Holes

"You earn wages, only to put them in bags with holes in it" (Haggai 1:6).If one were to compare one's life to a purse or a bag, it might be an apt metaphor. Sometimes it feels as if there are holes in the bag and our very life seems to seep through the seams. Our life, like a  poorly-constructed bag seems to be shoddily put together and doesn't seem capable of holding all the pain, suffering, affliction, and difficulty that it seems forced to carry. So heavy are the weights, like rocks, that it appears the very fabric of our lives will fray and fall apart. That the handles of the bag will be ripped from its seam.Of course, one bag looks dissimilar in appearance from another. In fact, one person may carry what appears only to be a small wallet or daintily-made evening pouch; while others seem to be loaded down with a carpet bag or even something akin to a Samsonite valise. But all in all, we all have baggage. But what really matters is not the size of the suitcase but would we put in it. 

How does one go about making a life that resembles something of value, of tenacity, of persistence, of resilience, of strength? That is the question. So we ask that God do what He promised. He said in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is a time to tear but that there is also a time to mend. We ask that He will come in and mend, sew, and repair the broken places. We ask Him to fill our purses with love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, patience, faithfulness, joy, and self-control by His Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). There are holes caused by all the wounding, brokenness, pain, and grief of life which cause our power to leak out. "Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool." (Isaiah 1:18). We know the truth that the things that are broken need to be healed: "He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages their wounds" Psalm 147:3. The holes need to be repaired. Let God sew them together to hold the treasures of His joy and power. Then, we will have something worthwhile to share with others.

Fellow Carpetbagger,
Mella

 

Jesus said, “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener… Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me” John15:1-4

What does it mean to be an ornamental grapevine? It means that one has had all the life bred out of it. One is merely decorative. No birds to feast upon its ripe fruit. It is stately, a pretty adornment, but little more. Little to no maintenance is needed to maintain its respectful pose, but there is no life. Yes, the messiness of dropping grapes, the sour smell of rotten fruit, and the nasty poo of those pesky birds all averted. But, something more important and precious is also lost.

Jesus made a promise of bearing fruit, just looking good is not enough. Imagine a bowl of juicy ripe- looking fruit. Oops, it is made of wax. How disappointing. So the poser vine is the same way. It looks beautiful but it has no fruit- see that comes from living in a world of messy birds which poach, steal, and peck at one’s soul. It requires wrestling, struggle, transparency, vulnerability, and confrontation . To be real.

Here is a down-to-earth example- one that I understand from over twenty years of teaching in a variety of educational settings: you see a twenty-veteran teacher and you think:  Ah, I will benefit from the accumulated wisdom and life experience that this sage one possesses. Then, one day you enter this person’s classroom to find that the quiet and order you believed were the skills of a well-managed environment, were merely a result of a no-contest fight with the students; you discover the students are asleep, heads atop desks; others are making out; the rest are blissfully comforted by social media. So much for the lesson. 

This teacher has decided not to enter the fray. The teacher remains unaffected by life. The teacher remains stoic in the midst of the pain and misery and burdens of his charges. No attempt to discipline, mentor, redirect, or challenge is discharged. This disaffected teacher is content to poise and appear engaged- all the while dead. There is no grasping and pulling firebrands from the pit of hell where they are tumbling; no vicious tears and cries of desperation escape his lips in intercession.

But by remaining outside the fight, no growth can happen. No pruning can be done, for there is nothing to prune. One only prunes a vine to bear more fruit, and this one is bearing no fruit.  It matters not where this vine is planted: concrete, sand, or moist soil, it will produce no fruit. It will command no harvest. So, today, I must ask myself which do I prefer: to merely look beautiful or to be effective.

Blessed is the teacher who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  That one will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. That one does not fear when heat comes; that one’s leaves are always green. That one has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7)

Confession: My delight is in God’s word and upon it I meditate constantly. I trust and have confidence in God. Therefore, I do not fear hardship. I am resilient, during troubles, storms, and calamities. I continue to bear fruit that remains and yield the fruit of the Holy Spirit (i.e., peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and longsuffering- Galatians 5:22-23)

 I am planted in the moist soil system of a praying group of family, friends, ministry partners, and a stable church family to help me remain balanced and sold as my roots  gather life from the river of life which provides joy and peace in God’s presence.

Bearing Fruit,
MJ

A Hydrant or a Fountain?

"Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord and where he showed himself holy among them" (Numbers 20:11-13).

When Moses struck the rock in frustration, the waters gushed forth rather than merely flowed. God's waters were meant to be restorative- gentle and healing. Remember, He leads us beside the still waters for His namesake (Psalm 23). But the gushing of the waters, although it satisfied the people's thirst, it did not heal their spirits. I feel that all too often leaders become frustrated like Moses, and they hit the rock- they do not honor God as holy. By striking the  Rock, who is Jesus, with frustration, they disrespect God: " He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'(Acts 4:11). God's provision is present, is living, and  is active. 

Something else is worth noting in this story: the people's position before the rock. As the people lined up for water, they had to extend their hands to catch the living spring. Each individual had to open his hands and lift the live-giving substance to his lips. He had to take the living source inside himself. Each one had to drink, but to remain alive, one has to continue to drink.

I pray that we teachers will continue to walk with the Shepherd daily and drink from the living waters of His Spirit. As we rest with Christ, the waters flow that then fill and refresh us and then others, including teachers, staff, and students. When we try to teach out of  a parched spirit, we are literally forcing waters forth as we try to perform. Can one really drink from a fire hydrant better than a water fountain?

 

Sometimes, we give our lessons and opinions becasue they are demanded of us, not because we truly feel an unction or prompting to share. This coerced ministry does not truly restore anyone.

In John 7:38, Y'Shua declares, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." Let the waters flow, not gush, through force. Pastors can also learn this lesson. They often through force and manipulation push the waters out to the people. This practice is absolutely wrong. Waiting and reverencing God and His Spirit are paramount.

 

My prayer is that the time in the desert and the years of wandering in  education will cause teachers to thirst for the living water of Christ, for we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5). Remember, teaching is one of the five-fold ministry gifts; it flows from Holy Spirit, not our own flesh.  Rest in Him.

 

Respecting the Rock,

MJ

 

The Race

The Race
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
Hebrews 12:1-3 instructs us how to run our spiritual race: throw aside all hindrances: since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Paul also urges to run the race set before us by comparing the believer to  an experienced Greek runner who runs for a fading laurel crown, who brings his body under submission to win this fading trophy.  But our race is for eternal glory.

We are in a relay race of sorts, and we pass our spiritual baton to our children, friends, and associates. The first runner gets into the blocks, pressing his heels firmly against them; he tightly grips the small cylinder known as a baton.  As he hears the gun go off, he explodes from the starting blocks.  Despite sweaty palms and an anxious heart, he runs with all his might. He hits a full stride, lengthening his gait, and then he makes the switches the baton from left to right in hands, preparing to pass it to the next runner. As he reaches out his right hand with the baton, his teammate reaches his own outstretched arm to grasp it tightly. This transfer will happen two more times, but if the baton is dropped the runner is disqualified and the whole team loses.  The last runner must keep the baton tightly clenched in his sweaty palms.  It is not only an issue of speed but accuracy.
 I am in such place now. I am preparing to pass the baton on to those who will continue the race in the public school. How accurate will my departure be? It must be perfectly timed with the Holy Spirit. He knows the dispensations of time. I trust Him.
We have all been given a baton of truth, power, and influence. To whom do we pass them, how, and when? To win the race Paul speaks of requires patience, timing, to hand “it” off at the perfect moment. The Hebrews refer to it as Ha-Moedim- the appointed season. I want to be like the sons of Issachar who know the seasons.
You don’t want to relax your stance now. Keep your pent-up anxiety as you ready. Stay focused; jump up  and down, if you must.  Just don’t get relaxed. The race is about to begin. Get up out of the blocks, but don’t go too far. You never know when the call  to return will come. This break is not a release at-all. We just have not started; stay focused.  God will call you back when He is ready for you.  Stay limber: Keep moving and stretching out legs. Don’t get tight.

The race is about to begin. All that jumping before was to prepare you for these hurdles that face you. Do you hear the crowd of witnesses cheering you on? Don’t give up; no matter how bleak the outlook seems. Believe despite your feelings and past experiences. Jump high and over every obstacle that keeps you from entering into God’s best- into His rest.
Fellow Runner,
M J

What's that Smell?

 

 

Have you ever gone to the store hungry and bought everything  in sight?  I have been really hungry spiritually; so hungry that I have been consuming scripture for hours. The pain of my present time causes me to need even a deeper sense of God's Presence and promise. God’s scent lingers on me when I get in His Presence. I like that and so do those around me.

I love scents; in fact, I make my own oil-based scents. I am sorta famous for my scents, lavender and lemon verbena; lavender and rose; cinnamon spice; new to my signatures scents is clementine-orange. However, I am most noted for lemon. Once while attending a friend’s grandmother’s funeral, someone blurted out the question, “do you smell lemon?” I shyly admitted “ that would be me.” Some people might find it frustrating to be smelt before being seen, but it is actually quite Biblical. Paul says that we are a fragrance: “Now thanks be to God who always lead us in triumph in Christ and through us diffuses the fragrance of is knowledge in every place. For  we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” ( 2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

Smells can evoke memories- some of comfort or pain. Anger and depression don’t smell good on me.  In fact, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1).

God takes the issue of creating fragrance so strongly that he commands, “Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people’” (exodus 33:3). God does not place His scent on just anyone. He gives specific instructions to Moses,  “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you. And the incense that you shall make according to its composition, you shall not make for yourselves. It shall be for you holy to the Lord." (Exodus 30:34-37). God loves to smell me before He sees me, so to speak. I hope I smell like Jesus, full of his sweet fragrance of myrrh, representing my death to self.

My praise and exhortation should be holy and affect everything and everyone with that purity: "And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony, and the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand. You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy "  (Exodus 30:25-30). Does sweet and brackish water flow from the same fountain? Note to self: it shouldn't.

I pray that my praise will be pleasing and extravagant like Mary who "took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume" (John 12:3).

The oils described in scripture are pure, not synthetic. Unrefined, sometimes, they actually burn in their pure state. I have burnt myself withstrong oils like cinnamon and eucalyptus.  They have a medicinal quality. Lemon certainly is astringent- a good cleanser. What scent rafts from your spirit. Something citrus, salty, and sweet or something putrid like garbage?

Purely His,

M.J.

Oy Vey: The Lesson of Joy

Most of us have heard the acronym J-O-Y: Jesus first, Others Second, and You, last.  I have recently had my own applecart overturned.  I generally placed Jesus first, served others without always really letting them into my heart, and quickly running to the Y part of the acronym. Jesus has been pushing me 'out of the nest,' so to speak- asking me to really engage with people, despite their track records.  While attempting to do that, I have found that Jesus got shoved to the side as I tried to make sense out of the O and Y. When you put the two together, you get the great Yiddish word, Oy as in Oy Vey! Translation: "Oh, My Gosh! That's what happens when you take the "J" for Jesus out of Joy. You are simply left with Oy Vey!

I have spent the last week listening to teachings on joy from the book of Philippians.  I have wondered how I can serve the people. It is only through God's strength that I can serve others. As I am in God's presence, I am enabled and empowered to serve: "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  God enables me to give to those who cannot give back to me and all the while without being angry. In the natural, we would think these people are simply moochers or leeches.

If I look at my 'watch,' I might think that too much time has passed and why aren't there greater changes in the Body of Christ. I have recently realized that it is more about timing than time. Paul's joy is based on his right relationship and the presence of God in believers: "More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation" (Romans 5:11). He realizes that they are a 'work in progress,' and so must I; otherwise, I will lose my joy in being frustrated over what I see as too little change in too much time.

For months, I have sought reconciliation with a dear friend, so I understand Paul's desire to be reconciled with other believers. When there is a break in relationship, there is a sapping of power and joy. My prayer is that all believers "be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified [us] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:11-14). When I remain cognizant of my position and the position of every believer as purchased by grace, I can extend mercy to myself and others.

"Y"- Only when I center on God, do I really understand me, for it is God who "make[s] known to me the path of life; in [His] presence there is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). I know who I am and what my purpose is- to love and serve Jesus and others. It is nothing for God if we act badly when mistreated; however, if I can respond with love and joy, it truly is a testimony- a living epistle to others around me.

Lord, help me to see people through your eyes; to esteem others higher than myself and do nothing out of selfish ambition.  As I esteem Christ in others, I am free to enjoy others and allow God to use me and give me purpose. As I rest in God’s hands and allow others to rest in God’s hands, I remain in joy.

Joyfully Yours,

M. J.

Bitter and Foolish

It's interesting how one person can bring healing and another wounding where they go. Sinkholes of pain mark their every step, and they do not seem to notice or care. They are marah or bitter. You remember 'marah'- it was the name Naomi asked to be called upon her return to Bethelehem.  Her countenance and bearing were so different that the townswomen questioned if it were really Naomi at all: "So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?”  (Ruth 1:20)

You might think the cause of the drastic transformation was merely the shifting of seasons, but what if her countenance was changed by grief and bitterness or anger and disappointment with God? Naomi complains, “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty  has made my life very bitter.  I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted^[me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me” (Ruth 1:20).

I  understand Naomi;I have been embittered with what God has allowed to pass through my life at times; haven't we all? I learned last week that the word marah can also mean to disobey. When we continue in disobedience and disbelief, we become hard brittle people and embitter the lives of those around us. One of the worst things that can be said of us is that it was better when we left- and it actually be true.

Let's jump ahead three generations and continue our story. Abigail, whose name means 'gift of the father' was married to a churlish, evil man named Nabal (I Samuel 25:3). This man looked successsful on the outside, but inside his wickedness was a cesspool of vanity, selfishness, and stupidity.

Nabal- his name literally means fool (v.26). He endangered his life and those of his household when he refused to honor King David's request for food afer David and his men had protected Nabal's shephereds while in the field. Because Nabal was a wicked man even his servants feared bringing him a request. Instead, they asked Abigail to bring the issue before their master. Maybe, that's why we don't confront our Nabals- we fear their tongue-lashing or isolation: "One of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet, these men were very good to us. Night and day they were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him” (I Samuel 25:15-18).

We all have nabals or foolish people in our lives, those who refuse God's anointing, who can't be thankul for God's gift through us. In the end, Abigail, 'the gift of the father' was given to one would appreciate her- David -after her foolish husband died. Together, they gave birth to a king, Rehoboam. Despite circumstances, we can remain pleasant (naomi) and know that like Abigail, 'the gift of the Father,' will end in the hands of those who can appreciate it. Meditate on the psalm below and let it calm your ravaged heart. Your times and days are in the Father's hands. Let God take care of Nabal as He did with David. Don't get distracted by evil men's behavior and thus lose your position with the Father. Remain steadfast and do good in the land.

 

1Surely God is good to Israel,

to those who are pure in heart.

2But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;

I had nearly lost my foothold.

3For I envied the arrogant

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4They have no struggles;

their bodies are healthy and strong.^a

5They are free from the burdens common to man;

they are not plagued by human ills.

6Therefore pride is their necklace;

they clothe themselves with violence.

7From their callous hearts comes iniquity^b;

the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8They scoff, and speak with malice;

in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9Their mouths lay claim to heaven,

and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10Therefore their people turn to them

and drink up waters in abundance.^c

11They say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12This is what the wicked are like—

always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;

in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14All day long I have been plagued;

I have been punished every morning.

15If I had said, “I will speak thus,”

I would have betrayed your children.

16When I tried to understand all this,

it was oppressive to me

17till I entered the sanctuary of God;

then I understood their final destiny.

18Surely you place them on slippery ground;

you cast them down to ruin.

19How suddenly are they destroyed,

completely swept away by terrors!

20As a dream when one awakes,

so when you arise, O Lord,

you will despise them as fantasies.

21When my heart was grieved

and my spirit embittered,

22I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before you.

23Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

27Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge
I will tell all of your mighty deeds. (Psalm 73)

May God make an end to every nabal in your life,
M.J.

Day 4- "The Ruth Factor"

Faithful in the quiet and the small, the very things we continue to pour out, while we wait

It often takes what we must desperately need ourselves to help someone else. The patience, kindness, and forgiveness, we want, is what God asks us to give to others. Just like Ruth did for Naomi, we pour our spiritual grain into another's lap. This kind of spiritual supply comes from being in Jesus’ presence, meditation and contemplation of the Word, and intercession. Minter notes, “ I’ve also decided that blessing so big we can hardly carry them get stored up for us there –often so we can carry them to the bitter, empty, and hungry” (Minter 111).

God sometimes asks us to spread our wings over someone. So many times we act like the next-of-kin who refuses to redeem Ruth or Orpah who returned to Moab. We don’t want to lose our inheritance on someone else. We have own needs to be met.   To rise up an heir for someone else like Boaz did for Naomi’s dead son is extraordinary self-less and Christ-like. I make a transaction. I exchange my rights and freedom to redeem another from hell.

In the end, God gives Ruth what she walked away from-- a home, a mate, and child, and in the process, she blesses Naomi. Ruth is accepted as a Jew and becomes an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus.  Her perseverance and integrity led to greater blessings and unleashed new seasons of harvest in her life. Naomi looked at her lack and saw that she had nothing to offer Ruth. God saw past that to the truth and the plan that He had to redeem both of them. God took Ruth from the fields to become the wife of the owner of the fields. From less than a servant, she became the mistress of the household. Do you feel like an outsider, but God is asking you to be a bridge-maker? It is hard I know. Imagine being single, African-American, and Christian, working with Hasidic Jews. I did that for four years.  Can we hold out long enough to see God’s promises fulfilled?

Signing off,

M.J.

The Necessity of Faith

During my two weeks in Brazil, I taught English to missionaries, pastors, and future missionaries and leaders.  Yet, I was often taught by my students. Flavia,  one of the students at the school, shared her testimony during one of our English classes.  She began to asking what excuses do we give for not doing God's will. She shared how she, a single-parent of two, with little education, felt a call to the Muslim world. Given the cultural and linguistic barriers for this poor Brazilian young woman, the demands looked insurmountable. Yet, here she was studying English, finishing her second year of Bible school, and on her way to a conference on Islam in her own country of Brazil. Nothing is too hard for God. Read the poem and reflect on what is keeping you from faith in the call on your life. 

Fear does not nibble

Fear gobbles until

It Devours
All of  Your Shalom *
It Conquers all of your Victories
 
It is not content to merely subsist
It must needs be Consuming
Wholly and Entirely All Joy
Until what is left
………………………… is but a crumb
 
Refuse Fear
For it’s a snare
Choose Wisdom
For it’s L’ Chaim*
 
I have seen a man
Made so afraid
That his own shadow
Seemed a Giant
 
I have seen a weakling
Made a hero
Through Faith
 
I have seen fear make
Cowards of many
And children of men
And Bullies of  youth
 
I have seen fear
Handcuff possibilities
And kidnap Futures
 
Resist  Fear   
at all Costs
 
I have seen fear
Level a monarch
To his knees
And faith raise a beggar
To his throne
 
 
Fear comes to master You
To tame you
Ultimately, to enslave
and encage you
 
It encroaches like a true despot
It gives nothing back,
 but the dead.
It offers only crematoriums----
Wisps of smoke
Where once substantial lives existed!
 
Resist Fear!
 
For in your resistance,
You become strong.
 
Resist Fear
Scale its rocky crags
Reach deep into its terrible wonders
Excise its irrational power
And plant your feet on its summit
 
Or
Plummet to its Abyss
 
 
Shalom:  Hebrew for Peace- Wholeness experienced in the spirit, the soul, and the body
L’Chaim: Hebrew for Life