Judges 8:1-4
"Then the Ephraimites said to Gideon, “Why did you leave us out of this, not calling us when you went to fight Midian?” They were indignant and let him know it. But Gideon replied, “What have I done compared to you? Why, even the gleanings of Ephraim are superior to the vintage of Abiezer. God gave you Midian’s commanders, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I done compared with you?” When they heard this, they calmed down and cooled off." 8:1-3
Back when Gideon and his army of 300 invaded Midan, this group of warriors was not included in the battle. They were a little upset that they had to be the ones to "clean up the mess" after the battle was over. But what their part in this accomplished was still great. As they were the clean up crew, they were the ones that captured the generals of the enemies army!
Not every thing that we are asked to do, or get to be a part of, is glamorous. It may not be pretty or noticeable, but it is necessary. Doing the dirty work is still part of getting the job done. Contractors may be the ones that design, oversee, and make all the money for building beautiful homes, but all of those that do the dirty work to make it look pretty are just as important. Think about that next time you sit on a toilet. Someone had to install that thing! We should be content with the job God has given us to do, even if it is being part of the clean up crew.
They asked Gideon the question, "Why.....?"
I get a lot of questions from many different perspectives and directions. Sometimes they are loaded questions, that put me on the spot, and I have to think quick to answer. I am in constant prayer with Jesus as he gives me the right words, at the right time, with the right response. Or else, my own natural response would leave me with no friends - if I said what I really felt and thought!
Here are some of the questions I have been asked, just this week.
"How long have you been in the ministry business?" hmmmmm. Well, it's not a business, it is my life.
"Are you a democrat? Sounds like it, and I like that." I just love Jesus, and love people. I only take the side of what is true in the heart of my Father.
"You hear God's voice, for real? What is sound like" It is the sweetest, purest, most gentle thing you will ever hear in your life, even when it is a voice of correction.
"How is the house coming?" I have to take a deep breath every time I get asked this one.
And the one I get asked all the time, by all my kids....."ms jamie, when you gone get married?" I love this one because it gives me the opportunity to talk with them about identity in Christ, purity, trust, timing, and that you don't have to wait on someone else to obey and serve the Lord.
"Gideon and his three hundred arrived at the Jordan and crossed over. They were bone-tired but still pressing the pursuit." 8:4
Being tired does not excuse us from moving forward. Quitting is not an option. The end.
This fully expresses how I feel when I am hit with a ton of questions, exhausted, and tired.
it ain't easy.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
don't be scared to step up
Judges 7:9-25
"That night, God told Gideon: “Get up and go down to the camp. I’ve given it to you. If you have any doubts about going down, go down with Purah your armor bearer; when you hear what they’re saying, you’ll be bold and confident.” He and his armor bearer Purah went down near the place where sentries were posted. Midian and Amalek, all the easterners, were spread out on the plain like a swarm of locusts. And their camels! Past counting, like grains of sand on the seashore!" 7:9-12
Gideon was facing a little fear. He was converging upon an army of nearly 15,000 men, with only 300 of his own with him. God understood his fear. God knows every thing about us. But, his fear didn't excuse him from his task. And God was talking him through the whole thing....already telling him, "Hey, mighty warrior, I have ALREADY GIVEN IT TO YOU, just be bold and go take it!" We have to take that first step, after you obey and go forward, courage and boldness bubble up from the deep waters within us, that drown out the fear underneath.
"Gideon arrived just in time to hear a man tell his friend a dream. He said, “I had this dream: A loaf of barley bread tumbled into the Midianite camp. It came to the tent and hit it so hard it collapsed. The tent fell!” His friend said, “This has to be the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite! God has turned Midian—the whole camp!—over to him.” When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he went to his knees before God in prayer. Then he went back to the Israelite camp and said, “Get up and get going! God has just given us the Midianite army!” 7:13-15
What a weird dream. A gigantic loaf of bread rolls down a hill and destroys 15,000 men. I've had some really weird dreams, but that one.....is weird. Maybe God used the bread to represent Gideon because he was a barley farmer. Remember, God called Gideon as he was laying in the winepress threshing the wheat. I've tried to over-analyze dreams before, and I just can't ever make sense of them. Regardless, God gave this man the dream, and it fulfilled exactly what the Lord had told Gideon would happen. God said go to the camp and listen to what they were saying, then this man tells his friend about this weird dream he had, and Gideon just happens to hear it.
Obedience. God's perfect placement and timing over us. Victory.
"He divided the three hundred men into three companies. He gave each man a trumpet and an empty jar, with a torch in the jar. He said, “Watch me and do what I do. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly what I do. When I and those with me blow the trumpets, you also, all around the camp, blow your trumpets and shout, ‘For God and for Gideon!’” Gideon and his hundred men got to the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the sentries had been posted. They blew the trumpets, at the same time smashing the jars they carried. All three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands, ready to blow, and shouted, “A sword for God and for Gideon!” They were stationed all around the camp, each man at his post. The whole Midianite camp jumped to its feet. They yelled and fled. When the three hundred blew the trumpets, God aimed each Midianite’s sword against his companion, all over the camp. They ran for their lives—to Beth Shittah, toward Zererah, to the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. Israelites rallied from Naphtali, from Asher, and from all over Manasseh. They had Midian on the run. Gideon then sent messengers through all the hill country of Ephraim, urging them, “Come down against Midian! Capture the fords of the Jordan at Beth Barah.” So all the men of Ephraim rallied and captured the fords of the Jordan at Beth Barah. They also captured the two Midianite commanders Oreb (Raven) and Zeeb (Wolf). They killed Oreb at Raven Rock; Zeeb they killed at Wolf Winepress. And they pressed the pursuit of Midian. They brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan." 7:16-25
Gideon and his little army of 300 watched as the Lord went to work before them. The Midianites went into complete panic, confusion, and chaos. Not one of Gideon's army had to even pull their swords, the enemy defeated itself! An earthly army of 300 could never conquer an opponent 50 times bigger, but the Lord's army that fights for us in the spirit completely wiped out the enemy. YES. Our strength does not come from numbers or natural weapons, it comes from obedience, commitment, and the weapons of the spirit.
When I moved downtown 4 years ago, I felt a lot like Gideon. I was just a simple girl who was raised on a farm, didn't have any idea what I was doing, and had some fear about what was going to happen, but the Lord said "Go", and I went. I continue to see the Lord fighting and moving and claiming new ground, even when there are just a few faithful ones that stand behind him. And sometimes the Lord throws the enemy into complete panic and confusion, and we just get to sit back and watch Jesus win!
I've had this sweet friend on my mind lately. Beautiful Mama Mary. I miss her so much. She loved my homeade lemonade, and I loved her. She died last year, but I think of her all the time, and miss seeing her out walking around. I will never forget those hot summer days when she would stop by my house to sit on the porch with me and drink from my mason jars. That was a victory too.
"That night, God told Gideon: “Get up and go down to the camp. I’ve given it to you. If you have any doubts about going down, go down with Purah your armor bearer; when you hear what they’re saying, you’ll be bold and confident.” He and his armor bearer Purah went down near the place where sentries were posted. Midian and Amalek, all the easterners, were spread out on the plain like a swarm of locusts. And their camels! Past counting, like grains of sand on the seashore!" 7:9-12
Gideon was facing a little fear. He was converging upon an army of nearly 15,000 men, with only 300 of his own with him. God understood his fear. God knows every thing about us. But, his fear didn't excuse him from his task. And God was talking him through the whole thing....already telling him, "Hey, mighty warrior, I have ALREADY GIVEN IT TO YOU, just be bold and go take it!" We have to take that first step, after you obey and go forward, courage and boldness bubble up from the deep waters within us, that drown out the fear underneath.
"Gideon arrived just in time to hear a man tell his friend a dream. He said, “I had this dream: A loaf of barley bread tumbled into the Midianite camp. It came to the tent and hit it so hard it collapsed. The tent fell!” His friend said, “This has to be the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite! God has turned Midian—the whole camp!—over to him.” When Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he went to his knees before God in prayer. Then he went back to the Israelite camp and said, “Get up and get going! God has just given us the Midianite army!” 7:13-15
What a weird dream. A gigantic loaf of bread rolls down a hill and destroys 15,000 men. I've had some really weird dreams, but that one.....is weird. Maybe God used the bread to represent Gideon because he was a barley farmer. Remember, God called Gideon as he was laying in the winepress threshing the wheat. I've tried to over-analyze dreams before, and I just can't ever make sense of them. Regardless, God gave this man the dream, and it fulfilled exactly what the Lord had told Gideon would happen. God said go to the camp and listen to what they were saying, then this man tells his friend about this weird dream he had, and Gideon just happens to hear it.
Obedience. God's perfect placement and timing over us. Victory.
"He divided the three hundred men into three companies. He gave each man a trumpet and an empty jar, with a torch in the jar. He said, “Watch me and do what I do. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly what I do. When I and those with me blow the trumpets, you also, all around the camp, blow your trumpets and shout, ‘For God and for Gideon!’” Gideon and his hundred men got to the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the sentries had been posted. They blew the trumpets, at the same time smashing the jars they carried. All three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands, ready to blow, and shouted, “A sword for God and for Gideon!” They were stationed all around the camp, each man at his post. The whole Midianite camp jumped to its feet. They yelled and fled. When the three hundred blew the trumpets, God aimed each Midianite’s sword against his companion, all over the camp. They ran for their lives—to Beth Shittah, toward Zererah, to the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. Israelites rallied from Naphtali, from Asher, and from all over Manasseh. They had Midian on the run. Gideon then sent messengers through all the hill country of Ephraim, urging them, “Come down against Midian! Capture the fords of the Jordan at Beth Barah.” So all the men of Ephraim rallied and captured the fords of the Jordan at Beth Barah. They also captured the two Midianite commanders Oreb (Raven) and Zeeb (Wolf). They killed Oreb at Raven Rock; Zeeb they killed at Wolf Winepress. And they pressed the pursuit of Midian. They brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan." 7:16-25
Gideon and his little army of 300 watched as the Lord went to work before them. The Midianites went into complete panic, confusion, and chaos. Not one of Gideon's army had to even pull their swords, the enemy defeated itself! An earthly army of 300 could never conquer an opponent 50 times bigger, but the Lord's army that fights for us in the spirit completely wiped out the enemy. YES. Our strength does not come from numbers or natural weapons, it comes from obedience, commitment, and the weapons of the spirit.
"Be encouraged. If you are afraid, you are normal. Gideon was afraid and he only had enough courage to do God’s will by night at the beginning of his faith-journey with God, but I believe the Lord honored that simple act of obedience and gave his “Mighty Warrior” greater grace to lead Israel to victory. God isn’t necessarily looking for courageous people, He is looking for obedient people. So when the Lord speaks, you are willing to step out in faith. And God grew Gideon into his “Mighty Warrior” name! That’s how I want to live my life. The longer I live, the more I live for those God-moments when there is no human explanation for what took place...where it is just the power of God at work. Can you imagine how Gideon’s story ends? It’s great. The unconventional battle plan gets even better. “Let’s attack with trumpets and jars and a handful of men.” “We’ve been trained with swords, but never mind.” This is God’s way of saying, “I’m going to totally take you out of the equation. This battle is not about you, it is about Me and My glory. Just stand aside and watch Me work.” Mark Batterson
When I moved downtown 4 years ago, I felt a lot like Gideon. I was just a simple girl who was raised on a farm, didn't have any idea what I was doing, and had some fear about what was going to happen, but the Lord said "Go", and I went. I continue to see the Lord fighting and moving and claiming new ground, even when there are just a few faithful ones that stand behind him. And sometimes the Lord throws the enemy into complete panic and confusion, and we just get to sit back and watch Jesus win!
I've had this sweet friend on my mind lately. Beautiful Mama Mary. I miss her so much. She loved my homeade lemonade, and I loved her. She died last year, but I think of her all the time, and miss seeing her out walking around. I will never forget those hot summer days when she would stop by my house to sit on the porch with me and drink from my mason jars. That was a victory too.
Monday, June 15, 2015
the faithfull 300
Judges 7:1-8
"Gideon got up early the next morning, all his troops right there with him. They set up camp at Harod’s Spring. The camp of Midian was in the plain, north of them near the Hill of Moreh. God said to Gideon, “You have too large an army with you. I can’t turn Midian over to them like this, they’ll take all the credit, saying, ‘I did it all myself,’ and forget about me. Make a public announcement: ‘Anyone afraid, anyone who has any qualms at all, may leave Mount Gilead now and go home.’” Twenty-two companies headed for home. Ten companies were left. God said to Gideon: “There are still too many. Take them down to the stream and I’ll make a final cut. When I say, ‘This one goes with you,’ he’ll go. When I say, ‘This one doesn’t go,’ he won’t go.” So Gideon took the troops down to the stream. God said to Gideon: “Everyone who laps with his tongue, the way a dog laps, set on one side. And everyone who kneels to drink, drinking with his face to the water, set to the other side.” Three hundred lapped with their tongues from their cupped hands. All the rest knelt to drink. God said to Gideon: “I’ll use the three hundred men who lapped at the stream to save you and give Midian into your hands. All the rest may go home.” After Gideon took all their provisions and trumpets, he sent all the Israelites home. He took up his position with the three hundred. The camp of Midian stretched out below him in the valley."
When we become self-sufficent, and believe that we can do things in our own strength, we discredit the work of the Lord. Gideon's army went from 32,000 to 300. Reducing the army to this small amount, there could be no way that victory could come other than through the Lord; therefore, the men could take no credit for it. We have to know the danger that comes from fighting in our own strength, versus allowing the Lord to fight for us and the freedom that brings.
I have learned through the last several years that it is much better to have a few of the right people, than a whole lot of the wrong people. When a tasks or project looks huge, and you have no idea how you are going to conquer it, the Lord always sends the right amount of people, with the right skills, to help do the work.
I have seen this happen through every step of working on my house. There have been many days when I have needed a lot of help, asked for it, and had an expectation that a lot of people would show up, only to be discouraged when just a few did. BUT, those few that did were always the right ones. The Lord knew exactly who was able, willing, and gifted to help on that day, with that project. How my faith has been strengthened and my trust in the Lord's timing has expanded through this. He always blows my expectations out of the water.
300 of them were ready to go into that battle. Only 300. What were the other 31,700 doing? But the Lord knew those 300 men, He knew who they were, how faithful they were, and how 300 of the right men was much better than 32,000 of the wrong men. The victory that was to come wasn't from the amount of men willing to fight, it was from the faith, confidence, and boldness they all had, going into the battle. I'm sure Gideon felt a little insecure about how it was going to end, but then the Lord said to him....."That night, God told Gideon: “Get up and go down to the camp. I’ve given it to you." v. 9
This is an excerpt from the book by Heidi and Rolland Baker with Iris Ministries, Always Enough. If you want to be challenged to trust the Lord in new ways, and learn from pioneers in the faith, I encourage you to read the whole book.
"Gideon got up early the next morning, all his troops right there with him. They set up camp at Harod’s Spring. The camp of Midian was in the plain, north of them near the Hill of Moreh. God said to Gideon, “You have too large an army with you. I can’t turn Midian over to them like this, they’ll take all the credit, saying, ‘I did it all myself,’ and forget about me. Make a public announcement: ‘Anyone afraid, anyone who has any qualms at all, may leave Mount Gilead now and go home.’” Twenty-two companies headed for home. Ten companies were left. God said to Gideon: “There are still too many. Take them down to the stream and I’ll make a final cut. When I say, ‘This one goes with you,’ he’ll go. When I say, ‘This one doesn’t go,’ he won’t go.” So Gideon took the troops down to the stream. God said to Gideon: “Everyone who laps with his tongue, the way a dog laps, set on one side. And everyone who kneels to drink, drinking with his face to the water, set to the other side.” Three hundred lapped with their tongues from their cupped hands. All the rest knelt to drink. God said to Gideon: “I’ll use the three hundred men who lapped at the stream to save you and give Midian into your hands. All the rest may go home.” After Gideon took all their provisions and trumpets, he sent all the Israelites home. He took up his position with the three hundred. The camp of Midian stretched out below him in the valley."
When we become self-sufficent, and believe that we can do things in our own strength, we discredit the work of the Lord. Gideon's army went from 32,000 to 300. Reducing the army to this small amount, there could be no way that victory could come other than through the Lord; therefore, the men could take no credit for it. We have to know the danger that comes from fighting in our own strength, versus allowing the Lord to fight for us and the freedom that brings.
I have learned through the last several years that it is much better to have a few of the right people, than a whole lot of the wrong people. When a tasks or project looks huge, and you have no idea how you are going to conquer it, the Lord always sends the right amount of people, with the right skills, to help do the work.
I have seen this happen through every step of working on my house. There have been many days when I have needed a lot of help, asked for it, and had an expectation that a lot of people would show up, only to be discouraged when just a few did. BUT, those few that did were always the right ones. The Lord knew exactly who was able, willing, and gifted to help on that day, with that project. How my faith has been strengthened and my trust in the Lord's timing has expanded through this. He always blows my expectations out of the water.
300 of them were ready to go into that battle. Only 300. What were the other 31,700 doing? But the Lord knew those 300 men, He knew who they were, how faithful they were, and how 300 of the right men was much better than 32,000 of the wrong men. The victory that was to come wasn't from the amount of men willing to fight, it was from the faith, confidence, and boldness they all had, going into the battle. I'm sure Gideon felt a little insecure about how it was going to end, but then the Lord said to him....."That night, God told Gideon: “Get up and go down to the camp. I’ve given it to you." v. 9
This is an excerpt from the book by Heidi and Rolland Baker with Iris Ministries, Always Enough. If you want to be challenged to trust the Lord in new ways, and learn from pioneers in the faith, I encourage you to read the whole book.
"Even the most desperate poverty, the most devastating illness, the most heart-wrenching grief is not beyond God's help. His love and power have no limits-and that's a message readers from all walks of life need to hear. The modern miracles that Rolland and Heidi Baker experience every day in their work with Mozambique's throwaway children, movingly chronicled in Always Enough, will inspire anyone looking for hope in the midst of suffering. The Bakers, formerly missionaries in Indonesia and Hong Kong, share how their work for the past eight years in Mozambique, one of the poorest nations on earth, has borne spiritual fruit beyond their wildest dreams. Every day presents multiple impossible needs. But in the face of everything Satan can do, as Rolland and Heidi lay down their lives and "minister to the one," there is always enough. Readers will discover that the simple practice of choosing to step out and trust God every day unleashes his provision for every need."
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
a year of thank-full-ness
It has been 1 full year since Midtown became where my future would start, as I continued following the Lord. So much has happened in this year. I have tried to capture it all on paper, but it is almost so much that I can't even keep up with it. I did write out what the Lord showed me during that time, I am so glad I did that!
How it started.
I was in the park with some of the kids and a fight escalated to a drive by shooting. No one was hit or hurt, and when I should have (based on what the world says) never gone back to Midtown, my heart grew to love the area even more. I began to drive through and pray. My running route changed to run down every street and pray. My peripheral vision expanded to see more people, more harvest, more miracles.
The Lord said, "you can go in fear, or you can go in faith." That was a pivotal day for me.
Jesus led me right to 317 McTyere Ave and gave me all of these verses. Promises over the house, and promises over me. I continue to hold tight to these as I go through this journey.
"And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot." Joshua 3:17
"Here’s what will happen—you won’t hear the wind, you won’t see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill." 2 Kings 3:17
"Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace." Proverbs 3:17
"In that day Jerusalem will be known as ‘The Throne of the Lord.’ All nations will come there to honor the Lord. They will no longer stubbornly follow their own evil desires." Jeremiah 3:17
“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately." Ezekial 3:17
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty." Daniel 3:17
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields,and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!" Habakkuk 3:17
"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17
"God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." James 3:17
"Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong." 1 Peter 3:17
While I am so ready to be living in the house, in Midtown, and in the dream God has for me; I am so thankful for all that this year has done and been. What amazing miracles I have seen! I am excited and expectant to see what this next year holds, as I know that the Lord only makes it better and better as we continue to follow His heart.
This is what I saw the first time I went to the house. But the Lord gave me eyes to see something very different, and that is where the miracles started.
How it started.
I was in the park with some of the kids and a fight escalated to a drive by shooting. No one was hit or hurt, and when I should have (based on what the world says) never gone back to Midtown, my heart grew to love the area even more. I began to drive through and pray. My running route changed to run down every street and pray. My peripheral vision expanded to see more people, more harvest, more miracles.
The Lord said, "you can go in fear, or you can go in faith." That was a pivotal day for me.
Jesus led me right to 317 McTyere Ave and gave me all of these verses. Promises over the house, and promises over me. I continue to hold tight to these as I go through this journey.
"And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot." Joshua 3:17
"Here’s what will happen—you won’t hear the wind, you won’t see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill." 2 Kings 3:17
"Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace." Proverbs 3:17
"In that day Jerusalem will be known as ‘The Throne of the Lord.’ All nations will come there to honor the Lord. They will no longer stubbornly follow their own evil desires." Jeremiah 3:17
“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately." Ezekial 3:17
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty." Daniel 3:17
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields,and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!" Habakkuk 3:17
"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17
"God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17
"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17
"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." James 3:17
"Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong." 1 Peter 3:17
While I am so ready to be living in the house, in Midtown, and in the dream God has for me; I am so thankful for all that this year has done and been. What amazing miracles I have seen! I am excited and expectant to see what this next year holds, as I know that the Lord only makes it better and better as we continue to follow His heart.
This is what I saw the first time I went to the house. But the Lord gave me eyes to see something very different, and that is where the miracles started.
Monday, June 8, 2015
we don't need a sign. we just need trust.
Judges 6:33-40
"Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. Gideon said to God,
“If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.”
And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
"Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew."
Gideon stood before the presence of God. He received the patience of God over his life. He saw a miracle before his very eyes. He got hit with the power of the Holy Spirit. And then he still tries to bargain with God.
He delayed obeying God because he wanted more proof. What makes us want to wait on a sign from the Lord before we step out in faith? Fear. Ugly fear.
Asking the Lord for a sign, after He has already given us a word, exposes our lack of trust in his heart.
We shouldn't rely on what we can see to usher us forward. God's word is the only assurance of what we can't see, that gives us what we need to trust and obey.
I've heard people say, "I'm just laying out my fleece before the Lord, and I will see what happens." That's just a gross way of saying "I really don't trust what God said, so I am going to delay obeying Him, and hope he changes his mind."
It's trying to put limitations on the Lord. Trying to make God fit into our expectations. Trying to prolong doing what we know we should, that we don't always want to do.
Partial obedience, is still disobedience.
Even though Gideon was slow to obey, told the Lord he didn't trust Him enough, and demanded a sign from Him (not 1 sign, but 2!), God was still patient and faithful to fulfill His plan.
"God made it happen that very night." v 40
The Lord loves us so much that He uses His miracles to encourage and strengthen us, even when He doesn't have to.
He didn't have to make the fleece wet the first night, then dry the next. He did it because even in our weaknesses, He still loves us. Even in our lack of obedience, He still pursues us. Even in our ugly fear, He still does miracles.
"Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. Gideon said to God,
“If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.”
And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
"Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew."
Gideon stood before the presence of God. He received the patience of God over his life. He saw a miracle before his very eyes. He got hit with the power of the Holy Spirit. And then he still tries to bargain with God.
He delayed obeying God because he wanted more proof. What makes us want to wait on a sign from the Lord before we step out in faith? Fear. Ugly fear.
Asking the Lord for a sign, after He has already given us a word, exposes our lack of trust in his heart.
We shouldn't rely on what we can see to usher us forward. God's word is the only assurance of what we can't see, that gives us what we need to trust and obey.
I've heard people say, "I'm just laying out my fleece before the Lord, and I will see what happens." That's just a gross way of saying "I really don't trust what God said, so I am going to delay obeying Him, and hope he changes his mind."
It's trying to put limitations on the Lord. Trying to make God fit into our expectations. Trying to prolong doing what we know we should, that we don't always want to do.
Partial obedience, is still disobedience.
Even though Gideon was slow to obey, told the Lord he didn't trust Him enough, and demanded a sign from Him (not 1 sign, but 2!), God was still patient and faithful to fulfill His plan.
"God made it happen that very night." v 40
The Lord loves us so much that He uses His miracles to encourage and strengthen us, even when He doesn't have to.
He didn't have to make the fleece wet the first night, then dry the next. He did it because even in our weaknesses, He still loves us. Even in our lack of obedience, He still pursues us. Even in our ugly fear, He still does miracles.
Friday, June 5, 2015
do what???
Judges 6:25-32
"That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” 6:25-26
But didn't the Lord just tell Gideon before this that it wasn't his sacrifice he wanted, he just wanted his "yes"? I had to pray through this for a little bit.
Alas, this was just another "yes". Even though it was a sacrifice, it was what the Lord asked him to do. Even when it didn't make sense.
"So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime. In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar! They asked each other, “Who did this?” When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.” The people of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.” But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.” So because Gideon broke down Baal’s altar, they gave him the name Jerub-Baal that day, saying, “Let Baal contend with him.” 6:27-32
Baal was a pagan god that the Israelites had built an alter before, and were worshiping this false god, rather than the true living God. This tested Gideon's faith and commitment to the Lord. If Gideon was caught doing this, he would face all kinds of troubles and punishment. But, he chose to obey the Lord, regardless of what would happen on the other side of it.
When we start obeying and accomplishing things in the name of the Lord, it is often the people who oppose and criticize us the most, that should be supporting us.
And what was the other side of his obedience? The alter of Baal stayed down, he was, in a way - honored for tearing it down, and nothing happened to him at all!
Several, several weeks ago I was looking for a set of french doors to put on the back of the house. I had taken out a large window unit and wanted to put these doors in that place, which would open up from my bedroom to the screened in porch across the back of the house. I was trying to find a set that matched the other door on the back of the house in the kitchen, which had been given to me.
I went to every home store in Jackson and searched on-line, and couldn't find a matching set. I was to the point of just going ahead and buying a set that didn't match, just to get it over with. I went three times to Lowe's to buy them. Each time I went the Lord told me not to buy them. The Lord literally "shut the doors" for me! The last time I went, I stood there in the aisle at Lowe's and stomped my feet in front of those doors and said something like, "But Jesus - I have the money to buy them! Why are you telling me not to?"
It's funny when we do things like that, isn't it?
With everything else, it has been the exact opposite. The Lord has told me to do something, buy something, hire someone; and I haven't had the money to do it. But, I obeyed, and he provided. Now here I was WITH the money, and He was telling me not to do it. It didn't make any sense.
Weeks went by. Nothing happened. I was frustrated over these doors.
Then, as I was on my search for a new front door to the house, I was in this warehouse of a window and door company, browsing through some sample doors, and I spotted something out of the corner of my eyes, peeking out from behind a stack of windows and doors. I walked over and guess what it was - a set of doors that matched exactly to the other door I had. Just hanging out in there. And guess what - they are now hanging out in my bedroom, waiting to be installed. And, I paid half the price for them that I would have paid for the other doors I was willing to settle for, just for the sake of getting them and having some, that I know I would not have been happy with down the road.
When it didn't make sense for me at the time, I am now so happy that I obeyed the Lord. I get to see the other side of my obedience, and I will every morning when I wake up and look out those doors.
When it didn't make sense for Gideon to do something that a few days before, the Lord told him not to do. He obeyed the Lord and got to see the other side of his obedience too.
One of the boys wrote this on the wall in the house, close to where these doors will be. I told him that every morning when I stand in that spot, I will put my hands on the wall where this was and pray for him.
("For God is my record, how greatly I long after you in all the bowels of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:8)
"That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” 6:25-26
But didn't the Lord just tell Gideon before this that it wasn't his sacrifice he wanted, he just wanted his "yes"? I had to pray through this for a little bit.
Alas, this was just another "yes". Even though it was a sacrifice, it was what the Lord asked him to do. Even when it didn't make sense.
"So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime. In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar! They asked each other, “Who did this?” When they carefully investigated, they were told, “Gideon son of Joash did it.” The people of the town demanded of Joash, “Bring out your son. He must die, because he has broken down Baal’s altar and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.” But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.” So because Gideon broke down Baal’s altar, they gave him the name Jerub-Baal that day, saying, “Let Baal contend with him.” 6:27-32
Baal was a pagan god that the Israelites had built an alter before, and were worshiping this false god, rather than the true living God. This tested Gideon's faith and commitment to the Lord. If Gideon was caught doing this, he would face all kinds of troubles and punishment. But, he chose to obey the Lord, regardless of what would happen on the other side of it.
When we start obeying and accomplishing things in the name of the Lord, it is often the people who oppose and criticize us the most, that should be supporting us.
And what was the other side of his obedience? The alter of Baal stayed down, he was, in a way - honored for tearing it down, and nothing happened to him at all!
Several, several weeks ago I was looking for a set of french doors to put on the back of the house. I had taken out a large window unit and wanted to put these doors in that place, which would open up from my bedroom to the screened in porch across the back of the house. I was trying to find a set that matched the other door on the back of the house in the kitchen, which had been given to me.
I went to every home store in Jackson and searched on-line, and couldn't find a matching set. I was to the point of just going ahead and buying a set that didn't match, just to get it over with. I went three times to Lowe's to buy them. Each time I went the Lord told me not to buy them. The Lord literally "shut the doors" for me! The last time I went, I stood there in the aisle at Lowe's and stomped my feet in front of those doors and said something like, "But Jesus - I have the money to buy them! Why are you telling me not to?"
It's funny when we do things like that, isn't it?
With everything else, it has been the exact opposite. The Lord has told me to do something, buy something, hire someone; and I haven't had the money to do it. But, I obeyed, and he provided. Now here I was WITH the money, and He was telling me not to do it. It didn't make any sense.
Weeks went by. Nothing happened. I was frustrated over these doors.
Then, as I was on my search for a new front door to the house, I was in this warehouse of a window and door company, browsing through some sample doors, and I spotted something out of the corner of my eyes, peeking out from behind a stack of windows and doors. I walked over and guess what it was - a set of doors that matched exactly to the other door I had. Just hanging out in there. And guess what - they are now hanging out in my bedroom, waiting to be installed. And, I paid half the price for them that I would have paid for the other doors I was willing to settle for, just for the sake of getting them and having some, that I know I would not have been happy with down the road.
When it didn't make sense for me at the time, I am now so happy that I obeyed the Lord. I get to see the other side of my obedience, and I will every morning when I wake up and look out those doors.
When it didn't make sense for Gideon to do something that a few days before, the Lord told him not to do. He obeyed the Lord and got to see the other side of his obedience too.
One of the boys wrote this on the wall in the house, close to where these doors will be. I told him that every morning when I stand in that spot, I will put my hands on the wall where this was and pray for him.
("For God is my record, how greatly I long after you in all the bowels of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:8)
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
gideon and his goat
Judges 6:17-24
"Gideon said, “If you’re serious about this, do me a favor: Give me a sign to back up what you’re telling me. Don’t leave until I come back and bring you my gift.” The Lord said, “I’ll wait till you get back.” Gideon went and prepared a young goat and a huge amount of unraised bread (he used over half a bushel of flour!). He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and took them back under the shade of the oak tree for a sacred meal." 6:17-19
IF. That is what Gideon said to the Lord, after seeing him face to face and hearing his majestic voice speak to him. IF.
Why do we do this? Why do we see the Lord work, move, and appear - hear him speak so loud and clear - then continue to doubt? Gideon was still making excuses and only seeing the limitations and weaknesses within himself, not trusting that the Lord would do the work through him. All he had to do was say "yes."
This is me, so many times.
And then he tells the Lord to WAIT! This is really quite a funny story if you think about it. Gideon is telling the God of the universe to wait on him to go cook a goat. Seriously?
But the Lord does wait. Wow. How gracious and patient sweet Jesus is with us. Most of the time it is us that wait on the Lord, but the Lord is ALWAYS waiting on us too.
I have never roasted a goat before, but I did figure out that it took a minute (that in the hood can translate to "a long time") to do. It wasn't like he could hop in his car and run to Whole Foods, pick up some fresh cooked goat and bread, then speed back to the Lord and and give it to him.
This is what I figure.
Not sure how far away from his farm he was, but since he was walking, there was the time it took for him to get back there from the spot he was in the winepress. He had to pick out a goat, slaughter it, skin it, prepare it, and roast it. I did a little research and that could have taken about 2 days. He had to cook the bread - a whole lot of bread. Then he had to walk back to the place where the Lord was.....yep, still waiting on him (under that tree at Ophrah).
"The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and unraised bread, place them on that rock, and pour the broth on them.” Gideon did it. The angel of God stretched out the tip of the stick he was holding and touched the meat and the bread. Fire broke out of the rock and burned up the meat and bread while the angel of God slipped away out of sight. And Gideon knew it was the angel of God!" Gideon said, “Oh no! Master, God! I have seen the angel of God face-to-face!” But God reassured him, “Easy now. Don’t panic. You won’t die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to God and named it “God’s Peace.” 6:21-24
After all that effort Gideon went through with the goat, the bread, the traveling back and forth.....the Lord just burned it right up. God didn't want his sacrifice, He wanted his YES. That was it.
What are you trying to sacrifice, that you don't have to? Just say yes. That is what pleases the Lord more.
King David got it. And eventually Gideon did. I am working on it too.
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire
but my ears you have opened
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, Lord;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
Psalm 40
"Gideon said, “If you’re serious about this, do me a favor: Give me a sign to back up what you’re telling me. Don’t leave until I come back and bring you my gift.” The Lord said, “I’ll wait till you get back.” Gideon went and prepared a young goat and a huge amount of unraised bread (he used over half a bushel of flour!). He put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot and took them back under the shade of the oak tree for a sacred meal." 6:17-19
IF. That is what Gideon said to the Lord, after seeing him face to face and hearing his majestic voice speak to him. IF.
Why do we do this? Why do we see the Lord work, move, and appear - hear him speak so loud and clear - then continue to doubt? Gideon was still making excuses and only seeing the limitations and weaknesses within himself, not trusting that the Lord would do the work through him. All he had to do was say "yes."
This is me, so many times.
And then he tells the Lord to WAIT! This is really quite a funny story if you think about it. Gideon is telling the God of the universe to wait on him to go cook a goat. Seriously?
But the Lord does wait. Wow. How gracious and patient sweet Jesus is with us. Most of the time it is us that wait on the Lord, but the Lord is ALWAYS waiting on us too.
"But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones."
Isaiah 30:18
I have never roasted a goat before, but I did figure out that it took a minute (that in the hood can translate to "a long time") to do. It wasn't like he could hop in his car and run to Whole Foods, pick up some fresh cooked goat and bread, then speed back to the Lord and and give it to him.
This is what I figure.
Not sure how far away from his farm he was, but since he was walking, there was the time it took for him to get back there from the spot he was in the winepress. He had to pick out a goat, slaughter it, skin it, prepare it, and roast it. I did a little research and that could have taken about 2 days. He had to cook the bread - a whole lot of bread. Then he had to walk back to the place where the Lord was.....yep, still waiting on him (under that tree at Ophrah).
"The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and unraised bread, place them on that rock, and pour the broth on them.” Gideon did it. The angel of God stretched out the tip of the stick he was holding and touched the meat and the bread. Fire broke out of the rock and burned up the meat and bread while the angel of God slipped away out of sight. And Gideon knew it was the angel of God!" Gideon said, “Oh no! Master, God! I have seen the angel of God face-to-face!” But God reassured him, “Easy now. Don’t panic. You won’t die.” Then Gideon built an altar there to God and named it “God’s Peace.” 6:21-24
After all that effort Gideon went through with the goat, the bread, the traveling back and forth.....the Lord just burned it right up. God didn't want his sacrifice, He wanted his YES. That was it.
What are you trying to sacrifice, that you don't have to? Just say yes. That is what pleases the Lord more.
King David got it. And eventually Gideon did. I am working on it too.
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
Blessed is the one
who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire
but my ears you have opened
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, Lord,
as you know.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
Be pleased to save me, Lord;
come quickly, Lord, to help me.
May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
Psalm 40
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