Temporary Home Page 23

‘Temporary Home’ is a beautiful song by Carrie Underwood with a fundamental meaning in my life.   Before I‘d ever heard one note of that song a stranger quoted a line from it, to me, at a pivotal point in my life.  He was a customer at our place of business, whom I instantly liked.  We were chatting at the end of his daughter’s birthday party about bigger things than her celebration, believe it or not.  He looked around the store and as he waved his hand he said “these are just windows and rooms we’re passing through”.  His words stopped me in my tracks!  I knew exactly what he meant….and I instantly knew that he was a Christian.  Being the emotional being that I am his words gave me pause, for I knew something he did not; we were about to close our business.  I wept later over his comment, allowing God to comfort me with this stranger’s poetic words.  I knew it was not by accident that he and I spoke that day!  It was as if he was speaking the very words of God!  (I Peter 4: 10-11)

Moving forward about one year….this song again fills my heart with its truth.  Today we picked up the keys to our new home, a rental property that we plan to live in temporarily.  In the car going over to meet the property manager my youngest daughter asked me to turn on that very song.  She didn’t’ know the title but I realized that she meant ‘Temporary Home’.   Was that ironic?  I think not.  I turned on the CD and as the sun flickered through the car windows God’s light flickered in my heart!  That moment instantly brought me to the heavenlies where God whispered these words to me again…. “These are just windows and rooms we're passing through”.  With every word of that sentence God let me know He understood my situation… and He let me know that He was with me! 


I envisioned the home we’re leaving and all it meant to me….and I envisioned the home we’re moving to….and made peace with my temporary dwelling.  Yes, we’re moving again.  To a girl whose parents still live in the same home since before I was born moving is unsettling!  With each move my family has made I feel as if my roots thin out.  Deep connections to the literal ground, where memories and echoes of life can be found, have eluded me here on earth.   The great news is I find immense comfort in the very fact that my home, my belongings, and my very life is temporary!  Scripture says God has built for me an eternal house in heaven, not made by human hands. It also states that I have a homestead in a new country beyond the boundaries of this temporary dwelling. 

My life is under the influence of the Creator of the Universe and because of this… I can see things differently.  God’s hand has worked to provide our new home and powerful prayers have been answered that brought us to this move, so I am tremendously blessed!    I am a vagabond here on earth.  If you are a believer… you are as well!  Let’s not get comfortable in our temporary dwelling for our treasure is found in the heavenlies.  Look skyward;  toward the horizon-for it is there that you will also find your homestead; your permanent and eternal dwelling. 

“If they had been thinking of the country they had left 
they would have had opportunity to return.  
Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. 
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, 
for he has prepared a city for them.”
Hebrews 11: 15-16

“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, 
we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, 
not built by human hands.”
II Corinthians 5: 1

Song Recommendation: 
Temporary Home
by:  Carrie Underwood

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LraOiHUltak

 

9/11 Page 22

September 11^th, 2001.

As a Flight Attendant I remember that day very clearly.  It was a beautiful, blue-sky day in Dallas/Ft Worth.  I was at home with my kids. My husband was getting ready to head to the airport for a business trip.  Then my phone rang.  It was my mother making sure I was NOT flying that day.  In panic she told me to turn on the TV and I starred in shock.  Disbelief and confusion ran through my mind when I saw the footage of something truly inconceivable; airplanes purposely crashing into buildings.   I immediately thought of all the flight attendants I knew and frantically wondered about the actions and bravery of those doomed to work those flights that morning knowing it could have, by fate, been me.

 This day affected everyone….but as an airline employee it was deeply personal.  I was shocked to see those huge airplanes that I fly around on week after week, being flown into buildings.  All I could think about was my fellow crew members.  They were just normal people with husbands, wives, children….and life stories...doing their job one minute and terrorized and gone the next. 

 Unfortunately, one of the flight attendants killed that day happened to be a friend of mine.   Both she and her husband were working the flight that was flown into the Pentagon.  His name was Ken…her name was Jennifer.  Because they seemed inseparable (even in death) they were known as Kennifer.   This could very well be where Hollywood got the concept of blending two famous 1^st names into one. Jennifer and I lived together for 6 weeks during the Fall of 1986 for Flight Attendant  training with American Airlines.   During that time we laughed and even grooved to our 80’s music together, in the early mornings, as we went elbow to elbow putting on our makeup for class.  That fall, the jam of the season was ‘Word Up’!   Jennifer loved that song!  On September 11th of 2001 Jennifer and her husband were killed!

In those first fiery moments of terror all of our lives changed forever.  Americans had to come to terms with the devastating fact that, at this point in time, our country was no longer safe.  As an airline employee I felt that I was no longer safe at work.  My employer graciously offered Leave of Absence.  I took it!  Fear loomed and wasn’t something that could be easily conquered but we pulled together and even drew close to God as a country.  We rolled up our sleeves, flew our flags, did the work and called on our faith. But, time diminished the impact of those planes into those buildings and something that should not lie dormant became quiet.  Our patriotic passion for unity again became second-rate and our need for God lapsed- again. 

With 9/11 memories still vivid in my mind and with a mix of sadness and truth I share the following beliefs:   It is crucially important to remain passionate about our freedoms and about the principles that hold us together as a family and as a nation.  Christian principles used to be the foundation of right and wrong and were indeed the foundation of this country.   Did you know that 11 of the original 13 colonies required that you be a Christian to be elected into office?  Did you know that the Constitution of all 50 states mentions God?  Did you know that The Constitution of the United States of America references scripture from the Bible?  To continue….did you know that out of the 56 men who signed the Constitution, 52 of them were Christians and 27 of them had Seminary degrees! 

 We are indeed a country founded on Christian beliefs which provide us great protections, but we want to move away from this truth because this distance allows us to rule ourselves and feel less guilty about it.  This distance empowers man!   One last intriguing question:  Did you know that history documents that every great empire in the history of the world has fallen- and most from within?  Do you see or sense any correlation to this fact and the direction in which our nation is now going and the “road” upon which we seem to be riding to our own destruction.

To many, to be holy and reverent is a bunch of hullabaloo.  To the critics, Christianity creaks.  It has old-school tendencies and rules that are not pliable enough for society these days.   God has been decisively diminished-for Selfishness is the reigning principle and generally there is not enough room for self and God.  This is actually so biblical it is eerie; however, God can and will rectify this one way or another.  Graciously, God says this.....

“If my people, which are called by my name
will humble themselves and Pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin
and will heal their land.”
2nd Chronicles 7:14

 This was written around 700 BC, so it seems that men throughout the ages have had a tendency to turn from God and into their self-serving, self-destructive ways.  For those of us who sense this danger it is not too late.  We can choose to return to our faith in God and country.   Within the memorandum of Moments of Silence the warning bells are ringing….and we need to remember where our allegiance lies! 

 Just as with the memory of the 9/11 events, the further we move down the time-line away from truth of it- the less the impact it has on our hearts and belief-system.  We need to seek God’s protection by returning to God's truth!

Scripture says:
“I am the way, the truth and the life;
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

As far as our country goes….
Our Pledge of Allegiance says:

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands
one nation, under God, indivisible
with liberty and justice for all.”

Unfortunately, these days we want our way, blended truth and the easy life.  One that doesn’t insist on “one nation, under God, indivisible…”.    Please note that as history and the bible records….a nation that God doesn’t guide doesn’t thrive!   Look around.  Listen to the news.  Study politics and history.  Obviously we need God and over and over God calls us unto Him-yet over and over we ebb and flow-come and go!  We’re inconsistent.  Fickle!  September 11^th, 2001 shows that we want God when we need a savior…or just a hero….but God wants our hearts and minds at all times.  He wants our allegiance.   

Romans 13: 1 says:
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,
 for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
 

Scripture also says in Isaiah 40:23:
“He brings princes to naught
and reduces rulers of this world to nothing.”

We can be sure of what we know and believe….or we can be uninterested and then be easily swayed.   That’s frightening!  Let me encourage you to be sure about this:   God is in control!   He established the working order of our universe, created man himself, provided the 10 Commandments, and as the above scripture states-established and controls governing authorities.  Believe me, something is in control of our universe, something is in control of our lives and even our politics and something controls our destiny!  The question and issue is this…what do you believe? 

History shows that people will give their allegiance to something!  To whom or what have you pledged yours?   To what purposed-end are you propelling your life?  We are all moving forward, the earth is spinning, time is passing, and, as far as I am concerned, scripture will prove to be true.  Truth has to be derived from somewhere!  I’m standing on FAITH that God’s word is that truth-just as it states in John 14:6.

As September 11^th, 2001 proved, the United States needs our allegiance for this is the only way we will remain the home of the free and the brave.  Beyond even this, God requires our allegiance for in the end that will be all that matters. 

“Behold, I am coming soon!  My reward is with me,
 and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.
 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22: 12-13
 

Music Recommendation: 
  The Word is Alive
By Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1ldINcCp00

Personal note: 
  I’m proud to have worked for American Airlines-always have been!
  I’m also honored and blessed to be a Christian- 
living in a nation founded on Christian Principles.

“God Bless America!”

Imagine that! Page 21

“What if the arms that catch you catch you by surprise?”  This is a line from a song.  But some of us have stories that relate to this.   Sometimes, when life is dishing out more than we can bear, the person that throws us a life-line is someone we were surprised to see when we look up.  We can drum up many every-day scenarios; a flat tire, a dead phone, a missed bus, those times when we’re a day late… or a dollar short.  On the other hand, some of us have amazing stories of miraculous situations in which a Good Samaritan literally saved our life.  That person is forever etched in our minds as “our savior”. 

A stranger’s charity can make all the difference!   Christianity is based on this exact premise.  The Bible’s ancient pages are filled with history and revelation on how we can be saved from the age of decay of this world.  Certainly, as a creature with the destiny of death this would be a miracle....a life-saving opportunity….yet some of us don’t realize we need to be saved.  And…for some reason….some of us are too frightened to believe there is a plan of salvation!

 Certainly, as the years go by we realize we’re getting older; our life is moving through time and to the inevitable.  What then?  Do you want to be saved from death…or is living this singular life just fine with you?  Have you pondered what your belief-system is?  What do you know of Christianity?  Of Jesus, Christ?   Is He a stranger to you?  Did your chest tighten when I asked this question because you don’t want to know? 

We could all agree that distancing ourselves from any form of higher power, as some call God, makes life easier.  There is less expectation on us as a person of character, less pressure on us as society and certainly, we don’t need any more pressure!  But as we distance ourselves, we simplify our life to the finite.  Christianity is based on the infinite; on the eternal, on the fact that there is a God.  Not just a god…but the God known as The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end and also known as purely  “I am”.     Does the Holy Bible's description of God intrigue you?

Do you believe in something beyond yourself?  As Christians we believe that we are spiritual beings and that we are created in the image of God, himself. Scripture says in Genesis 1:27 

"So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them."

Some people believe our lives evolved from the image of an ape.   What do you think of that?   Is it worth by-passing the opportunity to know and understand life as our creator wanted us to and as the Bible teaches?  Or do you feel completely comfortable moving forward as is….or simply believing that your life was created by happen-stance and that this earth is all there is-even though it spins in a universe so vast scientists marvel over it….and that there is space beyond our universe that is beyond the scope of our means of measurement to the point that it’s “indescribable”.

 Why do you think there is such vastness beyond mother earth?  Is there any reason? I am not a scientist so I am just speculating, but I believe that eternity needs great vastness to be….and it seems there is plenty of that available beyond our earth and our universe.  Does that pique your interest?

What does your mind and emotions allow you to believe of God?  Do you believe there is one?  Have you pondered the reason you are a rational being with a heart that keeps you alive and also allows you to love, feel, and learn?  Have you pondered why the vessel known for pumping blood through your body is also associated with your feelings and emotions?  If you believe you indeed have a heart that connects your mind to the physical…. And if you have indeed experienced emotions that have allowed your heart to physically pump faster and tears flow from your eyes…then you have linked the spiritual with the physical.   This is unique to man….and is a gift from God…a part of us created in the image of God, himself.    Is that not amazing?  For me, this is living proof of something beyond ourselves.

 Knowing that you have this unique and incredible capability….do you believe your DNA was created out of thin air or perhaps evolution?  Where can you get further information in this regard?   Where did you get yours?  We can look in many places and find useful information to form an answer or two;  The ancient pages of the Bible, the compiled knowledge of Science,  the recorded pages of History, and the study of the properties of Astronomy.  You can do your own research and form your own opinion about this world, your life, and its origin.  Have you? 

Many pages back in this blog I suggested that you view a video entitled Indescribable by Lou Giglio. (VIDEO LINK BELOW). This is one fantastic place to start your investigation into the above matters.   Even if you are not a Christian give it a try.  It contains incredible footage of our universe and will bless you in many ways.    It is an amazing mix of astronomy and, yes, scripture.  Why not get to know what the Holy Bible says about your world.   If you missed the opportunity to see this "Indescribable video" please scroll down and clink on the link to do so.  It’s breath-taking and worth every minute.  You may learn something along the way as well…and this is always a good thing. 

Take time to ponder.  Take time to research and discover new insights into history and ancient scriptures we now call the Bible.  Seek out knowledge of God through scripture-for it is seamless and historic, prophetic and divine, and it gives an account of our origins that is majestic and yet so simple it only requires us to believe…..

“In the beginning God created heaven and earth”. Genesis 1:1
Imagine that for one simple minute!

Notes from the Life Application Study Bible regarding the book of Genesis:
 “The Bible does not discuss the subject of evolution. 
Rather, its worldview assumes that God created the world. 
The Biblical view of creation is not in conflict with science;
 rather, it is in conflict with any worldview that starts without a creator.”

Many Blessings, RvH

Song recommendation-
What If
By:  Nichole Nordeman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUhnoralqVA


Video Recommendation:
Indescribable 
By:  Leo Giglio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMpzZd305C8

A Revelation! Page 20

Have you ever had a revelation-an inspiring thought that brought with it a crystal-clear understanding of something?   One definition of revelation, as used in the context is “A communication of truth to men by God, Himself!”  Another is “The act of revealing divine truth”.  Have you ever had an epiphany?  An epiphany is defined as “A sudden recognition of or insight into the meaning, reality or significance of something”.   That is a mouthful.   In layman’s terms it is Truth revealed suddenly.  Both a revelation and an epiphany are based in truth.  In order to recognize either we must be open to the facts of something….or truth, itself!  In the very least, we must have our hearts open to that pesky truth-revealer called reality. 

Truth cannot be found if our minds are closed to new discoveries.  A closed mind will rarely have an epiphany or revelation.  We can put our heads down and keep our vision narrow….and move through this life as is….but really, how productive or fulfilling is that?  I have a family member who lives this way and it seems so finite.  We can and do veil our minds for many reasons… disappointment that seems un-recoverable, sickness that seems invincible… conflict that seems  intolerable, monotony that seems insufferable….or even fatigue that seems unbearable.  When we find our lives and our hearts looming along these lines it is certainly time for a revelation.  Our hearts need to cry out for it. Our prayers need to insist on it.  Our souls need to expect it.  Our God is capable of delivering it.   

 It seems that a revelation or an epiphany is brought about in our lives for the very reason to inspire change.  Sometimes all change requires of us is a simple little adjustment …but there are times we need a renovation; an over-haul; a transformation.  The creator of this universe specializes in transformations.    He knows when we are in need of huge change…. mentally, emotionally and particularly, spiritually.  A revelation can put us onto the path to restoration and the end result can be transformation.  There are many things that will happen between these three points…. and what this entails is greatly personal for each of us; however, seeking truth is at the heart of this!

An epiphany, or an ah-ha-moment, will sometimes surprise us with hidden truths.  These truths may knock us around a bit.  They may surprise us so much that, for many reasons, we fall to our knees.  Though painful, this is not a bad thing for truth sometimes brings us great relief.  While on our knees let’s allow truth to pour forth.  Grace will meet us in that moment if we are willing to acknowledge the truth of this new-found revelation. 

God says in Hebrews 4: 16:
 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

The best thing about this scripture is that we are being invited to the throne of grace and once there we will find mercy and grace in our time of need.  We are encouraged to approach God’s throne withconfidence.  Where do we find confidence or courage when we’re standing at the throne of the Living God?  Well, let’s back-track a bit.  When we’re standing before a judge in a court of law-we speak the truth.  When we are standing before a preacher or priest on our wedding day, we speak truth.  To follow suit, when we are standing before the throne of the Lord of Lords…let’s speak the truth.  I believe that if and when we find ourselves before the Creator of the Universe, we are there because of conviction and or need…. and we are there to seek the revelation of truth.  In contrast, people standing on misconceptions or inconsistencies do not generally stand in confidence-they waver.  The directive then is to stand in truth and therefore confidence.   God knows the difference.

Scripture also says:
 The Lord longs to be gracious to you.  He rises to show you compassion.
  The Lord is a god of justice.
 Blessed are those who wait on him.”
 Isaiah 30:18

The above scripture tells us that once we’re at the throne of grace we’ll find ourselves standing before a gracious God, no-less.  What an honor that the King of Kings rises from His seat to show us compassion.  Do you remember a time when you were shown compassion?  It brings forth a feeling beyond appreciation and thankfulness.  It reaches the heart of us and fills us with understanding and great relief.  For some of us- to receive compassion is truly a revelation-something that was once beyond our vision and understanding.  It is pure grace; full of honor, favor, mercy, kindness, leniency, something undeserving.   This type of grace can save us….and the Bible tells us that, indeed, it does. 

“But because of his great love for us, 
God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ 
even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2: 4-5

A sudden recognition of the significance of something!  Divine truth-revealed.  God is in the business of revelation.  If your heart does not know this perhaps it’s time to lift your head up from the mundane and expose yourself to the vastness of the horizon.  God can be found there…and it is a beautiful sight.  As proven by our universe that is literally beyond our vision, reality is based in the seen and the unseen.   With this said, there are things not visible to the naked eye that can only be seen with a heart that seeks truth.  Look for it!

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those
whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
II Chronicles 16: 9

Song reference: 
Give Me a Revelation-By:  Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytCt8WrxDj4

Something to Ponder! Page 19

Let’s ponder the truth of this:  God whispers into the Quietness of a Humbled Heart!  To find that quietness let’s pull away from the modern and hectic world we live in and into a visual of a quiet dirt road.....

 Stop and listen to the birds chirping and the wind blowing.  Sense and feel the fog lift and the sun crack through the trees.  In this place we can quiet our souls and purposely center our thoughts…and hear those things in the recesses of our mind that need to be heard.  Let’s walk down this quiet path awhile and center ourselves again.   We need to!

Unfortunately, back in the real world…..

Busyness distracts, recreation attracts and obligations subtract from any free time we might have.  With that said there doesn’t seem to be much opportunity to focus on God’s voice…you know… the one that whispers into the quietness of a humbled heart.  Often we cannot hear God’s voice because of these distractions!  We’re so busy with our agenda’s and listening to the voice of others-their tones and inflections, their meaning and implications, their intentions and expectations that a quiet mind and humbled heart are simply not available.  A quiet mind…forget about it.  A humbled heart…well,  It’s too busy pumping the blood to fuel the body that summons the energy for all that “busyness”. 

In the meantime, while listening to those voices (usually via cell phones) we are multi-tasking…and we are really good at it!   We busy ourselves in this modern world with our going and blowing and the shifting and juggling of our obligations that inevitably we miss out on huge blocks of family-time.  Our homes are empty and dinner is uncooked as we run around with our children and the greatest of intentions.   Instead of enjoying the simplicity of family-life we go and go… we move and groove…forgetting that our loved one’s voices could fill our home and our over-worked hearts with sounds of laughter and love!   The truth of it is our children’s voices are heard from the backseat of our cars and then on fields and in gyms.  Are they ever at home???  Are we?

Home!  Thoughts of it tug at our hearts in endearing ways.  It brings to mind the nostalgic; it centers us on the important ….and it instinctively reminds us of love and family.  Even if we didn’t grow up in a loving home….somehow we just know that home is meant to be synonymous with something stable and enduring.  For each of us, how we live our life is determined by how we live each day.  It compiles.  Are we on the right course long term for ourselves... and for our children?  Are we showing them on daily basis that family-life is important….or are we teaching them that busyness equals success and that happiness and contentment can and should be found in this go-and-blow strategy.  Through all this are they learning to be centered-at peace.

 If you ask me, I don’t think we spend enough time at home these days.  The world is so entertaining and we don’t want to miss out!  The path to success will be blazed with go-getters and we don’t want to be left behind.  This philosophy steals our peace and quiet.  I’m as guilty as the next.  But, when I finally do slow down I realize that by shuttling my children to and fro and by placing them under the tutelage of others…I am missing the opportunity of personally teaching them how to be a confident and successful person.  I need to set aside time to teach them values and principles…not just sports techniques or dance moves.    With all this running around…when do I to have time to teach them anything?  It’s manners on-the-go, food on-the-go, and life- on-the-go!   Yes…let’s enrich our children’s lives with experiences and sports and allow them to grow creatively…..but let’s also fill them to over-flowing with time to be a child, to just be themselves….to  rest.  To be!

Really, I think we all need to realize it is OK to slow down and enjoy the quietness of simplicity.  It is a purposed choice that we are all free to make.  Certainly, the way each of us create our family dynamic is personal and between ourselves and God.  My point is that, if we have not already done so, we need to give ourselves permission to slow down and ponder what is truly important and necessary in the lives of our family members and then go from there. 

Our busyness is just one check-point from which we may need to seek God in quietness.  Certainly we have other concerns, needs, and personal hurdles that would benefit from the solace of peace which we can find in the presence of God.  Stop for a minute and let me ask you a question:   “Do you need to stop for a minute?”

 Now that we’ve given ourselves permission….let’s go back to the peace and quiet of that dirt road for a while: 

As we stand on the dirt road of life we can quiet our lives by choice and literally sense it- as God whispers important truths.  When our conscious thoughts connect with our unconscious we become acutely aware of what is important!  Believe me….God is found in this place.  Finally, those things in the recesses of our mind have an opportunity to become clear and almost audible for we know truth when we hear it!

 Ahhhhh!  God is centered in that quiet place….and can be heard with a humbled heart.  “Listen!”

I Thessalonians 4: 11-12
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

Music Download recommendation:
  I Don't want to Go.
By:  Avalon
(OK, the title of this song is funny-but it's  beautiful & worth listening to.)

Bothering the Judge! Page 18

Read Luke 18: 1-8

As we move further down the path of these pages it is my purpose to continue to share what God  has done in my life and in doing so….show you how to look for God’s presence in your own.  With these writings it is my goal to move us both out beyond the fog that clouds our vision and impedes the panoramic view of God’s blessings-those gifts of answered prayer, His protection…His best.  I have consistently found that God blesses us in quite unexpected ways; with that said…we should wake up each day expecting the unexpected.  That feeling of “expectation” sharpens our minds and creates an inner excitement that makes each day worth getting up for!

In previous pages I’ve written how God can reach down and save us from deep waters of circumstance.  The following excerpt from my life is an example of that.  I’ve previously written about the fact that my husband and I faced the challenge of closing a business.  There are years-worth of pages I plan to write- with high hopes of revealing God’s majesty and power and, in contrast, His humanity and compassion with which He takes care of those He loves.  I’ve written, out of context, about some of my encounters with God and His word; but the one below is the most profound.

These actual events are a pure, black-and-white lesson from God Himself as He visibly worked within the circumstances of one the most trying times of my life.  This is a literal example of how God speaks to us through Scripture.   May your spiritual eyes see it…may your growing faith perceive it….and may your faithful heart believe it…. as you read and gain a glimpse of God’s mighty hand at work!

Bothering the Judge: 

The Waters of Circumstance:

 About a year ago, my husband and I went through a major life-change when we closed our business.  To be honest, opening that business was as well…but that is another story!  Anyway…to add to this unfortunate circumstance, the attorney we selected was unwilling to fully understand our case due to his business philosophy and, in my opinion, lack of due-diligence.  The line of communication was blatantly closed very early in our business relationship and due to that our best interest was not on the radar.  Because we paid-in-advance we continued to try to work with him to reach a resolution and win financial protection from the Courts.  Obviously, we are between a rock and a hard place!  Even more than when closing our business, we walked, completely blind, through great turmoil because of the weak attorney-client relationship.  Hindsight, it is clearly evident, that through these precise circumstances, God taught us a mighty spiritual lesson which required that we navigate through deep, dark waters of circumstance, where faith was our only light. 

The Courts:

 Without getting too in-depth, we filed a case seeking legal protection from the courts after closing our business…AND, in turn, the Court filed a Motion-to-Dismiss our case-which would leave us with no legal protection against financial ruin.  With this motion pending, our attorney advised, many times, that we allow the courts to dismiss our case; but this would leave us unprotected financially and the legal ramifications would still be sitting before us.  We had a court date of Feb  7^th, where we could present our case and hope for the best.  We felt our odds in court were 50/50 and presenting our case was better than just allowing it to be dismissed.   We had been praying fervently…and were simply not on the same page with our attorney.  We wanted to go to court…but he firmly advised us not to and was adamant that if we did, we would not win. 

The waters of circumstance were overwhelming; we were battling waves of uncertainty.  We needed a second opinion! So, on Thursday Jan 13^th, we went and met with another attorney in a different county and sought his advice.  We were desperately looking for Plan B regarding legal and financial protection.  This  attorney looked over our documents in-depth,  was confident that there was room for revision and a positive outcome  and advised us  to go back to our attorney, insist that  he revise our filing and that we should be able to “go to court” and win our case.  This was a double-edged sword.  It was good news on one hand…we had a chance.  It was bad news on the other because we would have to face our attorney and ask him to revise our filing.  This is a bold move for anyone but that very day we summoned the courage and did just this. 

God’s voice through scripture:  Later that day, my mom called and asked how our meeting went.  She told me that she was “bothering the judge” on our behalf.  I was unfamiliar with this scripture, which is in Luke 18: 1-8.  She explained that “bothering the judge” referenced a parable in the bible where a widow kept persistently bothering the judge asking for justice from her adversaries.  The judge, as to not be bothered by her again, granted her appeal.  I smiled, knowing my mother as I do, and told her that I appreciated her persistent (and precise) prayers and moved on with my day.  I sat down to do a bible study and was looking up a scripture and incidentally came upon Isaiah 41:21 which says

“Present your case” says the Lord.  “Set forth your arguments” says Jacob’s King.

Wow!  Biblical legal advice twice in one day (about petitioning a judge no less)!  Usually when God reveals something so specific I am amazed…but I had begun to question how to hear from the Lord!   To be honest, I was weary and my faith was floundering.  Instead of finding this profound…I took it in—very cautiously.

God’s Voice of Persistence:  On Sunday, Jan 16^th, three days later, we attended church and, lo and behold, the pastor used the parable in Luke 18: 1-8 as a reference on prayer.  Of course, it was about the widow bothering the judge.  My mouth fell open.  Again I was reminded that “the Judge granted the widow’s plea because of her persistence”!   Ok, so God had my attention…I knew He was telling me something very specific.

Again….God’s Voice of Consistence:  On Jan 19^th- 3 days later, I sat to do my bible study and, as usual, read the daily devotional in my favorite book Streams in the Desert.   That exact scripture was the reference point of the devotional:  Luke 18:1 “Jesus told his disciples…that they should always pray and not give up”.   To be redundant…the “bothering the judge” parable follows in verses 2-8.   I was actually shocked on this day… and became acutely aware that “ GOD IS SPEAKING TO ME”.   I was willing to admit that God was all over this issue!  I perked up….I was ready to battle my adversaries again!!  

Know what you pray:  Mind you, that with each passing hour I knew that the day of reckoning was coming and that I would be required to stand before God and the judge and ask for relief from our adversaries.  My mind was never free from this intimidating fact….so my only recourse was to pray!   On Jan 26^th, I did just that and asked that God would draw close to me and that I would be empowered with the ability to hear clearly, see clearly and discern clearly the Voice of God. 

God’s Hand at Work:  On Jan 27^th, a day later, we received a call from our attorney and he stated he had good news…we were making head-way with the Trustee of the Court.  They had changed our court date to March 7^th…and needed more information regarding our business and the lease.   This call was clear alright!  Our attorney had changed his tune; he was optimistic!  He is now working on our behalf....AND was the Court’s Trustee for that matter.  I was fully aware that Persistent prayer had changed our course and black and white Scripture had given us direction.  We stepped out in faith.  We stayed the course.  We listened to God’s voice instead of our attorney’s advice (quite frankly).  As we stood neck-deep in the murky waters of circumstance, God began to work on our behalf.  His work was obvious….and if you read the quote from Isaiah 41:21 out-loud…God’s voice is actually audible for it IS a quote after all!

“Present your case” says the Lord.
 “Set forth your arguments” says Jacob’s King.

With enthusiasm….I emailed these details to my Bible Study Class because we were studying Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer and this was the exact lesson that was being taught.  The timing was amazing! I wanted to share how I was hearing God’s voice through scripture and how my current experience was proving the lesson to be precise; succinct.  Here is part of that email: 

Just as Discerning the Voice of God, teaches:   God is Persistent and works for us in a very personal way.   God gave me a literal directive:  “BOTHER THE JUDGE”.    He was extremely persistent with His message….and clearly personal with His directive.  This battle is still raging for us…but we are not battling alone!!  I would be blessed if you’d be a prayer warrior along-side me…as my husband and I move forward to Bother the Judge on March 7^th, 2011.  Please know that we’ve confessed that no matter what the outcome that day…we know we’re in God’s will…and He will provide everything we need.    I hope that this encourages you…and stands as an example to the truth of what we are studying….and to the fact that God speaks to us through scripture!  He knows our needs and answers our prayers. He is a God of mercy.  May God receive the Glory!!!  My heart is open…and my eyes are on the horizon….Rain Down Victory!!!!  Rain down!”

The day after I sent this email to my classmates….the earth shifted (metaphorically…..)!  Here is that email to my classmates sharing the amazing news…..again, one day later no less!

“I have AMAZING, AMAZING, GOD-FEARING, ON-THE-WATCHTOWER NEWS!!! I received a phone call from our attorney this morning around 8:15 AM.  He told me that he had talked to our Trustee and the Trustee said that he didn't want any more documents...he was tired of our case...and that he was lifting the Motion to Dismiss!!!!  Those are the exact words!!!!!  (just like the parable).” 

To the blog reader:

There is a biblical tie-in to the fact that it took 3 times for me to recognize that God was speaking to me.  If you read I Samuel Chapter 3 you will see that God also called Samuel's name three times before he knew to say "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening". 

God walked with me through these trying circumstances, spoke to me, three times no less,  through black & white scripture, gave me specific direction and it all played out…..Just like the Parable!  We were planning to go to court….BUT, instead, God granted us relief from our adversaries!  Is that not fascinating?  Is that not profound?  Is that not beyond ironic?  THAT, my friend, IS THE VOICE AND HAND OF GOD!

 He is persistent! He is specific and clearly personal.

Want to have God’s power, love and protection in your life?  Get to know Him!  Draw close this His word, depend on Him at all times….and trust that He will work it out for your good. Believe in scripture.  Trust the truth of it!  Wait on the Lord….and He will renew your strength!  He will indeed reach down and draw you out of deep waters.  Why is that, you may ask?  The most simplistic reason of all….because He cares for you! 

I Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you”.

Song Recommendation:
Even If
BY: MercyMe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

Holy Silence Page17

 “God was speaking and moving.  
He always is-even in His Silence”.1

Journal entry January 2011:    Lord, as I look back through my journal …. it is amazing to see you at work in my life.  I repeat often that you “are working in the unseen realm on my behalf”.  That is me clinging to my faith; however, looking back through these writings, your Hand-at-work is INCREDIBLY VISIBLE.

They say that hindsight is 20/20...and my journaling proves this to be true.  I face each day using my faith as a map to travel forward…but looking back I literally see a spiritual map from you.  I see your wisdom at work as you encourage my faith.  I see profound truths and your mercy just over-flowing.  It’s interesting that for a long while now I’ve felt as if I wasn’t growing spiritually and that my heart was held at bay—unable to feel your presence.  I pondered the quiet distance from you that has persisted in my life of late.  I am confident that this has been a time in which you were requiring me to stand on that faith I claimed I had. …yet…it was concerning, this quietness.

As I look back over the pages of my journal… I see you!!!  Over these particular months I thought there was a spiritual distance between us…but have discovered that it was actually a Holy Silence.  With Great purpose the silence has persisted…and with great lessons you’ve filled my journal.  I’ve been slowed down by the silence so that you could re-generate my faith.  This silence presented itself so that I would quiet my fierce heart enough to admit you must take care of my concerns…because I can’t. 

Holy Silence gives us a phenomenal opportunity to draw close to You, Lord…that is if we see the silence as holy.  I mistakenly thought I had lost my faith…my grip on you…but as the saying goes…I'm not holding on to you…you are holding on to me (like a father holds on to his precious child).  What grace!  What mercy!  What love! 

The Lesson for the reader: 

 You may be pondering the phrase Holy Silence! 
Scripture says in Habakkuk 2:20:

“The Lord is in His Holy Tabernacle;
 let the earth be silent before him!” 
 Ponder the literal meaning of that scripture and THAT is Holy silence.

   Revelation 8:1 says…
“…there was silence in heaven for about half an hour”.
 THAT  is Holy Silence. 

 There are times when we experience a silence in our Christian life and attribute it as spiritual distance.  In reality, this silence, full of inaudible power,  can be a personal gift from God-- full of great opportunity to dig deeper into His word and stand on steadfast faith.  It may even encourage us to approach the Throne of Grace and surrender EVERYTHING.   They say that silence is Golden…I say it is Holy. 

There is nothing as honorable and noble than to sit silently with a loved one while they grieve or weep.  Words are of no avail.  The same is true of God.  At times He sits quietly beside us while our hearts just over-flow.  No words are necessary at this time.  His presense is all that's needed.  Silence is the gift of love.

Song Recommendation:
Oh Holy Place
By:  Cece Winans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ8_LM2Osx8



1- Discerning the Voice of God By Priscilla Shirer