Prayerlogue

New Blog Announcement

2010-04-09T10:35:00.002-04:00

April 2010, Prayerlogue will move to http://www.prayerlogue.wordpress.com

Thank you to everyone who reads this blog, and I hope you continue to follow us there.

This site will remain active for all the archives that are often accessed.

Thank you again
betty

Between the Cross and the Empty Tomb

2010-04-01T06:48:00.003-04:00

In the cartoon “The Wizard of Id” the king is walking out of the church and says to the friar, “You said your Lord descended into Hell?” To which the friar replies, “Well, actually, He just dropped in to pick up the keys!” On the marquee in front of the church are the Scripture references “Matthew 12:40; Ephesians 4:9; and Revelation 1:18.”

So… did Jesus descend into Hell? If so, why? Well (to paraphrase a popular quote) it all depends on what your definition of “Hell” is!

There are 5 words in the Bible (2 in the OT and 3 in the NT) that are translated as “hell” or the place of the dead, in various translations (KJV, NASB, NIV, NLT, etc.) These words are also translated as, “death, Hades, the grave, the pit, destruction, etc, depending on the translation.

In the Old Testament “Sheol” is the most commonly used word. (The other word is “Abaddon” which is most often translated as “destruction” as for what happens to the dead in the place, rather than referring to the place, itself.)

Sheol (it seems) is a sort of a “holding place” for the spirits of the dead. Both the good (Jacob speaks of going there in Genesis 37:35 and 42:38; and David speaks of going there in 1 Samuel 2:6) and the bad go there (Numbers 16:30 and Psalm 55:15 for just 2 examples of many.)

In the New Testament there 3 commonly used words which are all (depending on the translation) rendered as “hell”:

~ Tartaroo is one of the NT equivalents of Sheol. It is only found in the NT in 2 Peter 2:4. It is the part of Hell (or Hades) that is reserved for the fallen angels who are to be held until the final judgment that we read about in Revelation 20.

~ Hades is another NT equivalent of Sheol. It is also translated as Hell in the New Testament (mostly in the KJV.) This is the word that is used in Luke 16:19-31 in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, as well as in describing what will happen to some cities in Galilee which reject Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 11:23 and Luke 10:15.) This (seems to be) the place of “disembodied wicked spirits” or “unbelievers.”

~ The third NT word for hell is Gehenna (Gheh-en-nah). This is the place of the lost or condemned. It is a place of torment for both the body and the soul where the “worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44; 46; 48, which is a quote from Isaiah 66:24.) This is what is commonly referred to in Revelation as “the second death.” This is where death and Hades will be thrown after the Great White Throne judgment. This will be the place of eternal punishment of the resurrected body and soul of the unbeliever. (See Matthew 10:28 and Luke 12:5)

Then, there are a couple of additional (more “encouraging”) words for places of the “departed”:

~ The first is “paradise” which is found in Luke 23:43 where Jesus tells the thief on the cross that “today you will be with Me in paradise.” Paul also speaks of “being caught up into Paradise” in 2 Corinthians 12:4, and in Revelation 2:7 “the Paradise of God” is promised to the “overcomer.” The word “Paradise” is from the Greek word “paradeisos” which means “the king’s private garden.” It is the NT equivalent of the Hebrew word “pardace” which is the word used for the Garden of Eden.

~ The second is found (again) in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. In Luke 16:22, Lazarus is said to be carried to “Abraham’s Bosom” after he dies. (According to Vincent’s Word Studies, this is “A Rabbinical phrase, equivalent to being with Abraham in Paradise.”)

So, what does all this mean? Did Jesus descend into Hell or not? Be patient!

The above information is gathered from respected Biblical studies and books, such as Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Thayer’s Greek Definitions, The King James Concordance, and The Complete Word Study Dictionary (Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D editor).

The following is what I have gleaned (through prayer and meditation) from this study. But still, it is what “I” believe and is subject to my own growth in the future. And now, having said that, this is what I believe.

I believe there is Biblical support for “levels” of reward for the believer. I have often used the phrase, “saved by faith, and judged by works.” I believe that this is supported by such scriptures as 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15 as well as Matthew 5:21-23 to name a few.

So, it stands to reason (at least to me) that if there will be different rewards, there could very well be different “levels” of judgment. It appears that Sheol is the “place” of the dead, and within Sheol, there is (was):

~ Paradise (or Abraham’s Bosom) where the spirit of the OT believer resided before Christ came.

~ Hades – the (current) place where the spirit of the wicked reside (nonbelievers.)

~ Tartaroo which is reserved for the fallen angels (from Lucifer’s fall) and possibly from Genesis 6 (depending on interpretation.) (See 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6)

~ And then finally, Gehenna which is the “lake of fire and brimstone”. This is the place where, after the Great White Throne Judgment, death and Hades will be cast along with the fallen angels (Revelation 14:10; 19:20; 20:10-15; and Matthew 25 41; 46.)

So… to which of these places did Jesus go “between the cross and the empty tomb?”

First of all, most scholars agree that on the cross, Jesus suffered and died. His body was put to death, and His spirit died when He was “made sin”. But, His spirit was resurrected, (Acts 2:31) and He yielded it to the Father. Then, according to 1 Peter 3:19 “between the cross and the empty tomb” Jesus “preached to the spirits in prison.”

This begs the questions, who were these “spirits” that He visited, and what did He “preach” to them?

There are two major thoughts on this subject. Some (very well respected) scholars and commentators believe that Jesus went into Sheol and led all of Paradise (those OT believers who were once held captive) to heaven with Him. This is supported by Ephesians 4:9 and especially by 2 Corinthians 12:4 where Paul talks about being “caught up into Paradise.” (Emphasis added.)

Another train of thought (held by equally respected scholars and commentators) is that Jesus went into Hades, and maybe even Tartaroo, and “preached” to the dead (unbelieving) spirits and/or the fallen angels. If this is true, does it mean that there is a “second chance” for unbelievers? The key here lies in the word “preached.”

When we think of “preaching” we think of “the Gospel” – the “Good News;” however the word itself simply means “to proclaim.” What is “proclaimed” may or may not be good news. In this case, what is “good news” for believers was not “good news” for the spirits in prison! What Jesus “preached” or “proclaimed” was His victory over Satan, over death and over the grave! (See also Colossians 2:15.)

In this regard, Ephesians 4:8-9 means that He symbolically “paraded the captives through the streets” as was a common occurrence in OT times, and that His “subjects” (believers) received the gifts or “spoils” of the battle. (See also Psalm 68:18 and 1 Samuel 30:26.)

So… did Jesus descend into Hell? Yes… and no…

Again, it all depends on what your definition of “Hell” is!

I believe that “between the cross and the empty tomb” that Jesus descended into Hades (and maybe Tartaroo, but not “Hell” or Gehenna, which is the place of final judgment) and proclaimed victory over Satan, death, and the grave. And then I believe He took possession of the keys of Hades, liberated Paradise, and took the OT saints to heaven where Paradise resides today.

I believe that for the child of God, “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.” I believe that the moment a believer dies, he/she is in the presence of God in “Paradise” in “the King’s private garden” awaiting the time when the final judgment will take place, after which the “New Heaven and the New Earth” will appear, and the believer will receive their brand new resurrected body.

And all because of the fulfillment of "First Fruits!" To God be the Glory!

The Fulfillment of the First Three Feasts of the Jews

2010-04-01T06:27:00.006-04:00

There are so many more things going on during the Passover/Crucifixion timeframe than we ever get a chance to cover during the Easter season. In this post I'm going to share what I've called "The Fulfillment of the First Three Feasts of the Jews".

It is during Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread/Feast of First Fruits that the Crucifixion/Resurrection takes place. (For more information on the specifics of the Feasts see Leviticus 23)

We know “somewhat” what Passover is. It celebrates the final plague that takes place while the Israelites are in Egypt. (See Exodus 12-13 and Leviticus 23:5) A “lamb without blemish” was killed and the blood placed on the doorposts so that the Angel of Death would “pass over” their house. (Interestingly, being “Jewish” did not save them – only having the blood on the door. No matter what their race, if they did not have the blood on the door, they were subject to the same plague as the Egyptians.)

Passover is, of course, only a “foreshadowing” of Christ’s shedding of blood for the atonement of our sin. Jesus is the “Perfect Lamb.”

The Jews celebrated Passover every year on the fourteenth of Abib (or Nisan depending on pre or post exilic calendar name) which falls somewhere between our mid-March and mid-April. The Jewish calendar revolves around the lunar calendar – in other words, the phases of the moon. Each “new moon” constitutes a new month. Therefore, Passover can fall on any day of the week, depending on when the full moon occurs.

The Jewish “day” goes from sundown to sundown (remember Genesis 1:5 “And the evening and the morning were the first day”) therefore on (our) Maundy Thursday at sundown, Passover begins.

The next day (Friday at sundown) the Feast of Unleavened bread begins. (See Leviticus 23:6) This feast lasts 7 days. Leaven, in the Bible represents sin and evil. The unleavened bread in the New Testament represents the Body of our Lord. Part of the Jewish Passover ceremony includes burying a piece of the unleavened bread before the day of Passover is over, in other words, before sundown on Friday… and remember, Jesus was buried before sundown on Friday…

Jesus’ followers (those who were left at the cross) wanted His body taken down from the cross and buried before the Sabbath began (at sundown.) What they didn’t realize was that they were actually fulfilling the Feast of Passover by the shed blood of “The Lamb” and burying His sinless (unleavened) body before the day was finished. And for even more “fulfillment” – the “middle piece” of the loaf of bread is what is buried. Jesus is the “middle part” of the Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

The next feast, “First Fruits” takes place on the Sunday following Passover. Since the feast of unleavened bread lasts 7 days, one of those days will be a Sunday. On that day is the Feast of First Fruits. The feast of “First Fruits” is when the Israelites would bring the first offering from the early crops of their spring planting to God. (See Leviticus 23:10-11)

In the year of Jesus’ death, “First Fruits” occurred 3 days after Passover. (Thursday at sundown began day one; Friday at sundown began day two; and Saturday at sundown began day three – three days in the ground - Matthew 12:40.) So, all three of these major celebrations – Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and Feast of First Fruits – all “happen” to take place back to back the particular year that Jesus was crucified.

Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 15:23 that Jesus is the fulfillment of this feast. Jesus is the “First Fruit” to be resurrected from the dead. Yes, others were “raised” from the dead, but only Jesus was “resurrected” and given His resurrected body. It was not just “any” day that Jesus chose, but the very day of “First Fruits”. He fulfilled the feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread, with the appropriate actions, and then finally He fulfilled “First Fruits”

And not only did Jesus fulfill these first three feasts, but He also presented a “First Fruits” offering to God. As Jesus hung on the cross, an earthquake occurred and graves were opened in Jerusalem. When Jesus was resurrected the bodies of “the saints” came out of these tombs. (Matthew 27:52-53.) Thus Jesus “showed the Father the early crops of what will be a magnificent harvest later on.” (From “The Seven Feasts of Israel” by Zola Levitt.)

We miss an important truth by calling our celebration “Easter” instead of “First Fruits” because “first” indicates that there will be others to follow. Paul did not call Him the “only” fruit, but the “First” Fruit. And anyone who believes in Him will someday be given a new life, too.

Palm Sunday - A Sobering Thought

2010-03-24T08:16:00.002-04:00

Continuing in my study of the Psalms, with one Psalm per week, I come this week to Psalm 118. What a (ahem) “coincidence”!

Psalm 118 is the last of 3 Psalms, or songs, that the Israelites would sing every year during the Passover. The phrase in verse 25, “O LORD, do save” is the Hebrew phrase “hoshia-na” or as we would pronounce it, “hosanna”.

So, on that first day of the week, nearly 2000 years ago, when the crowds and children shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!” Everyone within earshot would have recognized the words to this Psalm.

On that “tenth day of the month of Abib”, what could be called “The choosing of the lamb day”; when over in the Temple the “special lamb” was being chosen and set aside for each family for the coming Passover meal, our Saviour – our “Special Lamb” was coming into Jerusalem amid shouts of “Hoshia-na!” “Hosanna!” Oh LORD, do save!”

What an “eye-opening” thought.

However, what really touched me this morning was verse 27 of Psalm 118. “The LORD is God, and He has given us light; Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.” (NASB)

I read that earlier this week and yes, I recognized that it referred to “the atonement for sin”, which yes, I recognized as Jesus.

But this morning as I read it in the New Living Translation (as I often read scripture in several translations to get the fuller meaning) I read the following: “The LORD is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.” (emphasis added)

And Paul’s words immediately rang in my ears, “You are not your own, you were bought with a price!” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Although I know this doctrine “intellectually”, it has been “sinking into my soul” in the past week or so as I have been reading “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee. I am really beginning to realize – to understand - that “I” (the “old me”) was crucified in Christ. I am no longer my own, but Christ’s to do with as He pleases.

Not only do my heart and my soul belong to Jesus, but my hands, my feet, my eyes, my mouth, my whole being.

What a sobering thought… Everything I do, everything I say, think or see – I do using His hands, His mouth, His mind and His eyes…

And all I can say is God forgive me for where I’ve put You and how I’ve used Your possession. Forgive me for trying to “take back” something which cost You so dearly. Amen.

Lessons From the Fast

2010-02-22T09:30:00.003-05:00

On "day 30" of the fast, I had a very difficult day. (http://prayerlogue.blogspot.com/2010/02/now-what.html ) And on days "36-37" I had a rough night and day "health-wise" and thus ended the week, not by totally abstaining from food, but by eating a little during the day (it had been a "day-time" fast - only fasting during the day and then eating supper.) But still, I continued to drink only water, black coffee, or unsweet tea.

But, this is what I learned from the fast. (And this only came at the very end.)

I've learned that I must change how I talk. What I have been saying may ultimately "mean" the same thing, but in order to clarify what I'm saying (especially to myself) I need to change my vocabulary. (Mainly, it's an "attitude" thing.)

Background: During the fast, in addition to my other studies, I read Charles Stanley's "Handling Adversity." At the very end of the book he talks about "Jesus living in me." And through that, I came to say that I didn't want to "follow Jesus" anymore (with the emphasis on "ME" doing the following.) Instead, I want Jesus to "live in" me (with the emphasis on HIM doing the doing!)

Then, I read "Experiencing the Spirit" by Henry and Mel Blackaby. The whole book is good, but following on the heels of the Stanley book, I began to see that "I must decrease, and He must increase."

When I've said in the past that I wanted to "serve Him", I think I meant with Him doing the leading, but I must be more deliberate and say, "Use me, Lord" or "Do Your work in me." No longer "what do You want me to do" but "what do You want to do in and through me?"

Take me out of the picture Lord, till others only see You. Just make me the "pipe" Lord, that "through" me will flow Your living water.

It's all a matter of emphasis. And I want none to be on me, and all to be on Him.

When "I am in trouble, Lord!"

2010-02-18T08:06:00.002-05:00

I just had a moment this morning… I was just going to look quickly at my e-Sword (Bible Study software) for just one quick thing because, “I had other things to do…” but…

When I opened the software my “Daily Devotion” popped up, and the words of F.B. Meyer (written in the 1930’s – during the “Great” Depression) caught my heart, and I knew that I had to share them.

He uses as his Scripture Isaiah 38:14b which in the New Living Translation says (rather bluntly) “I am in trouble Lord. Help me!” And then Meyer goes on to say:

"THIS PRAYER is so indefinite that it will suit any emergency, and yet brimful of faith that God will undertake all responsibility. Are you oppressed with the sense of failure, with temptation, with the consciousness of sin?

Or oppressed with poverty, or debt, or the fear of unemployment, or with inability to find work? Or cast down with bitter persecution within or without your home? Or sorely beset and hindered by ill-health, the hopelessness of recovery?

All these eases of oppression are included in this petition, and may be handed over to your faithful Creator, with the certainty that He is as willing as He is able to undertake for you. He is never weary of hearing your cry; the Everlasting Arms are never tired; and our God neither slumbers nor sleeps.

What may we expect from a prayer so simple, yet so comprehensive? We shall know God."

Read the familiar story of Hezekiah’s cry when God (through Isaiah) told him that he was going to die. We remember Hezekiah’s turning to the wall and crying, but we may not know that later in that chapter we are told what he actually prayed.

Meyer goes on to say:
“At the pit we learn God's Love. How can we measure God's love? They say that a man's fist is the measure of his heart. Come and stand beneath the stars! There is God's hand! Now judge His heart! It is illimitable!

By that love He has put our sins behind His back into the ocean depths!

With that love He has drawn us out of the pit of our sins!

By that love He bears with our cold response and languid petitions!

Through that love He will bring us to glory! His is a love that will never let us go!

Then he ends with:
"Take the hand of Jesus to steady you; look down into the hole of the pit from which you have been redeemed, and then look up to the Throne of God to which He passed at His Ascension, and recall His own words: "where I am, there shall ye be also." Trust Him to undertake for your little life!"

Part of his prayer closes with:
"May I trust more than I know, and believe more than I see; and when my heart is overwhelmed within me, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."

To which we add… Amen!

Now What

2010-02-09T14:12:00.003-05:00

So, it's been 30 days (see http://prayerlogue.blogspot.com/2010/01/time-of-preparation.html ) and now I'm feeling like John the Baptist. (Matthew 11:3ff and Luke 7:18ff)

Did I really hear God? Is this really what He wants me to do? I'm cold, I'm hungry, I'm tired, and I'm depressed. (However, I don't think I'm awaiting beheading... maybe not...)

I've been fasting ("daytime" fasts) for 30 days now, and I'm discouraged. Like John, I want, I need to know if I "heard" correctly. I was so sure when I started. And indeed, for the first week I seemed to hear God more clearly in scripture... but now...

Now, I'm back to the same ole struggle. Just what am I supposed to be doing? Where's the door? If God really wants me to serve, then where's the door?

I'm discouraged over our church and our denomination. But, there's nothing I can do about it.

I've told our children over and over, "Just pray about (whatever) God will show you an answer..." And I do believe that... in my heart.

"Lord I believe, help Thou my unbelief..." and forgive me.

There is another prayer

2010-02-02T09:08:00.001-05:00

I used to say that I had to be in the “mood” to write… maybe that meant that I had to be “inspired” to write.

Maybe, I needed to be in God’s presence to write (although I didn’t know it at the time…) Perhaps now, I need to be in God’s presence to really pray.

“God is Omnipresent,” you say. “He’s everywhere. We’re always in His presence.” And maybe we are – but is He in ours?

Every time my mind is “still” (if even for the briefest of moments) my thoughts turn to prayer. I say “Thank You” or “Praise You” or I lift up a name that’s on my heart.

But, is that really prayer?

“Yes it is,” I argue. And I am right; it is a type of prayer. It is, what I call, “a prayer of aware-ance.” I am continually “aware” of the presence of God. But, in this prayer, “I” set the tone and “I” set the time. And I tell God, “Here I am! Let’s talk now.” And then I tell God when I’m finished, and I close the door and get on with “life.”

But… there is another prayer.

And that is the prayer of immersion – where (most times unexpectedly) I feel myself engulfed, surrounded, enshrouded by His Presence. Where God doesn’t just poke His Head into my world, but instead, I am “allowed” entrance into His Court.

It’s like a fog slowly rolling in. At first, you barely “see” it. And then before your mind fully comprehends what is happening, you are embraced with such wonder that first catches your breath, and then makes you want to breathe deeply, and be filled as completely within by His Aura, as you are enveloped without, by His Arms.

At times like these you want to cry out, “Oh God! What an awesome gift of Your Love. Thank You for tearing that curtain down!”

Do we really realize what a privilege we have been given? No, I don’t think we do. At least, not very often…

A Time of Preparation

2010-01-11T06:39:00.007-05:00

God’s been speaking to me in the last few days… No, not audibly, just in the things I’ve been hearing.

Saturday night, I heard Charles Stanley preach on “Obedience to God’s Word.”
Sunday morning, while I was getting dressed for church, Jentezen Franklin was preaching on “Fasting.”
Our Sunday School lesson was on Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness.
The last verse of our closing hymn during the worship service said, “Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the search for Thy salvation be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving Thee whom we adore, serving Thee whom we adore”.

And what is so chilling is that it came immediately after I was praying in my spirit, “Lord! What should I do? I have been praying to be more understanding and more patient in (this certain situation)… Is that right? Should I be praying that? Or should I be praying for strength to stand strong regardless of what others think? Lord! Tell me what to do!”

And I believe He did…

However, it’s not just a matter of “standing strong”; it’s a matter of preparation.

That Sunday School lesson was on my mind all Sunday afternoon. The actual lesson was on being strengthened in temptation, and how we should draw on the weapons that God has given us. But, I really got to thinking about the time of fasting and temptation itself, and I began asking the question, “Why did Jesus really go into the wilderness…?”

I know… the scriptures tell us that:

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry…” (Matthew 4:1-2) or
“Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness, and He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan, and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.” (Mark 1:12-13) or…
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry.” (Luke 4:1-2)

But, why did He have to go into the wilderness? I know that Matthew clearly says, “…to be tempted by the devil…” but was that the only reason? Was the sole purpose of going into the wilderness, just the testing that took place after the forty days? If that’s so, then what was He doing for forty days?

Both Mark and Luke imply that the testing was on-going during the forty days, but surely it wasn’t nonstop! Surely that wasn’t all that was happening. What else was He doing during those forty days?

This is what I think… I think that during those forty days, Jesus was preparing for His ministry. I think He was fasting and praying and in dialogue with the Father about what kind of ministry He was to have; exactly what He was going to do; and exactly how He was going to do it. I think it was (in today’s terms) a “strategic planning session.”

This was, for all intents and purposes, “a fast in preparation for a new ministry.”

And, I think He was being tempted every step of the way in that preparation, not just after the “fast” was over.

We’ve heard all kinds of sermons on these three temptations. These include:

A comparison to 1 John 2:16 with “The lust of the flesh; the lust of the eyes; and the pride of life…”
A comparison to a “slippery slope” by their being “not so bad”, “a little worse”, or finally, “off the deep end.” (Literally!)
Or being a “progression” by their being “reasonable” (after all He was hungry); being “plausible” (the scriptures did say what Satan said they did, sorta); and being expedient (this would speed things up, ya know…)

And, I’m sure you’ve heard many other possibilities such as their representing “economic, socialistic, political” or “physical, spiritual and psychological” temptations or maybe even others. But, the more I thought about it (with the mindset of ministry preparation) the more it seemed to be something else as well. The writer of our lesson hinted at another set of possibilities, and this really seemed to fit in with what I was “hearing.”

Just what kind of ministry was Jesus to have in these next 3 short years? Would it be one in which everyone’s physical needs were to be met? Would it be one in which “signs and wonders” would have sovereignty? Would it be one in which “the ends would justify the means”?

I think the temptations reflected the very issues that Jesus struggled with in the wilderness. Just what would be the balance between meeting people’s needs, doing miracles, and getting it all done in the right amount of time? That was the struggle.

I wrote a “snippet” a few years ago that I thought would make a nice chorus to a song. It went:
“He took
No shortcuts.
He said
No ‘yeah, buts’
He was
All God and All man, all the time.”

But, what does this have to do with what God has been saying to me? Just this: Whatever God is calling you or me to do, there has to be a time of preparation. And I think that time must be spent in prayer and fasting. That’s what I’ve heard, and that’s what I’ve been called to do.

But, no matter what we’ve been called to do, throughout the preparation period we’ll face temptations on “how” it should be done that we’ll have to work through until we get a clear picture of the path. And how do we see that path? “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path…” And we all know that the kind of “lamp” this scripture speaks of, only lights one step at a time… but, that’s another sermon for another day!

But now think about this…Once Jesus was past the 40 days, and the “last ditch efforts” of Satan, was it all smooth sailing from then on? Luke tells us in verse 13 that, “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him… until an opportune time.” (emphasis added)

No, Satan still tried to tempt Him all along the way (remember His saying to Peter, “Get behind me Satan”?) And we’ll face temptations all along the way as well. We’ll face times of struggle and doubt. But we can prevail because Jesus went before us and was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”

Because He did, we can.

Fast and pray, and listen for His voice in your time of preparation.

Has our Liturgy replaced the Law?

2010-01-05T21:24:00.001-05:00

While doing some reading about John the Baptist this morning, I came across a quote that said, “For a chosen people who hadn’t heard a word from God in four centuries, life was pretty good west of the Jordan. They had covered their insecurities with a blanket of sameness. The absence of a fresh encounter with God had them clutching to what they had left: the Law”

And then it went on to say, “The Hebrew people climbed to the summit of legalism during the silent years that fell between Malachi and Matthew. That’s what really religious people do who don’t have much of a relationship…”

And for some reason, that really jumped out at me and I thought, “Has our Liturgy replaced the Law? Has our ritual replaced our relationship?”

Now, don’t get me wrong… I love the Liturgy. I love the “seriousness” of the Prelude and the Call to Worship and the Opening Prayers and the Prayers of the People…

I love the Apostle’s Creed and the Gloria Patri. I even love the Offering and the Doxology, but I have to wonder… is how we do it, more important than why we do it.

Has following our “Church Calendar” become a substitute for listening for God’s Voice?

And again I feel that I must ask, “Has our Liturgy replaced the Law? Has our ritual replaced our relationship?”

And, the following just flowed from my heart to the paper. Please hear it for what it is – a plea from the depths of my heart, and not a criticism…

Has Our Liturgy Replaced the Law

Do we hold to our liturgy
Like “The Jews” held to the Law?
Has our “must be followed”
Over shadowed our praise and our awe?
Does the “date on the calendar”
Decide the message we hear,
Instead of God’s Voice
Directing our year?
God, remove our blinders
That we may see
Where we could go
If we were free
To hear You…

Many times “the means to the end” loses its focus of “the end”
And stagnates on “the means…”
God forgive us if we’ve done that!

Fourth Sunday in Advent

2010-01-05T21:21:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I didn't get a devotional written for this Sunday, as well as for Christmas Day... I didn't get one written last year either! With all our services (we had 3 Christmas Eve services), the normal Christmas stuff, and my own business work-load - well, I just ran out of time.

Maybe next year!

betty

Third Sunday in Advent - Joy

2009-12-13T21:25:00.001-05:00

Father, as I pause in my prayers and think of the third Advent candle - joy - I let my mind wander over the many thoughts surrounding “joy” and am surprised to find the phrase, “there is no joy in Mudville tonight, the mighty Casey has struck out…” comes to mind.

And I have to ask Lord, is that a sign of our culture - that our “joy” is dependant on our team winning; on a player getting a hit, or a homerun; or a touchdown, or a free-throw, or any other corresponding phrase for victory? Is it dependant on the marketplace or the world stage? Is our “joy” based on our being “successful…”? Is it that fragile?

I think of Biblical uses of the word, “joy” and find my heart embracing, “weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning” and “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

And I remember that Elizabeth’s son John, “leaped for joy” in her womb upon hearing Mary’s voice. And that Mary’s spirit “rejoiced in God” at Your choosing her as Your Son’s mother…”

And then there is that ultimate, “Behold I bring you good news of a great joy, which shall be for all people, for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!” and I stop there, and I realize, “this” is the “joy” that the third candle represents. That if not for this one single “joy” no other joy would be possible.

Christ brings the “joy in the morning.” He is the “Good Shepherd” who goes after the one lost little lamb. He is (not to be cliché, but) “the reason for the season”; He is the joy of my life and the salvation of my soul, and You, my Father, made it all possible…

You, are concerned about my joy.

You, want me to be happy.

When I think about all the things that bring me joy - my husband, my children, my family, and yes, even success in the “marketplace” I humbly realize that all of this would be just fleeting fancy without the real joy of knowing Your Son. And I pray Lord; lead me to lead others in knowing this permanent, concrete, solid, never failing, and always eternal Saviour - Jesus - our true Joy!

And it is in His name I pray - Amen

Second Sunday in Advent

2009-12-05T22:59:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned before, this is a "rerun" from 2006, but still relevant, I think.

Second Sunday in Advent: Peace

Father, as our second Sunday in Advent brings the message of peace, I have to wonder - what is peace, really? It’s so much more than the absence of war. It’s more than a shaky truce or a temporary lull. It’s more than a momentary laying down of arms or a brief respite from conflict.

No, true peace wells up within us within times of war, within the ravages of the fiercest actions, and during the times when the whole force of hell assaults our souls. “The Peace of God,” said the apostle Paul “surpasses all understanding.” And Christ, Himself, said, “My peace I give you - not the kind the world gives. So don’t be afraid.”

True peace, Father, comes from You. It’s nothing we can conjure up, nothing we can “talk ourselves into” nothing we can “will” to be - it comes, (yes) comes from Thee.

So, how can we explain the conflict of the shaking hands and the calm heart? How can we understand the fear that ravages our minds while a peace pervades our soul? It doesn’t make sense Lord, but I’ve been there.

I’ve felt my heart cry “Peace! Peace! The Peace of the Most High Sovereign God surrounds you and controls your being!” and all the while my mind is trying to grasp the reality of the moment - the pain that comes with uncertainty and fear, when my stomach turns and my limbs weaken…

And finally, I fall to my knees, grasping the promise that You made to never leave nor forsake me - and peace comes upon me, and I feel Your love.

It doesn’t always “change the moment”; there may still be “bullets” flying all around, whether actual, or figurative (sometimes the “figurative” ones hurt the worst!) But it changes me! And that is, what Peace is.

***************************************************

Grant Your Peace Lord, I pray, upon those in the midst of conflict this Advent season; and indeed, in all seasons. But, there’s just something about the “Christmas” season that makes conflict more - conflicting during this time of the year.

I pray for those in genuine conflict - in battles, and in wars, with actual bullets and all too real blood-letting. I pray “Peace” Lord, knowing, that until You come again - there will be no real peace for this kind of war. So, until then, I pray “safety” instead…

I pray for those in figurative conflict - in battles for their minds and souls. I pray for those who know that “something” ought to be different. But what? And how? I pray “Peace” Lord, knowing, that “this” battle can be won, that guilt and “chains” can be removed. That all that is needed is for the word to be spread. Give me the words, Lord…

I pray for those in spiritual conflict - in battles where the war has already been won, and the prisoners set free, and all that is wanting is for the victory to be claimed…. I pray “Peace” Lord, knowing that they (we) just (sometimes) don’t realize it. Give them (us) Grace, Lord to see the Victory.

I pray “Peace” Lord at this Advent season - and all seasons of the year.

*********************************************************

Father, I have such a sense of peace at this moment in my life. I am so thankful Lord for the gracious and precious gifts You’ve given me. Father, to see my children loving You and wanting to serve You is the most wonderful gift of all.

It is just a beginning, Lord. I understand that. They are young adults and don’t quite grasp the concept of “Lordship” yet, but God, what an answer to prayer and the “desires of my heart” to witness this - these first steps to be taken. I am so humbled, Lord.

Naturally, I don’t want to die Lord, but if my life was called away at this moment I would have to say that I have been given a lifetime’s worth of blessings already. I have a husband, that in his service to You, honors me, and children that love You. What more is there? There is no physical thing I want, no material thing that can compare to the overwhelming fullness I feel at this time.

Now, I’m not naïve enough to think that we have “arrived” - that from here on out everything will be “hunky-dory.” We live in a fallen world, I know that. Satan is still afforded the freedom of playing havoc on this world and all its inhabitants. But God! I know! YOU are GOD! And no matter what, YOU are in control. He can torment the body, but he cannot take the soul.

The victory’s been won, and my Jesus is Real!

Thank You, Precious Father. In Jesus’ Name - Amen.

First Sunday in Advent

2009-12-04T22:32:00.002-05:00

There are so many new readers of this blog that for the Advent season, I thought I'd post a "rerun." I originally wrote these in 2006, and had almost forgotten about them until I was looking through my files. I'm sorry this "First Sunday" one is a little late, I'll try to post the "Second Sunday" one right away.

First Sunday in Advent:

Father, I lift up my heart to You at the “beginning” of this Christmas season. I say “beginning” as in “Church calendar” and not in terms of the marketplace - for in the marketplace, it has already been “Christmas” for a loooong time now…

Being a child of the 60’s, one of the first things that comes to mind is John Lennon’s song of “So this is Christmas, and what have we here…” and I think, “Yeah, what do we have here…?”

We have lists - shopping lists, grocery lists, “to-do” lists and an already “jam-packed to the gills” calendar filled with even more responsibilities.

As a business owner, I have customers depending on me for things on their shopping lists.

As a wife, and mother, I have family depending on me for - well, for being “Honey” and “Mom” and all that entails at any given point in their lives.

And, as a church-member and Sunday School teacher, I have “every time the doors are open” activities, that I’m expected to attend, lessons to prepare, and devotions to give.

But, as a woman, as Your child, I have… peace… yeah, I really do. As I think about it, and all the things I “have” to do in all the other areas of my life, I’m surprised that the word “peace” is what comes to my mind when I think of what I have as Your child…

This hasn’t always been so. And may not always be so, but at this time, in this place, right now I have peace. And I thank You for that, Father.

*************************************************

The first Sunday in Advent begins with the candle of “hope” and so, Father, I lift up those who feel they have no hope. You’ve created our bodies to survive for weeks without food, days without water, and minutes without air, but we cannot survive for a moment without hope.

How, Father, can we bring hope to a hopeless world? The song says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name…”

When the word “hope” is used in the Bible it doesn’t mean “wishing” it means “a certainty”. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” - not the essence of things that we wish would happen, but the very things of which we are certain…

And You Father, are the only One that brings that kind of hope.

And may I, as Your child, reflect that hope this Christmas season.

********************************************************

What a “time” of the year, Lord! No other season or “holiday” creates the conflict and convolution that Christmas does. No other date on the calendar produces more good will and more animosity all in one, than does this time of so-called “peace on earth”… Why is that Lord?

What is it about Christmas that makes it the most selfless and yet the most selfish time of the year? What makes it the most joyous and yet the most lonely, the most filling and yet the most emptying, the most loving and yet the most hateful time of the whole calendar year? Why Lord?

Is it… You… Lord? I suspect it is that whole “inner conflict” thing - that whole “good verses evil” thing, that “darkness verses light” war that has been raging ever since the garden -“both” gardens.... (Eden and Gethsemane!)

It’s always there, isn’t it, Lord? It just comes to the surface more when mankind is “forced” to look You right in the eye, as they are “when the baby cries” at Christmastime, and You “demand” that we either react, or respond…

God help us to respond.

In Jesus’ name - Amen.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-23T08:02:00.002-05:00

I have “tracker” software on my blog which tells me how many “hits” I have, where they come from in the world, and what “search terms” they have used to bring them to my site.

For a person like myself, who has “detail-itis” it’s interesting to read. Naturally, at this time of the year the most often used “search terms” uses wording having to do with “Thanksgiving” prayers or devotions.

However, there was one hit last night that broke my heart. The “hit” came from Fort Worth, Texas and the “search term” used was, “Thanksgiving prayer when loved ones are gone…”

There are so many times that I wish I could contact the person and ask, “Did I have anything that helped?” How my heart goes out to them, and immediately I think of Fort Hood (however, after looking at a map, I see that Fort Worth is no where near Fort Hood – but still…) And I have to ask, are the loved ones gone due to death, or choice?

Either way – someone has lost someone at this time when we are all celebrating (or are supposed to be celebrating) our thankfulness.

Let us not “falsely” celebrate Thanksgiving. Let us not simply push aside our fears, our pain and our grief, and pretend that everything is fine. However, let us remember Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB) “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Paul doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, but “in” everything. Be aware that in even in the darkest times, God is still God, and we belong to Him. Psalm 100 says, “Know that the Lord, He is God. It is He that has made us, and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

Don’t ignore the pain, but instead search for and lift up a “Thanksgiving prayer when…” whatever it is you are facing grips your heart.

Gracious and loving God may we, as the Psalmist said, “Shout joyfully, serve with gladness, come with joyful singing, and know that You are God!”

We are not in control. You have made us, and we are Yours.

May we enter Your door with thanksgiving, come into your garden with praise, and thank You and bless Your holy Name. Because, dear Father, You are good, Your “hesed” Your mercy, is everlasting, and your truth and faithfulness “endures” to all generations – including our own.

May we, in this time of Thanksgiving and in preparation for this Christmas season, lift up those (or even ourselves) who are struggling for whatever reason. Father, let us not ignore the pain; let us not pretend that it isn’t there, that there isn’t suffering on every corner. But instead Lord, may we “in all things” give thanks to You – for You are God. May we cling to the assurance that, You’ll “strengthen us, help us, and cause us to stand. Upheld by Thy righteous, Omnipotent hand.”

For it is in the Name of Jesus, our Saviour we pray – Amen.

A Matter of Perspective

2009-11-11T06:18:00.003-05:00

The other night we were out driving as the nearly-full moon was on the horizon. "Isn't that a beautiful moon?" my husband asked.

"Where?" I said, looking toward what I thought was the East.

"Over here!" he said, pointing out his side of the car.

"Gee, what's it doing over there?" I said. And then we rounded a curve, "and over here?" Then another curve, "and back over there?" (We live waaaay out in the country.)

It was so interesting to see the moon "seemingly" move from one side of the road to the other, and I got to thinking about perspective. What we "see" is all a matter of our perspective.

Over "Reformation weekend" (halloween weekend) we got to hear one of the very best Bible teachers I've ever had the privilege of hearing (in person or otherwise.) Her name is Evelyn Laycock. And if you ever get a chance to hear her - do whatever you have to do to get there.

She was teaching on the Parables of Jesus, but on Saturday night she began by talking about Psalm 137. You remember how it starts, "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion..."

It is a Psalm of Israel when they were taken into captivity in Babylon. You may recognize the beginning, but do you remember how it ends? It ends by saying, "How blessed will be the one who seizes and dashes your little ones against the rock." That is what had happened to their children, and yes, it is what they wished upon their captors. But more than that, it was a prophecy of what would (and did) happen to Babylon.

But a sentiment like that disturbs us. And rightly so. It is the picture of vengeance, of retaliation, and of judgment. Judgment without mercy and grace should disturb us.

As Evelyn taught about it, she mentioned our view of God. She said that many people view the God of the Old Testament as being a harsh "mean" God. And that the God of the New Testament is loving and kind.

"But," she reminded us, "God is immutable. God never changes."

So, how do we reconcile that viewpoint? It is a matter of perspective. Not in that God changes or moves, but that we do - just like mine and Joe's viewing of the moon. The moon did not move, but we did!

Jesus Christ - the Word - became Flesh so that we might be moved from one perspective to another. The "veil" of sinfulness that prevented us from being in the presence of a Holy God was torn away, our eyes were opened and we were/are allowed to see.

In the Old Testament we view God more as Moses did on Mount Sinai - from His "backside" - without understanding.

In the New Testament we view God in the very face of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.

(But, even at that - the "backside" of God is more merciful than we deserve!)

Our loving and gracious Heavenly Father we thank You for sending Your Son, Your only begotten Son to take away our sin. He is our mediator and the One who allows us to "see" Your loving face. It was always there... we just couldn't see it. Thank You for changing our perspective. Thank You for changing our standing.

In Jesus' Holy and Precious Name - Amen.

Commentary on Psalm 94

2009-10-15T11:06:00.004-04:00

Psalm 94 is another of those (what I call) "sleeper Psalms" - that is - one of those "jewels" that we often pass over in our haste.

We have our favorites - the 23rd Psalm; Psalm 42, and 27 and 9 and 119, etc. We're also familiar with and love Psalm 100, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all ye lands..." (just can't get away from those "memorized" KJV Psalms!)

In my research I’ve found many things about Psalm 94: it is the “Wednesday” Psalm (“A Psalm of David for the 4th day of the week” – Albert Barnes); it is a part of a group called “Kingdom Psalms” (J. Vernon McGee); it’s “The Consolation of Prayer under the Oppression of Tyrants” (Keil & Delitzsch) and it’s “An appeal to God against oppressors” (Adam Clark.)

Some say that David wrote it, but others say it was written much later… I don’t really know, but for me (as per my book "Studying the Psalms with a Simple Heart”) Psalm 94, I think, is a picture of a "relationship prayer." Let me explain.

I see, in this Psalm, a picture of a person (one who has a very deep relationship with God) having a conversation with Him. There is a vast difference between "just praying words" and "sharing in dialogue" with your Heavenly Father.

You can tell, when someone's praying, if they "know" Him or just "know about" Him. (Even with those who aren't comfortable "praying in public" - you can tell if they know "Who" they are talking to or not!)

The psalmist here "knows Him."

As you read the psalm you can see it alternate between the person talking to God, talking to "the wicked" and talking to himself. And, if you've ever been in a time of intense prayer with God, you've done the same thing.

For sake of clarity, the “prayer” portion will be in yellow bold; the “self-talk” will be in red; and the rebuke to the “wicked” will be in orange. (The “version” is NASB)

He begins with a prayer - a cry for help from God (verses 1-7).

Psalm 94:1-7 “O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth!
Rise up, O Judge of the earth, Render recompense to the proud.
How long shall the wicked, O LORD, How long shall the wicked exult?
They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly; All who do wickedness vaunt themselves.
They crush Your people, O LORD, And afflict Your heritage.
They slay the widow and the stranger And murder the orphans.
They have said, ‘The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.’”

Then he speaks to the "situation" which plagues him (verses 8-10)

Psalm 94:8-10 “Pay heed, you senseless among the people; And when will you understand, stupid ones?
He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see?
He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, Even He who teaches man knowledge?”

He "rehearses" it in his mind… (verse 11)

Psalm 94:11 “The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are a mere breath.”

…before going back into conversation with his Father (verses 12-13.)

Psalm 94:12-13 “Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, And whom You teach out of Your law;
That You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, Until a pit is dug for the wicked.”

Then he reassures his own heart (verses 14-17)

Psalm 94:14-17 “For the LORD will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
For judgment will again be righteous, And all the upright in heart will follow it.
Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Who will take his stand for me against those who do wickedness?”
(I tell ya) If the LORD had not been my help, My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.

And then returns to "prayer" for the next 4 verses (18-20)

Psalm 94:18-20 “If I should say, ‘My foot has slipped,’ Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up.
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.
Can a throne of destruction be allied with You, One which devises mischief by decree?”

Verses 22-23 become an "affirmation of his faith" as he again "talks to himself", reinforcing his strength and belief in God and His power.

Psalm 94:21-23 “They band themselves together against the life of the righteous And condemn the innocent to death.
But the LORD has been my stronghold, And my God the rock of my refuge.
He has brought back their wickedness upon them, and will destroy them in their evil; The LORD our God will destroy them.”

When you are in "prayer conversation" with God, there is an "ebb and flow" to the prayer, and I wonder... in the times that you are "talking to yourself" is that God's Holy Spirit speaking to you?

You know... I think it just might be!

Father, we pray for the discipline, to take the time to have a "conversation" with You. I believe Lord, that You desire to communicate with us, but You can't (won't) do that if the conversation is all one-sided; if we just "throw words" at You...

May we, instead, "listen" Lord - even as (from our perspective) our minds drift from the prayer, to the situation, back to the prayer, and then to "talking to ourselves".

May we listen for Your words in all of that as (perhaps from Your viewpoint) You "hear our words, then show us the 'current reality', then hear us again, and give us encouragement..."

May we learn how to converse with You, our Father.

And Lord, we pray too, for those who don't really "know" You; those who know all about You; all about Your Word and all about Your Son, but who just don't have the relationship to be able to cry "Abba, Father..." We lift them Lord, and pray that in Your mercy and grace, You'll call them unto Yourself.

We lift this prayer this morning, in Jesus' Holy and Perfect Name - Amen.

New Study Available!

2009-10-01T21:01:00.004-04:00

We just finished a 4 week study on Paul's First Missionary Journey titled, "Goin' Down a New Road".

We taught this as a Sunday night service at the Huckleberry Springs Church building. (Huckleberry Springs UMC merged in 2007 with Riverdale UMC to form the French Broad UMC, but the building is still being used, and hoped by many to open again some day... anyway...)

This is how we promoted the study:

Are you at a new stage in your life?
Are you finding yourself facing things
that you never thought you'd face?
Come along as we begin a 4 week series titled
"Goin' Down a New Road"
based on Paul's First Missionary Journey.

Paul found himself in places, doing things, and facing struggles
that he'd never even dreamed about!
Learn about the People, the Path, the Plan and the Persecution
of his first journey, and see how his struggles might just be similar to your own!

If you'd like a copy of this study e-mail me and request a copy. It includes the manuscript that I taught from as well as a study guide for each week's lesson.

Several folks had asked about getting a copy, so I thought I'd post it here as well.

If you'd rather have a "hard copy" or a CD of the study, the cost is $5.00.

(Ask about other studies we have available.)

How does intercessory prayer overcome free will?

2009-09-17T08:11:00.002-04:00

I spent the morning praying for a friend’s child and their struggles. I prayed that “today” would be a good day, because I know (from long personal experience) that that is how you survive the struggle. You pray for “today” and then tomorrow you pray for “today” as well… and you keep on praying for “today” until that particular battle becomes a skirmish, and that skirmish becomes something that you talk about in the past tense, while praying for the conflict that the new day brings (because every day brings one of its own.)

I prayed this morning for a closer loved one with a struggle, and for a friend whose husband has cancer – very serious cancer… I prayed for her strength and courage “today.”

I prayed for some I know that have made poor choices, that are now being covered by lies and deception, and for others who are overwhelmed by their responsibilities, and for those who are just plain afraid.

But, I kept coming back to “how does intercessory prayer overcome free will?” If my friend’s child chooses to turn away; if my own loved one chooses to react; if my friend chooses to give in, or allows fear to take control of her life… how does my intercessory prayer change anything?

How does intercessory prayer “make” someone tell the truth or give someone a way out, or keep someone from fear?

And the answer is – I don’t really know. All I know for sure is – there have been times in my own life when the only way I made it through was in knowing that someone was praying for me. I remember distinctly driving down the interstate (I can picture it in my mind, even today) and thinking, “Georgia and Ruby said that they were praying for me… that will get me through today…”

So, maybe I should let them know that they are being prayed for… Maybe that’s where intercessory prayer gets its power. Maybe just being reminded that even if you’re powerless; even if you’re the one on “the stretcher” that you have friends that are willing to carry you to Jesus, tear off the rooftop, and lower you down to Him… Maybe that’s where the power really is.

We just need to allow Him to deal with the sin or the heartache or the pain or the fear. I don’t have to (and in fact, can’t) “fix it.” But He can, and will… I only have to pray.

I still don’t know how intercessory prayer overcomes free will. But then, I don’t have to understand – I only have to pray.

And Father, I do pray, today... and leave it in Your hands. In Jesus' Name - Amen.

Busy, busy, busy!

2009-09-14T16:36:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that it's been so long since I posted last. I've been so busy. If you know us, you know that we live on a farm and I own a business http://www.newmanvalley.com where we do chair caning and wicker repair. But, as I often tell folks, during the summer we do much more "canning" than "caning"!

I continue to do a lot of Bible studying as well writing and teaching Bible studies. I'm teaching a Wednesday night study at Bethel UMC (http://holston.org/churches/bethel-umc-french-broad-kodak-tn/programs/wednesday-night-bible-study/ ) on the book of Mark and a Sunday night study at Huckleberry Springs ( http://holston.org/churches/french-broad-circuit-t/programs/sunday-night-faith-lift/ )that we're calling "Sunday Night 'Faith Lift'!"

In our Sunday night study we're doing a 5-week study on the First Missionary Journey of Paul, titled "Goin' Down a New Road." If you're interested in a copy of this study, e-mail me and I'd be glad to send you a copy.

I hope to resume posting right away, but then again, we are coming up on the "Fall Shows"... so, we'll see...

To those of you who check in often - thank you - and I'll try to be back at it soon.

betty

Holston Annual Conference and McKay's Used Books

2009-07-20T07:50:00.002-04:00

(Since “The Call” is still reporting on Annual Conference, perhaps it’s ok for me to touch on this thought one more time…)

A popular illustration for reaching the next generation involves how we listen to music. (It must be popular… I heard it from an evangelist in April and not once, but twice at Annual Conference from two totally different speakers, from two totally different parts of the country! I think I have an idea of where the “original” came from…)

However, as the illustration goes, one is first shown what we “old folks” refer to as an “LP” record. For those who don’t know, that’s the large “albums” that played at “33 1/3” rpms on our record players. (Of course, we could mention the old “78’s” or even the “Victrolas…” if we really wanted to go “back there” but I digress…)

Next we see an “8-track” tape (which brings back loads of memories) followed by a cassette, a CD, and then an Ipod… The whole thrust of the illustration is to say that although the “message” of the Gospel doesn’t change, the “method” for sharing it does.

Many have taken this illustration to mean “out with the old, and in with the new” and if you aren’t on the cutting edge of “worship” then you’re completely missing the boat. If you’re still doing worship the “old way” then there’s no way that you can bring in young folks. Tired old traditions and rituals are out, and new innovation is in.

And while I agree with that to a certain extent, I don’t think we can “throw the baby out with the bath water!” God told Moses numerous times in the “books of the Law” to teach these traditions to the people, and to make sure that they were passed on with, yes, even the keeping of rituals. Paul even told the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the traditions which they were taught.

So, tradition – in and of itself – is not wrong. In fact, I think the young folks crave the “concreteness” of tradition and ritual.

The next Sunday after we came home from Annual Conference, I went to McKay’s Used Books with my daughter-in-law. I’d never been to the new warehouse before. I was amazed! To a “read-a-holic” like me, it was like taking a kid to a toy store!

Of course, if you’ve been to a McKay’s, you know that they carry much more than used books. There’s all kinds of music as well as video games and Wii games, plus a whole lot that I’m sure I missed. (The section featuring the commentaries was outstanding!)

So as we left I asked Suzanne, “I saw lots of CDs, but do they take cassettes?” (I’m “old” I tell ya!) She said, “No, but a really big thing now is vinyl. If you’ve got any old record albums that you’re willing to part with, you can get good money for them! The younger crowd seems to really appreciate how music sounds on vinyl...”

Hmmm… perhaps some traditions are worth keeping? Let’s examine our “traditions” before we just get rid of them wholesale. There are reasons some things are still around…

I believe that we must teach the rituals and traditions of the faith. They are not “dry and dusty” – they are as alive as we make them. And they still have power.

Father, lead us to remember the faith of our fathers and our mothers. Help us to combine the “old” with the “new” as You would lead us. Renew in our own hearts the reasons behind the things that we do, so that when our children ask “why do you do this” we can share what You have done in our lives.

Thank You for the precious blood of Jesus, and may we never neglect His call to “Do this in remembrance of Me…”

In His Name – Amen.

Morning Prayer

2009-07-13T10:06:00.003-04:00

A prayer of F.B. Meyer that I have adopted for my own says, “May I be willing, to be made willing, that Thy Will should be done.”

In a time of preparation for prayer one morning the following song came to mind. Many of you know it as our churches sing it often, but many times we find that as we sing, we don’t really “listen” to the words that the Spirit would speak to us. So, this morning… listen…

These precious words are inspired by John 20:22

Breathe on me,
breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love
what Thou dost love,
And do
what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me,
breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee
I will one will,
To do
and to endure.

Breathe on me,
breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire
divine.

Breathe on me,
breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee
the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

Dear Lord… what must happen in our world so that Thy Will is done – on earth, as it is in Heaven? What must happen in our churches, so that Thy Will is done – on earth, as it is in Heaven? My Father… what must happen in my life so that Thy Will is done – on earth, as it is in heaven? May I be willing, to be made willing, that Thy Holy and Perfect Will should be done in my life.
In Jesus’ Name – Amen.

Down From the Mountain

2009-06-18T09:03:00.001-04:00

Or, this could be subtitled, “Lessons from Annual Conference!” (This could fall under “don’t get me started!” But, if you want to know more – call or e-mail me and I’ll go into more detail.)

I just returned from our Church’s Annual Conference, which is held at Lake Junaluska, NC. It was (as always) an awesome week. The music was uplifting and inspiring. The preaching was amazing. The ordination and commissioning services gave me chills, and touched my heart.

And the teaching was… well… let me just say this – never before have I ever seen an altar call given at Annual Conference, and especially after a teaching session on how to preach and lead worship! Our Bishop was moved to tears (and so were a couple thousand people!)

We left there with our heads swirling and our hearts bursting!

And then we came home.

And maybe it was just me, but the clouds and storms that engulfed us as we left that place seemed to mirror my mood. Maybe I was just tired – after all, the days were long, and the walking… well, let’s just say “thank goodness for the trolley!”

But, my ankles were hurting and then feeling like I’d made a fool of myself didn’t help matters any, and I began thinking of others who’d come “down from the mountain” as well.

When Moses came “down from the mountain” there were the Israelites with that dog-gone golden calf!

When Elijah came “down from the mountain” there was Jezebel and her threats.

When Jesus and “the three” came “down from the mountain” there were those hopeless disciples with that man and his demonic son… does nothing ever change?

And I began thinking about Bishop Marion Edwards’ sermon on Tuesday evening. The title was “Who Will Come and Go with Me?” and his Old Testament scripture was Exodus 14:10-15, where the Children of Israel have left Egypt and have come to the Red Sea.

They have mountains to the right, and mountains to the left, the Egyptians behind them, and the Red Sea in front of them, and they cry out to Moses… “This is all your fault! Were there no graves in Egypt so that you had to bring us out here to die? Is that it?!”

I wrote in my notes, “Leading, when no one wants to follow…” Sometimes that’s what I feel like (and I bet you do too…)

My “Psalm per week” this week is Psalm 77, and once again, God has spoken to my heart.

The “title” for this Psalm in my NRSV Bible is “God’s Mighty Deeds Recalled” and in it the writer cries out to God saying that he is so weary of crying that “my soul refuses to be comforted…”

But then in verses 11-13 he says, “I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work, and muse on Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?”

And with that I call to mind, again, the songs of praise, and the altar call… that gut-wrenching, knees-buckling, soul-humbling, altar call on Tuesday night… and I know, God is in control.

Back to the scripture in Exodus… Moses tried to give the Israelites a pep-talk - “just hang in there… it’ll be ok… but then he turned (where no one could see him, I suspect) and cried out to God. And when Moses cries out to God there on the shores of the Red Sea, God says to him, “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward!”

In other words, “Don’t sit around belly-aching about the problems. Go forward!” And the question comes back, “How do you lead when no one wants to follow?” And the answer is, “Lead anyway!”

And so members of Holston (and any other leaders) “Lead Anyway!” Our church is depending on you!

Our Father… it is so very difficult to lead. We just don’t feel adequate for the task. Our enemy attacks us with, “Well, who do you think you are to be leading…” and “Ha! You really made a fool of yourself that time! Why don’t you just keep your mouth shut?”

But yet, You have not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, and love and discipline; not just power, but we are to lead with love, and self-control… Oh God, be in us that power, and that love and that discipline, for “ours” is so very weak.

Bless this Church, O Lord, and all others who stand in their own denominations. We are but cracked and blemished vessels in which You have chosen to pour Your Own Spirit. May we lead with Your Power, Your Love and Your Control… And when no one wants to follow – give us courage to lead anyway!

In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray – Amen.

No Fudging

2009-06-01T17:49:00.002-04:00

It came to me today, maybe why we sinners think that God will “cut us some slack” when it comes to sin. Why we think, “well, it’s just a ‘little’ sin. It’s not as bad as…” (name your comparison); maybe why we think we can “fudge” a little on the “judgment thing.”

Didja ever play marbles? Once you start to shoot your marble, there’s no “fudging” – no moving the marble from its starting place; no “repositioning”; no moving closer to the target for a better shot. And if you mess up… well, the marble has to stay where it is.

I thought about this today as I was driving up I-40 in the middle lane, and cars were passing me on both sides. The speed limit is 60, and I was going 65. Still, cars were passing (literally) right and left!

The thought went through my mind that, “You know… they pretty much ‘give you’ 5 mph before writing a ticket, but this is ridiculous!

Then I thought back to a meeting yesterday (Methodists will understand this.) In our “apportionment” system, knowing that the Conference will never collect 100% of the apportionments allotted for all the churches, they purposely set the amount higher, so that the amount that does come in will be somewhat close to what is needed…

In apportionments as in speed limits, why can’t it just be “set” what it needs to be, and then made compulsory for everybody? No fudging.

We seem to expect to fudge a little on everything. Maybe that’s why we expect the same in our lives before God.

God does not allow “fudging.” As a friend of mine says, “It is, what it is!” Sin is sin, period. If you’ve not murdered anyone, nor stolen from anyone, but have at some point in your life, told a lie – you’re just as sinful as any murderer sitting on death row.

James says, (James 2:10) “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” No fudging.

No rationalizing, no whitewashing, no fudging. The penalty for sin is set in stone, “the wages of sin is death” no exceptions. No setting it higher so that we can get “close enough.” No “padding” it to make allowances. It must be paid. And it was. Purely through the Grace and Mercy of God, by the blood of Jesus Christ are we saved.

The difference is we want to fudge – but God wants to forgive.

Father, open our eyes to see areas of our lives where we’ve made compromises. May we, starting this very hour, remove all “fudging” from our lives. Help us to stand firm, confessing all, and seeking Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name – Amen.

Prayer preface - Worship

2009-04-18T22:02:00.001-04:00

As my husband goes to the church to work on his music, and I have dishes to do, I think, “This is a good time to pray…”

And I begin…

Oh Lord, I must begin with worship; not because You need my worship, but that I need to say it. I need to affirm it…

Because, O Lord, there is no hurt that I can feel, that You have not already felt.
There is no question I can have, that You don’t already know the answer to; and there is no fear that I can fear that You are not bigger than… because You are God.

You are God, and You know everything - You are Omniscient.
You are all powerful – You are Omnipotent.
You are everywhere – You are Omnipresent.
And, You are GOD!

(And I am overwhelmed with the idea that the dishes will just have to wait, because I need to write this down…)

I just have to affirm that worship. I just have to drink that into my very being.
“Be still…” the Psalmist said, “And know that I Am God.” But what he/He really said was, “Cease striving…” “Don’t kick against the pricks; don’t kick against the goads…”

And I immediately ask, “Lord! What in the world does that mean?” And I find it means “to offer vain and rash resistance which is a proverbial expression alluding to unruly oxen and applied to those who by unruly rage hurt themselves.”

And I cry out, “Oh God! I do do that, don’t I?” In my case (at least at “this” age) it’s not so much “rage” or anger anymore, as it is fear, and discouragement, and an ache in my heart for those I love… but still, it is “vain and rash resistance…” to being still and knowing that You are God.

Help me, O Lord. Help me.

Even in my praise; even in my worship; remind me O Lord, that I am Your child, and You love me.

As I lift up, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. You are Holy, O my Saviour, my Redeemer! You are Worthy to be Praised… and I will praise You, Most Holy One.

And now, Father… “Abba”, let me crawl upon Your lap, lay my head on Your shoulder, and feel Your arms around me while I pray…