God’s Word Will Prevail

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Imagine living in the days of Abraham. God instructed Abraham to leave his family’s homeland and go to a new country. God promised to make of him a great nation during his time in the land of Canaan. There were two problems to that promise, at least in the mind of Abraham. He and his wife were old. And they were childless. During his time in Canaan, Abraham had had a son with his wife’s servant girl. God specifically told him that the great nation would come from him and his wife, Sarah. Not the son of the slave. So Abraham trusted God. And twelve years later, Sarah became pregnant. Sure enough, they had a son and named him Isaac. Just as God had promised.

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3

Isaac later took a wife named Rebekah, and they had two sons, Jacob and Esau. God had told Rebekah during her pregnancy that the older son would serve the younger one. And, as God’s promises always come to pass, Esau served Jacob. Of course, their story came with several twists and turns of deceit by Jacob and a burning hatred for him by Esau. But God’s promise stood firm.

Jacob later became the victim of deceit by his own father-in-law. This man had two daughters and had promised the second one to Jacob. But, lo and behold, Jacob was deceived and married the older daughter, Leah because the older always marries before the younger one. He had to work seven more years to earn the woman he loved. Together with Leah and Rachel and their two handmaids, Jacob became the father of twelve sons. Those sons became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus the great nation God had promised to Abraham was formed. Today, their descendants are the Jewish people.

Imagine living in the days of the early church. The majority of the twelve disciples were met with a violent death at the hands of those who opposed their teaching. They knew their lives were in danger. They knew their days were numbered. But they continued to travel from town to town, preaching the Good News that Jesus had shared with them. They had been called to preach the Good News to everyone, Jew and Gentile, and they did so even at the cost of their own lives.

Think of the day of Pentecost, which was basically the birth of the New Testament church. It was a one-day event, yet it had a huge impact on the church and the spread of the gospel. But it didn’t solve the world’s problems of that day. Stephen was later martyred. Many believers were persecuted, thrown in prison and killed. Regardless of the pain and suffering that occurred because of the opposition they faced, the teachings of Jesus were still widely spread. And the growth of the church continued at a rapid pace. The glory belonged to God, even during the suffering of the church.

Though the gospel was preached in the midst of much conflict, it continued to increase and prevail mightily. Multitudes turned from worshipping idols to serving the true living God. Consider today the growth of the underground church in countries hostile to Christianity. It’s growing at a tremendous rate, while the western world shrugs its shoulders and turns its back on God.

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 1 Thessalonians 2:2

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Acts 19:20

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

And yet. After all those many, many years, the truth of God’s Word still stands.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13

Now here we are living in the days of excessive social media and AI, along with cultural and political disarray. We can’t live in fear of the unknown. We can’t live in fear of not knowing what will happen in the near or distant future in this country or world. Why do we want to put that level of pressure on ourselves?

We must realize that the gospel is being preached amid the conflict and chaos of our times. God’s word will not return void. As Allie Beth Stuckey says, “God’s eternal plan of redemption is going off without a hitch.” He knows exactly what is happening with the war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the upcoming midterm elections, the economy, the death of Charlie Kirk and everything else. He sees and he knows, and he is holding the world in the palm of his hands. Yes. He loves everyone in the universe, and he wants each of us to turn to him. He wants us to repent of our sins and follow his ways. But he loves us so much that he’s given us the choice. So, regardless of how we choose to live our lives, and regardless of how seriously we mess up this world and our lives, he still loves us. And he’s waiting for us to turn to him. And regardless of the chaos and confusion of today’s world, God has ordained all our moments. He knew exactly what life would be like for us right now. And he’s allowed it. So, if he knows and allows it, we can trust him.

God rarely reveals himself directly. He very rarely proves himself through positives. He usually proves himself through negatives. The presence of evil is one of the great arguments on behalf of God. Evil is a thing that we get to experience in the world. Because it exists, we get to experience what goodness is. ~Jeremy Boreing, Relatable podcast Episode 1347

Don’t think that God isn’t trustworthy because life isn’t going according to your five year plan. God’s ways are better than anything we can plan or imagine. Some people just enjoy hearing themselves talk. They think too highly of themselves. God isn’t like that. When he says something. When he promises something. It will come to pass. Not necessarily in our time or on our terms. But in God’s holy, ultimate plan and timing, his word will be fulfilled. He does not speak empty words. Every sentence written in the Bible is reliable. Every last letter and stoke of the pen has a meaning, and it will be fulfilled.

For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

Defending Your Faith

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, a young man was baptized at our church. Our church doesn’t schedule one or two baptisms a year. They baptize someone as soon as the person says they’re ready after they’ve accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. No waiting. Let’s just get it done. And this baptism was very special. Oh. Our pastor made sure to remind the congregation that every baptism is special, but this one pretty much takes the cake. Everyone who is baptized at our church gives their testimony before they go under the water, so everyone can hear their salvation story. It isn’t an act they’re playing in front of a group of people. Their salvation is the real deal.

So. You ask. What made the baptism of this young man so special? I may not have his entire story correct, but here’s what I know. This young man came to this country within the last year from an Islamic country. He grew up in a strict Muslim home. He adopted his family’s faith, of course. He taught the beliefs. He sang in their services. He proselytized. He was a firm believer of Islam. And then he came to this country. At some point, he started to have doubts. He realized he no longer believed what he had been taught. So he sought out people of other faiths, all the way from atheism to Christianity. And he soon realized that deep down Christianity was the true faith he should follow.

After wrestling with God for awhile, he surrendered his life to his Creator and Heavenly Father. Oh. He knew the personal cost. If he were to ever return to his home country, he would lose his life. He realizes he may never be allowed to return. And he will not be able to see some of his family members ever again. But he has made the decision to follow Christ, at all costs. And so, he was baptized.

Yes. There is a price to pay for our faith. For those of us born in a country that celebrates religious freedom, we don’t give our religious freedom a second thought. But to someone such as this young man, he knows the price he would pay if he were to return home. He would pay with his life.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Then just a few days ago, I was listening to the Relatable podcast where Allie Beth Stuckey interviewed Shahriq Khan, who is an ex-Muslim. This young man was raised in this country by very devout Muslim parents. He too became very devout in his faith and loved to share it with others. He would challenge Christians about their faith and found that they couldn’t really defend their beliefs. But during college, he began to have doubts. He gave up his faith and wasn’t sure what he believed. Like the young man at my church, he considered atheism and then he looked at Christianity. When he started searching for the truth, friends suggested he read the Bible. As he read and studied the Word of God, he realized Christianity was the truth. The way, the truth and the life. When he compared the stories in the Bible to the stories in the Quran, he found that the Quranic stories weren’t factual. He had been taught lies. He became a Christian and eventually began sharing his newfound faith.

And here’s the kicker. Here’s where we followers of Christ can learn from this young man. Since he knew the ins and outs of the Islamic faith, as a Christian he knew how to debate his Muslim family and friends. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Muslim faith. He knew that, as a Muslim, he had been taught how to counter the arguments Christians made against Islam. As a Muslim he learned how to defend his Muslim faith, and he did so proudly. But as a Christian, he then had to flip the switch and argue the strengths of the biblical gospel compared to the defects of the Islamic teachings. So he dug deep into God’s Word to prepare himself to counter the teachings of Islam.

This young man has started a ministry that teaches Christians how to dismantle the untruths of the Islamic faith when talking to Muslims. And this ministry is helping to turn Muslims to Christ. All because faithful Christians shared the Good News of salvation with a lost Muslim, who is now sharing his Christian faith with other Muslims. His goal is not to push Muslims out of our country. He wants to win them to Christ. We should join the fight with him and learn to share our faith with not only Muslims but with anyone who doesn’t know Christ.

Believers today have a responsibility to share their biblical faith with those who don’t believe. We can’t just go to church and then do nothing. We must study God’s Word and prepare and train to share the Good News that we’ve been taught. We must know how to refute the lies that Satan has planted in the hearts of so many who are lost. We can’t wait for the next person to speak up. We must do our part in sharing the Gospel.

We all have a mission field that we are serving. Do you recognize those in your sphere of influence who are spiritually lost? Do you know and understand your faith well enough to defend it to someone who believes differently? Are you willing to learn how to defend your faith? We only have so much time to reach the lost. If each of us who call ourselves believers aren’t doing our part, who will? How will the lost be won to Christ if Christians don’t share the Good News?

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14

Speaking Out Biblically on Cultural Norms

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The times we’re living in. They sure are crazy. I remember when it was acceptable to be a Christian and speak of it publicly without worry. I remember when it was acceptable to be conservative and speak of it without threat of losing friendships. I remember when it was acceptable to speak of politics with someone from the opposing party without being canceled. I remember when it was acceptable to speak out publicly about what you believed and what you opposed without fear of being ridiculed, insulted or fired from your job. But things are different now.

I’ve lived long enough to see when the tide started turning. And the noticeable turn seems to have begun with a presidential election that I won’t elaborate on. And then a global pandemic occurred, which caused an even quicker plummet into an abyss that we haven’t recovered from culturally or politically. Since that time, the cultural and political scenes have continued to disintegrate. And the church is caught somewhere in the middle of this conundrum.

Some may call it empathy when others agree or accept alternative lifestyles or choices. They call it loving others when we tamp down the resistance of some who don’t “seem to understand” the decisions by those who call themselves Christians but live otherwise. It’s been made clear that we must not resist. We must accept and agree with the culture that has moved directly in opposition to what Jesus taught. But when something is morally wrong, shouldn’t we as Christians oppose it? When something is ethically wrong, shouldn’t we say so? Or should we just clam up and watch?

Through this mess of a civilization we’re in, I’ve learned where I stand on many important issues. I’m still learning, but I’ve realized that as a Bible believing Christian, I need to make sure my stance is biblically sound. Because it would be very easy to side with the group that shouts the loudest and the longest. It would be easy to side with those who seek equity and social justice for all. It would be easy to side with those who announce their pronouns and acceptance of every alphabet group that shouts to be heard. But keep reading, and I’ll tell you why I don’t.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

I believe the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. I have chosen to use it as my guide to life. The Bible doesn’t spell out instructions or information about all of the issues we face today. There are many black and white areas we navigate, but there are many gray areas where we must study and pray for God’s wisdom. Biblical truth will lead us to a life that loves others and speaks the truth, even when it’s inconvenient or unwanted or unaccepted.

I am pro-life. I believe that in every stage of pregnancy, the new life is a human life. I believe everyone is made in the image of God. The life of the unborn baby should not be ended even if it was the result of someone else’s crime. A suspected or confirmed disability or health issue of the unborn should not be the reason a pregnancy is terminated. Abortion is not healthcare; it is the worst violation of the most basic human rights. The right to life. Someone dies as a result of every successful abortion. It is the termination of a life created by God. It is murder.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalms 139:13

There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Proverbs 6:16-19

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Proverbs 31:8

The Bible tells us that God created man and woman, male and female. It does not speak one word about additional genders. Nowhere in the Word of God is there any mention of humans having the ability to move from male to female or vice versa. We are what we are. And when someone chooses to identify as the opposite sex, they are in contradiction to God’s will. No surgery or medication can change their God-given DNA. There is a false belief being taught today that says we can do as we please to our bodies without consequence, but the Bible teaches us to reject that teaching.

As a follower of Christ who has a biblical worldview, I cannot use someone’s preferred pronouns if they don’t align with the person’s created body. I cannot affirm what I know is not true. To do so would be to lie. Loving someone means hard truths are kindly spoken, even when I may be rejected for my beliefs.

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Corinthians 6:19

We’re told today that truth is relative. We can create our “truth” to be whatever makes us happy. But God’s Word is the ultimate truth, and if the truth we create doesn’t align with biblical truth, it isn’t the truth. So when someone says that love is love, and that a romantic love relationship with someone of the same sex is biblical, as Christians we can’t agree. We can’t applaud the relationship as being Christian. Regardless of what we’re told by today’s culture, a biblical love relationship is found only between one man and one woman. God’s Word is clear even if we disagree with it. The truth doesn’t change just because we don’t believe it.

It is true that some people have a same sex attraction, but the Bible says that acting on that attraction is sinful. Just as it is sinful to engage in gluttony or addictive behavior, the same truth stands for same sex relationships. God calls us to sacrifice our wants in order to be obedient to his will and his calling for our lives. We can resist the temptations we face, regardless of what they are, if we stand fully on God’s Word, spend time in prayer and make ourselves accountable to others who are biblically grounded and trustworthy.

Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. Leviticus 18:22

We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture. ~Elisabeth Elliot

You can agree with me or not. That’s your choice. I’m not always right, and I certainly don’t know everything. I want to be able to stand before God on judgment day with a clear but trembling heart, knowing I’ve lived my life in accordance with the teachings of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray you do the same.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. Romans 1:16

Children in Church

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The children’s workers at our church got a break on Easter Sunday. All the children were in the adult service for the entire time. Usually, the children go to Children’s Church right before the message. But not this Sunday. And since it was Easter, there were many visitors. The sanctuary was packed. And with all the kids in attendance for the entire service, it was a bit chaotic. Usually the kids are really quiet and don’t get up and run in and out of the service. But this week was different. With the smaller kids mixed throughout the crowd, they just couldn’t sit still for that long. It’s understandable. Their attention span isn’t quite that developed yet. Everyone survived the service, but I’m sure the parents were happy to walk out the church doors that morning.

I see the elementary aged kids in the church service with their parents each week. They actually are well behaved. They’re not running in and out of the service. They’re not making noise. They stand and sing the songs. They participate in communion. They are learning the art of worship. And yet they run out the double doors of the sanctuary like it’s nobody’s business when it’s time for Children’s Church.

Oh. I have to say that for the Easter service, the children’s leaders made activity packets for each child. In those packets were activity sheets, crayons, candy and I think I saw cookies or crackers. There were items to keep the kids entertained, so they didn’t get too fidgety. And it worked. The activity packets were a hit for all ages.

When I was a kid, I had to sit in the adult service every Sunday. There was no children’s church. There were no activity packets. No one had cell phones or tablets. I remember the cheerios my mom would bring in her purse. But we had to sit still and listen. And we opened the hymnal and sang. We stood during the Scripture reading and bowed our heads during prayer. We participated in the service, but quietly. And we learned the art of worship.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19:13-15

I volunteer with the Awana program at our church. I hadn’t worked with church kids for many years, and I find I’m enjoying them. Sure. There’s always at least one who is rowdier than the others. And there’s one who always wants to go first. There’s one who never wants to play the games. There’s one who never wants to memorize Bible verses. There’s one who clings too tightly to his mom. And there’s one who has started to really talk to me. He asks questions. In a round about way, he almost invited me to his piano recital. I think I’ve fallen in love with these kids.

I’ve tried to build a relationship with the kids. I joke with them. I ask about their families. I correct them. They tell me when their birthday is. One boy told me that one of the girls in our group is his cousin. Some of them call me an old lady. One asked if I was married. We’re all looking for connection and acceptance. Even kids. And old people.

After the first week or two of the Awana season, I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t sign up to work with them the next year. I thought this would only be a one-year commitment. But now that I’ve survived a full year, I’m ready to sign up again. Sure. There are nights that I’m worn out when I get home. And just about every Wednesday morning, I’m questioning my decision to be involved. But I go anyway. And I find I’m glad that I did.

Oh. I ran into another volunteer who had started a countdown at the beginning of the year. How many weeks left? And now we’re down to the final week. I believe we’ve survived. I’ve somewhat convinced myself that I won’t be allowed to volunteer in the fall, but I know I’m just being silly. More volunteers are always needed. The more volunteers there are, the more children can be enrolled. And I’m not sure if any other church in our small town offers the program. We get many kids who attend other churches. And that’s ok.

Children are an important part of any church. Families are key to the growth of a church. And I’m proud to say that my church has plenty of children and expectant mothers. We just need more volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours working with the kids on their memory verses. We need volunteers willing to share the gospel with the little ones, so they can learn from an early age about the love of Jesus Christ. We need volunteers who will play silly games with the kids so they can learn godly sportsmanship.

Children in church are important, because yes, they are the church of tomorrow. If they don’t learn the value of Scripture, forgiveness and a biblical walk with Christ while they’re young, we’ve done them a huge disservice. Children’s programs aren’t just about having fun or eating pizza. It’s about teaching them Bible verses and Bible stories that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Children are tomorrow’s leaders not just in business or politics, but also in church and in the home. That means that while it is still today, those children need to be taught sound biblical truths when they are sitting in the church pews, in children’s church and in any other teaching opportunity at church. They need to be taught how to lead and how to follow. When to be silent and when to speak up. When to give and when to receive. When to serve and when to be served.

Will you volunteer to work with the children at your church?

Attitude Check on Aisle Four

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I was in the grocery store, and I was in a hurry. I was trying to get all my errands run before my appointment, and I was rushing. Oh, I know it was all my fault, but here’s how the grocery shopping went. I rushed through the store, gathering up the items I needed. Then I went to stand in line, and there were three people in front of me with only one cashier working.

This grocery store is known for slow cashiers and even slower baggers. But there I was standing in line behind two people who were waiting for the one at the cashier to finish, and that transaction was taking awhile. I’m not sure why, but they were going slow. I dared not look at the clock because I didn’t know want to know what time it was. I knew my appointment was fast approaching, But here I stood with a cart full of groceries, and I was determined to pay for them and take them home with me.

First cart in line went through with a few items, and they went slowly. As the couple in front of me was checking out, I saw the cashier put a package of meat under the counter. Toward the end of scanning their groceries, the woman customer left the line and went to get a new package of meat. I was annoyed, to say the least. I knew I had little time, and here I was waiting for somebody to get another item. They had picked up one that had an expired date on it and didn’t want to buy expired meat.

As I stood there waiting impatiently, I reminded myself that I was the Christian here. I needed to represent Christ, just as he would have lived. But in that moment, I wasn’t feeling holy. I wanted to become like Jesus as he threw the the money changers out of the temple. I wanted to act in a holy rage and tell them I was in a hurry, and could they please move along. I wanted them to respect my schedule and my needs, but I stood there quietly. Yep, I drummed my fingers on the cart. I tried not to look at them, because I knew I wouldn’t have a happy look. I had an attitude problem. Finally, the woman reappeared with a new package of meat. They got checked out, and then it was my turn to have my groceries scanned.

I emptied my cart as fast as I could, and the cashier began scanning the items. He picked up a can of green beans that was dented, badly dented. He asked me if I wanted the dented can. Yes. I said I don’t have time to get another can. And he said, I’ll give them to you for 50 cents or for $1. Which would you prefer? I don’t care. So he settled on $1.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

The Bagger was slow as always, taking his sweet time. I finally had to help him put the groceries in my cart because he was just dawdling. I don’t know what goes through his mind. He never has a sense of urgency about doing his job. As we were putting the last items in the cart, he almost forgot one bag. So I had to hurry and put it in my cart. I needed to leave. I rushed to my car and unloaded all my groceries. As I pulled away from the grocery store, I realized I still had 30 minutes before I needed to get to the next appointment. I was going to make it on time. Why was I even worried? Why did I let myself get into such a stew over nothing?

When the spirit or the heart is the stage whereon sin is enacted, it is a spiritual sin; such are all impure thoughts, vile affections, and desires which do not break forth into overt action but are nonetheless real acts of the inner man. As with all sin, Satan is the great, unseen instigator of every sin of the heart. Keep a close watch on your heart.

~William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour

My bad attitude might not have been obvious to the people standing near me in that grocery store, but I knew that God had seen it. I knew that he was probably shaking his head knowing I had plenty of time to get to my next appointment. And then once I got to my destination, I would have to sit in my car for 15 minutes before going into the office. Otherwise I would have been waiting an extra long time in the doctor’s office.

And I just have to ask, why do I do this to myself? Why do I get all in a tizzy for no reason? I don’t know. It’s just the way I’m made. Probably nobody else in history has this same problem, but there I am being so human. And all the while knowing I’m a Christian and I don’t know if these other people are, and they were kind. The woman was apologetic for having to leave the line and get a new item. Yet I was frustrated. Thank goodness I didn’t actually say anything, because there was no need. I knew there was no need, but in my frustration I had plenty of unkind thoughts swirling in my head.

I can’t even say, Father forgive me, for I know not what I do, because I knew what I was doing. I knew my attitude was wrong. I knew my thinking was wrong, and I thought it anyway. So still I must say, Father, forgive me, especially when I know I’m wrong. Help me to be more like you in my words, in my actions, in my thoughts, in my attitudes, in the way I approach people. Help me to show kindness. Even if someone isn’t doing a good job. I can help them. I can be a good example.
Help me, Father, I need you.

I need Thee every hour,
  Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
  Can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
  Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior!
    I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour,
  Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
  When Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour,
  In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
  Or life is vain.

I need Thee every hour,
  Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
  In me fulfill.

I need Thee every hour,
  Most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
  Thou blessed Son.

~Annie Sherwood Hawkes/Robert Lowry

The Cost of Rescue

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I’m sure you’ve heard the news of the spectacular rescue of a member of the Air Force. He had been missing for over twenty four hours after his fighter jet was shot down. Oh. The pilot of the two-man aircraft had also ejected from the aircraft and had been found alive earlier. I’ve read that being ejected from a fighter jet is no small feat in itself. It’s an act that can’t be practiced, and it’s sometimes fatal. It happens in real time, and some soldiers end up losing extremities because of the extreme g-forces at play.

I wonder. What was it like to find yourself behind enemy lines knowing full well you could be captured at any moment? This second airman had to perform some evasive maneuvers in order to hide and survive. Oh sure. He had been trained in advanced survival skills. And to top it all off. He had been injured in the process of ejecting from the aircraft, making it even more difficult to evade the ever advancing enemy operatives. I heard he was bleeding profusely. But he was able to stop the flow of blood, and he did evade capture. And he’s lived to tell about it. What a story that will be if he ever goes public with the details.

A deception campaign was enacted in order to fool the enemy. Our military did not, under any circumstances, want this injured airman to be discovered and captured by the enemy. One hundred men were sent in to rescue him. It was a very historic rescue, after his jet went down deep in Iranian territory. The decision was made to do whatever was necessary to bring this man home. Our military doesn’t leave even one man behind. In broad daylight and facing heavy enemy fire for seven hours, the flight crews took risks beyond measure. They faced gunfire from a very close range. Yet. No American was injured in this firefight.

A massive operation was mobilized, involving one hundred and fifty aircraft. Many of these planes were used to confuse the enemy into thinking this lone lost airman was in a different area. The planes flew to multiple sites as a ruse to confuse the enemy. And it worked. 

This injured airman was successfully discovered after he had been stranded in an area teeming with the enemy. He followed his training and climbed toward a higher altitude in order to evade capture. He had been taught to move as far away as possible from the crash site, so the enemy couldn’t locate him. That’s exactly what he did.

Because of the wet sand where the additional aircraft had landed, it was possible that the huge machinery wouldn’t be able to lift off. The contingency plan brought in lighter, faster aircraft to carry the badly injured airman and all one hundred of his rescuers to safety. Then the original aircraft were immediately and completely destroyed. Three helicopters had been placed unassembled in the large aircraft, and were rebuilt in a matter of a few minutes. They were used extensively in the rescue plan.

What a massive undertaking this was to get this one man to safety. No expense was spared. It was all hands on deck, and everyone involved was ready to go at a moment’s notice. It’s this precise training and skill that makes our military the sharpest and best in the world.

And here’s the thing. Our military knew exactly who the enemy was. They knew what the enemy was capable of. We’ve seen the horrors that have played out in the streets of that country and in other zones deemed unsafe to global workers for decades. It was determined that it was time to act to stabilize the country. And in doing so, a great feat of heroism was displayed by the rescue team. This one man will be forever indebted to them for saving his life.

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10

The rescue of this lone man was very involved and was planned down to the exact detail. Nothing could go wrong in the effort to save him. The intricate steps to extricate one downed soldier from the enemy’s snares are impressive. It’s a fascinating, yet alarming story of precision. We may think it’s overkill. But imagine the one being rescued. What would they have faced if left to their own devices? What would their enemy have done to them?

If our military would go to such lengths to rescue one lone man, imagine how God works in the rescue of our souls. The rescue and redemption of all mankind is very intense, and it has eternal consequences. Oh. God doesn’t use military aircraft to rescue lost souls. He sent his only Son who was reigning safely in heaven with him to earth to live a fully human life for thirty three years. And then he sacrificed this Son for everyone. And by everyone, I mean those no longer living, those currently living, and those yet to be born. EVERYONE. His Son, Jesus, was crucified on a cross and then laid in a tomb. But miracle of all miracles, he rose from the dead on the third day.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and his rescue plan is out of this world. And he uses godly people in his redemption plan to rescue the lost. He uses multiple prayer warriors. He uses believers who plant the seed, and those who till the soil. Those who water. And those who harvest. It’s a group effort where everyone involved plays a part. But here’s the thing. No one knows exactly who else is involved in the mission for each individual soul. That information is top secret and kept in God’s control. He works to make it happen, and we’re the instruments in his overall plan.

And here’s another thing. We all need rescued from our sins. Not one of us is perfect. Not one of us is without sin. Each of us is born with a sinful nature, and we fall short of God’s plan for our lives.

Just as the airman was trained for survival, so too must we be trained for not only surviving our Christian walk, but we must learn to thrive and grow in our knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. We must practice our faith on a daily basis. We are called to read God’s Word and to spend time in prayer. We are called to spend time with other believers and to attend church. We are called to share out of our wealth to help others find the same saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And we are called to be active workers for the kingdom of God. We not only need to be initially rescued from our sins, but we then need to help rescue others. We who have been rescued are now part of someone else’s rescue plan.

After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Oh. It’s easy to identify the enemy who was pursuing the downed airman. And just as the enemy was in hot pursuit to capture this lost man, so too is the enemy of our soul earnestly searching for a way to capture the hearts of all mankind. For some, it’s an easy capture. He has them at hello. But there are others who have been thoroughly trained to avoid the devilish ways of the enemy, and they hold off all his attempts to turn them to the dark side. We must know our enemy and name him, and then fight with all our might to evade capture.

Let’s ask the hard question. Why would someone set aside everyone else to go rescue one lost person? Just why? Is it worth it? Oh. I’ve heard the argument about the waste of time looking for the one when time could have been more wisely spent helping others. But what if you’re that one lost person who is deep down looking to be found by the Savior of the world? Wouldn’t you want him to search diligently, never stopping to find you? If you were the downed pilot, wouldn’t you hope that your country and fellow soldiers wouldn’t give up on you? Should they halt the search because there’s only one who needs rescuing? Isn’t one life worth the cost? Isn’t one soul worth the cost?

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:3-7

The Holiest of Weeks

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We’ve just walked through Holy Week. The last week before Jesus was crucified. It got me thinking. What did my week consist of? I bought groceries. I went to the meat shop. I did laundry. I had two chiropractor appointments. I volunteered with my Awana group at church. I went to a senior dinner at church. I attended the Good Friday service. What exactly was holy about my week?

And then I think about the week that Jesus had. It was a busy week for him. Jesus was well aware that his life was on the line. Oh. I’m not talking about his sacrificial death to redeem us from our sins. I’m talking about the threats he received from those who led the political and religious happenings of Jerusalem. His teachings had stirred up the leaders who secretly met to plot his death.

Jesus and his disciples had spent much time traveling and teaching in what could be called modern day Jordan. It was an area outside the reach of the powers of Jerusalem. There he could continue the final days of his ministry at a safe distance from where the events of the final week would occur. I guess this week could be considered the calm before the storm. I wonder if the disciples sensed a shift in his mood. Were they aware how close they were coming to the end of his earthly ministry? Or, were they all caught up in teaching and performing miracles that they didn’t realize what was ahead? It wasn’t as if he hadn’t warned them. But since his words were cloaked in mystery, they didn’t quite understand or believe him when he told them of what he would face.

As Jesus and his disciples began their trek into Jerusalem in preparation for Passover, he kept his ministry low-key. He avoided crowds, because he didn’t want to be spotted. So, when he returned to Bethany, he stayed with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Yes, this was the Lazarus who Jesus had earlier raised from the dead. They were close friends, and Jesus knew he needed to prepare for the path that was ahead for him. He was close enough to the epicenter of Jerusalem, yet far enough to rest in peace and quiet.

The thing is. He didn’t have to head into Jerusalem. He knew that’s where the events to end his life would take place. But he walked head on into the next week with his head held high. He walked into that week knowing that he was the Son of God, and he would fulfill his Father’s plan for his life. Even when it cost him his earthly life. He didn’t back down from what lay ahead. He didn’t try to take the easy way out. He surrendered to his Father’s will.

Palm Sunday. Jesus had instructed his disciples to have a donkey prepared for him to ride into Jerusalem. As he rode down the streets that first day of the week, the crowds waved palm branches and threw down their coats for the colt to walk on. They did this in submission to him. They recognized him for who he truly was. The long-awaited Messiah.

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9

House Cleaning Monday. Have you ever walked into a room and saw something you never expected? That’s exactly what happened to Jesus the day after the people recognized him as the Promised Messiah. Vendors were desecrating the Holy Temple. They had set up stalls and were selling their goods in the place where the Scriptures were read and discussed on the Sabbath. In the place where people came to offer sacrifices, the religious leaders had allowed commerce to replace the sacred call to worship.

Jesus knew that faith wasn’t a commodity to be bought on a Monday. He knew there was a better place to set up a farmer’s market than the Temple. It was with a righteous anger that he overturned the tables of those exchanging money. And with holy authority, he spoke words that dug deep into the hearts of those who heard. They knew exactly what he meant, and they knew their greed had been exposed.

He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13

Teaching Tuesday. Jesus had once again spent the night in Bethany, but then returned to the city the following morning. He again went to the Temple, where he had serious debates with the Pharisees and Sadducees about many issues. He talked about taxes, and he challenged them as they questioned his authority. He shared parable after parable with the crowds, and he prophesied about how the Temple would one day be destroyed. The Sadducees questioned him about the resurrection, and Jesus silenced them with his wise response. When the Pharisees learned the Sadducees couldn’t trip up Jesus, they came and questioned him about which of the commandments was the greatest. At the end of the day, the religious leaders were quieted by his wisdom.

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet. Matthew 21:45-46

And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions. Matthew 22:46

Betrayal Wednesday. It was Wednesday when the scene began to shift. Things took a serious turn when Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples specifically chosen by Jesus, arranged a meeting with the chief priests. I wonder if they had any suspicions about his intent when we came to them. But he opened with the door they were looking for to take down the one who always bested them with his exact teachings. They finally had an opportunity to remove the threat to the control they wielded. Oh. It wasn’t about their faith. That wasn’t even a thought. It was revenge.

They had found a traitor from within the inner circle of the man they hunted. I’m sure they rubbed their hands together with glee as they plotted his takedown. The mark was now in sight. They no longer had to hunt him down or try to trick him into blaspheming himself. One of his own had just handed him over. But what this traitor didn’t know at the time was that he had just sold his own soul to the one who could never offer redemption.

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Matthew 26:14-16

Maundy Thursday. Jesus wanted to celebrate the Passover dinner with the Twelve, so he instructed some of them to make the arrangements for the meal. And in that upper room, as they sat and feasted, he took bread and broke it. Telling them the bread was broken in place of his body. And the wine they drank represented his blood that would be spilled. He then washed their feet in reverence and humility, showing a true servant’s heart. Oh. He told them that one who sat at the table with them would betray him. In disbelief, eleven had the fright of their lives. The twelfth one knew he had been outed. He left quietly to fulfill his plan of betrayal.

After the dinner, Jesus took three of his disciples with him to the Mount of Olives. He was greatly burdened because he knew what was ahead for him that very night. He asked his disciples to pray with him. They fell asleep instead.

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

But the night wasn’t over just yet. As he was speaking to the disciples who were with him, Judas appeared with temple guards. Judas leaned over and kissed Jesus on the cheek to show that he was the man who should be arrested.

Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Or Friend, why are you here? Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. Matthew 26:48-50

After seizing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the guards brought him before Caiaphas and the entire council. They were looking for false witnesses who would testify against Jesus. Of course, they found a couple of men who were willing to say anything. But Jesus didn’t respond. He kept quiet when they pressed him. And then when Jesus did speak, they accused him of blasphemy. Now. They could finally sentence him to death. This was what they had been waiting for for so long. In the middle of the night, without any rest, Jesus was forced to stand trial for crimes he didn’t commit.

But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are; the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Matthew 26:63-66

Good Friday. As soon as it was morning, Jesus was bound and turned over to Pontius Pilate, who was the governor. It was the custom to release a prisoner at this time during the Passover celebration, so Pilate thought he might be able to maneuver his way into releasing Jesus. Because. The thing is. After questioning Jesus, he realized the man was not guilty. He hadn’t committed any crime. And when he asked the crowds of people which prisoner should be released, he gave them an option. Jesus or Barabbas, a violent murderer. But the crowds had been manipulated by the religious leaders. And they wanted Jesus to pay. With his life. So they yelled for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be killed. Those who just days earlier bowed in awe at the Promised Messiah now wanted him dead. Oh. How the tide had turned.

Pontius Pilate’s wife had warned her husband to have nothing to do with Jesus. So, in an act of resignation, Pilate got a bowl of water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. As if that act alone could release him from the guilt of sending an innocent man to his death. And he submitted Jesus to the crowd’s demand for death.

The soldiers stripped Jesus of his clothes, beat him and shoved a crown of thorns on his head. Then they handed him a cross and demanded he drag it up the hill to Golgotha where they would hang him on it. Weak from the beating and loss of blood, Jesus could barely walk, let alone carry a heavy wooden cross. In a last minute effort to relieve him, someone was selected to carry his cross. But no one was hammered on the cross in his place. He hung on the cross and died in front of a small crowd of witnesses.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

As his body was taken down before the Sabbath began, a follower of Christ stepped up and offered his tomb where Jesus’ body was placed.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:57-60

Holy Saturday. It was a quiet day. It was a holy day. The Sabbath. No work was done. No celebrations. On that day, Jesus descended into Hell to proclaim victory over death. And he proclaimed freedom for righteous souls.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which the Spirit, in whom he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they did not formerly obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 1 Peter 3:18-20

Easter Sunday. Then came the morning. Day dawned and the stone rolled. Not by the strength of man, but by the power of God. And as two disciples ran to the tomb in the early morning hours, they stood in disbelief at what they saw. An angel stood by the stone that was no longer blocking the entrance. And when they looked in the tomb, it was empty. They ran to tell others. And later, Jesus appeared to a dazed Mary Magdalene who, in her confusion, didn’t recognize him. Until he spoke her name. Then she knew exactly who was standing there in front of her, alive as could be.

Jesus had risen from the dead and had walked right out of that tomb. That tomb that had held his lifeless and torn body overnight was suddenly empty. Jesus is alive!

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7

Oh. There is much more to this story than what I’ve shared here. You can read the details in Matthew 21-28.

Some may wonder why I’m writing about this scene of events when Holy Week is ending. Honestly, it never crossed my mind last week to consider the events of this week in such detail. But it did this week. And I bet I’m not the only one who didn’t think of it. It’s easy to overlook the happenings of someone else’s bad week unless we see it in print or photos or read about it. But this bad week in the life of Jesus of Nazareth proved to be the best thing that has ever happened for those of us who come behind.

We are now offered redemption for our sins, because Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross. In order to receive the free gift of eternal life, we must die to ourselves and receive his forgiveness.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Growing Old

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I recently attended a surprise party for a couple celebrating their seventieth wedding anniversary. Yes, seventy years of marriage. Can you imagine? I don’t mean that being married that long is horrible, but seventy years of anything is a long time. As I’m moving closer to seventy years of life, I understand that those coming behind me think I’m old. I don’t see it that way. I’m just older. Someday I’ll be old. I’m not sure yet what age that will be, but it will happen. Oh. I was recently told that I am old. By a cute, curly haired seven year old girl. So yeah. I get it. I probably remind her of her grandma. And that’s ok. And just this week, I was told by an eight year old boy that I was growing a beard. I did an internal eye roll and changed the subject.

I hear stories of young people complaining about situations that I have long abandoned. Work stress. Financial strain. Family troubles. And the list could go for miles. It’s not that my life is trouble free, but I’m no longer troubled by work issues. I’m constantly aware that financial loss is always a possibility, but I don’t sit and stew over it. My family troubles consist of hoping I don’t lose anyone else for a very long time. For all I know, I could be the next one to go.

And when I hear of the troubles of young families and middle agers, I sigh with relief that I’m older. I know that troubles come with any age, but I also know that most of them are only in our minds. It’s common to dream of an easier time in the future, especially when we’re young or stressed, but the here and now is what we have. We can’t dream our troubles away.

I recently watched the American Idol contestant, Hannah Harper, sing her original song “String Cheese.” She’s a young mom who suffered from postpartum depression and was fighting internally against the negativity of being a stay at home mom. One day, she realized that her ministry was right at that moment in her own home with two tiny babes. And now when she opens her child’s string cheese, she sees it as a blessing instead of a calamity. You can watch her audition here. This young woman has learned to be thankful for this time in her life, even the chaos of raising young children, because she knows that it won’t be too many years before her home is quiet. Life may not always be easy in the moment, but it can be fulfilling if we accept that we’re exactly where God has placed us and that he is with us in those chaotic times.

Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:3-4

But my mind goes back to that older couple celebrating seventy years of marriage. Oh sure. They were surprised by the small crowd that had gathered to celebrate their milestone. In the past few months, they’ve moved into an assisted living apartment. She now suffers from early onset dementia, and he has a long history of heart disease. But here they are. Still going. They were emotional at seeing family and old friends come to celebrate their lives. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were in the room celebrating this well loved couple. I remember meeting them over forty years ago, and now they are advanced in years. Yes. Times does fly by quickly, even when you think it’s going slowly. The days are long. The years are short.

The wife’s only remaining sibling, a spry woman of ninety-eight sat next to her. I saw them sitting there reminiscing of younger days. Some may say that the elder years are the hardest, but they were enjoying that precious moment of just being together. And the ninety-eight year old? She wants to get a typewriter so she can write a book. You’re never too old to dream dreams and accomplish new things.

There’s a story in the Bible of an eighty year old man named Barzillai. He was a good and wealthy man who had provided for David at one point. David sought to repay him by bringing him to live in his courts. Barzillai said he was old and would only be a burden on the king. So he refused the honor of living out his final days with King David. He offered up his son to go in his place. Barzillai wanted to die in his old city. He knew his days were dwindling to an end, and he wanted to remain in his familiar setting. Nothing wrong with that.

Barzillai was a man of great wealth, and he wasn’t looking for a reward when he offered his goods to the king. He expected nothing in return. He had lived a full life and had the material wealth to show for it. He was looking for nothing more than to remain in his home until his last breath was taken. He needed no royal recognition. He had lived a good life. Later, when King David was dying, he made note that upon his death, the sons of Barzillai were to be well cared for.

None of us know the length of our days. The young have no idea how quickly their lives will pass by. Then once they’re old, they’ll realize how fleeting time really is. And they’ll reassess their lives. Just as Barzillai honored the king when he was called to do so, we must share of our excess when we’re presented with the needs of others. We may never see a reward for our good deeds, but that isn’t the point. We must live out our lives according to God’s plan and follow him until our dying breath. We will then be ushered into his presence where we will spend eternity.

You can read the story of Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19:31-40.

Many people today are opposed to letting their hair go the natural way of aging. They don’t want to seem old, so they cover their gray. I know I did it for years, but now I’ve gone natural. And it is a liberating feeling. No more coverups. Gray hair usually indicates a person has less time left on this earth than they have lived. Not always, but usually. Old age doesn’t make a person wiser or kinder, it only means they’ve lived longer. But if an older person has lived a godly life, then their longevity will be an honor.

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31

To know that nothing happens in God’s world apart from God’s will may frighten the godless, but it stabilizes the saints. ~J.I. Packer

God Knows the Way We Take

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Jesus and his disciples were on their way to the synagogue on the Sabbath.  The disciples were hungry, so they picked some corn and ate it.  The Pharisees saw this and rebuked them.  But one point in this story I had never considered before was that Jesus, the miracle worker, didn’t perform a miracle for his closest followers.  They had to work for their food, like anyone else. And the fact is that on their way to the synagogue, they passed a cornfield where they were able to feed themselves. Perhaps they could have taken a different path, but they walked a path of provision.

If we consider our needs, perhaps we are walking through a path of provision that we don’t seem to notice, because we’re expecting or hoping for a huge miracle from God. And the miracle is right in front of us. Let’s take a closer look at our surroundings and see what God has already provided for us. Maybe we’re just not using his provisions appropriately. Maybe the provisions God has provided aren’t the ones we want or expect, but they’re what is at hand.

You can read the story about the disciples picking corn in Matthew 12.

Jesus didn’t make sure his disciples went from rags to riches because they were sharing his Good News story to the multitudes.  He didn’t brush off all their troubles just because they were his inner circle.   They still fished for their meals and ate around the early morning campfires. They still broke bread in various places. They still had to provide for their every day needs, unless people in the towns they traveled to helped them along the way. These disciples weren’t wealthy people. They lived hand to mouth.

When Jesus was fasting in the desert for forty days, he didn’t call down food from heaven to soothe his hunger.  Oh, Satan was right on his heels the entire time, offering Jesus the keys to the kingdom and so much more. Jesus refused all the advances of Satan and came out victorious. Satan couldn’t hold a candle to Jesus, and they both knew it. But Satan didn’t give up trying to defeat Jesus. Satan’s game was victory over his archenemy, and he couldn’t win. And he never will. Jesus is the ultimate victor in all that Satan throws at us. We have only to resist and refuse to bow to Satan’s wishes.

You can read about Jesus being tempted in the desert in Matthew 4:1-11.

When Jesus was betrayed by his hand-picked disciple, Judas, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he could have called down angels to save himself. But he didn’t. He went with his accusers and was arrested, tried and beaten, and eventually crucified. He could have saved himself, but he didn’t because he knew his purpose in life was to die for all mankind. He couldn’t and wouldn’t betray his Father’s will.

You can read about how Jesus handled the betrayal of Judas in Matthew 26:47-56.

Jesus’ ministry didn’t revolve around making life easy and simple for people who followed him. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, he could have called down angels to save himself.  But he didn’t.  Instead, he died alone for you and me.  He didn’t even try to save himself.  His purpose was to redeem us from our sins. 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

How would Scripture have been fulfilled if Jesus had rescued his disciples every time they ran into a problem?  How would Scripture be fulfilled if God called down legions of angels to pull us out of every risky situation we find ourselves in?  Life happens.  And at times, that means we’re in trouble.  At times, that means we have to face the consequences for saying or doing an inappropriate thing.  At times, that means we have to turn the cheek when others have offended us.  God doesn’t pull us out of every troubling situation just because he loves us. He walks with us through those trying times.

Do we expect God to do everything for us just because we’ve repented of our sins?  Just because he loves us and will always love us, does that give us the right to demand things of him?  We know he answers prayers.  He always answers our prayers, but not always in the way we want.  That doesn’t mean the prayer isn’t answered. 

I guess that begs the question.  Are you ever disappointed with God?  Are you ever upset that God isn’t doing something for you the way you want it done?  Does it make you angry?  Or disillusioned?  Does it cause you to turn your back on him?  Or, does it force you to grow? Does your disappointment cause you to search the Scriptures in a way that you have never done in the past?  Does it cause you to call out to God more than usual? 

God isn’t a magician, nor is he a genie in a bottle. Blink three times and you get your wish. No. He doesn’t work that way. God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. And yes. God is a mystery. There is no way we can fully understand the One who always has been and always will be, the One who never began and will never end. We will never fully understand the God of the universe. And we just have to be ok with that. His ways are higher than our ways.

As the wicked are hurt by the best things, so the godly are bettered by the worst. ~William Jenkyn

Honoring Women

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? It was instituted by the proclamation of President Jimmy Carter. And did you know that March 8th was International Women’s Day? That “holiday” commemorates women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women’s rights movement. President Carter noted that the “achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” I thought since this is the month to honor women of history, we should take a look at some notable women of the Old Testament. How do the women in modern history fare in comparison to some of these women who lived before civilization advances took place? These stories will show women who walked through difficult situations with a strong resolve. They performed acts of courage that women today can take as an example when faced with trying times.

These women of the Bible had no modern conveniences. They were not the head of their homes. They were their husband’s helpmate. And yet their willingness to stand up when things got tough are a lesson for today’s modern women who are trying to live biblically in a culture that goes directly against God’s word.

Shiphrah & Puah. Talk about two mighty warriors of God. Meet Shiphrah and Puah. They were the Hebrew midwives who delivered all the Israelite babies. The Israelites were slaves in the land of Egypt, and because of God’s blessing on them, they multiplied in great numbers while in Egypt. The new king of Egypt didn’t know the Israelite history and how they were God’s favored nation, so he was afraid of their population explosion. He demanded that these two midwives kill all the newborn baby boys but leave the girls alive. These two women were more afraid of God than of this king, so they stood their ground and let all the baby boys live. In all actuality, they prevented a genocide of the Israelite males. God blessed their faithfulness and gave them families of their own.

Today’s modern woman thinks she’s being brave by killing her unborn child. She thinks she’s doing the right thing. And she calls it healthcare. After all, who wants a cumbersome child stifling their career and happiness? Oh. How the tides have turned since the days of Shiphrah and Puah. These women who end a human life before it’s fully formed are not heroes. They are being used by Satan to advance a very evil cause all in the name of convenience. Let’s take a stand for the unborn and save a life.

Read the story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1.

Rahab. The Israelites were fresh off their escape from Egypt when they began conquering enemy territory. Other nations were fearful of the Israelites, because they knew the Israelite’s God helped them defeat all their enemies. Some Israelite spies were searching neighboring towns when they came across Rahab in the city of Jericho. She was a local prostitute, and she invited them to stay at her house. That’s all they did. Stay at her house. Nothing more. The king of Jericho knew where the men had spent the night, so he ordered Rahab to release them to him. She told him that the two spies had stopped by, but they had gone on their way. What she didn’t say was that the men were hidden on her roof. Rahab knew that the men of Jericho were deathly afraid of the Israelites, because she had heard these types of stories from the men who visited her. Because she saved the lives of these two courageous spies, they told her that Jericho was set to be destroyed. She was to hang a red cord in her window, so that she and her family would be saved on that fateful day. And she was to tell no one.

Because of Rahab’s courageous act to protect these two spies, she and her family were saved during the destruction of Jericho. If you read the lineage of Jesus Christ, you will find her listed. She was the mother of Boaz, the man who married Ruth. They had a son named Obed who had a son named Jesse who had a son named David. Yes, King David. Much later, Jesus was born in the family line. Who would have ever thought that the Savior of the world would be born in the direct lineage of a known prostitute. Faith in God can turn anyone living in sin into a new creation. That’s the purpose of salvation, and Rahab experienced it to the fullest.

Read Rahab’s story in Joshua 2 and 6.

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. Exodus 14:14

Deborah & Jael. Boy. These two women fought the battle of a lifetime, and I’m not even sure they knew each other. Deborah was a prophet who judged Israel at a time when the Israelites were disobeying God. They were living under the rule of a Canaanite king named Jabin because they had turned from God. Deborah advised the commander of the Israelite army to gather men from two of the Israelite tribes and prepare for battle. While he summoned his men, Deborah told King Jabin to summon his troops. She let Barak, the leader of the Israelite warriors, know that his men would triumph in victory but a woman would be credited with the win. She didn’t explain who or what or how or why. And then she accompanied him into battle. Barak brought ten thousand troops with him, while King Jabin brought nine hundred men. When Barak’s men attacked, Jabin’s men ran for cover. All of King Jabin’s men were killed except for Sisera, the army commander. In the chaos of battle, Sisera ran to a nearby tent of someone he knew to be on good terms with the king. He asked to be given a drink of water so he could rest for a minute. The woman, Jael, served him a cup of milk. After he had quenched his thirst, he lay down for a quick nap. Once he fell into a deep, exhausted sleep, Jael quietly picked up a tent peg and hammered it through his temple. The battle was finished. Jabin’s army had fallen at the hands of a woman, just as Deborah had said.

I’m not suggesting that we kill someone who is fighting us, but we must put on the armor of God and defend our faith. We can’t be sideline warriors. We are in the fight for our eternal lives.

Read the story of Deborah and Jael in Judges 4.

Abigail. Abigail was married to Nabal, who was a wealthy property owner. Nabal and Abigail were opposites; he was a harsh man and she was kind. King David and his men were being hunted by King Saul, so they were running for their lives. They found themselves near Nabal’s men who were shearing sheep. David asked if they would share their food and supplies, since he and his men were running low. When Nabal heard the request, he scoffed and refused the request. Perhaps Nabal had forgotten or ignored the fact that David and his men had treated Nabal’s men kindly at an earlier date. When David heard that his request had been denied, he told his men to prepare for battle. Nabal’s men ran to tell Abigail that her husband had refused to help David. They were fearful for their lives. Abigail hurriedly prepared a large supply of food and provisions and packed them on donkeys. Behind her husband’s back, she and her servants headed out to deliver these supplies to the future kind of Israel. Her act of courage and defiance saved her and her servants. She interceded for her husband’s foolish act and David promised not to kill her husband.

When Abigail returned home, she saw that Nabal had thrown a drunken party so she didn’t tell him what she had done. However, the next morning, she spilled the story of how she had saved him from certain death. Nabal suddenly fell ill from a stroke and died several days later. Abigail’s reward? She eventually married King David.

Now. I can’t say that women these days will be rewarded with marriage to a king or anyone of fame or fortune after stopping a bloody battle. But I do know that kindness goes much farther than bad attitudes, anger and drunkenness. Abigail saved the day with her bravery and intervention. Dare to be an Abigail when you’re faced with a situation that has unnecessarily gotten out of hand. Do the right thing and be kind and thoughtful to someone in need.

Read Abigail’s story in 1 Samuel 25.

Esther. Esther was a young Jewish woman living in the heathen land of Persia. Her people, the Israelites, had been taken into exile years earlier when the Babylonians conquered the city of Jerusalem. Some of the Jews had been exiled to Persia. After seventy years of captivity, the Israelites were free to return to their homeland but not everyone returned. Some families chose to stay in Persia, because it was the only life they had known. Esther’s family fit into that category.

The king of Persia was a ruthless man who enjoyed celebrating his wealth and opulence in a raucous manner. On one occasion, he commanded his wife, Queen Vashti, to present herself to him and his partying friends. King Xerxes had a beautiful wife and he wanted to show off her beauty to his friends. She refused. In anger and humiliation, he banished her from his presence for the remainder of her life.

The king’s personal attendants urged him to seek a new queen from among the many virgins in the land. Many young women seeking a better life lined up in droves. Their audition was simple. After enduring endless beauty treatments, each young woman was required to relinquish her virginity to the king. Whichever young woman pleased him the most became the new queen. All of the other defrocked women entered his harem, some never to be called for again. And no other man in the land would willingly accept a blemished woman as his wife.

Enter Esther. She had been orphaned at a young age and was then raised by her cousin Mordecai. He suggested she audition for the role of Queen of Persia. She did so and kept her Jewish heritage quiet, because not everyone was friendly with the Jewish remnant in their midst. Long story short. Esther was crowned queen. After she learned of a plot to kill the Jews in the land, she approached the king. Unbeknownst to the king, she invited the man who planned to kill the Jews to dinner at the palace. Once she revealed her nationality and the plot to end hers and every other Jewish life, King Xerxes had the traitor killed. Esther saved the Jewish remnant who had remained in the land of Persia. Not a small feat for an orphaned girl who rose to the throne in a less than desirable manner.

Imagine what we too can do today if we are called on to risk our safety for the lives of others. Esther spoke up when it wasn’t the safe or polite thing to do. Her act of bravery saved many lives, including her own. Perhaps we too should ask ourselves if we would willingly display that level of courage if circumstances called for it. Would we put faith and heritage over self protection and a comfortable life?

Read Esther’s story in the book of Esther.

It isn’t only modern day women who are heroes. It isn’t only modern day women who risk it all in the name of liberty and justice for all. Women of biblical times lived on the edge. They showed resilience and courage. They lived out their faith. Women don’t need to have it all together to be successful. It’s ok to live life in the trenches and still be notable to someone. Your name doesn’t have to be in lights or on billboards. You don’t need to have wealth beyond measure or excessive and expensive material possessions. The fact that you’re faithful to God and your family is notable to those who love you. Stepping out in faith and courage. Doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Speaking up for biblical truth. Persevering through the hard times. Perhaps that’s what counts more than anything.

And no one gets it right one hundred percent of the time. Repentance and accountability go a long way in righting wrongs. There will be consequences, sometimes of vast proportion. That can’t be helped. But righting wrongs and moving forward in the right direction are the key to peace and forgiveness. Push aside the grudges and ill feelings and learn to live with the unknown. Resilience is an essential strength learned through the difficulties of life. Women can do hard things and strengthen their faith in God. Biblical history is proof.

God used ordinary women to do extraordinary things. Women of unexpected backgrounds. Women in unusual situations. Women who went against their customs. And he used them in spite of their imperfections and circumstances. Our lives don’t have to be perfect in order for God to use us. He uses us in our frailties and flaws. And our obedience will at times change the course of history. God’s plan never fails, and he will use unexpected people in unexpected ways to work his plan. He asks for our willingness to be used.

Our names may never be written in history books, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t heroes of faithfulness. I read this week that it’s good to be forgotten in a line of other faithful workers for God. Over time, others may not remember our good deeds, and that’s OK. God is the one we will stand before to give an account of our lives. Anyone else who’s keeping score on this earth is doing it for ulterior motives. We must keep our eyes on God.