Seek Good

Seek good, not evil, that you may live.  Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. ~ Amos 5:!4

God never leaves us, but when we step towards the evil ways of the flesh, you have taken steps away from God; not the other way around.  He is heartbroken.  Only God, and God alone can save you from yourself so that you can keep sharing the good news of the gospel with others.  I feel the need here to explain what I believe evil really is defined as in biblical terms because in today’s world I feel like we label something “evil” only when it fits our description of horrific, murderous, or violent.  However, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, evil is – “morally reprehensible, sinful, wicked” and in the bible, evil is anything that is outside of God’s nature, or commands….so basically sin.  With that definition, we have all been evil and have the ability to be evil.  We live in a broken world.  So really, Amos is saying, “seek good, not sin, that you may live” and the only way we can do that is by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and let the indwelling of the Holy Spirit lead our lives.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any desires of your heart that are of this world and not from God.  We may have to give up some people, things, and situations in our lives that aren’t exactly encouraging us on our spiritual journey, but instead presses in closer to the flesh’s desires.  Sometimes becoming a follower of Jesus and seeking good means stepping out of relationships and habits we have.  When we seek good, we tend to treat others the way we want to be treated and our God-like character begins to shine.  We love people no matter who they are, or what their past may look like.  To seek good is, once again, a heart issue.  Whatever, or whoever you worship can lead you down a good path, or an evil/sinful path.  Who, or what do you worship?  This scripture also indicates that you cannot treat people unjustly and then claim to be a follower of Jesus.  We must be ambassadors and care givers for those who are the most vulnerable.  We must love ALL people the way God loves us.  We cannot pick and choose who we love in Jesus’ name.  We must be obedient to His ways and dealings with people just as He has been lovingly gracious to us.  You cannot act evil, or against God’s ways, and expect to live in His blessings.  He is nearer to us when we are obedient and we are more Christ-like and live a better life when we walk in His goodness and ways through the Holy Spirit working inside us.  The Israelites would waver back and forth between obedience to God and rebellion.  Amos had to remind them to love good and hate evil.  Just because they knew they were God’s chosen people, I think they just always assumed they could do whatever they wanted.  However, they had to turn from their religious piety and their double lifestyle many times.  You cannot be inhumane and then expect to find favor with God.  Let’s pray that we would always seek good and not evil.  Let’s talk the talk AND walk the walk for everyone to see.  Let’s put people first. ~ Amen

Blessed Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ~ Matthew 5:9

Avoiding arguments and conflict by “sweeping it under the rug” often ends up in big blowouts later.  Jesus didn’t expect, or want us to be doormats, but peacemakers try everything in their power to reconcile broken relationships in a loving and respectful manner.  We are not called to avoidance; we are called to actively and lovingly look for resolution.  This is not easy and does not always happen, but we are called and expected to try.  You don’t have to agree with someone to have peace.  Contrary to what the world says, or how people often act, you can lovingly and respectfully disagree in a peaceful way.  Reconciliation is a key component to peace.  After all, Jesus was about the business of reconciliation when He died on the cross for our sins.  He brought peace to my life through His sacrifice and He made right my relationship with God.  In the same way, when we try to reconcile our broken relationships by sacrificing our selfishness for peace instead of being self-righteous we exhibit Christ-like character.  This can only be done through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and His work in us.  I cannot show the peace of God without first having a relationship with Him. I cannot bring others to salvation through Jesus Christ and give His peace without having a relationship with Him.  Worldly peace is not the same as Godly peace.  Worldly peace is often temporary and circumstantial while Godly peace is lasting, internal and can calm our spirits even in the midst of difficult circumstances.  We can be vessels of peace when we lie down our need to be right and lean into Him for guidance in our world and our relationships.  Sacrificing attitudes and embarrassing forgiveness for others shows an act of kindness and peace that only the Holy Spirit living inside you can bring.  Let’s pray for the peace of God to flood our hearts and lives so that we can bring reconciliation and harmony to our lives and the world around us. ~ Amen 

Ever Present

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. ~ Psalm 46:1-2

In the face of insurmountable circumstances, God is still by your side.  You can run to Him for peace, comfort, and strength even in the midst of your world falling apart.  Now don’t get me wrong; I am not going to act like this is an easy thing to do.  When we see natural disasters that leave people utterly destroyed; or when we watch loved ones lose children to death for no reason; or when the loss of a job leaves you panicking, I don’t think Psalm 46:1-2 is going to jump right to memory and I would even say that praying in those moments is extremely hard.  However, I do know this – I have gone through tragedy in my life that didn’t make sense and things have happened to me that were outside of my control.  At the moment, in the day, maybe in the week following all I could muster was “Jesus” under my breath and through my tears.  I have even yelled at Him and felt like I wrestled with Him during sleepless nights, but I do know the only way I’ve been able to make it through these storms is through my faith.  I have hope.  It may not sound like much, but I have hope because I know that I know without a shadow of doubt and deep down in my heart that God has me.  He always has me.  Sometimes He is sitting with me, sometimes He is protecting me, sometimes He is giving me peace through the chaos and sometimes He is testing me, but He never leaves me.  He can take my screaming and shouting tantrums directed at Him because I know that God understands my pain and my anger and He can take it.  He can take yours too.  During one particular tantrum, I screamed, cried, tore my hair out (literally was pulling my hair I was in such distress) and finally just prayed myself to sleep.  God gets it.  He loves you.  He can handle it.  Take your severe pain to Him.  He wants to help.  I don’t understand why we go through hard, horrific, heart wrenching pain, but I know He gets it.  He went through it.  Life on earth is not fair, but what happened to Jesus on the cross wasn’t fair either; and He’s God!  The world hasn't been perfect since the fall of man, and it won’t be perfect again until Jesus comes back and fixes it.  I have hope because I have faith.  Faith in a good God.  Not any faith.  Not a god on a ledge kind of faith, but a living God who died and conquered death so that I could have victory.  I have heard Him.  I have felt Him.  He has been with me when I thought I couldn’t do it.  He met me and He will meet you.  I don’t know how people do life without faith and hope.  I know that He will be with me in any future loss, or disaster.  Do you know Him?  If not, pray, just ask Him to reveal himself to you.  I promise He is waiting and He won’t let you down.  And if you do know Him, run to Him.  Trust Him.  He’s got you. ~ Amen

Rejoice Today

The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. ~ Psalm 118:24

The very fact that you woke up this morning means you should be thankful and joyful for another day.  The Lord has blessed you with another day to be His hands and feet in the broken, and hurting world.  You have another day with friends and family.  Another day to squeeze your spouse, kids and grandkids.  Another day to celebrate and enjoy His creation He made for you.  Psalm 118 is a praise psalm that the Jewish people sung during their feasts and other joyful celebrations.  The verse is also a thanksgiving for their victories and deliverance from their enemies.  It’s a psalm of joy, thanksgiving, praise and triumph for any and all special days.  For any day!  Every believer can rejoice and be thankful for the day Jesus Christ beat death, the grave, and fulfilled the law.  Everyday is a joyous day since we now have victory in Jesus Christ!  Over everything – even death!  Everyday we can rejoice in God’s mercies being new; that we have fresh opportunities to honor, praise and glorify God.  God’s supply of mercy and grace for us never fails, or runs out.  Everyday we can rejoice that God will be with us in the good, bad and ugly.  We do not have to go through life in this broken world alone.  Everyday we can rejoice that He hears our prayers and answers them.  He may not always answer the way we want Him to, but “no”, or “wait” is still an answer.  We can rejoice everyday for the battles He lets us have victory in and for the spiritual growth they may bring.  Jesus tells us to rejoice in every day, be thankful and do not worry about tomorrow and don’t let your past define you – today is the day.  Rejoice!  I love this verse!  I try to remember to recite it every morning driving into work and it automatically lifts my soul.  Thank you Jesus! ~ Amen

Every Creature

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.  Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” ~ Genesis 1:28

This verse outlines our responsibility to this earth and our God given authority over the animals and everything in it.  In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were commanded, or charged with the task of keeping the world orderly and to increase in number.  We were basically told to make babies and enjoy all the animals as pets.  The original design was for us to be in paradise and dwell with God.  But fast forward to the fall of man in Genesis 3 and we see the original plan has been altered.  However, we are still in charge and have a responsibility to take care of what God has given to us realizing that it is not ours, but His.  Our responsibility is to take care of the animals, this earth, and our children to the best ability we can.  We are to “subdue” the earth, or “bring under control” this world; which, if you look around, we could do a better job of.  This doesn’t mean that we force people to do, or act the way we want them to, but we should help each other with getting our own affairs under control.  Our tempers, our tongues, our pride, our greed; to keep the sins of the world at bay in our own lives so we can be lights for His glory to others.  Most of the time if you are subduing something, or someone, you are taking the intensity, anger, or hostility from the situation, or person.  We can bring about peace.  Peace to our children, our home and our world.  To have rule over the animals is not only a command to control the animals, but to protect them and to be good stewards of the natural world.  Yes, the natural world and the creatures in it were designed for our pleasure in beauty and to put food on our tables, but we are to protect them and defend them against mankind's own desires of pure sport.  Animals were not created by God for us to decorate our homes with.  So let us bring peace to the world and let us take care of God’s creation so that we may all be found to be good stewards of this place we call earth. ~ Amen

Rather Than

When David returned home to bless his household, Michal, daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. ~ 2 Samuel 6:20-21

He was being a bit sarcastic here.  David had every right to celebrate, but to one of his wives, Michal, he was going a bit over the top.  Michal may not have had the best relationship with her dad, King Saul, but she didn’t exactly have a stellar marriage either.  She was stuck between a rock and a hard spot; after all, she did fall in love with the person her dad was trying to kill – so David wins, but does he have to gloat about being the chosen king also?  It was another blow to the house Michal grew up in.  Regarding her family, and certainly her dad, wasn’t this going to put a bigger target on David’s back?  This story intrigues me because we don’t see a lot of marital spats in the bible, but while doing a bible study years ago I came across this story and it stuck with me as a lesson in communication and grace.  Because Michal came at David for being over the top, she ended up being shunned by him and they never had relations as a married couple again.  No marriage runs its course without having highs and lows, and disagreements, but we need to always assume our spouses intentions are good until proven otherwise.  Now listen to me!  I am not giving excuses for abuse of any kind – physical, emotional, or verbal, and I am not excusing adultery.  God is saddened by all of that and doesn’t ask anyone to subject themselves to abuse and stay in that relationship.  Sometimes, contrary to how you may have been raised, divorce IS the only way out of certain situations.  However, outside of abuse and as much as it is possible with you, good, solid biblical counseling should be our first line of defense before throwing in the towel to our commitment and covenant not only to our spouse, but to God.  Let me be the first to say that if you are being physically abused – GET OUT!  However, in this story, David was celebrating and dancing in order to give glory to God for choosing him as king over Saul.  He was expressing his faith and devotion to God, and not trying to throw anything in Michal’s face.  Oh if only she would have approached him humbly instead of angrily and if only he had tried to see why she felt the way she did; things may have been better for their marriage.  How often do we throw daggers at our spouse when we think they have done us wrong without understanding their heart, or intention?  May we all learn to have a little more grace, communication and humility when dealing not only in our marriages, but in our relationships all together. ~ Amen

Whoever Believes

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

Many followers of Jesus would say this verse sums up the Christian faith.  My salvation is rooted in God’s love for me, and my acceptance of what Jesus did on the cross for me.  Period.  Back in the Old Testament there were lavish sacrificial offerings being made all the time to atone for people’s sins yet nothing could ever completely satisfy our need for forgiveness, and God had only one plan that would redeem us to Him.  This is the foundation of the Chistian faith:  that God loves us so much that He came to earth in human flesh and died for us on the cross as the final sacrifice that could cover our sins and redeem us back to our Creator.  I am wanted, and YOU are wanted so much by God that He was willing to have part of himself, His son, beat and horrifically murdered.  I can’t fathom giving up one of my sons to be murdered for the betterment of the human race hoping everyone would accept this gift.  No way!  The story doesn’t stop there!  After His brutal death, Christians believe He rose on the third day and ascended to heaven; He essentially beat death, and the grave.  The Christian who holds Jesus’ life and resurrection as true, and who accepts Him as their Lord and Savior will one day have an eternal home with Him.  Just as with all mankind before us, we will all pass away one day and for those of us who are Jesus followers, we will be with Him for all eternity instead of the alternative known as hell.  We need Jesus.  I need Jesus.  I was created by the Creator of the world to bring HIm praise and glory, and I have failed many times.  Hard.  I need Him to rescue me.  I believe wholeheartedly in the bible, the crucifixion and the resurrection of my Savior not only for the hope He brings me here on earth, but also so that I could live in eternity with Him. ~ Amen

Seas Established

The earth is the Lords’, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. ~ Psalm 24:1-2

As much as I love my home (I call it my little piece of heaven), my children, and my husband, none of them are truly mine.  The rightful owner of everything I have and everyone I love is God.  He even owns me.  I am his child; I am not my own.  The fullness of earth, and all its contents belong to God, and He is essentially loaning us everything, and all people that roam the earth.  We are but steward’s, or managers of what He has given us, and how we take care of those things, and this earth matters to Him.  He has uniquely designed this world, and all of nature to take care of itself, and us, and for our benefit to enjoy.   There is no doubt that we live in a broken world due to Adam and Eve’s first sin and the fall of man, but God still owns it – ALL of it.  I have heard it said that earth is the devil’s playground, and while Satan does roam to and fro looking for those he can devour (1 Peter 5:8), he does not own the earth.  He cannot do what God does not allow for some greater glory that will be reflected by God.  David also is astounded by the fact that God could establish the earth upon the waters.  According to Genesis 1:2 the earth was “without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep (waters).  And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”  Furthermore, Genesis 1:9-10 says, “And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.”  We were blessed with a specifically detailed, uniquely designed earth to live in by an all powerful and loving God.  While we are to be good stewards of this earth and the things, and people God loans us, we need to remember that He is the ultimate invisible sustainer of the universe and us.  Let us enjoy and rejoice in God’s goodness and this extraordinary place we call earth. ~ Amen

Loose Chains

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:  to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? ~ Isaiah 58:6

The spiritual act of fasting doesn’t get a lot of traction these days.  Fasting is giving up something (typically food) in order to focus on God for such reasons as repentance, guidance, or as an act of dependence on God.  However, like with every spiritual discipline, fasting can be done in a manner that is unpleasant to the Lord.  The Israelites were in the habit of fasting and going through religious rituals and then complained when God didn’t improve their situation immediately.  They expected to follow the rules and in turn thought they could force God’s hand to their demands.  But just like with all spiritual growth, this once again, is a heart issue.  Isaiah was telling the Israelites that God doesn’t just want the act, the motions of religious rituals followed, but God wants our hearts.  I think the message is clear – I don’t care what rituals you are doing, but why are you doing them?  To fast and pray only for selfish gains while others are suffering around you while you oppress them is highly hypocritical.  Fast to be closer to God; to gather His wisdom and insight; to find out how to help others and not just yourself.  The Israelites were using fasting as a means to an end, but fasting is a practice that should be used as a tool for personal spiritual growth.  God is not a genie in a bottle who can be controlled by fasting.  Notice in verse 3 of Isaiah 58 how arrogant and prideful the Israelites seem, as if God owes them any favors. Now in verses 4-6 of the same chapter you see why God may be withholding His blessings and favor, for you cannot ask God for help and be part of the problem by lacking to love people.  God expects His followers to be part of the solution.  We need to be sure that our hearts are right before we go before God demanding He meets our every need through rituals. Rituals don’t make your heart right; your obedience, attitude and humility do.  God wants your heart.  The Israelites continued in their quest to do what was right in their own eyes and to be spiteful and nasty toward each other while expecting blessings from God.  Oh Lord, help me to keep a pure heart and treat others the way you would want me to treat them.  Open my eyes to the many blessings you have given me and let me come to you with a loving and clean heart. ~ Amen

Really Dwell

But will God really dwell on earth with men?  The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you.  How much less this temple I have built! ~ 2 Chronicles 6:18

Despite the magnificent and glorious temple Solomon built for the Lord, Solomon recognizes that God’s infinite nature is much bigger than a building.  God is not contained to space, structures, or time.  He is everywhere all the time.  The structures, or building man have made over time as temples and churches for God are great symbols and places to go worship, don’t get me wrong, but God can be, and should be worshipped anywhere.  You can pray, sing, praise and thank God anytime and anywhere.  Buildings are not the church; we are – His people.  Yes, church is important to our faith as gathering places of fellowship, but God is not confined there.  His greatness and goodness is felt and seen throughout the Old Testament in many physical forms such as the pillar of cloud and fire, the burning bush, even the parting of the Red Sea just to name a few, but God’s presence can be felt when you drive your car, enjoy nature, or even during your daily tasks.  I love that I have a designated church building where I can go be with fellow Christians and worship together, but God is not confined to that building and as such, I have the opportunity to commune with Him wherever I am.  It is not important the building, or temple you worship God in; it matters how your heart responds to God.  It matters how you love God and love people outside of the building.  It’s our heart God seeks to have no matter the place you worship.  To think that God only meets you in a church is to limit God, but He is limitless.  Don’t confine God’s infinite vastness and goodness.  Learn to enjoy His presence everywhere. ~ Amen

Blessed Mercy

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ~ Matthew 5:7

A merciful heart is a compassionate and forgiving heart.  Is that you?  Unfortunately, Christians don’t always live up to this and therefore tend to be more like the world than Christ-like. We tend to hold grudges and hold onto hurt.  We are quick to talk about compassion and forgiveness, but are not great at dishing it out.  We talk the talk, but don’t always walk the walk and people are more interested in our actions than our words.  They are watching.  Being merciful is a result of spiritual growth that allows us to deal with the hurt, pain and suffering when we are wronged.  Dealing with the sin towards us in this broken world the way Christ has dealt with us.  We are all suffering and sinners in this world and how we deal with it is a measure of growth and the Holy Spirit in us.  A merciful person doesn’t beat people over their heads with their sin, or continue to hold things over people’s heads about what they may have done, or what they deserve, but instead they open their arms to them and show compassion and forgiveness.  Isn’t that what Christ does for us?  Isn’t that what He did for us on the cross?  He opened His arms and paid the price for my sins, no questions asked.  No hard feelings.  As a follower of Christ, we are to do the same.  Not so we can be doormates, but that we can be light in a broken world and the same mercy can be shown to us.  Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.”  God grants us new mercies everyday because we are all sinners.  Will we be merciful to those in need?  To those who have hurt us?  I need mercy everyday and so do the people in my life.  Without mercy we would be a bunch of miserable people without real relationships.  We would be holding hurts and thinking only of ourselves.  If I wasn’t shown mercy by people in my life, I would be all alone.  No one deserves to be all alone and unforgiven.  As much as I have been given mercy, a pardoning of my wrongs and compassion, I pray Jesus would help me show His goodness in the same way. ~ Amen