Risk It All

Scripture
Jeremiah 38:6-10 Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king’s son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
 7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, while he was in the king’s palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin;
 8 and Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and spoke to the king, saying,
 9 “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern; and he will die right where he is because of the famine, for there is no more bread in the city.”
 10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take thirty men from here under your authority, and bring up Jeremiah the prophet from the cistern before he dies.”


Observation
Ebed-melech, a faithful servant to the king, hears talk that Jeremiah the prophet of God, is in deep trouble.  Literally.  Jeremiah is put in a deep pit where there is no water, no food, just mud, muck, and yuk.  I wonder what kind of creepy crawly things might have been in there too.  I imagine it was dark, stinky, stale air, and Jeremiah might have even felt something crawl across his body or tickle at his feet.  What would I do in a situation like that?  Jeremiah is going to die there unless Ebed-melech does something.  So, he finds out where the king is, leaves his assigned duties and responsibilities at the palace, and he goes to talk to the king. This could be risky for Ebed - it could be life or death.  But, he finds the king and is able to approach him to tell him what has happened to Jeremiah, and that he will die without some kind of nourishment.  It doesn't say how long Jeremiah was in the cistern but he was probably hungry, thirsty, needing a breath of fresh air, scared, weak, and very frail. The king is reminded by Ebed, that there's no more bread in the city. 
The king decides to let Ebed rescue Jeremiah and Ebed does it so gently and kindly.  He even instructs Jeremiah to put old rags and clothes under his armpits to protect him from the rope that could injure him even more in his critical and weakened condition.
It's interesting to me, that in the midst of Jeremiah's suffering, God sends help from a 'friend'.   But there's MORE . . .

Scripture
Jeremiah 39:15-18 Now the word of the LORD had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guardhouse, saying,
 16 “Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,” Behold, I am about to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity; and they will take place before you on that day.
 17 “But I will deliver you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread.
 18 “For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”

Observation
God rewards Ebed for trusting in Him and sends Jeremiah to speak hope to Ebed.  "God says", "I will deliver you and you will not be turned over to the bad guys.  I will rescue you because through it all, you have trusted Me."  He trusted God.  He intervened to save the life of God's man.  And God sends Jeremiah to be the one that says, 'God's got your back Ebed' because you trust in Him.


Application
Trusting in God has to be foremost in my life.  As I trust God with my whole heart, and don't try to understand everything's that is going on - and when I make every effort to know Him, then He will show me the way to go. (Prov. 3:5-6).  God will give me what I need to be sensitive to the needs of others, whether it's a kind word, or by being practical in helping someone who is injured.  I should intervene when possible, even if it's inconvenient or risky.  God sees my actions, and He sees my heart. 

Prayer
Thank You Father for Your word.  Thank you for people like Ebed-melech who will risk it all to save someone from death.  Thank You that You reward those who seek You with their whole heart.
May I save someone from 'imminent death' today as I share to them about You and the gift of life everlasting.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.

Go and Tell

Scripture 
John 20:14-17 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher).  Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”

Observation
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first; she thought he was the gardener and that maybe he was even the one responsible for taking away His body.  Yet, Jesus, after rising from the dead, before ascending to be with God the Father, took time to reveal himself to Mary.  He asked her, "Why are you weeping?" and "Who are you seeking?"  He cares.  Jesus called Mary by name and the moment she heard His voice - she knew this was Jesus - and He was alive!  The God of the universe, God of all creation - is a personal God who loves us, died for us, and He knows our names.  He cautions Mary, 'stop clinging to Me' - don't hang onto Me just for yourself.  "Go and tell My brothers, My followers, that I am going to My Father, now your Father, My God, and now your God.'  Go and tell!  There is hope!  Jesus is alive forevermore!  Because of what He has done for us, we are no longer separated from God by sin and death!  Jesus made a way for us and now God is our Father, and our God. 

Application
I can know beyond all doubt that God is personal.  He knows my name.  He sees when I am sad.  He cares.  Am I keeping Him all to myself, or telling others what great things He has done for me?  I'm encouraged all the more as I read His Word, to go and tell . . . whoever will listen.  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever!  

Prayer
O Father God, You are my Father in heaven, and my God.  Thanks be to Jesus Christ, Your Son, who has set me free and reconciled me to You by way of the cross.  He bled and died, suffered beyond what I can imagine, so that I might call You Father.  I give You all thanks and praise for loving me enough to send Your Son for me.  For all of us.  His mission was to seek and save the lost, to serve, to give His life so we might have life.  Now I know my mission.  Go and tell - and may You be glorified in all I have to tell.  In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, and my God.   A-men.

Have Faith!

Scripture
1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.


Observation
Be happy even though you have to go through times of grief, suffering, and aggravation that leaves you feeling pretty distressed and full of sorrow and disappointment.  In the end, it's proving that your faith in God is genuine and goes deep.  It's more valuable than even the most precious of metals on earth, which will pass away; but faith - real faith in God will remain!  When I have faith and trust God, it brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ, God's Son.  Even intense fire and flame will not destroy the proving faith that trials bring.  You love Him and trust Him and believe in Him, even though you haven't see Him. That's FAITH!  So, that's why we are glad and extremely happy because we are receiving the salvation and deliverance of our souls when we believe God in the midst of hard times!


Application
This portion of scripture is a great reminder for me to embrace the Lord in each situation and the challenges I face.  I can rejoice that my faith will only get stronger through trials when I yield to the Savior and declare what great things He has done for me!  Don't be downcast, distressed, grieving, or sorrowful - don't hang your head!  Lift up your head! Jesus is the glory and lifter of my head, and I can be thankful and sing praises to the One who is saving my soul!  I have been counted worthy to have my faith tested, tried, and refined.  The reward is my salvation and a place in heaven along with those who have gone before me.  And one day, I will get to go 'home' too!


Prayer
O Father, in my life be glorified!  Give me faith for today to stand on the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me.  Help me to 'Have Faith' when life is hard.  May I love You more and more as heaven draws nearer and nearer!  In Jesus Name,  A-men.

Walking My Talk

Scripture
James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.  For we all stumble in many ways.  And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, also able to bridle his whole body.

Observation
Teachers are held accountable and judged by God and man with a more stringent standard than those who do not teach God's Word.  All of us stumble, especially when we open our mouths more than we should.  We aren't perfect, only God is perfect.  If we were perfect, we'd get things right.  But being imperfect as we are - we mess up.

Application
When we declare God's Word, whether it's from a pulpit, teaching in Sunday School class, or sitting around a table with friends, we better be 'walking our talk' because people see right through a facade, a superficial appearance or illusion of being spiritual or seeming like we have it more together than we really do. 

Prayer
Father, thank You for opportunities to proclaim Your truths and to be transparent to those hungry for You.  Help me to 'walk my talk.'  Thank You for showing me areas I need Your touch.  I avail myself to You for adjustment and correction.  I humble myself before You and may I take discipline with a quiet and submitted spirit and godly attitude.  Deal with me according to Your will and purpose  because You love me.  Help me to speak Your Word accurately, and may my actions and attitudes reflect the transforming power of the Holy Spirit working in me.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

God Breathed

Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.  

Observation
The Word of God, the 'B I B L E' is inspired by God, and it is His Word to us.  The Bible is good for teaching us all about God and His ways.  It's profitable and useful in bringing correction into our lives and exposing rebellious attitudes and behaviors.  It instructs, trains, and teaches us how to live a life doing what is right and good.  It demonstrates to us how to love God and people.  It speaks to us about being reconciled to God and that in being in relationship with Him, He will make us complete and competent; shaped to do the tasks He has given us to do.  As we read God's Word, we will have all we need to finish well.  

Application
God's Word is alive with His very breath, His plan, and His invitation to me to be fully equipped for what my life will be.  Reading the Bible is the most important thing I can do to be ready for what God has purposed for me today.  When I read His Word, I can know He's wanting to talk to me, and I'm telling Him I want to hear what He has to say.  

Prayer  
Father, You are important to me and everything You have to say is significant in my walk with You.  
May Your Word influence how I walk out today and how I treat others.  You are the ultimate authority in my life and I desire to obey Your Word as well as have it adjust me where it is needed:  whether it's in my actions or attitude, Your Word will not return void.  
Thank You that You love me enough to teach, reprove, correct, and train me in doing right.  In Jesus Name,  A-men. 

Throwing Stones at God's Anointed

Scripture
2 Chronicles 24:22
Thus Joash the King did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father had shown him, but killed his son.  And when he was dying, he said 'May the Lord see and avenge.'

Observation
Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness to him and how Jehoiada had mentored, trained and served him from the time he was 7 years old, until Jehoiada's death.  
Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, prophesied to the people under the anointing of God to tell them they had 'forsaken the Lord and that He has forsaken them.'   Their response was to conspire against him and eventually King Joash had him killed.  They threw stones at God's anointed!  God saw and did avenge.


Application
I must not forget where I have come from and how God has brought people into my life to love, care for, and even correct me.  Throwing stones can be like hurling criticisms at anointed leaders and is not pleasing to the Lord.  Zechariah was speaking God's word to the people and instead of repenting they conspired to shut his mouth permanently!  God gives us a choice when He confronts us with our sin.  Repent and turn back to Him for life, or stop our ears and hum a little tune and throw stones at those who speak God's word, which leads to death.   
As for me, I choose life everlasting, and I'm putting my stones down.   


Prayer
Father, let me hear your word and not reject it or the one You send to deliver it.  Never let me 'throw stones' at Your messengers and leaders.  Help me to remember my beginnings and the wonderful servants of God You have sent in my path to stay the course and keep the faith.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

God's Word

I love God’s Word.  I love reading it, hearing it read, journaling it, but most of all I love that it is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12). 

Last October, I received an invitation (for ladies only) from a well-known speaker, author, and friend, Margaret Feinberg, to accompany her on a 50mile hike in the Scottish Highlands.  There were only 10 spots open for the trip and it was a first come, first serve basis.  My dear husband, Louie, encouraged me to fill out an application to be a part of the team.  So I did.  

For months now I have been ‘in training’ with pilates, hiking, tread mill, bicycle, eating right; trying to condition this 61 year old body to get into shape!  But I have to say, it’s an uphill battle and physical conditioning profits little – and it doesn’t last long if you don’t keep it up! 

The other morning, I was feeling very weak and worried that I just didn’t have it in me to do this.  I was basically having a very difficult time.  I ached, my hip was out, my feet hurt, and I was tired and hungry for a big fat pizza!  I cried out to the Lord, ‘What did I get myself into? What was I thinking? How can I do this?’ 

It was a few minutes later when I quit complaining and got quiet before the Lord; that I laid down on our bed.  A small ‘scripture pillow’ a friend made for me that I keep on our bed was in my way, so I picked it up and looked at it, and read the verse she had sewn into it. ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)

Tears filled my eyes as I was gently reminded, that God is with me.  He will give me the strength I need – He will help me.  He will hold my hand.  I need not fear, I need not be anxious, for He is my God!  

God’s Word sustains, uplifts, encourages, exhorts, comforts, strengthens, edifies, convicts, blesses, promises, . . . so no matter what I’m going through, just knowing that God is in control and is with me, is more than enough.  Thank You Lord.