Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, the time for you to die is near; call Joshua, and present yourselves at the tent of meeting that I may commission him.” Deuteronomy 31:14a NASB

Anticipation, a touch of nerves, and possibly grief collided inside Moses and Joshua as they responded to the Lord’s direction, ‘present yourselves at the tent of meeting” This was the day that leadership would pass to a younger man. Because of the day Moses disappointed the Lord when the people’s continuous murmuring and unrighteous attitudes pushed hard, and Moses responded by breaking faith with Elohim in their midst, near the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin. Moses hadn’t treated the Lord as holy in Israel’s presence.1 Today Moses would gracefully relinquish his responsibility of leading God’s people to the promised land.

As they stood waiting the Lord appeared in a pillar of cloud—in the tented doorway. I can imagine my body trembling in His presence. Did they feel the same? What did Joshua expect the Lord to say? Maybe something like, you’ll be a great leader. The people will follow what I tell you, and they will build a great nation in the promised land. The land Israel had pursued for forty years.  

Instead—they heard the Lord speak of Moses’s death and that Israel would arise and play the harlot with strange gods. Israel would forsake Him and break covenant with Him. This meeting and transferring of leadership sounded less and less like Joshua being commissioned to lead God’s people into the bountiful land chosen by the Creator for His special beloved people. Yet the Lord saw ahead, past their spurning His provision, love, and agreements. Past their unfaithfulness and greed. Moses was told to write a song that would be remembered by the children of Israel as a testimony against them.2 And a long song it was.

Finally, Joshua, the son of Num, is told encouragements that we and probably he had hoped for. Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.3 Those last five words enriched his spirit for what would come! Receiving God’s promise would not be easy. If Joshua hadn’t been of excellent spirit, I’m sure he would have escaped through the tent’s rear flap. Away from the awful disappointments, pain, and betrayal revealed to him about the people he’d lead into the promised land.

Maybe you’ve been working hard for the Lord, for those you love. You’ve been waiting for the clouds to break and shed some light. Perhaps the weight of expectation vs. experience is colliding and teasing you to go the easier path. I used to think that God’s plan brought ease and obvious blessings as I journeyed. Taking God’s promised land was not an arrival of a finished destination for Israel, but a new beginning. One paved with trials because of their own desires for the gift and not the Giver. We do suffer for the faults and failures of others, but the good news is—we don’t travel the path in our own strength. It is the Lord your God who will cross ahead of you; He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Deuteronomy 31:8

Funny, we may think that we need to be the heavy-lifters in our God-given journey. But scripture doesn’t agree! Time and time again, the Lord clears the way before us so that we may boldly follow with amazement as His power, love, and ability to accomplish His promises prove true each time!  May we ask Him for the desire to desire Him more fully in our lives. What a blessing to glorify His name! 
 
1 Deuteronomy 32:51
2 Song of Moses, Deuteronomy 32:1 -43
3 Commissioning of Joshua, Deuteronomy 31:23

What path will you choose?   

A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
​Proverbs 29:23

Pride. Pride can be a sneaky gremlin working mayhem in circumstances and perceptions about our Christian journey. Everything and everyone affects how we grow in the knowledge of the Lord on High. Is He the frighteningly righteous King of Kings, High Priest, or soothing Everlasting Father? And our reactions to calamity are not always predictable. Can you imagine Satan quivering with anticipation, watching intently to observe how his interference and chaos will turn the would-be follower? Or even the seasoned prayer warrior who has been allowed enough success—without much opposition—so that he or she can trip over a bit of pride?
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Why did I mention a mogwai (gremlin)—an evil creature from a movie I’d seen in the 1980s. That creature multiplied—bringing havoc and destruction—in nightmarish speed. Sometimes, distractions or limited understanding can look cute and acceptable, like that pet mogwai. We don’t know the cost of embracing minimal focus and relationship with the Lord, so we ride on fluff. Like I rode on fluff. When I’d started following Jesus, someone complimented me, “You could be a pastor’s wife.” I agreed. Now I laugh. Being a pastor or pastor’s wife is not for the faint of heart.

Joseph’s story from Genesis shows the enduring loyalty and trust needed to purge pride from making its disastrous mark on God-given purpose. Joseph didn’t know why or how long he would have to endure prison. This was a day after day, tough—mundane existence, and Joseph didn’t crumble under its monotony. When God opened that restraining door, He did so quickly and richly rewarded Joseph’s patience. Such trying times benefited him and made Joseph a man of God. He became wise and powerful because Joseph relied on the Lord—his obedience allowed remarkable accomplishments, that saved countless lives. Joseph embraced this amazing perception concerning his brothers’ betrayal, “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”    

Will you and I see such amazing results happen when we’re faithful to our Savior? If we are patient under fire? Maybe and maybe not. In one of Hannah Whitehall Smith’s books, she shares a similar thought—If God made you a potato, He made you a potato, and you should rejoice in that. I delight in the times that I followed His lead cheerfully and patiently. My regrets are the whining and pleading for change. I know more fully than ever that, We are the clay, and Thou our potter; And all of us are the work of Thy hand. Isaiah 64:8b Our Lord’s results fly in the face of Satan’s pride and deceit, bringing prosperity of spirit and grace to those of even humble circumstances as their eyes are fixed on the Door. Abba Father our Living Water and King of Kings.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness”. . . Therefore, I am well content with weakness, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10

​I was recently asked this question: Have you ever read through the Bible? I was able to answer, “Yes!” I know for sure that I’ve read through all the way once or twice. Generally speaking, I read and/or listen to scriptures daily. Sometimes full chapters as I play “the WORD of PROMISE, OLD TESTAMENT Audio NKJV Bible while I accomplish the mundane chores of a housewife. I’ve not been great about listening to the Word in order all the way through—year by year. But guess who in our American history achieved this feat—not just one year but year after year—several of our Founding Fathers. (Some who have been falsely accused of being Deist.) Hmmm, something to think about there!

My challenge to you and me: Let's read the scriptures and consider their importance for our everyday relationship with the King of Kings, the Author of our Faith! We have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Are you up for the challenge?

I’m following this scripture listing found on Calvary Chapel’s webpage:  https://ccmanitowoc.org/daily-bible-readings/.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving. And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name.   Psalms 100:4
 
Step spritely into the new day dawning. Bumpy country roads, sleek highways, valleys, and mountains topped with snowcaps await your awe.  How Father God delighted in creating every crevice and sculptured rock formation, as well as hot sandy deserts, brush-stroked with copious color schemes reflecting off each unique terrain.
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Oceans surge with power and life, reflecting its mood with each twist and turn of the weather or spin of the moon. Such stunning sights take our breath away, cause us to stand on tiptoe, and gasp at the immense sheer wonder of His creation. The measure of our fascination and appreciation cannot comprehend His colossal thrill over…our smile…
His ecstasy is not dampened by our limitations for God is JOY, LOVE, and PEACE in the extreme! He experiences the highest, most delightful, undiluted, and uncontaminated thrills over our praise and attention.

We offer so little. Father God bestows so much. Audaciously allow yourself to nearly burst with heart-pounding gratitude for all He has done. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of light consists in goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.  Ephesians 5:10
Do enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, give thanks to Him and praise His name. Sure, we cannot imagine the thrill He experiences, but isn’t it wonderful to
 
TRY . . .

Re-posted from a different blog I wrote in 2012

​Blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:12


Does anything else really matter compared to the astonishing presence of our Lord? All the upsets, the judgments, the hurry and flurry we experience each day because stressed out or broken individuals seem to influence our moods. Maybe even our choices.

So why do we permit interruptions and demands to hold precedence over our thoughts? Instead, why don't we allow ourselves to enjoy His company?

King David said in Psalms 84:10, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." Oh yes—at least that, but I genuinely want to be closer to His side. I want to experience Him. The joy of His fellowship and that holy twinkle in His eyes reflecting the sincere love He offers to His own.

Oh, to know when He is pleased or moved by compassion.

To hear His whisper or the roar of His command, which trump all competing sounds--that is the wonder my heart seeks. Father God's words are His love song, and he plays the perfect melody tuned to melt my heart.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

One does not arrive in the place where His whisper redirects decisions, alters negative thoughts into life-giving encouragement, or prevents disasters unless their attention belongs to the song that He sings. This relationship costs something. The price is laying aside entertainment, busyness, or maybe a meal. Then one has to quiet their mind. We don't have to perch on high craggy mountainsides. Nor do we have to hide in the deepest space we can find in a cave. We only need quiet moments when we can abide in His presence to worship Him in our hearts. To know Him is to trust Him. Will you spend some time and learn how to believe in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords today?

Blessed is the man who trusts in you! Psalms 84:12

I wrote this for our Pens of Praise meeting in May of 2013.

​Strange title—yes, I agree. Can we even imagine doing so? And yet, I believe that we do toss tomatoes in our Savior’s direction, more often than we realize. You may wonder how I could write such insulting dribble. Let’s investigate the possibility that this could be a true statement. If we envision ourselves aiming tomatoes at Jesus—and how absurd that is—maybe we can prevent more of the same.
 
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11 NAS
 
When situations arise, our reaction requires a Christ-like response. (In reality, if we are Christ-followers, we always need to offer a Christ-like attitude, but that need not be said. Right?) The challenge begins when we reason that no one understands how hard and painful and trying this experience feels—thinking that way may not work out for our best interest. Or benefit others. When considering how impossible this person or group of people are, and mixing present and past hurts—well that may hamper the best blessings from gracing our lives. Making the trial rather valueless, at best.
 
Experience can be a terrific teacher—if one submits to their relationship with the Father. Forgiveness matters—very much—and how good it is for us to inspect just what we are holding on to. Baggage? A rock? An open hand of friendship, or a tomato? The choice is ours. Remember, blessings multiply on all who’s will is bent to receive, when focused on His direction, correction, and joyful overcoming!
 
Abide in Me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 NAS

So, when we pass that incorrigible teen with manners that rate in the negative, or an entitled person who feels they are royalty and you are…swamp scum, what will it be? 
 
So, when we pass that incorrigible teen with manners that rate in the negative, or an entitled person who feels they are royalty and you are…swamp scum, what will it be? Shall we cave in to the first reaction that rears up and wants power over our attention? And theirs, no matter how negative? Or shall we leave vengeance and the lesser-degree disciplines in the capable hands of the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR our Immanuel? I’m not saying that justice should be erased, I’m referring to petty slights, rejections, or verbal attacks which have the power to pull us into darkness and isolation by the weight of unforgiveness.  I know, it can be tough for a second, a week, or unfortunately longer…but lack of sleep, high blood pressure, and anxiety really don’t equate to time on the beach. The pure action of releasing one’s grip on ugly thoughts and attitudes releases the fragrant beauty of Heaven on earth. Really tough choice? It’s okay, put down the tomatoes and take hold of the hand of our blessed Savior . . . and abide ASAP!  
 
Precious Jesus, thank you for paying for all of our sins by your death on the cross. Help us to remember it wasn’t just our sins you forgave and that to disregard your payment for our offender’s sins would be like tossing tomatoes at your precious sacrifice. May your peace and grace abound in and through us—even to those who offend us. Amen.

​My heart is overflowing with a good theme; recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1 

It has been said that to copy someone is the highest form of a compliment. By this, I believe, such attentiveness can show how much we esteem and venerate those we mimic. But sometimes we just miss the mark, get off track, and don’t copy well enough.
 We are so much like God, our Creator, in our desire to spin out fabulous art and story. We were created in His image; but sometimes we copy what He expresses with a different emphasis in mind. 

Fairy Tales, for instance, the few I’ve read, mimic the royalty and abundant, limitless riches many of us long for. These stories provide the impression that the damsel in distress is beautiful, thus more worthy to be loved than the rest of those living in fairy tale land. The prince views the incredible beauty of Thumbelina or Sleeping Beauty or Cinderwench, {known as Cinderella.} and the prince is head-over-heels in LOVE with ‘her’ before their first conversation begins. Thumbelina even garners a marriage proposal from the King at their first meeting.

Thankfully, those tales gave the heroines pleasant personalities to match their uncommon beauty. I can’t get past thinking about the dirt caked under Cinderwench’s nails, calluses on her hands….But what about the rest of us? Where is my fairy godmother? Where is yours? Those lacking in a perfect completion, body shape, or favor…none of which we can be given any credit for or create—we can only alter a tad here or there and enhance by proper grooming. Fairy Tales spark that awe in us and lead us right off track into carnal land. A land where those riches or favors are not obtainable, except for a few. These stories are not feasible or realistic. But the good news is that we have the call, inspiration, and the reality to write Holy Tales. Those can inspire and make known the actual limitless love, forgiveness, grace, protection—I believe that you know I’m referring to all the truths and qualities that relate others to our God.

Instead of locking insecurity and impossibilities inside our children’s minds with their early introduction to story, why don’t we inspire the realization of the achievable excellence of growing in His grace, truth, and relationship? The reward for being the person He destined us to be is real. He will watch over His word to perform it concerning us.  In God’s eyes, everyone is essential. We are loved and venerated by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! We are made in His image! Don’t settle for stories focused on carnal pleasures and unfulfilled dreams. We need only to fall in love with Him and follow His lead. The world looks for something tangible, materialistic, with strut-quality and don’t forget instant gratification. Selfishness, greed, feeling entitled without working on a relationship with God or surrendering to Him seems to rule the day. Only when He rules our hearts will we know pure and lasting joy.

Are you willing to position your pen in the direction of Holy Tales to inspire young minds to follow Him into their true, obtainable HAPPY EVER AFTER? Take up your pen and dance on that page!

This is an edited re-post of a blog I wrote years ago! 

12 STONES
Imagine! Something new and exciting was about to happen for the Lord’s people. They were at the cusp of their conquest of Canaan—their promised land, the land flowing with milk and honey. But the officers of the Israel’s camp brought a surprising command to the people. Once the Levitical priests bearing the arc of the covenant of the Lord their God began to move, they were to follow, though at a safe distance of 2,000 cubits. Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves for the Lord would do wonders among them!
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Their great numbers, camped next to the Jordan’s swollen banks, were to cross those rushing waters. Can you put yourself in their shoes? Can you hear the rushing waters, see the overflow of the banks, and realize this is an impossible task for anyone wishing to cross in their own strength?

That next day, as soon as the priests put their obedient feet in the water, the Lord of all the earth rested in the water. Jordan river backed up in a heap all the way back to the city called Adam. Israel crossed over on dry ground, much like when Israel crossed the Red Sea. God’s miraculous timing showed that at the obedience of the priests, this powerful, living God parted the rushing harvest-time waters so wide that the people could cross with their great numbers and possessions. Joshua declared the words of the Lord their God. “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and He will assuredly dispossess from before you. . .”  God had a plan and he wanted Israel in the promised land He’d chosen for them.

Twelve men chosen from the twelve tribes of Israel took up twelve stones from where the priests stood firm in the midst of the Jordan. They obediently followed Joshua’s order to carry the stones on their shoulders to the place where they lodged. When everything was finished that the Lord commanded then Joshua told the priests to come up out of the Jordan. As soon as the priests stepped on dry ground the waters fell into place and overflowed the banks as before.

Joshua set up these stones in Gilgal as a memorial to the children of Israel forever. Forever for all the people of the earth to know that He had dried up the waters of the Jordan for Israel to cross, because the hand of the Lord is mighty and for us to fear (revere, respect, hold in esteem)  the Lord God Forever!

I taught this lesson for Sunday school and this powerful message gripped me and wouldn’t let go. When I think of the details in chapters three and four of the book of Joshua, I imagine the feelings that I'd experience in that situation. So encumbered by human weakness, I'd see the impossible move out of the way, so that I could move forward into His blessings and promises!

I went to Bible study with friends the next day and found these stones stacked one upon another in a gift and sandwich shop. I felt this could be my memorial to my mighty, loving, and all powerful Father. I’m sure that Joshua placed the twelve tribe’s stones in a much different construction, but no matter—when I look at my stack of river rocks, I remember my Jordans and smile!

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who builds his house on sand. Matthew 7:26

Foundations and cornerstones, their purpose is to supply integrity of strength and stability to a building. All other stones, bricks or materials for construction are set in reference to the cornerstone and depend on a sturdy foundation. Hopefully, the structure is situated on something stronger than sand. Quality building, learning, writing, or relationships begin with attention to the foundation.

Now here is where I get personal. My foundation does depend upon my relationship to the Lord first and foremost. When His presence touches that wounded or jubilant place in my heart, mind, and spirit then the foundation for my relationships or writing or whatever needs my attention is securely set. Out from that safe place of relationship, flows ideas, dreams, and grace that I could not have hoped to imagine before.

It has been said in the book called, Wired For Story by Lisa Cron that our brains are hardwired for story. To quote her, “Story helps us survive not only in the life-and-death physical sense but also in a life-well-lived social sense.” Maybe that is why our Lord spoke in parables. He reached into that place where our minds hunger for truth, for survival, and quality relationships. We desire to know why, how, and when to do something. How do we react or respond? We want to watch or read how a character handles a knotty situation without physically experiencing the trial. I believe we are motivated by story because we want to apply what we learn. Story teaches us to be courageous, clever, and offers us a blueprint for what could possibly work in our own tragedies and difficulties that life tosses our way. We want to be accepted, appreciated, and be smart when it comes to our accomplishments and decisions.

You may have a story or poem burning in your heart today. You may have a true story or memoir, which needs to be written. My advice is to know your characters so well that the story emerges from their situation or pain. I believe that fiction is an important vehicle for tapping into teaching others how to make good choices. Fiction is useful. It’s not just entertainment or fluff. Not if we are responsible about learning how to write those characters and their situations so strongly that the reader will think they are looking into the mirror. I believe if we do listen to Jesus’s words and apply them to our lives habitually, then we will write about those concerns hardwired to the everyday mind. People are searching for reason and purpose.  What is that gut wrenching truth our reader has to know? What is it they anxiously fear? What is imperative to their life socially and spiritually? What can we write that matters for our readers to believe so that they can apply truth to their life? The gauntlet has been tossed to you writer, will you accept the challenge to write about essential, worthy matters that will encourage or provide that blueprint to your readers before they turn off the lights and consider some other dream?

Consider your foundations and please don’t build on sand.

 This is a re-share for I'd written this in March 2013.