Bible

Holy Ground

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Exodus 2:11-3:22; 1 Peter 2:4-10

 

Does your life feel very commonplace? Ordinary? Most of us pass our days in a fairly mundane routine. I’m all for these kinds of days and often talk about it on here. But did you know that even if you live a plain life, like every other average person, you are also holy? Jesus has made this so.

When the Lord called Moses to Himself in the burning bush, God instructs him to take off his sandals for he is “standing on holy ground”. The Great I AM used Moses to rescue Israel out of Egypt, keeping His covenant with Abraham. The Lord went to great lengths showing His love and devotion to His people. God performed miraculous signs and wonders before Pharaoh and the Egyptians to free Israel from slavery.

God came to the rescue for His people again later in history to finally redeem His own once and for all. The Lord sent His Son to the cross for sinners like you and me. Jesus endured a gruesome death, and worse, took God’s wrath upon Himself so you and I never have to experience this. Jesus set you free.

What love is this?

Who has this kind of power, defying sin and death?

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Only God in Heaven, who came down incarnate, to deliver us from certain eternal hell. He has restored us into fellowship with the One who loves us best. We now have Christ with us always. Be encouraged that the God of this Universe loves you enough to pursue your soul like this. God has made for Himself a holy people- you and me. We serve a Holy God and what a privilege to know Him and be known by Him. Wherever you go, whatever you do in your day-to-day routine, it is holy because Christ is in you. Jesus humbly served while on earth, doing common daily activities yet He was perfectly holy.

We may still war against our flesh and Satan, but now there are two natures at work in you (Romans 7:14-8:4). We are His saints, part of a royal priesthood, ministers of reconciliation. This is deep joy for the Christian. Moses received an up close view of God’s awesome holiness. At that time the Lord was beginning the beautiful work of introducing His character to His people. Living after the cross we now are always in His Presence, with His Spirit, standing on holy ground.

Jesus exchanged our filthy rags for robes of righteousness. Following in the footsteps of our Savior, common work becomes an act of worship. It is both solemn and filled with laughter; bustling with activity and a quiet hush of reverence. Your life in one sense is very ordinary in this world, but quite glorious in the spiritual realm which will last for eternity.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

God’s Justice

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Genesis 42:18-43:14; Psalm 18:16-36; Matthew 14:1-12

 

Joseph concealed his identity from his brothers, testing them in their integrity. God providentially used Joseph to carry out the consequences of his brothers’ former actions when they sold him as a slave. Joseph had done nothing wrong but continued to rely on the Lord for wisdom and favor. God avenges Joseph as he hides his identity until the right time.

John the Baptist was also a righteous servant yet his life is taken as he is beheaded. God’s justice for John’s blood did not happen in this life. The Lord will avenge him and all evil done against His children, but it will be in His way and in His time.

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Psalm 18 promises the Lord will faithfully avenge, but man must learn to trust Him fully and not seek revenge themselves. God used Joseph as a means to bring about immediate justice. Interestingly, Joseph also demonstrates profound forgiveness for what his brothers did to him. As a Christ figure, he beautifully illustrates what we deserve in our sin (judgment) but what Jesus also offers all who trust in His salvific work (forgiveness and redemption).

Sometimes we won’t see God’s perfect justice executed here on earth. His promise of restoring all that has been lost and wickedness that seems to go unpunished will come to fruition on Judgement Day. So we trust in His infinite wisdom and deep love for us knowing our Father will do what is best. The Lord is on your side and will fight for you. In Christ, we’ve already won.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Deliverance

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Genesis 41:17-42:17; Psalm 18:1-15; Matthew 13:24-46

 

After Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream he is placed in charge over the whole land of Egypt. Joseph oversees the provision for the country anticipating the seven years of famine. He is second in command. God delivers Israel (Jacob’s family) and Egypt through the wisdom of Joseph.

Joseph parallels a type of Christ operating under the power of only one with authority over him- Pharaoh. Jesus is equal to the Father yet obediently submits under His authority. Jesus delivers His people, the Church, on the grand stage of redemption. On a smaller scale yet still providential, Joseph saves his people from famine. Israel is preserved, even Gentile Egyptians, from certain death if Joseph were not placed in charge to provide food for those in need. The people were starving and went to Joseph to be fed.

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Humanity starves for spiritual food only Christ can give. God made a way for us to come to Him by sending His Son to the cross. Our Father most assuredly does not lose any He has chosen to save. He has fought for you and will keep you as the apple of His eye. We need only look to Jesus for our deliverance.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Joseph’s heart

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Genesis 39:1-41:16; Psalm 17; Proverbs 3:33-35; Matthew 12:46-13:23

 

When Potiphar’s wife repeatedly seeks Joseph out to sleep with him, the Bible records how he avoided her, then finally runs away from her presence. He explains why he won’t commit adultery, out of respect for Potiphar, his master who honored him by placing Joseph in charge over his entire estate. Joseph also adds that he will not sin against God this way.

Instead of being rewarded for his integrity, Joseph is falsely accused and put in prison. Even this injustice does not cause him to turn away from God (Remember how his brothers faked his murder and sold him as a slave?). The Scriptures show how the Lord God was with him still. He never left Joseph alone in his trials.

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Joseph chooses reliance on God through all the ways he is mistreated by others. Psalm 17 written by King David hundreds of years later, could have been echoed by Joseph too in his situation. Wherever he served, the Lord blessed Joseph by setting him apart so that his authorities took notice.

Joseph demonstrates wisdom in interpreting dreams from the cupbearer, baker, and Pharaoh. He plainly tells these men that God is the interpreter of dreams, not him. Joseph is humble. He sees himself as a vessel to be used by God however the Lord sees fit. This is a heart God honors. This is what grace overflowing looks like. Joseph’s life is an example of growing deeper into the good soil as a faithful servant.

One who trusts God even when the circumstances are bleak.

One who relies on God’s perfect justice, in His infinite wisdom, according to His Divine Plan.

This is a heart that reflects Christ.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Jesus Is Greater

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Genesis 38; Psalm 16; Proverbs 3:27-32; Matthew 12:22-45

 

Jesus is among His Creation as a man. He condescends Himself by taking on our humanity, identifying with us, teaching the people by speaking in a language they understand. Christ used everyday objects like bread, water, and sheep to relate deeper spiritual truths. What great love is this that the Master identifies with us so that we can identify with Him?

God shows us that we can rest in His Sovereignty, His plan, even using our failures for His Glory. He chose Judah, the 4th son of Jacob to carry the line of Christ through the sinful act of sleeping with his daughter-in-law Tamar. She deceived Judah into going to bed with her in hopes of producing a child, which she did- twins! It’s good to keep in mind that these actions are descriptive and not prescriptive. Why? Because the Bible overwhelmingly tells us to not behave like the wicked, but seek to do good to others, reflecting the Lord’s merciful and compassionate nature.

 

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God can work through our sin but it isn’t a license to abuse grace either. Jesus died for us to be free from our sinful life. We are made righteous because Jesus is greater than any prophet, priest or king who has lived. Jesus tells the Pharisees He is greater than Jonah, greater than Solomon. He is fully God and fully man, not hiding His identity from the people. Many still rejected His claims because we see what we want to see. God must open our eyes to accept truth even when we can’t fully comprehend the mystery of it all.

But we know this to be true:

God is trustworthy.

God is faithful.

God pursues wayward people like Judah, Tamar, me and you. He loves us in spite of knowing how sinful we are, because God also knows what we are in Christ. The Lord is Greater, and has never given up on His Beloved Bride. This is the good news to rest in. Jesus is greater than our sin and it will not consume us.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Portrait of the godly

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Genesis 35; Psalm 15; Proverbs 3:21-26; Matthew 12:1-21

 

Jacob has a heart revival and leads his family to do the same: get rid of foreign gods, actively follow God, obey His commands. Jacob’s desire is to worship and remember the Lord who blessed him when he first ran from Esau. Jacob returns home to his earthly father Issac, but more importantly renews his relationship with his Heavenly Father.

When we abide with the Lord operating within the boundaries of His commands, there is peace. External circumstances still cause us trials but the righteous take the long view, an eternal perspective on life. Our confidence in the Lord remains. He can be trusted even when we don’t understand everything- especially when we can’t understand everything.

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The godly seek discernment and sound judgement as they pilgrim through this world. Jesus is our best example of godly character. He exemplified what it means to be human and still remain in God’s will. He too interacted with all kinds of people- those who loved Him, those who only wanted what He could give them, those who hated Him, plotting to take His life. Jesus was bold in confronting hypocrites, compassionate toward the needy, forgiving to sinners.

God’s commands for us today follow this same principle- imitate Christ. We can’t live this way on our own. So how is this relevant or even possible? Micah 6:8 gives us a good framework to start with: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Through faith and the power of His Spirit we mirror our Savior, abiding in Christ.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

The Cursed Serpent

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Read: Genesis 3:1-4:26; Psalm 2; Matthew 3:1-6

Christ became sin for us, becoming a curse, bearing God’s wrath so that believers will never have to. Jesus has made us free (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It’s interesting that Satan is identified as a serpent in Genesis 3, to tempt the first man and woman to sin. Later on in the book of Numbers, Moses obeys the Lord’s command to construct a bronze serpent for God to heal the Israelites bitten by venomous snakes. They had complained against God’s provision and Moses’ leadership. Realizing their sin, the people repented. When they looked at the bronze snake set up on a pole, the people who were bitten lived. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-15).

From the Fall the serpent foreshadows Jesus becoming sin for us and His sacrificial death on a cross. We see directly after the Fall how sin corrupted mankind. But God in His mercy sends Jesus to redeem His people from eternal death and give us life in Him! The serpent symbolizes our curse, but God uses this very image as a means to save us through Jesus taking on our sin. He is lifted up on a cross, like Moses placed the bronze snake on a pole. Anyone who looks to Christ will be saved from death and the serpent of Satan will not have victory over you.

Jesus crushed the head of the serpent overcoming death and sin, restoring His Beloved (Genesis 3:15). Those in Christ Jesus are called to continue this mission of mortifying the flesh, crushing the will of Satan as we engage in spiritual battle every day (Romans 16:20). This is the power of Christ at work in us. Satan does not have the final victory. The war does not belong to Him. God has already won. Praise be to God!

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.”  1 Peter 2:24

 

Grace upon grace,

April

 

Made To Worship

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I’m reading right now the book of Jeremiah in the Bible. He has a tough message to give the people. They have pranced around in a masquerade as God’s people but did not really know Him. Their hearts were far from the Lord as they paid Him lip service, deluded into thinking their Abrahamic lineage could save them.

This is what the Father tells Jeremiah to say:

“My people have committed two sins: 

They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, 

broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”

-Jeremiah 2:13

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Israel ran to worthless idols, forsaking God and binding themselves as slaves to lifeless, manmade objects. The people sought purpose, satisfaction and love apart from God, coming up empty, yet lusting for more. They loved their idols more than cultivating a genuine relationship with the Lord.

They loved their idols more…

It doesn’t sound much different than our world. And it isn’t just “us” pointing the finger at “them” and their depravity. I was convicted in reading Jeremiah’s words too. How often do I run after other things, ANYTHING, other than the One who created me?

Like chasing the wind in a desert, I can commit spiritual adultery too. Reading through this book is humbling. I want to daily bring myself before the Father asking Him to guide my decisions.

There is nothing new under the sun. I think it’s spiritually healthy for believers to take stock of where our treasures are. Do I want what God can give me, more than I want God? One is soul killing, the other soul saving.

Who or what satisfies you today?

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We can still be His children even when we stumble but it isn’t His plan for us. The Israelites abused God’s grace and patience. They had no real heritage with Him as they continued to reject God’s love. Those who continue to fight against the Creator doing as they please were never His to begin with.

God wants our hearts so that we worship Him alone.

We are made to be worshippers- and we all worship something. Is it the Lord? Let us not be deceived into spiritual complacency and compartmentalize God just on Sundays thinking “we’re okay” or good enough if we check a box.

Through His Son Jesus we are called to so much more. Chasing the temporary can’t bring contentment. He has equipped us together with all the saints to pursue Him in holiness, in love. We have the privilege to honor Christ today as humble warriors!

Delight in the One who gave everything for you. 

Believer, you are lavished in God’s consuming love. You are protected in Christ’s righteousness. You are guided by the Holy Spirit.

Anything other than our Father will let you down. That’s a promise. Trust in His wisdom for your life and worship God alone today.

Grace upon grace,

April

The joys and challenges in parenting a special needs child

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January has been unexpectedly hard- and cold, but well, that one is to be expected.

We’re still settling into the “new house” as my son calls it. This doesn’t seem like home yet,  so we’re all a little displaced, since we don’t belong at our old house either. But I figure this will soon wear off and be a safe haven rather than feel like a guest in our own home.

Along with that there have been particularly stressful moments recently trying to mother/referee his rollercoaster emotions. Sobbing one minute and laughing the next, mixed in with a good dose of hyperactivity and whining tantrums.

It’s taken me off guard because it isn’t his typical behavior.

Is he tired? Should I change his diet? Special vitamins? Is this a normal part of growing up?

I can guess all day and go mad trying to figure out the solution- or better yet, the problem. He isn’t able to articulate all of his big feelings, so outwardly I try to calm him down. But inwardly I internalize.

Worry.

Stress.

Until the other day when Jason and I were attending to “new house” stuff I had chest pains. Normally I would shake it off (perhaps foolishly) but since I’ve had a run in with AFib there was concern. Each breath hurt my chest.

I’m fine now, but this pain lasted a day and a half-  soreness like maybe I pulled a muscle. Ironically Jason has had the exact same chest pain for 2 years. I did rest that day, just in case, but my fears of another heart problem were put at ease realizing he experiences the same thing.

In fact, it makes sense now.

I’ve heard it said before that parenting a special needs child is on the same stress level as a combat solider. Well, I don’t know about that, but it serves up a great deal of learning challenges, misunderstandings, isolation, acceptance, self-help skills, and sleep deprivation.

This isn’t a sob story because goodness knows we have been tremendously blessed. I know that.

God has given us our son with a purpose. Some of the reasons I see so clearly and other times I do question why there are disabilities at all. It doesn’t seem fair. Looking at other cases just breaks my heart.

But here are two things I know:

One, I don’t want to ever pity another family with special needs children, but love them by being their friend. Enter their mess. Show compassion. Listen. I can’t understand the exact situation, but I can pray for them and even with them. This is what these families need.

To be heard. Seen. Validated. Loved.

Two, God gave me an amazing son who blesses others in a way I can’t fully understand. Sure he’s not perfect by any means but he loves cheerfully. My prayer has always been that the Lord will allow others to see His kindness and goodness through my son.

I believe God has honored this. 

My Father teaches me more and more and more patience when it comes to working with him. My son is the only extrovert in our family so he keeps me and Jason constantly climbing out of our comfort zones. God is inwardly refining my character, as well as showing me how to practice seeing others like my son does.

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This job is for life and I know there will be more joys and challenges with it. The joy is found by recognizing those moments as gifts and giving thanks. The challenges prompt me to pray more specifically and consistently.

Is it stressful? For sure. Is my son worth it? Always.

Knowing that God sees you even when no one else does can help you persevere. Jesus shepherds those that have young (Isaiah 40:11) and He will never leave or forsake His beloved children (Hebrews 13:5).

You and I can rest in this, then take a deep breath and trust God to lead. 

Grace upon grace,

April

A Christmas Gift every day

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There seems no end to the rush- from Thanksgiving, to Christmas, on into New Year’s. I’ve become a bit of a Grinch this season with the avalanche of activities, filled with HIGH expectations. Christmas is the one time of year where nostalgia perfection rules. We want to “remember what it was like when we were kids” and create those kind of memories for our children too.

It’s exhausting.

Maybe because we just moved the first week in December, Christmas has felt more like a to-do list on top of the normal day to day things, and oh, did I mention we just moved?!  Let me just hibernate like the bears do and emerge come spring?

Cynical, yes.

Even though the busy pace has threatened to undo me, God is lately at work tilling my heart.

I don’t want to miss the wonder of Christ’s birth.

Heaven met earth in a stable suited for farm animals, witnessed by only Mary and Joseph, then shepherds, and later on the wise men. Christ came without excessive decorum, but as a baby, the most helpless and vulnerable a human can be.

I pray to not get lost in the frenzied swirl of distractions or my own pessimism.

Because honestly, Jesus never asked us to wrap 1,499,586 presents this season, or send Christmas cards with a picture of your family to every. single. person you’ve ever met, or attempt that cake from Joanna Gaines’ cookbook because it looks “Christmas-ey”.

All we’re asked to do is receive Him- the Greatest Gift.

It’s hard for us to be on the receiving end of things sometimes. In a self-reliant, self-made, autonomous modern Western world, we have to do something before we get, right?

God’s economy doesn’t operate that way. We don’t have to perform or earn anything. It’s not a rewards system like in kindergarten.

It’s all grace.

Does it mean we can’t be light-hearted and enjoy fun things during the season? Of course we can. We should celebrate, especially as Christians! But it does mean that we are free from having to tie one more ribbon or buy one more gift for the sake of a “perfect” Christmas.

You do not have to perform to be loved by Jesus. 

Yes, there may be pies to bake, rooms to clean, and even a few presents to wrap. But how we view Christmas is what matters in the hustle of the holidays. We can posture our hearts to worship knowing that we already belong in God’s family, no matter if the ham burns or you forgot to send a Christmas card to Aunt Martha, or that hard to buy for person hates what you got them.

Whether you’re familiar with the loud and busy of Christmas bustle or tucked away lonely, wishing you had someone to buy a present for, remember that Christ came for you too.

Jesus is the Greatest Gift we can have (and all we truly need or want) not just this Christmas, but every Christmas, and every day. One day we’ll see the Son of God who risked everything to save us from ourselves. He’s the Only One who can satisfy our cracked hearts, not things or experiences. When see Him face to face, that will be the best Christmas of all.

 

Grace upon grace,

April