Category Archives: God

Lessons from Genesis, Part 1

Posted on by under Scripture, God

Journal 2018

Genesis 16:13, El-Roi

When Abraham’s concubine Hagar fled to the desert, she said to the Lord who met her there, “You are the God (Hebrew El-Roi) who sees me” (NIV).

God sees me …

When I was a little girl, we sang the chorus, “Oh be careful little hands what you do (eyes what you see; ears what you hear; feet where you go), for the Father up above is looking down in love ….” I skipped over the “in love” part and concluded this meant I better not be naughty because God was watching my every move.

Later it became a comfort to think that He was always with me, no matter what I did or how I messed up.

But my Hebrew Bible commentary suggests a different thought. The ancients believed that if you saw a divine being, you’d die. The Hebrew Bible reads, “Have I not gone on seeing after He saw me?”

Which of the three explanations is correct? Perhaps the third, but there is truth in all three. A God who sees can be a deterrent to trying to hide, a comfort when we come out of hiding (when shame is gone, there is joy in the relationship), and an awe-filled realization that He is merciful.

Woman kneeling on prayer rug in desert during sunset

Genesis 17:1, El Shadai

We often translate El Shadai as “God Almighty,” but El Shadai originally meant “God, the one of the mountain” or “The Lord, Him of Sinai” (Judges 5:5). This was how God revealed Himself to the patriarchs.

Genesis 17:20, Ishmael’s 12

Numbers are important in the Bible. I find it fascinating that God told Ishmael he would become the father of 12 chieftains (cf. the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 disciples).

Genesis 17:23, Slavery

Abraham, the Father of 3 religions, owned both purchased slaves and home-born slaves, and all had to be circumcised. Ever since the Civil War, we in the USA have a profound belief that all men deserve to be free. Slavery is abhorrent to us. In Abraham’s day it was the norm, a common practice to conquer a city and enslave the inhabitants.

Is the act of enslavement a sin in God’s eyes, or is the greater issue how the master treats the enslaved? Did Abraham treat his slaves kindly and with respect? A deeper dive into the subject suggests that perhaps these were indentured servants or bondservants. See what you think.

Did Abraham Own Slaves? Unpacking Biblical Servitude in the Ancient World – genesishow.blog

Genesis 18:15, Sarah’s Laugh

When the Lord told Sarah she had laughed at the mention of pregnancy in her old age, she denied it. The text tells us it was because she was frightened. (Fear is usually the motivation for lying.)

But what if lying is for the purpose of saving a life, or smuggling Bibles into China or hiding Jews in the Holocaust? I’ve never been able to figure this one out. Is it the act or the motive that makes it sin?

[I learned that the rabbis explain that when two moral beliefs collide, the higher moral standard (e.g. saving a life) trumps the lower (e.g. lying to hide someone).]

Why do we always fault Sarah for laughing and forget that Abraham did too? At one time his faith wobbled when he suggested God should use Ishmael to fulfill His promise for an heir. Abraham’s summary word for his life was faith, but he had to learn to trust. It didn’t come automatically. Yes, Abraham had great faith, but he laughed when God announced he would hold a son within a year. Could Abraham’s laughter have come from a heart of sheer joy? The text doesn’t say.

I wonder what word summarizes my life? When have I wobbled?

Genesis 19, Lot’s Two Daughters

Talk about redemption! Lot’s incestual relationship with his daughters produced the following:

  • Moab, the ancestor of Ruth, the ancestor of King David, the ancestor of King Jesus
  • Ammon, the ancestor of Naamah (King Solomon’s wife), the ancestor of Rehoboam, King of Judah

“Out of the ashes of Sodom … a seed of messianic redemption thus lies in the squalid events of Genesis 19:30 – 38.” (Gen Rab 41:4, Hebrew Bible, p. 42)

On Holiness

Posted on by under God, Scripture

Journal 2018

One of the most profound and moving hymns of my childhood was Holy, holy, holy. In my little mind, I defined holiness as moral purity or perfection—a quality belonging only to God and something I could never attain. Thus “holier than thou” turned into a derogatory term meaning pride.

Some dictionary definitions of holiness include absoluteness, majesty, exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness. With these definitions, only God is truly holy, so why do the Scriptures tell humans to be holy? (Lev. 11:44; 19:2)

Another aspect of holiness suggests divine separation from all that is earthly, set apart, sacred, dedicated or consecrated to God. With this definition, a person cannot be holy-er. Either you are set apart or you’re not. You cannot be both holy and unholy. A vessel that was set apart in the temple was either used in the temple or it wasn’t. It’s like either you’re pregnant or you’re not.

Here’s a quick Bible verse search for the word holiness. Something to chew on.

  • Holiness adorns your house for endless days O Lord. (Ps. 93:5)
  • Glorious is holiness (Ex. 15:11)
  • The beauty of holiness (I Chron. 16:29)
  • Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. (Ps. 30:4)
  • The throne of his holiness (Ps. 47:8)
  • The mountain of his holiness (Ps. 48:1)
  • Highway … called The Way of Holiness. (Isa. 35:8)
  • Courts of thy holiness (Jer. 23:9)
  • Words of his holiness (Jer. 23:9)
  • The spirit of holiness (Rom. 1:4)
  • Put on the new man, which after God is created in … true holiness. (Eph. 4:24)
  • God hasn’t called us to uncleanness but unto holiness. (I Thess. 4:7)
  • Partakers of his holiness (Heb. 12:10)
  • Follow peace with all, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14)
Lit candle in a ceramic holder on a rustic wooden table with a book nearby

Lessons from Hebrews

Posted on by under God, Scripture

Journal 2018

It’s a little disturbing to me to see how the author of Hebrews glibly quotes the Old Testament out of context.

  • If 1:5 refers to II Samuel 7:14, the author is misquoting, I will be his father, and he will be my son. (NIV)

In the Samuel context, the next statement says, “when he commits iniquity, I will correct him.” This obviously refers to Solomon, not to the Messiah. So how can the author of Hebrews apply it to Christ?

  • The statement He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire (1:7) seems to be quoting Psalm 104:4. But in that context, there is no reference to angels. In fact, in that Psalm every reference is to things in nature, and Hebrews seems to do violence to the text to make it refer to angels.
Armored female warrior with flaming wings flying over mountains at sunset
AI-generated

Now, I admit I’m no Hebrew scholar, but this is how it appears to me. Is there an overlay of truth, a phrase with hidden meaning in the text? I’m confused. Either the scriptures are inspired or they are not. Either the author of Hebrews stretches and misquotes scripture, or he doesn’t.

After reading numerous commentaries, I see I’m not the only one who has questioned these passages. But if we believe the Scriptures are accurate and inspired, there must be a logical explanation. Since the author uses these quotes without further argument or commentary, it is assumed that the readers understood and agreed with his application of the phrases referring to the Messiah and to the angels. The overall conclusion of Hebrews is that Christ is superior to men and angels no matter what arguments or quotations the author uses, and that is the important matter here.

On September 20, I listened to Michael Rydelnik on “Chris Fabry Live,” Rydelnik believes the entire Psalter is a messianic book arranged deliberately in a certain order. For example, Psalms 22 and 24 are clearly Messianic. My God, My God . . . they pierced my hands and feet . . . Who can stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands … the King of glory.

Sandwiched in between the two is the oft-quoted Psalm 23, which Rydelnik says is another messianic Psalm regarding the death and resurrection of Christ. We can certainly gain comfort from this Psalm while “in the valley of the shadow of death” and can certainly find application to our personal lives, but it primarily gives us a glimpse into the Messiah’s experience. Rydelnik says the ancients understood the messianic nature and subject of the Psalms. So perhaps the author of Hebrews draws from that matrix and viewpoint.

He must increase

Posted on by under Emotions, God, Scripture

Journal 2018

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30 KJV)

Fresh out of college, I landed a job teaching English and speech at a private Christian school. Inexperienced and apprehensive, I tried to put on a confident mask as I entered the classroom and directed the school’s plays and programs. The more insecure I felt, however, the more I craved affirmation and accolades.

I want to follow John the Baptist’s example, but how do I decrease while Jesus increases? How do I avoid seeking accolades and point people to Jesus instead? Mother Teresa and Johnny Earickson Tada come to mind as humans who have accomplished great things for God with few resources, yet they always point people to the One they worship. How would that look to me?

Visual: I am at a Y junction of a channel of water (i.e. man’s accolades) rushing toward me. When the waters arrive at the Y, I close the gate on my side and divert the water to the right fork, causing the water to flow toward Christ instead. When praises come my way, I divert them to my Lord. If I don’t, I may drown in the force of the water. He alone is strong enough to receive the full force of gushing praise. I cannot prevent the water from flowing, but I can divert the water to the proper channel.

Photo by Ian Taylor on Pexels.com

The Seeds of Prayer

Posted on by under God, Prayer

Journal 2018

I have an overwhelming list of people I want to pray for, and I can’t keep up with them all.

Visual: I am in a square room with many doors, and each open door has monsters (demons) guarding them, preventing me from exiting. I know I cannot fight them all at once, but I still grab my Sword of the Spirit and flail it around. Suddenly, I lose my grip, the sword flies through the air, and it lodges in the wall above one of the doors. I laugh out loud. Well, that was a most ineffective use of my weapon!

So Jesus teaches me like a Jedi warrior how to use my sword: Keep calm, maintain control, and you only have to fight one ogre at a time.

And which one is that? I wonder. Instantly, I know its name: Doubt.

Doubt in my prayer life. Doubt that I’m doing it right or not doing enough or… And so, I invite Doubt into the prayer room. Jesus stands outside the arena, watching me. “Parry here, thrust there. Watch your vulnerable side. Good job. Stay alert,” He calls.

Once I’ve practiced, I invite Doubt into the ring, thrust forward with my sword, and the ogre vanishes like smoke. The doorway is now clear, and I can exit into a lush green garden.

“May I spend some time here with you?” Jesus and I ask at the same time, and we both laugh.

“See this rose?” “Note this bush.” “Do you like this tree?”

Yes, yes and yes!

“I made them all for you to enjoy,” He says. I can see the delight on His face.

“But what about that prayer room?” I ask. “Aren’t I supposed to be in there fighting ogres?”

“At some point,” He replies. “But for now, I want you to relax and rest here with Me and learn to delight in Me. Then when you do fight, you carry My heart and My strength with you, and you’re not fighting on your own. Rest here with Me and enjoy My presence, and I will teach you. I will let you know when it’s time to return to the room. Just stay close to Me for now. In this garden, pay attention, look and listen. There are things to learn in the quietness and stillness that you cannot learn in the midst of a battle.”

I’m okay with that, I think, but I don’t know what to do with the multi-page list I’ve been carrying around.

“We’ll use that for weed control,” He replies. And He carefully lays the papers in a special place in the garden, covers them with dirt, and walks away. “They are important to this garden,” He says. “They aren’t going anywhere.”

“Oh!” I exclaim. “There are little seeds embedded in the pages! When the rain comes, they’ll begin to sprout and grow. I don’t have to keep planting them.”

“I’ll keep watch over them with you, and My gardener helpers will make sure they get the proper nutrients,” He says.

And now I see it. The prayers I pray on behalf of other people are like seeds. The more I plant, the bigger the crop, but I’m not capable of or responsible for making them sprout or blossom. Now I’m eager to find even more seeds to plant.

“Look no further,” Jesus says, smiling, as He pulls out a packet from His pocket.

“Show me where to plant them,” I say.

“Some will be planted in your heart and some in others’ hearts. Some will fall on rocky paths, some will get choked by thorns, some will fall on good soil. (Sound familiar?) Just keep planting and sowing, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Lessons from Mark, Part 2

Posted on by under God, Scripture

Journal 2018

“That’s why I have come.” (Mark 1:38)

Jesus declares He’s there to preach, but He keeps getting sidetracked by people just wanting their physical needs met. Yet He doesn’t view meeting people’s needs as a distraction. He has compassion on them, even as He continues to fulfill His mission to preach. But there were consequences to His compassion (v. 40). Jesus is hindered from preaching in the villages after He agrees to heal a leper who disobeys Jesus’ command to go to the priest and to keep quiet about it. Jesus may not have been as comfortable sitting on a rock in the sun outside the village instead of meeting people in the privacy of a home or in the synagogue. But God’s Word will not be thwarted. The people find Him and come to Him.

The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:3)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

When Jesus gave instructions to His disciples about finding a colt, they were to say to the owner, “The Lord needs it AND will send it back here shortly.” I’ve never before noticed the “and.”

Who kept up with it the whole time they were in Jerusalem? Who returned the colt and when? I know the donkey incident fulfilled scripture, but I still ask, on a practical level, why He did it. Why ride when no one else does? And why a colt?

On Regret (Mark 14:72)

After he denied Jesus three times, Peter broke down and wept.

This strong, overconfident braggadocio with a choleric temperament falls apart when confronted with his own failure. Weeping and repentance are appropriate, but regret can paralyze. Afterwards, shame rushes in to keep one bound. Only Jesus’ gentle question, “Peter, do you love Me?” releases all the shame and regret.

On Envy (Mark 15:9)

Pilot knew that the chief priests handed Jesus over to him out of envy. Envy so blinded their hearts and minds that they were ready to commit murder and release a murderer, Barabbas. How ironic and twisted is that?

Why envy and jealousy? What did Jesus have that they didn’t and that they wanted? A following? Respect? Their pride revolved around self-righteousness. Keeping and teaching the law required years of study and hard work. They had their Ph.D. in the subject, after all, and along comes an uneducated Galilean who has more wisdom and more knowledge than they’ve gained in a lifetime of study. And something else—He has power. They’d never seen anything like it, and they were afraid because they were losing control. When we lose control, we feel powerless and vulnerable, and we don’t like that feeling. What if Jesus was teaching the truth? Then my lifetime of self-effort turns to dust, and I am left humble and humiliated like Saul.

Humble yourself in the sight of God and He will lift you up (James 4:10).

The way up is down. Counterintuitive. “Let go and let God” is more than a cliche.

Jesus’ Torture (Mark 14)

We usually focus on the whipping, which would be pain beyond endurance in itself, but today as I read this account, I realized He most likely had brain damage or a concussion due to the blows on His thorn-crowned head. And add to that, sleep deprivation. No one without supernatural ability could stay present through this all and have a coherent thought in his head. All a person wants in the midst of torture is for the pain to cease. How did Jesus stay true to Himself?

“My God, My God” (Mark 15:33)

A popular song claims that the Father turned His face away at the cross. What utter nonsense. Jesus was feeling temporary separation from His Father, but God does not turn His back on us when we suffer or sin. The Father’s love is infinite and complete, and He embraced the pain along with His Son. Turning away would be avoidance or denial. Pain yes, but not separation. As part of the Trinity, the Spirit felt pain at the cross as well.

My trauma clients often ask, “Where were You, God, when it happened?”

And He always answers, “I was there. I felt your pain along with you.”

Come Sunday

Posted on by under God

Journal 2018

I recently watched Come Sunday, a movie based on true events where a Black preacher, who had a successful church ministry, experienced a crisis of faith. He had some pride (I suspect), a poor relationship with his wife, and was married to the church. He preached salvation and evangelism out of fear. One day, as he agonized over children being abused in Africa, he “heard God say” that all those people were going to heaven. His conclusion was that there was no hell, and he became a Unitarian. Half the church accused him of heresy. He indeed became a softer man, more tolerant of people, and he had a better relationship with his wife.

But, and there’s a huge BUT here. Is his theology correct? Whose voice did he hear? God’s? Satan’s? His own? Or was he stepping into denial?

Stepping into protection mode and out of pain can produce a false peace. I’ve watched my clients do it. I’ve done it myself. One day, when life’s circumstances left me feeling like I was suffocating inside a box, in my visual I stepped out of the box. That seemed like a reasonable solution, for it felt good to be able to breathe again. But my prayer partner called me on it. “Go back into the box and feel the discomfort,” she instructed. When I did, that’s when Jesus came into the visual, expanded my space and gave me His breath. I had to face my pain, not run from it. The result was permanent peace, whether I was inside or outside my box.

When a neighbor of mine, who used to lead worship at her church, got hurt by some Christians in a Bible study, she stepped away from the church forever. She couldn’t reconcile the God she thought she knew with the God of these intolerant Christians. She says she’s at peace now, but I suspect she just dissociated from her pain.

Now, is it possible that God gave this preacher truth about the suffering kids in Africa? I wasn’t there in his head. But I do know that when someone we’re praying with hears an obvious lie or contradiction to scripture, we test the voice using I John 4:1-2.

God’s Intimacy and Immensity

Posted on by under God, Scripture

Journal 2018

As a child, I was taught the immensity of God. I was not taught the intimacy of God. As an adult, I experience the intimacy but sometimes forget the immensity—Someone who is so foreign and beyond my comprehension. Our minds are incapable of understanding billions of galaxies and a God who lives outside of time. Man is a miniscule speck of dust in the universe, yet God loved that speck, for He created it. We are part of His creativity. We are not equals. We are the recipients of His grace and mercy.

How then should we view God? I Timothy 6 describes Him as:

  • The blessed and only ruler
  • The King of Kings
  • The Lord of Lords
  • Who alone is immortal
  • Who lives in unapproachable light
  • Whom no one has seen or can see
  • To him be honor and might forever

How can He be all that Paul states, yet live within my heart? How can He dwell in unapproachable light when His very Spirit interacts with mine? We say we approach the throne of grace, yet Paul says God is not approachable. (When I go to heaven, will He be approachable then because I will be in a different state?)

God is both-and. I recognize that my finite mind cannot and never will understand the mysteries of God.

Photo by Alan Cabello on Pexels.com

How to Live the Bible

Posted on by under Choices, God

Journal 2006

How to Live the Bible. What a great title for a book! I wonder if it’s been published before. If I were to write this book, what would I include?

First, I’d begin by confessing and forsaking all known sin in my life (deeds as well as inner thoughts).

Next, I would learn to listen to the Holy Spirit for daily guidance and follow His direction.

Third, I’d hide God’s Word in my heart. I’d memorize great chunks of Scripture.

Fourth (and this is not in order of importance), I would make a concerted effort to surround myself with a support system of believers.

Fifth, I’d maintain an accountability relationship with someone I trust.

And sixth, I’d devote my life to serving others with my God-given gifts and talents.

A 2025 Update. I notice my list did not include the point of salvation. That’s a given, for if you don’t have a relationship with the author of the book, it’s really hard to live the principles. Today, my list would be a lot simpler: love God and love others.

Lessons From Revelation

Posted on by under God, Scripture

Journal 2020

Revelation 2:18

Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze . . .

When I process with clients, they commonly visualize Jesus in human images. Perhaps they see Him in shepherds’ robes or white attire or perhaps a gigantic lap on which to crawl. Seldom does a client describe Him as John did in Revelation. Here, He seems distant, unapproachable, kingly, sovereign. How do you approach intimacy with a deity like that?

In the context of Revelation 2, God is calling out sin, rebuking, encouraging, warning. In a prayer session, He’s gentle and patient and wooing. What’s the difference? The posture of the postulant? When we humble ourselves, He’s approachable. When we’re rebellious and stiff-necked and pursuing pride and sin, He responds accordingly.

The church at Thyatira is commended at first for their love and faith, service and perseverance, and doing more than at first.

But . . . They tolerated the prophetess Jezebel’s teaching that led to sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols.

God patiently said: I gave her time to repent of her immorality.

But . . . She was unwilling.

And perhaps that is why Jesus appears to them with blazing fire eyes.

Photo by Maris Rhamdani on Pexels.com

Revelation 4:9-11

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power . . .

There is something heretical in my humanity that rebels against wanting to cede all my power, glory, and authority to someone Who created me. I didn’t ask to be created, but He wants me to worship Him. What kind of a being, a master, a king, a creator, a ruler, does that to his subjects?

I want to slap myself for even voicing such insubordination, but it would be wrong not to bring the thought into the light and examine it, repent of it, and receive truth. What in me is so arrogant? Am I guilty of the pride that caused Satan to fall? I want this gone!

It feels like we’ve been placed on this earth as a great experiment, but we failed, and so God had to find a way to clean up the mess He made. And the only way He could assuage His guilt was to sacrifice His own Son. But if He hadn’t created us in the first place, He wouldn’t have gotten Himself into this pickle, this mess. (Truly skewed thinking!)

I need help to straighten this out, Lord. I go to You for comfort and answers while I beat on Your chest in anger and frustration. I’m like a little kid who kicks and screams when told it’s naptime and I don’t want to go.

Photo by Arzella BEKTAu015e on Pexels.com

The temper tantrum does me no good, but I sure do like to assert my will, my control over my destiny. But in the end, the Parent is stronger than me, and I must yield to His authority, and I’m better for having taken a nap. But I still don’t like it.

But the Toddler Me sure enjoys being cuddled, read to, fed, clothed and kept safe and secure. Toddler Me wants the love, needs the love, but my immaturity wants and needs to assert myself so I can grow and develop through struggling and suffering.

I love my Father. I wouldn’t trade Him for anything. So why do I throw a tantrum when He knows what’s best for me? “I don’t WANT to take a nap!” I holler.

I repent. I will go willingly to my resting place, lie down, and give thanks for what He does for me, for Who He is. I give Him honor that is His due and gratitude for His patience with my childishness.

Revelation 19:6-8

Fine linen [the bride’s dress] stands for the righteous acts of the saints.

Much debate has gone into the question of which parts of the revelation to John are literal and which are figurative. But this verse is a no-brainer. The Scriptures tell us the interpretation or the meaning behind the visual. The entire church (not a single individual) is depicted as the bride of Christ. And the more righteous acts we do, the better the garment.

Photo by Marvin Malmis Ponce on Pexels.com

We Protestants like to camp on salvation by grace alone, but we aren’t quite as swift to focus on righteous acts. We hang onto pride and hatred and bitterness and anger and self-righteousness while we do our “good deeds.” What makes an act righteous? Not necessarily the deed itself, but the attitude, motive, and emotion behind it. If I give to the poor (a righteous act), that is good. But if I give to get self-glory (like the Pharisees giving alms), Christ didn’t have much good to say about that deed. On the other hand, if I have a good attitude but never carry out my good intentions, that also is rather meaningless. We need both/and.