DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE MOSES?

Not like Moses when he was a mighty leader of the Israelite nation, or when he was privileged to see God's glory, but way back when he was a lonely shepherd on a deserted mountain. Do you ever feel like Moses when he said, "I can't, Lord." Do you ever have the audacity, like Moses did, to actually argue with Almighty God when He gives you a job to do?

I do, I'm sad to say. God tells me to do something, either through the instructions in His word, or by the prompting of the Holy Spirit in my heart, or by arranging circumstances so I couldn't really miss His intention unless I was trying to. Sometimes I have the insolence to simply ignore what I know God wants me to do. Other times, worse yet, I actually argue with God. "I can't, Lord." Or, "I would do this if I really believed it was what You wanted for me, but surely You wouldn't ask ME to do this." Or, like Moses, "I'm not good enough, Lord. You really need to find someone who is better qualified than I am."

I am so grateful for the kindness God showed to Moses that day on the mountain. God did get angry with Moses.

"Who makes mouths?" the Lord asked him. "who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say." Exodus 4:11-12

But even in His anger, God did not give up on Moses. God patiently and kindly worked with Moses' insecurities, even providing a spokesman for him. God blessed Moses with His power and presence, and Moses eventually became a great leader for God. Moses could not see his own potential, and he was having a hard time trusting God to be in control, but when he finally was obedient God accomplished great things through him.

God most likely will not require us to become leaders of a great nation, but the principle is the same. It works no matter how big or small the job is that God entrusts to us. With God's hand upon us, we really can accomplish the work He gives us to do--not in our own strength but in His.

May God bless you with the courage today to answer His call and do His bidding, no matter the size of the task in front of you. He, after all, is God. He is able, especially when we are not.

Deborah

LIFE IS STRANGE

"Life is strange with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns . . ." The words of the old poem ran through my mind this week, and with them a rush of memories of my father. In an orator's voice, looking over his glasses, he would quote those old words dramatically, bringing a smile to my face. The words and the sentiment were true then. They're still true today--even in difficult situations it's always too soon to quit. Not quite able to remember all of the words, I searched the internet and discovered this poem is often quoted. It's called "Don't Quit", written by C.W. Longenecker. Here's just a piece of it--

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out . . ."

The Apostle Paul said nearly the same thing, in Philippians 3:12-14. He called it pressing on.

". . . but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers (and Sisters), I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

What is it that has you "down a bit" today? First, would you take a step back and consider whether this challenge really matters in light of our ultimate goal--becoming more like Jesus and joining Him in Heaven? If it does, then I encourage you to press on. "Rest if you must, but don't you quit."

On the other hand, if you hold the difficulty up to the light of Jesus, you may discover that it's not as important as you thought it was. In any case, looking to Jesus is always the right answer. I believe that's what Paul was talking about in the very next chapter of Philippians when he told us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Nothing and nobody fits that description like Jesus does! (See Philippians 4:8)

God bless you today as you press on---

Deborah

EMMALISE CHRISTIAN

It took a few days for Mommy and Daddy to decide on the perfect name for their precious new bundle of joy. They needed to cuddle with her, and look into her eyes as she struggled to focus on her new world. They wanted to get to know her a little, listen to her voice, and watch her face responding to their words and touch. After much deliberation the name was decided: Emmalise Christian. A beautiful first name along with her daddy's middle name--a forever reminder of her heritage.

Watching this process of connection, I was reminded that, though she was new to us, God knew all about her. He had been faithfully and patiently knitting her together in the darkness of the womb. Even before her birth He knew all the days He had ordained for her. She will never be out of His thoughts or beyond the reach of His unending, never-failing love.


I was privileged to spend two weeks with Emmalise, big sister Rebekah, and their Mommy and Daddy. What a joy it was to welcome Emmalise on her first day in the big, bright world. And it was so much fun to read to two-year-old Rebekah, play with her in the dollhouse, and sing with her. At the end of every song she would urge, "Nana, sing more." Sometimes she just listened, but often she would sing along with me, her words a jumble but her voice raised with enthusiasm. The time was so precious, and flew by way too fast. Being with Rebekah and Emmalise took me back to the days when my own children were small. We sang together and read stories then, too. It seems like such a short time ago.


As I go about my days back home, my two granddaughters and my children are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes God even wakes me up in the night to pray for one of them. I don't usually know at the time why I need to pray for that child, although I may find out the next day. But God knows. He is faithfully watching over each one of them. He never sleeps or slumbers. He never forgets. His love never fails. I'm so grateful that He is in control!

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever."

Psalm 139:9-10, 17 "If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!"

What a wonderful privilege it is to be part of God's forever family!


God bless you with the knowledge of His presence,
Deborah

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 3, 2011, the beginning of another new year. Hopefully you have your new year off to a great start, with plans to make it a wonderful year.

For some reason this week, in and around thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2011, my mind wandered back to December of 1999. Do you remember the dire predictions and worries floating around during that fall and winter just before the calendars turned over to 2000? I remember very distinctly having dinner in October of 1999 with friends who had filled their basement with every kind of provision they might possibly need. They were prepared for the disaster they knew was coming. Then when New Year’s Eve came and went without a hitch, they good-naturedly invited all of their friends to come to a party and share the bounty.

The memory was probably triggered by an article I read last week predicting disastrous times still ahead for America—again recommending people stockpile food and supplies because we could encounter very difficult circumstances in the upcoming months and years. The article was disturbing because it was very logical and made sense, drawing events from history to prove the point. If these predictions do come true, those who are prepared will be in a much better position than those who are not.

So will I do anything different as a result of reading the article? I don’t know. This I’m sure of, however. If I really believed the predictions I read, my belief would cause me to take action. Just like my friends did in 1999. They were absolutely convinced of the need to prepare for a disaster, and so they did.

Here’s another prediction that requires action and preparation: Jesus is coming back to take us home with Him. (John 14:4) He talked about it with His disciples the night He was betrayed and taken away to be crucified. He was offering His promised return as a comfort and encouragement for them because He knew they would miss Him.

Earlier He had told a parable about it, comparing Himself to an eagerly anticipated bridegroom. In Matthew 25:13 He warned us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” The context of this story implies a great celebration at His return—for those who are ready.

Paul mentioned it in his letter to the Thessalonians, telling them to “encourage each other with these words.” Again, for the prepared, Jesus’ return will be a time of incredible rejoicing.
But what about those who are not prepared? Now that would truly be a disaster. We see reminders all around us in everyday life of the difference between those who are prepared and those who are not. Like in the Christmas season we just celebrated—some people were prepared and could enjoy the peace and beauty of the season, taking time to worship the Savior as Christmas Eve approached. Some were not prepared at all, and were still frantically trying to get ready on the day before Christmas.

We read stories and watch movies and enjoy the drama of the last minute scramble or gift hunt, happy and relieved when the hero comes skidding in at the last possible moment.
But that’s not how it will be when Jesus comes. This one is too big, too important to miss. Too crucial to put off.

Have you made your preparations yet? I hope you have. I hope you’re ready to meet Jesus when He returns for you. But if by chance you’re not, would you make it a priority this year of 2011 to be ready to meet the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when He returns to claim His own?

Happy New Year--
Deborah