Words: Jesus' inviting words

John 1:35-39

"The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the lamb of God!' 

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' 

They said, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'Where are you staying?' 'Come,' he replied, 'and you will see.'" 

First, a declaration by John the Baptist. John, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, carrying out the good works God had prepared for him to do (Eph 2). John who spent his days declaring that the kingdom of God was near, and that the Messiah would soon enter on to the scene. His life was a pouring out of himself as he lifted high the name of God, as he lifted high and exalted the kingdom of God in the face of religious hypocrite, and in the face of those who were sheep without a shepherd. The heavenly anger, and compassion, he must have felt. And to declare..."Look! The lamb of God!" The Messiah! Jesus! His disciples went. They left John. They went to follow, to seek. They declared intention as they asked where he was staying. Jesus simply replied, "Come." This simple conversation. These simple words. This is where it is at.

"Jesus! Where are you? Where are you going? What are you doing?" These are simple questions. Sometimes we seek because we are hungry and thirsty for more than this life has to offer. Sometimes we ask because we are hurt and we want more. Sometimes we ask because we are motivated out of love and we want to walk in obedience.

Sometimes we ask and then we stop listening. Sometimes we ask and we don't like what we hear.

Jesus always responds..."Come, and you will see." He gets our attention. He asks us to continue listening. He invites us to join Him. So, are you listening as someone standing on the outside of the crowd? Are you listening for the moments that interest you? Are you listening and not participating? Or are you listening intently at His feet, with your shoes on, ready to move when He moves? These words are simple, and invite us to come along.

Transition: Would you like some clear words of direction?

Joshua 22:1-
"Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manaseh and said to them, 'You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time now–to this very day–you have no deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you. Now that the Lord your God has given your brothers rest as He promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. But be very careful to keep the amendment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you; to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.'

Over the last two weeks I've been reading through Joshua. There are parts of this book that I want to turn my head and look away, and there are parts I jump up and down for and cheer! My understanding of God and the way He works is made clearer every time I read Joshua. My understanding of what it looks like when a servant-leader responds to God, even if the directions are strange or uncomfortable. My own desire and resolve to be obedient, and to listen to the Lord of Hosts (all the way to the end), becomes stronger every time I read this. My faith becomes greater; a faith authored and perfected by Jesus (Heb 12), after all, these accounts were orchestrated by God Himself!

I may go back and write about the beginning of the book, but here I am with about 10 minutes before kiddos wake from naps, and this passage (Joshua 22) spoke to me this morning.

TRANSITION

At one point or another, we've encountered this thing. Sometimes it's of our own choosing, sometimes it isn't. There have been two times in the last year and a half when I've encountered this, and those times were highly uncomfortable. I am comfortable when I have understanding and control over my life. I like routine. These things were taken out of my hands. Looking back they were times where I recognize that God patiently waited while I ran in circles briefly, noticed what I was doing, settled before Him... and then we continued on. As I read this passage I noticed that these people, a portion of the tribes of Israel, were in a time of transition. They had spent the last 5 years in obedience to what they'd been called to do, and they were about to be released from that duty. Joshua's words to them spoke to me and gave me insight for the next time I'm in transition. Please take time to read and study this on your own, and take time to soak in what God would have you learn and apply. Here is what ministered to me.

1) Joshua called together these 2 1/2 tribes and began by encouraging them. "You have done all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded and you have obeyed me in everything I commanded. For a long time now–to this very day–you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you." There have been times when as I'm going through transition, I wonder if there is some reason I'm being called to something different. I wonder at times if I've not fulfilled my duties, or if it's because of disobedience. This does encourage me to ask the Lord, "Have I been faithful? Have I fulfilled the mission you've given me?" I could even ask this of my husband, or those who are close to me. God wanted these tribes to know that they had been obedient, and that they were released from their duties. If you are in a transition that is not of your choosing, and you are wondering about this, I encourage you to settle this in your heart by speaking with God about this, or with those who love and care about you.

2) "Now that the Lord your God has given your brothers rest as He promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan." In this passage God is proclaimed as a promise-keeper. So many other places in the Bible also prove that God fulfills His promise. In addition, very specific directions are given to these tribes. Not always are we given directions like this, which is a fulfillment of a promise given by Moses. Sometimes we are asked to wait patiently for just the next step. In those times, the next direction is all we need. During transition times, there will be times when things are unclear. During these times Phil 4:6-7, Prov 3:5-6, are verses that have been lifelines to remind me not to worry, but to remember that if it really is God who directs my steps, what have I to be anxious about! God is a promise-keeper.

3) "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you; to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul." For those times when I am hanging on for the next step...just waiting for time to pass until there is a next step revealed, these commands are so clear, so life giving, give hope, and are really all we need. Love God. Be obedient. Obey His commands. Hold fast to Him with. all. your. heart. and. all. your. soul. The end. Do we need anything else? For those moments when I just want to KNOW THE FUTURE, and I'm spinning with questions. Love God. Hold fast to Him. Just obey. Praise the Lord for clear directions like these. Transitions are just that...transitions. They don't last. But sometimes they are so dang hard.

I'd love to hear what transition was hard for you, what scripture God used to help you get through, and if any of these words from Joshua 22 resonate with you! Consider commenting below.

Words: Joshua

Joshua 1:1-11

"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them–to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates–all the Hittite country–to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you, do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Moses is dead.
Get ready.
I will give you...as I promised.
No one will be able to stand against...
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you...
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Be strong
Be courageous
...you will lead these people
Be strong and very courageous.
Be careful to obey all the law...do not turn to the right or to the left...
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth...
meditate on it day and night...
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and and courageous.
Do not be terrified.
Do not be discouraged.
I am with you.

Joshua had walked with Moses, talked with him, and had been witness to many incredible things. God was about to fulfill a promise spoken years and years before to Abraham, and Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the fulfillment of this promise. The task was daunting. He could have said, "I just can't." He probably was tempted to lay it all down and walk away. These words that God spoke in the ear of this leader are heavy. They are purposeful. They have life and direction, they have power and insight. These words fill my heart, mind, and spirit with courage and purpose. I fall on my knees and ask, "Lord, send me! Almighty God, I am not worthy to be called, but send me!" "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. " Emmanuel. God with us. Almighty God, with us.

How do these words stir your heart?

Words

On my mind lately...words. The world is filled with all kinds of words. Written words, spoken words. Words that hold great value, meaning, purpose, promise; and words that are like garbage, or are like fluff that blow away and aren't worth anything, or are empty. I'm making plans to look carefully at the words uttered by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the Bible. Just this morning I spent time looking at Genesis 17, where God initiates a covenant with Abraham. His spoken words are quoted. I believe this event took place thousands of years ago, and that by the divine hand of God those words were recorded and exist still today. I believe that the words spoken, the covenant established, was spoken by a God who does not throw around His words carelessly, but purposefully places them down in time and space with great meaning and value. I want for this part of God's character to have impact on my life. Anyone want to join the conversation? I'd love to have the thoughts of others as I launch into this study!

Psalm 119...an invitation

Psalm 119:9-16
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."

John 16:13-15
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mind and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mind and make it known to you."

John 4:21-24
"Jesus declared, 'Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jesws. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers much worship in spirit and in truth.'"

Psalm 119. So long. Each part has God's law, His word, His decrees, His precepts, His utterances, as the focal point. In my simple read through this morning, as I consider my Savior, My God whom I treasure, I'm reminded of what Jesus says about the Holy Spirit and truth. The psalmist talks about treasuring, delighting in, and honoring God's words. He devours them, feeds on them, they are his life line to safety, wisdom, protection, holiness. But not only that, he sees them as a conversation between himself and God. As I get to know any friend here on earth, we talk, we explain ourselves, our dreams, and as we grow in knowledge of each other we get a sense of character, and of their soul. We have understanding of each other that continues to increase.

How is it that the Creator and sustainer of the universe invites us into that kind of relationship? To grow in knowledge and understanding of His character, but more than just understanding from afar, as if I were learning of a great hero of the an earlier time, He invites to have understanding of Him as someone close, that I'm walking through life with RIGHT NOW.

Why would I spend my time anywhere else, than in His word, having a conversation with the One that made me, sustains me, who has all wisdom of the universe because HE MADE IT; who has all wisdom of me and my family, and my circumstances, because HE MADE IT ALL.

My heart and soul are refreshed when I spend time with Him, I have wisdom for each situation, I am loved, I have peace, through it all IT IS WELL.

Dancing, and Singing (in bed)

Psalm 149:3-5
"Let them praise His Name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds."

Have you sang for joy in your bed? I've sang for joy in my bed, in the shower, as I'm running, as I've danced in my kitchen. This Psalm says to dance and make music with instruments!! It says that the Lord delights in His people. It says he crowns the humble with salvation and that the saints rejoice in this HONOR and will sing in their beds. I love singing, making music, and dancing. Like I've written and said before, worship is a total body, mind, and emotion experience...but it is more than an experience. It is an act not based on what it accomplishes for me. It is in response to the work of God in my heart and my life. My heart LEAPS when God proves His love and faithfulness to me in ways I know only He knows. My heart LEAPS for joy when I can see His work in my heart...when the selfishness leaves, the pride leaves, and instead I'm left with humble awe at the work of His hands. Have you experienced this before? When there is no fear...just trust left in its place. God, the ultimate provider! He provides so perfectly and God longs for us to fully trust His provision...to not worry or doubt Him. Matthew 6:25-33. Do we really believe, in the age of everything-at-our-finger-tips, that God is still our provider? Do we believe, in the age of grocery stores or everything-else-you'd-ever-need grocery stores? Do I still believe in God my provider? Do we seek to steward well what He's given us? Do we seek His wisdom and His kingdom first?

If I can sing for joy in my bed, if I can delight in the honor of being chosen and saved and delighted in by God, I can not be fearful or worried at the same time. Is it possible? I don't find myself experiencing those two things at the same time.

God you are perfectly holy, loving, gracious, just, righteous, merciful, and you have honored us with salvation through Jesus Christ. I praise your Holy Name and sing songs and dance before YOU today. I will sing songs of joy in my bed tonight, tomorrow, and forevermore.

Be still...really.

This morning the plan was to sleep in, work a little in the yard, go to church, and work more outside and inside. Work, work, work. About 10:30 we decided to quit and get ready for church, and then something happened that caused all of the plans to halt. No church, no more work. It's in these moments, in the past, that I've fallen apart and have had a hard time acknowledging reality. The reality was that we have been going non-stop for forever the past several weeks, and that we really needed church to be us ministering to ourselves as a family. Well, that's what happened. And it refreshed our souls and rejuvenated our bodies. Well, that's a brighter picture actually than what happened. I do think we all took a breath. I am reminded again, of Exodus 14:14. God sees the bigger picture and is at work if we will only be still. Striving to accomplish our plan, or even our interpretation of God's plan, will just cause us frustrated exhaustion. So thankful that Jesus reminds me again that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). I'll take it!

How do you see God working on your behalf as you've stilled your strivings?