Miraculous Details

I was reading Matthew 1-2 this morning, and I decided to write down every miraculous detail that happened in Jesus’ life as a baby. Here they are:

1. Mary, a virgin became pregnant with Jesus, God’s Son. 

2. An angel of the Lord told Joseph not to be afraid to marry Mary—she was pregnant with God’s Son and his name was to be Jesus. 

3. Wise Men followed a star to Bethlehem. 

4. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Bethlehem, Egypt, & Nazareth. 

5. The star led the Wise Men to Jesus. 

6. Gifts of provision were given to Jesus. 

7. Wise Men were warned in a dream not to go to Herod. 

8. Joseph was warned in a dream to go to Egypt. 

9. Jesus’ life was spared in the destruction of male babies. 

10. Joseph told in a dream to go to Israel because Herod had died. 

11. Joseph was warned in a dream to go to Galilee. 

God orchestrated Jesus’ life with great detail. He was God’s Son, after all! But so are you—if you’ve chosen to be adopted by God. He’s orchestrating your life with the same kind of miraculous detail—even if you’re not aware of it! Do you think it’s an accident that you live where you do? That you have THIS job? Are going to THIS school? Are married to THIS person? God’s been orchestrating details for your favor since you were born. YES!! We all live in the miraculous. He knows how to work with every choice you make—and turn it for your good. Be still today and look for the miraculous. Write down what you see. I think you’ll be amazed!

100% Right!!

We think we’re 100% right all of the time, don’t we? We may even scoff at those who disagree with us. But…are we? I mean, what are the odds that we are 100% right ALL OF THE TIME?? It’s impossible. I think we might be surprised at God’s assessment of the correct percentage. 

So why do we insist that we are right? I think it’s pretty obvious. Pride. We want to prove we know what we’re talking about! We don’t like being challenged. We assume our character or our integrity is being attacked. We might even dig in our heels for a good fight if we’re corrected. I’m guessing most of the things we argue over on a day-to-day basis have nothing to do with the Word of God—which is the one truth on which we should be unshakable. But the interesting thing is we’re probably wrong on a lot of our interpretation of the Bible!

What would God have us do?

•Listen to the other person with an open heart and open mind. We might learn a new perspective and it might bring understanding. 

•Let it go. Most of the things we argue over aren’t even worth the debate—and we’re probably not going to change the other person’s mind. We need to learn to hold our tongue. 

•Examine ourselves. Why do we want to “win” so badly? Confess the sin of pride. 

•Submit to God. He tells us to avoid useless debates. 

•Honor our brother. Relationships are more important than being right. 

I hope to get this down before I die!

“he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”

I Timothy 6:4-6

Community

This morning, I was remembering the way things were in my childhood. We had so much community! Our neighborhood was a hive of activity in the evenings. The adults would sit outside in their lawn chairs while we kids played games all over the neighborhood. My parents had deep friendships and my mom was very hospitable. We had friends and family over to our home all the time. The adults also played 42 and would have game nights at each other’s homes. I grew up with community. 

After I married Andy, we developed community everywhere we went. We’d invite friends over for a meal—or the guys would play long hours of the game Risk. As we grew spiritually, we met with friends to Praise and Pray. Our kids remember P&P as a profound time of community. It was deep and meaningful. And we grew more and more in love with God. 

Why do we need community? Because life is hard and because God told us we would need it! It’s where you find friends, fellowship, fun, and faith. I don’t know that I consciously thought about wanting community—I just had a deep need for friendships.  (I also had the example of my mom’s hospitality!) I know that I could call any of the friends I’ve had community with in a time of trouble—and they’d be right there to help! Those are deep relationships. 

In Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” One of the Hebrew meanings of “life” is “community!”  There is LIFE in community!!  Ask anyone who has had deep and meaningful relationships where their lives are intertwined with others. They’ll confirm it is LIFE.  

How do you build community? Invite a family over for a meal. Ask if they like to play games you enjoy. One group of ladies I knew all had desperate needs—so they met to pray. Community grew out of that. Sit outside in your neighborhood with extra chairs around you and a cooler of drinks to share. As neighbors come out, invite them to come sit. Be curious. Ask about their lives. Go to church and get involved—community will grow if you invest yourself. And…don’t let a cluttered house stop you!!

Is it risky to get involved in community? Maybe. You have to be vulnerable to open your lives and home. But I’d tell you the payoff of investing in one another’s lives is HUGE!! Our culture has become isolated and people are suffering mentally and spiritually because of it. It’s time to swing the doors of our homes and lives open to show our children how to live in community!!

Choose LIFE!  Choose COMMUNITY!

Babylon

Did you know the city of Babylon will be rebuilt? Saddam Hussein began the rebuilding in his lifetime—and the USA even contributed $700,000 towards it (and we all know that probably means even more). It will be rebuilt—and become the world’s greatest city of commerce. The Bible tells us this in Revelation 17 & 18. 

Every time I read Revelation 18:12-13, I shudder. It describes the merchandise that the great city of Babylon sells. Things like pearls, scarlet, and ivory. But it ends with: THE BODY & SOULS OF MEN (meaning men, women, & children)!! 

How corrupt, debased, and contemptible! Honestly, the picture which comes to my mind is Epstein Island. Can you imagine the horror of a small child you love submitted to such debauchery, lewdness—and sin? No wonder their souls are sold. They have to shut down to survive. 

Babylon will be destroyed again in one hour. God will repay her double according to her works. The foul land will become the habitation of demons. Kings, businessmen, and ship captains will weep over its destruction—which is completely disgusting to me.  

Men, women, and children should not be for sale—either in online photos or physically—bodies and souls. God is very serious about this detestable behavior. The great city of Babylon will be destroyed in one hour because of it. I imagine there’s a level of hell reserved for those who propagate this abominable sin. 

People should not be for sale. Ever. Period. And they wouldn’t be…if people quit buying. 

Phenomenon

Have you ever seen so many strange phenomena in the sky as there are right now? I could have posted 100 photos like these—all taken from Facebook and from all over the world. Most of these are screenshots from

videos. Many are natural phenomenon like the red sprites…but the fact that they’re appearing so often and all over the world makes it newsworthy. I’m taking notice. Why? Because God said signs and wonders would appear in the skies in the last days. 

Keep looking up! You’ll see more and more strange phenomenon. And soon?  Jesus!

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 

Luke 21:25-28

A Heart that Says “Yes” to God

Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of His Son. The angel, Gabriel, came to Mary and told her God’s plan…but gave Mary the choice of whether to step into this significant role. I know God doesn’t tell us everything about the future, but I believe somehow Mary understood the cost of this decision. And her acceptance of the plan almost cost her marriage to Joseph—until an angel shared the truth with him. It certainly cost her reputation.  Can’t you imagine the wagging tongues in Nazareth? 

Mary endured a lot of pain as the mother of God’s Son:

•Gossip about her pregnancy

•Disbelief of Joseph

•Conflict between her children (the perfect son vs. the not-so-perfect children

•The persecution of Jesus’ ministry and disbelief by many—including spiritual leaders

•Watching her son’s torture and crucifixion

But God also sent her a lot of encouragement:

•The encouragement of Elizabeth

•The shepherds hearing the angels proclaim Jesus’ birth

•Simeon declaring the arrival of the Messiah

•Anna declaring the arrival of redemption

•God speaking to Joseph in dreams

•The wise men worshiping Jesus

•Being a part of the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry

•The miracles

Mary was a normal human being. I think we see this in Mark 3. Jesus’ brothers and Mary came to where Jesus was. They (at least the brothers) had decided Jesus was out of his mind! As a mom, have you ever been caught in the middle of your children’s conflict? Our normal response is to “fix it!” I think Mary had come for that very reason. When Jesus was told his mother and brothers were outside, he said, “Who are my mother and my brothers? It’s those who hear the word of God and do it!” In that moment, He was saying everyone has a choice to say “yes” and follow him—even His mother and brothers. We know Mary chose to follow Him—she was a part of His ministry. But it wasn’t until after His resurrection that his brothers saw the truth and followed Jesus!

Mary was just like you and me. She was a sinner in need of a savior. The difference is that she was miraculously pregnant and gave birth to her redeemer. I like what Jack Hayford says, “Mary’s miracle is intended to be ours. We can all be pregnant with the promise of God.”

Have you said “Yes” to following Jesus? What promise has God given you? Did you know that every promise of God is filled with its own inherent power to explode into our circumstances? It is! God wants to take you on the journey of a lifetime—it may be full of highs and lows like Mary’s. But I think, at the end, your heart will be full of thanksgiving for how the hard things made you grow—and full of wonder and praise over each fulfilled promise of God. 

Anxious

Every time we pack a bag, Bear gets anxious. His big questions is, “Will I get to go??” And then when I begin packing his things, he gets so excited! The morning of the big trip, he watches to see if I fill his water bottle. When I do, he begins running in circles and then from one end of the house to the other, looking for a way of escape to make sure he gets in the car! He doesn’t begin to settle down until he’s about 30 minutes into the trip and has had a drink from his water bottle.  His anxiety spikes again as he begins to figure out where we’re going.  Call me crazy—but he knows! At least he knows if it’s Tulsa, Dallas, or Red River where three of our kids live. He recognizes their neighborhoods and begins yelping—wanting out of the car!!

Yesterday, as I watched his anxiety all over again, I began to see myself. I get anxious when God has me at a full-on stop! Has He forgotten me? Am I going to get to go into the world and affect His kingdom? Why am I still at home? And when I see movement, I wonder, “Is this it? Am I going to get to go? Can I share the love and good news of Jesus with the world? Or is everyone else going—and I’m left home again? As God picks up MY things and begins preparing them, I’m about to off rhe charts with excitement!  It’s for me! It’s for ME!!! 

Sometimes the better part of our walk with Christ is being still. But oh, how I chafe at being still. I should be content with spending intimate time with God. But I’m a doer—I love the action. And I don’t want to be left out on what God is DOING!!! I know each season is important. You’d think I’d have it down by now—but I don’t.  

I’m just like Bear—anxious to not be left behind!!

Choose Life!

This week, my sister sent a verse to me. We’d never caught one part of this verse: 

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you that today I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Oh, that you would choose life; that you and your children might live!“ Deuteronomy 30:19

Your choices never just affect you—any choice! There’s always a ripple effect. It will touch the lives of your family, your friends, your church—and on and on.  But the choice of what you do with God is the most serious choice. This chapter says that if you choose to love God and obey His commandments you will have life and blessing. If you choose to serve yourself or any other idol, you will experience death (forever) and cursing.  

The point I’d missed is that when you choose life…you’re choosing life for your children also. I know you’ve seen it. You’ve seen a family who just seems to be full of life! They’re not perfect—but they just stand out. And then you’ve seen those families and you worry about the physical and emotional safety of the children. The first set of parents chose life. The second chose death—and they’re passing it on to their kids. Every single person (including your children) have a choice. But how much easier is it for them to choose God when they’ve had your example of choosing God?  

Know the stakes when you choose. You’re choosing God—or Satan. You’re choosing life—or death. You’re choosing blessing—or cursing. And your choices will be passed to your descendants. Your choices have an eternal consequence.  

Love Your Brother

Can you imagine a man killing his brother just because his own heart is evil and his brothers’ is righteous? That’s the only reason Cain murdered Abel. And that murderous spirit seems to be growing. In fact, God tells us not to be surprised when the world hates us. 

God tells us over and over in I John that it becomes manifestly clear who His sons are—those who live righteous lives and those who love their brother. 

There are several things John tells us about someone who loves his brother:

•He practices righteousness.  

•He has passed from death to life. 

•He loves others because God loves him. 

•He’s willing to lay down his life for his brother. 

•He meets the needs of his brother with compassion. 

•He loves in deed and in truth.  

•God’s love abides in him and has been perfected in him.  

Conversely, if we say we love God and don’t love our brother, God says we’re a liar. He also says we’re living in death and have a murderous spirit—and no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 

God finishes up by commanding us to love our brother. We’re COMMANDED to love our brother! Why? Loving our brother through thick and thin is evidence of a changed life. Sometimes it takes humility and grace to love our brother. Sometimes it takes tolerance and overlooking his faults. (We can’t change him…but we can love him). Sometimes, it’s just obedience because God commanded us to love him. And…how can we love the world if we don’t even love our brother?

Don’t let Satan fill your mind with murderous thoughts about your brother. Satan is, after all, the Accuser of the Brethren. Pursue your brother with love. Ask God what would say “love” to your brother. And then do it! Don’t just tell your brother you love him and then walk away feeling good about yourself. God says to love him “in deed and in truth.” Work at it. Labor over it. DO something to show your love. And do it in truth. Do it without pretense. Mean it…from the heart.  

Love. Your. Brother. 

Prowling Lion

Prowling Lion

There are some things we can learn from the physical world and apply in the spiritual world. When you face a prowling lion, here are things you should do:

•Do not run: Running triggers a lion’s predatory instinct to chase and attack. 

•Maintain eye contact: This shows the lion you are aware of its presence and are not a typical prey animal. 

•Make noise: Shout loudly, clap your hands, or wave your arms to appear threatening. 

•Back away slowly: If possible, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact. 

•Appear big: Stand upright, raise your arms, puff out your chest to appear larger than you are. 

•If it charges: Stand your ground, and try to intimidate it with loud noises and aggressive behavior. 

If Satan prowls, don’t run!!!  Stand firm. Humble yourself before God—but resist the devil. Make loud noises in prayer. Cry out to God! Make yourself BIG! You have authority over this enemy. Look him in the eye and stare him down. And stand firm again. 

This lion is on the loose and trying to intimidate, bully, control, manipulate, attack, steal your name and integrity, kill your church, and destroy your marriage. We CAN’T run from him!!!  If we do, he attacks and wins. We have to face him, look him in the eye, and defeat him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. We can and should declare the Word of God and pray. We must stand in faith. 

God tells us over and over to “Stand firm.” So…let’s STAND FIRM!!

The Darling of Heaven

Have you ever paid attention to these words in “Worthy is the Lamb?” 

High and lifted up

Jesus Son of God
The Darling of Heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

As we sang this song this past Sunday, it hit me! The Darling of Heaven was crucified. Jesus. The favored Son. The Beloved Son. All of heaven knew how loved He was, and yet…they don’t hate us! He died because of US and our sin. The angels in heaven knew His assignment was to restore US to the Father! You would think if the favored child had to die for us, the angels of heaven would hate us. You’d think the Father would be grieved. Instead…we’re loved. Wer’e blessed. We’re accepted. We’re favored. We’re CHOSEN! All of heaven watched the Darling of Heaven as He was crucified. They knew it was the Father’s will. And then as Jesus rose from the grave, they CHEERED! They knew God’s plan and path for us to come to heaven was complete. How can we not choose the Darling of Heaven?

Submit and Resist

How many times do we get this backwards? We resist God and submit to the devil. 

To submit is to get in military order, to obey, to submit to one’s control, to yield. God is KING. But He gives us the choice whether we come under His authority and His command. We don’t have to—He’ll let us control. But everything will be completely out of order. 

To resist is to set oneself against, to oppose, withstand. We have to oppose Satan and his plan. This is an active duty. It may be as simple as saying, “No!” But it may be as involved as going into a season of prayer and fasting and quoting scripture out loud (giving the Spirit a sword to wield). 

When we take control, we are submitting to the enemy and resisting God. Stop and think about it. When YOU want control, you are resisting God—and submitting to the devil, who is the ultimate resister of God. Chaos will reign. But when we come under God’s authority and fight the enemy, we draw near to God and He races to us—like a magnet being attracted to metal. The battle may still rage, but we know we are protected and loved. We know God is in control and He is a fierce Warrior…and a benevolent King. He will come to you. He will guard and protect you. 

We have a choice. There WILL be submission—either to God or the enemy. There’s no middle ground. And there WILL be resisting. We just have a choice whom we’ll resist. It’s bigger than just order or chaos. It’s a matter of allegiance.  

Goodness

When someone is a bully or is hateful—or just plain MEAN—don’t we want God to send fire from heaven to consume them? Or at the very least, pack them off to Siberia where they can’t touch us any more?!? I may be more tolerant if it happens to me than if it happens to someone close to me. I can become a mama bear when you hurt someone I love!

There’s a verse that won’t leave my mind—it’s been rolling around in there for days.  Romans 2:4 says,  “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” It’s God’s GOODNESS that causes people to repent. I believe most people expect God’s wrath. So what is their reaction when God moves in with goodness and kindness? It stuns them. They’re faced with a loving God who offers repentance. And they have a choice to make. 

I want to be like that, don’t you??  God tells us to “love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 is pretty straightforward, isn’t it? But it’s not what our flesh wants to do…at all. It’s only by the Spirit of God that we can be good—goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. We CAN’T offer true goodness on our own. So maybe God’s goodness, by His Spirit, comes through us!

The bottom line is this: do we want people to find Jesus? Do we want to see hearts repent? Do we want lives completely changed? Families changed? Churches changed? Towns changed? Then offer God’s goodness when you’re wronged…it’s what leads to repentance.  

Fasting for the First Time

It was probably 35 years ago. I hadn’t grown up knowing about fasting. I mean, I’d heard of Esther telling Mordecai to call the Jewish people to a fast before she went before King Ahasuerus to save their lives. But I’d never known anyone who fasted and talked about it. But I was desperate. Our finances were a mess. We were in over our heads with no way out. Looking back, I’m sure I talked about it all the time with our friends. In fact, a friend later asked why I hadn’t gotten a job. I don’t know. My theology was way off about women working. Plus, I was out to prove a family could live on one income while a mom stayed home. So there was pride, too.  

So I decided to fast and pray about our finances. I chose a 7-day no-food fast. The first couple of days were a little difficult—but that third day was a killer!  I later learned that’s the day all the toxins leave your body. I had a headache that wouldn’t quit! I certainly didn’t do much praying that day. But that fourth day? It’s like everything came into focus. I was spending time with God, listening, watching, waiting. And at the end of that seventh day, I was sad to break my fast. But I did.  

My finances didn’t change immediately…but I did. Later, a friend told me her husband asked, “What happened to Becky? She seems so peaceful!”  I guess I’d quit talking about my finances. I’d gotten a new perspective—God was in control all along. And He knew the way out of our mess. It was also the beginning of my changing theology. I began to see the Word through God’s lens of love and grace.  

Everything didn’t change at once. But everything changed. And, I believe fasting is what set things in motion. Since then, I’ve done other fasts. I’ve done a Daniel fast consisting of vegetables, fruit, and water. I’ve done a social media fast by turning it all off.  The goal of the fast is to bring your pressing, immediate needs before a God who loves you and cares about every detail of your life. He wants to hear your concerns. He wants you to get a perspective of Who He is and what He can do. He wants you to see His great power!! And He wants you to get out of the way. 

Fasting may not change your circumstances immediately (and it may!)…but I can promise it will change you. It may even save a nation.