Peace September 30, 2008

We are all so busy. Life’s not called the ‘rat race’ for nothing. For most of us just making it through each day is an accomplishment that requires our undivided attention. We simply have to make things happen or nothing will ever get done. We have to take charge, work it out, suck it up, and git ‘er done. We work hard, play hard, and TRY so very hard. And where is God in all of this? Well, we plan to get to Him when things calm down a bit. When we aren’t so tense, when we have a moment to rest.

So….. consider this your moment. Push out the worries and distraction bouncing around in your mind right now and focus your thoughts on resting in the presence of your LORD.

It’s not always easy, is it? Peace is a gift from God; it cannot be attained by striving for it. Truth is, God does not force His Peace upon us. He respects the boundaries of human autonomy. Unless our cries for help are accompanied by a voluntary yielding, until we cease our frantic activity, God’s Peace waits. While we are capable and in control, we are in the way. When we turn in humility to Him for help, He hears, he turns, responds, and rescues. Like a drowning man who can’t be rescued until he stops struggling, we can’t be saved until we stop trying to save ourselves. Listen to this:

Cease striving and know that I am God.

(Psalm 46 – NASB)


God’s name is ADONAI-SHALOM; He is the LORD Our PEACE. In Him we are whole, finished, fulfilled, perfected, and well. From Him flows the kind of peace that puts things right in our relationships with Him, with each other, and within ourselves. Under the Levitical priesthood the peace offering was the only offering made without sin. It was an expression of the joy of salvation, a sweet savor sacrifice – utterly satisfying to the LORD. Is it any wonder, then that Jesus himself is called our Peace? Listen to this:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Phillipians 4 – NASB)

God’s peace is beyond comprehension. God’s peace guards and protects us. God’s name is EL-RACHUM. He is the seat of COMPASSION. Listen to this:

The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
         For His compassions never fail.
    They are new every morning;
         Great is Your faithfulness.
    ”The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
         ”Therefore I have hope in Him.”
(Lamentations 3 – NASB)

Did you know the Hebrew word for compassion, RACHUM has the same stem as the word RECHEM which means ‘womb’? God’s compassion accepts us, cradles us, nurtures us, and sustains us. We set our hearts at rest in His presence and in His presence we find our Peace.

The Lord Will Provide September 25, 2008

OK. Relax for a moment. Take a deep breath. Imagine….

You walk into a hotel room and notice the sheets on your bed are already turned down. You are greeted by the fragrance of a bouquet of your favorite flowers. You see a piece of art that stirs and inspires you hanging above the dresser. A song is playing that brings you back to a special time long ago. What do you conclude? Someone who knows you well knew you were coming.

The world we live in is like that hotel room. God knows us well and knew we were coming. Two aspects of the created universe reveal the nature of God: its beauty and its order. Listen to this:
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. (Romans 1:20 – NKJV)
The creation points to God on every scale. Consider the complex dance of chemistry within the structures of a single human cell. Or the intricate design in the delicate wing of a dragonfly. Can you imagine what it must be like to swim alone alongside a massive blue whale?

Think about what you experience with your senses. Have you ever lost your breath at the view from a mountaintop? Have you been overcome by the powerful rush of a waterfall? When is the last time you were delighted by the warbles and trills of a skylark – or inhaled the intoxicating fragrance of honeysuckles? Have you noticed how the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves stand in contrast to the darkness of tree trunks on a misty day? What does all this stir in you? Someone knew you were coming!

And then there are the things that make you scratch your head and ask ‘really, God!?’ Really now, have you ever really looked in the eyes of a red-eyed tree frog? When’s the last time you considered the economies of a dung beetle? Have you ever tried to throw your arms around a giraffe’s neck? I mean really, have you ever caught a glimpse of a baboon’s butt? It’s enough to make you throw back your head and laugh at creation’s magnificent absurdity.

God knew you were coming today. This moment is for you. God invited you here to be your joyful partner in this day; to whisper words of comfort and of courage.

God’s name is ELOHIM. He is CREATOR. He is PRESERVER, TRANSCENDENT, MIGHTY and STRONG. With every dance the creation sings a hymn of it’s CREATOR. Listen to this:

The ONE who sends an utterance to earth,
whose word runs swiftest in the world,

the giver of a snow like fleece,
who strews a frost like frigid ash,

who casts down hail like crumbs of bread
–before such chill, who can endure?–

but who, with but a word, can melt them all,
and by whose breath the waters flow
(Psalm 147 – KH)

The beauty and order of creation testify that the LORD is GLORIOUS. The joy we receive from creation testifies that the LORD is GOOD, that He delights in giving to His children. God’s name is ADONAI-JIREH, the LORD will PROVIDE.

Listen to this:

Providing with your open hand, you satisfy desire in all life.
So just is God in every way, so loving amid all the divine deeds.
Close by is God to all who call, to all who call to God in truth.
Responding to the yearning of all those who fear, God hears their cry and comes to
rescue them. (Psalm 145, KH)

Yes, God is close by to you, in this very place. Contemplate the glory of ELOHIM as displayed in His creation and remember the generosity of ADONAI-JIREH who provides everything you need.

Great is THE CREATOR, powerful should be our praise.
(Psalm 48, KH)

The Dream September 18, 2008

I remember very vividly the day I came face to face with the realization that I both hated and feared men. In one sense it was a shocking insight, yet at the same time I felt cold regarding it. Not really caring much. “So”, I thought, “I have a right to feel this way. Look at what men have done to me.” I felt justified in my feelings.

During one of my counseling sessions I came to the understanding that my depression had been a mask covering up my anger. I never thought of myself as an angry person, sure I got mad sometimes. Something would trigger me and I could blow up, but I was not a rage-aholic like the men in my home growing up.

While I had been learning that underneath the depression was a low-lying rage, which simmered and would explode once in awhile, I came to recognize that although I was not a rage-aholic the potential to become one was there.

I never exploded with physical violence like they did, but instead I used my words like lethal weapons. When my husband would say something that hurt me I would react in anger and my words would hit their mark, his heart… words of hate towards men would come out spilling out…. and I knew when my words had hit the mark, I could see it in his eyes. But I never really saw how deep my hatred and fear went until I was in counseling and had to face it.

 

So what was I to do with this hate? How was I to let it go? One night I took it to the Lord, and I prayed that He would give me “wisdom in the hidden parts”. And I waited. Nothing, no sudden miracles and boom it was gone, no words of knowledge, only silence.

 

But that night I had a dream. A dream so vivid that I knew God was speaking.

In my dream the Lord led me to a large garden surrounded by a small, white picket fence. As we stood in the garden He asked me what I saw. “Weeds,” was my reply. I did see the odd flower poking up through the weeds but it was filled with mostly weeds.

By this time I’m thinking why God would bring me here. This is ugly, who wants a garden full of weeds.

 

Then the Lord asked me to trust Him and close my eyes. As I closed them He gently touched my eyes and then asked me to open them again. This time when I looked it was a totally different garden. There were flowers blooming everywhere. Flowers of every size and shape and color filled the garden. And the fragrance was intoxicating. It was a garden fresh and alive.

When I looked closely I could see the odd weed growing amongst the flowers, but the beauty of the garden was so breathtaking that I didn’t notice the weeds.

 

Confused I looked to the Lord for an explanation. He said,” Daughter, you were looking at this garden through your eyes, your experiences, you saw all men as weeds.

You have lived as a victim of fear for so long that what you expect to see colors what you really do see in life. Daughter, in order to deal with your fear and your hate, you must change your expectations.

Yes, you were abused and wounded by men, but Daughter, there are flowers in the kingdom if you wish to find them. Not all men are like the ones who abused you. You have painted all men with the same paint brush; your fear is tied to your past, but look at the present for what it is.

Today I am showing you that there are more flowers than weeds in my kingdom. Today I have opened your spiritual eyes to truth. Today I am showing you that not all men are depraved or evil. Stop living in fear and change your expectations and as you do healing will come and the hate will dissolve.”

 

I woke up from this dream and wept. I repented of my hate and painting all men with the same paint brush, generalizing all men into the same category. I can honestly say the pain and anger left. I knew that God had visited me in my dreams. I saw men with new eyes. I saw my husband with new eyes. Did it mean I could trust any man, no…I still needed to use discretion and wisdom just as I would with any person. Yes, there has still been the odd time when the fear creeps back in but no longer did I paint all men with the same paint brush. No longer did I hate. God healed the hatred.

Lord of the Angel Armies September 13, 2008

This world our God created can be a devastatingly brutal place. Homicide, genocide, infanticide, suicide, child abuse, elder abuse, animal abuse, racism, sexism, agism, human trafficking, famine, disease, oppression, greed, destruction, selfishness and corruption are only a few of the injustices that run rampant in this world. Sometimes injustice comes with a shock like being doused with ice cold water. Sometimes it sneaks up on us like a cancerous growth we’ve ignored for far too long. But make no mistake, injustice touches each and every one of us.

Things are not the way things were meant to be. When the full impact of that truth settles down the natural human response is to cry out to God. Where is He? Does He see? Will He come? Can He even help?

Do not be deceived, our God is a just and jealous God. In His great mercy, He waits, but not forever. We must not fail to recognize God’s fierceness. And we must not, we dare not forget His majesty. But remember this, the weapons of God’s wrath were not meant to be wielded against you, but on your behalf. God has not forgotten you. Your cries have been heard. The injustice committed against you is of great concern to Him. Keep your hope in God. God has been fighting for you and He will continue ever faithfully to fight for you.

In the Psalms and in the book of Isaiah, God is called MELEKH, the King. Put aside for a moment the Western image of a pompous and impotent figurehead. Reach back to the mythical, powerful, majestic, king of your childhood fantasies. A true king and his subjects are bound by oaths of sacred honor. A true king’s subject serves with fealty freely sworn, bound to his king by a noble past, bound to his king by a glorious destiny. Our faithful and merciful King has set His heart to seek and rescue the weak and the oppressed. Listen to this:

Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob for a help…
the maker of the heavens and the earth,
the seas and all they contain,
the world’s true guardian,
who musters justice on behalf of the oppressed,
who gives bread to the hungry,
The ADVOCATE, who sets the captive free!
(Psalm 146 Kol Haneshamah)

And this God, this king of ours has power in abundance. His name is ADONAI-SABAOTH, “The Lord of Hosts”, or “Lord of the Angel Armies”. Perhaps you remember that God sent a single angel to drive out six nations from the land of Canaan. And God has armies of angels at his command. Listen to this:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
         The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
     God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
         God will help her when morning dawns.
     The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
         He raised His voice, the earth melted.
     The LORD of hosts (ADONAI-SABAOTH) is with us;
         The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

The King is coming.  And like Robin Hood’s good King Richard when the good King comes He will bring the cruel autocrat to Justice and restore our freedom.

The King is coming.  And like Gondor’s good King Aragon when the good King comes He will turn the tide of the Battle and restore our hope.

The King is coming.  And like Lancelot’s good King Arthur when the good King comes He will fight for Beauty and restore our faith. 

The King is coming.

Listen to the fierce and majestic imagery of this description of our coming King.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With Justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”  He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
       KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Jesus invites us to life! September 9, 2008

I am like the woman who was hemorrhaging and touches
Jesus’ cloak and found healing.
I am like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.

I am like Hagar who had an encounter with El Roi-the God who sees and received dignity and meaning.
I am like Sarah who held onto hope, for nothing is too hard for my Lord.
I am like the woman at the well, who met the Man who loved her despite her sins and uncovered her need for Him.
I am like Tamar, because the beauty of my story is in God’s power to bring positive from negative,to bring good out of tragedy, and blessing out of less than honorable events.

These women in the Bible give me hope, because Jesus loved these women. And like these women God also invited me out of the shadows and into His arms, He called my name, I was thirsty and He gave me His living water, He called me to live. He takes me in His arms and draws me close. And as I learn to dance in the arms of my Lord I go where He leads, turn where He directs, follow in His footsteps, and grow in His love….
Jesus is my living hope…He took me by the hand and walked me out of the dark and into the light….no longer afraid…but rather He continues to offer me hope… for healing and for freedom….because in the arms of Christ I am given grace, dignity, peace and a righteous confidence. Because I finally see that since the day I was born, God has been passionately in love with me…and His invitation is life!

Friends, since the day you were born our Heavenly Father has been calling your name and He is passionately in love with you…He invites you to live…calling you alive by the power of His promises.

God speaks to each one of us the words from 2 Kings 20:5 “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.
I will heal you.”

He waits for you….may you find yourself running to Him, resonding to His invitation with your life. I pray you run into the arms of God, let His strength embrace you…let His love hold you close.

Blessed be the Name September 6, 2008

How clearly do you see? How confident are you in the answers to the big questions of life, fate, and the world around you? If you’re like most people, you could be stumbling around in a fog of confusion one day and breaking your back for a fistful of empty longings the next. Life can be hard, confusing, painful, scary, and bitterly disappointing. Trust me, you are not the first person who ever asked the question, ‘where is God in all of this’? Thousands of years ago David, the shepherd king penned these words:

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Do you ever ask the same question? When things are going well do you find it’s hard to make the time to work God in? And what about when life gets really hard? Why is it that when we need Him the most God seems so very far away?

The simple answer is this: we don’t know who God is. If you listen carefully, beneath all the noise and confusion, the lists of things you need to do and lists of things that ought to change, you can hear the true voice of your heart crying out for God.

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Our pursuit of God is invariably met with His joyful pursuit of us. As we step out by faith and become willing to know Him, He calls us to an ever deeper and richer experience of Himself. And God’s face, His very presence is a river that runs infinitely deep. Even as we draw near to Him and enter the dance, His intimacy pulls us ever closer. Again, we hear the voice within: My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” and our heart answers, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

In the Bible, God is called by many names and through each of those names He unveils a unique aspect of His character. I would like to use the next several posts to explore some of the names of God and think about what those names reveal about Him and His relationship with us. Quiet your heart and listen for God’s voice as you stand still and contemplate the glory of the name of the Lord.

May God bless you tonight, dear reader, and blessed be the name!