Why Have You Forsaken Me? Page 102

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name trust in you,

for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

Psalm 9: 9-10

Let’s begin by defining the word forsaken: It is an adjective which means abandoned or deserted. The online dictionary used it in a sentence as follows: “A journey into forgotten and forsaken places."  What an epic sentence!  Ironically, I recently took one such journey through my own thoughts.  They were wandering lost as I wondered about my purpose; am I fulfilling it?  My calling; am I answering it?  My gifting; am I sharing it?  My love; am I giving it?  I could go on and should say that I was feeling a bit forgotten and even a little forsaken; not by anyone specifically; perhaps by myself in general.  

As I was sitting there thinking and, frankly, falling into remorse, I received a text from a phone App that stated that “Jesus endured the loneliness of the Cross so that I could have a relationship with him”.  This was two bits of striking information at an apropos moment.  The text rang so true it pulled my thoughts back into the realm of curiosity. I had been taught the basic premise that Jesus died on the cross so that I would “not perish but have everlasting life”. That is the exact quote from scripture in John 3:16 Now, that is certainly true; but, I’d missed the parallel truth that Jesus’ sacrifice had the additional purpose of opening spiritual channels so that I build a relationship with him. 

Beyond the relational point, the phone app text stated, “Jesus endured the loneliness of the cross….”, That got me to wondering about His mental state that day! Did He, indeed, feel loneliness in those moments.  Never, and I mean never, had I associated the human feeling of loneliness to Christ’s crucifixion.  But then I recalled Jesus’ statement, just before his death: 

“My God, my God,

why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27: 46

It’s so straight-forwarded I missed it:  Jesus felt forsaken!

Talk about striking! Using the definition above and Jesus' exact words; He was feeling abandoned, deserted; dare I say, lonely! He cried out to his God, “My God. My God. WHY have you forsaken me?”  HE felt the emotional heartbreak of one being isolated, the neglect of one being abandoned, the physical pain of corporal punishment, and the spiritual weight of the world as death approached. I can’t imagine the pain of this scourging as his feelings were soaring. Many things must have been going through his mind as he sacrificed his human life for great spiritual purposes.

I remember how my thoughts were wandering over simple things like my calling, my gifting and my ability to love….and it dawned on me that I was really wondering about relationship; am I fellowshipping with others as God wants me to. A more purposed question is “Am I honoring the Lord with the heart that was saved for the very purpose of fellowship and relationship”; first with Him and then with others.  

Jesus Christ, my brother, died so that I could have a relationship with Him.  He would do anything, including laying down His life for me…so that I could learn to be like him and love others, like him, in the most generous way possible; with pure love that covers a multitude of sin. The profound truth is this:  God, our Heavenly Father and Jesus, our brother want a relationship with us. This world spins on that truth.  In fact, ancient scripture states that we are family and heirs with Christ:  

“Now if we are children,

then we are heirs—

Heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,

If indeed we share in his sufferings

In order that we may also share in his glory.”

Romans 8:17

There is nothing more holy than a spiritual awakening. This is now our spiritual quest; to be set apart, sanctified for a sacred task. The calling is to Love the Lord, your God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love others as you love yourself.  That, my friend, is God’s mighty power at work building eternal relationships; ones that will never feel the sting of death or the abandonment of the forsakened. 

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

1 Corinthians 15:55

Jesus said….

“My command is this: 

Love each other as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this:

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:12-13

“Jesus replied:

  ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart

And with all your soul

And with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: 

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus said….

“I no longer call you servants,

Because a servant does not know his mater’s business.

Instead, I have called you friends, 

For everything that I have learned from my father

I have made known to you.”

John 15:15

The New Testament teaches:

Therefore, there is now no longer

condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Because through Christ Jesus

 the law of the Spirit who gives life

 has set you free

From the law of sin and death.

For what the law was powerless to do

Because it was weakened by the flesh,

God did by sending his own Son 

In the likeness of sinful flesh

To be a sin offering.

Romans 8: 1-4  

Song Recommendation:

Jesus Loves Me

By:  Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Ue0w45oGs

Confounding the Wise: PAGE 101

God uses His wisdom to confound the wise, parables to test knowledge of our insight and discernment to differentiate between all the above.  Here is an amazing scripture that discusses this:

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

But to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

The intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Where is the wise person?

Where is the teacher of the law?

Where is the philosopher of this age?”

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since in the wisdom of God the world 

through its wisdom did not know him,

God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached

To save those who believe.

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 

But we preach Christ crucified:

a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

but to those whom God has called,

both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,

And the weakness of God is stronger

Than human strength.

Brothers and sisters,

Think of what you were when you were called.  

Not many of you were wise by human standards;

Not many were influential;

Not many were of noble birth.

But God chose the foolish things of the world 

To shame the wise;

God chose the weak things of the world

To shame the strong.

God chose the lowly things of this world 

And the despised things—

And the things that are not—

To nullify the things that are,

So that no one may boast before him.  

1 Corinthians 1: 18-29

This scripture points to exactly why some people miss out on the saving grace of the cross.  To use human understanding to seek out an invisible God is, as the above scripture says, a stumbling block.  Some folks can’t get through the natural barriers of earth-bound knowledge and move into the spiritual. Here is a pretty blunt scripture that states why that is:

“For you know that you were not redeemed

from your useless (spiritually unproductive) way of life

Inherited (by tradition) from your forefathers

With perishable things like silver and gold,

1 Peter 1:18

Family beliefs and traditions from our forefathers can be a stumbling block to finding the one true God.  Indeed, the wisdom of this world says that Christianity is foolishness; scientists of this world say “prove it” and the philosophers of this world say it is nonsense.  But for those who have been saved it is the Power and wisdom of God.  

“But the natural (unbelieving) man

Does not accept the things
(the teachings and revelations)

Of the Spirit of God,

For they are foolishness to him;

And he is incapable of understanding them

Because they are spiritually discerned.”

1 Corinthians 2:14

“Whoever is (spiritually) wise,

Let him understand these things;

Whoever is (spiritually) discerning and understanding,

Let him know them.

For the ways of the Lord are right,

and the righteous will walk in them,

But transgressors will stumble and fall in them.”

Hosea 14:9

Song Recommendation:

Til the End of Time

By: Cody Carnes 

Featuring Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zvNWCb7JEA

The Choice-Maker: Page 100

As a Christian I read scripture and scour books seeking a deeper understanding of the faith I have and the God I serve; yet, at times, my life’s purpose seems hidden and indecision creeps in!  I received some peace of mind one morning when I read this scripture:

“You did not chose me but I chose you.” 

John 15:16

“God chose me”! For years I thought it was the other way around! I’ve been so busy making personal choices that I overlooked the Choice-Maker! Not only did He chose me but he also has a plan …“for me”.  In Jeremiah, scripture says:

“I know the plans I have for you

Declares the Lord;

Plans to prosper you and not harm you

To give you a hope and a future!”

That is a very straightforward “declaration” from the Lord; unlike my life-plan that has had so many plot twists and abrupt turns that I have whiplash!  Perhaps we all should put down our computer bags and take off our nametags for a time-span and focus on a Word from the Lord!

He made the choice and bestowed upon me the gift of Life! He placed me perfectly into time so that I would make a difference in this world.  He has THE plan.  So, not only is He the Choice-Maker He is the Way-Maker.

I’m so busy living in the small-minded confines of my plots that I call plans that I’ve totally forgotten that fact!  Surely the Creator of the Universe is more capable of planning out and fulfilling goals than I!  Like the navigation option in my phone map….I sometimes have to take action and “re-center” my life.  Re-centering is a very small task that requires the important act of listening.  In doing so we receive the directions we need. God says we can always hear His voice-if we listen:    

“Whether you turn to the right or the left

you will hear a voice saying

“This is the way to go

Walk in it!”

I never have to be lost again because I have an internal map!  And, I no longer have to maintain the posture of perfection in order to maintain my position because I am already Chosen.  In turn, I have chosen to base my life on the pursuit of God, The Creator; His Word, His promises, His prophesy and all the mysteries of eternity.  It’s all there in one map-The Word of God!

The knowledge that God chose ME is profound!  He is in control and He chose me!  No matter what I do …I am Chosen; No matter what I master or what strives to master me, I am chosen.  No matter what I conquer or what evades me; no matter what brings me joy or what hurts me, I am chosen.  No matter how I miss the mark or disappoint myself or others… and in all my vices and in my greatest victories-I am chosen! 

It takes one action to come back to center; the act of acknowledging the designer of all things; God. 

In the beginning God created

The heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

That’s one big map!!!!

Song Recommendation:

So Will I (100 Billion X)

By:  Hillsong UNITED

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc

Beyond Our Ability To Endure: Page 99

There are times when life inflicts circumstances beyond our ability to endure-so that when all is said and done- we know we made it through because of an undeniable faith in God.  These overwhelming events aren’t typical – for there is a deep and purposed weight to them.  They usher pain into our lives that tear at the fabric of our being to the point that we know, without doubt, we shall never be the same. The result of coming-to-the-end of what we think we can sustain is life-changing. We are forced to admit that we simply can’t be who we were before this tragedy came upon us. God’s authority and dominion mandates this truth.  

During this season, each and every sunrise burnt our face and scorched our heart so consistently that our daily life began to feel like hell. The night would bring a sleepless  silence that was deafening.  In the midst of this pain we made major adjustments for there was no other choice. 

Our life paused! 

~Selah~

We’re not sure how long we lingered in the anguish of circumstance- for we lost the desire to mark off any form of time. But; then, on a day that we thought would never come, the sun’s heat weakened and our tattered heart felt some relief. We found a tiny amount of clarity and we realized it was ok to look back; bravely we did so. 

In our minds-eye we’re there now. With closed eyes and head bowed we turn and feel the sun our back and a cool wind on our face that flows over and beyond us.  Opening our eyes- we’re shocked to see how far we’ve come- as we take in the steepest, war-torn valley we’ve ever seen. Our heart and mind find great relief in the visual confirmation of this tremendous up-hill battle.  We know, in every sense, we’ve made it through. In spite of human reason, we found a way to get beyond the devastation this circumstance wrought. We even got through those nights when we awoke in a fearful panic wondering what was wrong…and then remembered.

The journey was heart-breaking, mind-piercing, soul crushing pain that only total change could soothe. Change, indeed, brought us to this very point. Mentally, we become aware of time and with amazing inner-strength we build a redemptive memorial-one that will be forever etched on our soul; there is no other way to admit this fated assignment has run its course.  We’re at the perfect place to do so; at very top of our mountain-of-circumstance. This vital marker is spiritual in nature and wields some peace… so we sit down. 

 Another slight wind of change hits our face and, because we are now aware of the passage of time, we smile.  Knowing we’ve been indelibly changed, we smile.  Our throat tightens, sweat drips down our back and tears of relief well up; we let them flow again and let go “again”  and, for the thousandth time, we let God, again.  This letting go isn’t a “giving up” but a “letting it be”.  For the first time in our lives we understand “God’s peace” and confess it is not of this world.

We rise, turn and walk over the mountaintop onto the other side AMAZED that we survived to this point, or at all.  Finally, we are on the down-hill. Wide-eyed, we notice the colors of life are visible again and we admit that we came very near to emotional and physical death, but we survived! Our heart is still pumping, but in a different way. Because of this we see things differently now. We realize that God never left us, that He gave us the strength to endure and we can finally admit that it’s time to purposely breathe again…. live and participate again on planet Earth. 

 Our journey in life continues!

Our Lord stands watch on the mountain-top as we continue down paths laid out for us that lead out beyond green pastures and beside still waters… and He gently prays over us,

 “Lo, I am with you; even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

FOR NICOLE-

 Only the Lord knows why! I'd surmise, "For distinct purposes."

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;

Perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned;

Struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9  

A MUST LISTEN TO

Song Recommendation

The Garden

By: Kari Jobe

There is “death and resurrection in every single seed”.

Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y43Z0WJLDS4&list=RD6mAvt3CxEQM&index=3

 A MUST LISTEN TO:

SONG RECOMMENDATION

In Over My Head

By:  Jenn Johnson

“Whether I sink; Whether I swim….

It makes no difference when I’m in over my head.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mAvt3CxEQM&list=RD6mAvt3CxEQM&index=1

All of You: Page 98

Lord, I know that you are trying to speak to me.

That you want me to understand prophesy.

You’re deepening the lesson on perseverance;

Teaching me that obedience is a form of adherence.

Lord, I know that you have a plan for me.

I know that it’s one small part of history.

So, I’ve been looking deep into your spirit

to find my life’s purpose and step into it.

Lord, one of your end-goals is maturity.

Purposely, good and bad experiences are teaching me

I've learned that if I want your wisdom I must participate.
I acknowledge my daily life is filled with spiritual lessons that carry weight.

You allow my human mind to find expansiveness

 Space large enough to dream and enjoy happen-stance.

As these sentences form tempo and elegance

I linger over them and sense your presence

I realize the passage of time is simply a path

That leads me to a great worth and value that lasts

It’s incredible that I’m living inside eternity

Even though my being is physical and earthly

You’ve given just enough time on this journey to take me

down the path that offer's a glimpse into life’s mysteries.

I’ll follow you till I have full understanding

to a point where my heart and mind are not lacking anything

And THEN I’ll know all of YOU,

“Now we see only a reflection

as in a mirror;

then we will see face to face.

Now I know in part;

then I shall know fully

Even as I am fully known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV

SONG RECOMMENDATION:

The More I Seek You

By :  Kari Jobe

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4crRPpqoW4

All The Faith You Need: Page 97

"He replied, 
"Because you have so little faith. 
 Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
 you can say to this mountain, 
'Move from here to there,' and it will move. 
 Nothing will be impossible for you." 
Matthew 17:20

Sometimes, circumstances arrive on the horizon and appear to be massive mountains that we can't get over or around.  When something intimidating is in front of us our minds want to shrink in comparison and we lose the ability to think clearly. 

The scripture above teaches that If we have faith as small as a mustard seed we can tell a mountain to move and it will move.  The teachable point of the verse is about the spiritual concept of faith. The specific words of encouragement are, “... if you have faith the size of a mustard seed”.  For literal purposes let me say, “If you have faith the size of the dot at the end of this sentence, THEN you can move mountains.”  Do you see that small dot; the period on the other side of the word mountains?  Is that the size of your faith?  Then no worries; you have all the faith you need!  

Our faith does not need to feel large to be large. Faith, in and of itself, is vast.  Our faith doesn’t have to feel firm to be faith; for faith carries its own conviction and provides enough assurance -for that is what faith does naturally.  Do you see where I am going?  Your faith is enough and it can feel small and quiet or be expressed exuberantly with boldness… but it’s still faith.  Faith cannot be measured nor is that a requirement for it to be enough to do its job. It isn’t weighed like gold and its size is irrelevant.  If you grasp this unmeasurable thing called faith…that is more than enough.  

In God's Word, we are given a visual encouragement using the physical size of a mustard seed so that we can be reassured of faith's existence and hold to that small seed of hope!  Faith’s size can be that of a speck of sand on the seaside or, in contrast, soar in size like that of our solar system, being so universally large that our vision cannot take it in.  It’s the same faith and has the same power to throw mountain-size circumstances into the sea!

“See, I will make you into a threshing sledge,

New and sharp, with many teeth.

You will thresh the mountains (of your circumstances) and crush them,

and reduce the hills to chaff.
(Remembering past circumstances as old stories)

You will sort them, (reflecting back)

 the wind will pick them up, and a gale will blow them away.

But you will rejoice in the Lord

and glory in the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 41: 15-16 (Bold emphasis mine)

Let one single speck of faith propel you to move your mountains
and in the end you will be over-joyed by victory!

“Lord, Make it so!”

Song Recommendation:

Deliverance

By:  Gateway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwH3fA3D690

It Is I Who Call You By Your Name: PG 96

“I will give you the treasures of darkness

and the hoards in secret places,

that you may know that it is I, the Lord,

The God of Israel 

who call you by your name” _______  .

Isaiah 45:3

I discovered this scripture in a Bible study I was doing several years ago.  I wrote in the margin of the study what I surmised the scripture meant-as follows:

“To me this means that God will go into our dark,

self-destructive places and will call our name.

He makes his relationship with us personal.”

In order to see how God makes his relationship with us personal I even wrote my name at the bottom of the scripture in my study book.  Go back up and re-read the scripture and say your name at the very end- by filling in the blank.   Doesn’t this change the ancient verse into something striking?

 It’s as if you can hear the Lord telling you that He is calling you by name.  Indeed, He is! 

This particular Bible Study came into my life at the most opportune time. I had just exhibited a public display of anger and was devastated about it.  Not only had I embarrassed myself but also put my child in a position of losing out on something that was important to her- at that time.  The life-lesson that followed was timely and much needed -but I truly could have lived without those pesky consequences.  

In order to learn from our epic failures we must be willing to go through the humbling pain of growth. Otherwise, we fall into a dark place where bitterness multiplies and unforgiveness festers; nothing good comes from either of these two vile things. The Lord uses all things for our good...and it just so happened I had a trip planned to Baton Rouge for a visit with my parents.  I arrived in the evening and was nursing my wounds-as this “epic fail” happened the day before I was to travel.  It was a God-send of a trip because I needed to be around those who love me unconditionally. 

I arrive at my parent’s home, walk in and my mom is sitting in her favorite place at the end of the island, studying the Bible.  This random Bible study was just sitting there-unused; I picked it up and asked if it was a good study.  My mom said that it was and that I could have that work book as she had used another for her study-time.   I was thrilled knowing that there is always tons of wisdom to be found in Beth Moore Study. This one was entitled Sacred Secrets.  I found the title apropos because bitterness in my heart had been my sacred secret and the catalyst of my current predicament. I remember praying as I walked down the hall that God would show me something, anything that would help me, in my time of need!   

I sat down in my room and desperately flipped open the work book.  Graciously, the very first thing I read, on a random page, was the following:

“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—

for she loved much.  But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 

Luke 7:47

I was absolutely floored! Truly, I had spoken out of sheer love for my child but my bitterness and anger where wrong! I needed someone to tell me I was forgiven and that it would be ok.  I was full of sorrow-because I had hurt my child.  I had hurt myself by dropping all caution to the wind and speaking my mind in the most ungodly way.  I could not bear this horrible feeling of devastation and the Lord knew exactly what I needed to hear! 

I could have searched the universe for healing and/or spent years looking high and low for some words of wisdom to soothe my soul; but, all I had to do was turn to the most godly person I know, my mom, and she freely handed me a book that held the one scripture I needed most in the entire written Word AND in the entire World!  It was the most straight-to-the-point scripture and spoke right-to-the-heart of my pain with such direct meaning that I knew it came soaring into my life from the Throne-room of merciful God.  

He did give me treasures in the darkness and hoards of forgiveness in the secret places of my being.  Like the scripture in Isaiah says and as I can confirm- this was a Word from the Lord, God who (ok-let’s bullet-point this part):

·     Called my name

·     Said that He knew what I did and why

·     Stated that I was forgiven. 

Total understanding and compassion-in 2 sentences!  This was SO personal! Sitting there in the glow of my room with forgiveness just handed to me, so intimately, I was set free.  As I wrote inside those study pages all those years ago- God choses to make His relationship with us personal! I also wrote: “Lord, it’s as if you stepped out of heaven to care for me during this difficult time”.  As evidenced, God’s wisdom and mercy transcend space and time.    

For years, I’ve had another scripture posted in my office.  It is something I pray often and I believe the Lord honors my constant stance of prayer.  It says: 

Lord, we do not know what to do

But our eyes are upon you.”

II Chronicles 20:12

My eyes are ever on the horizon.  May this be your constant prayer and faithful stance as well!

RvH

Important Note:  The song below is so poignant that you must listen to it for a straight to the heart lesson on what God does for all of us!  Yes and Amen!

Song Recommendation:

Deliverance

By: Gateway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwH3fA3D690