119 - "Finding God in the Low Whispers" 1 Kings 19-20

119 My testy circumstances matter in no Kingdom. May I care about those things that touch Eternity.

 

Elijah listens to God - I Kings 19:13 
And, Elijah found God in the "low whispers."

The common natural way of providing for the earth---rain.
It dried up.
The uncommon Providential way of providing for Elijah---ravens.
Never dried up.

Do I realize that the Providential Hand of God is moving in uncommon ways in my life this very day?

The vilest of creatures took care of Elijah, not the kings.
And Elijah was on a shelf for more than a year
The man who could breathe life into sons.
Patiently waiting on a Good God!!!
Eating from mouths of birds.
Trusting God's timing.
Under the Care.

Such a moving story to know God uses the lowly widow. She took Elijah at his word even before feeding her own family in famine. And that one act opened the jar for Elijah to feed the widow's family for more than two years. 

If I cannot see you and can only hear you, you exist for me not in space but in time where hearing happens. If I see you and can walk around you, I experience you as an object—-I can inspect you from all angles. Buechener says something of “extraordinary importance occurs when I more fully take you into myself by hearing you. “Hearing you speak brings me by the most direct of all routes something of the innermost secret of who you are.”  Buechner, Frederick Whistling in the Dark

He was the prophet who called down fire and rain. He knew. Yet, he hurt and wondered and just wanted to die in midst of glory and ministry.

And Elijah records: I have had enough, Lord. 1 Kings 19:7.  And I feel the same.  Problem is my testy circumstances matter in no kingdom.  

May I care about those things that touch Eternity. 

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” I Kings 19:10

And God responds: “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

And this spent seeking prophet finds his God in a gentle Whisper. God will do His Work in his time by His Spirit, a sweet and gentle blowing of the Spirit of God. Whisper by me. 

But He always comes.

And He is always asking:

What are you doing here?

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. I Kings 19:12. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

What am I doing here?

PHOTO:  I heard an audible Voice one day as I walked this beach.  A young lady stopped my stroll and said:  "I came up to this beach to read my Bible.  And God just told me to stop you and tell you that this thing you are going through is from Him.  He is with you.  You are going to be okay."  She could have never known.  I faced the biggest crisis, the Greatest Divide, of my life.  And matching the grandeur of the skies and sea, I heard an audible Voice from a mouthpiece of God. More than a match.

119 - "My Battle Belongs to God" 1 Samuel 17-18; Luke 20:27-47

119 My battle belongs to God. He doesn't save by sword or spear. 

Five small stones can kill the giants in my life. The truth is God-Alive is in me and is at work.

Meanwhile Goliath was taunting the troops of God-Alive.  Not a good idea.  I Samuel 17:47 God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. My battle belongs to God."  So pick up 5 smooth stones, I Samuel 17:40,  and watch what God will do.  Immeasurable Strength.  Unshakeable Hope.  5 smooth stones will kill the 10-foot giants in my life, in your life. God delivers.  The truth is God-Alive is in me. God-Alive is in you. Our Great High Priest is at work in us this very morning. The God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob. He is the God of the living. Luke 20:38

Do I hear the bleating of sheep in my life?  That's what Samuel said to Saul---what's this I am hearing? The mooing of cattle, the bleating of sheep. I Sam 15:14. Saul offers the sheep to God instead of doing what God told him to do. God-Alive is there to fight our battles. 

PHOTO:  God-Alive in your Momma. He has been Alive in her for a long time. All through her preschool and elementary days. All through her high school and college days. All through her marriage and having children. Bristol, you are growing up in your Mom's beautiful footsteps.  

118 - "What Matters Is How God Sees Our Soul" 1 Samuel 15-16; Luke 20:1-26

118 It is far better to obey than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22. Am I more concerned about obeying the God Who rules over me than I am about giving up my time for Christian service? God is looking at my heart, The world is looking for our majesty in appearance and ambition. 1 Samuel 16:7.

Am I more concerned about obeying the God who rules over me
than I am about giving up my time for Christian services and ceremonies?
It is far better to obey than sacrifice. I Samuel 15:22

It is far easier to bring a sacrifice than to bring our lofty thoughts and prideful motivations and selfish ambitions into obedience before God. We are not competing with the High King. We have to let go of what controls us---it's idolatrrous. You've rejected the Word of the Lord and made nothing of it. You've brushed off the government of the Word, of your God. God made Saul the king. God can undo what He did. 

I Samuel 16:7 - God looks at your heart from the very beginning of your days.  The world looks for our majesty in appearance and ambitions.  God sees right through us and all our ways...and loves us so, as is. God looks at the heart; not at the outward appearance. David was a prince in his own right.  Yet, when God looked at the 7 brothers, he saw David's heart, even as a very young man.  In this world, it is all about the majesty of the person---their looks, their contributions, their success.  Even as a young boy, David treasured the Word of God, Psalm 119:97.  This was what he meditated on and lived out.  At first many didn't notice.  God never missed a frame.  So, whether we appear great or small in the eyes of this world, what matters most is how God sees our soul.  What about this heart of mine?  Doesn't matter who passes me by.  Only matters by the One Who passes me by every single day and fills this broken heart with Himself. Give to God what is God's.. Luke 20:28

PHOTO:  The uncomely pastures of Kansas.  Nothing spectacular here.  But something about standing in this pastoral place.  

117 - "Keep Your Appointment With God" 1 Samuel 13-14; Luke 19:28:48

                                                                                                                                                           1 Samuel 13:12-14  Saul answered, "When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn't come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised to attack...I hadn't yet come before God asking for help.  So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering."   "That was a fool thing to do," Samuel said to Saul. "If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded...God is out looking for your replacement right now." How sad.  So what keeps us from missing that appointment with God this day?  

I love Jonathan's faith!  Saul had 600 soldiers with him.  Jonathan asks his armor-bearer in I Samuel 14:6-7  to go with him to the Philistine camp. "Maybe God will work for us. There's no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it."   His armor bearer said, "Go ahead. Do what you think best. I'm with you all the way." 
  
They killed only 20 soldiers that day, BUT they actually grew Saul's army from 600 to 10,000.  That is simply amazing!  God did it for Jonathan and his faithful armor-bearer. So inviting. Not for Saul though---Saul kept conscripting every strong and brave man he saw, using people. 

Our 66LL devo says it this way:  "When things go wrong in your life, or when you fear they might, you'll be tempted to sacrifice ethics for pragmatism."  The story of Saul.  "You'll hear your heart asking, what will work to make things better?  You'll not as clearly hear yourself asking, what is holy in this situation that will please the Lord?"

PHOTO:  It's a dark day outside.  It's a dark day inside my heart, too.  And I ponder on this beautiful Word of God about David's darkest of days hiding in caves, fighting wars with 600 soldiers.  But, alas, I believe David's days may turn dark again.  Enlighten our darkness, O God!  2 Samuel 22:29 - isn't that what David prayed many dark days ago.  You will, O God.  We know You will.

116 - "Don't Chase After Ghost Gods" 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 19:1-27

I Samuel 11:13  "So here's the king you wanted, the king you asked for. God has let you have your own way."  Why did they want a king? They already had a King. Why do we want someone to follow?  Why do people gravitate to those who are successful?  God is a gentleman---He won't force Himself on us.  If we want to walk by sight, not by faith, He lets us choose the path 

I Samuel 10:6 - You'll be transformed when you follow God.  You'll be a new person.  And if we are aren't being transformed, then we have to ask ourselves if we are following God's calling.  Saul moved quickly to follow God but found himself hiding in verse 22 in a pile of baggage.  I wonder why.  Don't chase after ghost-gods.  What would be a ghost-god to us today?  Success in ministry or raising children.  Ambition that leads to making a name for ourselves.  Wonder why our culture adores celebrities, even Christian ones.  We are such a celebrity-conscious community.  

PHOTO:  Transformed from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of Light. I was. I am. I will be. 

So, stop hiding in a pile of baggage. There is Light. There is Hope.

115 - "Interpreting Life Today in Light of Tomorrow---Thus Far!" 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 18:24-43

When things invade your territory.  When people infringe upon your rights.  When situations intersect life's plans.  This is our mantra.  Praying for each of you this day that it will always be about "thus far."  “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” I Samuel 7:12. 

All who follow Jesus, will never lose out. No one. Now one who has sacrificed home, spouse, siblings, parents, kids---whatever---it will be multiplied back many times over in your lifetime and then the bonus of eternal life. Luke 18:29-30.

They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice."  I Samuel 8:3.  It's plain to see the evil when it's blatant and disgusting.  But what about when Satan comes as an "angel of light."  And, we don't see the evil in our own motives and actions and ploys.  So, what's the point? Do we accept the Word of God as from God or men?  1 Thes 2:13.  We must interpret the evil that is happening in our lives in Light of what will happen when Christ returns.  Is this how we want to live?  Nodding at bribes.  A little dishonest weight on the scale.  May we live ready for the God Who is coming who will ask us the ultimate question about life. 

 

PHOTO:  The World's oldest museum. Rome.  Standing in this place.  Observing life's lessons.  Two words mean the world to me.  Thus far.  And I keep uttering them over and over today.  Because I'm not sure how to make it through tomorrow.  But, thus far.

114 - "Two Dead Sons and Eli Cares More About God Than Himself" 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:1-23

Lay your head on your pillow and
you start thinking about what you've done today.
How we've treated those we love. And those who may not have returned our love.
How we've disdained this day, or maybe loved a little more than yesterday.
How we've distanced ourselves from one, or maybe stepped into fresh faith.
How we've forgotten the LORD of our lives, or fell forward in a deep dependence.
How His Good Grace covers all our moments. 

We cannot relive today but we can start fresh this very next second of life we have.

Eli led with integrity for 40 years. 

His men delivered devastating news:

 “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 1 Samuel 4:17

Eli cared more about God than himself. It was persistent faith that God found in Eli. Luke 18:8. 

By the way that I act today, will I share that I care more about God?  Today, God sent someone to me who spoke like a messenger from God.  An affirmation beyond words.  All these things that we think are so important in our day---how important are they in light of eternity?  Trying to wrap thoughts around the Philistines take on such holy things.  We cannot treat lightly the things of God and be able to rest. 

PHOTO:  It was so the Hand of God that shone through my moments today.  Just an ordinary day when I encountered the sound of God in my life in a way I never dreamed.   

113 - "No More!" 1 Samuel 1-3; Luke 17:20-37

113 Hannah leaves her grief with the One Who holds life in His Hands. 1 Samuel 1:18 She prays that God will remember her. She deals with what stirs within her. Her circumstance doesn't change; her heart does. And she is no longer downcast. No more!

                                                                

I find much comfort in this story.  Hannah is childless. 

I went through that kind of grief trying to get pregnant with my youngest, Britt.  Lost 3 babies the year before he was born. The grief is real and this is what you do with it.  

Hannah leaves her grief with the One who holds life in His Hands.  And it's an interesting prayer in I Samuel 1:18 that she may find favor in the eyes of those over her.  And that God may remember her.  And she deals with what stirs within her.  Her circumstance doesn't change; her heart does.  And she is no longer downcast.  No more!  

Two words that speak volumes to my story.  No More!  

And then God reverses the story.  

It is never meant for us to reverse our circumstances.  

He was crucified scores of years ago.  No reversal of those circumstances.  A Resurrection to new life.  He is making something new out of you.  

112 - "Undisturbed By The Overwhelming Sorrows of Life" Ruth 1-4; Luke 17:1-19

"The Lord grant you that ye may find rest." Ruth 1:9.  

A life of rest undisturbed by the overwhelming sorrow of being a widow; 

a life of rest untouched by the cares of this broken world and my broken story.  

What steals my peace?  May you find rest in the house of your husband." 

Both of their husbands are gone. 

They stood tall and did what they had to do to make a living.

Oh, God, help us all stand tall. 

Naomi's two sons and husband are now in heaven.  What loss for these three women to embrace.  The love of their lives.  God invites them to "rest" in the midst of their tragedy.  God is always beckoning us to "rest," not in our circumstances, but in Him.  Isaiah 30:7 - we rest by keeping still while Egypt's help is empty.  We are not empty people.  When we've been depleted, our God is filling us up.  Naomi and her two daughters found that kind of rest in Providence---seemingly simply story with a grand finale.  Another baby was born from the descent of Ruth---and that baby in a manger changed the world.

"No matter what happens in your life, God can reach into your heart with Power to form you into someone who values God above everyone and everything else.  God is determined to reverse our values."  66 LL

Ruth 4:15 ~ My God has not left me without a Redeemer. He has not left you. He shall be our Restorer of Life and a Nourisher in our old age. Hanging on to this verse with all my spiritual might. This love story of Boaz and Ruth whose child will become the grandfather of David. God never forgot Naomi and He hasn't forgotten me either. There are 3 intractable obstacles I must overcome to make you holy:  I deal with three in Ruth:

1. Natural Disadvantages that to you seem more important to overcome than an unholy value system.         Do I see in my every day life how I focus on the natural disadvantages that come my way? Or am I more concerned about holiness?

2. Shattered Dreams that bring so much pain into your life that it is difficult to welcome the opportnity they provide for new levels of trust.  What do I do with my shattered dreams. Are the trails welcomed?

3. Material Resoures that make it easy to disguise narcissism behind non-sacrificial generosity.  What do I do with the material resources I have been given?"

66 Love Letters - Larry Crabb

PHOTO: Found while tending to my menial job, my assigned responsibilities, my ordinary life.  

111 - "Everyone Did What Was Right In Their Own Eyes" Judges 19-21; Luke 16

                        

What if we didn't follow the law? 

The last 3 chapters are the saddest narrative of the story since Caleb died. Judges 21:25 "In those days, there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Joshua was dead.  No judge in Israel.  No restraints.  No punishment.  Idolatry. Concubines.  Killings.  Rape.  Lawlessness.  No king.

The individual became king and culture re-oriented around individuals.  No faith community.  No ultimate holy Authority over their lives.  Goodness and evil both are dictated by what is pleasing and useful to the individual.  

Either Jesus is our King or we hold the crown.  Will I live today in awe and repentance before my King? You can't serve both God and money. Luke 16:13. 

If you do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, you will never be convinced, even by someone who rises from the dead. Luke 16:31

PHOTO:  33,000 feet in the air.  What do we do with all this majesty?  What is actually going on in the unseen world?  How can I justify living by doing what I think is right in my own eyes.  How do I know I am walking in truth?

110 - "Either You Hold On Tight In The Wilderness or You Lose Your Hold on God" Judges 16-18; Luke 15:11-32

110 Present in Moses and Deserted in Samson---Either you Hold on Tight in the Wilderness or You Lose Hold of Your God" 

                                              

Brian MacLaren in his commentary talks about: The light on Moses' face and the strength in Samson's arm represent the most noble of character. Present in Moses and deserted in Samson because we either hold on tight in the wilderness or lose hold of God. And, He lets us go. And these two poles of perfection, beauty and strength, are given by Only One. It wasn't really about Samson's hair in these verses---that was just a symbol of God's strength let slip through his lofty fingers. MacClaren goes on to say: "There have been in the past, and there are today, thousands of simple souls, shut out by lowliness of position and other circumstances from all the refining and ennobling influences of which the world makes so much, who yet in character and bearing, ay, and sometimes in the very look of their meek faces, are living witnesses how mighty to transform a nature is the power of loving gazing upon Jesus Christ....There is no influence to refine and beautify men like that of living near Jesus Christ, and walking in the light of that Beauty which is the effulgence of the divine glory and the express image of His Person." This whole thing gives me much peace as I've been shut out, at times, throughout my life---but it is not my job to seek beauty and strength in this celebrity world of ours. My utmost goal and privilege is to live near Jesus Christ, the One I love. Judges 16:20 - may it never be of any of us. Samson did not know the Lord had left him. He just didn't know. Moses did not know that his face shone like the sun, either. So, what's the point here? It's our calling to live near and trust. The nearness of God is our only good.

NOTE: I just have to write this down and document it somewhere---and it fits here... When the Great Divide happened in my life, a beautiful world began responding to me in the most unexpected way and it happens day-in, day-out.  Ask me about it sometime.

PHOTO:  Place where I work: our high school campus where I've found the nearness of God in ways I never imagined.  

109 - "Sin Hides From Your Eyes the Things that Belong To Your Peace" Judges 13-15; Luke 15:1-10

Here we go...one more time into the hands of the Philistines.
And right smack dab when Israel was in distress,
Samson was born.
Son of a long childless mom.

Judges 13:3
"Mercies often waited for, often prove signal mercies,
and by them others may be encouraged to continue their hope in God's mercy."
Matthew Henry.
When you feel your trouble the most,
God often sends comfort.
There are answers to prayer I hold closely---

the compassion of God after a gang rape,

the healing of perceived childhood harm,

the loss of 5 babies to miscarriage, maybe twins, 
the birth   of Britt after 7 years,

the victory over cancer after 15 years,
the amazing freedom from a felt betrayal.
All Signal Mercies.

Matthew Henry wrote: 

 "Sin dispirits men; it hides from their eyes the things that belong to their peace." 

When the Spirit of God came upon Samson, his cords were loosed.  The victory for Samson was common means---the sorry jawbone of an animal slew a thousand.

PHOTO:  Copyright Free Stock Photos. 

108 - "Dare Not Play Fast and Loose with God" Judges 11-12; Luke 14:25-35

Vow and pay. Psalm 76. This vow story belongs to each of us who live and breathe and vow.

According to Henry's commentary, Jephthah’s sense of the powerful obligation of his vow must always be ours: "I have opened my mouth unto the Lord in a solemn vow, and I cannot go back,’’ (Judges 11:35) that is, "I cannot recall the vow myself, it is too late, nor can any power on earth dispense with it, or give me up my bond.’’ 

We deceive ourselves if we think to mock God, says Henry. 

What a powerful argument a marriage vow is against my sin,

we have by those vows bound ourselves out from,

"what a strong inducement to our duties we have hereby 

bound ourselves up to, and what a ready answer to every temptation."

I must therefore go forward.

I have sworn, and I must, I will, perform it.

Let me not dare to play fast and loose with God."

This daughter did not.

Instead of dancing at her wedding,

her closest friends mourn in the mountains her hard fate.

Her grievances belonged to her friends. 

And to her father:

"I know I am dear to you, but am well content that God should be dearer."

PHOTO:  I know I am dear to you. Solemn vows made 46 years ago this year.  Standing on a suspended bridge on a train stop through the most scariest Colorado mountains 

107 - "I Wanted Holidays from the School of Christ" Judges 9-10; Luke 14:1-24

#107 I wanted Holidays from the school of Christ. Not only do we want our distance from Christ but we also want tangibles---kids turning out right, even things that make us feel closer to God. Nothing wrong with the vehicle. Everything wrong with the motive. #60000thoughts #talkingtomyself

Judges 10:1 - Abimilech debauched Isreal with evil, disquieted Israel with ambition, disturbed Israel's very peace.  Then, God raises up a good man to reform the abuses, stop the idolatry, and heal the wounds.  This new judge saved them from themselves.  And it should be our very hope, too.  May God save us from ourselves---from wanting ambition in this celebrity world; from wanting ministry success in this storied mission; from wanting to live in this present life more than dealing with daily repentance; from wanting more than God and what He has planned and offered to each of us.  Save us from oursleves.  

Fast Forward 2,000+ years.  It happens to every one of us as we wrestle through this God thing.  

From a Favorite Book:  "Though I wouldn't have admitted it, even to myself, I didn't want God aboard.  He was too heavy.  I wanted Him approving from a considerable distance.  I didn't want to be thinking of Him.  I wanted to be free---like a Gypsy.  I wanted life itself, the color and fire and loveliness of life.  And Christ now and then, like a loved poem I could read when I wanted to.  I didn't want us to be swallowed up in God.  I wanted holidays from the school of Christ."  Sheldon Vanauken "A Severe Mercy"  

Not only do we want our distance from God but we want tangibles---those things that draw us, make us feel closer to God.  Nothing wrong with the vehicle.  Everything wrong with the motive.  

Sheldon wrote: "I had always served beauty.  My wife and I together had loved beauty.  Now, maybe, I was worshipping beauty in the Christian God while my wife was worshipping God.  There may be danger in the love of beauty, though it seems treason to say it.  Perhaps it can be a snare."  

And just maybe today we are worshipping music, health, success, ministry, justice, mission, even our children turning out right.  Are we worshipping God or what is way too important in our hands?

PHOTO:  A Holiday.

106 - "The Sword is the Gospel in His Mouth" Judges 7-8; Luke `3:23-35

106 The sword is the Gospel in his mouth. It is the Gospel that really changes us. A Dream changed Things for Gideon. #60000thoughts #talkingtomyself

A Dream Changes Things for Gideon.

It is the Gospel that really Changes Us!

God reduces Gideon's army to 300 people---No Way on Earth they could win this battle without God. No way on earth we can either. 

I am "taken" by a quote from Matthew Henry about this story: "In doing the duties required by God, we must not regard the forwardness or backwardness of others, nor what they do, but what God looks for is at our hands. He is a rare person who can endure that others should excel him in gifts or blessings, or in liberty; so that we may say, it is by the special grace of God that we regard what God says to us, and not look to men what they do."

God speaks to Gideon. “Arise, go down against the camp of Midian, and afterward your hands will be strengthened that you may go.” Judges 7:11. And, then, another confirmation. A dream interpreted ... that God would give the camp of Midian into their hands. That's it! Arise! Go take your spoil. "For the Lord." The dream was simple---a cake of bread rolls and knocks over a tent. Nothing special there. It's the interpretation that is Divine! "There is nothing else save the sword of Gideon." The sword is not in his hand. The sword is the Gospel in his mouth. Judges 7:14. Gideon takes this interpretation as a sure thing. He worships! Oh my soul! Can we worship God in the circumstances before us? Wherever we are. This moment. Providence is on our side! God's intervention may be a small event, maybe seemingly accidental. What is God speaking to you? What divine appointment encourages your faith today? 

As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals. And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side, and they did not show steadfast love to the family of Gideon in return for all the good that he had done to Israel."  Judges 8:33-34. What do we want more than the Love of God?  Life is not like a spicket that you turn off and on thinking you want to decide the distance between you and God.  

PHOTO:  No way on Earth we do this life well without God. Edited sun photo.   

105 - "May Our Relationship With God Be Like The Sun in Full Strength" Judges 4-6; Luke 13:1-22

 105 Generation after generation they forgot about God when things were going good. Relationship with God is our greatest good. "They feared the loss of blessings that provide them with comfort and a sense of personal well being. 

Generation after generation "they forget about God" when things are going good.  And we all do the same in this generation.  That's why we need the Book of Judges.

This Book isn't about returning to God, finding God, only for a good life and good blessings.  This book is all about finding God!  Relationship with Him is our greatest good, our best blessing ever. The generations here in this book feared what we fear today:  "the loss of the blessings that were providing them with comfort and a sense of personal well-being."  66LL.  Too small!  There's more.

God is more about changing our motives than just our behavior.  I feel we look too shallow as we evaluate what we can do better, what circumstances need to change, what behavior needs to improve.  No more!  God heals us from within and transforms us.  If we are not changing, we must ask why?  Why do we do what we do?  God heals us to change our impact on those in our paths---does the Beauty of God pour out of us and draw others into dependence on God. Psalm 50:2. Or do we play it safe in relationships not rocking the boat.  

Deborah and Barak knew.  "The leaders took the lead in Israel, the people offered themselves willingly, bless the Lord!"  And the tremblings go on and on through the earth through those who trust.  And when we forget ... will we repent when we remember?

Judges 5:31. "Let those who love God be like the sun when it comes out in full strength." Make us all mighty men and women who trust you when things go well and when things go wrong.  

PHOTO:  The ocean roars.  Santa Rosa Island.  Sunrise.  Thinking about how God is changing my motives and my impact, not just my behavior.  

104 - "Something Worse Than Suffering" Judges 1-3; Luke 12:32-59

#104  Something Worse than a difficult life. Something Worse than all this pain & suffering.

Something Worse than all the bad things that happen to us. Am I more afraid of losing the blessings or losing my relationship with God? 

The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I swore to give to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.’ Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this?" Judges 2: 1-2. We are no different.  Do we want God or do we want the good life here on earth?  

There is 

Something Worse than a difficult life.  

Something Worse than all this pain & suffering.

Something Worse than all the bad things that happen to us.

Insecure.

Invisible.

Inadequate.

Is that the worse?

Losing all life's blessings?

Is that the worse?

God is re-defining the word "love" for me.

What is my greatest good in this life?

Is it God?

Am I any different than the people in Judges?

Am I more afraid of losing the blessings or losing my relationship with God?

A telling verse: Luke 12:56 How is it that you don't know how to interpret the present time? Your present self?

PHOTO: Hawaii. Thinking about life's greatest good.

103 - God Puts To Flight A Thousand For You" Joshua 22-24; Luke 12:1-31

 #103 Last Words! Love the Lord your God and walk in His Ways and cling to Him with all your heart and soul. God Himself puts to flight a thousand for you. Joshua 22:5-6   

                                                             

Joshua is about to go the way of all flesh. It's his last words that make my heart stand up and scream stop to my world and listen long. What will this servant leader say that could make a difference in our lives? "Love the Lord your God, and walk in all his ways and keep his commandments and cling to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” And Joshua blesses them and sends them home. Joshua 22:5-6.

You have seen what the LORD your God has done for you. I sit tonight in the exact same seat I was in over a decade ago when my world crashed in on me. Never in my wildest hopes did I think I could walk out of the depression that immobilized my heart and soul. Not only did I walk out, I have flourished and flown in freedom more than I could have ever thought. If you knew my circumstances right now, that's not what identifies me and makes me stable and successful. It is the LORD, our God Who has been fighting for me. And as I sit in this memorable moment, Joshua 23:10 takes hold of a deep place in me: "One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He Who fights for you, just as he promised you. He did! He has! He is! He will! God Himself pushes them out.

What's the price of the bird on the steeple? Luke 12:6. God never overlooks one of them. How much more does He pay attention to you? You are worth more than a million birds. 

Dear Father, As I sit in the spot where I spiraled years ago to depths of despair that were never meant to be, I find You, a Good God turning the watercourse whatever ways You will---Proverbs 21:1. With blind trust, I surrender this present moment. Help us all find a little bit more rest than we had yesterday.

PHOTO: A little bird landed on the cross just as I clicked the camera of this little country church that I passed a thousand times in my life in Fort Worth. Used to live smack dab across the street from this little country church. It's a Beautiful God Who has done an incredible work in my heart as I remember the thoughts I had when I would pass this little country church. And those thoughts are no more.

102 - "Groundswell of Hope" Joshua 19-21; Luke 11:29-54

#102 Joshua 21:44 is a groundswell of hope to this very age. Not only did God give rest from 40 years of wilderness travels, He gave them rest from the fatigue of the battle against the Canaanites. He gave them rest from the pressures and thoughts and emotions they battled within. God gave rest on every side. This recorded experience stands my hope and ground, my confidence in You, Oh God, and what You will yet do for us this day.

This verse, Joshua 21:44, is a groundswell of hope up to this very age.  Not only did God give them rest from 40 years of wilderness travels, and rest from the fatigue of battle against the Canaanites, but also rest from the pressures and thoughts and emotions within where they battled too.  All the days of Joshua.  God gave rest on every side.  

Oh God!  You write these verses as a ground of hope and confidence to me this very night.  Give me rest on every side.  I've spent decades following You and have sought a rest from the physical labor and the woes of life.  This recorded experience stands my ground, my confidence in You and what You will yet do.  In due time. 

The crowd swelled in Luke 11:29 and Jesus told them they are looking for "proof" before hope. All looking for something to titillate your curiosity, satisfy your lust for miracle. The only proof we will ever get is the Jonah-proff given to the Nineties---looks like no proof at all. 

PHOTO: Rest on the horizon.

101 - "Can I Just Believe While in the Situation I Am In" Joshua 16-18; Luke 11:1-28

#101 - Can we just believe while in whatever lot the Lord has apportioned for us? Joshua 17:17

Can we just believe in whatever lot the LORD has apportioned to us

As we cross the bridge from one circumstance to the next?

Believe right in this very place where we stand.

I grew up with little wealth compared to US standards. Same today. What will I do with what I have? Why do I demand God's Love show me more? Why do I wrestle with what the world thinks of people who haven't really made something big in life. A preacher told me one time: "If you succeed, then you'll know that this was the right thing. If you fail, then ... there ... there's your answer. No one will respect you." Funny the things people say to us that stick.  Why do I hold in my heart what the world thinks of me?  And a tear, maybe two, rolls down my cheek.

Joshua spoke to the House of Joseph who complained about having only one lot. Joshua 17:17. I'm giving you one lot and a mountain full of woods to work. Brooks and creeks. Corn and wheat. Cows and pasture. Dare we deserve a handout without any sweat? This Word of God is not about putting Knowledge in our Heads. It changes us to make us want to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Makes us want to work very hard at the job where we are. Transformed to believe and trust and wait in whatever wilderness, whatever lot, whatever circumstance we are in. Not hoping for an end but hoping for Peace Himself to break through in the midst of a broken world, full of Canaanites and broken people. Not to use Canaanites for our ends but to honor what's in our possession and work out love for those with less.

God gives out plenty and want---it is all for our good and simply amazing that He does anything for us, wishy-washy demanding people, deserving of what?  We cannot define the Goodness of God by what we have or do not have.  We define life by the Love from the Eternal Word, Who is always doing us good in lonely fields & forests, in friendly cities & comfort.  What we long for is really Him, the Beauty.  Not the counterfeit of thinking that we have it all here, storing up treasures for whom? 

PHOTO: Image:  Keene Public Library www.flickr.com

100 - "Good Enough Christianity" Joshua 13-15; Luke 10:25-42

                                                                     

I don't think I could enjoy them anymore.  Flew up to Kansas City to pick up Zekey for Ezri's 6th Birthday Party---and flew him back to KC.  Whirlwind trips to the museum, trampoline park, and gargantuan indoor playgrounds.  This won't last forever for me.  I am growing old. No one knows the time.  I will give you everything I can til the day God calls me home.  

“You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over." Joshua 13:1.  God reminds us all, that for those of us who still can, we must finish the work He has given.  He brings others along to put on the top-stone.  He expects Joshua to count where he is.  He expects all of us to number our days and present to Him a heart of wisdom.  Don't lock the door yet.  No bar on the door until it is locked forever.  Remind yourself to rise up to the occasion to fight the good fight of faith and never dismiss the battles all around me---but I must also engage in the battle going on in me.  If I don't, I'll just live in "good-enough" Christianity.  We all need to know how to navigate our way through the battle within and find the true "rich fare." 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. Love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 1027.

PHOTO:  Ezri and Zeke at the Bullock history museum in Austin. February 2023

99 - Sun Stand Still — the Lord is fighting For You” Joshua 10-12; Luke 10:1-24

 #99 Surely the Lord is fighting for you. Joshua 10:14. He made the sun stand still at your request.

  

The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua at Gilgal:  Don't abandon us! Help! All of the Amorite kings have joined forces against us.  Joshua 10:6

Joshua gathered his best fighting men and marched up all-night from Gilgal and surprised them.  But it's what the LORD says to Joshua that trumps everything:  "Do not be afraid of them.  Not one of them will be able to withstand you."  Joshua 10:8

Joshua and the Israelites completely defeated them.  And the LORD hurled huge hailstones down on them and God gave the Amorites over to Israel.

And right smack dab in front of Israel, Joshuau said:  "Sun, stand still.  And you, moon." Joshua 10:13.  Until the jnation avenged itself.  Never has there been a day like this, before or sincel, when the Lord listened to a human being.  "Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel." Joshua 10:14.  

Surely, the Lord is fighting for you.

98 -“A Sword in Christ’s Hand” Joshua 7-9; Luke 9

  

As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until ythey had crossed over, their hearts melted and there was no ylonger any spirit in them because of the people of Israel. Joshua 5:1. They lost hope. And so many this day have lost hope and shifted their attention away from God to live the good life here. How could this ever be all there is? And the wrath of God advances then, now. What will we do with what God is stirring up?

And the peoples hearts melt again---became as water when their neighbors were killed at Ai. Josh 7:5. And Joshua falls on his face. And God says, "Get up!" Go do the work, Joshua. There are "devoted things" among them that are not devoted to God. Consecrate the people.

And God Himself appears to Joshua with a sword drawn in his Hand. He appears as a warrior. Christ will be to us what we need. Joshua needed this picture to encourage him to keep on fighting the daunting road ahead. God promised Joshua that he was not Alone. What do you need to see in God's Face toward you this day? I so need His Mercy. Beleaguered over here. Like Joshua, may we move on by God's Presence and Power. Col 1:29.

PHOTO:  Outside my classroom window, a dismal day packed with hope for our sin.  

97 - "The Sea Saw and Fled" Joshua 4-6; Luke 9:18-36

                                                                             

Now, the undaunting Joshua leads Israel to cross the Jordan River on dry ground. He saw it happen once before. And that same God is with Joshua and the men from the 12 tribes. 

 “Be strong and very courageous.

Joshua saunters in faith across the floor of the Jordan---the place where his Redeemer will be baptized.  No way for Joshua to know that.  The only history they have is of Moses and Egypt and the Red Sea.  And a very Present God with Moses ---     Who will now be with Joshua.  A Very Present Power promising His Presence and Strength. 

Mark the occasion.

"What do these stones mean?" Joshua 4:21. Tell your children when they ask:
Symbols of twin promises:
Your God is all powerful.
Your God is to be feared.

The stones. 

Recognize how strong God's rescuing Hand is.

Recognize your need to hold God in solemn reverence always. 

Each person who crossed had to answer the question from Luke 9:30 himself. "Who do you say that I am?" The most important question we will answer in our life. 

PHOTO:  Looking down from 34,000 feet to the rivers and oceans. Parting the Jordan River in my mind and seeing the tribes of faith crossing from one bank to the other. When you are smack dab in the middle of the crossing, There is nowhere else to go but to Trust. 

96 - "God Is With You in the Midst of Your Confusion" Joshua 1-3;

                                                                   

Oh! The Wonder of a Beautiful God moving through history, our story, to move us into holiness. Oh! The enormity of what He is doing in our lives. “Be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. … This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.” Joshua 1:8.  “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you or forsake you.” Joshua 1:5.  So, right where you are fixed with all emotion and involvement and commitment and confusion---God is with you in the midst of your mess.  But make no mistake, you’re a beautiful mess. 

5 Loaves and 2 Fish. Luke 9:14. That's all we need. 

Oh, Friends, do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful whatever you have inherited. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” How can we grasp an ironclad hold on this?  

How did Joshua rise above to receive an invitation to cross the Jordan and lead his friends to the Promised Land?  The flood banks of the Jordan are overflowing.  Crossing this river is an impossible adventure.  Not for Joshua.  He believes God's Providential Hand is in this.  "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you."  No one will be able to stand up against you.  So, why is it when I was stiff-armed that I thought that God wouldn't help?  His Power & Presence equal this event of mine.  A promise of the Presence of God Himself.  Simply amazing.  Moses knew what it meant to walk with God in the midst of his own infirmities. Now Joshua.   God tells us not to be discouraged over our sins but to trust the Captain of our salvation.  We're enlisted followers.  What could I better say to you than I will pray that the Presence of God will be so very real in this next event of yours---where He promises His Power and Presence.  Joshua had no idea how hundreds of thousands could cross the Jordan River and live.  It was in Joshua 3:13, when the priests first put their big toe into the water, that heaps of water stood right up and invited them across a path on an ocean floor where no one had ever walked before. 

PHOTO:  Taken 30,000 feet in the air. God is with us above, beyond, sitting right next to us.

95 - "Your Strength Is Equal to Your Day" Deuteronomy 32-34; Luke 8:26-56

                                                                        

Oh my! God's Word Deeply Touches this heart of mine.  This day.  These events.  Your strength is equal to your day. This event. Why have I never seen that verse before---Deut 33:25.  These are the words of Moses, a song that sinks deep in our storied lives. “Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark "Let my teaching drop quenching this thirst of my needy heart."  Deut 32:2.  

O! Moses, the 21st Century hears your words:

Your teaching drops as the rain,

distilled as the dew,

like gentle rain.

Dt 32:2

So! Take to heart these last words of Moses:

Tell them to your children so,

they may do the Word.

It's your very life.

Dt 32:47

With eyes undimmed and vigor unabated:

Moses blesses those he leaves,

Remember this every day:

There is none like God

Dt 33:26

He rides through the heavens to your help

Through the skies in His Majesty.

The Eternal God is your

Dwelling Place.

Dt 33:26

Three Verses from the mouth of Moses

that have carried me through.

His words have been 

Life to me. 

Scores and scores of years and years later.  And these words of Moses fall like rain on me this day.  It's been a tough week.  It's not over.  I've struggled more than usual.  No answers.  Trust in this darkness.  

The Day of all the Year has come. He is Risen. 

So, Keep On Grasping for the hem of His Garment.

So, Keep On Believing. Luke 8:50-51

PHOTO:  And painted on the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is that beautiful story from Genesis to Revelation.  We are, indeed, a Beautiful mess in this Broken world of ours.

94 - "Oh, Eternal Word of God" Deuteronomy 30-31; Luke 8:1-25

                                                                 

There is no other God like this God of Israel!  Every single day of our lives He supports us, undergirds us with His Everlasting Arms.  He rides across the heavens to help us in these events we face this day.  Not to punish.  Thank you God for deeply caring, undergirding, carrying us, all the days of our lives.

Praise the LORD, for each day He carries us in His Arms. Psalm 68:19

 “Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against you." Deut 31:26.

"Nothing more important than love and obey.  

It is Moses' last sermon. The last words of one of the greatest men who followed God. Take the Word with you. Nothing more important.  The Eternal Word of God.  Written for Moses.  Written for you and for me. This very day, forward.  Leaning forward on the Word of God.  

Leaning to the New Testament ... Jesus says: "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the Word of God and do it. Luke 8:21. Where is your faith Luke 8:25? 

PHOTO: FLICKR. Copyright Free Images.

93 - "A Blessing Rests On You Wherever You Are" Deuteronomy 28-29; Luke 7:31-50

What would it be like to have been there and hear this blessing from God.

Standing on Mount Gerizim to bless the people:

Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin.

No Moses.  No Aaron.  

Blessed shall you be in the city & blessed shall you be in the country.
Blessed shall be the offspring of your body,
and the produce of the ground,
the increase of your herd,
Blessed shall be all your flock,
Blessed shall be your basket and your bowl.
Blessed shall you be when you come in & blessed when you go out.

We must ask ourselves every time we read the Word of God: "What's the point?"  

Here, blessings shout out from the top of one glorious mountain followed by curses delivered from the peak of doom mountain. 

Wherever we go in life---
dwelling in the country or the city, 
leading our little ones, 
gathering our food for the day,
working hard at what we do,
living life whether it is coming in or going out.

Wherever we go...
Wherever you are, there is a blessing that can rest upon you---if we follow God.
Doesn't mean that everything will work our way, no!
Means that everything will be considered and cared, 
re-directed or re-created by the Providential Hand of God.
Take Courage.  The Good Hand of God is on you to bless you today and always.

Deut 28:3-6

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven.  Nor is it beyond the sea.  No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Deut 29:11-14. I hope all the words you've ever heard help you to truly live. 
When you call to mind what you have done . . .

Then...in the New Testament. Luke 7:38. The blessing rests on the woman in the city who came to the house of the Pharisee because she knew Jesus was at the Pharisee's table. A sinner came to the table. The unnamed woman washed Jesus' feet with her tears---I wonder what her tears were for? And she dried His feet with her hair---I could do that. The bottle of fragrant oil cost an exorbitant wage. She gave it all to Him. Extravagant love. 

PHOTO:A blessing from the mountaintop.  How can we live this out is the real question.

92 - “The Human Side” Deuteronomy 26-27; Luke 7:1-30

…

"Your corpses are going to litter the wilderness---every one of you twenty years and older who was counted in the census, this whole generation of grumblers and grousers." Eugene Peterson. Only Caleb and Joshua will enter this Promised Land along with the children of those grousers. Moses and the priests instruct those children who are now 59 and younger:

"Keep silence and hear: this day you have become the people of the Lord your God. You shall therefore obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.” Deut 27:9-10.  

Keep your silence, Bev. When the rivers rage; when the deserts dry up; when the bridges blow up in your soul, forget not his benefits. Remember the LORD your God.

Are you the One?" An odd question for one of the top ten prophets of all time to ask? It so shows the human side of all of us. John sits in prison pondering the scenario---why am I at this place in my story? Luke sets the stage: The story of the famous Gentile centurion over 100; the poor widow of Nain holding a lifeless child; and now John the Baptist's perplexing question as he sits in jail.  Luke nails it:  So what will be my response to Jesus, and why should we respond to him? At this point Luke zeroes in on the real question. This section's dominant theme is faith. It's all about the presence of faith or doubt in the Presence of God. And Jesus doesn't reply "yes."  He replies:  "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."  Luke 7:20-23. Jesus really didn’t answer John’s question. 

PHOTO: Flicker. Copyright free.

91 - "Don't Bring Sin Upon Your Family" Deuteronomy 23-25; Luke 6:27-49

                                                              

“See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.”  Joshua 24:27.  The last words of Joshua---do not follow foreign gods.  Even the rocks have heard your testimony.  Joshua's face was set like a flint determined to guide the people to the Captain of their Soul and no other.  

The Living Word! Some of us end up in marriages that we would not have chosen had we not been swept away by the moments of our youth ~ #nofavorintheireyes. Deut 24:1.  Maybe it was the Providential Hand of God that He placed you in the marriage you are in---like Hosea, who married beneath him.  Maybe it is our own sinful choices, lustful choices, even ignorant choices that landed us where we lay our heads this night. Don't bring sin upon your family ~ Deut 24:4.  Whether it's Providence or our own sin, we all have opportunity to bear our own burdens rather than give in to sin.  We can find a rest we know not, no matter the circumstance.  God's Divine Power enables us by Grace Upon Grace to sanctify the crosses we bear.  God's Matchless Grace supports us---Underneath are His Loving Arms.  God's Comforting Spirit teaches and reproves and provides the way for us to better learn how to obey in the midst of distance and difficulties.  God will make this marraige more tolerable---He changes us, not just our spouse. We have the Written Word of God.  We worship the Living Word!  

Even in Luke 6, we find: If you love those who love you, what credit is that? Love your enemies and do good, hoping for nothing in return. Luke 6:32, 35

PHOTO: Egypt. Circa 2010. 

90 - "God Assures Us in Sustenance Not Solutions" Deuteronomy 20-22; Luke 6:1-26

                                                              

Dear Ones, When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. Deut 20:1. God assures us not in solutions but with sustenance, His Presence.  

And what will happen, as you read this Good Book, you will begin to see Deut 20:1-2 in greater measure: "when you see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt. So, let not your faint! For the LORD your God is He Who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. Oh my, do I ever need to know this today.

Dear God, Help me to not be afraid or dismayed by reason of this great horde against me. Help me to believe down deep that the LORD shall fight for me and I need to hold my peace. Psalm 60:12. 

PHOTO: The Lord is with you to fight for you against those mountains you face.

89 - "May Your Heart Not Be Lifted Up Above Others" Deuteronomy 17-19; Luke 5:17-39

As the sun sets on this day, 

May I be persuaded & swayed a little more deeply,

that My God is watching from daybreak to the end of the day.

The LORD shall fight for me.  I need to read the Book and live it out and hold my peace.

Read this Book all the days of your life that you may learn to fear the LORD, your God, by carefully observing all the words here, and that your heart may not be lifted up above your fellow man, and that you may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left. Deut 17: 19-20. What turns us aside: riches and recognition, pleasures and pride. 

The power of the Lord was present in Luke 5:17 present to heal. So, men lowered their paralyzed friend down through the tile roof. From the Rooftop. Jesus saw their faith. 

Does He see my faith tonight?

PHOTO: The sun sets. 5-4-3-2-1. Hold your peace.