East and West

I was reading in the Psalms this morning and came across David’s prayer, “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord” (Ps 25:7). What a comfort this verse is. I’ve always tried to be transparent but I have done things that I will probably never share with you. They are things I am not proud of, things that I am, in fact, ashamed of. If you’re honest, you have some of them too.

Satan loves to go back through the record of my life and say, “Remember THIS sin? Oh, you were rotten.” “And don’t forget this day, you even made your mama cry.” “What were you thinking when you did THAT?” “How could God ever want someone like you? He is disgusted with you!” Does any of that sound familiar? Guilt is his favorite tool to beat us down and shut us up. It worked with me for a long time. But God . . .

A few years ago I was studying the names of God, particularly Elohe Chaseddi – The God of Mercy, and found Psalm 103, once again by David. He praised the Lord, “who forgives all your sins . . . who redeems your life from the pit . . . [who] is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, [and] abounding in love” (vs. 3, 4, and 8 ). This doesn’t sound at all like the angry God the enemy was touting, does it? This sounds like the God who “does not treat us as our sins deserve” (v. 10). Oh, praise His name!

This is the God who “has removed our transgressions from us – as far as the east is from the west” (v. 12). Do you know how far the east is from the west? Infinity. There’s a reason why East and West are represented on a compass by arrows. They stretch out in opposite directions and go on forever, never to meet again. Do you understand what that means in the context of this verse? If you have received God’s mercy and grace through Christ Jesus, your sins can never circle back on you.

If you have a past – and you do – that’s good news. Whatever you have done, God has placed it under the blood of His Son. You are free. He has given you a new life and a new hope. Go after it, Beloved.

In the Heat of the Battle

The Old Testament is filled with battle stories because God’s people were constantly under attack from every direction. There were rare seasons of peace in the land – but it wouldn’t be long before another enemy came at them and the fight was on again. The books of Kings and Chronicles chronicle many of those battles (did you see what I did there?). One of those stands out to me – in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was king of Judah (the southern kingdom of what was once a united Israel) and their enemies, Moab and Ammon “came to make war” (v. 1) These were very powerful armies and as they drew near, the king went to God for help. He knew his nation was not able to fend off the “vast army that is attacking us” (v. 12). But he also knew that the Lord “ruled over all the kingdoms of the nations” and that “power and might are in Your hand” (v. 6). And he knew that they were God’s own precious possession and He would defend them.

I wonder if you, like me feel like you are constantly in a battle. It seems attacks come at us from every side. From the culture, from the forces of evil, from politics and human ideology, from the devil himself, from the stresses and strains of life, from people – sometimes from family, and from our own temptations and desires. What are we to do?

We do what Jehoshaphat did. We take it to our King and Defender, the Lord and we trust Him to fight our battles, just as He did for Judah. The prophet told the king, “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). The king commanded the people to “have faith in the Lord your God” (v. 20). And there’s something else I saw in this story that will help us in our battles. Jehoshaphat “appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise Him” – and praise they did, “with a very loud voice” (vs. 21, 19). Beloved, when the battle is on, when the enemy is breathing down your neck, when the culture is trying to shut you up, when people are screaming in your face or scheming behind your back, when temptation is dangling a luscious apple in front of you, call on Jehovah Maginnenu – the Lord your Defender, pick up your shield of faith (Eph 6:16), and sing praises to God – with a very loud voice.

Redeemer

“Lord, I do not understand. Why this battle? Why this hard thing? Why this discouraging place? Why Lord, is this happening?”

I wonder if you’ve said those words or something similar lately. Why does God allow these painful things in our lives? I believe it is to show us Who He is. God wants you and me to know Him. Over and over and over in Scripture the Lord said He allowed certain things to happen “That You will know me” and “That you will know that I am the Lord.” Think about it, I would never know God as my Provider unless I had a need I couldn’t meet. You would never know God as your Healer if you were never sick. We would never know He is our Protector unless we needed protection. If you never find yourself in the darkness, you don’t appreciate the Light.

There is a name that I believe God wants you and me to know above all the others.

I ran across a verse this morning in Micah, one of the small books in the back of the Old Testament. The people have rebelled against and disobeyed the Lord. God told them: “You will go to Babylon” (Micah 4:10). And they did. They were torn from their beloved home and exiled to a foreign land. It would be a very hard time. God could rightly leave them there. They deserved punishment for their sins. But He doesn’t.

He said, “There you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you.” God is our Redeemer – the one who saves us from danger, hostility, and slavery. That is the name I believe He most wants us to know. Because until you know Him as Redeemer, you cannot know Him as Provider, Healer, Protector, or Light. God revealed Himself as Redeemer when His people were in places of danger and distress and hardship. He redeemed them first out of Egyptian slavery. He redeemed them out of Babylonian exile. And He is still redeeming. He gave His one and only Son to redeem you out of bondage to sin and death (John 3:16). God redeemed you because He loves you. When you grasp that you cannot help but love Him too.

I know you may be in a very tough spot right now. But consider this Beloved, that hard place you’re in is the perfect place for you to get to know your Redeemer. Call out to the One who loves you with perfect, holy, redeeming love.

Holy

Prepare yourselves, folks, I am about to get on my soapbox.

Reading in Isaiah this morning. Isaiah had an incredible vision of heaven, He stood in the throne room of God and “saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple”. He saw the seraphs and heard them calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Is 6:1, 3). Holy is how all of heaven identifies the Lord. And not just holy, but thrice holy.

Likewise, when we describe God, the first word that comes to mind (or should come to mind) is “Holy,” because that is how He defines Himself.  He told the Israelites, “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Lev 19:2). But what does that mean? The original Hebrew means to be sacred or set apart and declares that the person or object is free from blemish, sin, or stain, both physically and in their character. In short, “holy” means they are perfect. The designation “holy” is also a divine name; Scripture often speaks of God as “the Holy One of Israel” (Ps 71:22) and even the demons identified Jesus as “The Holy One of God” (Mk 1:24).

Why, then, do we use that word to describe everything that is not holy? Why do we use it to describe farm animals or worse, bodily functions? Why do we pair it with euphemisms for sex? Perhaps it is just a bad habit and we intend no disrespect, but that is exactly what we are doing – disrespecting the designation of the Lord God.

Friends, we must stop and think about the things we say (and post on social media). Calling unholy things holy desecrates the word reserved for the name and character of God. Every time you and I speak (or type) the word “holy” our thoughts should instinctively turn to God.  And every time we utilize the word in any form, others should be able to see our reverence.  Jesus said we will have to account for our words (Matthew 12:36). Beloved, how will you explain your use of the word “holy” when you stand before Holy God?

Thank You, Lord

I wish I were more useful and faithful to the Lord. No, I’m not fishing for accolades. I’m struck by Psalm 116:12 “How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?” When I consider how good God has been to me, I fall far short of what He deserves.

The fact of His gracious salvation is more than enough reason to devote my every breath to serving Him. For a holy God to pull this wretch out of the mud and mire of my own sin is extraordinary. But it’s how He saved me that goes beyond extraordinary. He sent His one and only Son to die in my place. I owe Him my entire being.

But He didn’t stop there – He has also given me the assurance of eternal life, of a home with Him in His heaven forever and ever and ever and . . . I cannot wrap my mind around such kindness. And I cannot work hard enough to deserve it.

But He gives more. Peace. Hope. His Word. Purpose. His presence. And Joy. Even the faith to believe comes from Him. And love. Oh, what love! Eternal love (Ps 136). Loyal love (Rom 8:35-39). Unfailing love (Ps 31:16). Gracious love (Lk 15:11-31). Abiding love (1 Jn 4:16). I am thankful that I do not have to earn His love, because I never could.

I could end it there, but He didn’t. He gave me a good man who has been by my side for almost 38 years. And a son after many years of waiting. And a granddaughter who fills my life with so much Joy. And the best job I’ve ever had. And a good home. And the opportunity to further my education. And a wonderful, loving church family. And opportunities to teach His Word. And so many precious friends – like you.

He has given me strength in times of weakness and comfort in days of pain and sorrow. He has put food in my pantry and gas in my car. He even provided a transmission once. He is my Protector, my Sword and Shield, and my Strong Tower. He is my Healer. He is my River of Peace and my Anchor of Hope.

So I will gladly pour out my life to serve Him, even if I fall short of what He is worth. How can I not, when He is my life (Deut 30:20). Beloved, is He yours?

Great is His Faithfulness

I sat on the back porch in the wee hours of the morning and prayed, “God I want to know you.” And for the next three years, the Lord pulled me out of a deep depression by taking me on a study of His names in the Bible. I still go back to those notebooks and it never fails to refresh and encourage me. If you want to know who God is, look at what He says about Himself in His Word. His attributes are woven throughout the Scriptures – His great power, His mighty strength, His sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, love, grace, mercy, goodness, kindness, gentleness, sweetness . . . the list goes on and on.

But when I reflect on all He is, the attribute that I think I love the most is His faithfulness. When Moses asked the Lord to “show me your glory,” He revealed Himself as “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness . . .” (Ex 34:6).  David declared, “You love, O Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Ps 36:5). Probably my favorite verse on the subject is Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” And least I ever think God’s faithfulness is dependent on my faithfulness, Paul said, “If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself” (2 Tim 2:13).

That means He is too faithful to give up on me. And I have given Him ample reasons to do so. I have wandered often and far. I have drawn water from tainted cisterns. I have sought comfort and peace and love in all the wrong places. I have made more foolish decisions than wise ones. I have run away. I have given up and given in. I have failed Him over and over and over.

But He never once shook His head and said, “I can’t deal with your messes.” He never dusted His hands and said, “I am done with you.” He never glared at me and said, “You’ve gone too far this time.” He never said, “I can’t love you anymore.” He is my El Emunah – My Faithful God. And He is yours too Beloved. You can trust Him. He is faithful and true.

Taste-Tested and Approved

I see lots of recipes on social media – yummy-looking desserts, casseroles, crockpot meals, dips, and the one that caught my eye this morning: white bean chicken chili. I may try that one soon. If my family likes it, I may even pass it on. But not until I’ve served it and it gets the thumbs-up – especially from Joy. I can’t imagine sharing a recipe I’ve never tried first. I wouldn’t recommend a doctor I’ve never seen or a church I haven’t attended or a book I’ve not read. If you get any kind of recommendation from me it’s only because I’ve tested it out and found it to be good.

That is why my messages are all about the Lord. As David said, I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Ps 34:8 ). I have found Him to be satisfying in every way. When I need help – and I need it a lot – He is my Helper (Ps 54:4). When the enemy attacks me Almighty God is stronger than my foe (Gen 17:1-2). When I am weary He is my Strength (Ps 19:14). When I fall into sin He is faithful to forgive me (Ps 99:8 ). When I am lonely He is with me (Jud 6:12). When I have a need I go to the Lord who provides (Gen 22:14). When the world is dark and full of evil I look to the Light (John 8:12). When I am sick I trust in the Lord my Healer (Ex 15:26).  When chaos is all around me I run to the Lord my Peace (Jud 6:24).

And when I need counsel or wisdom or just need to know what is right I know where to go because I have tested His words and they are true (John 17:17). The Bible is as sure and powerful as the One who spoke it – the God of truth (Ps 31:5). I can tell you that He is a Faithful God (Deut 7:9) because He has always been faithful to me. I can recommend Him to you without hesitation because He has proven Himself to me over and over and over again. He is the God of my Life (Ps 42:8 ).

If the white bean chicken chili shows up on my page you can know that I have tasted it and it is good. But more important than a recipe, I want to share God with you because He is everything to me. Oh, Beloved, I pray that you will taste and see that the Lord is good. I highly recommend Him.

Advent 2022: His Name is Love

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus” (Luke 1:31).

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’” – which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).

When my son was young, he loved to go to the playground at the local park which was almost always crawling with boys and girls.  He would join in with one or two children and for some reason, he called all the other kids “dude”.  I told him over and over, “Ask them what their names are.”   One day on the way home I gently lectured him on the social grace of using people’s names.  He replied, “I only seen them today and I won’t see them tomorrow so I don’t need to know their name.”   Lecture over as I tried to stifle a laugh.  But he had a point – to know someone and call them by their name indicates a relationship, ranging from playgrounds to the intimacy of lovers.

God spoke volumes in the name He gave His One and Only Son.  “Jesus” – Iesous in Greek, Yeshua in Hebrew (translated Joshua) – carried the meaning “Yahweh saves.”  The Jewish people would hear Jesus’ name and remember that the Lord had saved His people in the past and He had promised to save them again.  They recalled Joshua in the days of the exodus from Egypt, a mighty military leader and warrior who lead the armies of Israel against multiple enemies on the way to the Promised Land.  They clung to the hope of salvation and restoration from Roman rule.  Jesus was a name that spoke of the power and faithfulness of God.

But Matthew records another name that would be bestowed on this Child – Immanuel – God with us. This name speaks of God coming physically near to His people.  In the Garden, God walked with Adam, until sin came between them.  In the desert, God’s presence was in the cloud of fire, and in Jerusalem, His presence dwelt between the cherubim in the Temple – behind a heavy curtain.  But now God Himself once more walked among his people.  He shared the street with His creation, broke bread together with men, and laid the hand of God on their children’s heads.  He lived among men – and died among them.

In a perfect combination of names, He personally brought the salvation of God to all humanity.  He is the victorious power of God and the intimate love of God.  He is Jesus – Immanuel – the God who came near to save us. It is the name of Love.

Let the Name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore – Psalm 113:2.

Advent 2022: He is . . .

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

 He is the Wonderful Counselor because He is all-knowing – He has absolute wisdom. He leads with knowledge of the way ahead.  He speaks from His Word – full of righteousness with not even a hint of error.  All His ways are right and true.  His counsel is without cost, His office never closes, and He is never too busy to meet with you.  Your Wonderful Counselor is only a whispered prayer away.

 

He is a Mighty God because He is all-powerful. This Child was born to save the world. He is a warrior who defeated the foe of His people.  Only the enemy is not a human army; the enemy is death – that is, eternal separation from God.  And He did not do battle with arrows or spears or any man-made weapon.  He used a wooden cross and an empty tomb. “Death has been swallowed up in victory!” (1 Corinthians 15:54) and we will live forevermore.

 

He is our Everlasting Father because in Him is everlasting life. But not just an existence that never ends,  It is about the uninterrupted presence of God and His everlasting love (Ps. 103:17), everlasting righteousness (Ps. 119:142), an everlasting kingdom (Ps. 145:113), everlasting Joy (Is. 35:10), everlasting salvation (Is. 47:17), everlasting kindness (Is. 54:8), everlasting light (Is 60:19, 20), and an everlasting name (Is. 56:5). It will be an everlasting paradise (Rev. 2:7)!

He is the Prince of Peace who came to this earth, not in a castle, but in a stable. He came to bring us peace that cannot be broken. Certainly, in Him there is peace of mind and peace in the storm and peace between men, but Jesus Christ came that you and I might have even more – peace with our Creator.  He came to lay His body down as a bridge between us and God, ensuring peace in the most important place of all, our souls.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. What greater gift could there be, Beloved?

Hebrews: Holy

Mr. Estes lived across the street when I was a kid. He was a big man, very broad-shouldered and taller than my dad, who was himself over six feet. Just looking at him told me he was a scary guy. But it was his voice that really terrified me. Deep and loud and gruff. I heard him yell at his dog once and that was all it took for me to stay far away from him.

The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to remember their history with God. Stop here and read Hebrews 12:18-21. This is referencing the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinia (Exodus 19). God came down to the mountain amid thunder and lightning and fire and smoke and a “very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled” (Ex 19:16). I reckon so. The people were commanded to not touch God’s mountain under penalty of death. Animals were forbidden to approach it.  Even Moses trembled with fear. Why? Because the presence of God made the mountain holy.

We’ve lost the concept of “holy” today. The word is often combined with farm animals and even gross bodily functions and vulgar euphemisms for sex as an expression of surprise or even a curse. This should not be. Holy is not just four letters strung together – holy is God. It is the word the angels declared thrice before His throne: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;” (Is 6:3). “Holy” is His own self-description: “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own” (Lev 20:26). Even within the church, the word is not held with honor and reverence. This is one of my most fervent frustrations. If you use the word “holy” flippantly, I hope you are convicted and pay attention when it is on the tip of your tongue.

Wherever God goes, whatever He touches becomes holy. Remember Moses and the burning bush? God told him to take off his sandals because the ground surrounding the bush was holy. When God spoke to the Israelites at Mt. Sinia, they begged Him to stop because even His voice was holy. Their sinful ears could not bear to hear it. Whatever is set apart unto God is also holy and anything that touches the consecrated thing was also considered holy.  That includes you. Just a couple of chapters back we learned that “we have been made holy” through Christ (Heb 10:10). If you are in Christ, you are holy – set apart unto God for a relationship that will last forever. That, Beloved, should make you tremble with Joy.