"24", Queen Esther, and the Nature of God

I know, the title is strange. However, this relationship between a TV series, a bible study, and a statement about God's nature have consumed my thoughts of late. Over the summer, mostly the last couple of weeks of September, I watched the second season of "24" with the Economist. Buying the DVD and watching without commercials is the most time efficient way to watch a dramatic series. Besides when it is that intense I can't imagine having to wonder for a whole season who done it, who didn't and who is going to be on the receiving end of all those bullets. I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat, chewing my fingernails when I watch this show. I don't know if I can watch all the seasons although the Economist swears season two is the most intense in her opinion. My heart is racing now just thinking about it.

One of the things that really stood out to me in "24" was the incredible pressure that comes with the office of President. It made me realize that for the most part, the President is very dependent on the people they choose as their closest advisors, be it spouses or staff. They depend on their information and opinion. A President is only as good as the people around him or her. Leaders are trusting their entire careers and lives even on those they trust the most.I would not want to attempt that job without the teaching and counsel of the Holy Spirit. For sure this has made me more aware of my responsibility to pray for those in authority as we are instructed in 2 Timothy 1:1-2.

At the same time we were watching "24", I began Beth Moore's newest study on the book of Esther. This book is one of my favorites. Such a great story about good winning out over evil. Once again we see a King depending on those around him to help make huge, nationally impacting decisions. He unfortunately listens to the evil Haman, whose greatest desire is to kill the Jews (humm... sounds like someone in power today.) Scripture has something to say about the company we keep influencing our character. In both "24" and the book of Esther this is portrayed vividly.

Now for the nature of God. I listened and watched, (it's just a power point of the words being spoken) of something a pastor/teacher named Grahmn Cooke did called the Nature of God Part I. In this he makes a statement about trusting God. The statement was so powerful and so opposite of the experience of both leaders in "24" and the story of Esther.
" It is the most happiest feeling to trust the best, the most honorable, the most powerful, the most integreous, committed and faithful Covenant Make, who is also the most decent person who ever lived - Jesus. Being completely reliant on His character and integrity is the source of your great happiness."

I love the description of Jesus as the "most decent person to ever live." We think of His majesty, power and might, but we rarely are reminded that when He walked this earth he was considered a decent person. One in whom they could find no fault.

Here is what I am taking away from this experience: a renewed commitment to pray for our leaders, a new appreciation for the person of Jesus Christ and a desire to know Him even better, and a realization that I need to ask for discernment in choosing the people whom I allow to speak into my life in a close and personal way. Lastly, i would highly recommend Beth Moore;s Esther study to all women, especially young women whose destiny is still being in a place where there is some blank space on the canvas of your life for the Lord to use. Oh yeah, and check out the You tube video. It will comfort and inspire.

Living With an Economist

Wow, it has been 6 or 7 weeks since I last blogged. Don't know why really, it just seems I never sit down long enough to put my thoughts on paper so to speak. Anyway, my blogging daughter has been fussing at me and telling me it is time to get back in the the swing of things in regards to blogging.

I decided for my first post after a long absence I would write about her! Next time she'll think twice before harassing me about my lack of blogging. This has been an interesting summer having the child back home for an extended period of time as she has spent the last 4 years 9 hours away in college. She worked on campus the past two summers so it's been a long time since she has lived with us. Since she left home four years ago she earned a degree in Economics. Her training and knowledge have certainly influenced her life. I guess I would have to say, she practices what she preaches and that's a good thing.

Upon leaving Publix the other day after completing our weekly adventure in the quest to see how much money we can save, I told her that this would be the subject of my next blog. The weekly shopping trips have been a learning experience no doubt. She has now gotten so serious about her plan of attack that she carries her planner with all her coupons in order, a computer generated list, and a calculator! My job it to mark things off the list.(She doesn't trust me with anything else!) She has learned all sorts of tricks and ways to save money at the grocery store. There is a checker girl that enjoys seeing us come through just to see how much we save. Her dad and I have certainly benefited from her skills.

She is all about being efficient and not being wasteful and getting the best deal possible for the least amount of money. I guess that is the sign of a good economist. Now if she can just get a job with an agency, company, govt. that really values those skills as well. I must say living with an economist has introduced me to a new way of thinking. The best part is it has made grocery shopping more fun! Now she has to teach me all the things she has learned before she leaves. That may be the biggest challenge of all.

The Rest of the Story

I read an article today in the local paper about someone who attends one of my exercise classes. I was amazed at the obstacles this person has overcome in the past several years. I knew there was a "story" there but had no idea what the story was behind the person. I have always been drawn to this person and after reading their story I have a new appreciation for what they have accomplished.

The whole experience reminded me that everyone has a story. So often we look at the outward appearance but God always see the heart. I'm learning more and more that people act out of the things that have happened to them both good and bad. Most people never know the "story" that motivates actions but are quick to judge the actions. Maybe I should just speak for myself. I guess that is why scripture warns us about being too hasty in judging others. Unlike God we don't have all the facts when we make our judgement.

I love hearing the "rest of the story" behind the people I meet. Apparently most people also like hearing the rest of the story because Paul Harvey made a career out of telling millions of them.

Exercise: Physical vs. Spiritual

I've decided I just need to sit down when I have a blog thought and write it down. I can always come back later and edit or finish it up later. I get into trouble when I say, "oh, I'll do that later when I have more time." Of course "later I can't remember exactly what I was going to say. I lose the magic of the moment.

My daughter who recently graduated from college is home until she finds a job and that has changed the way I spend my days. Don't misunderstand and think I am complaining! I'm just saying I don't have the volume of time at home alone to think and write that I used to have. We start our day reading the Word and talking about how it applies our current situation and then pray over the job search, our friends, family, etc. It has been a wonderful time to be able to teach and share with my daughter the things the Lord as taught me. I wouldn't trade this time for anything in the world. I know this time is fleeting and will become even more precious when it is gone.

Another thing we do is go to exercise classes together. We laugh at each other, compete against each other, and celebrate the improvements with each other. Again, it is time well spent. My daughter gets teased alot in class because she is in there with a bunch of retirees and senior folks. When I thought about it today, most of them excluding myself and the teacher have a good 40-50 years on her. She has a new appreciation for folks who have managed to keep themselves physically fit. They love having some young blood in the class so it works.

Finally the point of my post. As we were leaving the balance class today and talking about some the folks in the class and the improvements they have made, we commented on one older lady in particular. She is probably in her 70's and comes almost every day to a class. She has a difficult time with balance and we mentioned how she is usually very quiet during class because she has to concentrate so hard on maintaining balance. We discussed how with balance one of things that makes it difficult is the fear of falling. At that age, a fall could have serious long term effects. The other thing we talked about was legs on this lady. She had serious muscular legs for a 70 year old. She has kept herself in excellent shape. I commented that I would have liked to have seen her in her prime.

All of that discussion prompted me to think about spiritual exercise. In the natural we lose strength as we age even if we exercise and take care of ourselves. Our bodies are wasting away no matter what. In the spirit we can just keep getting stronger if we just keep using those spiritual muscles. And like the physical, it is often fear that keeps us from trying some exercises where we are out of our comfort zone. It reminded me of the verse in 1Timothy 4:8 that says, "for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and {also} for the {life} to come." Yes, what we are doing at the gym is good and has great value for our physical bodies. What we do first thing in the morning before we ever get to the gym is of much greater value -both for now and eternity!

One day I hope some young woman looks at me and says, "Wow that old Ms. Marshall is such a Godly, spiritual lady, I would have loved to have seen her in her prime!" However in the Spirit, if we keep feeding and exercising our "spirit man or woman," we don't deteriorate but just keep getting stronger until the Lord takes us home. I want to finish well, be strong in the Lord and inspire the next generation. I want to die or meet Jesus in the air "in my prime!"

Graduation Marathon

I have just completed a graduation marathon in the past week. It began with my daughter's college graduation. On returning home I went to two high school graduations for my nephews and a my grandson's Kindergarten graduation. I have seen it at all levels this week. From top to bottom there are similar themes; the ending of one era, the beginning of another, the joy in looking back at accomplishments and the excitement of what the future holds. I must say the Kindergarten graduation was the most entertaining! At the same time I must also confess my daughter's college graduation was most touching to my heart.
Having spent 9 years as a high school counselor I consider myself a connoisseur of graduation ceremonies. The Baccalaureate message at Converse last week was perhaps the best and most appropriate I've ever heard. It could have been that maybe I was just applying it to my own daughter. For whatever reason it really seemed to resonate with me. Another thing I love about small college graduations is the dignity and respect in which it is conducted.
Another thought that crossed my mind was how much less stressful the ceremony is when you are not a part of the administration that is in charge. You always worry about things going well, kids behaving (at least at the high school level and Kindergarten for that matter!)and mispronouncing the names. As a guest you just enjoy all that is happening, don't worry and enjoy the people watching. As a parent your heart is just about to burst with pride at the accomplishment of your child. I spent four years praying through every struggle, conflict, joy and triumph. My heart was very full as I watched my child walk with confidence across the stage ( no she did not realize her greatest fear of losing the hat) and receive her diploma and be hooded. What a sweet moment.
As I've thought about this post I think the biggest most consistent thought was that graduation is a time of Transition. It could be that during a time of fasting last January the Lord spoke to me about this very thing. Any time you end one thing and are preparing to move to the next it is a time of transition and that always brings with it a sense of urgency, excitement, fear, relief, etc.
Last night I came across an article about transition from a spiritual perspective. The pastor listed 4 keys to transition. 1)God knows what He is doing, 2) Our scars can be changed into trophies of grace, 3)Every battle we survive is a graduation into new realms of authority, 4) grace works through time and time is on our side.
Number 3 really stood out to me. In a sense graduation does mark the victory of a battle won. It most definitely leads to new realms of authority which I suspect is the cause for the angst and the excitement. Think about it, with each graduation I mentioned there is a new level of authority and responsibility. The Kindergarten child will no longer take naps and have tons of "center time." It it time now for sitting in rows, reading, and math. The high school graduate will be not longer have a schedule set for them and authorities watching every move. The college graduate will move on to start their own home and career.
All this talk of transition reminds me of the place the Lord took me in January- the story of Joshua taking on the mantle of leadership from Moses. If you are in a time of transition this is a great place to hang out in the Word. The phrase or thought "be strong and courageous," is repeated about 4 or 5 times in the first chapter alone!!! Do you think God knew that transition brings with it a little fear?
I think I'm going to marinate in this idea of transition for a while since I'm there myself. For all you who are in a time of transition I say this, "Be strong and courageous, neither fear not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Fellowship of the Believers

I've had this phrase, the "fellowship of the believers," in my head for the last two weeks. I finally sat down to write this post and wanted to see where it was in the Bible. It's not there! I guess that is just one of those church phrases that has been coined and used over the years and you just assume it's in the Word. Well, I can't say I did an absolute exhaustive study but I'm pretty confident it is not there. If you can find it I would love to know where it is!

Back to the reason for the post. I recently went on a turkey hunting trip to Missouri with my husband. (I think ladies I may have slipped into first place in the running for "wife of the year" with the points I earned on this one! jk) After riding 17 plus hours in a motor home with 4 men I was ready to get out and do something different. We arrived on Saturday afternoon. I had found this AG church in a small town just over the Iowa line and planned to attend church there on Sunday while the men were hunting.

I got up and had a wonderful time with the Lord in prayer that morning and said to God, "Lord I just want to be in Your presence this morning and share fellowship with other believers." I went to this church and the Lord was there and I had wonderful time of worship. The people were so sweet, the young preacher so full of passion for the Lord, and he preached a great sermon. It was one of those services where I just sat in tears most of the time because the presence of the Lord was so strong.
After the service, the lady I was sitting by, struck up a conversation with me and we talked about the Lord and what He was doing in our lives. I left that church revived and refreshed in the Lord. That started this whole thought process about the fellowship of believers.

Many churches today use Acts 2:42 as their ministry model. "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Sometimes churches fall into a trap of emphasizing one over the other. Anyway, I know the Lord designed us for fellowship with Himself and other believers.

Fellowship with other believers is so critical to our growth as a believer. My pastor last week in teaching through 1 John 4:12 which talks about God perfecting His love in us, made this comment. "If you want to perfect that love, talk to other believers about Jesus." It occurred to me in my 50 years of church life most often the term fellowship involves people, food and talking. Unfortunately it doesn't always involve talking about the Lord or sharing spiritual food.

I crave true fellowship, I love talking about the Lord. I have come to understand and realize that is where most of my growth occurs. When the Lord speaks to me or teaches me something from His Word, the process of sharing it with others establishes it in my own heart. When they share their experiences with me it causes my faith to grow or confirms things the Lord is teaching me. Last week I spent time talking with about 8 different friends talking about the Lord. I felt like I had been sitting at a banquet table with one course after another of spiritual food. Each person and conversation left me feeling nourished and full. Now that to me is the fellowship of the believer! I pray we will all devote some time to fellowship this week as we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord!

Waiting On the Lord

Sunday we sang the chorus, Everlasting God. It starts with the words, "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord." It reminded me of the words God spoke to me on New Year's Eve.

For the past two years I have asked God to give me a direction or vision for the new year. Last year the Lord woke me up on New Year's morning and told me it was going to be a year of freedom. It was most certainly was that, as He set me free to retire.

This year I sensed the Lord saying this would be a year of waiting. I was thinking last week about how I've had to wait about so many areas of my life. I also realized how much the Lord has taught me in the wait. Not long after the Lord told me this would be a year of waiting, I received the David Wilkerson newsletter and he talked about waiting on the Lord. He referred to one scripture where the word wait meant to "bind together," or gather together." Because the Lord set me free to retire He has given me time this year to gather together with like minded friends who sense the Lord's return is near. We have encouraged one another, lifted one another up in prayer, and shared scripture.

As I continue to wait for the Lord to reveal the next step, I know I have been strengthened in the waiting. I've learned lots about myself but much more about God. I'm beginning to have a deep appreciation for the verse in Isaiah, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall walk and not faint, they shall run and not be weary." I am being renewed in the wait.

I look forward to the promise in the verse David Wilkerson referred to in his newsletter. Isaiah 64:4, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

So I wait......