"Be still..."

So, it is I've been given direction.

Ps 4.4

1. Stand in awe,
2. sin not:
3. commmune/meditate with your own heart...
4. be still...

The last point is where I will focus.  A wise christian once counseled, "when in doubt don't."  The same applies to "stand still" when awaiting direction or instruction from the leadership of the Holy Ghost.
While in the "still" mode, one should be "standing in awe," or worshiping at all times.  It goes without saying we should practice the art of "sinning less."  At the same time one should be meditating on Him and "whatsoever is good, honest and true." (Phil 4.8)
Being still, as one can see, doesn't mean being idle.
Being still is another way one can magnify and honor our Lord because one is waiting on His perfect will.
Do not get discouraged while in this mode.  He tells us repeatedly to "put our trust" in Him (Ps 4.5).
"Offer the sacrifices of righteousness..." (Ps 4.5).

Spiritual Jews

Bible reading finds us in the book of Esther.  The phrase that catches the eye is this;
"And many of the people of the land 'became Jews;' for the fear of the Jews fell upon them." 

The characters: King Ahaseurus-Vashti-Mordecai-Esther(Hadassa)-Haman

Protagonists-Antagonists-Heroine --- 

The setting: Persia. The Jews are captive in a foreign land.
The main theme (as I see it):  "Many (not all) of the people...became Jews..."

My question is "Why would one want to become one of those despised, persecuted outcasts?"
The scripture states, "...the fear of the Jews fell upon them."

It is obvious, to conclude that the Persians watched, whispered and wondered at the deliverance of an entire race of people.  The Persians knew no other way but to follow the laws of the land without question.  Esther, however, had been trained to obey God first.  In this training, she could obey the laws of the land unless they transgressed the law of God.  So, to take a stand she must go before the King in direct disobedience to the Persian law.
Certainly, there are times in one's life that such an action would be inevitable.  The question is

"what will you do when it comes time to make a stand for your conviction(s)?"

If one follows the Lord's will a greater good will come out of such a hard decision. Although, it is hard to see the outcome when in such a difficult position.

"And many of the people became Jews..."  Why? Testimony!  

 The lesson becomes;

• Are you a salty christian? (Mt 5.13, Mk 9.50)
• Does the world want what you claim? (Mt 10.18, Mk 1.44, 6.11)
• Does the world see Jesus in you?

One other thought strikes this writer about Esther, trust.  Mordecai, seems to be a type of the Holy Ghost.  He stayed very close to this precious young cousin.  He listened, he took action when necessary, he was faithful to her.  So it is with the Holy Ghost, "Paraclete, called along side to help."  One can trust Him.  He is always faithful and true, even when we can't see or feel His presence. He always steps in "right on time!"

Thank you, Lord for the telling of this story.  An encouragement, a help to this Christian.  Amen.  Ps. 57.7

The Watchtower

2 Chr 20.24, 25

Goodness gracious, so much has happened since my last entry.  However, this mornings devotion is found in 2 Chr 20.24, 25; "And Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and behold they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.  (And when Judah) came to take away the spoil...they found...abundance...more than they could carry away..."

Of course, it is understood that one must take this passage in context and consider that the Bible is a dispensational book.  However, the Lord impresses portions of scripture to one's heart in a spiritual and practical way from ancient people's and their actions.

"Watchtower" (H4707, 4708) seems to be the words the Holy Spirit has impressed on this heart.  

• By definition, a "watchtower" is a lookout point. 
• More specifically, from Strong's Concordance of the Hebrew, this word is a "lofty point."  King Jehosophat of Judah used it.  King Asa of Israel used the physical location of this point to "fortify" and guard the frontiers that were against Israel.
• If, one could use "lofty point" as the description, then let us examine what the verses mean to the Christian.

Every Christian, filled with the Holy Ghost, like Caleb of old, desires his/her "mountain."  (Num. 14.24)  No matter how long one must dwell in the wilderness and struggle against all naysayers, trials and temptations.  A true believer, filled with the Holy Ghost, keeps his/her "eyes on the prize."  This believer is convinced that the "mountain" can be obtained on this side of glory.  Much discussion, prayer and heartfelt desire have gone into this truth. 

However, the fight can sometimes seem long and unending.  Much has been preached and taught about never giving up.  So, this writer will not labor that point.  Instead, this authoress would point one to the reward!  Look at the "spoil" noted in this passage.  It was "more than they could carry away!"  This was after they were allowed the view from the "watch tower" of the death of so many enemies from this high and lofty lookout.

To sum up the heart of this writer.  I believe, at this time, I have almost got "my mountain."  I remember seeing a picture in my "suppositional mind" nearly fifteen years ago.  Silly as it may sound, in my mind, at the mention of "real estate," I saw a snow capped peak. This, to my heart, was "my mountain."   For more explanation, you will need to contact me personally.  I'll be happy to share.  The last eleven years have without a doubt been the hardest.  However, when I look back from this lofty point, I begin to see all the "dead bodies" of the enemy in my wake.

• Did I effect any of the path to this lofty point? No. It was all in His purpose and plan for my life.
• Have I fought and kept up with my "comrades in arms" in this fight?  I've tried.  I have indeed stumbled and faltered on this path.  He has walked beside me, ahead of me and taken up the rear, where I could not see, the whole way.
• Would I have chosen this path to get to this "watch tower?"  No, absolutely not! It has been wisely said that "the kindest thing God ever did for us is pull a curtain over tomorrow."  If I could have seen any of what lay between me and this lofty point, I'm not sure if I would have ever started.
• Would I change the "way that I take" to know more of Him, to be tried in the refiner's fire, to be in His perfect will?  No! 

Grace, as I know it today, has come with a price.  This heart needs more of Him in love, trust and faith.  However, I can honestly say that, at the moment, this heart does not struggle so as in the beginning of this journey.  I have learned His ways are higher and better.  I have learned He already had a plan in mind all the time.  I have learned, He loves me as a Father loves His children.

Dear reader, if you persevere, you will get to your mountain.  You will get to this "lofty place."  You will know His love, unequaled, unending and unyielding. He will never let you go.  Will you let go of Him?  He has promised these things to His own and in Him there is "no shadow of turning."  It is up to you, how much of Him do you desire?  In a word, it has been stated, "let go and let God."

Dearest believer, stay prayed up, repented up and studied up.  "It will be worth every mile of the trip."
God bless you as He illuminates your hearts to the truths presented in this humble discourse.
Amen.

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY to my sweet Rachel!!!

This morning, devotion led me to Eph. 1.6 and this phrase;
"To the praise of the glory of His grace..."

Very simply, What should one praise of Him?
"...the glory of HIS grace (that has made) us 'accepted in the beloved.'"

Because of HIS grace, I AM ACCEPTED, of HIM!!!  Magnificent, wonderful, to high for mortal comprehension, thought!  Once again, to restate the obvious.  It is all because of HIS grace, we can enter in!

Amen - Ps. 57.7

Stay Faithful in 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  and this is what was given into my heart on this year's first devotion...

NEW YEAR adjectives for the Christian:

• faithful
• honest
• hard-working
• "doer"

2 Kings 22.7
..there was no reckoning made with them (i.e., the "doers of the work" 22.5) of the money that was delivered into their hand, BECAUSE THEY DEALT FAITHFULLY."

The "doers of the work"  (22.6) were; "carpenters, builders and masons."  That is, hard working men.
Lord, would that this first day of 2015 be the first day of all, including this writer, who would be found "hard-working and faithful" in Thy "work."

As it turns out, Lord willing before the day is done, we will spend time with such folks noted above.  Folks of like "kindred-spirit" who love the Lord and are hard-working and faithful in His service.
Also, this writer can't help but note that this "50th year of her jubilee," which will end midsummer, has seen wonderful, potential additions to the family that is yet to be.

Blessed fellowship with my Lord and His people are one of life's greatest joys.  Thank you, Lord.  Truly;
 ^"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  (Lam 3.22, 23)