Wonderful Jesus!

A Heritage of Faith!

Proverbs 13:22 – A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children… NKJV

Solomon wrote that a good man will leave his children, and his children’s children an inheritance. Some may read this and feel as if they are obviously not good enough because they have nothing to leave their family. Well, here’s some good news for you! If you leave them a heritage of faith, you leave them so much more than money!

When our ancestors were in slavery, they had it pretty bad. Some believe that when the slaves were brought to America, it was a good thing because they found Christ. Others believe that some were brought here knowing Him already. I believe they are both probably true. I don’t think God needed slavery and all the harsh things slaves endured to get Black people introduced to the wonders of His love. But He is a God that wastes nothing! And through the harshness of slavery, faith was anchored where hope was trying to be destroyed. A people who had no voice, learned to pray to the God who heard their cry. Songs of despair gave way to songs of faith! And the rest as they say, is history!

Many slaves learned to have a deep, abiding faith in the Lord. Harriet Tubman, SoJourner Truth, Frederick Douglas, and others speak of their intense love for God. They speak of His leading them, of His comfort, of His love. These great men and women, who acquired their freedom, also acquired a rich heritage of faith that helped them to accomplish greater things than they had even imagined. This faith was passed on to the next generation.

Faith that inspired men like George Washington Carver, who spoke of his quiet time with the Lord being the place where his many creations were downloaded to him by the Spirit of God. Faith that inspired a Black man to start a college for the sole purpose of educating black people. Faith that caused Black people to see themselves as something other than laborers for someone else’s benefit.

Dreaming the impossible dream, led to Blacks like Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughn who became scientists in NASA; who may have been hidden, but who couldn’t stay hidden. Whether it was their faith, or the faith of their parents, faith moved the barriers of racism for them to go to another level in a world that was previously closed to Black people.

In the Civil Rights movement, faith was prevalent in the lives of those who were at the forefront of activism. In neither slavery, nor the civil rights movement, were Black people alone in their journey. God used many people who were white to assist and propel their causes to the forefront of humanity. So I understand that! But as Black people, those in the movement relied heavily on their faith!

The Black church was a symbol of freedom, a podium of hope for a brighter day. As men like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stood and preached God’s word about the kingdom of God, a desire and a strong faith was birthed to possess the kingdom, on earth! Many believed in the need for social justice, and they faced governmental authorities, mobs, and violence in their quest. But their trust, their great strength, their unyielding passion came out of their relationship with the God who created the ends of the earth!

I was born into such a family. A family with great financial struggles, but deep ties to the things of God. We were a family that went to church without fail. We were taught to pray. We were encouraged to trust God. And today, many of us still embrace our faith-filled heritage as we sojourn through this world!

Today, as I blog, I am grateful for the inheritance of faith that has come down to me through our people, through my family. Nothing could hold us back, and nothing could hold us down, once we came to know Jesus! Today we are doing amazing things. I have seen God take our people from segregated schools to running the schools, the cities, the states, and the nation! Look at God!

Not only that! I have seen God use Blacks in spreading the gospel of the kingdom. From William Seymour at Azusa Street to the many men and women of God who are yet preaching the gospel from the pulpit, our heritage continues. Faith and love are key to breaking down the walls that yet divide us, but those walls will not stop us! We will continue to trust God to do what only He can do in us and through us, for His glory!

My parents left this world early, and I wasn’t a recipient of anything material either. But they taught me about Jesus! I learned to pray and trust God. I learned to open my mouth and give Him praise. In teaching me about Jesus they gave me a hope and a future. I am so thankful that I tapped into my heritage of faith! I married a man whose family is also tapped into their heritage of faith! As I see siblings, in-laws, our children, nieces and nephews, and other family members serve the Lord, I know they will continue enjoying the blessings of our faith filled heritage and will pass it on! Why? Because they have been given a legacy of faith, that shouts loudly, with God, all things are possible! Wonderful Jesus!

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Lord, Did You Forget Us?

Acts 8:27 – So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship…NKJV

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Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that people of different colors are mentioned in the word? Or do you think all people in the word ofGod are of one ethnic background? Maybe you’ve been taught that the Bible is the white man’s Bible, and have felt no connection to it, or to the God in whom it boast. Well, I have some great news for you today, Black people are mentioned favorably in the Bible and they are people you should know.

In America, we are celebrating Black History Month, and so this week, I want to highlight my culture, my people, and the richness of our heritage. Starting with the word! The Lord immediately brought the Ethiopian in the book of Acts to my mind.

Ethiopia, in Biblical times, from what I have learned, is the land of Cush. Cush, according to ancient maps, included present day Sudan and Ethiopia. It appears that in the Old Testament, its citizens were of Cush, and in the New Testament, they were of Ethiopia. Whether this is accurate or not, we know that these individuals were Black people.

In the book of Acts, we have this Ethiopian, riding in his chariot towards home from Jerusalem. Scripture lets us know that he had come to worship. In this chapter, we also learn some other things about this eunuch. He was a man of great authority. He served in the court of the queen, who was believed to be one of the mightiest queens of Ethiopia. He was in charge of all of her treasury, obviously a very intelligent man, and he had a hunger for God.

As he was traveling home, reading the scriptures, the Holy Ghost sent Philip to share the gospel with him. He believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, was baptized and went home a new believer in Christ. The area of ancient Cush is being excavated and many churches are being found in the land. I can infer from this, that the eunuch went home and shared the gospel in his country, resulting in many coming to Christ.

Another person of Ethiopian descent was Moses’ wife. Some scholars believe that Moses had taken a second wife, and this is not Zipporah. There is no further reference to suggest that she is Zipporah, nor is there any to refute that she isn’t. But what is clear, is that she is a Black woman, and she is married to Moses, the leader of the Israelites.

What is also apparent is that Aaron and Miriam have a problem with her, possibly because of her skin color. This was such a problem for them, that it caused them to question Moses’ spiritual authority over them. Isn’t it interesting to note that racism against Black people could have been recorded so early? God ended up dealing with the situation by calling a meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, Miriam was punished with leprosy. I’ve often wondered why God didn’t punish Aaron, because he was angry with both of them, but it is believed that Miriam was the instigator. Not certain of that accuracy.

In the book of 2 Chronicles we learn more about the Ethiopians. They were a people with a strong army which boasted of many chariots and horsemen. As a matter of fact, you can say that they had the first “Million Man March” in the Bible, for that is how many men, Zerah, the Ethiopian, led against Israel. They didn’t win the war, but they were a mighty people, an advanced people, demonstrated by their horses and the number of chariots. Job spoke of the topaz, that came from Ethiopia which was apparently, a beautiful stone, and part of the treasures of Ethiopia.

Black people, world-wide are often looked upon as if we are second class citizens. When you look at Africa today, which has been raided and exploited for its diamonds, people, and exotic animals, you may walk away with a distorted view of its people and their descendants. Many parts of Africa were, and are, glorious regions full of history, culture, treasures and beauty. Africa was created by God, blessed by God, and used by God for His glory. The people of Africa and her descendants world-wide are not forgotten by God. Black people are not forgotten by God. We have not been cursed by God, and we are not under the curse of Ham. (A blog for another day.)

The Bible isn’t European in nature. People didn’t begin as white Europeans. Civilization began in the land of the Fertile Crescent, not Europe. Yet, somehow, we read the Bible through European eyes, thus making it seem like God has forgotten the other nations of the world.

Jesus made it quite clear that the gospel is for us all and to us all when He said:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17 – NKJV

To answer my question, whether or not we are a forgotten people, I can prove without a doubt, that He hasn’t forgotten any of us. If we look closer at the word of God, we will see ourselves in scripture as we identify people who looked like us, all of us. Now be encouraged for this Bible doesn’t belong to any one group of people, it belongs to us all! Wonderful Jesus!

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Life in the Blood!

Leviticus 17:11 – For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ NKJV

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There is no way to have a real discussion on the imagery in the word of God without talking about the blood. There was a time in church history when many people thought that the topic of the blood was too graphic for them and their children. Sadly to say, they made a great effort to remove the blood from the churches. But they did so without realizing that there is life in the Blood! Not only to all flesh, but to the people of God! So as they removed the topic of the Blood, and all references to the Blood from their churches, they caused their churches to die!

In Leviticus, Moses explains that there is a connection between life, blood, and flesh. When he says the life of flesh is in the blood, he was inferring that without the blood, there is no life! Physically or spiritually! There is no way to touch on all the spiritual aspects of the blood in a simple blog, and I won’t even try, but I do have something I want to say.

Acts 17:26-27 – And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; NKJV

Paul made this statement to the Athenians, when he declared that the “unknown god” they were worshipping was the One he wanted to tell them about. As he began to preach to them, he began by making mention of the truth that all the nations on the face of the earth came from one blood. Although we may be of different skin colors, speak different languages, and live in different locales, we are of one blood. Shakespeare wrote in his play, “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” Everyone one of us!

The same is true spiritually! We all receive spiritual life through the Blood of Jesus. Nothing else!

Ephesians 1:7 – In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…

Every believer on the planet, all those who have gone before us, and all who will come after us, access eternal life through the Blood of Jesus!

The imagery of the Old Testament, with the blood, was all done to prepare mankind for the truth of the Blood of Jesus! We know this to be true because in the same verse in Leviticus, it is written, “I have given it (the blood) to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls…” God’s whole purpose for establishing the ceremonial practices of blood sacrifice, was to help us to realize that spiritual life, which is a result of being reconciled to God, was connected to blood.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12 – NKJV

Here are my favorite Old Testament examples of the blood:

The Passover instituted in Exodus. This is a beautiful picture, and an excellent example, of the power of having faith in the blood.

‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:12-13 – NKJV

Every believer should understand the significance of the Passover. God made it absolutely clear that the only reason they would be spared from the plague, was because of the blood!

One of the last events that Jesus shared with His disciples was the Passover meal, called the Seder.

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:20 – NKJV

That first Passover, was our example of the shedding of Jesus’ blood. Death has no power over us, when the Blood has been applied. His Blood gives us eternal life, for there is life in His Blood!

The scarlet cord that Rahab used when she let down the spies:

So the men said to her: “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home. So it shall be that whoever goes outside the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him. Joshua 2:17-19 – NKJV

Rahab thought nothing of the scarlet cord as she used it to let the spies down and required a promise of safety from them. But when they saw the red cord, it reminded them of the Passover, and of the blood. Therefore, they told her that if they saw the scarlet cord in the window, and her family was in the house, they would find protection. If not, then they were free of their oath. Rahab, not knowing the true significance of that scarlet cord, made sure it was there, and she and her family were delivered!

In both of these examples, life was found in the blood. As the people obeyed God’s word in applying the blood, He supernaturally protected their natural lives. It wasn’t just spiritual life that the blood spoke to, but natural life!

Today, we as believers have been promised eternal life through the Blood of Jesus! It’s the greatest of all of the promises of God. The many references to blood in scripture was to assure us of the power of the Blood of Jesus to give us life, purify us from sin, and most importantly, reconcile us to God. If you have not applied the Blood to the doorpost of your heart, I encourage you to do so today! Wonderful Jesus!

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Fire!

Exodus 3:2-3 – And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” NKJV

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Last Monday, I began blogging on the imagery found in the word of God. This blog, will look at the imagery of fire.

When I was a little girl, we didn’t have central air and heat. Nor do I remember having radiated heat. But I do remember us using heaters in our home to keep warm. It’s amazing the things that stick with us, but this memory was “burned” into my flesh. Literally! One winter evening, while eating a neck bone, I was standing by the heater. I was so involved in my eating that I hadn’t realized that I had moved closer to the heater. The next thing I knew, I was screaming because I had gotten too close to the heater and my skin was burned. What a painful way to learn to respect fire!

I used to wonder as a kid, who invented fire? But as I read the word, I came to know, that God did! As a matter of fact, fire represents the presence of God!

In our key text, Moses is minding his own business of caring for the sheep, when he notices a bush is on fire, and it is not being consumed. When he goes to check it out, God speaks to him from the bush. God used fire to manifest His presence to Moses that day, and did so throughout scripture.

Another place that God manifested His presence in fire is when the children of Israel had stopped at Mt. Sinai.

Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. Exodus 19:18 -NKJV

My picture for today is of a blazing fire, appearing to be on a mountain. It’s frightening and beautiful all at the same time. Much, as I think, it may have been for the Israelites to witness on the mount.

When we think of the Presence of God, we can’t help but think of His glory! When the Bible speaks of His glory, it is represented by fire!

And you said: ‘Surely the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives. Deuteronomy 5:24 – NKJV

In the New Testament, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit showed up in tongues of fire!

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:3-4 – NKJV

This was a direct fulfillment of the words that John the Baptist spoke of, when he referred to the baptism that Jesus would baptize with:

John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 – NKJV

Thus far, we have seen God in the fire, and the Holy Spirit in the fire. Now for Jesus!

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:24-25 – NKJV

Many teachers of the Bible believe this is a reference to the Son of God, Jesus! I have to admit that I also think this!

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; Revelation 1:14 -NKJV

John the Apostle, compares the eyes of Jesus to a flame of fire!

Another important imagery I’d like to share is that fire represents the Word of God.

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. Jeremiah 20:9 – NKJV

And again, Jeremiah said:

“The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the Lord. “ Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:28-29 – NKJV

Fire can be deadly. In America, we hear of forest fires so much, we give little or no attention to them. At least, some of us! But thousands of acres are destroyed, homes are lost, and even lives. Those who live to tell the story, and their families are grateful for those who fight fire aggressively to stop it’s angry path! But did you know that the Bible speaks of God’s anger in the metaphorical comparison of fire? Of course, you did! When we think of hell, we think of eternal fire! When the disciples didn’t like the way the Samaritans responded to Jesus, they wanted to call fire down from heaven as Elijah had done!

But fire is also good! We use it to cook with. We light our fireplace for warmth and romance. Fire is also used to purify metals like silver and gold. And biblically speaking, fire (or trouble) is used to purify and strengthen the people of God.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 -NKJV

I wish I could say more, but this space only allows for so much! So I leave you with these words:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2 – NKJV

Wonderful Jesus!

The Great Mystery!

Ephesians 5:22-23,25 – Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her…NKJV Christ and the Church

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day! At least here in America. A day dedicated to the sweethearts of our lives. A day many couples can pinpoint as the day they became engaged and/or got married! A day filled with candy, flowers, stickers that say, “Be My Valentine”, and candle light dinners. A day filled with love! I trust your day was a happy day!

As I was pondering how to tie together, my topic of biblical imagery and Valentine’s Day, Ephesians 5 came to my mind. In this chapter, we find Paul writing about the responsibilities of a wife to her husband, and a husband to his wife.

Paul first addresses the topic of submission. Most women, in today’s society, including in the church, want nothing to do with submission. Submission has been fed to women, as if they are without a brain or have the ability to have a thought of their own. Wrong! And so, it is looked at with little or no interest from the viewpoint of a woman. For every point that a biblical scholar, pastor, or teacher can bring out, there are plenty of “liberated” women, who have a response for them about why that is not happening! It’s just the way that it is, and it is often removed from the wedding vows today.

On the Blue Letter Bible website, I found this explanation of submission. The Greek word for submission is “hypotasso” and it is a military word. Here is what I found:

This word was a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

When looked at in it’s original meaning, we can get a clearer understanding of what submission is. From this explanation, it shows that the troops were arranged in a way that they were under the command of a leader. If you have served in the armed forces, you have a real understanding of what Paul was writing.

Throughout Old Testament scripture, we see the children of Israel going to battle against their enemies. As they went forth, someone was always the leader. I think of David with his mighty men. They were all mighty men, but David was their commander. They weren’t weaklings, incapable of a coherent thought, or even figuring out how to fight, but they were under David’s command. As a wise leader, he held their respect.

I believe in the truth that wives are to submit to their own husbands. Some try to act like women are to submit to every man, they need to get over themselves! Clearly, they didn’t really read the verse! But in submitting to my husband, I have never felt like I was in servitude or less than a person, let alone, less than a woman. I don’t bow to him, but I respect him as the leader of our home, and when decisions have to be made, and we don’t agree, I submit voluntarily to that headship!

Jesus said that this picture of submission, of a wife to her husband, is the picture of the Church submitting to Him. He is Lord over our lives. He doesn’t force us into servitude that is demeaning, or harsh, but He lovingly leads and guides us to all that He has for us. Under His leadership, He expects us to submit our wills to His will. Not to belittle us, or to insinuate that we can’t think, or make decisions, but because the safest place for every believer is in His will!

Most of us are not in the military, and some have never served. If you were acquainted with the military, you would understand that true submission demonstrates great strength. It also demonstrates great trust. When you train with people, and your lives, or the success of the mission, depends on everyone doing what they are asked without question, you learn there is safety in submission.

The problem women have with submitting to a man, is that they feel like the man isn’t worthy of that type of “devotion” or obedience. I say to you, stay single until you find a man worthy of that type of respect and submission. It may seem like you are never going to meet him, or like it’s taking forever, but the wrong man can make your life a living horror story.

Husbands, Paul didn’t forget you, and neither will I. He encouraged you to love your wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her. When He could give nothing greater, He demonstrated His love to us by dying for us! Now, a dead husband is no good to a wife, so we aren’t asking you to die for us. But when a man loves a woman, more than he loves himself, and to the point that no sacrifice is too great a sacrifice, he is demonstrating Christ’s love to his wife. My friends call me spoiled, and I say thank you! If they look at our marriage and see my husband spoiling me, then they are seeing Christ and how He spoils His church! And that’s a great thing!

I look at young men today, and I am grateful to be an “old married woman”. Truly! All too often, I see men who love themselves so much, it’s impossible to see them loving anyone else. But then I imagine if they loved a woman like that, she would be “rotten”! Unfortunately, I know that I am witnessing, selfishness, more than I am witnessing a pre-cursor to Christ-like love for a woman. Women beware! Men, hold off on that proposal until she becomes more important to you, than you are to yourself! You’ll both be glad that you did!

Children need to see that their father loves their mother, and their mother, respects their father. Something I know that our daughters have seen through the years. When they grow up with this imagery of Christ and the Church, they understand their role before the Savior as believers, and their role in the home as a wife.

Weddings are beautiful! The pageantry that we put on to celebrate a bride and the groom pales to other celebrations in life! So will the wedding be when our Groom comes back to make His Church, His Bride! Everything that we have witnessed and experienced prior to that moment will pale in comparison! I anticipate that day! But until it comes, we have a responsibility to continue being His example to the world, to our children, and to younger believers in the faith! The mystery is revealed in us, so make it good! Happy belated Valentine’s Day! Wonderful Jesus!

Jesus is the Rock!

2 Samuel 22:32 – “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?” NKJV

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Imagery can be seen in the way we talk, and even the way we write, which we call figurative language. Imagery can also be used in the form of symbolism, as in the instances that I have been using it. Water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the well symbolizes our person. Sometimes when I read the Word of God, and I run into metaphors, or symbolism, it makes me stop and think about what is being said in a particular verse. Or it helps me to see a greater truth, simply because of the imagery. Such is the case with the rock!

Psalm 18 holds a favorite verse that causes me to stop and think about the Lord:

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 – NKJV

That’s a mouthful! If you are anything like me, when you think of a rock, you don’t think of a mountain. But I chose this picture because of the mountains of rock that were captured in it. When looking at the word for rock in the Greek, we see the word “petra”. Petra denotes “a mass of rock,” according to the Vine’s, which is different from “petros” which is “a detached stone or boulder”. When I think of God as my rock, I can assure you that I am not thinking in terms of “petros”, but in terms of “petra”.

As I write this blog, I am reminded of many verses on the Rock and I just feel like sharing some that really cause my heart to be stirred:

“No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 – NKJV

This verse was part of the prayer that Hannah spoke after delivering her son Samuel to Eli the priest. God have given her the son of her heart’s cry. And as she released him into service to her Lord, she declared these heartfelt words. There is none besides Him, and no other Rock like our God! There are times in prayer when I have to stop and utter similar words to these, so I can imagine how she felt!

“The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! 2 Samuel 22:47 – NKJV

Words of praise David uttered after the Lord had delivered him from Saul and all of his enemies. Blessed be my Rock! Have you ever been delivered from something? Are you thankful for the salvation He has given you? Yes! Your soul cries! And again it cries, yes!!

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 – NKJV

David knew that there was One who was higher than him, and called Him the Rock! Solid, strong, dependable! And higher than him and each of us! More than strength and beauty comes from the Rock, for when I am overwhelmed, David cried, just lead me to the Rock! That’s still the best course of action when we are overwhelmed, even today. We just need to be led to the Rock!

In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Psalm 62:7 – NKJV

What precious promises the Word holds for those whose trust is in God. He is the rock of our strength! Strong, unyielding, is our God. And there is none like Him!

Jesus shares this truth in a familiar verse filled with imagery:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 – NKJV

Jesus is the Rock of our salvation, and He reminds us of this: If we hear and obey His word, it is equal to building our house on a rock. Have you ever seen a house built in the sides of the mountains? Doesn’t it look well protected?

The Anasazi people were called cliff dwellers. Their homes were caves built in cliffs or under a cliff overhang. Many still exist today, although they were built thousands of years ago. Not a house you or I would want to buy, but it makes Jesus’ point! The passage of time, and the harshness of the weather over the years couldn’t cause them to be destroyed.

What a blessing to know that we can build our homes on the Rock! Many people marvel when I say that I have been happily married to the same man for almost 35 years. I get that! It is so, only because we built on marriage, our home, on the Rock! Not only are we to build our homes on the Rock, but Jesus built His Church on the Rock! There may be times when it doesn’t look like “the gates of hell will not prevail against the church,” but just keep watching. Nothing will prevail against it! It’s built on the Rock!

These are challenging times for the church and for us as individuals, but if we are in Christ, our foundation is sure! Nothing will cause us to be blown away because we are built on the Rock! Not floods, not pandemics, not harsh winds and rains; not even the current state of our political governments! Nothing!

We must take comfort and find strength in the truth of the solidness of the Rock of our Salvation! He can not be moved! He can not be overcome! He can not be defeated! Even if we are done with this life on tomorrow, He would still be standing strong. Jesus is the Rock! He is the Rock of my salvation and I’ll never be ashamed! He is the Rock of your salvation, and you have no reason to be ashamed. Steady, strong, and unmovable is our Rock! Wonderful Jesus!

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Waters That Never Fail!

John 7:38-39 – He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. NKJV

In my last blog, I briefly wrote on the importance of the well. I was unable to cover all the important aspects of the well, spiritually and naturally, but I can always write another blog in the future!

My husband was really excited about the well and brought up the point that in third world countries they are not a thing of the past, but are very important in getting clean water to people, even today. Then we started talking about water, which in turn, reminded me of a point I brought up in the last post about living water. In this blog, I will look at the imagery of water in the Word.

Water is considered a valuable resource in the world today, just as it was in the ancient world. Any historian can validate this truth by pointing out how the great civilizations of the ancient world always formed near a body of water.

Even when America was founded with the 13 colonies, they were established on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As more land was needed to handle the increase in population, people had to find ways to bring water inland. Wells, cisterns, canals, and tunnels were a few of the ways that water was harnessed to meet the need.

Just to connect with Black History month, Benjamin Banneker devised an irrigation system that connected the water of the springs near his farm to bring water to his farm. This irrigation system caused his tobacco farm to flourish even in the times of drought. Banneker, known as an inventor, mathematician, and an activist against slavery, learned, at the age of 15, the importance of water to the life of his farm, his family, and thereby, his livelihood.

An equally important fact about water was the need for a continual supply of it during wartime. Especially when a city was under siege. Hezekiah, when faced with a siege from Sennacherib, had a tunnel built underground to keep the city of Jerusalem with a continuous water supply. I see a spiritual connection with water already!

Jesus, at the feast, announced that if anyone believed on Him, as the scriptures said, that out of his belly (heart) would flow rivers of living water. This living water was identified as the Holy Spirit, which had not yet been given. But when He came, He became Living Water to all who received Him.

Zechariah 14:8 – And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Zechariah’s prophecy speaks to a time, when Jerusalem will have living waters flowing in the summer and the winter. The disciples were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended. This Living Water that he saw, was none other, but the Spirit of God! Living waters that are not contingent on the time of year or the season, but on those who believe!

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17 – NKJV

John speaks of Jesus, our Shepherd, leading His people to living fountains of waters. Isn’t that what He said to the woman in Samaria? He promised that He would give living waters to those who asked. And we see here that He leads us to living waters. This kind of reminds me of Psalm 23, where David spoke of the Shepherd, leading us to still waters. Even in a moving body of water, there are places where the waters seem still, safe for sheep.

Isaiah wrote this about water:

Isaiah 44:3 – For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

The Holy Spirit takes the dryness of a soul and make it a flourishing land, causing thirst to be satisfied. He not only causes the individual, or a place to flourish, but He also pours His Spirit and His blessings upon our children. I like being blessed, but I absolutely love seeing my children blessed! This Living Water that we receive from Jesus is so vital to our lives as believers. He provides for us, and for our children, and children’s children. Blessings that are natural and spiritual!

Isaiah 58:11 – And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

This verse speaks to my heart. The Lord shall guide me continually and satisfy me in a drought. When I feel dry, like God isn’t listening, or responding to me, I just need to drink from the source of Living Water to find strength to continue on my journey. He promises that I will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. When I think of a watered garden, I am reminded of well kept garden with healthy, vibrant plants. That’s what living waters produce in our lives! And a spring of water that never dries up?? The imagery is powerful!

I’ve ministered when I felt like I was in a dry place. But as I would begin, I would sense His Presence and the words would just flow. Why? I had no choice but to trust that rivers of living water would flow from me. Every time, He would give His people what they needed, in spite of how I felt. Waters not failing!

There is so much more that I can share about water, but the space and time does not allow me to be as thorough as I would be in an in-depth teaching. However, I believe you get the point!

Maybe you are feeling dry right now. This pandemic may have taken a toll on your spiritual life as you have had to shelter in place and limit your church attendance. Or maybe you have not been to church this entire year. Well, I have great news for you, you can still be a flourishing garden as you wait to re-enter the sanctuary and enjoy the blessings of koinonia. Sometimes, the devil would like to condemn us to keep us from enjoying Him; but living waters flow in the winter and the summer. Good times and bad times! Hard times and easy times.

Maybe you feel like you are under attack! That’s ok! You have reservoirs you don’t realize you have. Tap into the vast source of Living Waters and allow Him to keep you satisfied and flourishing during the battle. People who live around water are healthier and able to endure longer than those who are without water. This is encouraging to note, because you will outlast your enemy when you allow the rivers of Living Waters to guide you and refresh you!

And don’t forget! What He provides for you, He wants to provide through you. Don’t just drink and get full! Look for ways to allow rivers of living water to flow out of your belly into someone’s else dry place! Get refreshed and let’s do this! Wonderful Jesus!

Draw From the Well!

Isaiah 12:3 – “Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” NKJV

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I love when I wake up and the Spirit has whispered in my ear. Such was the case this morning when He whispered this verse to me. I have to draw from the well of salvation regularly and it is very refreshing and most encouraging.

The Bible is quite poetic in much of its make up. Not only that, it is filled with imagery that is easy for every generation of people to identify with, like a well.

The Hebrew word, “phrear”, means well. In the Lexham Dictionary, a well is defined as:

A deep man-made reservoir dug or drilled in the ground, often walled with stone or plaster. Used to access groundwater.

Wells are mentioned throughout scripture and has multiple roles or meanings in the biblical narrative. In Exodus 15, the children of Israel arrive at Elim where they find 12 wells. The wells in this passage of scripture is often times referred to as a place of rest and relaxation. Why? Because they were traveling through a dry land when they arrived at this oasis that had trees for shade, and water for their thirst.

When a well was placed outside the city, it served as a meeting place for the women, who collected the water, and for strangers. We see this played out in the encounter Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well. She wasn’t welcome to visit the well with the women in the town, so she went at a different time. One day, she met Jesus at the well and her life was forever changed. Her natural meeting place became her spiritual meeting place with the Messiah, a divine connection!

Wells are also used to depict the provision of God. When Moses spoke to the children of Israel before his departure and their entrance to the promised land, he spoke of wells. He told them that God had provided for them wells which they did not have to dig. And when Samson was thirsty after killing the Philistines, he cried out to God who split a hollow place in the land (creating a well of water) that Samson might obtain water to refresh and revive himself.

Wells were deemed as a vital and economic asset. The Bible makes references to the disputes that were mentioned over the ownership of wells. Abraham rebuked Abimelech because his servants had seized Abraham’s well of water. Enemies could stop up the wells, as the Philistines later did to Abraham’s wells.

As we can see, wells were pretty important to the people of God for the natural supply of water. God’s word uses the imagery of wells for a spiritual supply of living water. Jesus told the woman at the well that she should have asked Him for a drink and He would have given her living water that she would never thirst again! John 4

An important point about digging wells. Kings were responsible for digging wells, as we can see in 2 Chronicles where we find that King Uzziah dug many wells, and the enemy (the Philistines) was responsible for stopping them up. Can you see a spiritual correlation here?

I offer you this point. Salvation through the Blood of Jesus creates within each of us a well. Then Jesus fills that well with Living Water, so that out of our belly can flow that living water. When we are allowing the water, or in this case, His Holy Spirit to flow through us, our well is a place of refreshing, for ourselves and others, and it is a beautiful thing. When we are in disobedience, our wells are dry. Not because the source of our living water has gone dry, but because we have allowed the enemy of our souls to fill the wells up with sin, keeping the water from flowing!

John 7:37-38 – On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” NKJV

I read a sermon by George Whitfield, and he had this to say about the living water:

The festival at which he was now present, was that of the feast of tabernacles, which the Jews observed according to God’s appointment in commemoration of their living in tents. At the last day of this feast, it was customary for many pious people to fetch water from a certain place, and bring it on their heads, singing this anthem out of Isaiah, “And with joy shall they draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Our Lord observing this, and it being his constant practice to spiritualize every thing he met with, cries out, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, (rather than unto that well) and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath spoken, (where it is said, God will make water to spring out of a dry rock, and such-like) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

Drawing from the well is simple. When life hits us with challenges, instead of just reacting, cause we all do, we have to draw from the well. All those emotions I have previously written about, can be dealt with as we draw from the well. I was tested this weekend myself. I was lied upon and it made me angry, my initial reaction. But as I drew from the well of my salvation, I received a peace that all would be well.

This life is not cut and dry, patty cake, and tip toe through the tulips. It’s real, with disappointments, heartaches, and setbacks. But if we will allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us and help us in times of crisis, great joy will be ours. We will also be able to draw peace through tough times, and love when we don’t feel like sharing it. We will draw strength to continue in the journey, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. There is so much available in the well of salvation that is provided through that Living Water. It’s ours for the drawing. And it’s our responsible to do so! So go ahead, and draw from your well of salvation! Wonderful Jesus!

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What Right Do You Have?

Jonah 4:1,4 – “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. Then the Lord said, “ Is it right for you to be angry?” NKJV

In my last blog, I touched on the subject of anger in relationship to others. Today, I want to look at anger from another perspective: being angry with God.

I mentioned several reasons why people deal with anger in general, but I’d like to add to that list: grief, illnesses, financial difficulties, loss of job or home, divorce, abuse, war, loss of mobility, and the list can really get pretty long. Sometimes we are afraid to admit it to ourselves, and definitely not to others, but if we were truly honest, we are most angry at God.

Years ago I heard my neighbor was dying of cancer. He was a young man, newly wed, with a lot going for him. And then cancer came calling. Since we are believers, and we believe in the power of prayer, my husband and I went to visit him to offer him some hope. Instead of being happy to hear what we had to say, he was angry with us for coming to talk to him about a God who put cancer on him and was taking him away from his family. At first, I was taken aback because of his intense anger, which seemed to be aimed at us. But then I realized that he was really angry with God.

That young man was not alone. So many people go through life, angry with God. They are mad at God because someone was violently attacked or murdered. They are angry with God because a tornado destroyed their home. They are angry because cancer is eating at their body. They are angry because they have horrible parents or horrible children. They are even angry with Him because they have to blame someone for the mess they call a life. So much anger, and it is wasted anger, because we are in no position to be angry with God.

Jonah was God’s prophet. God gave him an assignment to go to Nineveh and to let them know that in 40 days He would destroy the city because of their great wickedness. Jonah didn’t want to go. As a matter of fact he tried to run away from the assignment that God had for him. (You’ll have to read the full account on your own), but suffice it to say, Jonah ended up in the belly of a great fish. After he was spit out of the fish, he went to Nineveh to share the word of Lord.

Typical of God’s nature, when the Ninevites repent, He forgives them. Then Jonah becomes really angry with God. In verse 2 of chapter 4, Jonah pretty much tells God that this is why he ran in the beginning, because he knew that God would forgive them, if they repented. And he didn’t want that to happen. You see, Jonah knew by the Spirit of God that later on, Nineveh would be responsible for the destruction of Israel. And in his opinion, it would be better for God to destroy Nineveh, then for Nineveh to survive and destroy Israel. So he was pretty upset with God for forgiving them, and God wanted to know what right did Jonah have for getting angry with Him?

The audacity of Jonah! I can imagine that this was a hard place for Jonah. Destruction of Nineveh or the destruction of Israel? No brainer, or so Jonah felt. Except…when God has spoken, who can counsel against God?

Let’s come back to people who are angry with God. When we teach the Sovereignty of God, we teach that God is in control of everything. This is true, but it isn’t truth! Truth is, while God is in control, this earth realm is still in ownership of the devil. He is still the god of this world. As believers, we have been given authority over the works of the devil, so in truth, God isn’t in control over everything that is happening in the earth. He gave dominion to man, through Adam, and Adam gave it to the devil. Jesus came and triumphed over the devil giving us back the authority. But if we just walk around and allow the devil to continue to act like he is in control of everything, then he will act like he is.

I’m not a prophet, and it would be impossible for me to make a prophetic declaration about your situation, but if you are angry with God, I do have to stop and ask you, what right do you have? I cringe every time I hear someone blame God for the tragedy they experience in this life. Jesus told us that we would have tribulations and even be persecuted. Not because God is the author of it, nor because He is allowing it, but because we live in this world. And all too often, the devil is throwing his darts at our shield of faith. If we let down the shield, and the darts hit their mark, our heart, it’s not God’s fault. Or if we do some things that bring about certain situations in our lives, it’s not God’s fault. Or if we are casual with our relationship with God, and lack watchfulness against the devil, again, it’s not God’s fault. And sometimes, stuff just plain ole happen, and it’s not God’s fault. It’s the devil either directly or indirectly! But it isn’t God!

God is a good God! He doesn’t stop being good because we are going through. Even Jonah recognized that God was so good that He could easily see God forgiving Nineveh! Even in his rebellion he had absolute faith in the goodness of God. As a matter of fact, it was God’s goodness that angered him so much!

1 Chronicles 16:34- Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever!

God is good! I don’t know your personal situation, or what you are going through, but the Lord is good. If you can’t focus on anything else right now, focus on His goodness. Maybe you need to listen to “Lord You are Good” by Todd Galberth!

Psalm 34:8- “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.”

Have you heard of the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir. They sing a song entitled, “Psalm 34”. It’ll take you into a place of worship as you sing with them of the goodness of God!

Lamentations 3:25- “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”

If you look for His goodness in your life and your situation, I really believe you will find it. This is not trite platitudes, but it is my way of life. I have experienced some things, while I have not experienced some others. For example: My mother died when I was 9 years old. Both of her parents died by the time I was ten. Not many years later, my dad’s father died. And by the time I had turned 14, he had died. I had asked God to save me after my mother died, but by the time my father died, I was not happy with God. But I needed Him so desperately in my life that I decided to cling to Him and hope for the best. He was better than good! He was more than wonderful!

What’s going on in your life may not be good, but God is. He still asks today, “What right do you have to be angry?” Turn that anger towards God into anger towards the devil. Resist his lies about God and shout the truth about God. You’ll soon realize that your misplaced anger is counter productive and how desperately you need the Lord. He’s waiting for you with arms open wide. Step into His embrace and receive His goodness today. Wonderful Jesus!

What’s That About?

James 1:19-20 – “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” NKJV

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Have you ever witnessed someone who was so angry that they were out of control? Have you been that someone?

One morning, as I was entering the school building, a fight broke out. It was pretty intense as kids were shouting, using profanity, and dodging in and out of the ruckus. My first thought was, “It’s too early in the morning for this!” I wish that I can say that this was abnormal, but the harsh reality of it is, over the 16 years that I have been in education, it has been way too common.

So much anger in the world today. Unfortunately, many of our kids see and hear so much in their homes, in their environments, and even on television that fills them with anger. What’s that about?

Well, I’m not a psychologist, and I can’t say for sure, but here are some reasons anger is prevalent in our society:

Stress – from many avenues
Family problems – too many to name
Financial woes- joblessness, debt, poverty, homelessness
Illness – self or loved one
Grief

While each of these things are real, we have a word from the word about how to handle anger: we are to be slow to anger. James doesn’t leave us hanging with just telling us to be slow to anger. He tells us that this anger doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

I’m not writing to the unsaved. I am writing to the person who I believe is a Christian; a Bible believing, Bible toting, Bible quoting Christian, dealing with uncontrolled anger.

There are times when we feel our anger is justified. Ask Esau. He was the firstborn of Isaac. His twin, Jacob was younger. As they grew, Esau had the heart of his father, and Jacob had the heart of his mother. Esau was casual about everything, and one day he made a trade with his brother: Esau promised his birthright to Jacob if Jacob would just give him something to eat. Later on, when Isaac was ready to pass the blessing on to Esau, Jacob stole it. (But did he really? After all, Esau had given it to him). This angered Esau so much that he promised to kill his brother! The Bible even goes so far as to say that Esau comforted himself with these thoughts! What’s that about? He was so angry that he wanted to kill his brother, and this brought him comfort? That’s bizarre! Yet, he felt justified in his anger! But nothing righteous will come from this type of venting of our anger.

The Bible has a lot to say about anger. For example:

Romans 12:19,21 – Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NKJV

This is a tough truth to live by when you have been deeply hurt. I know that, and more importantly, God knows that. But look at the promise in this verse: vengeance belongs to the Lord and He will repay! You may not see it happen, but I can promise you this, if you will trust God with your anger, He’s got your back!

Here’s another truth:

Psalm 37:8 – “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret— it only causes harm. NKJV

Ain’t that the truth! Harm to your physical body, harm to your mental state, harm in your relationships, harm at your job, and the list goes on. I knew someone who was so angry, that person couldn’t keep a job. Several someones. Harm!

This is what I try to teach my students about anger. If it isn’t dealt with, in a positive way, it will cause more harm than good. Fighting leads to suspension. Every single time! Angry outbursts lead to loss. Loss of time in school, loss of learning, loss of trust, loss in relationships, just so much loss. In the end, was it really worth it?

People are incarcerated today because they didn’t control their anger. People are in the grave because they never dealt with their anger. And just because we are saved, doesn’t mean that we won’t experience these exact same results if we persist in our anger.

God offers this solution to your anger issues:

Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” NKJV

If you are going to live free of anger, you are going to have to learn to forgive. Forgiveness is more freeing than you think. It doesn’t let the person get away with anything, because God is a righteous judge. But it does release you from the prison of all that pent up, negative emotion called anger.

Proverbs 19:11 – The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. NKJV

Sometimes, we just have to learn to overlook the things that make us angry. It isn’t easy. It very well may be impossible for you to accomplish, but not with God. With God, all things are possible! Even being free of anger.

When Jacob returned home many years later, He asked God to deliver him from Esau’s anger. And guess what happened? You already know! God did just that! But let’s look from Esau’s point of view. He wanted to kill Jacob the last time he saw him. But at some point, he obviously let that anger go. When he saw Jacob, Jacob was bowing before him in humility. He rushed to his brother and embraced him. The rest is history!

Even perceived justification of anger can be released. God wants us to be whole before Him. He knows that nothing righteous will come of it. He knows the damage of anger and doesn’t want us to go through that. If you are struggling with anger, for any reason, God has you reading this blog, so that you might be free. Go ahead! Release the anger, offer forgiveness, and receive the forgiveness and peace of God that has been waiting for you. Wonderful Jesus!

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