II Chronicles 34:1–33

July 23, 2014

Josiah becomes king at eight years old. By the time he was sixteen, he began to remove all the idols and places for worshiping other gods from the land. He broke up the wooden and metal idols and beat them into powder. He sprinkled the powder over the graves of those who worshiped the idols. (The golden calf the Israelites made while Moses was on the mountain with God was broken and made into powder as well. The Israelites were forced to drink it, and it ended up on the ground—useless.) Josiah rendered the idols useless, dust on the ground—gone. The people returned to dust and what they put their faith in returned to dust. It brought them nothing, totally destroyed and useless.

At the age of 26, Josiah made Judah and the Temple pure again. In the process of doing so, Hilkiah the priest, "found the Book of the LORD's Teachings that had been given through Moses." God's words—lost in His own Temple. God's words that were supposed to be given to each king—lost. God's words that were supposed to be read every day—lost.

When Josiah heard what was in the Book of the LORD's Teachings he was very upset. He wanted to know more. What does this mean? He sent Hilkiah and four other men to, "go and ask the LORD about the words in this book that was found." So Hilkiah and those the king sent with him went to talk to Huldah the prophetess. She was a simple woman, the wife of a man who took care of the king's clothes, yet she was used by God to be a prophetess.

Huldah tells the men that God's word is true. God will do what is written in his Book of Teachings. 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 are blessings for obedience; there are curses for disobedience. (See Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34; Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34 (Continued); Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34 (Continued); Deuteronomy 27:1 – 28:68; and Deuteronomy 28 (Continued) ) "I will bring all the curses that are written in the book that was read to the king of Judah. The people of Judah have left me and have burned incense to other gods. They have made me angry by all the evil things they have made. So, I will punish them in my anger, which will not be put out." Then, Huldah continued. Because Josiah had humbled himself and sought after the ways of the LORD, God promised to honor him and to not hold him accountable for his ancestors actions. God also told Josiah he would let him die in peace.

God's Word is true—period. He will do what He says—period.  

The men took Huldah's message back to Josiah. Josiah gathered all the people and went to the temple. There he promised to obey the LORD with his whole being and to obey the words in the Book of the LORD's Teachings. Josiah was doing God honoring things even before he knew what was in the book of God's laws. When he found out what was in God's Word (by seeking and searching) he sought to follow hard after the LORD; a blueprint for how we should live our lives. God fulfilled his portions of the prophecy He gave through Huldah.

Seven years ago, Jane (Her Name Was Jane) prophesied, and told us to read Psalm 150, Psalm 140. Jane then prayed a strong prayer of blessing over my life. I never thought of it as a prophecy until I heard my daughter-in-law telling someone that ... and I realized she was right.

I decided to research women prophets in the Bible. There are five listed specifically with the title of prophetess in the Old Testament. A prophetess is a female prophet called by God to be the mouth piece of the One who sends her. She speaks on behalf of the sender. A prophet (prophetess) is considered a seer because God has given them the gift of foreknowledge. God reveals His secrets to the prophet (prophetess). True prophecy is initiated by the Holy Spirit.

I absolutely believe God used Jane to prophecy to us. There can be no other explanation. Her prophecy about praising the LORD taught us a brand new principle/concept. Her prophecy of Psalm 140 describes two kinds of people: 1) people who refuse to obey the LORD's teachings; and 2) those who choose to rely on the LORD for His protection. The same basic principles prophesied by Huldah. Blessings—verses—Curses. Jane's subsequent prophecies of Psalm 1 and Isaiah 30 give the same message. We have a choice. You can choose blessings or you can choose curses. Jane's last prophecy to us was Jeremiah 33—God's promise of restoration. God chose Jane to speak His Holy Spirit inspired words because of her years of faithfulness, her godly character, and her surrendered heart.

Thank you, LORD, for using Jane to be YOUR mouth piece and messenger to us. LORD, Jane spoke words to us that she could not have said within her own ability or knowledge. They were YOUR words, LORD, and we thank you. LORD, we choose to surrender our hearts, lives, and whole beings to YOUR authority. We praise YOUR name LORD, for being the King of all kings and the LORD of all lords. How majestic is YOUR name in all the earth. We humble ourselves before YOU and we claim YOUR promises. Blessed be YOUR name. May all honor and all glory go to YOU for all that YOU have done and will do. Amen.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 35:1 – 36:1 

II Chronicles 29:1 – 32:23

July 20, 2014

There is so much to write about Hezekiah. But first I want to write about this morning's sermon with Dr. Gregg Chenoweth. It was about timing: TDD—Timing Deficient Disorder. There is horizontal timing (meaning things in chronological order) and there is the multiple layers of vertical timing. One is absolute. The other can be vague. While the timing may not be clear, there is one thing we know. There IS a when.

"We Know the What... But When?"

1. Coiled Christians say "wait" to a good cause when a greater one is available. They'll even say no to friends in getting there.
2. Coiled Christians say "now" with immediacy and courage if they have heard from God.
3. Coiled Christians know being misunderstood or criticized after their decision does not mean they had a TDD moment and got it wrong.

"There is a WHEN! Be ready for it. God will bless your faithfulness."

The text for Dr. Chenoweth's sermon was John 7:1-14. But during his message, Dr. Chenoweth quoted verses from Jeremiah 33 - "...pray to me and I will answer you..."; and Isaiah 30 - "...the LORD longs to show you compassion... if you go to the left or right... you will hear a voice saying go this way." The exact promises God gave us through Jane (Her Name Was Jane). WOW! Co-incidence? No. God-incidence.

We have been battling "the storm" for seven years now. That is a very long time to be caught in difficult circumstances. We know the what ... we just don't know the when. Dr. Chenoweth's message today encouraged us to hang on! Remember God's promises! There is a WHEN! Be ready for it! God will bless your faithfulness! Jeremiah 33 - "Pray to me and I will answer you..."; Isaiah 30 - "I will give you direction." (my paraphrase)

Thank you, LORD, for your perfect timing. Dr. Chenoweth's message was exactly what we needed to be reminded of. My husband says it's the LORD saying, "I've got you covered." We have been battling "the storm" for seven years. We will hang on. We will hang on to Your promises. There is a WHEN!

Now... about Hezekiah. The first thing he does upon becoming king is to open the doors to the temple that his father closed. He directed the Levites and priests to cleanse themselves to prepare the sacrifices and to rid the temple of anything that was unholy. He made it clear to everyone why they were in the predicament they were in; it was because their ancestors had been unfaithful to the LORD. Because their ancestors quit following the LORD; because they chose to reject His commands; because they shut the doors of the temple; and because they stopped burning incense—the LORD was now punishing them.

Hezekiah decided that he would not be like his father. He would break the pattern and return the people to following the LORD's commands. Everything was prepared. The burnt offerings (for the forgiveness of sins) were sacrificed. The people worshiped and praised the LORD with the cymbal, harps, and lyres (Psalm 150) as David commanded. Hezekiah ordered the Levites to, "Praise the LORD, using the words David and Asaph had used. So they praised God with joy and bowed down and worshiped." (We praise the LORD quoting the same Psalms the people quoted during Hezekiah's time. How cool is that?)

Hezekiah wrote a letter to be sent and read throughout the land. It said, "...return to the LORD... then God will return to you... don't be like your ancestors... don't be stubborn (KJV and the NIV both say "stiff necked")... obey the LORD willingly... serve the LORD... come back to the LORD... the LORD your God is kind and merciful. He will not turn away from you if you return to him." Did the majority of the people rush to repent? No. They laughed at it and instead made fun of the messengers. You have to do what God puts on your heart to do. How others respond to it is out of your control. In Hezekiah's case a few men were sorry for what they had done and they changed their hearts and repented.  

The people brought their tithes and offerings to the temple. They brought so much that there were piles and piles of offerings. II Chronicles 31:10 - "Since the people began to bring their offerings to the Temple of the LORD, we have had plenty to eat and plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed his people. So we have all this left over!" God bless when we willingly give back to Him what HE has blessed us with. 

Hezekiah "did what was good and right and obedient before the LORD his God." He did everything to the best of his ability. He tried to obey God's teachings and commands. He was successful because of his obedience.

But then...

"After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done," the king of Assyria attacked them. They weren't attacked because they were unfaithful to God. They weren't being punished because of the sin of their ancestors, and they weren't being held accountable for unfaithfulness. Hezekiah was doing everything right and they were being attacked. He encouraged his people saying, "Be strong and brave. Don't be afraid or worried... there is a greater power with us than with him. He only has men, but we have the LORD our God to help us and fight our battles." (II Chronicles 32:7-8)

The king of Assyria surrounded them and attacked them. He ridiculed them. He wrote letters insulting them. He tired to scare them. He did everything he could humanly do. BUT GOD! God fought the battle and God WON! The LORD saved them and took care of them.

These chapters show two different spectrum's: punishment for disobedience; and trials (trails) to be faced even in obedience. We've come to understand we are not being punished and we are not victims. Sometimes the trials we face are the result of someone else's disobedience. But take heart. God will use for your good what others intended for your harm. And in the process, you are given the amazing opportunity of seeing the Hand of God at work in your life.

There is a when! Be ready for it! The battle will end and the victory will be won. God's promises are true. Let's get that altar of stone started! The WHEN is coming!

I've just had an "aha" moment! Of course the A.T. needed to end! The trail (and my goal to hike it) played such an undeniably important role in our lives as we navigated "the storm." God's purpose for putting us on the trail has been fulfilled. There is absolutely no reason for us to continue. None! It seems so obvious now. The Appalachian Trail's role from now on will be one of remembrance.

The WHEN is coming! Blessed be the name of the LORD!!

LORD,
You just amaze me. You take the layers of our life and just keep peeling them away. The more we surrender to you the more you reveal of yourself. We stand in awe of who YOU are. Thank you for the opportunity to see YOUR hand at work in our lives. We love you, Father. How majestic is YOUR name in ALL the earth.

Addendum: 6/23/16 ~ The construction of the Praise Shelter is well underway. The shelter is up and stained. The fireplace is built and the old brick street pavers are laid in the one half. The stones engraved with the chapters Jane told us to read are going to be placed in the path this weekend. Soon. Soon it will be finished.

Addendum #2: 8/22/18 ~ Picture of the Praise Shelter and video of the cobblestone path.

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 21:4 – 24:27

July 17, 2014

You cannot align yourself with ungodly people and then expect to remain faithful to the LORD.

Jesus' calls for us to be separate cannot be followed when aligned with the ungodly. Jehoshaphat found this out when he aligned himself with Ahab (II Chronicles 16:3) and then again with Ahab's son Ahaziah (II Chronicles 20:35). He (and others) suffered the consequences.

Jehoshaphat is dead and now his son Jehoram (the son who married Ahab's daughter) becomes king. In his desire to have total control, he kills all of his brothers and some of the leaders of Judah. He did not follow in the footsteps of his father. Instead, because he married Ahab's daughter, he chose to follow her ways and to do what the LORD said was wrong. But, not everyone chose to follow Jehoram's sinful ways. The people of Libnah broke away from his rule because he had left the LORD's ways.

If you find yourself linked with others (in business or socially) who are not following God, you must break free.    

God sent Elijah to warn Jehoram (by letter) what was going to happen. Jehoram and his people, his wives and children (plus everything he owned), were all going to suffer the consequences for his actions. He was going to develop a terrible disease that he would die from. Two years later he died a horrible death. His need for total control (II Chronicles 21:4), eventually led to his downfall (II Chronicles 21:20), and in the end it brought him nothing. No one was sad when he died. He wasn't even buried with honor.

God's promises are true and nothing can destroy or prevent God from fulfilling His promises. 
There are consequences for our life choices.  Our decisions bring God's promised results: Blessing—or—Curses.

Because of his selfish need for control Jehoram killed all his brothers. And now years later, the exact same fate happened to his own sons by robbers. His youngest son Ahaziah survived, and he became king. He followed in the footsteps of his father, his namesake uncle, and the others in Ahab's family because his mother encouraged him to do what was wrong. His actions later led to his death. Ahaziah goes to visit his uncle Joram (the son of Ahab and king of Israel). While there, "God caused" (NCV) "brought about" (NIV) his death (KJV - "was of God"). There are consequences for our choices and actions.

Ahaziah's mom Athaliah (Ahab's daughter) either doesn't "get-it" or doesn't care. She doesn't take this opportunity to repent and change her ways. Instead, she kills everyone in the royal family so she can take over. At least she thought she killed everyone. But Jehosheba (Ahaziah's sister) takes Joash (Ahaziah's son and her nephew) and hides him in the Temple. No danger in Athaliah finding him there... she is not worshiping God in the Temple. Jehosheba, (along with her husband Jehoida the priest) hid him for six years.

When Joash was seven, Jehoida led the plan to make him king. God promised the king would be of David's descendants and nothing can destroy or prevent God's promises from being fulfilled. Joash is made king. Jehoiada appointed guards to surround him. (God's angels surround us.) When Athaliah realized she was no longer the ruler over Judah she screamed, "Traitors!  Traitors!" Interesting how she felt anything and everything was permissible and acceptable for her as she maneuvered to get her way, but let someone do what God instructed and she screams—no fair! She was taken outside the gate and put to death. Sin must not be tolerated. It must be removed. That may mean that you have to separate yourself from an ungodly situation or person.

As long as Jehoiada was priest and advising him, Joash did what the LORD said was right. He rebuilt the temple. But later when Jehoiada died, Joash began to listen to others and he stopped worshiping the LORD. II Chronicles 24:19 - "Even though the LORD sent prophets to the people to turn them back to him and even though the prophets warned them, they refused to listen." God sent Jehoiada's son Zechariah to talk to the people. II Chronicles 24:20b - "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not be successful. Because you have left the LORD, he has also left you.' "

Did they listen to him and repent and return to the Lord? No. The king and his officers instead made plans against Zechariah and stoned him to death. Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada, the person who had done so much for Joash and was so respected by the people that when he died at the age of 135 years old, they buried him in Jerusalem with the kings! Yet by this time, Joash was so far away from the LORD that he didn't even remember what Jehoiada the priest (and his uncle) had done for him. As Zechariah was dying he said, "May the LORD see what you are doing and punish you." (II Chronicles 24:22)

By the end of the year it happened. The Arameans came against Joash. The Arameans were just a small little army compared to the large army of Judah, "but the LORD handed over Judah to them" because the people of Judah had left the God of their ancestors. So Joash was punished. Joash was wounded by the enemy, but it was his own officers who killed him as lay in his own bed. He died and was buried, but not with the kings.

How sad. Joash started well but ended in failure. I don't want to just start well. I want to finish well.   


Next Entry: II Chronicles 25:1 – 26:23  

Acts 12:1–25 (Continued)

November 29 & 30, 2012

Herod began to mistreat the followers of Christ. This King Herod was the grandson of the King Herod who ordered all the boys killed when Jesus was born. The sins of the father being taught and passed down through the generations. Herod had James killed. Because he saw some of the people liked this he decided to arrest Peter as well. So, Peter was arrested and put into jail where he was guarded by sixteen soldiers. Sixteen! Seems like a little overkill. He was bound by two chains, in a cell, behind an iron gate, and then guarded by sixteen soldiers? Seems to me Herod took this extreme measure because he knew Peter's God was all-powerful and needed to be guarded against. No mere man would need that much restraint. But, the God of the universe couldn't be contained by a few men, chains, and iron gates. It was a futile attempt.

Peter was going to be put on trial after the holy period. Funny how the "holy" periods kept getting in the way of the desires of evil people and the reverse of that as well. Funny that those who were planning evil even bothered to care whether it was Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

It was the night before the trial. Peter was not pacing back and forth. He was sleeping between two soldiers. Other soldiers were guarding the door. An angel appeared; struck him to get his attention; told him "Hurry! Get up!"; and the chains fell off. Then the angel said, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." So, Peter did. Then he said, "Put on your coat and follow me." Peter obeyed the clear instructions. He didn't know if he was dreaming or if this was reality, but whether it was in his mind or real, he was going to obey. They went past the first guards. They went past the second guards. Then they came to the iron gates that separated them from the city and freedom. The gate opened by itself and they walked through it. After they walked down one street the angel left him as suddenly as he came.

You can try to imprison God's people, but nothing can prevent God's protection and God's plan.  Nothing!! God can rescue His followers from the most complex of situations. Nothing is too difficult for him. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can EVER separate us from God's hand. Can I hear an AMEN!?! Time to start standing up in church and waving a white hankie! 🙂 After the angel left him THEN Peter understood. Acts 12:11 - "Now I know that the Lord really sent his angel to me. He rescued me from Herod and from all the things the people thought would happen." The NIV says from everything the people were anticipating.

We absolutely without-a-doubt believe the promise of God's protection we received for Jane's lips in July of 2007. We are at total peace while we wait on HIS timing and watch HIS hand working in our lives. For my sister and brother-in-law it has to be the opposite. They are "anticipating" our destruction; they are waiting for their plans of deceit to work; they are anxiously waiting for us to get what (in their mind's eye) they think we deserve; and they are eagerly awaiting for what they hope to be the end result—the reward of money. Eager anticipation which causes anxiety and time to drag by—verses—restful peace. We see this time of waiting (for the judge to rule on what can continue) as God's day of grace for my sister and brother-in-law and God's meticulous timing as He continues to change, grow, and prepare us for the future HE desires. You've got to believe that my sister and brother-in-law see these three plus years of waiting as anxious anticipation. As I've said before, until my last breath or until their last breath, I will continue to have hope for them to recognize and accept God's grace for their lives.

Peter went to the house where the other followers were fervently praying for him. They were amazed even though they had been praying. Peter explained to them what happened. He said, "Tell James and the other believers what happened." (Acts 12:17) You cannot keep what God has done to yourself. If you are the recipient of a Blessed Event, you cannot squander it!!

Herod thought he had all the possibilities covered, but Peter was gone. They looked for him but could not find him. So, Herod ordered the guards to be killed. He had just witnessed first hand the power of God but he did not change. Life was still all about him. He loved his royal robes, the throne, and the appearance of power and prestige. People gave him praise. When he accepted that praise for himself instead of giving the glory to the only One who deserves it, an angel of the Lord immediately caused him to be sick, and he died.

Accountability. He had every opportunity. But he never surrendered and acknowledged God as Lord and Savior. He kept pursuing his own selfish desires until the time came when God said enough is enough. But, as sad and disappointing as that is—God's message was not stopped. Acts 12:24- "God's message continued to spread and reach people." Sometimes it is not "in spite of" it is "because of." God's will—WILL be done. Nothing can stop it or prevent it. Praise the Lord!

"God sees our lives from beginning to end. He may lead us through a storm at age thirty so we can endure a hurricane at age sixty." ~ From On the Anvil by Max Lucado

We can attest to that. We have been able to look back and see how God prepared us "for such a time as this."

Jane's notes for Acts 12 in her KJV:

Satan could not prevent the effectiveness of
1) A believer's prayer
2) Inner peace of believer (Peter sleeping in prison) Psalm 127:2
3) Appearance of angels to minister to
4) Frustration of his own purposes (verse 19)
5) His own confusion
6) The purposes of God from being fulfilled

*****

Very grateful! Friday night (11/30/12) my husband left the house to fuel up the pickup in preparation for our trip to Chicago with our grandson the next day. He closed the gate and was waiting for traffic to clear when another pickup pulled in our drive. He could tell the person was confused because he kept braking and trying to decide whether to drive up by the side drive or straight up the drive. The pickup turned around at the gate. My husband got out and asked if he could help him. The guy became very agitated and went absolutely ballistic. He was obviously impaired in some way (most likely high) so my husband called 911 as he walked back to his truck. As my husband was sitting in his truck and talking to the 911 operator, the man came up behind him and held a gun to the back of my husband's head. Somehow—only by the grace of God and HIS protecting hand—my husband was able to quickly drive away and God prevented the gun from firing.

God is good ALL the time. My husband was in our own driveway, minding his own business. Never would you have expected to be in any kind of danger. Especially in our quiet little town!  But God knew and God protected. Blessed be the Name of the LORD!


Next Entry: Acts 13:1–52

Acts 7:1 – 8:1a

November 23, 2012

The leaders have just (falsely) accused Stephen of speaking against Moses and God. They went out and found people to lie about him. And now the high priests ask him, "Are these things true?" Stephen replied: Listen to me! Then he summarized their Jewish history that is found in the Old Testament. He started with the promise God gave Abraham. He talked about Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Stephen showed how repeatedly God blessed, and how repeatedly the Jewish people rebelled against God. Stephen pointed out that they were doing the same things as their ancestors. Acts 7:51 - "You stubborn people! You have not given your hearts to God, nor will you listen to him! You are always against what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you, just as your ancestors were." He went on: "Your ancestors tried to hurt every prophet that ever lived. Those prophets said long ago that the One who is good would come, but your ancestors killed them. And now you have turned against and killed the One who is good." (Acts 7:51–52) Notice he said "is"—present tense not past tense. God had given them His words, but they refused to obey them.

The leaders were furious! How dare he point out their failures. Acts 7:54 - "They were so mad they were grinding their teeth at Stephen." Instead of accepting the message of truth from God's messenger, they chose to deny the truth and kill the messenger. Just like their ancestors before. They took Stephen out and stoned him to death. Stephen looked to the heavens and said, "Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right side." (Acts 7:56) Standing at God's right side—not sitting at God's right side. This is the only time in scripture that it refers to Jesus "standing." Jesus is actively involved in His followers' lives. Stephen was "full of the Holy Spirit" and Jesus wasn't just sitting around thinking, "Oh well, what will be will be." He cared, and He was actively involved, which is what gave Stephen the strength to face what he was facing, to see the Hand of God working, and to feel no anger or revenge. Acts 7:59–60 - "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit... Lord, do not hold this sin against them." After he prayed this prayer he died.

On May 01, 2008, Jane's POA, my husband and I were gathered around Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) bed. Jane was dying. Jane's POA and I were on the right side of her bed, and my husband was on her left. Earlier in the day (while it was just Jane's POA and I) Jane extended both of her arms straight up towards the heavens. Now it was evening, and my husband was standing on her left side. She kept pointing upward. She would look at my husband and then towards the ceiling, then back to my husband, then to the ceiling again saying, "Go up!  Go up!" I'm convinced that Jane—full of the Holy Spirit—was seeing the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, walking with her through the dying process until it was time for, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Addendum:  3/5/16 ~ The words of the song We Will Not Be Shaken kept running through my thoughts last night. Stephen was not shaken. That song was followed by How Great Thou Art. Stephen's earthly death took him into the very presence of his Savior and he was able to immediately experience the greatness of God.

We Will Not Be Shaken 

For we trust in our God
And through his unfailing love
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.  

Though the battle rages we will stand in the fight
Though the armies rise up against us on all sides
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.

For in the hour of our darkest days
We will not tremble we won't be afraid
Hope is rising like the light of dawn
Our God is for us HE has overcome.

For we trust in our God
And through his unfailing love
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken. 


All those against him will fall
For our God is stronger
He can do all things
No higher name we can call for Jesus is greater
We can do all things

For we trust in our God
And through his unfailing love
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken.
We will not be shaken. 

Listen to it here.

Listen to How Great Thou Art here.


Next Entry: Acts 7:1 – 8:1a (Continued)

Matthew 27:1–66

July 02, 2012

The leading priests and older leaders decided that Jesus should die. Jewish laws prohibited them from executing anyone, so since they didn't want to break their Jewish laws, they tied Jesus up and took him to the Roman governor who wasn't bound by their laws.

Now, how does that make any sense? They "acted" self-righteous and obedient to the laws (following the letter of the law), while blatantly breaking the spirit of the law. Amazing how people rationalize doing wrong by "doing right." Did they really feel they weren't accountable for His death just because they had someone else do their dirty work for them? Seriously? The very people who should have recognized He was THE Christ—totally missed it. But, maybe they didn't miss it. Maybe they just refused to accept Him as the Christ.

There was one reason why they wanted Jesus dead—envy. Pilate understood this and he proved it by offering to either release Barabbas, the worst of the worst who was known to be very bad—or Jesus. The reason they wanted Jesus dead had to be envy and jealousy. That is the only thing that can explain why they would choose to protect a violent proven criminal over Jesus. They were out to get Jesus, no matter what.

Pilate, realizing Jesus was innocent, washed his hands of the guilt by saying, "You are the ones who are causing it!" And the people who were so determined to see Jesus destroyed said, "We and our children will be responsible for his death." (Matthew 27:25) Incredible. Not only were they willing to march down the wrong path and risk the consequences for themselves, but they were also willing to risk their children and future generations. Envy and jealousy are ugly companions. 


Next Entry: Matthew 27:1–66 (Continued)

Matthew 23:1–39

June 26, 2012

Jesus exposed the religious leaders for who and what they really were. They had authority and they should have been the example to follow—but they were not. They told people what to do but they themselves were not willing to do it. They put heavy responsibilities on others, but they themselves would not lift a finger. It was all about appearances.

They did good things not because it was the right thing to do. They did them so other people would see them and they could gain prestige. It was all for show. They wanted the best seats. They loved to be the center of attention. Anything to make themselves look good, anything to promote themselves. Instead of being humble and pointing others to God, they used God and their position to bring glory to themselves. Matthew 23:12 - "Whoever makes himself humble will be great." 

Then Jesus starts with the "How terrible it will be" statements. (See Isaiah 3–5)

How terrible for you—You who should be leading people towards Christ are actually turning people away from Christ. Your actions are preventing others from entering the kingdom of heaven and you yourself will not enter.

How terrible for you—It isn't enough for you to be traveling down the wrong path. No, you go out and look for others to join you. You present yourself as a believer when in truth you are a religious unbeliever. Those who follow your ways are on the path to destruction.

How terrible for you—You try to lead people but you yourself are blind. You make up your own rules and want others to join you, but you have it all wrong. You are blind, but you don't know it. You are stumbling in the darkness yet you call it light.

How terrible for you—You are proud of obeying the law about tithing, but you don't obey (and totally ignore) the really important teachings of the law. Things like "justice, mercy, and being loyal." These are the things you should be doing in addition to your 10%. You are blind. You worry about a gnat in your drink, but you swallow a camel.

How terrible for you—You keep up an outward appearance of being holy and of being a believer. But you are instead a religious unbeliever. The outside appears clean, but the inside is anything but clean. You have obtained the things you got "by cheating others and by pleasing only yourselves." You are blind! Clean up the inside. Then the outside will be truly clean.

How terrible for you—"People look at you and think you are good, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and evil." (Matthew 23:28) It's all a facade. You are like a tomb. The outside looks fine, but on the inside it is full of dead bones. The sad thing is you believe your own lies.

How terrible for you—You act like you are different than your ancestors. You show honor to the graves of prophets. But you aren't different at all. Your actions give proof that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets. You are completing the sins that your ancestor's started.

"You are snakes! A family of poisonous snakes! How are you going to escape God's judgment?" (Matthew 23:33) Oh how I wanted to protect you and gather you under my wings like a hen does to her chicks. Matthew 23:37 - "But you did not let me." (emphasis mine) So now you will reap what you have sown.

I was half way through writing this before I realized something. In Isaiah 3–5 it is, "How terrible it will be." A future tense promise. But in this passage Jesus makes it very personal. It is, "How terrible for you." A present tense declaration. This is my fulfilled promise. Another IF—THEN. You could have had my blessings. I would have protected and guided you. But you did not let me. You made the choice to leave me and serve yourself. How terrible it will be for you is a direct result of the choices you have made.

Straight from the lips of Jesus. "How terrible for you." How incredibly sad. It could have been different. It could have been, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."(Matthew 25:21) The "IF" you choose determines the "THEN" you will receive.

(Found out today that our newest grand baby is going to be another boy. :) Can't wait to meet him.

Addendum:  1/1/16 ~  That "little" guy is now three years old!! He has brought so much joy to our lives. 


Next Entry: Matthew 24:1–51

Daniel 5:1–31

January 20, 2012

Nebuchadnezzar died. His son Belshazzar is now king. He throws a big banquet for a thousand guests. He ordered the gold and silver cups his father removed (stole) from the Temple to be brought in for he and his guests to use. While they were using the very things made for and dedicated to the LORD, they were praising and worshiping their gods which were made from gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone. Instead of worshiping the God who made ALL things— the creator; they instead worshiped the things He made—the created. A hand appeared and wrote a message on the wall. The king watched this happen and was very frightened. He called for the magicians, "wise men," and wizards. No one could interpret the writing. Finally the king's mother reminds him of Daniel who had interpreted his father's dreams. Daniel comes. The king offers him a reward which Daniel does not want. Daniel 5:17 - "You may keep your gifts for yourself, or you may give (them) to someone else. But I will read the writing on the wall and will explain to you what it means."

Daniel begins to explain to him that it was God who made his father powerful and successful. He had power because God gave it to him. It was when his father began to think, "I did this," that he would have problems. Daniel 5:20–21 - "But Nebuchadnezzar became too proud and stubborn, so he was taken off his throne. His glory was taken away. He was forced away... these things happened to him until he learned his lesson: The Most High God rules over every kingdom on earth, and he sets anyone he choose over those kingdoms." And then comes the most pivotal statement. Belshazzar, "You already knew these things." You saw what happened to your father. You already knew! Daniel 5:22–23 - "Still you have not been sorry for what you have done. Instead, you have set yourself against the LORD of heaven." You did what you wanted when you wanted to do it. You ignored truth. You relied on other things, and you praised those things instead of God. Daniel 5:23 - "You did not honor God, who has power over your life and everything you do."

So God has sent you this message: "Mene, mene, tekel, and parsin." It means:

• Mene—God has counted the days until your reign is over
• Tekel—You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting
• Parsin—Your kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians

That very night Belshazzar lost his life, and Darius (a Mede) was made king. Belshazzar was held accountable for the choices he made. "You already knew," but he refused. Refused to submit his will to God's will. Refused to recognize and honor THE LORD as God. Refused to be sorry for what he had done. Refused. Even though he "already knew."

From Life Lesson: Materialism is not the answer to a fulfilled life. Trust only in God.

"Before we can ever expect to build a life that is meaningful and fulfilling, we must see the futility of materialism... the idea then is to live a pure and godly life, walking in righteousness and letting the power of the Spirit flow through us. Because God's grace frees us from sin... we are free..." ~ From Living on the Ragged Edge by Chuck Swindoll

Next Entry: Daniel 6:1–28

Jeremiah 40:1 – 45:5 (Continued)

December 05, 2011

Even though Jeremiah repeatedly warned them not to go and not to disobey what the LORD was saying, the remaining people of Judah went to Egypt for "safety" anyways, directly disobeying God's words. In Jeremiah 44 God sends another message to Jeremiah. It was a message for all the Jews living in Egypt. It all boils down to—Why? Why did you do this? Why? After all you've seen and heard, why would you continue to disobey me? Why?

• You saw what happened to Jerusalem. It is totally ruined. It is desolate. No one is living there.  
• You know why that happened.  
• You know I did that because of the disobedience of the people living there.  
• You know they did evil and put their faith in other gods.
• You know I sent my servants—the prophets—to them (you) over and over again.  
• You know I said—Don't!  Don't do these evil things I hate.
• You know they (you) did not listen or pay any attention to the things I said.
• You know I poured out my anger on Jerusalem just like I said I would.

So—why? "Why are you doing such great harm to yourselves?" Why? Why are you doing this to yourself and your family? Why do you want to make me angry? Why are you relying on yourself, others, and things to save you? Why? "You will destroy yourselves." Have you forgotten? Have you forgotten the evil your ancestors did? Have you forgotten the evil your leaders did? Have you forgotten the evil you have done? Have you forgotten? Even to this day, "You are still too proud. (You) have not obeyed the laws I gave you and your ancestors."

So this is what the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel says:

• I am determined to bring disasters on you.
• I will destroy the whole family of Judah.
• You were determined to go to Egypt and settle there, but you will all die there from war or hunger.
• People will be shocked by what happens to them.
• I will punish them as I punished Jerusalem—with war, hunger, and terrible diseases.
• None will escape my punishment.

"They want to return to Judah and live there, but none of them will live to return to Judah, except a few people who will escape."

Why? Why do you insist on disobeying me? The irony of it all is a statement made in Jeremiah 44:17. There was a large group of the people from Judah living in the southern part of Egypt. They were meeting together. The wives were actively pursuing the worship of other gods. Their husbands knew all about it but did nothing to stop it. God sent a message through Jeremiah to them again. The irony is in their response.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 40:1 – 45:5 (Continued)

Jeremiah 14:1 - 17:27 (Continued)

October 13, 2011

The Day of Disaster

Jeremiah 16:5 - "...I have taken back my blessing, my love, and my pity from these people."  Jeremiah 16:9 -  "I will soon stop the sounds of joy and gladness..."

People will ask—Why? Why is God saying these things? What have we done wrong? "What sin have we done against the LORD our God?"

Incredible. After all the things that Jeremiah and the other prophets had been telling them to try and reach them—they still didn't get it. They still could not, or maybe more accurately would not, admit or see that they "love to wander." They didn't want to change. They loved what they were doing. So they ask—Why? What have we done? And God says, tell them this:

"This is because your ancestors quit following me, and they followed other gods and served and worshiped them. Your ancestors left me and quit obeying my teaching. But you have done evil, more evil than your ancestors. You are very stubborn and do only what you want to do; you have not obeyed me. So I will throw you out of this country and send you into a land that you and your ancestor never knew. There you can serve other gods day and night, because I will not help you or show you any favors." Jeremiah 16:11-13

The sins of the generations, passed down (taught) to those who follow. The last line of what God said is so sobering. You want to be in charge? You want to follow other gods? Okay. You are on your own. Serve those other gods all you want and see where it gets you. You are on your own. "I will not help you or show you any favors." How sobering. I cannot imagine having the Holy Spirit's presence removed from my life. I wrote about this several months ago. (See my journal entries for July 20, 2011 - Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25; and July 21, 2011 - Isaiah 6:1 – 7:25 (Continued) ) "How terrible it will be" when you get what you thought you wanted and find yourself without the presence of the true God in your life. And those dreams you were chasing? They are empty and void of meaning, like chasing the wind. "There you can serve other gods day and night, because I will not help you or show you any favors."

God knows. He sees. "I see everything they do. They cannot hide from me the things they do; their sin is not hidden from my eyes." You may be able to fool man, but do you really think you are fooling God? Can't the maker of eyes—see? Can't the creator of ears—hear? (See Isaiah 29:15–16 and Psalm 94:9)

"I see everything they do. They cannot hide from me the things they do; their sin is not hidden from my eyes." (Jeremiah 16:17) "The LORD says, "So I will teach those who made idols. This time I will teach them about my power and my strength. Then they will know that my name is the LORD."

Then they will know. "Lord, show them your power and your strength, THEN they will know that you are THE LORD."

Jeremiah 17 - A chapter of comparisons. Who are you going to trust? Man? Or God?

"This is what the LORD says: 'A curse is placed on those who trust other people, who depend on humans for strength, who have stopped trusting the LORD... they don't know about the good things God can give." "But the person who trusts in the LORD will be blessed. The LORD will show him that he can be trusted. He will be strong, like a tree planted near water that sends its roots by a stream. (Sounds like Psalm 1.) It is not afraid when the days are hot; its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes; it always produces fruit." 

"More than anything else, a person's mind is evil and cannot be healed. No one truly understands it. But I, the LORD, look into a person's heart and test the mind. So I can decide what each one deserves; I can give each one the right payment for what he does."

"Like a bird hatching an egg it did not lay, so are the people who get rich by cheating. When their lives are half finished, they will lose their riches. At the end of their lives, it will be clear they were fools." Jeremiah 17:5-13

The people of Judah did not believe Jeremiah's words which came from God. They chose to leave God. They chose to wander away and leave the LORD. They chose pride, self-centeredness, and disobedience. In so doing, they chose judgment, sorrow, suffering, and consequences.

Jeremiah 17:27 - "I will start a fire... and it will not be put out."

Addendum: 6/10/15 ~ As I write these words about the "Day of Disaster" and the judgments that are sure to come when someone chooses disobedience, my heart starts to pound and tears fill my eyes. If only my sister and brother-in-law would change their hearts and lives. If only they would turn from their chosen ways and repent. If only they would surrender ALL.

If only.

If I could do it for them I would.

As much as it seemed disastrous at the time, I am grateful God sent this (my journal) from Genesis 1:1 – II Chronicles 11:17 to them. Even thought they twisted my words and from all outside appearances have discounted everything in it, I am still grateful to have had a voice and the opportunity to share God's words. They have traveled so far down the path of disobedience that I believe they are truly blinded to the TRUTH. As much as my heart pounds for them our prayer remains—whatever it takes. Whatever it takes Lord, may their eyes be opened.

"Then they will know."

Lord, when that day comes, may they have another opportunity for repentance.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 14:1 – 17:27 (Continued)

Jeremiah 14:1 – 17:27

October 11, 2011

Life Lesson: Sin requires judgment. Sin can distort our judgment of good and evil. God calls us to repent and to have moral outrage for violations of His holiness.

I've had a hard time reading these chapters. I wish I could skip over them and not write what I hear it saying. It's heavy stuff and will probably take me several days. It's been five days since I last wrote. That time has been spent reading these chapters in the KJV, NIV, and NCV. What has been hard to read, and difficult to write about, is the refusal of God's people to surrender their lives to Him and the consequences that most certainly will follow.

Jeremiah 14:10 - "They love to wander from me; they don't stop themselves from leaving me." I guess that says it all right there, in the very first sentence written about these chapters. "They love to wander from me." There it is. That is what is discouraging and heavy about these chapters. Understanding there are some people who truly don't "get it" and they love what they are doing. So why would they change? Because of their pride and selfish ambitions, they have no desire to change and therefore—won't. Oh, I don't want to write those words, but it is Truth.

No wonder I've wished I could avoid writing about this. If people could only see, if they could only see. Why would anyone change their hearts and minds to a new way of thinking and turn (repent) from their ways when, "they love to wander from me; they don't stop themselves from leaving me?" They are doing what they love. They are convinced their actions have brought no consequences and they are instead victims. But God says (immediately after the statement, "they love to wander from me") this: "So now the LORD will not accept them. He will now remember the evil they do and will punish them for their sins."

God goes on and says, Jeremiah—stand back. Step aside. The time for accountability has come. Even if they try to come to me now I will not listen. Even if they try to bring me offerings I will not accept them. And Jeremiah responds with—but God, the prophets are telling the people there won't be consequences and there won't be suffering and "I, the LORD, will give you peace in this land." They are even using your name LORD as a way to give a false sense of security.

The people of Israel were creating their own "reality." They were listening to what they wanted to hear instead of "truth." They were finding ways to excuse and prove that the things they were doing were okay. They refused to look inward. They loved what they were doing. They only thought about what they wanted and whatever it took to achieve it, no matter who or what was in their way. It was all about them and what they wanted.

Jeremiah could see what was coming. The people of Israel refused to see what was coming. They chose instead to listen to what the false prophets were saying, words they wanted to hear, instead of listening to the LORD's words sent through Jeremiah. They chose to follow self-serving prophets, the "delusions of their own mind," false teachings, worthless maneuvers, and wishful thinking. They chose to believe the lies of the world instead of the Truth of God. And God said, "I didn't send these false prophets who are using my name." The very things they are saying won't happen, will happen—to them. I will punish them.

God was their only hope. Jeremiah 14:22 - "Does the sky itself have the power to send down showers? No, it is you, LORD our God. You are our only hope, because you are the one who made all these things." God was (is) their only hope. But these were people who "love to wander" from Him. And God said, "I would not feel sorry for (them) even if Moses and Samuel prayed for them. Send them away from me!Tell them to go!"  There comes a time when enough is enough, and God is ready to bring judgment. 

Jeremiah was still feeling sorry for the people. I'm pretty sure he was wondering if there was anything else he could do so they would "get it"; so they would understand the error of their ways and the consequences that were sure to come. And God says, Jeremiah—this isn't about what you do or do not do. Even if Moses and Samuel prayed for them I would not feel sorry for them. What I mean to happen will happen.

Sin requires judgment! People mistakenly think that just because they "seem" to get by with their disobedience, that God is not watching or He is unaware and there will not be any consequences or judgments related to their actions. God is more patient than man can ever imagine, but accountability WILL eventually happen.

Part of the consequences Judah was now going to be subjected to was a direct result of the choices Manasseh made years earlier.

Addendum: 7/19/16 ~  It doesn't get any easier reading this and understanding that some people will truly never "get it" because they love what they are doing and they have no desire to change.  


Next Entry: Jeremiah 14:1 – 17:27 (Continued)

Jeremiah 11:1–23

October 03, 2011

Obey me! Jeremiah 11:4 - "Obey me and do everything I command you."

Then:

• You will be my people.
• I will be your God.
• I will keep my promises.

The Israelites already had proof that God keeps His promises. They were living in the Promised Land. But even though they knew God kept His word, they still did not keep their end of the agreement and the agreement was broken. It was not broken by God, it was broken by the people because they refused to obey. Over, over, and over, God warned them to obey. And over, over, and over, the people refused to listen and obey. They were stubborn and did what they wanted to do instead of what God told them to do. Because they refused to change their hearts, the curses of the agreement (See Leviticus 26:1 - 27:34; and Leviticus 26:1 - 27:34 (Continued) ) came upon them.

The LORD says, "I know." I know what they are doing. I know their plans. They've gone back to the same sins of their ancestors. Their ancestors worshiped other gods. They have broken the agreement. So this is what the LORD says, "I will soon bring a disaster on the people of Judah which they will not be able to escape. They will cry to me for help, but I will not listen to them." (See: Proverbs 1:28-31)

Then God tells Jeremiah: Listen Jeremiah, this is not your problem. You have done what I asked. I'm in charge here. I have been patient long enough. "The LORD, All-Powerful, who planted you "a leafy olive tree, with beautiful fruit and shape" (Verse 16), has announced that disaster will come to you "but with the roar of a strong storm he will set that tree on fire and its branches will be burned up" (Verse 16)." This is because (they) have done evil and made God angry by their worship of wealth. This punishment was for His people. His people who thought that "acting" the part was enough. Going to the temple—but making evil plans; bringing sacrifices—hoping to prevent punishment. They weren't obeying. They weren't changing their hearts and lives. They weren't doing what God had commanded of them and God had enough of their disobedience. He was ready to bring punishment upon them.

The people were angry at Jeremiah. He was speaking the truth but the people didn't want to hear the truth. So the LORD showed Jeremiah what the people were plotting to do. Because God showed him the truth behind what they were planning, Jeremiah understood they were against him. Before God made it clear, "I was like a gentle lamb waiting to be butchered. I did not know they had made plans against me..." Blindsided. He had no idea. If God had not revealed their hidden intents Jeremiah would have never known until it was too late. But, God knew AND knows. He is a fair judge. He "knows how to test peoples' hearts and minds."

God protected Jeremiah from those who intended to harm him. And he held them accountable.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 12:1 – 13:27  

Jeremiah 7:1 – 10:25 (Continued)

September 29, 2011

God makes it clear there is a big difference between obedience and going through the motions. Obedience is doing what God says. Period. God didn't start out telling His people to do the rituals/sacrifices. His instructions were simple: No other gods. "Do what I command so that good things will happen to you." But instead of obeying God, they wanted to be in charge of their own lives. "They were stubborn and did whatever their evil hearts wanted. They went backward, not forward." Jeremiah, you will tell them about this but they won't answer. "These people do nothing when I correct them. They do not tell the truth; it has disappeared from their lips."

The valley of Topheth was a place where the people of Judah did what God said was evil. God took the very thing (place) where they disobeyed Him and turned it into ruin. Isaiah 30 talks about the valley of Topheth. "...and the LORD's breath will come like a steam of burning sulfur and set it on fire."

Jeremiah 8 - Sin and Punishment

Why is it? Why is it that some people will just not admit they are wrong or that they've made a mistake? Especially when it has anything to do with God? If you fall down—you get up. If you make a wrong turn—you turn around. Yet, when people then (and now) go the wrong way—away from God—why is it that they do not turn back to truth? God tells why in Jeremiah 8:5 - "They believe their own lies and refuse to turn around and come back... they do not feel sorry about their wicked ways."

They keep charging forward, even if they are on the wrong path. Even the birds of the air know the right thing to do and when to do it. But His people thought they were safe because they had the teachings of the LORD. They thought they were wise but they weren't wise at all. They instead will be shamed. They will be shocked. They will be trapped. They are greedy for money, and they tell lies. They try to act as if they have not been punished saying, "It's all right, it's all right." But it's not all right. They should be ashamed of their actions, but they're not. They don't even understand that they should be embarrassed by their actions. "They will be thrown to the ground when I punish them, says the LORD. I will take away their crops... There will be no grapes on the vine and no figs on the fig tree. Even the leaves will dry up and die. I will take away what I gave them." (Habakkuk 3:17–19)  Prosperity—gone. Wealth—gone. Sustenance—gone. Everything they thought they had accomplished—gone. They didn't understand all they had came from God.

Jeremiah could see what all was going to happen to the people of Judah and it rocked him to the core. He couldn't do anything to change the outcome. He could only faithfully warn them of what God said. Jeremiah—described as the weeping prophet. He felt the pain. He felt the hopelessness. Yet he knew where his strength came from. "God, you are my comfort when I am very sad and when I am afraid." He wished he could get away from his people. He saw. He knew what they were doing, and he knew the consequences they were going to face... and it broke his heart. They used their tongues like weapons. They spoke lies instead of truth. They could not be trusted. They were cheaters. No one was safe from their deceit. Not family, and not friends. They no longer knew who the LORD truly was. They refused to know Him.    

"I will test the people as a person tests metal in a fire. I have no other choice, because my people have sinned. Their tongues are like sharp arrows. Their mouths speak lies. (Psalm 140 - Her Name Was Jane) Everyone speaks nicely to his neighbor but is secretly planning to attack him." (NIV says "sets traps.") Shouldn't I do this, says the LORD? Shouldn't I hold them accountable? When someone asks, "Why was everything ruined?" tell them this. "It is because (they) quit following my teachings... they have not obeyed me or done what I told them to do." They were stubborn and searched for wealth (Baal), "like their ancestors taught them to do." So, the LORD says the consequences will soon begin. The milk and honey they could have had will now be bitter food and poisoned water. I will scatter them. They will be forced to leave the land I gave them. I will chase them. (Psalm 140 - may disaster hunt down men of violence.)

"This is what the LORD says: 'The wise must not brag about their wisdom. The strong must not brag about their strength. The rich must not brag about their money. But if someone wants to brag, let him brag that he understands and knows me. Let him brag that I am the LORD, and that I am kind and fair, and that I do things that are right on earth. This kind of bragging pleases me,' says the LORD."

In other words, it is not about you and your perceived wisdom, strength, and wealth. It is ALL about God! He is the giver of all things. The great I AM. Jehovah Jireh.

The time is coming when I will punish those who "act" the part.


Next Entry: Jeremiah 7:1 – 10:25 (Continued)

Jeremiah 7:1 – 10:25

September 28, 2011

Jeremiah stands in the gate of the Temple and says: "Change your lives and do what is right!" Don't believe that just because you come to the Temple of the LORD you can continue to live as you have. That is a lie! "You must change your lives and do what is right." You must be fair in all your doings. You must not be hard on strangers, or widows and orphans. Don't be accusing or harming innocent people. Don't try to take things in your own hands and follow "gods" of your own doing. IF—you change your lives, THEN—I will let you live in this land. But instead, you are trusting in lies.

Don't you see this is useless? Will you continue to steal, murder, and be guilty of adultery? Will you still falsely accuse other people? Will you still believe in your "god" of wealth? Surely you know. (Jeremiah 5:22 - "Should you not fear me?" declares the LORD. "Should you not tremble in my presence?") Surely you understand that you should fear the LORD. Do you really think you can continue to "act" the part and get away with it? Do you think you can come into this temple and stand before me in the place I have chosen and think, "We are safe!" when you do the very things I say I hate? Do you really think you can abuse "grace" in that way? Grace that I have so freely given? Do you not understand that you are nailing me to the cross over and over again (Hebrews 6:4–8) by refusing to change your lives and continuing to do the very things I hate? You "playing the part" is nothing more than using me as a hideout while you continue to rob others. 

Jeremiah 7:11b - "I have been watching you, says the LORD."

Oh my goodness! Can it get any clearer than that? But Jeremiah doesn't stop there. He goes on. You think you are safe? Go look at Shiloh. Shiloh—the first place I set aside as a place where I was to be worshiped. Look what I did to that place because of the evil being done by the people. You are doing the same evil things. I've spoken to you again and again, but you won't listen. I've called and called, but you won't answer. You trust in the "place." You trust in the fact that you "call" yourself a Christian and you think you will be safe even though you continue to do the things I hate. Look at Shiloh. I destroyed it, and I will do the same now. Jeremiah 7:15 - "I will push you away from me."

Wow! Instead of obeying and trusting God, they trusted in the "place." Going to church and being religious—while continuing to do the things God hates and abusing His grace. God wants none of those things. He wants the surrendering of our will to His. He wants our obedience. He will not accept being our "god" in addition to other gods in our lives. (Exodus 20:23)

God says, Jeremiah—I'm asking you to send this message, but their response to it is not your responsibility. Don't cry out for me to help them. Don't you see what they are doing? The sins are being passed from generation to generation. They aren't hurting me, Jeremiah. They are hurting themselves.

Jeremiah 7:19-20 - "They are only hurting themselves and bringing shame upon themselves. So this is what the LORD God says: I will pour out my anger... my anger will be like a hot fire that no one can put out."


Next Entry: Jeremiah 7:1 – 10:25 (Continued)

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 5 & 6 (Continued)

June 25, 2011

Following God's commands are like a lamp. Literally! His teachings are like a light, illuminating the darkness and showing us how to live. Listening to the correction that comes from God's commands helps us to have life, to truly live with peace, joy, and contentment.

We each have a choice. It's like I tell my Sunday School girls. How you choose to live your life is your choice. But the consequences of your choices—both the good and bad—impacts generations. There will be consequences. It is another IF—THEN.

Proverbs 6: 27-28 - "You cannot carry hot coals against your chest without burning your clothes, and you cannot walk on hot coals without burning your feet."

You cannot live your life doing the six things God hates and the seven things He cannot stand and not have consequences. You cannot! It's not that you will get zapped with lightning immediately. Life may go along smoothly for many years... but accountability will come. There will be consequences for the choices we make.  

I choose to live my life in such a way that the consequences I pass down to the future generations will be God's blessings and not God's curses. 


Next Entry: Proverbs 7

Psalm 139

June 2, 2011

God knows! There is nothing that escapes Him. Nothing. We were made by Him and He knew us as we were being formed. There is no where we can go that we could hide from Him. In man's eyes it can seem unfair that some people seem to be "under the radar" and seem to get by with lying, stealing, and cheating, and that their man-made strategies seem to be successful. They even think they are wise and using "good" business strategies. But, they only think they have been successful, and they only think they have hid everything under the radar. Can't the maker of eyes see? Can't the maker of ears hear? God knows.

Psalm 139:1–6 - "Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do. LORD, even before I say a word you already know it. You are all around me, in front and in back, and have put your hand on me. (Isaiah 30:21) Your knowledge is amazing to me. It is more than I can understand."

Nothing is hidden from God. He knows it all. He knows, and that is all that matters. Man's eyes are not important. What "appears" to be successful here on earth does not bring peace, joy, or contentment. Living a life of scheming and strategies has to be exhausting. Always trying to stay one step ahead, a house of cards, ready to fall. On the other hand, living a life dependent on God brings peace, joy, and contentment. You understand that the only thing God asks of you is to trust Him and be willing no matter what. It is knowing that God is all around us, in front and in back. It is knowing that He has put His hand on you. It is knowing that whether we rise in the east or settle in the west, He will guard us. It is knowing that His right hand will hold us. It is knowing that God knows and that is enough. 

Psalm 139:23–24 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting."

It isn't that God need permission to examine us and test us. He already knows! The question is: What are we going to do with what God already knows? Are we going to confess our sins—or not? Are we going to trust Him—or not? Are we going to do things God's way—or not? Are we going to follow Him and allow Him to lead us in the way everlasting—or not? Is it "all in"—or not? The search me and test me is for our benefit not God's. HE ALREADY KNOWS! What are we going to do with what He already knows?

Addendum: 3/18/15 ~ What a day to be recording this. We have watched the destruction that happens when people "think" they have gotten by with fooling God. It is not only destructive to themselves. The effect, the consequences for the choices made and the "sins of the father," at times becomes a burden for the generations that follow. While each of cannot control what happened before us, we do have complete control over how we are going to respond. Are we going to be angry? Are we going to seek revenge? Are we going to follow in their footsteps? Or, are we going to break the chains of bondage and change what is passed on to those for those who follow us? We choose to face the truth and then chart our own path of following Christ.  We are Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead) and we will not be shaken.

I heard this song for the first time several days ago. It says it all. Listen to it here: We Trust in our God...We Will Not be Shaken

I think the statement I made, "Living a life of scheming and strategies has to be exhausting. Always trying to stay one step ahead... a house of cards... ready to fall," needs to be clarified. IF you still have a conscience to know that what you are doing is wrong, THEN I believe living that kind of lifestyle would have to be exhausting. However, IF you have traveled down the path of sin long enough and have continually refused to change your heart and mind, THEN I believe there is a very real possibility that person's conscience may be seared and it is actually exhilarating for that type of person to be constantly looking for ways to "out-smart" whomever. How incredibly sad to be so blinded by sin that the truth becomes a lie, and the lie of being in charge of your own life becomes their truth.

"The Author starts each life story, but each life will write his or her own ending." ~ From A Gentle Thunder by Max Lucado

Next Entry: Psalm 140:1 – 144:15 

Psalm 81:1 – 82:8

April 19, 2011

7 When you were in trouble you called, and I saved you. 10 Open your mouth and I will feed you.

This is what God wanted from the Israelites and us—total submission. When He has our submission THEN He takes care of us. Another example of an IF—THEN in the Bible. Chapter 80 speaks about Israel being planted like a vine in a land that was cleared for them. They multiplied and should have been productive.

Psalm 81:11 - "But my people would not listen to me; (they) would not submit to me. 12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own desires."

Hosea 9:7 – 10:4 - "God will reject them, because they have not obeyed him... Israel is like a large vine that produced plenty of fruit. As the people became richer, they built more altars for idols. As their land became better, they put up better stone pillars to honor gods. Their heart was false, and now they must pay for their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars; he will destroy their holy stone pillars... they make many false promises and agreements which they don't keep. So people sue each other in court; they are like poisonous weeds growing in a plowed field."

They go from being a vine, planted by God for the purpose of being productive, to becoming like a "poisonous weed in a plowed field." All because of their disobedience. "So I gave them over..."

Step aside. Accountability is going to happen.


Next Entry: Psalm 83:1 – 84:12

Job 15:1 – 17:16

January 12, 2011

Eliphaz continues. Again, much of what he says would be true if Job was being disciplined by God and reaping what he had sown. But Job wasn't being disciplined for his actions. Job was being tested (pruned) because of his uprightness, not because of sin. Pruning—verses—discipline.

Pruning and Testing: God allows things and events in our lives to grow us and increase our witness.   As a result, God gets the glory and good comes from it.

Discipline: Man reaping what he has sown. God holding him accountable for his actions and the sin in their lives. Unfortunately, many people have an incredible ability for self-denial and they choose to believe that they are being pruned and refuse to believe they are being disciplined and therefore accountable for their actions.

In Job's case his friends all assumed he was being disciplined, but he wasn't. If he was being disciplined their assertions would have been correct.

•  You can't shake your fist at God and not be held accountable.
•  The riches the wicked have will not last.
•  The wicked should not fool themselves by trusting in what is useless. (Their god is in their pocket.)
•  People who take money to do evil, who plan trouble and give birth to evil, who plan ways to trick others in their heart (Psalm 140), will not produce anything and their tents and things will be destroyed.

Job responds. He defends himself to his friends and God. He cries out to God for help. His spirit is broken. He is surrounded by people who insult him and want to harm him. 

Job 17:3-4 - "God, make me a promise... you have closed their minds to understanding. Do not let them win over me." The NIV says, "... therefore you will not let them triumph."

Job 17:5 - "A person might speak against his friends for money, but if he does, the eyes of his children go blind."  Blind—to truth. Blind—to salvation. Blind.

Job 17:8 - "Honest people are upset about this; innocent people are upset with those who do wrong. But those who do right will continue to do right, and those whose hands are not dirty with sin will grow stronger."  NIV - "Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger."

Addendum: 12/28/14 ~ There is no such thing as a little sin. Sin by its very nature progresses until it takes over. 

Job 16:34-35 - "People without God can produce nothing. Fire will destroy the tents of those who take money to do evil, who plan trouble and give birth to evil, whose hearts plan ways to trick others." Those verses remind me of both Psalm 140 and Psalm 7:14-16. "There are people who think up evil and plan trouble and tell lies. They dig a hole to trap others but they will fall into it themselves. They will get themselves into trouble; the violence they cause will hurt only themselves." The NIV says it this way - "He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment." Psalm 140 - "Rescue me O Lord from evil men, Protect me from men of violence who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day... let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused... I KNOW the Lord secures justice..."

Our faith is in the LORD and HIM alone. We believe HIS words. We trust in HIS promises. Job 17:8 - "Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger."


Next Entry: Job 18:1 – 19:29