Rejoice, Repent, Relinquish

1 Samuel 2 & Psalms 3

In today’s readings we follow three attitudes and approaches to God from three different people (Hannah, the Sons of Eli, David). 1 Samuel outlines Hannah’s song of praise and then in contrast, the choices of the worthless sons of Eli.  Turning to Psalms we find David’s prayer of trust in God.

After years of praying and waiting, Hannah is blessed with a son, Samuel, and her response is one of genuine joy and gratitude. She declares in this prayer-song who the Lord is, what He has done, and what He will do.  His knowledge and judgement are perfect: He makes the feeble strong, feeds the hungry, brings babies to the barren, poor become rich, exalts the lowly, and protects His faithful. Her worship to the Lord with her words is a foreshadowing of Mary’s song in Luke 1, praising God for who He is and what He has done.

Meanwhile, Eli’s sons continue to disobey God and are called worthless men who do not know the Lord. One of the transgressions detailed is their taking advantage and dishonoring the sacrifices to God from the people. Eli rebukes his sons, and instead of responding with sorrow and repentance for their sin, they continue in a sinful lifestyle – even sleeping with servant women at the temple entrance. They demonstrate complete disregard for Eli’s admonishment, and most of all for God. They are arrogant in their positions as Eli’s sons and ‘servants of the priest’, and it is known among Israel.

Fast-forward to Psalm 3, David’s prayer-song to God of the events unfolding (that come later in 2 Samuel 15-16).  David’s son Absalom has created a conspiracy against David and has turned the people against him. As David flees from Jerusalem to the Jordan river, he cries out to the Lord. Verses 1 & 2 outline the reality of David’s situation and what he is up against – many, MANY enemies that are against him and almost taunting his faith and salvation. I love verse 3, the turning point in this song, beginning with “But YOU, Oh Lord…”, David’s hope and fear is in the Lord, not in man. He declares God’s protection, answering, and sustaining, even when he is surrounded. He turns it over to God and His trust is in Him alone.

These three scenarios leave us with examples of how we can respond to God.  Both Hannah and David declare WHO God is, what He has done, and what He will do.  One after experiencing a miracle and the other in a plea for protection and prayer of trust.  And finally, we have an example that leads to destruction: responding to God with continued sin and rebellion. I can’t read these accounts without examining my own response to God.

In times of blessings and miracles right in front of me, do I stop and praise God for His perfect provision and timing? What a beautiful example of rejoicing Hannah gives us! Whether it be something small that the world may brush off as coincidence, or something much bigger that is clearly divine, do I give God all the glory? Do I continually believe in WHO God is and WHAT He will do?

In times of Godly correction, can I soften my heart to repent or will I rebel even more? Maybe it’s a prompting from the Holy Spirit showing me my sin, a sister in Christ sharing a truth I need to hear, or a scripture speaking right to me.  I can look back at times when my response was much more like Eli’s worthless sons, rationalizing and justifying my actions, instead of turning to God with sorrow for my sin.

In times of desperation, like David, can I turn my fear into faith? Do I say ‘But YOU, Oh Lord…’ when faced with trials that seem unfair? Am I willing to believe that His judgement and justice is best?  David could have fought to stay in Jerusalem and clear his name, instead he chose to protect his followers and flee to keep them out of harm’s way. Can I praise Him in the midst of fear and heartache? Am I willing to let God fight my battles and relinquish the control I think I have?

Lord, you ARE the Almighty, King of all Kings. Your ways are far beyond my understanding. Thank you for showing me grace and patience as I repent for my sin and rebellion. Please give me the rejoicing heart of Hannah and the relinquishing trust of David. Amen.

Turning our worries into worship

1 Samuel 1 covers the birth of Samuel. It seems right to start with his birth and the faith story of his mother’s miraculous pregnancy. 1 & 2 Samuel consist of 55 chapters which leads me to believe that God really wants us to pay attention to this man.

While preparing for this post and praying for a story this week, I was introduced to a new friend whose name is Mark. In our very first conversation that lasted only 22 minutes, Mark opened up to me and shared that his wife had been told they wouldn’t be able to have kids without major medical assistance. He told me about miscarriages, fertility treatments, and a lot of waiting. He then shared that they now have two children.

Then Mark said “we recently were shocked to learn that we’re now expecting our third child.” This time there were no medical procedures or medications, so they are completely blown away. Praise God!

Have you heard stories like this? I have and witnessed similar stories first hand in our family. Years of heartache, miscarriages, and some medical procedures resulting in tears until late 2004 when we got past the first trimester, and in May 2005 our son Peyton was born.

We were prepared to wait years until baby two, then we absolutely believe that it was a miracle when Peyton’s brother Preston was born healthy and strong only 15 months later. No medical procedures or medications. We praise God daily for these two boys. None of the timing was our plan, but reflecting on these last 13 years we wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Father God, I confess my frustration with your timing in so many life situations, but you always know what is best for us. Thank you for showing your power, love, and mercy. Amen.

And then there was Samuel’s mother, Hannah (I wonder how many palindromes are in the Bible; maybe a topic for another post). Hannah went on through many years of marriage and suffered several hardships as a result of not having children.

But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5)

Hannah’s womb was closed. God’s plan, God’s timing. Then we find Hannah praying with “troubled spirit”. So troubled that she was thought to be drunk. In this event, Eli the priest listens to her story and tells her that God will grant her petition.

This distraught woman’s spirit turns from mourning to peaceful and we also find her worshipping. Soon after these events Hannah becomes pregnant and with much jubilation and Glory to God, Samuel is born. I love it when God shows off!

May we seek his plan, turn our hearts to obedience, and our worry into worship today and every day. In the name of Jesus Christ our king. Amen.

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 1 & Psalm 2

Resentment and Displeasure

Jonah 4, Psalm 1

As we conclude the book of Jonah, I find myself working through some tough questions.  For example, why did God choose Jonah?  First he runs away, repenting only when God pins him down.  Then, he reverts back to his old attitudes.  Finally, when God confronts him about his indignation, Jonah doesn’t attempt to change.  He doesn’t even express remorse.  Instead, he wishes for death. 

He’s an Idiot.  That’s the best descriptor I can find.  In fact, I can’t believe that God is still talking with him.  Seriously, God should wring his neck! God’s frustration with Jonah must be unbearable.  What is God thinking?  How could he?

Do you hear it?  Righteous indignation shows up fast!  Just like Jonah, I find myself running from God’s calling.  Just like Jonah, I repent and choose obedience when He reigns me in.  And, just like Jonah, I revert to my old self, full of righteous indignation.

Thankfully, God never changes.  God loves me and calls me to do his bidding, just like Jonah.  God tests and reproves me because he loves me, just like Jonah.  And, God listens to me, even when I’m an idiot, just like Jonah.

Second Chances

Today’s reading: Jonah 3, Proverbs 27

The God of second chances.  This third chapter of Jonah is the epitome of the second chance. God tells Jonah (for a second time) to “get up and go to the great city of Ninevah, and deliver the message of judgement I have given you”. Jonah was still feeling like he didn’t want to, but after witnessing the power of God through the storm and the giant fish he couldn’t attempt another trip to Tarshish. The second chance was not to fulfill Jonah’s plan. It was the chance for God to fulfill His plan through Jonah.  Again, Jonah had the choice. In his mind the people of Ninevah didn’t deserve God after all their violence and evil. But God, in his mercy and grace had plans for Ninevah beyond what Jonah could comprehend. God asking the same request of Jonah a second time is so powerful. He didn’t give up on Jonah. He pursued Him with a storm and a giant fish until he realized the power he was running away from. Jonah finally submitted to the authority of the Almighty God.  He didn’t understand but he said “yes”. And because of his submission to a plan he didn’t understand, the people of Ninevah repented. They didn’t just say they were sorry, they expressed their repentance by turning from their evil ways immediately. Submission. They got a second chance too.

Do you have a Ninevah you are running from? Is God pursuing you with obstacles and struggle as you run towards Tarshish? Stop running. Rest, pray, submit. God will give a second chance to His people. And His plan is always bigger and better than ours.

Thank you Father for the gift of forgiveness and second chances.

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend”

The Power of Prayer

Today’s Reading:  Jonah 2; Proverbs 28

Image result for power or prayer

Jonah 1:17: And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah.  And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. 

Wow!  Have you ever wondered why something has happened to you?  How are you ever going to get out of a predicament?  Being swallowed by a great fish, is some kind of predicament!  Jonah realized he needed to rely back on the Lord.  He was in trouble, even under sin and in God’s displeasure, he still prayed.   Jonah 2:1-2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried and you heard my voice.”

There are many times within a day, lets be real I’m a mom of a 7 year old and 3 year old boys, a junior high teacher and living in this crazy society.  There are definitely many times within a day I need to pause and PRAY!  I am not perfect, I am trying to live out a life the best I can to be like Jesus, but it is far from perfect.  Take a moment to pause…PRAY and even bring out pain, suffering, or struggles by our sins.  God knows our sins and imperfections.  The Lord will welcome us to the throne of grace, just like He did with Jonah.  It is not easy, we live in the picture-perfect world through social media.  No one wants to admit their imperfections.  It is so easy to get caught up in a world that does not live like Jesus did.  Whether it is your workplace, family, or friends; how are you going to show others the love and grace that Jesus has shown us?  Stop and pray for the mom at the store whose screaming child is throwing a huge fit or a friend who is struggling with a relationship.  No matter the struggle big or small, God is here for us we just need to take the time to pray.  What better way to show Jesus’ love then the power of prayer.  Don’t just say “I’ll pray for you” actually pause and do it!  At the end of the day, Jesus is the judge of us all.

Jonah shows us that no matter where you are, even at the bottom of the ocean in the stomach of a fish, we can too pray because God is always with us.  He walks with us and alongside us in the crazy place we call life.  Pause, take a moment to PRAY, and most of all thank God for all He does for us.  He is a miracle worker and we are so undeserved of everything He has done for us.  Praise be to God!  Jonah 2:10:  And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.  Miracle worker?  I believe so!  Pray and trust in God!

Jennifer LaFrance

What A Storm

Today’s Reading : Jonah 1;  Proverbs 27

The Story of Jonah is one that is familiar with many of the Judeo-Christian faith. It is the story of how a man survived in the belly of a big fish for three days and nights. It is the foreshadowing of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   Jonah is written over 700 years before the birth of Christ, illustrates how God’s grace is not only for one people, but for all people. This story also illustrates that it is not our decision of who, where, and when the salvation and grace will be given. God decides.

As we enter into Jonah, we are presented with him running away from his assignment. He is given the assignment to go to his enemies’ city, Nineveh, and give them a message from God about their behavior and how to correct and repent their mistakes. God chose Jonah to be a vessel of Salvation, but Jonah is choosing to run away. As Jonah is attempting to run away he is presented with several opportunities to witness. While on the ship he encounters a severe storm that threats the ship and the people on the ship. We find that he is the reason for the tempest and the only cure the storm is to throw him off the ship and then the sea will be calm.

As I dissected this chapter there are three points that came into clarity for me:

  • The peace in the storm
  • The storm that you are in may not be for you but for others
  • Worship the storm

Jonah 1: 5-6:5 Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. 6 So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”

When we are in the midst of a storm, God has given us peace that cannot be comprehended by others. It took someone to physically disturb Jonah, to make him aware of the pandemonium that was happening around him. Sometimes God guards us through the midst of storms that we are not aware are happening. God gives us a unsurpassable peace in the midst of storms that we are experiencing to show others an indescribable calm.

Jonah 1:14-16:14 Therefore they called out to the Lord, “O Lord, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.

In my youth, there were many preachers and pastors that would say “ There are three type of people: People who are about to go into a storm, people who are in a storm, and people that have just come through storm. Which one are you?” This resonates with me in this passage, where we think that the storm is for the “punishment” of Jonah, but it is for the salvation of the people on the ship. God used this “escape” as a training ground for Jonah to show “ the Lord, the God of Heaven, who made the sea ad the dry land”(1:9) is in complete control. The storm allowed the crew of the ship who worshipped other gods, an experience that transformed their life and belief. The storm may have at first been seen as a “turn around” gesture for Jonah, but it actually was a point where others were turned to God. The storms that we experience may be for God’s Glory to be shown through us.

In verse 16, as with the end of all things we must remember to give God praise for the storm. No matter how many storms that we experience, we know that God is in control. His plans are more than we can imagine. The storms are scary, hard, difficult, and painful. But if we have the faith and fortitude to acknowledge Him, we will be able to come through the other side of the storm. When we reach the other side, we must give Him the praise.

God, the Lord of the heavens, sea, dry land, and all things. We thank you for taking care of us in all things and even when we choose to runaway. Allow your grace to be upon us and allow your Glory to shine through us in any and all storms. Allow the storms strengthen us in your amazing salvation. Amen

Choose Whom You Will Serve

CHOOSE – to select from a number of possibilities, to prefer or decide, to want; desire, to contend with or to decide. (dictionary.com)

Joshua 24:15 says,
“If it is unacceptable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24 takes place at the end of Joshua’s life. In this chapter Joshua gives one final speech to the people. He challenges them to make a decision or to choose what they are going to do with God once he is gone. He recounts for them once again all the miraculous things God has done to give them this land and all the commands He gave them which they must obey to retain it.

The Israelites had a history of following God and then turning away. When things were good for them, they forgot about God and turned away. Yet, when things got bad, they turned back to Him. So Joshua challenged them to either follow God, with all they have, or turn away completely. This so reminds me of myself! Don’t we all have a tendency to be just like the Israelites??

Once established in the Promised Land, the Israelites also were confronted with a multitude of choices. These choices were not always easy. They could worship the gods of Egypt, the gods that their parents had known. Or, they could worship the gods of the Amorites, the nation they had conquered. Joshua was not afraid to make the hard decision!

Choosing to serve the Lord is not always an easy decision. Sometimes it means going against the religious beliefs of your family. Other times peer pressure and the desire to “fit in” make us hesitant to declare openly our commitment to the Lord. Many people find it easiest to behave like a chameleon, changing colors to fit whatever group they happen to be with. But that only temporarily avoids making the hard decision.

Today, decide to take a stand. Whom will you serve? Will it be yourself? Will it be the gods of pleasure or wealth or ease? Or will you choose the God who loves you? Making a decision for Christ may be hard, but it’s a choice you will never regret. The easy choice is seldom the right choice.

Choice is a God given capacity that we must exercise constantly, continually every day. Every day we are confronted with choices of who and what we will serve.

Let the Good Times Roll

Joshua 23, Proverbs 23

People love to talk about their difficulties.  Think, for a moment, about a difficult season in your life.  Trouble seems to follow you everywhere.  Your trials are always on your mind, weighing you down.  You talk with other people about them, strategize for solutions and even complain.  They consume our prayers.  In fact, these trials and tribulations can lead us to our most intimate moments with God.  You see, it is our desperation, not our success that creates the most dependence on God.  Why?  I have no idea but apparently, it was no different for Israel.  

Consider this, Israel is experiencing a long period of peace.  They are, according to verse 1, at “rest.”  Mirriam-Webster defines rest as both freedom from activity or labor, and peace of mind.  I’m sure both are true for Israel here.  They had no threats from surrounding enemies and they are living in the land of milk and honey.  Not only that, they live under the promise that God will push back all of their enemies.  It seems everything is going their way.   I’ll bet that they feel invincible.  Eat, drink and be merry, right?  This is exactly why Joshua called them together. But Joshua did not call them to celebration.  Instead, he offers up warnings.

Joshua knew that good times can be very destructive.  Why?  Because humans have short memories.  We quickly forget how our victory was secured, often downplaying the difficulty and challenges that led us to our current success.  In fact, when our circumstances are positive, we take credit.  We convince ourselves that our strength and might, enabled us to conquer and achieve victory.  Furthermore, we believe that we are all we need to continue.  Joshua, however, remembered.  Wisely, he calls the Israelites back to reality, emphasizing that it was the Lord that fought for them (v3).  In fact, God is still fighting for you (v5).  And, if you want it to continue, Joshua chides, “you must be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses” (Joshua 23:6).

As I read through Joshua 23, I wonder how faithful they really were.  More importantly, I wonder how faithful we really are.  For example, rare is the occasion that I stop and remember why I am here.  Scarcely do I recall the battle that was fought and the blood that was shed on my behalf.  Hardly ever do i think about God’s ongoing promises of protection, provision and pardon.  As i think about them, just now, my heart is filled with love and peace.  Thank you, Joshua, for the reminder about the good times and who is responsible for them. Thank you, Jesus, for making them a reality.

 

Not of This World…

Have you ever done something to honor God’s direction and His Word, yet others didn’t see it that way?

Today’s reading is Joshua 22 and Proverbs 22. We read here Joshua gives the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh their land and sends them off. Before doing so, in Joshua 22:5, He instructs them to follow God’s greatest commandment to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind. Upon receiving their land, they built an altar as a replica of the altar the Israelites. The Israelites hear of this and prepare for war against them because they believe they did this to worship another God, believing there should only be one altar which they had, to honor the one true God. Thankfully, they sent Phinehas and ten chiefs, one from each tribe, to check it out before attacking. They learn that the reason for building the altar was to replicate the original altar of the Israelites because the Jordan River separated them from easily getting back and they wanted to not only continue to honor God as Joshua had instructed, but also to make sure their children continued to know God and love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Joshua 22:26-28). Not only were they concerned about their continued commitment to love God, but they were also following what Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way you should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” After learning of the real truth of the altar, they are very pleased and obviously do not attack them (Joshua 22:32-34).

Unfortunately, we may not always be so lucky when we honor God and His Word. We may or may not be attacked physically, but others may scorn us with words, gossip, and it may come between our relationship with them and others. This makes it very difficult to honor God and always follow His way because as sinful humans, we care what others think about us. However, if we follow God and His will, others will often realize this later, as the Israelites did, but if not, we must be at peace with this. We must remember that we are living for an audience of One. We are told many times in the Bible that to follow God is to not be of this world and the world will hate us (John 17:14-16, John 15:18). Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” In Mark 8:36, Jesus says, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Let us pray as we start our day today…Lord, please help us to love you with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. Let us be not of this world, as hard as it will be, but let us follow you and your will for our lives, not caring what anyone thinks but you. We know we are not perfect and know we will mess up. We will likely even misjudge others who we think are not following God’s will but are. We thank you for your saving grace through your Son Jesus. We love you. Amen.

The Lord Controls Wise and Foolish People

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21 is full of short bursts of information for us to consider.  As I read through the chapter several times, three particular verses stood out:

1 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him..

5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity[a] and honor.

In this introductory statement, God talks to us about leadership. “Kings” or people of different levels of leadership will exist. No matter who the “kings” are in our life, God is calling the shots. He is trying to promote good leadership, following his plan. He is working on the outcome, directing the various leaders. If a person has power, how will God try to work through the heart with actions? I don’t know that we always see that positive outcome in the short term but we have to trust that he is in charge of the long term.

I like verse 5 because I am a planner (and yes, I know a few of you out there are planners too!). Plan ahead. Planning serves us well. We can’t plan for everything in our days or our lives, but plan what you can and it will help you be prepared for whatever might come your way. I know if I plan for the week, at least I have some idea of what’s ahead. It might change or more might be added but it helps get a handle on daily life. This message reinforces the benefit of being thoughtful. If we take the time to think through situations and listen for God’s message about our plans, it will serve him well and pleases him. He also sends the message that if you operate on the fly or “shoot from the hip”, in the end you will fail or at the very least, you will be behind.

Verse 21 is my favorite and very needed this week. If you pursue the right path, if you are a good person, in the end you will be fulfilled. Look for ways to follow the righteous path and your will have a good life. Sometimes do you feel though that the good people get the short straw? Or they aren’t selected for a team or for a new role? We have to have patience. It doesn’t always show in the short run, but in this verse, we see the long term view. If things don’t go our way at times, in the end, God is showing us that will prevail.

What I liked about this verse was how it relates to the next few verses in Proverbs: “Thirty Sayings of the Wise”. Should be a good week of reading for us!