A Thriller

The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed. Genesis 39:23b (NLT)

I love to read and one of my favorite fiction genres is action/thrillers. The story of Joseph in Genesis captures my imagination in a similar way. The twists and turns of the plot keep me glued to the story wondering what is going to happen next between the good guys and the bad guys. Typically, the bad guys are unknown to the hero but in this story, they are his brothers. Jealousy, vindictiveness, deceit, and cover up define their actions and as we watch them sell Joseph into slavery, ship him off to a foreign country, and lie to their father. Joseph ends up in Egypt, his problems continue and he lands in jail. What could be a worse fate? And to top it off, his family and fellow prisoners think he is weird because he can interpret dreams. I am sure this chain of events was not on Joseph's "to-do" list. A rational person might question what God had in mind for this young man. However, the story does not end with doubt but with promise. Joseph trusted God and even when his future looked bleak, his good work habits, industriousness, and loyalty brought him positive attention. Eventually even Pharaoh was impressed with the young man and his abilities and appointed him as ruler over the land. Without that authority, when a severe famine hit, he would not have been able to rescue his family. God does not make mistakes. At times, we may question what is going on around us. Life is not fair. It is too hard. Where is God? We question but we cannot even see around a corner let alone months into the future. God alone is the master of our destiny and all He calls us to do it to trust Him. Joseph did not expect fame, nor did he seek it. But God placed him in a position of power for His honor and glory. I encourage you to read Joseph's story as encouragement for your walk. If you feel all alone, remember, God is in control.

Look Up

And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward;" Genesis 13:14 (New King James Version)

After the New Year, I chafed to get back to my various activities, especially Bible Study. I was ready to get going on the new study of The Patriarchs with Beth Moore. I have some new ladies in my discussion group and after the first session, while they were still catching their breath, I told them that watching her is like drinking from a fire hose. You just have to hold on…but it is worth it. While reviewing Abrams story, it occurred to me that life takes time. I get frustrated at the lack of progress on my intended plan for my life. Unforeseen events force me to step back and wait. Illness, death, moving, surgery, distance from family and friends stop me cold. Abram and Lot also had problems and encountered a seemingly insurmountable problem of enough grazing land for their flocks. I am not so sure I would have been as gracious as Abram was but he allowed Lot to choose the best land and he took the other. I wonder if he was worried about finding water in the hilly country that was his portion. But even as Lot took off, God stopped Abram and asked him to look up. He had something better in mind for Abram than the watered plains in the east. Everything as far as the eye could see would belong to Abram but it was necessary for him to separate from Lot before God would implement His plan. As I sat pondering, I realized that God knows what is going on in my life. Time has no meaning for him…it is my hang-up. He has separated me for His reasons and my part is to stay close to Him so He can show me my inheritance. After He got Abram's attention, He commanded Abram to walk in every direction and claim the land. He does the same to me—keep walking, don't give up, I haven't forgotten you. Look up!

God Will Provide

So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22: 14 (NIV)

Imagine the movie scene of Abraham, his arm raised, knife in hand, ready to plunge it into the heart of his only son, Isaac. What could be more dramatic than the sacrifice of your only son? As I read the story in Genesis this morning, I wondered what Abraham was thinking on the three-day journey to the mountain. He certainly did not question God's command, in fact, he got right to it…no dawdling, excuses, or whining. But what was in his mind? Did he question God and want to know why? How many times have I pleaded with God during a difficult time and questioned what was happening to me or those I love? Yet, as they walked together, Abraham knew that this boy was a miracle and that God promised his destiny would be great. If sacrificing Isaac pleased the eternal God, then he would do his part. His birth had already been a miracle, so Abraham did not waver. He did not know how God would do it, he only knew He would. Because his actions revealed his pure, trusting, and devoted heart, God stopped him just before the point of no return. What a perfect name for this place on the mountain, "The LORD Will Provide," because when God called to him, Abraham looked up; he saw the ram, caught for him, ready to offer up to the God that loved him. How like God to give us an encouraging story like this so that we will have confidence during those impossible situations of our lives. All we need to do is look up. He will provide.

A Challenge

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

I am back to first principles. Although I accepted Christ as a young girl, I read through the Bible for the first time in 2007, enjoying the process and learning much about the context of God's word. After patting myself on the back, I decided not to do it again the next year, instead picking up a good devotional and a haphazard reading of the Scriptures. Now I have nothing against devotionals but there is something about going to the source in a consistent way to hear what God has to say to me, prompted after studying Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer last fall. So for 2009, I am committed to reading through again, only this time I am using the New Living Translation Chronological Bible. I love a good story and look forward to reading this magnificent account from its opening drama to its closing triumph. I plan to sit and let it sink in, ask questions, see how it applies to me, and journaling my prayers and any insights that God whispers to me. I like to journal because it allows me to thumb through it for encouragement on those days when the darkness threatens to hide the light on my path. I have proof in black and white of God's presence in my life. It's not too late to start and there are many ways to do it. Check out the various options. It takes about 15 minutes a day, so why don't you join me? We will spur each other on to make it to the finish line, finding God's plan for us along the way.

Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Hope! When all else fails, that is what keeps us going. This has not been the easiest year for me. As I look back over my journal entries, the long days and nights flood my memory and I am so thankful we made it. At times, I wondered. When life was dark, the light of His Word brightened my day. When loneliness threatened to overwhelm, my phone rang with a cheery hello from a friend. When answers seemed impossible to find, professionals stepped up with solutions. And when I needed a pick-me-up, a call to the grandgirlies delighted my heart. In the end, when my world began to shake, God provided a level path to walk on and His promised peace filled my heart. He is so good! I have many piles of stones by the side of the road as reminders of God's faithfulness to me this past year. As a result, let's go for it in 2009.

10,000 Steps

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

We enjoyed a "magical" Christmas at Walt Disney World last week. We loved sharing and watching as the grandgirlies experienced the thrill of the roller coaster rides, viewed the spectacular fireworks from a bench in Fantasyland and the top of the Contemporary Hotel, and rode on boat and bus shuttles to spend the day at one park after another. We joined the throngs to view several parades march down the middle of Main Street. The highlight for me was the Candlelight Procession in EPCOT. Steven Curtis Chapman, joined by massed choirs and orchestra, narrated that evening and we listened once again to the story of Jesus from Luke 2. The glorious music thrilled our hearts and we all left acknowledging the wonder of that miracle birth. However, did you know WDW is 400,000 acres? After the second day, I borrowed Mel's pedometer because I have a doctor who advocates walking 10,000 steps a day as a way to good health and was curious if I could do it. To my amazement, when I took the pedometer off that night, it showed that I had walked 12,388 steps. I figured I walked about 50 miles by the end of the week. I must add that as the week wore on, I slowed down and each step took a little more energy highlighting one of the many differences between Nanas and grandgirlies! Mel did an outstanding job of planning the week's activities—we just followed the leader. As I look back over this last year, plans filled my calendar each month…appointments, dates with Mark, trips, repair men, invitations…each one added with the time and any notes I needed. Yet, after all the planning, I scrapped many of those dates as God's plan for my life threw me several curve balls. Many months found me just hanging on to the hem of His garment. Yet, I know that during that time He ordered my steps for my good health. In the end, it became an unexpected blessing because it forced me to trust Him with all that I am and have. He gave me His strength, mercy, grace, and love each step of the way. It is about time to change to my new 2009 calendar. I don't normally make a big list of New Year's resolutions but this year I have a couple—one being to keep trying to walk 10,000 steps a day. But the other is to follow that plans of the Master. I missed the challenge and blessing of reading through the Bible this year so I have a new chronological version to use in '09. What better way to get my marching orders? Want to join me?

So Exciting!

King of kings forever and ever

and lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah And he shall reign forever and ever. The Messiah, by George Friedrich Handel

Excitement fills our house and that of the grandgirlies in California. The bags are almost packed, the refrigerator is bare, and the mail is on hold. We all leave tomorrow for Disney World and anticipate a week of memories filled with fun, laughter, fatigue, and a fairyland of lights. The youngest grandgirlie was a baby the last time we visited so she sees all the festivities through the eyes of her two sisters. They know what is coming and can hardly wait. As we all get ready for the big trip, it reminds me of the meaning of Advent: "arrival" or "coming," particularly of something of great importance. We have been planning this trip for almost a year; getting plane reservations early so we could use frequent flyer miles, making dinner reservations for each night since we expect crowds, finding the best deal for park tickets. But Advent is not about anticipating Disney World, it is about waiting for the birth of the baby Jesus. Generation after generation looked for that promised King, little expecting that some shepherd boys would herald His birth. The long awaited miracle born that night changed the course of history. What have you done to prepare for His arrival this year? Have you asked Him into your heart and made him your King? Sometimes, we get so caught up in the "preparations" of baking, shopping, and entertaining that we forget that our hearts and minds need preparation, too. In the coming week, I encourage you to plan time to read the Christmas story with your family, visit a lonely person, or share a meal with a friend. Make time to spend alone with God and listen to Him speak to you. Remember...people are more important than things and they last longer, too. Yes, this season is full of joy and excitement. But when we fly home next week, the Christmas season will end as we put away the decorations, exchange the presents, and shop for sales. However, what is more important than keeping the love and joy that Christmas brings to your heart alive and available to share throughout the new year? Let Jesus, the King of Kings, make the difference. Maybe we should sing Joy to the World in July?

Unstable?

And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6

A favorite writer of mine is Mary DeMuth. I have never met this talented woman but have learned much about writing and life reading her blogs. In her latest ezine, Inside reNEWal, she reflects on the past election,

"You know what I fear? I don't fear government as much I as fear man's ability to treasure the wrong things. I fear those who place financial gain (treasure) above humanity's needs. But if I strip all that away and lay that well-placed fear at the feet of Jesus, I know fearing God is where I need to rest. It's then that I will truly, truly know that God is my stability, the stability of our times, and the only true provider of salvation, wisdom and knowledge."

She nailed it. As the year 2008 winds down, the nation is ambivalent about the future. The market is up, the market is down. Christmas sales are good on Black Friday and then they are down. Job statistics are terrible and the automakers are failing. Talk about instability! If we expect the new President and Congress to solve all of our problems next year, we will be sorely disappointed...so back to our verse for today. Our only hope of stability is in the Almighty God. He is changeless, trustworthy, honest and reliable, all knowing, and not surprised by anything. I would much rather put my hand in the Hand of the one who controls the universe rather than those who manipulate our country…some to their own ends. Take heart. There is hope and our future is secure for those who call on the name of Jesus.

JOY

They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10 (NIV)

As I was getting dressed this morning, I heard an interview on Good Morning America about how to tell children that Santa was not going to be bringing as many presents this year. In case you missed it, the economy is in a bit of decline. I liked the answer the guest gave because she noted that young children don't really care about the cost of the item, particularly if it is given with joy. Years ago, I learned an acronym for JOY – Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. Christmas is the perfect time to teach young ones about real joy. Children are naturally self-centered and one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of parents is to teach them to think beyond their own needs and to share. You won't have to sit very long in a room of young children before you hear a mother remind her child "to share." Years ago, we wanted to teach our children to think beyond their desires and Christmas list, so we decided to adopt a family in need. We spent our time and treasure choosing special gifts for each one and it ended up being a great time for all of us. This year is the perfect time for families to reassess what is really important and what is with just fluff or tradition. Are all those presents under the tree really excess and greed? I heard the story of one family that only allows three gifts for each child with the thought that if it was good enough for Jesus, it was good enough for them. It is something to think about. In those quiet moments of reflection about this special time of year, let's not forget that the greatest gift ever given was from a Father to His children…the baby Jesus. Even though it cost Him everything, it didn’t matter because He loved us so much. Our bank balance may give us pause this season, but when we accept that gift of life through His Son, then we, too, will enter Zion with joy and singing.

Traditions

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (21st Century King James Version)

The changeover began on Friday and the last vestiges of Thanksgiving gave way to my favorite seasonal decorations. I only unpacked a few boxes this year because we will spend Christmas with the grandgirlies and family at Disney World. But, I cannot imagine leaving the house bare of any Christmas whimsy for the month! A few of my favorite pieces placed strategically around the house, accented with red poinsettias on the tables, and scented candles throughout evoke memories of Christmas past and reassure me that Christmas IS coming. I found a Holiday Music XM channel and set the button on my car radio. This week, I will host a table set with my Spode Christmas ware at our church's Annual Advent Tea. Normally, I like new things but not at this time of year: I joyfully succumb to tradition. I looked up the definition of tradition to see if it would provide a clue to my routine behavior and it did…the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. So true! Just ask any of my grandgirlies to describe the yuletide traditions of our family and watch her little face light up as she jabbers away. There is security in tradition that gives a peace, happiness, and confidence in an often-unstable world. The terrorist attack this weekend in India proves the point. The ancient prophet's words comfort us with the wonder and knowledge of the birth of a Baby. Traditions are wonderful and timely, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is timeless. In this countdown to the 25th, find a few moments each day to spend time with this Child born in Bethlehem and He will give you peace.