Open Your Bible Day 17

 

Wow! "God, show me what it is you want me to see today." I opened my Bible (after lots of conversation with Him) to 

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

The Conclusion of the Matter

"Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

I have nothing to add. This is an amazing conclusion for a man who sought everything and lacked for nothing.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. I am humbled, as always.

Judas

 

Day 15

I randomly opened my Bible to Matthew this morning. Oh my....

Judas, who walked with Jesus, who was CHOSEN by Jesus as his disciple betrayed Jesus for money.

"Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."Matthew 26:14‭-‬16

Betray - to be unfaithful in guarding, maintaining, or fulfilling; to disappoint the hopes or expectations of; be disloyal to

Oh my heart....such a disasterous decision Judas made that day. But don't be fooled Dianna.....don't measure Judas' decision with a ruler you think you've never held. Call it betrayal, call it compromise, call it complacency, call it disregard, call it unkindness, call it sharp words, call it lack of compassion....and just like that I began to see all the "Judas'" in my life.

I often wonder why I am so quick to look at other's shortcomings when time and time again my own failures....uh.....sin..... are just as egregious (outstandingly bad; shocking) or maybe more so,  than another.

How many like to "grade" sin? ✋ "Oh, I just told a little white lie." "Well, I've never murdered anyone." "I've never cheated on my spouse." "I've never stolen anything." "Idols??? What idols???"

I had lunch with a friend yesterday and three impactful things we talked about:

1. Concentrating on keeping our own houses clean before we try to clean someone else's.

Can't think of a more humbling senario than pointing out someone else's dirty laundry when they know my basket is overflowing. How is my credibility then?

2. Go to the word of God BEFORE going to another to vent.

My first reaction when I'm hurt, when I'm anxious, when I've been unfairly accused, when I'm the target of a rumor....you get the picture....is to phone a friend. A friend that I know will comfort me.....and agree with me. 🙄

3. Realizing that we only have our story to tell. We simply cannot tell another's story, period. We don't know it and that leads to inserting our own thoughts and opinions.

Oh how #3 leads to all kinds of sin. Gossip being the biggest.

Gossip - casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

It's really incomprehensible to see the fallout of Judas' betrayal. After all Judas' betrayal led to Jesus'death. Look at the definition of betray again. To be unfaithful in guarding or maintaining; disloyal....I am not unlike Judas....that makes me so sad.....I am disloyal when I seek out a friend for comfort or answers before I seek God's comfort and counsel. I'm not guarding my relationship with Christ when I make bad choices that spoil my witness, especially in front of those who don't know him.

Please hear me, it is not wrong to seek godly wisdom and counsel. It is not wrong to seek comfort from a friend. And as I look to hold fast to #3 - telling my own story - these are areas where I know I need work.

"You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."James 4:2‭-‬3

Such conviction for me! What are my motives? I want to feel better. I want absolved. I want justice.

"Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor."Matthew 27:13‭-‬14

JESUS MADE NO REPLY

I want to fight! I'm going to defend myself! I have rights! That was wrong! I am justified!

When I puff up my chest and stand on the mountain top proclaiming, "I am no Judas" I need be equally as aware that one small step to my left or right can plunge me to the valley repentance.

On the super, SUPER bright side? Even when I fail, I am never alone in that valley. Jesus, my Savior, is with me wherever I go. On the mountain top and in the valley. He is a good, good Father. Why would I not want to be in close relationship with him? Why would I choose to turn to others first? Why would I cry, "UNJUST" when I know HE knows? The real beauty, though hard to actually grasp, that when I've fallen and I say, "I'm sorry Lord" IT IS FINISHED. He casts my sin far as the east is from the west.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalms 103:11‭-‬12

Jesus called Judas a friend. He chose him as a disciple. He does the same for me. Judas thought he saw something better. I do that too. By the grace of God, who sent his son to die, I can do, what Judas also could have done, ask for forgiveness and my sin is remembered no more.

Sitting here this morning I am feeling beyond blessed. A peace that goes far beyond the circumstances of this life. Does that mean that circumstances don't affect me? Absolutely not. Jesus says, "In this world you will have trouble. Take heart! I have overcome the world." And THAT is where my inner peace lies. In the One who took my burdens to Calvary.

Purpose

Purpose - the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

When I read Psalm 139 I can't NOT realize and believe that I am created for a purpose by a very intentional God. Read some of the verses:

vs 1 Oh Lord, you have searched me and you KNOW me
vs 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
vs 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it competely, O Lord.
Vs 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
vs 13 For you CREATED my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
vs 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
vs 16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
vs 16 ALL THE DAYS ORDAINED FOR ME WERE WRITTEN IN YOUR BOOK BEFORE ONE OF THEM CAME TO BE.

He KNOWS me, He CREATED me, He FORMED me, He KNOWS my every word, He SAW my unformed body, He KNOWS my thoughts, He perceives them from afar.....
This begs the question: What is my purpose in this life? For what did God create me? What is HIS will for my existence? And just like that I'm plunged deeply into my Bible to answer those questions? Some may question, why there? For me, there is no other place. If my God knows me THAT well, where else could I possibly go? Friends? Family? Sure, sometimes I seek counsel and wisdom from those I trust....but ultimately God is my authority. He KNOWS me. I've seen it play out again and again....I'm upset, angry, sad, happy, grateful (insert your own emotion) and I can't wait to vent to someone or simply share my good fortune. Hear me, there is nothing wrong with seeking godly counsel from a good friend and there is certainly nothing wrong with shouting from the rooftops good news. But, for me, so often I find my self complaining to someone, recounting the unfairness of a situation, the perceived injustice of something that happened to me......

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."
Philippians 2:12-15

For it is GOD who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill HIS good purpose! WOW! And this: Do EVERYTHING without grumbling or arguing SO THAT you may become blameless and pure.......THEN you will SHINE......and this: HOLD FIRMLY to the WORD of LIFE....that IS the Word of God.

Recently, I was very angry....I'm not an angry person typically. It scared me a bit. I didn't like how it felt. And I will not soon forget why I was so angry. In my anger I learned that I, though never perfect, need to learn the importance of staying in the will of God. I need to continually repeat: "He KNOWS me, He KNOWS what's best for me, He guides my path even when I don't understand it.

Job, my dear friend during those incredibly hard times after my great loss says this:

"I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted."
Job 42:2

"The Lord works out EVERYTHING to its proper end -- even the wicked for a day of disaster."
Proverbs 16:4

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21

"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
Psalm 33:11

"....for we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10

As I go to the word of God, it really is an endless fountain of knowledge for living this life day to day. I think of my Sunday school teacher...she comes each Sunday fully saturated in the Word of God. She often speaks with great enthusiasm about how many verses she found pertaining to her teaching. She's absolutely right. Seek and you shall find. So.....one more....

"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do."
Isaiah 46:10-11

I read this quote this morning: "Before God will begin to reveal His will to you, you must be committed to doing whatever it is that He desires for you to do. God will likely be slow to show you His plan if He knows you will likely not do that plan anyway."
So what does God's will for my life look like? 1Timothy 2:3-4 says, "This is good and pleasing to God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." And 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Hebrews 13:21 says, "Now may the God of peace.....equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him..."
Maya Angelou says this: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

When you become a believer, when you place your journey into God's hands, when you proclaim Jesus Lord and Savior over your life, you KNOW better. I can't explain it to someone who has not yet accepted Christ, it's supernatural. I can't explain the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, my advocate. Oh, I want desperately for ALL to know my Jesus. I want everyone to have what I have. Does it make this life journey easier? No.....but this life isn't where our hope lies. I'm reading a book that says, "Hope is to have joyful and confidant expectation of eternal salvation." Scripture also says, "We WILL have trouble in this world, but I have overcome the world."

This I know to be true: What I experienced last week was painful. I didn't understand what God was doing. I didn't understand how someone else, stepping out of God's will for THEIR life, could have such a profound affect on me. Through a lot of tears and crying out God showed me three really important things:

1. If I step out of his will and ahead of him with my own plans, I may involve someone else who has done nothing to deserve the injustice placed upon them.

2. I would never want to do that to someone else. But I am a sinner, saved by grace, I'll never be perfect. But I am aware now therefore without excuse.

3. I need to trust God and lean not on my own understanding. I am amazed, grateful and yes, relieved that God truly worked out this situation for his glory....and yes, it is perfect. How can I not perceive that he DESIRES good for me.

I love the song "Jireh". It says, "Jireh, you are enough.....I will be content in EVERY circumstance." I confess.....I have a lot of work to do. He's not done with me yet.
God, I desire to be in your will. I see what can happen when I choose to step out and go on my own. I never saw it before, that I could place someone else in a painful situation by my disobedience. That really hurts my heart Lord. Thank you for shining your light and your provision amidst my pain.. Help me to always be aware of how my actions can affect others. Thank you Lord for your perfect resolution. Thank you that you didn't leave me and that you worked all things for the good of those you have called according to your purpose. I stand amazed in your presence.

Open your Bible Day 7

 

Good morning! It's Monday!

Day 7 of praying and randomly opening my Bible.....my prayer is not rote but usually goes something like this:

Lord, you know what I need to hear right here, right now. Your word is living and active and I know you will show me great things. You will provide, I will be amazed (always) and I will give you praise and thanksgiving for your provision. Thank you in advance for what I know you will do. By the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Did you catch the "I knows" and "You wills"? Never really thought about it until I started typing...like right now...

that there's a confidence there. Not one I really thought of myself to have. 😳 But as I ponder my prayer and how I use "I know" and "you will" I see clearly their implications.

IT'S A RELATIONSHIP!

YES! A relationship! It's personal. Last week I told my granddaughter that we would work out a time when she could come and spend the night. Just her....alone. Just Nanny and her time. She was upset and I said, "honey, I promise." My daughter was standing there and I said, "Your mommy knows I never promise if I don't mean it." My daughter confirmed for her that she need not worry. It will happen. There's relationship! Built over time with my children that I'm now building with my grandchildren.

That is the closest earthly example I can think of that weakly mirrors my relationship with my Lord and Savior. And today, though always surprised, he shows me that his promises are rock solid. He will never disappoint. I can count on him 100% of the time.

So, I open my Bible and land in Psalm 105:1-5

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done...."

* Give thanks
* Call on his name
* Sing to him
* Tell of his wonderful acts
* Glory in his holy name
* Look to the Lord
* Seek his face
* Remember the wonders he has done

Wow! Give, Call , Sing, Tell, Glory, Look, Seek, Remember! Is that not exactly what I'm supposed to do today? I cannot make this stuff up! Deeply amazed, profoundly grateful for God's consistent working in my life.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7

I have only been given my story to tell. I can't tell someone else's. But maybe, just maybe, by telling my story it will touch someone else where they are. I don't know that but that's not my part. That's God's part. So today he says, "Tell of my wonderful acts." And I say, "Yes God!"

Lord, today I give you thanks for your divine provision. I call on you in the morning that you would answer me. I sing praises to you and tell of your wonderful acts. As I look to you and seek your face I remember the wonders you have done. May I, today, glory in your name. For you have done amazing things. Amen.

Have a beautiful day! Tell your story!

❌⭕❌⭕💜💜💜

Result

 

Benign - The one word everyone wants to hear

So I told my Bible study ladies that God had directed me to the book of Daniel and the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (see yesterday's post). They told King Nebuchadnezzar that EVEN IF he threw them into the fiery furnace they would not turn from their God. I declared out loud to the ladies that EVEN IF the result is cancer I will not turn from my God.

I cannot begin to express the fear of that proclamation! I've always been afraid that if I speak something out loud it will be true....even if it is, in fact, true. Speaking the words....maybe not so much about truth because you can't get around it..... perhaps makes it REAL. It has to be dealt with. Speaking that "C" word brought tears and fear and a knowledge that it could be me but it's also many. I fondly remember a young woman that had been in my small group...years and years ago.....diagnosed with cancer.....I didn't know what to say to her so I said, "I am so sorry this is happening to you" and her response is something I've never forgotten....she said, "If not me, then who?"

I realize how often, and in many circumstances that phrase could be used. For me, if I had a choice, if it was to be me and not my child, I'd volunteer. Really makes me think of all that goes on in the world around me. If something doesn't affect me or my family do I heave a huge sigh of relief, "Phew....". Do I proclaim how blessed I am and say, "WOW, God's favor really rests on me". Do I turn a blind eye to those who don't seem to have favor? No housing, no jobs, no family, bad health, chronic illness, mental illness? Do I make excuses, "Well I worked hard for what I have. Let them do the same." In other words, whatever it is, if it doesn't affect me, am I fine with that? Let it be someone else's problem.

When my beloved was killed by someone who made a really bad choice, who thought they were invincible, perhaps thought, "I'm okay to drive", someone who made a really selfish decision that day, well....that decision changed the course of my entire family's life forever. I hate the position she put my family in but I am not so naive to think that I'm not just one bad choice away from where she is today. How do my attitudes and choices affect others? Apathy? Indifference? Do I say, "Glad it's not me?" Because on "that" day it was me. No one is exempt from pain and heartache.

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load." Galatians 6:2-5

What is the law spoken here?

"A new commandment (law) I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this you will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 12:34-35

Sooooo this trial that God has had me in for over three weeks now, the waiting, the wondering, the worrying has helped me understand IT COULD BE ME this time! There was zero comfort in thinking, "It's not going to be that" "I already lost a husband, I'm cleared for the rest of my life from bad "stuff"......

"In this world you WILL have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE AND GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE. Lord, let me not be so prideful to think I am exempt.

Yesterday I talked about the waning days of summer and how I've been simply praying and opening my Bible. God is so faithful.....I opened to the book of Micah. I've read through the Bible many times but since it is living and active, it teaches, revives and uplifts the soul. And today, on Day 5, he, AGAIN, showed me where to focus. The people who were delivered from slavery in Egypt are complaining. 

In Chapter Six God speaks and tells them what he has done for them. 

"My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery." He reminds them of what he has done. 

And then he says this:

"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

It doesn't matter what happens in this earthly life. It doesn't matter how unfair it seems. It does NOT matter if it's my cancer and someone carries the burden with me or if it's someone else's cancer and I help to carry their burden alongside them. Carrying someone else's burden simply means walking alongside a struggling brother or sister and help shoulder the weight of a trial or temptation that threatens to pull them under. No matter the result I still have work to do in the kingdom!

And I will close with this beautiful scripture from Habakkuk 3:17-18

Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will be joyful in God my Savior.

This time the result was good. I pray that the next time, for there will be a next time, whether it's health related or something else, I will remember the lessons taught in this time of waiting.

Obedience

Obedience - compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.

The summer is waning and my Bible studies are over.....there's a lull (a temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity) between now and the beginning of Fall studies. This summer has seen a destruction of my comfort zone, as I knew it for so, so long, and obedience has been the vehicle God has used in that destruction. So, I desire to be obedient to God's calling in my life. But he's showing me how I've attached other things to the obedience. If I say yes to that mininstry, surely it will be greatly successful! If I don't allow fear to grip me and say yes to additional testing and surgery, surely the results will be favorable. If I sit at his feet daily, saturate myself in his word, surely life will be generous and kind to me. If I obey his command to "love your neighbor" surely I will not face persecution.....surely people will be kind to me....I won't get hurt.....right?

So let me tell you about this amazing God I serve. What does my time at his feet look like now that my summer studies have ended. My devotionals feel stale, I need refueled, refreshed, renewed. And echoing in my head, from wonderful mentors, is this, "you don't need another book! The Word of God, your Bible, is all you need." So for four days in a row now, I have held my Bible and prayed, "God, as I open my Bible this morning, show me what it is that you want me to see, learn, apply, share, read, write, recite, memorize, store, ponder. In the precious name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, I KNOW that your word is all I need. Amen"

Day 1

Revelation 3:14-16 - “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

I aways wondered why the angel would say, "I wish you were either one or the other". I thought "hot" meant on fire for the Lord and "cold" meant you didn't really think about him at all. And "lukewarm" was a kind of meh....take it or leave it. But Laodicea was a beautiful city with hot springs and cold springs. The hot springs were healing and the cold springs were refreshing. One commentary says this: "Lukewarmness is a picture of uselessness. Hot water heals, cold water refreshes, but lukewarm water is useless for either purpose (L. Morris) It was as if Jesus said, "If you were hot or cold I could do something with you. But because you are neither, I will do nothing." The lukewarm Christian has enough of Jesus to satisfy a craving for religion, but not enough for eternal life."

I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. I want God to be able to use me.

Day 2

Psalm 138:2 - I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

You have exalted ABOVE ALL THINGS your NAME and your WORD! Day TWO of simply opening his word, he confirms to me that NOTHING is above his name and his WORD! How incredible is that? God has shown me that I'm doing exactly as he wills for these waning days of summer!!

Day 3

Daniel 3:16 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Did you catch that? BUT EVEN IF.....EVEN IF the ministry fails....EVEN IF the results aren't favorable....EVEN IF people aren't reciprocal.....God is able!! They were obedient EVEN IF the result was DEATH!

Day 4

I held my Bible this morning. Eyes closed praying......now I'd be remiss if I didn't say I know my Bible well enough, even with eyes closed that picking a spot to randomly open isn't quite so random. I know if I'm going to land in Old Testament, New Testament or Psalms. I still believe that where I open it will be exactly where God wants me to be but that was never truer than this morning. I prayed, picked a spot, opened my eyes, opened my Bible totally surprised that I wasn't in the New Testament at all. My Bible was upside down and I ended up in Numbers. What could God show me in that book? Out loud I asked that exact question as I began to read.....so very precious you guys.....

Numbers 9:15-19 - On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out.

They OBEYED the Lord's order......At night the cloud shone like fire to provide light! God's full provision IN their obedience. Can you even begin to imagine? Sometimes they moved in a day or two and sometimes not for months. I've packed up and moved enough in my life for 10 families. It's a task in and of itself....add children, animals, lack of modern conveniences....YIKES! But the example of obedience, the confidence of God's provision, no matter what? Priceless!

So, in this time of retirement, I desire to be obedient to God's calling. I'm not gonna lie....that can be scary.....but it's such a desire of my heart these days. There is peace there...no matter my circumstances.....and yes, I'm still waiting......and though I believe the results will be favorable.......but EVEN IF......... the lessons I'm learning in the waiting I pray I never forget.

God, thank you that as I open my Bible with the desire to be rejuvenated by your word that you have been so incredibly faithful. So incredible are your provisions that if I didn't write them down I'm not sure I could grasp the grandness of them. I pray Lord as I am obedient you will carry on to completion the good work you began in me until the day of Christ Jesus. You are an amazing God and today all the glory and honor belongs to you.