Day 187 All to Jesus

 

7/6/2025 

 "What are you so puffed up about? What do you have God 

hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, 

why act as though you are so great, and as though you have 

accomplished something on your own? 

1 Corinthians 4:7

 

These are the words of Paul the Apostle, called by Jesus to witness to the Gentiles, writing to the church of Corinth that he planted on his second missionary trip. Corinth was a famous commercial center, but it was steeped in paganism and "infamous for its immorality." The church was growing, but with growth, problems and questions arise. I love Paul's words to the Christians of Corinth when he says in Chapter 2:2-3: "For I decided that I would speak only of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling." Paul was a Pharisee and a Roman citizen, tutored by Gamaliel, a great scholar and leading authority in the Sanhedrin. Paul once called himself a Pharisee of the Pharisees, and he once persecuted the church prior to his conversion experience on the Road to Damascus where he encountered the living Lord Jesus. Now, as an apostle he presents the gospel in a clear, honest, simply-spoken manner, as he himself was saved. Chloe from the church, one of the followers there in Corinth, had written Paul of the discord within the church prompting Paul's letter. It seems they were questioning the validity or qualification of who baptized whom into the church. Religion had somehow crept into the church, as it often does, so Paul is a bit frustrated at this point. Aside from Paul and this situation, this verses of scripture was posed as today's verse by Pastor Jack for our consideration. And, rightly so, as many today seemed to be puffed up considering themselves more learned about certain facts pertaining to the church, and it gets to be quite disconcerting. But then, as I have said, and as Solomon has said, "There's nothing new under the sun."

In considering this scripture, Pastor Jack asked the question "What is it that keeps you from seeing yourself as you really are, others from seeing you as you wish you really were, and God from helping you become what you would really like to be?" Ouch! No triple ouch! But thought-worthy no less. He suggests "pride covers your own sins; pride obscures the view of others; and pride hinders service for God!" I guess that's it in a nutshell, especially if you're trying to hide something, as we all have done, if we're honest. I know that there are things in my past that I'd rather not share with the world. But then, if there came a time when it may prove helpful to another person, then I would do it. In my blogs, and in my testimonies otherwise, I have become pretty transparent about things. I don't like to involve other people, ones who have caused me pain, as it benefits nothing. I'd much rather speak about God's mercy and grace, and His great healing power. 

When I consider the initial scripture above from 1 Corinthians 4:7, I have absolutely nothing to be puffed up about, but, like Paul, I too, have determined to know nothing except Jesus and Him crucified. He is the Savior of the world, and He has transformed my life since day one. I just didn't begin to realize how much until perhaps the last 25 years or more. Before that, off and on, I did know, but my guilt and shame kept me hidden and alone. I still served God and worked in the church, but when I was home, all I could do was think about how much I had failed God. Now, here God was using this donkey, as He often does use donkeys. I'm sure you know a few. But, I still felt so unworthy, and whereas I knew He said He had forgiven me of all my sins, the devil made me doubt. I was great at helping others, but I couldn't get over it concerning myself. Thank God the day of "Get off your face!" came! And I did! God is oh so faithful. I know I write about this all the time, but a little extra testifying never hurts, ya know! 

I'm not so concerned anymore about accusations, as I am with bringing Him the glory He deserves. I told my son that I was hesitant about publishing my book, because someone may recognize my name and have something derogatory to say about me. But then, someone always has something to say about some one. It's the way of the world, and it is exactly what Pastor Jack was questioning - pride covers, obscures, and hinders. So if someone is pointing fingers, then there are four pointing back at that one. This weekend, Pastor Jonathan presented the Harvest message for his dad in our series The Reluctant Evangelist, taking a look at the life of Jonah. Pastor Jonathan said that "God appoints circumstances (or storms) to bring us back" to where we should be, doing what God has said for us to do. In Jonah's situation, God "had prepared" a great fish to swallow Jonah. That would not be a hard one to miss as a sign! But in life many things happen, things that make us question why? Especially when harm is brought to the innocent or an unforeseen tragedy happens.

This weekend we became aware of flash floods in Texas after extended rainfall that rose within a short period of time to great height and flooded several areas killing many, including a Christian girls' campground in Kerr County. There are still 11 girls missing and a counselor, and others missing from other affected areas. Homes were unearthed, devastation everywhere, and damage to property and loss of lives in this catastrophic flood. Samaritan's Purse and other search and rescue organizations have been called in to assist. Prayer is being requested all over. On the 4th of July weekend, a time so many get away to enjoy family outings, and churches send kids to camps. Only God knows the whys of all things. We ask, we plead, we cry, some get so angry and feel betrayed, but God is not a God of wrath, and He loves all people. I pray that in offering comfort to others that it never becomes cliche to say "God loves you." Sometimes it is best to be there, provide hugs and reassurance of support and love, and listen and cry with a those who are suffering, who are grieving, and who are waiting for news.

It's always interesting the way my writing gets turned around when I am blogging. I always make notes, in case I get behind, as I did yet again, every time I get stumped about what to say. But when it comes time to rewrite and make sense of it all, including my journal notes, other events of the day seem more important, but I pray, relevant to the initial thought. We do, after all, owe God everything, and He owes us nothing. He already gave His all when He sent His Only Son to die in our place, to carry our guilt, shame, sin for a lifetime, and die in our place a horrible death. We owe Him everything. 

The idea is difficult on any given day, but it is particularly hard at times as mentioned above. He tells us in His word to give thanks, regardless, give thanks. And we should, so we do! Blessed Savior, still our refuge, we give You praise.

  

Day 186 Wise Decisions

 

7/5/2025

 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind

is stayed on You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in

YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

Isaiah 26:3-4

 

It's late, as usual, and here I am, my thoughts jostled, as if in a fighting match, pushed and shoved, and battered, torn. Not just confusion but utter turmoil. I received a phone call, much too late, and I listened for well over an hour to the same chatter over and over. The very same I am subjected to many days and have been for many years. I wonder how long I am to listen. I do care, but my words mean little, my experience less. At the end of each session I come away with the same question - how long, O Lord, how long? I no longer subject myself to blame or self pity. There is a time and a season for all things, and I must finally determine the end of this one and the beginning of the next. It is so utterly despairing when I am unable to make someone I love, whom I would give my life for, understand it does not to be this way. I do understand more than realized by others, because my life is not an open book to everyone. In fact, so much has been forgotten, or conveniently or perhaps kindly, placed out of my remembrance for a time. Even so, it doesn't help now, and if shared, I would only be further condemned by the one I desperately want to save. But I can't save anyone. This I already discovered from things hidden from me, purposely, and over time. Such a deadly betrayal. But that's another story, not necessarily for another day. 

Oddly the Proverbs for today are described as "Wise Decisions in Life," and include Proverbs 18-21. There is a by-line written to the side that says, "The yoke of the Lord Jesus will never fit on a stiff neck." Now that is a timely word as Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear My yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let Me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens." (NLT) 

So, let's take a look-see at these Proverbs that I have marked from today, beginning with 18:1, The selfish man quarrels against every sound principle of conduct by demanding his own way." Whew, I'd say that one landed on my doorstep at an opportune moment, a word of all-too-true wisdom. Verse 10: The Lord is a strong fortress. The godly run to Him and are safe." Thank You, Abba, for always being my rock, my strength, my high tower, especially in times when I feel so lowly and helpless. I can climb on the Rock of my Salvation and cling to Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Him is no deceit, only goodness and wonderful mercy and grace. He is my hiding place where I am safe from scorn and ridicule, a refuge in the storm when the fury rages, and there seems to be no respite. Verse 20 says that the "Ability to give wise advice satisfies like a good meal!" I have no words to encourage myself with regards to helping the above-mentioned, but I do know for myself that the Word of God is my life, healing, sweeter than honey, satisfies a hungry soul and a bleeding heart. When we were born again into the Kingdom of God, Holy Spirit breathed the breath of new life - His life - into our lungs. We can experience this refreshing each day, breathing in His glory, His presence, and knowing that it will be okay, and our minds can be kept in perfect peace, as they are stayed on Him, as the verse from Isaiah 26 states. The Bible does not just contain words, they are words of life!

The Proverbs in this group for today speak one truth and then counter it with the opposite. Do this and it's all good, but if you do this, all goes to squat or nada (nothing), or something along those lines. They counter each other. Sort of like blessings and curses. The overview sums it up this way: "The varied statements of common sense in today's reading describe the perils facing the wise and the unwise, character sketches of the poor and mighty, and value judgments upon things that appear to be good and things that are good." Proverbs 19:16 "Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them means death." Well, that goes without saying!! Then in verses 20, 21, and 23: "Get all the advice you can and be wise the rest of your life!. Man proposes, but God disposes..... Reverence for God gives life, happiness, and protection from harm." O, how I pray that our leaders are staying close to the word today, to guide their steps. These verses make it clear that God is the one in control of all things, but He also allows us to make mistakes, so we will learn. the repercussions are often not pleasant in our lives, as well as in the government. So we must be faithful to pray and to trust God, no matter what happens. 

In Chapter 20 there are several verses that go along with prayers for our national and world leaders, and for all who desire to walk a responsible life. They are;

15. "Good sense is far more valuable than gold or precious jewels."

18. "Don't go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don't go to war until they agree."

21. "Quick wealth is not a blessing in the end."

22. "Don't repay evil for evil. Wait for the Lord to handle the matter."

24. "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?"

27 - 29. "A man's conscience is the Lord's searchlight exposing his hidden motives. If a king is kind, honest and fair, his kingdom stands secure. The glory of young men is their strength; of old men, their experience."

It's important to pray for our leaders, so I hope these encourage and guide. Finally, in Chapter 21 I will end with only the first verse. It is my standby for those who lead us, as it emphasizes what I have only expressed in the above verses and shared from an older woman's perspective and gained knowledge: 

"Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, 

so the Lord directs the king's thoughts.

He turns them wherever He wants to."  

I'll leave my valued audience to chew on this last bit of truth and guidance, as the opening verses from Isaiah 26:3-4 are held closely in your hearts.

Now, I'm off to check out The House of David, the new series about the life of King David that my Pastor Greg Laurie assures is the best ever! 

Day 185 The High Price of Freedom

 

7/4/2025

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which

Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled

again with a yoke of bondage."

Galatians 5:1

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of 

the Lord is, there is freedom."

2 Corinthians 3:17

"Therefore whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!"

John 8:36

 

Today we celebrate the Fourth of July when special television and media programs are planned in honor of the day. Generally I enjoy watching historical documentaries on the founding of our country or special tributes, but this year was a shift from my norm. Around midnight, or perhaps prior to it, the neighbors were already shooting off fireworks that lasted through the end of today, as it is now past midnight as I am writing. The very first rocket sounded like a sonic boom, shot from across the street from my house. In fact they must have purchased every loud fire cracker sold. I am thankful that with all this greenery around, there were no mishaps. I didn't really smell any grills cooking hamburgers, as charcoaled burgers are one of the special delicacies of the holiday along with home churned ice cream and icy cold watermelon. Now that I can appreciate! 

It was a quiet day for me, and I found myself napping off and on during the day after another late night. It seems as if I never learn that I need to get to bed earlier. I received emails announcing special programs, but I chose to listen to quiet music and read today. It was a relaxing day, and I was able to finish my blog from the day before. I learned that I have an audience following me. That makes it worthwhile, because now I know that someone is actually reading the posts. Perhaps that will encourage me to begin the book again. I hope so, because I want to be obedient to that call.

Early this morning during the five minutes of daily prayer with Pastor Jack, he mentioned that a scripture had been engraved on the Liberty Bell that is safely housed at Liberty Hall in Pennsylvania. The scripture is from Leviticus 25:10 that reads "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all its inhabitants thereof." Isaac Norris, Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, in 1751, chose this scripture. There is a replica of the Liberty Bell located at the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. The context in which this scripture was written was about consecrating the fiftieth year as the year of Jubliee in Israel in which all the slaves were set free, each person returned to their own family and to their own possessions. It was a year of no sowing of crops or reaping; one would eat the produce of the field. It was a holy day. I often wonder why it is not observed in Israel today, but I do know that the Sabbatical year for land to rest, called Shmita. is observed every seven years, when the land is left to rest, to remain fallow, to replenish itself. I remember my daddy would do the same for the gardens he planted. He would leave certain areas and not plant, so the soil would replenish itself. 

I read an article by Ben Carson about the Liberty Bell entitled "What You Don't Know About the Liberty Bell" written August 24, 2016 in Time Magazine. Here is an excerpt: 

"After his assassination, President Lincoln’s body was laid inside Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell and its inscription placed directly overhead. Only a small fraction of those wishing to view the body were able to enter, but as many as 140,000 visitors paid their respects that day. According to reports, the line to get in was never less than three miles long.

I find it incredibly providential that Abraham Lincoln—the man who delivered freedom to the slaves—was given his final honor while lying below a bell named by abolitionists, bearing a verse that commanded the rest of us to fight for freedom.

Whether you’re black or white, Democrat or Republican, The Liberty Bell’s true story reminds Americans of all stripes that our nation’s history—and future—belongs to us all. It challenges us to tear down systems that hold us captive and honor the price great men and women have paid to cast and re-cast the American mold to form a more perfect union.

The Liberty Bell proclaims who America truly is, even when she seems to be finding her way. As Lincoln aptly stated in his Second Inaugural Address as the Civil War was drawing to a close, 'With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in… to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace…'”

Mr. Carson is correct, I didn't realize any of these facts. I was never a real history buff in school, but I did learn to appreciate it better as a college student, because I had a teacher who made it so interesting. He taught us that history was about every facet of our lives, not just about wars and revolutions, but it included literature, art, all areas of life. He had a way of making history come alive. In recent years with all the changes, not necessarily for the best, I have tried to become more enlightened as to what is actually going on in our government and world. I remember memorizing the Declaration of Independence and part of the Constitution in high school. I was always memorizing something, but certain documents were mandatory, and I'm glad that was the case. I don't think anything of governmental importance is required learning today. There is much ignorance in the world today as to the true function of our governmental branches. Life has changed so much, as have values and morals. Thankfully, that is changing now, and perhaps celebrating our nation's history will bring back the meaning it once held. I certainly hope parents will teach their children what it means to be an American citizen. 

Hopefully, more immigrants seeking true refuge and a new way of life and freedom will decide to become citizens of our country now that borders are secure and safety is returning to our streets. But the price of freedom never comes without paying a high cost. In the beginning our founding fathers had to overcome much to attain liberty and establish our nation, a nation founded on godly principles and moral values.  Today we are fighting a battle to restore our country to these ideals, truths based on God's word. But there are still battles to be won. Sadly antisemitism is on the rise as well as other forms of persecution and racism. But there are brave men and women who are fighting back, standing for righteousness and justice. This year may true freedom ring, and may God's blessings be upon our nation and our leaders.  

Day 184 Things I Learned

 

7/3/2025

"In their hearts humans plan their course, 

but the LORD establishes their steps."

Proverbs 16:9  

 

"If you could take one lesson you learned from your father or grandfather - and pass it on to your children or grandchildren, what would it be?" 

This was the question posed in my Daily Walk for July 2nd, as I was pouring over the Proverbs trying to snag some wisdom for the day. Solomon certainly was wise, as he had an answer for everything, and if heeded, a person would do well. One of the wisest sayings of King Solomon was found in Proverbs 9:10: "For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding." I'm not wise like Solomon was, but I do believe what he said is so true. 

Regarding the wisdom my father and grandfather passed along to me...! I remember my daddy always telling me to "use your head!" It's not that I was hard - headed, although I could be quite adventurous at times. It wasn't that he thought I was slow witted, rather, I think he wanted me to apply myself and use the intelligence he knew God had gifted to me. I don't know why I think that now, because at the time I thought he was being cruel. He was stern in so many ways, but he also had a gentleness that I think only I may have been able to see, because I study people and think about what they say and why. Maybe that's a gift too, and perhaps a reason God had me turn the corner of my Big Dream to one I felt was lesser. But then, nothing to God is less. Often, it's much, much more, because only I could do it. That's the way it is when He created us, ya know! But then, maybe you don't know that. Then you best re-read Psalm 139, as it talks about how He saw us before He crafted us. How he has a book with our names on it, and in it are the specifics of each life. So we each have a job to do. I'll leave you to think about that.

My daddy also taught me to finish what I start. He loved to piddle, but he always finished it, even if he had to stop and think about how to do a certain thing. Sometimes, if he didn't have the money to do it the way he'd like, he always found unique ways to get the job done. I think my daddy was a genius in many ways. He didn't have a great deal of academic learning, but he could do and understand a lot more than some college so-called scholars could do. He even knew that New Mexico was a State and not Mexico. I thought I'd add that part, because I know a certain PhD who did not know the difference. No kidding!! My son, Daniel, may have acquired my daddy's skills in fixing things, and his vocation was mechanics. I asked him recently if he was able to return to work again and could do anything, what would he do. He said he'd be a mechanic. Doing what one loves is most important, and that what my daddy did too.

My grandfather, papa to me, died when I was in my early 30's, so he never had the opportunity to visit me in New Mexico. He would have loved it. Daddy sure did until his heart prevented the altitude adjustment. But papa loved to hop in the car and ride. He'd stop by the house anytime in the afternoon, and he'd say "Let's go for a ride." I think that's where I got my adventurous side, as I love to take road trips. I'll be doing that soon, hopefully. I've never been afraid to go anywhere, and I have done my share of covering this country, but there's still so much to see. Sometimes when I'm driving along, I'll think about papa and how he'd love to see certain sights. How I miss him! 

In thinking about what papa said or did, I think of his ability to tell a story well. He was friendly, and he loved my grammy. Just like daddy loved my mama. At least so it appeared to me. Both my papa and my daddy were mechanics, and both liked to garden. I don't remember if my daddy had started going to church regularly before papa died, but papa was a deacon in the small country church where I started out. He knew I loved to read, and he knew I loved to be in the woods, climbing trees or riding my stick horse or building a fort in the woods with tree branches, pine cones and leaves. He knew I loved watermelon and could eat the entire one, unless he stopped me. He used to make me sit on the ice cream freezer while he cranked to the end. He taught me to rake the leaves, then tumble down the hill smack into the middle of the pile. He taught me to laugh instead of cry, and he taught me to see life through the eyes of God. He got me my first real job working with church friends in getting the tobacco harvested. I never was a smoker, but I dearly loved to work tobacco. 

Sometimes, when things happen in a person's life, things that can damage a person's soul, causing great trauma, it is hard to forget. It can cripple a person mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. It can make someone physically ill, and it can be irreparable, without Jesus. In thinking about my life as a child, about what I learned about my daddy's and papa's characters I can see that what I learned from them, even incidentally, helped me cope when things were hard. It also gave me great insight into the heart of a person by watching what they do, listening to what they say, how they say things or do things. The intention of the heart. 

I wonder what my papa would think of the person I have become? In spite of the wrong choices I have made in my life I knew that my daddy was proud of me, because he told me so, and he never tells anyone these things. He observed, he formed opinions based on what he heard sometimes, but he would admit to being wrong. I think we all have a tendency to do that or pick up offenses. Still, my daddy and my papa were honest men, and I believe they knew God was ever present in their lives. I've shared before that I saw my daddy on his crippled, aching knees kneeling beside the bed in deep conversation with Jesus. I imagine my papa had his way of communing with Jesus as well. Hopefully, I'll find out soon when I'm finished my race. Until then, I'll keep dreaming my dreams, finishing the ones I'm working on now, knowing there's more to be done. And that's okay with me. I'll always be the gal sitting on the world, looking off, dreaming on the great things yet to be, of the people I'll meet and help along the way, content knowing no dream is truly lost,\, it may just have moved a little further from sight, for the time being. But I'm learning that although my chronological age is advancing, that doesn't make a difference to God's plan, so I hang on...and I wait. I truly believe the best is yet to be in His design for my life, even though the world is advancing to evil. I'll just counter it with love, and that I learned from my father and grandfather, and hopefully, I passed it on to my children and grandchildren, and prayerfully, it will be passed on to the great-grandchildren.  

Day 183 The Mystery

 

7/2/2025

"The blood in heaven is a divine and

inscrutable mystery." 

A.W. Tozer 

  

As I amble my way through the study of the book of Hebrews, I become lost in the words and the meaning. I find myself reading and having to re-read just to understand the immensity of the sacrifice, His precious blood poured out for me. If there had been only me, He would have gladly done it. Jesus hanging on the cross for my sins, torn and beaten beyond human recognition, His eyes piercing mine, not in hatred or disdain, but in a love so amazing, so divine. The image is indelibly engraved in my memory. O that all would understand and surrender their lives to Him. 

Andrew Murray in Holiest of All made this analogy: "We know what it means to wash our clothes in water, how they are plunged into it and saturated with it, until the water carries off all defilement. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin, because the Eternal Spirit imparts the very life and power of which that precious blood-shedding was the outcome and the fruit. This is the power that cleanses the conscience from dead works to serve the living God." 

I have always been a fanatic about clean clothes. Mama used to tell me that I didn't need many clothes, just so they were clean. She used an expression - "make clean come." My mama had many expressions whether they'd be called cliches or idioms or dichos or sayings in Spanish. She could have published her own book of phrases and words to live by. She knew and understood scriptures as well, so there was no fooling her. She would have appreciated Murray's analogy between the washing with water and with blood. We are baptized in water, where we die to our sinful nature, and we are raised from the water into the newness of life, raised in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water and blood, indelibly cleansed.

Murray also said "Just as Christ is the visible revelation on earth and in heaven of the invisible God, so the Holy Spirit again is the communication of the life and redemption of the unseen Christ." So many in the body of Christ do not understand the significance of or the meaning of a Triune God - the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost. So, you see, it is not only the unsaved who have questions. But then, we will always have questions in this life, because we are finite in understanding, and God is infinite wisdom. He is wisdom.

As I am studying Hebrews, I find myself walking through the Proverbs on my Daily Walk adventure. Proverbs 8 begins with the question, "Can't you hear the voice of wisdom? She is standing at the city gates and at every fork in the road, and at the door of every house. Listen to what she says." In verses 11 and 12 of the same chapter Solomon says, "For the value of wisdom is far above rubies; nothing can be compared with it. Wisdom and good judgment live together, for wisdom knows where to discover knowledge and understanding."

As I pray for my family and this nation, above all I pray that every person would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, that they be filled with the knowledge of His will, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened, that all would know the hope to which they have been called. Paul put it so much more eloquently than I in Ephesians 1:15-23, and it is my prayer, my hope, as well:

"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." 

Bringing things full circle, I will end with words from Andrew Murray in Holiest of All: "Oh let us believe the infinite mysteries with which we are surrounded. And above all, this mystery too, that within us, the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God - that mystery of mysteries - is being applied and kept in full action by the Eternal Spirit, cleansing us and revealing God's presence in us."

Now live for Him! 

Day 182 Reeds and Flax

7/1/2025

 "A bruised reed He will not break, and a

smoking flax He will not quench...."

Matthew 12:20 

 

I'm sitting alone, waiting for the temperature to drop and the wind to pick up a little, so I can head outside to do some yard work, before it starts to rain again. There's a nice breeze blowing through the window here in the kitchen, so I guess I best stop procrastinating and get my boots on. Hardly had I written those words than I hear "Tzeva Adom" which is "Red Alert" in Hebrew. It seems as if the Houthis in Yemen are firing rockets at Israel again. So much for peaceful days. The head of the snake, Iran, has been silent, but the proxies are not. This is very disconcerting, but then, it has been this way for Israel for a very long time. It's just hard for me to think about children running to bomb shelters as a routine way of life. 

The scripture quoted by Jesus, Matthew 12:20, was taken from the text written by Isaiah the prophet in chapter 42 when he was describing the coming Messiah:

"Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, or raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law." (Isaiah 42:1-4)

God is speaking favorably about the Gentile nation, and later in verses 6 and 7 He continues by saying His people will be a "light to the Gentiles." Many people are confused about the Bible these days, especially when it pertains to Israel, but clearly Isaiah is speaking of Jesus, and the word includes us, as Gentile believers. In verse 9 God continues to speak through the prophet Isaiah saying: "Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them." Throughout the books of the prophets, God speaks through them to warn, correct, and proclaim good news.

In the book of Matthew in Chapter 12, Jesus speaks these words from Isaiah: "Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory; and in His name Gentiles will trust." (Matthew 12:15-21). Jesus had been teaching the multitudes, and the religious leaders were around as usual, listening to Jesus teach, although not for the right motives. They were trying to find reasons to condemn Jesus in front of the multitudes who are following Him. First, they seek to condemn Jesus for the disciples eating on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8), then for healing the man with the withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath day (Matthew 12:9-14). Jesus tells them in verse 8, "For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." After Jesus heals the man's hand, the religious leaders set out to plot to destroy Him. 

Jesus' heart was for the people, but clearly, the religious leaders acted out of jealousy, pride, resulting in a deep hatred for Jesus and the message He preached, because it threatened their position as self-made gods to be followed, every additional law they added, even though it was not written in the original laws given by God to Moses. They were the experts, which I find very interesting, because for students of the Law, they missed every prophetic word announcing the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, Jesus went about with His disciples delivering the good news of the Kingdom of God, and many were saved, healed, and delivered. He didn't yell or harass the people, or beat them over the head with rules and more rules, as the religious leaders did. His message threatened them, when it should have made them rejoice. The verses above speak of Jesus' response to those who sought after Him, "a bruised reed He will not break and smoking flax He will not quench." Those who followed Jesus were "damaged" like a bent over river reed, that although damaged, was not destroyed, still functional with care. Jesus saw the broken and damaged - spiritually, physically, morally weak people - and He offered them hope, healing, and transformation. Smoking flax has not been completely lit on fire, so it smolders, but it can be rekindled. Jesus sought to restore hope, encourage, build up, set lives on fire with the gospel. Using creation as examples, Jesus gives hope. Creation and the very act of creation since the beginning of time shout praises to His name and serve as examples of His majesty and awe. It is the same today if we take time to see and listen to the voice of nature. 

As I write, I always listen to music playing softly in the background. Sitting here, window open, I smell the cleanness of the air, a faint scent of honeysuckle, see the trees gently tousled by a subtle breeze, and I hear the birds' song, their conversation with one another. I'm listening to beautiful music by a skillful pianist playing old beloved hymns, amidst scenes of nature, setting the mood for listening and hearing. What a Friend we Have in Jesus is playing now, one of my mama's favorites, and a proper close for today, as mama was definitely a bruised reed, a smoldering wick, a delicate flower among the gardens of roses and azaleas, and every beautiful blossom imaginable. An artist who is now resting in the arms of the Savior she adored.

"What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

 

O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

 

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

 

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer"

 

Day 181 That I May Know Him

 

6/30/2025 

"But let him who glories glory in this, that he

understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD,

exercising loving kindness, judgment and

righteousness in the earth. For in these I do delight,

says the LORD."

Jeremiah 9:24  

 

What exactly does it mean to understand and know God? 

Evangelists coin the phrase "knowing God and making Him known" as the vision behind the call.  Rightfully so, as how can one make someone known without first knowing that person intimately, having a deep and lasting friendship with that One? Naturally the answer is that it is impossible otherwise. But then there are many examples of those in scripture who have professed to speak on God's behalf, yet they do not know Him, and He says that He has not sent them. The consequences for that did not turn out well for the false prophets named in Jeremiah, as I read today. In our modern age there are those touting the name "prophet" who are followed religiously like sheep being led to the slaughter, and whose books and prophetic words supersede the scriptures. We must be careful to whom we listen, and we must study the word of God so we are not tricked into accepting lies, cunningly supported by a form of godliness but denying the true power of God. Seek for Him with your whole heart, and He will be found. Keep your eyes trained on Jesus as the Author and Finisher of your faith. As we seek to know God, we must be wise of the schemes of the enemy who seeks to destroy us, because he hates Jesus, so he hates us. His love is feigned for his own purposes, but Jesus' love is true, and He proved His love by dying for us, taking on Himself all the evil of this world, so we could have fellowship with God for eternity.

In my personal journey, growing in my relationship with the Lord, I know that it takes time, commitment, and surrender to God's will and plans. John 15 speaks of abiding in Christ, making our home in Him, as He has in us. Listen as John the Apostle speaks so eloquently the words of our Savior, the words of life:

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:1-5

Jesus has given us the Comforter, just as He promised the disciples. Holy Spirit teaches us, reminds us, of all Jesus did and said while He walked this earth. He convicts us if we stray, and He intercedes for us, as Jesus intercedes for us. When someone truly becomes acquainted with Jesus, understands Him, His message, His ferocious love for us, understands His birth, death, burial and resurrection, then he can begin to know Him. We love Him, because He first loved us. He gets our attention. He got mine. I wouldn't want to live my life any other way, than being in His presence, loving Him, being truly loved, just as I am, but transformed to a new life. 

So often I have quoted from the writings of some of the late greats, because they understood who Jesus is and all that He has done and will continue to do for those who love Him, who delight to follow in His ways. Clothed in His righteousness, His tender mercies, humility, meekness, longsuffering, perseverance, forgiveness as He forgave us, and in His great love. Lamentations 3:22-23 says "Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great in Your faithfulness."

Andrew Murray wrote about relationship with God in his book, Absolute Surrender:

“Being filled with the Spirit is simply this - having my whole nature yielded to His power. When the whole soul is yielded to the Holy Spirit, God Himself will fill it.” 

He said, “I need to spend time with God even when I do not know what to pray.” 

In his book, The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer said:

“O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need for further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, ‘Rise up my love, my fair one, and come away.’ Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long.”

A W Tozer made it his deepest desire to live in the presence of God, and He did. “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.” 

Knowing Him is my greatest desire also.