What do you want? Matt 20:21
What do you want God to do for you? Matt 20:32
Jacob asked the question.
The mother of the Sons of Zebedee asked the question.
And I asked the same questions this very day of our Good God.
Gen 33:1 ~ Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. What did Jacob want God to do for him? I mean, he placed his most important wife, his most adored son, at the back of the caravan. Why? What kind of move was that? That didn't come from a good place in his heart.
It's a beautiful snapshot seeing Esau run to meet Jacob. God was working in Esau's heart. Esau knew Jacob wouldn't give him the cold shoulder but that Jacob would let Esau stand on his shoulders and move on.
And God was at work in Jacob's heart making him into Israel. Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter, Dinah. And Jacob "held his peace," Gen 34:5, until his sons came back. How could he?
Yet in the very next breath, Jacob is listening to God Who tells him to arise and go back to Bethel. Jacob leads his whole family to put away the idols and Arise and Go Up to Bethel to build "an altar to the God Who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." Gen 35:3That's the kind of God we follow.
A Very Present Help in our Days of Distress
No matter how we live or linger in all of our mess.
A God Who is with me all the places I have gone.
Working while I'm unaware to do me good not harm.
What do you want God to do for you?
Listening to 66 Love Letters Cover to Cover ~ 2013
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Gen 32:26 and Matt 20:15 "LORD, I Come" (January 30)
Jacob wanted to draw near to God more than he wanted his problems to vanish. What about me? I didn't think I would be where I am today. It's not what the world calls successful. But we have followed God's leading and you just cannot be in a better place than where God has taken you.
Gen 31:5 Your father no longer sees me with favor but God, my Father, has been with me. Jacob returns to his homeland and is met with opposition from his father-in-law. But there is One Who sees all that is happening to us in our lives ~~~ Is [God] allowed to do what [He] chooses with what belongs to us? Matt 20:15
Gen 3:12 I have seen all that has been done to you. I am the God of Bethel where you made a vow to me.
Gen 32:9 Now arise and return that God may do you good. And that "good" may be way different than what this world calls good.
Gen 32:26 "I won't let you go unless you bless me." No earthly blessings. Blessings from Above. So, what does that look like in our lives this day?
"Am I wrong for wanting the trouble to go away
More than I want to draw near to God
More than I want to enjoy Him and
Reflect Him in this situation I am in.
Change that! Use this! Satisfy me!
Bless my doctor with medical wisdom.
Are those prayers wrong?
Yes, when they express the deepest passion of my heart.
No, not when they express desires that are subordinate
to my passion for God Himself, for His Glory to revealed.
Pray not to change that, use this, or satisfy me but rather
LORD, I come." The Pressure's Off
Gen 31:5 Your father no longer sees me with favor but God, my Father, has been with me. Jacob returns to his homeland and is met with opposition from his father-in-law. But there is One Who sees all that is happening to us in our lives ~~~ Is [God] allowed to do what [He] chooses with what belongs to us? Matt 20:15
Gen 3:12 I have seen all that has been done to you. I am the God of Bethel where you made a vow to me.
Gen 32:9 Now arise and return that God may do you good. And that "good" may be way different than what this world calls good.
Gen 32:26 "I won't let you go unless you bless me." No earthly blessings. Blessings from Above. So, what does that look like in our lives this day?
"Am I wrong for wanting the trouble to go away
More than I want to draw near to God
More than I want to enjoy Him and
Reflect Him in this situation I am in.
Change that! Use this! Satisfy me!
Bless my doctor with medical wisdom.
Are those prayers wrong?
Yes, when they express the deepest passion of my heart.
No, not when they express desires that are subordinate
to my passion for God Himself, for His Glory to revealed.
Pray not to change that, use this, or satisfy me but rather
LORD, I come." The Pressure's Off
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Gen 30:2 and Matt 19:20 "Am I in God's Place?" (January 29)
Jacob cheats his brother; now, Jacob's father-in-law cheats Jacob. Even in the midst of Jacob's mess, it is Divine Providence that leads the empty-handed God-fearing Jacob to a field to meet his wife, Rachel. "What do I still lack?" Matt 19:20. Jacob followed his heart, his emptiness. Tears flow free from Jacob when he meets Rachel. Do you ever ask yourself what your tears are really for? Jacob's tears poured out of his suffering brought on by himself...and his newfound gratitude for the Hand of God leading this 70-year-old man to find a young, beautiful wife. Psalm 32:8 "I will counsel you with My Eye on you." The envy between both of Jacob's wives, Rachel and Leah, is exhausting as they grieve over the good in each other. Wonder why Jacob didn't say---Enough! I'll have no more of this competition by your giving me your maidservants to conceive children for you. No more! So, Leah names her children: "Attached" and "Happy" ~ now her husband will be attached to her; now others will call her happy. Jacob speaks a righteous word: "Am I in God's Place?" Gen 30:2. The God Who withholds. Wonder why Jacob's actions didn't match up to his words? Wonder in my own life why my envy of others doesn't result in tears of repentance? Matt 19:30 "Many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Gen 27:16 and Matt 18:35 "Forgive from your Heart" (January 28)
Are you frustrated with those who buck the system? Are you distant from those whom you think are flat out wrong? Are you disappointed over the ones God has left in your life? Are you discouraged by the ways people treat you? Your husband? Your children? Your friends? What do we do with what happens to us every day of our life. What stirs deeply in us...and just what is underneath that behavior? Do we shove it down and don't pay attention to the meanness within our heart whether we lash back or let it just linger within or leave it alone. Matt 18:35 - "Forgive your brother from your heart."
Rebekah couldn't forgive...she wanted what she wanted more than what God wanted and she set up her own son. Gen 27:5
Esau couldn't forgive...he wanted what he wanted more than what God allowed when his own mother and brother plotted deception against him. Gen 27:41. Esau hated his brother Jacob for what he did. Sounds unbelievable...but wait, do we harbor a speck of hate/disdain/disgust for anyone?
No matter what the sin of hate or deception or even murder, God is at work in them and in you and me. Giving dreams: 27:16 "Surely the LORD is in this place and I did not know it." God is moving in your own life that maybe you don't even know yet.
Jacob called the place of his dream, Bethel---the place of God. May we find our Bethel this day. Sinners and sojourners, just like Jacob, searching for the Sovereign Still. Actually, He is looking for you in your dilemmas and dreams and day-to-day offenses. He longs to make Himself known to you ~ Isaiah 30:18.
This isn't about changing our behavior. It's about God changing our heart. So, what does it mean to truly forgive from your heart today?
Rebekah couldn't forgive...she wanted what she wanted more than what God wanted and she set up her own son. Gen 27:5
Esau couldn't forgive...he wanted what he wanted more than what God allowed when his own mother and brother plotted deception against him. Gen 27:41. Esau hated his brother Jacob for what he did. Sounds unbelievable...but wait, do we harbor a speck of hate/disdain/disgust for anyone?
No matter what the sin of hate or deception or even murder, God is at work in them and in you and me. Giving dreams: 27:16 "Surely the LORD is in this place and I did not know it." God is moving in your own life that maybe you don't even know yet.
Jacob called the place of his dream, Bethel---the place of God. May we find our Bethel this day. Sinners and sojourners, just like Jacob, searching for the Sovereign Still. Actually, He is looking for you in your dilemmas and dreams and day-to-day offenses. He longs to make Himself known to you ~ Isaiah 30:18.
This isn't about changing our behavior. It's about God changing our heart. So, what does it mean to truly forgive from your heart today?
Friday, January 27, 2012
Gen 26:28 and Matt 18:1 "No Favorites" (January 27)
I see so plainly that the LORD is with you, my friend. But, I don't see it as plainly in my own life. Isn't that why we need each other? To be mirrors of the Reflection of the Image of the One Who is at work always doing us good.
Genesis 25:7 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. That seems so strange that he would leave out his other children. Do we treat one child "special" and overlook the ones who don't perform up to our expectations. LORD have mercy on me and my favoritism based on performance, even righteousness.
Matt 18:1 "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
We all want to be special. To be loved. To know that we are deeply cared for. And the Truth is that we are by a Jealous God Who is doing us good in the midst of all we face.
Even Abimilech could see that Isaac was favored not by man, but by God.
Genesis 26:28 "We see plainly that the LORD has been with you."
May we know way down deep where it really counts by faith that the LORD is with us in whatever it is we hold deep in our hearts. May we show no favoritism nor seek it from any man. May we be content with what God has done, is doing, and will do for each of us. Matt 18:20 - I agree with you that our God loose on earth what is already loosed in Heaven for you. He is in our midst. The God of Abraham. The God of Isaac. The One Who shows no favorites. He loves you so!
Genesis 25:7 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. That seems so strange that he would leave out his other children. Do we treat one child "special" and overlook the ones who don't perform up to our expectations. LORD have mercy on me and my favoritism based on performance, even righteousness.
Matt 18:1 "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
We all want to be special. To be loved. To know that we are deeply cared for. And the Truth is that we are by a Jealous God Who is doing us good in the midst of all we face.
Even Abimilech could see that Isaac was favored not by man, but by God.
Genesis 26:28 "We see plainly that the LORD has been with you."
May we know way down deep where it really counts by faith that the LORD is with us in whatever it is we hold deep in our hearts. May we show no favoritism nor seek it from any man. May we be content with what God has done, is doing, and will do for each of us. Matt 18:20 - I agree with you that our God loose on earth what is already loosed in Heaven for you. He is in our midst. The God of Abraham. The God of Isaac. The One Who shows no favorites. He loves you so!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Gen 24:50 and Matt 17:21 "This Thing" (January 26)
Wondering if Abraham & Sarah ever met Job face-to-face? They knew about Job because Abraham's brother Nahor was Job's great grandfather.Meanwhile, Abraham is advanced in years and Sarah dies in the land of Canaan, on the far side of where Job lived in Canaan. Did Job know? Did he come to his relatives? Did the family news spread through Canaan? Abraham ~ Come to the funeral of Job's 10 children. And just what would Abraham say to Job? Abraham, "whom the LORD blessed in all things." Honestly, I think Job was the one who was blessed. Job---with his hand over his mouth---became more alive than most people I know.
Genesis 24:50 "This thing is from the LORD..."
Matthew 17:21 "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed,
you will say to THIS mountain, 'Move from here to there,'
and it will move."
This thing, this mountain in your life, God will lower it ~ Isa 40:4
not to bless you on this Earth, dear one.
but to bless you for all Eternity
and bring Glory to God!
This thing is bigger than this moment.
A Grand Story of the Love of our God.
Genesis 24:50 "This thing is from the LORD..."
Matthew 17:21 "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed,
you will say to THIS mountain, 'Move from here to there,'
and it will move."
This thing, this mountain in your life, God will lower it ~ Isa 40:4
not to bless you on this Earth, dear one.
but to bless you for all Eternity
and bring Glory to God!
This thing is bigger than this moment.
A Grand Story of the Love of our God.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Job 42:5 and Matt 16:15 "I Hear You but Now I See You" (January 25)
What invites, intrigues, disrupts, disturbs, beckons, bemoans us all into His Presence? Suffering. It welcomed Job into the Secret Council
He leaves a Shining Wake
On Earth there is not His Like
Our GOD Who sees all we take
The LORD who sends the strike.
The KING over all sons of pride
The MIGHTY God on High
The COUNSELOR Who doesn't hide
The SOVEREIGN Still, oh my~
The PRINCE whose purpose sails
The HOLY ONE gracing every ill
The SPIRIT hovering will prevail
The ROCK of Job & John & all!
I utter things I do not know
too Wonderful for me,
I've heard you with my ears bent low
but now my eyes speak loudly ~
Job 42:5-6 "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you...therefore, I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes."
Matthew 16:15 "Who do you say that I am?"
You are the LIVING GOD of Job and John and me
Who doubled Job's animals & added ten voices
Beside graveyards marked by sorrow not glee
Yes, the GOD ALIVE who stoops low to all our choices.
He leaves a Shining Wake
On Earth there is not His Like
Our GOD Who sees all we take
The LORD who sends the strike.
The KING over all sons of pride
The MIGHTY God on High
The COUNSELOR Who doesn't hide
The SOVEREIGN Still, oh my~
The PRINCE whose purpose sails
The HOLY ONE gracing every ill
The SPIRIT hovering will prevail
The ROCK of Job & John & all!
I utter things I do not know
too Wonderful for me,
I've heard you with my ears bent low
but now my eyes speak loudly ~
Job 42:5-6 "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you...therefore, I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes."
Matthew 16:15 "Who do you say that I am?"
You are the LIVING GOD of Job and John and me
Who doubled Job's animals & added ten voices
Beside graveyards marked by sorrow not glee
Yes, the GOD ALIVE who stoops low to all our choices.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Job 40:4 and Matt 15:28 "No More" (January 24)
Is the goal of my life blessings from above?
Jesus restores their soul when He sees their faith
and the blessings flow.
He restores their soul before
He restores their blessings.
Restore my soul, oh God! Stir our faith!
Matt 15:28 ~ O woman of great faith:
Be it done for you as you desire.
And her daughter was healed instantly.
This precious daughter who was severely oppressed.
No more!
This righteous man of God called Job,
humbled by the words of the LORD of all.
No more!
Job 40:2 “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
Then Job answered the LORD and said:
“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth...
I will proceed no further.”
No more!
Oh God! Fan the fledgling flame of our faith!
Jesus restores their soul when He sees their faith
and the blessings flow.
He restores their soul before
He restores their blessings.
Restore my soul, oh God! Stir our faith!
Matt 15:28 ~ O woman of great faith:
Be it done for you as you desire.
And her daughter was healed instantly.
This precious daughter who was severely oppressed.
No more!
This righteous man of God called Job,
humbled by the words of the LORD of all.
No more!
Job 40:2 “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
Then Job answered the LORD and said:
“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth...
I will proceed no further.”
No more!
Oh God! Fan the fledgling flame of our faith!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Job 37:22 and Matt 15:8 "Terrible Beauty" (January 23)
We all search for Life-giving words that heal and help.
We don't want people to suffer.
We want to explain what God is doing.
No words weigh in to pour out Terrible Beauty.
Job 37:22 "A Terrible Beauty streams from God."
Out of the north comes Golden Splendor;
God is clothed with Awesome Majesty.
Job's young inexperienced Friend with ravishing rhetoric
hurls words right on target in so many ways.
But does Elihu draw out of Job the man God intends?
No. Diction drives gaping distance.
Maybe Job's friends should have just sat in Silence
rather than delivering a Discourse over 30 plus chapters.
Maybe the Silence of A Heart that Deeply Cares
is really the best medicine we offer.
I don't want your words, I want your heart for me.
Matt 15:8 "This people honor Me with their lips
but their hearts are far from Me."
"Silence is often more eloquent than speech
And tears more effective than Theology."
Eugene Peterson
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Job 34:6 and Matt 14:36 "Found Wanting" (January 22)
Someone asked me today:
"What do you think God is doing in your life?"
My answer: I don't really know
but this I know...
He is doing me good.
In the midst of Sickness, Trials, Loss, Betrayal.
And maybe He is attaching me tighter to Himself,
Kind of like Eternal Velcro,
Detaching me from this world.
He is so committed to my Holiness.
Job 34:6 Was Job's wound incurable?
What happens when we are found wanting?
Yes, it's impossible for God to do evil
And Yes, God is at work among us
This Very Present Hour
and we may have no idea what He is up to.
Isn't He looking for our faith?
Bring me those who are sick
And I will heal them...
they need only touch the Hem of my Garment
Matt 14:36
I cannot touch a hem without Faith
that God is going to be Present and
work a work of faith with Power.
"What do you think God is doing in your life?"
My answer: I don't really know
but this I know...
He is doing me good.
In the midst of Sickness, Trials, Loss, Betrayal.
And maybe He is attaching me tighter to Himself,
Kind of like Eternal Velcro,
Detaching me from this world.
He is so committed to my Holiness.
Job 34:6 Was Job's wound incurable?
What happens when we are found wanting?
Yes, it's impossible for God to do evil
And Yes, God is at work among us
This Very Present Hour
and we may have no idea what He is up to.
Isn't He looking for our faith?
Bring me those who are sick
And I will heal them...
they need only touch the Hem of my Garment
Matt 14:36
I cannot touch a hem without Faith
that God is going to be Present and
work a work of faith with Power.
Job 32:2 and Matt 14:17 "A Silent Savior" (January 21)
We've all heard about Him with our own ears,
Open our Eyes that we may See a Silent Savior
in the midst of this Screaming World.
Job 32:2-3 ~
Elihu burned with anger at Job because Job justified himself.
Elihu burned with anger at Job's friends because they had no answer.
Why would he be so angry at someone who just lost his 10 children?
What did he not understand about Love?
I keep going back to the verse that says Jesus reveals things in the NT that were hidden since the foundation of the world. Job just did not know things about God that we do. But, here's a man who wrestled with the God He worshipped and adored. It's okay to question, to wrestle. It's where we go with it, isn't it? No place for demandingness in our hearts. Five Loaves and Two Fish. Matt 14:17. Our depravity, our nothingness is what we have to offer Him.
John's head on a platter
Our hearts on an altar
Five loaves in a child's hand
Two fish washed up from the sand
No formulas, No words
Job operates on what he's heard
One day Job's eyes will see
Oh My God will you that for me
Open our Eyes that we may See a Silent Savior
in the midst of this Screaming World.
Job 32:2-3 ~
Elihu burned with anger at Job because Job justified himself.
Elihu burned with anger at Job's friends because they had no answer.
Why would he be so angry at someone who just lost his 10 children?
What did he not understand about Love?
I keep going back to the verse that says Jesus reveals things in the NT that were hidden since the foundation of the world. Job just did not know things about God that we do. But, here's a man who wrestled with the God He worshipped and adored. It's okay to question, to wrestle. It's where we go with it, isn't it? No place for demandingness in our hearts. Five Loaves and Two Fish. Matt 14:17. Our depravity, our nothingness is what we have to offer Him.
John's head on a platter
Our hearts on an altar
Five loaves in a child's hand
Two fish washed up from the sand
No formulas, No words
Job operates on what he's heard
One day Job's eyes will see
Oh My God will you that for me
Friday, January 20, 2012
Job 30:36 and Matt 13:35 "What Do I Carry on my Shoulder?" (January 20)
There are just some things about life I do not know.
There were just some things Jobs didn't understand either.
But we know so much more than Job knew at that time.
Sitting beside the sea
Jesus spoke in parables
Uttering what had been hidden
Since the Foundation of the World.
Matt 13:35.
Job 30:1
Job says:
"They laugh at me, men who are younger than I."
They think they know --- don't they.
But do they pass by 10 graves every day?
Job is just a byword to them.
But,
Suffering invited Job into the Presence of the Almighty.
Job 15::8 - the Secret Council of God.
Where Job wrestles and demands an answer
from his Silent God
Job 30:35 - "Here is my signature!
Let the Almighty Answer Me!
Do you hear anger?
Do you hear demandingness?
Do you hear a repentant heart?
"Oh, that I had the indictment
written by my adversary!"
Things have been written since the
world's foundation where Job once lived ...
and we must answer what stirs in our own hearts.
What do I carry on my own shoulder? Job 30:36
There were just some things Jobs didn't understand either.
But we know so much more than Job knew at that time.
Sitting beside the sea
Jesus spoke in parables
Uttering what had been hidden
Since the Foundation of the World.
Matt 13:35.
Job 30:1
Job says:
"They laugh at me, men who are younger than I."
They think they know --- don't they.
But do they pass by 10 graves every day?
Job is just a byword to them.
But,
Suffering invited Job into the Presence of the Almighty.
Job 15::8 - the Secret Council of God.
Where Job wrestles and demands an answer
from his Silent God
Job 30:35 - "Here is my signature!
Let the Almighty Answer Me!
Do you hear anger?
Do you hear demandingness?
Do you hear a repentant heart?
"Oh, that I had the indictment
written by my adversary!"
Things have been written since the
world's foundation where Job once lived ...
and we must answer what stirs in our own hearts.
What do I carry on my own shoulder? Job 30:36
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Job 30:17 and Matt 13:15 "This Present Hour" (January 19)
Maybe the best thing we can do on our weary, well-worn,weighted journey
is to put our hand over our mouth and stop talking long enough to really hear.
The disciples ask: Why does God speak in parables? Matt 13:10
And Job asks: Just where is Wisdom? Job 28:1
Close your eyes. Close your ears.
And your heart grows dull.
Do you understand what you hear
Do you see yet never grow full.
Matt 13:15
Job walks by ten graves
And longs for prime days of old
When he lived like a king among slaves
When the aged stood & tongues stuck cold
Job 30: 1, 17
Either we live in the past or the Present or the future.
The enemy of our soul hopes the choice is the past or the future.
In the whole of world history,
there is always only one really significant hour,
the Present. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
is to put our hand over our mouth and stop talking long enough to really hear.
The disciples ask: Why does God speak in parables? Matt 13:10
And Job asks: Just where is Wisdom? Job 28:1
Close your eyes. Close your ears.
And your heart grows dull.
Do you understand what you hear
Do you see yet never grow full.
Matt 13:15
Job walks by ten graves
And longs for prime days of old
When he lived like a king among slaves
When the aged stood & tongues stuck cold
Job 30: 1, 17
Either we live in the past or the Present or the future.
The enemy of our soul hopes the choice is the past or the future.
In the whole of world history,
there is always only one really significant hour,
the Present. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Matt 12:50 and Job 27:6 "Hold Fast" (January 18)
The mother and brothers of Jesus stood at the door of where He was teaching and asked for Him. Jesus' reply: Matt 12: 49-50 Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” No special treatment. No hierarchy in God's Kingdom. No big people and little people. We are all his brothers and sisters and mothers. Not in the world in which I live! ... where I am not recognized nor sought after ... but in God's Kingdom His Pursuit of me is relentless, inexpressible, incessant.
Job isn't recognized anymore by his friends or his community. Job's reply: Job 27:2 “As God lives, Who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit."
Job 27:6 "Hold fast, my Righteousness." Hold fast, my Friend. As long as breath is in us. What is our hope when God cuts us off? This we know, the Almighty is always doing us good, even in suffering. Hold fast!
Job isn't recognized anymore by his friends or his community. Job's reply: Job 27:2 “As God lives, Who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit."
Job 27:6 "Hold fast, my Righteousness." Hold fast, my Friend. As long as breath is in us. What is our hope when God cuts us off? This we know, the Almighty is always doing us good, even in suffering. Hold fast!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Job 23:10 and Matt 12:20 "Bruised Reeds" (January 17)
My God isn't going to let me break.
Matt 12:20 "a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench"
“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive Him;
on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
He turns to the right hand, but I do not see Him.
Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold."
Matt 12:20 "a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench"
Here's an honest guy in Job 23:3
Oh, that
I knew where I might find Him,
that I might come even to His Seat!
I would lay my case before Him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
that I might come even to His Seat!
I would lay my case before Him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
We all deal with demandingness.
“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive Him;
on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
He turns to the right hand, but I do not see Him.
Job 23:10 "But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold."
There is Something So Deep, So Intimate,
in knowing He Knows the way that I take.
And He will not extinguish my attempts. He Knows.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Job 21:4 and Matt 11:6 "Not Offended by God" (January 16)
I was a young mom with three toddlers and secondary infertility. I had one miscarriage after another. My friend, Elisabeth Elliot, wrote me a letter when she heard of my loss. In her own beautiful cursive hand, she gave me the words of Jesus to John: Blessed is the one who is not offended by God and what He chooses to do in your life.
Matt 11:3 “Are You the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
Matt 11:3 “Are You the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
Matt 11:5-6 And Jesus answers: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight and the lame
walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the
poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by
me.” Jesus moved with Intent and
Purpose, a Bigger Story. Jesus
purposefully did not heal John who was beheaded. Jesus did not heal Job either nor raise up
his 10 children from the dead. The
invitation always stood: Come to
Me. Not for what Jesus can do for you
but for Who He is.
The invitation stands today:
Matt 11:28 “Come to Me,
all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Oh, to live the
Christian life as it is intended to be lived.
Job 21:4 “Is my complaint against man?” Job 21:15 “What
profit do we get if we pray to him?” Job’s
complaint was against God…isn’t our complaint really against what God is
allowing or preventing in our lives?
What is the intent of my heart? Is it to know my God better and draw near to
Him and make His Gospel known OR is it to be delivered from what is happening in my life that I don’t like? Blessed is the one who is not offended by
God.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Job 19:25 and Matt 10:28 "Endure to the End for My Redeemer Lives" (January 15)
Matt 10:28 ~ “Endure to the End…
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
I’ve feared the wrong people in my lifetime.
There are some people that look down upon us because of our troubles.
Job 18:3 ~ “Why are we so stupid in your sight?”
Things are not as they seem. Enter the “counsel of God” in your suffering.
Job 19:25 ~ “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the Last,
He will Stand upon the Earth.”
“Scripture interprets Scripture.” Martin Luther, Sola Scriptura
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
I’ve feared the wrong people in my lifetime.
There are some people that look down upon us because of our troubles.
Job 18:3 ~ “Why are we so stupid in your sight?”
Things are not as they seem. Enter the “counsel of God” in your suffering.
Job 19:25 ~ “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the Last,
He will Stand upon the Earth.”
“Scripture interprets Scripture.” Martin Luther, Sola Scriptura
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Job 16:3 and Matt 14:20 "Spirit Words or Windy Words" (January 14)
Was God speaking through Job's friends.
Matthew 14:16 "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
Matthew 14:20 "It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you."
Think about your conversations today, yesterday. Did they touch deep places in you?
Did the words find a resting place in your heart, a safety net,
Job 16:3 "Shall windy words have an end?"
Job's pain was not "assuaged." Job found no resting place in community.
His eyes poured out tears to the God He wrestled to find.
I have a friend, many friends, who have "no idea" how they come across.
Listen to their words. Are they Spirit words to you or just windy words?
All I can deal with is my own stuff because you see...
I've never really seen my face before and
sometimes I miss hearing the words I'm saying too.
Am I more concerned about that other person
than how I come across or how I can be fulfilled
in my relationship with you.
Or, do I de-personalize people for my own means?
Am I really there for other people?
That's Love ...
and Spirit Words will come.
Matthew 14:16 "Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
Matthew 14:20 "It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of the Father speaking through you."
Think about your conversations today, yesterday. Did they touch deep places in you?
Did the words find a resting place in your heart, a safety net,
Job 16:3 "Shall windy words have an end?"
Job's pain was not "assuaged." Job found no resting place in community.
His eyes poured out tears to the God He wrestled to find.
I have a friend, many friends, who have "no idea" how they come across.
Listen to their words. Are they Spirit words to you or just windy words?
All I can deal with is my own stuff because you see...
I've never really seen my face before and
sometimes I miss hearing the words I'm saying too.
Am I more concerned about that other person
than how I come across or how I can be fulfilled
in my relationship with you.
Or, do I de-personalize people for my own means?
Am I really there for other people?
That's Love ...
and Spirit Words will come.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Job 12:9 and Matt 9:22 "All Is Well" (January 13)
What makes us well with our soul?
Matt 9:22 "Woman, your faith has made you well."
Job 12:5 So what do we do with "contempt for misfortune"?
Our comfortable society doesn't want you to suffer.
If misfortune befalls, we are labeled, diagnosed, frowned upon.
Job 12:9 "The Hand of the LORD has done this."
Why is it so hard for us to reconcile, wrestle, embrace that?
Why does religion want to paint a Good God Who allows no harm?
God is using our suffering to draw us to Himself.
When I prepare my case before Him, Job 13:8,
Oh, my arrogance.
Job 11:5 "Oh, that God would speak."
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!
That God would speak. I tremble.
Our flesh does not want to suffer.
Our society does not want us in trouble.
I have no answers. No solutions for life.
But I have faith. We live by faith not sight,
that makes my weary sin-sick soul well.
It is well. Yes, as Julian wrote, all manner is well.
Yes, as I just glanced up at the red light, and oh my!
A bumper sticker on the car ahead of me reads:
"All is well with my soul." A providential stop.
Matt 9:22 "Woman, your faith has made you well."
Job 12:5 So what do we do with "contempt for misfortune"?
Our comfortable society doesn't want you to suffer.
If misfortune befalls, we are labeled, diagnosed, frowned upon.
Job 12:9 "The Hand of the LORD has done this."
Why is it so hard for us to reconcile, wrestle, embrace that?
Why does religion want to paint a Good God Who allows no harm?
God is using our suffering to draw us to Himself.
When I prepare my case before Him, Job 13:8,
Oh, my arrogance.
Job 11:5 "Oh, that God would speak."
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!
That God would speak. I tremble.
Our flesh does not want to suffer.
Our society does not want us in trouble.
I have no answers. No solutions for life.
But I have faith. We live by faith not sight,
that makes my weary sin-sick soul well.
It is well. Yes, as Julian wrote, all manner is well.
Yes, as I just glanced up at the red light, and oh my!
A bumper sticker on the car ahead of me reads:
"All is well with my soul." A providential stop.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Job 10:21 and Matt 9:2 "Land of Darkness & Deep Shadows" (January 12)
Jesus Christ saw faith and healed hearts then bodies. The health of our soul always trumps the health of our bodies. "Take heart, your sins are forgiven." (Matt 9:2) Take heart Job and Bev and every blogger here. He came to call sinners. That's us. What beautiful faith in Job pushing through his suffering. Even his friend alludes that Job has small beginnings (whoever called thousands of sheep and donkeys and ten children SMALL?) and his latter days would be great. Prophetic. Meaningless to Job at the moment. Job has not forgotten about God. His flesh just doesn't want to face all that suffering. I can't wrap my brain around losing all ten of my children on the same day. Job says in 9:28 that he has become afraid of his suffering. Wouldn't he be tempted with---what next? It is a "land of darkness and deep shadows" for Job. Even though he knows so much about God, Job recognizes that God passes him by and Job sees him not (Job 9:11). And the same for me. May we not miss you, Our Good God, passing us by this day in our suffering be it great or small.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Job 6:25 and Matt 8:34 "Upright Words" (January 11)
Job 6:25 How forceful are upright words!
But what does reproof from you reprove?
Matthew 8:34 When they heard the
words of Jesus, they asked him
"please leave our region."
The words spoken by Job's friends
fell on "despairing wind" searching for God,
there was no Life in the words.
The words spoken by Jesus
fell on empty hearts
not seeking anything but
their own.
God, change our hearts
that Upright Words flow
and land on lives You love.
But what does reproof from you reprove?
Matthew 8:34 When they heard the
words of Jesus, they asked him
"please leave our region."
The words spoken by Job's friends
fell on "despairing wind" searching for God,
there was no Life in the words.
The words spoken by Jesus
fell on empty hearts
not seeking anything but
their own.
God, change our hearts
that Upright Words flow
and land on lives You love.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Job 3:13 and Matt 8:2 "Rendezvous with Rest" (January 10)
Matthew 8:2 If God wills, He will heal.
God didn't heal Job in these chapters.
Job says in Job 3:13 that if he was dead,
then he would be at rest.
Is there no way to find rest
in the midst of harrowing circumstances?
All I know is this...
my circumstances are worse than ever...
and I cannot stop talking about what
My Beautiful God is doing inside of me.
I believe there is a Rest I know not.
God didn't heal Job in these chapters.
Job says in Job 3:13 that if he was dead,
then he would be at rest.
Is there no way to find rest
in the midst of harrowing circumstances?
All I know is this...
my circumstances are worse than ever...
and I cannot stop talking about what
My Beautiful God is doing inside of me.
I believe there is a Rest I know not.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Job 15:8 and Matthew 7:14 "Don't Fill the Gaps with Words" (January 9)
Suffering gives way to the "Secret Councils of God." Job 15:8
Job's friends sat on the ground with him for 7 days and 7 nights.
Never spoke a word to him.
Could we do that?
Our culture is so driven to just explain away how I'm supposed to be living.
Job fell on the ground and worshipped, Job 1:20,
when the news hit that his 10 children were dead.
All of his multitude of cattle and oxen and donkeys and sheep were gone.
Matthew 7:14
"The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life,
and those who find it are few.
"When God tears great gaps,
we should not try to fill them with human words.
They should remain open.
Our only comfort is in the God of the Resurrection."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Job's friends sat on the ground with him for 7 days and 7 nights.
Never spoke a word to him.
Could we do that?
Our culture is so driven to just explain away how I'm supposed to be living.
Job fell on the ground and worshipped, Job 1:20,
when the news hit that his 10 children were dead.
All of his multitude of cattle and oxen and donkeys and sheep were gone.
Matthew 7:14
"The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life,
and those who find it are few.
"When God tears great gaps,
we should not try to fill them with human words.
They should remain open.
Our only comfort is in the God of the Resurrection."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Gen 21:17 and Matt 6:33 "What Troubles You?" (January 8)
The following three stories in today's reading have a common thread that yanks on my heart to not grow weary: They didn't give up, break down, lose faith, nor stay in the lane of treasuring earth. They called on God in their darkest hour. Matt 6:20 says: Lay up for yourselves, treasures in heaven not on earth. Seek first His Kingdom and God will add those things that concern you day in and day out according to His Good Plan A. God's Love is not measured by our achievements or assignments but freely given while we are in plenty or in want.
#1 Genesis 20:17 * How do I respond when I'm caught like Abraham laying up treasures on earth, loving life here too much? In Genesis 20, Abraham stretches the truth to identfy Sarah as his sister, leaving out the part that she was also his wife. But when confronted, Abraham calls on The Name of God and God healed Abimelech's household.
#2 Genesis 21:12 * Whoa! Wait! The elderly Sarah gives birth and holds her miracle baby Isaac but the child of her dreams wasn't enough. She wants God to send Hagar and son into the wilderness and the Almighty agrees. Wonder what Sarah's glaring green-like emerald eyes wanted more than the birth of this child? God would take care of Hagar and her son by leaving them in their wilderness. Yet Hagar lifted her voice and called on That Name. Gen 21:17 "What troubles you, Hagar?" Fear Not. I hear your voice."
# 3 Genesis 22:13 * Abraham says I am going to worship...with a knife to slaughter his son. Yet behind Abraham's back, where he cannot see, is a ram caught in the thicket. The LORD Will Provide.
What Troubles You?
#1 Genesis 20:17 * How do I respond when I'm caught like Abraham laying up treasures on earth, loving life here too much? In Genesis 20, Abraham stretches the truth to identfy Sarah as his sister, leaving out the part that she was also his wife. But when confronted, Abraham calls on The Name of God and God healed Abimelech's household.
#2 Genesis 21:12 * Whoa! Wait! The elderly Sarah gives birth and holds her miracle baby Isaac but the child of her dreams wasn't enough. She wants God to send Hagar and son into the wilderness and the Almighty agrees. Wonder what Sarah's glaring green-like emerald eyes wanted more than the birth of this child? God would take care of Hagar and her son by leaving them in their wilderness. Yet Hagar lifted her voice and called on That Name. Gen 21:17 "What troubles you, Hagar?" Fear Not. I hear your voice."
# 3 Genesis 22:13 * Abraham says I am going to worship...with a knife to slaughter his son. Yet behind Abraham's back, where he cannot see, is a ram caught in the thicket. The LORD Will Provide.
What Troubles You?
Gen 18:14 and Matt 6:1 "Beware of Controlling" (January 7)
Matthew 6:1 says “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." Creeping thoughts lull in our heads all the time about how people are perceiving us. What do we do with them? When God prompts, hold the thought, and ask yourself: Am I more concerned about what Christ thinks of me than what this person does at this very moment? Sometimes, I size up the situation, just like Sarah did in Genesis 18, and think I have to spin it a certain way to feel better about it or cast the light in another direction off of me. Beware, Bev!
Genesis 18:14 Is Anything Too Hard for God? God told Sarah the exact time he would return and give her a child. She didn't have to wait and wonder if she really heard right. He was coming back same time, one year later. She could wait for that day. So what was the problem? She sized up her infertility as being too big of a problem under her control. Live to control our circumstances and we will laugh in the face of God and say: Really? And even deny that we said "really!" when God asks about it. God is fully committed to each of us to make us more like Him this day than we were yesterday. Beware of your own righteousness!
Genesis 18:14 Is Anything Too Hard for God? God told Sarah the exact time he would return and give her a child. She didn't have to wait and wonder if she really heard right. He was coming back same time, one year later. She could wait for that day. So what was the problem? She sized up her infertility as being too big of a problem under her control. Live to control our circumstances and we will laugh in the face of God and say: Really? And even deny that we said "really!" when God asks about it. God is fully committed to each of us to make us more like Him this day than we were yesterday. Beware of your own righteousness!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Gen 16:13 and Matt 5:48 "A God of Seeing" (January 6)
Gen 16:8 "Where have you come from and where are you going?"
It's a question we all need to ask ourselves.
The angel asks the question of Hagar in the wilderness
even though the angel probably knew.
The angel's reply ~ Return and Repent.
And Hagar calls on the Name of the LORD Who spoke to her,
"You are a God of seeing." Gen 16:13
A God Who sees all the affliction, betrayal, aloneness, confusion, and trials.
"Walk before Me and be blameless." Gen 17:1
"Be perfect as your Heavenly Father was perfect." Mat 5:48
No one, not one, can be blameless perfect.
So, fall forward on the God Who Sees.
It's a question we all need to ask ourselves.
The angel asks the question of Hagar in the wilderness
even though the angel probably knew.
The angel's reply ~ Return and Repent.
And Hagar calls on the Name of the LORD Who spoke to her,
"You are a God of seeing." Gen 16:13
A God Who sees all the affliction, betrayal, aloneness, confusion, and trials.
"Walk before Me and be blameless." Gen 17:1
"Be perfect as your Heavenly Father was perfect." Mat 5:48
No one, not one, can be blameless perfect.
So, fall forward on the God Who Sees.
And lift up your eyes to the stars tonight.
Same stars that guided Abraham in the darkest of night.
Every day's end, he sat under the stars
that were a Promise to him of what God would do.
And He gazed and he waited.
And he remembered the God Who Sees.
Same stars that guided Abraham in the darkest of night.
Every day's end, he sat under the stars
that were a Promise to him of what God would do.
And He gazed and he waited.
And he remembered the God Who Sees.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Gen 13:10 and Matt 5:6 "Lift Up My Eyes" (January 5)
Abraham lifted up his eyes and called on the name of the LORD.
Lot lifted up his eyes and called on the earth to be good to him~Gen 13:10
Abraham decided to give Lot his choice of land and pleads for no strife.
Lot chooses the best valley for himself not caring about neighboring Sodom.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness not resources,
for they shall be satisfied ~ Matt 5:6.
God longs to restore our souls; man wants God to restore the blessings.
And God speaks the same words relevant for this day
that He breathed a couple thousand years ago.
"Fear not, I am Your Shield and your Reward shall be very great." ~ Gen 15:1
We see one of the very first prayers in the Bible...Abraham calling upon His Name
to boast in His God not in riches or resources or even relationships.
Lot lifted up his eyes and called on the earth to be good to him~Gen 13:10
Abraham decided to give Lot his choice of land and pleads for no strife.
Lot chooses the best valley for himself not caring about neighboring Sodom.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness not resources,
for they shall be satisfied ~ Matt 5:6.
God longs to restore our souls; man wants God to restore the blessings.
And God speaks the same words relevant for this day
that He breathed a couple thousand years ago.
"Fear not, I am Your Shield and your Reward shall be very great." ~ Gen 15:1
We see one of the very first prayers in the Bible...Abraham calling upon His Name
to boast in His God not in riches or resources or even relationships.
Gen 11:4 and Matt 4:16 "A Name For Ourselves" (January 4)
The people of Babel said:
"Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower.
Let us make a name for ourselves"... Gen 11:4
Isn't that what our celebrity society values?
City lights. Big names.
What about those of us who have no place in the sun.
God never intended that our identity would come from
lights and names and strength and games.
God says, you truly live and make a name
by every word that comes out of His Mouth... Matt 4:4
"Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt 4:17
Those who dwell in darkness
have seen a Great Light... Matt 4:16
Dark places still seep through for all of us
and we indeed want to make a name for ourselves.
Repent.
God is making us fishers of men not self promoters.
Not names. Not gain. Not games. Not pain.
Not for us but for Your Glory, oh God,
"Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower.
Let us make a name for ourselves"... Gen 11:4
Isn't that what our celebrity society values?
City lights. Big names.
What about those of us who have no place in the sun.
God never intended that our identity would come from
lights and names and strength and games.
God says, you truly live and make a name
by every word that comes out of His Mouth... Matt 4:4
"Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt 4:17
Those who dwell in darkness
have seen a Great Light... Matt 4:16
Dark places still seep through for all of us
and we indeed want to make a name for ourselves.
Repent.
God is making us fishers of men not self promoters.
Not names. Not gain. Not games. Not pain.
Not for us but for Your Glory, oh God,
Monday, January 2, 2012
Genesis 8:21 and Matt 3:2 "Bankrupt & Blind" (January 3)
Noah is 601 years old and humbly walks out of his hand-built ark.
Noah sets foot on dry cool earth and he builds a clean fragrant altar.
2 Cor 2:14 - God smells the the aroma of Jesus when you choose life.
But Life is more than talking about making the right choices.
Gen 8:21
"For the intentions of man's heart is evil from his youth."
If there be any good in us at all, it is God!
We are far more bankrupt than we know.
We are far more blinder than we realize.
Do we really see the evil intentions of our hearts?
One part of Noah is righteous,
flip the coin over and he's drunk, giving control to another.
And it's his two boys who cover Noah's shame.
May God direct us to build an altar of Praise
and a blanket of Grace over the sins we so easily see in others.
Matt 3:2
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Am I dealing with the evil in my own heart?
Am I offering coverings of grace to everyone else's heart?
"People are so apt to drift along on the surface of their lives
not really seeing or hearing or feeling very much
because most of the time they are little more than half alive,
the rest of the time time, dazed, dreaming or detached."
Noah sets foot on dry cool earth and he builds a clean fragrant altar.
2 Cor 2:14 - God smells the the aroma of Jesus when you choose life.
But Life is more than talking about making the right choices.
Gen 8:21
"For the intentions of man's heart is evil from his youth."
If there be any good in us at all, it is God!
We are far more bankrupt than we know.
We are far more blinder than we realize.
Do we really see the evil intentions of our hearts?
One part of Noah is righteous,
flip the coin over and he's drunk, giving control to another.
And it's his two boys who cover Noah's shame.
May God direct us to build an altar of Praise
and a blanket of Grace over the sins we so easily see in others.
Matt 3:2
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Am I dealing with the evil in my own heart?
Am I offering coverings of grace to everyone else's heart?
"People are so apt to drift along on the surface of their lives
not really seeing or hearing or feeling very much
because most of the time they are little more than half alive,
the rest of the time time, dazed, dreaming or detached."
Am I half alive?
Gen 4:7 and Matt 2:2 "The Morning Star" (January 2)
The LORD said to Cain in Gen 4:6,
“Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?"
Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is simply not worth living."
Do I allow my God to shine His Light in my darkness?
Why am I so angry? Why am I so jealous?
Why is my face fallen, my heart limp?
"If you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.
Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Gen 4:7
God doesn't intend for me to go on a witchhunt after my sin.
Hebrews 4 says: His Word divides and discerns the intentions of my heart.
The Wise Men in Matt 2:2 knew in their hearts
A King was born for their darkness.
His Star was in the sky shining the path straight to Him.
This Wondrous Babe will reveal the thoughts of our hearts.
Thank you God for Hope for our sin.
And thank you for placing Good deep within us, good intentions
to seek you, The Morning Star, with all of our hearts.
“Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?"
Socrates once said that "the unexamined life is simply not worth living."
Do I allow my God to shine His Light in my darkness?
Why am I so angry? Why am I so jealous?
Why is my face fallen, my heart limp?
"If you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.
Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” Gen 4:7
God doesn't intend for me to go on a witchhunt after my sin.
Hebrews 4 says: His Word divides and discerns the intentions of my heart.
The Wise Men in Matt 2:2 knew in their hearts
A King was born for their darkness.
His Star was in the sky shining the path straight to Him.
This Wondrous Babe will reveal the thoughts of our hearts.
Thank you God for Hope for our sin.
And thank you for placing Good deep within us, good intentions
to seek you, The Morning Star, with all of our hearts.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Gen 1:2 and Matt 1:23 ~ Rejoice When Rivers Run Dry" (January 1)
Empty Earth.
Empty Hearts.
Gen 1:2b ~ ..."the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Rejoice. The rivers run dry but soon will be filled.
Matt 1:23b ~ "what is conceived is from the Holy Spirit."
Rejoice. The River of Life courses through 42 generations.
"Immanuel, which means God with us."
God was moving in my turbulent waters
before the rivers were filled.
God was moving over my darkness
before the light revealed the earth.
We were in his heart before the Foundations.
Written in the Book of Life, we're told.
With one Word,
The Living Word spoke in Genesis.
The Living Word became flesh in Matthew.
The Living Word came not for curious followers
He came to find committed followers. Find me, Oh Living Word.
This Written Word is written to lead us to Him Who is Holy.
May we find Him in ways we never dreamed this 2012.
Tears of joy this new year morn.
The Light of the World still hovers and hangs and hunts and humbles.
He stoops this Sunday into my darkness.
Would you do Your Work in us this year, this present hour?
May I rejoice when my rivers run dry.
Empty Hearts.
Gen 1:2b ~ ..."the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
Rejoice. The rivers run dry but soon will be filled.
Matt 1:23b ~ "what is conceived is from the Holy Spirit."
Rejoice. The River of Life courses through 42 generations.
"Immanuel, which means God with us."
God was moving in my turbulent waters
before the rivers were filled.
God was moving over my darkness
before the light revealed the earth.
We were in his heart before the Foundations.
Written in the Book of Life, we're told.
With one Word,
The Living Word spoke in Genesis.
The Living Word became flesh in Matthew.
The Living Word came not for curious followers
He came to find committed followers. Find me, Oh Living Word.
This Written Word is written to lead us to Him Who is Holy.
May we find Him in ways we never dreamed this 2012.
Tears of joy this new year morn.
The Light of the World still hovers and hangs and hunts and humbles.
He stoops this Sunday into my darkness.
Would you do Your Work in us this year, this present hour?
May I rejoice when my rivers run dry.
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