I read the book of Ruth in the Bible last night. It's actually a very short book. There are only two books in the Bible named after women: Ruth and Esther. The special thing about Ruth is she was not born a Jew. She was a Moabite. To the Hebrew people (Israelite, Jew, and Hebrew are all different names for the same people group), there was nothing lower than a Gentile (Non-Jew) woman. She married a Jewish man named Mahlon (4:10) while he and his family had fled to Moab during a famine in Judah. After he, his father and brother die, Ruth is determined to go with Naomi her mother-in-law back to Judah instead of staying in Moab where she might marry again. She says to Naomi, "...your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." (1:16) This took a lot of courage. Being married was your means of livelihood. If widowed you don't just go get a job. You live on charity or die. Ruth was willing to leave the people she knew best, who might provide for her, to go with Naomi and worship her God.
Why do you think this was? Do you think she didn't like her homeland? Perhaps she loved Naomi. But to the point of risking her life? I like to think that she heard about the Lord and was intrigued. The Hebrews were well know throughout that part of the world. Only approximately 350 years had passed since they had left Egypt with great signs from their God and 300 since they had started taking possession of their land. Now, she hears stories of Jehovah from her own husband and his family who are descendants! I think she longed to worship Him.
That is what we are. We are children of wrath who, by the grace of God, have been called out to be made alive with the Messiah! (Ephesians 2:3-5) Ruth was also called to be alive with the Messiah. She is listed in Jesus' lineage. How wonderful!
Are we willing to take the risk Ruth did? We should. I know it is hard, and I often fail at living it to the fullest, but I try.
But, let's try harder.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Blessings and Roadblocks
It's amazing to me how actively the Lord has been working in my life lately. It has been anything but boring! In the last year or two, as I have finally been letting go and letting the Lord take control of my life and desires, I've noticed a huge shift in the way my life flows. There are two particular areas I have noticed: Blessings and Roadblocks.
The blessings I have begun receiving from the Lord have completely blown me away! They have come in different forms, such as money, care, respect, gifts, but are all summed up by love. The reason for this is, for me, found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weakness, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weakness, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I realized that the less I care about letting my weaknesses be known, the more of Christ's power comes through. I am able to give Him ALL the glory for a situation, because I already know, and have told, that I'm too weak/flawed! There is such a freedom in that. I wonder why we fight it so much? Why I still even do at times?
The other area is in roadblocks. Now, I have learned that there are two different kinds of these. One from the Lord as a "no" or "not now" answer, and the other from Satan because I'm annoying him. (Ha! Finally...) The goal here is to pray to the Lord constantly for the discernment as to which it is. One way is to know that the Lord will never go back on His Word. Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flowers fade. but the word of our God remains forever." So the first thing is to test it against the Scriptures. If a specific answer can't be found there- pray. The Lord will honor your seeking Him. Then, when I discern whom it's coming from I can act appropriately. If from God, I back off. If from Satan, I persevere through knowing God will strengthen me. My favorite kind though is when Satan is blocking me in some obvious way, I go to the Lord in prayer about the situation, and He blesses me even greater through that particular thing! Don't you think that just gets Satan's goat???
Do you recognize your blessings and roadblocks? Make sure to give the Lord the glory He deserves in every instance in your life.
The blessings I have begun receiving from the Lord have completely blown me away! They have come in different forms, such as money, care, respect, gifts, but are all summed up by love. The reason for this is, for me, found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weakness, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weakness, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong." I realized that the less I care about letting my weaknesses be known, the more of Christ's power comes through. I am able to give Him ALL the glory for a situation, because I already know, and have told, that I'm too weak/flawed! There is such a freedom in that. I wonder why we fight it so much? Why I still even do at times?
The other area is in roadblocks. Now, I have learned that there are two different kinds of these. One from the Lord as a "no" or "not now" answer, and the other from Satan because I'm annoying him. (Ha! Finally...) The goal here is to pray to the Lord constantly for the discernment as to which it is. One way is to know that the Lord will never go back on His Word. Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flowers fade. but the word of our God remains forever." So the first thing is to test it against the Scriptures. If a specific answer can't be found there- pray. The Lord will honor your seeking Him. Then, when I discern whom it's coming from I can act appropriately. If from God, I back off. If from Satan, I persevere through knowing God will strengthen me. My favorite kind though is when Satan is blocking me in some obvious way, I go to the Lord in prayer about the situation, and He blesses me even greater through that particular thing! Don't you think that just gets Satan's goat???
Do you recognize your blessings and roadblocks? Make sure to give the Lord the glory He deserves in every instance in your life.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Comfort Food-NT
Yesterday I told you of some Biblical passages which are special to me in the Old Testament. Let's continue today with the New Testament.
Matthew 7:21-23 In these few verses lie the deepest burden of my heart. Here, Jesus is telling them that not everyone who says to Him, “'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven.” (v.21) I truly believe that the Lord has called me to work in the church in order to eventually reach those who do many wonderful things in the Lord's name, but never really know Him. I've begged the Lord many times to please send me to a far away country where they are complete heathens who don't even know His name. Instead, He sent me to Nashville, Tennessee- The buckle of the Bible belt! If you begin to know me for long, you will hear this verse over and over. My Lord has engraved it on my heart as a prayer and desire to reach the “churched” who don't know Him.
1 Corinthians 1 This chapter goes along with my desire to serve the church. It also helps, as does Ecclesiastes from yesterday, to keep my desire for worldly knowledge and wisdom in check. The salvation and love of God is both completely illogical and pure logic at the same time. There is no perfect explanation. It is of the Spirit. We can not expect those who do not know Christ to understand our love and devotion to Him. It's foolish to them. But remember, “...God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom...” (v.25) Have compassion on them.
Ephesians 6:10-20 I have to admit this gets my blood pumping. It was the first passage I learned to love as a teenager, and at that time I desperately needed to know who my fight was against and what I could do about it. Who needs a super hero motto? This is perfect! A belt of truth, armor of righteousness, a shield of faith able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one... and more! Whenever I read this, in my head I start hearing a good fight song and someone yelling, “Let's get ready to rumble!!!”
James I love the entire book! James says it all straight forward without mincing words. Here are a few of my favorites from each chapter in the book.
James 1:2-4 “Consider it a great joy when you encounter various trials.” Not a typically human way to look at life, but what a great outlook.
James 2:17-20 “Do you believe in God? ...So do the demons, and they know to tremble!” Salvation is more than just knowing something.
James 3:1 “Not many should become teachers...we will receive a stricter judgment.” This is a sobering reminder of our responsibility to the Word of God and of the effects of our words.
James 4:15 “Instead, you should say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'” I am not in control and should stop acting like it.
James 5:13-14 “Is anyone among you suffering... cheerful... sick...?” God gave us other Christians to minister to and be ministered by. We need to let each other know when we need prayer or have great joy in the Lord.
Revelation This is my personal opinion, but I believe I will live to see what is described in Revelation, so this is like a Biblical GPS for me. Plus, I tear up with joy and anticipation every time I read about Christ coming in victoriously as a conquering king and how we will have a beautiful new heaven and earth. I get so excited! I want to shout with John, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev 22:20
There is so much in the New Testament I had a hard time narrowing it down to just these, but I hope you've enjoyed this gleaning. What are some of your favorites?
Matthew 7:21-23 In these few verses lie the deepest burden of my heart. Here, Jesus is telling them that not everyone who says to Him, “'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven.” (v.21) I truly believe that the Lord has called me to work in the church in order to eventually reach those who do many wonderful things in the Lord's name, but never really know Him. I've begged the Lord many times to please send me to a far away country where they are complete heathens who don't even know His name. Instead, He sent me to Nashville, Tennessee- The buckle of the Bible belt! If you begin to know me for long, you will hear this verse over and over. My Lord has engraved it on my heart as a prayer and desire to reach the “churched” who don't know Him.
1 Corinthians 1 This chapter goes along with my desire to serve the church. It also helps, as does Ecclesiastes from yesterday, to keep my desire for worldly knowledge and wisdom in check. The salvation and love of God is both completely illogical and pure logic at the same time. There is no perfect explanation. It is of the Spirit. We can not expect those who do not know Christ to understand our love and devotion to Him. It's foolish to them. But remember, “...God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom...” (v.25) Have compassion on them.
Ephesians 6:10-20 I have to admit this gets my blood pumping. It was the first passage I learned to love as a teenager, and at that time I desperately needed to know who my fight was against and what I could do about it. Who needs a super hero motto? This is perfect! A belt of truth, armor of righteousness, a shield of faith able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one... and more! Whenever I read this, in my head I start hearing a good fight song and someone yelling, “Let's get ready to rumble!!!”
James I love the entire book! James says it all straight forward without mincing words. Here are a few of my favorites from each chapter in the book.
James 1:2-4 “Consider it a great joy when you encounter various trials.” Not a typically human way to look at life, but what a great outlook.
James 2:17-20 “Do you believe in God? ...So do the demons, and they know to tremble!” Salvation is more than just knowing something.
James 3:1 “Not many should become teachers...we will receive a stricter judgment.” This is a sobering reminder of our responsibility to the Word of God and of the effects of our words.
James 4:15 “Instead, you should say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'” I am not in control and should stop acting like it.
James 5:13-14 “Is anyone among you suffering... cheerful... sick...?” God gave us other Christians to minister to and be ministered by. We need to let each other know when we need prayer or have great joy in the Lord.
Revelation This is my personal opinion, but I believe I will live to see what is described in Revelation, so this is like a Biblical GPS for me. Plus, I tear up with joy and anticipation every time I read about Christ coming in victoriously as a conquering king and how we will have a beautiful new heaven and earth. I get so excited! I want to shout with John, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev 22:20
There is so much in the New Testament I had a hard time narrowing it down to just these, but I hope you've enjoyed this gleaning. What are some of your favorites?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Comfort Food- OT
Do you have favorite passages or books of the Bible? I've noticed that mine are a rather good picture of who I am and how I see God. They are also the ones I turn to when I need a little encouragement or comfort from the Lord. Here are of some of mine and the reasons why. Today we will look at the Old Testament.
Old Testament
Job 38-41 These chapters in Job are where God is talking to Job and his companions. I love to see the way in which God is describing Himself and His creation. He is so powerful and wise! I read this when I need a reminder of how mighty my God is or when I think I might be getting a little to big for my own britches and need to be humbled. (And by the way, I don't think the Leviathan is a crocodile! Chapter 41)
Ecclesiastes Not a typical favorite, but still, I am comforted by this book. I have to admit I'm a bit of what my husband calls a pessimist and what I call a realist. Either way, this book fits right in. There are times in life when everything seems “futile and a pursuit of the wind” which is stated all throughout Ecclesiastes. These are the times, when I want to just know what the point of it all is, I find myself needing to turn to the last two verses in the book. “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:13-14) I just love that.
Daniel 4 This is when King Nebuchadnezzar became very prideful and the Lord humbled him to the point of the king thinking he was an animal. He actually grazed with the cattle eating grass for years until his hair was so matted it looked like feathers and his nails became like bird's claws. After much time he said his sanity was restored to him when he looked up to heaven and praised the Most High. Nebuchadnezzar then sent a letter around the world in every language telling everyone of how he was humbled. He said, “I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and the wonders the Most High God has done for me.” (v. 2) What a wonderful reminder to tell people what the Most High has done for me, no matter how I have to expose my own weaknesses or admit where I've been.
These are a few passages which come to me often. Do you have some as well?
Tomorrow we will look at ones in the New Testament
Old Testament
Job 38-41 These chapters in Job are where God is talking to Job and his companions. I love to see the way in which God is describing Himself and His creation. He is so powerful and wise! I read this when I need a reminder of how mighty my God is or when I think I might be getting a little to big for my own britches and need to be humbled. (And by the way, I don't think the Leviathan is a crocodile! Chapter 41)
Ecclesiastes Not a typical favorite, but still, I am comforted by this book. I have to admit I'm a bit of what my husband calls a pessimist and what I call a realist. Either way, this book fits right in. There are times in life when everything seems “futile and a pursuit of the wind” which is stated all throughout Ecclesiastes. These are the times, when I want to just know what the point of it all is, I find myself needing to turn to the last two verses in the book. “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:13-14) I just love that.
Daniel 4 This is when King Nebuchadnezzar became very prideful and the Lord humbled him to the point of the king thinking he was an animal. He actually grazed with the cattle eating grass for years until his hair was so matted it looked like feathers and his nails became like bird's claws. After much time he said his sanity was restored to him when he looked up to heaven and praised the Most High. Nebuchadnezzar then sent a letter around the world in every language telling everyone of how he was humbled. He said, “I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and the wonders the Most High God has done for me.” (v. 2) What a wonderful reminder to tell people what the Most High has done for me, no matter how I have to expose my own weaknesses or admit where I've been.
These are a few passages which come to me often. Do you have some as well?
Tomorrow we will look at ones in the New Testament
Monday, May 11, 2009
Say, “Shibboleth”
Recently I've been reading in the book of Judges. When I came to chapter 12, I was amused by how the Gileadites determined if a traveler was a refuge from Ephraim. They were told to say “Shibboleth”. If they couldn't pronounce it correctly and instead said “Sibboleth”, they “seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time, 42,000 from Ephraim died.” v.6
Forty-two thousand! All because of how they said a word.
As I started thinking about this, I was reminded of another passage: Matthew 7:21-23. Jesus is telling the people that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will say, “'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!'” They knew the right word, they just didn't know THE WORD.
I found something interesting in the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: “Shibboleth, means "a stream"; Sibboleth, "a burden." The Eastern tribe had, it seems, a dialectical provincialism in the sound of Shibboleth; and the Ephraimites could not bring their organs to pronounce it.” The correct pronunciation of the word meant “a stream”. When we submit our life to the Lord, Jesus says, “...the water I give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” (John 4:14) However, if said wrong, the word meant “a burden”. Isaiah 53:4 prophesies about Jesus that, “...He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains...” When we cannot truly claim Jesus, we have no one to carry our burdens and must have them laid upon our own shoulders.
Notice there was no faking it either? They couldn't say the name correctly unless they were truly sons born of the right region. There is no faking it with God either. Unless we are born again as His children, we can NOT claim the name of Jesus.
How many people around you know that Jesus is Lord, that “...there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we might be saved.” (Acts 4:12), that do many wonderful things in His name, yet do not know Him?
Pray today for the wisdom to recognize these people, even if one of them is yourself. Also, ask Him for guidance in helping them get to truly know the Lord Jesus the Christ.
Pray for them to be able to say “Shibboleth”.
Forty-two thousand! All because of how they said a word.
As I started thinking about this, I was reminded of another passage: Matthew 7:21-23. Jesus is telling the people that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Many will say, “'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!'” They knew the right word, they just didn't know THE WORD.
I found something interesting in the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: “Shibboleth, means "a stream"; Sibboleth, "a burden." The Eastern tribe had, it seems, a dialectical provincialism in the sound of Shibboleth; and the Ephraimites could not bring their organs to pronounce it.” The correct pronunciation of the word meant “a stream”. When we submit our life to the Lord, Jesus says, “...the water I give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life.” (John 4:14) However, if said wrong, the word meant “a burden”. Isaiah 53:4 prophesies about Jesus that, “...He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains...” When we cannot truly claim Jesus, we have no one to carry our burdens and must have them laid upon our own shoulders.
Notice there was no faking it either? They couldn't say the name correctly unless they were truly sons born of the right region. There is no faking it with God either. Unless we are born again as His children, we can NOT claim the name of Jesus.
How many people around you know that Jesus is Lord, that “...there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we might be saved.” (Acts 4:12), that do many wonderful things in His name, yet do not know Him?
Pray today for the wisdom to recognize these people, even if one of them is yourself. Also, ask Him for guidance in helping them get to truly know the Lord Jesus the Christ.
Pray for them to be able to say “Shibboleth”.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Being Still
Do you ever get overwhelmed by the Word of God? There are days where I deeply desire to study God's Word, and yet I just don't know where to begin. I think we all have seasons where we just can't think of what to say or do next. There are so many things to learn, and I so want to please the Lord and show my love for Him, that I begin to feel guilty for not spending all my free time in my Bible.
I have to remind myself that the Lord never makes you feel extreme guilt: That's a ploy of the Devil. But He does call us to meet with Him daily and get time with Him through the Bible. The Spirit within us urges us to come, but He will never lay a huge guilt trip. He allows us to make that decision on our own. I think knowing that causes me to be even more desperate not to displease Him and slack off.
However, there are days when I find myself becoming a bit frantic over the lack of quality time my mind is able to put forth. These are the days where the Lord has often put a peace in my spirit. I can almost hear Him say, “(a)Be still, Tiffany. (b)I know the plans I have for you, and don't worry, they are to prosper. (c)I know your heart, I've tested it and seen your joy in Me.”
Do you also need to just be still in His presence today?
a- Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (ASV)
b- Jeremiah 29:11, “'For I know the plans I have for you' – this is the Lord's deceleration – 'plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”
c- 1 Chronicles 29:17, “I know, my God, that You test the heart and that You are pleased with uprightness. I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”
I have to remind myself that the Lord never makes you feel extreme guilt: That's a ploy of the Devil. But He does call us to meet with Him daily and get time with Him through the Bible. The Spirit within us urges us to come, but He will never lay a huge guilt trip. He allows us to make that decision on our own. I think knowing that causes me to be even more desperate not to displease Him and slack off.
However, there are days when I find myself becoming a bit frantic over the lack of quality time my mind is able to put forth. These are the days where the Lord has often put a peace in my spirit. I can almost hear Him say, “(a)Be still, Tiffany. (b)I know the plans I have for you, and don't worry, they are to prosper. (c)I know your heart, I've tested it and seen your joy in Me.”
Do you also need to just be still in His presence today?
a- Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (ASV)
b- Jeremiah 29:11, “'For I know the plans I have for you' – this is the Lord's deceleration – 'plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”
c- 1 Chronicles 29:17, “I know, my God, that You test the heart and that You are pleased with uprightness. I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”
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