A Day to Remember

July 23, 2011

It's been four years since Jane (Her Name Was Jane) told me to read Psalm 150 and Psalm 140, and then prayed a prayer of blessing over my life. See II Samuel 13:1 - 14:33 written on 7-23-10, and my writings for Psalm 140 and Psalm 150 beginning on 6/3/11 (Blogger date of March 19, 2015) through to 6/14/11 (Blogger date of March 29, 2015).

We quote Psalm 140 and Psalm 150 from the NIV.  Today I am writing them from the NCV.

Psalm 150
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his Temple;
  praise him in his mighty heaven.
Praise him for his strength;
  praise him for his greatness.
Praise him with trumpet blasts;
  praise him with harps and lyres.
Praise him with tambourines and dancing;
  praise him with stringed instruments and flutes.
Praise him with loud cymbals;
  praise him with crashing cymbals.
Let everything that breathes praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!

Psalm 140
LORD, rescue me from evil people;
  protect me from cruel people
who make evil plans,
  who always start fights.
They make their tongues sharp, as a snakes;
  their words are like snake poison.

LORD, guard me from the power of wicked people;
  protect me from cruel people
  who plan to trip me up.
The proud hid a trap for me.
  They spread out a net beside the road;
  they set traps for me.

I said to the LORD, "You are my God."
  LORD, listen to my prayer for help.
LORD God, my mighty savior,
  you protect me in battle.
LORD, do not give the wicked what they want.
  Don't let their plans succeed,
  or they will become proud.

Those around me have planned trouble.
  Now let it come to them.
Let burning coals fall on them.
  Throw them into the fire
  or into pits from which they cannot escape.
Don't let liars settle in the land.
  Let evil quickly hunt down cruel people.

I KNOW the LORD will get justice for the poor 
  and will defend the needy in court.
Good people will praise his name;
  honest people will live in his presence.

Just two days ago I wrote about those who have hardened their hearts and how horrible it would be to live without the presence of God in your life.  What a contrast to the last line of Psalm 140 - "...honest people will live in his presence."

I choose to believe. I choose to wait. I choose to trust.


Next Entry: Isaiah 8:1 – 10:34

Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25 (Continued)

July 22, 2011

Chapter 7 is about Ahaz, the king of Judah and his trouble with the kings of Aram and Israel attacking him. When Ahaz found out about their plans he was terrified. The LORD told Isaiah to go to him and tell him, "Be careful. Be calm... don't worry... don't be afraid of their anger... their plan will not succeed; it will not happen... if your faith is not strong, you will not have strength enough to last." Then the LORD spoke to Ahaz and said, "Ask for a sign," and Ahaz replies, "I will not ask..."

I decided to look up who this king Ahaz was. So I went back to II Kings 16 and II Chronicles 28, and found that Ahaz "did not do what the LORD his God said was right." He worshiped Baal. He was doing the same hateful sins the people of Canaan were doing before God forced them out ahead of the Israelites. He burned incense to other gods; he made his children pass through the fire.

This was not Ahaz's first experience with the kings of Aram and Israel. They had battled several times before. There were times the other kings couldn't defeat Ahaz and there were times when the LORD handed Ahaz over to their power for defeat. In Isaiah 7, Ahaz is terrified because the other kings have banded together to attack him. This time the LORD through Isaiah says—Look, come to me and I will keep you safe. Their plans won't succeed. Just be calm, be careful, and don't worry. But, your faith must be strong or you will fail. 

The problem was Ahaz did not have a foundation of faith in the LORD to rely and build on. He was trying everything else but the LORD. He would even copy the altars of those who had defeated him to build for himself, thinking if it worked for them it might work for him. He took the LORD's altar out of the temple and replaced it with his own. He used his own altars for the burnt offerings and grain offerings and sacrifices. The LORD's bronze altar was moved out. He decided to use that altar "to ask questions of God." Obviously, something is drastically wrong when Ahaz replaces what should be the LORD's with his own and other pagan king's altars.

So, God offers Ahaz a chance to do the right thing. To come to Him, the LORD, for safety and protection. All Ahaz had to do was to remain calm, trust God, and have faith. I say "all," but to someone like Ahaz who totally relied on himself and false gods, who wanted to do things his way instead of God's way, well... "all" is a tough thing. The LORD even tells Ahaz to ask Him for a sign and Ahaz refuses. The LORD is trying to give Ahaz every opportunity to come to Him and what does Ahaz do? He boldly, in your face, flat out refuses to do what God tells him to do on a simple request, "Ask for a sign." Ahaz moved the LORD's bronze altar out of the temple; he replaced it with his own; and then delegated the LORD's altar to be what he used when he wanted to ask God a question. Yet, when God tells Ahaz to ask Him anything he wants, Ahaz says—NO.

Instead of accepting the LORD's offer of protection, he goes to the king of Assyria and says, "I am your servant and your friend. Come and save me..." Ahaz can't bring himself to be a servant of THE LORD and accept His free gift of salvation from his enemies. Ahaz instead takes the silver and gold that was in the Temple of the LORD and gives those as gifts to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria listened to Ahaz, and he attacked, defeated, and killed those who were threatening Ahaz.

What Ahaz thought would help him actually harmed him, and God used the king of Assyria to fight against him.

What started out as a "help" to Ahaz turned into what was used for his harm. Nothing caused Ahaz to become "a servant and friend" of the LORD. The more trouble he had, the more he became unfaithful to the LORD. He offered sacrifices to the gods of the people who defeated him. He gathered the things from the temple of the LORD and broke them in pieces. He closed the doors of the Temple. He made altars and put them on every street corner. He never did go to the LORD for help. He never did follow what the LORD had commanded—No other gods. He never did accept God's free gift of Grace. He was stubborn, rebellious, and continued to harden his heart to the very end. Ahaz died without ever knowing what it would have been like to live a surrendered life.

God offered Ahaz safety and salvation but he didn't take it. Like Ahaz, we have a choice as well. Isaiah prophesied about the one who would be coming—Immanuel—who would offer salvation to all mankind, once and for all, and for all time.

Addendum:   4/28/15 ~ God fulfilled His promise given through Isaiah. The question is: Are you/we going to take Him up on His offer?  As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.


Next Entry: A Day to Remember

Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25 (Continued)

July 21, 2011

Chapter 1 - God's case against His children
I AM: Your Deliverer - Deliverance is delayed for a greater victory
Chapter 2 - 4 - God cannot tolerate sin; accountability will happen
Chapter 5 - How terrible it will be; six times God talks about the awful consequences for sin.
Chapter 6 - The judgment process has begun.  Because of their stubbornness (personal hardening of heart) and refusal to accept God as THE authority, God begins to harden their hearts through His very own words; and judgment is coming. 

Because God's people separated themselves from God, He is now separating himself from them. I can't imagine anything more horrible than living without the presence of God, through the Holy Spirit, in your life. And to think that the very words of God is what hardens their lives even further. The very words they refused ... now used to begin the process of judgment.

When is the day of God's judicial rejection? I don't know. So we continue to pray and we continue to hope.

Isaiah 1:18 - Come, let us talk. If you become willing and obey me, you will be blessed.
I John 1:9 - "IF you confess your sins... I will forgive."


Next Entry: Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25 (Continued) 

Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25

July 20, 2011

Isaiah sees a vision of the Lord sitting on the throne. Heavenly beings surrounded the Lord saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." The vision brought Isaiah to his knees and he said, "Oh no! I am not pure and I live among people who are not pure. I will be destroyed. I am not worthy to be in the presence of the King.” One of the heavenly beings used a hot coal to remove his guilt, and his sin was taken away. Then he heard the LORD'S voice saying, "Whom can I send? Who will go for us?" (Us—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) And Isaiah responded, "Here I am. Send me." (I'm willing LORD. I will do what you ask.) And the LORD said this to Isaiah, "Go and tell this to the people: 'You will listen and listen, but you will not understand.  You will look and look, but you will not learn.' " They had hardened their hearts.

Isaiah 6:8–13 are difficult verses to read. It's the kind of section you would just like to skip over and pretend it isn't there. I read it (and re-read it) in all the versions I have. I asked God what He meant by this, and slowly it began to become clear. I Googled several different commentaries and it was the same as I was being shown.

"Then I heard the Lord's voice, saying, "Whom can I send? Who will go for us?" So I said, "Here I am.  Send me!" Then the Lord said, "Go and tell this to the people: 'You will listen and listen, but you will not understand. You will look and look, but you will not learn.' Make the minds of these people dumb. Shut their ears. Cover their eyes. Otherwise, they might really understand what they will see with their eyes and hear with their ears. They might really understand in their minds and come back to me and be healed." Then I asked, "Lord, how long should I do this?" He answered, "Until the cities are destroyed and the people are gone, until there are no people left in the houses, until the land is destroyed and left empty. The LORD will send the people far away, and the land will be left empty. One-tenth of the people will be left in the land, but it will be destroyed again. These people will be like an oak tree whose stump is left when the tree is chopped down.The people who remain will be like a stump that will sprout again." (NCV)

These verses are a message of judgment. In our "do whatever you think right" society we don't like to hear or think about judgment, but that doesn't change the facts: there is and will be judgment.

Isaiah 1 - God clearly lays out His case against his children. (Israel and Gentiles who profess Him as Lord.) Isaiah 1:4 - "How terrible! Israel is a nation of sin, a people loaded down with guilt, a group of children doing evil, children who are full of evil. They have left the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him." God warned them over and over. Repent! He'd given them many opportunities to change their hearts and return to Him. But, they persisted in their sin, refusing to become part of the "remnant" holy seed and insisting on their own ways which God called "the seed of evil-doers." God had enough and He was going to judge them.

We usually think of judgment as the end result—the final act. But, judgment comes in stages, and one of the steps in judgment is God hardening their hearts (as described in verse 10), just as He had done with Pharaoh. This needs to be added here and made very clear. God NEVER hardens the heart of someone who is honestly and sincerely seeking and searching for Him. NEVER! Only after a person has stubbornly refused to listen to the warnings God has given them; has refused to change their heart, thinking, and ways; has hardened their own hearts against God; only then does God, as part of the process of judgment, harden their hearts against understanding and "getting it."

Incredibly, in this process of judgment, hearing the word of the LORD hardens their heart instead of softening their heart.

Allen Ross says it this way.

"This generation had persisted in sin for so long that God was going to judge them. And he will begin to do this by hardening their hearts at the hearing of the Word of the LORD, just as he did Pharaoh of old. The theology of this is heavy: if people live under the influence of the Scriptures and continue to reject it's message, Paul says that God gives them up. There is a point of judicial rejection. We do not know when that is, so we cannot say; we keep on preaching. Isaiah was told in his case. And then it was the actual preaching of the Word of God that hardened them even more. We can see that even today when the Word offends even the ones who appear "religious." "

The prophets and Jesus had the same message. "Repent or perish."

While Isaiah's God-given messages to the Israelites were meant as a warning and a call to repentance, he also preached hope. We now believe the writings in my private journals from Genesis to II Chronicles 11:17, (which we unexpectedly had to send to my sister and brother-in-law when my journals were caught up in "the storm"), were also God-given messages of warning, repentance, and hope. Isaiah 1 clearly lays out the problem (See - Isaiah 1) and Chapter 6 is God's response—Judgment. But there is hope. Isaiah 1:18 - "The LORD says, 'Come let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool. If you become willing and obey me, you will eat good crops from the land. But if you refuse to obey and if you turn against me, you will be destroyed by your enemies' swords.' The LORD himself said these things."

God told Isaiah a small remnant would remain and a few would be saved. The result of Isaiah's preaching what God told him to say was not up to him. He was only to be faithful and do what God asked him to do. The same can be said about my personal journals. I will continue to write, say, and live God's Word. The results are out of my hands. How long was Isaiah to keep preaching? Until the judgment and destruction was complete.

I just love how the Holy Spirit slowly unwraps truth and reveals it to you.

1. I read and write about Isaiah 1: God's Case Against His Children—where God lays out the problem.  
2. Then we randomly listen to the sermon I AM: Your Deliverer and I include notes from that sermon in my journal. Five reasons deliverance is delayed and how ALL is for the greater victory. God's greater victory.  
3. Then I read and write about Isaiah 2–4 - God cannot tolerate sin and that a terrible day is coming. Isaiah 3:1 - Understand this: The LORD God All-Powerful will take away everything they need ... because they have brought it on themselves (Isaiah 3:9) by the wrong and wicked things they have done. (Isaiah 3:11) 
4. Then comes Isaiah 5 - Six "How terrible it will be" statements where God describes the judgments that will happen and the relentless attacks by their enemies. At this point it was still the future. Will be (future tense) not was (past tense).  
5. Then Isaiah 6 - Go tell the people, "You will listen and listen but you won't understand. You will look and look, but you will not learn."

The process of judgment is beginning.

Addendum: Sometimes God's timing just amazes me. God has me recording this specific entry into Blogger on the seven year anniversary of Jane E Wolfe speaking her last God-given words to us—Jeremiah 33—which promised us God's deliverance and restoration. An entry entirely about judgment and deliverance four years after "the storm" began and seven years after Jane spoke her last God-given words.

Besides the timing of both my original entry and when it was entered into Blogger, there is another God-incident. I keep in my Bible a picture of Jane walking down a path with her back to the viewer. This is the picture I made copies of and was available for all those that came to her Memorial. The picture has her life verse of Psalm 32:8 written on the back. I always keep the picture of Jane in my Bible. Sometimes I use it as a marker, sometimes it will fall out and I will just randomly stick it back in some place, but it is always somewhere in my Bible.

As I was reading and recording my entries for Psalms, my Bible would want to open at the spot where Jane's picture was. As I was reading in Proverbs, I could tell her picture was getting closer. I remember thinking, "Hmm... I wonder where in God's Word Jane's picture is going to be?" I never checked to see where it was, preferring to wait and see if there was any significance to it. So, where did her picture end up being? In Isaiah, with Isaiah 6 on the left-hand side and Isaiah 7 on the right-hand side. The exact readings for the journal entry I recorded today. Co-incidence? No. God-incidence. Little reminders that HE has got us covered.

The I AM is our Deliverer. Justice will prevail. Judgment for the non-repentant is unfortunately a reality.

Addendum #2:  Today is 12/7/15. This morning I was entering into Blogger what I wrote for Matthew 13:1–58 on May 3, 2012. I quote Isaiah 6:9–10 in that entry. After the quote I have written "*See my writings for _____ ." I wrote this as a reminder to go back and look up the date for my Isaiah 6 journal entry. I looked up Isaiah 6 to add the link and I am shocked... again.

We are in the thick of the battle right now. The judge has ordered a Settlement Conference. Our lawyer has asked me to go through our files and find some information for him. He has all of it in the twenty some boxes he has, but he will often let me do the tedious work in order to save us the expense. So, if you could only see our living room right now!! I am buried with a mountain of paperwork.

All those boxes we had stored away are back in side and I am going through everything! I'm putting my eyes and hands on it all so we can both be assured that we haven't missed anything. I'm in the mire of the lawsuit; I'm entering into Blogger what I've written for Matthew 13; it contains a note to look up Isaiah 6; I look up my entry for Isaiah 6 and discover it was amazingly originally written four years after the lawsuit began; it was entered into Blogger on the seven year anniversary of God's promise of restoration given to us through Jane's lips; and I was reminded again of God's promises as we are preparing for the Settlement Conference.

Amazing. I just love being able to see the Hand of God at work. NO words are adequate. Thank you, Jesus.


Next Entry: Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25 (Continued)

Isaiah 5

July 19, 2011

How terrible it will be! (NCV) Woe to you! (NIV)

Six times in this chapter the phrase, "How terrible it will be!" is used. The first seven verses explains what has happened to cause God to say this. He tells a story about a vineyard. The vineyard represents His people—the Israelites (and Gentiles who profess him as Lord).

God himself prepared this vineyard. It was on a hill with very rich soil. He cleared the land of any stones. He planted the best grape vines there. He prepared everything. The wine press was built, expecting a harvest. A tower was built in the middle of it (God is our strong tower of safety). However, even though God himself had done everything to provide for a good harvest, only bad grapes grew. God asks the question, "What more could I have done for my vineyard than I have already done?" God goes on to say what he will do: He will remove the hedge (protection) from it (not only removed, but destroyed); He will break down the stone wall (security) and it will be walked on (totally vulnerable); He will ruin the field (no rich soil, no trimming, no weeding); He will let it become useless (overran with weeds and thorns); He will command the clouds to not send rain on it (all hope gone and no chance for somehow "saving" the field yourself). The LORD All-powerful looked for justice and righteousness and all He found was evil. And the "How terrible it will be" consequences began. 

1)  How terrible it will be—for those who are searching for wealth and prosperity. Greed has taken over. All will come to nothing. Houses will be destroyed or empty. The return on investments—gone. Ten bushels of seed only producing 1/2 bushel of grain. Ten acres of vineyard only producing six gallons of wine.

2) How terrible it will be—for those who think this life is all there is and live to please themselves, partying, drinking and using the very things we should use to praise God as a means to bring pleasure to themselves. It's all about "me" and they don't see what the LORD has done or notice the work of His hands. Because of their lack of understanding they will be taken captive and led away. Rich or poor, common or great—doesn't matter—all will be brought down and the proud will be humbled. There will be hunger, thirst, and death. Instead of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, they instead sought earthly pleasure and the gates of Hell "opens wide its mouth" and people will go down into it. In the punishment of the wicked, "the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness." (Isaiah 5:16) The sheep and the lambs will be free to go anywhere they want and will be allowed to "feed on the land that rich people once owned."

3) How terrible it will be—for those who draw their sins along behind them with cords of deceit. They walk out in front, but they're dragging their guilt, sin, and wickedness behind them. They say one thing, "Let us see God's work; Let us know what the Holy One of Israel's plans are." But it is lip service only. They are not cutting themselves loose from their sins, they instead choose to keep them, pulling them behind.

4) How terrible it will be—for those who call evil good and good evil. Who think darkness is light and light is darkness. Who think sour is sweet and sweet is sour. For whatever reason, whether they are blinded by sin and can no longer see truth, or whether they are willfully saying and doing what they know to be false to further their own agendas, there is no truth in them. Right is wrong and wrong is right.

5)  How terrible it will be—for those who think they are wise and believe they are clever. They have no idea. They think they are in control, but they're not. They don't see that the bridge is out, that disaster awaits them. They keep barreling down the tracks.

6) How terrible it will be—for those who will do whatever it takes for money and pleasure. There is no conscience. They will deny justice to the innocent and take money to set guilty people free. It's all about the end result—money—and it doesn't matter what they have to do to get it. They have rejected the law of the LORD All-Mighty and they have spurned the word of God. So, they will be destroyed, like fire consumes straw and dry grass, like a plant whose roots rot or a flower that dies and blows away as dust.

Because of their (His people's) actions, God became angry and He has raised His hand to punish. God has that right. I think sometimes we view God's punishment in an earthly way, a spanking if you will. But it's not always "just" a spanking to temporarily tolerate. God's punishment can also mean destruction. Isaiah 5:25-30 describes God's anger and what He did as a result of Israel's (His people's) choice to serve themselves instead of the Holy LORD. God called for a relentless attack upon them by their enemies. Relentless attacks. The enemy is powerful. The enemy doesn't tire. It doesn't falter. It has all the weapons necessary for its victory and your defeat. The attacks are overpowering and overwhelming. They are vicious. They are uncontrollable. There is nothing you can do to stop the attacks. As Proverbs 29:1 says, "Whoever is stubborn (has hardened their hearts) after being corrected many times will suddenly be hurt beyond cure."

Our choice to turn from wickedness and to turn to Christ (repentance) can alter the outcome of our consequences, but only God determines the final outcome. Only God.

As I wrote yesterday:

"We must all choose whether we will obey the gospel or turn away in unbelief and reject its authority. Our choice is our own, but the consequences of the choice have already been determined by the sovereign will of God, and from this there is no appeal." ~ A.W. Tozer

You can't have one foot in and one foot out. You are either all in—or you are out. 

Addendum: 4/27/15 ~ The LORD is our strong tower. When we go to HIM we are safe. 

Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are saved."

II Samuel 22: 2-4 - "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. My God is my rock. I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety.  The  LORD saves me from those who want to harm me.  I will call upon the LORD who is worthy to be praised, and I will be saved from my enemies."

Psalm 18:2 - "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 61:3 - "You have been my protection, like a strong tower against my enemies."

Psalm 91:2 - I will say to the LORD, "You are my place of safety and protection, You are my God and I trust you."

Psalm 144:2 - "He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues people under me."

Proverbs 14:26 - "Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

Proverbs 29:25 - "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be safe."


Next Entry: Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25

Isaiah 2 – 4

July 18, 2011

God can never approve of sin. Never! And God cannot lie. Cannot! His words are true—always. When we go to God, He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.  (Isaiah 2:3)

What a comforting visual I get when I think of that. I can just picture different parts of the Appalachian Trail. It's a narrow footpath. At times you can look around you and see fields of ferns growing under the trees. Other times you are walking through tunnels of Laurel, Rhododendron, or brush and you can see nothing on either side of you. Sometimes you're in valleys. Sometimes you're on the mountain tops. But always—there is a path or a blaze marking the way. On the rocky areas you have to be more careful so you don't trip and fall. There are rivers to cross and obscure areas where you have to pay attention so you don't lose your way. But always—there is a path or a blaze marking the way.

God has a path for us. When we to go Him He will teach us how to walk on His path. All we have to do is walk, one foot in front of the other, KNOWING it is His path we are on and trusting Him to lead us to get us to where He wants us to be.

On the Appalachian Trail the end terminus in Maine is the apex of Mount Katadhin. As a Christian, our end goal is Heaven. God's path may take us through easy wide open spaces or it may lead us through thickets, rocks, valleys and mountains. There may be cliffs, snakes, or wild animals. But it is His path—and I choose to walk it. To follow God's path in this life, (and on the A.T.) we have to pay attention so we don't lose our way. If we take a wrong turn, we must go back to the fork in the road and choose to go the right way.  Most of the hikers hiking the Appalachian Trail are given a trail name. My A.T. "name" is One Track. I was given that name for several reasons. 1) As a young child my Mom told me I had a one-track mind. My feelings were hurt because I thought she was telling me I was dumb because I only had one track and you should have lots of tracks. 🙂 and 2) Mom was right. Once I decide to do something (like the A.T.) I am focused on it. One Track. How fitting. I'm on the only path, the One Track, that matters—God's. 

God cannot and will not tolerate sin forever. Isaiah 2:12 - "The LORD All-Powerful has a certain day planned when he will punish the proud and those who brag, and they will no longer be important." Isaiah 2:11 and 17 say the exact same thing. "At that time proud people will be made humble, and they will bow low with shame. At that time only the LORD will be praised." People can't save you. They are just that—people. Human help is of no value, only God can save you if you choose to turn from your sin and turn to Him. Isaiah 3:9 - "How terrible it will be for them, because they brought much trouble on themselves." Isaiah 3:10 - "Tell those who do right that things will go well for them, because they will receive a reward for what they do."

Isaiah 3:11 - "But how terrible it will be for the wicked! They will be punished for all the wrong they have done." Isaiah 3:13-15 - "The LORD takes his place in court and stands to judge the people. The LORD presents his case ... what gives you the right ... the LORD God All-Powerful says this." 

A.W. Tozer, in "The Knowledge of the Holy" says it this way: "In the moral conflict now raging around us, whoever is on God's side is on the winning side and cannot lose; whoever is on the other side is on the losing side and cannot win. Here there is no chance, no gamble. There is freedom to choose which side we shall be on but no freedom to negotiate the results of the choice once it is made. By the mercy of God we may repent a wrong choice and alter the consequences by making a new and right choice. Beyond that we cannot go ... we must all choose whether we will obey the gospel or turn away in unbelief and reject its authority. Our choice is our own, but the consequences of the choice have already been determined by the sovereign will of God, and from this there is no appeal."

You cannot have one foot in and one foot out. "He that is not with me is against me" and, "No man comes to the Father but by me."


Next Entry: Isaiah 5

I AM: Your Deliverer

July 16, 2011

My notes from a sermon I heard entitled I AM: Your Deliverer. 

Psalm 71:2 - "In your righteousness deliver me."
Psalm 40:17 - "You are my hope and my deliverer."
The LORDS Prayer - "...deliver us from evil..."

#1 Question - When is God going to deliver me? Why the delay? You know what God has promised... so why the delay?

I AM: The LORD
     You can't know who you are until you know who God is.

I AM: Your Security
     God fills the gap between who I am and who I need to be.

I AM: Your Deliverer
     God delays your deliverance for very good reasons.

Before Deliverance

1) Circumstances must deteriorate for a greater victory

• Exodus 4 & 5 - God promised to deliver them but then things got worse for them
• Exodus 3:19 - God warned them this would happen
• Wait in faith! Everything God promised is coming!!
• It can't be what you want to happen—it is what God says
• Sometimes God delays for a greater victory
• God isn't just going to barely win. It will be done in a way that only He gets the glory and honor
• Don't take your cue by how things look

2) Doubts must cease for a greater victory

• God is making me spiritually fit to receive what He is already willing to do
• God is building us—He is "growing" you
• Exodus 6: I AM the LORD! I AM! I AM! I AM!
• God is showing who He really is
• Keep your eyes on Yahweh
• Exodus 3:18: God clearly tells Moses what to say but Moses didn't say it that way
• Partial obedience is disobedience
• He doubted and did it his way
• Any doubting must be driven out
• When Moses failed, he "turned" to the LORD
• God gave them

              People—I love my people
              Pharaoh—He's not what you think he is... I'm taking him down
              Plan—I am going to free my people

• Moses wasn't someone important. He was not a firstborn, he was just a regular guy but that doesn't matter. God is the I AM!
• It's not about you—it's about God!

3) Truth must prevail for a greater victory

• God is bringing down Pharaoh
• River turned to blood; frogs; lice; flies; pestilence; boils; hail; locusts; darkness; death
• Pharaoh was warned about some of the plagues
• Some plagues came without warning
• Pharaoh wants the frogs removed "tomorrow," he still wanted to be in control
• Deliverance was delayed so that depravity could be displayed
• It's not just about Moses—it was about Pharaoh too
• Romans 3:4; Romans 3:19
• Truth will prevail
• Right and wrong will be clearly established
• Truth is being demonstrated for a great victory
• Pharaoh lied after plagues. He would promise to let them go and then would revert to old ways.

4) Hearts must surrender for a greater victory

• Exodus 9: even after six plagues some still did not believe what Moses said would happen
• Only some of the Egyptians prepared for the 7th plague—hail
• Some people died because they wouldn't listen
• Pharaoh "appeared" to have a heart change
• His heart had not changed—it was more lies
• It can't be a surface change—it must be a heart change
• Don't push for early deliverance
• Let God's full work be done
• Wait on God
• When He wins it—it will be an awesome, permanent victory
• And He will win!  

5) In the end deliverance may not be for everyone

• Moses surrendered and went from bad place to good
• Pharaoh refused God and went from a bad place to a worse place
• Pharaoh hardened his heart
• Exodus 10:28
• God also hardened Pharaoh's heart
• While God is calling—submit!
• Don't wait until it is too late
• Pharaoh is in hell

Addendum: 4/25/15 ~ About a month ago as I was cleaning downstairs I saw the DVD for this sermon. I have not watched it since the first time we watched it in 2011. I put it in and sat down. Powerful, truthful, and impactful message. Now here it is about a month later, and I come across what I wrote about it in my journal back in 2011. The I AM is our Deliverer. My prayer is that HE will be the Deliverer for ALL of us and that ALL would surrender all. That is our hope and prayer. But I also know that I have no control over the actions of other's, and in the end—not everyone surrenders. We will wait on the LORD and we will trust HIM.

"For a greater victory." I am convinced that so much of what has happened these last seven years of dealing with "the storm" is for that exact reason— for a greater victory. The I AM has already protected us and delivered us in so many ways. When His final act happens in fulfilling the promises of Psalm 140 and Jeremiah 33, it will be so that ALL will know that HE is the LORD, HE is our Deliverer, and HE gets all the Glory and Honor—for a greater victory!

The I AM is our Deliverer. 

Psalm 140:6–8 -  "O LORD, our Lord, YOU are our God. Hear our cry for mercy.  O Sovereign Lord our strong Deliverer, do not grant the wicked their desires O Lord, do not let their plans succeed or they will become proud..."


Next Entry: Isaiah 2 – 4

Isaiah 1

July 15, 2011

Isaiah. Tell it like it is Isaiah. I've been looking forward to reading/writing about Isaiah for a long time. However, I think it's going to be tough. He holds nothing back. He's blunt. He tells the truth whether Judah wants to hear it or not. He "gets it." He understands the

God

↓

Man

relationship. Isaiah saw God and it brought him to his knees. God is a Holy God and sin will be dealt with.

That is how Chapter 1 starts. God tells His children what their problems are. They have turned against Him. They should KNOW Him—but they do not. They've left the LORD and are doing evil. Everything is falling apart. Their health is suffering, their land is ruined, their possessions gone, and they just don't seem to "get it." They don't get that their actions is what is causing all their problems. They are still going through all the "religious" motions. They are bringing sacrifices and are having feasts and festivals. But it is just that—motions. For they have left the LORD. So this is what God tells them through his prophet Isaiah.

The LORD says:

• I don't want your sacrifices
• I've had enough of your burnt offerings
• I have no pleasure in the blood offerings
• Stop bringing me meaningless offerings
• Your incense is detestable to me
• I can't stand your meetings and feasts
• I hate the evil you are doing
• My soul hates your festivals and religious gatherings
• Your actions are burdensome and a heavy weight
• I'm tired of carrying this weight
• I refuse to look at you—even if you raise your arms
• I will not listen to you—even if you say many prayers

I hate all those things!  Stop!!

• Wash yourselves and make yourself clean
• Stop doing the evil things I see you do
• Stop doing wrong
• Learn to do good
• Seek justice
• Do the right things

Even though His people were doing all the things God hates and their offerings that used to bring Him pleasure were now detestable to Him, and even though they had chosen to leave Him, He still wanted them back. 

The LORD says:

• Come
• Let us talk
• Though your sins are many, they can be forgiven

IF—you become willing and you obey me
   THEN—you will be blessed again.

BUT!

IF—you refuse to obey me and you still turn against me,

   THEN—you will be destroyed.

"The LORD himself said these things."

IF—you do what is fair,

   THEN—you will be free again.

IF—you do what is right and come back to the LORD,

   THEN—you will have freedom.

BUT sinners, (those who have turned against God, and those who have left the LORD) will be destroyed and die. They will be ashamed, they will be disgraced, their power will be gone, and all they have worked for, and all their efforts will come to nothing.

Wow! All of that in just the first chapter of Isaiah. God requires full repentance. A turning towards and a turning from. It requires remorse and restitution. A change of heart. A new way of thinking.

God will do everything in his power to purge all sin out of us, but the choice to repent is still ours.

Isaiah 1:19–20 - "If you become willing and obey me, (then) you will eat good crops from the land. But if you refuse to obey and if you turn against me, (then) you will be destroyed by your enemies swords." The LORD himself said these things."  

God offered His people a way out of their sin and disobedience but they refused to change their hearts. Chapter 6 records God's response to their refusal. See Isaiah 6:1 - 7:25 and Isaiah 6:1 - 7:25  (Continued).


Next Entry: I AM: Your Deliverer 

LORD, I am Willing

April 24, 2015

I just finished Journal #5 (out of 13) and am now ready to start Isaiah. I'm looking forward to Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Sometime during the night last night the phrase—I'm willing—just kept going over and over in my mind. I'm willing LORD—I'm willing. Use my life however YOU want. This morning before I was fully awake I was humming the melody of a song in my mind. I couldn't yet place the words. Then finally it came. Set me apart, I know you're drawing me to yourself. Lead me Lord, I pray. 

I put my life in YOUR hands LORD. I am willing—use me however you wish. 

The Potter's Hand

Beautiful LORD, Wonderful Savior

I know for sure, all of my days are held in your hands, 

Crafted into your perfect plan.

You gently call me into your presence, 

Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit, Teach me dear Lord 

To live all my life through your eyes.

I'm captured by Your holy calling

Set me apart, I know you're drawing me to yourself

Lead me Lord, I pray

Take me and mold me, use me, fill me

I give my life to the Potter's hand

Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me

I give my life to the Potter's hand

Listen to The Potter's Hand here.


Next Entry: Isaiah 1 

Song of Solomon

July 14, 2011

Love and romance. Eight chapters describing the love between a man and a woman. God is the one who designed us to love and be loved.

I'm so grateful for the love, desire, and respect my husband and I have for each other. It is a precious gift. We have been married for over 35 years. We have faced illness, death, accidents, disappointment, joy, births, transitions, tough decisions, excitement, children, grandchildren, dreams, business, love, and now a very difficult situation—together. And that has been the key to our happiness—together.

Through thick and thin, in joy and sorrow, in the good and the bad, no matter what, together— forever.


Next Entry: LORD, I am Willing

Ecclesiastes 9:1 – 12:14

July 14, 2011

Death. This life is temporary and fleeting. Instead of spending so much time concerned about the temporary, we should be more concerned with the eternal.

"The heart of the wise leads to do right, but the heart of a fool leads to wrong." (Ecclesiastes 10:2) The heart of the matter is the heart of the matter. "Like a fish caught in a net or a bird caught in a trap, people are trapped by evil when it suddenly falls on them." (Ecclesiastes 9:12) "The words of the wise bring them praise but the words of a fool will destroy them." (Ecclesiastes 10:12) We need to boldly face the future. "Cast your bread upon the water..." (Ecclesiastes 11:1) Invest what you have, your talents, and your money. Use what God has given you for Kingdom building. If we are only living for the temporal we are chasing the wind. "You will turn back into the dust of the earth again, but your spirit will return to God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

The bottom line. In conclusion Solomon said, "Now, everything has been heard so I give my final advice: Honor God and obey His commands, because this is all people must do. God will judge everything, even what is done in secret, the good and the evil." NIV - "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

Knowing God knows all and is in control brings me joy, peace, and contentment. 


Next Entry: Song of Solomon

Ecclesiastes 5:18 – 8:17

July 14, 2011

Wanting more is useless,
     like chasing the wind.

Being satisfied with what you have is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 - "God gives some people the ability to enjoy the wealth and property he gives them as well as the ability to accept their state in life and enjoy their work. They do not worry about how short life is, because God keeps them busy with what they love to do." NIV - it is a gift of God.

Notice who is doing the giving—God! God can only "give" if we have surrendered all to Him and are not trying to take and determine our own lives. You have to be empty before God can fill. You can't buy what God gives.

Ecclesiastes 7:29 - "God made people good, but they have found all kinds of ways to be bad." NIV says to "scheme." Ecclesiastes 7:7 - "Even wise people are fools if they let money change their thinking." Ecclesiastes 8:8 - "When evil people are not punished right away"... they think they have gotten away with it and there will be no accountability. They think they are in control, BUT "evil does not set free those who do evil." You aren't in control! Only God can free you after you have given him your all.

Accountability delayed does not mean accountability denied.  God is in control.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 - "Look at what God has done; no one can straighten what he has bent. When life is good, enjoy it. But when life is hard, remember: God gives good times and hard times, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring."

Ecclesiastes 8:6 - "There is a right time and a right way for everything.

Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 - "When evil people are not punished right away, it makes others want to do evil too. Though a sinner might do a hundred evil things and might live a long, I KNOW it will be better for those who honor God. I also know it will not go well for evil people, because they do not honor God. Like a shadow, they will not last."

Our life on earth is temporary. When death frees us from our earthly bodies our eternal life begins. The "chasing of the wind" is futile. Only what was done for Christ will last. So eat, drink, and enjoy life while fully surrendered and fulfilling God's plan for your life. THEN—no matter what—you have joy, peace, and contentment on this our temporary home and you are assured of an eternal home with the LORD.

Who are we to question how, why, or when God does or does not do something?  Psalms 8:4 - "What is man...?"  Job 38–42.


Next Entry: Ecclesiastes 9:1 – 12:14

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – 5:17

July 13, 2011

Useless—like chasing the wind. Over and over Solomon repeats this phrase.

Trying to climb the ladder to success?
     Useless—like chasing the wind.
Jealous of each other?
     Useless—like chasing the wind.
Always wanting more?
     Useless—like chasing the wind.
Amassing wealth?
     Useless—like chasing the wind.

So, what do you gain from chasing the wind? All you get are days full of sadness and sorrow, and you end up sick, defeated, and angry. (Ecclesiastes 5:16–17)

God never intended for us to be chasing the wind, but He does intend for us to be miserable if we decide to do so. We were designed to live our time here on earth for His purposes not our own. If we don't get that, then we are chasing the wind.

God does everything just right and right on time. Why do we think we should be able to understand or know God's ways? God is in heaven we are on earth—let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2) Be happy living, eating, and working. These are gifts from God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13) I KNOW that everything God does will continue forever. People cannot add anything to what God has done, and they cannot take anything away from it. God does it this way to make people respect him. (Ecclesiastes 3:14) There is a time for everything, and God has planned it that way.

This is probably sounding redundant, but we have a choice. We can do it our way—and chase the wind. Or, we can do it God's way—and receive peace, joy, and contentment, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. This earth is not our home. As the old spiritual says, We're just passing through. If we believe that, then we ought to live like it—and quit chasing the wind.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 - "Think before you speak, and be careful about what you say to God. God is in heaven, and you are on the earth, so let your words be few."

God

↓

Man

Ecclesiastes 5:12 - "Those who work hard sleep in peace; it is not important if they eat little or much.  But rich people worry about their wealth and cannot sleep."

Ecclesiastes 4:12 - "An enemy might defeat one person, but two people together can defend themselves; a rope that is woven of three strings is hard to break."

Next Entry: Ecclesiastes 5:18 – 8:17

Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 2:26

July 13, 2011

I can't believe Proverbs is over. I expected it to take me much longer but this last week I ended up writing more than usual. Proverbs clearly lays out there are two ways to live and it is our choice. But along with our choices comes consequences. Those choices → consequences, not only affect us, they impact generations. Even Solomon, who had great wisdom, got off track. Ecclesiastes show the delusion and despair that comes when we take our eyes off of God and look only to ourselves.

"Useless. Useless! Everything is useless." Now that is despair. People live—people die. The sun rises—the sun sets. Reminds me of the song if that's all there is, then let's keep dancing. God created us for His purposes. If we only try to fulfill our own purposes life will be exhausting, discouraging, and useless. All of our work, pleasure, and ideas mean nothing if we are not fulfilling why we were created: to bring Honor and Glory to our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.

Solomon, in all his wisdom, got off track. He was looking to himself, his wisdom, his knowledge, his wealth, and his desires. It was all about I, I, I, me, me, me. In my Bible I have circled twenty-eight "I's" in just the first eleven verses of Chapter 2. I this...I that—the problem of "I." There will be dissatisfaction with life IF we are not living our lives the way God created us to be. Nothing will satisfy. Not wealth, not family, not education, not accomplishments, nothing will fill the God-given void we were created with. Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 finally saw this. "No one can eat or enjoy life without him. If people please God, God will give them wisdom, knowledge, and joy." Sinners will only get the work and wealth of the moment. It won't truly be theirs. "All their work is useless, like chasing the wind."

Roger Palms, in Enjoying the Closeness of God describes it this way. Our life on earth is like a beach. We are frantically building our castles always fearful about the wave that is coming. We can't enjoy what we have because the wave is coming! That's because we are trying to be in control. We have made Jesus into "our" Jesus, someone we have accepted, a feel-good Jesus who just wants us to be happy instead of THE Son of the Living God who we should be surrendering to. "To reject God out of hand is one thing, but to acknowledge Him and then live as if He is neither LORD or God is a horrible existence. Then all we have left is sand." Sinking sand. Frantic. Trying to shore up the sides of our castle. Fear. Panic. Strategizing. Schemes. Dread. HURRY!! The waves are coming!!  

God did not design us that way. God gave us a void in our lives that can only be filled by Him when we surrender our ALL! Then, and only then, when the storms come and the waves are crashing on shore, can we have total peace and joy because we are resting in the strong powerful arms of God.

Addendum:  4/23/15 ~  I can't believe I'm done with Proverbs this time either. Because I am recovering from surgery I had extra time this last week to record more of my entries.  


Next Entry: Ecclesiastes 3:1 – 5:17

Proverbs 31

July 12, 2011

The Good Wife.

She is:

• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Industrious
• Responsible
• Hard-working
• Strong
• Independent
• Confident
• Creative
• Giver
• Supportive
• Conscientious
• Steward
• Generous
• Entrepreneur
• Respected
• Happy
• Optimistic
• Wise
• Teacher
• Frugal
• Loving
• Kind
• Organized

She is all those things because she respected the LORD. Compare this list from Chapter 31 to the other verses listed throughout Proverbs that describes the exact opposite kind of woman.

Here are few:

Proverbs 7:5-27 - The unfaithful wife, loud and stubborn, unfaithful, demanding, smooth talking
Proverbs 9:13-18 - Loud, without wisdom or knowledge, liar
Proverbs 11:22 - A beautiful woman without good sense is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.
Proverbs 12:4 - A good wife is like a crown for her husband but a disgraceful wife is like a disease in his bones.
Proverbs 14:1 - A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does.
Proverbs 19:13 - ....a quarreling wife is like dripping water.
Proverbs 21:19 - It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarreling and complaining wife.
Proverbs 22:14 - The words of an unfaithful wife are like a deep trap.
Proverbs 25:24 - It is better to live in a corner on the roof than inside the house with a quarreling wife.
Proverbs 27:15-16 - A quarreling wife is as bothersome as a continual dripping on a rainy day. Stopping her is like stopping the wind or trying to grab oil in your hand.

Wow! What two drastically different lists. I know which list I want to be remembered by. Proverbs 31:28 - "Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her.


Next Entry: Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 2:26

Proverbs 30

July 12, 2011

This proverb is written by Agur. He makes this statement in verse 5: "Every word of God is true. He guards those who come to him for safety." Then he asks two things of the LORD which is my prayer as well.

1) Keep me honest and truthful.
2) Give me just what I need. Not too much that I become self-sufficient and reject the LORD, and not so poor that I become desperate.

What a great way to live, honest and dependent on the LORD.

Then in verse 11-14 Agur describes four different kinds of people. 

• Disrespectful
• Hypocritical
• Arrogant
• Oppressive

Where that type of person is, there is conflict. Add to that, greed. "Greed has two daughter's named 'Give' and 'Give'..." (verse 15) Can't you just picture someone with outstretched arms saying, "GIVE ME, GIVE ME, IT'S MINE!!

I can picture it. I've heard it.


Next Entry: Proverbs 31

Proverbs 29

July 12, 2011

Trust. "...if you trust in the LORD, (THEN) you will be safe."

• Being afraid of people can get you in trouble (Verse 25)
• Pride will ruin you (Verse 23)
• Wicked people and sin go hand in hand (Verse 16)
• There is no mediation, no compromise, no peace with a foolish person. Only rage, scoffing, and laughter (Verse 9)

We have lived some of this first hand with "the storm." What will it take? Is there hope? Don't they get it? Will they ever stop?

Proverbs 29:1 (NIV) - "A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will be suddenly destroyed without remedy." (NCV) - "Whoever is stubborn after being corrected many times will suddenly be hurt beyond cure."

Without remedy. Beyond cure. Oh what strong words. What dire consequences. "Evil people are trapped by their own sin," but "good people can sing and be happy." (Verse 6) "Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned." (Verse 7)

There is no middle ground. Good people hate dishonesty. The wicked hate honesty. Good people are concerned about justice for the poor. The wicked are not concerned. The comparisons go on and on. It really is black and white. Blessings—verses—Curses.

Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy."


Next Entry: Proverbs 30 

Proverbs 28

July 12, 2011

This chapter is full of warnings and instructions against "get rich quick" schemes and the fallacies of "financial freedom."

Solomon says:

• It is better to be poor and innocent than be perverse in your ways and rich. (Verse 6)
• Some people get rich by overcharging others, but their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor. (Verse 8) Usury—which is unjust and ill-gotten gain. You think you are in charge but you aren't. What is not freely given will be taken. You will "amass for another."
• A truthful person will have many blessings, but those eager to get rich will be punished. (Verse 20)
• Selfish (greedy) people are in a hurry to get rich and do not realize they will soon be poor. (Verse 22)
• He who robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong," is partner to him who destroys. (Verse 24)
• A greedy person causes trouble, but the one who trusts the LORD will succeed.

Proverbs 28:13 has two sets of IF—THEN comparisons.

IF you hide your sins,
   (THEN) you will not succeed.
IF you confess and reject them,
   (THEN) you will receive mercy.

Proverbs 28:5 - Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand it completely.

Proverbs 28:11 - Rich people may think they are wise, but the poor with understanding will prove them wrong.

Proverbs 28:14 - Those who are always respectful (feareth the LORD) will be happy, but those who are stubborn (hardened their heart) will get into trouble.

Proverbs 28:18 - Innocent people will be kept safe, but those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined.

Proverbs 28:26 - Those who trust in themselves are foolish, but those who live wisely will be kept safe.

The only way to truly live? Confessing and rejecting sin, and trusting in the LORD. When you do that the circumstances surrounding you and peripheral things do not matter. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He WILL direct your paths!

Addendum: 4/22/15 ~ I heard a message a few weeks ago about this very subject—wealth. One of the statements made was, "How did it come into your possession?" What the pastor was saying is this. Whatever you have (whether it be money, land, possessions)—how did you get it? Was it through usury? Lies? Manipulations? Schemes? Stolen? False Advertising? How did you get it? How you got it determines whether you keep it and whether you are blessed because of it. Can God bless deceit? Of course not!! Cannot. It really is that black and white. 


Next Entry: Proverbs 29 

Proverbs 26 – 27

July 11, 2011

I'm going to write about Proverbs 27 first. This chapter talks about how important it is to have a friend who will be honest with you about all things—your strengths and weaknesses.

Proverbs 27:5 - It is better to correct someone openly than to have love and not show it.
Proverbs 27:6 - The slap of a friend can be trusted to help you but the kisses of an enemy are nothing but lies.
Proverbs 27:9 - The sweet smell of perfume and oils is pleasant and so is good advice from a friend.
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.

I'm grateful to have friends like this in my life. But then comes Proverbs 26. There are some people in your life who make it their life's purpose to not strengthen and improve you; their purpose is to hurt you. That type of person is toxic and brings harm and damage to your life. Unfortunately, often that type of person comes from within your family of origin. If it is an outside person it is much easier to distance yourself and protect yourself from them. But from my personal experience, it is an entirely different story if the person comes from within your family.

I tried everything under my control and in my power to help my sister. I tried putting my own needs aside. I put up with my sister's actions, attitudes, hurts, and other things I would have never allowed or accepted from anyone else in my life. But there comes a point in time when you realize that not only can't you change the other person, but you can't help them either. The best (and sometimes the only) thing you can do is distance yourself from them. Something is broken within them and you can't fix it.

When someone has all sorts of conflict in their lives you finally have to look at the common denominator. I describe as the Charlie Brown character "Pig Pen" effect. Like Pig Pen's circle of dirt swirling around him, some people have trouble and conflict swirling around them wherever they go. They are just plain toxic and you can't change or fix them.

Proverbs 26:24-27 - "Those who hate you may try to fool you with their words, but in their minds they are planning evil. People's words may be kind, but don't believe them, because their minds are full of evil thoughts. Lies can hide hate, but the evil will be plain to everyone. Whoever digs a pit for others will fall into it. Whoever tries to roll a boulder down on others will be crushed by it."

Proverbs 27:19 - "As water reflects your face, so your mind shows what kind of person you are."

Like I said earlier, the truth is the truth. I believe the promises found in Proverbs 26:2 - "Curses will not harm anyone who is innocent; they are like sparrows or swallows that fly around and never land." While I don't have the power or ability to "fix" others, the Great Physician does, and that is still my prayer.

Interesting that the Life Lesson for Chapter 26 sent me to read Leviticus 26:14-35, the very scriptures I referred to in my writings for Proverbs 25.


Next Entry: Proverbs 28

Proverbs 25

July 11, 2011

More wise sayings of Solomon. Warnings against trying to be in control and being the "god" of your own life, deciding to go after what you decide is "justice," seeking revenge, etc. He also talks about the reward you receive when you don't retaliate and seek your own "justice" and revenge. He talks about when you don't treat your enemies in the same fashion as they treat you it is like "pouring burning coals" (conviction) on their heads and the LORD will reward you.

Thank goodness for the rewards the LORD gives you, because your refusal to respond in kind usually does not bring back kindness to you. The one seeking revenge wants their "enemy" to fight back. When you don't fight back and only do what is necessary to defend yourself they become even more angry and the "fight" ramps up even more. The gloves come off and it gets vicious, and there seems to be no limits or end to it. Chuck Swindoll describes the tongue as, "Verbal cyanide.  A lethal, relentless, flaming missile which assaults with hellish power, blistering and destroying at will." But! no power of Hell or scheme of man can ever pluck me from his hand—and that is enough. We will wait on him. God is in control. Our faith and trust is in Him alone—No Matter What.

Proverbs 25:26 - "A good person who gives in to evil is like a muddy spring or a dirty well." There is no such things as a "little" sin. We always need to be on guard, stay in the Word, have accountability friends, and daily be doing the things that bring honor and glory to Christ.


Next Entry: Proverbs 26–27

Proverbs 24

July 9, 2011

Evil people are just that—evil. There is nothing you can do to change or save them. God has already paid their ransom, it is up to them to receive it. Proverbs 24:2 - "...their minds are always planning (plotting) violence and their lips talk about making trouble." (strategizing) "Don't fret about evil people and don't be envious of them." (Verse 19) It may appear as if they are "getting by" with their lies, schemes and trickery, BUT, "an evil person has nothing to hope for; the wicked will die like a flame that is put out."  (Verse 20)

Solomon lists some don'ts.

Don't—

• act like you don't know what is going on. God knows. He's watching. He will reward each person for what he as done. 
• attack (lie in wait for) a good family's home
• rob the place where they live
• testify against thy neighbor without cause
• say things that are false
• say "I'll get even"
• seek revenge
• be happy when your enemy is defeated
• gloat or be glad over when he stumbles and is brought down by calamity (NIV)

In all things—it takes wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to have a good family and to be successful in life. Even though good people may be bothered by trouble seven times, they get back up. But the wicked are overwhelmed by trouble. Proverbs 24:16

There is a price to pay, and there is a reward to receive.

Curses—for those who are their own god
Blessings—for those whose God is the LORD

Leviticus 26 - An entire chapter about the rewards for obeying God—verses—punishment for not obeying God. Leviticus 26:40 - "But maybe the people will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors; maybe they will admit they turned against me and sinned against me... IF these disobedient people are sorry for what they did AND accept punishment for their sin, THEN I will remember my agreement... I am the LORD."

There is always hope. There is still time. Curses—verses—Blessings. Ransom—verses—Ransomed. Bondage—verses—Freedom. The choice is mine. The choice is yours.


Next Entry: Proverbs 25

Proverbs 23

July 8, 2011

"Always respect the LORD. Then you will have hope for the future and your wishes will come true."

This chapter also talks about the importance of training a child how to live right. It is vital that children learn about authority and obedience. How are they ever to learn what it means to submit to the authority of our heavenly Father if they've never learned that concept with their earthly father? If they don't understand the relationship between choice and consequences as a child, how are they going to understand that as an adult?

You can do everything you know to do, but we all have a will and free choice. You can't force someone to understand if they are refusing to do so. I remember what it was like growing up in a home where the parents knew the importance of "training a child." I remember the turmoil, strife and rebellion that ensued when submission was fought against by my sister. It created turmoil and stress in the entrie family.

As my brother, Mom, husband and I gathered around my Dad's death bed, we were talking about this very thing. Mom (referring to the turmoil that still surrounds any dealings with my sister) asked, "What did we do wrong?" I replied (and my brother concurred), "We were all raised the same, Mom. You didn't do anything wrong. You and Dad tried ... I remember."

We can do our best to influence others, but we all have free choice and ultimately, everyone has to make their own decision. It is up to you, it is up to me. Choose you this day whom ye will serve.


Next Entry: Proverbs 24

The Ransom

July 7, 2011

It happened three weeks ago—June 15, 2011. My husband and I were driving down the freeway on the way to look at a job, when obscure thoughts started to form in my mind. I said to my husband, "What is any different about tomorrow or next month than yesterday or three months ago?" (Told you they were obscure!)  😊

Why should "the storm" end tomorrow or months down the road as opposed to yesterday or last year? Why? As we talked then and over the next days the random and obscure thoughts began to become into clearer focus. There was a something missing! Something else had to happen before the "the storm" and lawsuit would be over. What was it? I had no idea, but I felt as if God was clearly letting me know that there was a specific reason why "the storm" was not yet over, and that we were to continue to wait upon Him. There was another piece of the puzzle that was not yet in place. What was or is the piece? I don't know and it didn't matter because God was in control.

The day after those thoughts began to form I was reading Proverbs 3 (June 16, 2011). In the margins of my Bible beside Proverbs 3:5 I have written Deuteronomy 29:29 (12/8/08). Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "There are some things the LORD our God has kept secret, but there are some things he has let us know...." We strongly felt that God was peeling away the layers and unveiling a truth. There is no difference between tomorrow and yesterday; or next month and three months ago. There is another piece of the puzzle, an event or whatever, that needs to take place before this is over. 

That made perfect sense. We believe in and trust the "I will's" of God. This is His battle and battle plan. We just need to remain faithful.

So that all happened three weeks ago. We felt like God was revealing a new truth to us. We aren't just in limbo. An event, action, or something, some sort of piece of the puzzle, still has to happen. And then, as I am reading in Proverbs 21, a verse that is totally contrary to what I would naturally think, just keeps sticking out to me and I try to figure out what on earth it means.

Proverbs 21:18 - "The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright." 

How can the wicked be a ransom for the righteous instead of it being the righteous ransomed from the wicked?

The Ransom

What we now believe to be the piece that is still missing. Oh how we hope and pray that the ransom to be paid is one of amends and atonement, an acceptance of God's ransom. If/when that happens our earthly ransom will be close behind.

When you hear the term "ransom" used in a biblical sense you usually immediately equate it back to when Christ paid the ransom for us. He took our sin and paid the price. He released, rescued, delivered, freed, and redeemed our souls. All those descriptions from Webster's Dictionary I wrote about the other day. He paid the ransom for us. A gift we did not deserve. The mercy of God—not getting what we deserve. The grace of God—getting what we do not deserve.

So, God paid the ransom for all of us. Proverbs 22:2 - (we are all alike) in that the LORD made (us) all. What makes us different is the choices we make. Are we going to serve ourselves? Or, are we going to serve God? It's one or the other. It can't be both. We cannot have other gods in addition to the LORD. (Exodus 20:23) IF you choose to have other gods in addition to or instead of THE LORD, then pride enters because you insist on being in control. And where pride is, other sins are close behind, and evil actions and wickedness exist.

The wicked never seem to be content with living their own quiet life. They want what others have. They are aggressors and do whatever they want, to get whatever they want. The wicked refuse to accept the ransom Christ paid for them. The upright (righteous) accept the ransom Christ paid. When the wicked plan evil for the upright (Psalm 140) they become the ransom that has to be paid to free the upright from the earthly bondage they chose to put the upright in. The heavenly ransom to free us from sin and spiritual bondage has already been given. It's our choice to receive it. IF the heavenly ransom is refused, THEN you become the earthly ransom that is needed to atone for the sins and bondage you have attempted (in your assumed position of "god") to put upon the upright. God's truth will happen.

Proverbs 21:18 - "Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right."

For the upright, they have already accepted the ransom Christ paid for their eternal souls. When trouble and false accusations happen, they wait on the LORD. For the wicked, they have either refused to accept God's grace (ransom) or they have turned their backs on it. They've become their own god.

God provided an eternal ransom, and it is available to everyone. IF—you accept His salvation, THEN—you are freed, redeemed, and ransomed eternally. You are no longer in spiritual bondage because Christ paid the price once and for all time. IF—you refuse to accept God's ransom for your sins, THEN—you have declared yourself god (small "g"), pride is in control, and there is nothing to prevent your actions from becoming evil/wicked.

The wicked have no control over the uprights eternal salvation given to them by God's ransom— Christ. Satan, (knowing he has no power over the righteous who have surrendered their lives to Christ and have received Christ's ransom) will try everything in the power he does have to try and destroy the righteous. Case in point—Job. Satan was allowed by God to test him. One of the tools Satan will use is the people who have refused to surrender to God as LORD of their lives, the very thing that got Satan kicked out of heaven. Pride, and the worship of a false god—SELF. They are like-minded with Satan, and their actions are evil/wicked. Lies. Anger. Revenge. Control. False Accusations, etc.

IF—the wicked try to put the upright in bondage on earth (remember, they have no control over the spiritual), THEN—they will literally become the ransom that is required to be paid to free the upright from the bondage they, in their assumed position of god (small "g"), have tried to assert over the upright.

A price will need to be paid. Christ paid the price for our eternal salvation. The wicked will pay the price for our earthly freedom.

Proverbs 21:18 - "Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right." (NCV)

Proverbs 21:18 - "The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright." (NIV)

The world calls it Karma. What goes around comes around.

God's Word calls it accountability. A ransom that must be paid.


Next Entry: Proverbs 23

Proverbs 22

July 7, 2011

I'm still processing what I wrote about yesterday. The wicked being a ransom for the upright—verses how we normally think of it—the upright being ransomed from the wicked. Such a paradigm shift of thinking.

Over and over throughout Scripture it talks about how what the wicked plan for others is what happens to them, but I never ever thought of it in this way. What happens to the wicked is what frees the upright. Oh what a sobering thought. We are held accountable for our choices—the good and the bad. I am responsible for my choices! My choices are going to affect generations. I am not responsible for the choices/consequences of those who choose to do what God calls wicked. I wish I were responsible because I would do whatever I could to help them and show them the right path.

Solomon says in this chapter that we are all the same in that the LORD made us all. It is the choices we make—whether we are going to serve God or self—that separates us.

• Respecting the LORD and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life.
• Those who plan evil will receive trouble. Their cruel anger will come to an end.
• Do not abuse poor people because you can. Do not take away the rights of people in court. The LORD will defend them in court and will take the life of those who take away other peoples rights.
• Being respected is more important than having great riches. To be well thought of is better than silver or gold.
• The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get in trouble.

Personal choices. Personal integrity. The consequences are real. A "good name" doesn't necessarily mean a world view position of status, but rather one of stature and accomplishment before God.

Proverbs 22:17–19 - "Listen carefully to what wise people say; pay attention to what I am teaching you. It will be good to keep these things in mind so that you are ready to repeat them. I am teaching them to you now so that you will put your trust in the LORD.

"Train children how to live right, and when they are old, they will not change." I have a lot I want to write about this verse ... hopefully I will do so in the near future. 


Next Entry: The Ransom

Proverbs 21 (Continued)

July 6, 2011

• Get rich quick schemes don't work, it leads to poverty. Hard-working thought through plans. A good old "a honest days work for a honest days wages," is what leads to profit. 
• Wealth, achieved by telling lies, vanishes like a mist and is a deadly snare.
• Accountability happens. The violence of the wicked will end up destroying them because they refuse to do right.
• Guilty people live in dishonest and devious ways.
• The conduct of the innocent is upright.
• A wicked person craves evil. They can't let it rest. They must try to get revenge and harm others. Mercy is a word and action they do not understand.
• God, the Righteous One, the one who is always right—watches! He watches the house of the wicked. He takes note of their actions and He brings them to ruin.
• If you don't show compassion you will not be shown compassion when you need it.
• When justice is done it brings joy and happiness to the righteous and ruin and terror to those who do evil.
• "A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead."  (Verse 16)
• You will never be satisfied with earthly desires. True wealth and happiness comes from who you are in Christ not from what you can obtain.  
• What happens to the wicked is the exact opposite of what they think will happen. Instead of being the victor, they become the ransom for those who are upright and faithful.  

Ransom. It took me a while to wrap my thoughts around that thought. The KJV and the NIV both use the same word—Ransom.

The Webster Dictionary definition of ransom says this:

1. The redeeming (see redeem) of a captive by paying money or complying with demands.  
2. The price thus paid or demanded.  

v.  to obtain the release of (a captive, etc.) by paying the demanded price.
n.  redemption money, compensation, expiation
v.  release, rescue, deliver, free (see free)

Redeem—recover, pay off debt, ransom, deliver, make amends, atone, to restore
Free—not under the control or power of another, having liberty, not burdened by obligations, debts

Proverbs 21:18 - "The wicked become a ransom for the righteous."

The very thing they planned for others (Psalm 140) is what happens to them. The NCV says it this way: "Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right." The result of what happens to those who pursue wickedness.

• Pursue righteousness and love and you find life, success, prosperity and honor.
• Guard your mouth and tongue, it keeps you out of trouble.
• The proud and arrogant are called "mockers." They act with stubborn pride, making fun of and mocking those who stand against them.
• Good people (righteous) give of themselves (money and time) freely, without holding back. The selfish only take, craving for more, wanting things to be given to them without having to earn them honestly.  
• The LORD hates sacrifices brought by evil men for selfish purposes. It is detestable to Him.
• False witnesses will perish. Following him leads to destruction. A truthful persons testimony lives on.
• A wicked person puts up a bold front, but that is all it is.
• There is nothing! No wisdom, no insight, no plan or advice that can succeed against the LORD. Nothing! Period!
• You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives the victory!!! The NIV says it this way, "The victory rests with the LORD. Hallelujah!  

That is our prayer! That it will be obvious to EVERYONE that it was/is the LORD who secured justice and saved us from "the storm"! Not us. Not a lawyer. Not a judge. Not luck. Not a technicality! Not happenstance. The LORD! Blessed be the NAME OF THE LORD.  

I will call upon the LORD; Who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies; I will call upon the LORD. The LORD liveth and blessed be the rock, And let the God of my Salvation be exalted.

Like I wrote earlier, it took me awhile to grasp the meaning of Proverbs 21:18 - "The wicked become a ransom for the righteous." You normally think of being ransomed/redeemed/freed from the wicked. But this verse says the wicked become a ransom for the righteous. It's Psalms 140:9–12 - "Let the heads of the those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. Let burning coals fall on them. May they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pit never to rise. Let the slanderers not be established in the land and may disaster hunt down men of violence." When Psalms 140:9–12 happens the upright are ransomed by the consequences the wicked suffer because of their actions. Because of the choice they made to pursue the very things that God calls evil and wickedness. Proverbs 21:18 - "Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right."

God's words—not mine. God's battle—God's Victory.


Next Entry: Proverbs 22