Category: Deuteronomy

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The Changing Lane

Last night we had a “good-bye” dinner for some of our host friends who will be leaving the mountain the end of this week. Things are beginning to change.

Each day we become more visually aware that Autumn is here and our mountain life is changing. I feel blessed that we are here to see God’s design of changing seasons but the goodbyes do tug at my heart.

“And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day. 14 Then God said, ‘Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. 15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.’ And that is what happened.” Genesis 1:13-15 NLT

From the beginning the change of seasons was in His plan. It was established by His word and it has not changed. The Father’s faithfulness is unchanging.

“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT

Faithful and unfailing.

The question that came to mind the other day as I was driving up the lane to our campground was how many times have these trees’ leaves changed? Season after season, year after year, they from green to yellow and gold and then they fall to the ground, only to bud again in the Spring. They are a part of God’s plan and design. It was spoken at the beginning of time and the life of each subsequent generation of trees follows suit.

Why? Because God’s word established it. Established it in the same way that He established his love and faithfulness.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.” Hebrews 13:8-9 NLT

Jesus is always the same. Period. He does not change, season after season, year after year He remains the same. He is our example of the Father’s unfailing love, mercy and grace. His eternal purpose is to bring us into relationship with the Father. Our strength comes from God’s grace.

Our lane changes from green to gold. Some trees die and then new saplings sprout. One day it will all be gone but we have God’s promise that his word will never pass away.

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Matthew 24:35 NLT

When we put our faith and trust in Him, we have the promise of eternal life; a life in heaven surrounded by beauty, in the presence of God, Himself!

If you have trouble with change, put your hope in the One who never changes and whose Word will last forever.

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In the Fields

Do you possess a mental calendar? When you travel certain places do you have familiar memories that you can share with your family and friends? Is there a richness for times spent and lessons learned?

I do!

And so do some of the Bible’s leading characters. I’ll share just one.

“So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel. 5 He told them, ‘Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. 6 We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.’” Joshua 4:4-7 NLT

The Lord’s promise had been fulfilled. The Israelites were now in the Promised Land. This was a land that had been promised to Abraham hundreds of years earlier. God was faithful to His word and Joshua wanted them to have an everlasting memorial of God’s faithfulness, a visible memorial that would last forever.

I have only stacked stones once but my memory serves as a constant reminder of the promises of God.

For instance, I remember the first time the verses of Deuteronomy 28 became a reality in my life. Dave and I were farming alfalfa for an absentee farmer in the Arizona desert. We had been listening to some teaching tapes on Victorious Christian Living, a new concept to us. It was there that these words came to life:

“If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours:3 ‘He will bless you in the city and in the field. 4 He will bless you and give you many children.
He will bless your land and give you good crops.'” Deuteronomy 28:2-4 ERV

Blessed in the city and in the fields…we spent a lot of time in those 900 acres of alfalfa. The Lord protected us, the crop and our children. We saw the land give amazing yields per acre. We were protected from storms and rattle snakes. We had good health and strong bodies.

When we drive through miles of open prairie now, I remember – “we are blessed in the fields”. When we drive the freeways I remember – “we are blessed in the city”. When I planted gardens in the backyard I remembered – “He blessed my land and gave me good crops”.

My favorite time is being in the fields. It’s there I remember I am blessed and not alone. My Father has given me a promise, one that I will never forget.

Take a little time today to stack some mental stones – stones which have spiritual meaning. Remember the promises of God!

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Mending Fences

All through the Bible we have verses that tell us to remember – remember the good things the Lord has done.

We are told to teach our children God’s ways; make sure they know of the times the Lord has delivered us, protected and provided.

“You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well.” Deuteronomy 4:9 CEV

“Someday your children will ask, “Why are these rocks here?” Then you can tell them how the water stopped flowing when the chest was being carried across the river. These rocks will always remind our people of what happened here today.” Joshua 4:6-7 CEV

So, this morning the Lord reminded me of a special time we experienced years ago, and I wanted to share it with you. Some of you have read it before but ask the Lord what He is wanting you to learn as you read it again.

I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly one. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we entered the mortuary, I saw his favorite saddle was positioned at the end of his casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. I wondered how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle.

As I preached his funeral the next day, I made comment that Derald wouldn’t need those pliers anymore because there are no fences to mend in heaven. However, down here on earth we still need them.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured, once again, to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19

To me, hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. It pulls things up tight and keeps us for running off beyond the fence of safety that God has established for us.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, pull your fence tight, and He will keep you safe and sure.

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Too Much

Yesterday evening some campers were returning from a walk to the lake and they stopped to tell us what they had seen. When they were standing at the lake’s edge, they had five or six osprey fly directly overhead.

They had told us, just the night before, they had hoped to see some and then tonight there they were. Their comment was “it was almost too much to take in”.

Too much!

Our Father is the God of too much.

“From far away, the Lord will appear to his people. The Lord says, “I love you people with a love that continues forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3 ERV

“So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust him! He keeps his agreement. He shows his love and kindness to all people who love him and obey his commands. He continues to show his love and kindness through a thousand generations,” Deuteronomy 7:9 ERV

“This faith and knowledge make us sure that we have eternal life. God promised that life to us before time began—and God does not lie.” Titus 1:2 ERV

Too much! Too much love – it continues forever. Too much – His kindness extends to a thousand generations. Too much – He gives eternal life and He is always truthful, He cannot lie.

“Lord my God, you have done many amazing things! You have made great plans for us—too many to list. I could talk on and on about them, because there are too many to count.” Psalm 40:6 ERV

“There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I think the whole world would not be big enough for all the books that would be written.” John 21:25 ERV

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, ‘The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

Too many great plans, too many miracles and good things; unending kindness, always trustworthy, daily mercy. He is ALL we need.

Too much – like the mountain skyline. Each day I stare, sometimes breathless, it seems impossible to take it all in.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need…You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

We will never exhaust the mercy, the kindness, the provision or the love of our heavenly Father or of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

They have no end. They are simply too much!

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Rainy Day Attitudes

Yesterday I mentioned that we were experiencing some rain during the night and as I talked with campers later in the day, I was surprised by the different attitudes that were conveyed.

Although we have had rain each day for the last couple of weeks, a night rain has been uncommon. In the daylight, kids go out and play in the rain, splash in the puddles and folks can sit under their canopies and play cards and drink hot cocoa. There’s an enjoyment to it.

But a night rain in the campground can bring a different emotion.

How long will it last? You can’t see the sky – there’s no playing outside because it’s dark. It’s unanticipated, unexpected. It either brings a sense of adventure or a sense of dread especially for the tent campers.

Most of the campers I spoke with welcomed the rain. A few even said that the sound of the rain on their tents was soothing. They weren’t going to let a little loss of sleep keep them from enjoying the days they had left of their camping trip.

But some got grumpy and were packing up to head home, a day or two early. They were tired of the rain. “We’re going home, even if it is 110”.

Attitude.

We each have the opportunity to control our attitudes or have them control us. Do we let the unexpected cancel or thwart our plans or do we move forward with a sense of adventure?

This morning I wanted to find a Scripture to encourage you with when you are facing the unexpected rain showers of life. I know I’ve read these verses before but this morning they seemed to have a deeper sense of meaning.

“Skies, listen and I will speak. Earth, hear the words of my mouth. 2 My teachings will come like the rain, like a mist falling to the ground, like a gentle rain on the soft grass, like rain on the green plants. 3 Praise God as I speak the Lord’s name! 4 “The Lord is the Rock, and his work is perfect! Yes, all his ways are right! God is true and faithful. He is good and honest.” Deuteronomy 32:1-4 ERV

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites shortly before his death. He had been through many experiences of God’s faithfulness as he led them from Egypt to the Promised Land. There had been good times and great challenges, times of victory and times of rebellion. But God had always been faithful to His word.

At the end of his life, his commitment had not changed. His attitude was established, undeterred. He praised the Lord for His perfect work, for His ways always being right, for being true, faithful, honest and good.

Moses said that the teachings the Lord had him record should fall on their lives like rain – rain that would nourish and cause them to grow, grow in their relationship with the Lord.

A heart attitude of gratitude.

“ …I will cause the rains to fall at the right time and will shower them with blessings.” Ezekiel 34:26 ERV

Don’t let the showers of life anger you or make you grumpy. Let them cause you to grow. They will be showers of blessing.

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The Way, The Truth, The Life

I just finished looking for an image to go with this morning’s blog. I was taken back when I saw the image I’m using this morning!

This is NOT an anonymous quote! These are the words of Jesus, but the image is a reinforcement of what I was wanting to share.

In today’s world we have better living conditions, better advancements in health care, better education than the generations before us. But we also have more stress, more acts of violence, more fear and less family stability.

In the “old days” people prayed for rain and the success of the crops, families worked and played together, communities gathered together to help a neighbor in need and children were educated by teachers who prayed and used the Bible as the core curriculum.

Truth was the foundation for society, government and the family.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.’ ” John 14:6 ERV

Truth isn’t subjective, it’s an absolute.

You are either telling the truth or it’s a lie. If you leave facts out to skew the story or sway the outcome, it isn’t truth. Remember the days when people in court had to place their hands on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? People swore or affirmed their statement by the Bible because it was and is the only standard of truth that has never changed since it was written.

“The way”. Our life is a journey and we can choose the path but when we follow paths of our own making we become distracted, confused and even lost.

“Today I am giving you a choice of two ways…The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ERV

I love that verse. When we choose “the way” and “the truth” we gain life. And when we don’t, we face an enemy who is out to destroy us.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

When our youngest daughter was a toddler, she woke up crying in the night. I went to her room, picked her up and carried her to the living room to comfort her and rock her back to sleep. She wasn’t content there, so I took her from room to room until finally we came back to the living room where she snuggled in and fell to sleep.

I remember whispering to her, “This is where we started. I knew this was the best place for you. Why couldn’t you trust me and see that?” And then I heard God speak in my heart and ask me the same question.

Why don’t you trust Me to know what’s best for you and to have you in the right place?

WOW!

I wish I could say that I never had to learn that lesson again but that wouldn’t be the truth. However, the longer I walk with Him the easier it is for me to see when I am on a path of my own making and not where He wants me.

Make your foundation “The Way”, committed to “The Truth” and finding “The Life” that is abundant and everlasting. This isn’t an anonymous statement – it’s a promise from the King of Kings.

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Heading South?

This time of year, most people aren’t heading south? We live in an area where the population increases every Oct/Nov and decreases greatly in April or May. They are affectionately called winter visitors or sometimes referred to as snow birds.

They, like their avian friends, have learned to fly South for warmer climates in the winter. Birds, the ones with wings, instinctively head south for warmth and sunshine where they will not only survive but thrive away from the northern artic chill.

Wouldn’t it be great if we were as in tune to following the Lord’s leading as our bird-brained feathered friends?

Years ago when we were young in faith and learning to listen to the Lord’s voice we had a cowboy preacher, a dear friend, tell us this: If God says go South, He will provide; If you go North you’ll think you died!

Now that’s not scripture but it is scriptural.

“Trust the LORD completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the LORD and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverb 3:5-8 ERV

“Turn to the LORD for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.4 The LORD has a plan for everything.” Proverbs 16:3-4a ERV

God has a plan for each day – it doesn’t really matter what the activities are in the day; He has a plan!

Some days His plan is to change our plan. When we listen, He speaks and when we follow His leading we are blessed!

“Today I am giving you a choice. You may choose the blessing or the curse. 27 You will get the blessing if you listen and obey the commands of the LORD your God that I have told you today. 28 But you will get the curse if you refuse to listen and obey the commands of the LORD your God. So don’t stop living the way I command you today, and don’t follow other gods that you don’t know.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28 ERV

We have a choice – it would be silly to lean to our own understanding since following Him is the right way to go and His wisdom is perfect. Trust the Lord today. He loves us and His desire for us is good!

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the LORD. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Go South today – He will provide!!!

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Annoying Circumstances

There are little circumstances that can cause big annoyances. Let me explain.

We have been dealing with a refrigerator issue for about a month now. The freezer stays at a constant -2 degrees, however, the refrigerator won’t cool below 44 degrees. This isn’t a big problem for most of the items but things like milk, mayonnaise and eggs get a little too warm.

The manufacturer of our RV has been great. First, they sent us some “trouble shooting” guidelines. Perfect. We followed them step by step. Everything checked out. Next instruction was call a mobile tech. Check. He came and assessed the issue. Sent pictures, written explanations and waited. We received another more detailed check list from the manufacturer’s of the refrigerator. Really???

Notice, I am now getting annoyed. Emails are being exchanged a couple of times a day. Had one arrive yesterday morning at 5 am my time. I responded immediately. As Dave and I were talking, trying to keep our blood pressure down, the phone rang. It was the RV manufacturer. The rep on the other end was very sympathetic and knew our need to have a working refrigerator in place before we leave in three weeks for the mountains. She listened to our frustration and assured me she was on it.

Within two hours she sent another email. A new refrigerator is on the way. It will be there in four business days.

Big sigh and a “thank you Jesus”!

Each day that we have been dealing with this Dave has been saying, “I will not let this spoil our summer. We’ll work it through one way or another. We just need it fixed and God knows that”.

Truly, He did. He knows all the little things that come about to steal our joy and when we trust Him he will bring us through with a proper attitude.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same… 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

Will we have annoyances? Yes. Will we face circumstances that are frustrating? Yes. Do we have to give in to them? No.

If we trust Him, our Father will guide us through each situation. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. He will be the one to defend and protect. When we keep our focus on Him and His ability we will have joyful victory over annoying circumstances.

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How Big Is God?

That’s a good question! How would you answer it?

This morning as I sit here trying to formulate my answer, I am reminded of the many examples of God’s greatness in the Bible. Let me share a few:

  • In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
  • He saved Noah during the flood
  • Parted the Red Sea
  • Had the sun stand still
  • Delivered Daniel from the lions
  • Helped David kill Goliath with a stone
  • Blinded an entire army
  • Raised Lazarus from the dead
  • Stopped a storm at sea
  • Orchestrated a jail break
  • Opened blind eyes
  • Healed a blood disease
  • Turned water to wine
  • Defeated death

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same. He does not accept money to change his mind. 18 He defends widows and orphans. He loves even the strangers living among us. He gives them food and clothes. 19 So you must also love them, because you yourselves were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 “You must respect the Lord your God and worship only him. Never leave him. When you make promises, you must use his name only. 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

I guess the next question is this. How big do you need God to be?

“He made heaven and earth. He made the sea and everything in it. He can be trusted to do what he says. 7 He does what is right for those who have been hurt. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees people locked up in prison.8 The Lord makes the blind see again.
The Lord helps those who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right. 9 The Lord protects strangers in our country. He cares for widows and orphans, but he destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord will rule forever!” Psalm 146:6-10 ERV

What are you facing that is too big or too hard for God to handle?

There is a whole lot of craziness going on in our world but none of it is bigger than our God. All of it combined isn’t bigger than our God!

“God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:14-15 CEV

As big and as great as God is He stills gives us an open invitation to come straight to His throne and find help in our time of need!

How big is God? He’s big enough to handle all my worries and concerns. My God, and my Father is big enough to handle it all!

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Why Doesn’t It Stick?

Most of you can tell from reading my blog that I love being in the kitchen and preparing meals for family and friends. However, there is one step in the process that causes me great frustration.

Plastic Wrap!

In all my years I have not found a wrap that will consistently do its job as advertised and cling. It may stick to one surface but not to another. Most of it only sticks to itself and that’s when I am trying to get it off the roll. Then there’s the struggle to get it unstuck, only to find that it won’t stick to the plate, bowl or product I am wanting to wrap it around…

I gave up and have replaced that roll of non-sticking plastic wrap with a cupboard of containers with snap lids and a drawer of zip lock bags, in all sizes, and my old standby, foil.

Can you imagine my surprise this morning when I found an admonition to “cling” in my Bible reading?

“But cling to Adonai your God, as you have done to this day. 9 For Adonai has driven out from before you great and mighty nations. As for you, no one remained standing before you to this day. 10 One of you can put a thousand to flight, for Adonai your God, He Himself is fighting for you, just as He said to you. 11 For your own sake, therefore, be most mindful to love Adonai your God.” Joshua 23:8-11 TLV (Adonai means the Lord)

The word “cling” in this verse is also translated cleave, hold to, continue to follow and be faithful to in other translations. I like the image that “cling to” creates; it’s a sticking too, that won’t let go.

It’s the same word that is used in the Bible’s teaching on marriage.

“This is why a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife; and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 TLV

And also, in its teaching on godly living.

“Let love be without hypocrisy—detesting what is evil, holding fast to the good.” Romans 12:9 TLV

I find it interesting that the same word which describes our devotion and commitment to our spouse is used to describe our relationship with the Father and following His way of life. God knows that for a marriage to be successful there has to be a determination to stick with it, a clinging.

We learn that clinging from Him. He is constantly at our side.

“Be courageous! Do not be afraid or tremble before them. For Adonai your God—He is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 TLV

This word cling requires introspection.

What are the things I cling to? Do I spend more time stuck to those pursuits than I do to the Lord? Those questions are meant to condemn but they are meant to help in evaluating our priorities.

Next time you open that box of plastic wrap, and it gets all tangled together just stop and say, “Lord, I just want to be all tangled up in You!”

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