But God! You Promised...

Now these are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt; each man and his household came with Jacob: Reuben, Simenon, Levi, and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. All those who were descendants[a] of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already). And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them. Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor. Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth-stools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.”
Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them. So Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “Every son who is born[c] you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.” - Exodus 1:1-22

After reading my devotional scripture this morning I had to ask myself a question or two. First, in the past, how far have I gone to argue what I learned was not at all the right answer or position? Second, at this stage in my walk with Jesus, how much of my pride am I willing to give up when I know God wants me to stop what I am doing and go in a different direction?

In the scripture reading above the Egyptians' insecurity and abhorrence for their Jewish neighbors eventually led to savagery. They actually were more humane toward their immigrant guests decades earlier (the Jews) than they were to them toward the end of their time in Egypt where they truly had become captives of their hosts.

I find that interesting for a number of reasons. First, apparently we do not learn from history. Nor, has humanity become more of anything more sophisticated or more civil. Also, it strikes me that if you are prone to arguments, violent anger and brutality, God's wisdom would dictate for you to regroup mentally and spiritually and ask yourself what kind of fear has gripped you? Throughout my 58 years, I have with a fallen heart seen just how brutal people can be and how often they are driven by various fears and insecurities. Fear of loss. Fear of humiliation. Fear of exposure. Fear of weakness. Fear of losing control. How many other forms of fear can you name?

The Egyptians wallowed in these kinds of fears. Fear of losing their land or power over their possessions drove them to ever increasing acts of injustice and brutality. What's the point? How about this: once you've decided to ridicule, alienate, (starve or beat) or mistreat one person, it becomes increasingly easier to persecute others and, as in the case of the nation of Egypt you eventually dehumanize a whole population. As you follow this story what you eventually see is this, The Egyptians compelled the sons of Israel to labor rigorously; and they made their lives bitter with hard labor in mortar and bricks and at all kinds of labor in the field, all their labors which they rigorously imposed on them. - verses 13, 14.

The Hebrews (Jews) found themselves in terrible straits, but God had promised, "I'll send a deliverer." When times grow hard it is easy to leap to the conclusion that God has forgotten His promises. Somehow we have to see past the kinds of experiences we are having and fully and consistently be in touch with The Father through the indwelling Holy Spirit to understand what our experience means. That was something the Jews had lost site of. It's easy to do. The new movements amongst Christians (free believers, Jacobsenites, Emergents, etc.) often question the validity of constant biblical contact. They view daily reading and devotions as a sort of duty that only the guilty and misinformed amongst believers continue to practice. But I often forget things about my walk in Christ. In this case. the Book of Exodus illustrates to us that when God says, "I promise you something," He never forgets it but that He does have a way and a timing that, unless you are sensitive to Him, His work in and amongst you and His people you associate with that You may forget. I often forget. A whole nation here is shown to have forgotten. But God cannot forget nor fail.

So let's put the shoe on the other foot. I am being persecuted. Do you ever imagine that your hard, harsh moments and tests escape God's notice? You may become so discouraged, so filled with acute pain, that you begin to think God couldn't be aware of your circumstances, or, if He is aware, then obviously He doesn't care. If you had an earthly father, aware of your pain, would He keep you in the dark as to his position on your predicament? No, nor does ours. However, if your earthly father was not kept in the loop about it how could he respond? It is similar to God. Though He knows what is going on He consistently desires we invite Him to the party (or persecution) which is our life. He asks that we seek Him, His face, His thoughts, His leadership and that is a very personal and intimate thing.

God is always aware. And He cares very deeply. He practices the means to redeem those in His family. It may be by calling someone home to Himself, or it may be by splitting an ocean right down the middle so you can walk through on dry ground. His deliverance may not arrive on your timetable or in the manner you expect it, but it will arrive at the best time, the right time. God will not abandon His own. Today, make a commitment to self and Him that you will invite Him in daily and practice His presence in your life. There is truly no need to go through the valley alone. He is there!

And in this season of both joy and sorrow; of relationships and loneliness I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~

A Proper Legalez'd Version of The Night Before Christmas

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS in Legalese

Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.

A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.

Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as ("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.

Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.

At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.

Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co- conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)

The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.

Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.

Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Tax Code.)

Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.

However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.

(Author Unknown)...

Is Christmas Discouraging for You? Time to Attack the Blues!

Psalm 5 - To the Chief Musician. With nehiloth. A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD,
Consider my meditation.

2 Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For unto You I will pray.

3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.

4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.

5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.

6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.

10 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.

11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You

12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

I love this Psalm. I even made a song out of it's first 3 verses once. The entirety of Psalms, our most ancient hymnal, contains some of the most moving and meaningful expressions of the human heart that have ever been penned.

I had lunch with a songwriter friend yesterday. I was reminded as we sat there that music, songs, are often born out of current, emotionally charged circumstances that so affect the thinking of the writer/composer, that they can't help but break out melody, rhyme and verse. Jazz, blues, gospel spirituals and even the romantics songs all are examples of this. The same should be said of gospel songs and sacred hymns; their historical settings often explaining the full measure and depth of their message.

Psalm 5 is like that. As we read it, we might reason it emerged out of a heart that was in the midst of strife and oppression. David is down in the dumps . . . discouraged. King David was its writer. Whatever his pressures were, they prompted him to compose an ancient hymn that i perceive was in a minor key.

It reminded me of the affect that Christmas can have on many of us. In this season, for a great many, I seriously doubt that there is any subject more timely than the topic of discouragement. As a Life Coach, Pastor and business consultant I find so many folks playing out their entire lives in a minor key and the holidays simply exacerbate this. There is the gnawing and often debilitating discouragement that follows an unachieved goal, broken home, empty nest or a failed romance. Some are discouraged over their marriage which began with such promise but now seems hopeless. Lingering ill-health can discourage and demoralize all who are affected by the one who is at the center of it all. This can be true and even more so when the pain lingers and doesn't subside. Over the last couple of years in our flailing economy how many have made courageous yet failed attempts to stave off economic collapse only to fall flat. How many know someone like that? In my business life I have seen this paralyze individuals. The discouragement brought on by several back-to-back criticisms as they tried and tried can scarcely be exaggerated in their long-term affects in demoralizing and destroying confidence.

In this verse it could be that we are seeing David attempting to pick himself up off the mat when, just at that moment, another biting and piercing verbal attack is leveled at him; the comments knocking him back to his knees . . . hence and perhaps (though the Holy Spirit truly authors this and all scripture) the birth of Psalm 5.

Many a discouraged soul has identified with this song down through the centuries. Frequently, the words just above the first verse (which comprise the superscription) set forth the historical backdrop of the song.

If you glance just above verse 1 in some King James Versions of the Bible, you will see that David desired this song to be played "upon Nehiloth." A nehiloth was an ancient woodwind instrument, something like today's flute or oboe. An oboe is a double-reed instrument giving a sad-sounding whine as it is being played. Its penetrating tone causes it to be used frequently as a solo instrument when the mood of the musical composition needs to illustrate deep longing, hurting, pain or somber reflection.

Interestingly, David did not play the nehiloth, but rather an ancient stringed instrument called the harp (see 1 Samuel 16:23, KJV). My point is simply this: David wrote this sad song of discouragement for someone else to play---not himself. Perhaps the surrounding circumstances were too overwhelming for him to participate in the playing of this piece. Perhaps he "heart it" in oboe; the composition could be rendered better by one who was skilled on the nehiloth. The sad tone of that instrument would enhance the feeling of discouragement which gave birth to this song...the Psalm.

It's Christmas season 2010. The tone in our household this year is upbeat. It's promising. We have been recently financially blessed after a very long dry period. We have experienced earthly new birth. I have a new grandson-Elijah Logan Wilson. He is joy. He is a blessing. He lives and brings light hearts and smiles and warmth and...and...

...and last year my dad-in-law passed just before this season as did my brother and oh, my loved ones and friends, how different a year makes things.

So, I ask, what is your song today?

Let me make a recommendation or two. If you are discouraged in this season, admit it. Spell it out in detail in your time with the Lord. Take time to express the depth of your pain. Don't deny the reality of your sorrow. State your honest feelings. God can handle it! And, He wants you to come clean with Him about it and what you would also hope He would do to intervene.

But don't stop there. Now at least twice, tell a someone why you are grateful to be alive . . . why you are more encouraged than you used to be. It will not only be therapy for you, it will lift that person's spirits as well. Wonderful changes can occur in us and others when we spread a few cheer germs around.

One other thing...go to www.youtube.com and look up and watch several snippets on a fellow by the name of Nick Vujicic...you may know who this is but if you don't just take my advice and do it. Let the idea that blessing may not ever look like what we expect it do overcome and overwhelm you as you watch. That is what David did, and Joseph of the Old Testament, and Jesus and Paul...and we are to do so as well.

Happy Holidays-I pray you had a thankful Thanksgiving and a Jesus Christ filled Christmas...

I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~

Allowing Me Into Your Life

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel - Philippians 1:12-13

Have you ever heard these statements: "Money talks." Or how about this: This is the golden rule: He who has the gold makes the rules." Both of these statements have a hint of truth in them.

When Jesus was crucified there was a question as to where Jesus would be buried. Those that hurried Him to the cross, designed that He should make His grave with the wicked; that he would be buried with others who had been accused of crimes and that had also been crucified. God designed He should make it with the rich and prophetically had announced this in the Old Testament in Isaiah 53:9 - Though they prepared his grave with the wicked he entered in death with the rich though he had done no violence nor was there found any lie within him.

And so a rich man also named Joseph (like Jesus' earthly father) ensured he had a proper burial. In order for Jesus to be buried with honor, this man of influence was permitted to take the body of Jesus. It seems this man had a personal relationship with Pilate. Thus, we can call this Joseph a man of influence. Ultimately he retrieved the body of our Lord and placed it in a burial plot he owned in a cave that was reserved for the rich.

Joseph of Arimathea was called an honorable counselor, a person of character and distinction, and in an office of public trust; some think it would be comparable to our State Department. That would allow him to be privy to and associated with Pontus Pilate. This post also seems to have been in the Jewish faith and that he was one of the great Sanhedrim of the Jews, or one of the high priest's council.

The Bible says that God desires His people to be the head, not the tail. He prepares us, when we accept and embrace God's instruction through the Holy Spirit to be sensitive to God's leading and to be instructors, teacher's, leaders.

Guys, if we are to influence the our time, our place, the culture that surrounds us, we must be men and women of influence in whom God uses to impact the culture. If you are a successful person, consider the words of Paul when he said, "...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." Although Paul was referencing adversity in this statement, it can be equally said that each of us needs to ask if our prosperity has served to advance the gospel or our training or our advancement in any area of our life. We need to look to heaven and ask God to reveal to us where our personal leverage and leadership exists. We also need to ask where we have not sharpened the saw of our life or maximized our potential to change lives by allowing God to fully develop our tools, talents, passions and gifts.

Are you using your influence to impact your workplace, city, Body of Christ or even nation for the sake of the gospel? Is there something or some things you have neglected that would change your ability to stand in a place of honor, or, as in Paul's case, apparent dishonor (this to be developed more thoroughly in a future teaching) so that God is glorified and the borders of the Kingdom of God are spread by your efforts and position? What else should you be doing? What two things, right now, do you know for certain you could do that would extend your ability to touch and perhaps bring salvation to lives around you? THINK! :-) - I bet you dollars to donuts that if you spend just 15 minutes in consideration, meditation and prayer over this that the Holy Spirit of God will show you what those two things are...

This is a season of warmth, love, consideration, serving and fellowship. Nothing about giving is more valuable then your compassion spread in a way that would fall naturally within your gifting and position. God's richest blessings to you and may your borders and tents be spread and Jesus arise in you and through you to others like the Daystar of the morning. I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~

The Real Move-On Dot YOU!

..."Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you".... - Joshua 5:9

My devotionals and reading and the notes I receive on things to watch and read and view online lead my mind off into many directions. This came from my devotionals today.

In this section of scripture Joshua and the people of Israel had just crossed the Jordan River. They were camped at a place called Gilgal. It got it's name because it was the first place of encampment after Israel was move from the "reproach of Egypt." But the action associated with this removal of reproach would be self-sacrificing and painful. You see, before they could proceed they were required to circumcise all the males. This was in fact because a whole new generation (represented by the males) had grown up while living in the desert through the travel of Moses, from whom Joshua had taken the leadership reigns.

This place is where Israel, like a worm in a cocoon, was transformed. I must tell you that the thought or idea of circumcision is not particularly invigorating and motivating for me. Circumcision is bloody and personal, and in a very real sense exposes all that you are. By this action at Gilgal God was saying that before you can become part of His people, His army, you must roll away the reproach of the Egyptian way of life. Thought it was true they had been separated from it by 40 years they had been raised in it's ways and clutches by their parents who had been steeped in Egyptian ways. To this new generation God was saying you are no longer a slave to the ways of Egypt. It is a time to put aside the old way of life. Many are walking around as goats in sheep's clothes, practicing a form of the purity of a relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but without the true source of truth and power.

Guys, rebellion is a part of the structure of the world and life we live within. It is in our midst. Sin in our midst testifies against us. It keeps us in our own personal Egypt and never allows us to enter the Promised Land of great communication, love, grace and God's ownership and leading in our personal lives. Our lives must be circumcised in order for us to come out of Egypt into our own Promised Land of spiritual blessing with God. Jesus is in fact our circumcision but we must fully embrace all that His life, death and resurrection meant. In this case, I would suggest we need to understand the depths of His sacrifice on our part so we realize how little we must sacrifice to embrace it properly.

In the above scripture this transformation I speak about marks the first time Israel begins to taste the fruit of the Promised Land. No more manna from Heaven. The manna stopped the day after they were circumcised. They were now fully to refine and enjoy the scope of the goodness of God and his culinary gifts. There was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate produce from Canaan with variety, flavor, zest and adventure!

So what is going on in our day that relates to this? I will probably not relate specifically to you. One thing that does seem true however is that God is turning our plowshares into weapons of love to usher in a new generation of His chosen people. But we will not be effective if we have the reproach of sin in our lives. Let go of the past. Hold onto that which is eternal! Ask God to show you what needs to be confessed and shrugged off today so that no reproach exists. The cross of Jesus takes away all reproaches. Enter the Promised Land with power and full of faith!

I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~