ethanol to feed our cars.
The media reported that Sam's Club and Costco are limiting purchases on rice and flour. This sounds like something out of the "Left Behind" series. The way the media reports these stories puts fear in the hearts of many of us. Including me. I already struggle with going to the grocery store and buying "nothing" and it costing me "something." Jeff and I were having this conversation last night and I told him I'm living by Psalms 37:25, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." I know it sounds silly, but this is my area of weakness. What was really sad, I was watching a Christian news broadcast and they reported that people have quit attending Sunday church because they can't afford the gas in their cars. I wonder what God must be thinking of us. It sounds silly, but this is what fear does to us. It just paralyzes us.
Today as I was reading my devotions, three of the scriptures in the Proverbs today comforted me. Proverbs 13:22 says, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:23 says, "A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away." Doesn't it seem that the high demand for oil is injustice and now the poor farmers who have been growing food for people are now trying to grow food for our cars? But this last verse truly left me with hope that God is looking out after His children. Proverbs 13:25 says, "The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." I know it would seem silly of me to write about this, but being a mom with two children heading into the teen years, and one of them being a boy, it is a concern. But the Word of God gives me hope that everything is going to be o.k.
So if you are fearful about our economy, in the words of Jesus, "Do not be afraid!" God is bigger than the guys that own the oil. He has proven Himself faithful over and over. And He has nothing to prove. He is God and everything in the earth belongs to Him. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I bet if we truly trust and watch closely, we will begin to see the faith filled believers rise above and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a revival that is long overdue. God never wastes an opportunity to "save" people.
The media reported that Sam's Club and Costco are limiting purchases on rice and flour. This sounds like something out of the "Left Behind" series. The way the media reports these stories puts fear in the hearts of many of us. Including me. I already struggle with going to the grocery store and buying "nothing" and it costing me "something." Jeff and I were having this conversation last night and I told him I'm living by Psalms 37:25, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." I know it sounds silly, but this is my area of weakness. What was really sad, I was watching a Christian news broadcast and they reported that people have quit attending Sunday church because they can't afford the gas in their cars. I wonder what God must be thinking of us. It sounds silly, but this is what fear does to us. It just paralyzes us.
Today as I was reading my devotions, three of the scriptures in the Proverbs today comforted me. Proverbs 13:22 says, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." Proverbs 13:23 says, "A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away." Doesn't it seem that the high demand for oil is injustice and now the poor farmers who have been growing food for people are now trying to grow food for our cars? But this last verse truly left me with hope that God is looking out after His children. Proverbs 13:25 says, "The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." I know it would seem silly of me to write about this, but being a mom with two children heading into the teen years, and one of them being a boy, it is a concern. But the Word of God gives me hope that everything is going to be o.k.
So if you are fearful about our economy, in the words of Jesus, "Do not be afraid!" God is bigger than the guys that own the oil. He has proven Himself faithful over and over. And He has nothing to prove. He is God and everything in the earth belongs to Him. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I bet if we truly trust and watch closely, we will begin to see the faith filled believers rise above and I wouldn't be surprised if we see a revival that is long overdue. God never wastes an opportunity to "save" people.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day
Yesterday my daughter Jordanne woke up with "Earth Day" on her mind. I hadn't really thought about when it was. Then as we were watching the morning news, they informed us that April 22 is Earth day. Everything today has been about saving the planet Earth. The media is encouraging us to be "green." In the words of Kermit the Frog, "It's not easy being green." Especially when the Bible says all of this will come to an end.
Today, I read the passage in Luke 21 when Jesus is telling his disciples of his return. Mind you, he hasn't even left yet. The passage reads like this, 25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
The recent gas prices have jumped sharply to an all time high. Just today while I was in the grocery store, a lady leaned over to me and said, "Can you believe the prices?" All because of gas prices. Today a barrel of oil was up to $118.00. Yes, I would say the end is near. We are experiencing the labor pains. Luke 21:34-36 says, 34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." I take comfort in knowing Jesus already knows what we are facing. Jesus mentions earlier in Luke 21 verse 20 that "when we see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near." There certainly are armies surrounding Israel right now.
Last week Pope Benedict XVI visited the U.S. for the first time. He was all over the television. The news played the video of him getting off the airplane to be greeted by President Bush and how the people cheered him on like he was God. He was referred to as the Holy Father. I don't mean to seem disrespectful, but it was very interesting. I suddenly was struck with this thought, what if Jesus shows up on an airplane wearing white, like the Pope wore and the news is there to get it on video for all the world to see. Would he get as much air play? I wonder if this is what the Bible talks about that every eye will see his return. Jesus says in Luke 21 that the Son of Man will show up in a white cloud with power and great glory. The pope sure got glorious welcome. One U.N. official's said that the Pope represents peace for all religions. Only Jesus can bring peace for all mankind.
Yes, today is Earth Day. I will do my share to recycle and conserve energy. I have no idea when Jesus will return and yes we must do what we can to be "green" and save the planet. But the Word of God says that the end will come. But the good news is He is making a new Heaven and a new Earth. 1 Peter 3:13 says "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." This time it won't be destroyed by sin and we will live in peace and worship only one God and Jesus will sit on His throne for all eternity in the New Jerusalem. It will be Earth Day everyday!
Today, I read the passage in Luke 21 when Jesus is telling his disciples of his return. Mind you, he hasn't even left yet. The passage reads like this, 25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32"I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." In current state of our planet, it would truly seem as though we are nearing his return.
Mankind has become like the locusts mentioned in the book of Joel. We have been blessed with abundance and in our greed have devoured everything in our path and moved on. In marketing we are called consumers because that's exactly what we do, consume. Over the past couple of years celebrities, the government, and environment spokesmen have encouraged us to recycle and conserve energy because the ozone layer is being destroyed. The ozone layer is what protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. As consumers, by making things more convenient for us, we have already begun the destruction of our planet. A recent commercial on television says if we all changed one light bulb out for a florescent bulb, it would be equivalent of taking a million cars off the road. Its too late. The sin of man's selfishness is what has caused our current problem. We can't throw this planet away and get a new one. All we can do now is slow down the process of what is to come.
The recent gas prices have jumped sharply to an all time high. Just today while I was in the grocery store, a lady leaned over to me and said, "Can you believe the prices?" All because of gas prices. Today a barrel of oil was up to $118.00. Yes, I would say the end is near. We are experiencing the labor pains. Luke 21:34-36 says, 34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." I take comfort in knowing Jesus already knows what we are facing. Jesus mentions earlier in Luke 21 verse 20 that "when we see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near." There certainly are armies surrounding Israel right now.
Last week Pope Benedict XVI visited the U.S. for the first time. He was all over the television. The news played the video of him getting off the airplane to be greeted by President Bush and how the people cheered him on like he was God. He was referred to as the Holy Father. I don't mean to seem disrespectful, but it was very interesting. I suddenly was struck with this thought, what if Jesus shows up on an airplane wearing white, like the Pope wore and the news is there to get it on video for all the world to see. Would he get as much air play? I wonder if this is what the Bible talks about that every eye will see his return. Jesus says in Luke 21 that the Son of Man will show up in a white cloud with power and great glory. The pope sure got glorious welcome. One U.N. official's said that the Pope represents peace for all religions. Only Jesus can bring peace for all mankind.
Yes, today is Earth Day. I will do my share to recycle and conserve energy. I have no idea when Jesus will return and yes we must do what we can to be "green" and save the planet. But the Word of God says that the end will come. But the good news is He is making a new Heaven and a new Earth. 1 Peter 3:13 says "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." This time it won't be destroyed by sin and we will live in peace and worship only one God and Jesus will sit on His throne for all eternity in the New Jerusalem. It will be Earth Day everyday!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
This Fast Is Going Too Slow
I'm am 4 days into a "Daniel Fast" and I'm starving! Last week, Jeff and I faced a few things that we truly believe were spiritual and we decided that we needed to do a fast. As we went into this fast we also lumped in our physical health as well.
We've done fasts before and yes they were difficult the first couple of days, but this particular kind of fast is not as easy. One might think so because we are eating fruits and vegetables, but not necessarily. This fast comes from the book of Daniel. In the first chapter, Daniel is one of four young men from the tribe of Judah that King Nebucadnezzar had chosen to serve in his palace. Daniel did not want to defile himself so he requested that he and the other three boys not eat the royal food and eat only vegetables and water for ten days. After the ten days, Daniel and the other boys looked healthier and better nourished than the other young men. Daniel 1:17 says, "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." I could use some understanding of my dreams. Verse 20 says, "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom."
Now I'm not looking to be ten times more wise or better, but I am wanting to have more control over my flesh and live more in the spirit with the wisdom that only comes from my Heavenly Father. I am praying that God would give us His understanding for journeying with our new church family.
It would seem that Jeff and I got off to a rough start in this new season of pastoring. We were looking to step in and sail along this first year just getting to know this new family the Lord has entrusted to us. God had another idea and now we are seeking wisdom and understanding on how to navigate where we are.
We began this week of this fast paying that large tax bill that was due on the 15th. Jeff received the amount of his traffic ticket on that same day. Money is the source of my issues. Not being able to comfort my grief watching our savings account that was to be towards a home eventually, dwindle down. I find security knowing there is a back up if needed. I guess this was one of those "need" times. What I have truly discovered in this fast is that I use food to comfort me emotionally. Since we moved back to California, which has now been almost 9 years, I weigh 25 lbs. more. Thats way too much. I weigh what I did when Jordanne was born. I wish I could say I was 9 months pregnant and ready to give birth. But I'm not. Its the issues in my life that I choose not to give to God. My weight is the physical representation of the things that have become my idol in life. The things that I have not laid at the feet of Jesus to carry for me. I just read in Luke 16 where Jesus talks about how we cannot serve two masters, being God and money. Jesus says in verse 15, "...What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."As I'm going through this process of fasting, I want to find the root of my weight issues.
What I am beginning to see is that, this week I was tested on the tax day and I couldn't turn to a piece of chocolate to take away my frustration. I remember about 4 years ago Jeff did a 40 day fast. In that fast, I noticed his personality change drastically. I see why one would need to hide out in a cave or find some solitary place because he was not a happy camper. We then realized he was grieving over food. I have definitely noticed my mood change. I truly believe it is because I'm missing what I used to turn to in my fear, boredom, anxiety, suppressed anger, covetousness, and being discontent with my life. These are issues that if I don't deal with them, I will add another 25 lbs. to my life in just a few short years. These are the things that are the roots to my issues. Its easier to blame outside sources for our issues, but what it boils down to, I've got to get rid of these poisons. The piece of chocolate doesn't stand outside my mouth trying to get in, I put it there. It must be what its like for an alcoholic or drug addict to go into rehab and detox. Their bodies have to break the need for something that is just a band aid to cover what the real issues are.
God has called me to be a pastor. To lead people into a deeper relationship with the Lord. To point them to Jesus as the one to carry their burdens. How can I do that when I don't do that as often as I should.
I've also learned that I give myself permission to eat whatever I want. Too much freedom is not healthy. Even in my walk with the Lord. Often times when we as Believers fall into sin, we excuse it with the "grace" factor. Yes, God has given us grace to come to Him, but it is our responsibility to live above the world's standard. There is a fine line to legalism in the church and living a life of balance. I'm finding that I am a carnivorous eater. I need my meat. Even when God told the Israelites what they should and shouldn't eat, meat was a part of their diet. God knows we need protein. Thats what makes us strong. What is the meat in our spiritual diet? Its being in the Word daily and meditating on it so that when the outside pressure pushes us, the Word of God springs up from the wells of our hearts and speaks to that situation. That understanding the true power in the name of Jesus to come against the enemy of this world, we can overcome any circumstance or in my case, emotion.
I'm not sure how to close this entry. I am still in the process so I don't have a final answer. I guess I would ask you who is reading this, to pray for me today. Pray that I would continue to find those things in my life that hinder others from following Jesus. Pray that God would help Jeff and me lead the people that He has entrusted to us. Give us wisdom that only He can give to help us help others grow in Jesus and to have understanding when we need it. Thank you!
I pray you would have a very blessed day!!
We've done fasts before and yes they were difficult the first couple of days, but this particular kind of fast is not as easy. One might think so because we are eating fruits and vegetables, but not necessarily. This fast comes from the book of Daniel. In the first chapter, Daniel is one of four young men from the tribe of Judah that King Nebucadnezzar had chosen to serve in his palace. Daniel did not want to defile himself so he requested that he and the other three boys not eat the royal food and eat only vegetables and water for ten days. After the ten days, Daniel and the other boys looked healthier and better nourished than the other young men. Daniel 1:17 says, "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." I could use some understanding of my dreams. Verse 20 says, "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom."
Now I'm not looking to be ten times more wise or better, but I am wanting to have more control over my flesh and live more in the spirit with the wisdom that only comes from my Heavenly Father. I am praying that God would give us His understanding for journeying with our new church family.
It would seem that Jeff and I got off to a rough start in this new season of pastoring. We were looking to step in and sail along this first year just getting to know this new family the Lord has entrusted to us. God had another idea and now we are seeking wisdom and understanding on how to navigate where we are.
We began this week of this fast paying that large tax bill that was due on the 15th. Jeff received the amount of his traffic ticket on that same day. Money is the source of my issues. Not being able to comfort my grief watching our savings account that was to be towards a home eventually, dwindle down. I find security knowing there is a back up if needed. I guess this was one of those "need" times. What I have truly discovered in this fast is that I use food to comfort me emotionally. Since we moved back to California, which has now been almost 9 years, I weigh 25 lbs. more. Thats way too much. I weigh what I did when Jordanne was born. I wish I could say I was 9 months pregnant and ready to give birth. But I'm not. Its the issues in my life that I choose not to give to God. My weight is the physical representation of the things that have become my idol in life. The things that I have not laid at the feet of Jesus to carry for me. I just read in Luke 16 where Jesus talks about how we cannot serve two masters, being God and money. Jesus says in verse 15, "...What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."As I'm going through this process of fasting, I want to find the root of my weight issues.
What I am beginning to see is that, this week I was tested on the tax day and I couldn't turn to a piece of chocolate to take away my frustration. I remember about 4 years ago Jeff did a 40 day fast. In that fast, I noticed his personality change drastically. I see why one would need to hide out in a cave or find some solitary place because he was not a happy camper. We then realized he was grieving over food. I have definitely noticed my mood change. I truly believe it is because I'm missing what I used to turn to in my fear, boredom, anxiety, suppressed anger, covetousness, and being discontent with my life. These are issues that if I don't deal with them, I will add another 25 lbs. to my life in just a few short years. These are the things that are the roots to my issues. Its easier to blame outside sources for our issues, but what it boils down to, I've got to get rid of these poisons. The piece of chocolate doesn't stand outside my mouth trying to get in, I put it there. It must be what its like for an alcoholic or drug addict to go into rehab and detox. Their bodies have to break the need for something that is just a band aid to cover what the real issues are.
God has called me to be a pastor. To lead people into a deeper relationship with the Lord. To point them to Jesus as the one to carry their burdens. How can I do that when I don't do that as often as I should.
I've also learned that I give myself permission to eat whatever I want. Too much freedom is not healthy. Even in my walk with the Lord. Often times when we as Believers fall into sin, we excuse it with the "grace" factor. Yes, God has given us grace to come to Him, but it is our responsibility to live above the world's standard. There is a fine line to legalism in the church and living a life of balance. I'm finding that I am a carnivorous eater. I need my meat. Even when God told the Israelites what they should and shouldn't eat, meat was a part of their diet. God knows we need protein. Thats what makes us strong. What is the meat in our spiritual diet? Its being in the Word daily and meditating on it so that when the outside pressure pushes us, the Word of God springs up from the wells of our hearts and speaks to that situation. That understanding the true power in the name of Jesus to come against the enemy of this world, we can overcome any circumstance or in my case, emotion.
I'm not sure how to close this entry. I am still in the process so I don't have a final answer. I guess I would ask you who is reading this, to pray for me today. Pray that I would continue to find those things in my life that hinder others from following Jesus. Pray that God would help Jeff and me lead the people that He has entrusted to us. Give us wisdom that only He can give to help us help others grow in Jesus and to have understanding when we need it. Thank you!
I pray you would have a very blessed day!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Measure of Success and Prosperity
Every Sunday morning as I get ready for church, I listen to a variety of pastors on television. For the past few years, these pastors have spoken truth and have carried me through some difficult seasons in my life. Over the past couple of weeks, as I have had the pleasure of hearing my husband preach again regularly, I realized that I don't need as much from these other pastors as I have in the past. My husband speaks as much truth. Personally I think he's just as gifted communicating the Word of God as any pastor on television.
This morning as I was listening to one of these pastors, the message today was about God's favor on us. The interpretation of favor from this pastor was the success and prosperity that he has personally experience. I do believe that God's favor brings those things in our lives, but it got me to thinking. Uh oh, here I go on my rabbit trail.
What is success and prosperity? Who defines what true success is and who sets the standard of prosperity? Living in mega-church central here in Orange County, it would seem to be that if you have a church that is over 1,000 members and that if your church has some type of gathering for every person in a family from infant to seniors, that you are a successful church. Along with being a successful church, then it is a guarantee that you are prospering. Not necessarily.
I've been apart of plenty of exploding churches in my life time and they often times can't pay all the bills. This isn't because of God, its because people aren't doing their part of obedience. Most church members don't tithe. They may give an offering now and then, but for the most part a small percentage tithe. Tithe means "a tenth." Which that is all God requires of us and it hasn't changed since Abraham.
But, who determines what is successful? In the current state of our economic system, it would seem that those who can afford big houses, nice cars, not to mention the expense of the gas to go in them, expensive purses, and luxury vacations, would define success. Listening to this pastor talk about his own experience of God's faithfulness to him by blessing him with a large church congregation, the house of his dreams, not to mention the wife of his dreams, wonderful children and an incredible book deal. All because of his continued faithfulness to God.
I've seen many pastors, evangelists, missionaries, who have served faithfully the call in their lives and die not owning even a home. My god-mother being one of them. She gave her life to the work of the Lord and lead thousands of people to the Lord. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and when she died in her mid 80's, she had nothing worth much here on this earth. I would call her successful because she did fulfill her purpose and that was leaving a legacy of songs that she had written. One of them being "His Name is Wonderful."
As I was pondering on this thought today I truly began to think about what measures our success as a minister of the Gospel. Jeff says its odd for a pastor because the two things that measure him successful are in competition with each other. Its about how many members your church has and how humble you are. Those two things are like water and oil. Why do we measure success by numbers? Whether it is with the number of people in your church or how many figures you make in your salary. In our current world status, that seems to be the mark of a successful and prosperous pastor.
What does the Bible say about prosperity and success? Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night. Then you will be prosperous and successful." How many of us truly meditate on the Word of God day and night. Jeff and I just spoke at a marriage retreat this weekend, where most of the couples wanted to know how they could grow spiritually together. When we told them to make sure they did their own daily devotions, most said it was hard to find time. Most of us can't even schedule 15 minutes a day with the Lord and be in His Word.
While I was thinking about this, I thought about Jesus. Looking at Jesus ministry in todays context would look nothing like mega-church pastor. Although to some extent it would. Jesus had the greatest evangelistic ministry of all time. He may not have reached as many people as some pastors today, but he didn't have television yet. He had the best selling book of all time that is still in print to this day, the Bible. Yet, he did not have the wealth of the world. No big house, in Matthew 8:20 Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He didn't wear Armani suits. He didn't ride a big horse, instead he rode a donkey. That would be like the Ford Pinto of the 70's. Jesus' success came because he meditated on the book of the law. How odd that he would do that. John 1:1 says he was the Word.
Personally, I think today, we put too much emphasis on the measurement of success and prosperity by the numbers. That's the world's measure of success. Instead, we should look at the depth of individuals relationship with Jesus. I know plenty of people who have attended some of the largest churches and they aren't any deeper in their relationship with the Lord than they were the first day they met Him. If we are meditating on the Word of God, then we would have less poverty, less health issues, less greed, less trying to keep up with the neighbors, and live content lives. The Bible covers all these areas.
I'm not writing about this because I'm angry or jealous of these pastors and their churches. Although it might come across in that tone. There are those whose purpose it is to shepherd a large flock. I'm writing this to pose some questions for us to begin asking ourselves. It can get discouraging at times when you give your all and people won't validate it because it isn't like the mega-church down the street. When we planted our church in Irvine, I used to say we were like In-n-Out Burger, a simple menu. But people seemed to want Ruth's Chris' menu, ale carte. To be able to pick and choose. I chose to write on this topic today as I realized that man can not be the judge of what is successful and prosperous. Only God can determine what makes one successful and prosperous. It is living a life that is obedient to His Word and having a personal relationship with Him that allows us to talk with Him throughout the day. To read His Word and have it penetrate deep into our hearts so that we become saturated in His ways.
The past few weeks, our Sunday morning services have been down. Some due to vacations and spring breaks. But if you look at the church family that God has entrusted to Jeff and I, I would say it was successful. The pastor before us spent a lot of time planting the seeds of truth into this body of believers. Jeff and I have had the privilege of inheriting this church. It may not be as big as some of the churches in the neighborhood, but the people have hearts to worship and they are eager to hear the Word of God. Instead of measuring success and prosperity by numbers, we should measure it by perseverance and faith. If we can press through the tough times and come out better and if we can overcome fear with faith, I would say that would be a good way to measure success and prosperity.
This morning as I was listening to one of these pastors, the message today was about God's favor on us. The interpretation of favor from this pastor was the success and prosperity that he has personally experience. I do believe that God's favor brings those things in our lives, but it got me to thinking. Uh oh, here I go on my rabbit trail.
What is success and prosperity? Who defines what true success is and who sets the standard of prosperity? Living in mega-church central here in Orange County, it would seem to be that if you have a church that is over 1,000 members and that if your church has some type of gathering for every person in a family from infant to seniors, that you are a successful church. Along with being a successful church, then it is a guarantee that you are prospering. Not necessarily.
I've been apart of plenty of exploding churches in my life time and they often times can't pay all the bills. This isn't because of God, its because people aren't doing their part of obedience. Most church members don't tithe. They may give an offering now and then, but for the most part a small percentage tithe. Tithe means "a tenth." Which that is all God requires of us and it hasn't changed since Abraham.
But, who determines what is successful? In the current state of our economic system, it would seem that those who can afford big houses, nice cars, not to mention the expense of the gas to go in them, expensive purses, and luxury vacations, would define success. Listening to this pastor talk about his own experience of God's faithfulness to him by blessing him with a large church congregation, the house of his dreams, not to mention the wife of his dreams, wonderful children and an incredible book deal. All because of his continued faithfulness to God.
I've seen many pastors, evangelists, missionaries, who have served faithfully the call in their lives and die not owning even a home. My god-mother being one of them. She gave her life to the work of the Lord and lead thousands of people to the Lord. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and when she died in her mid 80's, she had nothing worth much here on this earth. I would call her successful because she did fulfill her purpose and that was leaving a legacy of songs that she had written. One of them being "His Name is Wonderful."
As I was pondering on this thought today I truly began to think about what measures our success as a minister of the Gospel. Jeff says its odd for a pastor because the two things that measure him successful are in competition with each other. Its about how many members your church has and how humble you are. Those two things are like water and oil. Why do we measure success by numbers? Whether it is with the number of people in your church or how many figures you make in your salary. In our current world status, that seems to be the mark of a successful and prosperous pastor.
What does the Bible say about prosperity and success? Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night. Then you will be prosperous and successful." How many of us truly meditate on the Word of God day and night. Jeff and I just spoke at a marriage retreat this weekend, where most of the couples wanted to know how they could grow spiritually together. When we told them to make sure they did their own daily devotions, most said it was hard to find time. Most of us can't even schedule 15 minutes a day with the Lord and be in His Word.
While I was thinking about this, I thought about Jesus. Looking at Jesus ministry in todays context would look nothing like mega-church pastor. Although to some extent it would. Jesus had the greatest evangelistic ministry of all time. He may not have reached as many people as some pastors today, but he didn't have television yet. He had the best selling book of all time that is still in print to this day, the Bible. Yet, he did not have the wealth of the world. No big house, in Matthew 8:20 Jesus said, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He didn't wear Armani suits. He didn't ride a big horse, instead he rode a donkey. That would be like the Ford Pinto of the 70's. Jesus' success came because he meditated on the book of the law. How odd that he would do that. John 1:1 says he was the Word.
Personally, I think today, we put too much emphasis on the measurement of success and prosperity by the numbers. That's the world's measure of success. Instead, we should look at the depth of individuals relationship with Jesus. I know plenty of people who have attended some of the largest churches and they aren't any deeper in their relationship with the Lord than they were the first day they met Him. If we are meditating on the Word of God, then we would have less poverty, less health issues, less greed, less trying to keep up with the neighbors, and live content lives. The Bible covers all these areas.
I'm not writing about this because I'm angry or jealous of these pastors and their churches. Although it might come across in that tone. There are those whose purpose it is to shepherd a large flock. I'm writing this to pose some questions for us to begin asking ourselves. It can get discouraging at times when you give your all and people won't validate it because it isn't like the mega-church down the street. When we planted our church in Irvine, I used to say we were like In-n-Out Burger, a simple menu. But people seemed to want Ruth's Chris' menu, ale carte. To be able to pick and choose. I chose to write on this topic today as I realized that man can not be the judge of what is successful and prosperous. Only God can determine what makes one successful and prosperous. It is living a life that is obedient to His Word and having a personal relationship with Him that allows us to talk with Him throughout the day. To read His Word and have it penetrate deep into our hearts so that we become saturated in His ways.
The past few weeks, our Sunday morning services have been down. Some due to vacations and spring breaks. But if you look at the church family that God has entrusted to Jeff and I, I would say it was successful. The pastor before us spent a lot of time planting the seeds of truth into this body of believers. Jeff and I have had the privilege of inheriting this church. It may not be as big as some of the churches in the neighborhood, but the people have hearts to worship and they are eager to hear the Word of God. Instead of measuring success and prosperity by numbers, we should measure it by perseverance and faith. If we can press through the tough times and come out better and if we can overcome fear with faith, I would say that would be a good way to measure success and prosperity.
Friday, April 11, 2008
American Idol Gives Praise To The Lord
Wednesday night, Jeff and I were watching American Idol. It was the "American Idol Gives Back" special where they raise money for the poor and needy, not only in Africa, but here in America as well. I was amazed at how much money they raised in 3 hours. Everyday, I watch James Robison who raises money for supplying fresh well-water for people in Africa. Its difficult for ministries to raise money. But at one point on American Idol they were up to 22 million dollars.
The program went over extra 10 minutes. As we were getting ready to turn it off, the Idol's got up on stage to sing the finale, we were surprised to hear Ryan Secrest say, "Here are our 8 remaining idols to sing Shout To The Lord." Jeff and I were shocked! Did he just say "Shout to the Lord?" Yes, he did. But what was interesting was that they didn't use the name of Jesus in the song. It didn't matter at that point, they were praising our Lord and Savior on a program that was being seen all over the world. At the end of the song they got a standing ovation.
Now here's what was even more amazing. Last night on the follow up program, Ryan introduces the opening song of the night. He said that they were going to sing the number one song downloaded on itunes of the top eight songs. The song that was number one was "Shout To The Lord!" Amazing is all I can say. This time when they sang it, they used the name of Jesus. All I can say is "Praise the Lord!"
Just the other day as I was reading the Psalms, I came across Psalm 69:30-36. It says,
What an appropriate scripture for what happened this week on American Idol. The proceeds from that song that was downloaded is going to help people in need. Verses 32 and 33 talk about the poor being glad and the Lord hearing the needy. That those who seek God, their hearts will live. Just last week Dolly Parton performed a song that solely gave praise to Jesus. I don't know who works in the programming at American Idol, but I believe that Jesus was glorified this week. Thank you to whoever chose to not be "politically correct" and take a stand for the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. I want to give a big "Shout To The Lord!"
Lyrics to Shout To The Lord by Darlene Zschech
My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days
I want to praise
the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
let every breath, all that I am
never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
let us sing
power and majesty, praise to the King;
mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
The program went over extra 10 minutes. As we were getting ready to turn it off, the Idol's got up on stage to sing the finale, we were surprised to hear Ryan Secrest say, "Here are our 8 remaining idols to sing Shout To The Lord." Jeff and I were shocked! Did he just say "Shout to the Lord?" Yes, he did. But what was interesting was that they didn't use the name of Jesus in the song. It didn't matter at that point, they were praising our Lord and Savior on a program that was being seen all over the world. At the end of the song they got a standing ovation.
Now here's what was even more amazing. Last night on the follow up program, Ryan introduces the opening song of the night. He said that they were going to sing the number one song downloaded on itunes of the top eight songs. The song that was number one was "Shout To The Lord!" Amazing is all I can say. This time when they sang it, they used the name of Jesus. All I can say is "Praise the Lord!"
Just the other day as I was reading the Psalms, I came across Psalm 69:30-36. It says,
"30 I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
31 This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.
32 The poor will see and be glad—
you who seek God, may your hearts live!
33 The LORD hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.
34 Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,
35 for God will save Zion
and rebuild the cities of Judah.
Then people will settle there and possess it;
36 the children of his servants will inherit it,
and those who love his name will dwell there.
What an appropriate scripture for what happened this week on American Idol. The proceeds from that song that was downloaded is going to help people in need. Verses 32 and 33 talk about the poor being glad and the Lord hearing the needy. That those who seek God, their hearts will live. Just last week Dolly Parton performed a song that solely gave praise to Jesus. I don't know who works in the programming at American Idol, but I believe that Jesus was glorified this week. Thank you to whoever chose to not be "politically correct" and take a stand for the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. I want to give a big "Shout To The Lord!"
Lyrics to Shout To The Lord by Darlene Zschech
My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days
I want to praise
the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter,
Tower of refuge and strength;
let every breath, all that I am
never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth,
let us sing
power and majesty, praise to the King;
mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand,
nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Don't Worry, Be Happy
A popular song in the late 80's was called, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." I remember the video vividly. Robin Williams, along with the Bill Irwin with the writer of the song, Bobby McFerrin dance and sing this happy little song about not worrying about troubles in life. Little did they know that Jesus actually wrote the lyrics over 2,000 years ago.
I don't think it is by accident that this particular passage in Luke falls in my daily reading the week before taxes are due. God knew from the beginning, that many Americans would find themselves worrying about how they were going to pay their taxes every year at this time. Jeff and I find ourselves in this circumstance this year. Taxes were the source of our first disagreement when were newly weds. We had only been married 4 months when we found out that we were going to have to pay. I had never had to pay before and I thought that when you got married you got even more of a tax break. As I sit here typing this, my wedding ring caught my eye. That was how Jeff purchased my wedding ring. He had to use his tax money. I had completely forgotten about that until now.
Yesterday, all those familiar fears came up for me. We found out that last year a mistake was made in our income and now we are going to have to make it up. The amount we owe is not much different that what we owed 15 years ago. Something about taxes frightens me. Is it those three little letters that are typed boldly on the envelope that we are to send our check in, I.R.S. or is it I will have to juggle our bills even more because of that one mistake?
Last night while I was in my worry mode, I thought I should read my Bible. That was part of the problem, I didn't read first thing, but again, it had more impact reading it last night. The passage is titled, "Jesus Warns About Worry." Luke 12:22-34 says, "22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
I have a Psalm on a little note card in my bathroom that I was saying everyday this last year. At some point in the busyness of my life, I quit quoting it. This morning as I was drying my hair, I looked at that note card. Its Psalm 121:1-8, I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
Jesus was very specific when he told his disciples not to worry. He told them because he knew the nature of man was fearfulness. He wants us to "live" today not being anxious about tomorrow and what it may or may not hold. So in the words Jesus to the tune of Bobby McFerrin, "Don't worry, be happy."
I don't think it is by accident that this particular passage in Luke falls in my daily reading the week before taxes are due. God knew from the beginning, that many Americans would find themselves worrying about how they were going to pay their taxes every year at this time. Jeff and I find ourselves in this circumstance this year. Taxes were the source of our first disagreement when were newly weds. We had only been married 4 months when we found out that we were going to have to pay. I had never had to pay before and I thought that when you got married you got even more of a tax break. As I sit here typing this, my wedding ring caught my eye. That was how Jeff purchased my wedding ring. He had to use his tax money. I had completely forgotten about that until now.
Yesterday, all those familiar fears came up for me. We found out that last year a mistake was made in our income and now we are going to have to make it up. The amount we owe is not much different that what we owed 15 years ago. Something about taxes frightens me. Is it those three little letters that are typed boldly on the envelope that we are to send our check in, I.R.S. or is it I will have to juggle our bills even more because of that one mistake?
Last night while I was in my worry mode, I thought I should read my Bible. That was part of the problem, I didn't read first thing, but again, it had more impact reading it last night. The passage is titled, "Jesus Warns About Worry." Luke 12:22-34 says, "22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I have a Psalm on a little note card in my bathroom that I was saying everyday this last year. At some point in the busyness of my life, I quit quoting it. This morning as I was drying my hair, I looked at that note card. Its Psalm 121:1-8, I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Jesus was very specific when he told his disciples not to worry. He told them because he knew the nature of man was fearfulness. He wants us to "live" today not being anxious about tomorrow and what it may or may not hold. So in the words Jesus to the tune of Bobby McFerrin, "Don't worry, be happy."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April Fools
This was an April fools to forget. Although it is probably going to be one that I remember. It was one of the toughest days I've had in a long time.
It all started the night before. For the past two weeks, I have been living with a stiff neck. It started while I was sick with a cold and sleeping propped up. One night I slept wrong and have been living with it ever since. I went to see a friend of ours who is a chiropractor, and I thought he had fixed it the day I went. The pain I was still having had to be just the sore muscles. Instead it persisted. I missed a lot of sleep and you know what happens when you lose sleep. Cranky.
The night before, I had awaken in the middle of the night because the pain was so bad. My ibuprofen didn't work and now I can see why people with chronic back pain are miserable. As I laid in my bed fighting with my pillow, I asked the Lord to heal my neck. Then I started thinking about how He called the Israelites "stiff-necked people" because of their rebellion. Was I in rebellion about something? If so, I wanted to release it. I got up the next morning not quite feeling myself. This many sleepless nights catches up to me. I had made an appointment the day before to see our friend again.
I was already uptight as I had just paid the bills, which always is tough. The enemy knows my weak spot. My appointment was in the afternoon, so I loaded up my kids in the car and off we went. After my adjustment, I felt so good. It was like instant healing. I was so thankful and happy. The first time I've felt normal in several days. As I was turning the corner heading home, I noticed that my speed and the sign didn't match up. I immediately slowed down when I saw the sign. Out of the shadows a motor cycle cop pulls out. Now by the time I see him, I'm going the speed limit. Several hundred yards form where I noticed the sign. He turns on his lights and pulls me over. He proceeds to tell me that Lakeview is a 35 mph and I was going 51. I told him that I had just made a right turn and when I noticed the sign I slowed down. There was no grace to be found. He handed me a bright pink piece of paper. I haven't had a ticket in 20 years. I was so angry because where I live in Irvine, most all of our streets are 50 mph. I'm used to driving 50. I don't spend much time in Yorba Linda, so I'm not familiar with the streets.
We get home and in my frustration with the issue of money already in front of me, one because Jeff too received a moving violation the week before Easter. How could we both get tickets at the same time. At least we can go to traffic school together. In the mean time, the mail lady came. She didn't put our taxes in our mailbox, she set them on my car in the garage. Very strange. I opened the envelope and looking over our taxes, not expecting to pay, after all, last year we got a refund, found that I was wrong. It sure is expensive to live in a "free" country. This just set me over the edge.
Just then, a friend of mine stopped by and prayed for me. I call her my Michael the arc angel who showed up for Daniel. I was sick at my stomach. She prayed for me and I felt better. Jeff shows up with a day that he'd like to forget as well. We had had dinner plans with a couple that we couldn't cancel so we met them for dinner. I wasn't really hungry with all this having happened.
It was a nice dinner and on the way home, Jeff took the toll road. Knowing we were both exhausted, thought this would get us home faster. Jeff was so tired and distracted he missed the turn off. That was fine, because there was another one up ahead. Guess what? We missed it. The problem with missing the second one was there aren't anymore until we get to Anaheim Hills and that is the 91 freeway. As we approached the 91, I looked at Jeff and said, "Are we a couple of April fools. Here we are going around the mountain." We went 40 miles out of our way to get home.
It then prompted the question, "If our steps are ordered by the Lord, then what are these days all about?" Jeff says its just life. True, but I have to say that it all happening on this particular day, April Fool's day, I was hoping that someone would pop out of the air to say "April Fools." Not the case. Instead, we went to bed emotionally exhausted.
I tossed and turned and finally got up and decided to read me Bible until I got sleepy. Better than any pain medication because its filling my thoughts with God's words and reading makes me tired.
I was continuing my reading in Deuteronomy and I came to Chapter 20. The sub title is "Going to War". Verses 1- 4 says, "1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." The horses and chariots are the motor cycle cops and police cars in my case. I know the battle is not against the law enforcement, because I do obey the law, but its against what Ephesians 6:12 says, "12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I know in my heart it was about the things I can not see. You feel like your blind folded and someone has spun you around, like when you played "pin the tail on the donkey". It seems like everyone around you is laughing because you are totally missing the mark. You're swinging at the pinata and you just can't seem to knock it down. You either miss it completely or you lack the power because you can't see to have the right aim. That's what it feels like fighting spiritually. That is why it is so important to pray in the Spirit in these times because, only the Holy Spirit can fight against its own kind. We are more like the pinata being swung at in this case.
I don't have any answers to what I have ahead of me, except that I know God will be with me. I have learned that He is my source, my Jehovah Jireh, my provider. He is my El Roi, God who sees. He is Jehovah Nissi, The Lord our banner. He is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace. He is Jehovah Shammah, the God who is there. He is always faithful. My job is to be faith filled. It's not always easy, but it is what is required.
It all started the night before. For the past two weeks, I have been living with a stiff neck. It started while I was sick with a cold and sleeping propped up. One night I slept wrong and have been living with it ever since. I went to see a friend of ours who is a chiropractor, and I thought he had fixed it the day I went. The pain I was still having had to be just the sore muscles. Instead it persisted. I missed a lot of sleep and you know what happens when you lose sleep. Cranky.
The night before, I had awaken in the middle of the night because the pain was so bad. My ibuprofen didn't work and now I can see why people with chronic back pain are miserable. As I laid in my bed fighting with my pillow, I asked the Lord to heal my neck. Then I started thinking about how He called the Israelites "stiff-necked people" because of their rebellion. Was I in rebellion about something? If so, I wanted to release it. I got up the next morning not quite feeling myself. This many sleepless nights catches up to me. I had made an appointment the day before to see our friend again.
I was already uptight as I had just paid the bills, which always is tough. The enemy knows my weak spot. My appointment was in the afternoon, so I loaded up my kids in the car and off we went. After my adjustment, I felt so good. It was like instant healing. I was so thankful and happy. The first time I've felt normal in several days. As I was turning the corner heading home, I noticed that my speed and the sign didn't match up. I immediately slowed down when I saw the sign. Out of the shadows a motor cycle cop pulls out. Now by the time I see him, I'm going the speed limit. Several hundred yards form where I noticed the sign. He turns on his lights and pulls me over. He proceeds to tell me that Lakeview is a 35 mph and I was going 51. I told him that I had just made a right turn and when I noticed the sign I slowed down. There was no grace to be found. He handed me a bright pink piece of paper. I haven't had a ticket in 20 years. I was so angry because where I live in Irvine, most all of our streets are 50 mph. I'm used to driving 50. I don't spend much time in Yorba Linda, so I'm not familiar with the streets.
We get home and in my frustration with the issue of money already in front of me, one because Jeff too received a moving violation the week before Easter. How could we both get tickets at the same time. At least we can go to traffic school together. In the mean time, the mail lady came. She didn't put our taxes in our mailbox, she set them on my car in the garage. Very strange. I opened the envelope and looking over our taxes, not expecting to pay, after all, last year we got a refund, found that I was wrong. It sure is expensive to live in a "free" country. This just set me over the edge.
Just then, a friend of mine stopped by and prayed for me. I call her my Michael the arc angel who showed up for Daniel. I was sick at my stomach. She prayed for me and I felt better. Jeff shows up with a day that he'd like to forget as well. We had had dinner plans with a couple that we couldn't cancel so we met them for dinner. I wasn't really hungry with all this having happened.
It was a nice dinner and on the way home, Jeff took the toll road. Knowing we were both exhausted, thought this would get us home faster. Jeff was so tired and distracted he missed the turn off. That was fine, because there was another one up ahead. Guess what? We missed it. The problem with missing the second one was there aren't anymore until we get to Anaheim Hills and that is the 91 freeway. As we approached the 91, I looked at Jeff and said, "Are we a couple of April fools. Here we are going around the mountain." We went 40 miles out of our way to get home.
It then prompted the question, "If our steps are ordered by the Lord, then what are these days all about?" Jeff says its just life. True, but I have to say that it all happening on this particular day, April Fool's day, I was hoping that someone would pop out of the air to say "April Fools." Not the case. Instead, we went to bed emotionally exhausted.
I tossed and turned and finally got up and decided to read me Bible until I got sleepy. Better than any pain medication because its filling my thoughts with God's words and reading makes me tired.
I was continuing my reading in Deuteronomy and I came to Chapter 20. The sub title is "Going to War". Verses 1- 4 says, "1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." The horses and chariots are the motor cycle cops and police cars in my case. I know the battle is not against the law enforcement, because I do obey the law, but its against what Ephesians 6:12 says, "12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I know in my heart it was about the things I can not see. You feel like your blind folded and someone has spun you around, like when you played "pin the tail on the donkey". It seems like everyone around you is laughing because you are totally missing the mark. You're swinging at the pinata and you just can't seem to knock it down. You either miss it completely or you lack the power because you can't see to have the right aim. That's what it feels like fighting spiritually. That is why it is so important to pray in the Spirit in these times because, only the Holy Spirit can fight against its own kind. We are more like the pinata being swung at in this case.
I don't have any answers to what I have ahead of me, except that I know God will be with me. I have learned that He is my source, my Jehovah Jireh, my provider. He is my El Roi, God who sees. He is Jehovah Nissi, The Lord our banner. He is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace. He is Jehovah Shammah, the God who is there. He is always faithful. My job is to be faith filled. It's not always easy, but it is what is required.
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