Independence Day Contemplations

July 4th

Today, Craig and I will have been married for 17 years. I remember him telling me about the teasing he got from his co-workers concerning our choice of date (it wasn't a deliberate move, but the story is off this subject). For some, it was apparently hilarious that he was taking on the "old ball and chain" on the day which has been designated to celebrate our country's freedom from oppressive governmental rule. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me at all if worldly-minded people see marriage as being a burden rather than a blessing.

Today, neither of us feel as though marriage has been a type of prison. Yes, our lives have changed. And yes, some of the freedoms which we exercised before taking our vows have been left behind. The addition of children has both complicated things and multiplied the blessing and joy of being "a couple". Over the years, we have had to learn how to look outside of our own wants in an effort to do what is best for the other. And, although we have had a few bumps over the years, I can honestly say that we have had a beautiful and ever-deepening relationship. We only have God to thank for our "success" as He has grown us together in Him. Today, I actually have a concept of what it means to "love" my husband--and Christ. I think it is no accident that God gave us marriage as a picture of our relationship with Him.

Happy Anniversary, Craig!

Freedom in America.

We take so much for granted here. How often do I forget to thank God for my right to free speech, choice of religion and lifestyle? We have the ability to step out in a public atmosphere and not be accosted. We are told we may assemble peacefully in public situations and that we have the ability to exercise our Constitutionally provided rights privately, at home.

Things may soon be changing. Recently, various laws have been passed and allowances have been made in the name of "tolerance". Americans tend to pride ourselves in our ability to "get along" with each other. However, being nice and welcoming "all religions and belief systems" into our country does not mean the favor will be returned.

I suppose growing hostility and intolerance within our own borders should not be surprising to American Christians. As another blogging friend observed, God does not bless those nations who do not obey Him.

Freedom around the World.

In sobering contrast to the festivity of our annual 4th of July celebration, is the lack of freedom for many believers in other countries under rule of Communism, radical Hinduism and Islam. I am again reminded to take time to pray earnestly for those who are born, live and die under severely oppressive regimes which Satan uses to try to stop the spread of the saving Truth of the Gospel. Interestingly, persecution only seems to fan the flames of spiritual awakening, and God gets the glory for bringing His light to the darkest corners of the world. Perhaps we need a good dose of persecution to send us running back to our First Love?

Freedom in Christ.

Regardless of worldly status, all those who have been purchased and redeemed by Christ's blood are freed from slavery to sin and freed to come before Him without shame. I believe one must be cautious in ripping verses out of context in order to make a point...but some passages came to mind, so I thought I'd share them here.

Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor abusers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful to me, but not all things profit. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:9-12

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. But the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1

There cannot be Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

For he who is called a slave in the Lord is a freed man of the Lord. And likewise, he who is called a free man is a slave of Christ. You are bought with a price, do not be the slaves of men. Each in whatever way he was called, brothers, in this remain with God. 1 Corinthians 7:22-24

No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:13

Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Thank you Jesus, for taking my place on the cross, triumphing over sin and death, for constantly bringing to my attention areas of sin, granting me repentance and remaking my human nature so that I may more accurately reflect your likeness.

The Forest Path

Entering the world of the internet is a little like wandering into an older-growth Northwestern evergreen forest. The view from the road is enticing: one wonders what lies behind the first ten or twenty sunlit feet of underbrush, wildflowers and assorted pine, fir and cedar trees. Curiosity overcomes and the desire to find out presses one to venture in just a bit.

A relatively short walk often reveals that the undergrowth thins out and the air is cooler due to light blockage from overhead boughs. Sometimes, a serene meadow clearing or lively mountain stream breaks into view to reward the persistent hiker. It is not unusual to encounter incredible samples of wildlife in natural habitat. Entering this little corner of creation gives a different perspective than do most "everyday" experiences and it can even be described as a refreshing change of pace.

But, to the unprepared and inexperienced: "frightening", "deceptive" or "frustrating" might be more appropriate descriptions. Without a map and compass, proper gear, a guide, or at least a good grasp of common sense, the forest can be deadly. More than one unsuspecting person has gotten "turned around" to where east seems to be north and one tree begins to look exactly like every other. Bears, cougars and wolves have been known to attack. Sometimes, relatively well-seasoned outdoorsmen attempt to take on the wilderness and perish because they were not well enough equipped to handle certain surprise circumstances. Yet occasionally, there surfaces an incredible story of survival and "beating of the odds".

Life in general is like this, but the internet seems to provide a concentrated dose of both good and evil. It offers a window into the daily walk and experiences of other believers. Being able to comment and discuss on blogs can be a wonderful way to learn and grow--or just show appreciation for a sister/brother in Christ. Some writings are beautifully edifying--the reader walks away filled with reverence for God and thankfulness for the kindness of our Father toward His children. Other pages lovingly challenge one's faith--Like the Apostle Paul, the author encourages readers to stay the course and strive for excellence. Still other articles are instructive and thoughtfully examine and explain deeper matters of theological significance.

However, there are also many sites that do nothing but heap condemnation upon the visitor who does not measure up to the author's understanding of righteous living. More than once, I have been brought to tears of hopelessness over the fact that my life looks nothing like some of the pictures that are painted as "the only truly obedient path"--and have no readily available means to obtain such a lifestyle. It's easy to get disoriented in the forest.

Some authors have a worthwhile point, but do not allow room for the possibility that another perspective could also be right. And again, the faith gets shaken because the reader wonders why she has not come to the same conclusion and does not have that same confidence about the issue. Does a difference of opinion actually mean the matter is "debatable", or is it a question of salvation? More than once, I have begged God to show me whether I have been self-deceived concerning my Christian walk. Not all trail guides are helpful.

There are some sites which appear to offer sound, Biblical advice, yet the "feel" of the author's tone seems wrong. Not being a scholar, I find these encounters particularly frustrating because I cannot pinpoint exactly what bother's me. It is similar to stepping into an inviting, sunny meadow, yet being unable to enjoy it because there is a feeling that "something" is lurking in the shadows at the edge of the treeline.

Then there are the wolves, cougars and bears that seem to delight in aggressively shredding the faith of those who claim the name of Christ.

I know it is not my place to judge the soul of anyone else. The above observations are simply that, and based on my own experience. Over the past 8 months, I have had to examine and re-examine my own heart before the Lord as I have encountered a vast array of beliefs and opinions about the nature of God, the work of Jesus, true repentance and what is required of one who claims to have a relationship with Christ.

While some perspectives fall within the realm of "debatable matters", there are others which strike at the very foundation of the Christian faith. I know it's important to know the truth, and want desperately to know it. But I also recall that Paul said one may put on a great show and still miss the mark (1 Corinthians 13). I've agonized over whether it is possible to love the Lord and truly be following Him, yet have an honest intellectual misunderstanding about one or another aspect of doctrine that some people have presented as essential. Surely, the Lord will not fail to correct His true children at an appropriate time...

I've often found myself reminded of Jesus' warning that few will find the way to eternal life. And the panic rises...I wonder whether I have found it--or am I just fooling myself? Is my experience one of true conversion--or am I relying on false piety and my own "good works" to save me? Am I obeying the things that God has allowed me to understand--or am I shirking my duty to Him? Am I willing to follow even when I don't understand an instruction--or am I dismissing as unimportant the "hard" things which don't make sense? Am I loving my neighbor in a godly way or behaving in a self-serving way?

Do I love the Lord above all else? Has He given me that desire--or do I just like to pretend that I have it?

In the end, I have no choice but to lay my heart at God's feet and beg Him to show me what is true. He is the Maker of all and only His judgments are trustworthy. I believe He has begun His work in my heart and I have to trust that He will complete it. All I know to do is to go forward with what I can see and cling to the hope that He will mercifully cover me when I fail to understand, or am slow to obey, or foolishly wander off the obvious path and into the dense, dark forest.

Another Gem From Doug Eaton

Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted just as we are, yet without sin.

Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (MKJV)

Egyptian Sojourn 10: Food for Thought

This isn't directly related to the Egypt account. Actually, the contact point is the neglected "socialism" aspect of the previous title.

I came across an article which relates the serious nature of these uncertain times. But also gives a word of encouragement to those whose hope is set on Christ.

A lot is happening these days. Spiritual, political, social, moral and financial change is sweeping our country. Not all of it is good. In fact, it can be difficult to see the good for all the bad news which constantly assails the senses. The Bible predicts that the "last days" would be especially turbulent as the love of iniquity will increase until the moment our Lord returns.

Concerning the acceptance of evil as "normal", American culture is nearing the saturation point. On a global scale, the persecution of Jews and Christians takes various forms but is increasing. Yet, in the midst of oppression and destruction, people are still being drawn to the Truth...even when it costs them their homes, jobs, families and lives. In Egypt, God blessed the Israelites in spite of their abuse under Pharaoh. And their numbers grew. Regardless of his efforts to control the growth of the population, the wicked king couldn't put a dent in it!! During the plagues, God also provided divine protection from certain judgments. He cares for His own.

I believe Christians (and Jews) are looking ahead to increasingly difficult times. Sometimes I wonder how much worse things will get. The fifth seal of Revelation comes to mind

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Rev. 6:9-11

How long, oh Lord? How much more evil will fallen mankind have to get before You stop it? And yet, there are still many souls that may still be harvested...Loved ones, co-workers, strangers on the street...

Hold off just a little longer Lord! Draw in all of your sheep! Give me wisdom and the boldness to speak out of love and concern for those who are blindly racing toward their destruction!!!! Please guard my own path so that I make the best use of my fleeting breath of a life!

Psalm 2

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Jesus came the first time in the humble form of a servant to open the door to salvation. He is coming back as rightful owner and judge over all creation. There is still a little time to be reconciled to God before it's too late!

Egyptian Sojourn 9: Backing up the Wagon

I changed the title of this series of posts because Craig recently commented that he sees the "God" aspect of my series, but not so much the "socialism" side. In my mind, there's a definite connection between the two but don't want to be misleading anyone. The focus on God in these posts has been central to my ability to maintain sanity as I watch the leaders of our country boldly attempt to rapidly swing us into an unprecedented era of Big Government Dictating the Individual Lives of the American People. Socialistic (offers to provide a free ride, equalize the 'playing field', soothe concerns over job or health security, etc) agenda has been an effective bait to assure a relatively peaceable takeover of our population. And I can't help but wonder what that will actually mean for those who are not dancing along to the piper's tune.

Regardless of the external circumstances I want to wholeheartedly agree with David:

In You, O Jehovah, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; bow down Your ear to me, and save me. Be a rock of refuge for me, to which I may always go; You have commanded to save me; for You are my Rock and my Fortress. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For You are my hope, O Lord God, my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:1-5

Getting through the details of the first nine plagues made the last post a bit long and I wanted to do a little "sightseeing" before moving on. There is actually a LOT to try to absorb in this "Children's Bible feature story".

1. My son read the previous post , and checked my links--then proceeded to grill me about leaving out xxxx or yyyy god which also could have been the deity that God was singling out in each judgmental instance. Not being a student of ancient Egyptian religion, my suggestions of which deities were being challenged during the plagues may be incorrect or incomplete. Several of the gods'/goddesses' realms overlapped and others may not have been worshiped at the time of the Exodus. My main point was that the Egyptians had "changed the truth of God into a lie, and they worshiped and served the created thing more than the Creator, who is blessed forever." (Romans 1:25). And God was making it clear that this was not okay with Him.

2. Aaron's serpent-staff was significant in it's symbolism. Consider the snake-headed goddess Wadjet. Like many other Egyptian deities, she was known by multiple names. But I think it is worth mentioning that my source site states that she was known as a defender of the kings and symbolized "justice, time, heaven and hell."

There was also an evil snake-deity known as Apophis, which was Re's arch-enemy. Apophis was feared rather than adoringly worshiped and said to be forever pursuing Re (the sun god) in an attempt to devour him. Those he swallowed were believed to enter a state of non-existence.

Additionally, the mythological account of the serpent-god seems to reflect an image of the Biblical enemy of souls--Satan. Yet, it is not an exact duplicate of the account. I think that is especially interesting in light of Romans 1:25. "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie..." It appears that even those who reject God have retained some measure of His truth. I expect this is why Paul wrote:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse;for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.

Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man or birds or animals or reptiles.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen. Romans 1:19-25

I can see that the spiritual condition of our modern culture has a resemblance to that of ancient Egypt.

In light of the above tidbits, I do wonder what message the king received when he observed Aaron's snake swallowing his magician's serpents.

3. About the time the flies entered the picture, the king begins to think it's a good idea to try to cut a deal with God rather than simply refuse. Not only were these creatures considered "sacred" (supposedly providing protection from disease?! and misfortune), but I'm guessing the swarming insects were not only of the regular housefly variety. They were likely to have included biting, stinging, blood-sucking sorts as well. The annoyance would have certainly gotten the king's attention by then! Yet, as soon as God provided relief, the king slipped right back into stubborn mode.

I noted a similarity to the way I sometimes I have willingly crawled to God for direction when circumstances are extremely rough--only to turn back to my self-centered ways when the crisis has passed. Even though the king admitted twice (Exodus 9:27; 10:16) that he was in sin, it was not a recognition based on a change of heart. James wrote "You believe that there is one God, you do well; even the demons believe and tremble." (2:19). Until a heart is completely broken before the Lord, there will be the tendency to try to pridefully figure out a solution without Him. Momentary frustration, sadness (no matter how intense) and recognition that God is more powerful than me is not the same thing as true repentance from sin. There must also be a desire to accept God's plan as best and a willingness to humbly submit to His authority.

This observation ties back into the increasing socialization of our country in the sense that this past 6 months or so has really brought into focus how NOT in charge of my life I really am. Being something of a control freak, I do need God to allow me to see the encroaching "ugly" in our culture so that I don't get too full of my own potential and wander away from His path. For a Christian, perpetually unpleasant earthly conditions are not necessarily a "bad" thing if they keep me humble and clinging to God for strength and step-by-step instruction. My comfort craving fleshly side struggles to accept that truth but it is much better to bow to God's will (and be spiritually comforted) rather than be crushed by it due to my rebellion.

4. Just before the seventh plague, it appears that God is announcing a move into a more aggressive phase of His extrication and glorification plan. Some of the Egyptians began taking seriously the attack and made preparations to avoid the coming hailstorm. Afterward, even Pharaoh's servants were pressuring him to give in as they already considered Egypt to be destroyed.

5. The kids and I were discussing how long the time of the plagues may have taken. We can see that there is a definite end. There was a week of bloody water before Moses returned to the king's presence and there were 3 days of darkness But there doesn't seem to be any indication of the length of each incident. We were speculating as it is obvious from the account of the 5th plague that ALL of the Egyptian livestock died. So, there must have been enough time for the Egyptians to replenish their herds because the boils, hail and plague #10 all affect the animals.

6. The subjects of "election" and the sovereignty of God vs man's free will have always been a puzzle to me. The account of Pharaoh and God alternately hardening (see note below) the king's heart has always suggested to me that man is responsible for his own choices yet nothing that happens is apart from God's design. And God even steps in to aggressively orchestrate certain situations instead of simply doing damage control when people make foolish choices and "mess up" His plan.

Anyway, I had never before noticed how BOTH the king and Moses were chosen by God for a specific purpose. Neither man sought the Lord, but rather He came to them. Neither man was appreciative of being selected. Pharaoh repeatedly resisted God's will and Moses at first tried to argue his way out of doing the job God had assigned to him.

For He said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will pity whomever I will pity." So, then, it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of the One showing mercy, of God. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very thing I raised you up, so that I might display My power in you, and so that My name might be publicized in all the earth." So, then, to whom He desires, He shows mercy. And to whom He desires, He hardens. Romans 9:15-18

Although Moses made God angry with his excuses, God didn't kill him and then choose Aaron to go alone even though it appears Aaron was perfectly willing to cooperate. Here again is that younger brother over the elder theme. Moses was the God-appointed "leader" even though Aaron was the one who actually spoke to the king and carried the staff! I've been trying to determine whether there was a point when Moses stepped to the front or whether Aaron was the permanent mouthpiece. I'll have to re-read the passage.

God was in control the whole time--and yet, Pharaoh was also held accountable for his choices.

Note: I'm no linguistic student but found it interesting that when we read "harden" in English, it actually derives from different words at different points in the narrative. Exodus 4:21; is where God tells Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart. The original root word was "chazaq" (which means "to fasten upon", "seize" or "be strong") and is also used in 7:13, 22; 14:4, 17; 9:12, 35; 10:20, 27. Exodus 7:3 uses the root "quashah" (to be dense, tough or severe) Exodus 7:14; 8:15, 32; 9:7, 34; 10:1 uses the word "kabed" (heavy. the figurative negative sense can mean severe, difficult, stupid). As an interested, yet uneducated observer, my own thought is that we are naturally at odds with the Lord and cannot understand His ways without God first choosing to give us understanding (But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14) The Egyptian king (like the rest of us) was already naturally an enemy of God (hard-hearted) and God chose to not enlighten him to the truth. The "hardening" that occurred appears to be a strengthening of the already stubbornly rebellious "hardened" state of his heart.

That seems like a rather harsh perspective, but I have to note Romans 9:21: Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel to honor and another to dishonor? I don't always understand why God chooses to do the things He does but I am certainly thankful for the mercy He has shown to me. I would appreciate any scholarly insight anyone might offer here...

7. Although I don't understand much of it, I am fascinated by end-times prophecy. And it is interesting to me how much of the imagery of Revelation resembles the description of the plagues. Perhaps sometime I will get to spend more time comparing the two, but even a cursory reading reveals similar imagery of such things as "bloody water", hail, frogs, locusts, some sort of painful sores, crop failures and famine.

Alright, then. Those are my somewhat random (and perhaps interesting only to me) observations.