Truth for the Day

Today began hard.  My Marine is back in the states and I'm not with him.  Originally I thought I was going to be there and be one of those embarrassing mom's when he landed.  Life happened instead.  I had the  privilege of texting some with him yesterday when he re-entered the US zone; he needed details taken care of like getting his phone turned back on.  I didn't care that it wasn't a "Hey Mom!  Sure missed you!" type of  conversation that would make other parents envious.  I got to hear from my boy and that was enough. 

This morning I sat in my chair per usual to talk with Jesus.  My husband told me of a video that had been posted for the  private family group of our son's particular unit of all the wives and moms and dads and other relatives who had the  privilege of welcoming their Marine home.  I just cried.  I never did see him in the video.  I wept because I wanted to see him so badly.  I wanted to look into his sweet baby blues and see that little boy who has invaded my reality for so many years in so many ways. 

I read in Ephesians 6 this morning, the passage about putting on the armor of God.  The verses that grabbed me this morning were verses 19 and 20.  "Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should."  Paul was in prison, all chained up.  Just like me, he wasn't where he really wanted to be, but life had happened, so there he was.  In spite of his circumstances, Paul still knew what God had called him to do, to who God had called him to be, and he wanted to be faithful. 

God's Spirit hugged me in my disappointment AND He prodded me to not take up residence there.  God knows me well.  I've been struggling with a tingling of depression lately, and I have not always handled it as God would have wished.  I've wasted time but not in such a way as to give myself rest or relaxation so that I would be strengthened and refreshed. I've just wallowed in indecision and hid under the blanket of "no motivation."  I've spent too much energy immersed in "poor me," refusing to seek out God's strength for the moment. 

I looked back at the armor of God with fresh desperation, asking God to whisper to the pray warriors in my life to pray for me.  As I read the passage several times in different translations and searched out cross-references, God overwhelmed me with truth. 

*God wants to strengthen me (Ephesians 6:10)

*God's strength is vast (Ephesians 6:10)

*Don't go halfway with my spiritual life; put on the FULL armor (Ephesians 6:11)

*God rules over all other rulers and authorities, regardless of their dominion ((1 Peter 3:22)

*As a part of Christ's church, His body, I get to participate in schooling the rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 3:10)

*I CAN resist the devil AND he is so very dangerous (Ephesians 6:13; 1 Peter 5:8,9)

*Knowing truth, God's absolute truth, enables me to stand (Ephesians 6:14)

*I may fall at times, AND I will get back up.  I AM righteous. I have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavens In Christ (Proverbs 24:16; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 6:14)

*I have a firm foundation: I am at peace with God Almighty. I know who I believe in and I am convinced He will protect me and my relationship with Him (Ephesians 6:13; 2 Timothy 1:12)

*God is my shield.  My faith in Him is  based on who He is and all He can do whether I totally understand it or not. There is no need to be afraid (Genesis 15:1; Ephesians 6:16)

*I can be assured of God's Salvation. I can defeat the lies Satan tempts me with because my faith isn't based on human wisdom but on the power of God Himself. I belong to the day, salvation is my hope and destination because of God's faithfulness and love. (Ephesians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:8)

*I fight off the enemy with the truth in God's Word, the encouragement I find in scripture, the strength and stability that are found in His  promises (Ephesians 6:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22)

*God wants to fight with me, journey with me, be with me through every battle.  I'm not left to handle it on my own, His Spirit wants to continuously commune with my spirit, leading and guiding and empowering. The Lord is near (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:5-7; Jude 20,21)

God pointed out one more thing to me.  He led me to focus on the phrase "God's armor."  As I mediated on those two words, God's Spirit rose up powerful.  The battle I may face today emotionally, or the battle that you face today at work, in a relationship, with your own personal demons, is not fought by us alone.  It is GOD'S armor, GOD'S battle, GOD'S victory.  We are GOD'S soldiers, GOD'S ambassadors.  This isn't about figuring out how to be better, or stronger, or more holy.  This is about relying completely on the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  And He has prepared me today for battle with His truth.  The Lord is near.  Hallelujah.

Wee Little Me

I'm not very tall.  Most of the time, I'm not aware that I'm not very tall because I'm so accustomed to viewing life from the height that I am.  Periodically I will hug my husband and I'll realize "wow!  I'm short!"  Or my son will graciously remind me with a "man!  You really are short!"  Or I will be trying to reach something on my top kitchen shelf and realize I might as well just crawl up on the counter.  It's no biggie, it's just life.  Our church recently did a fundraiser where we moved cars for a local car dealership so they could have a sale in the park.  I spent considerable time adjusting each seat so that I could reach the pedals and see out the windshield, and then I had to remember to push the seat back as I got out of each car, so the next  person could actually get in!  The struggles of being short are real.  Just yesterday, as I was grocery shopping, I had to request the help of a much taller stranger.  There was a product on the top shelf, pushed to the back, and even with crawling some of the shelving, I just couldn't reach.  He was very gracious (though I admit, I suspect he thought I was a bit of a stalker, since I spotted him further down the aisle and tried to look busy as I waited for him to come closer…)

When I read the familiar story of Zacchaeus, I could totally relate to him after all my recent experiences.  I was reminded of the childhood song we sang in Sunday School about Zacchaeus and how he was a "wee little man, a wee little man was he," complete with actions demonstrating how short we each imagined him to be.  I began reading the passage basically believing I would be reminded of familiar truths seen in the story before.

Then God showed up.

I enjoy a good character study and God began to open my eyes to not only the character of Zacchaeus, but also to the character of the crowd.  Crowds are an interesting phenomenon. A crowd is made up of individuals and yet seems to take on a personality distinct from it's individual  members.  I recently was in Disneyland and I noticed some things about the crowd there that I began to imagine might be true for the crowd that was in attendance to see Jesus the day Zacchaeus was there.  There was probably quite a bit of pushing.  Each person jockeying to get the best position possible regardless of who he or she was moving out of the way.  Each person intent on what would benefit only himself.  I'm sure there were those who leaned toward being more kind within the crowd, at least when watching their outward behavior.  But If you watch closely, you can tell by certain facial expressions that they are thinking all sorts of rude and unkind thoughts about those people standing in their way.  Those who didn't manage to get the best view point glare in jealousy at those who get to see and supposedly better experience the big event. I noticed it as I sat on the curbside for a Disneyland parade.  The Disney characters interacted with fans on the curb before our general area, then they moved to the other side of the street, leaving our section without that coveted direct interaction.  Parents had to watch their children closely since their initial reaction is to just go out into the street demanding they be noticed!  We adults are more subtle.  We just whine and complain about our poor seats, or that something isn't fair, or that nothing good ever happens to us.  I'm sure the crowd waiting to see Jesus was no different.  They had taken the day off, they had pushed their way to the front of the crowd, they had stepped on toes and they were ready for the full experience!  It only seemed right and fair.  Right? 

I saw myself in the crowd as I read the story of Zacchaeus.  God gently reminded me of the critical spirit I had been displaying recently.  He  pointed out to me judgmental behaviors and how I seemed to be pushing my self forward at the expense of others.  I saw that I had been spending too much energy complaining about things instead of humbling myself in prayer, seeking the face of Jesus.  I hadn't been displaying the characteristics that God showed me in Zacchaeus.

From the very beginning of the story Zacchaeus isn't just out for a look at Jesus and to experience the hoopla of a parade.  Luke 19:3 says, "He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man."  Zacchaeus wasn't out for a glimpse of Jesus just to satisfy his curiosity.  He wanted to find out who He really was. Young's Literal Translation says that Zacchaeus was "seeking to see Jesus, who he is…"  When the crowd stopped him from achieving his goal, Zacchaeus ran ahead; he got away from the crowd.  He might have grumbled about the crowd as he ran ahead, but Zacchaeus took action.  Seeing Jesus, knowing who He really was, was important to Zacchaeus,  and he did something about it.  Then, Zacchaeus placed himself in the best position possible to see and experience Christ; Zacchaeus climbed a tree.  I'm not sure how easy or difficult this was for him.  I’m convinced it was not something someone of his social position was known to do.  Zacchaeus went out on a limb, so to speak, for something he desperately wanted.  When Jesus notices Zacchaeus and tells him to come down from the tree, Zacchaeus doesn't hesitate to comply.  Zacchaeus responded with immediate obedience in spite of the stares of the bystanders, regardless of how he might appear to others, or even if he might slip and fall in front of the whole town!  Jesus spoke, Zacchaeus obeyed. At this point the crowd begins to do some serious complaining and condemning of Zacchaeus, but Zach doesn't get distracted by all those negative voices.  The CSB versions says, "But Zacchaeus stood there…"  He stood there, as if to say, "go ahead, speak your worst, Jesus, the one I came to find out about, the one I want to know, is speaking to ME!  He's going to come to my house. He's saying He chooses me." Zacchaeus was so overwhelmed by the presence and person of Jesus that he offered what he had and offered generously.  Luke 19: 9 says, "…Look, I'll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I'll pay back four times as much."  Zacchaeus wanted to please Jesus, delight Him and honor Him.  In fact, what Zacchaeus was offering, was a willingness to comply to Jewish custom and law when one had stolen something from another.  In a moment, Zacchaeus was admitting he had been acting sinfully, and he was willing to change his behavior and live within the boundaries that he had once been taught.  All because he encountered and experienced the presence of Jesus. 

God's Spirit nudged my spirit as He unfolded the story before me. He began to ask me some very pointed questions:  was I really interested in knowing Jesus, or did I just want to experience Him on the curbside?  Was I willing to step away from the crowd where grumbling and complaining were acceptable and seek the best vantage point from which to see and know Christ? Was I willing to be immediately obedient even if I felt foolish or too much in view of others? Was I willing to shut out the negativity that was swirling in my thoughts and stand in the truth that Jesus chooses me? Was I willing to commit to living enthusiastically within the boundaries that God was determining for me?

I need to be honest.  Sometimes the crowd is so stinking loud.  Sometimes life seems more comfortable when I'm lost in the midst of that negative, complaining, rude bunch.  And God is calling me to step away and climb a tree. Jesus wants me  to move to the best vantage point possible so that I can know Him and experience Him.  So if you can't find me for some reason, perhaps you should be looking in nearby trees.  I'm waiting there for Jesus. He's coming this way and I want to be ready when He says to me "hurry and come down, because today…."  

Never Ending

Have you heard the one about the guy who builds a house on some sand and then it is completely destroyed when a huge storm sweeps in? The story goes that there was some serious rain, the rivers filled to overflowing, the wind was howling and it pounded that house till it collapsed in a huge crash! House one minute, floating wood the next.  It's a story that Jesus tells.  He describes the builder as foolish.  I've heard the story before, it's a childhood flannel graph favorite, and I came across it the other day when I was looking up cross-references for 1 Corinthians 13:8 "Love never ends…" I know I made a funny face, and double checked the reference.  I looked at 1 Corinthians 13:8 again, I looked at Matthew 7:26-27 again.  Yup.  They read as they had read just the moment before.  For a little while I was stumped, flipping through all sorts of random ideas and thoughts trying to connect these two very different verses.  And then the a-ha came.  It was a cross reference for the specific word "end!"  Not exactly what I was looking for when searching for verses that would broaden my understanding of "love never ends."  God's Word is amazing; Hebrews describes it as living and active; 2 Timothy describes it as God-breathed; Psalm 119 says it gives light and understanding to the simple.  God's Spirit is faithful: 2 Timothy says God can't help but be faithful, it's just who he is; James 1 says God faithfully gives wisdom to anyone who asks for it. God's Spirit faithfully showed up and began to bring some understanding to my confusion, revealing anchoring truth from His Word. 

I began to think about things I tend to think will last:  there are those leftovers in the fridge that I think will still be there for my lunch the day after tomorrow. There isn't a guarantee on this unless I claim it with a post it note.  I purchased a pair of pricey sandals  earlier in the summer…  they better last!  I believe friendships and relationships are meant to last. I live on the assumption that large (and expensive) home items like washers, dryers and refrigerators will last.  I expect the euphoria I experience from an event I've been anticipating for weeks or months to last longer than it normally does.  I hope those pesky pounds I've shed will remain lost even if I eat ice cream.  As I thought about all this I came to the realization that many things don't last.  There comes a point when a product wears out. The truth is I can only remain happy so long after coming home from Disneyland.  Friendships and relationships can last, but we are always growing and changing, so the relationship may remain in a different format, or degree of intimacy.  I'd be thrilled if my weight loss lasted…. and it's not so likely knowing my enthusiasm for Blue Bunny Salted Carmel Craze ice cream. 

Glancing back at 1 Corinthians 13:8, the power of the statement "love never ends" was overwhelming.  There is no expiration date.  Someone else can't use up the love given to me so that there is none left.  It won't wear out or become outdated.  It doesn't change or alter to become something different that I'm not as thrilled with.  It continues to affect and influence me with great depth, width, height and breadth; it is insurmountable in its glory and awesomeness.  This isn't a puppy kind of love; this is Agape Love.  Love that exhibits unselfish concern for others and wants the best for someone else as the Amplified version explains.  This love acts out patience, kindness, thoughtfulness and gentleness.  This love joyfully celebrates honesty.  This love doesn't show any jealousy or arrogance or irritability or disrespect.  When someone loves like this he isn't purposefully drawing attention to himself so that others will think he is "All That!" nor is he loving so that others will gush about how good he is at this loving bit!  1 John 3:23 says, "Now this is His command: that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another as He commanded us." I believe in Jesus as my Savior and I'm called to love others with this never ending love.  Jesus says I'm not to stop loving others even when they irritate me, disappoint me, hurt my feelings, treat me unfairly, or just flat out ignore me.  I'm supposed to set my selfish wants aside and be concerned for them, wanting what is best for them, regardless of what it might cost me.  I'm to be patient; kind; not jealous when they get something and I don't.  I'm not to think I'm better than others or draw attention to my efforts of living out this love.  There are many people in my life where this is just way too hard on most days.  Love never ends.  There is no end date to God's love for me and toward me, and there is to  be no "if I can just hold on" till tomorrow, till they're gone, till the event is over, till whatever, in extending love to others.

The truth is only God can completely love this way AND God's Word says God is forming me in His image.  Second Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) "…And the Lord -who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."  God has been reminding me lately that to love like He does, I have to keep coming back to a truth found in Romans 12:1 "Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship."  For me to live out a love that never ends, to truly be a living sacrifice that God is delighted over, I need to keep focused and centered on the mercies God has bestowed upon me.   When I dwell on how merciful God has been to me: that He saved me from eternal hell and tells me moment by moment how much He loves me, then I can be excited for my friend who is beginning her dream job even though I am unemployed.  When I mentally and emotionally abide in the truth that God accepts me as I am, listens to me and is  patient with me, I can be gracious and patiently offer up my time so that a friend can vent.  I can willingly sacrifice the time necessary for her to verbally process her difficult circumstance even when my to-do list is screaming to be accomplished or I feel especially ill-equipped to help her.  When I list how gracious and merciful God has been to provide what I need to live this Jesus life, when I purposefully rest in the truth that God is the God  who sees me, and empowers me, I can choose to be hospitable and gladly add more people to my dinner table when He asks it of me.  I can trust that He really is my great provider.  When I visualize God's mercies to me, I can set aside something I've had on my wish list and buy a gift for a hurting friend.  When I am riveted by God's mercy to accept me just as I am, I can step back from being offended by something someone else says or does and allow the Holy Spirit to help me see the circumstance from His perspective.  When I ponder upon God's mercy to be patient and forgiving of my sins and mistakes, I can overlook someone's behavior that I'm finding irksome.  I can carve the time to seek God's face and ask for wisdom:  am I having a poor attitude or do I need to clarify something that is hurting or bothering me?

There is no hitting "Love Perfection" until we reach eternity.  First Corinthians 13 reminds us that "we know in part" (v 9); "when the perfect comes, the  partial will end" (v 10); "for now we see only a reflection as in a mirror… now I know in part, but then I will know fully as I am fully known." (v 13)  We don't reach the goal of being like Jesus till we are home in heaven.  Warning: this is not to be an excuse.  First Corinthians 13 begins by telling us we could do the coolest stuff ever -- but if we aren't loving, it's all worthless.  John 13:34,35 clearly tells us that we are called to love as Christ does, "Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  To love like Jesus, to be continually overcome by His mercies to me, I need to be more and more intimate with Him. I need to "pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request…" (Ephesians 6:18); "devote [myself] to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving," (Colossians 4:2); "pray constantly, give thanks in everything…" (1 Thessalonians 5:17,18). Jesus reassures us in Matthew 7:7,8 "Ask, and it will be given to you.  Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." 

The story Jesus told about the guy who built his house on the sand has another part to it.  Jesus also talks about a guy who built his house on a rock.  Jesus calls this guy wise.  For the wise-rock-guy, when the big storm came blowing in, it was no big deal.  The wind pounded his house, just like the other guy's house,  "yet it didn't collapse, because it's foundation was on the rock." (Mathew 7: 25)  Jesus is that rock.  Jesus has been and is always merciful toward me, and you.  Jesus loves us with an agape love that never ends.  As Christ-followers, we are called to love just like Jesus, with a never-ending love.  I may not love perfectly, but Jesus is teaching me, and I'm getting better.  My foundation is secure, I'm focused on His mercies, and I'm offering myself as a living sacrifice that lives out real love.

Crayons

School is starting, so it's the time of year when I believe everyone should receive a new box of crayons.  For as long as I can remember, a new box of crayons has signaled several things to me.  It's time for a fresh start.  Just like the first tulips that press through the ground in early spring, a brand new box of crayons speaks of hope, new possibilities, and sparkling beginnings. As a little girl, school could be conquered successfully because I had new crayons.  A new box of crayons says unlimited creativity to me. Imagine all the  pictures that could be considered, created, crafted and colored.  With every new box, I'm led to believe again that I can make something amazing.  I have the potential of Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, Michelangelo and Andy Warhol at my fingertips.  My inner child speaks confidently: this is my year, my moment.  A new box of crayons opens my eyes to wonder, especially if I've been granted a Crayola Big Box.  So many colors, so many options, so many combinations, the ability to blend and create new colors….  It's all so marvelous and filled with eager anticipation for the first chance to pull the first color from the box and place it to paper.  A whole world yet unexplored is just waiting to be discovered with the aid of my new box of crayons. 

I admit, even as an "older adult," I gaze in fascinated reverence at the new Crayola boxes on display along with the myriad of other school supplies.  Colorful  notebooks are wonderful, one of each please.  A new pencil  box?  Yes,  please.  Pencils and Pens?  Well, only if I must.  And then I stand there, admiring all the different sizes of crayon boxes.  The small box offers me the challenge of what can I manage with a limited selection?  It dares me to test my imagination boundaries.  The middle box calls to me with more options, and good bang for my buck.  It's reasonably priced, and offers more of those "fun colors" that my inner child delights to just read the name on the side of the crayon.  The Big Box taunts me: can you handle  me?  Can you get full use out of all I'm offering? I stare at it longingly… every year.  I'm passed the need for a new box of crayons, and yet every summer's end finds me standing in a Walmart aisle, staring at the Big Box and trying desperately to rationalize a purchase.

It's fascinating to me that something as simple as a box of crayons holds such sway over me. God has been challenging me and speaking to me through my Crayola Dreams.  God is the true author of new beginnings.  He is the God of second chances and loves offering hope, new possibilities and sparkling beginnings.  Ephesians 4:22-34 says, "…take  off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth."  When God pulls out His crayons, He colors me in to look like Him.  This grabs my heart as I imagine God sitting at his dining room table with crayons scattered all around, a twinkle in his eye and a smile bursting forth from deep within.  He selects a delicious color and applies it to the paper of my life. He begins to draw and create and craft a vision that is me in the process of becoming who He imagines me to be.  Just as much as my inner child thrills at coloring in a picture I've found, or creating a new image from some untold story in my head, God delights to color me in with His Spirit, His characteristics, His ideal.  Colossians 3:9-17 reminds me that I am holy and dearly loved, and that I am to look like my Creator.  I'm to be colored with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  The background of this "Me Artwork" is love and forgiveness.  I'm to be outlined with God's peace and thankfulness and shaded with God's Word dwelling in me.  Jesus signs  His name to me.  He claims me as His masterpiece.  There is a whole world, yet unexplored, just waiting for me.  It's found in my obedience and willingness to discover and follow God's will for me.  It makes no difference whether God uses the smallest box, the medium box or even if He pulls out His Big Box to create the new me.  He knows just what to do to renew me according to His own image.  He is the Master Artist, the original Creator.  Isaiah 40:28 reminds me that "The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth… there is no limit to His understanding." 

Oh sweet Lord of Heaven and earth, create me in your image.  Color me to look just like you.  Grant me willingness and patience as you craft me.  Keep me from choosing the colors and handing them to you.  Enable me to trust you more completely and be held in wonder at your process.  Fill in the background of my life so that I'm surrounded and enveloped by the truth of your love and forgiveness.  Outline each element of who you imagine me to be with your peace and with the gratitude that flows from trust in your creativity.  Jesus, sign your name to me.  May your signature be the most impressive thing there is to see, for You are who gives me my value.  Thank you for how you are coloring me, thank you for the lessons I'm already learning.  Amen and amen.

Promised Land

I received a new Bible for my birthday!  I had noticed that Bibles were now available with extra wide margins perfect for taking notes.  I researched and compared and finally made a decision.  To be honest, my "ideal Bible" has yet to be created: wide margins, thicker paper, a few helpful commentary type notes at the bottom… you know, the all inclusive Bible.  The Bible that would be awful to carry to church or pack in a suitcase due to the size and weight!  I'm happy with what I chose.  I'm enjoying reading God's Word, and when I gain insight, writing a note right next to the verse so that I'm reminded of revealed truth the next time I read that passage!  I'm making connections as I create my own cross referencing, looking up verses that have similar ideas or phrases.  I'm delighting in the wonder of learning more about God Almighty from  His precious Word.

I recently  participated in a short study on the Shema, the prayer the Israelites prayed every morning and every evening.  It's found in Deuteronomy 6.  "Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.  These words I am giving you today are to be in your heart.  Repeat them to your children.  Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates." (verse 4-9, CSB) It's a fascinating passage of scripture, especially when you begin figuring out what the Hebrew words used really mean.  Talk about a fresh perspective!

This passage came up in my quiet time as part of a larger passage to be read.  When I noticed the reference, my immediate thought was, 'Oh! I know this!'  I think a part of my brain began to check out a bit as if there was nothing new to learn.  I'm so thankful that God's Word is living and active.  There is never a reason to check out, no matter how much I've studied a story, verse or passage.  God ALWAYS has something fresh to teach me, to reveal to me about who He is and how He wants to express His love to me.  Before the actual Shema verses, the preceding verses talk about the fact that the Israelites would soon be entering the Promised Land.  In Deuteronomy 6:3 it says, "Listen, Israel, and be careful to follow [God's statutes and commands], so that you may prosper and multiply greatly, because the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey."

I did some cross-reference reading and I was led to read Deuteronomy 11:8-12.  Again the children of Israel are instructed to keep every command; God wants for them to enjoy living a long life in the land He was planning  to give them, this land flowing with milk and honey.  I've heard others talk about our individual Promised Land; that God has magnificent plans for each of us that is comparable in idea to what He had planned for the Israelites.  I like that idea and in the past I've created in my mind a picture of what a land flowing with milk and honey looks like for me!  I've read the story about the Israel spies checking out Canaan and bringing back the huge grape vine. I know that the Promised Land was to provide for the Israelites giving them freedom and stability.  When I have translated that to my personal Promised Land, I've envisioned prosperity, a life of work that is satisfying but not back breaking, a sense of smoothness and ease, a Pinterest worthy life. Deuteronomy 11:10-12 brought a totally different perspective!

"For the land you are entering to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated by hand as in a vegetable garden.  But the land you are entering to possess is a land of mountains and valleys, watered by rain from the sky.  It is a land the Lord your God cares for.  He is always watching over it from the beginning to the end of the year."

The land promised to the children of Israel was totally different than the land they had been living in and had become accustomed.  I gather from the passage, in Egypt they sowed their seed and irrigated, they had control of how well things would flourish. They had lived along the Nile where the soil was rich, perfect for growing what they wanted to eat. Not so in their new Promised Land. Their new land would not be open and flat.  It would have mountains and valleys.  As I began to consider the differences I realized that the Promised Land held for them a very distinct learning curve.  It could easily be a mixture of easy and hard experiences. There would be areas similar to what they already knew and there would be areas where they wondered how to make anything grow or survive.  There would be indescribable beauty and the fear of the unknown.  And there would be so much out of their control since water would come by rain from the sky and not irrigation.  In the Promised Land, God is the one who cares for the land (verse 12).  The Israelites would need to depend completely on whatever God decided, how God would choose to care for the land.  They would have to truly believe that "He is always watching over [the land] from the beginning to the end of the year."  I was struck by the fact that the Promised Land was not a land of ease and abundance as much as it was a land where they would need to always rely on God. 

That changes my idea of what my personal Promised Land might look like.  I'm convinced my Promised Land has mountains and valleys.  God knows what I need.  He's aware there are times I need the view and the respite that being on the mountain provides.  He is also so knowing of when my soul needs to be molded and reshaped by a valley experience so that I never lose sight of the truth that He is the one to always be watching over things in my Promised Land, and that I am not the one in control.  In my Promised Land, I need to be anchored in the truth that my God will provide exactly what I need.  He will send rain when rain really is needed.  He is always watching over me, from "the beginning to the end of the year."  I can trust Him.  I may need to remind my heart of miracles He has performed: ones in my own life, ones I hear about from others, ones I read about in His story, the Bible. My Promised Land is only a land of promise when I carefully obey God's commands and love Him with all my heart, soul and strength. My Land of Promise is not the Pinterest worthy life I had carefully constructed in my imagination, but a life of surrender and complete dependence on the grace, love and care of a Loving Heavenly Father. 

My new Bible is revealing truth that has been in every Bible I have ever owned or read.  I'm thankful that God provides rain when my soul is thirsty.  I'm thankful God is faithful to care for me from the beginning to the end of the year, year after year after year.  I'm thankful for a birthday present that draws me closer to Christ and keeps anchoring the truth "The Lord our God, the Lord is one." I'm thankful for a Promised Land where God provides and God reigns. 

Sustained

We have a big tree in our back yard that gives amazing shade.  It's a walnut tree.  I've learned that walnut trees are not my favorite.  In case you are unaware, walnut trees leave walnuts.  The squirrels in our yard love our tree.  They like to hide walnuts … EVERYWHERE.  We find them tucked in all sorts of odd places that make one wonder how bright squirrels, well, aren't!  The shade our tree provides is wonderful, and the leaves stay on the tree longer than any other tree in the entire neighborhood.  This is good: if you have an especially sunny fall.  And bad: because the leaves fall literally all at once, and, without fail, AFTER the date the city comes by to pick up those extra trash bags filled with leaves.  I obviously have a love/hate relationship with the big tree in our backyard. 

I can trust that tree to not fall over though.  It seems especially solid.  The branches sway a bit in the wind, but the trunk is thick and strong.  I don't know much about walnut trees, and I admit, I don't feel the urge to research the particulars.  I assume though, that the roots for our tree run deep, perhaps they even spread out.  I think this particularly because we are often having to cut new tree shoots that seem to pop up all over our backyard. 

The Bible refers to trees, though I don't think walnut trees are referred to very often.  (I did look that up!  A walnut tree is referred to in Song of Solomon 6.  Who knew?!) Now olive trees, that's a different story!  Romans 11:17,18 says, "Now if some  of the branches were broken off, and you, though a wild olive branch, were grafted in among them and have come to share in the rich root of the cultivated olive tree, do not  boast that you are better than those branches.  But if you do boast -- you do not sustain the root, but the root sustains you."  Let me just say that Romans 11 is confusing to me.  I understand part of the gist of what Paul is saying, and I'm not the one to come to for a complete analysis of what he is saying.  In the two verses referenced, I know I'm one of the wild olive branches.  I kinda like that (don't tell my mom).  I'm a wild branch because I'm a Gentile; I'm not of Jewish descent. I have been grafted in amongst the children of Israel because I believe Jesus Christ died to rescue me from the punishment of sin.  I have given Him Lordship over my life, and I choose to follow the example He has left with the help of God's Holy Spirit in me.  I understand I am not to consider myself better than the branches of those Israelites who have not yet chosen to accept Christ as the Messiah they have been waiting for.  As one who is "grafted in,"  I get to "share in the rich root of the cultivated olive tree," and that "root sustains [me]." 

You may not think that sounds very exciting, but it has me wanting to do the happy dance!  This isn't any ol' olive tree.  This tree is cultivated!  This tree is watched over, cared for, pruned when necessary, given necessary nutrients at just the right time.  This tree is tenderly encouraged and strengthened so that it will be magnificent and abundantly fruitful.  I get to reap the benefit of being part of something that is so very deeply loved and cherished.  The roots of this amazing tree sustain me. 

The word sustain means: "1. to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of, as a structure.  2. to bear (a burden, charge, etc.). 3. to undergo, experience, or suffer (injury, loss, etc.); endure without giving way or yielding.  4. to keep (a person, the mind, the  spirits, etc.) from giving way, as under trial or affliction.  5. to keep up or keep going, as an action or  process: to sustain a conversation.  6. to supply with  food, drink and other necessities of life.  7. to provide for (an institution or the like) by furnishing means or funds.  8. to support (a cause or the like) by aid or approval.  9. to uphold as valid, just, or correct, as a claim or the person making it: The judge sustained the lawyer's objection. 10. to confirm or corroborate, as a statement: Further investigation sustained my suspicions."  (Dictionary.com)

Think about it: the roots of the cultivated olive tree that I've been grafted into support me, hold me, bear me up.  They enable me to undergo hard stuff without giving way.  Those astounding roots enable my mind and my spirit from breaking under trials or affliction.  They help keep me moving forward and growing to become all God imagines for me.  Those blessed roots supply me with whatever my spiritual life needs.  Those precious roots remind me that I am worth something to the Father and they confirm to my spirit that I am treasured.

I can see my walnut tree out the window of my office.  After spending some time trying to understand Paul's ramble in Romans 11, my walnut tree is becoming a reminder to me of the strength and stability that is available to me when I seek nourishment from the roots God has provided me.  I need to be in His Word, learning God's whole story so that I know and understand how well God has cultivated His olive tree.  From every portion of the Scripture, I learn more of who this wondrous God Almighty is, and how faithful He always is to provide that which will perfectly sustain. I'm a wild branch, and I've been grafted in: may I blossom with gratitude and strength.

Lavish Devotion

My husband recently came across a sweet deal on some furniture for our deck.  It was one of those cool grouping of pieces that you could configure how you wanted for plenty of comfortable seating.  The price was ideal… and we chose to pass.  Currently I'm not working, so no extra income is flowing in.  We had the money in our account, money set aside for "whatever."  It has been sitting there for some time.  As we discussed, we realized our son is supposed to return to the states from deployment sometime toward the end of the year.  Both of us would love to be there to hug him tight.  My husband graduates next spring with his doctorate.  We want our kids to be there, and for us to take a vacation near where he's been going to school since it's on the other side of the United States.  Both of those future plans are like flashing neon signs screaming, "Save! Save! Save!"  We made a financially practical decision.  I was grateful when I recently checked our local Craigslist that the furniture was no longer listed.

There's a story in the Bible where a lady makes a financially extravagant decision.  In Mark 14 is the story where a woman pours very (we're taking Very VERY) expensive perfume over Jesus' head.  The scripture says the perfume was worth a year's wages! I can't even imagine owning something, besides my house, that is worth a year's wages, that I would just have lying around.  The spectators to this astounding event were critical of the woman and the expense that they perceived she had wasted.  They made comments suggesting a more practical use of the "money" she was giving away.  Jesus disagreed with them.  Jesus said, "She has done all that she could to honor me.  I promise you that as this wonderful gospel spreads all over the world, the story of her lavish devotion to me will be mentioned  in memory of her." (Mark 14:8,9 The Passion Translation)

When I read the story this morning as Jesus and I had morning coffee together, the Holy Spirit reminded me of truths He had taught me before.  Evidently I was in need of a refresher course.  God's Spirit reminded me of 4 truths.  The first truth: Don't let others' criticism stop me (or make me feel bad) for doing what I believe God has called me to do.  The woman could've easily been intimidated by the men gathered around the table.  She could've easily burst into tears and run from the room when they criticized her behavior.  I wonder if she even really heard them.  I wonder if she was so enthralled with Jesus that nothing else was even on her radar.  Sometimes I let others influence me, causing me to question what I was so excited to do just moments before they raised questions or doubts.  God reminded my heart that I need to see Him and Him alone; I need to focus on honoring Him.  Considering others' concerns is not a bad thing… when I am focused on the One I am worshiping and only following the leading of His Spirit.

The second truth God reminded me: Honoring Jesus is always worth the cost.  My current non-employment status has opened the door for other opportunities.  I blog more.  We've opened our home for someone in need of temporary housing.  I am able to participate in some counseling sessions with my husband, so that we can minister together.  I'm hosting a book discussion in my home every week.  My husband's schedule has been hectic and I've been able to pick up some of the chores around home that he has normally done. I have had time to create a bio so that my name will be considered for speaking engagements.  I wasn't able to purchase new-to-me furniture for my deck, and I'm more available to entertain people on my deck, living life with them, building the  body of Christ.  I'm not offering Jesus an item worth a year's wages; I am choosing to do without some extras so I can be of service to what He wants.

The third truth in my refresher course: Grab a hold of the opportunities in front of me.  Live life in this moment, on this day.  A couple  of years ago God really impressed this truth to me.  For some time I would look at the activities of my day and identify possible opportunities that I might encounter.  On days I went to the grocery store, I made note to be conscious of the person who scanned my purchases.  I wanted to be  purposeful in engaging with him, seeking to validate him as a person, and be distinctly grateful for his service to me.  On days that I met someone for coffee, I made note that I needed to be prayerfully prepared; I made note to be aware of someone I might meet at our local coffee hangout that I hadn't planned on meeting.  On days that I had chores to do around the house, I made note that my heart be available to set my to-do list aside if someone needed me to be Jesus with skin on.  On days that I worked, I noted that I needed to view each customer as beautiful and valuable, and I thought through ways I could let her know that very significant truth.   I have gotten out of the habit of making notations of the  possible opportunities that could cross my path on any given day.  God reminded my heart this morning that each moment holds possibilities; each day is filled with opportunities to serve Him, honor Him, and worship Him.  

God's final reminder was the phrase "She has done what she could."  Christ gently pointed out to me the truth that I am not called to be anyone but who He designed me to be.  I may not do what others do, and others may not do what I do.  I am called to serve Jesus and honor Him in the ways He directs my heart.  Today, God directed me to prepare my home for my discussion group tonight.  He distinctly told me to write about the truth in today's refresher course.  There's no doubt in my heart and mind that He is directing me even now as I type.  He gave me names of friends who need a bit of encouragement.  I will make some homemade cards and get those in the mail later today.  My activities of the day aren't earth-shattering; they are distinctly within my wheelhouse. I'm called to do what I can do and be grateful for the opportunity to honor my Lord.

There is a Dallas Willard quote I've written on  a chalkboard in my office. "This is an occasion when God is present. This is a time to pray, to praise."  Every moment.  This moment, right now.  The next, and the next, and the next.  I'm thankful for this morning's refresher course.  I don't want to miss any opportunity of being with Jesus, of knowing Him better, serving Him willingly, expressing His love and grace to someone, honoring Him with what I have to offer.  I want my devotion to be described as lavish by the One who loves me best. All to the glory of God, my Savior.