Today, I enlisted.

Growing up I was always hesitant to read scripture with strong biblical language… you know the kind.  Words found in the Old Testament like “war” and “judging.”   In fact, I do most of my Bible reading in the New Testament… but for some reason I have recently decided to read the Bible, from beginning to end… in exactly that order…. no matter how long it takes.  And I have started, and struggled, and stopped and picked it back up and then put it back down.  I mean, it would be much easier if there was less talk about rules and laws and history and … yes, of course … war and judging.  

And I promise, when I woke up this morning I did not expect to pick up “reading the Bible” from way back in the scary Old Testament. Nor did I expect it to be the first thing I did; but it was.  Don’t get me wrong, last month I had a spiritual moment as Joshua drew to an end and I imagined a bearded old fellow standing in the doorway of his home, staff raised high, proclaiming to the people “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”   YES!  Us too!!!  But didn’t we already kind of cover all this a couple of books back in Exodus.…?
 

So, needless to say, when I started this morning I did not have high hopes for Judges.  Especially when the introductory page of my study Bible’s led with “the term judge primarily refers not to legal arbitration but to what Wesley describes as ‘avenging Israel of their enemies, and purging them from their idolatries.’”   Great  I’ve just started and I’ve already come across the words “judge… avenging… enemies…”  to name a few.  Three chapters in, and I am ready to call it a morning.

Then I came to the story of Deborah – a prophetess who was “judging Israel” at the time.  (Yes, there is that word again).  In this story she summons a young unsuspecting Israelite to tell him God was going to use him to lead a successful campaign against the Canaanite army. Essentially the young man looks at her says, “I am not going unless you go too.” I mean come on, I get it.  He was probably thinking, “Lady, I do not know if I can believe you.  People all around me worship who knows how many idols to cover themselves in protection, and you want me to believe you got a message from the one almighty God who wants me to walk into battle as though I will not be harmed.  Riiiiiight….. you first.”

And at this point, I am officially hooked.  I am a sucker for God showing Himself to be almighty and acting in a situation so a person’s purpose can be realized despite their doubt.   And of course, as predicted, the prophecy came true and the LORD put Sisera into Barak’s hand by a woman as promised (4:9, 4:21).  And I am feeling there has to be more to this story… after all its essentially repeated in the next chapter which is classic Old Testamentese for “Important Stuff Here.”    So what’s so important… what did I miss.  I need to get into the study notes…. 

“Barak’s ‘refusal to go without her, shows the weakness of his faith’…. [these chapters] share the central message that divine power provided a victory for Israel in the face of superior foe because God fought for Israel…. God the divine warrior… victory comes through the cooperation of divine sovereignty and human agency.”  My study Bible, p 301-2

“Victory comes through the cooperation of divine sovereignty and human agency."

The moral of the story: when God calls you into battle (whether it be a tough work environment, family situation, missions ministry, or personal/family challenge) know with an assured faith that when you make yourself (your body, mind, soul and spirit) available to God He will bring the victory.  It is not by your own work, nor anyone who goes ahead of you – it is all God working in the situation.  Enlist in the battle with the confident expectation that you will see victory.  

Today, I enlisted.

“May all who love the LORD be like the sun when it rises in its strength”  ~Judges 5:31

Just Start In the Beginning and Go

Permission Granted
by Candace Nicole
(all rights reserved)

Last week I had a great idea - I decided to read the Bible.  And not just some portions, bits and pieces, here and there.  I want to read the Bible from cover to cover - just start in the beginning and go.... and keep going, and going, and going, and going.... past the creation of all things great and small, the inspiring lineage of Abraham, the trials of Moses... then right into some of the most difficult reading material I have ever come across. And all I could to continue was think "Just keep reading. Get past the Pentateuch... this will improve."

So, in the interest of quickly reading past the intricacies of building the tabernacle, the excruciating details of the six sacrifices, the repetitive language hidden in the laws of Leviticus, I turned to the study notes at the bottom of the page... and what happened next shocks me.  I began to move even more slowly through the pages. You see, it was here, beginning with the Ten Commandments leading into the graphic language of rites and rituals, laws and punishments, where I began to see the Truth.

The Truth being that God created us for a special purpose and loves each one of us. Our daily routines, our mistakes and mishaps.  Equally alike : the rich, the poor, the anointed, the slave.  He cares so much about each of us that He took the time to detail specifically what is expected of us, His chosen people.  And though it must have been tedious to the Old Testament believers to learn and know all the laws, He did make it very clear how they should live.  Imagine living not knowing what to do, and having no way to find out. (After all, the internet was not readily available until the 1990's, folks.)

One study note I starred had this to say about the story of Moses and the Israelites : "Obedience, like faith, is a response to what God has already done for us.  It is the evidence of our love toward God.  Obedience is 'walking by faith', and 'faith working through love.'"  Those poor Israelites who certainly did not always have the most clear understanding of what God wanted. However, they never lost site of the notion that God loved them - so much so he navigated their freedom. And in return, through their love for Him, they obediently followed His direction out of Egypt and the grasp of Pharaoh's rule - just as He promised!

The next mark, a double check mark for emphasis, said : "These verses (Exodus 35:30-36:7) portray the potential and power of the people of God when led by the spirit to deploy fully their gifts and talents for the mission of God."  When you get a chance, visit The Tabernacle Place to see what all went into the physical structure of the Tabernacle, each item donated as a free will offering from the Israelites.  Israelites who were living in faithful obedience, employing the skills given to them by their God (Exodus 31:6).  And again, I just find myself stunned at what God has done through His people - the people He created special and unique!

Admittedly this process has not been all stars and check marks... I was definitely halted by words like "blood," "kidneys," "entrails," and "dung."   Yet, I in my study I continue to find comfort in learning what it truly means to be holy in the sight of the Lord, the covenant into which we are bonded with our Lord and how each aspect of our lives can be shaped to please God simply by loving Him and each other - modeled by how He loves us!

Today, I'm still on the journey of my spiritual growth... 150 pages into the 1,500.  Choose to do the same and be blessed to learn God's loves you, He promises to bless you, and He has great plans for who He made you to be.  It's all right there starting "In the beginning..."

 

Quoted study notes are from the NRSV Wesley Study Bible

Send Me to Jail...... please!

This year, a passion has been placed on my heart to serve Kairos Prison Ministries... on the supprt team for a mens' unit in February and August, on an inside team for a women's unit in April, and through the Kairos Outside program for women with loved ones who are incarcerated.  Team members are asked to raise about $300 per weekend ($150 per volunteer and $150 for a partcipant who attend at no cost).  This year I need to raise $1,200.  Many of you have given for this current weekend, I know... and I thank you for your support... it warms my heart that you support this ministry.  Thank you, deeply.  I currently have 'my' $300 raised for this weekend (thank you Open Door)... but I still want to help raise funds for others and for the weekend coming up in April.  If you would like to give to this mission ministry on a one-time or on-going basis, please email kairos@friscofumc.org for more details.  It is tax-deductible donation, and you will receive a letter at the end of the year.

Blessings,
Courtney Reeves

Matthew 25:36-40

><> Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, for all the people you can, as long as you ever can.  ~ John Wesley

On the busiest day of the year...

God said, “I will be with you. (Exodus 3:12)
Today is the busiest day and I did not notice it coming.  Historically "the third week of the month" is the hardest week of any month, every night having something, always.  But for some reason, this first third week of the year, I let my gaurd down and forgot to not over commit - daily saying 'yes' too this or that, only adding on to my already long list of To Do's.

So here I am at 8:45 on Monday morning, trying to get a second cup of coffee in my system while I get my bearings in sync, my ducks in a row, to do lists made... yet I have not done the one thing that will ensure my success.... and that's to remember that God is with me in all I do.  Better yet, HE is doing all of this through me... He will order my day, He will give me the strength needed and He will open every door... if I let Him.  And He will be here with me all week long!  Through every second, moment, hour, task, event, and meeting!!  Thank you Lord Father, God on High!!

So instead of feeling stressed at these To Do's... I will choose to feel blessed He has so much faith in me to accept these responsibilities.  As a child of God, I come from an awesome ancestory of believers and leaders who have done more in one moment then I hope to accomplish today.  And I pray I am up for the challenge so God will continue to use me to honor His kingdom... after all, the year has just begun.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for having so much faith in me to be a shining example of your light and love on such a busy day, in the first of many busy, busy weeks, at the beginning of this busy, busy, busy New Year.  Lord, it amazes me that You hold me in such esteem that You know I can handle all of the adversities life and ministry will throw my direction... I pray I will remember You are doing it all, and let You, Your light, Your love shine through me.  Thank you for filling my vessel with your grace, power and love... that I maybe able to grow closer to you, learning more every day about steadfastness in Your promise to me - that you will are here, always, loving me, as you want me to love.

And how exciting, today in the Youth Correctional facilities, our little brothers who have spent the weekend hearing about You and seeing glimpses of You, will be introduced to the family of faith, possibly for the first time.  Oh Father, how magnificent it will be to see the smiles of joy on their faces to know You are real.  I pray they will the enjoy the excitement and glory as they continue to learn about all You are waiting to do for them, with them, and through them. May I be a good big sister, following Your example of love. 

All of the glory to God our Father, Amen.

It's all because of You

Dear Lord, Heavenly Father, the world's Creator, my soul's Savior,

Today I pray thanks, always remembering how You have forever redeemed and transformed my life.  Always remembering the day when my eyes were open, and you could reveal yourself to me - the day you said, "Little one, I love you, I am here, I have been here. I have cried with you, I have smiled for you, I clapped for your success, and wept when you hurt. I will always love you, and there is nothing you can do to change this."

Lord, I pray in thanks for all you choose for me to do, the opportunities you give me to be your hands and feet on this earth.  I pray I will continue to strive to my vessel empty of all things which keep me from letting you fill me until I overflow.  You are my dearest friend, confident, supporter.... my king, my creator, my savior. How I wish I could stay in constant communication with you... yet, I battle daily with worries, fears, and doubts which threaten to flood my being, cloud my desires, dampen my spirits and steal my energy.

Lord God, may I always remember the light which fuels my fire, inspires my passion is YOU, heavenly Father - may my heart be ready to feel your comfort, peace and love in my life and use this as the fuel to press forward valiantly.  Lord, may my eyes always be open, ready to see you in every bit of your wondrous creation, heavenly Father - ready to be inspired by one and all to love more and more with each moment knowing you are with each and everyone one of us.  May my soul be ready to love everyone, knowing to love anyone is to love you more.

Lord, how I learn more and more each day of how you love me.  How the strength in my fingertips, the words which flood my mind, they all come from you Lord - You and You alone are my desire, You and You alone the one who creates in me.  Oh, how You care for me - so much that You created me individually, unique, especially for a divine purpose You have for me.  Oh Lord how I pray others can know how special they are to You too... Lord, how You have cared tenderly for each of us, from the beginning of time You have had a plan for us.

Lord, I pray I will always be ready and available to You, for Your purpose, and to the glory of Your kingdom.  May I be ready to serve, so that when the day comes I can stand proudly and say "Here I am."

In your precious son's name, Amen

One Year Later

While on vacation, during a beach side stroll my husband happened to see this.
It's nice to know Jesus is with you always, wherever you go.
01-01-2011, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, Florida

In the past few years I have really grown to appreciate history.  History is... well, its just... cool.  Seeing the plight of the unsung hero versus the injustice of evil powers at work while delving into the effects of behavioral patterns and influential trends -- isn't that enough to make anyone happy -- cheering on the good, reviling the bad, anxiously awaiting to learn the story's resolve?  Isn't that all anyone wants in any good story - fictional or not - seeing who will come out on top?

Then yesterday, I stumbled upon a particular archive.  And I stopped in my tracks, dismissing the rest of my daily responsibilities to focus solely on these extractions of time.  Records I can only describe as intense, personal, very clear markers of my 2010 time line.  It was my "Sent" mail folder.  And as quickly as I opened it, I closed it...

 
You see last year was an interesting year, and as much as I am proud of myself for taking big bold steps forward in one direction, I remember vividly the trials and tribulations which led up to today.  And I think, if I'm honest with myself - and to be honest with you - what I fear most in looking back is seeing that in the end, the conclusion might be, I did not come out on top.

... and then I opened it again.  What do I have to fear?  It's the past... the past which has indeed... passed. So in the spirit of bravery, I am looking at my emails again... what was I doing a year ago today? Okay, really, lets do this the right way.... what was God doing a year ago... today?  Beth Moore, I hope you like this.

One year ago, today

In an email to a friend, on our first session of Beth Moore’s The Patriarchs:  

"Wasn't last night a great start?!  I can't stop thinking about the idea of time coming not going..... good stuff."

Today

I race to my book shelves, grab The Patriarchs and pull it open to that night.  

One year and one day ago

First thing written on the first page on that first night, one year and one day ago, in the top left hand corner.  
"You are not here by accident."

Today  

Whoa.  Wait.  Now I'm flipping to the study homework for one year ago today.

One year ago 

         The Patriarchs (p14) 

         My note : Hebrew 11:1 << again in the top left corner

         Beth's scripture reference : Hebrew 11:8

         Her question "Where did Abram think he was going?" 

         My answer "He did not know."

Now

Let's put all of the above together : 

You are not here by accident. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Heb 11:1) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. (Heb 11:8) "Where did Abram think he was going?" "He did not know."

Today
I tell myself... I feel compelled to tell you...

You are not here by accident.  
You have a unique purpose, a special path, designed for you.  
A story for the history books awaits with your inheritance.  
Remember the past has passed, the future is coming your way!  
You can't stop it.  
Look backwards only to learn.
Look forward to live.
Know with confident expectation by living through faith in the love and will and promise of God you will be blessed. 
You have come out on top.

~ In Christ name, through His love

To Russia with Love, and all the glory to God (From youandmeink)

Originally posted at "youandmeink"

panoramic afternoon
панорамный день

Beginning Blogger Lesson #1:  NEVER check your blog stats.   (Yeah right!?)

By this point... I have maybe ten posts.  Really, not very many at all... a few pictures, a few comments, a few attempts at trying to be cool enough to be noticed.... if I can even be noticed.  My only known follower would follow me off a cliff (love you hubster) --- and a stalker follower, my dad, without whose support I would have never wanted to be a writer anyhow.  So when check my blog stats -- which are bleak to say the least and do little to help to build my confidence to continue -- I can account for half of the 27 views this month.

But the other 13....... from Russia........ umm........ what's this about?  Am I about to be hacked?  And, because I have no problems personally with Russia... if you are not trying to hack me... comment, please!

В Россию с любовью. Надеюсь, вам понравится мой блог. Прокомментируйте, пожалуйста.  :)

Beginning Blogger Lesson #2: Publish your posts

This started as a post which sat unpublished until now.  I mean - I could have had 11 posts.  But no... I never returned to my work, and lost the opportunity to give my Russian followers something new to check in on. Sorry Russia.  :(

Извините России.  :(

Beginning Blogger Lesson #3: Always have a message, always have a picture

Today's Picture

This was taken last week sometime when the weather was 84 degrees and the dog and I had a chance to go on a nice, long walk.  Subtitled : Aaaahhh.... peace.

Today's Message

From The Upper Room : "...take courage from remembering that God takes our efforts and blesses them, bringing results far richer than anything we can possibly imagine - and certainly far beyond any specific outcome we might narrowly envision."     ~J. Kearney (Tennessee)

Now to [God] who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, to Him be glory. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Теперь, чтобы [Бог], который по мощности при работе внутри нас в состоянии выполнить гораздо больше, чем мы просим, или о себе, его слава. (Ефесянам 3:20-21)

He is an awesome God with a majestic plan for us all - each of us created unique and special for a blessed purpose.  All glory to God for our efforts and accomplishments.  Without Him I could not write one word, let alone 10,000.  Without Him working through me, this past year would have been all for naught... but with Him my dignity is in tact, pride in check and a large part of my true self revealed through missions and ministry.  Without Him, I would enter 2011 with my head held low, afraid of what it might bright.... but...

With Him I know all things are possible! (Phil 4:13)  
С ним я знаю все возможно! (Фил 4:13)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for having the confidence in me to do great things for the glorification of Your Kingdom.  I pray I am able to do as You ask, when You ask, with humility knowing it is You who are working through me. May I never back down, knowing you do not call the prepared... you prepare the called.  All glory and honor to You.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Дорогой Отец Небесный,
Спасибо за то, что доверие ко мне, чтобы сделать большие вещи для прославления твое царство. Я молюсь я могу делать, как Вы спрашиваете, когда вы просите, со смирением зная, что это вы, которые работают через меня. Могу ли я никогда не отступит, зная, что вы не называют готово ... Вы готовите называется. Вся слава и честь для вас.

Во имя Христа, аминь.