Archive for January, 2012

Moses, Miracles, and God’s Mind-Boggling Methods

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Sometimes God’s methods leave me scratching my head. Take Moses’ story, for example.

The Hebrews had been held in slavery in Egypt for hundreds of years. One day, God decided enough was enough. He could have simply said the words, “Let my people go,” and softened Pharaoh’s heart to say, “Sure thing, God.” Instead, He hardened Pharaoh’s heart and then devised ten plagues to change his mind. What’s with that?

Exodus 10: 1-2 explain God’s methodology: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Return to Pharaoh and make your demands again. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can display my miraculous signs among them. I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the LORD.’”

Why did God choose a mind-boggling method to set His people free? Three reasons:

  • Because He wanted to show His mighty, miraculous power among those who didn’t acknowledge Him as the true God. The Egyptians sorcerers were able to copycat some of the same miracles at first, but as the stakes grew higher, God’s one-of-a kind power became more apparent.
  • Because He wanted the impact of what He did to last for generations to come. “I’ve done it so you can tell your children and your grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them,” He said. An approach that could be easily explained by human understanding would not have a significant lingering effect.
  • Because He wanted Moses to know Him as the only true and living God. Experiencing Him do the impossible would certainly accomplish this feat.

Sometimes I scratch my head at God’s methods in my own life, too. For instance, several months ago I watched a childhood friend suffer with cancer and eventually succumb to the disease. With so many friends and family praying for her healing, why didn’t God simply speak the words, “Be well”? Why did He choose a different method to secure her ultimate healing and allow her to die instead?

Perhaps it’s because my friend’s testimony caused her doctors and nurses to take notice of her faith. Throughout her painful journey, they witnessed her inner strength and peace and joy. They saw her family unite in their sorrow, and they saw them experience hope in the midst of great pain. Through the family’s heart-breaking experience, they experienced God’s faithfulness, and they continue to do so today. They have come to know God in a new and more intimate way.

I confess that I don’t understand God’s methods sometimes. They leave me scratching my head. And yet, I need to trust that He is in control, and He’s a lot smarter than I am.

Can you relate? Can you recall a time when God’s methods left you wondering what in the world He was doing?

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Quiet Time with God: 8 Ways to Keep Your Devotions Vibrant

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Celebrate with me!  Peaceful Moments to Begin Your Day: Devotions for Busy Women (Harvest House) is now available! It’s filled with spiritual aha moments guaranteed to draw readers into a more intimate walk with God. It also includes more than 100 Scripture-based praise and intercessory prayers. The book is available online, at bookstores nationwide, and on my website.

Today’s blog is a little longer than usual because I wanted to share some thoughts about the importance of spending time with God and how to keep those times vibrant. Read on….

(more…)

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Busting the Myths About the Bible

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

‘The Bible’s nothin’ more than an old-fashioned book,” some people say. “A book filled with rules designed to steal all our fun.”

Others say, “The Bible’s merely a collection of fairy tales. Who in their right mind could ever really believe the story about Noah building an ark and filling it with animals two-by-two?”

Some regard the Bible as a holy book and treat it with reverence although they neither read nor apply it. Simply having a copy in their possession somehow makes them feel safe, or like a moral, upright person.

I beg to differ from all of the above.

The Bible is God’s word to mankind. It’s written to protect us, to warn, to encourage, and to develop intimacy between Creator and created. Some people might find its words harsh, but oddly enough, the same folks find solace there in times of sorrow. Who isn’t familiar with Psalm 23—“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”?

The Bible contains answers for every issue we face. Its words give us direction for healthy marriages, parenting, finances, and priorities. It’s all there. We just need to read it and then apply its principles.

These Scriptures popped off the page at me today:

“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living…the laws of the LORD are true: each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest fold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT).

These words describe the Bible I cherish. Its words revive me when I’m feeling weary and beat-up on the inside. They give me wisdom. They bring joy, and they teach me how to live. They mean more than all the money in the world to me, and when I do what they say, they reward me with peace.

The Bible’s isn’t an old-fashioned book written to rob me of pleasure. Rather, it gives me pleasure. It gives me answers, and it gives me an insight into God’s way of thinking. When I do life His way, I will prosper. Neglecting it would be foolhardy.

What do you think about the Bible?

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10 Ways to Draw Attention to Yourself

Friday, January 20th, 2012
Wanna stand out from the crowd? Here are 10 ways to do so:
* Stand on Wall Street during rush hour and shout, “Hey, everyone, thanks for doing what you do!”
* Commit a front-page crime.
* Try to smuggle a banned substance through airport security.
* Scream, “It’s not my fault! You’ve got the wrong guy!” when airport security drags you into a little room for questioning.
* Threaten the US President on FB and Twitter.
* Dye your hair pink and wear polyester paisley prints to work.
* Write a NYT bestseller.
* Become Mother Teresa #2.
* Clone yourself to look like Pippa Middleton.
* Predict doomsday and then spread the warning worldwide like the guy did last year.
If you’re sick and tired of blending into the crowd, then try one or all of the above.  I guarantee doing so will cause others to notice you. You might even become a household name.

However, you might prefer to play it safer than sorry. If so, here’s another suggestion: Let the Holy Spirit completely fill and control you. It worked for Joseph; it’ll probably work for you, too.

Genesis tells the story of Joseph’s life. He’d been shipped off to Egypt, sold as a slave by his own flesh and blood.  After 13 years of character development, he got his big break when Pharaoh asked him to interpret a couple of disturbing dreams.

Joseph did something that Egypt’s wise men could not do—he told the boss what his dreams meant. Here’s what happened next: “So Pharaoh asked his officials, ‘Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are’” (Genesis 41:37-39).

Joseph turned heads. He stood out from the crowd not because he, being full of himself, forced others to take notice. On the contrary, he was empty of self and full of the Holy Spirit. His yielded heart made it possible for God to do extraordinary things through him.

You and I might never do something as earth-shattering as Joseph did, but we can still turn heads in our own homes and communities. We can respond with patience and kindness when our kids and spouse irritate us. We can give generously to those in need even though our monthly budget already feels stretched. We can get involved in community affairs and share wise words to help resolve negative issues.

God wants His people to be different than the society in which we live. That difference starts with our being filled and controlled by His Holy Spirit and results in others taking notice. Hopefully it leads to their saying, “There’s something different about you. I want what you have.”

Here’s a prayer for today: “Dear God, empty me of anything that grieves You, and then fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit so that others will see a difference in my life. Set me apart for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”

Your thoughts?

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When Our Day’s Plans Change

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Snow blankets the world beyond my office window this morning. Traffic on the main road nearby is nearly nil—it seems people are choosing to stay home today rather than risk driving in icy conditions.

Snow falls on the world beyond my office window.

I made that choice early this morning, too. I was supposed to attend a Think Referral Network meeting in a neighboring city. When the alarm went off at 5:30,my husband looked out the window, saw the weather and said, “There’s no way I’m letting you drive alone on these roads.”

We set out at 6:20 AM, allowing 60 minutes for the 30-minute drive. The Trans-Canada highway was a mess, visibility was poor, and cars crept along at about 40 km/hr (25 mph). The radio traffic reporter told of school closures and cars in the ditch. “Stay home if you don’t absolutely need to go out today,” she warned.

Better safe than sorry, we reasoned. We took the first exit and retraced our route to the welcoming warmth and safety of our townhouse.

My day’s plans aren’t what I’d expected, but that’s okay. Instead of attending the meeting, I’m home today—working in my office, doing laundry, and cooking a pot of ham, potato, and green bean soup. The warmth makes me grateful for God’s protection. The savory aroma reminds me of His constant provision. The freshly-fallen whiteness reminds me of His promise to wash my sinful self whiter than snow. Not “as white as snow,” but whiter.

Rather than stress about the changed plans, I’ll embrace them as an opportunity to enjoy the unexpected and to rest in God’s sovereignty.

“Thank you, God, for every good and perfect gift. I feel enveloped by Your lavish love today.”

Last week, a reader sent me the words she speaks every morning. They, too, remind me of God’s love for His children. They blessed me richly, so I asked her permission to share them with you. She kindly agreed. (Thank you, Darlene).

“The light of God surrounds me.

The love of God enfolds me.

The power of God protects me.

The Spirit of God watches over me.

Wherever I am, God is.”

Whatever your day holds, my friend, I pray you’ll be consciously aware that God is holding you. By the way, what does your day hold? How has God evidenced His love for you?

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The Truth About Missionaries

Friday, January 13th, 2012

My husband and I have been involved in career missions for nearly 20 years. We spent three years in Nepal, 11 years at Camp Homewood off Vancouver Island, and we’ve worked with International Messengers with a focus on Eastern Europe for the past 4½ years.

The past two decades have been a white-knuckle ride in many ways, but a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve met some incredible people and learned more than a few rich life lessons from them along the way. One of those lessons—the truth about missionaries:

  • They’re strong-willed. God hard-wired them so. Without a strong will, they’d either kiss the field goodbye when the going gets rough or they’d never consider missions in the first place.
  • They’re brave. I know several individuals/couples working in closed countries. Their visas could be revoked and they’d be uprooted at any time, yet they’re willing to live in uncertainty and potential danger. And speaking of danger, how about driving conditions in other countries where rules of the road don’t mean much? I remember bus rides in the Himalayan mountain where we rumbled across landslides, screeched around hairpin curves, and chugged to altitudes on roads that guaranteed certain death if the driver made a mistake or the brakes failed.
  • They’re intelligent. It takes smarts to learn other languages and to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds.
  • They’re flexible. They adapt to life without familiar conveniences. They adjust to different perspectives about the concept of time. They function in cultures where promises don’t stick.
  • They’re humble. They know they can’t fulfill their calling in their own strength. They’re okay with admitting their dependency on God for wisdom, safety, health, and finances.
  • They’re overworked. Ever wonder why you don’t hear from your missionaries more often? It’s because they’re struggling to balance family life with ministry demands with the time it takes to perform simple, routine tasks to survive. They’d love to holiday for a break, but finances are usually too tight. And so they plug on albeit weary in head and heart.
  • They’re imperfect. Missionaries make mistakes. They sometimes say things they regret. They sometimes struggle in their marriages. They sometimes struggle to maintain spiritual freshness. And they often struggle in their relationships with coworkers. (That’s where the strong-willed characteristic isn’t a plus).
  • They’re rare. “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” (Matt. 9:36-38)

Pray for missionaries, please. And pray for more of them.  The harvest is great; the workers are few. Will you send? Will you go?

(Hey, have I got an opportunity for you! International Messengers Canada and USA are seeking summer volunteers for two-week commitments in Eastern Europe. Check out www.im-canada.ca)

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Five Truths About Joy

Monday, January 9th, 2012

The more I read about joy, the more I’m convinced that God’s kids, more than anyone else on earth, ought to be living demonstrations of this characteristic. Anyone can be joyful when life’s honky-dory, but it’s not so easy when the basement floods, the kids break out in chicken pox, the car breaks down, and income runs out before the month ends.

Joy? What's that?

Our family shares a joke about a van we owned years ago. It was a lemon. Extra sour.  The head gasket blew between Christmas and January 1st two years in a row. It burned through three engines during its tenure as a member of our family. And once, on a trip through the Rockies in December, we discovered that the heater didn’t work. Picture this: Gene driving with our four-year-old son sitting beside him, wrapped in a blanket. Our two wee daughters sitting in the middle seat bundled with sleeping bags. And me—shivering in the back seat while scraping ice off the windows.

I’m sorry to say I allowed that van to dictate my attitude ‘way too many times. Like I said, joy comes easy when life’s easy. But it’s not so quick to show up when life presents challenges.

I read Psalm 5:11,12 recently: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord: you surround them with your shield of love” (Psalm 5:11,12).

Several important truths about joy come to mind as I ponder these words:

  • Knowing that God is our refuge is reason for joy whether our circumstances feel good or not.
  • We’re to sing joyful praises forever. Doing so is non-optional for God’s kids. He knows that joyful praises breed life in us and in those who hear us speak. Let’s do what He says—He knows best.
  • We’re to sing joyful praises forever.  That means always, not only until the good times end.
  • God spreads His protection over those who love Him. That knowledge should result in our being filled with joy rather than fear, insecurity, or worry.
  • The knowledge that God surrounds us with His shield of love is pretty good cause for joy, too, don’t you think?

Joy ought to be a hallmark of those who follow God. How are you doing in that department? Do you have a favorite Scripture that speaks about joy? If so, what is it?

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What Brings God Joy?

Friday, January 6th, 2012

On Monday I wrote that my special word for 2012 is joy. Wouldn’t ya know it—that  word pops up nearly every time I open my Bible now.

JOY…….JOY…….JOY

I love it when God crystallizes the lessons He wants me to learn. And I enjoy processing those lessons by blogging about them. Writing about the nuggets He gives causes me to slow down and ponder, not merely skim and rush off likely forgetting everything I just read.

Because my word is joy, be prepared for lots of ponderings on that theme. This week, for instance, I realized my focus on joy revolves mostly around me: What brings me joy? What does God say brings joy? Am I prepared to learn joy in the hard places of life? But then I read a New Testament story that caused me to think about joy in a different light.

The story concerns Jesus’ baptism. The Scripture says, “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy’” (Matthew 3:16,17).

I linger on the words who brings me great joy. They captivate me as I think about their meaning. Imagine—Alpha and Omega, King of the universe, Creator of everything seen and unseen, the great I AM—experiencing joy, too. What was the source? Jesus, His only Son.

As a mother of three, I can relate to His feelings. Precious little brings me as much joy as my kids and grandkids—especially when we’re together sharing meals, playing games, enjoying good conversation—and knowing that they’re doing well in every way. Perhaps you can relate.

Now imagine the God of heaven experiencing similar joy. Why? Because we’re His children. Imagine Him smiling on us, taking pleasure in us, expressing delight in us. The thought warms my heart. So does Zephaniah 3:16,17—“Don’t be afraid! For the Lord God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

What brings God joy? We do. Let’s resolve to keep it that way. Let’s live in such a way that we bring a smile to His face and a song to His heart.

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Joy – My Special Word for 2012

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

It’s Monday afternoon and quiet rules my house. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. After the busyness of Christmas and New Year’s, it feels good to sit in silence, reflect on the year past, and ponder what’s to come.

Each year at this time, I ask the Lord to give me a special theme or word for the next 12 months. This year He’s given me joy.

I don’t consider myself a very sophisticated person. That’s to say, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures: a baby’s giggles, snuggling with my grandkids, receiving hugs from my grown kids, cuddling with my husband of nearly 30 years, seeing the sunrise or sunset paint its pinks and oranges across the sky, enjoying a coffee chat with good friends, striking an item off my to-do list, knowing that something I’ve written or said has encouraged someone.

I also find joy in reading God’s Word, especially when a verse leaps off the page and connects with my life at that moment in time.

As I ponder joy and how it relates to me in 2012, I think of Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever “(NASB). The NLT says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Life offers oodles of small pleasures, but nothing brings joy like experiencing God’s presence moment by moment. As 2012 dawns, I’m asking Him to make me more aware of His presence. Whether I’m washing dishes, running errands, exercising at the gym, playing with my grandkids, speaking at a women’s event, or traveling overseas for yet another ministry trip, I want to be aware of His presence in and around me. I want to be sensitive to His whispers, in tune with His desires, and in touch with His heartbeat. Constant, sweet communion with the divine – therein lies joy.

I enter 2012 with a sense of anticipation, excited about what’s to come and eager to experience the joy that Scripture promises.

And while we’re talking about joy, here’s a song on the same theme: “Exceeding Joy.” Take a few minutes to listen and let the words direct your heart into an attitude of worship.

Question: What word or theme has God given you for 2012?

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