"I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards."  Ezekiel 28:25-26 (NLT)


What do you think about when you hear the word holiness? In Christian culture, holiness is often defined as being perfect, sinless, or set-apart. In the Bible, the words holy, consecrated, sanctified, hallowed, and sacred are used interchangeably. They can be used of God—as the One who is holy; and they can be used of people and things that have been made holy by God: set apart for His service, purpose, or to display His glory.

In the verses above, God is making a statement about Himself regarding His holiness. At this time, His People had been exiled to Babylon because of their rebellion. Israel had become very corrupt and many were worshipping other gods. Because of their unfaithfulness, God allowed enemy nations to come in and take over. God's people were forced to live in submission to foreign powers after God had graciously led them to their own land.

But God promised to be merciful. He told His People (through the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others) that He would bring them back to their homeland after a time. In Ezekiel 28, we read these words: "I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards."

I find this interesting because God is talking about setting Himself apart and revealing His glory to other nations by how He treats His People. He isn't saying, 'I am a great God because I am holy.' He says, 'I am holy because I am a great God. I love My People. I will care for them even though they rebelled against Me. I will keep them safe and provide for their needs.'

God's holiness isn't about keeping our sin at a distance, as if He can't handle being in our presence. In His anger, He sent His People away; but in His love, He restored them. His holiness draws us near. Why? Because we need Him. We need His love. He only wants us to recognize that, not to try and make it on our own. He knows we can't have true life without Him.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that a holy God expects you to be perfect. "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" doesn't mean sinless; It means complete or finished. It's closely related to the word Jesus used on the cross when He said, "It is finished."  He was talking about bringing His purpose to a conclusion—to have done what He came for. He came to bring forgiveness to all, and it was done. Our completeness, our holiness comes from Him. It is not of ourselves. It is a gift.

We have a holy God. He is our righteousness. We bring nothing to the table except our broken, sinful, and needy hearts. But what does He bring? Everything! He brings His love, His mercy, His power. He brings Himself; and that's more than enough to meet our every need.

Trying to save ourselves with our own goodness and effort is not only futile, it's exhausting. Trying to provide for ourselves, protect ourselves, and sustain ourselves is futile too. Living this way isn't truly living. It's dying a slow death. If you want true life, cry out for mercy, forgiveness, and faith that God will meet your every need and make you whole. Just rest in His love, His goodness, and His power. Let Him make you holy and complete, lacking in nothing. That is true worship. That is true submission to a holy God.

For no one is abandoned by the LORD forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.

(Lamentations 3:31-32 NLT)

Photos by Roma Flowers, cristiano galbiati, and Adam Jackson. Freeimages.com
Scripture taken from Matt. 5:8, John 19:30

From Distress To Peace

From the ends of the earth I call to you.
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2

Have you ever been deeply and truly heartbroken?  If you have lived and loved or put your whole heart into anything, I know the answer is yes.  Life is full of good moments, triumphs, and joys; but it can also be heartbreaking.

It is believed David wrote Psalm 61 during such a time in his life--when his son Absalom betrayed him by devising a plan to overtake the throne of Israel, sending him to the ends of the earth, a poetic way to describe the way he felt away from his home in Jerusalem.  David had already suffered the consequence of his sin in losing one of his sons, and this was another.  To put it mildly, this was not David's finest hour as the King of Israel, nor as a father.  His family had fallen apart.  His throne was in jeopardy.  And he was much to blame.  Although not specifically expressed here, he likely knew that.  Past sins or failures tend to come back and haunt us during trying times, don't they?

The phrase David used of being fainthearted literally means "to be wrapped in darkness".  Betrayal, strife, fear, guilt, regret--these can overtake our emotions and mind in overwhelming, heartbreaking ways.  

I suspect Jesus' disciples had similar feelings on the night He was arrested.  When Jesus told them He was going to Jerusalem, some said they were ready to die with Him, but when the time came, they fled.  At the Last Supper, Peter said, "I will lay down my life for you."  But Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" (John 13:37-38) 

Jesus knew it would be too much for Peter.  No matter how much Peter loved Jesus and desired to remain faithful and strong, he couldn't.  The circumstances and fear were beyond him.

Your troubles today are likely different than David or Peter's, and may or may not be caused by your own failures; but whatever the circumstances, that doesn't make them any less real and debilitating.  When your peace and strength is gone, it's gone—no matter what has taken it away.

David had the right response in asking God for help.  For you have been my shelter, a strong tower from the enemy. (v. 3)  He knew Whom he was calling on and asked God to lead him to a place of strength and rescue--not only from his circumstances, but from the darkness of sin, betrayal, disappointment, and heartbreak.

After Jesus said the coming days would test their loyalty, He also told His disciples that the Father would send them what they needed to endure.  "[The Spirit] will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

The word troubled means "to agitate; to disquiet, make restless, to strike one's spirit with fear and dread, to render anxious or distressed."

Sound familiar?  Many things can trouble us in this world, whether it be sickness, financial hardship, emotional distress, broken relationships, loss, disappointment, or oppression.  We can be overwhelmed by trials that leave us wrapped in darkness, along with our own sin or mere thoughts and feelings of failure. (Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.)

But Jesus is our peace.  Our refuge.  Our rock.  The One who lifts us out of the darkness and wraps us in light--in truth and love and hope.  He forgives and cleanses and heals and restores our peace and joy.

Peace is not something for us to conjure up in our own strength.  "Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me…If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:4, 7)

If you need peace, ask for it!  Greater love for others?  Joy, faith, self-control?  All of these will be given to us when we ask.  God wants to bear this fruit in us.  That's why Paul said, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)

We need Him to grace us with these gifts of mercy.  He is our righteousness.  It is not of ourselves.  Without Him we are overwhelmed, living in darkness that seems inescapable; but with Jesus--the One who loves us, we are more than conquerors. (Romans 8:37)

Like David we need to admit we are weak and void of peace without Him.  Only He can take us to that higher place of refuge and hope.  And like the disciples, we need to remember His words of love, mercy, and promise:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid...remain in me, and I will remain in you...ask whatever you wish, and it will be given."

If your faith is weak today, your understanding limited, your hope absent, your heart filled with fear, guilt, dread, anger, or pain: Ask for what you need to rise above, and follow Him to the rock that is higher.  A place of rest, peace, and power to overcome.

Answer me when I call,

O God of my righteousness!

You have given me relief

when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me

and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4:1 (ESV)

Psalm 61:3 (NKJV)
Word definitions for "fainthearted" and "troubled" taken from www.blueletterbible.org
Gal. 5:22-23; Romans 8:37 paraphrase mine 
Photo words taken from Psalm 23 (NASB)

Easter: A Time To Remember

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

 

Psalm 62:5-6

Easter is a time to remember. We remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We remember and celebrate His resurrection from the dead. We remember we are forgiven and set free. We remember the promise of eternal life.

On the evening Jesus was arrested for claiming to be the Son of God, He had dinner with His disciples. It was the holiday known as Passover, and they shared a special meal together. At one point Jesus took bread and broke it into pieces. He gave them some and said, "Eat this and remember me."

We remember the sacrifice Jesus made and how He didn't stay dead. We know the next part of the story. But when Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, all of that hadn't happened yet. So I wonder, what did Jesus want them to remember?

The disciples had spent three years with Him, and I'm sure they had a lot of memories. Jesus wanted them to think about the past because it would help them through what was coming. Their leader was going to be arrested, tried unfairly, beaten, crucified, and buried.

 

But He didn't focus on that and tell them to run and hide; He says, "Remember."

Remember the miracles. Remember My power over death. Remember what I have taught you. Remember to love. Remember...

As you celebrate Easter, what do you need to remember about Jesus? 

 

How have you seen His faithfulness?

 

What has He done for you?

 

What has He taught you and shown you in the past that can apply to your current struggles?

Faith is all about remembering. It starts with knowing the One you put your faith in and why. It grows with remembering all the things that made you believe. And it carries you through the good times and the hard times.

More than anything He wants you to remember Him. He wants you to remember how much He loves you. He wants you to know you are forgiven. He wants you to remember you are never alone, because He has promised to never leave you.

Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Butterfly photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Faith in God's Faithfulness

I thank my God who gives me counsel; even in the night His Spirit instructs me. I follow the Lord and trust Him; Because He is at my right hand, I have unshakable confidence.

Psalm 16:7-8

I was reading Psalm 16 this week, again. With so many nuggets of truth, it's one of my favorites. And if I truly believe David's words about faith and God's faithfulness, they bring me so much peace and joy no matter my circumstances. It can be a daily battle, a daily choice; especially in times like these. But faith is often like that.

Verse one says, Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. David had much to fear: running from a crazy king, battling his enemies, and leading a young nation, just to name a few of his life challenges. It's no wonder he wrote so many psalms of praise, despair, wonder, victory, and hope. He certainly ran the gamut of emotions during his lifetime, and I can relate to his fear, uncertainty, his highs and lows. But David knew where to place his trust:

In you, God, I take refuge.

Considering my current fears and worries, I ask myself, "Am I asking God to keep me safe? Am I taking refuge in Him? Do I believe He can protect me and those I love? Do I believe He is with me? Do I believe in His faithfulness?" 

 

Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

It's a simple prayer, something I can say at the beginning of each day and before I head into unpredictable situations. But it's more than a request for protection, it's also a declaration of faith: You are my refuge; You keep me safe. It's not a prayer to the changing winds of uncertainty, but to a faithful, mighty, powerful God.


In verses seven and eight, David addresses another way of involving God during times of uncertainty: I will praise the LORD who counsels me...I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.  David had obviously figured that out. He knew God would guide him, even while he slept.  And he trusted in that counsel, in the incomparable wisdom of God. I can ask for it and expect His guidance.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Daily faith requires me to believe this; to go into each day with that mindset. To have unshakable confidence in God's presence and care. To have faith in His faithfulness. We know it led David all the way to the throne of Israel and beyond--into his old age when he said, I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 37:25-26)

Trusting God and finding my confidence in Him will not only benefit me, but others too: my family, those in need, anyone who crosses my path, or I reach out to in His name.

This kind of faith can change my day, my week, my life; it can change my children's lives; it can change the lives of friends and neighbors--and subsequently their families, friends, and neighbors.

It can change the world. Our world right now during a time of calamity and uncertainty.

You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence.

He leads me, and He will lead you. Cry out to Him. Believe in His protection, care, and guidance, and you will find yourself in a steady place of peace, joy, and hope.
 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you from the enemy's trap and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and protection.

Psalm 91:1-4

Hands photo courtesy of freeimages.com
Forest road photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 16:7-8; Psalm 91:3-4 paraphrase mine

The Gift of Love

"I tell you her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." (Luke 7:47 NLT)


Once when Jesus was at a dinner-party held in His honor, He told a story to the host who had invited Him. It involved two people who owed a man a lot of money, but one owed much more than the other. When neither of them could repay, the lender decided to cancel both debts. Jesus asked the host this question: "Now which of them will love him more?"

He told this story because a woman heard He was there and came to anoint His feet with perfume and her tears. The host was disgusted with her behavior because she was a sinful woman, and he didn't understand why Jesus allowed it. After telling the story, Jesus pointed out to the host the ways the woman was honoring Him, and the ways he was not. In truth, they both were in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, but one of them knew it and the other didn't.

The man who invited Jesus to dinner was a member of a sect called the Pharisees. In general, the Pharisees didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah. He was too humble, ordinary, and didn't associate with the right people. Jesus got after them a lot regarding their self-righteous behavior and how they were oppressing the poor, sinful, and anyone not like them. They needed forgiveness as much as anyone, perhaps even more so, but they didn't recognize their sinful ways. For them it was all about trying to earn God's favor rather than simply receiving God's favor. They were focused on their own duty and righteousness (and that everyone else should be like them), rather than being focused on God's love.

I'd like to say I've never fallen into this same trap, but I can't. And in a way, I'm glad. I know what it feels like to take love out of the equation in my relationship with God. And I never want to go back there. It's a dark, lonely place of confusion and pain. I am thankful God rescued me from that. He has taught me to rest in His grace every day. No matter how I fall short--through disobedience, misguided choices, disappointing others, or not being all I think I should be: His grace is enough. He loves me.

Believing that makes me more loving, more forgiving, and more giving. I believe I am precious in His sight. I believe in all He has done for me. I believe His ultimate gift to me is Himself: His peace, His presence, and His mercy. What are you believing this Christmas?

When Christmas Isn't Merry & Bright

By now you've probably begun to receive the Christmas cards, heard the music of the season, seen the social media posts, and can't go a day without reading or hearing the words: "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!" For many it's the happiest time of the year, and parties, gift-wrapping, and joyful greetings fit right in. Some can't wait to get their tree up, decorate the house, and shop for those they love. Colorful lights, festive displays, special gatherings--it's one day after the next with everything looking, sounding, and feeling merry and bright.

But what if you're just not into it this year? (Or perhaps it's been a few years.) Too much is going on to really enjoy all the busyness, or it's a difficult time due to circumstances you can't change: The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, employment woes, financial hardship, illness, anxiety, depression, loneliness...Many things can make it seem impossible to find any joy at all, no matter how many Christmas songs you hear or how well-decorated your house is--if you can even bring yourself to turn on the music or hang an ornament on the tree.

For some it's the happiest time of the year, but for others it might be the worst. Many of us probably fit somewhere between the extremes, and some years are better than others. One day brings happiness and joy and feelings of accomplishment for getting things done, while other days leave us feeling exhausted, left-out, or just blue. The reasons might be clear, or they might not. Some moments are wonderful and make the whole season worth it, or perhaps a few high points don't really make up for all the hassle, money spent, and underlying sadness we feel.

Whether you love Christmas, loathe it, or fall somewhere in the middle, most of us can probably use a little perspective. Christmas isn't really meant to be an "all or nothing" experience. It's not supposed to be a time of year to forget all our troubles, nor to endure until it's over. We can see this in the Christmas Story itself. Those involved in the First Christmas when Jesus was born had been through it all. Mary and Joseph had moments of fear, uncertainty, fatigue, weariness, confusion, elation, joy, wonder...the months and days leading up to the night of the Savior's birth were far removed from most of our modern-day festivities. Truly celebrating Jesus isn't about the means or the methods; it's about the message.

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day...a savior which is Christ the Lord...Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:10,11,14)

 
 

Angels proclaimed these words to shepherds who were nearby, and they were invited to come and see this great thing that had happened, but I doubt these shepherds were the "merry and bright" sort. They were likely tired, hard-working, underpaid servants. They had never seen a Christmas light, Hallmark Christmas movie, or an ornately decorated tree, but they were the first to hear Christmas music. I'm sure it was a beautiful sound and marvelous sight, but the most beautiful thing about it was the Good News, the same message that is true for us today.

The shepherds hurried to see what the angels had told them, and they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Then they told everyone they met, sharing this good news about the Savior who was born, and others caught their excitement and amazement. The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God as they returned to the mundane of everyday life, but they were forever changed--transformed by the message they had heard and whom they had seen: the Promised Messiah, Christ the Lord.

They weren't celebrating because it was tradition. This was something new they had never even known about before that night. They weren't sharing a message out of obligation, but joy and wonder. They were overjoyed to be included in this new thing that had happened. They probably weren't certain of what it all meant, but they knew they would never be the same. Heaven had come to earth! Angels had sung! Hardly a routine night of watching over their flocks.

What did the angels say exactly that can bring us this same joy today? The shepherds knew it wasn't only good news for them but for "all people". It wasn't only for those who had no problems or had never experienced loss--quite the opposite actually. Those who have no needs have no need for a Savior, so we can assume this festive bunch eager to go to their first Christmas gathering were in need of some good news: a light in the darkness.

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men."

It was a message of peace. Those who are already content and unbothered by the trials of life would have no need for the comforting words, so again I assume the shepherds were quite familiar with everyday fears, loss, anxiety, hardship, and unrest. They were involved in a dangerous profession, assigned to protect the sheep at all costs (like unfavorable work-hours and risking their lives). They weren't exactly people of privilege and comfortable living.

 

Being invited to the birth of a king was definitely a one-time event. They weren't rich, noble, or of any real value to society. They had an important job but could be easily replaced. But to God? They were worthy of a hope-filled message: God's Good Will Toward Men!

His favor.

His love.

Forgiveness.

Peace.

The Gift of His Son.

His Kingdom.

They weren't forgotten, they were included.

They weren't invisible, they were seen.

They weren't dispensable, they were valued.

They weren't lost, but found. 

They weren't condemned, but loved.

Whatever you are facing this Christmas, whether its pure joy or much hardship, remember: Jesus came for you. He came to bring you life and carry your burdens. He came to give you peace, rest, hope, and whatever you need--today, tomorrow, and always. No matter how you celebrate the season, remember...He sees you. He loves you. He is with you, and you are never alone.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs...those who mourn will be comforted...the humble will inherit the earth."

"I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

--Jesus

Luke 2:10,11,14 taken from KJV. Jesus quotes taken from Matthew 11:28-29, John 10:27-28, John 8:12 (NIV); 
Matthew 5:3-5 (paraphrase mine)

Photos courtesy of Freeimages.com 

Giving as Our Father Gives

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap."  (Luke 6:37-38)

God gives good gifts. He gives because He loves us. When we ask God for things, we believe He is merciful and gracious. We believe He will give us what we need because of who He is--our generous, loving Father who wants to shower us with blessings.

God wants us to be like Him. He wants us to give as He gives. That's one of the reasons Jesus came. He came to establish God's Kingdom among us--within us. He gives us the Spirit to empower us to be more than we can be on our own. He gives us many things, but ultimately He gives us Himself. He gives us His Heart.

The question is, do we live like it? Are we living as those who have been empowered to live beyond ourselves? Are we living as these verses in Luke describe? Are we judging and condemning others? Are we forgiving? Are we giving generously? These commands may seem impossible to keep, but they're not. Jesus told us to live this way, not as a suggestion or an impossible demand, but as a way of life that is vital to our being. We will never live fully in His abundance otherwise.

One reason we don't live this way is because we see other people and our circumstances as a threat to our survival. We feel the need to protect ourselves and provide for ourselves. We forget every blessing we have comes from God. We forget He will always give us what we need. We don't trust Him to care for us, so we attempt to care for ourselves. We protect our hearts and our beliefs and our time and our bank accounts. But God can do all of that so much better. When we listen and believe and trust: He takes care of the rest.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt. 6:33)

"Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you."  His promise: We can give without fear. Our love, our time, a kind word, an act of acceptance or forgiveness, our talents, our worldly goods--none of it will be given in vain. God will always take care of us and give us what we need. We can trust Him on that.

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.  (John 1:16)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved