The Lost Chapters: Review

August 08–22, 2014

Wow! Where do I begin? You can't make this stuff up. Why am I still so amazed by God's timing and abilities? Maybe that is a good thing. I don't ever want to lose the awe of who God is. The more we get a glimpse of who HE is, the more we realize we don't have even the slightest understanding or a beginning knowledge of His amazing Awesomeness.

The Lost/Last Chapters could not have been more relevant or pertinent in content. And, just wait until you hear about the very last verse of the very last chapter recorded on the very last blank page of my last journal. But first, here is the summary of what stood out in the chapters God set aside—for such a time as this.

II Chronicles 11:18 – 15:19 - The danger of PRIDE and becoming self sufficient. It isn't about "I" and what "I" have done, it is that "I can do all things through Christ." Pride → Punishment. There comes a time when God has had enough and He takes His guiding hand out of your life and you are left to fight your own battles by your own devices. God never abandons or leaves us first. When God leaves us to our own devices, it is always in response to our actions of pride, defiance, and our refusal to surrender to Him as Lord of our lives. When you try to do things your own way you are arguing against God and that is an argument you will never win. Stop! Stop what you are doing. Accountability and consequences for our choices WILL happen. You cannot try to circumvent God's will and have success at the same time. It won't work. It can't work. The flip side is when you have surrendered your will and are obedient to the Lord—you can't lose. The size of the army doesn't matter because the battle belongs to the Lord. It is ALL about Him. He is the One who leads the obedient. Victory comes when you obey and depend on the LORD. You can't do it, but God can.  Don't give up. God is in control. Your reward will come.

II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3 - Be careful. The most dangerous time isn't when you are facing a great crisis. The most dangerous time is when the crisis is over and the victory is won. Success can breed pride, and pride (self-sufficiency) has ruined many people. It becomes easy to forget WHO provided the victory and to instead start believing in your own abilities, strengths, wisdom, skills, etc. It takes intentional desire and effort to follow God; surrendering your will to the LORD's will does not happen automatically or accidentally. You have to want to obey. Where there is obedience there is also the desire to tell others about Him. The Lord protects and blesses those who are obedient to Him. But, be careful. Don't purposely align yourself with unbelievers or there will be danger ahead. There is a fine line between loving the sinner and hating the sin. It can become blurred very quickly and we find ourselves compromised in our relationship with God. God calls us to be separate. If we are aligned with those who are pursuing their own agenda instead of God's agenda, we may be in the line of fire when accountability happens. And, accountability WILL happen. Man can make the best laid plans, but God is still in control. What appears to be "by chance" is actually the Hand of God. God protects those who call on Him; He holds accountable those who have turned their backs on Him. We control whether we submit ourselves to the authority of God and obey His teachings. God controls the rest.

II Chronicles 19:4 – 21:3 - Attacks (unexpected storms) from others can come unprovoked. Cry out to the LORD for HIS help. Search HIS Word. Surrender your will to HIS. Believe HIS promises. Follow HIS specific instructions. Keep doing what is right. When you have done all He has asked you to do, you can have complete confidence in His promises. "The battle is not your battle, it is God's." "You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you..." Don't be afraid or discouraged. Stand strong. Praise HIS name first and foremost, before, during, and after the battle. It is the LORD who will take over the battle and HE is the One who will secure the victory. (Psalm 140)    

II Chronicles 21:4 – 24:27 - If you find yourself linked with others (business associates, friends, etc.) who are not following God, you must break free and separate yourself. You cannot expect to remain faithful to the LORD while compromising God's authority by not following His commands. God sent prophets to warn His people to turn back to Him, but they were stubborn and refused to listen—and accountability happened. God's promises are true and nothing can destroy or prevent God from fulfilling His promises. We are the ones who mess things up. There are consequences for our life choices. Our decisions bring God's promised results: Blessing—or—Curses. Our relationship with the LORD has to be personal. It isn't enough to start well. We must finish well!!!

II Chronicles 25:1 – 26:23 - When facing a battle, don't put your faith in your own strength or your trust in your ability to "buy" man's help. God has the power to help you OR defeat you. Put your faith and trust in Him. It doesn't matter what you have already spent or lost, walk away from it. God can give you much more! Rely on HIM, and only Him. It is HIS battle. Don't be stubborn. Repent, and turn from your old ways. Let go (of your need to be in control—pride) and "let" God (surrender your will to His). God provides the opportunity. It is up to us how we are going to respond. It is not our abilities, our talents, or our perseverance that brings us success. Our success comes from God's response to our obedience and servant-hood. The secret to success is simple—obey the LORD!

II Chronicles 27:1 – 28:27 - Obey God—and He supplies your needs and gives you success as you follow hard after Him. Disobey God—and He will eventually hand you over to disaster. God does not tolerate continued disobedience. The longer you refuse to surrender your will to HIS will, the harder it becomes to repent.

II Chronicles 29:1 – 32:23 - Break the pattern! Don't follow the godless ways of the past. Don't be stubborn. There is punishment for disobedience. Change your hearts! Repent! Turn! Obey! Serve! Praise! The Lord is kind and merciful. He never turns away an honest seeker. But sadly, few are willing to listen and obey. When you willingly give back to God your tithe and offerings from what HE has blessed you with, HE in return honors your obedience and submission to Him and He blesses you abundantly. Being obedient, faithful, and loyal to HIS commands does not prevent you from being attacked, ridiculed, insulted, and the object of aggression from those who are following after their own desires and agendas. BUT, stand strong. Don't be afraid or worried, because "there is a greater power with us" than with them. Man cannot circumvent God's will. The battle is not yours, it is HIS. HE will fight the battle, and HE will win. HE is the one who saves you, sustains you, and blesses you. God will use for your good what others intended for your harm.  Stand strong. Wait on the LORD. There is a when! Be ready for it! The battle will end and the victory will be won. God's promises are true.  

II Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25 - It is not about what "I" have done, it is ALL about what HE has done. There is much danger ahead when we forget that and become arrogant in our self pride. There is always forgiveness, but how much better to live a life in surrendered peace then to bear the consequences for disobedience. Our actions determines God's response. When we are faithful—He provides protection. When we are unfaithful—His protection is removed. There is forgiveness and hope, but it requires action in each of our lives to accomplish it. God is ready, willing, and waiting. He speaks to us through his Holy Spirit, His Word, and others. He provides the way. We must humble ourselves → pray → seek → and turn. When we do that, HE does the rest. Hope. There is always hope. But there comes a time when time runs out. Don't wait. Change your heart, mind, and ways—TODAY!

II Chronicles 34:1–33 - God's Word is a like a detailed map for how we should live our lives. If you refuse to acknowledge God as LORD of your life and refuse to follow the path He has laid out, there will come a day when you realize that what you put your misguided faith and trust in had no earthly or kingdom value. It was merely a waste of time and effort as you pursued what turned out to be worthless dust, a temporary god that offered no lasting satisfaction and no salvation. God's Word is true—period. He will do what He says—period. Accountability for personal actions will happen. There are blessings for those who humble themselves before the LORD; there are curses for those who refuse to surrender their will to His. There is NO excuse for ignorance. There is NO excuse for not taking the time to know what His Word says. There is NO excuse for not immediately obeying His teachings once you become aware of what His Word says. It is up to you/us to seek and search hard after Him. And when you do, He will respond to you and use His Word and His Holy Spirit, to reach out to you, teach you, and guide you on HIS path. He will even use prophets (and in our case a prophetess). Ordinary men and women who are called by God, whose words and actions are initiated by the Holy Spirit to be His messenger and His mouthpiece to His people. All for the purpose of either warning His people to repent, or as a message of hope, promise, encouragement, and guidance to those who are seeking hard after Him. It all comes down to this: two different kinds of people; two different choices; and two very different outcomes. It is the same message that resonates throughout all of scripture. We have a choice. Serve God—OR—Serve self. Follow hard after the LORD—OR—Refuse to obey God's teachings. Blessings—OR—Punishment. It really is that simple. Our choices bring God's promised results.

II Chronicles 35:1 – 36:1 -  Don't try to argue with God. That is one battle you will never win. Don't fool yourself into thinking God will not know or will not find out about the things you think or do. He knows our every thought and action. His promises are absolutely-with-out-a-doubt-true. God never breaks His promises and He never goes back on His word. But receiving His promises is not a guaranteed conclusion or something that we have a right to receive IF we turn our backs on Him and are not following HIS ways. His promises are what is available to us. Whether or not we receive His promise depends on the choices we make. IF—we choose to no longer follow after His ways and we choose to follow after other gods with anything or anyone taking the place in our hearts and lives that should be reserved only for the LORD, THEN—we have broken the agreement and God's available promise is null and void. Only we can break the agreement.

II Chronicles 36:2–23 - Some people just refuse to change and to surrender their will to God's. God provides opportunity after opportunity for change. He sends warnings. He disciplines. He patiently waits. He wants them to change their hearts and minds. But yet, even after all of that, some people still refuse to listen and become "stiff-necked." Instead of repenting, they ridicule and make fun of God's people and they despise God's messages. God is patient, kind, and full of grace. But there comes a time when enough is enough and His anger cannot be stopped. There is no remedy, and the consequences commence. It was because of their disobedience, and because of their refusal to listen to His messages, and because they refused to repent, and because they refused to change their hearts, that God brought their enemies against them and God handed them over to captivity. Sometimes innocent people become part of the collateral damage. People who did obey, and did listen to God's messages, and did repent, and did change their hearts, were taken captive as well. But God did not abandon them. He sent a message to His prophet for His people. God's message was this: He promised to hear their prayers; He promised to bring them back out of captivity; and He promised them they would once again enjoy great peace and safety. As a result, all the people would praise HIS name. What the LORD said would happen—happened. God fulfilled HIS promise to free HIS people. He used a most unlikely source. He used a pagan king to fulfill HIS promise. "Now may the LORD your God be with all of you who are his people. You are free to go..." God fulfilled His promise to Jeremiah and He will fulfill His promise to free and restore us.

"You are free to go..."

The Lost/Last Chapters: A step-by-step description that explains why "the storm" began, our thoughts and feelings while battling "the storm"; what we have learned along our journey; the assurance of God's protection; the guaranteed consequences for those who refuse to surrender their will to HIS; and the fulfillment of HIS written-in-stone "I will" promises of protection. When I originally read these chapters (during my hiatus from writing in 2010), I did not understand the significance of these chapters and how they related to our journey. I also didn't grasp the correlation between the last verse in II Chronicles and Jeremiah 33. God, in HIS Sovereignty, set aside these chapters for such a time as this, so I would realize the importance of them and understand what He was showing me: HE is a promise-keeping God; "the storm" is HIS battle to win; HE is faithful; we need to remain faithful; and HE will free HIS people.

Remarkably, every single one of the God-given chapters Jane (Her Name Was Jane) told us to read are represented in The Lost Chapters.

Psalm 150 - Praise! It's all about Him.
Psalm 140 - A Prayer for Protection
Isaiah 30 - Warnings (to those who are obstinate) and a promise to provide Provision for His people (Isaiah writing about the exact time period recorded in The Lost Chapters.)
Psalm 1 - Two different Paths and two different outcomes
Jeremiah 33 - The Promise of freedom and restoration (Jeremiah writing about the exact time period recorded in these chapters).
Psalm 8 - Purpose! It's all about Him.

Next Entry: And That Brings Us to the End

II Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25 (Continued)

July 22, 1014

After Manasseh suffered, "he humbled himself" before God and he begged the LORD for help. God heard his prayers and let him return to Jerusalem. IF—THEN.  II Chronicles 7:14 - IF my people who are called by name humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear their prayers and heal their land.

There is always hope, but it first requires personal submission and action on our part in order for God to do HIS part. God is ready, willing, capable, and waiting. He speaks to us through his Holy Spirit, His Word, and others. He provides the ways. We must humble ourselves → seek → and turn. When we do that, HE does the rest.

Hope. There is always hope. But there comes a time when time runs out. Don't wait. Change your heart, mind and ways—TODAY!

Amon becomes king. He does what the LORD says is wrong. Amon does not humble himself or change his ways. Instead, he sinned even more. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 34:1–33 

II Chronicles 32:24 - 33:25

July 21, 2014

After all Hezekiah did right, he ended up becoming prideful and arrogant. He didn't remember who was in control.

God

 ↓  

Man

Hezekiah no longer thanked God, and God became angry. When the people sought forgiveness God forgave, but how much better it would have been if Hezekiah had not become so full of pride. I pray that we never forget to thank God for all He has done. It is not about what "I" have done, it is ALL about what HE has done.

Hezekiah dies and his son Manasseh becomes king. Manasseh rebuilt the places for idol worship that Hezekiah tore down. He put idols in the temple. He totally turned against the LORD's teachings. "God's people" did more evil than the people God forced out of the land Moses led the Israelites to.

God spoke to Manasseh and "his" people but they refused to listen. Later, the king of Assyria comes to attack them. They captured Manasseh and bound him. This is the same army that came unprovoked to attack Hezekiah and God protected them and soundly defeated the army because of Hezekiah's faithfulness. This time because of Manasseh's unfaithfulness, God caused the Assyrian army to attack, and "God's people" were soundly defeated.

Our actions determines God's response. When we are faithful—He provides protection. When we are unfaithful—His protection is removed. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25 

II Chronicles 25:1 – 26:23

July 18, 2014

Amaziah becomes king. He does what is right, but it is more out of duty than a passion to follow the LORD's commands. When Amaziah became established, he held those who had killed his father accountable. He followed the laws of Moses and did not hold the children accountable for the actions of their parents.

Amaziah prepares his soldiers for battle. He also hires 100,000 soldiers from Israel for 75 pounds of silver. A man of God comes to him and says—what are you doing? Don't let the men from Israel go with you. Why are you trusting men instead of God? "You can make yourself strong for war, but God will defeat you. He has the power to help you or to defeat you." Amaziah says—but what about the money I have already spent? And the man of God replies—walk away from it. "The LORD can give you much more than that."

God has the power to help you OR defeat you. Put your faith and trust in Him. Rely on HIM, and only Him. It is HIS battle.

So Amaziah goes to war without the hired men and God provides the victory. But THEN, Amaziah brings home the idols of the people he defeated and started worshiping them. Why? Why would he do that? I've always said the most dangerous time isn't when you are facing a battle bigger than yourself because you know you need God's help. The danger comes when the battle has been won and you forget it was God who won the battle. The focus becomes, "look what I have done" instead of, "look what God has done."

Amaziah starts worshiping the idols that could not save those he had attacked and God had beaten. The LORD was very angry and sent a prophet to talk to him. Have you noticed that God always sent someone to warn people when they were getting off track? Unfortunately, it made Amaziah mad and he did not repent. His response was basically, "Who are you to tell me what to do?"

God provides each of us the opportunity for change, but the decision to listen and obey falls entirely upon our own shoulders.

Amaziah would not listen. He tried to align himself with Israel again. Instead of being joined with Israel he was defeated by Israel. He was captured by his enemies, and later he was hunted down and killed by his own people. "God caused all this to happen" because he sought help from others instead of God. Why? Why? Why? Why are some people so stubborn?

We all need to let go (of our pride) and let (surrender to) God.

Uzziah becomes king. He does what the LORD said was right. "As long as Uzziah obeyed the LORD, God gave him success." Therein lies the true secret to success. It is not our own abilities, but God's response to our servant-hood. Unfortunately, when Uzziah became powerful, "His pride led to his ruin." He became unfaithful to God and he thought he was above the rules. Only the priests were allowed to burn incense on the altar, but Uzziah decided that he would do it. The priests tried to warn him, "You have been unfaithful, and the LORD God will not honor you for this." Uzziah wouldn't listen. He became angry and he did what he wanted to do. Because of his actions, Uzziah developed a skin disease and he could no longer live in the palace. He was separated from being around other people for the rest of his life.

The most dangerous time is not when we are in a crisis. The most dangerous time is when things are going well.

LORD, I want to finish strong! May we follow hard after you now and when "the storm" is over.

From the Life Lesson in my Bible – "The humble are always at peace; the proud are often envious and angry." ~ From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis.

In my Bible margins I have written – "Isn't that amazing! The very thing they think will bring them stature and control actually binds them in a prison. A self made prison of envy and jealousy. What they thought would bring freedom is instead an albatross. A goal or "feeling" that can never be attained."

II Chronicles 25:9 - "...the LORD is able to give thee much more than this." Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written in her KJV margins – Much More!  See Romans 5 - Uncle Amos's "much more's."

Addendum: 4/12/15 ~ "Walk away from it...the LORD can give you much more." Luke 6:38 - "Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you." We are watching this happen. "The storm" has battered our finances. In our human minds we think, but how can we be restored? How could that happen? How would God be able to do that? See II Kings 6:8 – 8:15.

Our human minds cannot begin to fathom the magnitude of God's love and abilities. Cannot. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 27:1 – 28:27  

II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3

July 14, 2014

Asa went from relying and depending on the LORD, to relying on his own strength and seeking out others to join him as he went out to battle.

The LORD had already proven himself faithful. He had already helped Asa and Judah win against other very powerful kings. Why change now? Why did Asa start deciding he was capable without God's help? Success breeds pride, and pride/success has ruined many people. The danger comes when you start believing in your abilities and depending on your strength, instead of depending on the LORD and acknowledging your success comes from HIM.

The most dangerous time isn't when you are facing a great crisis. The most dangerous time is when the crisis is over, and the victory is won.

A seer named Hanai went to Asa to warn him about the consequences. Instead of repenting, Asa became angry and put Hanani in prison. Instead of looking inward and accepting responsibility, Asa blamed others. Even when Asa was faced with disease he did not turn to God. He died soon after.

Jehoshaphat (Asa's son) becomes king. Jehoshaphat relied on the LORD and he obeyed God's commands. He wanted to obey. It takes intentional desire and effort to follow God; surrendering your will to the LORD's will does not happen automatically or accidentally. Jehoshaphat then did what should come naturally when you are surrendered and following the LORD—he told others. He sent his officers and leaders to teach others. They took God's words and went throughout the towns so everyone would know who God was and would know His teachings. The LORD blessed Jehoshaphat and protected him.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3 (Continued)  

II Chronicles 11:18 – 15:19

July 12, 2014

The story of Rehoboam.

After Rehoboam became strong and established, he (and the people) became self-reliant. They stopped obeying God, and they abandoned the laws of God. Oh, the dangers of PRIDE and forgetting that it isn't about "I" do. It is, "I can do all things through Christ." Rehoboam forgot (or ignored) the

God

     ↓   

  Man

relationship, and trouble ensued.

The king of Egypt attacked them. The LORD said, "You have left me, so now I leave you to face (them) alone." It is always in that order. We separate ourselves from God; we are left on our own. The LORD never abandons us first.  

When Rehoboam sees what is happening he becomes afraid and repents. The LORD saw they were sorry, so He held back His anger and prevented the king of Egypt from totally destroying them. Even though Rehoboam repented there were still consequences. The king of Egypt stripped them of what they were most proud of; their many prized possessions. Rehoboam "made himself" a strong king. "He did not want to obey the LORD.

Pride → punishment.

Abijah (son of Rehoboam) becomes king. There was a war between him (Judah) and Jeroboam (Israel). Abijah brought 400,000 soldiers into battle. Jeroboam brought 800,000. Abijah stood on a mountain and said, "Listen to me!" You know that God gave David and his sons the right to rule Israel forever, so what are you doing following Jeroboam, the son of one of Solomon's officers? You are making plans against God by planning evil against us. You are arguing against God. You have made yourself golden calves to be your gods. You have gotten rid of who God appointed as priests (the Levites) and you have appointed your own priests. You have left the LORD. "But as for us, the LORD is our God; we have not left him." (Psalm 140:6 - But we say, "You are my God...") "We obey the command of the LORD, but you have left him. God himself is with us...." He is the One leading us. Listen! Stop what you are doing! Don't fight against God! It won't work! You won't succeed!

Jeroboam wouldn't listen. Instead he sent some of his troops to "sneak behind" Judah's army. You can "sneak behind" man, but you cannot sneak behind God. When the people of Judah realized they were being tricked, they cried out to the LORD. They didn't run, and they didn't hide. They gave a battle cry, and "God caused" Jeroboam and his army to run away. "God handed them over" to Judah. The people of Israel were defeated, and the people of Judah won. Why? "...because they depended on the LORD." Jeroboam never again became strong. "The LORD struck Jeroboam and he died."

Accountability. Consequences. Every king that followed Jeroboam followed in his foot steps and did evil. Every single one! They couldn't succeed because they were trying to circumvent God's will. It won't work. It can't work.

Abijah dies and his son Asa became king. Asa did "What the LORD his God said was good and right." The LORD gave them peace because they obeyed the LORD. But then Zerah from Cush comes out to fight them with an enormous army. Asa called out to God saying, "LORD, only you can help weak people against the strong. Help us LORD our God, because we depend on you. We fight against this enormous army in your name. LORD, you are our God. Don't let anyone win against you." (Psalm 140 - "...don't let their plans succeed or they will become proud.") The size of the army doesn't matter because the battle belongs to the Lord. They couldn't do it but God could, and He did. "So the LORD defeated (them)... they were crushed by the LORD."

When you face a battle that is bigger than you, remember this truth: You can't do it, but God can. Don't give up. God is in control. 

II Chronicles 15:2 - "The LORD is with you when you are with him. IF you obey him, you will find him, but IF you leave him, he will leave you."

II Chronicles 15:7 - "But you should be strong. Don't give up, because you will get a reward for your good work."

Don't give up! God IS in control. II Chronicles 15:15 - "They looked for God... and found him."

Jeremiah 29:12–14 - "...then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me! I will let you find me," says the LORD. "And I will bring you back from your captivity... and I will bring you back to this place."

LORD, we call out to You. Hear our cries for mercy. Protect us from "the storm." Protect us from those who "have set traps along our path."


Next Entry: II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3

Revelation 13:1–18 (Continued)

August 09, 2013

In Jane's KJV Bible, Scofield lists the cosmic principles of Satan.

• Force
• Greed
• Selfishness
• Ambition
• Pleasure

They all boil down to one thing: The love of self above the love of God and a violation of God's very first commandment. Self = Master instead of Jesus = Master. 

The love of self and the promotion of self ALL end in naught. Those who refuse to surrender to Christ are in the end forced to surrender to the beast/Satan. Jesus won't force us to surrender to Him. Christ offered Himself as the final sacrificial Lamb and He offers us full forgiveness and undeserved grace. Offers, but does not force. He gives us every opportunity to accept His free gift of salvation, but He will not force us to accept it.

Satan on the other hand will throw everything in your path to keep you from surrendering to Christ. He will appear to be the answer, but later the truth will be exposed and he will FORCE you to become his slave and worship him.

TODAY, while there is still time, change your hearts and lives and surrender your love of self to Master Jesus.


Next Entry: Revelation 14:1 – 15:8

I John 4:1 – 5:21

July 20, 2013

John continues to drive home the point: God is love and if we have God living in our lives, God's love will be reflected in us and through us. Love comes from God. He sent His son to die so that we may have life. Real love is not our love for Him, it is His love for us. Psalm 8:4 - "What is man that you are mindful of him?" Because God is love we can trust Him. When we confess Him as Lord (Master) we live in His love, and He lives in us. I John 4:17-18a - "This is how love is made perfect in us: that we can be without fear on the day God judges us, because in this world we are like him. Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out fear."

Our lives (actions) reflect the truth of who we are. If we have God's love in us, that is what we reflect. If we are instead fueled by our own desires (own = evil) we may try to mask it, but it IS what we reflect and it will be revealed. After John talks about there being no fear if you are living in God and in His love, He makes a statement I never noticed before. I John 4:18b - "It is punishment (KJV says torment) that makes a person fear." And why is it punishment? Because when someone refuses to surrender to God they do not have God's perfect love that drives out fear. The refusal to surrender becomes a punishment as fear runs rampant in their lives.  

God's perfect love is available to us. When we refuse to submit to it we are punished by living in fear. You would think people would "get it" and choose to live in God's love. But selfish pride (the very core of sin) gets in the way. They would rather live a miserable existence and think they are in control (and be punished for it) than to unconditionally trust God.

I used to think fear is what kept some people from trusting God, but my thinking was all wrong. My "aha" moment came when I finally understood what John was saying. Fear is not the cause that prevents someone from surrendering their life to the Lordship of Christ; it is the result of refusing to surrender your life. It is punishment received for choices made. How sad. What a waste of precious time, energy, and effort, and what a shame to live in fear when God has provided us His perfect love.  

John goes on. I John 4:19 - "We love because God first loved us." You can't say you love God and hate your brothers or sisters. The two actions cannot mix, and John says that person is a liar. I John 5:3a - "Loving God means obeying his commands." His commands are not hard to follow IF you are surrendered to Him, but they are impossible to follow if you are controlled by your own selfish desires.

As a child of God you can conquer the world. It has nothing to do with who you are. It has everything to do with whose you are. The ability to conquer the world comes from having faith in the One who created the world, sent His Son to save the world, and will return again to rule the world. God's Spirit, who is in us, is greater than the spirit of this world.

II Kings 6:16 - "The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us." I John 4:4 - "My dear children, you belong to God and have defeated them; because God spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world."

It is God who gets the victory and God who gets ALL glory.


Next Entry: I John 4:1 – 5:21 (Continued)

I Peter 5:1–14

July 09, 2013

Continue to do what is right—no matter what. Don't give up. Stand firm and continue to do what is right. Be humble and serve others. "God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5 and Proverbs 3:34)

Your humility should not come from a "I'm no good" attitude. That isn't humility. Humility is understanding the awesomeness of God and the

God

↓

man

relationship. It's ALL about Him. I Peter 5:6 -"Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes." He will do the rescuing. It isn't us who have to pull ourselves up to save ourselves. The key is to let Him (surrender) and wait for Him. Only He knows the "right time." In the meantime,  I Peter 5:7 - "Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you."

Don't hold on to worries or fears because that is a reflection of you trying to assume control. Let go and trust Him. Control yourself—NOT the situation. Be careful to keep yourself grounded in God's Word. The devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. He is "like a roaring lion." There are times your head is in the mouth of the lion because you are doing the right thing. It is not your power that saves you, it is God's power that prevents the mouth of the lion from shutting and harming you. Our responsibility is to stand strong and refuse to give in to him (the evil one) or the fear he wants to create.

I Peter 5:10 - "After you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. All power is his forever and ever. Amen."

So stand strong. He is in control. Pass it on. Share who HE is and what HE has done. Mentor others. I Peter 5:2 - "I beg you to shepherd God's flock, for whom you are responsible. Watch over them because you want to not because you are forced." Do it because it is the right thing. Be happy to serve. Don't do it because it is a way to make a monetary gain or to bring notoriety to yourself. Don't do it to be in charge. As a servant of Christ—serve. As a recipient of Grace—give grace. "This is how God wants it." (I Peter 5:2) In everything you do, please God—not self.

"When the temptation of pride comes knocking... as it will... we must lock the door against it—whatever that takes... The best protection I have discovered is accountability. Since we all have blind spots, we must, as we mentioned earlier, submit ourselves to those who can see the logs floating in our eyes." ~ From The Body by Charles Colson

Next Entry: II Peter 1:1–21

James 4:1–17

June 26, 2013

Do you want to know where fights and arguments come from? James tells us. They come from our selfish desires that war inside of us and spill out to those around us. It's that simple. Selfishness. And selfishness is breaking God's first commandment of—"No other gods" and His royal law of—"Love your neighbor as you love yourself."

I like how James describes it when he says "(it) wars within you." I don't think I've ever noticed that before. But it's true. Selfishness harms you first before it strikes out at others. You want things → you don't have them → it makes you mad → you are jealous → you are ready to do whatever it takes to get them → you argue → you fight → you try to be in control → if you can't have it then you try to make sure the other person doesn't have it either → it grows → it festers → it wars within you → it destroys your joy → it destroys your relationships with other people → you strategize and maneuver → you use whatever means necessary to get what you want → nothing you try works → you don't give up → you try all the harder → and the turmoil within you grows. You should know better. You know the truth and you know the truth will set you free, but you want what the other person has, whether it be their "things" or their peace and joy. You don't want your peace, you want their peace.

And it doesn't work.

When you love the world/self it actually means you are hating God and you become God's enemy. Did you hear that? God's enemy!!! Do you understand the seriousness of that? Is your desire for selfish control worth being an enemy of God? James 4:5 - "Do you think the Scripture mean nothing that says, 'The Spirit that God made to live in us wants us for himself alone?' " Of course there is going to be a war going on within you when you are trying to fight against the way God made you. James quotes Proverbs 3:34 - "God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble." There is only one way to have peace. James 4:7 - "So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. Come near to God, and God will come near to you."

• Give yourself to God. You have to "give" yourself. God will not take you by force.
• Stand firm against the devil. With God on your side the devil cannot harm you.
• Come. The closer you go to God the more He comes to you.

You can't follow God and the world/self at the same time. It won't work. You need to make your thinking pure and clean out the sin from your lives. Repent. Be sorry—truly sorry—for what you have done. Humble yourself before God and HE will make you great. Don't concern yourself with what others are doing. Only be concerned with your relationship with Christ. You are not the lawmaker or the judge. James 4:12 - "God is the only Lawmaker and Judge. He is the only One who can save and destroy." Leave it ALL up to Him. Let go—let God. God is a fair and just God. Trust Him to make things right.

Our lives are but a mist. It is not about our agenda. It IS about God's will. We cannot claim ignorance. James 4:17 -  "Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning." It really is that black and white. Disobedience = sin. Delayed obedience = sin. It is faith + action. Our walk MUST match our talk.

I find great comfort in knowing that God is our Judge. Our faith and trust is in Him alone. 

"As you confess that God is in charge, you admit that your aren't. As you proclaim that God has power, you admit that you don't. And as you give God all the applause, there is none left to dizzy your brain." ~ From The Great House by Max Lucado. 

Next Entry: James 5:1–20 

I Timothy 4:1 – 6:21 (Continued)

May 22, 2013

What is keeping you from surrendering? Why? What you give up to follow Christ doesn't satisfy you anyways. It is only when you surrender your all that you are truly free, happy, and blessed.

I Timothy 6:6 - "Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have."
I Timothy 6:7 - "We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out."

So—why on earth do people stop at nothing to obtain wealth when whatever "pleasure" it can bring is only temporary? It is here today and gone tomorrow. Having money isn't the problem. It's why you want it; how you go about getting it; and what you do with it that determines if it is a problem.

1. Why do you want it? Don't say so you can give to charities, etc. That is a cop out and an attempt to mask and cover-up your own selfish desires. You already have what charities need the most—your time.
2. How do you go about getting it? Is it part of every thought and scheme? Do you cheat others to benefit yourself? Is it honest pay for an honest days work? Do you neglect other things (time with God, family, helping others) to get it? Do you lie? Is it ill-gotten?
3. What do you do with it? Do you hoard it? Is there ever enough? Are you obsessed with how to keep it and grow it? Do you share generously? Is your opinion about yourself linked with what you "have"? Is it "mine" or is it God's? Is it a tool to help others or is it so you can be independent (even of God) and help yourself?

I Timothy 6:9–10 - "Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people. The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow." NIV - "Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Most people desire money so they can be in control of their own lives. But who is supposed to be in control? Us? Or God? Matthew 6:24–34 promises us God provisions. We are not to worry. We are to surrender to God as Lord. Paul goes on to say in I Timothy 6:17–19 - "Command those who are rich with things of this world not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not in their uncertain riches. God richly gives us everything to enjoy. Tell the rich people to do good, to be rich in doing good deeds, to be generous, and ready to share. By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future. Then they will be able to have the life that is true life."

Trust in God, not riches. That is true if you don't have money but wish you did, and it is true if you already have riches. Riches have no eternal value. Trusting God has eternal value that is immeasurable. Our forefathers knew what they were doing when on our minted coins and printed bills they wrote, "In God We Trust"! They did not write "In this we trust." Blessed with riches? In God We Trust! Struggling with little? In God We Trust! I Timothy 6:8 - "But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that." No matter what—In GOD We Trust!!

As believers we are to run away from false teachings and thinking wealth is what will make us happy. Instead, we are to run toward living in the right way, serving God, having faith, love, patience, and gentleness. We are to "fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever." (I Timothy 6:12) We were called... and we answered that call. NOW DO! I Timothy 6:14 - "Do what you were commanded to do without wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."

God is in control. He is the One and only God, the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords. He is the One. May all honor and glory be His forever. Guard what God has trusted you with. Stay away from foolish, useless things and of so-called "knowledge." I Timothy 6:21 - "By saying they have that "knowledge," some have missed the true faith." It is not about what you know. It is about what God teaches you.

Reading that verse reminds me of something my sister said as we were driving them to the airport after their December '06 visit. At the time I just thought it was another one of her arrogant outrageous statements. Now we realize what she said was symptomatic of a much larger and deep-seated problem. Here is the exact quote. She said (speaking about herself and her husband), "We are on the cutting edge of everything." She was speaking about all the "knowledge" they thought they'd gained from attending "guru" boot camps. They paid thousands of dollars to be taught (in my opinion) how to manipulate people and the system. Here is what I totally missed back in 2006:

1. It was not just an arrogant statement, it was a reflection of what was at the core of her life—pride; 
2. They were willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars in order to gain "knowledge" from the world's perspective;
3. It was all about their desire to gain extreme wealth;
4. They bought into the lies and participated in the manipulation of others under the guise of "financial freedom."   

Goodness. Paul (God) says to stay away from foolish, useless things and of so-called "knowledge."

Addendum: 10/27/16 ~ At the end of this chapter I have written notes from a sermon at church. I unfortunately did not write down who the speaker was so I don't know who to attribute the statements to. I have written the following:

"God did not give us wealth to raise our standard of living but to raise our standard of giving."

That is a powerful, powerful statement and worthy of reading over multiple times. It is NOT about us and what we can get!! It is ALL about HIM and what we can give. I also have written:

 Of all the verses in the Bible: 500 +/- deal with Faith; 500 +/- deal with Prayer; and 2000 +/- deal with Money, Wealth, or Possessions. There are 38 Parables. Almost half of them (sixteen) are about wealth.

I Timothy 6:10 - Some people eager for money have wandered from the truth and pierced themselves with many griefs.

"Pierced themselves." What an ironic statement. The very thing they think is going to bring them happiness brings hurt instead. What they thought would bring happiness to "self" ends up causing "self-inflicted" wounds. Money, wealth, or possessions will NEVER bring lasting happiness. Happiness is not determined by what you have. Happiness only comes from surrendering and serving the Lord. 


Next Entry: II Timothy 1:1–18

I Timothy 4:1 – 6:21 (Continued)

May 21, 2013

Paul tells Timothy, "Do not listen to someone who accuses a (leader) without two or three witnesses." (I Timothy 5:19) The NIV says, "Do not entertain an accusation."

As we have learned, anyone can make any accusation they want. Even in our country's court system, and even if it is false. Paul is telling Timothy to be cautious. Make sure someone isn't making false accusations out of revenge, spite, or seeking ill-gotten gain, or for any false reason. He goes on to say that the sins of some people are obvious and easy to see. But some people have used carefully crafted facades to hide their motives and actions. So, be careful, but don't worry about it. What is carefully hidden will be revealed, judged, and dealt with.

The opposite is true as well. The person who lives their lives doing good will one day be rewarded. I Timothy 5:25 - "So also good deeds are easy to see, but even those that are not easily seen cannot stay hidden." Truth, whether it is for doing good or for hidden motives and behaviors, cannot stay hidden and will be revealed. We will all be held accountable for the choices we've made and the actions we've taken. When you've chosen to live your life obedient to God's teachings, that statement is calming and comforting. We aren't in charge, HE is. His promises are true and His justice will prevail.

False Teaching and True Riches.
That is the heading for I Timothy 6:3-21 in my Bible. There is one true way. ONE. And it is following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of them. Not picking and choosing the parts we want to follow, but all of it. Not agreeing with all His teachings means you are disagreeing with His lordship and you have placed yourself as god.

I Timothy 6:4–5 - "This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. (NIV - an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.) This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich." They think it's all about them and what they want. They will strategize, manipulate, (or file lawsuits), anything to get what they want. Nothing is off limits. They do not agree with all God's teachings. They instead pick and choose and use His teachings as a way to promote and benefit themselves. They think—but they are blinded and cannot see truth. Paul makes it clear that Jesus Christ is not the Lord of that type of person.

Wide is the road to destruction, and narrow is the path to salvation. Salvation comes in no other way than agreeing with and following the true teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is not being narrow-minded. It is accepting the truth: Jesus is the only way.


Next Entry: I Timothy 4:1 – 6:21 (Continued)

I Timothy 1:1 – 2:15

May 19, 2013

Get rid of false teachings and focus on what is important—LOVE. I Timothy1:5 - "A love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith." Paul goes on to talk about God's grace. He was the worst of the worst. He was "religious" but not a Christ follower. He was a religious unbeliever. But by God's grace he was saved and given the work of "serving him."

Serving God → serving others. We went straight from caring for my husband's terminally ill brother to caring for my husband's parents. I am exhausted and weary. I handle all his parent's medications (over fifteen different kinds each); arranged for and am the liaison for home health care; go to their house three times a day for his mother's insulin shots; handle all doctor calls and visits; develop and keep records to handle the results of their medications; do the grocery shopping; take them meals, etc. If you've ever been the caretaker for someone else you know what I am talking about. It is exhausting and overwhelming.

I always want to be sensitive to whatever it is that God is wanting me to do and I never want to stop doing the right thing just because I am tired. We have honored our Mothers' and Fathers' and we will continue to do so. But there comes a time when we are enabling and not "serving."  We are not honoring God if we don't speak truth and support lies no matter what the age of the person. We have had to confront some behavior issues which are not age related but good old fashioned sin and pride. God is slow to anger and has patience without limits, but He is never "done" with us and we are never given a pass to no longer be obedient just because we are 87 and 86.

We are to fight the good fight to the end. We are to die to self and live for Christ to the end. We are to understand that God is God and we are not to the end. It is not about us!  It is ALL about Him—to the end.

"To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." I Timothy 1:17

There is only one way to God—Christ. We can choose to love God—OR—love self. It can't be both. We either die to sin or we don't.  


Next Entry: I Timothy 3:1–16

Ephesians 4:1 – 5:20 (Continued)

April 29, 2013

When self is in control God's plan for unity gets destroyed, and the message of His Truth does not go forward. If we insist on following our own selfish desires we don't just harm ourselves, we also harm others and the cause of Christ. Paul told them:

1. You must stop telling lies. Be truthful!
2. Don't hold a grudge. Let your anger go! If you hold onto anger (which is an elevation of self) you are opening yourself up to the one who is against God.
3. You must stop stealing. Start working for a honest living. Share what you have honestly worked for with others.
4. Don't say harmful things. Your words should bring encouragement to others—not harm.
5. Do not make the Holy Spirit grieve. Follow His ways.  
6. Do not be bitter, or angry, or mad.
7. Never shout angrily or say anything to hurt others.
8. Never do anything that God calls evil.

Instead, "Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ." (Ephesians 4:32) Keep the bond of peace. If you are a child of the light then live like it! Ephesians 5:8–9 - "...live like children who belong to the light.  Light brings every kind of goodness, right living, and truth." Be careful how you live. Ephesians 5:5 - "Anyone who is greedy is serving a false God." So, live wisely. Do good. Be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:19–20 - "Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."


Next Entry: Ephesians 6:1–24  

I Corinthians 16:1–24

April 02, 2013

Paul finishes his letter to the people in Corinth:

"Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love." (Verse 13–14)

A few verses later Paul also includes a warning:

"If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be separated from God—lost forever! Come, O Lord!" (Verse 22)

What a contrast of statements. What a difference in realities. What we sow we reap. What we receive in this life and the hereafter is a direct result of the choices we make.

 

Blessings—verses—Curses 

I've just went back and re-read Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26. You can read what I wrote about those chapters here: Deuteronomy 28; and Deuteronomy 28 (Continued); Leviticus 26; Leviticus 26 (Continued); and Leviticus 26 (Continued). Why would you ever choose to live on the "curses" side of the equation? The simple answer all boils down to one thing: selfish pride and a refusal to surrender to God's authority. The rich young ruler obeyed the horizontal (relationship-to-man) commandments (5–10), but he could not bring himself to surrender to the vertical (relationship-to-God) commandments (1– 4).

While someone is still alive there is always hope. 

"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, I will remember my agreement... I am the LORD." Leviticus 26:40–45

Hope.  Until the final breath there is hope.


Next Entry: II Corinthians 1:1 – 2:4

I Corinthians 5:1 – 6:20

March 16, 2013

Wickedness in the church.

These two chapters talk about what to do when there is wickedness in the church and it is very clear—we are to separate ourselves from them. It isn't that we are to keep isolated from the world. Of course there is sin in the world when people are without Christ. These verses are very clear, "You must not associate with those who call themselves believers in Christ", but "who is sexually immoral, or greedy, an idolater, or a slanderer, a drunkard, or swindler." (I Corinthians 5:11)

Those are God's words, not mine. It's easy to think God was just talking about the "big" sins (there is no such thing as "big" verses "little" sin) like murder or sexual immorality. But look at the list: greed; someone who is only interested in "I" (a worship of self); one who slanders; and one who swindles. The Bible clearly states that it is our business to discern those types of people who claim on one hand to be followers of Christ, yet on the other hand are actually active participants in what God calls evil. And we are to separate ourselves from them.

In early 2007, we began to see for the very first time what the "truth" was when it came to my sister and brother-in-law's lives. We knew so little back then compared with what we know now, but it was enough to KNOW we had to separate ourselves from them. We could not be aligned in business or personally with people who lived their lives so contrary to our beliefs—whether they were family or not. We would have never went into any kind of joint venture with them if we would have known the truth about them earlier. Never! I remember the first time I went online and saw what their new get-rich-quick-internet business was all about. I felt absolutely sick to my stomach. As truth began to be revealed, we came to the realization that we had to separate ourselves from them.

I've written before how God (in incredible ways) provided our first lawyer and a buyer as a means to end what should have never been started if we had known the truth. God always provides a way for surrendered hearts to follow His teachings. But, not everyone seeks to follow His teachings and God's way was rejected and a lawsuit was filed. 

And now we come to what God has to say about that in I Corinthians 6.


Next Entry: I Corinthians 5:1 – 6:20 (Continued)

Romans 12:1–21

February 22, 2013

Don't conform—be transformed! Change your hearts by a new way of thinking. THEN (and only then) will you be able to understand and accept God's perfect will for you life and what is pleasing to him.

It is not a position of aggressive maneuvers and being on the offense trying to control everything around you. It is instead a quiet spirit surrendered to the Lord and an acceptance of His teachings. It is understanding the peace and contentment that comes from letting go—and letting God. There is no room for pride in that description. We, as believers, are all part of one body—Christ's. We have a part to play, and we must play it to the best of our God-given ability. God says our love must be real and not just words. Our love should show in our actions and deeds as well.

You can't claim to love, and then by deceitful measures try to take what is not yours. Give more honor to others than you want for yourself. Work hard. Don't be lazy. Be joyful. Have hope. Be patient. Share with others. Pray at all times. Don't try to get even. Relate to others. Rejoice with them when they are happy and feel their pain when they are sad. Live in peace as much as it depends on you. Do not be proud. Reach out to others regardless of social stature. Don't mistakenly think, "It is all about me." Don't try to pay back those who have wronged you. Do what is right. Don't punish others. "Leave room for God's wrath." (NIV - Romans 12:19) Wait for God to punish them with His anger. 

It isn't about you. The battle belongs to the Lord. Don't let evil defeat you. Defeat evil by doing good and it will be like heaping burning coal on their heads.

Sound hard? In your own power—Yes. With a surrendered heart—No.


Next Entry: Romans 13:1–14

Romans 11:1–36 (Continued)

February 21, 2013

Paul talks about those who are stubborn and refuse to submit to the Lordship of Christ. He compares them to branches that are cut off and worthless.

This time of year our lawn is covered with broken branches. Especially because of our "retriever" Dozer. He loves to carry sticks and goes out into the woods and drags branches back to our yard. We need to get out there and clean up the lawn once the weather gets nicer. But as I look out and see the dead branches, I can't help but think of Paul's descriptive words:

"Those branches were broken off because they did not believe, and you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Do not be proud, but be afraid." Romans 11:20

The contrast between a beautiful, live, growing tree and dead branches lying on the ground, is striking. A tree isn't alive and vibrant because of its branches, it is totally reliant upon the roots of the tree. Our blessings, success, and witness comes from the root—Jesus Christ. We are part of the tree when we accept that understanding. If we are stubborn and refuse to accept Christ and His teachings, we are worthless to him, and we are cut off. As my Dad would have said, "a no-good-good-for-nothing," just like the branches lying on our ground.

Those who refuse to accept the Good News are enemies to God. Even though they are enemies God still loves them. Romans 11:29–36 - "God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them... Yes, God's riches are very great, and his wisdom and knowledge have no end... God made all things and everything continues through him and for him. To him be the glory forever!  Amen."


Next Entry: Romans 12:1–21  

Acts 9:1–43

November 27, 2012

The conversion of Saul. A total about face. Saul went from being obsessed with persecuting his enemies (followers of Christ) to being totally passionate about telling others about Christ. You don't go from begin obsessed with harming others to the polar opposite of passionately telling others about Christ without a defining moment; a conversion; a change of heart; a new way of thinking. It is the only way!  There is no other way.

Saul was on a mission. He was threatening. His goal was to destroy the followers. He was aggressive. He was actively seeking out those who dared to believe in the Christ. He was committed to his cause. He was seeking to devour, destroy, and kill—words that sound a lot like the description of Satan's motives and actions. He was on a mission, and he was hell-bent on completing it. He had no doubts and no regrets. He was in the middle of his plan when God stopped him with a bright light. It stopped him in his tracks. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul!  Why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4) When someone sets out to devour and destroy a follower of Christ, it is the same as persecuting Christ himself. That statement ought to make all of us fall on our faces before God for Him to search our own hearts. Saul responds by saying, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do." (Acts 9:5) Get up—go! When God stops us in our tracks we need to listen for His directions because He has a plan! 

Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes but he couldn't see. The people who were with him took him by the hand and led him to Damascus. For three days Saul could not see and did not eat or drink. Three days—the same amount of time that Jesus was in the grave. For three days Jesus kept Saul from being able to see. His independence was removed from him. Being self-reliant and believing in his own ways instead of submitting his will to God's will and becoming God-reliant was the very thing that caused him trouble in the first place. You have to wonder what would have happened if the blinding moment lasted just a few minutes. Would there have been a permanent change or would the change only been temporary? I suspect it would have only been temporary. God knows what we need. It is after "the dark days" that God can use us.

Yesterday I wrote about the divine appointment between Philip and the officer. Today there is a divine appointment between Ananias and Saul. There was a follower of Christ named Ananias. The Lord called his name. "Ananias!" And his response was, "Here I am Lord." He was ready and willing to be used by God. The Lord said, "Get up and go..." Then God gave him very specific directions. (See God's specific directions in Mark 11:3) God even told him what the man he was looking for was doing, thinking, and what the result of his visit would be.

Ananias answered: Lord, what you are asking me to do doesn't make sense. I've heard about this person. I know the reason he is here in Damascus is to cause harm to your people. Surely you don't want me to go see him?!? The Lord responded: Go—I have a plan. So Ananias went. He obeyed God even if it didn't appear to make any sense. He laid hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus sent me. He is the one you saw on the road on the way here. He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17) And immediately, Saul's eyes were opened and he could see again! Then Saul got up, was baptized, and he began to eat and regain his strength. He was a different man. He was blind but now he could see. He was lost, but now he was found. The old was gone and the new began.

God still arranges divine appointments today. We need to obedient—and GO! I have sometimes wondered, "What if?" What if on the morning of January 05, 2007, when God told me to GO, I had not went? What if I had listed all the reasons why it wasn't a convenient time for me? I haven't slept all night, Lord; I look a mess; my eyes are red and swollen; I've just been hurt by someone I love; I'm busy; I'm this...; I'm that...; I... I... I. What if? What if I had refused to do what I KNEW the Lord was prompting me to do? What if? Oh, how I shudder to think how my life would have been different for the past almost six years now. The divine appointment with Jane would have been missed. God's blessings would have been missed, and the experience of seeing God's hand work in our lives would have been missed. I can't even begin to put it into words. I want to always listen for God's voice and be obedient to HIS words.

Saul was a changed man. He went from trying to harm the followers of Christ to staying with them and standing up in the synagogues proclaiming that, "Jesus is the Son of God." What a change. What a radical revolution in his life. All the people were amazed. How can this be? This is the same guy who was trying to destroy those who trusted in the name of Jesus. This is the same guy who came here to arrest the followers of Jesus and take them back to the priests. It was the same man on the outside but a totally different person on the inside. His testimony was so strong that no one could argue with him or refute it. So, if you can't argue with it or refute it what do you do?  Surrender and believe yourself? No. They plotted to kill him and set traps for him. God revealed the evil plans, and he escaped to safety. Saul went back to Jerusalem.

The apostles weren't sure if they could trust Saul. Who could blame them? They had seen with their own eyes this man's deeds. They were afraid of him and didn't believe he was really who he "said" he was. But Barnabus accepted him and showed the others how Saul's life was changed. These weren't just words he was saying. His actions matched his words. There was proof he was a changed man. So they accepted him and he boldly proclaimed the Good News of Christ. The apostles became his strong supporters, protecting him from those who were seeking his harm.

The church had a time of peace and became stronger. Acts 9:31 - "Respecting the Lord by the way they lived, and being encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the group of believers continued to grow." The power of the Holy Spirit was continuing to use Peter to heal the sick and to raise the dead. ALL for the purpose of bringing honor and glory to the name of the Lord. The people saw the miracles and many, many people believed in the Lord.

*****

I have written many times before in this journal that we feel my sister and brother-in-law will either be like the Saul of the Old Testament or the Saul of the New Testament. I don't believe there is any middle ground. I truly believe it will end up like one or the other.

The Saul of the Old Testament was called by God, but somewhere along the way it became ALL about him and not about God. He clearly and willfully disobeyed God. God gave him so many chances to repent and sometimes it appeared he would, but it was only temporary changes, it was not a change of heart and a new way of thinking. He was jealous, revengeful, full of anger, paranoid, and suspicious—and he went to his grave that way. So many possibilities—so much wasted. If he would only have submitted to the authority of God instead of insisting upon being the god of his own life. Pride was his downfall. He tried to blame others, but he only had himself to blame.

His actions caused harm to many others. Sin does that. It sends out a ripple effect. But try as he might, he could not destroy David. Samuel made it clear to Saul (I Samuel 15 and I Samuel 15 Continued) that he could not blame his downfall on anyone else. I Samuel 15:22–23 - "What pleases God more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God than to offer the fat of sheep. Disobedience is as bad as the sin of sorcery. Pride is as bad as the sin of worshiping idols. You have rejected the Lord's command. Now he rejects you as king." The Lord tore the kingdom away from Saul and Samuel never saw Saul again for the rest of his life. This of course made Samuel very sad because he loved Saul. Then the Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you continue to feel sorry for Saul?" (I Samuel 16:1) This is between him and me and I reject him. Now get up and get on with what I want you to do—and Samuel obeyed. Saul never "got it" and died a broken defeated man—and Samuel moved on.

The Saul of the New Testament is an entirely different story. There was a total transformation in his life. He went from aggressively seeking harm against Christ-followers and following his own path, to stopping in his tracks at the call of God and radically changing his life in total submission to God. He became Paul and wrote a large portion of the New Testament. Many people then, and many people since, have come to know Christ because of his teachings.

What a difference between Saul of the Old Testament and Saul of the New Testament. Saul of the Old Testament never "got it" and died a broken man. Saul of the New Testament radically changed and then radically changed others.

So which is it going to be for my sister and brother-in-law? I don't know. If it is Saul of the Old, then I, like Samuel, will be very sad. But also like Samuel, I will pick myself up and get about God's business. This isn't about me/us and them. It is between God and them. We are only observers. If it is Saul of the New, there will be rejoicing over changed lives, and there will be no doubt about it. What will it be? No matter what—either way—we will praise the Lord.

What I know right now is there has been no change. You cannot behave like my sister did this past week and have a changed heart. You cannot drop in unannounced (from almost 2,000 miles away) on your widowed 83 year old mother (with whom you have a very strained relationship) and impose yourself upon her for four days without any notice. This is something they have repeatedly done. My Mom cannot even feel safe in her own home because she never knows if or when they will show up and for how long they will stay. That goes beyond rude, it is cruel.

My sister and brother-in-law did not come for any kind of reconciliation with her or anyone else. They came for purely selfish reasons; to see what they could learn about us, eat at my sister's favorite restaurants, and shop at her favorite stores. Nothing more. You also do not verbally assault your 83 year old mother. My sister, after being here for only a day and a half, attacked mom verbally. Non-stop. It is abusive behavior. Mom tried to just be quiet hoping that would get her to stop. But nothing will stop her. If you remain quiet she accuses you of being angry. If you speak up she accuses you of being out of control. There is no win, lose, or draw with my sister. She just cannot seem to stop herself as she relentlessly pushes on.

Her need to try and prove herself successful has not changed. She appears to have incredibly low self-awareness and self-esteem. She does not understand that she alone—without things, wealth, prestige, or fame—is worthy of God's love. She tries so hard to prove herself worthy with things that can never bring her happiness. It is so sad. But it isn't between me/us and them. It is between God and them. In man's eyes it appears hopeless, but that is what people would have said about Saul of the New Testament. While there is breath, there is hope.

What will it be? I don't know and I can't control it. What I do know is this: we will praise the Lord, and we will have hope. The rest is in God's hands. No matter what—we will PRAISE THE LORD.

"It is our job to hate the sin. But it's God's job to deal with the sinner. God has called us to despise evil, but he's never called us to despise the evildoer." ~ From Christ Through the Bible by Max Lucado

Addendum: 3/5/16 ~ Almost three and one half years have passed since I wrote this entry in my journal. Unfortunately, the Settlement Conference clearly showed there still has been no heart change. There is still hope. While there is breath there is hope. What I KNOW is this: God is faithful and He has given them many years of grace. But I also know there is a day of accountability coming—for all of us. Oh, how I hope they will change their hearts and get a new way of thinking like Saul of the New Testament. But I have no control over that. So, I leave it in God's hands.

Several weeks ago I was thinking about "what ifs" again? What if I received a phone call? What if I was told my sister was ill or needed help? Would I go? Would I still try to help her? The answer is: YES. I would still go. I would be wise and not go alone, but I would go. The only way I would not go is if God clearly showed me that I was to step aside and the answer was no. I clearly understand that I may not be given that opportunity, but I am willing. God already gave me the opportunity to say all I needed to say when my journal from Genesis to II Chronicles was sent to her during discovery. What looked disastrous at the time was actually a gift to me (and her) from God. God gave me a voice through my written words. He put in their hands our prayers and concern for them. I will be forever grateful for that gift.

My conscious is clear. I can only control my life choices. The result of their life choices is out of my hands. We will continue to pray. We will continue to hope. But ultimately, it is between them and God. And that is enough. We will trust HIM. We will serve HIM. We are following HIS path—wherever it leads.

I Am No Longer a Slave to Fear and  We Will Not Be Shaken.


Next Entry: Acts 10:1 – 11:30

Acts 8:1b–40

November 26, 2012

After Stephen was falsely accused and stoned to death the entire church began to be persecuted. All the believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. On the surface that appears to be a bad thing, but it was actually used for good. Because they were scattered, they told the people where they were the Good News about Christ. Because! God can take what was meant for harm and use it for His (and our) good. The message of hope and forgiveness can and should be told wherever we are and in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in.

Philip went to Samaria to preach about the Christ. When the people saw the miracles and heard him speak "they all listened carefully." God prepares hearts for His word. Philip cast out demons, and healed the weak and crippled. The people were amazed. They were used to seeing "magic" performed by a man named Simon, but this was different. Simon the Sorcerer performed magic tricks and was well-known throughout the area. He loved the attention and the power. "He bragged and called himself a great man." Everyone, the least and the most important, paid attention to Simon, thinking he must have "the Great Power" of God, and the people began to follow him. His power did not come from God and he was not pointing people to God. The glory was all for himself.

And then, along comes Philip. He was performing miracles not magic. In addition to performing miracles, he preached about the Good News; the kingdom of God; and the power of Jesus Christ. He was not seeking attention for himself, he was pointing people to Christ. Simon saw and watched Philip as well. He believed, was baptized, and stayed close to Philip. He who had performed "tricks" was amazed at the miracles and the powerful things Philip did.

When Peter and John heard the people of Samaria were accepting the word of God they traveled there and prayed that the believers would receive the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw what happened when the people received the Holy Spirit from Peter and John's prayers and laying on of hands, he wanted to be able to perform in the same way. So he offered Peter money saying, "Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands will receive the Holy Spirit." Give ME! He was used to being a performer and wowing people with his tricks and getting glory for himself. He was wanting the same thing here. He wanted to buy what only God can give. Peter said to him:

"You and your money should both be destroyed, because you thought you could buy God's gift with money. You cannot share with us in this work since your heart is not right before God. Change your heart! Turn away from this evil thing you have done, and pray to the Lord. Maybe he will forgive you for thinking this. I see that you are full of bitter jealousy and ruled by sin." Acts 8:20–23

I'm not sure if Simon ever "got it" or understood the

God

↓↑

Man

relationship. He asked Peter and John to pray to the Lord "so the things you have said will not happen to me." Peter had just told him that he needed to pray to the Lord, and here he is asking them to pray for him.Some things you cannot outsource—and this is one of them.  Submission is a personal choice. No one else can do it for you. I hope he "got it," but I don't know. As far as I know he is not mentioned in the Bible again. What we do know is that sorcery is clearly condemned by God (Deuteronomy 18) and that even after he said he believed, he was ruled by his own greed and selfish desires. In James it says faith without action is dead, and that even the demons believe there is a God. There appears to be no proof that a true change was made. Sad, but true in many lives.

Acts 8:26–27 - "An angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Get ready... Go...' So Philip got ready and went." Immediate obedience. You have to love that. Philip's heart was so in tune with God's that he could hear his commands and obey his voice.

Get ready—Go! And he went. Then the next instructions came. "Go to that chariot and stay near it." So Philip ran to the chariot. He didn't meander over when he had the time. He ran! When he got there he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asks him, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he replied, "How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?" He asks Philip to sit with him. This is what he was reading:

"He was like a sheep being led to be killed. He was quiet, as a lamb is quiet while its wool is being cut; he never opened his mouth. He was shamed and treated unfairly. He died without children to continue his family. His life on earth has ended." Isaiah 53:7–8

Philip explained the meaning to him and told him the Good New about Jesus. As they traveled down the road they came to some water. The officer said, "Look here is water. What is stopping me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36) So they stopped, Philip baptized him, then Philip disappeared and the officer never saw him again. Philip continued to preach the Good News.

Divine appointments of God.

Philip:

• Philip was ready and available. His relationship with God was already established.
• When God said get ready and go he immediately went. Total obedience. 
• Philip listened for direction. When God said go to the chariot he ran.
• Philip was God's hands and feet. He explained the Good News.
• Philip's obedience put him in the right spot at the right time.
• When God's mission was complete he left and returned to preaching.

Officer:

• He was seeking God. God never turns away an honest seeker.
• He was an important man, but he humbled himself to ask questions.
• He was the recipient of a blessed event.
• He met the Savior.
• He wanted to follow God's ways and was baptized. Total obedience. 
• He continued on his way full of joy.

Divine appointments of God. Amazing experiences.  


Next Entry: Acts 9:1–43