The Least of These....

A couple of days ago I went to the dentist. Those who know me know how much I hate going to the dentist. Everytime I go I remind my dentist that I love him and his staff and if I could stop in and visit occasionally that would be great. We laugh, I pull up my big girl pants and do what I have to do. I adult....even when adulting is not fun. 🙄

I needed a filling and a repair. The dentist numbed me up, I survived and an hour later I was on my way home.....but not without numbness that presented like Bell's Palsy. I know about Bell's Palsy because recently my grandson struggled with it as a result of Lyme's Disease from a tic bite. For six hours the entire right side of my face was numb. I could not blink and it was incredibly difficult to eat or drink. Suffice it to say, talking, while I could do it, well.... there was a lot of sputtering and yes, some saliva action, it was very uncomfortable and I was very self-conscious.🤦🏻‍♀️

Since it was the same day I was spending time with my granddaughters (who had a fully planned agenda) I couldn't just come home and wait for the novacaine to wear off. I found myself being unusually quiet, covering my face or explaining the "why". I'm not gonna lie, as the hours ticked on I thought (perhaps with some panic mixed in), "What if this doesn't get better? What if I have permanent damage to the nerve? What if I'm like this the rest of my life?" 😳

I began to think about people in the Bible that, by the way they looked or by what they'd done, by some deficiency they had or by some lack, were categorized as unlovely....the least of these if you will. As I dug deeper I was again and again reminded of Jesus' tender loving care of those society labeled as less than.

After having studied Exodus for two years I've been profoundly impacted by Moses. At one point he told God to pick someone else because he was so insecure about his ability to speak. Some research shows he had some kind of speech impediment...perhaps he stuttered. Yet, he was chosen by God. Though God did relent and appoint Aaron to speak on Moses's behalf, it's clear that God did not look upon Mose's speech issue as a deterent to his plan.

In 1 Samuel we are clearly told that God does not look at appearance.

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

And what about the church in Corinth? What did the Apostle Paul say to them?

"God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
1 Corinthians 1:28‭-‬29

I love this explanation:

God isn’t saying that it is better to be foolish or uneducated. Rather, He is saying that the world’s wisdom and education does not bring us salvation in Jesus Christ. “In putting the strong and wise and great to shame, God does not exalt the weak and uneducated and worthless, but brings all of them down to one common level.” (Calvin)

Was Paul saying:

“you aren’t wise according to the world, you aren’t mighty, you aren’t noble - but you are among the foolish things of the world.” (EWC)

The commentary ended with this comment:

"No doubt, many of the Corinthian Christians were beginning to think of themselves in high terms because of God’s work in them. Paul will not allow this. They have not been chosen because they are so great, but because God is so great." (EWC)

Because GOD is SO great.....

It doesn't matter how you look, your status, your education, your wealth, or lack of, your possessions, or lack of....NONE of it makes you more or less useful to God!!

Jesus speaks of "the least of these" in Matthew 25. The "least of these" are described as those who are in need of basics for living ---- food, clothing and shelter. Have you ever heard the testimony of one of these who has been loved and cared for regardless of their appearance or social standing?

Years ago I saw a man sitting in church. I had not seen him before. His appearance was very unlike others. He stood out. Shorts and a tank top style t-shirt, tattoos from head to toe, disheveled hair....head hanging down as he sat there. God said, "Go talk to him". I had a bit of a conversation with God. "Are you sure? Me?" It was clear, God asked me to....and I AM greatly drawn to the artistry of a good tattoo 😉 ......The conversation, should I say his testimony, still blesses me to this day. I never saw him again but I will not forget him. I wonder if he felt out of place and uncomfortable......

One more story....I'm not always obedient 🙄....I was driving to church one Sunday morning. It was pouring rain. God said, "Give away your umbrella." I had a lot to say about that! I was coming closer to church and I saw a man walking in the rain ....he had shorts and a t-shirt on......I thought for a quick second, "Is this to whom I should give my umbrella?" I reasoned that he was already wet...what good would it do him now? I didn't think much more of it until I was dry and comfortable in my seat in church and turned and saw this very wet man sitting in the back. My heart was broken at my disobedience. He walked IN THE RAIN to worship the Lord and I wouldn't give my umbrella for not wanting to be a bit wet from my car to the front door. Recounting it now still makes my heart sad.

Jesus gave his LIFE for me. I didn't earn it, I don't deserve it but he freely gave it so that I am presented pure and blameless before the Father.

We each have a story.....a personal testimony....unique to us. God isn't looking at our appearance, our status, our wealth, our abilities.....he simply says come unto me and I will supply everything you need.

I love how God teaches through everyday circumstances. Sometimes it's joyful and sometimes it stings with correction but it's ALWAYS useful and ALWAYS causes growth.....if we're listening and have the "want to" to be changed. I can't wait to see what he has for me tomorrow.

Have a beautiful day!

Be still and KNOW me....

Yesterday I spent the day with my granddaughters. The youngest of which is quite taken with herself. I snicker inside, okay so sometimes I laugh out loud when she declares she's the smartest and prettiest in her family and of all. Then I respond, "And so humble!!" It's a thing....a kid thing...perhaps a very confident kid thing..... hopefully it's a kid thing. 🤭

Since I've been thinking a lot about thinking less of myself this verse came to mind:

"He (God) must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:30

It's so easy to get caught up in self. I absolutely love C. S. Lewis's quote:

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less,”

Often translated:

"Don't think of yourself MORE, don't think of yourself LESS, just don't think of yourself AT ALL."

There are many verses about pride and boasting.

1 Corinthians 1:31 comes to mind AND it's instructional. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” I love that! Turn from self promoting thoughts and boasts, to the Lord. Boast about what he HAS done or IS doing or just WHO he is!

As the storms of life come, because they will come, the Christ follower will, as time goes on, learn to rely on God for their strength, courage and ability to move forward. The one who doesn't know the Lord will lean on their own understanding and boast in their own abilities. And to some of us it looks like it works. You may know someone that looks like they've got it made in the shade. Life has been good, no traumatic events, money is abundant.....and we may wonder why this life of faith is what we choose.

Last night I had the blessed opportunity to run into a beautiful, 93 years young, woman. She has faced the death of her husband and two of her children. Absolutely horrific. How is she still standing? Because of her grit and determination or because Christ has sustained her? I actually don't know....that's not true.....I DO know.... Christ HAS sustained her....but I don't know if she knows. I'm pretty sure she does..... I'm merely using this as an example. What I do know is that if God grants me 93+ years I want to know that this life, a life where I've suffered tragedy is not all there is. It's not the end of my story. I want that ultimate family reunion!!

As I began to search and study God revealed so much more to me. He is such a faithful God.

This beautiful passage in Jeremiah really spoke to me.

"This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: THAT THEY HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING TO KNOW ME, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord."

Jeremiah 9:23‭-‬24

THAT THEY HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING TO KNOW ME


Twenty years ago I had a daycare mom who was looking for care for one of her children. She told me she had asked a woman and the woman said, "I'll pray about it." I remember my response like it was yesterday, "I just don't get that, I said. How does that help?" The mom responded, "Me either."

As I look back now I SO get it and my response would have been SO different today. I love that that woman boldly said it AND boldly stood firm on her need to do it. She understood the need to know her God.


"Understand to know" is explained in one commentary three ways:


• “There is a nuance of practical good sense in the Hebrew here for understand, while to ‘know’ God means life itself, even to eternity.” (Kidner)

•The false things men take glory in – wisdom, might, riches, fame – are not only misguided, they are lower. The greatest glory, the highest aspirations, the greatest exultation are fulfilled in God and our true understanding and knowledge of Him. (EWC)

•God says, “Direct your desire to glory in something in the right place – toward Me.” We can take true glory, even the greatest glory in the understanding and knowledge of God. (EWC)

This earthly life is really, really hard. If you are a believer one's eyes are opened and so incredibly sensitive to so much. Sometimes the most faithful have such tracgic lives. Their testimonies are often incredible. Knowing God has saved their life. They simply cannot hold back their boasting in the Lord and his magnificent provision.

As I sit here this morning I ask myself these questions:

•What if I'm given 30 more years to know God?
•What if I wake up every morning and ask God to reveal himself that I may KNOW him?
•What if, regardless of my circumstances, I could REST in who he is BECAUSE I KNOW HIM?
•What if my goal each day was to boast about HIM?
•What if the daily silence is filled with his glory? His provision?

Begs the question, how would my life be different? I can't look into the future but their are a few things I know for sure:

•I WILL find rest for my soul.

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."
Psalms 62:5

•I WILL have all that I need.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

•He WILL complete in me what he started.

".....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6

•He will NEVER leave me or forsakes me.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

•My name is written on the palm of his hand.

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."
Isaiah 49:16

Life's circumstances are hard. They are right in your face. Often it's hard to look around them. I take a great deal of comfort in knowing that God wastes nothing. He doesn't waste our pain and sorrow, nor our joys and triumphs. He teaches us who HE is. But we can also, regardless of our circumstances, rest in him by knowing who he is, by understanding who he is. By, daily, seeking him....not just when hard times come or they linger. Some hardships may never resolve in this lifetime.....we can be paralyzed by them or we can aspire to understand to know God in them.

I'm so grateful, that in the solitude of my life, God says, "Come, KNOW me." I've said it before and I believe it and feel it today.....knowing Him is my greatest joy.....
ND 
Have a beautiful day.

Confidence

Confidence - the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.

I woke with so many questions this morning:

•Am I walking life with confidence?

•What does it look like?

•Is confidence freely given, learned or earned?

•Do I allow my circumstances to dictate my level of confidence?

•Who/what is that "someone" or "something"?

•If I lack confidence, how do I develop it? Can I? Do I need it?

As I began to think about myself...doing a self-assessment, if you will, I began by first looking at what being confident does not mean. Perhaps by looking at what it's not, I could determine where I land.

When one lacks confidence they are:

Hesitant, indesisive, vacillating, wavering, diffident (modest, shy), unassuming, doubtful, uncertain, unsure.

It's always easier to critic ourselves rather than boast about ourselves. It's more comfortable to tear ourselves down rather than build ourselves up. When I look at the above antonyms I'm surprised my name isn't there...for they describe me...they fit my inner personality. They are who I am. I walk closely with them.

On the other side is confidence. Described by these words:

Collected, composed, cool-headed, poised, tranquil, serene, unshaken, hopefully, optimistic, rosy, upbeat, desisive, resolute.

I went to two graduation parties this past weekend and what I saw were three confident young adults ready to take the world by storm. They had plans, dreams and desires. All three were resolute, cool-headed, unshaken and hopeful. I was genuinely happy for them. Them having a confidence that I've always desired but never possessed.

As I was writing I began to go down a road, that I realized, could make me very sad. I don't get a redo. None of us do.

But God....
This life isn't all there is!! There's more So.much.more! And with confidence I went to the Word of God.

"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."
2 Corinthians 5:1

My earthly tent is temporary! All the earthly confidence in the world will not secure my eternal house.

"Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked."
2 Corinthians 5:3

We groan..... true....this earthly life can often be hard, sad, tragic, unfair....we can lack confidence, direction and purpose. We feel vulnerable and naked. We often long for something more. Whether we know God or not there is a deep desire to know this heavenly dwelling.

"For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."
2 Corinthians 5:4

We were created for Eden. Think about that. Eden was perfection! Every need met. Nothing else could be desired. And because of Jesus we will have that perfection again!

Isaiah's prophecy of that day is so beautiful:

"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Isaiah 11:6‭-‬9

And so we know this:

"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord."
2 Corinthians 5:6

My struggle with confidence is because I struggle against the world. I'm placing my confidence in the world. My confidence is misplaced. This world is never going to give me the level of confidence that I already have in the absolute surity of eternal life.

"For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
2 Corinthians 5:7‭-‬9

Which brings a different definition:

Confident - Certainty and assurance of one's relationship with God, a sense of boldness that is dependent on a realization of one's acceptance by God, and a conviction that one's destiny is secure in God.




"So we make it our goal to PLEASE HIM, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
2 Corinthians 5:9

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Galatians 1:10

I am a servant of Christ. My confidence is in HIM not the circumstances of this world. That changes EVERYTHING!

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Colossians 3:1‭-‬3

This life is not easy. Especially when we put so much of our energy into pleasing others. As a Christ follower we are commanded:

"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."
Romans 12:2

It does not mean it's an easy journey. I am called to live IN the world not OF the world. When we are asked to go against the grain...to turn from what is popular, attractive, enticing...what looks fun, seems okay...well it's hard. Sometimes we might even feel left out, feel like we're missing out..."but we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2

He did it FOR me and for everyone who calls him Lord. And we can have confidence with great conviction, that what he began he will finish!

Have a beautiful day!

The Hurt and the Healer

As I was doing the trivial, mundane task of changing my sheets and making up my bed, I was listening to music.

The song The Hurt and the Healer came on. I know it well ...I know all the words, I sing it....loud....yikes, what a picture.... 😳 

These words:

I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I'll fall into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide.....

They are truly a profound mystery, to me. How? How does God breathe life back into a broken heart? How does he give life back? Honestly, I'm amazed at where I stand today.

Of course I can say because God has sustained me. And he has.....but how? Knowing the "how" or the "why" are questions I think are perfectly natural in our humaness but actually very little help if, any at all, in the grieving process. One must, with great faith, hold tightly to God's promises. To the mystery of the working of the Healer.

Mystery is defined as something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

Who likes a good mystery? 

I once encountered a woman holding a book, a popular novel, that I had read and loved. I excitedly asked her, "Did you love it?" I'll never forget her response, "It was okay. I figured it out about half way through." To this day I can't figure out how she figured it out. I rolled the details over and over in my mind and I simply could not see what she saw that I so obviously missed. But I came to the conclusion that, other than a Hallmark ending which is so incredibly obvious, I don't really watch a movie or read a book to figure out the storyline before it's over. Nor do I want to. I'm not saying she did or didn't, I don't know that but what I realized about myself is that the surprise or shock of not figuring it out is very satisfying. I even have friends who actually read the ending FIRST to determine if the book is worth reading. What???

And, in some ways I feel the same way about my life circumstances and even God's Word. Sometimes I want to know, sometimes I don't, sometimes I'm content with the mystery of it all and sometimes I wait with great anticipation for the end of the story. Though God reveals much to those who have the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit....in the whole scope of things we must live and accept the mystery of walking a life of faith.

The Word of God speaks of his mysteries handed down to the saints, those who call him Savior.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church on Colossae:

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ..."
Colossians 2:2

One commentary explains the mystery contained in that verse and two others:

1. The Biblical Use of Mystery: Something Revealed That Was Previously Hidden.

The secret that was hidden during the Old Testament period is revealed in the New Testament. This is the biblical use of the term, “mystery.” Mystery is used in this sense a number of times in Scripture.

2. A Mystery Can Be Something about God That Humans Cannot Completely Comprehend.

Believers can comprehend God’s love for us; but only to a certain degree. The depth of His love is an unfathomable mystery. While we know some things about the love of God, we certainly do not appreciate everything about it. It is truly a mystery.

3. Mystery May Refer to Something about God That Cannot Logically Be Understood.

An example of this type of mystery would be the Trinity; God is both three and one at the same time. While the Bible teaches the doctrine of the Trinity, it is beyond our understanding. This type of mystery would come under the category of a paradox; two truths that are seemingly contradictory, but in reality are not.

This type of mystery is something that we cannot logically understand. Thus, we accept it by faith because of the nature of God. God is a God of truth; He cannot lie. Therefore, we humbly believe certain truths that we cannot completely understand because of who God is.

Thus, when we encounter the word, “mystery” used in a Christian context, it can mean one of three things.

(Blueletterbible.org)

While I can't quite comprehend why I'm still standing I do know that this journey was ordained just for me. All my days were written before one of them came to be (Psalm 139)....so my story's not over.

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
Ephesians 1:4

I was chosen before the creation of the world, he knit me together in my mother's womb (Psalm 139).....it's a mystery.....I don't understand it...I can't comprehend it....I can't explain it but I can't stay away from it, I crave it, I love it, my heart is changed by it. It is a great mystery which I already know will have an amazing ending!!

I've often commented that if we could actually grasp the depth of love our Savior has for us, our lives would be exponentially different. Of course if we knew it, would we strive daily to know him deeper, more intimately? A child rarely stops trying to please their parents...to somehow grasp that immense love. If Jesus loves me half as much as I love my children.....well ...that would be incredible yet, he loves me more than that! I don't actually have the capacity to understand THAT great of love. It's a mystery! 

There's not a single person that can't feel the deep joy of this mystery. Seek Jesus. He will reveal himself to youhttps://youtu.be/SqBMNSuDf7g and you'll never be the same.

Happy Celebration Sunday!

Bold prayer - Bold faith.....

"Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple."

Psalms 65:4

I talked a lot about my husband yesterday. This happens when I meet with someone who doesn't know the circumstances behind his death. The question I'm asked most often.....Was he sick?......No.....😭. It's not that I don't talk about him often but certain conversations bring back "stuff"...... hard thoughts and feelings....... really hard , though some, long ago reconciled, still give me pause..... specifically, I'm reminded of how, in the years leading up to his death, I faithfully prayed for God to draw me closer to Him. "After" I was sure that God chose to take my husband as a means to do just that. I dealt with heavy guilt.....Was it my fault? Didn't I pray enough or "right". Didn't I study enough....wasn't I faithful enough? Did God need to get my attention! WAKE UP DIANNA! Is this how he was going to draw me closer to him?

I came home from my meet up and again pondered...I no longer ask God why he chose this for me. I realize there is no answer....none that would satisfy my craving for relief from grief.....I've already bartered and begged enough for a lifetime....I wouldn't say I've resigned myself to this life of widowhood...nor would I say I've experienced great joy in this earthly life since his death...but I'm no longer wrestling with God about the "why".

In my email yesterday I received an article that said this:

"God gives us what we pray for but often it isn't in the package we expect."

Why I'm always amazed at God's timing I do not know. What are the odds I would be dredging up old pain and an email with great insight would be waiting to be read. More profound is that I actually saw it AND opened it.

So what about bold prayers? I'll confess right here, right now I rarely, if ever, pray boldly. I want to... I love the Lord.....I desire to serve him, honor him, submit to him....but there is a part of my heart that tucks away that which is most precious to me. And all of the verses that show me clearly that he wants my whole heart coming flooding in.....

I realize now my prayer was a bold prayer...I didn't think about it being bold then...I just innocently loved God so much....

"Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Mark 10:15

Makes me think about raising my children. I watched with a heavy heart as little by little their innocence and trust was chipped away. When I had to explain that things weren't always fair. When they wouldn't always feel loved and accepted by their peers. When they learned that not everyone has their best interest at heart. When the world can be very cruel.

As I get older I find myself mourning the lost innocence I had.....even knowing that I had lived in a broken world for a very long time.....I still didn't think "it" would happen to me.

Bold prayers are abundant in God's Word. Prayers prayed with boldness and faith.....and the "packages" the answers were delivered in? Well ..... often times not with a pretty little bow. I think of Hannah. She prayed boldly for a son.

"In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
1 Samuel 1:10‭-‬11

And the promise she made....she honored:

She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.”
1 Samuel 1:22

"As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.
1 Samuel 1:26‭-‬28

God answered her prayer for a son..which she surrendered to him at a very young age.....

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego proclaimed they would not bow down to idols, surely they knew they were on their way to certain death in the firey furnace but they boldly said,

"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.”
Daniel 3:17‭-‬18

BOLD prayer.... BOLD faith.....

The article is so good I'll post the link below but here's one more portion for the sake of wrapping up here:

Expect the Unexpected

When God begins to answer our prayers, we often find his answers disorienting. Circumstances might take unexpected courses, health might deteriorate, painful relational dynamics might develop, financial difficulties might occur, and spiritual and emotional struggles might emerge that seem unconnected. We can feel like we’re going backward because we are not clearly moving forward. We cry out in painful confusion and exasperation (Psalm 13:1; Job 30:20) when what’s really happening is that God is answering our prayers. We just expected the answer to look and feel different.

This being true, we might be tempted to not even ask God for such things. I mean, who wants unpleasant answers to prayers for joy?

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-unexpected-answers-of-god

And that last part is the journey I'm on....casting out the fear of praying with boldness and faith. Scripture tells me that God knows my heart, he knows what I'm holding back, he knows the fears my lips refuse to speak....he already knows....nothing is hidden from him...however, in the heart of the believer, one who loves the Lord, there is a desire to pray with boldness. I want to! Knowing full well that the package most likely won't look how I want it to. Such an odd juxtaposition isn't it?

I have a friend that prays for transformation "whatever it takes" and I tell her with great certainty, "I will NOT be praying THAT!" Doesn't mean my heart doesn't desire that boldness, that confidence, that "all in" attitude. I'm just not there yet.

Dont judge.....

"He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem."

Isaiah 53:2‭-‬3

I like one commentary that said Jesus wasn't necessarily ugly but he was perhaps not one who would turn your head.

I think of all of the movies that I've watched about Jesus. He's always cast as a very attractive man with dark flowing hair, tall, thin, not at all how these verses describe Jesus.

Then it occurred to me that attractiveness is subjective. It's personal. Would I recognize Jesus? Do I have a preconceived idea of what I think he should look like? And I began to ponder how often one's worth is determined by outward appearances.

When we look at others what do we see? Too tall. Too short. Too skinny. Too fat. Tattooed. Pierced. Unkempt. What do we see that sways our thoughts and our opinions about a person? Are we concerned about the color of somebody's skin? Their ethnicity? Their customs? Their beliefs? Their jobs? Do we think less of people who have a high school education as opposed to a college degree? Do we think less of someone who drives a beater versus a brand new expensive car? What about how somebody dresses? Do we consider them "less than" if their appearance is disheveled? Do we level the judgment, "boy they must not care about themselves much!" Do we look at someone differently who hands the cashier a government food card? Do we look in their cart to see what they are buying? Do we determine who they are by what they eat? Appearance is such a big deal! It is the first impression. Of course someone can have every hair in place, dressed to the nines, and have the heart of a cold fish. The opposite is true as well ...those who have really hard lives can be the kindness, most gracious people.

When I read God's word and I see how Jesus was treated, how he was beaten, how he was spit on, how he was despised, rejected, laughed at, ridiculed, it reminds me that people did not desire a relationship with him FIRST before they determined who he was, what he wanted and why he came. They judged him by their own circumstances, what THEY wanted, what THEY had predetermined this Savior would look like, how he should act and what he should give them.

Do we not do the same? We want to be in the popular crowd. We have FOMO (fear of missing out) like it's our job!

But that's not at all what God's Word, our "instruction manual" for living, tells us. Look at just a few passages:

Leviticus 25:35
"Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you."

Ruth 2:10
"Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”

Job 31:32
“The alien has not lodged outside, For I have opened my doors to the traveler.

This precious passage in Matthew puts it all in perspective.

Matthew 25:34-30
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I used to think kids were cruel because they lacked knowledge and life experience. I thought mean girls had a chip on their shoulder from past or present hurts and they weren't going to let anyone else hurt them so they hurt first. But the older I get the more I realize that the sinful nature is inherent. And it's evident in children very young right through adulthood. I am so convicted, where I used to be in denial. I used to think I was a victim. Too weak to defend myself. But the deeper I dig into God's Word, the more I realize the insidious ways sin creeps in...in the tiniest moments.....but I'm also very encouraged...because I can change in those tiny moments, one by one and become more like Christ. We don't have to have major changes for all to see. We can have tiny heart changes that only God sees.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

It IS a heart issue! I feel ignored. I feel less than. I'm not favored. I'm not pretty enough. Smart enough. NO!!!

Galatians 1:10
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

I think of a prisoner who is where he/she is because of the things they've done. Though there are consequences for their actions, God doesn't love them less. God doesn't love less the girl who made a bad choice that morning that resulted in my husband's death. Oh and believe me I've judged her.....harshly. I've judged her family, her upbringing, her appearance.....the circumstances, her attorneys.... you're probably thinking I was justified, right? Truth is, she is no different than me before the Lord. If she, like me and every other follower of Christ, repents before the Lord she will be sitting with me in glory at the Lord's supper. I can either be outraged and declare, "How dare you!!" Or I can be grateful, that in my bad choices, he forgives me too.

There are times when truth must be spoken in love. "In love" implies there is a relationship to whom you're speaking truth. That is not the everyday eye rolling that I often employ. Yikes ..I'm actually rolling my eyes at myself right now at the truth of that last sentence.

Jesus IS my perfect example. Bit by bit... circumstance by circumstance...I can become more like Him. Today I'm going to look at the tiny thoughts and actions that keep me from being Christlike. Want to join me?

Have a beautiful day!

I am the vine....

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

John 15:5‭-‬6

It is a beautiful morning. The air is crisp and cool...reminds of the waning days of summer....I almost expect leaves to be fluttering through the air to the ground. The thought to grab a sweatshirt has crossed my mind. Learning (no, not natural....and add a lot of struggling) to get away with God has been my greatest joy in this season of my life. Each morning God has been so faithful to bring beauty out of his Word to my heart. This morning is no different. I love the anticipation and then the surprise I feel. Sometimes I wonder why I am surprised at all. As I sit here this morning I'm really happy I don't quite understand it all. That the excitement of what God's going to show me will never be mundane...known...anticipated... it's new every morning! Praise God! I feel like a kid in a candy store...that 64 year old "kid" that, last week, visited Sugar Kingdom and filled her box to the brim with Salt Water Taffy!! 😳

Anyways 🙄

I love these passages in John. I find it hard not to post the entire passage. John 15:1-17 is packed with spectacular metaphors. So deep and rich in beauty. If you are someone who sometimes struggles to retain information (me), metaphorical writing or speaking provides a picture for learning and remembering.

When we become Christ followers we are grafted in. We become part of the vine.

Grafting - to attach a twig or bud from one plant to another plant so they are joined and grow together.

If you're curious here's a short video. ....there are many on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/shorts/39c2vN43vJM?feature=share

Romans 11:11-24 talks about being grafted in...I love these passages as well:

"If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you."
Romans 11:17‭-‬18

I think often about the three very large dead trees I have along my fence line. They are completely barren. There is no life in them. Then I look at the trees on either side of them that are flourishing, nourished, full of beautiful greenery. Those trees were and are me! Once I was dead...now I am alive. Once I was barren...now I am flourishing. Once I was ignorant...now I am without excuse. Once I was a branch tossed into the fire, useless...now I am part of the vine.

I don't believe I was saved until I was nearly 30. I did have an identifying moment when I knew I needed Jesus but not what some might call a spectacular, life defining moment. As I look back now it actually was....but I just didn't know it. I didn't start walking seriously with the Lord until I was 42.

"Do not consider yourself to be superior..."

I fall easily into the comparison trap. Especially in the company of who I would call "seasoned" Christians. They know more simply because they have walked longer. But, in God's eyes we are all equal at the foot of the cross. It's not about what I look like in the eyes of others...NO....it's about my personal relationship with Christ! Him and I, period!

HE is the gardener! HE is the Root! HE keeps the vine healthy! HE planted ME! HE sustains me! HE gives me life! And what is my responsibility? REMAIN IN HIM! And the result? I WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT!

As I sit here this morning, alone, I wonder about my worth. What fruit am I bearing? Is it enough? I'm reminded of Brother Lawrence.....a monk...whose job in the monestary was dishwasher. His book, Practicing the Presence of God, shows how he did just that in the everyday mundane task of washing dishes. I watched a documentary on how a cruise ship runs it's day to day operations. One woman's job was to run the laundry department. To make sure that all sheets and towels were washed and ready..... thousands of towels and sheets to turn every Saturday. She said, "I do it for the glory of God."

So, as I sit here this morning, in God's presence, I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing:

"Glorify God and enjoy his presence forever."

No pressure to be seen. No pressure to perform. No pressure to prove myself worthy. No pressure to conquer the world. No pressure to collect accolades. Just me and my Savior enjoying time together.

Have a beautiful day!