Embracing God's Grace
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3 NKJV
Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt; In vain you will use many medicines; You shall not be cured. The nations have heard of your shame, And your cry has filled the land; For the mighty man has stumbled against the mighty; They both have fallen together.
Jeremiah 46:11-12 NKJV
Pandemics.
Protests.
God is calling…
Workers are worried, concerned about dying
Big money don’t care, the stock market is climbing
Liberty stands there with tears in her eyes
Acknowledging Justice has never been blind
This land that once welcomed has shuttered her door
Tariffs leave farmers desperate for more
Big Brother is watching us up from the Cloud
Systemic injustice, dead man on the ground
Stuck at crossroads, a wasted way station
In need of a Healer, our weak wounded nation
“…one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
God is calling us to Him.
God is calling us to Pray.
God is calling us to love one another.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NKJV
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
Ephesians 4:17-18 NKJV
The ice pictured here was photographed a few years ago in Alaska. It was so clean and clear because it lacked the impurities found elsewhere. Likewise, we need to get away to obtain that same sense of clarity in our mind and spirit. The chatter of people, things, and social media can cause us to forget our purpose and pull us away from the very things God tasks us to do.
There are several references in the Bible where Jesus left the crowds (and his disciples) to be alone and pray. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus stepped away from those closest to him to be alone. What’s interesting is that the disciples Jesus asked to stay up with him failed him three times that night.
Those closest to us can fail to meet our expectations as well. When we face trials, we may instinctively call other people to draw them into our troubles.
Yet, what if we choose not to solicit the sympathy and opinions of others in trying times and, instead, seek the God who sees the end from the beginning? What would change if we habitually went away—accessible to God’s ministering angels— to be strengthened for the crosses we must bear?
If Jesus had to be alone to gain peace and perspective, how much more necessary is it for us to remove ourselves and eliminate the noise of doubt and fear?
It doesn’t require a grand vacation to gain the clarity we need. Sitting alone and embracing the silence a few moments a day may be all it takes to organize our priorities. Praying in a closet or the solitude of a car can produce calm over chaos.
What could be more important than the ability to hear God and visualize His plans for our lives? What opportunities can we unlock by learning to shut out the things (or people) that steal our time and energy?
I challenge you to break away and create new routines in 2020. Put yourself in positions and places where you can abide with God. Do whatever it takes to gain the peace and perspective that will give you confidence to walk the path He has for you.
We receive salvation by grace. Yet, I’ve learned that peace of mind and clarity of purpose require effort on my part. Solitude renews my mind. Silence allows me to hear God. I’ve finally learned to sit down and be still which generates a fruitfulness that running around like crazy never produced.
Seek and hear God like never before.
What you focus on will inevitably determine what you see…
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
I finally grasped the difference between busy and fruitful at some point in the last few years. I once ran myself ragged trying to do far too much and none of it to my satisfaction. I now realize fruitful doesn’t equate to a steady stream of productivity coming off a line.
As in my garden, there are times in the process of bearing fruit that seem barren. It looks like nothing is going on. There are dry patches and periods of dormancy. Then there are times when the storms of life inundate us, and we feel like we will never feel the warmth of the sun (or Son) again. Yet, it is all part of the process.
Few things of any substance grow without considerable changes to their environment and a substantial amount of time.
Some things sprout overnight, like the weeds I’d rather be rid of. I’ve grown wary of anything that offers instant gratification. Things that are truly valuable like fulfilling relationships, accomplishing goals and realizing our dreams tend to take time and attention to not only develop but to also keep those things alive.
Thankfully, God rewards faith and patience as evidenced by Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Moses and a slew of other flawed yet willing figures in the Bible. And God rewards us as well.
If we do not give up on those dreams God plants within us, we can eventually yield the promised harvest if we trust and obey. This also means keeping the faith when we are pruned (as were our heroes of the Bible) so we can eventually produce something good!
Pruning is painful and leaves lasting scars. But it is necessary. God would have us reach for the new things He wants to give. Instead, we often hold fast to dead dry things. When we are stubborn, God simply rips away the very things (or people) we are clinging to for our own good.
Left to ourselves, we can produce a lot of different things.
Doubt. Fear. Worry.
But that is not what God ever intended. Our Father wants more for us in this life.
From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward. Proverbs 12:14 NIV
So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ,
that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead,
in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4 NIV
I’m striving to produce those things our Father desires, not just whatever happens to come to mind.
I’ve also learned that becoming fruitful means enduring temporary pains to produce long-term gains. I’ll admit that lesson probably took a lot longer than it should have to learn.
Thankfully, God is patient. God’s power working in and through us can produce a harvest that truly glorifies Him and even allows us to love one another in the process.
What are you bringing forth?
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
Psalm 24:1-2 NKJV
Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,
If you know?
Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:4-5 NKJV
Cast your cares.
The Creator of the multiverse is more than capable of handling your problems.
Let Him.
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6 NIV
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!” Psalms 40:16 NIV
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. Psalm 105:3 NIV
Timing is everything.
Or, at the very least it is mighty important.
Time is quoted in the Bible hundreds of times. The NIV cites “time” eight hundred and eighty-eight times!
I have a strange relationship with time. There have been times in my life I was quite short on time. As a result, I don’t like to waste it or eagerly give it up.
Some people don’t like to give up their money. My issue is with time. I figure, I can always earn more money but time, once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Then there are times when I know I did not act in God’s timing and lost favor I would have received had I done it when I was prodded to.
A few days ago, it struck me to go for a walk. There is a hill nearby that would give me a quick mile. It was nice and cool, around seven that morning. Well, I sat on my porch and drank some coffee. Then, I watched the birds. I even spent time with God. When I got up and got going it was nearly nine o’clock. The same number of steps, same calories burned but I worked for them! The time of favor (ease) I let pass a couple of hours earlier.
Have you ever regretted not doing something in a timely manner?
Did you learn from it?
I am a firm believer of “all things work out for the good of those who love the Lord,” having witnessed this firsthand. Still, I’d like to remember to do what God wants me to do promptly and not have to wait on God to work out the mess I make.
Live and learn.
Continually.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
“In our time of need.”
This makes me wonder if in those times I don’t receive what I’m looking for, if maybe I already have the grace and mercy I need and just don’t realize it?
Hmm…
Time is fleeting.
It is also precious.
I am trying to make the most of mine even as I learn to give it away.
Our times are in God’s hands.
Thankfully.
My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Psalm 31:15 NIV
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 NIV
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
“People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.”
James Baldwin
“It [Democracy] is a great word, whose history, I suppose, remains unwritten, because that history has yet to be enacted”
Anthony Whitman
“History, despite its wrenching pain,
Cannot be unlived, but if faced
With courage, need not be lived again.”
Maya Angelou
“The use of language is all we have to pit against death and silence.”
Joyce Carol Oates
If you consider yourself a Christian and rationalize racism and hatred, please do us all a favor and stop calling yourself a Christian. If we truly are one nation under God, it is time for the silent majority to speak up…
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD. And whose hope is in the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV
I remember sitting as a young child in a salon mesmerized by a sign that read “In God we TRUST, everyone else cash only.” I thought it was rather cynical even at a young age, but now I’m not so sure. Maybe that sign held a truth most of us would rather not face, yet is true nonetheless.
People, no matter who they are or how much they love us, will at some time disappoint. It may not be intentional. Our offenders may never have a clue of the pain they cause. The people we love and love us in return are only human.
If we rely on our children, spouse, or job to fill an empty void in our lives, we will always face disappointment. They have flaws and limitations just like us. Furthermore, it’s not their responsibility to make us “happy.”
Things also hold the potential to absorb our hope, faith and confidence. A 401K, the stock market or even a favorite sports team can become “gods” that are worshiped instead of being viewed in the proper perspective.
When the things in which we trust should perish, so will we, crushed to the core by their inevitable decay or demise.
Only God is everlasting.
I want to invest my hope and faith in the one true Source that sustains.
Evergreens, especially at Christmas often symbolize a promise of life when everything else around is dead.
Evergreens thrive no matter the season. They can withstand droughts and record temperatures. Just like them, I want to withstand the heat and not faint, wither or die when it appears all is lost around me. I don’t want to cease yielding fruit!
When we trust in the Lord, and not people, circumstances or things it is only then can we live free from anxiety and stress. Only trust in God can provide a peace that surpasses our circumstances.
As our reliance on God grows, may we all mature from simple “annuals” that thrive for a season into followers who are strong, dependable and evergreen!
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. Psalm 52:8 NKJV
Any gardener’s dilemma often includes where to put a favorite plant. You may have a favorite specimen but not necessarily the ideal place to plant it. I have always been fond of caladiums which thrive in shady environments.
When I began my gardening endeavors, I planted about thirty or so bulbs so excited when they finally emerged from the ground. However, my yard had full sun exposure for most of the day. What happened to my plants?
The sun fried them to a crisp.
I wasn’t wise enough to make sure I put those plants in an area suitable for their sustained growth.
Fortunately for us, God provides everything we need to bloom wherever we are planted. If Paul can write a great part of the New Testament from prison, why can’t we show God’s love and characteristics in our daily lives.
Shade plants will fry in the sun. Sun loving plants turn yellow in the shade. We aren’t dependent on ideal conditions before we can exhibit the qualities God would have us to.
If you are in a “hot” situation, act like a cactus. Have your own internal supply of Water (God’s Word) to carry you through hot and stressful situations. You can’t expect God to trust you with greater responsibilities if you are struggling where you are right now.
Whatever your situation, don’t complain, change!
Change your mind and adjust your attitude when you can’t see God’s goodness. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it is not there. Focus on God and allow His strength to hold you up when you are weak.
If you are a “sunny” person forced into a shady situation, ask God to get you through moment by moment if you have to. Allow God’s light in you to illuminate the dark places and people that surround you.
We can’t expect God to promote us from one situation to the next if we don’t display an attitude of gratitude for what He has already done.
Back to the caladiums.
A couple of years ago I was at the local hardware store and found a hybrid of my favorite plant…sun tolerant caladiums. Too good to be true I was sure, but I purchased them anyway. Thankfully, the plants thrived despite my skepticism. These new caladiums were bred to withstand the heat.
And so are we.
God equips us to withstand whatever conditions we find ourselves in as long as we depend on Him.
Sun or Shade, it doesn’t matter.
We can be stable and able wherever we’re planted!
“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV
B Is for Blessed! 