Sons of Kohath

Have you ever just thrown your hands up in the air and said “For the love of Pete, I KNEW I was going to end up a son of Kohath!!!”?

No? Just me?

Alrighty then…

The sons of Kohath were called to bear the things of the tabernacle on their shoulders. When the high priest had everything all set and wrapped and ready to move to the next place, the sons of Kohath were the ones who carried everything.

Numbers 4:15 “And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.”

So Aaron and his sons had to clean up and tear down, and wrap up everything from the tabernacle when they were ready to move, and Kohath’s sons would carry it all to the next place.

I was reading in Numbers 7 recently and it really stood out to me that the sons of Kohath could have felt like they were getting a bum deal. Here carts and oxen are being handed out to both of the other sons of Aaron (Gershon and Merari)…

“(9) But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders.”

Some days don’t you feel like a son of Kohath?

Like, “Why am *I* the one who has to carry everything? How come THEY get carts? And how come they get oxen too? Why do I always have to handle all the holy stuff from the tabernacle? And how come it has to be on my shoulders when dragging it would be easier?”

We can sometimes feel like we’re the only one without a cart. Like we have to bear all the hardships, and everyone else gets to cruise on by us on their oxen-drawn carts.

And it can even seem like other people experience God in a deeper way than we do, even though their burdens seem light and easy.

Numbers 4:18-20
(18) Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:
(19) But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
(20) But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

The sons of Kohath got to carry the holy things, but they weren’t allowed to see them. They weren’t allowed to help wrap them up, or handle them. Or even be in the room when they were wrapped. They just had to carry them.

And you know what? The things from the tabernacle were much too precious to just be thrown on the back of a cart like common goods. (Think flour sacks, laundry, foodstuffs.) They were holy. They had been designed by God for a special purpose, and weren’t for just anyone to be responsible for.

Did the sons of Kohath know WHY they had to carry the stuff for the tabernacle? Nope. At least we’re never told in scripture why. But it glorified God. It was a huge responsibility and honor.

Maybe God is calling you to do a hard thing. Maybe he is calling you to bear a burden on your shoulders when everyone else around you got carts and oxen. You may never know why God has chosen you to bear the burden you have, but it is a holy thing. It can glorify God. It is serving a purpose.

Never doubt that our good God is working. Never doubt that He is helping you through whatever you're facing, and that He will use it for your good, and the good of others who are watching you walk through it.

See, the awesome thing about the sons of Kohath is that they weren't alone. They had each other. There wasn't just one son carrying everything all piled on his shoulders. They were all bearing burdens. But they didn't all have the same burden either- some carried candlesticks, some lavers, some censers, etc.

The same is true about our family in Christ. We don't all have the same burden, but everybody's carrying something. Find your sons of Kohath. Let them know you have a burden too, and walk the journey together. Don't try to take their burden from them, as that is their lot, and you have your own to carry. But you can make the journey easier just by being present.

Many times we get through hard things because we know we aren't alone. How much faster do the miles pass when we're in fellowship, and singing joyfully, reminding one another about who God is, and what He has done?

(And by the way, oxen poop. Like, a lot. [And it smells bad.] And they have to be fed, and watered. And tended to when they are injured or ill. And cart wheels break. And carts tip over...)

No one's journey is without difficulty, even if it looks that way to you.

2 Cor. 4:5-18
(5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
(6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
(8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
(9) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
(10) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
(11) For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
(12) So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
(13) We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
(14) Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
(15) For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
(16) For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
(17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
(18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Default Behavior

Have you ever noticed yourself reacting a certain way to certain stimuli? Like something habitual?

For example:
-If a person cuts you off on the road, you then tailgate them to show your displeasure.
-If someone confronts you about an issue, or challenges your thoughts, you get defensive instead of taking stock and really listening.
-If someone says something ugly to you, you let the fire in your belly form your response to them.
-Your way of medicating after bad news is shopping. Or food. Or sex. Every single time.
-If someone 'slaps' you, you respond in kind, and the whole thing turns into a Three Stooges slap fest.
-If your family (or someone at work) neglects their chores and you clean up after then AGAIN, you make sure everyone knows it by being a noisy martyr.

We all have default behaviors. We all have things we do that are habitual responses to any stimuli. If we think about it, we probably don't even know when this became our default. But at some point it was programmed into us.

The definition of default is very interesting!

Default:
A preselected option adopted by a computer program or other mechanism when no alternative is specified by the user or programmer.
Something that is usual or standard.

All the examples I listed are obviously wrong responses. But how often are they what we do without even thinking about it?

See, we can get into a habit or pattern of wrong behavior because we aren't inputting anything else. Our 'preselected response' is according to the flesh. But it is still a choice!

If we are in Christ, we ought to be different than the usual or standard. We ought to let the Word of God reprogram us so we have good input guiding our responses instead of what is usual (our flesh).

Do you need to take time to reprogram yourself? To make better choices? The good news is, if you're alive it isn't too late!!

Lord help me have godly responses to everything that comes my way. Help me reprogram myself according to Your Word!

2 Cor. 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Psalm 51:10-13
(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
(11) Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
(12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
(13) Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Ephesians 4:20-24
(20) But ye have not so learned Christ;
(21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
(22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
(23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
(24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

I Don't Need Help- I'm Fine...

Have you ever had a problem/project that you just couldn't figure out, and even though you have a friend who is pretty much an expert, you say "no thanks" when they offer to show you how or help you?

Why do we do that?

Maybe I should rephrase- Why do *I* do that?

Why do I wave my hand at them and say "I'll figure it out", confident that I can handle it, when they could so easily just show me or teach me how to do it? Why do I stubbornly act like I don't mind all the time it is taking me, or the way my teeth are wearing down from being clenched in frustration, or the waste in materials from all the ways I've done it wrong so far?

Because I have a pride problem.

Pride says "I can do it! I don't need help! I'm FINE."

I was looking for a scripture the other day (yes it was during the Sunday sermon, but I promise I was paying attention- it was related) and instead of finding the one I was looking for, God led me to this one:

1 Peter 5:6-7
(6) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

It's a pretty familiar verse. But God showed me again that context is so important. There's a : there for a reason. And a : means more explanation is coming, so pay attention.

The next verse says:
(7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Hmmm...that really made me think. If I am not casting my cares on God, then I am acting in pride. I am not trusting that He is able. That His hand is mighty. That He cares for me.

I am taking upon myself that which I was never intended to handle. All my burdens, my worries, my problems, my fears...all are to be given to a God who is more than capable of handling them. And then in due time He will exalt me.

The word exalt means 'lift up'. When I've given my burdens to God, in the right time He will lift me up above them. He will give me victory through His power. He will help me focus on Him and His strength. He will speak shalom into my life regardless of whether or not I 'figure it out.'

Also when we refuse help, we are not allowing those who have a gift to use it to be a blessing. We are preventing them from ministering. Even if it's just sitting and listening to us share our heart, and praying with us. There are people super good at that. Or someone who knows about installing floors who can help, or guide you through scripture when you're confused, or help you plant a garden...

The church is equipped by God to love on and help each other. Maybe you've heard we should be the hands and feet of Jesus. How often have I quenched someone's gift by refusing to humble myself and ask for help? God gave us good gifts for the edification of the Body. I don't know it all. I can't do everything well.

Admitting that and asking for help isn't weakness. It isn't sin. These verses actually tell us that when we DON'T come to God for help that we are acting in pride. Perhaps the way He wants to answer or help you is through your family in Christ.

I am so thankful for a loving God who gives me gentle reminders of His faithful goodness, even when I was looking for something else.

Do Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.

Have you ever sinned against the Lord with what you consider a "big" sin, or you've been away from Him for a long time, and feel like you have to make up for it in an equally big way? Like God is going to ask something really hard from you as payment for it?

God isn’t like that, but that’s sometimes how we are with each other, isn't it? If someone hurts me in a big way, I want them to make it right in a big way. Prove they really mean it.

Israel sinned against God big-time. For a LONG time.

In the book of Micah chapter 6, they wonder what they can do to make things right with God. They even list some suggestions:

v6- Should I bow myself before the high God?
v6- Shall I come before him with burnt offerings?
v6- Shall I bring calves of a year old?
v7- Will he be pleased with thousands of rams?
v7- Ten thousands of rivers of oil?
v7- Shall I give my firstborn, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

The things mentioned start off reasonable, but become increasingly excessive, until they seem frantic in wanting to know what they can do to make it right, even suggesting things that are impossible (who can gather ten thousand rivers of oil?), or things God would never ask of them (to sacrifice their children for their own sin).

But Micah reminds them the Lord has already shown them what is good. He requires of them:

1. Do justly.
2. Love mercy.
3. Walk humbly with God.

Sometimes we try to make things harder than they need to be, perhaps as an excuse as to why we haven't gotten right with the Lord, or can't get right. "God just wants too much from me."

But God lays it out so clearly and simply for us, and will help us do it! He wants us to be in fellowship with Him!

"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." Psalm 86:5

Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly.

Clean Pajamas

Have you ever been sick? I don’t mean with the sniffles, or a little stomachache. I mean knock-down-high-fever-what-day-is-it-delusional-am-I-dying sick.

If you’ve ever experienced that kind of sickness, then you know how exhausting and confusing it is. You also know that most people wear the same pajamas for days on end during that kind of illness, because even thinking about changing them is exhausting.

But have you ever also experienced the bliss that is a hot shower and clean clothes after being so ill? It’s like you’re a whole new person. You’re winning the battle against the germs, your energy has boosted, your hair no longer looks like you stuck your finger in a light socket.

You almost feel and look human again!

And even though you’re better, you aren’t 100% well yet, and crave your pajamas again so you can snuggle back down in bed for some rest. (Hopefully after someone has changed your sheets!) Because sometimes getting better feels like hard work, and even a shower can make you tired.

But when you go to put those pajamas back on, they smell like the dump. Like, maybe you actually gag when trying to lift the shirt over your head. You have literally been wearing these for days, and been around your family smelling like this, and no one said anything?!? I’ve had pajamas that smelled like toxic waste when I was sick and had sweated through various fevers without changing them.

No way can I put these back on- I just had a shower! I don’t care how sick I am, I’ve gotta get some clean pjs!

This applies so clearly in a spiritual sense. We come to Christ with all our baggage, our sickness, things that need healing, and He cleanses us- makes it all whiter than snow. There is bliss at the feeling of being clean, like a whole new person! We have a renewed sense of purpose, we are energized because, hello, our sins are forgiven!

But we aren’t 100% better yet. We’re still spiritually sick- it’s just that Jesus has showered us with His grace and righteousness, so we’re more aware of the stench of our previous ‘pajamas’. And sometimes, even though we like smelling good, we get tired. Because getting better sometimes feels like hard work, and it would be so much easier to just put on the pajamas from a pile on the floor next to us, rather than going to find clean ones.

But Jesus has called us to walk in the Spirit, and put ON certain things while taking and keeping others OFF. And if we truly want to be better, we need to take His advice, and make changes that keep us from getting knocked down with spiritual sickness.

And it benefits us all if we will commit to gently reminding one another to go take a shower and put on clean pajamas when we get a whiff of the dump from each other. Because, let’s be honest, sometimes you just can’t smell yourself. Especially when the ‘pajamas’ you've been wearing are your favorite.

Thanks be to God who has cleansed me through the finished work of Christ on the cross!

Lord, help me to walk in righteousness, and put off the old man with his nasty pajamas that need not be picked up again, except to be thrown out and hauled away. Help me not to be lazy and reach for the old because getting clean feels like hard work. Thank You that in You I can do all things!

Romans 13:12-14
(12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
(13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
(14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Ephesians 4:21-29
(21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
(22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
(23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
(24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
(25) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
(26) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
(27) Neither give place to the devil.
(28) Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
(29) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 3:8-15
(8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
(9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
(10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
(11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
(12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
(13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
(14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

What is Your Isaac?

Genesis 22:1 "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am."

I decided to look up the word 'tempt', because although I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, I wanted to see what the actual word means. And it surprised me that it means: Test, adventure. 

So when my faith is tested by God, I can change my perspective, and look at it as going on an adventure with God! 

Adventure: 

(noun) 

1. An undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks. 

2. An exciting or remarkable experience. 

3. An enterprise involving financial risk. 

(verb) 

1. To expose to danger or loss. 

2. to venture upon; try. 

(intransitive verb) 

1. To proceed despite risk. 

2. To take the risk. 

I can walk confidently with God through any trial because I know that, despite the risk, He will use it for my good and His glory. Though it may result in loss, it will be a remarkable experience that will draw me closer to Him, and whatever is lost was meant to be taken away and replaced with something better for me. 

This leads into Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. Here was this child he had prayed for, suffered for, waited so long for, and he was being asked to give him to the Lord. And not just give him to the Lord, but make him a burnt offering. 

Though Abraham had faith that God would provide himself a lamb, he didn't see that provision until he let go of what he held so dearly. It wasn't until Isaac was bound on the altar and Abraham had the knife ready to give him fully to God, that the angel stopped him and he saw the ram caught in the thicket. 

Genesis 22:8-13

(8) "And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 

(9) And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

(10) And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
(11) And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
(12) And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. (13) And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." 

God had a plan the whole time, and provided a ram before Abraham ever got to the place of sacrifice. He just had to let go of what he held dear to see the better thing God had prepared for him. 

What is your Isaac that you can give to God today? 

Bravery vs Bravado

When I was about 10 years old, my sister and I were playing outside with our friends. One time we were at their house just down the block, and our ball went into the bushes. My sister did not know these were rose bushes, and when she went to retrieve the ball, she got all scratched up and began crying.

Two boys from our elementary school were walking by at the time and immediately began to make fun of her. Nothing infuriated me more than people making fun of my sister (who was extremely shy and therefore an easy target). So I promptly walked over to them, explained why she was crying, and then with hands on hips, told them to say it again so I could punch them in the head.

So they did.

And then I did.

And then THEY were the ones crying. They said (as they began running home) that they were going to bring their dad over and he would deal with me. I yelled after them to go ahead, and I would punch their dad in the head, too.

Needless to say he never showed up.

[Full disclosure: I was not nearly as cute as the girl in the photo. I am sure I was covered in sweat and dirt, and sported an out of control afro. And my clothes probably did not match. It was the 80s after all.]

Part of me likes to think that I would’ve punched their dad out if he’d had the nerve to come to my friend’s house, but I know I never, ever would have. This was evidenced by the fact that we played inside the house for the rest of the afternoon.

I don’t think it was bravery that made me punch those kids (not even righteous indignation- just plain old offense), but it was certainly bravado that made me yell that I would punch their dad too, should he show up.

After the sermon by my pastor yesterday about having courage, I got to thinking about the topic of bravery vs bravado, and what that looks like in the Christian realm.

Bravery obeys God’s call, regardless of the circumstances.
Bravado says she would, but when faced with an actual trial, she wilts.

Bravery speaks up when a situation calls for intervention.
Bravado does nothing in the moment, but dissects it later among friends, criticizing the actions of others.

Bravery depends on the Lord in the present and for the future, and shares current ways the Lord is working, regardless of how ‘small’ they seem.
Bravado constantly rehearses ‘amazing’ things God did 25 years ago regardless of whether they were actually involved (and perhaps with a bit of exaggeration), but has no current stories of the Lord’s working.

Bravery gives when called to, even when it is a major sacrifice.
Bravado says “If I won the lottery I’d give it ALL to the church!” but never gives anything now.

Bravery speaks of ways GOD has shown HIS power in extraordinary circumstances.
Bravado speaks of “Boy, what I would do for God if given the chance…” but never moves out of the hypothetical.

You see, it takes bravery to walk the path of faith. To do what God has called us to, regardless of outside reactions (whether positive or negative). True bravery knows that God is the source of all goodness in our lives, and anything amazing is from His hand alone.

There is no faith in bravado, because it isn’t real. It depends solely on outside reactions, and is done to impress with no intention of follow-through. Bravado is focused on ME and MY actions, and actually has little or nothing to do with God; except that I say I have done it/would do it in His name.

Talk is cheap, as the saying goes. You can say whatever you want about crazy/amazing things you’ve done, or crazy/amazing things you COULD do for God, and there won’t be a way to tell if it’s true or not. You can fool some people some of the time, and even some people ALL of the time, but you can’t fool ALL people all of the time. And you can never fool God. If you are walking in bravado, eventually someone is going to call you on the carpet. How will you respond?

Lord, as we go into a new year, help me to truly be brave and not full of bravado.

Psalm 36:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
(2) For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
(3) The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

James 2:14-20 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
(15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
(16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
(17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
(18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
(19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
(20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Deut. 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Thanks Be to God

In case you didn't know, Christmas was yesterday.

It's the day Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, the greatest gift the world has ever known, Jesus Christ. I have seen many people posting 2 Cor. 9:15 "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." And to that I say a hearty amen!

For many of us, it is also a day to exchange gifts with family and friends. We take the time to think about what they might need or want, we go out shopping at actual stores, or compare prices online, we obtain the gift, hide it, then carefully wrap it before presenting it to the person it was intended for.

(Or we forget completely where we've stashed it, and give it to them the next year!)

I think everyone's eyes light up a bit when they receive a gift, whether they are expecting one or not. It's always exciting to find that there is something just for you under the tree (that you didn't buy for yourself).

What do you find yourself or those around you saying when opening something especially thoughtful? If you're anything like me, you say "Oh, I love it!! Thank you so much!"

We see the gift, and we respond in the excitement of the moment at receiving something we've wanted. And we briefly thank the giver (perhaps with a hug, or meaningful glance) before moving on to the next gift.

I wonder, have you ever opened a gift, and when you find it is something you really wanted, said "Oh, I love YOU- thank you so much!"

Do we really recognize the gift as a token of love from the giver? I think many times we do not. We take the giver for granted.

The people who followed Jesus had the same problem.

Luke 19:35-37
(35) And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
(36) And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
(37) And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

The people praised God for the mighty works they had seen, but not because God had come down to man. They saw the gifts He gave of healing, deliverance from demons, raising people from the dead, calming the storm, feeding the crowds, and they were thankful for those things, but didn't truly recognize who Jesus was, and praise Him for being God.

We know this to be true, because just a few chapters later they are so easily turned against Him, and call for Him to be crucified.

How often have we thanked God for the things He has blessed us with, but forgotten to thank Him for who He is? The season of Christmas isn't just about the baby who was born in a manger, and who that baby would become: Son of God and son of man, the Savior of the world, the Messiah, but also about who He already was! Creator, God, holy, righteous, good, faithful, just...

Let us remember as we go into the new year to seek the Blesser, and not just His blessings. To seek God Himself, and not just the benefits of being His child.

Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

What characteristic of God can you thank Him for today?

The Story Behind the Picture

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

But what they don't tell you is, which words?

Like this picture I posted. It looks like a pretty sunrise, right? And it is. If I put the caption 'Life is good' underneath it, you'd probably think I was already having a great day, and the sunrise was just icing on my "perfect morning" cake.

What the picture can't tell you is that I was next door to a horse farm, and in case you didn't know, horses poop outside. And the wind sometimes changes. You can fill in the rest.

And my feet were wet because I was wearing flip-flops, and had stepped in a puddle, and there were even worms guts on the pinkie toe of my left foot. Ew.

It also doesn't tell you that the dishes were piled up in the sink because I didn't feel like washing them the night before, or that my person was kind of a mess all around because I needed a shower.

See, in order to get the whole story, a picture needs a caption at the least. But usually we need someone to tell us what was going on at the moment the image was captured. We can make up anything we want, but how often are we right?

It's been my experience that humans are story creatures. We want to know things about each other. We are drawn to telling and listening to stories.

And every life is a story worth telling.

Remember the shows "Everybody Has a Story", and then "On the Road" with Steve Hartman? (If not you should google them. So many heartwarming moments!) I loved those shows. I loved the glimpses into the lives of strangers I would never meet. I loved that any random little town in any place in the US had people with compelling stories that I otherwise would have never heard.

We recently had our last Monday night ladies life group meeting, and we finished up our study on unity. And this got me to thinking about ways we can build unity within the Body of Christ.

One way to build our love for one another (and thereby increase unity) is to get to know each others' stories. It's so much easier to assume things about people. To think they haven't suffered anything, or that they couldn't possibly understand what I've been through, because their life looks perfect, or they come from a "good family".

Have you ever thought you had someone figured out, and then you had the opportunity to REALLY talk to them and hear their story? And your mind was blown by what you learned about them and how God has worked in their life? Isn't it cool how you feel infinitely closer to that person because you can relate to them in some way that you couldn't before?

We are called to love one another the way Christ loves us. His love doesn't look at the clock when someone else is talking. It doesn't look at the phone, either. Or make a mental grocery list, or formulate a response, or do anything else but listen and love.

His love is selfless, and different from loving your neighbor the way you love yourself. That's why He said it was a new commandment when He told the disciples to do it.

I think American culture today encourages us to hurry up and hurry along, and do all. the. things. But what we really need to do is slow down, come together, and get to know these other people made in the image of Christ. Listen to the stories of the people in life group, or small group, or church, so we can be blown away at the goodness of God at work!

A great way to build unity is to seek it out by getting to know, and love, those around us so we can pray for one another, and bear each others' burdens. This fulfills the law of Christ, and others will know we are His disciples. Unity doesn't 'just happen'. We have to be intentional about it.

Don't assume from what you can see in the 'picture' of someone's life, that you have them all figured out. Take the time to hear the stories God is writing for others. You will find yourself encouraged, and your perspective challenged. I want to be known by my love, and listening is a good first step.

Psalm 133:1-3
(1) A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
(2) It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
(3) As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

John 13:34-35
(34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
(35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Simple Truths From Hannah in the Old Testament

1. Don't argue or speak back negatively when someone is provoking you. (1 Samuel 1:6-7) It's just as important to know when NOT to speak, as it is when/what to speak.

2. Pour your burdens out to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1: 10) Don't grab your hubby, or best friend, or sister and fill their ears with your problems. Pour out your heart to the Lord. He wants to hear from you!

3. Don't ask for something you want to selfishly consume. (1 Samuel 1:11) Hannah asked for a child to give back to the Lord. Many times we pray selfishly for things for ourselves when we ought to pray for things we can use for God.

4. Respond gently when falsely accused. (1 Samuel 1:13-16) Hannah's heart was already grieved when she went to the temple, and then Eli accuses her of being drunk. She could've told him to mind his own business, or answered him roughly, but she speaks in gentleness and with calm. Responding quickly in anger or defensiveness never helps.

5. Respect authority even when they are wrong. (1 Samuel 1:15, 18) Eli makes a mistake and jumps to conclusions, but Hannah still respected the fact that he was the priest, and the authority in the temple. She respects his position, calling him lord, and humbles herself, calling herself his servant. People in authority are human and make mistakes. Sometimes they need a little time to think through a situation. Responding respectfully allows the Lord time to work in the situation without things getting worse. The truth will be made known eventually. Even if it's never made right, the Lord sees your response.

6. Let the Lord heal you in prayer. (1 Samuel 1:18) Sharing our burdens with the Lord can heal us. It may not change the situation or circumstance, but it can change us. Hannah walked into the temple with a sorrowful spirit, and walked away with a countenance that was no longer sad. Spending time in prayer is always good for us!

7. Keep your promises. (1 Samuel 1:24-28) Hannah promised to give her son to the Lord, and she did. He was still a young child when she gave him to the service of the Lord. I am sure it was very hard for her to part with him, and only see him once a year, but she kept her promise. The Lord answered her prayer, and she kept her vow. Keeping our word is important!

8. Obedience is rewarded with unexpected blessings. (1 Samuel 2:20-21) Hannah didn't know if Samuel would be the only child she ever had. It had been a few years since he was born before she gave him to the Lord, and she hadn't been pregnant again. But the Lord blessed her obedience, and she had five other children after giving Samuel to the Lord. When we walk in obedience, we get unexpected blessings!

Speed Bumps

Have you ever been driving and come upon a speed bump unexpectedly? Even in a residential area, depending on the height of the bump, it tosses everything in the car, driver and passengers included, around a bit. Sometimes a lot.

There is a speed bump I drive over several times a week as I pick up one of our Deaf ladies for Bible study. I know this bump is there, but if I am not paying attention, or I am chatting with my Deaf friend (we chat with our eyes, remember), I forget.

See, this speed bump is not marked with yellow paint, or white stripes, or even a sign warning me of its coming. It’s the exact same colour as the road. And most of the time it is hidden in the shadows by the trees growing along the side of that road.

Speed bumps are put on the road for a reason. They cause us to slow down and pay attention to our driving.

See, the people who put in the speed bumps didn’t do it to make drivers frustrated or angry. They weren’t meeting somewhere rubbing their evil hands together and wondering how many people’s days they could ruin by adding a speed bump to the road. And they weren’t planning to annoy me personally.

But did you know that’s sometimes how I feel? When I forget it’s there, or I take the flat road for granted, I hit that thing and immediately feel a shot of anger (and adrenaline!) as I sail over it. I worry if I damaged our truck, and I feel embarrassed that the people walking nearby probably think I’m a lousy driver. Not to mention those in my vehicle with me! I think to myself that I wish it were painted, or that there was a warning sign or SOMETHING letting me know it was coming. [Isn't it amazing how all of these thoughts bombard me in the span of a few seconds?]

But then I remember that I have driven this road many times, and I should have expected it. I know it’s there. It doesn’t move. And just because the sun isn’t shining directly on it doesn’t mean it’s gone.

I have found life to be very similar.

I can be driving along on smooth road, the sun is shining, I’ve been in the Word, I know where I'm going, enjoying the journey, and all of a sudden (seemingly out of nowhere) there’s a speed bump. A jolt that interrupts that peaceful journey and snaps me out of my bliss.

I am sure you can fill in that bump with life experiences you’ve had.

If I’m not careful, I can allow this speed bump to throw my entire day off track. Or maybe the annoyance lasts a week. Or a month. Or maybe I never get over the jostle from that bump.

God is like the road planners. He does not allow these things into our lives to toss us around with no purpose, or to ruin our day, week, or month. Sometimes we need to be forced to slow down and take stock of our surroundings and how we’re driving. Sometimes our bliss needs to be snapped so we can really see the road ahead of us.

And it’s in these moments that we see what’s inside of us.

We can be in the Word, but if it is not changing us, what good is it doing? Are we checking a box to appease God, or so we can say we read if someone asks us? Are we truly crying out to our God for others, or has our prayer life just become something we do? When we hit a speed bump, what’s inside gets jarred to the surface.

We should expect speed bumps. Jesus told us we would have tribulation (John 16:33). It should not surprise us when something comes along to bump and jostle us. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

And we may find that we can be thankful for them. They help us in a number of ways:
- They cause us to examine how we are driving. (1 Corinthians 3:10)
- They remind us that others are watching us drive. (Titus 2)
- They bring to the surface what is deep inside us. (Luke 6:45)
- They remind us to care for those riding with us. (2 Cor. 4:15-18)


Learning to be thankful for those speed bumps we face now helps us better face the next one that comes down the road. (Even if we hit it at full speed.)

Looks like smooth sailing ahead, right? 

                                                   

Oops, look again! Speed bump! 

Learning From the Past

When I was in college, I was pretty confident in myself. I had plans for my future, knew what I wanted, and wasn't really open to suggestions or advice. This did not always work out well for me.

One winter I was late going to my freshman studies class, and a friend advised me not to cut through the grass because it was a mud slick underneath. I thanked her and rushed on, fully intending to cut through the grass anyway.

As I started down the snowy hill, I realized too late how right my friend had been. It was pure mud from the recent thaw. My feet slipped out from under me and down I went.

Not only did I have to sit through class covered in mud all up my back and through my hair, I also had to go to the clinic afterward because of a headache. Turns out I gave myself whiplash and a concussion! I missed classes and inconvenienced my roommate- she became my guardian in the night to wake me and check my eyes, etc.

This morning I went for a walk. It has been rainy the last few days here in Ohio, and I walked a different side of the street this morning. There is a house that's new construction, and the yard is basically a mud pit. This has spread over the sidewalk.

As I approached the sidewalk there, I thought about my experience in college, and that I should probably walk around the mud. But I came upon it so quickly that I didn't have a lot of time to change my course. So I plowed on ahead.

And I slipped sideways. And screamed.

But thank the Lord I didn't fall! However, I did wrench my back. And the neighbor on the other side of the trees was laughing at me when I finally got myself together to keep walking. I sheepishly said "I slipped" as I continued on my way.

You'd think I'd learn from my past. That when faced with a similar situation that I would turn and go another way when I know last time it resulted in disaster. But I am stubborn sometimes, and too confident in myself. And it never ends well.

Lord help me learn from my mistakes, and listen to Godly counsel so I don't end up covered in mud and hurt.

Proverbs 14:16 "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 14:26 "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”

Kicking Stuff Under the Dresser

The other day I was not feeling well. I'd had a slight fever the night before, and a lingering headache. Everything I did seemed to take more energy than usual, and I was tired.

As I was doing simple prep for an upcoming ministry night, I dropped a slip of paper on the floor in front of my dresser. I actually stood there for a moment debating whether I was going to bend over and pick it up, or kick it under the dresser.

It was a small piece of paper. The space under the dresser was ample to hide it. No one would know it was there except me, and since I am the one who cleans around here, it wouldn't really matter.

Except my husband walked in while I was debating, and asked if he could pick it up and throw it away for me.

[gulp]

Could he read my mind? Did he see my foot poised to kick it under the dresser? Or did he just innocently offer to serve me, knowing I wasn't feeling good- and now my prior debate was making me feel guilty? I was definitely going to pick it up and throw it away now. And act like that was my plan all along.

Have you ever had a similar thing happen in your spiritual life? You're faced with something that seems like it's not a big deal, and you don't feel like dealing with it, so you debate "kicking it under the dresser". No one else knows it's there. There's plenty of room to hide it. It's your spiritual space, right?

And then someone comes along and asks you about it. Brings your thoughts of glossing it over into the open. And you suddenly feel exposed, though they have no idea what is going on inside your head. So you act like you were planning to deal with that issue all along.

Let me just tell you from experience that it's never a good idea to 'kick it under the dresser', no matter what it is. Because kicking it under the dresser to hide it only works if the dresser will stay there indefinitely.

What happens when you move? All your 'kicking' gets exposed, and everyone sees your bad habit piled up against the wall. All the crumbs, hair, paper...whatever you didn't want to deal with in the moment has become an embarrassing pile of dirt. And now you have to deal with ALL of it at once.

Lord help me not to kick stuff under the dresser that I should be cleaning up. And help me to do it even when no one else is watching me!

Luke 11:39-40
(39) And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
(40) Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Under-confident

Do you have a friend who is always unsure of themselves? Saying things like:

"I'm just not good enough. I think God wants me to do this, but I don't think I can. I'm just not ___________ enough."

And then what is your response? If you're anything like me, you may roll your eyes internally, and then jump into listing everything you like about that person, all their strengths, and all the reasons why they should not only do it, but why it will be a raging success. It's human nature to want to comfort the other person.

There's nothing wrong with this, is there? It isn't difficult, and it makes you both feel better. For the moment anyway.

But this isn't how God handled it when Moses was convinced he wouldn't be able to fulfill his calling. Look at Exodus 3:11-12:

"(11) And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

(12) And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain."

Moses has absolutely no confidence he will be able to do this thing God has called him to do. I mean, he tried once before and that didn't end well. (He killed a guy.) And even though that failure was 40 years prior, Moses can't forget it.

But look at what God says. He doesn't spend the next half hour telling Moses how strong, smart, handsome, or good he is. He doesn't mention anything about Moses at all. He simply says "I'm going to be with you this time."

He reminds Moses that success doesn't depend on himself at all, but rather on the presence and timing of God. And God is telling him it will be a success! He will accomplish what he is being called to do!

What is God calling you to do that you've resisted because you had no confidence? Take confidence in the Lord, and His power. By yourself you will fail. But we have a mighty God who promises to walk with us and equip us for our calling.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

John 15:4-5 (4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

(5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If You Can't Be Told, You Have to Feel

"If you can't be told, you have to feel." -Rob Hennel

I first heard this quote from my band director when I was in high school. That may seem like a weird place to remember something like this from, but I spent a lot of time in band. I was a band nerd from the fourth grade, did jazz band, pep band, marching band, etc. I really loved it.

And there were a lot of times when we couldn't/wouldn't as a whole, settle down and listen to instruction. We'd rush through pieces and not watch his direction. We'd have side conversations when he was trying to instruct us. When he'd get super frustrated his face used to turn crimson and he would hang his head, eventually spreading silence through the room. Then he'd begin adding time to the rehearsal until we could get it together. When people groaned, he'd shrug his shoulders and say "If you can't be told, you have to feel."

I admit at the time that phrase didn't make a lot of sense to me. Like no sense at all, actually. I didn't mind longer rehearsals, so I guess it wasn't really a punishment for me. But fast forward to having my own children, and I suddenly saw how wise it is! When my girls were little and they couldn't obey by just being told not to do/touch something, then they had to feel through a tap on the hand or a spank. As they got older it was through losing privileges, or missing out on experiences.

If you can't be told, you have to feel.

I now apply this to my spiritual life. If I can't obey through being told, looking to Jesus as my director and guide, then I have to 'feel' in order for the lesson to sink in. This usually comes in the form of me making a bad decision/being stubborn/rushing ahead of God's plan and timing, and then having to feel the consequences- whether that be humbling myself and asking forgiveness, or an unpleasant physical or spiritual consequence.

If you can't be told, you have to feel.

I pray now that I am older I am doing better in the 'being told' part of the equation so I don't have to 'feel' so much in order to learn. I sure am thankful for God's mercy and patience in my life, and for the wisdom that band director may not have known he was imparting!

Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Sometimes Life Looks Like Death

When I first moved to Zambia I had no clue about plant life. Like, none. I had previously killed a rubber tree when my husband and I were first married, and they are known to be tough. It might've even been a fake one, I'm not sure.

Not that I've grown much in my knowledge of plants and how to keep them alive, but I have realised a few things. Specifically what new growth looks like.

I had never had mango trees or rose bushes in my yard anywhere I had lived before. So when I saw these brownish shoots on the plants, I thought they were dying. I wondered what had happened to make them sick and cause this problem.

Well, I was quickly taught by a friend (okay it was one of my kids) that those brownish bits were signs of growth, not death. There was nothing wrong with the plant. Those brown shoots would turn light green, and then eventually darken like the rest of the plant. I was so relieved!

I think a similar thing can apply to me spiritually. When new growth happens in my life, sometimes it looks like death. Death to my past, death to my will, death to my old ways of thinking, death to who I used to be, death to relationships that are harmful to me. And it's a continual process. I am always being molded and changed by the Holy Spirit in me, and encouraged to new growth and life.

It takes time. Just like that tree doesn't shoot up fully grown out of the ground, so my spiritual growth takes time. Salvation happens in an instant, but maturity in Christ is a process.

Something that looks like death, and maybe feels like death in the moment, is really life! It makes me stronger and able to produce more fruit. Growing pains are just that- painful. But it is so worth it to become who God is calling me to be.

Romans 6:4-7
(4)Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
(6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
(7) For he that is dead is freed from sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Stop A Bad Habit

Have you ever tried to stop a bad habit? I’ve recently tried to stop sitting with my legs crossed. It’s not easy! I never realized how often I do it until I tried to quit doing it. It’s not good for my lower back, or for the spider veins that want to develop in my right leg.

What I have to do every time I cross my legs is to uncross them, and remind myself- “You’re not doing that anymore, remember? Do you want your back to flare up?” And then I sit a different way. This happens so many times every day that I annoy myself.

I find it is much the same with any bad habit, or sin. We have to be willing to stop what we’re doing, and have an actual reason for not doing it anymore.

If we just think of sin is a bad habit, our reason for stopping may be as simple as worrying what people will think of us if it is revealed. That would be similar to the spider vein problem in my leg. It’s a surface issue that people won’t see unless I show them, but it isn’t really a long-term motivator to stop crossing my legs. It’s virtually invisible to anyone but me.

However, if we see sin as an offense to God, and something that prevents our communion with Him, that ought to be a reason to stop. I know how the pain in my back feels when it flares up. It is awful, and can last for several days, making simple things so much harder, and prevent me from sleeping well. I know that crossing my legs contributes to that pain. It’s a good motivator to stop doing it!

Just like sin. I know the feeling of how on-going sin makes things that should be simple, difficult. And the results of that lasts until I make it right with God. I don’t like the feeling of being separated from Him. I don’t want things to be hard because I am stubborn and can’t admit I am wrong and need His help. That separation is a good motivator for getting right with God!

Romans 6:11-13
(11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
(13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.