January 28, 2010

I never get tired of Psalm 23! I need some of those green pastures and still waters. I need a table prepared in the presence of my enemies. I need some fresh anointing and for my cup to overflow. Think I'll hang out with the Shepherd.

January 27, 2010

Jesus told us to be humble like a child: that is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4. Moses was humble, but he made God angry when he told God to "please send someone else," even after God said He's put the words in his mouth and had given him signs to show. Exodus 4:12-14 (I'm struck by how the Lord didn't recind the call, just made a provision for Moses' weakness.)

I've had the Lord tell me to do many things I just knew I couldn't do, and yet He was there helping me when I stepped out. Of course, there have been many, many times I didn't step out because of fear and unbelief.

Apparently, the greatest humility is to take God at His word and obey, no matter how crazy it seems, and no matter what anyone else thinks of you.

January 26, 2010

Today's readings really spoke to me of God's compassion. Powerfully! In the face of how the world is slandering God (e.g., the movie Legion), I think we'd better get to know Him a whole lot better! Hold on to your faith!

Why did Jesus say "You faithless and perverse generation?" when the disciples couldn't cast out a demon that was tomenting a boy? He said they couldn't cast it out because their faith wasn't even as big as a mustard seed. Matthew 17:17, 20. Why was their faith so small?

I saw something today I hadn't seen before. I think they had all forgotten that God was all about deliverance. They forgot He was compassionate. They had forgotten their nation's deliverance in the past. They weren't on the same page with God.

In Exodus 3:7-8, God said to Moses: "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

God came down then, and then He came down in Jesus. Why? Compassion.

Jesus was teaching Peter that they were under religious oppression, and that as long as they were, He would provide--e.g., the tax. But Jesus did more than just alleviate the temporary suffering. His mission was to set everyone free from the oppression. He released people from spiritual bondage, from Satanic oppression. "The children are free," He said. Fact. vs 26 We can't be free on the outside if we're not free on the inside.

Psalm 22 is such a moving prophetic expression of the sufferings of Christ on the cross, so that we could be free. He entered in to our oppressions and bore them Himself. "In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them." vs. 4 David knew and trusted in God's deliverance, and so did Jesus.

The Proverbs 5 section reminds us that sometimes the oppression we suffer is because we were disobedient. But that doesn't mean God won't deliver us, it just means we need to repent first.

If we're lacking in faith to trust God for deliverance from oppression, or unable to help others get free, we need to meditate on the Scriptures once again and rediscover God's heart of compassion and His track-record of deliverance. He hasn't changed.

God will again "come down" to set His children free from what is working up to be the most horrendous, tyrannical oppression ever to be seen on earth. Jesus Christ WILL come again and do away with the oppressions of evil forever. Have faith in God!
 
Let's not be a "faithless and perverse generation."

January 25, 2010

There are a lot of voices in the world, and we have to discern which ones we're hearing, and choose our responses accordingly. The people were saying all sorts of different things about who Jesus was, but the only right answer was revealed by the Father-- Jesus is the Christ, God's Son.

Peter got that revelation, but then he heard and responded to the wrong voice (Satan's) when he rebuked Jesus.

Every revelation from God is not as overwhelming as what Peter then got on the mountain and heard God say "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to Him!' Matthew 17:5. It's still the same powerful revelation though, so hold on to it. The next time an opposing voice comes along, use this Word and shoot down the lies.

And listen to Jesus, no matter how He's speaking!

January 22, 2010

When I read the Matthew passage for today, I couldn't help thinking of Haiti. Jesus had compassion on the multitudes and healed their sick. Then when they needed food, he multiplied the loaves and fish. I think we don't have much trouble seeing Jesus doing these things, if we believe in Him. But what if we could see ourselves doing these things?

Some people act like that's heresy, to say we could do what Jesus did. But He told the disciples, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." Matthew 14:16  He was trying to get them to see what He was passing on to them-- what He could do through them if they would just believe. Peter walked on the water-- he got a little glimpse.

Sometimes I think I have a little glimpse, but I'm not doing it yet. I see it though, and if we can see it we can go there! In a world so wracked by disasters, famine and pestilence the children of God are the ones who can deliver: everything that God is and has. I know this to be true. I am praying for it to come to fulfillment.

January 21, 2010

I see a deep resonance between the story of Joseph and the story of Jesus. I realize this is not a new revelation, but I'm seeing it a different way than I have before. This might help you if you've been rejected by your family and close relations because of your testimony of Christ.

Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery-- by his brothers. Jesus could not do many deeds of power in his own home town because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 His own people ended up killing him. But Joseph and Jesus were both raised up to be the savior of their people, and beyond.

Rejection could be the platform from which you are raised up to bring salvation to many. Forgiveness is a deed of power that overcomes.

January 20, 2010

Again I am struck by the agreement of the passages for today, and the message in them. Dreams and parables, signs and wonders featured strongly. This is very timely, for aren't we in the times Jesus prophesied, the end of the age? Maybe we have heard the story of Joseph and the parables of Jesus since we were children, and take them too lightly. But they have huge significance for this time that we are in.

God will be speaking to us (and even to unbelievers) in dreams and visions, because we will need instruction! The parables are important for our time! Understanding God's spiritual language is needed for direction, wisdom and discernment. For our protection and the good of those we care for and serve, we must seek the Lord for understanding! It's not just for people who might considered weird because they are gifted prophetically, it's for anyone "who has ears to hear."

"Jesus told the crowd all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world." Matthew 13:34-35

Jesus is still speaking in dreams, visions and parables today, and He is still giving those who seek him the keys of understanding that will save the day.

January 19, 2010

Joseph's Tips for having FAVOR:
1. Make sure God is with you. Genesis 39:2-5
2. Have godly character (e.g. trustworthy, faithful, pure). 39:7-9
3. Don't lose your character under duress 39:19-23
4. Pay attention to people and be a loving servant. 40:6-7
5. Know your gifts and glorify God with them. 40:8
6. Do whatever you do very well. 40:22
7. Remember-- your favor comes from God, not people. 40:23
8. Don't forget good grooming! 41:14
9. Be confident that your gift will always function when you give God the credit and not yourself. 41:16

Jesus' Tips for having Favor (HE IS your FAVOR):
1. Do the Father's will. Matthew 12:50
2. Learn to speak the language of the Kingdom. 13:3
3. Learn to see, hear, and understand the language of the Kingdom 13:16
4. Be good soil for the Word and bear fruit. 13:23

David's Tips for having Favor: Psalm 17:1-15
1. Pray for favor.
2. Speak the truth.
3. Stick to the Way.
4. Trust the Lord.

Solomon's Tips for having Favor: Proverbs 3:34
1. Don't look down on people.
2. Be humble.

Bonus:
"To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." Matthew 13:11 Seek the Lord for wisdom, discernment and the gift of interpretation (e.g. dreams). They were keys for Joseph's favor, and they will be much needed in the days to come.

January 18, 2010

I wonder how much of the "persecution" we go through is brought on by our own mouth and attitudes? Joseph ended up in a pit because of his, even though he had true dreams. Genesis 37: 5-8 My pride has brought me down many times-- and yet, God is faithful and performs His word. We may have to go through some rough stuff, though, to get us to the place where we can handle our dreams and visions.

If we know we have the favor of God (all His children do), we should help others come to the knowledge that they are favored as well, rather than acting like we are super special above others.

If we're seeing bad fruit in our lives, maybe we should check the tree it's coming off of. A root of pride is going to cause us to say things at the wrong time and with the wrong attitude. And it's our words that indicate our heart condition. Matthew 12: 33-37

There is no glory in being criticized, mistreated, avoided or outright rejected because of our own shortcomings-- no glory for ourselves or the Lord. But if we are persecuted and our hearts do not judge us, then we can say with David: "because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalm 16:8b

January 17, 2010

Another glimpse into the pastor heart of God-- what Jesus said to do and did on the Sabbath:
1. get the fallen one out of a pit (e.g. depression)
2. instill the value God puts on His people
3. teach the people what God's will is
4. restore people's balance and functionality
5. straighten out the misconceptions and deceptions
6. demonstrate the power of God
7. cure whoever comes to you
8. proclaim justice
9. stay humble
Matthew 12: 9-21

January 16, 2010

In these passages today, I hear a word especially for pastors: gentleness and humility. Esteeming and caring for the little ones of the flock is the theme. Jesus showed us the Father's heart and nature and said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30. He also said that the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist. 11:11. We miss out so much if we don't listen to and learn from our little ones, in the spiritual and the natural, for God reveals things to infants. 11:25  We should never look down on the children or disregard them.

I was so touched at what Jacob said about leading his tribe: "the children are frail and the flocks and herds, which are nursing, are a care to me; and if they are overdriven for one day, all the flocks will die. . . I will lead on slowly, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children." Genesis 33:13-14

Of course there are warriors, the mature, and the strong. But the flock must not be driven according to their pace.

January 15, 2010

This reading seems to hold a great paradox! But as we know there are no real contradictions in Scripture, only apparent ones. Proverbs 3:17 says of wisdom: "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

One of the big issues in the world today is "how can we have peace and stop all the fighting?" We will have to bring heaven to earth.

Jacob's less-than-peaceful situations seem to be related all to family members giving him trouble. David's complaints in the Psalms had to do with enemies causing him sorrow and pain. I think we can safely say that most of our grief is centered in our relationships with other people, often family.

Jesus said, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. The whole section has to do with how we respond to others. The sword of truth is cutting us off from the earthly way of relating. Jesus says:
1. Don't be surprised when you're criticized or rejected because of Christ.
2. Don't fear people; fear God.
3. Have your worth in God and you won't worry about people accepting you (which leads to compromise).
4. Don't hold back your testimony: say what He tells you to.
5. If you love Him more than anyone else, you will have life.
6. If you live Him, speak Him, demonstrate Him, others will see Him; if they respond to Him, then they will come into right relationship with Him and with you.

Jacob obeyed God's word and his enemies were compelled to make peace with Him. David trusted in God and prevailed. They were both rooted in the reality of the Kingdom and promises of God rather than in the earthly realm.

The tree of life is rooted in the heavenlies. If we choose that tree, rather than the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which is rooted in the earthly realm (the Word is cutting us off from that), we will have life and peace regardless of our earthly situation.

January 14, 2010

I'm particularly blessed today as I take to heart a very pertinent message from the OYB, very relevant to my husband and I right now. Genesis 30:27 Laban said to Jacob "I have learned by divination." This tells me just about all I need to know about where some personal attacks against us are coming from in the business/financial realm. They're not getting their "information" or motivation from anything but the devil. Our warfare is not with flesh and blood, etc. Jacob's encounter with God is very relevant too: "I have seen all that Laban is doing to you." Gen.31:12.

God gave Jacob specific directions so as to bless him and deliver him. In Matthew 10:16-23, Jesus gives instructions for how to deal with persecution, because He knew we would get it. The Psalm gave me added comfort: "You, O Lord, will protect us; you will guard us from this generation forever." (the Shield theme again!). The Proverbs, as well, chimed in with it's exhortation about wisdom and understanding. Psalm 12:7, Proverbs 3: 13-15.  For Jacob, wisdom translated into physical wealth. If you take this spiritually though, the wealth that you gain from wisdom is better than that even, and no one can ever take it away from you.

January 13, 2010

Of all there is in life, nothing is more precious to me than close encounters with God. Jacob had his ladder encounter Genesis 28:12; everywhere Jesus went, people had encounters with God-- the dead were raised, the blind got their sight, people were delivered, Matthew 9. Not a day goes by when I'm not touched by Him in some way. Most of the time it's seemingly small things-- the guidance of the Holy Spirit or the strong conviction of the Word. But it's what makes my life worth living. Psalm 11:7 "the upright shall behold his face." How aware are you of the presence of God? Can you look in the mirror, view yourself and say "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." ? Can others?

January 12, 2010

OYB: Genesis 27:24, Matthew 9:2-8  Today I saw examples of the contrast between blindness and sight (speaking spiritually here). Isaac was physically blind, but he could have exercised discernment. Instead, he allowed himself to be deceived. Jesus as the Son of Man, on the other hand, was always perceptive-- nothing could fool Him or deceive Him-- He always knew the truth. He could see faith; he knew men's thoughts and motivations, and of course, he knew the Father's heart and could always see what the Father was doing. Because of this, He had authority. He had the authority to forgive sins and he had the power to issue a blessing. He is the example we are to follow.

January 11, 2010

I saw a difference between those whom the Lord prospers or makes wealthy, and those who try to make themselves that way by ungodly means. God blessed Isaac by giving him a hundred-fold return, and he became very wealthy. Genesis 26:12-13 The Philistines envied him and wanted him to go away. These same people had stopped up the wells his father had dug. They feared these men's power.

The Psalms portion describes the greedy wicked who oppress the poor and helpless in order to gain wealth for themselves. God is not ignoring this. "Indeed you note trouble and grief, that you may take it into your hands; the helpless commit themselves to you; you have been the helper of the orphan." Ps 10:14  God responds to people's cries for help. He also responds to intercession. Ps. 10:12,15

Many people who are poor and who feel helpless, whether they have been oppressed or not, often want to take down the rich who they see as the oppressor, rather than turning to the Lord. They cannot discern the difference between oppressors and people blessed of the Lord. I believe the Lord will make the distinction clearer and clearer in these times. Helping the poor will certainly be one of the marks of God's Kingdom blessing.

Although your enemies may try to project on you the motivations and methods that they themselves walk in, and may try to "stop up your wells" of creativity and the flow of Spirit life and power because of jealousy or competition, don't give in to the pressure! Humility is agreeing with the Lord, not quitting because people misunderstand.

You might be interested in contemplating how today's passage about Jesus ties into this!

January 10, 2010

OYB: As I was reading, I was struck by how Abraham was respected by the people among whom he resided. They considered him "a mighty prince among us" Genesis 23:6. Abraham treated the Hittites with respect-- related to them and did business with them according to their current customs. He lived "in the world and not of it." And he had favor.

When Jesus healed the leper, He told him to "show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them". He was demonstrating New Covenant truth while maintaining a respectful attitude to those of the Old Covenant who did not yet believe. Matthew 8:4

If we want to have a good witness in the world and favor with the people, we have to behave in a manner that is respectful, understandable, and unoffensive. Culture and customs are a language, and it is possible to communicate effectively with them without compromising truth and uprightness.

I was extra pleased, then, when I got to the Proverbs selection: "Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you. . . so you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people." Proverbs 3:3,4

Respectful manners go a long way to bring you favor.

January 9, 2010

What I'm getting is "obedience". And the key to that seems to be truly knowing the Lord. "those who know your name put their trust in you" Psalm 9:10. Abraham knew that God would provide, he really knew God, so he obeyed. Matthew 7: 21 only the one who does the will of the Father will enter the kingdom. Because Abraham obeyed, all the nations of the earth are blessed. Because Jesus obeyed, I am saved. What will come of my obedience? What would be lost if I do not obey?

January 8, 2010

I am always impressed with Abraham's conversation with God. I'm sure Abraham was aware of the great evil in that place and was habitually interceding for Lot and his family. I always thought "how could Lot offer his daughters to those evil men?" but today I realized that the ladies weren't in danger from those guys. He included it to let us know clearly what those men were up to and what the Lord thinks about it.

I found myself comforted and warned by the Scripture selections today. Warned, because I saw how easy it is to become compromised in righteousness when we're in close contact with and influenced by the world, judging our own condition by comparison with what's going on around us. Comforted, as I also noticed the reference again in Proverbs 2:7 to the Lord being our SHIELD, and the references to God's justice.

It's also like Wisdom and Prudence, verses 10 and 11, are guarding us in the Way, and they will lead us out if need be, to protect us--like the two "men" did (I'm assuming they're angels)--from judgments to come. If I'm seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness first, Matthew 6:33, I will have my eyes on God and won't look back. Genesis 19:36

January 7, 2010

I'm on the topic of "seeing" again! Does that surprise you, since I'm an artist? Sometimes I forget that God sees, really sees, and sees me. I used to be afraid to be "open" with God until I realized He sees it all anyway. And still loves me. I want intimacy with Him (I always think "into-me-see"), so I want to go purposely to the Well of the Living One who sees me (Genesis 16:14).

When I got to the Gospel reading, I was a little worried at "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them" Matthew 6:1. I brought this up with the Lord, concerning doing this group especially, and my fund raiser for Need Him Ministries. Checking my heart best as I could, I felt my motivations were right, to lead others towards God and to shine my light. Will others judge my actions wrongly? Maybe, but God SEES my heart.

Then in Matthew 6:22  I saw something different in one of my favorite verses about the eye being healthy. If I trust my own eyes, my natural vision, I'm going to be full of darkness. But if I give up my own sight and let God be my "eye", I will be full of light-- because He REALLY sees, knows, discerns-- there's no darkness in Him.

January 6, 2010

Genesis 13: 14-15 Receiving the promises requires vision: "raise your eyes now. . .all the land that you see I will give to you". I'm going to have to seek the Lord for a vision of what it is He wants to give me, or I won't be able to receive much. In Genesis 15:1, the Lord came to Abram in a vision. I need that! I'm getting a picture of God being my shield. This is a good beginning, as I tend to get intimidated. I'll be braver to move forward as I trust in the shield of faith: it's the LORD himself!!!