Don't put God in your Box

“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/act.1.6.niv

The Young Pastor who likes fried chicken!

"I finished my spaghetti, can I have fried chicken now?"  The young pastor was included in a small group dinner.  The hostess was known for her tasty fried chicken.  Yet she'd served only  the young pastor leftover spaghetti.  (He recognized it as leftover from the prior week's all church dinner.)

He was puzzled, not surprised as his wife had foreknowledge of his special menu.  The well meaning hostess had earlier explained that we would NEVER serve a pastor chicken.The pastor's wife had assured her this pastor loved fried chicken.  She shook her head in the negative and declared he would be served meatloaf.  The pastor's wife had to tell her that he was not fond of meat loaf and fried chicken would be fine. The hostess assured the pastor's wife she'd come up with something else.

After the young pastor finished his piece of fried chicken, because he persisted until someone passed him the platter he asked why he wasn't serve chicken  Her reply:  "Pastor Otto said never serve   a pastor chicken."

Pastor Otto was beloved by this church.  He'd served the church twice, once when he was young and then later when the church needed his loving touch the most.  So our hostess completely trusted the voice of Pastor Otto.

Another longtime church member enjoying fried chicken for dinner knew Pastor Otto and why he made such a declaration against chicken.  Pastor Otto grew up on a farm.  His job on the farm was to kill the chickens for dinner.  Thus, chicken was not his favorite dinner.

Somehow, our gracious, fried chicken expert hostess had translated his personal dislike into a strict proclamation for all members of the clergy.  Perhaps she thought pastors were like politicians and were served too much "rubber chicken!"

I thought about our hostess and her adamant belief in menu choices for the clergy. We might think less of her false assumptions, yet far too often, we do likewise.

I make assumptions about who God is and what He can or will do.  My information is filtered through my faulty and selective memory.

The sixth verse of Acts reminds me, even when I've spent time with Jesus, I miss the point.  The people closest to Jesus,, who had lived with Him through His ministry, death and now witnessed His resurrection, still expected Jesus to be the King of their expectation.

Why do I expect God to follow my life plan?  In hindsight His plan has always been better.  Why do I think God is anything like some earthly authority?  No earthly authority is without inconsistency yet God is constant.

I am challenged to ignore my life plan expectations and  await Jesus' best for my life in the coming "Roaring 20s"  (that's the next decade which begins Jan. 1, 2020-I saw that in the restaurant last night!)  I'm not going to limit God with my limited expectation. Let's have a Happy New Year  and eat fried chicken!

I am and have the mission

I parked the car,
stood outside the car,
took a breath and
strode for the door

When the owner welcomed me with "Can I help you?"  I gave her my name and my mission.  She was as surprised as I with the mission announcement:  "I'm Jan, new to town, a quilter and I Need Friends!" (I was as desperate as this sounds!)

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/jhn.1.6.niv

A Name and a Mission. The sixth verse of the gospel of John reminds me of the importance of names and mission.   Each of us have a name or names  by which those around us know and address us. Some names are given.  Some are chosen.  Sometimes our names change.  Names create a uniqueness or individuality, in spite of the numerous  Jans I attended grade school with.

This verse tells us the man's name, John, a common name in our world today, and the source of his mission, sent by God.  Verse 7 expands on John's mission, to testify to the Light, Jesus, that was coming.

It is no coincidence that  I returned to my blog project today, the day we customarily celebrate Jesus' earthly arrival to complete His mission, to save me, you and billions of others from the result of sin.

Last night's soloist of "O Holy Night" reminded me that "...at His Name all oppression shall cease..."  His Name, Jesus, has power, authority and transformation.  My mind pondered other names of Jesus which serve as mission announcements.

Emmanuel- which means God with us.  I am NEVER alone.  God is with me ,every moment,  in my crazy life.

Deliverer- God has gotten me out of more than a few situations created by my own ignorance, carelessness and plain poor judgment!

Rock - In my ever-changing life, I know that  God is the same yesterday,today and tomorrow.

Shepherd-  Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will leave the flock of 99 obedient to rescue the one who strays.

Light of the world-  The world is strange and scary. Jesus gives me the "light at the end of the tunnel", the Hope to carry on another day.



What names do you know Jesus by? Your favorite names may differ but His mission remains the same- your salvation.  Rejoice - the ultimate Christmas gift!

I desperately need a Savior. On my own my life would be a "hot" mess.

Celebrate Christmas, His Name and His Mission.

Merriest Christmas to you all!

The word for the day: Deontology

“Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/luk.1.6.niv




"Deontology" I read the definition when I opened the email.  To keep my mind working, I've enrolled in a daily vocabulary development service!

I'd been pondering the sixth verse of Luke for several weeks.  The word Agenda came to my mind.  In search of our own deontology, our rules for moral living, we consider ourselves the master of life's agenda. Yet life experience proves to me, not so!

Zechariah and Elizabeth probably had a list of accomplishments for life.  Parenting was surely on their list.  Chapter 1 of  Luke's gospel  reveals they were childless  until an angel delivered good news in their senior years.  At last,they would check the "Parents" box in the list of life's accomplishments.They would have a son, John.

I live by my "Accomplishment Journal" ( Inexpensive notebooks with primitive lists of reminders, appointments and to dos).  My theory:  I won't forget and have tangible proof I did not spend
retirement in my pajamas watching TV!

Yet it's my decision what goes on the list, whether it's accomplished or re-entered on another day.  I live in a dream world.

My pre-Advent  study course has reminded me that the true agenda maker is God.  Jesus came at the exact right moment in time.  God knew and knows exactly what we need and what we need to do and be. Why do I live the delusion that I can do a better job at life?

Let's resolve to throw aside our personal deontology and follow God's agenda.

Ask
G od
E very
N ew
D ay
A nd DO IT!

Bugs or Bush, Keep God's Focus

T

 “His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.1.6.nl

'What's for dinner?"  How many parents dread hearing this question from curious children. We spend time, money and effort worrying about our food intake 

"What will I wear?"  A question I personally dread.  Last night I made my clothing decisions so I didn't have to start my day with annoyance.

Today's verse reminds me that I allow the trivial decisions of food and clothing to distract me from God's work for me for the day.

John the Baptist was to prepare hearts and minds for the coming Savior.  He made his God given lifework his full attention.  To keep his focus, perhaps, he kept his meal and clothing choices to bare minimum.

To our world of excess, his choices seem weird but think of the time saved.  He wore simple sackcloth rather than spun cloth.  Same thing every day but I don't think they had"fashion police" in those days.  He didn't have to dress for success or to impress.  He had the most important news  of all time: Salvation  is coming!

He ate locusts instead of three course meals.  I did snoop the internet for the truth on locust eating.  There appears to be two opinions.  Yes, locusts are a bug that is available for food.  The scholars assure that they taste like shrimp.  Opinion two presents the locust bush which produces berries suitable for eating.  Regardless of which opinion sounds most palatable,  John kept it simple.

Today, what if I dressed to share the best news that came into my life:  Jesus loves even me!.What if I just grabbed a protein bar which will take a couple minutes to consume and give me energy for the morning and spent the extra time thanking God for His amazing love!

I'm not concerned about bugs or bush.  I am to keep life simple to share God's work more.  (Hence, I didn't waste time resolving the inability to get a caption under today's photo.  It would have been "My first cajun meal, in Chinatown!")

Keep life simple,share God's love in your life!

Unnamed used to accomplish His plan

"Ah, you're the one with slow feet."  There is a woman's group in the Philippines that gave me that name.  Many years ago, on a  mission trip, I was selected for dance instructions. The local dance involved hopping between long bamboo poles tapped in rhythm on the floor and each other.  The goal was not to have your foot smacked between the poles. The assumption was made that since I was one of the youngest members of the visiting group, agility would be in my skill set.  Alas,  I'd never made a dance troupe or drill team, nor could I teach my compatriots "The Moon Walk."   My teachers were patient but after several attempts I was released from the demonstration.  I was embarrassed but apparently still loved.  My Filipino friends loved me because of our common relationship with Jesus, not my dance performance.



“and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/mat.1.6.niv

At last, my blog journey through the sixth verse of every book of the Bible has arrived in the New Testament. I noticed that Bathsheba, one of just four women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus, is referenced by her relationship to Uriah, one of David's warriors sacrificed to cover the king's sin.  The other three women are named but not Bathsheba.

David and Bathsheba conceived a child while her husband was off to fight war on David's behalf.  Uriah died in battle orchestrated by David.  After a period of mourning David married Bathsheba.  The prophet Nathan confronted King David with his transgressions.Sadly, this unnamed child succumbed to disease.  David and Bathsheba's future child was Solomon, the heir to the throne.

Later in her life, Bathsheba  was instrumental in the "palace intrigue"which preserved the lineage of Jesus.  One of David's many sons asserted himself as King even though David had made clear Solomon, Bathsheba's son, was to be Israel's next king.  The prophet Nathan recruited Bathsheba to approach aged King David to inform David of the chaos in the line of succession.  As a result of Bathsheba and Nathan's audience with David, Solomon's throne was re-established.

As I snooped the internet for information on Bathsheba, it surprised me that most sites spend time recounting David and Bathsheba's affair..  This indiscretion did ultimately lead to the birth of Solomon, God's choice for king.  Yet didn't God use Bathsheba and her relationship to David to confirm the lineage of  Jesus, my King?

Perhaps the world remembers us by  our failures and indiscretions, yet I am reminded  that God still sees potential in the future of a slow footed non-dancer!  In this world, we may gain our names and reputations from failures and ill-chosen relationships.  I rejoice today that God named me His own by His grace and choice, not my inadequacies, faults or embarrassments.

Oct 20, 2019 am-Eph 11-22

What was your nickname in grade school?

Ephesians 2:11-22

How are you different today as compared to a time when you did not have a relationship with God?

What have you learned about God since then?

How many times is peace mentioned in these verses?

What does peace mean?

What is God's purpose for peace building?

What do we need to do to cooperate with God to have peace?

How will Jesus bring peace to the groups we humans create?

How many groups does God see in humanity?

Oct 20, 2019 pm

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Romans 12:1-2

How has knowing God changed your life?

How has God show you mercy?
How should we respond?

How does the world think we should believe?
How does that differ from what God asks?

What is the benefit of  choosing God's way?

How can we renew our minds? (You might want to read the next verses, Romans 12: 3-21, for suggestions)

Will our individual transformations make a difference in today's world?  How?

October 13, 2019 pm

Describe one of your neighbors from your childhood neighborhood.
How well do you know your current neighbors?  Why?

Read Luke 10:25-37

What jumps off the page for you?

What does it mean to love God with all your heart, mind, strength & soul?

Describe someone who loves a neighbor as well as themself.

How are these two commands related?

What prevents us from loving our neighbor in today's world?

This week, how can you "love your neighbor"?  How can you make it a "beautiful day in the neighborhood"?

Why should we love our neighbors?

Who is your "neighbor"?

October 13, 2019 am

I'm in Seattle this week.  See you next week.

What is the nicest thing someone has done for you?  How did you respond?


Read Ephesians 2: 1-10

To mix it up, you have a choice or you can do both.

Here's a link to my favorite podcast, The Verb by Heather Holleman. Listen and discuss what "jumps out" at you!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-verb-with-heather-holleman/id1463309633?i=1000447606110


and/or

What does Paul mean by "we are God's handiwork?"

What is our purpose?  Do you feel equipped?  Are you equipped?

Put Nov. 21 on your calendars for now.  I'll keep you posted when the date for our meal for Strengthening Families is confirmed.

Thank you after every single item

““A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name. “But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’”
‭‭Malachi‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/mal.1.6.niv

"Lord, bless our customers  not because we provide for them but because of what they give to us."  I saw his prayer answered with a valuable learning that very day.

I volunteered at the local food pantry that day.  My job was to assist the shoppers by pushing the shopping cart and bagging their selections.  It has been enjoyable to watch the interaction of people.  Our shoppers and volunteers show each other respect and care, demonstrate lack of greed, and exhibit gratitude.  One particular day gave me insight into the verse in Malachi.

The  prophet was delivering bad news.  God was angry.  The people had shown Him disrespect by challenging His love for them.  Of course, the people are arrogant and, defensively, ask how they have shown contempt for God. The following verses detail the examples of ingratitude, of giving less than their best to God, of failure to show their love for God.

I grew up in The Show Me State, Missouri. So I respond when I see love lavished on me.  The first question in our premarital counseling was "How do you know you are in love?"  My response was a list of how my intended had showed me his love.  He did and does well nearly 45 years later.

A soft spoken gentlemen showed me how to demonstrate love and gratitude.  As he handed each one of his carefully selected items he murmured "thank you", not to me but just a quiet thank you in general.  He did it after each and every item that went into his bags. 

Do I say thank you for each and every blessing? 

Is there a blessing so small  that it doesn't merit gratitude?  Apparently not.

We teach little ones to say please and thank you.  This quiet man whispered a valuable lesson to me that day and Malachi loudly reminded me-- show my gratitude.

Don’t be overtaken by lax adherence

“But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors? “Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’ ””
‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬  https://www.bible.com/111/zec.1.6.niv

I learned a valuable lesson on adherence from a quilt block.  I had finished one of my favorite quilt blocks for the block of the month project.  I loved having a deadline. I admit to a bit of pride knowing I'd finished on-time,  To my horror the finished block was the wrong size and would never fit in the finished quilt.  My most dreaded remedy loomed--ripping it apart!  I hate ripping and redoing!

The log cabin quilt block is a historical pattern.  It predates the Civil War era when it became popular.  Perhaps Abraham Lincoln's youthful residence in log cabins inspired its fame.

The assembly begins in the center.  Traditionally, the center square is red to represent the hearth of the home, yellow to represent a welcome light or black to signal the safety of a spot on the  Underground Railroad.  Strips of equal widths but growing lengths are added in a particular order to complete the block.

My downfall is the many quarter inch seams. In the log cabin quilt there are many seams.  If  any seam deviates from this standard the final block will not be able to be joined to the remaining blocks to complete the quilt.

Zechariah reminded the people that lax adherence to God's decrees and commands caused the downfall of their forefathers.  He urged the people to learn from their predecessors.

The verse in Zechariah inspired my sewing day project. I found a pattern for a log cabin quilt block.  Found the box of 2 1/2 inch strips acquired from my quilt buddies-who are much better at adherence than I. I know those strips had been carefully laundered and cut with exactness.

I took care to measure my quarter inch seam guide.

 I took exact care when cutting the individual strips-count twice,cut once.

 Then consulted my pattern twice before sewing each strip.  I only had to rip once!

Fortunately my block finished with an eighth inch overage. (Pretty good for me!)  Abundance is often a good thing.

To fit into God's finished project of my life, I am learning that adherence to even the smallest of decree or command will affect the finished product.   I'm not fond of ripping nor following rules in my life but as my quilt buddy reminds, "It could be the most important thing you do!"

Choose  the center of your life wisely.  The "quilt block of  life" needs God at the center.  Adherence with the addition of each "strip of adherence" will result in a life that fits....

Now I look forward to the mystery project where this quilt block will fit! 

By the way, the second quilt block was constructed much quicker since I'd had a rehearsal!

It’s futility to chase worldly pursuits

“You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.””
‭‭Haggai‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/hag.1.6.niv

Enough procrastinating! I've been wrestling with this scripture for too long! The word enough has consumed my thoughts.

"Enough"  is a command I use often with my attention demanding pup.  When I believe she has received the required amount of petting, I'll say "enough". Usually she lays down and lets me be.

This dog thrives on
petting

Enough is too often a measurement of time, possessions, and self evaluation.  We never seem to have enough time to prepare for a task or spend with each other.  Too often we ignore the inner voice telling we've collected enough of the items of life.  How many times have I felt like I wasn't enough for a task or position?

 Haggai reminds me that worldly desires will never be fulfilling.  That which the world offers will never satisfy. The hole in my being that I try to allow the world to fill will never be filled because there is only One who can fill it.  This void in my heart is only satisfied by God.  God is enough!

A follow up command for my determined pup is "Move On."  When she is barking at that neighbor who walks by the fence every day at the exact same time, I remind her of the routine and tell her to "move on."  I've reminded of the true source that will be enough for me yesterday, today and tomorrow.  I'm ready to move onto Zechariah!

Daily Question: Who You Gonna Call?

“those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of him.””
‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/zep.1.6.niv

"Who you gonna call?" I've borrowed this line from the original Ghostbusters movie.  I thought of the famous line when I read the sixth verse of Zephaniah.  I struggled with this verse for several weeks.  It spoke to me about influence.  Who I look to for advice?  Who others look to?  Who looks to me?  It was sobering.

 I know there are two worlds. I have a "Foot" in each one.  I try to insulate myself and live in the One world but the other world still affects my life. 

I don't understand the other world's basic principles.  What little I do scares me!  The other world thinks of the now, seeks the sparkly and thirsts for fame.  The other world has no thought of the future, consequence of action or others.  The other world is consumed by Self. 

The other world seeks the counsel of the famous, the pretty and the moneyed.

This verse in Zephaniah stirs the question:  Do I use the same counsel for my life choices? 

The weeks of wrestling reminded me.  Remember when you point your finger at something, three fingers are pointing back at you.

Zephaniah reminds me:  When I need counsel call The One True God.

Raise up guilty, True weakness revealed

“I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/hab.1.6.niv

The caterpillar war continues.  My trusty shears and soapy water gave my tomato bush a two week reprieve.  A few days ago this very large, single minded caterpillar appeared.  He has been hard at work filling his belly and growing larger.

I've been slow to eradicate him.  I'm watching selfishness and greed at work.  This hungry caterpillar doesn't realize I have control of his fate.

I pondered the rise in power of those ruthless and impetuous Babylonians Habakkuk tells of.  Why would these dreadful people prosper?  Verse 11 reminds me that actions will reveal who and what we fight important. the god we follow.

“Then they sweep past like the wind and go on— guilty people, whose own strength is their god.””
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/hab.1.11.niv

The caterpillar follows its stomach.  The Babylonians follow their own strength. 

Does my life and action reveal that I follow God?

Trust in soil, hope for survival

“GOD is serious business. He won’t be trifled with. He avenges his foes. He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging. But GOD doesn’t lose his temper. He’s powerful, but it’s a patient power. Still, no one gets by with anything. Sooner or later, everyone pays. Tornadoes and hurricanes are the wake of his passage, Storm clouds are the dust he shakes off his feet. He yells at the sea: It dries up. All the rivers run dry. The Bashan and Carmel mountains shrivel, the Lebanon orchards shrivel. Mountains quake in their roots, hills dissolve into mud flats. Earth shakes in fear of GOD. The whole world’s in a panic. Who can face such towering anger? Who can stand up to this fierce rage? His anger spills out like a river of lava, his fury shatters boulders.”
‭‭Nahum‬ ‭1:2-6‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://www.bible.com/97/nam.1.2-6.msg

This is a Maui silver sword plant.  Whenever I see one, I pray for it's survival.

This is the only place the Maui silver sword plant lives. Amazing!  It's only home is among the volcanic rocks and soil, a couple miles above the sea.  Need I mention?  It's on the threatened list.

It's threatened yet reminds me of hope.  I lived through an earthquake and a tornado.  Sometimes my life feels like the volcano could erupt into chaos.  I look to the  sturdy Maui silver sword for encouragement. The Maui silver sword continues to root itself in the familiar and unique soil to persevere and survive.

Nahum 1:6 is part of the Lord's condemnation of the fallen Ninevites.  Nahum reminds them that The Lord is jealous and avenging.  He may be slow to anger but will not leave the unjust unpunished.

I have been meditating in the prophets for quite a while and needed one more verse.  In verse 7 I find my inspiration for the day.

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,”
‭‭Nahum‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/nam.1.7.niv

That's when I thought of my inspiration, the Maui silver sword plant, continuing to root itself in the volcanic soil.  It's not an environment I would pick yet I marvel and enjoy it's beauty in contrast to the desolation.  The Maui silver sword lives atop a dominant volcano.  Apparently, the Maui silver sword isn't worried.  Its real threat is from tourists and goats, not the volcano.

So when my world looks like this...

I will remember the promise in Nahum,  God is good.  God is my refuge.  God cares for me.

It is about the proper foundation

““Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations.”
‭‭Micah‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/mic.1.6.niv

"What brought you to Iowa?"  The question often was asked of me during appointments where I worked. My response was simple.  "God."  I'd go onto explain my husband was the pastor of one of the churches in town.  I took the opportunity to expose the foundation of my life.

I pondered the importance of proper foundation when I read Micah 1:6.  God warned the Samaritans that He planned to expose their foundation, In The Message the foundation was described as abandoned.

As a young woman I recall, the discussion on proper underwear being the basis of proper dress.  As a homeowner, I learned proper care and maintenance of the foundation to prolong the life of my home.  As a quilter I know being precise in the cutting and positioning at the beginning of a project means it all fits at the end!

I recently finished another quilt of my favorite patterns.  It starts with one of my least favorite steps;  drawing a tedious grid. While I enjoy this pattern because it is "quite forgiving" (Meaning accuracy can be less precise), if I am not precise with the beginning step of the dreaded grid, the end result suffers.

The development and care of spiritual life is, likewise, crucial to our survival in this crazy, chaotic world.   This verse in Micah challenges me to examine my care and feeding of my spiritual life such that I won't fear it being exposed.

Take time today, and each day, to care for your spiritual foundation.  It might be tedious and seem time consuming but in the end, the pieces of life will "fit together", perhaps like my quilt!

Trouble? Pray First, Prevent Some Turmoil!

One of my all-time favorite commercials featured a person smacking their forehead and exclaiming "I should have had a V-8!"  This proclamation came after they'd had a less satisfying beverage.  "I should have..."  and a forehead smack has been the reminder of a valuable life lesson.

“The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.””
‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/jon.1.6.niv

The prophet Jonah is avoiding a directive from God.  He was told to go to Nineveh and preach. Jonah, instead, took a boat in the opposite direction.  While Jonah slept, a great storm threatened the boat and all on board.  All the sailors called upon their gods for relief.  They threw cargo overboard to lighten the vessel.  They wakened Jonah to be sure he had called upon his god.  Then they cast lots.

It's a confusing practice-casting lots.  The dice did reveal the answer to their distress- Jonah was disobeying a direct order from God.  Jonah knew exactly what the issue was and the answer to the sailors' distress.  They threw him overboard. The sea calmed.  A great fish swallowed Jonah for his protection. 

I like to think I am the captain of my life.  Jonah's story reminded me of my favorite commercial and the fact that I'm not a good captain.  There is a much more able captain of my "life boat."  I should follow God's directions first and save myself some time and turmoil.

Too often we pray for God's enlightenment after our attempts to deal have failed.  How many times have I smacked my forehead and thought, "I should have prayed first!"

Good news:  God will be with us whether we pray first or last but praying first will save us some time and turmoil (it would have saved the cargo!)

God: Hey you, I've got this!

“But how Esau will be ransacked, his hidden treasures pillaged!”
‭‭Obadiah‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/oba.1.6.niv

Warning small children may find this blog disturbing!

I have triumphed over this hungry caterpillar!

As soon as the jalapeño pepper plant arrived  I knew something was eating holes in the leaves.  Each morning I checked the status of my plant.  I did internet research but still couldn't discover the culprit.  A few days ago he revealed himself.  One big (the size of my little finger), strong(had such a firm grip on the branch to dissuade my plucking), and hungry caterpillar.

I knew he had to go!  Since his grip on the branch was resistant to my tug, I summoned my trusty all purpose shears, clipped the entire branch, walked to the fence and threw him over!  That will cure my problem.

Yet caterpillars are more resilient than I realized.  The very next morning he reappeared gripping a branch that he had totally stripped of leaf.  Again the trusty shears removed him and stripped branch.  He exited this world with a final flush!

Obadiah verse six (it's such a short book it doesn't need chapters) made me think of hidden treasures, both good and bad.  In verse 6 God, through Obadiah, is calling out the people descended from Esau.  The people of Edom were Esau's descendants.  The Israelites descended from Jacob, Esau's twinbrother.  Through the years the Edomites had taken advantage of the Israelites' hard times rather than aiding in times of need as one might expect of family.

Obadiah's prophesy of Edom's approaching pillage reminds me that God knows the slights and betrayals and He will administer justice.  I am reassured that God knows about the unjust treatment, the family betrayal, the sneering and mocking, the haughty pride and the "privileged" looks.  No need to devise retribution or vindication, God has it handled.  And He will handle it so much better.

It may seem the greedy world triumphs but God is greater (better than my trusty all purpose shears).  Verse 6 reminds me not to hold onto the slights, betrayal and injustices.

God says to us: Hey, I've got this!

Remember three fingers point at me

“This is what the Lord says: “For three sins of Gaza, even for four, I will not relent. Because she took captive whole communities and sold them to Edom,”
‭‭Amos‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/amo.1.6.niv

I bragged about how big our peppers were.  My husband said "Send me a picture." Easy to do with my handy iphone but how would he know just how big it was?  So I grabbed nearest familiar object to give him a comparison.

Comparison is a tool our brain uses to comprehend the world.  

We use comparison to divide time. We lived through a major earthquake.  We have before earthquake (B.E.)possessions and fewer after earthquake items (A.E.).

We use comparison to value.  Like how big the pepper is.

We compare our abilities to others. It makes us feel better or worse.

Maybe we even compare our sins. 

Perhaps when Amos was listing sins (as in verse 1:6) and condemning all of Israel's evil neighbors, the Israelites were nodding in agreement.  Perhaps they were feeling a bit better about themselves, in comparison. Perhaps they relished the sentences of God's judgment.

But............ all too soon Amos delivers God's evaluation of their behavior and lifestyles.  I was reminded of the admonition of an elementary school teacher. "Remember when you point your finger at someone that will be three fingers pointing back at you."

Amos 1:6 reminds me to stop wasting time comparing my life to others to feel better about myself.  Ask, how does God feel about me? 

A Sunday School teacher taught me "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so."

Prophets give wake-up call to Good News

“A nation has invaded my land, a mighty army without number; it has the teeth of a lion, the fangs of a lioness.”
‭‭Joel‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/jol.1.6.niv

Fully conscious I was not.  To know I didn't need to be aware of the world.  I knew.  It was my only clear thought in the anaesthetic fog. I had heard of the invader.  Now I had to deal with that invader.  I recognized the teeth of that lion.  It was time to wake up and face that lion.

The Old Testament prophets, like Joel, delivered "wake-up calls."  Verse 5 even begins with "wake up".  It seems the prophets were full of doom and gloom.  Yet within each message is hope.  One needs to peer through the fog of gloom to find it.

Prophets deliver an amazing message.  In spite of human stubbornness there is hope.  If we lose our stubborn thirst for "wanting what we want" ignoring the future implications of our selfish choices, hope is waiting.

Prophets give us the path to find that message of good news, once the message of the invasion of evil becomes clear to us.  Later in the book Joel issues the call to stop doing evil, change the direction of the heart and follow God.  The promise of safety is with God.

The night before my invader had a name, I had found the comfort of good news.  In my panic, I tried to read.  God spoke to me in one particular paragraph of that book.   All I needed to know was He was God.  He was in control.  I was not in control. He could handle the lion. I had hope.


I like waking up, every morning, because I can.
I like waking up because God is in control, even though I have my "to-do" list.
I like waking up to find the Good News in each day.
I like waking up to His Hope.

Almost 18 years and counting!

We need one more word-yet

“Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them.”
‭‭Hosea‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/hos.1.6.niv

I'm determined to continue my journey of the 6th verse of all 66 books of the Bible.  I believe inspiration for daily life will be found in each one.  Sometimes  I need to stretch my rule and consider context of that sixth verse.  Today I needed just one more word.

Hosea was a prophet who lived through many years of history.  He lived during the time of several kings, good and bad.   The Lord directed him to marry a woman, Gomer, of questionable reputation. She was the mother of his children as noted in chapter one verse six.  When she was unfaithful God instructed Hosea to take her back.

Yet.  For today's "aha" moment from verse 6  I only needed one small word.  The first word of the next verse is Yet.  I'm very excited about "Yet".  Yet has bolstered my spiritual journey.  Now I want to live in the world of Yet.

This cute little dog doesn't want to live in the world of Yet.  She hears the word often.  Her stomach is always empty.  She wants food. She coughs, scratches my leg and gives me this look several times a day.  My frequent reply:  "It's not time yet."  She doesn't like the word yet because she lives for the now.

In Hosea's world, there was a lot of bad news coming (Israel was about to lost God's love).  Yet there was good news coming (Judah would be saved).  God was "calling it quits" on Israel.  Yet He still has hope for Judah.

The dictionary taught me that Yet is a conjunction.  Further reading informed me that Yet at the beginning of a sentence introduces a contrary idea from the prior sentence. (Apparently some language gurus frown on certain conjunctions beginning sentences.) Yet joins the thoughts.

Today Yet gives me hope and optimism.  Yet looks to the future,  Yet is the land of God's power, not mine.  When I've strayed too far, yet God is waiting for me.  When I'm lost in the world of error and misunderstanding, yet God is with me.  When I'm rejected and alone, yet God is always with me.

My world may look grim.  Yet reminds me God is always with me.

Yet reminds me of "Nevertheless", a synonym and another conjunction.  Nevertheless always surprises me.  It's three separate words that are allowed to be one.  Even Spellcheck is never surprised. God is never the less.  I am the less. Yet God won't leave me as the less, He gives a future in the Yet.

Whatever reality today or tomorrow brings me, God always has Yet for you and me.

It's What You Are to God

Hi! My name is Anastasia!

Anastasia.  I always choose Anastasia when the game is played.  It began because I was fascinated by the mystery of the name.  Now I choose it because it is guaranteed to garner giggles from the crowd.   Usually I play the name game once with each small group I lead.  The first question  is fun and hopefully non-threatening. "If you could choose your first name, what would it be?"  Few people have ever chosen their name.  It's an enlightening exercise.  (Sometimes, I remember the "game name" easier than the person's real name!  A friend's husband will always be Brett to me!)

"Among these were some from Judah:  Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah." Daniel 1:6 NIV

In Daniel 1:6 four heroes are listed.  In the next verses they are renamed, not voluntarily, by the conquering king's chief official.  I suspect the four heroes liked their names.  Each name related to God.  The four had been selected as the best and brightest of the vanquished tribe and were being indoctrinated into the victorious king's service.  Apparently the first step in the transformation was Babylonian names.

The next step in training was diet. They were to live on the royal food and wine.  Daniel petitioned the official for relief from this diet as it would defile the four heroes.   The official was concerned for his own safety if the king's orders were not followed.  Daniel proposed a ten day test.  Feed the four of them vegetables and water.  After ten days, compare them to the others fed the royal meal plan.  The result of this test showed the four healthier and better nourished. 

Their physical bodies were in service to a foreign king.  Their hearts were in service to the One True God. When the opportunity to stand for the One True God, they dared to stand for Him.  

Be sure to read the rest of the book of Daniel. You'll be singing the old hymn "Dare to Be A Daniel"! ( Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to Stand Alone, Dare to have a purpose firm,  Dare to make it known. by Phillip Bliss)

Daniel knew what the world calls you isn't who you are.  What goes inside you, determines who you are.  Today we have so much from the world to choose to put in our body and our minds.  We must choose, what goes into our hearts and bodies, wisely to stand  ready to make Him known.  God knows our name and knows our heart.  Our purpose- to make His name known.

All That Matter, Relationship to One

"It's Mr. Jan!"  My new friends called out to my husband as he came through the door.  They'd heard about him. They knew about his job and his personality.  Apparently I don't use his name enough.  They know about our relationship.  They knew who he was because he was with me.

I have a challenge.  I'm determined to finish my series of blogs on the sixth verse of each book of the Bible.  The sixth verse in Ezekiel is pretty short:

"but each of  them had four faces and four wings." 

Lord, where's the inspiration in this partial sentence describing those curious four living creatures?  ( This verse begins with the word 'but', rarely does good follow 'but'!)

The number four captured my attention.  Four creatures with four faces and four wings. I like numbers.  They are definite.  There is rarely a discrepancy with a number involved.  You can always count and confirm a number.

My surprise was the definition of four is relational.  The dictionary explained four is the sum of two plus two or the sum of  one plus three or ten minus six.  Apparently to comprehend four, I must understand two, one, ten and six.  I did have quality math teachers so I understood four with the  presentation of its relationship to other numbers.  Just like my friends recognized my husband because of his relationship to me. 

The critical number to comprehend in the world of math relationships is one.  It is the first and lowest whole number.  In my mind all the numbers are defined in relationship to one.  I must acknowledge one before I can comprehend any other number.  It begins with one!

Ezekiel 1: 6 , and this thought exercise on numbers, led me to ponder my relationship with God.  My relationship with God is also defined by a number - the number One.  There is:

only One God, despite the world's attempts to control me with cheap imitations;

only One knows me completely and values me absolutely, despite the world's attempts to convince me otherwise;

only One gives me my true worth and identity while the world squeezes me into restrictive labels.

 Do our earthly relationships recognize our relationship with The Only One?

Do others understand The Only One because of  what we say about Him or how we live life? 

Do others see the value we place on relationship with The Only One?

All that matters, relationship to One!

Pursue the world,Lose The Splendor

“All the splendor has departed from Daughter Zion. Her princes are like deer that find no pasture; in weakness they have fled before the pursuer.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/lam.1.6.niv

I thought  it would be cool.  And yet, I was interrupting the splendor. 

Our friends had gathered at the shore to share a fire and sunset.  My phone was busy.  Dozens of photos attempting to capture the splendor.

I tried the "trick" shot.  My hand seems to hold the sun.  Rather than enjoy the sun, all I notice is that really old hand in the front of the scene.

Lamentations 1:6 peaks my interest in the whole book.  This verse does not inspire me on its own.  The book of Lamentations reveals the suffering of the Israelites when their beloved city of Jerusalem was destroyed.  These poems lay bare the cause of the suffering, their sin, and the effect of that sin before the people and God. 

It could be a discouraging read, and yet gems of encouragement pop off the written page.   The familiar verses in chapter 3,verses 22-23, gave the basis for the popular hymn "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  (I just read the lyrics were composed just a few miles from my home!)

Another gem in chapter 5,verse 19 with two words encourage me.  "And yet.." (in The Message:  "And yet, God, you're sovereign still, your throne intact and eternal.")  In spite of our circumstances, our sin and resulting consequences, God is sovereign still.  God, in all His splendor, will stand.  God is the foundation.  God is in control.  It is not our job to improve the presentation of God's sovereignty.

I need the reminder: in spite of my failures and sin, God is sovereign, intact and eternal. Regardless of the world's attempts to sell us cheap imitations, I need to rest and relish His splendor and sovereignty.

God Knows, Chooses, Believes in me

I've named it "Disclosure Corner".  We live in a society that needs to expect misunderstanding and failure.  This pile is just for the last 7 months!  Not shown are countless times I've clicked "I've read and agree" on an internet site.  We need to cover ourselves with disclosure yet never really read the warnings for issues, problems and failures. (Note the still sealed plastic mailer.)

 "Ah, Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."  Jeremiah 1:6 NIV

Today as I read, it seems Jeremiah is delivering his potential failure warning to God as God reveals His calling for Jeremiah.  Jeremiah is just like so many other Biblical heroes, and us, ordinary wannabe servants.  Worried about not meeting expectations. I'll admit that too often I've confessed the same when sensing God's leading.

In spite of Jeremiah's prediction of inadequacy, God replies with empowering instructions:
Do not say you are a child. Go where I send you.
Don't be afraid.  I am with you.

Then God did a really cool thing.  He touched Jeremiah's mouth with His hand and pronounced, "See today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."(Jeremiah 1:8 NIV)

Now that's a scrapbook moment! It should be preserved in a method so it will serve as a constant reminder. It's worthy of a post-it note on the bathroom mirror so it will be a daily reminder.

I don't have the influence of Jeremiah but each day God has Jan-sized missions.  I may try to play the disclaimer card with Him but God says the same to me just as He said to Jeremiah, and you;

I know you
I choose you
I believe in You

God reminds me, and you:
Go where I say
I will always be with  you
Remember the past times I have touched your life.

Failure is not an option if I follow His instructions.  He's done it in the past.  He's immensely more reliable than I, so I expect Him to succeed.

Be Impressed with God's Love

"Please pass the donkey..."  I heard a young voice at the Christmas dinner table say. It took me a few seconds to process,our guest wanted the turducken.

We went through a phase of having turducken as part of our Christmas dinner.  My husband loves a crowd so we would have a dozen or more for a traditional meal.  We had all the expected dishes, turkey, jellied cranberry sauce, potatoes and in and out of the bird stuffing!  The television channel made turducken sound like the missing element in a perfect holiday gathering.

The first year the turducken was entertainment for our guests.  We assembled the boned turkey, duck, chicken and stuffing.  It turned out to be a comedy not unlike a Lucille Ball sketch.  To accomplish the layering and assembly it took three of us.  We had bird juice running down cabinets and onto the floor.  Our guests smiled and politely stifled laughter.  The photo preserves the "before the floor mopping" memory.

Unfortunately, there were several mistakes in our recipe.  The stuffing was too salty.  The cooking temperature was incorrect so the turducken was not done at our appointed dinner hour.  It was served with the pie!

We were undaunted.  The second year we made our own revisions to the instructions, like stuffing without saltine crackers, plastic on the floor and aprons on all.

By year three, the year of "the donkey", I asked why?  Why go to the work when very few enjoy the turducken?  We ended up sending the leftovers home with the donkey-lover!


““Why bother even trying to do anything with you when you just keep to your bullheaded ways? You keep beating your heads against brick walls. Everything within you protests against you. From the bottom of your feet to the top of your head, nothing’s working right. Wounds and bruises and running sores— untended, unwashed, unbandaged. Your country is laid waste, your cities burned down. Your land is destroyed by outsiders while you watch, reduced to rubble by barbarians. Daughter Zion is deserted— like a tumbledown shack on a dead-end street, Like a tarpaper shanty on the wrong side of the tracks, like a sinking ship abandoned by the rats. If GOD -of-the-Angel-Armies hadn’t left us a few survivors, we’d be as desolate as Sodom, doomed just like Gomorrah.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1:5-9‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://www.bible.com/97/isa.1.5-9.msg

When I read Isaiah 1:6 together with its surrounding verses,I pondered the prophet's challenge of being bull headed.  Made me think of being stubborn as a donkey.  Doing something over and over to impress, even when it's a failure over and over again.

Today I am reminded I am not expected to impress God.  He chose me to have a personal relationship.  I am to enjoy and expand this gift of God.  I am freed from the burden to impress (because I'll never succeed.  I'm a human, a donkey.)  God knows me and loves me!  WOW- now that's impressive!

Be Impressed with God's Great Love!

PS I'm back to blogging on the sixth verse of each book of the Bible.

Celebrate-Lent 2019

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/mat.28.6.niv

He is risen. My life has meaning! CELEBRATE!

Wait- Lent 2019

Hmmmm and yummmm!

I posted this photo months ago so the friends helping pack for our move would see my appreciation. I served them lunch while served us.

Today’s word is wait. We often think of patience. Yet the Bible dictionary I consulted this morning showed the first definition as a verb as “to serve or minister”.  So, in addition to being patient while waiting for the Lord, I should be busy serving!

Understand-Lent 2019

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/heb.11.3.niv

When humans create, we use committees, instruction manuals, focus groups, mission statements, feasibility studies, evaluations and timelines. God created with a word, a command. Understand the simpler Life.

Doubt-Lent 2019

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/jas.1.6.niv

I don’t collect photos of rough seas, just the calm. No need to collect more doubts.  Life in general gives plenty of opportunity.

Unknown-Lent 2019

I followed an unknown man and got into trouble! My folks were hosting the Fam on a lake vacation.  This day was Jet Ski day. My son and I were paired. I was given the operating instructions which included my mother’s admonition that there was a one hour time limit on the rental. Happily we ventured off into the lake. I kept the shore in view but not close enough to see the folks. After what seemed to be an hour I noticed a fellow jet skier who I thought was my brother. “Good”, I thought “I’ll follow him in.

Unfortunately he was not my brother. I failed to get close enough. Well past the hour, the rental employee appeared close by and gave me the nod. Needless to say mother was frustrated.  The rest of the family smiled. For once I was in trouble. Usually I’m the one insuring we all follow  the rules.  Guess that’s what happens when you don’t stay close enough.

Perhaps we venture too far from God’s “shore” and follow the world’s imitation of God. Fortunately He sends us a nod to get close again. He smiles when we arrive too.

Refuge-Lent 2019

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://www.bible.com/111/jhn.10.29.niv

Apparently Mickey thinks this curtain will protect. The world offers us flimsy forms of refuge. God offers The Refuge.

Amazement-Lent 2019

This a Love Tree. A palm tree growing out of a oak tree. Years ago a young man planted them to demonstrate his commitment to his beloved. Quite romantic! We made a point to get a close look and photos.

We celebrate The Love Tree later this week. Jesus died on a cross for His beloved.  Embrace the Amazement.

Celebrate-Lent 2019

 Yesterday we talked about colors. I spent time in an art gallery with some artists. I recall my private celebration of Spring’s arrival when I see what I call baby grass green. It’s the color of the very newest shoots. I first noticed it in the Flint Hills a few days after the control burn. The new grass pushes through the black burnt debris to announce new life. It encourages me to a fresh start and the dependibility of God. Just when  it appears finished He gives a new beginning. That’s something to celebrate!

Pray -Lent 2019

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/eph.1.18.niv

I opened my eyes just in time. Turtle sighting at the beach. I’m glad I didn’t miss it. 

Too often I pray for stuff I want rather than the ability to see the riches I have, what God has lavished on me.

Deny - Lent 2019

“But we HAD to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:32‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/111/luk.15.32.niv (capitalization added)

I could not deny her. We’d picked out the “fast” shoes I’d promised her. When she showed me these I had to buy them for her also.

Just as the father explained to the complaining son when he fussed that the wayward son received a huge party upon his return.  My favorite word in the verse is “had”.  He could not deny the blessing and joy.   Glad today that God won’t deny me His joy.

Distressed-Lent 2019

“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/59/eph.3.17.e

I had hope for these daffodils. They were right by the back door. The dogs “watered” them. I planned to  photograph them in full bloom to symbolize celebration. Alas, a heavy frost ended their season and my plans. I’m not distressed as I’m confident these daffodils have a lengthy history of roots and a future for next season. So when my plans don’t materialize I’m confident in my roots in Jesus who really knows the plan for my future.

Prepare-Lent 2019

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://www.bible.com/59/psa.5.3.esv

This morning I’m preparing to celebrate. I measure all the ingredients. It saves the interruption of a missing ingredient. It also allows me a chance to double check my ingredients. I’ve made mistakes due to distractions. 

Today I am reminded to prepare for my celebration of Easter, to clear away distractions and assemble my praises.

Anointed-Lent 2019

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://www.bible.com/97/1pe.2.9-10.msg

We spent the morning dancing in the waves, awaiting the appearance of the illusive beach glass.  I wasn’t sure what I’d do with my treasures. It took me three years and a four year old to see my treasures’ calling and purpose.  The beach findings have been anointed into art projects. They have purpose and hang in my bathroom as a reminder of a great day.

We are anointed to remind others of a great day- His Resurrection! Live life as His anointed and remind others of God’s love and forgiveness.