HERE'S TWITCHIN' AT YOU - GRRR!

OK, I had a really hard time getting to church this week.

The alarm went off – (about ½ an hour before I had to get up – not a morning person!) – and I started to wrestle with myself.

Inner dialogue:

"The Hub" isn't going this week, so it's all right if I stay home, too."

"I went to Bible Study on Tuesday."

"I have to drive down to see my mom tomorrow, and I don't want to start out tired."

"I have a headache, more sleep would help."

"God will understand."


Maybe it was that last argument that convinced me to get up and get dressed and get going.

Once there, I decided to do something different this week.

I sat in the second row with a friend of mine from Bible Study!

She said she liked to sit up there because it kept her from being distracted by other people and other things happening around her.  Sounded like a good reason to me.

So yes, I broke out of my little mold, and ventured to the front of the sanctuary!  

Settled in, I was READY for church.


We begin our service with announcements, and then we have a time of singing.

OK, so now I discover some of the reasons why I do not sit in the front. For one thing, the music is really loud.  Which was distracting.  And then, I started to *inspect* the worship team.

New inner dialogue:

"I really like his boots.  Black, clunky.  I wish they made something like that for women."

"Wonder whose kid that is on guitar?"

"How loud are the drums behind that plexiglass?"

"I think I can see through her skirt.  Wait, no, just a trick of the light."

"The communion table looks handmade.  Wonder who did that…"


Oops!

Back to concentrating on the songs.

"I wonder if people are looking at my back.  Do they think I'm fat?"

Back to music.

"Huh, I never noticed those speakers at the bottom of the platform. Or are those heat registers?"

Music, Sharon.


So, you get the picture.  My mind was wandering, rambling.  Roaming around like a hapless hobo stuck on the Trivia Train.  

Then it came time for the sermon.

Determined to stop this crazy meandering, I pulled out my Bible, opened my notebook, put on my reading glasses, clicked my ballpoint pen, and got into my *pious listener posture.*

And then it happened…

A stupid eye twitch in my left eyebrow.

You know what I'm talking about.  Those annoying little tics that wiggle of their own accord.  Sorta like face hiccups.  So, I tried to rub it – no good.  I tried to wiggle my eyebrow up and down – nope.  I even gave it a few little punches – absolutely no good.

Twitching continued.

Now, I might just insert here a moment of praise.  I was thankful that it was my eyebrow, and not my eyelid, that was doing the twitching.  Could you imagine if every time the pastor said something wonderful, I winked at him???

"Amen, Pastor!  (Wink, wink…)"


I looked up this ridiculous phenomenon.

"Although the cause is generally unknown, it may be associated with:

Fatigue, Stress, Caffeine."

(Which is totally weird, as I wasn't tired (HA), stressed (puh-leeze), or jacked up on caffeine, (*chai tea latte – 4 out of 5 on the caffeine scale*).

"This minor form of twitch is painless and harmless.  It usually goes away on its own.  But it can be quite annoying."  

(Which is perhaps the understatement of the week).


Let me say, the sermon was powerful, captivating, and encouraging.

And I managed to take notes and let it all sink in – despite my twitching.

But when I got home, I started to ponder a bit.

I remember reading "The Screwtape Letters," by C. S. Lewis.  Basically, the book is a series of letters written by a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter.  After the second letter, the Patient (of Wormwood) converts to Christianity, and Wormwood is chastised for allowing this.

However, Screwtape assures Wormwood that all is not lost.

Though the Patient is lost to them for eternity, they can still render him ineffective.  They can still use him in their battle against the Enemy.

(Interestingly enough, The Enemy of the enemy of our souls is our Friend, God!)

I particularly remember one scene when the Patient is in church, and Screwtape advises Wormwood to keep him distracted.


Yes, the battle against distractions.

C. S. Lewis once said, "Pain insists upon being attended to.  God…shouts in our pains.  It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world." ("The Problem of Pain")

So I wonder…

Does the devil whisper in distraction?

Does he tap our shoulders lightly through irritation and aggravation?

Does he nudge us from behind over countless frustrations and interruptions?


Most of us will recognize a full-frontal assault.  We know when the devil has unleashed a nuclear bomb attack – illness, death, financial setbacks, etc.

But, it seems to me that he is just as content to use a peashooter.

The incessant onslaught of the countless little distractions that, well, distract us.  It is a very effective weapon.

Screwtape encourages Wormwood to attack his patient's peevishness.  To keep him getting easily irritated by unimportant and insignificant things – the sort of things that can slowly undermine endurance, purpose, and faith.

"Indeed, the safest road [is]…the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." ("The Screwtape Letters")

Like the steady drip of a leaky faucet – this strategy can be very effective.

Especially when we are thinking about the Lord – during church or Bible Study, while reading the Bible, while praying…

"When this, or any other distraction, crosses his mind you ought to encourage him to thrust it away by sheer will power and to try to continue...as if nothing had happened; once he accepts the distraction as his present problem and lays that before the Enemy and makes it the main theme of his prayers and his endeavours, then, so far from doing good, you have done harm." ("The Screwtape Letters") 


For yes, indeed, a small rivulet can one day become the torrent that carves a canyon.

And small distractions can subtly lead us away from what matters most – until we find ourselves far, far away.

If we ever kept track of our daily distractions – (don't, it's too distracting!) – but if we did, we'd find that our minds are flitting all over the place most of the time.

And therein is the trap.

What is the devil trying to accomplish by keeping us irritated with interruptions and intrusions on *our* time?

How does he use what Screwtape called "the pressures of the ordinary" to keep us away from the influence of God?

How can the *familiar* breed contempt in our hearts, and the *mundane* blind us to the miraculous?

In what ways are we susceptible to diabolical influence by the use of "the sort of minor but menacing distractions that can slowly undermine the patient's faith"?


These are good things to ponder.

For indeed, the Christian life is full of distractions.  We are often beset by the ordinary moments of being human, blinded by the drudgery of the here-and-now, and burdened with the menial and mundane. 

It all serves to render us ineffective.

Discouraged and defeated.

Saved for eternity, but perhaps no earthly good.


Brothers and sisters, we cannot become complacent in this battle.

For the journey of faith is one of FOCUS.

Intentional, prayerful, Holy-Spirit-enabled determination to live our lives to the glory of God.

Sure, the Narrow Way is sometimes impeded by boulders – but more often than not, it's just littered with pebbles.

And stubbed toes can waylay us just as easily as a broken leg.

Maybe even more effectively – for a "major injury" can sideline us, force us to stop and take stock of what we're doing (or not doing).  Minor "injuries" can sidetrack us.

And we must not be deterred.

For we are called to be actively and single-mindedly focused on Kingdom purposes.

We are called to do battle, waging war against an enemy who has already been conquered, fighting side-by-side with a Savior who has already won our victory.

We must always remember that our minds, our thoughts are a battleground.

We must be canny to the weapon of distraction, and how mightily (and insidiously) this weapon is used against us.

And we must remember that the devil will do anything and everything – big and small – to keep our eyes off of Jesus.


We must be alert and aware.


Do you know that my twitching eye is gone now?  It probably stopped as soon as I walked out of church.  A distraction no longer needed.

But trust me, there will be more.

More today, and more every day until we go home.

For we belong to "The Enemy"– (as Screwtape calls God) – of the enemy of our souls.

And he is not happy about that.

To which I say...

"Good."



Dear Wormwood and Screwtape,

We are aware of your efforts on behalf of your Father Below.  We know that he is a subtle enemy, more often than not preferring an understated attack than a full-frontal assault.  We know that you work tirelessly to distract us from our focus on your Enemy, our Lord.  And we know that we are powerless to fight against you alone.  But, we know what you're up to – we're onto your schemes.  And, praise God, by His wisdom we will not be fooled, and by His strength we will overcome.

By the way, you're already defeated.  Tell that to your leader.  

Remind him of the Cross.

Never yours…truly,
A believer

Don't mind me.

Not winking,
just twitching.

(Wink, wink...) 

"So all of you who are holy partners in a heavenly calling, let's turn our attention to Jesus, the Emissary of God and High Priest, who brought us the faith we profess..." (Hebrews 3:1, VOICE)

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed..." (Hebrews 12:2, MSG)

"Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]." (Hebrews 12:1-2, AMP)

"I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven." 

(Psalm 123:1, NIV))

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8, NIV)

"But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge...Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me." (Psalm 141:8-9, NIV)

"You have said, 'Seek my face.'  My heart says to you, 'Your face, LORD, do I seek.'" (Psalm 27:8, ESV)

What *distractions* is the enemy using in your life to avert you from following Jesus?

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, FIND STABILITY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED HOME WEDNESDAY,  A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION WEDNESDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BELOVED BREWS, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, HEARTS FOR HOME, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

JESUS RULES!

Jesus rules!

Yes, in the language of slang, you can interpret that as meaning – He is really awesome.  Which is true, for sure.  But I'm talking about something else here.

His Authority.

Can you think of some people who have that aura of authority around them? Whose words ring with weight and wisdom?  Whose presence seems somehow larger-than-life?

These are some people on my list who have/had that certain quality about them:

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Billy Graham

C.S. Lewis

Ronald Reagan

John Wayne

Mother Teresa

The Apostle Paul


But at the absolute top of my list is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. And He demonstrated His authority while on this earth in three ways:

1)  He showed authority over the natural world

2)  He showed authority over the physical body

3)  He showed authority over the spiritual realm


Let's expand on those ideas.

First of all, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the natural world. He turned water into wine, He calmed storms, He multiplied physical elements to produce food, He went on some pretty successful fishing trips.

In all of these encounters, Jesus exhibited His God-ness.  He spoke, and the natural world obeyed Him.

Have you ever pondered that deeply?

Jesus controlled atoms and molecules, space and time itself.  Since all things were created through Him and for Him, He spoke as the ultimate power over creation.  His words manipulated the very stuff of matter.  On His word, the natural world bowed to its Master.


Secondly, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the physical body.  He healed the lame, opened the eyes of the blind, cured leprosy, and even raised the dead!

Jesus did what no doctor can do.

He instantly made disability and disease and death disappear.  Poof!  Just like that.

And yet, isn't it rather amazing that He didn't use that power and authority to save His own life?  He could have, you know.  With a word.  Poof!  Just like that.

But He intentionally set aside His authority and gave up His life willingly for a greater purpose than His own safety and healing.

He instead chose to heal the world, and ultimately offer the eternal healing of a resurrected body just like His own.


Finally, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the spiritual realm.  At His word, demons were instantly cast out.  At His word, the devil was spurned. At His word, angels could be summoned to do His every command.

He had the ability to rule the world, and all the heavens, with the power of His will and the direction of His voice.

Jesus had direct access to the Father, instant communion and communication with the Almighty.  He knew the Holy Spirit intimately.


In this Advent season, I'm thinking about this Jesus.

The Jesus who possessed such power and authority.  The Jesus who had command over the natural world, the physical body, and the spiritual realm.

The Jesus who could have come to this world as a mighty conqueror, wielding His power in any way He wanted to, exercising His authority to rule over everything.

And yet, the Jesus who chose instead to come into our world as a baby.

No wonder the world was puzzled, and mystified, and angered by who He was.  He was NOT who they had expected.

The nation of Israel, and perhaps indeed all of humanity, had been looking for a messiah.

What they got was The Messiah.

They wanted a powerful savior, yes.  But they wanted a man.  A man who would exercise power and authority in the political world.  They wanted a man who would restore the nation of Israel.

They wanted a man who would give them back their OWN power and authority.


Are we really any different?

I confess, sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*.

Like in the natural world.

Wouldn't it be nice if He instantly produced money to pay the bills?  Or how about if He created some extra food on the table?  And wouldn't it be great if He stopped some storms or sent some rain?

Douse the wildfires, Lord.  Dam up the floods.  Quiet the earthquakes.

Make the world obey You.


Sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*.

Like in the physical body.

Wouldn't it be nice if He instantly healed sickness and disease?  Or how about if He fixed disabilities and deformities?  And wouldn't it be great if He made germs and viruses and bacterial ailments disappear?

Cure cancer, Lord.  Do away with mental illness.  Abolish death.

Make the body obey You.


Sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*.

Like in the spiritual realm.

Wouldn't it be nice if He kept us from facing temptation?  Or how about if He did away with sinful thoughts and feelings?  And wouldn't it be great if He gave us perfect faith?

Send some angels, Lord.  Get rid of evil influences.  Make the enemy disappear.

Make the spirits obey You.


It sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

And yet, I have to stop and think about this.  If I really had those things, if I really could make Jesus do what it takes to make life *work*, would I really do the right things?

For indeed, if I could manipulate His power and authority, wouldn't I end up re-making Him into my own image?

And in the end, would it really turn out that I had Jesus at all? 

I think that I would find that I had made a messiah, but had totally missed out on The Messiah.


And, after all, that's who arrived in the manger.

THE Messiah – (with a capital "M" – amen!)

The One with ultimate power and authority.  

And yet, the One who laid it all aside to arrive as a helpless baby, a human with weakness and frailty.  The One who willingly relinquished His God-ness and deigned to come into our world.

He, who controlled the natural world, entered atoms and molecules.

He, who controlled the physical body, inhabited one Himself.

He, who controlled the spiritual realm, left angels to walk on earth.


Yes, Jesus had ultimate and sovereign control.

And yet, as mentioned before, He set aside that position of authority for something else.

Someone else.

Me.

And you.

I am stunned by the immensity of this.


You know, truthfully I don't really want to control Him.  I just want to know Him.  More and more, forever and ever.

JESUS RULES!!

He gave up His divine privileges.
He took the humble position of a servant.
He became like other human beings.
And was born in the likeness of men.

(THE NATURAL WORLD)

"And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.  And they went and woke him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!'  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm...And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, 'Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'" (Luke 8:23-25, ESV)

(THE PHYSICAL BODY)

"John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, 'John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  Then he told John's disciples, 'Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard – the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.  And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'" 

(Luke 7:20-23, NLT)

(THE SPIRITUAL REALM)

"When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons...When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, 'What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I beg you, do not torment me.'  For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man...Jesus then asked him, 'What is your name?'  And he said, 'Legion,' for many demons had entered him...Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these.  So he gave them permission.  Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned." (From Luke 8:27-33, ESV)

(THE MESSIAH)

"At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon.  He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel...That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.  He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.  I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!'" (From Luke 2, NLT)

"'But what about you?' [Jesus] asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah.'" (Mark 8:29, NIV)

"...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31, NIV)

(HIS AUTHORITY)

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" (Matthew 28:18, ESV)

"Jesus answered [Pilate], 'You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.'" (John 19:11, ESV)

"'Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?'" (Matthew 26:53, NIV)

"And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit." (Matthew 27:50, ESV)

(HIS RULE AND REIGN FOREVER)

"Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:6-11, NLT)

"Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death.  For he 'has put everything under his feet...When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.'" 

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28, NIV)

"... I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him.  His rule is eternal – it will never end.  His kingdom will never be destroyed."

(Daniel 7:13-14, NLT)

"Jesus said, 'It is finished.'" (John 19:30, NIV)

"'Look, I am coming soon...I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.'"(Revelation 22:12-13, NLT)

In this Advent season, will you take another look at the manger and see the humbleness of a Savior who laid aside His God-ness to become one of us?

How can you worship Him anew?

Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, UNFORCED RHYTHMS, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TITUS 2SDAY, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, SO MUCH AT HOME, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, THRIVING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, SHINE, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, A GROUP LOOK, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, MISSIONAL WEEKEND, STILL SATURDAY, SATURDAY SOIREE, RECOMMENDATION SATURDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, WEEKEND BREW

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Remember

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!


Today's word: remember

A trip down Memory Lane today:

What is the best thing you remember from your childhood?

Is there anyone special you remember on Memorial Day?

Why is it so important to remember what God has done for us in the past?


Let me know what you think!!


"I will remember my song in the night;
I will meditate with my heart,
And my spirit ponders...

I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders..."

(Psalm 77:6, 11-14, NASB)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Priority

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!


Today's word: priority

What does it mean to make something a priority?

How does what we claim as a priority tell people something about our heart?

What do you make a priority in your walk of faith?


Let me know what you think!!


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SATURDAY STROLL - Palm Sunday

Welcome to "SATURDAY STROLL!"

In these posts I will be interacting with Scripture – making it a conversational walk of faith.

Sometimes we'll be talking with Jesus, sometimes God will be talking with us.

There might even be *guest appearances* by some of our beloved characters from the Bible!

So put on your walking shoes – you know we can all use the exercise!

PALM SUNDAY

God's Word - and some words...

As He rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him.

Others cut branches from the trees and spread them along the ground.

In many lands in the ancient Near East, it was customary to cover in some way the path of someone thought worthy of the highest honor. The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory in Jewish tradition.

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around Him were shouting.

Center of attention: the object upon which interest and attention focuses; something interesting that stimulates conversation; something that strongly attracts attention and admiration; a striking person or thing that attracts attention

When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along.

The Mount of Olives is frequently mentioned in the New Testament as the route from Jerusalem to Bethany and the place where Jesus stood when He wept over Jerusalem. Jesus is said to have spent time on the mount, teaching and prophesying to His disciples, returning after each day to rest, and also coming there on the night of His betrayal. At the foot of the Mount of Olives lies the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus ascended from the Mt. of Olives as recorded in the book of Acts 1:9–12.

They praised God for all the wonderful things they had seen.

Praise God for the Son of David!

Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hail to the King of Israel!

Jesus was called the "son of David," which is a clear reference to His right to inherit David's throne. This is the "royal line" and it shows the legal right to David's throne being passed down all the way to Joseph who adopted Jesus, thus making Him the heir of David's kingdom. Since the right to the kingdom always passes from the father to the son, we can conclude that Matthew's genealogy lists Jesus' ancestors through His "father," Joseph.

Luke's genealogy must list Jesus' ancestors through His mother. Jesus was the natural son of Mary, who conceived by the Holy Ghost and therefore He becomes the Son of God. Reading through Luke's genealogy, we can see how Jesus, through His blood relationship with His mother and her ancestors, becomes the true son of God.

Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!

Praise God in highest heaven!

Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD!

Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as He entered.

The dusty roads leading into Jerusalem were anything but quiet. Excitement filled the air! Passover, the biggest holiday of the year, was only one week away. It seemed that everyone from everywhere was coming to Jerusalem to celebrate. The roads were crowded with donkeys and camels – most people also brought other animals with them. The mood was boisterous and joyous.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it.

That was the reason so many went out to meet Him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign.

Christ can and shall raise all the dead at the last day. Consider this statement: "Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life…"

(John 5:28, 29).

The one who raised Lazarus also died, but was raised to die no more – "But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died." (1 Corinthians 15:20)

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, "Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!"

Despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in Him. Many did believe, including some of the Jewish leaders, but they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would exclude them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

Jesus replied, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!"

Oh Lord, don't let the stones shout out instead of me!

Hear my voice among the multitude:

Hail to Jesus, my King, my Savior – my Friend!

(Selections from Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12)

What celebration do you have planned for Palm Sunday?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WRITER’S BLOCK

Writer's block.

Yeah, it happens.

I looked up the definition in the dictionary:

Writer's block is a condition, primarily associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. The condition varies widely in intensity. It can be trivial, a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task at hand. At the other extreme, some "blocked" writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned their careers.

Wow, that sounds great, huh?

In view of that rather fatal definition, I suppose what's going on with me isn't so much a "block" as it is a *snarl.*

Kinda like a hedge of tangled roots and branches.

A traffic jam.

A jambalaya jumble of juxtaposed junk.

(Phew! At least I haven't lost my alluring ability to alliterate…)

And it's not that I've lost my creative edge – (at least I hope not) – it's more that my brain is going in too many other directions right now.

And my little gray cells are pooped!

Ever feel like that?!

It's interesting, this writing business.

Even if the writing is "just" on a blog. I actually have great respect for us blog writers. It requires discipline and dedication. It requires inspiration and perspiration. Writing is writing…

Sometimes the words flow like the mighty Mississippi – and sometimes they trickle like a drippy faucet.

LIKE. THEY. ARE. NOW.

There is a certain temptation to start posting less often. But I know, at least for me, that that really shouldn't be an option – at least for right now. For me, I know that God has lessons for me in the discipline of my little schedule.

So, here I sit on Sunday evening, with little to write about.

My mind is on a million things.

My kids, my husband, my parents, my health, my finances, my living situation, my future…

My, my, my.

Oh, Lord.

Here is Your word for me today – I am focusing on the wrong things.

Our pastor is doing a new series on worship.

He defines worship this way: "Responding to all God is…all He has done, is doing and will do…with all I am."

I love that.

For it re-adjusts my vision from earthly things to heavenly things. It takes my eyes off of me, and puts them onto God, where they belong in the first place.

Perhaps this is why I've been struggling with writing lately. I've been looking inside myself for inspiration. I've allowed myself to get caught up in the competing thoughts whirling around my head, vying for my attention.

In my search for words, have I forgotten The Word??

Yes, the cure for the confusion of words in my mind is the Sword of the Spirit.

So, let me share some thoughts on worship, based on Scripture:

It is active – praise is an active decision to pry our hands off the things of this world

"…fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever." (Revelation 4:10)

It is humble – in which we lay our crowns before the throne

"They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…'" (Revelation 4:10, 11)

It is courageous – bravely and willfully turning our back on the world and its ways

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world…" (Romans 12:2)

It is sacrificial – giving up any claim to please oneself

"…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1)

It is complete – holding nothing back

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)

It is surrender – saying no to me and yes to Him

"'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" (Mark 8:34)

These were the words that washed over me this morning in church. And I am greatly blessed by their Truth.

My writing isn't MY writing – it's an expression of my worship to God. And if it's not, if I lose focus and start worrying about MY words, then it will all add up to exactly NOTHING.

Our pastor finished this morning by asking this question:

What is Jesus asking you to surrender?

Well, I suppose I never really thought about surrendering my writing, my words. I've held on rather tight to this creative process, as if I had something to do with it.

Lord, forgive me – it has been Your gift from the beginning. And I am called to use it for YOUR glory.

I tell you what – I am learning one thing very clearly.

If I get all caught up in the "snarl," then I have lost focus.

"'You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.'" (Mark 8:33)

OUCH.

So, maybe I need to take another look at this "writer's block" thing – maybe it's just a chance for me to listen more. Maybe it's a time to worry less about my words, and concentrate more on His Word. Maybe it's time to re-focus – to worship more than wrangle words. To concentrate more on prayer than prose.

Sure, I'll still be writing.

Because God is still talking to me.

But, I'm gonna let Him sort out the traffic jam in my head.

Fortunately, when we can't find words that come easily, we can always rely on the WORD!!

Do you ever suffer from "writer's block"? What do you do about it?

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY

Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Hallelujah!

It's always interesting to me where I land in my "Bible Pick 'Ems."

This week is a great pick!

We have landed in Psalm 111:

"Praise the LORD!

I will thank the LORD with all my heart

as I meet with his godly people.

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!

All who delight in him should ponder them.

Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.

His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember his wonderful works.

How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

…All he does is just and good,

and all his commands are trustworthy.

They are forever true,

to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

He has paid a full ransom for his people.

He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.

What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.

All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!" (Psalm 111:1-4, 7-10)

A little background. Psalms 111-118 are called *hallelujah psalms.* The word hallelujah literally means "praise the LORD" – and it is an expression of great joy. Don't you think that perfectly reflects the uplifting and optimistic tone of these heartfelt songs?!

Psalm 111 is like an ode to our wonderful God, the Almighty LORD, the One that we all worship. It is an affirmation that all that God does is good. It contends that reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom.

It is a beautiful outpouring of love.

And the Bible does not record who wrote it.

There are a total of 50 anonymous psalms, and there is widespread speculation on who the authors might be – including Ezra and Hezekiah. But for some reason, God has chosen to keep these authors anonymous.

And so, I enjoyed reading this psalm as if I wrote it.

These eight verses contain meaty truth!

Here's what came to my mind:

Verse 1 – We should practice being grateful, really and truly grateful, with our whole hearts. And a great place to be thankful is in the community of believers – ("as I meet with his godly people")

Verse 2 – We must cultivate and nurture our sense of awe at what God does. He is amazing. We should delight in Him, and ponder – (one of my favorite pastimes) – really think on, meditate on, contemplate His mighty deeds. (Definition of ponder: To reflect or consider with thoroughness and care)

Verse 3 – Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. That includes the *bad stuff* of life – the difficulties, the struggles, the suffering – ALL things are good. HIS righteousness is perfect. (In Greek the word for "righteousness" is dikaiosune, which literally means equity of character. Equity of character is to possess all good qualities in perfection and perfect balance)

Verse 4 – It is the work of the Holy Spirit within us that continues to make us aware of God. HE causes us to remember. What a reflection of God's grace and mercy! He does not ask us to do what His Spirit will not enable us to do.

Verse 7 – God is both just and good. (I thought this definition of God's justice was really good – that perfection of his nature whereby he is infinitely righteous in himself and in all he does, the righteousness of the divine nature exercised in his moral government. Justice is not an optional product of his will, but an unchangeable principle of his very nature)

And because God is perfectly good, and perfectly just, then all of His commandments are trustworthy – eminently worthy of trust. We can depend on them.

Verse 8 – God's words are eternal. His Truth stands forever. Our part in it? To obey faithfully (adhering firmly and devotedly) and with integrity (adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty). Faithful integrity reflects the God we serve. It is a necessary character trait that all of God's children (as representatives and ambassadors) should have.

Verse 9 – The ransom here pictures the rescue by God of the Israelites. Ransom means "to free from captivity by paying a price." Of course, we know that the ultimate ransom was paid by Jesus on the cross, forever freeing us from sin. His ransom was indeed FULL – once and for all.

God's covenant – the new covenant sealed by the blood of Christ – is guaranteed. The Holy Spirit is the seal on our souls. And this contract cannot be changed, for it is based on the immutable promises of God.

Yes, what a holy and awe-inspiring name He has!!

Verse 10 – The only way to become truly wise is to fear God. I loved this definition:

the fear of the Lord: an inward attitude of humble reverence toward God, in light of His self-revelation, that results in outward expression of Christlikeness

"According to this definition, the fear of the Lord involves two parts. The first is the inward attitude. This attitude is humble because as the Lord reveals His character, His majesty, His power and holiness, we are humbled before Him. We realize that God alone is worthy of our devotion and reverence. The second part is the outward obedience, which flows from this inward humility. God reveals Himself to us so we will obey Him. The two parts are linked." (Find the link to the whole article here):

The more we know Him, the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we obey Him. The more we obey Him, the more we become like Him. And that is the beginning of true wisdom – the secret to life.

No wonder the author of Psalm 111 ended with his resounding coda!

So do I!

PRAISE HIM FOREVER!

A big amen to that.

Won't you join me today in celebrating this psalm, and thanking God for all He is and all He's done?!

Linked today with Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS and Peggy at SOAKING ON SONDAY!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - I Remember

I remember.

There are some events in life that are so shocking, so incomprehensible, that they are forever imprinted on our minds and our lives.

September 11, 2001 was just such a moment.

I woke up that morning to what seemed like a normal day. I put on a semblance of a "face" as my youngest prepared for school. We piled into the car, and headed over to pick up the two brothers we car-pooled with. We arrived, I honked the car, and we waited…

…and waited.

Finally, one of the brothers came to the car. Just as he was climbing in, his brother rushed out.

"Where have you guys been?" I asked. "I was worried that we were going to be late."

All of a sudden they both started telling me how a plane had flown into one of the Twin Towers, and it was burning, and it looked like our country was under attack…

"Yeah, right," I said. I thought they were joking, or that they'd been playing some video game.

Somberly they replied, "No, it's really happening."

We flipped on the radio. And the tragic story began to unfold. As soon as I got home, I turned on the television.

And there I sat, glued to the screen, for the next two months.

You remember, it was stunning, mesmerizing, surreal, and so very, very tragic.

I think, in some way, every American citizen felt those planes crash into their own lives – and security and blind innocence burned to the ground. Our country would never be the same…

But we recovered – scarred and more wary, yes – but we still stood strong as a nation.

What happened?

I'm sorry, but I don't think this country learned the most important lesson of 9/11. It didn't turn back to God. Maybe temporarily, yes – but a life-changing repentance, a confession of sin and a resolve to live by moral, Christian values? Not so much.

We cannot afford to miss the message of 9/11. Evil can reach our shores and decimate us on our own "turf." We are perhaps more vulnerable than we think. But most of all, we have forgotten our God, in whom we should trust.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" – though originally a message given to the nation of Israel through the prophet, Jeremiah – should serve as a warning to us, too:

"'I am watching them closely, and I see every sin. They cannot hope to hide from me. I will double their punishment for all their sins, because they have…filled my territory with their evil deeds…Now I will show them my power; now I will show them my might. At last they will know that I am the LORD.'"

(Jeremiah 16:17-18, 21)

I feel like America, and the world itself, is half-asleep – dozing comfortably in a sin-soaked dream. We're calmly hitting the *snooze button* on the alarm that's trying to alert us to danger.

I shudder to think what a "wake-up call" might look like.

Yes, let's take today and remember all those people – civilians and rescuers – who lost their lives on that terrible day. Let's remember the people they left behind. Let's stop and honor all the people who have fought since that day for the cause of freedom.

Let's erect a proud ***star-spangled banner*** in our hearts, and stand tall as a nation.

But, I pray that we do one more thing – the most important thing.

I pray that we remember our LORD, the Almighty God of Heaven's Armies, the one true God that rules over all the world in His Sovereignty.

May we as a nation, and as individuals, remember and turn back – back to Him.

Back to true worship, back to His Holy Word, back to faith in His Son, back to right living and godly values.

Let us say along with Jeremiah, the words of a people wholly devoted to God:

"LORD, you are [our] strength and fortress, [our] refuge in the day of trouble!

Nations from around the world will come to you and say, 'Our ancestors left us a foolish heritage, for they worshiped worthless idols…'

But we worship at your throne – eternal, high, and glorious!

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who turn away from you will be disgraced…for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water.

…[but] blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water." (From Jeremiah 17)

Yes, I remember.

Where were you on 9/11?

And on this anniversary, what is your resolve about worshiping the Lord?

"When in doubt, search God out."

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - One Nation...Under God?

One nation.

Under God.

I am thrilled by that phrase. But a question arises in my mind, "Are we really?"

It's a sobering thought, isn't it?

I am deeply concerned about our great nation. And I am NOT speaking about politics here. Because no matter what your political affiliations are, as a Christian, you've got to be dismayed about the spiritual health of America.

I look beyond the political climate. Look at our culture, our morals, our values, our priorities. We are skewed and twisted – falling woefully short of God’s standards. Under God? Obedience might as well be a four-letter word…

It makes me sad, it makes me mad – and it makes me more than a little scared.

What's this country coming to?

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" was an extremely timely passage, I thought. It's from the book of Malachi:

"'I am not pleased with you,' says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, 'and I will not accept your offerings. But my name is honored by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer…pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,' says the LORD…'But you dishonor my name with your actions…'" (Malachi 1:10-12)

WHOA.

Let's start with a little background on Malachi.

He was the last Old Testament prophet, and he preached about 430 B.C. The Israelites had returned to their homeland from exile, and the Temple had been rebuilt for almost a century. However, the people were losing their enthusiasm for worship. There was apathy and disillusionment because the Messiah had not arrived. Many of the sins that had led to the downfall of Jerusalem in 568 B.C. were still being practiced in Judah.

Malachi courageously confronted the hypocrites with their sins. He portrayed a graphic dialogue between a holy God and His hard-hearted people.

Though today's verses were originally directed at the priests, I think there's a universal message in there that can be applied to our country, too.

Are we callous about sin?

Are we apathetic about injustice?

Are we obsessed with our own pursuits?

Are we worshiping the idols of fame, fortune, and power?

Are we self-centered and proud?

Are we hypocrites?

Malachi dedicated himself to proclaiming God's message to his countrymen. He tried to give them a spiritual *wake-up call.* They didn't respond.

And then God was *silent* for more than 400 years. The heavens seemed closed to the nation of Israel. They heard nothing from God…

…until He sent His Son.

Sometimes I wonder – is God issuing us a warning? Are we on the brink of punishment? Are we testing His patience, and taking His favor for granted? Are we abusing His mercy?

God deserves our very best – our honor, respect, and faithfulness.

Where is our country on that one??

Where are we, as individuals, as believers?

Take today to evaluate the depth of your commitment to Christ. Test the sincerity of your worship. Ponder the direction of your life.

Are you a person who lives – under God?

I pray for a revival for our nation, a turning back to the God who has blessed us. I pray for the tide of pride and sin and corruption to be reversed. I pray for our leaders and our people. I pray…

But, I'm starting with me.

Lord, help me to honor You and Your name. Enable me to offer You pure offerings that are sweet and pleasing to You. Give me courage to proclaim You to others. And may I never dishonor Your name by my actions. Lord, help me to remain devoted to You – first and foremost, above all else…

Lord, let me live – UNDER. GOD.

What are your thoughts on the state of the union? How about the state of your own heart?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

WE'RE NUMBER ONE

Really???

I've been thinking about the Ten Commandments recently – (not really, but don't you think we should once in awhile?)

Specifically, the first one.

"You must not have any other god but me."

Not a lot of wiggle room in there…

Personally, it's not a problem for me to worship only God – when I think about other gods like Molech, or Baal, or Buddha. I worship the One True God, the LORD. The One who was, and is, and is to come.

Yes, my worship is imperfect – I realize that. But it isn't directed at any other name under the sun than the Almighty God Jehovah.

Now, the problem occurs when I think about other "gods" – other things that can creep into my heart and replace HIS position at Number One.

Today, we can allow many things to become gods to us – money, fame, work, or pleasure. These can become gods when we concentrate too much on them. Take a good, hard, long look at where you turn for personal identity, meaning, and security – anything other than God is idolatry.

No one really sets out with the intention of worshiping these things. But by the amount of time we devote to them, they can ultimately control our thoughts and energies.

They will subtly begin to replace God as the central focus of our hearts.

So, I'm posing this question…

Do we love God – or what He can do for us?

Most of us aren't – or at least we're trying – to not treat God as a heavenly vending machine. We aren't seeking to manipulate Him into only pleasing us. We sincerely want to do His will, and worship and please Him.

So, here's the second question I'm posing…

Do we love God – or what we can do for Him?

This is the more subtle question. Our enemy is so very sneaky – so very manipulative – so very twisted. He has unique temptations reserved for just us believers. He knows that he's lost us for eternity. So, his tactics take on a different aim.

He aims to re-direct our attention – to divert us – to sidetrack us with distractions.

And what better distraction than to consume us with the desire to do something for God?

Hear me out…

Because we love God, we want to serve Him. We want to fulfill our God-given purpose in life. We want to use our God-given skills and talents for His glory. We want to make a difference for Him.

All very good goals…

And yet – (and I'm just going to speak for me now) – I can get consumed with my "doing" for the Lord – or the lack of it – or the desire for it. I can get consumed with finding a *ministry* for Him – or bemoaning the lack of it – or obsessively desiring it – seeking it – trying desperately to make it happen.

And the devil has opened all sorts of dangerous cracks in my heart through this – being envious, being judgmental, being proud, being discouraged, being selfish, being discontent, being worried…

So, the other day, I thought about this first commandment again:

"You must not have any other god but me."

And I heard the question that God was really asking me – the one that I keep hearing again and again – the one that I can't seem to escape…

"Sharon, is it really just Me?"

Do I really love God? Or have I been guilty of seeking what I can do for Him, instead of just seeking HIM?

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need." (Luke 12:31)

How did I hear God say this to me?

"Sharon, seek ME, above all else. Leave the rest up to Me. I will give you talents and skills, and opportunities to use them. I will give you meaning and purpose. I will bring you into areas of ministry. I'll show you ways to do things for Me. But, it's got to be Me, and only Me, that you seek more than anything in the world – even more than pleasing Me. Look for Me with your whole heart…and you will find Me."

Do we love God?

I want to love God – period.

I love God.

(Is this ever a struggle for you?)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"