Welcome to Friday Fiction! This week it is being hosted by Dorinda at her blog,
Treasures in Jars of Clay
ANGRY
Stephie sighed as she lay in bed. Grandma Norie always said if you wanted God to hear you, then you’d best be on your knees and praying out loud. Grandma Maurine always said that if Jesus was your Savior, you could be upside down on your head praying silently and He would still hear you. She believed in her heart that Grandma Maurine was right. Still, she always felt better if she did kneel and pray out loud, even if God could still hear her if she didn’t.
Pushing aside the covers, she got out of bed and knelt. “Lord, Father God, I’m just too tired to carry this anger any more. Will You carry it for me? I suppose that bugger deserves a little punishment, considering all he’s done to me. But I don’t suppose you are angry at him, too. You are so patient, loving and kind. If You were ever as angry at me as I get at him, there might not be much left of me since You are so very big and I am so very small. You see and know it all – even all the things in me that could make You angry if You had a mind to be.
There are a lot of things in this world that are so much bigger than me. They are so much more than I can handle, far more than I can bear. Just thinking about them sometimes makes me weary. Sad, too. How is it that You don’t seem worried? Things like justice and revenge are far too much for me to endure. I can’t take being bitter and unforgiving – it takes more energy than I have to spend. All this stomping about in a fit of anger and rage just wears me out.
Father, will You help me to learn to sit back and trust You, and to lean on You and let you deal with him? I really do want to sit back and rest a bit, and let You carry this burden.
You’ll probably forgive him. Just like You’ve done with me so many times before. I’m thankful that You forgive me. How could I live without your forgiveness? I couldn’t, of course. So I suppose while You are forgiving him, You’ll have to forgive me, too, just for being unforgiving and angry. I can’t really keep all your forgiveness for myself, can I? So, I thank You for your mercy and patience and kindness and forgiveness, not only for me, but for him as well. He certainly needs you, too. Father, I do forgive him, in Jesus’ name!
And Lord, while You are at it – carrying the burden of my anger and forgiving me, too – could also You please do something with this weariness? Sitting back and letting You carry all my heavy loads could become a pleasant habit, but I wouldn’t want to become guilty of laziness! With a smile that turned to a giggle, Stephie climbed back into bed and went peacefully to sleep.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
God Had a Plan, Religious Insulation Won't Work
It has occurred to me recently that some people may not be comfortable staying in our church if they don’t really know the Lord, and are really just seeking a religion to help in their self-justification.
Why do I say that? Because at my church there exists a radical ‘leave-it-all-behind to follow, to know, to love HIM’ attitude. I delight in knowing that most of the people who attend cling to Him as I do, and they are a precious group of believers.
People who are seeking mere religion have pretty much the opposite attitude. “Well, let’s don’t get carried away about it all.” Why do they bother with church at all? I believe it is because the religion they seek is one to add a layer of insulating protection between themselves and God, rather than one intended to truly find Him. In their thinking, however subconscious it may be, religious duties and ceremonies serve to appease an angry God.
True religion, or true life through Jesus Christ, strips away that layer of insulation. It brings the repentant heart fully into a surrendered, unconditional love relationship with the living God. The repentant heart is one that knows full well that God sees the sin. It doesn’t try to hide or cover the sins with works or ceremonies designed to convince Him - and most likely other people - of innate worthiness.
Which camp are you in? Are you trusting in your own “good works” to gain God’s favor and ultimately, access to heaven? Or do you recognize that God’s righteous anger has been appeased by the blood of the Lamb?
If we stay in the condition of trying to mask our sin and win His favor, we die. It is only when we confess the sin and turn away from it that we truly live. By recognizing and receiving the finished work of the cross – for Jesus died on that cross once for the sins of all – we pass out of death into eternal life.
Hebrews, chapter 9:8-14, is a good passage to begin with if you would like to see this from the scriptures.
8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,
9which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,
10 since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;
12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,
14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Why do I say that? Because at my church there exists a radical ‘leave-it-all-behind to follow, to know, to love HIM’ attitude. I delight in knowing that most of the people who attend cling to Him as I do, and they are a precious group of believers.
People who are seeking mere religion have pretty much the opposite attitude. “Well, let’s don’t get carried away about it all.” Why do they bother with church at all? I believe it is because the religion they seek is one to add a layer of insulating protection between themselves and God, rather than one intended to truly find Him. In their thinking, however subconscious it may be, religious duties and ceremonies serve to appease an angry God.
True religion, or true life through Jesus Christ, strips away that layer of insulation. It brings the repentant heart fully into a surrendered, unconditional love relationship with the living God. The repentant heart is one that knows full well that God sees the sin. It doesn’t try to hide or cover the sins with works or ceremonies designed to convince Him - and most likely other people - of innate worthiness.
Which camp are you in? Are you trusting in your own “good works” to gain God’s favor and ultimately, access to heaven? Or do you recognize that God’s righteous anger has been appeased by the blood of the Lamb?
If we stay in the condition of trying to mask our sin and win His favor, we die. It is only when we confess the sin and turn away from it that we truly live. By recognizing and receiving the finished work of the cross – for Jesus died on that cross once for the sins of all – we pass out of death into eternal life.
Hebrews, chapter 9:8-14, is a good passage to begin with if you would like to see this from the scriptures.
8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing,
9which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,
10 since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;
12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,
14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As living proof of the very plan of God, the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, was prophesied throughout much of the Old Testament, here is a passage from Isaiah.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
***
Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
[ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
Monday, January 19, 2009
God Had a Plan, Jonah Ran
God had a plan, but Jonah ran.
Here was a man who obviously knew the Lord. Jonah heard the voice of the Lord, and one day he received specific instructions from Him – go to Nineveh and warn the people of God’s impending doom due to their wickedness. However, these were not instructions Jonah felt inclined to obey. He ran, not to Nineveh as the Holy Spirit directed, but basically in the opposite direction. He hopped on a ship going to Tarshish.
Rather than shrugging His great shoulders and allowing Jonah to go on his rebellious way, God appointed a storm to toss the ship about, and then He appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah whole. After Jonah had time to reconsider his rebellious actions in the belly of the fish, God had the fish spit him out on dry land. Jonah then obeyed the Lord’s original directions, walking the streets of Ninevah, warning of impending doom unless the people repented.
Sadly, Jonah’s heart still was not right. He hoped the people would not listen to his words of warning from God, and that God would pour out his wrath and destroy them. He even sat on the hillside to watch the event happen. But God had a plan, a merciful plan, and the people repented and God spared them.
As for God’s plan to use Jonah, Jonah should have been glad that God didn’t simply give up and let him go on his rebellious way to Tarshish. He should have been reverentially thankful that God didn’t just find someone else to do the talking for Him. Instead, God persisted in His plan to use Jonah, sending a storm, the ocean deep, and the inside of the belly of a fish to really get his attention.
I wonder how often we think the storms in our own lives are just the way things are, when actually we are being stubborn about something. We should be thankful He doesn’t leave us in our rebellion, but works to get our attention and obedience, using the storms and difficulties that often surround us.
Here's an example from my own life. God had been speaking to me about having “too many hobbies” and the need to re-prioritize my life. I was out one day on legitimate errands, and when they were done I knew I should point the car toward home. Instead, I turned to go and “just have a look see” at my favorite craft store. I was still in the turn lane when I felt the tire go completely flat. Instead of stuffing more crafts into time I didn’t have, I now had time stolen by trouble. God did get my attention, and I have become a lot more obedient in this area of my life.
This is not to say that everything that happens to us is God’s discipline. There are many reasons to be found in scripture for difficulties. But when I recognize His discipline, I need to be thankful. It proves some things, one of which is that I am a child of God, and that He loves me. It also tells me that God already has a plan for my life, and if I don’t yield to it I force Him into correcting me. If my time is meaningless, and there is no plan, then surely God would let me spend my time in whatever willy-nilly fashion pleases me. But there is a plan, and I yield or I pay a penalty. And in all of this I learn to be thankful for His choosing me.
Hebrews 12 contains wonderful words of admonition for us concerning God’s discipline. I will quote only verses five and six, but it would be a good chapter to look up and read.
Hebrews 12:5-6 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."
And here is a long-time favorite scripture:
Psalm 68:6 God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
Here was a man who obviously knew the Lord. Jonah heard the voice of the Lord, and one day he received specific instructions from Him – go to Nineveh and warn the people of God’s impending doom due to their wickedness. However, these were not instructions Jonah felt inclined to obey. He ran, not to Nineveh as the Holy Spirit directed, but basically in the opposite direction. He hopped on a ship going to Tarshish.
Rather than shrugging His great shoulders and allowing Jonah to go on his rebellious way, God appointed a storm to toss the ship about, and then He appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah whole. After Jonah had time to reconsider his rebellious actions in the belly of the fish, God had the fish spit him out on dry land. Jonah then obeyed the Lord’s original directions, walking the streets of Ninevah, warning of impending doom unless the people repented.
Sadly, Jonah’s heart still was not right. He hoped the people would not listen to his words of warning from God, and that God would pour out his wrath and destroy them. He even sat on the hillside to watch the event happen. But God had a plan, a merciful plan, and the people repented and God spared them.
As for God’s plan to use Jonah, Jonah should have been glad that God didn’t simply give up and let him go on his rebellious way to Tarshish. He should have been reverentially thankful that God didn’t just find someone else to do the talking for Him. Instead, God persisted in His plan to use Jonah, sending a storm, the ocean deep, and the inside of the belly of a fish to really get his attention.
I wonder how often we think the storms in our own lives are just the way things are, when actually we are being stubborn about something. We should be thankful He doesn’t leave us in our rebellion, but works to get our attention and obedience, using the storms and difficulties that often surround us.
Here's an example from my own life. God had been speaking to me about having “too many hobbies” and the need to re-prioritize my life. I was out one day on legitimate errands, and when they were done I knew I should point the car toward home. Instead, I turned to go and “just have a look see” at my favorite craft store. I was still in the turn lane when I felt the tire go completely flat. Instead of stuffing more crafts into time I didn’t have, I now had time stolen by trouble. God did get my attention, and I have become a lot more obedient in this area of my life.
This is not to say that everything that happens to us is God’s discipline. There are many reasons to be found in scripture for difficulties. But when I recognize His discipline, I need to be thankful. It proves some things, one of which is that I am a child of God, and that He loves me. It also tells me that God already has a plan for my life, and if I don’t yield to it I force Him into correcting me. If my time is meaningless, and there is no plan, then surely God would let me spend my time in whatever willy-nilly fashion pleases me. But there is a plan, and I yield or I pay a penalty. And in all of this I learn to be thankful for His choosing me.
Hebrews 12 contains wonderful words of admonition for us concerning God’s discipline. I will quote only verses five and six, but it would be a good chapter to look up and read.
Hebrews 12:5-6 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."
And here is a long-time favorite scripture:
Psalm 68:6 God makes a home for the lonely; He leads out the prisoners into prosperity, Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
***
Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
[ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
Friday, January 16, 2009
FRIDAY FICTION: The Pastor's Wife
THE PASTOR’S WIFE
Mattie sighed. She brushed some crumbs off the counter, scooping them up with her other hand and tossing them into the sink. Eyeing the phone again, she carried the plates to the kitchen table. “Lunch is on the table,” she called out loud enough for all to hear. They wouldn’t all come right away, they never did. Even as she headed for the boys’ room, the phone rang, and with a resigned determination she turned back to answer it.
“Yes, it was a truly fine sermon, I certainly agree.” Mattie sighed again. If only Clara would leave her comments at that.
“Of course, Pastor Jerry doesn’t exactly know my own situation. You know, things are easy to say until you have to live in reality.”
“Clara, I’m sure Pastor Jerry does understand.”
“Oh, no, there is no way he understands. If he did he wouldn’t tell me to be thankful. He would know how unfair my situation is. God can’t possibly expect me to be thankful in this circumstance.”
Silently Mattie wondered for what must have been the billionth time if the woman really knew the Lord at all. “Clara,” she said patiently, “Life is unfair. It is not as though God has singled you out for trouble and difficulty.” She hoped her words didn’t reveal the strain which had been building over the months of trying to smooth over the Pastor’s sermons for Clara, nearly every Sunday afternoon.
After a few minutes more of trying to help Clara understand the sermon, and of explaining how it might be practically applied to Clara’s unfair situation, Mattie gave up and excused herself. “Clara, dear, I really enjoy our little talks, but the boys and Pastor Jerry are waiting for lunch.”
Gruffly, she marched once again to Tim and Tom’s bedroom. “Lunch is on!” she scolded. Dropping their toys, the boys raced to wash hands and be seated as Mattie poked her head into Jerry’s office. “Lunch is on.”
Moments later, they held hands at the table and prayed. Mattie sighed and added her own silent prayer. “Lord, forgive me once again for feeling so impatient with Clara.” Aloud, she added to Jerry’s meal time prayers, “And Lord, help Clara with her unfair situation.”
“Tom, leave Tim alone. Don’t poke him with your fork,” Jerry patiently instructed his son. “What’s Clara’s unfair situation this time?” he asked between bites.
“Nothing new. Same old, same old. She just doesn’t think your sermon this morning applies to her because, after all, it is all so very unfair.” Mattie sighed again as a wave of bitterness suddenly rose up inside. “I’ll tell you what’s unfair! It’s unfair that she ruins our Sunday afternoons Sunday after Sunday with her whining! That’s what’s unfair!” Even as the words poured out, Mattie regretted them. Tom and Tim had stopped eating and were staring, wide-eyed at her vehemence. She didn’t look at Jerry for a moment.
When she did, she was surprised to see him smiling. “Sorry,” she said quietly before asking suspiciously, “Why are you smiling?”
“You’re right,” he said agreeably. “It’s totally unfair. I guess it’s way too unfair to apply anything I said in the sermon to. We’ll just let this morning’s sermon be for Clara. After all, God wouldn’t expect…” He stopped and laughed as Mattie playfully slapped his shoulder.
A few moments later, Jerry thoughtfully spoke. “Perhaps there is something we can actually do for Clara. I don’t mean to change the situation, I don’t see what can be done there. But just to encourage her. After all, she lives alone, and maybe the real reason she calls to discuss the sermons with you every time is she just wants someone to talk to.”
Mattie nodded. “We don’t really need all those cookies I baked yesterday. Maybe we could stop over with a few. First, though, I need to stop and pray that God would really help me to be thankful in and even for this situation with Clara.” Even as she said it, Mattie felt lighter in heart and realized something life-changing. Clara hadn’t been ruining Mattie’s Sunday afternoons. Mattie was the guilty one herself by not being thankful in all circumstances, and for not seeing in Clara the opportunity God was presenting to live out what she believed. She looked at her husband and smiled. “Thanks for the sermon, dear. I really needed to hear it!”
Mattie sighed. She brushed some crumbs off the counter, scooping them up with her other hand and tossing them into the sink. Eyeing the phone again, she carried the plates to the kitchen table. “Lunch is on the table,” she called out loud enough for all to hear. They wouldn’t all come right away, they never did. Even as she headed for the boys’ room, the phone rang, and with a resigned determination she turned back to answer it.
“Yes, it was a truly fine sermon, I certainly agree.” Mattie sighed again. If only Clara would leave her comments at that.
“Of course, Pastor Jerry doesn’t exactly know my own situation. You know, things are easy to say until you have to live in reality.”
“Clara, I’m sure Pastor Jerry does understand.”
“Oh, no, there is no way he understands. If he did he wouldn’t tell me to be thankful. He would know how unfair my situation is. God can’t possibly expect me to be thankful in this circumstance.”
Silently Mattie wondered for what must have been the billionth time if the woman really knew the Lord at all. “Clara,” she said patiently, “Life is unfair. It is not as though God has singled you out for trouble and difficulty.” She hoped her words didn’t reveal the strain which had been building over the months of trying to smooth over the Pastor’s sermons for Clara, nearly every Sunday afternoon.
After a few minutes more of trying to help Clara understand the sermon, and of explaining how it might be practically applied to Clara’s unfair situation, Mattie gave up and excused herself. “Clara, dear, I really enjoy our little talks, but the boys and Pastor Jerry are waiting for lunch.”
Gruffly, she marched once again to Tim and Tom’s bedroom. “Lunch is on!” she scolded. Dropping their toys, the boys raced to wash hands and be seated as Mattie poked her head into Jerry’s office. “Lunch is on.”
Moments later, they held hands at the table and prayed. Mattie sighed and added her own silent prayer. “Lord, forgive me once again for feeling so impatient with Clara.” Aloud, she added to Jerry’s meal time prayers, “And Lord, help Clara with her unfair situation.”
“Tom, leave Tim alone. Don’t poke him with your fork,” Jerry patiently instructed his son. “What’s Clara’s unfair situation this time?” he asked between bites.
“Nothing new. Same old, same old. She just doesn’t think your sermon this morning applies to her because, after all, it is all so very unfair.” Mattie sighed again as a wave of bitterness suddenly rose up inside. “I’ll tell you what’s unfair! It’s unfair that she ruins our Sunday afternoons Sunday after Sunday with her whining! That’s what’s unfair!” Even as the words poured out, Mattie regretted them. Tom and Tim had stopped eating and were staring, wide-eyed at her vehemence. She didn’t look at Jerry for a moment.
When she did, she was surprised to see him smiling. “Sorry,” she said quietly before asking suspiciously, “Why are you smiling?”
“You’re right,” he said agreeably. “It’s totally unfair. I guess it’s way too unfair to apply anything I said in the sermon to. We’ll just let this morning’s sermon be for Clara. After all, God wouldn’t expect…” He stopped and laughed as Mattie playfully slapped his shoulder.
A few moments later, Jerry thoughtfully spoke. “Perhaps there is something we can actually do for Clara. I don’t mean to change the situation, I don’t see what can be done there. But just to encourage her. After all, she lives alone, and maybe the real reason she calls to discuss the sermons with you every time is she just wants someone to talk to.”
Mattie nodded. “We don’t really need all those cookies I baked yesterday. Maybe we could stop over with a few. First, though, I need to stop and pray that God would really help me to be thankful in and even for this situation with Clara.” Even as she said it, Mattie felt lighter in heart and realized something life-changing. Clara hadn’t been ruining Mattie’s Sunday afternoons. Mattie was the guilty one herself by not being thankful in all circumstances, and for not seeing in Clara the opportunity God was presenting to live out what she believed. She looked at her husband and smiled. “Thanks for the sermon, dear. I really needed to hear it!”
Thursday, January 15, 2009
God Had a Plan, Spiritual Warfare
My own recent Friday Fiction contribution ‘Don’t Panic’ has me thinking a lot about spiritual warfare in general. Although the fictional account certainly has some truth in it, it presents a picture of our adversary as being a less formidable foe than I think is reality. While the overly-humanized, almost comical antics of the demons Zipter and Ruebal are entertaining, they don’t present a very accurate picture of true spiritual warfare. I say that because I believe our foe is an organized, cohesive front with real goals and methods, not a troupe of quarrelsome rebels operating in slapdash chaos. Jesus said that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
Matthew 12:24-26
24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons."
25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.
26 "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?
If the kingdom of darkness has clear goals, what might they be? For one thing, perhaps the main thing, the plan of the rule of darkness is to impede and obstruct God’s interests, even the very will of God. A scriptural example of this is when Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!”
Matthew 16:21-23
21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.
22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You."
23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."
It’s interesting that Satan didn’t try to discourage Jesus from fulfilling the plan and will of God directly. Instead, he chose Peter, and worked through the natural tendencies of human nature. Suffering? Even death? God forbid! These things shall never happen… But of course, Jesus chose the will of His Father, and told Satan to shut up.
I’m sure if you are reading this you are probably one who wants to know he is being used for the right kingdom – so how can we know if we are being duped by the enemy, or if our efforts are truthfully working for the good of the kingdom of God? For a good start, look back at Matthew 16:23 – “…for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Often what may seem to us like the good or right thing is not what God has planned. Peter must have been confused by Jesus’ reaction to his extremely well-intentioned words, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You!” If the words of Jesus in this passage don’t sit well with you, you really won’t like the things He said next. He made suffering not only about Himself, but for all who would follow Him.
Matthew 16:24-26
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
The cross we are to take up is not the cross in the sense of being salvation for mankind; only Jesus could do that. But for us as for Him, the cross is the daily choice to die to self interests and live for God’s interests, even though that may mean a wide range of difficulties to endure. Paul said, “I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.) He didn’t mean that he literally died every day of course, he meant that he died daily to the natural desires of the flesh and lived daily for the will and plan of God. He set his mind on the things of God. What an amazing thing! We have few such excellent examples of how to live for the kingdom of God!
God has a plan for His kingdom, and that plan includes me – and you. Our response to His placing us on Planet Earth needs to be like that of Jesus in John 4, verse 34: Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.” He also said, (John 5:30) "I can do nothing on My own initiative As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."
Truly, our only alternative to living for God is to do our own will, and doing so as believers will find us living in compromise and regret, because we’ve been serving the wrong kingdom. Such a choice would grieve our Lord as well. God has specific plans for each of us as individuals, and that shows up so well in the various talents and gifts He has placed in us through His Holy Spirit. His desire is that we die to SELF and live to Him, using our gifts and talents to serve Him. In so doing, we find our own life as well, because, to repeat from above, “…whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
One of the practical applications in my own life of dying to self and living to Him starts with organization. I start out with quiet time in the morning, thanking Him for the free gift of life through the death of Jesus. I give Him back “my” life each and every day. And I pray for inspiration, because for me “dying to self” includes spending time writing. I need inspiration from Him because only He knows what is valuable and needed from me for the Kingdom.
This is not to preach condemnation – we all struggle through the same things in different ways. But I really don’t want to live my few short years of life on Earth for the kingdom of darkness, do you? This is my prayer, “Lord, help me to succeed in furthering your kingdom here on Earth by laying down my selfish life and interests to set my mind and heart on Your interests and Your will. Forgive me on the days I don’t get anything done for You, forgive me on the days I do – because I never get it all done, nor do I ever get it all right. Thank you for Your forgiveness, and, Lord Jesus, for the blood You shed on the cross so that I can be forgiven! Thank You, Father, for adopting me and making me Your child and a part of Your Kingdom forever! In Jesus name, amen!
***
Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
[ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
Matthew 12:24-26
24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons."
25 And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.
26 "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?
If the kingdom of darkness has clear goals, what might they be? For one thing, perhaps the main thing, the plan of the rule of darkness is to impede and obstruct God’s interests, even the very will of God. A scriptural example of this is when Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!”
Matthew 16:21-23
21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.
22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You."
23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."
It’s interesting that Satan didn’t try to discourage Jesus from fulfilling the plan and will of God directly. Instead, he chose Peter, and worked through the natural tendencies of human nature. Suffering? Even death? God forbid! These things shall never happen… But of course, Jesus chose the will of His Father, and told Satan to shut up.
I’m sure if you are reading this you are probably one who wants to know he is being used for the right kingdom – so how can we know if we are being duped by the enemy, or if our efforts are truthfully working for the good of the kingdom of God? For a good start, look back at Matthew 16:23 – “…for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” Often what may seem to us like the good or right thing is not what God has planned. Peter must have been confused by Jesus’ reaction to his extremely well-intentioned words, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You!” If the words of Jesus in this passage don’t sit well with you, you really won’t like the things He said next. He made suffering not only about Himself, but for all who would follow Him.
Matthew 16:24-26
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
The cross we are to take up is not the cross in the sense of being salvation for mankind; only Jesus could do that. But for us as for Him, the cross is the daily choice to die to self interests and live for God’s interests, even though that may mean a wide range of difficulties to endure. Paul said, “I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.) He didn’t mean that he literally died every day of course, he meant that he died daily to the natural desires of the flesh and lived daily for the will and plan of God. He set his mind on the things of God. What an amazing thing! We have few such excellent examples of how to live for the kingdom of God!
God has a plan for His kingdom, and that plan includes me – and you. Our response to His placing us on Planet Earth needs to be like that of Jesus in John 4, verse 34: Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.” He also said, (John 5:30) "I can do nothing on My own initiative As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."
Truly, our only alternative to living for God is to do our own will, and doing so as believers will find us living in compromise and regret, because we’ve been serving the wrong kingdom. Such a choice would grieve our Lord as well. God has specific plans for each of us as individuals, and that shows up so well in the various talents and gifts He has placed in us through His Holy Spirit. His desire is that we die to SELF and live to Him, using our gifts and talents to serve Him. In so doing, we find our own life as well, because, to repeat from above, “…whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
One of the practical applications in my own life of dying to self and living to Him starts with organization. I start out with quiet time in the morning, thanking Him for the free gift of life through the death of Jesus. I give Him back “my” life each and every day. And I pray for inspiration, because for me “dying to self” includes spending time writing. I need inspiration from Him because only He knows what is valuable and needed from me for the Kingdom.
This is not to preach condemnation – we all struggle through the same things in different ways. But I really don’t want to live my few short years of life on Earth for the kingdom of darkness, do you? This is my prayer, “Lord, help me to succeed in furthering your kingdom here on Earth by laying down my selfish life and interests to set my mind and heart on Your interests and Your will. Forgive me on the days I don’t get anything done for You, forgive me on the days I do – because I never get it all done, nor do I ever get it all right. Thank you for Your forgiveness, and, Lord Jesus, for the blood You shed on the cross so that I can be forgiven! Thank You, Father, for adopting me and making me Your child and a part of Your Kingdom forever! In Jesus name, amen!
***
Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
[ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Friday Fiction: Don't Panic
This is an oldie, once again, and somewhat modified from its original version. Hope to find time soon to start new fiction in between all other things I'm currently working on...
Head over to Patterings for more great Friday Fiction - and I believe the host this week is Catrina, but you'll find the link...
DON'T PANIC
Reubal cursed. Zipter was running toward him, shaking in fear. “I gave you an assignment,” Reubal growled as Zipter fell at his feet. “Why aren’t you in her room, keeping her gripped in fear as I ordered you to?”
“I can’t,” Zipter wailed. “He was there!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know! HIM! HE was in her room!”
Reubal cursed, then stared silently at the demon crouching and wailing at his feet. “Shut up and get on your feet! What was He doing? At least give me a report on the situation, you cowardly twit!”
Zipter sniveled and got up shakily. “Well, He seemed to be feeding her.”
“Feeding her what, food?”
“No, He seemed to be feeding her words.”
“Words?”
“Yes,” Zipter replied, standing up a little straighter and speaking with more confidence than he felt. “He was feeding her words of faith.” He hoped his tone was matter-of-fact enough to allow no room for argument.
Reubal thought for a long moment, then scrutinized Zipter through evil slits of eyes. “So, she is being nourished on words of faith, while you cower here in front of me?”
Zipter silently stared at the floor. He had a retort in mind – “Why don’t you go in there if you’re so brave?” – but he dared not breathe it aloud.
Tracy tried to ignore the sounds of the noisy hospital hallway. Morning was still a long way off. She rolled over and closed her eyes. Sleep could help her forget her living nightmare.
“Tracy.” It wasn’t an audible voice – had she really heard it?”
“Lord, are you here?” Tracy prayed silently. “Lord, you have to get me through this. Jesus, I am afraid.”
“I know, Tracy. I understand. There are some things I want you to remember. First is that I love you.”
“I love you, too, Lord.”
“Second is that I am right here and I will not leave you.”
“Okay.” Tracy was beginning to feel a deep sense of peace.
“And third is this: Don’t panic.”
“Don’t panic?”
“Don’t panic. Is there any situation I can’t control?”
“No.”
“Trust Me. Don’t look at circumstances, look at Me.”
“Okay.” Tracy drifted peacefully into sleep.
Reubal had a plan. “Use someone to carry the message, that way it won’t really be you saying it!”
“Well, I don’t know if I can…”
“Shut up! Get to her door, and use whoever goes into that room! Your assignment is to get her firmly gripped by fear! I don’t care who you use, just do it!”
Zipter tripped over himself in his haste to get away.
Tracy aroused from sleep. Even as she realized she had slept through the rest of the night, she recalled that The Lord had spoken some things to her and she focused on trying to remember what they were. Oh – that He loved her. She did know that. It was something she had been told since childhood and she didn’t doubt it.
The second thing – that He would never leave her. What a comfort that was, especially now! But the third thing, what was it? It was a bit odd, she did remember that. “Well, Lord,” she prayed silently, “you are going to have to help me, because right now I don’t remember it.”
For no reason he could discern, Dr. Marin was feeling exceptionally sour this particular morning. The patient would appear fearful, they always did. The news was the worst possible. She would cry. He would be polite and make his exit. What a routine. He stepped into the room with a heavy sigh.
His hopeless message was delivered, but Dr. Marin was baffled. A little voice inside his head made him repeat, “It’s cancer. It’s inoperable. There’s nothing we can do.” He felt oddly almost angry that his words didn’t seem effective. “I hate to be the bearer of such hopeless news…” Was the woman deaf?
The voice in his head was getting louder. “Tell her she’s dying. Say it again!” the voice raged.
“Don’t panic,” Tracy remembered, and smiled slightly. “What an amazing God I serve,” she whispered to herself. “Jesus, I love You. I won’t panic, if You will help me not to.”
Aloud, she said, “Thank you, Dr. Marin. Now I want to call my pastor and some friends from church.”
The voice inside the doctor’s head screamed, “They can’t help you! It’s cancer! All your little church friends can’t do anything!”
Dr. Marin said politely, “I’m sorry.” As he left, the voice kept screeching, “It’s cancer! It’s cancer!” Dr. Marin sighed and muttered, “I really need a vacation.”
“You failed!” Reubal screamed. “Can’t you hear the sounds coming from her room? That’s a celebration! She should be crying in fear! Instead they are praising God for His goodness! Get out of here before I kill you!”
Zipter fled.
Head over to Patterings for more great Friday Fiction - and I believe the host this week is Catrina, but you'll find the link...
DON'T PANIC
Reubal cursed. Zipter was running toward him, shaking in fear. “I gave you an assignment,” Reubal growled as Zipter fell at his feet. “Why aren’t you in her room, keeping her gripped in fear as I ordered you to?”
“I can’t,” Zipter wailed. “He was there!”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know! HIM! HE was in her room!”
Reubal cursed, then stared silently at the demon crouching and wailing at his feet. “Shut up and get on your feet! What was He doing? At least give me a report on the situation, you cowardly twit!”
Zipter sniveled and got up shakily. “Well, He seemed to be feeding her.”
“Feeding her what, food?”
“No, He seemed to be feeding her words.”
“Words?”
“Yes,” Zipter replied, standing up a little straighter and speaking with more confidence than he felt. “He was feeding her words of faith.” He hoped his tone was matter-of-fact enough to allow no room for argument.
Reubal thought for a long moment, then scrutinized Zipter through evil slits of eyes. “So, she is being nourished on words of faith, while you cower here in front of me?”
Zipter silently stared at the floor. He had a retort in mind – “Why don’t you go in there if you’re so brave?” – but he dared not breathe it aloud.
Tracy tried to ignore the sounds of the noisy hospital hallway. Morning was still a long way off. She rolled over and closed her eyes. Sleep could help her forget her living nightmare.
“Tracy.” It wasn’t an audible voice – had she really heard it?”
“Lord, are you here?” Tracy prayed silently. “Lord, you have to get me through this. Jesus, I am afraid.”
“I know, Tracy. I understand. There are some things I want you to remember. First is that I love you.”
“I love you, too, Lord.”
“Second is that I am right here and I will not leave you.”
“Okay.” Tracy was beginning to feel a deep sense of peace.
“And third is this: Don’t panic.”
“Don’t panic?”
“Don’t panic. Is there any situation I can’t control?”
“No.”
“Trust Me. Don’t look at circumstances, look at Me.”
“Okay.” Tracy drifted peacefully into sleep.
Reubal had a plan. “Use someone to carry the message, that way it won’t really be you saying it!”
“Well, I don’t know if I can…”
“Shut up! Get to her door, and use whoever goes into that room! Your assignment is to get her firmly gripped by fear! I don’t care who you use, just do it!”
Zipter tripped over himself in his haste to get away.
Tracy aroused from sleep. Even as she realized she had slept through the rest of the night, she recalled that The Lord had spoken some things to her and she focused on trying to remember what they were. Oh – that He loved her. She did know that. It was something she had been told since childhood and she didn’t doubt it.
The second thing – that He would never leave her. What a comfort that was, especially now! But the third thing, what was it? It was a bit odd, she did remember that. “Well, Lord,” she prayed silently, “you are going to have to help me, because right now I don’t remember it.”
For no reason he could discern, Dr. Marin was feeling exceptionally sour this particular morning. The patient would appear fearful, they always did. The news was the worst possible. She would cry. He would be polite and make his exit. What a routine. He stepped into the room with a heavy sigh.
His hopeless message was delivered, but Dr. Marin was baffled. A little voice inside his head made him repeat, “It’s cancer. It’s inoperable. There’s nothing we can do.” He felt oddly almost angry that his words didn’t seem effective. “I hate to be the bearer of such hopeless news…” Was the woman deaf?
The voice in his head was getting louder. “Tell her she’s dying. Say it again!” the voice raged.
“Don’t panic,” Tracy remembered, and smiled slightly. “What an amazing God I serve,” she whispered to herself. “Jesus, I love You. I won’t panic, if You will help me not to.”
Aloud, she said, “Thank you, Dr. Marin. Now I want to call my pastor and some friends from church.”
The voice inside the doctor’s head screamed, “They can’t help you! It’s cancer! All your little church friends can’t do anything!”
Dr. Marin said politely, “I’m sorry.” As he left, the voice kept screeching, “It’s cancer! It’s cancer!” Dr. Marin sighed and muttered, “I really need a vacation.”
“You failed!” Reubal screamed. “Can’t you hear the sounds coming from her room? That’s a celebration! She should be crying in fear! Instead they are praising God for His goodness! Get out of here before I kill you!”
Zipter fled.
Monday, January 5, 2009
God Had a Plan, Jeremiah was Cast into a Cistern
God had a plan. Jeremiah was cast into a cistern.
Jeremiah was a prophet, but most of the people didn’t care for the words he spoke. Such doom and gloom coming out of the mouth of one claiming to speak for God. Away with him, we will hear no more of this!
Jeremiah 38:1-5
1 Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking to all the people, saying,
2 "Thus says the LORD, 'He who stays in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as booty and stay alive.'
3 "Thus says the LORD, 'This city will certainly be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon and he will capture it.'"
4 Then the officials said to the king, "Now let this man be put to death, inasmuch as he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people but rather their harm."
5 So King Zedekiah said, "Behold, he is in your hands; for the king can do nothing against you."
6 Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king's son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
But God did have a plan, and Jeremiah was rescued from the cistern. As for the people, they were taken captive by the Chaldeans, and went into exile in Babylon, just as Jeremiah had prophesied, just as God had said.
In reading the account from the book of Jeremiah, you might find it interesting that Jeremiah, as a prophet, didn’t simply foretell the future. He delivered the marching orders of the Lord God Himself to the people – but many of them refused to listen and obey. How could it be right, that God’s chosen nation would be forced to live as slaves to a nation who did not know God? Not that their deaf ear was unusual. Not listening to the words of God was what had brought God’s judgment upon them in the first place. Now, again, many chose not to hear, and those who refused to be taken captive by the Chaldeans were destroyed – again, just as Jeremiah prophesied.
One of my favorite scriptures comes from the book of Jeremiah, and indeed it is one that many Christians look to and love to quote. I wonder, though, how many of us truly know the context of the verse.
Jeremiah 29:11 - 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
If you read just that entire chapter, you will find it was given after the people had been taken into captivity. Was the sentence from God to be short, then? Did He plan to rescue them at any second? Not at all, the captivity was to last for seventy long years. Still, God’s provision and care for His people is evident, even in the duration of their captivity.
Jeremiah 29:4-14 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon,
5 'Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce.
6 'Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease.
7 'Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.'
8 "For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream.
9 'For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,' declares the LORD.
God’s plan for His people after the completion of the exile is also quite evident, as seen in verses 10-13.
10 "For thus says the LORD, 'When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.
11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
12 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
14 'I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'
I’m glad God always has a plan and provision and a future for His people. I find the words of the book of Jeremiah to be on a similar parallel to the times of today. We might not have what we could perceive as a godly government. We might not have the future we had envisioned for ourselves. Some of our own personal goals might never come about. We ourselves might fail in our attempts to produce something we could consider great and worthy of note.
But if God already has a plan for me – why would He need me to dream it up? Isn’t finding out what His plan is, and how I fit into it, more significant than personal dreams and goals? You see, from scripture I find that the plan of God never has had to do with personal, self-centered ambition in the first place.
Philippians 1:17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
That the plan of God for our lives has nothing to do with personal, self-centered ambition is actually summed up rather uniquely in the last chapter of Jeremiah. You see, Jeremiah had a word of admonition from the Lord for his faithful scribe, Baruch.
Jeremiah 45:1-5 –
This is the message which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written down these words in a book at Jeremiah's dictation, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying:
2 "Thus says the LORD the God of Israel to you, O Baruch:
3 'You said, "Ah, woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning and have found no rest."'
4 "Thus you are to say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, "Behold, what I have built I am about to tear down, and what I have planted I am about to uproot, that is, the whole land."
5 'But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,' declares the LORD, 'but I will give your life to you as booty in all the places where you may go.'"
Checking my personal motivation on a daily basis is important even as I remember that yes, I am a child of the King – but also, that it’s not an earthly kingdom. And it’s important to be thankful – He has given me life, not a temporary mansion on a hill which will come down. Praise Him and be thankful and joyful forever!
***
Job 42:1-2Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. [ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
Jeremiah was a prophet, but most of the people didn’t care for the words he spoke. Such doom and gloom coming out of the mouth of one claiming to speak for God. Away with him, we will hear no more of this!
Jeremiah 38:1-5
1 Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah was speaking to all the people, saying,
2 "Thus says the LORD, 'He who stays in this city will die by the sword and by famine and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans will live and have his own life as booty and stay alive.'
3 "Thus says the LORD, 'This city will certainly be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon and he will capture it.'"
4 Then the officials said to the king, "Now let this man be put to death, inasmuch as he is discouraging the men of war who are left in this city and all the people, by speaking such words to them; for this man is not seeking the well-being of this people but rather their harm."
5 So King Zedekiah said, "Behold, he is in your hands; for the king can do nothing against you."
6 Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king's son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
But God did have a plan, and Jeremiah was rescued from the cistern. As for the people, they were taken captive by the Chaldeans, and went into exile in Babylon, just as Jeremiah had prophesied, just as God had said.
In reading the account from the book of Jeremiah, you might find it interesting that Jeremiah, as a prophet, didn’t simply foretell the future. He delivered the marching orders of the Lord God Himself to the people – but many of them refused to listen and obey. How could it be right, that God’s chosen nation would be forced to live as slaves to a nation who did not know God? Not that their deaf ear was unusual. Not listening to the words of God was what had brought God’s judgment upon them in the first place. Now, again, many chose not to hear, and those who refused to be taken captive by the Chaldeans were destroyed – again, just as Jeremiah prophesied.
One of my favorite scriptures comes from the book of Jeremiah, and indeed it is one that many Christians look to and love to quote. I wonder, though, how many of us truly know the context of the verse.
Jeremiah 29:11 - 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
If you read just that entire chapter, you will find it was given after the people had been taken into captivity. Was the sentence from God to be short, then? Did He plan to rescue them at any second? Not at all, the captivity was to last for seventy long years. Still, God’s provision and care for His people is evident, even in the duration of their captivity.
Jeremiah 29:4-14 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon,
5 'Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce.
6 'Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease.
7 'Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.'
8 "For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream.
9 'For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,' declares the LORD.
God’s plan for His people after the completion of the exile is also quite evident, as seen in verses 10-13.
10 "For thus says the LORD, 'When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.
11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
12 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
14 'I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'
I’m glad God always has a plan and provision and a future for His people. I find the words of the book of Jeremiah to be on a similar parallel to the times of today. We might not have what we could perceive as a godly government. We might not have the future we had envisioned for ourselves. Some of our own personal goals might never come about. We ourselves might fail in our attempts to produce something we could consider great and worthy of note.
But if God already has a plan for me – why would He need me to dream it up? Isn’t finding out what His plan is, and how I fit into it, more significant than personal dreams and goals? You see, from scripture I find that the plan of God never has had to do with personal, self-centered ambition in the first place.
Philippians 1:17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
That the plan of God for our lives has nothing to do with personal, self-centered ambition is actually summed up rather uniquely in the last chapter of Jeremiah. You see, Jeremiah had a word of admonition from the Lord for his faithful scribe, Baruch.
Jeremiah 45:1-5 –
This is the message which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written down these words in a book at Jeremiah's dictation, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying:
2 "Thus says the LORD the God of Israel to you, O Baruch:
3 'You said, "Ah, woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning and have found no rest."'
4 "Thus you are to say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, "Behold, what I have built I am about to tear down, and what I have planted I am about to uproot, that is, the whole land."
5 'But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,' declares the LORD, 'but I will give your life to you as booty in all the places where you may go.'"
Checking my personal motivation on a daily basis is important even as I remember that yes, I am a child of the King – but also, that it’s not an earthly kingdom. And it’s important to be thankful – He has given me life, not a temporary mansion on a hill which will come down. Praise Him and be thankful and joyful forever!
***
Job 42:1-2Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. [ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
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