Less is More

"The LORD said to Gideon,

'You have too many men.

I cannot deliver Midian into their hands,

or Israel would boast against me,

"My own strength has saved me."'"

Judges 7:2

John the Baptist knew this truth well.  He was created for a specific purpose; to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.  Once he saw Jesus taking His rightful place as the chosen One, John declared the fulfillment of his purpose in saying, "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30).

In the same way that John understood the importance of letting Jesus have supremacy, I must take on the same mindset if God is to get all the glory in my life.  If I want to truly experience my purpose, He must become greater and I must become less.  In the kingdom where Jesus reigns and I desire to dwell, less is considered to be more.

Confidence

"I wish I had a fraction of your confidence."  I often say this to my dear husband who is overflowing with what I often lack.  Even though I tease him about his boldness and self-assurance, I know it is not really in his own capabilities that he trusts.  Instead, I know that my husband simply has faith in what God can do through him.

My problem is that I have a hard time getting over myself.  I am not so different from Moses in this way.  When he stood before the burning bush, receiving a powerful calling from God through a most extraordinary delivery method, Moses couldn't get over himself.  Are You sure You've got the right guy? (Exodus 3:11) What if the people don't listen?  I'm not one of them and I don't know what they call You! (v 13)  What if they don't believe me?  (Exodus 4:1)  Each time, God reassured Moses, giving him the answer he needed or a sign to prove His purpose.  

Then Moses got to the real issue: he didn't think he was capable of doing what God was asking him to do. I've never been good at speaking.  I'll never be able to speak in a way that anyone will listen.  I'll make a fool of myself!  ( Exodus 4:10)  Still, God calmly encouraged Moses with the truth that He made His mouth and was perfectly capable of giving him the ability to speak when the time came.  Trust me, Moses.  I'll be with you every step of the way (v 11-12).

Unfortunately, his own insecurity was too much.  Moses just couldn't picture himself standing in front of all the people, delivering a message he feared he couldn't give. Please, can't you send someone else?  This lack of faith angered God. Fine, I'll send your brother, Aaron, as your mouthpiece (v 13-17).  I can relate.

If I could only grasp what the Apostle Paul seemed to understand:  The weaker I am, the better.  The less of me there is, the more of God there is.  My own frailties are only an opportunity for God's strength to prevail (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In God's kingdom, the less able I am, the greater is the opportunity for God to shine.

Wisdom

I don't know enough to do this job.  What if someone asks me a question I can't answer?  What if no one else is there to lead and I am asked to step up?  What if. . . what if. . .  The "what ifs" often keep me from going where God is leading me.  What I often fail to understand, though, is that less is more in God's kingdom.

I don't need to possess all the wisdom I think is necessary before I start doing what God is calling me to do.  God is the One with all the understanding.  If I trust Him enough to step out in faith, believing that He will equip me once I accept His calling on my life, I'll find Him faithful to supply what I need at just the right time (Proverbs 9:10). The only qualification necessary for doing what God wants me to do is to be connected to the Source of all good things (John 15:5).

As I value Him above everything else in my life, His Word will become like vital sustenance to my soul.  I'll find that I can't begin the day without drinking in His living water.  A deep hunger will arise that can only be satisfied with a thorough study of the Bible and a meditation of the meaningful truths that come forth as a result.  

I may not be wise in the ways of the world nor in the realm of academia, but even the lowest thought that God can muster is wiser than anything that comes out of the world (1 Corinthians 1:25).  Everything I need to know is found in relationship with Christ.  The closer I get to Him, the more I will understand about the things that matter most (Colossians 2:2-3).   While the world may not recognize this brand of wisdom, I will never be sorry that I sought after it. 

In God's kingdom, wisdom flows from my relationship with Christ, not from the potency of my brain power.

Ambition

"You can do anything you put your mind to."

In the world in which I live, I am constantly bombarded with the message that I can reach any goal I set as long as I try hard enough.  Ambition can buy me the American dream, the fulfillment of my aspirations and the success I've always wanted.  As long as I work consistently and purposefully, I can hit any target for which I aim.

While this philosophy may (or may not) work in the world's economy, it certainly is not appropriate in God's.  In His kingdom it is less my own effort and more of God's grace that is vital.  In the world, I am the maker of my own destiny.  In God's kingdom, He is the Master Potter who created each of His own with a specific purpose in mind (Isaiah 45:9). Therefore, my role is to submit to His Lordship and allow Him to lead me through my days.

This means I must spend less time in trying to reach the goals I have set for myself, and more time in learning about the plan God has for my life (Jeremiah 29:11-13). I must decrease the amount of effort I put into getting ahead and increase the exertion I make into growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus (2 Peter 3:17-18).  I must put forth less energy into doing what I think looks religious and focus more intently on my relationship with the God who loves me unconditionally (1 John 4:16).

In His so-called Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught some radical truths as He revealed His kingdom to a hungry crowd.  He said it was time to cease running after all the things I think I need.  To me, this seems like a crazy concept.  Wouldn't I be irresponsible if I don't take care of my basic necessities?  I ask myself.  While the world may think so, Jesus had His reason for teaching such a radical idea.  He was trying to convey to those who would follow Him that we have a Father who knows our needs and is perfectly able to supply them.

Since I possess such a Father, I am free to live with the liberty of wholly focusing on Him and His kingdom.  I can devote myself to the work He has set aside for me to do, knowing that He will give me what I need to live (Ephesians 2:10). Or, as Oswald Chambers said, I can dedicate my life to Jesus Christ and pleasing Him.  "Learn to discern where the ambition leads, and you will see why it is so necessary to live facing the Lord Jesus Christ."  Any other direction will take me away from Him.

In God's kingdom, the less ambition I possess to attain worldly success, the more I have left to run to Jesus.

The values of God's kingdom are upside down and backwards to what I find in the world around me.  Therefore, it is important that I keep in mind that my confidence comes less from me and more from God, lasting wisdom is found in the mysteries revealed by the One who desires to be known, and the drive to succeed in this world can be replaced by a determination to grow closer to God.  In these ways, less is more in God's kingdom.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can step back from the world's economy and take stock of how much I have invested there.

When do I rely on my own understanding instead of seeking the wisdom of God?

How am I ambitious for success but indifferent toward my relationship with God?   


Originally published on March 20, 2019

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So What?

"Then the LORD turned to him and said,

'Go with the strength you have,

and rescue Israel from the Midianites.

I am sending you!'

'But Lord,' Gideon replied, 'How can I rescue Israel?

My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh,

and I am the least in my entire family!'

The LORD said to him,

'I will be with you.  

And you will destroy the Midianites

as if you were fighting against one man.'"

Judges 6:14-16 NLT

My dog ate my homework.

The sun was in my eyes.

I forgot.

I ran out of time.

These are common excuses I've heard throughout my life.  While it is tempting for me to use excuses to justify my failures, it doesn't do anything toward solving the problem my sin has created.  It takes humility and spiritual maturity to be able to own up to my weaknesses and wrongdoing.

As if it wasn't bad enough for me to try to explain away my failure to do right when dealing with humans, it simply isn't a good idea to try this same tactic when it comes to God.  Still, it doesn't keep me from trying.  Usually, my insecurities and fears drive me to such a point.

When God calls, I have a million excuses:  I'm ill-equipped, not well-suited, afraid, inexperienced.  What I must remember is that God calls the weak to shame the strong in order to receive all the glory for what is done and to keep me humble (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).  Therefore, I must trust Him and remember the only thing that matters; He is with me!

Wisdom

The world says that wisdom comes with experience and age, honed over the years when one has gone through difficult circumstances and come out on the other side with lessons learned and understanding gained.  God, however, says something different.

He says that He is the source of all wisdom.  When I need to know what to do, how to handle a situation or how to best use the resources God has given me, He will show me if I trust Him fully.  I must believe with all of my heart that He holds the answer to every question, the solution to all problems and the key to every locked door (James 1:2-8).  If I'm not completely confident in His ability to supply the know-how and understanding I need, He will withhold wisdom from me.

When I don't respect God as the giver of all good things and the dispenser of all that I need, I will doubt, thinking I may need to consult a wise friend to confirm His answer (Psalm 111:10).  Other times I may think it foolish to only depend on God to show me the way, wondering, what if He's busy or what if I miss His cues?  I could even prefer to listen to "an expert" since his advice sounds so practical and common-sense.  Whatever my excuse for not seeking God, it will only result in missing His guidance. 

When I seek the world's brand of "wisdom" I will find myself going after that which does not honor God.  My mission will become to elevate my own agenda and to win at all costs.  I'll look out for my own best interests and forget about others, figuring they can fend for themselves.  Jealousy will rear it's ugly head and I'll find myself miserable.

The wisdom God dispenses liberally, however, is wholly intent on honoring Him and furthering His purpose.  It doesn't promote the common practice of using others to get what I want but sees all people as bearers of God's holy image.  Peace will follow as God gets the glory for what He is doing in my life (James 3:13-18).

When I trust God enough to answer His call on my life, He will give me wisdom to know how to live.

Strength

I am weak.  As someone who has been given physical strength, however, this admission does not come easily.  While it may be natural for me to lift a heavy box, take two steps at a time, or open a tightly-closed jar, it's not so easy for me to do what is outside of my comfort zone.  For this, I need the strength of the Lord.

God is faithful to provide the power I need to love those who treat me with contempt.  It takes His strength to show kindness and compassion to someone who constantly throws sharp barbs at me.  Often, though, the harshest among us are the ones who are hurting the most.  God's love could break through the hard shell they've erected for protection.  

He is also the only One who can lift me up out of the pit of despair.  When my feelings tell me I'm no good and my life is without hope, the Lord is the One who can give me the strength to stand up and receive His mercy (Psalm 40:1-3).

In addition, the Lord can give me the ability to stand firm in times of confusion, speaking the truth in love.  When it seems to me that others are more equipped to stand up for what is right, if I'm the one who notices the wrong-teaching, it is up to me to set the record straight.  He will give me the strength to do my part so the body of Christ will be edified (Ephesians 4:14-16).

When I trust God enough to answer His call on my life, He will give me the strength to do what He's called me to do.  

Favor

I didn't know what to do.  I finished all the work, but was unsure of how to complete the job.  Since I didn't feel comfortable with the final stages, I let the project sit dormant for years.  As my friend is fond of saying, I failed to run through the finish line.

God is a strong finisher.  When He set out to create the world, He didn't stop until the task was done, looking at His work and declaring it good (Genesis 1).  I, on the other hand, tend to work with gusto in the areas where I feel comfortable and neglect what is not.  For instance, I have no problem cooking up a great meal, but would rather leave the clean-up to someone else.

When I buck my feelings, however, and instead trust God enough to plunge ahead, I will find that He sets all the pieces in place so that the job is not as bad as I thought it would be.  Before I know it, I'm doing what I thought I could never do because the Lord is making it all work out.  

If I don't feel comfortable speaking in public, for example, I can trust Him to give me the words I need to deliver the message He has for others to hear.  Or, when I answer His call to adopt a child even though I've never thought of myself as the motherly type, I will find my heart drawn to the little one who so desperately needs a home.  Even if I don't mind praying with my family but could never imagine leading a prayer in a group, trusting God enough to obey His gentle prods will result in words freely flowing from my mouth in a song of praise.

Not only will God equip me, but He has gone before me to set all the pieces in place in preparation for my arrival.  When I resist the urge to hold back but instead walk forward in faith, I will find doors opening up to allow my passage, people offering to help, and resources appearing as if from nowhere.  I'll only witness this kind of favor, however, when I trust God enough to take a step into the darkness where He is waiting for me.

When I trust God enough to answer His call in my life, His favor will enable me to finish the mission.

I have a million excuses as to why I can't do something to which God is calling me.  God's answer, however, is "So what?"  If He is with me, what is there I cannot do?  His presence gives me the wisdom I need to know what to do, the strength required to do the work, and the favor that is necessary to finish the job.  In other words, I have no excuse!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop using excuses and start trusting God.

When do I feel weak but forget that He is strong?

How am I trying to make things happen instead of following God's lead?   


Originally published on March 18, 2014 

What's Your Name?

"But Joash shouted to the mob that confronted him,

'Why are you defending Baal?

Will you argue his case?

Whoever pleads his case will be put to death by morning!

If Baal truly is a god, let him defend himself

and destroy the one who broke down his altar!'

From then on Gideon was called Jerub-baal,

which means,

'Let Baal defend himself,'

because he broke down Baal's altar."

Judges 6:31-32 NLT

President Benjamin Harrison was called "Kid Gloves" because he wore the hand coverings to protect his skin from its tendency for infection.

In high school, Jerry Lewis' nickname was "Id," short for idiot.

Carole Marsciarelli became known as "Penny" because as a child she saved up pennies to buy a horse.  We now know her as Penny Marshall.

Flip Wilson earned his stage name while serving in the U.S. Air Force when one of his bunk mates said, "He flippeth his lid."

Many times nicknames come about because of a certain behavior or practice, or due to a particular incident that occurred.  Gideon was no different.  He earned the nickname "Jerubbaal" because he had the courage to defy his father and the townspeople by obeying God and destroying the altar they erected to Baal.  When confronted, he challenged the people's willingness to contend for Baal.

What is it that I am quick to defend?  For what am I willing to rise up and contend?  If it's so powerful a force in my life that I find the need to speak out on its behalf, maybe I need to reconsider my priorities.

Freedom

Their presence burned me up inside.  I was driving on a local interstate freeway when I caught sight of their protest signs as I passed underneath a bridge.  They held their signs against the very war my husband was risking his life in which to fight.  These protesters even had the nerve to question the honor of my husband and soldiers like him.  To vent my frustrations, I wrote a scalding letter to the editor of the newspaper, chastising them for creating a hostile environment to which my husband would return from the battlefield. 

We love our freedoms and use them liberally to proclaim whatever beliefs we so adamantly wish to share with the people around us.  When anyone attempts to take away my freedom of speech which gives me the right to voice my opinion, and those protesters to do the same, I am ready for a fight.

It's easy for me to get passionately drawn into a quest for freedom.  When I see the government growing larger and larger as it demands more and more power, I am alarmed.  I am ready to fight to save the liberties for which our forefathers so valiantly fought.  

What about the freedom Christ gave His life for me to enjoy?  Am I as deeply passionate about my liberty from the obligation to earn my own salvation?  No.  Many times I find myself feeling guilty for how I have fallen short instead of remembering my true identity as a sinner saved by grace who is incapable of doing good (Romans 3:23, Romans 7:18).  Other times I'm bound and determined to prove my worth by serving out of obligation instead of obedience to God's direct calling on my life.   Sometimes I even use my own effort to attempt to become a better person instead of cooperating with God as He changes me from the inside out (Romans 12:1-2).

Jesus gave His life, suffering much abuse, so that I could live in freedom from the obligation to follow the law, in peace with my Father who expects perfection, and liberated from the guilt that comes from falling short.  I am justified freely by God's grace, made right with a holy God who loves me enough to send His Son to take my punishment so that I might approach Him boldly and with confidence (Romans 3:24, Hebrews 4:16).  Am I so quick to throw this away?  

Yes I am.  Despite this unspeakable sacrifice, I so often slip back into my tendency to try to do good, to attempt to earn my place in God's family by the sweat of my brow, to hold up the standard I am unable to reach but expect others to attain.  When will I stand up and contend for this freedom which has already been won for me (Galatians 5)?  

Jesus died so that I could enjoy true freedom.  Let me be known as one who has the courage to speak in defense of this liberty.

Rights

I remember the lyrics to an absurd song from my youth.  "You gotta fight for your right to party."  Even then I thought it lame, it did speak to a generation of kids who bought into the idea that they had the right to do with their life as they best saw fit.  

Americans take the idea of rights very seriously, so much so that the thought that I have complete autonomy is ingrained within me.  Unfortunately, while this way of thinking may appeal to my sin nature, it runs counter to God's kingdom.  If I am to make Jesus my king and live in His kingdom, I will need to realize that He is the only One with a right to me.  After all, He bought me at a steep price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

When I think, then, that I am entitled to be treated fairly and with respect, I will place that expectation above God's love.  Instead of showing compassion to the harried clerk who rudely handles my refund, then, I will demand to notify her supervisor to make sure action is taken against her rough behavior.  Unfortunately, while I may have done the right thing in the eyes of the world, I neglected to pass on the love and mercy of God to someone who desperately needed it.

I will also fight a merchant tooth and nail for a good price on a service he provides for me, thinking it is my right to pay the least amount possible.  Unfortunately, while I may have proved myself a shrewd consumer, I failed to contribute to the livelihood of a man who earns his living serving others.

When my daughter comes home from school with a note from the teacher, I take the opportunity to defend my child, accusing the overwrought woman of unfair treatment.  Unfortunately, I missed an opportunity to extend the forgiveness so freely given to me by a God whose mercies are new every morning.

Jesus' blood paid for my life.  Let me be known as one who lets God use me in a way that brings glory to Him.  

Contentment

I don't want to be rich but have enough to pay my bills with a little left over to do what I want to do.  I want to live comfortably. This is what I used to tell myself as I struggled to pay our family's bills.  Instead of being thankful for what God had provided and the faithful way He supplied my needs, I wanted more.  I wasn't content with what I had been given.  Instead, I thought I'd be happier with a little more.

I seek that which gratifies my sinful desire; to live a life of ease and to be well cared for.  Unfortunately, since my sin nature is never satisfied, I will never reach that level of contentment I thought was just up the pay scale.

The Apostle Paul told Timothy that, "true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth"  (1 Timothy 6:6 NLT).  He went on to explain how we came into this world with nothing and will leave the same way.  Therefore, if we have what we need, that should be enough.  When I go after more than what I've been given, I am in danger of wandering away from what is of true value: my faith. (1 Timothy 6:6-12)

As a result, I would be wise to seek godliness instead of happiness, living by faith instead of being led by my flesh, and sitting at the feet of Jesus instead of going after a reputation as a hard worker.  While I may think being content is what will give me a good life, the real joy comes when I surrender my life to Christ, letting Him be Lord of my life.  It is then that I will produce fruit that will last, and that will bring true satisfaction(John 15:5).

Jesus died so that I could live an abundant life. (John 10:10)  Let me be known as one who values Him above my desire to live comfortably.

What is my legacy?  When I am gone will people remember me for the way I stood for my liberties, defended my rights and sought after a life of contentment?  Or, will others recall the way I lived as a sinner saved by grace who was bought with a price and valued holy living above my own sense of satisfaction?   Today could be the day that I could start to make a name for myself; a name that will bring glory to the One who died for me!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can set aside any right I think I have to my own life and freely submit to Christ.

When is my own comfort my utmost desire?

How do I forget the freedom I have in Christ?


Originally published on March 19, 2014  

Downward Spiral

"After that whole generation 

had been gathered to their ancestors,

another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD

nor what he had done for Israel.

Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD

and served the Baals."

Judges 2:10-11

School.  Enriching activities.  Competitive sports.  Meaningful friendships.  There are many pursuits available and touted as important to the development of children that I as a parent strive to include in my sons and daughters' lives.  

Consequently, I support them in their studies, making sure they have plenty of rest, eat right and get their homework done.  I am told by a competitive world that including sports in their lives also promotes healthy exercise while teaching them to work as a team and to develop self-discipline.  As a parent, I also feel the pressure to make sure my kids have good friends who are willing to support them and provide companionship while helping them to cultivate sound interpersonal skills.  There are many areas of development to consider when raising healthy children. 

Out of all the areas in which I endeavor to promote development in my children, however, do I ever think about their spiritual development?  Do I consider the importance of teaching them God's ways, sharing the Gospel and encouraging them to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ?  These are not things that are automatically known nor are they something that can be learned simply by being the children of believing parents.  

Instead, the truths found in God's Word must be passed on to my offspring, deliberately and consistently taught.  Otherwise they will be lost to a whole new generation; and then there will be consequences.

Doing Evil

Hooking up.  Cheating.  Gender Identity.  Homosexuality.  

These are some examples of the evil that has permeated the hearts and minds of a new generation.  They are taught to be tolerant of alternative lifestyles, to do what it takes to get ahead, and that their own happiness is what's most important.  As a result, God and His ways have been lost.

A new Pew study reveals that young adults aged 18-33, dubbed the "Millennial Generation," are the least religious ever.  Only 33% consider themselves to be "religious," while 20% in this age bracket have married.  This change in cultural behavior can be seen as direct result of a whole new generation growing up without God and His values.  It is clear that those who drift away from the Lord will do what is evil in the eyes of the Lord (2 Timothy 3:1-9).

Therefore, it is not surprising that homosexuality is widely accepted as simply a way to express yourself.  When children are not given a foundation in Biblical truths, it is easy for them to believe the lies they are fed through the media, entertainment and even the educational system.  Without a grounding in what is right in God's eyes, they'll be easily swayed (Ephesians 4:11-14).

Is it any wonder, that children today view sex as just another pastime?  When they haven't learned to respect this gift God gave His creation to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage, it's not surprising to instead find them following their own nature and doing what feels good.

I can't either be shocked to learn that 90% of middle school students have copied their homework from a fellow-student, 80% of high school students have admitted to cheating on exams last year while 82% of college-age students have plagiarized from Wikipedia.  Cheating is considered to be a socially acceptable part of getting through life.  Without the grounding found in learning about a God who values truth and honesty, this trend will only grow stronger with time.

When I fail to teach the next generation about God and His ways, they will be comfortable with doing what is evil in the eyes of the Lord.

Serving gods

God is becoming irrelevant.  I'm not saying that He really is immaterial, but that people believe He is not as important to their day-to-day lives as He used to be.  The above cited survey stated that only 2 out of 3 young adults adhere to any kind of religion.  Assuming that some of those people are following other gods, we are left with a small percentage of those who truly buy into what God teaches in His Word.  

While I've been warned that few will find the narrow gate, (Matthew 7:14) it is apparent to me that the Lord has faded into the foggy distance for many because He has not been revered as the center of all things.  When our society removes the Ten Commandments and stops using God's standard to guide their own judgment, it's not surprising to find people turning to other sources to find their values, sense of purpose and guidance.

Psychologists grow in stature as people seek to know how to handle situations.  Self-help books fly off the shelves as the hurting look for ways to find healing.  Alternative practices such as meditation are adopted as the stressed-out and burdened try to find peace.

In truth, all that is needed is found in relationship with the One who created me through faith in Jesus Christ.  When I turn to Him, He gives wisdom, promotes healing and is the only source of peace (Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 147:3, Philippians 4:6-7).  Without Him, nothing I do matters (John 15:5).

When I fail to teach the next generation of God and His ways, they will turn to other sources to find meaning.

Losing God's Favor

Moses acknowledged that he was unwilling to go forward without it (Exodus 33:3, 12-14). Saul didn't realize it's importance until it was too late (1 Samuel 16:14). David knew it was his only hope (Psalm 25).  God's presence and favor is what sets His people apart from all others, making straight their paths and guiding their footsteps (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:23).

I hear people talk about how hard the times are.  There are mass killings, wars, abductions, murders, drunk driving, fallen economies and attacks by terrorists.  Planes fall from the sky, the earth swallows up entire neighborhoods and monster storms wipe out complete sections of our cities.  People wonder why all the bad things are happening.  

Living in a fallen world is just plain brutal.  There is no rest for anyone as darkness descends upon us.  Instead of looking for a way to cope, however, it would be wiser to consider Who we have forsaken.  Without God's protective favor, life in such a place is unpleasant to say the least.  Living in darkness without the benefit of Light is no life at all.

Yet this is what we are doing as a culture.  I see the way entire nations deny God by refusing to acknowledge His sovereign nature.  Instead of relying on His strength and admitting to man's sinfulness, we stubbornly resolve to pick up the pieces and move on.  In the place of submitting to His sovereign nature, we think we can drive things our way by the sheer force of our will.  As a substitute to honoring God as the Creator of all things, we attempt to come up with our own rules, even going so far as to try to modify or improve on His handiwork. 

When I fail to teach the next generation of God and His ways, they will find out what it's like to live without the benefit of God's favor.

In the time of the Judges, there was a clear cycle of unfaithfulness followed by repentance and the return of God's favor.  Likewise, I am living in a time when mankind is drifting away from God.  When I fail to buck the trend and teach young ones the importance of the truth found in His Word, there will be certain consequences I can expect, and am in fact already witnessing(Deuteronomy 6:4-9).  Evil will increase, other gods will rise in importance, and God's favor will be withdrawn.  In these ways, a denial of God's charge to teach His commandments leads to a downward spiral that cannot be avoided.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember how important it is to teach the next generation about the Lord. 

When do I avoid speaking the truth in love because I think someone else will set the record straight?

Who is in my sphere of influence but has no understanding of God and His ways?  How can I bring enlightenment?  

Originally published on March 13, 2014

The Lord Goes Before You

"Then Deborah said to Barak,

'Get ready!

This is the day the LORD will give you victory over Sisera,

for the LORD is marching ahead of you.'

So Barak lead his 10,000 warriors down 

the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle."

Judges 4:14 NLT

He knew in his heart what he must do.  The people had suffered so under the iron fist of Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army.  His 900 chariots intimidated the people of Israel into submission.  Who could rise up against them to win liberty?  Barak knew he was the man for the job; the Lord had placed this call upon his life.  Still, his heart quaked at the thought of what he must do.

Soon he received a summons from Deborah, the prophetess of great faith who led the people with grace and wisdom.  Not surprisingly, she spoke to him as if he already knew what to do, which he did.  

"Didn't you hear a command from the Lord to confront Sisera and his army?  Go!  Take 10,000 men from Naphtali and Zebulun and the Lord will draw Sisera and his multitudes to meet you at the river Kishon.  There our mighty God will deliver them into your hand."

"I am ready, but I do not want to go it alone.  I need the assurance that God is with me; I need to know His will and to hear His voice. Since your faith is so strong, Deborah, will you go with me to help me do as God has bid?"

"Yes," came the reply from the woman of God, "but it will not be you who receives the glory, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman."  (paraphrased from Judges 4:1-9)

Barak proceeded to gather the necessary troops and prepare for battle.  Still, he held back.  In order to rally his courage, she reminded him Whose battle this was.  "Go!  The Lord is already there waiting for you, therefore there is nothing to fear!"

How often do I hang back, unsure of the calling God has placed on my life?  I wait for reassurance, wanting to make sure I'm not out of my mind.  I fear failure.  I may have felt confident when the call first came but now that the time for action has arrived, my resolve wavers.  In these times of doubt and insecurity, I can remind myself as Deborah did for Barak:  The Lord goes before me.  

Prepare the Way

The entire Army post where I lived with my husband and family was talking about the visit.  Secret Service members painstakingly inspected the areas where the president would visit, checking for security risks.  Local law enforcement was alerted, evacuation routes were secured and checkpoints established.  Every measure was taken in order to ensure the safety and protection of the president.

I was amazed at the measures that were taken to prepare the way for the man who held the highest office in the land.  The gym where I worked out was even closed for a few days prior to his visit in order to secure it for the president's possible morning workout two days hence.  

Even though I don't have a security detail that goes before me, preparing for every move I make, God does lay some groundwork ahead of me.  There are pieces that must be put into place, people whose hearts need softening, and obstacles which must be cleared.  

This means I need not fear to step ahead in faith, knowing that God has freed a path for me to walk upon.  It reminds me of the time my family and I were traveling across the country in the snow.  The going was tough until we spotted a snow plow.  As we fell in at a safe distance behind the large snow-removing truck, we benefited from the cleared road and freshly applied sand.  Our traction improved and the going was easier.

My job, then, is to follow behind the Lord as He prepares the way for me.  When I'm afraid to reach out to the one who has hurt me so badly, I can go with confidence, knowing that God has prepared her heart to receive my goodwill offering.  Or if I know I must step ahead into the place that seems so foreign, I can be assured that my Father's presence will make it feel like home.  Even if I sense God leading me where I vowed to never go again, I can find strength in the fact that He is doing something new today, creating life where there once was nothing but death and destruction (Isaiah 43:19).

When God calls me into the unknown, I can take heart knowing that He is preparing the way for me.

Fight the Battle

It was quite embarrassing.  This little shepherd boy who knew nothing of soldiering had naively offered to kill the 9-foot giant-of-a-man who was born and bred to fight.  For well over a month, this Philistine champion, all decked out in his heavy armor and bearing his mighty javelin, mocked and heckled the Israelite army, hurling insults and taunting the frightened men.  Not one man offered to face him one-on-one; that is until David showed up to bring food to his brothers(1 Samuel 17).

How could this young lad possess the courage to stand against such a formidable foe?  He knew the Lord in a way that most did not.  He had experienced God's power as he killed lion and bear while tending sheep. He knew something about God's ability to fight on his behalf. Therefore, David was able to unwaveringly say to this terrifying mammoth, "I'll strike you down and cut off your head. . . it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's"(1 Samuel 17:46, 47).

I, too, can possess such courage if I will only give God a chance to fight my battles for me. When I'm tempted to seek revenge upon those who try to destroy me, I can instead walk forward in love, choosing good over evil while letting God settle the score (Romans 12:17-21).

When I feel helpless against the overwhelming hardships that bring such suffering into my life, I can rest in the knowledge that God's grace is enough to give me the strength to carry on (2 Corinthians 12:9).

When I want to do whatever I can to protect those I love from heartache, I can trust God to use the hard circumstances of their lives to mold them into the man or woman He created them to be (Hebrews 12:11, Isaiah 38:17).

When God calls me into the impossible, I can take heart knowing that God is fighting the battle for me.

Lead

My dog is a horrible leader.  As a lab mixed with a herding breed, he is created to round up animals and drive them into a pen or keep them in a herd as they graze.  Consequently, he prefers to walk behind a group.  

In contrast, the Lord is a Shepherd who leads from the front.  I can take comfort in knowing He is there, guiding the way, revealing His plan, and showing me where to go.  I don't need to figure out what my next step is, how to negotiate a certain obstacle, or when to take a rest and when to run.  God is confidently and assuredly leading me every step of the way.

The problem comes with my ability to follow.  Many times I run ahead, assuming I know the direction in which the Lord is leading.  Other times I wander off to the side, losing track of Him as I let worry, worldly attractions and unnecessary pursuits distract me from His guidance.  Then there are the times when I tarry, feeling unsure of the path on which my Shepherd walks.

Whatever my issue, I can be confident in God's ability to lead me well.  He knows when rest is called for, when prodding is necessary and when reassurance is needed.  He also is my perfect protector, reliable provider, and the Giver of all good gifts (Psalm 23, James 1:17).

When God calls me forward, I can take heart knowing that He is expertly leading me.

It is easy to lose heart when the time comes to act on the call God has placed on my life. Remembering His position out in front, however, can give me courage to step out in faith. He prepares the way, fights my battles, and leads my footsteps. Therefore, there is no need to fear but every reason to step forward in faith.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to go where He is leading me.

When do I balk at the mission to which He has called me?

How can the knowledge of His presence spur me on?


Originally published on March 14, 2014