Immanuel, God with us.

I’m slowly getting into the Christmas Spirit. I’m in recovery from my food coma from Thanksgiving, playing Christmas music, and in the process of getting the decorations up. 

I realize some of you may not really be looking forward to the holiday season. Maybe you are going through a rough season of your own. Hey I get it. I haven’t exactly been spared myself. I’m going through conflicts of my own and it’s not fun. 

I want to encourage you today from God’s marvelous Word. Isaiah 8 is an amazing chapter that has such relevancy for us today. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful His Word is and how it speaks to my heart just in the right moment. Let’s dive right in. 

In verses 5-8, it tells of evil sweeping over the land like a flood. It will rise up to even the necks. Evil may plot against God’s people, but guess what?

“Plan and plot all you want—nothing will come of it.

    All your talk is mere talk, empty words,

Because when all is said and done,

    the last word is Immanuel—God-With-Us.” The Message

Do you see that? Get that in your spirit beloved! Through the rivers, the fire, the flood, whatever....He is with us and that is enough. What are you facing right now? When all is said and done, the last word is Immanuel, God with us. He is with you, you are not alone in this. You. will. get. through. this.

Verses 11-15 tells us “Don’t be like this people,

    always afraid somebody is plotting against them.

Don’t fear what they fear.

    Don’t take on their worries.” The Message

What are other people confessing around you? Or worse yet, to you? Hopelessness? Fear? Worry? Anxiety? What are you confessing to yourself? Are you stuck on negativity like a nagging ear worm? What or who are you listening to?

Don’t be like them. Without a hope. Don’t fear what they fear. Don’t take on their worries or anxieties. When all is said and done, the last word is Immanuel, God with us. You have Jesus. Trust Him, rest in Him. He has you. He is your refuge.

Verses 16-18 tells us “While I wait for God as long as he remains in hiding,

    while I wait and hope for him.

I stand my ground and hope,

    I and the children God gave me as signs to Israel” The Message

Don’t give up beloved. Don’t give up. Stand firm. Don’t compromise. Wait on God. Know He will move on your behalf. 

Verse 19-22 says, “When people tell you, “Try out the fortunetellers.

    Consult the spiritualists.

Why not tap into the spirit-world,

    get in touch with the dead?”

Tell them, “No, we’re going to study the Scriptures.”

This is how we build up our faith, “Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17  Let others search elsewhere. We will stand on the Word. We will speak it out. The promises are “yes in Christ” 2 Corinthians 1:20 We will anchor our lives in the Truth. The Living and Active Word, Living and Abiding Word. 

I hope this encourages you today. I know it’s greatly encouraged me You know, I can’t control what happens around me. But I can choose my actions. What I confess in my thoughts and words. This message in Isaiah encourages me and challenges me that I don’t have to be like others who without hope. I can be intentional. I don’t want to be merely reactionary. I’d like to set the pace. 

You can too. I hope you enjoy this upcoming Christmas season. Remember this:

When all is said and done, 

     the last word is Immanuel,

God-with-us. 

Broken Cisterns and Living Fountains

“Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” 2 Chronicles 25:15

Why indeed? King Amaziah of Judah just defeated the Edomites, with God Almighty’s help of course. So does he return with a grateful heart full of praise for his God? No, instead he brings back their idols and sets them up as his gods and worships them. 

God then sends a prophet to ask this striking question to the foolish king. How absurd is this? To worship the gods of those he just defeated? What did he see in these things that he would look away from the Great I Am and worship idols? 

What do we see in these things that we devote ourselves to? If we would just consider their inability to fill our emptiness. 

I’m no different. I allow my heart to be swayed in other directions. I devote my heart, time, energy, etc...to things that do nothing for their devotees. They are like “broken cisterns that can hold no water”. Jeremiah 2:13 

So I “forsake the fountain of living water” for these things. I look elsewhere and wonder why I feel empty and soul hungry. Then inevitably I feel that tugging at my heart. His woos me back. Then wonder why I wandered astray in the first place. 

The Edomite idols cannot deliver their own people. Why should King Amaziah expect any different? Why do I expect anything different? Why should I seek after things that cannot deliver their own followers? 

It’s humbling to consider the wanderings of my heart. But even more humbling is how faithful my God is, even when I am faithless. 2 Timothy 2:13 

Beloved, you will only find satisfaction, security, joy and peace in Jesus. Only Him. You won’t find it in anything else. To know Jesus is to know life everlasting. 

There are certain things I do enjoy and even have a passion for. I don’t live in a cave. But I don’t devote my heart to them. They are only temporary. My heart belongs to Jesus. He has me. I wrote in my last blog about being stable. It’s Jesus who holds me secure. He has my heart, my life. And I will never be disappointed. 

Loosen your grip on these things that can do nothing for you and fasten your heart on Jesus. You will not be found lacking. 

There is none like You, O Lord; You are great and Your name is great in might. But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. Jeremiah 10:6+10

Yes amen, there is none like You Jesus. 

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Shock Absorbers

My car is bucking like a mad bronco. The shocks are shot. Do you like the play on words? Anyhoo, it makes for cautious driving. Normally I’d fly down the back roads around here with nil a thought. Not any more. 

It started with a banging, thumping sound in the rear. A bit alarming, but I wasn’t too concerned. But then one day it sounded so bad I thought a vital piece may fly off the rear end. Adding to the onslaught, the back end was bouncing like a wild trampoline. 

So I need new shock absorbers. You don’t think about shocks until they are broken, and boy you know it then. I can’t drive down the country roads. I have to crawl over bumps. 

Check out this definition of a shock absorber: “A device used to absorb mechanical shocks, as a hydraulic or pneumatic piston used to dampen the jarring sustained in a moving motor vehicle.”  The Free Dictionary

Are you dealing with some serious bumps in your path? How about jarring potholes? Rough roads? Yea, so am I. What absorbs these violent bumps? What keeps me even keeled? 

My life is anchored in Jesus. He is my shock absorber. Without Jesus, I would not be strong and stable. Without Him, I have no peace, no joy...I could go on but you get the point. Without Him, the bumps and and potholes of my road would leave me unstable, tossing here and there. 

Just because I am a Christian doesn’t mean I’m immune from trouble. There’s going to be trouble, pain and hurt. But I can be strong and rise above this. 

I so love the passage in Romans 8 that tells us, 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If I want my car to be stable again, I have to take it to be fixed. It needs new shocks. Obvious I know, but I make a valid point. 

If you want to be stable and secure through this life, then you have to trust Jesus with your life. You have to let Him hold you secure. 

You will keep in perfect peace

    those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever,

    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 25:3-4

He alone is your anchor. He holds you secure. You want to go it alone? Push Him away? It’s your choice. 

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Rambling Thursdays

It’s been awhile since I wrote a Rambling Thursdays post, so I’m indulging today. This time of year is always kind of bittersweet. I’m sad to see summer end, but I love Fall. 

It’s been a great summer. The flower gardens have put on a wonderful display. I’ve ate some tasty tomatoes. Gazed on Yosemite. Sat around some campfires. Ate savory BBQ. Rocked on my porch. Ate homemade ice cream. Had some awesome cookouts. Is it any wonder I’ve put on a few pounds? 

Fall is here. It smells and feels different. Wet leaves. A whiff of smoke. Tangy apples. Crisp air. Yes, crisp; lovely crisp air. What a wonderful sensation that is after enduring hot, humid, sticky days. Combine this with hot flashes and you have misery. 

I pulled out my Fall/Winter clothes and decided I needed a couple of pieces to add. Of course there may be the occasional “I have to get this now”. You’ll always have that right? Will this be the year I buy a poncho? 

I hesitated last year due to the hot flashes I mentioned above. Why would I wrap a blanket around me? #hotmeltingmess 

I received a box of Tulip bulbs and Grape Hyacinth bulbs in the mail. I  ordered these in the spring. I looked at the catalog with excitement, Oh wouldn’t that look great in this garden? I love this combination. Then reality hits in October. This means I have to plant the bulbs. I’m talking about approximately eighty bulbs. What was I thinking???

Football is here and I’m loving it. I miss it so much after the Super Bowl. But alas, my beloved Colts have sputtered at the beginning and lets not talk about Notre Dame. I’m not even going there. Nevertheless, I am enjoying it.  I am a loyal fan regardless. Best reality TV EVER! 

It’s soup making time! I made chili last week and I’m making chicken noodle soup tomorrow. I love soup. A large pot will last a couple of days. Saturday was our annual Chili supper/Hayride. We have had this for years now and what a time we have! Such fond memories of pushing the hay wagon up a hill, to avoid being stuck. Then the time the tire blew a mile from home. There’s always some unexpected excitement. 

This hayride was amazing. A beautiful sunset glowed on us, with the moon adding to the aura of the evening. The silhouette of a deer on a hillside with the glow of the sunset behind. Seeing the sparks of our bonfiire from afar flying upward. It was wonderful and I’ll never forget it. 

Anyway, I hope you get out there and make your own fall memories. Take a hike, gaze on the autumn colors, drink apple cider, go on a hayride, enjoy a football game. You get the idea. Fall lasts just so long. Enjoy it. 

Wait for it...

This has been a summer of waiting, with some anxiety mixed in. Throw in fear of the unknown, some sleepless nights and a dab of family drama and you have a nasty tasting stew.

Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all bad. It’s been a great summer. I’ve made some great memories too. But I am ready for a change of season, just as I am for fall, football, chili soup, sweaters and autumn colors. 

Perhaps you’ve noticed I haven’t written much this summer. I just haven’t had the inspiration much. But today I’m feeling it. Let’s talk about unbelief, about waiting. 

In 2 Kings 6:33 this unbelieving captain sent from the wicked King of Israel spoke these words to Elisha, “This trouble is from the Lord! Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” 

Samaria was surrounded by the Syrians in a siege. It was really bad. But instead of repenting and seeking God’s face, the King blames Elisha and ultimately God for this mess. And then like a slap in the face, why should I wait any longer? 

Here’s where I’m going to get transparent and admit to you that I’m no super spiritual giant who has done and said all the right things through this challenging summer. I haven’t. I’ve doubted, and perhaps even entertained the idea of just giving up. I’m just tired of getting my hopes up and then have them crushed to the ground. 

But then, I raise my head and pray “I believe, help my unbelief.” Sometimes that’s all you have strength for. And you know, it’s enough. It was enough for the Father with the demonic bound little boy. He said this to Jesus in Mark 9. Did Jesus get upset and disappointed with him? No. He freed the boy and he was healed. 

I do believe, really I do. But I feel weak. I don’t want to give up on You Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?  The best answer I have for this is in Psalm 73:25-26.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

Indeed, yes, amen. Wait for the Lord, be strong. Let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

This is my anchor through the storms. This holds me steady and strong. Are you going through a tough season? I pray this encourages you. Don’t give up on your God. 

He has delivered us, He will deliver us, and we have our hopes set on Him that He will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:10

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Thoughtful Thursdays

Open my Eyes

Summer is ebbing away and it makes me sad. But I’m glad to see Fall come. Glad to see another season change. It’s been a challenging summer for our family. 

We faced a lot of unknowns. Unexpected changes. Uncertainty about the future. It’s been a lean season.

Unknown, unseen, uncertainty, uneasiness...this has been my reality the past couple of months. But is there more going on than I know? Once again the Word has spoken to my heart and encouraged me. When hasn’t it??

Dotham is surrounded. The King of Syria is determined to capture Elisha who seemingly confounds his every move, and announces his secret plans. 

In the night his army came and encircled the city. When Elisha’s servant discovers the looming danger in the morning he is panic stricken. “What shall we do?” he asks Elisha.

Elisha is unafraid at the threat. He sees something the servant doesn’t. He prays that the eyes of the young man would be opened. Enlightened, he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. “Don’t be afraid.Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 1 Kings 6:16

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. Psalm 27:3

Are you surrounded by fear, despair and the unknown? Is this what you are facing this morning? Can I tell you that there is more going on than you know? You have the heavenly hosts fighting for you.

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is the world.” 1 John 4:4

I’ve felt weak at times. Fearful other times. “I believe, help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 I’ve prayed this feeble prayer a few times this summer. 

Elisha’s servant did not see the chariots and horses of fire. He did not realize deliverance was at hand. I pray along with Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18 that the eyes of my heart would be enlightened, that I may know the hope...the riches of His glorious grace...immeasurable greatness of His power toward me who believe according to the working of His great might, that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

May I see the truth and not go by my natural senses. May I really know what is going on. Oh Lord, open my eyes that I may see.

When I look back on this summer, I see Him at work. He’s been there step by step. In each tomorrow His grace was there anew. I’ve rested in His care and trusted His guiding hand, when I couldn’t see. 

Does this speak to your heart? I pray it does. Be encouraged not just at my words, but by His glorious Word. 

Unknown, unseen, uncertainty, uneasiness...All will become clear when you know the truth of His Word. That’s all you need to know. 

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Dig Ditches???

Valley of dryness, lifeless, thirsty....The armies of Israel and Judah were in a bad way on the march to a battle with Moab. Now at a standstill with no water for the army or animals. It was a desperate situation. 

Jehoram King of Israel blames God for all this. “He did this to ensure our defeat!” Gloom and doom was his theme. 

But Jehoshaphat speaks up, “Lets pray to God Almighty.” And so they show up at Elisha’s doorstep. And he tells them something remarkable. 

“Dig ditches.” Yes in this desolate valley, in faith, dig ditches. 

“You’re not going to see wind or rain, but this valley will be filled with pools of water. You’re going to have plenty to drink. This is a light thing in God’s sight. And by the way, you will defeat the Moabites.” 

It didn’t make sense, it sounded crazy. But they dug the ditches. And the water did come. It filled the valley and the dug up trenches. They drunk deeply, moved on and did defeat the Moabites. Just like God said. 

What do we do when we are in a lean, dry season? Prayers seem unheard, passion waning and God seems afar. Do we blame God? Is it gloom and doom? What do we do? Dig Ditches. 

Make room for God. Dig in faith, believing the water/blessing will come. Dig as deep as you want to receive. Continue to get in the Word, pray, worship, attend church, etc...

God will supply the water and fill those ditches you’ve dug. He will bring times of refreshing. “It’s a light thing for God to do.” 

Rain is coming beloved. Dig in faith. You will drink deeply. 

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13-14

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