Why?!

Continuing my reading through the Bible, this morning I was in Judges 17-21.  In chapter 17 I read about a man named Micah from Ephraim.  He came into a lot of silver and when he presented it to his mother, she thought it was a great idea to "solemnly consecrate" it to the LORD and make idols out of it!  So Micah does just that, plus he builds a shrine and makes one of his sons a "priest".  Later a Levite comes along (the Levites are from the tribe of Levi and their line was the official line of priests appointed by God Himself).  Micah persuades the Levite to stay with him and be his own personal priest.  Apparently Micah thinks that if he has a "legitimate" priest, then his religion will also be legitimate. Man knows he was created to worship. However, instead of worshiping God, they make up their own gods. Idols that suit them.  Idols that they feel comfortable with.  Idols that won't judge them.   We see this mindset still today (see Ecclesiastes 1:9 and Romans 1).

Reading on we see that a group of Danites (men from the tribe of Dan) come around finally ready to take their inheritance!  Now how many years have past since Joshua led the people into the promised land to seize their inheritance?  (see my previous post about waiting around) Anyway, they find the Levite and convince him into going with them to be their priest.  He agrees and he takes Micah's idols with him. So here we see yet again Israelites doing their own thing, or as it says over and over in Judges: "everyone did as he saw fit".

If you continue reading here, you'll see that men have become exceedingly wicked and depraved.  In chapter 19 it is recorded that a Levite and his concubine are traveling on their way to Bethlehem. They decide to stay the night in Gibeah.  As is custom, they go to the square and wait for someone to invite them to stay the night, but no one does.  It's late when an old man returns from work and sees them waiting in the square.  He ends up inviting them to stay the night with him.  Well, a group of men show up and demand that the old man hand over the visiting MAN so they can have sex with him.  The man refuses them, begging them not to do such a "vile thing" and instead offers the visitor's concubine!  Unfortunately the concubine is raped so much by these men that she ends up dying.  Needless to say, the Levite is angry.  He takes his dead concubine home with him, cuts her up into 12 pieces and sends a piece to each tribe of Israel.  This shocks the Israelites out of their complacency!  Finally the people gather together to seek the LORD as to what to do.  Again, referring back to Ecclesiastes, we see that today it still takes tragedy to turn us back to God. I won't go into all of the details, you can read it for yourself (see above link).  But what I want to point out is that once the people realized how bad things had gotten and that so many people had died, they raised their voices and "weeping bitterly" they cried out to God, "WHY?! WHY has this happened to us?!"  Isn't that always the case?  People turn away from God, reject Him and His ways, then people behave and live debased lives because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".  Immorality is rampant and tragic things happen.  Then people cry out to God, "WHY?! WHY did this happen to us?!"

It never ceases to amaze me when I read about the Israelites and how time and time again they turn away from God after all He did for them.  But what amazes me even more, is how time and time again God hears their cries and answers them!   In fact, in Judges 2 it says: "for the Lord had compassion on them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them" (verse 18b).  God is so gracious, merciful and kind.  He is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)! 

The other day I was reading through an old journal of mine. Sadly, I saw how I am so similar to the Israelites in that I would live for God, turn away from God, cry out to God, repent and repeat.  I can't very well point my finger at the Israelites with a clear conscious.  I am reminded of the words to the the song "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing":

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.

Prone to leave the God I love.

But I am also reminded of the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness". 

What Am I Waiting For?

I was reading in Joshua 18 and this stood out to me (verse 3):

The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloah and set up the Tent of Meeting there.  The country was brought under their control, but there were still seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance.  So Joshua said to the Israelites: "How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?"

I stopped to think about what Joshua had said, wondering how it applies to me.  There is so much that I have access to being in Christ that I never tap into.  I have the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit residing in me! I need to be living like it - every day!  Why do I just stand there waiting? What am I am waiting for? 

Faithful God

I have been reading through the Bible, starting in Genesis, and I am currently in Joshua.  I started my reading with the intention of marking every reference to prayer that I see.  I went into this with the idea that I would find many instances to man crying out to God, which I have, HOWEVER, there are also times when it is God calling out to man!  I am amazed at how intimate God was (and is) with His children.  He truly wanted (and wants) to be engaged in their lives.  God even revealed Himself to a man who wasn't a follower (see story about Balaam in Numbers 22). What was striking to me is that he, Balaam, didn't question whether or not it was God speaking.  How many times do I question whether or not I'm hearing God's voice?

Moses and Joshua have really impressed me with the amount of faith they displayed on a regular basis.  They weren't perfect men, but God used them nonetheless.  This morning I was reading in Joshua.  So far what I have read about him tells me that he obeyed God - no questions asked!  Moses, on the other hand, debated God from time to time before obeying. At one time Moses did things his way instead of God's, which consequently caused Moses to miss out on going into the promised land (see Numbers 20).      

Lately I have been seeking the Lord concerning faith. Specifically miracle-producing faith.  I have been asking Him to show me opportunities where I can practice this kind of faith.  Last night my husband I went to celebrate our anniversary at Shogun's Japanese Restaurant.  I noticed that our waitress grimaced when she carried the trays to the table.  I thought her shoulder was troubling her (my husband said he thought it was her wrist, but that's beside the point).  I felt that the Holy Spirit was prompting me to ask her if I could pray for her.  I kept waiting for her to come to me so that I could stop her and do just that.  She would come and go so quickly I didn't realize she had been there until she was gone!  I was determined to go through with this simple request that God had asked of me, however, I ended up leaving the restaurant without following through. While walking back to the truck, I felt so sad. I knew that I was grieving the Holy Spirit by not praying for that lady.  Immediately I started wallowing in regret and remorse.  I confessed to God and asked Him to please not give up on me.  I really do want to learn what it is to live in miracle-producing faith!  I want to be used by God to draw people to Jesus Christ! 

This morning I was again deeply saddened by my lack of obedience.  Reading about Joshua's faith and obedience only magnified my deficiency.  I was talking to God about it - again, confessing - again, when the song "Faithful God" starting going through my mind.  I then realized that God was reassuring me that HE IS FAITHFUL and He will NOT give up on me!  I was so humbled and grateful!  What a wonderful God I serve! 

Lyrics to song: 

Faithful God, ever true.
You are the One that we lean upon.
Faithful God, Lord, it's You; 
You are the One that we look upon.
Every day, Lord, Your mercies are new; 
Every day, Lord, we're trusting in You. 
Faithful God, You stay the same.
You will not change; 
Your promise is true. 
Faithful God, we lift up one voice. 
We've made a choice, and we put our trust in You. 
Faithful God. 

Other Food

While reading in the book of Numbers, specifically the 11th chapter, I read about the Israelites complaining to Moses about the lack of variety in their diet.  God was providing them with manna from heaven, but after a period of time, they began to want more.  They wanted something - different. 

Over and over we see that when God's people cry out to Him, He listens.  God is a responsive God.  He desires to give us good things (see Deut.6:10-12).  However, there are times when our wants are not legitimate.  That was the case in the Numbers 11 passage.  The people had grown discontented with God's provision.  Still, He answered.  He informed Moses that He would send quail for the people of Israel to feast upon.  So much quail that they soon would have it "until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it" (Numb. 11:20).  Why? God continues, "...because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before Him, saying, 'Why did we ever leave Egypt?'" 

After reading through this chapter a couple of times, I couldn't help but ask God to please help me not to be like these people "who craved other food" (Numb. 11:34).  I asked God to help me to be content with such things as I have, for He Himself has said that He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). 

I strongly believe that America is headed for difficult times.  My family and I might be in a situation where we have to eat the same thing day after day because it's all we can afford. I don't want to be a person who craves any thing other than what God provides - physically or spiritually. How about you?

Painful Reminder

Last night I went to bed with back pain.  This morning I awoke with even more discomfort making me realize that I have a kidney infection.  This isn't the first time.  This could have been prevented.  You see, I have over indulged in sugar yet again and now I am reaping the consequences.  It is a painful reminder that we will reap what we sow (see Galatians 6:7). 

Now I know that sugar is not the greatest analogy for sin.  After all, sugar in and of itself is NOT sinful.  However, it did remind me of the truth that followers of Christ cannot engage in the things of the world and not be affected.  We kid ourselves, though, don't we?  Just like I was kidding myself every time I picked up a chocolate almond cluster and shoved it into my mouth.  I thought, "A little bit won't hurt me" and "It's only during the holidays", but after several trips to the candy dish, a little become too much and now I am in more than a little discomfort. 

Thankfully, there is a cure.  I know what needs to be done to get well.  First of all, I must STOP eating and drinking things with sugar in them.  Second, I need to drink a LOT of water.  And third, I need take the homeopathic treatments that have helped me in the past.  If I do these things, I'm confident I will get well. 

Spiritually speaking, I also know what needs to be done to be well and stay well.  First, I need to repent of any sin in my life: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).  Second, I need to drink of the Living Water - a LOT, and third I need to pray so that I can be in communication with God, Who has helped me in the past. 

A painful reminder of simple truths. 

His Gospel is Peace

One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs is O Holy  Night!  The second verse is one reason why that is so:

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace. 

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, 

And in His name all oppression shall cease.  

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;

Let all within us praise His holy name. 

Christ is the Lord! 

O praise His name forever! 

His power and glory evermore proclaim! 

  

Just recently a horrific event made headlines in America and across the world.  A school shooting in Sandy Hook, CT claimed the lives of 27 people, mostly children.  It's times like these that makes a person look inside and wonder just what can bring someone to such depravity.  Many times, and this time is no exception, people flock to churches in search of answers, comfort and peace.  Yes, God is the God of comfort and peace.  It saddens me that it takes a tragedy to remind people of that.  However, He never turns people away when they seek Him.  He is faithful.  He is our strong tower.  He is our refuge.

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace!  His gospel IS peace!  Knowing this is not enough, however.  You must confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead - then you will be saved (see Romans 10:9). 

So why am I talking about a Christmas song and a school shooting in the same post? Because if we will proclaim the Gospel of Christ to everyone we meet, they will have the opportunity to hear the good news of peace and accept it.  If they do accept it, that is one less person who will feel there is no other choice but to take innocent lives and then their own.  When man has no hope, he has no respect for life.  Not his own nor anyone else. 

Mankind does not originate from animals.  Mankind was created in the image of God and every person has worth.  Everyone has value.  Everyone has a purpose.  That purpose is to worship God, our creator.  It really does not get any more simple than that.  

I Want More!

This morning I felt the Holy Spirit stirring within me, compelling me to approach my God in earnest prayer.  Even now, I still feel the Spirit moving me to act.  Sharing on this blog is a miniscule way, but I believe it's one way that pleases Him.

There is so much more that God wants OF us and FOR us (the Church)!  We are cheating ourselves out of witnessing God's miracles because we are content with complacency.  He desires to show us things, tell us things that we do not know: "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

God is a god of miracles! He need only speak and galaxies explode into splendor! He breathed life into a dusty form and man awoke to life!  The earth is filled with His majesty and yet we go about our daily lives barely taking notice of our Divine Maker.

Jesus performed miracles on a daily basis during His earthly ministry.  He said that we (His disciples) would be able to do even greater things! (see John 14:12) Jesus knew that after His death, burial, and resurrection He would extend that power to everyone who would believe in Him and confess Him as Lord!  (see Romans 10:9-10).  He knew that the Holy Spirit would come and fill us up with HIS power to continue His miracle-filled ministry on earth! (see Ephesians 3)

But we seem to think that those days are over.  Now is the time to sit back and enjoy our salvation, but nothing more.  We are not moved to reach out to the lame, the deaf or the blind.  We don't believe that God wants to do any more miracles.  If we did believe that, then we would be crying out to Him to do these very things through US for the glory of Christ!

Jesus did not spend His time on Earth quietly sitting in the temple listening to man's interpretation of the Scriptures.  He lived the Scriptures!

He attended to the needs of the sick, the dying - even the dead!  He rebuked demons and they had to release their victims.  He healed those with physical and spiritual infirmities.  He loved on people and told them how to find God for themselves personally.  I want to do that!  I want the Holy Spirit to move in me and move me to action!

God, help me, I want more!