Duct Tape of Life

2Chronicles 20:3,6,9 - [King] Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout...and said: "O LORD God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? ...If disaster comes upon us--sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine--we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save."

What an appropriate sermon for Father's Day. As many celebrated their own earthly Father's Day, we all were able to celebrate and rejoice in our Heavenly Father! It is all about His strength and provision, especially when we seek Him in a time of need...at a time when we may have been waiting for answered prayer.

The sermon Pastor Rory Grooters preached was geared around King Jehoshaphat, a godly king who once in his life really slipped up. There was a "hiccup" in his life. But God...forgave him and he was still held dear in God's eyes.

Although the message was mainly for men Sunday morning, it could pertain to anyone who has hoped for something and have not seen it happen yet; for those promises God has planted in lives for which His timing is not yet fulfilled; for those who wish to step out...and out of God's will...to attempt to bring this thing about...knowing in the back of their minds God calls us to wait upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31) because His timing is perfect (Acts 1:7).

The songs we sang were precious! Tis' so sweet to trust in Jesus...just to take Him at His Word..." Yes! Trust in Him. Pastor's reminder to pretty much let go and let God were evidenced in the scriptures in 2Chronicles 20. A mighty enemy was out to destroy Jehoshapat and Judah. But instead of going out to seek man's counsel, King Jehoshaphat chose to enter into a place of seclusion and seek God, much like Jesus did every day of His life.

Oh, how this is to be our example. Seek God. Cry out to him and say, 2Chronicles 20:12: O our God..[I] have no power against this [thing for which I am burdened]; nor do [I] know what to do, but [my] eyes are upon You.  To this the Lord would say (verses 15 and 17): ... "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this [thing for which you are burdened], for the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not need to fight in this battle....for the LORD is with you."   That was when Jehoshaphat bowed his head to the ground. He humbled himself before the Lord acknowledging his weakness and the Lord's strength.

But there's more! Hallelujah!! Jehoshaphat was told to go out and fight against this great enemy. Like he, who went out before his army, we are to go out in like manner and sing the praises of our strong and mighty God, remembering that His mercy endures forever (2Chronicles 20:21). If we do this, with our hearts trusting a God who looks after His children, He will come through in ways we cannot imagine.

Earthly fathers aren't quite able to do for us just what our Heavenly Father, who knows every detail of our lives and who takes care of those who are called His children. He is faithful and just (1John 1:9), not just to forgive us of our sins, but to do this very thing.

We will always have bouts of discouragement, fear or other human frailties throughout our lives. We might even wonder if we have failed Him in some way to not receive the blessing(s) of this fulfilled dream of ours, but God... Sometimes it's we who take back what we have given Him once before in prayer instead of laying it at the altar and leaving it before His feet...as a sacrifice of sorts. A sacrifice of love and trust in a God who wants to be our all in all.

Praise God for whom all blessings flow...if we believe what He tells us, shouldn't we stand secure in our praises? Jehoshapat did and his battle was won, not because he was strong and mighty but because he yielded to God and His power and strength. Oh, how it is so not about us!

There were four pyramids of duct tape lined up behind Pastor for the dads. Why? Because duct tape is truly a guy thing! They know the strength and many uses of it. It holds things together. Sometimes men feel they need to be in control, that they are able to do on their own. They might feel as though they need to be the duct tape in life, that they need to hold things together. Women can do the same, although maybe not with duct tape! Jehoshaphat and Jesus, however, are both good examples of yieldedness. They looked to God, not themselves.

Jesus can be the duct tape in our lives. With Him as our Center He can hold us together so much more stronger than any ol' duct tape! He will stick to you like a brother (Proverbs 18:24) and give you strength (Psalm 18:1—2).  As was stated in a scripture Pastor read...God's faithfulness is His character/nature: If we are faithless, He remains, for He cannot deny Himself  (2Timothy 2:13). 

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid...; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Wait and See

Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I've been somewhat burdened in my heart about our church. We have gone through several difficult times ... or has it just seemed like times when in actuality it's been a constant thing and there have just been times of respite? Whatever the case, if feels like we are in a place where we are about as low as we can go! It seems the only way is up and the only way up is by God's hand outstretched to pull us up. Man can do nothing right now. And yet there's also a realization that we could still have more difficulties ahead.

There have been changes and changes and more changes. I believe that is good despite being in the midst of what seems unsettling. And this is not to say I am always burdened. I still enjoy fellowshipping in Sunday school and enjoy the fresh messages and style of a new pastor and the in-depth Bible studies we have in Women's Ministries.

Yesterday as I was driving home from running a couple errands I was thinking again...or was it yet...about how long we've waited to sense the true presence of God in our church. Was I missing something? Has everyone? I recalled years ago when the sifting and shaking began under the leadership of a new pastor. People left in clumps. Some were friends to me, this somewhat new, yet beginning to grow, Christian. I looked up to these women. I wanted to be like them.

And then they left. And I sensed they left with the wrong heart attitude and I was confused. I pleaded with God, "What am I supposed to do? Am I missing something here? Why do I not feel I should leave? Who am I, Lord, still learning, to recognize the attitudes of these mature Christians? Might not all that is happening be part of Your will...and they don't see it? Might You have been determined to move them on to another level somewhere else? Might You have needed them in another church?" Oh, the questions. 

I'll tell you, I was confused. I know we are none of us perfect and prone to let our human emotions take over...if we are not first seeking God in whatever the circumstance might be. I just didn't get it!

So on my way home yesterday the barrage of thoughts. And that still small voice that I mentioned yesterday reminded me once again of what He had said years ago as an answer to all my questions. The answer back then wasn't exactly definitive about why these people left because I think I already knew, but He was concerned just with me for the moment. As if He were right next to me I heard: "I want you to stay, dig in your heels, get involved and watch what I'm going to do." Wow, talk about a wake up call! In essence, wait on Him but busy myself in that wait.

So, like I said, yesterday I was reminded of those words about waiting to see what He was going to do. As they crept through my mind, I opened my mouth and out loud said, "But God" and stopped immediately. I don't know if I stopped myself or God did. I just clamped my mouth shut, knowing I shouldn't--or couldn't--go on. I might even have put my hand over it. And the words came to me again, gently yet firmly, "Wait and see what I am going to do."

That little exclamation...but God! It has two meanings. For me yesterday it meant "How long, O Lord?" Today I realize "but God" means nothing is impossible with God, He's still in control, trust in Him, and He is able...wait on Him.

If you are waiting for that one thing, or more, for God to move on, know that He's not finished. There are things He still needs to do to behind the scenes, occurrences need to happen, people to set in place...or removed...even more personal pruning, for everything to be just according to His timely-mannered plan. He knows what needs to be done. If we knew it too, and understood why we needed to wait, we wouldn't need to rely on Him. We would not need to trust Him. He's never too early or too late. The wait will be worth it.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Lord, Why?

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. 

Every so often I get to a place that I do not understand. I've been there lately. I feel like I'm in limbo, like something should be happening but it isn't, like I need to be doing something, but circumstances don't present themselves. As I started to write I heard the soft words "Wait upon Me" in my spirit. It seems like all I've been doing is waiting. Waiting for the right time, the right circumstance, the right words, the right boldness. Wait, wait, wait. I've grown impatient. 

It wasn't until I read this part of a sermon by Carter Conlon of Times Square Church in New York that I understood what I might be going through:

GIVE ME A REASON TO NOT GIVE UP
by Carter Conlon

“Give me a reason not to give up!” This is the deep cry in the hearts of many today. They don’t need an extensive list of reasons—even one would suffice. If you have that cry in your heart, it’s an honest cry, and I believe the Lord has an answer for you.

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped...Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning” (Psalms 73:1−2; 13−14).

The psalmist begins by saying, “God, I know You are good to Your people. I know You bless those who walk with clean hands and a pure heart. But as for me, I am ready to give up. I have tried to avoid evil and keep myself focused on the works of eternity. I have walked a narrow path when others, even those who claim to belong to the body of Christ, seem to walk a much broader path. But to what end? What influence has my life had on the ungodly? How have I affected this world, or even my own family?”

The psalmist continues, “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men” (Psalms 73:3−5). In other words, “The ungodly seem to be enjoying pleasures that I have deprived myself of. They claim to be free, strong and happy, which is more than I can say about myself at the moment.” Have you ever reached a place as a Christian where the unsaved look better off than you?

Before I go on, believe me when I say I don't see myself with the cleanest of hearts, nor do I feel chastened. But I do feel plagued, in a way. Then there are the days I wonder if my path is narrow enough. I'm convicted in my heart about the nonsense in this world and the frustrations escalate. I feel like I've been punched in the stomach sometimes. I feel like there's more to me than I am doing. But what was that I heard, "Wait?" But Lord, how much more waiting do I have to do? Why? Especially when you use anyone to do your will...anyone. If you can use Balaam's ass in Numbers 22, you can use me! 

Or is it that I have failed to see when I could be used? What is it, Lord? When have I not spoken and chosen to remain silent or maybe missed an opportunity altogether? You know, maybe my spirit needs a hearing aid! I can't believe that I don't have it in me to speak. And what's this, an inability to write now too!? Lord, why?

I've felt like holing up somewhere and pulling a blanket over my head. I've felt like emptying my mind instead of renewing it. Lord, why?

I so see what is happening in this world and how we are destroying ourselves as a nation. I see right turning into wrong in the eyes of the world. And what was wrong has been so diluted and made to be tolerated. What an upside down world we are in. Where are You, God? Why have you let us get to this place? 

But you ask me to wait. You know what will happen. You ask me to be patient and Your Word tells me that those who wait shall mount up with wings as eagles. When? How long? You say wait. Am I missing something here? You speak quietly..."Wait upon Me." There is a lost and dying world at our fingertips, outside our doors, outside the walls of my comfort. We are to be Your eyes, feet and mouth. But the words escape me. People want to be left to their own devices. They don't want "peculiar people" interrupting what is important to them. And that is frustrating. Oh, but wait. You also said that would happen. Jesus was rejected by His own...so shall we. Am I not willing to allow that to happen?

I'm not exactly living a dreadful life. I still have creature comforts. But in my heart I'm prepared for not so pleasant days. I'm willing to give stuff up if need be. Whatever it takes to be closer to You. All you require is our obedience and sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrifice. Where am I not obedient? Where have I lagged behind? How do I avoid distractions? 

You remind me throughout Your Word to wait for You. Psalm 37:7 tells me to rest in You and wait patiently for You. Psalm 27:14 again tells me to wait on You and be of good courage, that You will strengthen my heart. Psalm 37:34 also tells me to wait for You and keep Your way and those who wait will inherit the land and see the wickedcut off from it. Isaiah 64 reminds me that only You...only You...act for the one who waits for You.

I'm waiting, not so patiently, I'm afraid. Waiting for something, but not sure what. Waiting to be used, waiting for that appointed time, waiting for the words to come, waiting for the opportunities. Wanting to strive, but striving's not the thing to do. And it's all in Your time. How much longer, Lord?

Habakkuk 2:3 - For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Eyes, Cheeks and Waiting on the LORD

Matthew 5:38-39 - "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I [Jesus] tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." 

After posting my blog yesterday I cut the grass. That's when I do my best thinking. I heard a song that said: ... just the dark before the morning. The song is by Josh Wilson and it's called Before the Morning.

Like I said, I got to thinking after I had posted yesterday's blog. My thoughts continued almost as an afterthought about more that I did not say yesterday. We can go through difficult times in life. Sometimes they come little by little, sometimes in clumps, sometimes just one big misery! The Word tells us that weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. I could have sworn in the song above I heard the words "hurt comes before the healing" but I was mistaken. But I think that's also true. We can't heal unless we've been hurt.

In the Old Testament the law stated an "eye for an eye." But in the New Testament, Jesus added we are to "turn the other cheek." So what do we do? Some would say the Bible contradicts itself. I claim it does not. An eye for an eye was a law that stated that punishment should not exceed that of the offense. Jesus came and preached forgiveness and love, and we are able to do that through a closer relationship with Him. Where does revenge get us anyway? It only exacerbates the situation by riling up the one exacting the vengeance...and possibly more vengeance back...a vicious cycle that one has to put an end to...like turning the other cheek. 

God is ever our Judge. He knows all, sees all, understands our thoughts and feelings. It is up to Him to be our retribution. "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) We are called to wait upon Him. ...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40:31) Through Him we renew our strength. Strength enough to turn the other cheek.

Turning the other cheek settles the score peacefully. Imagine how a person who had done you wrong would respond to a kind word rather than vengeance. It could provoke a feeling of shame, perhaps even asking for forgiveness. Some might say it would only make you look like a door mat. How many would openly state Jesus was a door mat with all He did for us? I think He was trying to show us that there is more strength in not retaliating than repaying evil with evil. Besides, God is the one who will bring judgment upon any wrong put upon a person. We may not see it happen, but that's where trusting Him becomes a factor. It WILL happen...sometime. And it will be an eye for an eye...God's way.

I think about people who have hurt me in my life and I don't really feel I want vengeance upon them. If a person doesn't know Jesus, we need to forgive them "for they know not what they do." If a person does know Jesus, we should forgive just the same for a lapse in judgment on their part. We're all prone in some way to messing up.

If we begin to start thinking about getting revenge, we are acting as the world would act. We are listening to the worldview and need to squelch that thought immediately. We are to be humble, not proud. Looking for payback is only our pride taking over; pride that gets at our feelings, pokes at our egos, and tells us "no one will do this to me." Yes, it hurts to know you've been wronged. That's part of the burden we bear in our lives. Look at Jesus and His life. Rejected, falsely accused, etc., etc.

Imagine on a grander scale if this world would adhere to these biblical words that today are being judged, criticized, shunned and considered offensive. If we would consider God more and ourselves with our big, fat, destructive egos less, we might have peace in this world. If we would have less tolerance (yes less) and a stronger rod on behinds maybe we would not have to worry about an eye for an eye and would feel more like turning the other cheek. 

The world once had a good example to live by, but He has been replaced with world view. Jesus humbled Himself before King Herod and the Jews prior to His death. He did not retaliate; He remained silent knowing that His Father would one day show the world the truth they ignored. He sacrificed Himself for us. He knows another day will come when He will return and judgment will take place. But it is God's judgment, not man's. There's a very huge difference. He knows how to do it with righteousness. Man's judgment doesn't always contain the righteous part. 

Jesus also knew then and knows today that if we seek Him, ask for forgiveness for the things that go against the "Jesus grain," He will be quick to respond. When we seek Him and get to knowing Him we will understand eyes, cheeks and waiting on the Lord. We will understand the things of God. 

Waiting, however, is not an easy thing and that's where we get hung up. But like Josh Wilson also wrote in his song: 

Do you wonder why you have to

feel the things that hurt you?

If there's a God who loves you

where is He now?

Or maybe there are things you can't see

and all those things are happening

to bring a better ending.

Someday, somehow you'll see….

    It might take a little time, but you'll se the bigger picture...

There's the key...waiting on the Lord because He's working things out behind the scenes of our lives. In the meantime, Jesus is here for the asking and receiving. He experienced everything we will ever go through. He will give us the strength to endure when we give ourselves into His hands, wait on Him, praise Him in difficult times and good. Then He promises us:

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.