The Story of Your Life…….

 "I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”                    Daniel 7:9-10

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”              Revelation 20:11-12

And the books were opened…………

How will your life story read when the books are opened?  The years, months and days of your life, how are they being spent?  The efforts of your days, are they purposeful, are they God ordered, God ordained?   Which book will hold your story, is it the Lamb’s Book of Life or another?

For those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 3:13 states that each man’s (woman’s) story will be revealed, ‘for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire’.  It goes on to say that His (the Lord’s) fire will test the quality of our life, the quality of our story.   As the chapters of your life are read, will He receive glory or will the words burn from the page? 

Today is your opportunity to prepare for the Day.  Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"                                              Matthew 7:21-23

Dear Loved One, let your story be one of triumph!  Believe fully on the one who has saved you, the One who deeply loves you!  Submit yourself fully to Him!  Be filled with His Spirit!  Trust in Him!  Seek Him!  Obey Him!  Be guided by Him, moment by moment….day by day.  He’s the only one Who issues happy endings!   

Here’s the promise –

 “ He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”       Revelation 3:5

Be blessed!

And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.                    Daniel 7:13-14

Sweet Repentance !

The Book of Joel is a marvelous picture of the blessedness of repentance.  The people of Judah had seen devastation unlike anything they had ever experienced.  A massive swarm of locust had devoured the land.  In a short span of time all vegetation; crops, pasturelands and trees were utterly destroyed.  Famine and drought fell upon the land within hours.  In accordance with Deuteronomy 28:38-46, Joel declared that it was because of the disobedience of God’s people that they experienced such a trial.  Their disobedience moved them from underneath the umbrella of God’s protection. And the Lord cried out to them,

     "Now, therefore," says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart…

     ..so rend  your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord

     your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of

     great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.     Joel 2:12 - 13

I have seen in my lifetime that it is a blessing when the Lord’s chastisement is swift.  It’s a blessing also when I quickly respond with repentance.   I’ve seen that the slower one is to repent, the greater the harm experienced from disobedience.  Simply put, slower repentance - greater pain.  The consequence that resulted from the people of Judah’s sin was severe.  And in the midst of utter ruin, God is pleading for His people to turn to Him.  He asks, ‘Rend your heart, and not your garment’.  He’s asking for an inward tearing away from the old ways of selfishness and fleshly desires.  He’s asking that we follow His commands and stop relying on our way of thinking and doing.  He’s asking for a sincere desire to change.  He’s asking for a commitment.  How many times do we acknowledge that we need to make changes, but fall short of a steadfast ‘heart’ commitment to change?  He asks, while at the same time reminding us with such gentleness, that He’s on our side and that He wants to bless us.

But the story of repentance gets even better.  Our God is so great, that no matter the devastation that comes through disobedience, through repentance, He is able to restore.  Supernatural restoration!

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame.      Joel 2:25 - 26

And could the story of repentance get better still, yes it can and it does! Repent of your sins, turn towards Him, He’ll rebuild your life and give you the greatest gift of all…….His Holy Spirit!

     'Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord
     your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to
     shame. "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out
     My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall
     prophesy,Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall
     see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
     I will pour out My Spirit in those days.           Joel  2:27 - 29

Oh!, the sweetness of repentance.  Here’s the promise –

And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord, shall be saved.                                                                            Joel 2:32     

Be blessed!                                                     

Repentance, it’s irresistible!

The book of Hosea portrays a great love story.  The main characters are the prophet Hosea and his adulterous wife, Gomer.  God uses these characters to express His great love towards Israel and His heartbrokenness over their unfaithfulness. 

As Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry was lived out before a people, the Lord’s message to Israel was to be lived out by Hosea.  His marriage to Gomer was a picture to the northern kingdom of God’s love for them.

The Lord said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes."                                                                                        Hosea 3:1

So deep is His love!

The times of Hosea’s ministry were turbulent.  His message to the northern kingdom of Israel was to a people guilty of the ‘sins of Jeroboam’ (1 Kings 12).  Over the 38 years of Hosea’s ministry, six kings reigned and most of those kings were murdered by their successors.  Other prophets were sent to turn God’s people back to Himself, but the people remained rebellious.  The land was in an upheaval.  Through Hosea, the Lord pours out His heart’s yearning for His people.  So tender is His love! 

"Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. "In that day," declares the Lord, "you will call Me 'My Husband,' you will no longer call Me 'My Master'.  I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips.  No longer will their names be invoked. "I will betroth you to Me forever.  I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.  I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.        Hosea 2:14, 15b, 16, 17, 19, 20

Israel responded with continued rebellion and disdain for their Maker. They pulled away from the Lord’s love, protection and care. They pulled away from covenant.  In the end, the northern kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17) and the people were deported to other lands.  Yet still, God cried out for His people.

"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within Me; all My compassion is aroused. "   Hosea 11:8                          

^“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God.   Your sins have been your downfall!  Take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.”

 "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him.”                 Hosea 14: 1, 2, 4

So faithful is His love!

Seeing the Lord’s great love and compassion towards His people makes me thankful to be counted as one of His own.  As I read the Book of Hosea, I’m deeply moved by the Lord’s persistent pursuit of relationship.  He continues in that pursuit today.  I’m thankful for His Holy Spirit, always drawing me closer to Him.   And should I ever fall away from the lover of my soul, through disobedience or short-sightedness, I have the great gift of ‘repentance’.  I always have the option to turn back towards Him and start afresh. With each turn I enjoy the freedom of a new beginning.  And if I live a lifestyle of repentance….always turning from things that displease Him, my life will reflect the fruit of our unbroken fellowship.  The joy of repentance!  In Psalms 51, David confesses his sin, and acknowledges that the Lord will always respond to a humble and contrite heart.  Repentance, it’s irresistible!  Here's the promise –

‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness’.                                                       1 John1:9

Be blessed!

My God shall supply !

‘Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah), saying, "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." So she said, "As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.  For thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.' “So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.’                               1 Kings 17:8-16

The Lord’s instruction to Elijah was urgent and direct, “Arise, go to Zarephath and dwell there”.  The NIV says, “Go at once to Zarephath and stay there”. This instruction was given during a time of famine. The people of Israel had rebelled against God.  They worshipped Baal and in their worship, believed that it was Baal who controlled the rain.  They gave thanks to Baal for showering their crops.  So to demonstrate His power as the One True God over all times and seasons, the Lord caused a drought.  Cry as they might, Baal could not cause a single drop of rain to fall.  Elijah made this declaration to the king of Israel, "As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word." (1 Kings 17:1).  

During this season of drought, God miraculously provided bread and meat for Elijah through His heavenly delivery service – the ravens (1 Kings 17: 2-6) and Elijah drank fresh water from a nearby brook.  In a time of great famine, all of his needs were being met directly from the hand of God, that is, until the brook dried.  Elijah then received a new set of orders and the new promise of provision was as extraordinary as before, “See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”  Generally, widows, during that time, were dependent upon others for their provision.  How is it possible for a widow to be the vessel through whom God would bring the blessing?  For that matter, how was it possible that ravens could deliver bread and meat – twice…daily?

I find it very interesting that though God says to Elijah that He had commanded a widow to provide for him, it’s obvious that the Lord didn’t tell the widow.  Her expectation was that she and her son would eat their final meal and then die.  Elijah, being undeterred by her response, gave the widow direct and urgent instruction, which she followed, and the miraculous provision began..... again!

I see in this scripture the importance of obedience.  When God directs, your obedience can mean the difference between suffering and experiencing a miracle. How different would this story be had Elijah waited a day or two before making the journey?   I also see how important it is to not place limits on what God is able or willing to do.  Elijah, having been fed miraculously by ravens was obedient to go to Zarephath, but what if his faith had been shaken at the widow’s response?  And what if the widow had not been willing to obey the man of God? 

Along with his instruction, Elijah spoke three very important words – “Do not fear!”  Fear keeps us from obeying.  Fear keeps us from trusting.  Fear traps us in a pit called, Worry.  Please know that, ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) 

And be encouraged by these words, ^‘My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’

                                                                                                             Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

Be obedient and be blessed!

My life is in His hands…… Part 2

How well are you handling the seasons of your life?

'He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.'  - Daniel 2:21

As I consider the verse above (from our previous discussion, My life is in His hands – Part 1) I can’t help but recognize that my first issue with the ever changing times and seasons of life has to do with control, and my lack of it.  This is a big issue for most, though not often discussed.  We’re taught to plan, prepare and pursue.  We’re inspired to use ingenious strategies to achieve lofty goals, but how often is it stressed the importance of submitting every plan, every intention of the heart to God for His guidance, counsel and direction. Step one…the thought or idea, step two…prayer!  It would certainly save us a lot of effort and energy. Hear the cry of Psalm 81:13.

'Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! '

Another issue relating to the ever changing seasons of life is the challenge of living fully in the present season. I think of how much time I’ve spent fantasizing about the future.  What type of home or career would I have?  When or if I would marry?  Where would I live after retirement?  Thinking that began in my earlier years. Being able to escape these musings, I’m now challenged to not become lost in reminisces of the past, thoughts that either take the form of (1) longings for pleasures or people gone by or (2) grief from regrets, missed experiences or mistakes.  Thinking that began in my latter years. 

For example, my youngest son announced yesterday that he’s ‘officially’ a high school senior.  He then reminded me of counsel I had given him many years ago, that a day would come when no longer would there be four children (including him) and mom rushing to meet morning school bells, but that there would be a day when it was just he and I, traveling together each school day morn.  Not only is that day (season) here, but the end of it is quickly approaching.  We both marveled at how quickly 12 years have passed. 

Once again, I must face truth.  God has my past, present and future firmly in His hands and my leaving it there is a matter of trust.  Am I trusting Him with the seasons of my life?  Am I able to have the confession of David, ‘But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in Your hand.’ (Psalm 31:14-15).  Are you able to make this confession?

Regarding the past, I’ve learned to acknowledge my mistakes, repent of them, be thankful for them (for they have been a tutor for me) and keep going.  And with regard to the good times past, I’m thankful for those seasons as well, storing them away as memorable treasures.  I’ve long since learned that dwelling on the future is unfruitful.  I find that God brings circumstances to bear in my life completely different from my expectations or plans.  I now look for the guiding of His Spirit!  He’s always been true to His word – ‘My Ways are not your ways!’ (Isaiah 55:8).

For me to answer the question, How are you handling the seasons of your life?, I would say that I’m learning with each passing day to trust Him on a deeper level with the comings and goings of my life, to stand on the Word of God, to acknowledge His control and be grateful!  Hear the word of the Lord:

‘Listen to Me…you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He!  I am He who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  I am God, and there is no other.  I am God, and there is none like me.  What I have said, that will I bring about.  What I have planned, that will I do!’

                                                                                            Isaiah 46:3-4; 9; 11

He is trustworthy and able! 

Be blessed.

My life is in His hands…… Part 1

How well are you handling the seasons of your life?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven’.  As random as the days of our life may appear, our omniscient God has a set time for every activity, for all the ‘happenings’ in our lives. He stewards our days. And those days, collectively, make up a season ….a season of ‘beginnings and endings’ lived out under the watchful eye of a mighty God.  Isaiah 46:10 confirms that it is He who declares ‘the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.'

So what I find interesting about life is that for all my planning, preparing and maneuverings, I have very little input (if any) into the comings and goings of the seasons of my life.  The prophet Daniel states, ‘He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.’ (Dan 2:21) 

It is He who controls the seasons of my life!  Were I given a choice, there would be some seasons that I would love to last forever, like my season of raising children.  I’ve loved parenting, having my children together in one household! It’s been one of the greatest joys of my life.  But to be honest, for them to remain home forever (and ever Amen!) would be detrimental to their growth and development. So, by the wisdom of God, our children grow into adulthood, leave home, and establish their own households.  In contrast, there are some seasons that I would love to end quickly, like times of financial hardship and/or physical infirmity.  Actually, it would be ok with me to bypass these seasons altogether.  But once again, I see the wisdom of God in seasons of difficulty.  I see how life’s hardships cause me to draw closer to Him.  In difficult seasons I realize my dependence and need of the Lord.  I’m aware of how the hardships of life shape and develop my character.  These challenges make me stronger, more compassionate and more suitably used by Him.  I can’t think of anyone used mightily by God, who didn’t first experience trials and sufferings.

Eccl 3:1 also speaks of order, God’s order. He is not random and He’s not random concerning you!  He’s a God of purpose and design.  And He’s in control, but more importantly we’re not! 

There’s a Part 2 to this discussion. Until then, let me leave you with this precious promise!

‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!’                                                 Jeremiah 29:11

Be at peace!

Ask Him!

In the first chapter of Ephesians, after explaining God’s plan of redemption and it’s affect upon those who believe in Christ (verses 1-14), Paul writes a beautiful prayer of intercession (verses 15-23). His request, in summary, is that his audience (and we who would later come to faith) would gain spiritual understanding.  His desire is that we would know God better and understand His great love towards us.  Paul then prays for an impartation of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.

In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul is also praying for believers to receive (and grow in) spiritual understanding. And once again, he prays for an impartation of the Holy Spirit.  His request is that God would fill them,   ‘with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding’, which can only be revealed by the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.

In both passages Paul speaks of the fervency of his prayer, with statements like, ‘we have not stopped praying for you’ and ‘I keep asking…’. 

In Colossians, he goes on to say that this spiritual understanding (impartation) is necessary in order for us to:   

 §         Live meaningful, productive lives

    §         Grow deeper in our understanding and knowledge of God

    §         Be strengthened to endure the hardships of this life with patience, and

    §         Live joyful, thankful lives.

I think of how deeply I desire these attributes in my life and how so often I’ve tried to accomplish these things in my own strength or my own way.  How liberating it is to know that for me to have the meaningful life I so greatly desire, all I need do is to ask Him.  No more trying to be nice in my own strength, or trying to be patient by ‘gutting out’ difficult seasons. And how dangerous it is to strive after wisdom without Him?  James 3: 13-17 states,

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.  This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

God’s wisdom cannot be manufactured or obtained through human will.  To be the best we can possibly be, to receive the fullness of this life we’ve been given, we must, ask Him!  To endure the hardships of life with patience and understanding, we must ask Him! 

So why not take some time to do just that?  Ask Him.  Ask Him to ‘fill you with the knowledge of His will’.  And ask Him to ‘give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation’.  Ask Him for more of the Holy Spirit. Just ask Him.  He’ll add productivity to your life!  Ask Him.  He’ll add a deeper understanding and knowledge of Himself to your life!  Ask Him.   He’ll add patience, strength and tenacity to your life!  Ask Him.  He’ll give you joy, His joy!  Ask Him.  He’ll give you more of His Spirit!  Ask Him!

And if Paul continued to ask, then I will do that as well!  Ask Him!