7 But
the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they
multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with
them. Exodus 1:7 ESV
12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. Exodus 1:12 ESV
Two verses. Same chapter. Same nation- Israel. Same era- living in Egypt. Same outcome- different circumstances.
After Joseph passed away in Egypt, the writer of Exodus reports that the Israelite people "multiplied and grew exceedingly strong." Things appeared to have been good for the Israelites. There is no mention of any conflict with or oppression by the Egyptian government. No doubt Joseph was still remembered, and perhaps, revered by many as having been the savior during the seven year famine. (Genesis 41)
However only 5 verses later, the situation takes a dramatic turn for the worse. "A new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph" (Exodus 1:8) came to power. Not a good turn of events. The new king said, "let us deal shrewdly with them. . .” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens." (Exodus 1:10,11 ESV)
In both instances we see God bless His chosen people. The nation of Israel grew stronger. But God allowed that growth in two very different circumstances. There is no record of the Israelites having strayed from their faith. No mention of their slip in to idolatry that created the need for punishment or discipline. The situation just changed according to God's plan.
It is easy when times get rough to withdraw, to pull back and hope/pray the season will pass. But in Exodus we see that God's people continue to grow. His elect prospered (at least in size) during the time of oppression. In fact, it appears the oppression was a stimulus for growth. More oppression led to more growth. (verse 12)
I am sure that there were those who questioned God's plan. Why? What did we do wrong? But history tells us that this time of persecution was necessary to fulfill God's plan. Without the oppression, no edict to kill the male babies. No edict meant no Moses in the bulrushes. The chain of events is clear right up to the release of the Israelite people where they "plundered the Egyptians." (Exodus 12:36 ESV)
Republicans/Democrats in power = growth. Good boss/horrible boss = growth. Healthy/cancer = growth. God will work His plan in your life through many situations. Your obedience is all that is needed, regardless of the external.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Look Up November 23, 2015
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Psalm 123:1 ESV
Each morning I take Roxie for a walk. Many times the sky is still dark, or the morning sun just beginning to rise. All too often I view these walks as a chore. Something to just get through. However, on the mornings I remind myself to look up, I see the vastness of the stars or the beauty of the sunrise. It is during these times I am reminded of the power and greatness of our Lord and Savior.
Looking down, I see the finite. Looking up I see Eternity.
Looking down, I see decay. Looking up I see Perfection.
Looking down, I see struggle. Looking up I see Peace.
Looking down, I am weary. Looking up I see Strength.
Looking down, I see confusion. Looking up I see Clarity.
I have also come to realize that these times of "looking up" do not have to be outside. I don't even have to move my head or eyes to look up. It is as much a presence of mind, an attitude as it is a physical act. My spirit should always cast its gaze toward heaven.
If my eyes, heart, and mind are cast upward, there will I see the face of my Father. It is there I find peace and rest. Solutions and resolution. Guidance and clarity.
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Psalm 123:1 ESV
Each morning I take Roxie for a walk. Many times the sky is still dark, or the morning sun just beginning to rise. All too often I view these walks as a chore. Something to just get through. However, on the mornings I remind myself to look up, I see the vastness of the stars or the beauty of the sunrise. It is during these times I am reminded of the power and greatness of our Lord and Savior.
Looking down, I see the finite. Looking up I see Eternity.
Looking down, I see decay. Looking up I see Perfection.
Looking down, I see struggle. Looking up I see Peace.
Looking down, I am weary. Looking up I see Strength.
Looking down, I see confusion. Looking up I see Clarity.
I have also come to realize that these times of "looking up" do not have to be outside. I don't even have to move my head or eyes to look up. It is as much a presence of mind, an attitude as it is a physical act. My spirit should always cast its gaze toward heaven.
If my eyes, heart, and mind are cast upward, there will I see the face of my Father. It is there I find peace and rest. Solutions and resolution. Guidance and clarity.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Is there a Ram? November 17, 2015
15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Much has been written about this episode from Abraham's life. God instructed Abraham “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Genesis 22:2 ESV) Yet God had previously promised Abraham a great nation would arise through Isaac and "through Isaac shall your offspring be named." (Genesis 21:12 ESV)
We all have an Isaac. Something in our lives that we hold near and dear that perhaps God will ask us to give up for Him. My Isaac is my career as an elementary principal. For years that has defined me. Former students see me on the street and the greeting is, "Mr. Martin." Parents of current and former students offer the same greeting, "Mr. Martin." 7 a.m.-6 p.m. most days. Weekend time devoted to professional reading. Evenings spent at extracurricular events. Hugs from kids. Questions from teachers. Concerns from parents. For the past 30 years pubic school has been my career, my life, my Isaac.
Now I am in a season where God may be asking me to place my personal Isaac on the alter of retirement. I struggle with how to determine between the voice of God and my own worldly weariness. How do I know, that I know, that I know when God is speaking on life-changing, can't-be-undone types of decisions? Are my thought of retirement sparked by Kristi's imminent retirement or by that Still Small Voice? It is the difficult year driving these thoughts or the Holy Spirit?
I have said that I won't retire "from" administration, but will retire "to" something else. Right now that something else is not there. But when Isaac raised that knife, there was not a replacement sacrifice available. It was not until Isaac was on almost at the point of no return did God reveal the His full plan which did not involved the sacrifice of Isaac.
There are times we are instructed to step out more in faith than others. In certain situations God's whole plan for a situation may be revealed. Other times until step one is taken, step two won't be revealed. I am at a crossroads where if I take step one, I cannot untake that step and the repercussions will be long-reaching. How to I know when it is time to place "Isaac" on the alter realizing there may not be a ram in a thicket?
Much has been written about this episode from Abraham's life. God instructed Abraham “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” (Genesis 22:2 ESV) Yet God had previously promised Abraham a great nation would arise through Isaac and "through Isaac shall your offspring be named." (Genesis 21:12 ESV)
We all have an Isaac. Something in our lives that we hold near and dear that perhaps God will ask us to give up for Him. My Isaac is my career as an elementary principal. For years that has defined me. Former students see me on the street and the greeting is, "Mr. Martin." Parents of current and former students offer the same greeting, "Mr. Martin." 7 a.m.-6 p.m. most days. Weekend time devoted to professional reading. Evenings spent at extracurricular events. Hugs from kids. Questions from teachers. Concerns from parents. For the past 30 years pubic school has been my career, my life, my Isaac.
Now I am in a season where God may be asking me to place my personal Isaac on the alter of retirement. I struggle with how to determine between the voice of God and my own worldly weariness. How do I know, that I know, that I know when God is speaking on life-changing, can't-be-undone types of decisions? Are my thought of retirement sparked by Kristi's imminent retirement or by that Still Small Voice? It is the difficult year driving these thoughts or the Holy Spirit?
I have said that I won't retire "from" administration, but will retire "to" something else. Right now that something else is not there. But when Isaac raised that knife, there was not a replacement sacrifice available. It was not until Isaac was on almost at the point of no return did God reveal the His full plan which did not involved the sacrifice of Isaac.
There are times we are instructed to step out more in faith than others. In certain situations God's whole plan for a situation may be revealed. Other times until step one is taken, step two won't be revealed. I am at a crossroads where if I take step one, I cannot untake that step and the repercussions will be long-reaching. How to I know when it is time to place "Isaac" on the alter realizing there may not be a ram in a thicket?
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Don't Know You Don't Know November 12, 2015
What idea have you of the salvation of your soul? The experience
of salvation means that in your actual life things are really altered,
you no longer look at things as you used to; your desires are new, old
things have lost their power. One of the touchstones of experience is —
Has God altered the thing that matters? If you still hanker after the
old things, it is absurd to talk about being born from above, you are
juggling with yourself. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes
the alteration manifest in your actual life and reasoning, and when the
crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful
difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul.
What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I have to shuffle? The salvation that is worked out in me by the Holy Ghost emancipates me entirely, and as long as I walk in the light as God is in the light, He sees nothing to censure because His life is working out in every particular, not to my consciousness, but deeper than my consciousness.
Oswald Chambers
On November 9 I referenced Romans 8:26 where we are reminded that even when we don't know "what to pray for as we ought" the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with God the Father. Chambers last sentence in today's excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, caused me to think about another working of the Holy Spirit.
God is working in all areas of my life. My speech, my actions, my thoughts, but Chambers His workings in my life even transcend my level of consciousness. He is working to conform things in my life of which I am unaware. Actions that offend of which I am unaware. Attitudes I may not know I possess. The very core of my being is up for transformation.
The realization of this should radically affect one's pray life. So much of my prayer life is based on what I see, hear, or know. This person for healing. That missionary for strength. Some improvement in this area. But do I dare ask God to reveal to me those things which are hidden? Do I have the faith and humility to beg God to reveal those dark, filthy corners of my heart which my conscious mind has kept hidden?
Our Heavenly Father already knows those areas. Why not join Him in that knowledge and allow Him to recast those areas also.
What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I have to shuffle? The salvation that is worked out in me by the Holy Ghost emancipates me entirely, and as long as I walk in the light as God is in the light, He sees nothing to censure because His life is working out in every particular, not to my consciousness, but deeper than my consciousness.
Oswald Chambers
On November 9 I referenced Romans 8:26 where we are reminded that even when we don't know "what to pray for as we ought" the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with God the Father. Chambers last sentence in today's excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest, caused me to think about another working of the Holy Spirit.
God is working in all areas of my life. My speech, my actions, my thoughts, but Chambers His workings in my life even transcend my level of consciousness. He is working to conform things in my life of which I am unaware. Actions that offend of which I am unaware. Attitudes I may not know I possess. The very core of my being is up for transformation.
The realization of this should radically affect one's pray life. So much of my prayer life is based on what I see, hear, or know. This person for healing. That missionary for strength. Some improvement in this area. But do I dare ask God to reveal to me those things which are hidden? Do I have the faith and humility to beg God to reveal those dark, filthy corners of my heart which my conscious mind has kept hidden?
Our Heavenly Father already knows those areas. Why not join Him in that knowledge and allow Him to recast those areas also.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
It Does Matter November 11, 2015
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6 ESV
The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25 ESV
As Christians we are oft told that we are to strive to please God first, even if that means others may disagree, despise, or defame us. Stand for godly principles. Ignore the naysayers. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 ESV) If our faith is measured by these standards, then my faith will be found lacking.
Two days ago at work I had a minor, but obvious disagreement with one of my slight superiors. Not that the person is slight, but their authority over me is marginal, but they do report directly to one of the bigger fish in the SPS pond. After some self-reflection, I realized my response to the discussion had not been as measured as it should have been. I sent her an email apology with an explanation of why my response had not been quite as professional as I had hoped. This was mid morning.
Noon. . . no response.
Midafternoon. . . no response.
After school. . . no response.
Evening. . . no response.
Sitting in my in-box the next morning was a gracious reply which stated that she had not taken anything out of context, no damage was done to the working relationship, and that the discussion we had was about some of the very issues being worked out at other buildings in the district. Then and only then was I able to let go of the feelings of unease over the incident. So what does that have to do with faith?
1. We will make mistakes in dealing with other people. We will be short with people. Argumentative. Disagreeable.
2. Scripture tells us that if anyone has anything against us, it is our duty to reach out to that person and "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18 ESV)
3. As children of God, we are admonished to follow His dictates as laid out in scripture. At that point, it is in God's hands.
I had done this. I goofed. I took the appropriate steps to rectify and reconcile. Had my faith been grounded in the verses from Psalm and Proverbs, I would have not worried about a response, checked email less frequently, and slept soundly. But that was not the case.
I would be a liar if I said that only God's opinion mattered to me. It is embarrassing to admit that the opinion of others do matter to me, in fact perhaps more than God's at times. I do think there are areas of my life where I strive to go against the current of society, but not to the extent I am looked at as odd or different in a "bad" way. What coworkers, bosses, and friends think of my does matter.
Can their opinion affect my eternal standing with God? No. Can their opinion destroy my sonship with my Heavenly Father? No. If I am obedient to God's plan for my life, why then should it matter what John, Michael, or Susan thinks? Because I am human, my faith is weak, and, as the bumper sticker says,
What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6 ESV
The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25 ESV
As Christians we are oft told that we are to strive to please God first, even if that means others may disagree, despise, or defame us. Stand for godly principles. Ignore the naysayers. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 ESV) If our faith is measured by these standards, then my faith will be found lacking.
Two days ago at work I had a minor, but obvious disagreement with one of my slight superiors. Not that the person is slight, but their authority over me is marginal, but they do report directly to one of the bigger fish in the SPS pond. After some self-reflection, I realized my response to the discussion had not been as measured as it should have been. I sent her an email apology with an explanation of why my response had not been quite as professional as I had hoped. This was mid morning.
Noon. . . no response.
Midafternoon. . . no response.
After school. . . no response.
Evening. . . no response.
Sitting in my in-box the next morning was a gracious reply which stated that she had not taken anything out of context, no damage was done to the working relationship, and that the discussion we had was about some of the very issues being worked out at other buildings in the district. Then and only then was I able to let go of the feelings of unease over the incident. So what does that have to do with faith?
1. We will make mistakes in dealing with other people. We will be short with people. Argumentative. Disagreeable.
2. Scripture tells us that if anyone has anything against us, it is our duty to reach out to that person and "if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18 ESV)
3. As children of God, we are admonished to follow His dictates as laid out in scripture. At that point, it is in God's hands.
I had done this. I goofed. I took the appropriate steps to rectify and reconcile. Had my faith been grounded in the verses from Psalm and Proverbs, I would have not worried about a response, checked email less frequently, and slept soundly. But that was not the case.
I would be a liar if I said that only God's opinion mattered to me. It is embarrassing to admit that the opinion of others do matter to me, in fact perhaps more than God's at times. I do think there are areas of my life where I strive to go against the current of society, but not to the extent I am looked at as odd or different in a "bad" way. What coworkers, bosses, and friends think of my does matter.
Can their opinion affect my eternal standing with God? No. Can their opinion destroy my sonship with my Heavenly Father? No. If I am obedient to God's plan for my life, why then should it matter what John, Michael, or Susan thinks? Because I am human, my faith is weak, and, as the bumper sticker says,
Monday, November 9, 2015
Shakespeare Not Required November 9, 2015
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 ESV
I have been away to long, Lord. For these past several months, I have been on the outskirts of time with you. Fleeting prayers. Short quiet times. A nod here or there to spiritual growth. Just like an awkward meeting between two estranged friends, this morning's time has been hesitant, clumsy. Prayers halting, unsure.
Luckily in eternity past, God had prepared for just such moment. I don't have to have the words or phrases to reengage my Savior. Chambersesque language is not required to call on my Father. In fact, the verse from Romans reminds us that the Spirit is there for these exact times. The Holy Spirit will intercede for me. He will lift up my cares, my insecurities, my fears.
My duty is obedience in making myself available with a sincere, humble spirit. No ESPN. No Yahoo news. Just a quiet corner, a bowed head, and an open heart.
I have been away to long, Lord. For these past several months, I have been on the outskirts of time with you. Fleeting prayers. Short quiet times. A nod here or there to spiritual growth. Just like an awkward meeting between two estranged friends, this morning's time has been hesitant, clumsy. Prayers halting, unsure.
Luckily in eternity past, God had prepared for just such moment. I don't have to have the words or phrases to reengage my Savior. Chambersesque language is not required to call on my Father. In fact, the verse from Romans reminds us that the Spirit is there for these exact times. The Holy Spirit will intercede for me. He will lift up my cares, my insecurities, my fears.
My duty is obedience in making myself available with a sincere, humble spirit. No ESPN. No Yahoo news. Just a quiet corner, a bowed head, and an open heart.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
It is a Big Deal November 4, 2015
listen to my prayer:
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against my enemy.
Psalm 61:1-3 ESV
I have never known hunger. I have never know fear. I have never known persecution. I have never known poverty. So why should passages such as Psalm 61:1-3 resonate with me? How dare I even align myself with so many of the Psalms where David is crying out to the LORD for strength, protection, and salvation. But Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." So it must be okay for me to claim and cling to the refuge Psalms.
Many millions of Americans have never been hungry, homeless, or harassed. No guns to our heads or bombs in our streets. Our only view of prison is what we see on "America's Most Wanted". We have never lost a child to cancer or a spouse to a car accident. Yet we still have our spiritual battles, our inner conflict that can be just as real as external struggles and dangers.
Awake at 3 a.m. worrying over a decision made at work. Trying to relax on a long weekend only to be tormented by financial concerns. Yes, these are small, even laughable worries when compared to the beheadings in the Middle East, the imprisonment of political dissents in China, or the anguish felt by parents who have just learned their child's illness is terminal. But God's peace and protection for His children is not for only those "big" situations.
ANYTHING that robs us of our peace should be taken to God in prayer. That thought, that situation, that event which causes us to toss and turn is designed to turn us to God. It doesn't have to be life-threatening, career-ending, or fiscally-crippling. When our peace is disrupted- go to God. When sleep is elusive- pray. When the stomach is churning- read Scripture.
He is there for scraped knees as well as triple by-pass. His peace extends to any situation whether self-inflicted or outside of our control. We should not ever hesitate to cry out to our Father. He is never too busy with world events or catastrophic happenings to take the time to dry our tears and hold us in His arms.
I was reminded of this fact last week at school. A kindergarten student was upset and crying over having left her backpack in the car that morning. After ascertaining that there was no homework, lunchbox, or other necessary item in the backpack, I was able to reassure the student that she would survive the day without the blue, Frozen-themed backpack. As I reflected on the event, it occurred to me that while leaving an empty back in the car would seem inconsequential to most, to that child at that moment on that day, it was a big deal. She needed some extra time, reassurance, and attention before she could start her school day.
God is there for us whether we leave our empty backpack in the car or have to spend yet another night in a hospital waiting room. He has the time. He has the compassion. He has the love.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 ESV
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)