Do You Believe God?

Lately, whenever I “thumb through” my Bible the pages tend to fall open at the same spot – Psalm 106, just as they did this morning. As I read, two verses stand out – like a divine highlighter has marked them. I asked the Lord what He is saying and the Spirit said simply, “Believe.” And God’s message becomes crystal clear.
This Psalm is a “Salvation History” a retelling of Israel’s story – but from God’s perspective. The first verse reads:
“They believed His promises and sang His praises” (v. 12).
This is immediately after their rescue from Egypt through the dry bed of the Red Sea. Pharoah and his entire army were wiped out and they were safe at last. Their faith was on the mountaintop. For a moment.
Across the page the other verse sits in silent judgment:
“They did not believe His promise [and] they grumbled” (v. 24).
Do you see the juxtaposition? Do you see what the Spirit was saying? Everything hinges on believing God. Not just believing in God, as my grammar check says, but believing God. When we believe God, our hearts are filled with praise. When we believe God is who He says He is our spiritual eyes are open and we can see Him in His beauty and glory. And we cannot help but praise Him.
But when we do not believe God, our hearts are filled with bitterness and our spiritual eyes are darkened. We can only see our misery and all we want to do is grumble. Jesus said “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34). If your mouth is full of grumbling, your heart is full of . . . well, I think you can figure that out yourself.
Believe me when I say I’m not pointing fingers or calling anyone out. God sent this word to me first because I’ve seen the condition of my heart lately, and it is not pretty. My belief tank is getting low. So how do I believe God again?
I “take captive every thought and bring [my mind] into submission to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5)
I “renew my mind” by thinking about what is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy” (Rom 12:2; Phil 4:8).
I “set my mind on what the Spirit desires” which is “life and peace” (Rom 8:5,6).
And I stop grumbling and start praising.
Beloved, do you believe God? Do your words show it? What will you do about it?

The Journey of Faith

Three days. That’s all it took for the complaining to start. Three days from blessing to grumbling. Three days from rejoicing to grousing.
Three days before the Israelites had walked through walls of water and felt the dry ground beneath their feet. They sang and danced and rejoiced, proclaiming “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation; Who among the gods is like You, O Lord-majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” They sang of their trust in Him, “In your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed…You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of Your inheritance.” (Ref. Exodus 15:2, 11, 13, 17.)
And everything changed. They found themselves in a desert with no drinkable water. So they turned on their God-appointed leader and “grumbled against Moses, saying ‘What are we to drink?’” (Ex. 15:24). We might think, “Are these the same people that witnessed the power and might of the Lord?” Well, yes, actually they were. But they quickly forgot God’s faithfulness and goodness just three days before and complained about the circumstances of the moment. It is a pattern that shows up over and over again in their wilderness journey. And if you and I are honest, the same pattern shows up in our own lives as well. Why do we, like the Israelites, fail to trust the Lord who has proven Himself faithful again and again and again?
In a word: unbelief. The very same unbelief that demoralized the faith of the Hebrew nation undermines our faith and confidence in God today. The exodus from Egypt was the great expression of Yahweh’s love for the Israelites. The cross of Jesus Christ is God’s ultimate expression of love to you and me. Every day we are surrounded by reminders of His care and devotion to us His children. Yet still, when we are faced with a challenge, we grumble. Rather than trust God, we whine and complain. And God asks, as He asked of Israel, “How long will these people refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?” (Num. 14:11). Faith is not just a necessary for the journey; it is the journey.
Jesus once posed a question, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). What would He find in you, Beloved, if He came today?

The God Who Never Gives Up

Sometimes I find stuff in the Bible that makes me laugh. In Exodus, Moses was on the mountain with the Lord for many days, and the Israelites demanded that Aaron give them “gods.” Aaron gathered their gold earrings and “fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it into an image of a calf” (Ex. 32:4). The people bowed down and sacrificed to this golden calf. God, of course, sees this idolatry and tells Moses: “Go down at once! For your people you brought up from the land of Egypt have acted corruptly” (v. 7). God is bent on destroying them. But Moses replied, “Lord, why does your anger burn against your people you brought out of the land of Egypt?” Did you see that? God told Moses, “these are your people – you brought them up out of Egypt,” and Moses replied, “Nuh-uh, these not MY people God, they are YOUR people – YOU brought them here, not me.” That just always makes me snicker. It makes me think of a couple of little kids passing the blame back and forth for a broken toy.
Yet even as this makes me laugh, it also makes me thankful. I am thankful that, because of Jesus Christ, God will never turn away from me, no matter what I do. No matter how many times I get myself into trouble, God will never give up on me. When life gets messy and complicated He will never try to wash His hands of me. Even when I am outright disobedient, though I may face certain consequences, He will never leave me to face them alone.
Somebody reading this today feels like God has turned away. You’ve messed up – again – and believe that God is fed up with you. Or you’ve been in a hard season for so long that you imagine God is weary of you and your issues. Beloved, God has not, nor will He ever leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5). You are never too heavy a burden to Him. He never gets weary of you and your needs. And you will never out-sin His forgiveness. He is a good, loving, patient, faithful Father – even when you are a difficult, sinful, struggling, unfaithful child. In case you have forgotten: God loves you – and that’s a love that never fails, never falters, and never, ever walks away.

Do You Know the Rest of the Christmas Story?

There’s part of the Christmas story that we tend to ignore. The dark part with a paranoid king and some wise men from afar. Matthew reports that the Magi followed a star they had seen in the east (2:2) and when they arrived in Jerusalem (2:1) they raised quite a stir looking for “the one who has been born king of the Jews” (2:2). Herod got wind of this and called for the visitors who reported that ancient prophecies (likely passed down from Daniel) said the child would be born in Bethlehem (2:5). Herod ordered the wise men to report back to him after they found the child – saying he, too, wanted to “worship” him (2:7-8).
But that was a lie. He wanted to kill him. He had a reputation for violence and murdered members of his own family whom he viewed as a threat. A Jewish baby was no match for this king. But Herod was no match for this Baby’s Father. The Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod (2:12) and the Lord sent an angel to warn Joseph who took his family and fled to Egypt (2:13-14). The king, in a rage, ordered the murder of all baby boys in Bethlehem two years and under to secure his throne – another clue to the timing of the Magi’s’ visit. (2:16-18).
But who was really behind Herod’s actions? Who planted that paranoia in his mind and murder in his heart? Who would have wanted this child dead more than Herod? Satan. Satan was behind every threat God’s people faced because he knew his destroyer would come from the Jewish nation. Herod was reenacting Pharoah’s hatred when he ordered the death of all Hebrew baby boys born in Egypt. But the Lord called two midwives, a believing mother and even Pharoah’s daughter to save the day (Ex 1:15-22; 2:1-10) . Satan enticed Haman to order the -annihilation of the Jews in Persian, but God used Esther to rescue His people (Esther). You see satan’s evil presence over and over in Scripture – but you also see God’s mighty hand preserving His people and His promise.
Satan is also part of the Christmas story, for the Holy Child in the manger was born to break the curse of evil. He was born to set men free from their sins (Romans 6:18). He was born to bring light and life where death and darkness reigned (John 1:4-5). He was born to set right what had gone horribly wrong (Romans 8:22-24). This little baby was the fulfillment of God’s promise, the seed that would crush the head of the enemy (Genesis 3:15). When this newborn baby’s cry pierced the silent night, all of hell trembled.

Advent 2023: Emmanuel – God With Us

“They will call Him Emmanuel, which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).

It is a promise I have held to through this difficult year.  God’s presence has given me strength day by day and bolstered my faith. But to truly understand the name and its significance, we have to go back to Exodus, to the most incredible statement by God: “Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:9).  Pagan gods did not dwell with human beings; they were far too important to be bothered with mortals and their petty lives.  But the God who created, sustained, and ruled over all things wanted to dwell with His people – first in a tabernacle and then in the temple. 

Until their idolatry and sin became unbearable and God said, “Enough” and withdrew His presence.  Ezekiel records the terrible sight of the cloud of His presence drawing up and away. Shortly afterward the people were taken into exile and the temple was destroyed.  And though it was rebuilt when the exiles returned to Jerusalem, the Lord’s presence did not return.

Until the angel visited a carpenter, betrothed to a young woman, and proclaimed the return of Immanuel.  Joseph would instinctively know what this name meant – God with us.  God came once again to dwell among men – this time as a human baby born to peasant parents and laid in a feeding trough for animals.  The name “Emmanuel” recalls the glorious presence of God in the midst of His people.  But not just in the temple.  No, this time Emmanuel would walk among them, eat with them, touch them with human hands – and die for them.  God had been absent and silent for hundreds of years, but now He had returned to His people.

Emmanuel is still present with His people today.  He is present in the Holy Spirit that dwells in every believer.  He is present in our worship.  He is present when we pray.  He is present when we rustle the pages of the Bible.  He is present when we reach out to touch a suffering soul with His love.  He is present in holy, divine moments and in the everyday events of our lives.  Because He is Emmanuel, He is always present. Because He is God with us, we are never alone.

Best Friends

Yesterday Joy decided that she wanted things her way and Nana did not comply which resulted in a full-blown temper tantrum. They are few and far between these days, but when she hits one it is epic. We’ve learned in these moments to just let her get it out of her system and then she is usually okay. That proved true yesterday as she spent all her angst and afterwards, we resolved the issue calmly.

When the dust settled and we were snuggled in the rocker, she said, “Nana, do you think we can be best friends again?” Oh, how that wrenched my heart. I drew her extra close and said, “Sweetheart, you and I will always be best friends, no matter what. On good days and bad days and happy days and angry days. I will always, always, always love you.” She drew in a contented sigh and laid her head on my shoulder.

If that touched your heart, I have another story for you. It’s about God and a ragtag bunch of rebellious people. While Moses was on the mountaintop meeting with the Lord, the Israelites were down below worshiping a golden calf. The Lord was quite angry. So much so that he intended to withdraw Himself from their presence lest He “destroy you on the way” (Ex. 33:3).

Thank heavens for Moses, who intervened on behalf of the people and the Lord relented. Then Moses got bold. He said, “Now [please] show me Your glory” (v. 18). And wonder of wonders, He did. The Lord tucked him into the cleft of a rock, covered him with His hand, and as He passed by him, He “proclaimed His name, the Lord” (v. 5) and His nature: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin” (34:6-7 – yes, there’s more and we’ll cover that later).  The Lord, who had every authority to destroy the rebellious Israelites instead declared his compassion, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness.

Have you sinned? Have you stomped your feet and told God “NO!”? Have you run from Him and fallen into a pit? Do you feel like God doesn’t want to be your friend anymore?  Don’t give in to those feelings. Ours is a God who loves to forgive and restore. Hear this loud and clear Beloved, you cannot make God stop loving you. You cannot make Him turn His back on you. No matter what you do, He is your best friend for life – and forever.

Prepare for Battle

When God prepares a people for a great move on His part, He always calls them to repentance – confessing and turning away from sin – and consecration – setting oneself apart exclusively for the Lord. Before the exodus out of Egypt, the people were to cleanse their houses and anoint their doorframes with the blood of a Lamb. By this, they were set apart from the Egyptians who would suffer the wrath of God (Exodus 12). Just before they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Israelites were commanded to consecrate themselves “for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you” (Joshua 3:5). Often David ordered his men to consecrate themselves the day before a great battle.

All four gospels note the message of John the Baptist who called the nation of Israel to “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him” (Mark 1:3). Before a king came to visit one of his cities, the call would go out to level the roads on his path. John was also calling for “straight paths” before the coming King, but again, it was a call to repentance and consecration.

What do all these ancient practices have to do with you and me?

For many years, Christians have pleaded with God for a great move of His Spirit in the United States. We want God to “do amazing things among us.” We want Him to remove the influence of evil in our nation. We want Him to return our country to her Judeo-Christian heritage. Yet America is more sinful and brazen than ever before. What are we missing, Church?

Maybe we need to ask ourselves some questions. Are we – God’s people hearing the call to prepare the way for the King? Are we heeding the call for repentance? We love to claim 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Are we humbling ourselves? Are we praying? Are we seeking His face? Have we turned from our wicked ways? Notice the Lord isn’t speaking to the world – He is speaking to His people. He is calling His Church to repentance and consecration.

I believe a great battle is coming in this nation. The sounds of war are loud and clear.  Beloved, will you repent and set yourself apart exclusively for Christ?

Do You Believe God?

Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Philippians 2:14

Three days. That’s all it took for the complaining to start. The Israelites were three days out from crossing the Red Sea in miraculous fashion, and they were already complaining. They fled Egypt, carrying the wealth of their captives with them. They saw the waters part and felt the dry ground beneath their feet. They sang and danced and rejoiced, proclaiming their trust in Him, “In your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed…You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of Your inheritance.” (Ref. Exodus 15:2, 11, 13, 17.) Then they found themselves in a desert with no drinkable water and the grumbling began.

Admit it, we’re the same way. We fail to believe that the God who sent His Son to die on the cross for us will also provide for, protect, and bless us. Paul “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, gracious give us all things?” (Rom 8:31-32). Why do we, like the Israelites, fail to trust the Lord who has proven Himself faithful again and again and again?

In a word: unbelief. The very same unbelief that demoralized the faith of the Hebrew nation undermines our faith and confidence in God today. The exodus from Egypt should have been their defining moment of faith, but they whined instead. “All the Israelites grumbled…and the whole assembly said, ‘Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’” (Numbers 14:2,3).

Are you believing God today? The cross is God’s ultimate expression of love to us. Every day we are surrounded by reminders of His care and devotion. Yet when we face a challenge, we grumble. We doubt. We question. We whine and complain. And God asks, as He asked of Israel, “How long will these people refuse to believe me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?” (Num. 14:11).

Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:8)? We need only to read the Scriptures and look at the world around us to know it is not far away. How will you answer His question, Beloved? Will Jesus find faith in you?

God Loves You

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a rough week for me. Classes start Monday and we are running ourselves ragged trying to tie up all the loose ends. And there are a LOT of loose ends. I’ve dealt with several very testy callers and a nurse with a big chip on her shoulder. I need a kind and encouraging word from the Lord today. Maybe you do too. I sought the Lord for His word for us both. This is what He said: “I love you.”

Please don’t rush past that. Stop and read it again. And again. And one more time. Soak it in and let it permeate your heart and soul. God loves you. The God of heaven and earth, the God who created the universe – including you – loves you. This is not the romantic love of Hallmark movies and sappy songs on the radio. It’s certainly not “love” as the culture defines it. It even exceeds the love of a husband and wife or a parent. It is love that is so pure and holy that we don’t have words to express it. That’s why we have to go to the Scriptures.

God’s love is eternal. He said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer 31:3). That means that God will never walk away from you. Even if others have, He never will. His love is based on His character which is perfect and holy and steadfast.

God’s love is loyal. When He revealed His glory to Moses He said, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin” (Ex 34:6-7). “Maintaining” means keeping watch or standing guard. He will not allow His love to be threatened. He protects and preserves it.

The Apostle John had a lot to say about God’s love. He said it is abiding. To abide means to dwell, to live. “Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him. In this way, love is made complete.” God’s love is dependable. “We know and rely on the love God has for us.” God’s love is perfect. “There is no fear in love for perfect love drives out fear” (1 Jn 4:16- 18 ).

I don’t know what kind of week you’ve had Beloved, but you can rest your weary heart in this unshakable, eternal, perfect truth: God loves you. He really does.

What Did God Say?

When God’s people were in bondage in Egypt, the Lord called Moses to launch a rescue effort. His first approach to the king was met with disdain and rejection from both Pharaoh and the Israelites. Moses was deeply dismayed and the Lord encouraged him with promises of His faithfulness. Then He told his reluctant servant “Because of my mighty hand, [Pharoah] will let them go” (Ex 6:1). And the Spirit said to me, “Hang on to that.”

I was reading ahead, skimming over the ten plagues that would come on the Egyptians as God worked to force Pharaoh’s hand. A plague of blood. A plague of frogs. A plague of gnats. A plague of flies. A plague on the livestock. A plague of boils. A plague of hail, thunder, and lightning. A plague of locusts. A plague of thick darkness. And finally, a plague of the death of every firstborn son.

Now, I’ve read these verses probably fifty times—I even wrote them out a few months ago, but they hit me differently tonight. After every plague the Scripture said, “Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not let the people go.” In my spirit, I heard a whisper: “6:1.” And then I understood. Nine times Pharaoh dug in his heels and said “NO!” But what had the Lord said?  “Pharaoh will let them go.” After the tenth plague, Pharaoh said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites.  Take your flocks and herds . . . and go” (12:31-32). Just like God said he would.

I don’t know who else needs to hear this right now but I sense strongly that God is asking: “What did I say?” What promise did He make? What calling did He place on your life? What vision did He cast in your heart? And what roadblocks have you hit? How many people are telling you this will never happen? Who or what is standing between you and the fulfillment of the promise? Beloved, this is when you and I must take God at His Word. If He said it – no matter how impossible it feels, no matter who is speaking discouragement to you, no matter how many obstacles get in your way – remind yourself “What did God say?” And get ready to go up into your Promised Land.