Invisible Image

The Son in the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ~ Colossians 1:15

The word firstborn is a little confusing in this verse as it is not referring to birth order, but rather signifies Jesus’ position over God’s creation.  The firstborn in biblical times had many great privileges, rank and rule compared to the rest of the siblings.  Being firstborn comes with supremacy, power and great responsibility; it is more than birth order.  Jesus was, is, and always will be.  Jesus’ existence was established before creation as He became part of the Holy Trinity.  Therefore, if Jesus was the image of the invisible God and part of the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit), He was established long before the creation of Adam and Eve.  While down here on earth, Jesus was able to demonstrate how we are to treat each other, how we are to love each other and how we are to behave as ambassadors for the kingdom of Christ.  Years later, we can still look and follow Jesus’ example of how to live a life that is pleasing, right and good all for the glory of God.  The human race was created in the image of God.  Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”  With this being said, we can assume that God created humanity very different from the animal world for a specific reason and purpose.  We were created to be perfect, but at the fall of Adam and Eve when sin entered the world, we became tainted.  Being the perfect image-bearer of God, Jesus also became the only perfect and blameless human to be the sacrificial lamb to bring God’s people back to Him.  Jesus was “God in a bod” who than became the perfect firstborn to give His followers wisdom, guidance and goodness through the cross.  Let us try our best to be great representatives and image bearers of our great God for this broken world. ~ Amen

Overcome Evil

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ~ Romans 12:21

My human instinct is to become angry, defensive and resentful when someone hurts me.  However, as a follower of Jesus, I am called to be kind even to those who hurt me, even if it’s intentional.  Polishing off evil with evil back just doubles the evil and doesn’t accomplish anything.  On the other hand, when we approach evil with kindness we open the door to forgiveness and stop the offender in their tracks.  Evil cannot do anything but fold under goodness.  It’s like a shock to Satan’s system and thwarts his plan.  It’s like putting out a fire. Good always overcomes evil.  Man alone does not have the capability to overcome evil, but the Holy Spirit in you can give you the power, and the strength to choose goodness over evil every time.  Jesus chose goodness for all mankind who have accepted Him when He died on the cross for us while we were still great sinners.  John 3:16 says, “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.”  We can now be free from our evil pursuits and attitudes through the Holy Spirit who lives in us as followers of Jesus Christ.  Our character should change to be Christ-like and Christ-ruled.  We have the power to overcome our adversary when he wants us to act in an angered, or evil manner.  Christ should be who we now imitate and we let Satan win over our emotions when we give way to evil instead of showing the same love Christ has shown us.  Do not let others' evil transform, or taint the work Christ is doing in you.  Do not respond to evil with evil, but with goodness through the Holy Spirit.  Evil reaps evil and goodness reaps goodness.  Do not respond to evil with more evil.  Instead, give it to Christ and let Him deal with it.  When you do not return evil, you become the conqueror.  Your heart stays clean.  You give Christ His rightful spot.  We are a light for Him when we do not become angry, or upset over the injustices toward us, but instead show goodness and kindness.  Who can argue with kindness and love for those who persecute you?  No one.  They would look foolish.  Do not give into the world’s ways of responding to evil.  Respond the way Christ would so that you may have a peaceful heart, attitude and life.  Lay the evil hurt at Christ’s feet to deal with and show mercy. ~ Amen 

Trustworthy Handling

So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ~ Luke 16:11

Money, whether you like it, or not, controls most of our world and is a big part of our daily lives.  Too much and we can become arrogant and prideful; not enough and we can become afraid and stingy.  Both the rich and the poor can become greedy and money can taint our hearts' attitude toward life and others.  When someone needs help, do you officer what you can whether in plenty, or want?  When someone has success are you happy for them, or does resentment set in?  Money quickly becomes a heart issue and since God is in the business of our hearts it’s no wonder that He sometimes uses money as a test.  If I squander my worldly wealth. What will I do with my spiritual gifts?  If I hold on to my money with a tight fist, what does that say about my trust in God?  Give money God’s rightful place in your heart and you’ll likely be more apt to shrewd dealings, greed and selfishness instead of showing kindness, love and generosity.  True riches refers to the spiritual blessings and rewards that God gives his faithful servants; these are the riches we should be striving for over worldly wealth.  A steward who is Christ focused remembers that all we have in this world is actually on loan to us from God.  We should be using what he has blessed us with to further His kingdom instead of being greedy.  We should be trying our best to further His Kingdom; not build our own.  Instead, we should be asking God to open our eyes on how to faithfully use what He has blessed us with to better His kingdom no matter if we have little, or much.  Let us be more concerned with our spiritual walk than our wallets. ~ Amen

Once Were

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ~ Colossians 1:21

I am a sinner.  Yep, that’s right and hard to admit.  I don’t like that I am, but we all are.  In fact, we are born with a sinful nature and whether you like to believe it, or not, we all have the capacity to do some pretty evil things.  I know we don’t like to talk about it, we’d rather keep that reserved for the heinous crimes committed, but we all have the capacity; don’t kid yourself.  I also know that some of us deal with sin that is so secret we pretend it doesn’t exist, but our hearts and souls know different.  I like to categorize my sin, but God says sin is sin.  I don’t like to think of myself as evil, but we all are when we sin.  I don’t like to think of me being apart from God, but when I sin, I am.  I can’t imagine how much I hurt God’s heart when I choose to disobey, or sin.  I can’t imagine how much evil God sees on a daily basis.  I don’t ever want to think of myself as an enemy of God, but sometimes I am.  I need His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness every single day of my life.  I am not perfect and will never claim to be.  I will continue to fight against the sinful ways of this world and my flesh everyday.  I will strive to keep my mind, heart, hands and soul pure.  I am conflicted with myself the most when I let too much of the world creep in.  I was born a sinful creature, but I will not let that define me.  I have to be mindful of what I listen too, watch, reach and how I act.  I can choose to be a child of God in any and all circumstances, or choose to be a child willed by my flesh and this world.  I know my God loves me and the good news is I have been redeemed and reconciled back to Him through what Jesus did for me on the cross.  I am made perfect in His image for His glory, for this time and I am overwhelmingly grateful He helps me choose Him every day – sin, or no sin.  Let’s continue to walk in His grace and mercy everyday and put our sinful behavior behind us.  Let us rejoice because our sin does not have to define us.  We are who He says we are and we can rely on His help at any time, anywhere.  Glory to God! ~ Amen

Have Opportunity

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. ~ Galatians 6:10

The family of God is supposed to look out for one another; have each other’s backs; help each other out when others can’t, don’t, or won’t.  The church should never leave one of their own behind; there is no “estrangement” welcome in the church of Jesus followers.  We are family.  If I have the means to help out a brother, or sister in Christ, I must step in and help.  I have no excuse.  If I can’t show the same love, compassion and kindness Christ has shown me, what good am I?  There will be times when I will need help and the first place I should be encouraged to ask help from is my fellow believers and the church.  The outside world does not have the same bond with me that the church family should.  If we can’t go to fellow believers for help, where can we go?  If we can’t show kindness to our own family, what does that truly say about us so-called “Christians”?  I dare say, sometimes we are quicker to help the unbeliever before helping a fellow sister, or brother.  We tend to be more judgemental of each other than giving.  We need to turn that around.  In our intentional effort to love each other in the church, hearts of non-believers would be softened and even drawn to our example of Jesus.  My salvation was given to me as a good deed and gift from my Lord, Jesus Christ, and to show His goodness and love to others I need to show my faith by doing all the good I can, when I can, to all I can and especially to my brothers and sisters in Christ.  A lot of people assume that if you are a believer, you need to be giving and blessing outside of the church walls, and while that’s true, Paul also reminds us not to leave each other behind.  Take care of each other in Christ.  Take care of your family.  Just because we are a follower of Jesus doesn’t mean we may not need help from time to time.  Look in your house of worship for needs first and bless them. ~ Amen

Master Reply

His master replied, “Well done good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!” ~ Matthew 25:21

Best friends in high school, Ann let me use her VW Rabbit to get back and forth from work for a week while my car was in the shop.  I remember my dad’s voice in the back of my head, “return whatever you borrow back better than when you received it”.  So, I washed her car inside and out and filled it with gas before I drove it back to her.  To say she was grateful would be an understatement.  She knew I didn’t make all that mess in her car, but I wanted to show my appreciation.  She didn’t have to let me borrow her car and I wanted to let her know how appreciative I was.  The Creator of the universe expects the same from His children.  We should be good stewards of what God has given us and we should return praise, worship, and honor to God for allowing us to enjoy so many blessings.  Nothing we have is ours.  Everything is on loan.  We need to be respectful of it and show God appreciation and respect for all.  We need to take care of our stuff.  Through our faith we are saved, but how we take care of what God has given us down here has eternal rewards in heaven.  We must treat others as God treats them; we must use our money for the good of God’s kingdom; we must love God more than ourselves and by doing so we will have done a good job taking care of what God has entrusted to us.  We are not called to be lazy servants.  We are meant to use our talents, time, resources and abilities to further God’s kingdom.  This verse is not only about money and possessions, but about how we used your opportunities, gifts and talents for God’s glory.  The Lord is looking for good and faithful servants to rejoice over.  I want to be one of them!  A good and faithful servant in want, or in plenty, I desire to be God’s servant. ~ Amen

Spirit Worshipers

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. ~ John 4:24

Our spirits long to worship something.  Everyone has some void in their lives they are trying to fill and when you become a follower of Jesus and realize that’s what you’ve been missing, your soul feels complete and you cannot help but worship God.  Our soul worshipping Him delights the Lord.  The place, time, or whether in nature, or in a building does not matter.  God is spirit and can be worshipped anywhere at any time.  God is not confined to space, or time.  True worship comes from the heart with an attitude of awe and reference for the Creator of the universe and the one who holds your life in His hands.  Just going through rituals and practices of worship because that’s what you’re supposed to do is not what God wants.  As a follower of Jesus, you now have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you and God wants your heart felt, genuine worship – spirit to spirit, regardless of rituals.  Once again, it’s a heart issue.  In John 4 we find the story of the Samaritan woman who is often seeking her acceptance in wrong relationships and so Jesus explains to her that the acceptance she longs for can only come through a relationship with God and that anyone can worship Him with a genuine heart no matter where they physically are, or what their past looks like.  Going up a mountain to worship God, or watching the Jews travel to Jerusalem to worship was how the Samaritan woman was taught, but Jesus throws her whole ritualistic worship ideals into the trash and tells her He only wants genuine worship.  Heart felt worship.  Let our worship be full of genuine humility, respect and thankfulness instead of rituals and religion.  Let our worship be a blessing to our very real, relational God. ~ Amen

Still Before

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. ~ Psalm 37:7

To be still before the Lord is to surrender and submit to His will for your life.  To rest and trust in what He is doing and give up the worry and anxiety you may be feeling.  It’s a conscious choice not to get worked up and to give yourself to Him.  To remain faithful and obedient to Christ so that you may find rest in what He is doing.  Those who are turned from Him, or seem to prosper in their wickedness should be none of our concern.  I know; it's hard to watch non-believers prosper in this world while you may be struggling, but we have to remember that our hope and life is eternal and we must trust that God is working in our lives for our better even when we don’t feel, or see it.  The wicked will get their just reward at the judgement day and it’s not our place to judge.  The worldly gain of the wicked is temporary while our joy will be made complete in eternity.  To trust in the Lord and live a righteous life will lead to a restful soul; not a lazy soul, but a soul revived, renewed and refreshed with His peace knowing that He is, does, and will take care of you.  We are called to wait on the Lord, be patient and be silent as God works out His plans for your life.  Waiting can be painful, but waiting on God grows our faith and trust.  He has us.  We don’t need to run after the things of this world.  We need to run to Him.  Rest in Him.  We should not worry, fret, be anxious, or compare ourselves to people who have worldly success as that energy takes our focus off of God and what He is doing in our lives.  We must stay focused on Him.  Let us rest in the Lord and trust His ways in our life and not waiver. ~ Amen

Makes Different

For who makes you different from anyone else?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? ~ 1 Corinthians 4:7

The fact of the matter is that we have what we have because God gave it all to us.  Our first job was given to us, our first breath was given to us, our home on this earth God allowed us to have.  It’s all His and we are to take care of it.  God allowed us to have everything around us; we did not do any of it on our own.  There is no such thing as a “self-made” man.  The Corinthian church prided themselves on their talents, spiritual gifts and merits, but Paul reminds them to deflate their egos and recognize that everything comes from God.  No one is better than the next and it’s no different now in the 21st century.  We are all God’s creation and have been given many different talents, spiritual gifts and merits and none of us have done this on our own.  In humility we need to remember that God has given us every good thing.  We each have different possessions and spiritual gifts and in God’s eyes, one is no better than the other.  No ministry is better than another, no outreach is better than another, and no pastor, or minister is better than another (as long as they stay true to the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ); they are all good gifts to the people from God alone.  We have no right to boast about our gifts, but should work as a team to spread the Gospel of Jesus.  Just like all our body parts have different jobs to make up our glorious working body, the same is with the church.  Some of us have the gift of discernment, some have the gift of prophecy, some have the gift of hospitality, and some have the gift of encouragement and prayer, but they are all important and needed to bring glory to God.  We are all unique and cannot, or should not boast about what we do, or what we have; it all comes from God.  Let us humbly walk before God and be thankful for everything He has given us and use our gifts, talents, and resources to benefit His kingdom. ~ Amen

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

Refresh Weary

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. ~ Jeremiah 31:25

We live in a busy world.  Busier than it’s ever been and one that demands more time and energy from us than most of us have.  There are daily chores, family life, work, kids, sports, friendships that need tended to and then the struggles and trials of life that inevitably hit.  This verse particularly comes at a time when the Israelites were facing exile and hardships.  The Israelites struggled for years; they were a people who understood the struggle of daily life.  Having been punished and now in the middle of striving, God tells Jeremiah that he will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint even when they may feel defeated.  God is our only real source of replenishment and complete renewal.  No one can fill you up like God can.  If you are looking to others to refresh you, you will always be let down.  Only God is able to completely fill your mind, body and spirit with what you need.  He created us; He knows exactly what we need and promises to give it to us if we would come to Him.  Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  God offers comfort to all who are burdened.  You will feel exhausted at some point in life and only God can give you rest and satisfy you.  Israel was a hard-hearted people who oftentimes were disobedient, yet God still promised to give them hope and grace.  Your God wants to restore you.  Come find the true restoration you want; only God can give it to you.  For many years Israel wavered back and forth with God and He still promised them restoration; don’t you think He’ll do the same for you?  Bask in the deep love and compassion God has for you even when you stumble, and let Him give you strength and rest. ~ Amen

Great Encouragement

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. ~ Philemon 1:7

Do you refresh people?  Do you make them feel good when they leave your presence?  Are you quick to help others?  Are you generous?  Philemon was a wealthy man who lived in Colossae and who became a follower of Christ through Paul’s ministry.  He often held church gatherings in his own home and helped out financially to others whenever he could and word of his encouragement made its way to Paul’s ears while Paul was still in a Roman prison.  Intent on encouraging Philemon to continue in his faith and growth, Paul writes to Philemon to tell him how proud he is of him and to keep up the good work.  Like most wealthy landowners, Philemon had slaves and one of his slaves was in trouble and in need of forgiveness and Paul wanted to encourage Philemon to treat his slave with the same kindness he gave to others in hopes that Philemon would be quick to forgive Onesimus.  An escaped slave of Philemon, Onesimus had gone to Rome and sought Paul out at the prison he was held at and became a follower of Jesus under Paul’s mentorship.  The slave wanted to reconcile with Philemon and Paul decided to write a letter to Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf pleading for the same love, kindness and generosity he has shown to others.  Paul considers Philemon a dear friend and brother in Christ, so I am sure he had to know Philemon would take his request sincerely.  The book of Philemon ends without us not knowing if Philemon took Onesimus back; however, most bible scholars agree that Philemon not only took him back with open arms, but went a step further and freed him as his slave.  In verse 21, Paul writes, “Confident of your obedience, I write to you knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”  This one verse leads many to believe Philemon freed Onesimus as his brother in Christ now and no longer a slave.  At the core of this verse is love, encouragement, support and forgiveness.  Philemon, refreshed Onesimus’ soul when he could have held anger and resentment against him and made his life really hard.  May we be as refreshing to others as Philemon was. ~ Amen

Delightful Difficulties

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weaknesses.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Whether being persecuted, imprisoned, or both, and even with a “thorn in my flesh”, Paul delighted in his difficulties.  How can that be?  Why would anyone delight in hardships?  Because Paul understood that God’s grace was all he needed to endure everything down here.  Paul understood that God’s strength and will was working through his weaknesses.  His weaknesses actually made him stronger because of the dependance he had to rely on from God.  God’s power is shown through Paul’s weaknesses making him a very useful tool for God’s glory.  Because Paul relied on God’s supernatural power, his own natural weaknesses became bearable.  Paul had been a persecutor of Christians and had experienced a transformative awakening on the Damascus Road and was converted instantly.  He went from Saul, the Christian executioner, to Paul, the one God favored.  Paul understood that God gave him the gift of grace, unmerited favor, by dying on the cross for him while He was a wretched murderer and sinner.  He understood He did not deserve the grace God showed Him.  He knew this and it rocked his world.  But to keep Paul humble, God allowed a “thorn in the flesh”; which is never really disclosed to us other than a pain, or hindrance that we know Paul asked God to take from him numerous times and God’s answer was no.  So instead, Paul boasted of his weaknesses because he understood that is when Christ’s power becomes obvious.  Visible to others.  Felt by us in our weaknesses.  A testimony for others to see.  Our weaknesses bring Him glory when we seek God.  When we seek God through insults, we show the power of kindness and self-control by holding our tongues.  By delighting in our struggles while trusting God and praising Him we are being the best witnesses we can be for Him.  ~ Amen

Heart Test

It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon Spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David.  He succeeded in everything he undertook.  But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart. ~ 2 Chronicles 32:30-31

Tests.  Nobody likes them.  Tests are meant to measure our knowledge, skill, and capability.  No one likes to feel inadequate, but often that’s how tests make us feel.  Then you have the medical tests that make us anxious as we wait to hear if we are healthy, or not.  Negative result, positive result – all so overwhelming.  What if I told you life is a test?  A test of our character.  It only makes sense that once in a while God would test us for His glory and to purify, or refine our hearts.  In today’s world it’s easy to get comfortable and complacent in our beliefs.  Most people aren't pushing you to answer, or act how you say you believe because we’ve all just accepted everything.  No one wants to offend anyone, so we let everyone do, say, act and believe whatever/however they want with no questions.  Intent on building His followers' character to be more like His own, God will test us and intentionally pull back and withdraw, or be silent in order to see what is truly in our heart.  Hezekiah was a successful king and had destroyed idols and brought worship back to God and celebrated when He watched God intervene and save Judah from the Assyrians.  So now, after much success from God, God wanted to see how Hezekiah would respond to these Babylonian ambassadors on his own.  Would he give credit where credit was due?  The sneaky attitude of pride crept into Hezekiah’s heart and he began to show all his kingdom and treasure to the ambassadors as if he had done this all by himself.  Instead of giving God the glory, Hezekiah took the glory.  The truth of the matter is we can all be swayed into loving the things of this world more than God.  We all have had idols take the place of our God as number one for a time.  It’s so easy to put Christ on the back burner when things are going our way in life.  Sometimes our priorities get mixed up and shuffled around.  The tests God gives us are not about head knowledge, they are about heart and soul knowledge.  They are character building tests and we all have areas of weakness.  Fire, while extremely dangerous, can also be used to refine and purify metals and golds.  In the same way, God may use fire to refine us.  You may experience deep, profound, unthinkable loss to watch it grow into a beautiful and spiritual awakening months, even years later that never would have taken place without devastation first.  God's tests come in many different forms, and some we may not even notice, but life is a test.  A test of your character and loyalty given any situation.  Being tested does not mean you're being punished.  Being tested means God sees you and wants to use you for His greater purposes.  In this world there will be many tests.  I strive to pass them all! ~ Amen