Arise, Go

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“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.”

Jonah 1:2

 (Read Jonah 1)

The Lord called to Jonah and commissioned him with a very specific task - "Go to Nineveh and call out against it.

But Jonah fled, not just from the Lord's calling, but also from the presence of the Lord.

The typical response to an unflattering task is to argue or question God, which leaves me wondering, why did Jonah run?

Perhaps he was more afraid of the people of Nineveh than He was of the Lord - the creator of the land and the sea (v.9).

It is so easy to read Jonah's story and judge his character and acts of rebellion. But when we stop and ask ourselves if we have ever acted in rebellion instead of obedience, fearing people more than the Lord, I'm quite certain we would all answer yes. I know I have - very recently actually. A situation arose where I thought I knew better than God and set out to prove it. I dug my heels in and did exactly what other people wanted me to do - because that seemed easier than disappointing and hurting anyone else. And it was awful. And I was miserable. And, it turns out, I ended up hurting myself and others through my defiance.

Every step of defiance was a step away from the Lord. For weeks I fled. What started as a simple walk quickly escalated into a full on run to escape the Lord and what He was asking me to do. I honestly thought I knew better, and I was on a mission to prove it - to Him and to everybody.

Why was I running so hard and so fast and so far?

Because, just like Rebecca Faires points out, "God is fierce and awesome in His pursuit...God's pursuit is relentless exactly because He is so loving...God wanted Jonah."

I had to run because God's pursuit is relentless - because He is loving and because He wants me. I knew that once I slowed down, God's fierce love would overcome me, and that I would once again have to make a deliberate choice to either follow Him in submission and obedience, or take off running again, fleeing from my Lord. 

But I was getting tired. Attempting to outrun God is exhausting, physically and emotionally. And it is impossible. When Jonah thought he had escaped the presence of the Lord on the boat, he fell into such a deep sleep that not even the "great tempest" (v.12) of the sea could wake him. Running makes us weak. And no matter how fast or how far we go, our Lord continues to relentlessly pursue us with His fierce love for us.

But here's the thing - we cannot outrun God. It is one of His greatest promises to us. Over and over again, throughout God's Word, He promises that He will never leave us. He will always be with us. He will go with us. And in that, we can be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5-9, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

God was with Jonah and wanted Jonah.

God is with me and wants me. 

He is with you and wants you. 

He "gives specific callings to specific people" (Ephesians 2:10, Rebecca Faires). He has placed us in our specific place with specific people with a specific purpose. We may not always understand the what or the why or the where or the when or the who or the how, but we are not meant to understand, we are meant to obey and follow.

When I finally stopped running, I fell to my knees and turned my face back to the Lord. And there was a peace that overwhelmed me when I submitted my own plans and desires to Him and moved in obedience with Him.

Fear makes us irrational. But leaning into the Lord makes everything right. Lean into His strength and His calling. Obey the Lord and trust Him. And know that when you run, He will pursue you with reckless abandon. You are His beloved.

Repent. Turn. Return.

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For many of us, the Easter story is one we know so well we hardly even have to think about it. If you grew up with Bible stories, or have been a follower of Christ for a long time, it can be a challenge to read these familiar passages - again - with fresh eyes. But I love what Bible scholar Kenneth Bailey says: We must "rescue truth from the jaws of familiarity."

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

Lent - the forty days before Easter - allows us a season of recognizing how human we are and how gracious God is. Imagine coming upon a mirror.  No longer can you see what is before you.  But you can see what is behind.  And the trail of sin and brokenness in your wake is sobering and devastating.

Sometimes we are fully aware of what we will see behind us, and other times when we thought all was well, we are shocked by what we see.

But regardless, "Lent is the time where we stop pretending and start confessing" (Amanda Bible Williams.)

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

Repent means "to change one's mind, to turn from sin."  In order to Repent, we must first recognize and acknowledge our sin.  We must expose it to the light in order to see it.  This is confession - "I know what I did and I am sorry."  That's Step One - and sometimes this can be the most difficult step - admitting our sin.

But we are told to Repent - to walk away from the pattern in our life - to "leave it at the foot of the Cross."  It sound poetic and magical, like laying flowers at a grave site.  But this romanticized language does not clearly depict a repentant heart.

Turning away from sinful behavior is hard - like really, really hard.  And for most of us, it requires multiple trips back to the Cross before that pattern is no more.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

The Lord knows that we are creatures of habit, which is why He tells us to Turn.  Go a different way. To turn, one must physically move the body.  Turn away from your old ways and Turn to God.  Ask for forgiveness.  Turn your face to His.  He already knows what is behind you, but He is waiting to show you what is waiting for you.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

And then our gracious and merciful Father says, "Return to me."  He opens His arms wide and beckons us back to Him.  He leaves our sin at the Cross and washes us "white as snow."

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

Sometimes all of this is too much for me.  I don't get it.  I hide from God and shove my sin deeper and deeper.  And sometimes I even run (and I'm no runner...).  But we cannot outrun God.  He is so madly in love with us, He will pursue us fiercely.

He is our Father and we are His children.  And when I stop and remember that, I think of my own children. And the fact that I would move heaven and earth to find them - to save them - to protect them. And our gracious and loving Father does the same for us.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

We are days before Easter now, in the middle of what is called Holy Week. It kicked off with Palm Sunday, when the kids waved palm branches and cried, "Hosanna" as we remembered Jesus riding into Jerusalem to the shouts of praise an adoration. On Maundy Thursday, we will remember how Jesus shared His last meal with those who had lived life with Him for the three years of His ministry on earth. Jesus showed His disciples one last time what it looked like to serve others and love others as He broke the bread, which would represent His body that was soon to be broken for them - and for us. And He shared the wine, which would represent His blood that would run down His battered and broken body for them - and for us. He then led His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, all while knowing that the one disciple who was missing was betraying Jesus at that same moment. On Good Friday we will reflect on Jesus' trial, where those who had shouted "Hosanna" were now crying, "Crucify Him!" How He was beaten so brutally he was no longer recognizable. And how He was nailed to the cross, covered in His blood and our sins.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

The moment Jesus took His last breath and "gave up His Spirit," the sky turned black, the earth shook, and the curtain in the temple that had physically separated the people from the Holy of Holies (the presence of the Lord), tore in two - from the top to the bottom (from heaven to earth) - revealing to the people what had been hidden from them for thousands of years.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

And on Saturday, we are still and quiet. We are waiting for Sunday, because we know. But we remember those who did not know. Who thought Jesus was gone forever. Who did not understand that His death was not the end, but the beginning.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

On Sunday, Easter Sunday, we will rejoice! He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed! He is Alive! He is no longer in the grave. We will find Him among the Living, not the dead! Jesus died the death that we deserved, to give us the life we cannot earn. He Redeemed what was lost. He is our Living God.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

My friends. It is not too late for you. It is never too late for you.

No matter what you have done or where you have been - Jesus loves you.

The darkness will not last - what you see behind you in the mirror is behind you - covered by the blood of Jesus.

Repent - confess to the One who already knows it all - who already died on the cross for you - who already rose in victory over your death.

Turn - turn away from your sin - and run - and remember, if you run away, He will pursue you because He loves you.

Return - Jesus is waiting with open arms for you - run into His outstretched arms of mercy, and grace, and forgiveness, and new life.

Repent.
Turn.
Return.

My challenge to you would be to immerse yourself in these last moments of Jesus' life. Whose story resonates deeply with you? Are you like Peter? Proud and pompous, proclaiming your undying devotion, until you find yourself feeling the shame, having denied Christ three times? Are you like the women who couldn't find their Lord, and didn't understand? Are you in the crowd, having shouted "Hosanna" on Sunday, but find yourself shouting "Crucify" on Friday? Close your eyes and use your senses. What do yo hear? See? Smell? Taste? Feel? Experience these truths and "rescue" them from "the jaws of familiarity."

I am a CHILD of GOD

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But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, 

he gave the right to become children of God. 

~ John 1:12~

See what kind of love the Father has given us that 

we should be called children of God; and so we are. 

~1 John 3:1~

I am a child of God.
This one.
This fact.
This was a big deal to me.  

When I first became a Christian during my senior year in high school, I was desperate to be a part of a family.

Mine was right in the middle of a really rough time, and I needed to feel loved – right in the middle of my hot mess.

And then Jesus.

My life was completely transformed when I found out that I was God’s precious daughter.  I felt nameless, unwanted, broken, and sick.  I was lost and hurting and so very, very sad.

And then Jesus.

Bear with me as I unpack a story about a very real woman, who also felt nameless, unwanted, broken, and sick.

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; 

go in peace and be healed of your disease.”       

~Mark 5:34~

In his Gospel, Mark goes about retelling (I almost said detailing, but then I remembered this is not Luke…) three separate events, that when told together, give a pretty compelling argument of Jesus as Lord.

1          Lord Over the Natural World

·      calms the sea with three simple words: “Peace. Be still.” – Mark 4:35-41

2          Lord over the Supernatural World

·      commands the demons to come out of a man – Mark 5:1-20

3          Lord over Death

·      completely heals a girl who had died from her illness and raised her back to life – Mark 5:21-24; 35-43

But, as Lisa Harper wrote, “the best part of this passage is a story-within-a-story, which illustrates not only the incomparable power of Jesus, but also the tenderness of our big God (Mark 5:21-34).

This particular woman, who sidetracks Jesus for a moment, had been plagued by “a discharge of blood for twelve years” (Mark 5:25).  She had spent every denarius she had on doctors, but we are told that she “was no better but rather grew worse” (Mark 5:26).

Not only was this poor woman sick, but she would also have been ostracized by her community because of her blood – she was “unclean” and was not allowed to be in public.

But when she had heard of all that Jesus had done for others, her rational senses were overcome by her desperation.  She knew all she had to do was touch his clothes for a moment and she would be healed.

I’m assuming she had played out this whole scenario in her mind, and I’m guessing her biggest concern was probably not being recognized by someone.  I’m quite certain she never thought Jesus would stop immediately, demanding to know who had touched Him – after all, there was a “great crowd” who was “thronged about Him” (Mark 5:24).  Many hands and bodies had smashed up against Him as He followed Jairus – one of the prominent synagogue rulers – to his house to heal his sick daughter.

But, only one hand that brushed Jesus’ garment on that day belonged to a woman with great faith.  And He stopped immediately, and asked, “Who touched my garments?” (Mark 5:30)

Okay, friends.  Don’t miss this. 

Our great God – Lord over all things and all realms – STOPS IMMEDIATELY for one nameless, sick, unclean woman.  She had been shunned by her community, but she mattered enough to Jesus.

He stopped and looked at her face.  He spoke with tenderness and was gentle with this fragile woman.

And He named her – Daughter – gently welcoming her into the family of God – into His family.

This story reminds us that Jesus is so much more than just Lord – which is already more than enough.  He is also our redeemer.  And we are never beyond being redeemable.  “Chapter five reminds us that while Jesus is the King of all kings, He’s also a perfectly personal Savior who delights in listening to His kids…” (Lisa Harper).

Check out She Reads Truth to read more from Lisa Harper. 

Identity Crisis

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A few weeks ago I was studying the Book of Acts with She Reads Truth and realized that I am not sure of who I am.  Often times I allow the voices around me to define me, rather than the One who created me.

In Acts 22 and 23 I read these promises from the Lord to Paul - first from the words Ananias spoke when he restored Paul's sight after his conversion, and the second from the Lord who "stood by him" in the night when he had been arrested in Jerusalem.  Paul relayed these promises to the Jewish crowd he had been allowed to address:

"...for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard..."

The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage!..."

Revelation 22:15, 23:11

There was a violent mob all around Paul.  And yet, Paul's state of mind during the chaos around him - in part caused by him - is a testament of God's peace within Paul.  He knew who he was, despite the shouts of who the crowd said he was.

But then I think about my own self - when the mob shouts around me - telling me and those around me who I am - I believe their words.

                    

                    You are worthless!

                    You are not enough!

                    You are stupid!

                    You are unworthy!

                    You are unwanted!

                    You are unlovable! 

And Satan chimes in too, reminding me of my sins - lying, lusting, greed, jealousy, doubt.

He reminds me of my past - the girl I once was - the girl I thought I had moved beyond.  But he remembers - and he loves to hit the "replay" button over and over and over again.

But I love what Lore Wilbert writes:

"My pastor once said that every time the Enemy comes to remind him of his sin, 

he reminds the Enemy that he's right.

He is a liar.

He is guilty of the lust of the flesh.

He is like a murderer in his heart.

He is a thief, a scoundrel, and an unworthy son of God.

But no matter what we are or what we've done, the truest thing about us is who we are in Jesus. As my pastor so faithfully reminds me, Christ has taken our sin and borne it on our behalf. So though we are guilty of countless things, we are not identified by them."

My friends - this is the trap we as Christians become trapped in - and we lose our identity in Christ.  We forget that we are:

• rescued and delighted in - Psalm 18:19
• the salt and light of the earth - Matthew 5:13-14
• a child of God - John 1:12
• a friend of Christ - John 15:15
• a member of the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12:27
• a new creation in Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:17
• an heir - not a slave - Galatians 4:7
• an adopted daughter - Ephesians 1:5
• redeemed through God's grace - Ephesians 1:7
• God's masterpiece (workmanship) - Ephesians 2:10
• a sister of Christ - Hebrews 2:11
• loved by God - 1 John 4:10, 16

When Jesus died for us, taking our sin upon Him, He did so with no strings attached.  He knew the hot mess that we would become, but He loved us so much that He willingly took our place on that cross to give us a new identity in Him.

Yes - we are sinners.

Yes - we make bad choices.

But our sins and bad decisions do not define who we are.

The One who bled and died for us defines who we are in Him.

"So often we get caught up in the web of lies about who we are and who God is. In those moments, it's easy to forget the cross, the blood of Christ, the resurrection, and the hope of eternity. It's easy to forget who we are by our birth in Christ."

~Lore Wilbert~

Remember that they Enemy is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

Remember that his only purpose - his true desire - his goal in your life - is to "kill, steal, and destroy" (John 10:10).

But take comfort, sweet friends, in the Words that God declares over you.  

Commit to understanding who you are in Jesus.

He declares, "Behold, I am making all things new." (Revelation 21:5)

And that includes you!

Together, over the next several days, we will hone in on the truth of who God sees us as through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.  And my prayer for all of us is that we would begin to see ourselves as Daughters of the King - who are not defined by the world because we understand God is with us and goes before us - and that we will no longer fear because we know, above anything else, we are His.

Ash Wednesday

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We have borne the image of the man made of dust,

we will also bear the image of the heavenly man.

1 Corinthians 15:49

Today is Ash Wednesday - the day when many Christians allow themselves to be reminded of just how human - how broken - how in need of a Savior they truly are.

Here's a little background information about this day.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent - the 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter.  Many Christians use this season to fast from something - snacks, sodas, caffeine, social media - as a way to quiet their hearts and depend on Jesus.  Why 40 days?  Because that is how many days Jesus fasted in the desert before He was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).

If one attends a service on Ash Wednesday, they will most likely have a cross made from ashes placed on their foreheads, with the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," said to them - a reminder of Genesis 3:19 and Ecclesiastes 3:20.  The ashes are made from the palm branches used in the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration.

But what does all of this mean?

Russ Ramsey, author of Behold the King of Glory, writes:

"The ashen cross is an outward sign of both repentance and hope.  It is a way

to repent of our rebellion against God and 'confess our sins one to another'

(James 5:16).  It is appropriate to enter into a season of celebrating the finished

work of Christ by assuming a posture of repentance, confessing our need for a Savior."

As I spent time reflecting on these words and on this day, I began to wonder why we need a day or a season to assume this "posture of repentance."  Shouldn't this be the way we live our daily lives?

It's almost unfortunate the way we compartmentalize our faith.  We discipline ourselves for a day or a season, and then move on to the next.

• Ash Wednesday - repent
• Lent - fast 
• Maundy Thursday - think about the Last Supper and Jesus' arrest
• Good Friday - reflect on Jesus' death on the cross
• Easter Sunday - celebrate the resurrection
• Thanksgiving - be thankful
• Christmas - celebrate the baby Jesus 

I loved last year during Lent when we sang the chorus from 'O Come All Ye Faithful' during worship.  Because shouldn't we adore Jesus all year long?

And this past Christmas Eve, the wooden manger prop on the stage was transformed into a wooden cross - because Jesus was born and had to die so that we can be born and do not have to die.  He left heaven so that we can join Him in heaven.

It is a complete story, and to truly understand the beginning of His life, you have to understand the end.

Russ Ramsey continues to write, "On Ash Wednesday we admit our limits and acknowledge the brevity of this life..."

But the challenge is to not be limited by this one day or this one season.  May we be people who reflect and repent and remain thankful and celebrate throughout the year.  May we maintain a "posture of repentance, confessing our need for a Savior" each and every day.


***These words were as hard to write as they may have been to read.  Please know that I wrote these words in my journal this morning to myself, as a reminder to me that I need to practice this in my own life.  I am not calling anyone but myself.***

Giving Sacrificially - It's More Than Money - The Poor Widow

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Jesus was obviously talking about money in this passage.  And if you know anything about widows in the Bible, you know that they were the poorest of the poor.  They could not own land and could not be "willed" anything when their husbands passed away.  They relied on family members to take them in and provide for their needs.  The early Church even makes a point to remind the believers to remember the widows and care for them.

When Jesus noticed that the widow woman had put in her two small copper coins, He was moved and immediately called His disciples to teach them a lesson.

And although this woman was giving money, I think there is more we can take away.

Jesus sat watching people give small portions of their abundance.  They gave enough of what they had to be noticed, but not so much that they would be affected financially - there would be no inconvenience by what they gave.

And then the widow gave all that she had - she did not hold back anything from her offering, but instead she gave it all.  It was not a lot in the eyes of the world, but in her world - it was everything.

It seems we can take this beyond just our money.  We have been blessed with Spiritual gifts, talents, natural interests, and even time (believe me - it's there - just ask...).

God wants us to give sacrificially sometimes.  He doesn't just want us to play it safe all of the time.  Sometimes He wants to stretch us - He wants us to feel inconvenienced - He wants our comfortable lives to be affected - He wants us to go all in.

What are your gifts, talents, and interests?  Has God asked you to give sacrificially?  Has He asked you to go all in?

It was about a year ago that I felt like it was really time to get serious about my writing.  But I didn't want to go all in.  I didn't want to expose myself to the world - or even to my friends.  I didn't want to be vulnerable and open and honest.  I wanted to be safe and fit in and anonymous.

But over and over and over again I knew God was telling me to write.  And I was actively disobeying.

And then I started moving - slowly and cautiously at first - and now a little faster with a little more abandon.

If I said I was fully surrendered, I would be lying.  But I am learning that allowing Jesus access to more of me is both painful and liberating.

Jesus watched a lot of people give of themselves that day in the temple, but only one woman's sacrificial giving moved Him.  My prayer is that my obedience and sacrifice would one day move my Savior.


You can read more about the Poor Widow's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Mark 12:41 - 44.

Service and Sacrifce - Joanna

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The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had

been cured of evil spirits and diseases...Joanna the wife of

Cuza, the manager of Herod's household...

Luke 8:2-3

I am guilty sometimes of quickly skimming over lists of names in the Bible.  Unless I'm looking for a particular name, or one jumps out at me, or if it's a name I know, the list could just be Tom, Dick, and Harry - got it - people - moving on...

But I also love to cross reference and find out more - I'm a nerd - got it - moving on...

In Luke 8, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and "many others" are mentioned along with The Twelve.  Their role at this point in Jesus' ministry was to support Him financially.

Now, fast-forward through Luke to chapter 24.  You will find another list of names.  Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and "the others" are now mentioned as witnesses that Jesus had been resurrected!

WHAAAAT!?!?!?!?!

Luke 8 tells us that Joanna had been healed of something - either evil spirits or a disease.  Whatever Jesus had done for her left a lasting impression on Joanna - her encounter with Jesus forever changed the trajectory of her life!  She did not go back to "life as usual" after she met Jesus.  Instead, she packed up and walked alongside Him, serving Him, sacrificially giving to Him, and even proclaiming that He was alive!

I often times let my imagination wander, wondering what my life would look like if I had just walked away after I encountered Jesus.  I don't know all the details, but I know it would look drastically different than it does today.

Serving Jesus requires sacrifice, but it's totally worth it!  By serving Jesus, Joanna got to be one of the very first people to see the Living Christ!

You can read more about Joanna's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Luke 8:1 - 3; Luke 23:50 - 24:12.

Resolute Pursuit - Mary Magdalene

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Somewhere in the past Mary Magdalene was given a bad reputation - not by the Bible, but by man.  It was well known that Magdala, where Mary was from, had an "unsavory reputation" due to the "harlotry practiced there," and was eventually destroyed.  And that fact alone left many to conclude that Mary herself was a harlot.  However, the Bible never once mentions that her past included prostitution.

She was not without her demons though - seven demons actually.  And demon possessed is how Mary first encountered Jesus.

I'm not big into scary movies, but in high school I ran with a group that either loved scary movies or the entertainment I provided while watching said movies.  And I saw enough of Hollywood's take on demon possession to know that it's probably a scary deal with one demon - and I cannot even begin to imagine what seven would do to a person.

We are not actually told how the seven demons manifested themselves in Mary's life - was she wild-eyed and irrational, foaming at the mouth and shrieking?  Or was it more subtle and only Jesus knew because He was God?

We don't know.  But we do know that after her liberation from these demons, she showed a devotion to her Savior unlike most - including even His own disciples.

She walked alongside Him in His ministry, supporting Jesus financially - did you know that???  Being from Magdala had other perks like their wealthy commerce!

She followed Him whole-heartedly.

She did not betray Him or deny Him.

When most of the disciples abandoned Jesus, hiding in fear, Mary was at His blood stained feet.

She was one of the last to leave the cross - one of the few to watch His bloodied and broken body laid in the tomb - one of the first to head back to His grave.

And Mary Magdalene was chosen as one of the first Jesus revealed Himself to after He had risen!

Mary had been a tormented woman that Jesus restored and healed and saved.  He may have sought her in her suffering, but she in turn spent the rest of her life seeking Him!

Mary Magdalene was resolute in her pursuit of the One who saved her.  My prayer is that we would be encouraged by her courage and strength to boldly seek our Savior!


Source: Bible Gateway


You can read more about Mary Magdalene's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Luke 8:1 - 3; Mark 15:37 - 47; John 20:1 -18; Mark 16:1 - 11.
 

A Woman of Influence - Jezebel

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Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him...he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.

1 Kings 16:30 - 31

I find it interesting that many people do not recognize names like Rahab, Ruth, and Esther.  But they usually know Delilah and Jezebel.  Maybe not their story, but they know they were evil.

Jezebel was the daughter of a king-priest.  She was a Phoenician princess who worshiped Baal - the Canaanite young storm god and Ashtoreth - the goddess of love and fertility.

She married Ahab who became the king of Israel who came with a strong foundation in evil.  His father, Omri, "sinned more than all those before him," and Ahab "did more evil than any of those before him" (1 Kings 16:25 and 16:30).

But Jezebel possessed her own special kind of evil.

I'm guessing it did not take too much of Jezebel's influence to convince her husband to erect a temple of Baal and an altar for worship and sacrifice, as well as an Asherah Pole for pagan rituals.  Ahab seemed to have all but one toe-nail in with his sin and evil ways.

And Jezebel had him wrapped around her little finger.  I'm not even sure Ahab was thinking for himself sometimes.  Although he had a "devout believer" (1 Kings 18:3) in charge of his palace, "Jezebel was killing off the Lord's prophets" (1 Kings 18:4) for speaking up against Baal worship and other pagan worship rituals - including "detestable practices such as prostitution, homosexual prostitution, and human sacrifice of children" (source).

Jezebel even goes behind her husband's back, using and abusing his name and power as well as her own evil ways to have an innocent man killed, just to make her husband happy (1 Kings 21:1 - 16) - I mean, that's totally normal, right?!?!?!?!?

Jezebel infiltrated an already weakened Israel and nearly destroyed it with her evil.  Although her husband repented and mourned over his sins and the Lord had mercy on him, delaying his judgement on Ahab, Jezebel NEVER turned from her wicked ways.  She was eventually thrown out of her window, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs.

Whether we know it or not...whether we like it or not...we all have influence over those around us - especially our families.  Jezebel was a mother and a wife, and her influence affected her husband and her son.  She chose the gods her family would worship.  And her wickedness reached out beyond her family, killing many innocent lives.

Who is watching you?  Who do you have influence over?  What are you teaching those around you?


You can read more about Jezebel's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read 1 Kings 16:29 - 33; 18:1 - 6; 19:1 - 5; 21:1 - 18; 2 Kings 9:30 - 37.

The Forbidden One - Delilah

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Many of the women mentioned in the Bible have at least one redeeming quality, but I believe Delilah does not fit into this category.  From what the Bible reveals to us, she does not even love Samson, although it is mentioned twice that he loves her.  But why?  From what little is said about Delilah - only 21 verses - it seems that she was selfish and self-seeking and deceptive.

Samson was consecrated to God as a forever Nazirite before he was even born.  According to Numbers 6, there are only three restrictions a Nazirite must follow:

1. abstain from wine and other fermented drink - also abstain from drinking grape juice, eating grapes or raisins - bottom line: don't eat or drink anything that comes from the grapevine, not even the skins or seeds - verses 3 and 4
2. abstain from cutting any hair on their body - the hair must grow long - no razor is to be used on the head - verse 5
3. abstain from going near a dead body - not even a family member who passes away - verse 6

The Nazirite's "diet, appearance, and associations" were on a heightened regulation because they were separating themselves in an act of total devotion to the Lord.  For most Nazarirites they chose to be consecrated in this way to the Lord.  But Samson did not have a choice - God chose him and blessed him with crazy strength!

So maybe it was rebellion that led Samson down a path of self-destruction.  He demanded that he marry a Philistine woman (a no-no), he spent time with a prostitute (and I don't think he popped in for tea), he pulled honey out of a dead lion (see rule #3 above), and even allowed his parents to eat the unclean food without telling them where it was from.  And through this rebellion and sin, the Lord stayed with Samson while he led Israel for 20 years.

And then he laid eyes on Delilah.  What Samson lacked in morals he made up for in rebellion and exploits, and he fell in love with her.  She was forbidden because she was a Philistine, and just like with his wife and the prostitute, that made her even more desirable.

The feelings were not mutual however.  While Samson quickly gave his heart away, Delilah held on to hers with an iron fist.  She had an ulterior motive, and it was all about Delilah.  She had been offered 28 pounds of silver from the rulers of the Philistines in exchange for Samson's secret strength.  According to this Silver Calculator 28 pound of silver in today's market is worth about $5,941.25.  And since Samson's life meant absolutely nothing to this conniving woman, she made the deal.

Delilah knew exactly how Samson felt about her, and I think she was probably surprised when he lied to her about his strength - three times.  What gets me is the arrogance that Samson possessed thinking that he was invincible.  Delilah was desperate and in her desperation she tried everything she could.  She used her beauty, her body, and her brains, but three times Samson tricked her.

And then she pulled out the big guns: Guilt.

"How can you say, 'I love you,' when you won't confide in me?" (Judges 16:15)

Until one day her constant whining and nagging finally wore him down.  The NIV puts it this way:
"With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death" (Judges 16:16).

Samson revealed his source of strength - although his hair was really just a symbol of his strength because the Spirit of the Lord is what made Samson strong.  As soon as Delilah put the razor to his head, "his strength left him...but he did not know that the Lord had left him" (Judges 16:19-20).

When she again woke him with the words, "The Philistines are upon you," Samson thought they were still playing their little lover's game, until the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes.

Game over.

And to our knowledge, Delilah never gave him another thought.

I wish I had nothing in common with this vicious woman, but sadly I'm afraid I do.  I would be lying if I said I had never deceived someone.  I cannot honestly say that I've never used guilt to get ahead.  I can be selfish and self-seeking.  And I can justify my actions with the best of them.  But I am also a work in progress.  I wish her story took a turn at the end and we get a glimpse at her remorse. 

This is a tragic story of rebellion and sin.  Samson was weak and allowed his arrogance and self-dependence to ruin his relationship with God.  Delilah represents all that is forbidden - the things our selfish hearts desire.  We are all consecrated to God by the blood of Jesus.  And we are all attracted to things and feel invincible - but we must be strong in our moral convictions and remain "set apart," living in obedience rather than rebellion.


You can read more about Delilah's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Judges 16:1 - 22 and Numbers 6:1 - 21.

Denying Yourself - Potiphar's Wife

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I was the lone ranger in college - read - everyone had a boyfriend but me.  And I began to worry that I would never find someone for me.  But then right before graduation, my really good friend and I decided we would give "more than friends" and try.  We had so much fun together and laughed all the time.  We were good for each other - I was sure of it.  But I didn't pray about this relationship.  I just went full steam ahead, pursuing what I wanted - because I deserved love - because I knew what I needed - because I didn't want God's input on this one.

And in the end, I hurt someone - and I lost a great friend.
In the story of Potiphar's Wife there are two major roles: Potiphar's Wife and Joseph.  She plays the role of seductress and Joseph is the handsome Hebrew servant with a tough choice.  Would he fall into her sinful schemes, denying God, and his convictions - or flee from her, denying his flesh, and keeping his integrity in tact?

Joseph chooses God over man - always the best choice - rarely the easy choice.  And although the Bible made it seem easy for Joseph, denying our flesh is usually difficult.

Potiphar's Wife, who is known only as Potiphar's Wife, was the wife of, well, Potiphar - the Egyptian who bought Joseph as his servant.

Potiphar was the captain of the palace guard - and most likely wealthy.  I imagine Mrs. Potiphar was used to getting what she wanted, when she wanted it.  And probably who she wanted.

And she wanted Joseph, who is described by Moses (the author of Genesis) as: "Well built and handsome" (Genesis 39:6).

Have you ever seen something you wanted so bad?  I mean, SO BAD, it consumes your thoughts morning, noon, and night!

Once Mrs. Potiphar got it in her mind that she wanted to know Joseph "in the biblical sense," she was not willing to take no for an answer.  She pursued him.  The more he refused, the harder she tried.  He explained how her husband respected and trusted him, putting Joseph in charge of Potiphar's household.  He withheld nothing from Joseph - except HER.  She was Potiphar's wife, and he saved her for himself.  He even played the God card: "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9).

But his words fell upon deaf ears.  She continued to seduce Joseph and he began to avoid her completely.

Until one day when she found him all alone.  

This time she grabbed him by his cloak and begged him to sleep with her.  He ran, which enraged the humiliated Mrs. Potiphar.  When she realized she still was clutching his cloak, and she devised a plan that would destroy Joseph.

She screamed and told the servants that Joseph attacked her and tried to force himself upon her.  Potiphar was furious, and Joseph is lucky he only ended up in prison instead of dead.

Most of the time when we read this part of Joseph's story, we look to Joseph and his integrity and willingness to remain faithful to God.  But I think there is much to learn from Mrs. Potiphar.  She wanted something so bad she could not even think straight.  She allowed her greed and lust and desires to take over her life and almost destroy another life!

What consumes you?  It's a simple question with a complicated answer.  Is it someone or something?

I allowed my desire to fit in with my friends and have someone to love me take over what I knew was right.  I chose myself over my God.  I did NOT deny myself what I wanted - I was on a mission, and no ONE was getting in my way! 

It is hard to deny ourselves what we want.  Even Jesus knew this when He said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

To deny yourself simply means to say "NO" to yourself and "YES" to God.

It is not easy, but it can be done.

Learn from Mrs. P.  Our desires are fleeting, but our God is forever.  We have a choice: will we be like Potiphar's Wife, luring people into our world of selfishness, sin, and shame - or will we be like Joseph, fleeing and escaping into the arms of our Savior?

We have a choice.  Today is a new day.


You can read more about Potiphar's Wife's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Genesis 39:1 - 23; Ephesians 5:1 - 14; Proverbs 6:16 - 19.

Mary: Jesus' Mother - Mary of Nazareth Part 2

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When Jesus was born, people from all over came to see Him and began spreading news about Him.  Twice in Luke chapter 2, it says that "Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19 and 51).

I love this commentary about Luke 2:19 by Albert Barnes:

Mary kept all these things - All that happened, and all that was said respecting her child. She "remembered" what the angel had said to "her;" what had happened to Elizabeth and to the shepherds - all the extraordinary circumstances which had attended. the birth of her son. Here is a delicate and beautiful expression of the feelings of a mother. A "mother" forgets none of those things which occur respecting her children. Everything they do or suffer - everything that is said of them, is treasured up in her mind; and often she thinks of those things, and anxiously seeks what they may indicate respecting the future character and welfare of her child.

Pondered - Weighed. This is the original meaning of the word "weighed." She kept them; she revolved them; she "weighed" them in her mind, giving to each circumstance its just importance, and anxiously seeking what it might indicate respecting her child.

In her heart - In her mind. She "thought" of these things often and anxiously. 

Because we only know Mary as part of the Jesus story, it is easy to forget that she was His MOTHER.  And she felt about her Son the way we feel about our own children.  We ponder and treasure things about our own children in our minds and in our hearts.  When they hurt, we hurt.  When they suffer, we suffer.  We worry and become anxious as they grow.  And no matter how old our children are, they are always our children.

Mary was the only person who was with Jesus when He was born and when He died.  This thought made me think about Sally Field's character in Steel Magnolias after Julia Roberts passes away.  She says, "I realize as a woman how lucky I am. I was there when that wonderful creature drifted into my life and I was there when (s)he drifted out."  Mary was there in the stable.  Mary was there at the foot of the cross.

Mary was the one who urged her Son to begin His ministry at the wedding in Cana.  She knew who her Son was, even if she did not understand all that He was capable of and who He would become.  And soon after His ministry began, she became frightened by how radical His teachings were.  She was His mother and I'm confident that everything within her wanted to protect her Son - but Jesus knew who He was and why He was here.

I wonder if being chosen by God to mother His Son was both an honor and very isolating.  She was chosen by God to become a mother - she was not praying for a child like so many of the precious women whose stories have been recorded.  Instead of bragging about how great and amazing her oldest Son was, she sat back, carefully treasuring up all the little comments others made about her Son.  She archived the things He said and did - protecting these memories in her heart.

Mary was part of Jesus' entire life.  And they loved each other deeply.  But Mary had to remember who her Son was and let Him go.

Mary of Nazareth was a remarkable woman, full of grace, great strength, and bold faith.


You can read more about Mary of Nazareth's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Luke 2:1 - 20, 41 - 52; John 19:25 - 30; Acts 1:9 - 14.

Obstacle or Opportunity - Mary of Nazareth Part 1

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I have a "talent" that I think may actually be a curse.  I have the ability to turn the most benign situation into the most terrifying moment EVER!  It's pretty amazing, actually - and would be totally awesome if I were a horror story writer or director.  But I am neither, and therefore this "talent" that I possess usually results in preventing me from actually living life.

I am definitely getting better than I was, but I have those horrible scenarios constantly running through my brain - constantly.

And I think know that this "talent" has also caused me to miss out on some great opportunities from God.

I sit on the board and am a founding member of a non-profit group called House of Light.  We collect household items and furniture and then partner with local homeless shelters and provide the furnishings to families who have been placed in their own homes again.  It is a beautiful and wonderful thing to be a part of, and yet, I was willing to leave it all out of fear.

The idea of wandering around Colfax Avenue - also known as "the longest, wickedest street in America" - with a truck full of stuff - into someone's house that I don't know - was enough to send me into a full bout of fear and anxiety.  Too many obstacles.  Too many unknowns.

But "What Ifs" do not equal great faith nor a trust in God.  When I allow my fear and worry to overrun my mind, I am no longer trusting that God is bigger than my worry.  I focus on the obstacles instead of finding the opportunities God has for me.

And House of Light has been an amazing opportunity!

Mary of Nazareth (also known as Mary the Mother of Jesus), was a righteous and faithful woman, full of great strength.  She also possessed another great characteristic: the ability to identify the opportunities God was presenting her with far outweighed the possible obstacles she could face.

According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary is thought to have been only 12 or 13 years old when the angel Gabriel appears before her in Luke 1:26 - 38.  I don't know about you, but when I was 12 and 13, I was doing a lot of things, very few of which would have made me "highly favored" before God.  And yet, that is exactly how Mary was described by Gabriel.  I was also very worried about what others thought about me, but we will see that Mary worried only about what God thought about her.

But Mary was "deeply troubled."  She was not sure why an angel had been sent by God with greetings. 

Gabriel goes on to say, "Do not be afraid."  He tells her that she has "found favor with God" and that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Son of God (Luke 1:30 - 33).

And the first words that Mary utters are a question: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34).

Instead of admonishing Mary for a lack of faith, Gabriel answers her question and ends with these words: "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37).

And now it's up to Mary.  Does she trust God, leaning in to Him, relying on Him and His Promises and accept what the angel is saying as a great opportunity?  Or does she focus only on the obstacles she will face?

And the obstacles in this circumstance were great.  Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph.  At the time of their engagement, Mary was still a virgin.  Up until this very moment, there was only one way to conceive a child, and it involved no longer remaining a virgin - which would have been a sin and the punishment was death by stoning (to read more about this form of death, click here.)  If she were allowed to live, she would have been ostracized from her community.  Her parents would be disappointed and would not understand.  Joseph could call of the engagement, and she would be considered "damaged goods."

These are pretty big obstacles! 

My friend Kendal, one of the teaching pastors at my church, said that "obstacles consume us and come between you and what God wants for you.  And when you focus on your obstacles you will miss the opportunities from God."

I love Mary's response in Luke 1:38:

"I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said."

She makes it very clear that she does not care what others will think about her.  She recognizes that if the Lord is with her, as Gabriel proclaimed (Luke 1:28), then this was an opportunity that was worth the risks.  Her eyes were on her Lord.  She chose to trust and not doubt.  She chose to have faith and not fear.  She chose to rely on God and not worry about others.

Mary understood that "God was bigger than her obstacle" and that the opportunity was greater!

Have you ever wondered what Mary would have missed if she had allowed her obstacles to come between her and the opportunity that God wanted for her? 

Kendal closed his message with these words and this challenge:

"Don't miss the amazing things God has for you because you're stuck looking at the obstacles in front of you.  Is God bigger than your obstacle?  Take some time to identify the obstacles in your life.  Focus on God and His promise that He will be with you through all the obstacles."

You can read more about Mary of Nazareth's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Luke 1:26 - 38.

I will also continue Mary of Nazareth's story tomorrow.

Sibling Rivalry - Miriam

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I am the big sister to my little sister, and although we are close and I love her very much, we have had our fair share of rough times.  Often times it seemed like we were constantly vying for our parents' attention.

Siblings do that.  Even Biblical siblings - it's not a new story, looking for your parent's attention and praise - it began with the very first pair of siblings actually, Cain and Abel.  And when the desired result is not recognized or attained, bitterness and jealousy creep in.

Miriam was the oldest sister of Aaron and Moses, and I'm guess she had to grow up pretty quickly, being born into slavery in Egypt and also being called on by her mother to watch as Moses' basket boat drifted down the river.  She was smart, clever, and brave - approaching Pharaoh's daughter and suggesting the baby boy be nursed by his own mother.  But when Moses went to live the high life in Pharaoh's palace, Miriam and Aaron remained in bondage and captivity.

So it's easy to imagine that at some point, the bitterness and jealousy would come out.  And the two siblings probably did not really care about who Moses' wife was (yep - they were caught talking ugly about their brother's wife...again...not a new story...).  More than likely they were jealous that, although God spoke through both Miriam and Aaron, God had chosen Moses as "His Servant" to lead Israel. 

The Father heard the grumbles and called the sister and brother out.  And no one wants to be caught and called out --- and punished.

Only Miriam is punished, the thought being that she was the instigator of the whole ordeal.  Moses, unlike me (sorry Sissy), did not take pleasure in Miriam's punishment.  Instead, he cried out to God for her healing.  He offered her forgiveness which ultimately led to her healing.

And to our knowledge, Miriam did not allow jealousy and pride the opportunity to take over again.

Sibling stuff is tough.  They are chosen for us.  They just show up one day.  And they take up space that used to be reserved for you.

But they are also your first friends and they understand you on a deeper level because you shared a good portion of your growing up together. 

Trust me.  My sister and I could not be any more different than we are.  And yet, we can look beyond our differences and love one another, no matter what.  This has required a ginormous amount of forgiveness and healing, but I wouldn't trade her for the world.

Are you allowing bitterness, pride, jealousy, and anger prevent you from relationships with your siblings?  I would encourage you to pray over each one of your siblings and ask for healing in those relationships.  They are precious.  Forgiveness is hard, but the burden of unforgiveness is heavy.


You can read more about Miriam's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Exodus 1:8 - 21; 14:21 - 31; 15:19 - 21; Numbers 12:1 - 16; 20:1.

Fully Surrendered - Jochebed, Moses' Mother

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I imagine after Pharaoh gave the power to kill to any and every Egyptian, Jochebed may have chosen to suffer in silence for a long time.  She may have chosen not to leave her house so no one would even know she was pregnant.  She may have given birth in silence - all alone - so no one would question the midwife or hear her cries as she brought a new life into the world.  She then would have kept her son close - always hidden - ready to silence her cries in anyway she could.

Jochebed knew there was something about her son that was worth suffering for - she was his mother.  Just about any mother I know would also have been willing to suffer excruciating pain and isolation for their precious child, sacrificing themselves before they allowed anything to happen to their children.

But the day finally came when this mother realized that, in her own strength and power, she could no longer protect her son.  We know she prepared a basket for Moses and gently placed him in it among the reeds in the Nile River.  I just cannot even begin to imagine.  I don't even like going behind the wall at the dentist's office when my girls are having x-rays taken.

The Bible does not record her prayer - or even that she prayed.  But I am guessing that this is the moment Jochebed finally surrendered fully to God and to His sovereign plan.  She surrendered her son to the Lord and prayed for His divine protection over Moses.  Maybe she even asked that the Lord would allow her to see her son again.

And God was so faithful and sovereign.  Not only was Moses protected and blessed throughout his life, but Jochebed was asked to raise him for the first few years of his life, where I'm sure she treasured every moment with her son, telling him the stories of His God and whispering prayers over him everyday.

Is there something that you are holding on to today?  Are you suffering alone in silence?  What do you need to fully surrender to God?


You can read more about Jochebed's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Numbers 26:59; Exodus 1:22 - 2:10.

The Fear of the Lord - Shiphrah and Puah

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The fear of the Lord is he beginning of wisdom...

Proverbs 9:10

...a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

Fear is a powerful feeling, and can have power to make us do something we wouldn't or couldn't normally do - sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. 

Often times we see leaders in positions of power fearing people who are different than they are - Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, the Sanhedrin, Hitler - all of these powerful men were motivated by their fear of people - and their fear had forever consequences.  These leaders also used fear tactics in the way they governed their people to get their way.

But when our fear is of the Lord, we become empowered and blessed.  Shiphrah and Puah were midwives, and they feared their God more than they feared a man.  They went up against a ruthless king and made a way for the Israelite boys to survive.  These women became empowered by God with bold actions and dauntless faith.  They knew the risks of what they were doing, but they were willing to risk their own lives in order to save the lives of others.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego feared God and trusted in Him no matter what their outcome would be (this story is in Daniel 3, and it is one of my very favorites - especially verses 17-18: ^"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”)

And the New Testament is full of examples of men and women who fear God more than they fear men - and God uses them for greatness in His Kingdom - ever heard of a guy named Paul (formerly known as Saul...)!

Wikipedia (a super "reliable" source, I know...) defines the Fear of God in this way:

Fear of God is the idea of living in respect, awe, and submission to a deity.

Wikipedia goes on to define the Fear Emotion that we exhibit when we fear man:

Fear is an emotion induced by a threat perceived by living entities, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior, such as running away, hiding or freezing from traumatic events.

To fear God is to respect Him and submit to His authority.  

To fear man is to feel threatened.

I am NOT a brave girl.  I'm actually FULL of fear.  But I long to be the kind of woman who may not have it all together, but who loves God, loves others, and fears my God enough to live with authentic intention, bold actions, and dauntless faith.


You can read more about Shiphrah and Puah's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Exodus 1:8 - 21; Proverbs 9:10; 31:30.