Mountains and Valleys

A verse in Deuteronomy struck me yesterday. It is tucked in the commands Moses gave the Israelites just before they finally entered the Promised Land. He was telling them how good the land was, “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Deut 11:9). Verse 11 provided a powerful visual for me: “The land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven.” I realized that mountains and valleys almost always develop together.
Mountains are glorious – tall, majestic peaks that seem to reach up to the heavens. They take our breath away with their beauty and grandeur. Men climb mountains and gaze in wonder at the world below them. Mountains inspire words of prose and songs of awe. My family visited North Carolina several years ago and when we hit the Smokey Mountains I was stunned by their beauty. I’ve seen part of the Rocky Mountains and they are beyond words.
I am sure you get where I’m going. Life is full of both mountains and valleys. And rain. We all want the mountain top experience, but nobody wants to go down into the valley. We want to scale the heights with the Lord. We want to gaze in awe and wonder from that high place. But the valley is where the rain soaks in and nurtures the ground so that there is growth and fruitfulness. Some of the most stunning flowers grow in the shade of the valley.
I have been through many valleys. The truth is, I am in one right now. But if my experience has taught me anything it is that the green pastures and the quiet waters are down in the valley (Psalm 23:1-2). The valley is where we learn to walk with God and trust Him day-by-day. It is where we can most clearly see God’s goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:6).
Here is something else that spoke to my heart. Moses said, “It [the Promised Land] is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it . . .” (Deut 11:12). David said, “Even though I walk through the valley . . . You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). God watches over His children in the valley – He walks with us and comforts us.
Yes, the valleys are hard, but that is where we grow closer to God. When you and I are in the valley, Beloved, let’s plant some seeds of faith and hope and watch them bloom.

The Power of Your Words

This may surprise you, but sarcasm comes naturally to me. My mom was always after me about it. “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.” That’s one of the reasons I tend to stay off of the Book of Faces after I post the day’s devotional. I do not trust myself to not get snarky. It’s just that – gosh – some people really deserve it.
But that’s the “old man” in me. That phrase comes from the Apostle Paul who wrote often about the tug of war between who we were before Christ and who we are to be in Christ. Even though our sin has been put to death by the Lord Jesus, our urges and desires remain until we are perfected. It is a life-long battle. For some, it may be drugs or alcohol or physical pleasure or materialism. But God has been working on my mouth for a long time for good reason.
Years ago I read in Isaiah, “I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand” (51:16). That verse grabbed my heart and I prayed that God would put His words in my mouth. The next day another verse came to life – very clear in its meaning and application for me: “If you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be my spokesman” (Jer 15:19). Boom! I had a calling and a caution. I have bitten my tongue more than once – and failed to more than once.
Jesus said, “Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matt 12:36). In the original Greek, that means idle words, useless words, lazy words, ineffective words. In other words, worthless words. So then, what are worthy words? Words that are productive, words that accomplish God’s good purposes, words that work hard for the good of others, words that edify. As Paul wrote, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph 4:29).
Solomon said, “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Prov. 18:21). Your words can do great harm or great good – you and I need to use them wisely and carefully. Beloved, let’s commit to speak only “apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11)

Church Doctrine: Jesus Messiah

When we meet someone special, we want to know all that we can about them. When I met my husband, the first thing I learned about him was that he is an Alabama Crimson Tide fan through and through. Thus, I became a Bama fan too. I discovered his favorite foods and learned from his mother how to cook them. I made it my mission to know him. I guess it worked – we will be celebrating our 39th anniversary this year. Last week I told you that if you want to know God, you should get to know Jesus. If you want to know Jesus, you should learn a little about the Jewish faith. This is His background and it is important to understand who He is. It also gives us insight into details that we, as non-Jews, miss.
The Jewish people lived under outside rule since the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in the late 6th century BC, followed by the Medes and Persians, Greeks, and Romans at the time of Jesus. Because the Lord had promised a Redeemer—the Messiah, Israel looked for a military liberator to break the hold of other nations and restore their independence. They missed Jesus entirely because they didn’t have God’s perspective. They failed to see that they were under the control of the devil and that death was their true enemy.
In the church, this week has, for centuries, been called “Holy Week” and “Passion Week.” Today is Palm Sunday and marks the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. Jesus openly presented Himself as Israel’s Messiah and King. He chose a time when all Israel would be gathered in Jerusalem, a place where huge crowds could see Him, and a way of proclamation that was unmistakable.
The people lined the road, praising God, waving palm branches, and throwing their cloaks in front of the colt. They shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt 21:9) because they recognized what Jesus was proclaiming. They began to spread their clothes in the colt’s path to provide a “royal carpet” and they cut branches from palm trees, adding them to their garments on the ground and waving them before the Lord.
He fulfilled every prophecy about the Messiah. He also fulfilled the first prophecy made about Himself as the one who would crush satan’s head (Gen 3:15). This is Jesus, Beloved. Son of God. Son of Man. King of Israel. Is He the King of your heart?

Promises and Prophecies

Yesterday the weather prediction was for an 80% chance of rain. While my husband and I were out early running errands we got some misty sprinkles, and that was it for the day. NOAA recorded 0.08 inches of rain for the day. Somebody’s prediction was wrong. Predictions often fall short – prognostication is not an exact science. Ask Punxsutawney Phil.
That is why I am so thankful that the Bible is a book of promises and prophecies, not predictions. Whatever the Lord says will happen just as He declared. That is because He is operating from a position of sovereignty and providence. Those are words we don’t use much in our contemporary religion, but they are powerful and carry a rich and significant meaning. The word “sovereign” speaks to God’s rightful authority over every created thing – which covers everything that exists. Likewise, the word “providence” is speaking to God’s charge over everything He has made. I take great comfort in that.
We can see God’s supernatural hand in all through Scripture. The Lord promised Israel a land of their own and He gave them the Promised Land in Canaan – which is still their God-given territory no matter what men say. He prophesied exile in Babylon for Israel – and restoration after seventy years. Every word came to fulfillment. And He promised that, despite enemies, imprisonment, a shipwreck, and a snakebite, Paul would preach in Rome. Luke reported, “And so we came to Rome” (Acts 28:14). God does everything He declares.
When I come to passages that prophesy Christ’s return, I have one eye always looking to the east, anticipating His appearance (Matt 24:27). One day He will break open the sky and it will roll back like a scroll (Rev. 6:14). He will set His feet on the Mount of Olives and it will be split in two “from east to west, forming a great valley” (Zec 14:4). “The Lord will be King over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and His name the only name.” (v. 9).
Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon” (Rev 22:7). If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, that is a frightening prophecy, but if you are in Christ, His return is an exciting promise. Beloved, you can take Him at His Word; He is on His way. Will you join me in declaring, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20).

Follow Jesus

Obedience is the mark of faith in the Christian’s life. Sometimes obedience is simple, even delightful. When the Scriptures say, “Forsake not the assembling of yourselves” (Heb 10:25 KJV), it is a Joy to obey and gather with our church family. When Jesus commanded, “Love one another” (Jn 15:17) it is (usually) a sweet pleasure.
But what about when He tells us to do something hard, something illogical, something impossible? Not so easy now, is it? But God doesn’t give us a pass when it’s hard. He still expects absolute obedience. Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In Joshua 3 they were camped on the east side of the Jordan River (v. 15). Canaan was on the west side. It was unfamiliar territory inhabited by fierce people groups who were not going to just hand over their homes.
The Lord told the Levites to take up the ark of the covenant and stand in the river – which, by the way, was at flood stage. Sounds like the perfect setup for rebellion. But Joshua delivered a word that gave the Israelites courage. He said, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” Then he told the people to consecrate themselves, “for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you” (vv. 3-5).
I’ve studied the late Henry Blackaby’s masterpiece study, “Experiencing God” several times and his wise premise is to watch what God is doing and follow Him. That is the heart of Joshua’s message. He didn’t just tell them to march out – he told them to follow the Lord their God who would do something amazing. That is the key to obedience when the task is hard.
I’m sure you are familiar with the “Footprints” poem, which says when there is only one set of footprints that is where the Lord carried you through hard times. I have a different perspective. I want to follow Jesus so closely that I step in His footprints, leaving none of my own – especially when the way is hard. I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Mat 25:21).
Beloved, I don’t know what difficult thing God is asking of you, but I know two things for certain – He will go before you and He will do amazing things when you follow Him. Step out into His footprints, good and faithful servant.

Give Me Jesus

I had some lovely praise and worship time this morning, thanks to a dear friend who posted some videos of songs that touched her heart. One of those songs was “Give Me Jesus.”. I remember the first time I heard it. I fell in love with it – and with the singer, Fernando Ortega. (I’ll post his beautiful version in the comments.) I loved his style of writing and singing. He was my personal worship leader.
But then my life got very busy when I started back to school. I was also working and serving at my church and caring for my family. I didn’t have – or perhaps I should say I didn’t make time for listening to my favorite musician. When we moved the CDs got packed up – and didn’t get unpacked. They weren’t a priority as I was still deep in seminary and eventually working again and along came a little girl who needed her Nana. Eventually, the box got shoved in a closet somewhere and I forgot about Fernando.
I believe that happens to us in our spiritual life too. We start out with Jesus – so in love and attentive to His word and His Spirit. We talk to Him – and about Him – at every opportunity. But then life happens and Jesus gets less and less of us. Work, family responsibilities, illness, a move, and of course, struggles, disappointments, life changes, and grief all work against our time with Jesus. Or maybe that’s just me.
All the things I’m doing are good in and of themselves. But if they draw me away from Jesus, they are not serving a good purpose. What’s the answer? I have to “Love the Lord [my] God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength” (Mark 12:30). He can’t just be my No. 1 priority. He has to be my only priority. He has to have all of me. Does that mean that I don’t tend to my other responsibilities? No, but it does mean that some things – maybe even good things – may have to get less of me so that Jesus can have more. I can think of several time-wasters that I can eliminate. That may be true for you too.
Beloved, when you “Delight yourself in the Lord He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). He will give you Himself.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord

God doesn’t always do what I want Him to do. He doesn’t always answer my prayers according to my wishes or follow my well-laid-out plans. There are things I’ve prayed about for years that remain unresolved. Hard situations that haven’t magically gotten better. People I’ve laid at His feet over and over who get up and wander back into sin and self-destruction. What are we to do when – let’s call it what it really is – we’re disappointed with God? I know. It seems almost sacrilegious to say it, but if we’re not honest with God we will always be stuck with this gnawing sense that He can’t be trusted.
So what do we do when the doubts creep in? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Two key things stand out to me. First: “trust” – it means to “have confidence in.” That’s pretty simple. But do you? Do you have confidence in God? Do you trust in His goodness, faithfulness, and love? Do you have confidence that He will always do what is right and best – even if what He does doesn’t meet your expectations?
Then – and this was huge to me – three words: “heart,” “understanding,” and “acknowledge.” The “heart” is the seat of our thoughts, emotions, and understanding. “Acknowledge” means to know, recognize, understand. Did you see the word “understand” all over this? “Understand” at its root – this is key – means “to consider with full attention.” There it is. When we lean on our own understanding – we are giving ourselves, our thoughts, and our emotions our full attention. But when we “trust in the Lord with all our heart” we give Him our full attention.
I don’t know about you, but I can easily drive myself into a rut of negativity. “God isn’t interested in your petty problems.” “He is angry at you.” “He is disappointed in you.” “You don’t deserve His help – you made this mess on your own.” You and I must continually bring our focus back to God and our thoughts back to Philippians 4:8. No, I’m not going to give it to you. Go look it up.
Beloved, where are you focusing your attention today? On yourself, on your emotions, on your problems, or on your God? He is your solid rock. He will never betray your confidence in Him. You really can “Trust in the Lord.”

Doctrines of the Faith: God of Love; God of Power

We continue to look at the doctrines of the Christian faith, and the first matter we must settle is the reality of God. We have established His existence and His place as both Creator and Father. Today we will look deeper at God’s core characteristics in a verse from the pen of King David: “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving” (Psalms 62:11-12).
I have pondered this verse for a long time and wondered what was the one thing that God said for David to draw his conclusion. I believe the Spirit has given me a clue that goes back to a burning bush in the wilderness. I want to suggest that David is speaking of God’s self-declaration. When Moses asked His Name, the Lord replied: “I AM.” ( Ex 3:14). That was it. But it was enough.
But how did David figure out two things from one statement? Experience. The same way you and I do. When he was surrounded by enemies, his God came in power. When his heart was breaking, his Lord was tender. We need a God who is both. A God who is benevolent but powerless is no help to us in our time of need. A God who is powerful but unfeeling breeds fear that drives us away from Him.
We need to know God as His Word describes Him and we need to respond to Him as He has revealed Himself. We must trust His love for us as our Heavenly Father. We must also trust that He is able to help us in our time of need. Many see God as see God only as harsh and uncaring, but that portrays Him as a mean-spirited ogre. Still others see Him only as a doting Father handing out blessings like candy. That makes Him into a one-dimensional entity. That is not the God of the Bible. The Lord God is all-loving, and He is all-powerful. Not in perfect balance, but in perfect fullness. We can come before Him boldly because we are convinced of His love for us, and we are persuaded that He can and will come to our aid.
Beloved you are in the most wonderful place today – supported by the arms of One who is so mighty and awesome, and who loves you with an everlasting and consuming love.

No Other God

Camping on the theme from yesterday’s devotional about God’s rescue. We learn more about who God is and what can do when we are in the hard places than at any other time. At least that is true for me. Yes, I read the Bible every day and I study theology books and dig deeply in the Scriptures, but it is in the dark times that His glory and brilliance shine the brightest. But not only for you and me. When God comes to our rescue our family and friends and neighbors and coworkers and church family see Him too.
When Daniel, and his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were taken to Babylon, they left the temple behind, but God went with them. In Daniel 3 the three friends, now called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a challenge: bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image or face certain death. They chose to stand with God and the king was not happy. He said he would throw them into the fiery furnace and said, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (vs 15). If there ever was a set-up for God to show up and show off, this was it. Neb and all the officials of Babylon were about to see the power of the God of Israel.
You know the story – the boys did not bow and the furnace burned with the king’s fury. They were tossed in and greeted by a “fourth man.” None other but the Son of God. They emerged from that fire unscathed. The only thing that was burned away were the ropes that bound them and “there was no smell of fire on them” (v. 27).
The king and all his officials crowded around them and Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego . . . They trusted in Him and defiled the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” He decreed that honor be given to their God, “for no other god can save in this way” (vv. 28-29). The Babylonians recognized the power and authority of God in the middle of the trio’s fiery trial.
Whatever your hard season Beloved, I know that God will come to your rescue and it will be amazing and the people around you will take notice. Let’s be people of faith so the world can say, “Only the Lord God can save in this way!”

My Rescuer

Image: “The Lost Lamb” by Alfred Usher Soord (1868-1915).

I have been in some hard places in my life, some of my own making, some the result of other’s actions, and some through the ups and downs of life. Some were frightening, some were heartbreaking, and most were depressing. Two things were certain – I felt all alone and I thought my situation was hopeless. I’ve lived through quite a few of those places and I have learned some things I hope will encourage you through your own.
First is the promise that you are not alone in your hard place. The Lord God journeyed with the Israelites for forty years in a wilderness, through the desert and the rocky crags, through blistering hot days and cold nights and He never abandoned His people. But most importantly, He was faithful to them through their rebellion, failures, mistakes, and disobedience. He was with them in battle and in the drudgery of their daily lives. The entire book of Exodus is the story of God’s goodness to His chosen people. And lest you forget, others have walked the same valleys of hardship and heartache and are happy to journey with you through yours.
There is also the assurance that God will faithfully provide for you and me, even in the hard places. I marvel constantly at how God has met my family’s needs through the years. From car repairs to rent, groceries, school supplies, a place to live, a job, and even my education. God knows what we need and He is a good Father who cares about and for His kids.
But this verse from the prophet Micah speaks volumes to me about the hard places. “You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued. There the Lord will redeem you” (Micah 4:10). I learned that knowing God is the most important thing in my life and you and I will only know Him through experience. I know He is the God who rescues His children because He has rescued me time and time again. Here’s the point: I would not know this facet of His character if I’d never been in “Babylon” – if I’d never been in need of rescue.
I am prone to trouble. But I know that wherever I am, whatever caused the difficulty, however deep the pit, God will rescue me because He has done so before. Beloved, hard places are not the end of your story. They are where God comes to your rescue. They are how you come to know your Redeemer.