BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Never Alone

If you recall, these were my original thoughts about "Pick 'ems":

I know it probably isn't "spiritually PC" to randomly open the Bible and expect to find a meaningful verse – it opens the door to the whole "out of context" dilemma. (And...you might just find yourself in Leviticus!!) But, I decided that I wanted to do this, along with my regular reading through the Bible. The way I figured it, I wasn't *testing* God – in other words, "prove something to me, Lord" – I was *trusting* God – "show something to me, Lord." After all, don't we know that His Word is living, breathing, and powerful?!

So, I'm pickin' every day – letting you know what was going on with me that day – and then I'm going to sum up the *theme of the week* that I think God was impressing on my heart.

Hope you're as blessed as I've been!!

MONDAY - (doing demolition at the new house, feeling exhausted)  "The LORD gives his people strength.  The LORD blesses them with peace."  

(Psalm 29:11)

TUESDAY - (worried about how our home inspection was going to turn out)  "Then he [Jesus] asked them, 'Why are you afraid?  Do you still have no faith?'"  (Mark 4:40)

WEDNESDAY - (family meeting with my aging parents, discussing their future)  "But the LORD will redeem those who serve him.  No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned."  (Psalm 34:22)

THURSDAY - (trying to sort out all the very confusing paperwork of escrow)  "Then the LORD gave this message to Solomon: 'Concerning the Temple you are building, if you keep all my decrees and regulations and obey all my commands, I will fulfill through you the promise I made...'"  (1 Kings 6:12)

FRIDAY - (traveling again up to our new home, wondering about the uncertain future)  "'Then I, myself, will be a protective wall...around Jerusalem, says the LORD.  And I will be the glory inside the city!'" 

(Zechariah 2:5)

SATURDAY - (feeling lonely, scared about moving away from family)   "'Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?  Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?' says the LORD."  (Jeremiah 23:24)

The reality of moving is settling in.  And the very tiring work of packing and paperwork is heavy.  This was a week when I was quite consumed thinking about the future.

God's message this week was this truth: He NEVER leaves His loved ones alone, and He is already present in every moment of their future.

He goes before me...

What has God said to YOU this week?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - New Format!

Things are rather hectic in my neck of the woods lately.

So I've decided to *re-vamp* the look of "Bible Pick 'Ems"…make it a little "shorter and sweeter" for now…

If you recall, these were my original thoughts about "Pick 'ems":

I know it probably isn't "spiritually PC" to randomly open the Bible and expect to find a meaningful verse – it opens the door to the whole "out of context" dilemma. (And...you might just find yourself in Leviticus!!) But, I decided that I wanted to do this, along with my regular reading through the Bible. The way I figured it, I wasn't *testing* God – in other words, "prove something to me, Lord" – I was *trusting* God – "show something to me, Lord." After all, don't we know that His Word is living, breathing, and powerful?!

So, I'm pickin' every day – letting you know what was going on with me that day – and then I'm going to sum up the *theme of the week* that I think God was impressing on my heart.

Hope you're as blessed as I've been!!

MONDAY – (Feeling overwhelmed and tired...) "Then the Spirit came into me and set me on my feet." (Ezekiel 3:24) 

TUESDAY – (Problems, problems, problems...) "O our God, hear your servant's prayer!  Listen as I plead…O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair…We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.  O Lord, hear…O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay…" (Daniel 9:17-19)

WEDNESDAY – (Feeling alone...are You there, God?) "But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power.  Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them."  (Isaiah 52:6) 

THURSDAY – (After living in my home for 28 years, I'm really panicky and sad to leave...) "The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words.  I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."  (Lamentations 3:19-23) 

FRIDAY – (Wondering if I'm really doing the right thing...) "Then I heard the LORD asking, 'Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?  Who will go for us?' I said, 'Here I am.  Send me.' And he said, 'Yes, go…'" (Isaiah 6:8-9)  

SATURDAY – (In spite of all that's going on, and all the things I'm feeling, I know God is near...) "I will praise the LORD at all times.  I will constantly speak his praises…let all who are helpless take heart…I prayed to the LORD and he answered me.  He freed me from all of my fears…In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all of my troubles.  For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him."  

(Psalm 34:1-2, 4, 6-7)

Well…ahem…I think God was speaking directly to my heart about moving.  The emotions I have felt this week have been complex and difficult.  

But through it all, I keep praying, and God keeps answering me.

His Word speaks...

I do well to listen.

What has God said to YOU this week?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

HOSEA - The LORD is A Tree

Lately I've had a *guidance* theme going on my blog, huh?!

So, I thought I would do another re-post...(no, not lazy - busy, yes!)

I re-read this post myself, and I just love how God *re-speaks* a good word to me. I was once again comforted by the nurturing and warm character of our Heavenly Father. He is so very good to us!

Please enjoy this post originally posted on September 26, 2010:

GOD IS LIKE A TREE

Years ago on a family vacation, as we were driving on the highway, we saw a sign:

"FRESH FRUIT – HOMEMADE PIES"

One quick look at each other, one fast U-turn… and we were off into parts unknown.

It was a quaint country road – mostly dirt and gravel – bumpy, twisty – the four miles took about 40 minutes to navigate!

Around one more bend, and there was an adorable little farmhouse, nestled next to a fruit tree orchard!

The people were the nicest people ever…and the pie???

The MOST DELICIOUS I have ever tasted! YUM, YUM…

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" reminded me of that little orchard:

"[The LORD says] 'I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.' Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them." (Hosea 14:8-9)

What a lovely picture!

God demonstrates His loving care – He listens to our prayers, and He answers them.

He is the source of our nourishment! He is a tree that never dies – His fruit is all we need!

I have this picture in my mind of myself sitting under a giant tree, relaxing in the shade - and then when I'm hungry, I just reach up and pick a piece of fruit to eat.

It's kinda like what I do with "Bible Pick 'Ems" -

God is the Tree, and His Word is the Fruit.

Each time I go to Scripture, there is something *good to eat.* Something that nourishes my soul. Something that is pure, and good, and satisfying!

Hosea reminds us that we need to listen, learn, and benefit from God's Word.

We need God's wisdom – "Lord, help us to understand."

We need discernment – "Lord, help us to listen carefully."

We need guidance – "Lord, show us the way to go."

It is only by walking in God's ways that we can live in His power and hear His voice.

Without God's guidance we are lost –

He is the difference between life and death…

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart…" (Psalm 107:43)

"But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them."

(Isaiah 26:7)

We must always remember that God cares for us continually – His love knows no bounds!

What a wonderful promise...

...what a wonderful comfort!

We rest in the hands of the Almighty!!

How does God nourish you?

Linked today with Peggy at SOAKING ON SONDAY

"When in doubt, search God out!"

RUTH - At His Feet

At His feet.

Doesn't that sound soothing?

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" provides a great introduction to pondering this statement:

"Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! 'Who are you?'he asked. 'I am your servant Ruth,' she replied. 'Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.'"

(Ruth 3:7-9)

Can you just imagine Boaz's surprise?!

I remember one time when I was visiting my son for the weekend. Sleeping arrangements tend to be a little *haphazard* at his one-bedroom apartment! I usually put "dibs" on the recliner. My youngest usually conks out (unintentionally) on the couch.

On this particular night, as I was finally dozing off myself, my youngest was sound asleep, on the couch, with Marty (my adorable grandbeagle) tucked in nice and close to him.

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, while it was still dark out, I moved to readjust my position. And lo and behold, I was no longer sleeping alone. I was now accompanied by one warm and cuddly beagle, tucked in all nice and close to me.

I looked down at him and smiled. He opened a couple of sleepy eyes, and I'm pretty sure he smiled back. I tucked the blanket over him.

It was a good feeling – downright soothing.

When I read these verses, I thought about that night. How Marty had made his way to me in the middle of the night. Desiring my company, wanting to be close to me, he had quietly found his way to my feet.

Just like Ruth, quietly making her way to the feet of Boaz. When he woke up, did he look down at her and smile? I think he did. Something in his heart moved, and he vowed to marry her.

Ah, is this not the most beautiful picture of our Lord Jesus?!

He is our Redeemer, the One who bought us back from slavery to sin and death. The One who spreads His covering of righteousness over us. The One whose presence we seek.

The One who looks down at us and smiles.

How often do I forget to make my way to His feet? Why do I forfeit the comfort that I find there? How is it that I sometimes prefer to be wandering about in my own ways – cold and lonely – when there is warmth and welcome next to Him?

All I need to do is tuck myself in – nice and close.

Ruth trusted Boaz.

Marty trusted me.

And I trust Jesus.

At His feet is rest. Protected by the Redeemer – the One who never, ever lets go.

"He alone is my refuge, my place of safety..." (Psalm 91:5)

How are you resting at His feet?

(I'm linked today with Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. And please feel free to visit me during the week at my other blog, Sharon Sharing God!)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

ZECHARIAH - Home Sweet Home

I'm a foreigner.

You are too.

I suppose all of us in this country, unless we're Native Americans, are really just *imports*. Our ancestors came from another country. I'm one generation removed from my Scottish roots – (Aye, I'm just a wee lassie…call me McSharon). But, this isn't quite what I have in mind.

I'm talking about being foreigners on earth.

Because, you see, as believers we don't quite belong here.

Our home is somewhere else.

The Bible tells us that God has planted eternity in the human heart – and don't we just sense the truth of that? Doesn't your heart have a longing that you can't quite describe – and you can't quite fulfill – with anything or anyone or anywhere on this humble planet?

Don't you yearn for Heaven?

The blessed assurance is that we hope for a future that is promised – it's just waiting for us. Jesus told us that He went to prepare a place for us – and I believe it's the Truth!

And until that day, there will always be a part of us that doesn't belong here. There will always be a part of us that feels out-of-place. There will always be a part of us that lives like a sojourner in a foreign land…

But…(the glorious BUT!)…we have a future and a hope. We have a home just waiting for our return.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" reminded me of this:

"'I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will resettle them…until there is no more room for them all. They will pass safely through the sea of distress, for the waves of the sea will be held back, and the waters of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be crushed, and the rule of Egypt will end. By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" (Zechariah 10:10-12)

A little background.

Zechariah's ministry began just two months after Haggai’s in 520 B.C. His message was intended for the people living in and around Jerusalem after their return from exile. For many years, the Israelites had lived in captivity, and now they were back in their homeland.

Zechariah was urging them to repentance, spiritual renewal, and a return to a right relationship with God. He desired to strengthen and comfort the small remnant of God's people.

Though these verses originally spoke to another audience, I believe that we can apply them to our current situation. This pictured return from Egypt and Assyria can be a symbolic way of expressing the hope of our future return to our heavenly homeland, and to our eternity living in the presence of God.

We believers will be gathered and returned from many countries around the world. We will be emancipated from slavery to sin, freed from captivity – we will return to Heaven triumphant!

Here's what I think God is saying to us:

"I will bring you back from Earth and gather you from all the countries of the world. I will resettle you in heavenly mansions…until there is no more room for you all! You will pass safely through the sea of death, for the wages of sin will be held back, and the power of the enemy will dry up. The pride of Satan will be crushed, and the rule of his authority will end. By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!"

WOW!

I like the sound of that, don't you?!

So, in many ways, this old world just isn’t "home" is it? I was reminded of this song:

This world is not my home, I'm just passing through,

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue,

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you,

If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do,

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

So, fellow sojourners, live like you don't belong here. Yearn for eternity. Walk the earth, but keep your eyes on Heaven. Remember with confidence the hope we have for the future.

One day we will return to our homeland – and we will be led in triumph by the LORD God Himself!

What is the one thing you're most looking forward to in Heaven?

(Linked today with Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays, and Peggy at Soaking On SONday. Please feel free to hop on over to my other blog during the week - Sharon Sharing God)

"When in doubt, search God out!"