Help Someone Find Heart

Joy – like most kids – parrots what she hears and copies what she sees, which is a huge wake-up call. I can always pinpoint who she has been spending time with the most by her attitude and personality. That’s not to say that I am always the model of sunshine and rainbows. On those days when she has pushed every button and stomped on my last nerve, I am not the paragon of patience. And it shows. In her.
Did you know that you have a great deal of influence on the people around you? I thought about that as I read in Deuteronomy this morning. Moses was retelling the story of Israel’s journey through the “vast and dreadful desert” (1:19) (There’s another devotional in the making.) to the Promised Land. When they reached the hill country of the Amorites, they sent twelve spies on ahead to scout out the land, discover the best route, and create a battle plan. They brought back glowing reports of the lush, fruitful vines – and terrifying reports of the people they would have to fight.
Moses reminded them of their rebellion – they refused to go on. Instead they “grumbled in [their] tents and said, ‘The Lord hates us; so He brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.’” (1:27). Here’s what caught my attention: “Our brothers have made us lose heart” (1:28). Oh, what a telling statement. Even though Caleb and Joshua tried to encourage the people, ten of the twelve gave a negative, alarming report of giants versus grasshoppers. And the people soaked it all in.
Think about how the media always reports on crime and tragedies and crooked politicians and what is wrong in the world. Sure they may tack on a “feel-good” story at the end, but that does little to counteract all the discouragement they just dumped on us. Have you ever walked away from a news report feeling hopeful and positive? Me neither.
You and I are surrounded by family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, our children’s teachers, and the list goes on and on. We don’t want to be the reason they lose heart. We want to be conduits of encouragement, comfort, hope, peace, Joy, and love. Especially love. Beloved, here’s a challenge for you: ask God to use you today to encourage and build up at least one person. Let’s be the one who helps them find heart. I’m starting today with you.

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.

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.

The People of God

I found something today in Numbers 9 this morning that is burning a hole in my soul. Please verses 1-8 and hang with me through a brief history lesson. The Lord called for the Passover celebration – their first as free people after four hundred years of slavery in Egypt. The first Passover was the day they were rescued from bondage and made their dramatic escape.

He had a list of requirements for anyone observing this sacred day. There was a specific menu they were to eat and restrictions as to who could celebrate: only native-born Israelites, and only those who were ceremonially clean- who were “pure” in a formal, religious sense. This was crucial because eating the Passover meal in an unworthy manner would bring about their death. God was serious about it.

But “some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean” (v. 6). So they went to Moses to plead their case. “We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the Lord’s offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?” (v. 7).

Now consider the recent state of the church. God’s Word is clear about certain things. That life is precious, that homosexuality is a sin, that marriage is sacred, that children are to be protected, among many other matters. But men wanted their way so they appealed to other men who disregarded God’s Word and wrote their own rules that deny the Scriptures and the Holy One. So people sit comfortably in the pews who march for the “right” to murder unborn babies and approve of sexual sin in every variety, who dishonor the marriage bed, and parade men dressed as women before their children as “normal.” And God is appalled.  

Look back at Numbers 9. When the unclean people came to Moses, he did not say, “Well, I don’t see a problem here. Sure you can come to the party!” He said, “Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you” (v. 8). Moses took the matter to the Lord, and the remainder of the passage shows that God made a way for them to celebrate – after they were restored to cleanliness.

Church, it is time to find out what God commands. And then submit our lives to it. We must stop listening to people who “do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (Mk 8:33). It is time to be the pure and holy people of the Lord.

Your Crazy-Quilt Life

I wish someone had told me when I was much younger that God had a purpose for me. It would have changed everything – my education, the way I spent my time, how I thought about myself, the people I hung out with, and even the way I raised my son. I have already begun telling my granddaughter that God has a special and important plan for her life.

I appreciate Moses’ prayer: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Life moves at such a fast pace. But Moses wasn’t talking about keeping track of how many days we’ve lived; he was talking about paying attention to how we live our days. The word “number” means to appoint and prepare. It is about making your days – and the hours and minutes that make up your days – count.

God allowed Moses to grow up in the palace in Egypt as a training ground for his purpose. But I’m sure he never considered tending his father-in-law’s flock as holy schooling. But they were. He learned invaluable leadership skills in Pharaoh’s palace and he learned humility as a fugitive and a shepherd. Every step of his life was intended to move him toward his purpose.

That’s true for you and me too. My fascination with words started very early; they were part of my preparation. My high school creative writing course unlocked a passion for writing that has never left me. Yes, those were all good things, but what about the rest? What about the foolish things and the painful things and the ugly things? How could they possibly fit into God’s purpose? They taught me discernment, compassion, and, like Moses, humility. They taught me to be careful who I trust. They taught me to never judge. They taught me to be obedient to the Lord and they taught me the value of God’s Word.

Someone is sitting on a heap of regrets today. Maybe it’s been your choices or the fallout from someone else’s – either way, it’s been a rough ride and you can’t undo what has been. But God . . . You know the verse, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). “All things” mean the good, the bad, and the ugly. God doesn’t waste anything in your life. Every tear, every Joy, every sorrow, every moment is part of His training ground for your purpose. Put it all in His hands, Beloved, and He will bring about something beautiful. You.

Take a Breath and Listen

When Jesus took three disciples with Him to the top of a high mountain, they witnessed the glory of the Son of God. “There [Jesus] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light” (Matt 17:2). He was joined by Moses, who represented the Law, and Elijah, who represented the prophets. It was an awesome sight. Peter was so overcome with excitement that he started babbling – “Lord, it is good for us to be here, If you like, I will put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (v. 4). I have no doubt that James and John were nodding their heads in eager agreement. They had two of the ancient heroes of Israel and the very Son of God before them and Pete couldn’t hold his tongues long enough to pay attention. God had to shake them up – and shut them up.

“While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him, I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’” (v. 5). I can almost hear the implied, “Peter, hush. Be still and be quiet and listen to my Son.” I wonder how many times God has said the same thing to me.

When I am angry or afraid or overwhelmed or all atwitter over something I prattle on and on. I tell my friends or my husband all about it. I’ll tell the stranger in the post office line. I have even been known to mutter to myself. And yes, I tell God. Boy, do I tell God. “But wait,” you say, “aren’t we supposed to tell Him about our needs and concerns and cares.” Indeed we are, but if prayer is a conversation with God – and it is – at some point, we need to be still, be quiet, and listen to Him.

And when we do, we may hear God say “Do not fear; I will help you” as He takes us by the hand (Is 41:13). Or He might say, “This is the way, walk in it” (Is 30:21) while He points us to Jesus. Or He may take you in His arms so you can hear Him “rejoice over you with singing” (Zep 3:17).

What a privilege it is to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” and find mercy and grace in our time of need  (Heb 4:16). Take it to the Lord in prayer, Beloved, but don’t forget to take a breath and listen.

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?

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.

God Shows Up

God sent Moses to bring His people out of Egypt. Moses delivered the Lord’s demand: “Let my people go” (Ex 5:1). Pharoah retaliated by increasing the workload for the Israelites. When they could not keep up, they were beaten for failing to make quota. The situation was as bad as it could be for the Hebrews. The Israelites turned on Moses. Moses blamed God for the mess they were all in.

What was the Lord’s response? “Now you will see what I will do” (6:1)

Over and over and over in the Bible, we see situations turn dark and hopeless for God’s people – and then we see God show up and do what only He can do.

He shows up at the Red Sea.

He shows up at Jericho.

He shows up at the battle of Gibeon.

He shows up in the stories of Deborah and Jael, Gideon, Samson, and Ruth.

He shows up in Hannah’s prayer.

He shows up when David squares off against Goliath.

He shows up in every battle Israel faces.

He shows up in the widow’s jar of oil.

He shows up when Elisha and his servant are surrounded by Israel’s enemy.

He shows up in the fiery furnace and the lion’s den.

He shows up for Esther in Persia.

He shows up all throughout the Psalms.

He shows up in the belly of a whale.

He shows up in the eyes of the woman with the issue of blood and the parents of a dead little girl.

He shows up in a storm at sea, among crowds of hungry people, and in the faces of everyone who was healed, released, or raised by Jesus.

He shows up on an old wooden cross and an empty tomb.

He shows up in saints scattered by persecution.

He shows up in the face of Stephen as stones fly.

He shows up in Paul’s prison cell.

He shows up in Jesus’ final words: “I am coming soon.”

Some of us are sitting in hard places right now. We are grieving. We are hurting. We are tired. We are anxious. We are overwhelmed. We need God to show up and declare: “Now you will see what I will do.” I’m counting on Him with all my heart. You can too, Beloved, because God always shows up.