When Things Aren't What They Seem

It may have been a recession, or it may have been that our finances on paper seemed insufficient for our plans. It may have been when the timing seemed wrong for making such a huge decision. At one of these times when there seemed an obvious direction (of playing it safe or doubting God), I re-read Genesis 26 with its ominous beginning - there was a famine in the land. 

Famine portends bad news, but in God's economy, that's not always the case. This chapter starts off with famine in the land then proceeds to show us God's blessing to Isaac.

Ezra Bible Study - Rebuffed: Standing Firm

In Ezra 4, we see a scenario that is common today.

Why do your enemies want a piece of God's blessing in your life? They didn't earn your blessing, they have no relationship with God, they weren't the beneficiaries, yet they have no problem wanting to align themselves with you when you're on a holy mission. They don't know your relationship with God and the manifestation of His promises to you. They only see your outcome and are filled with envy, not recognizing what it took for you to get there. So they approach you because they know your character and anticipate that you'll act in a way favorable to them. But Christians don't need to be pushovers; they can stand firm on God's promises like the Israelites did.

The mysterious they, in this case, are the Samaritans who wanted to form an unholy alliance with the Jews as they rebuilt the temple. The rebuilding of the temple was not significant to the Samaritans, yet they knew of its significance.

An Invitation to Participate in the Divine

Have you ever cried so much it felt like you couldn't cry another tear? I have. Has your heart been so broken you thought it would never heal? I have. Have the rifts in your family taken such a toll on you that you wonder if fellowship will ever be restored? I have ached for broken family relationships. Has the deep hurt of a child made you feel so helpless that all you do is cry? I have.

There are circumstances in life that are so unexplainable that force you to your knees with desperate cries to the One up above. "Why Lord, why?" "How Lord, how?" "Make a way Lord, make a way." "Heal Lord, heal." "Restore Lord, restore."

The Last Five Chapters of Judges Reads Like a Modern Day TV Show

In the days when the Israelites had no king, every person did what was right in their own eyes. They were focused on their own "I" nothing else.  When you are so singularly focused on yourself, your needs, your desires it is a recipe for disaster. This post took much longer than I anticipated because I wanted to ensure its accuracy. I am simply retelling the events that transpired; the unpacking will come over time.

Micah's mom sets things in motion by creating an image and an idol for her son after her stolen money is found - a significant amount of 11,000 pieces of silver. By the way, it was Micah, her son that stole her money. (Judges 17)

Micah created a shrine in his house that included this image and idol. Micah then consecrated one of his sons as his personal priest and then a man from the tribe of Levi - the tribe of priests. So Micah had 2 priests - his son and a Levite priest for hire. The men from the tribe of Dan are passing through, recognize the priest's voice and convinced him that he should be a priest to them instead of one man. He likes their proposition and becomes their priest instead. Subsequently, Micah comes to claim his priest but he is outnumbered. The men from the tribe of Dan captured the group from Laish and they end up worshipping Micah's carved image for a very long time. (Judges 18)

This is the first set of events that happened which set the stage for the next happenings.

A Levite takes a woman as his concubine, his legal mistress. She cheats on him and ran away or ran back home to her father's house. Because she is his legal mistress her father is referred to as the Levite's father in law. After four months the Levite goes to fetch her. The man and his father in law have a good time eating and drinking so much so that he is delayed by one day in his travels. He eventually leaves with his concubine on the 5th day, late in the afternoon. As they are trying to make their way back home they stop in Gibeah for the night. They thought Gibeah would be safer since they are Israelites; they are familiar with their ways and would feel more comfortable there. An old man from the town of Gibeah takes them in and is their host for the evening. After dinner some worthless guys surround the house wanting to have sex with the Levite. What sort of place is Gibeah? This goes from bad to worse because of their host, the old man who said, "no instead take my virgin daughter or the concubine." The worthless men insisted on the Levite so he pushes his concubine outside where they rape and abuse her all night. In the morning, she is returned to the old man's house where she dies at the doorstep. Without any thought or concern for her, the Levite implored her to get ready for travel and realizes that she is dead. The Levite picks her up and carries himself and her dead body home. When he gets home he cuts her body into twelve pieces and each piece is delivered to a tribe. (Judges 19)

What madness is this? It gets worse. (Judges 20)

The Levite, the husband of the woman who had been murdered, said, “My concubine and I came to spend the night in Gibeah, a town that belongs to the people of Benjamin.  That night some of the leading citizens of Gibeah surrounded the house, planning to kill me, and they raped my concubine until she was dead. So I cut her body into twelve pieces and sent the pieces throughout the territory assigned to Israel, for these men have committed a terrible and shameful crime. Now then, all of you—the entire community of Israel—must decide here and now what should be done about this!”

In retelling his account of the events to the tribes of Israel, the Levite does not share how he played a part in his concubine being turned over to the worthless men. The tribe of Benjamin sides with the men of Gibeah and through much fighting and subsequent defeat they are tainted as a tribe because of this heinous act. After Benjamin's defeat at the hands of the other Israelites, 600 Benjamite men are remaining. Since they are tainted, the remaining tribes made an oath that no one could marry these men from the tribe of Benjamin, so they come up with a scheme. First, they found 400 women from Jabesh Gilead after killing everyone (men and women who weren't virgins). But there was still a need. So they devised this plan - go to a festival in Shiloh, and when you see single women dancing grab and run; who you grab will become your wife. (Judges 21)  All of this reminds me of episodes of SVU.

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. Judges 21:25 

This is how the book of Judges ends.
These last five chapters provide graphic detail of what happens when people do right in their own eyes.
The Israelites had no king - this phrase was mentioned at least three times in these last chapters. Each time this statement is made, the subsequent acts are more reprehensible. This was people begging for leadership. The human condition demonstrated the need for a Savior.
They were sincerely wrong - they chose to do what they thought was right but it was clearly wrong. You can be sincere in your beliefs and yet be wrong.
There was a misunderstanding of God's word - which led to idol worship, civil war, fighting, rape, murder, you name it!
Foolish and immoral behavior led to cycles of sin - as evidenced throughout this book. Only God can break this cycle.
Every facet of society was affected; those who we thought would know better did not. Think of Micah's mother, the priest for hire, the Levite with the concubine, or the old man.
None of us are immune from depraved behavior without the Grace of God

We are no different from the Israelites when we esteem our knowledge above God's knowledge as laid out in the Bible. These chapters can be read as a cautionary tale to let us know our craven depths without God in our lives. As I was driving recently, I turned on a road that was recently paved but unlined. I was used to the lines, which indicated which lane I should be in. Without the lines, I found myself initially drifting to the wrong side of the road and then I consciously righted myself. You ever wonder why they are lines on the road? Without the lines to guide us, our natural tendency is to drive wherever we want to create mayhem. God's word is like those lines on the road. Choose to follow.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8

Have you ever read these chapters? Were you convicted, disgusted, shocked or something else? What can you learn from these chapters?
--Nylse

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What's With the Whining?

What's with the men of Ephraim? In Judges 8:1 the men of Ephraim asked Gideon "Why did you fight the Midianites and didn't call us?" Recall that Gideon asked for men to fight and received a huge response - 32,000 men. It's highly implausible that the men of Ephraim were excluded from this call. Gideon handled their question with tact and diplomacy and diffused what could have become an ugly situation.

In Judges 12, they made a similar accusation to Jephthah - "Why'd you fight the children of Ammon and not tell us?" They also threatened to burn Jephthah's house down.

Jephthah seems to be a no-nonsense, cut to the chase kind of guy because he responded by saying, "I called for you and you didn't help, so God helped and delivered me."

Then Jephthah ended this nonsense once for all - he and his men fought against the men of Ephraim. Apparently, the men of  Ephraim were better talkers than fighters for the scripture gives the impression that they were easily captured. Even in war,  the men of Ephraim tried to be coy and evasive but Jephthah was one step ahead of them. He asked the Ephraimites to pronounce Shibboleth knowing that most of them did not pronounce the h due to a regional dialect. (It would be the equivalent of asking someone to pronounce tomato - depending on where you are from you would pronounce it differently). If you said Sibboleth it identified you as an Ephraimite and you met your end that day. 42,000 Ephraimites were killed that day and we never hear of the men of Ephraim complaining again.

According to 'Psychology Today' whining is when the dissatisfaction voiced is trivial or inconsequential and not worthy of special attention. There is a distinction between complaining and whining; whining is worse. Complaining involves voicing fair and legitimate dissatisfaction with the goal of attaining a resolution or remedy. When we voice legitimate dissatisfaction but do so without the goal of attaining a resolution we are merely venting.

The Ephraimites were cowards and chronic complainers who spoke up after the fact. This type makes leadership challenging because as a leader you have to assess the validity of a whiner's complaint and then determine how to address it. Gideon diffused it but Jephthah got rid of it. Instead of whining after the fact, state your case and your willingness to assist, when plans are being made so that it is clear what your motives are and where your heart lies. Complaining and whining especially after the fact can lead to unintended dire consequences. Whining can wear a leader out - think parent and child or team leader and team members. A whiner is not usually viewed in a positive light. As a parent, if you have a child that's a constant whiner, it wears on you (and of course we can't handle our whining child like Jephthah did though a similar thought may run across our minds (but that may just be me)).

There's another interesting lesson here - you are known by how you speak. I have an accent, so when I speak one of the first questions asked is "Where am I from?" This is a loaded question because I'm often not sure how to initially respond.  As humans when we interact with a youngster who speaks well and does not whine we almost automatically wonder who is this child and who are his parents. You want to see the source of the child's behavior; in the same manner, our speech should shine as Christians. As a Christian, you can be clearly identified by how you speak.

Jephthah judged Israel for 6 years - one of the shortest on record, and then he died.

If you are a whiner, sincerely submit this to Lord. This may be a hard habit to change but you may benefit sooner than you anticipate as whining endears you to no one. As a leader, be prayerful and mindful as you determine the best course of action for dealing with whiners.

The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. Matthew 12:37

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. 

Matthew 7:20

Are you a whiner? If you're a whiner, why do you whine? As a leader, how do you diffuse whining?

--Nylse

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Warning - Being Parched Happens and How To Fix It

When I first moved to CA, everything was brown, dried and parched.  Driving on the 101 there was no greenery; it was a shock to my eyes, as coming from NY - the five boroughs, I had never seen anything like this.  It was so dry, that anything could start a fire and that is pretty much what happened that fall.  Have you heard of the California Wildfires? Once the fires started, they raged and burned anything in their path. It takes a huge effort to contain these fires. We got so many calls that first year due to concern, but fortunately, for us, we were not in the fires' path.

A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply whether surface or underground water.  (wikipedia.com)

A drought is not enjoyable - you're being deprived of something that is much needed - this could be physical, emotional or spiritual. A drought leaves you parched, craving refreshment.

In the ecosystem of life, droughts are not meant to be a permanent phase even if they are caused by natural circumstances. Droughts come gradually, therefore when their full blown you cannot force them out of your environment. A lifestyle intervention is necessary beforehand. In the words of John Wooden, "when opportunity knocks it's too late to prepare."

I used to think there were ways to avoid a drought, but for me, it happens because I'm human.
I'm moody, sometimes fickle, prone to being hormonal, etc. Also sometimes circumstances precipitate a drought - job loss, death, divorce, relationship issues, things not working out the way you intended. The combination of being human and circumstances is the perfect storm for a drought.

The good thing is thanks to maturity, droughts don't happen as often.While you going through a dry time, remember to reflect; know that it will pass - weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning; pray more which leads to talking to the right people or making different choices; focus on your blessings; humble yourself and find the courage to do what you can to change.

Humans also go through droughts in a spiritual sense.  Jesus is the water of life - but sometimes even though he is our Source, we backslide or we willingly choose to ignore Him. As a believer, we can survive the drought because we have someone who will quench our thirst. He is always there - He is always faithful, though we are not.

Sometimes you've got to go through a drought to appreciate what you do have, but remember a drought was never meant to last forever. When a drought ends, refreshing relief is welcomed.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Psalms 23:4 [NLT]

In a drought? This too shall pass.  

A Chapter A Day - Proverbs 24

Well, I got ahead of myself this morning and read the wrong chapter. So now I have to regroup and focus on Proverbs 24. Just a thought - this morning, it hit me that I really love studying the scripture. I'm no theologian (nor do I wish to be) but what I really like is reading and then allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the Word. Many times people hear the phrase "Holy Spirit" and come up with unrealistic expectations. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, our guide, and there to assist in all areas of life; you'd be amazed at how the Holy Spirit can lead if you let him.

Forgive my excitement, but for the past couple of chapters the tone of Proverbs has changed - it's no longer warnings but actually advice from wise people. They are 30 sayings of the wise that started in chapter 22 and end in this chapter. These sayings cover the typical and the atypical. For example, I didn't realize the effects of drunkenness were so thoroughly explained in the Bible, until yesterday. Let's be wise and learn from the wise.
Proverbs 24

Gems

At one point in my life, I had two very difficult/mean/unfair/wicked (this may be a stretch but that's how I felt) bosses and they both were named Susan. I got into the habit of taking my Bible to work daily and reading a chapter so that I would wisely know how to deal with the second Susan. With the first Susan, I didn’t handle it so well.

The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers (v 5-6). I wanted to be wise in my interactions; so I prayed for wisdom and the right people to talk to. If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! (v10) This was an encouragement to not give up. When we go through difficult times, it seems easier to give up, but we learn so much more by staying the course and handling it in a way that's pleasing to God. In your adversity, you have a chance to help others also (v11). A co-worker actually told me, he was encouraged by how I was handling the situation. All I could think and say was, “that’s God.”
More encouragement - for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes (v16). Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out (v19-20).
Finally, when both Susans were deposed, I was reminded of these verses - Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them (v 17-18).

To show partiality in judgement is not good....(v23) - Judge everyone fairly; use the same standard for all. God is a just God, therefore, as humans we should try to imitate his standards. In society today, it glaringly clear what happens when there is partiality in judgement whether this partiality is based on race, class or gender.

Preparation and planning are essential for the proper execution of plans, therefore, "Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." (v27)

One last gem I'd like to leave you with - An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (v 26). The next time you're tempted to be dishonest in your speech, remember how good it feels to receive a kiss on the lips - and be honest. Your honest words will be well received by the hearer. If you've never received a kiss on the lips - take my word for it - it feels good.

Read on.

Why? Because I Said So.

Source

After Job went through all of his trials God showed up, but probably not in the way he expected.  All along Job had been questioning why all of these terrible things were happening to him. His friends showed up but then they started to speculate and pontificate, making the situation worse, yet Job still had no idea why he was suffering. He didn't realize that this was something that God ordained.

If you've ever had a toddler that kept asking you why, you might be able to relate to Job. When you as the mother or parent finally say, it's because I said so, in that moment you are exerting your parental rights and authority. All questions cease because you said so.

Well, God finally showed up and in a manner of speaking said to Job, it's because I said so.

In Job 38 and 39 God appears to Job out of a whirlwind and immediately sets the tone: God said, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?"  I can imagine Job inwardly cringing and saying 'uh oh." God tells him he has to man up: "dress for action like a man, I will question you and you make it known to me.

God proceeds to give Job a dissertation on the universe in the form of questions that Job cannot answer or conceive the answers to:

• Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
• Have you commanded the morning since your days began and caused the dawn to know its place?
• Who kept the sea inside its boundaries and said here your proud waves must stop?
• Do you know where the gates of death are located?
• Where does light come from and where does darkness go?
• Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of hail?
• Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?
• Who laid out the path for the lightning?
• Can you direct the movement of the stars?
• Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth?
• Who gives intuition to the heart and instinct to the mind? (Job 38:36 - my new favorite verse)

And then He goes to the animals in the universe:

• Do you know when the wild goats give birth?
• Have you watched as deer are born in the wild?
• Who gives the wild donkey its freedom?
• Will the wild ox consent to being tamed?
• He mentions the ostrich who appears dumb but has great speed to protect her offspring.
• Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?
• Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south?
• Is it at your command that the eagle rises to the heights to make its nest?

• And finally - shall a fault finder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.

 Job is not the first person to think that he could get the answer he wanted from God. At the end of this questioning, Job recognized that even though he wanted answers from God all along, he could not answer God's questions. Job saw his limitations and recognized his weakness. Job was humbled. I want to be aligned with someone who is all powerful - not just a mere man.
In our trials, we are never alone. God is there and if we will just still our minds, we can hear what he is trying to tell us.

Who gives intuition to the heart and instinct to the mind? Job 38:36 [NLT]

Can you remember a time when God showed up? Was it during a tumultuous time? How do you feel about the sovereignty of God - i.e. because I said so?

Disappointment Does not Discriminate

Have you ever felt that everyone's life is rosy but yours? Does it feel like you have a large cross to bear while others seem to be skating through scot free?

There are two things I've learned about disappointment:

1. It is an absolute waste of time to compare your life to others - you will either come way inflated or deflated but both are a false sense of self. In this life, we will have tribulations, but there's a promise at the end of this verse - "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

2. Have you heard of Usain Bolt? He is the world's fastest man and hails from the country of Jamaica. Last week at the World Championships in Korea, the 100m was the hottest ticket. All the athletes were in the blocks and the stands were silent. Then in a split second, Usain Bolt false started and was disqualified...for the entire world to see! Think about it - this is a world class athlete, who has trained for this moment, on one of the biggest stages and he makes a colossal error - he jumped the gun. He is quite familiar with the rules of his sport - one false start and you're out; so he could not defend his crown. What a blow!

What do you do when you are disappointed? Usain Bolt came back and won the 200m in one of the four fastest times in history and then anchored the 4X100 relay for Jamaica, while setting a new world record.

We're not all Usain Bolt, but we all go through disappointing times - we make a mistake, we say something in error, or we go through a tragedy or loss. The key is to recognize that we are disappointed, and then move on. If your disappointment grows it may lead to discouragement, creating a downward spiral that becomes harder to conquer over time.

The next time you are disappointed, think about the world's fastest man and how he came back from his disappointment. Disappointment may be a blessing in disguise, as it allows us to regroup and focus on the task(s) ahead.

Our best successes (can) often come after our greatest disappointments.~ Henry Ward Beecher

How do you handle disappointments and how do you eventually move on?