Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
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The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week 35 Archives
Year 5; Day 240 "Accepting God's Qualifying Call"
Yesterday our youth and children's pastor preached an interesting message on disqualification. When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, God told Moses that he was the one chosen to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt to the promised land. Moses did his best to try and disqualify himself with a series of "what ifs". God countered every "what if" with a "this is what you will do". Running out of excuses, Moses declared that, "...I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) The Lord responded with a declaration of His power and said, "Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say." (verse 12) You would think Moses wouldn't have the nerve to say anything else...after all, he's talking to an on fire but not burning up burning bush that answers back. He has witnessed two miraculous signs (his rod turned to a snake and back again; his hand turning leprous and back to whole) and the promise of a third (pouring water from the Nile onto dry ground and it would become blood). Moses' final response? "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (verse 13) Moses tried everything he could to disqualify himself. I am sure most of his concerns and fears were genuine. Pastor made a statement that applied to Moses then and to us now. "Don't disqualify yourself when God has already qualified you." No way could Moses do on his own what God asked of him. But God wasn't asking him to do any of it alone or on his own. And He doesn't ask us to do it alone either. "And God said, "I will be with you..." (Exodus 3:12) Today is Monday. What is God asking us to do?
Yesterday our youth and children's pastor preached an interesting message on disqualification. When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, God told Moses that he was the one chosen to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt to the promised land. Moses did his best to try and disqualify himself with a series of "what ifs". God countered every "what if" with a "this is what you will do". Running out of excuses, Moses declared that, "...I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) The Lord responded with a declaration of His power and said, "Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say." (verse 12) You would think Moses wouldn't have the nerve to say anything else...after all, he's talking to an on fire but not burning up burning bush that answers back. He has witnessed two miraculous signs (his rod turned to a snake and back again; his hand turning leprous and back to whole) and the promise of a third (pouring water from the Nile onto dry ground and it would become blood). Moses' final response? "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (verse 13) Moses tried everything he could to disqualify himself. I am sure most of his concerns and fears were genuine. Pastor made a statement that applied to Moses then and to us now. "Don't disqualify yourself when God has already qualified you." No way could Moses do on his own what God asked of him. But God wasn't asking him to do any of it alone or on his own. And He doesn't ask us to do it alone either. "And God said, "I will be with you..." (Exodus 3:12) Today is Monday. What is God asking us to do?
Year 5; Day 241 "Waiting"
Sometimes God makes me laugh...the way He speaks a reminder into my heart. I was going through the channels and stopped at a Hallmark movie (I think) that was towards the end. An older, secondary character had reconnected after many years with a lost love and they were having a picnic. She looked at him and said, "Isn't it amazing what can happen when you wait?" I think the word "wait" is going to be my word for life and not just a year or two. I know it was just a movie but the line spoke right into my heart. I thought about Hannah who waited and waited and wouldn't give up on her prayer for a son. And then she had Samuel...a spokesman for God even as a child. Joseph had two very vivid and prophetic dreams as a teenager. He waited years for them to come true never realizing their fulfilment would happen in a foreign country or the path he would take to get there. David was anointed King of Israel as a teen. But it never actually happened until years later...years that were used to prepare a shepherd boy to exchange leading sheep for a nation. Abraham waited 25 years for his promised son. The Hebrews waited hundreds of years for freedom from Egyptian slavery. And hundreds and hundreds of years to become the recognized, independent nation of Israel. History...life...is full of waiting. I can't imagine it was any easier then than now. But while we wait, we carry on. We don't sit and do nothing. We learn new skills, hone a craft, mature, grow in wisdom and experience, deepen our relationship with God. And wait for "fruition". Today is Tuesday. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)
Sometimes God makes me laugh...the way He speaks a reminder into my heart. I was going through the channels and stopped at a Hallmark movie (I think) that was towards the end. An older, secondary character had reconnected after many years with a lost love and they were having a picnic. She looked at him and said, "Isn't it amazing what can happen when you wait?" I think the word "wait" is going to be my word for life and not just a year or two. I know it was just a movie but the line spoke right into my heart. I thought about Hannah who waited and waited and wouldn't give up on her prayer for a son. And then she had Samuel...a spokesman for God even as a child. Joseph had two very vivid and prophetic dreams as a teenager. He waited years for them to come true never realizing their fulfilment would happen in a foreign country or the path he would take to get there. David was anointed King of Israel as a teen. But it never actually happened until years later...years that were used to prepare a shepherd boy to exchange leading sheep for a nation. Abraham waited 25 years for his promised son. The Hebrews waited hundreds of years for freedom from Egyptian slavery. And hundreds and hundreds of years to become the recognized, independent nation of Israel. History...life...is full of waiting. I can't imagine it was any easier then than now. But while we wait, we carry on. We don't sit and do nothing. We learn new skills, hone a craft, mature, grow in wisdom and experience, deepen our relationship with God. And wait for "fruition". Today is Tuesday. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14)
Year 5; Day 242 "No Request Left Behind"
Zechariah was a priest and Elisabeth was his wife. Luke 1:7 says, "But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years." How old would you think "well along in years" was? 60's (hopefully not as that would be me)? 70's or 80's? That would be my guess. Whatever their age, it was old enough to make childbearing out of the question...no longer a possibility. Certainly not something they would still be praying about. But at one time they prayed about it. Children were very important in the Jewish culture and were seen as a blessing from God. I imagine they prayed and prayed and asked and cried and prayed again. It didn't happen. Eventually age probably stopped the request. And now they were "both well along in years." As Zechariah did his priestly rotation of duties in the temple, an angel appeared before him and said, "...Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son..." (Luke 1:13) "Your prayer has been heard"?? Which prayer? The prayer first prayed 50 odd years ago and for the next 20+ years? The prayer that hadn't been repeated for the last 20-30 years? The prayer that was no longer even on the radar? No longer physically possible. Probably no longer even thought about. That prayer? We may give up. Stop. No longer remember. But a sincere prayer uttered to God is never forgotten, lost, or ignored by Him. He will answer. Maybe not the answer we want. Maybe not in the time frame we request. But He will answer. Wait. Listen. Look. Expect. Today is Wednesday. We may forget we even prayed about something. God doesn't. He will answer. (I just encouraged myself!)
Zechariah was a priest and Elisabeth was his wife. Luke 1:7 says, "But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years." How old would you think "well along in years" was? 60's (hopefully not as that would be me)? 70's or 80's? That would be my guess. Whatever their age, it was old enough to make childbearing out of the question...no longer a possibility. Certainly not something they would still be praying about. But at one time they prayed about it. Children were very important in the Jewish culture and were seen as a blessing from God. I imagine they prayed and prayed and asked and cried and prayed again. It didn't happen. Eventually age probably stopped the request. And now they were "both well along in years." As Zechariah did his priestly rotation of duties in the temple, an angel appeared before him and said, "...Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son..." (Luke 1:13) "Your prayer has been heard"?? Which prayer? The prayer first prayed 50 odd years ago and for the next 20+ years? The prayer that hadn't been repeated for the last 20-30 years? The prayer that was no longer even on the radar? No longer physically possible. Probably no longer even thought about. That prayer? We may give up. Stop. No longer remember. But a sincere prayer uttered to God is never forgotten, lost, or ignored by Him. He will answer. Maybe not the answer we want. Maybe not in the time frame we request. But He will answer. Wait. Listen. Look. Expect. Today is Wednesday. We may forget we even prayed about something. God doesn't. He will answer. (I just encouraged myself!)
Year 5; Day 243 "No Hesitation...?"
The angel Gabriel had come to earth to speak to humans twice in six months. First to the priest, Zechariah, and then to the young maiden, Mary. Gabriel greeted Mary with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28) When I read that, I tried to imagine how I would feel if those words were said to me by an angel knowing what I know now. Knowing the full redemption story. Having the New Testament to read. Having so many more Biblical examples than Mary had. Having my own faith-walk. And honestly, I was disappointed in myself. Because even with all I know, my first reaction (even in imagining) was fear. Or maybe a better word would be unease. I'm highly favored? How did that happen? Why? What is He going to ask of me? Will it be hard? Will I want to do it? I am no Joseph who bloomed wherever he was planted. I am no Daniel who determined to serve the Lord and never wavered, even when facing lions. I think I would be more like Moses...offering up excuse after excuse. Or Gideon who wanted proof after proof. Granted, the angel had to reassure Mary not to be afraid. So maybe my initial reaction is not so untypical. Moses did go on to obey and so did Gideon. That comforts me. But would my reaction be as humble and sincere as Mary's? "I am the Lord's servant...May it be to me as you have said." (verse 38) It would be easy to say, "Sure." But in my mind I am squirming a bit...a tad doubtful...a wee bit hesitant. So I will march on...carry on...plod on with the goal of unhesitant, instant obedience still before me. Today is Thursday. I am not where I was but neither am I where I want to be.
The angel Gabriel had come to earth to speak to humans twice in six months. First to the priest, Zechariah, and then to the young maiden, Mary. Gabriel greeted Mary with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:28) When I read that, I tried to imagine how I would feel if those words were said to me by an angel knowing what I know now. Knowing the full redemption story. Having the New Testament to read. Having so many more Biblical examples than Mary had. Having my own faith-walk. And honestly, I was disappointed in myself. Because even with all I know, my first reaction (even in imagining) was fear. Or maybe a better word would be unease. I'm highly favored? How did that happen? Why? What is He going to ask of me? Will it be hard? Will I want to do it? I am no Joseph who bloomed wherever he was planted. I am no Daniel who determined to serve the Lord and never wavered, even when facing lions. I think I would be more like Moses...offering up excuse after excuse. Or Gideon who wanted proof after proof. Granted, the angel had to reassure Mary not to be afraid. So maybe my initial reaction is not so untypical. Moses did go on to obey and so did Gideon. That comforts me. But would my reaction be as humble and sincere as Mary's? "I am the Lord's servant...May it be to me as you have said." (verse 38) It would be easy to say, "Sure." But in my mind I am squirming a bit...a tad doubtful...a wee bit hesitant. So I will march on...carry on...plod on with the goal of unhesitant, instant obedience still before me. Today is Thursday. I am not where I was but neither am I where I want to be.
Year 5; Day 244 "Qualified to Inherit"
It's funny how God will impress a word on your heart and then bring it up again a time or two just to make sure you don't forget. Last Sunday I heard a message on how we shouldn't disqualify ourselves when God has qualified us to do something (post #240). Sometimes we can qualify ourselves. Going to school, acquiring certain skills, or having certain talents can qualify us for a number of jobs and positions. Sometimes a connection with others can qualify us. When we were kids, my dad taught at a private, Christian college for a few years. When there was a basketball game, all we had to say was, "faculty kid" and we got in for free. Because my dad was on the faculty, his children qualified for a free pass. As children of God we qualify for an amazing inheritance. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:17) Colossians 1:12 says, "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." What is our inheritance as children and saints? We inherit the promise of Christ and through Him salvation. We inherit eternal life which is imperishable and reserved for us in heaven. We inherit a predestination according to His will...a life with a plan and a purpose. We inherit the Lord as our portion. We inherit access...access to the Holy Spirit, to wisdom, to knowledge, to peace, to contentment. And it all becomes possible when we become a child of God through His Son Jesus. God qualifies us through Christ. Quite the inheritance! Today is Friday. An inheritance that starts here on earth and lasts through eternity. Only God can do that!
It's funny how God will impress a word on your heart and then bring it up again a time or two just to make sure you don't forget. Last Sunday I heard a message on how we shouldn't disqualify ourselves when God has qualified us to do something (post #240). Sometimes we can qualify ourselves. Going to school, acquiring certain skills, or having certain talents can qualify us for a number of jobs and positions. Sometimes a connection with others can qualify us. When we were kids, my dad taught at a private, Christian college for a few years. When there was a basketball game, all we had to say was, "faculty kid" and we got in for free. Because my dad was on the faculty, his children qualified for a free pass. As children of God we qualify for an amazing inheritance. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:17) Colossians 1:12 says, "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." What is our inheritance as children and saints? We inherit the promise of Christ and through Him salvation. We inherit eternal life which is imperishable and reserved for us in heaven. We inherit a predestination according to His will...a life with a plan and a purpose. We inherit the Lord as our portion. We inherit access...access to the Holy Spirit, to wisdom, to knowledge, to peace, to contentment. And it all becomes possible when we become a child of God through His Son Jesus. God qualifies us through Christ. Quite the inheritance! Today is Friday. An inheritance that starts here on earth and lasts through eternity. Only God can do that!
Year 5; Day 245 "Qualified to Thrive"
Our church has been doing a video series on some Sunday nights called "Thriving in Babylon" by Larry Osborne. The sessions center around Daniel and how he not only survived but thrived in a hostile and godless society. Last night I rewatched the first session and also read the first chapter of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took many captives including a young Daniel. Back in Babylon the king ordered his chief official to sift through the captives and pick the best ones to be groomed over a period of three years for service in the king's court. "young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace..." (Daniel 1:4) There was that word again---qualified---and I wasn't even looking for it. Daniel had within himself certain characteristics that helped to qualify him. He was handsome, healthy, intelligent, and a quick learner...quite a combination. Sometimes God alone may qualify us. Sometimes God may take our personal qualities and enhance them. Daniel (along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who later all took a walk in a fiery furnace) ended up thriving in those years of training. "To those four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." (verse 14) God took Daniel's natural qualifications and amplified them as well as adding to them. God is never at a loss when it comes to carrying out His will. He can outright qualify us, enhance what we have, and fill in any gaps as needed. Moses, Joseph, David, Daniel...none of them had everything when God called them. What they did have was an obedient heart and a willing attitude. Today is Saturday. God can and will qualify us for His purposes.
Our church has been doing a video series on some Sunday nights called "Thriving in Babylon" by Larry Osborne. The sessions center around Daniel and how he not only survived but thrived in a hostile and godless society. Last night I rewatched the first session and also read the first chapter of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took many captives including a young Daniel. Back in Babylon the king ordered his chief official to sift through the captives and pick the best ones to be groomed over a period of three years for service in the king's court. "young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace..." (Daniel 1:4) There was that word again---qualified---and I wasn't even looking for it. Daniel had within himself certain characteristics that helped to qualify him. He was handsome, healthy, intelligent, and a quick learner...quite a combination. Sometimes God alone may qualify us. Sometimes God may take our personal qualities and enhance them. Daniel (along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who later all took a walk in a fiery furnace) ended up thriving in those years of training. "To those four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds." (verse 14) God took Daniel's natural qualifications and amplified them as well as adding to them. God is never at a loss when it comes to carrying out His will. He can outright qualify us, enhance what we have, and fill in any gaps as needed. Moses, Joseph, David, Daniel...none of them had everything when God called them. What they did have was an obedient heart and a willing attitude. Today is Saturday. God can and will qualify us for His purposes.
Year 5; Day 246 "The Source of Joy"
As a Christian, sometimes I feel like I should always (well, nearly always) be full of joy...you know, like happy and smiling and laughing...and I am not. Sometimes I feel discouraged. Sometimes sad. Sometimes depressed. Sometimes frustrated. Joy seems like such a strong word...full of exuberance
and life and positivity. Like laughing instead of smiling and skipping instead of walking. Maybe the joy isn't so much a feeling and is more a knowing. Maybe the source of joy isn't a reaction to circumstances but rather a deep rooted confidence despite circumstances. Jesus wasn't always whistling. He wept, got angry, was frustrated, and needed alone time with His Father. But He never doubted His Father's love or that there was a divine plan and purpose. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "...for the joy of the Lord is your strength." The Lord's joy...not my joy...strengthens me. And what gives the Lord joy? The act of loving me. My accepting that love. Having a relationship with Him. I am sure He feels joy when we appreciate His world that He created for us, the gift of His Word, His Son. When I think about those things, all He has done, is doing, will do, and give thanks, I actually do feel better...stronger. "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." (Psalm 28:7) Our joy isn't based on the external but rather the internal. In the chaos of this world we have an Anchor, a Source, a Shield that is not affected by or dependent on circumstances or surroundings. And that knowing brings joy and thanksgiving and strength and help. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) Rejoice "in the Lord". Today is Sunday. I need to do some refocussing.
As a Christian, sometimes I feel like I should always (well, nearly always) be full of joy...you know, like happy and smiling and laughing...and I am not. Sometimes I feel discouraged. Sometimes sad. Sometimes depressed. Sometimes frustrated. Joy seems like such a strong word...full of exuberance
and life and positivity. Like laughing instead of smiling and skipping instead of walking. Maybe the joy isn't so much a feeling and is more a knowing. Maybe the source of joy isn't a reaction to circumstances but rather a deep rooted confidence despite circumstances. Jesus wasn't always whistling. He wept, got angry, was frustrated, and needed alone time with His Father. But He never doubted His Father's love or that there was a divine plan and purpose. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "...for the joy of the Lord is your strength." The Lord's joy...not my joy...strengthens me. And what gives the Lord joy? The act of loving me. My accepting that love. Having a relationship with Him. I am sure He feels joy when we appreciate His world that He created for us, the gift of His Word, His Son. When I think about those things, all He has done, is doing, will do, and give thanks, I actually do feel better...stronger. "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." (Psalm 28:7) Our joy isn't based on the external but rather the internal. In the chaos of this world we have an Anchor, a Source, a Shield that is not affected by or dependent on circumstances or surroundings. And that knowing brings joy and thanksgiving and strength and help. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) Rejoice "in the Lord". Today is Sunday. I need to do some refocussing.