My Kingdom for a Horse... or in other words

“My kingdom for a horse” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Richard III play (Act V, Scene IV) in which the king, in desperate straits, is willing to trade his kingdom for a means of speedy escape from his present predicament... namely defeat. We are often like this historical figure/theatrical character; we look for quick remedies to long-created problems. King Richard reminds me of Esau of the Bible who is described as godless because he sold his birthright for a pot of stew. The immediate need of filling his gullet outweighed the longstanding benefits of his inheritance as firstborn: "See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son" (Hebrews 12:16). <

In Middle Eastern culture in Biblical times, the firstborn son inherited the land, the name, and the blessing of his father, but he also inherited the responsibilities of being a kinsman redeemer and working the land. Esau likely wanted the benefits, but none of the responsibilities. Does this description sound like us? As the older son, he received a double portion of inheritance; in addition, he inherited the role of father and protector of his family. As the first-born of his father's loins, he was a type of first-fruits given to God. He was responsible for his mother until her death and any unmarried sisters until they married. In the same way, God gives a promise- a bright future and hope- all of which we want, but the hard work, the responsibility, the struggles, the difficulties, those we would just as soon do without. How shortsighted of us! We, in essence like Esau, sell our birthright for the temporal satisfaction of ease. Y’Shua warns that we should let no man take our crown. His statement clearly points out that if we do not fulfill the commission that is for our lives, someone else very well may, and that person will receive the reward, not us. Rev. 3:11 states, "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown." Ouch.

Sometimes, we sell our inheritance by taking a symbolic bowl of stew in the form of a person who looks good on the outside and promises to fill our hearts. Another person does not thrill us in the same way- sure the person may be godly and full of the fruit of the Spirit, but that interests little. Like Esau we saddle ourselves, we settle for a bowl of stew which we costs us more than we could know at the time; "for we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). We can't fulfill the call on our lives because that person does not share the same vision. Not that Hungry, MJ

The Color Green

The righteous are like the palm tree, erect, stately, unchanged by seasons or nature's whims. Listen to this poetic description given by a theologian no less, Dr. Thompson,"The palm grows slowly, but steadily, from century to century, uninfluenced by those alternations of the seasons which affect other trees. It does not rejoice overmuch in winter's copious rain, nor does it droop under the drought and the burning sun of summer. Neither heavy weights which people place upon its head, nor the importunate urgency of the wind, can sway it aside from perfect uprightness. There it stands, looking calmly down upon the world below, and patiently yielding its large clusters of golden fruit from generation to generation." Like the righteous, they 'bring forth fruit in old age'' (Psalm 92:12).

It was typical of the Biblical period to plant these trees in courtyards of homes, king palaces, and even the Holy Temple. Just as the palm grew in the midst of this protected shade, so do the righteous. The righteous grow in the center of God's presence as they rest under the wings of the Most High God (Psalm 91). As the righteous dwell in the presence of Adonai, he grows like a cedar in Lebanon (Isaiah 2:13). Lebanon cedars typically stood on a platform over 6,000 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. Similarly, a true person of integrity stands above the fray of the masses.

These trees tend to live for over a thousand years.  these old hoary heads surround the much younger trees although they are few in number. Under a canopy of their lush leaves, an almost holy silence can be felt. Interestingly, young trees spring forth not only from the old ones' roots but also from the seeds of their ripened cones. These cedars seem to leap from the earth. This imagery matches the mentoring legacy of the righteous who through their very life-blood infuse energy and nutrients into the souls of young leaders. These pioneers and teachers pour their knowledge and wisdom into young pioneers.

From these trees came the wood that furnished Solomon's Temple and thousands of homes. Even though it was planted on a lofty terrace, its wood was used for both holy and common purposes. So, the lives of the righteous; those who yield to the hand of the Master Carpenter, Y'shua, allow him to shape their lives into something holy for G-d's glory. Y'shua removes pride from these trees of righteousness, many times taking them from lofty positions to break them and carve their lives into something more useful and beneficial. He usesthem as serving bowls and implements to pour His grace into the lives of common people. Their lives become the simple utensils of spooning life-giving substance to souls; the basins where dusty-with-life feet are washed.

Every bit of the tree is useful:"The fruit of the palm-tree makes a great part of the diet of the people of Arabia, part of Persia, and Upper Egypt. The stones are ground down for the camels; the leaves are made into baskets; the hard boughs, or rather strong leaves, some being six or eight feet in length, make fences; the juice makes arrack, the threads of the web-like integument between the leaves make ropes, and the rigging of small vessels; and the wood serves for slighter buildings and fire-wood. In short, the palm or date tree, and the olive, are two of the most excellent and useful productions of the forest or the field" (Maundrell).

The lives of the righteous continue for generations. These trees are known to split into two and three parts, but continue to grow. So, the righteous and their offspring. The cedar gives us the idea of majesty, endurance, and stability. The righteous is compared to this green tree which gives off a strong  smell, and a fruit that resembles an apple, but sweeter. It causes others to desire to grow to its height as it looks down from its lofty perch.  The cedar achieves its height despite crippling weather conditions; it reaches to the heavens towards its Maker. Like the righteous who grow into the head which is Christ, despite whatever circumstances, they achieve maturity (Ephesians 4).

 No matter the adversity, the righteous thrive like the cedar who submits to the mountain's snow and cold, to blast of the winds fury, unprotected, it braces itself against nature's onslaught. They are resplendent in green, full of sap, and luxurious clothed in sheaves. Y'Shua issues a warning to the barren tree: the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Matt 23:13). But, such an end is not the destination of the righteous. Staying Green, MJ

Mountain and Valley

The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people" (Exodus 13:21-22).

Hard. My calves and feet swollen from 36 hours of flight and transfers. Present. God. Miraculous. No one asked to check my luggage full of food- 3 suitcases no less. God was present to make sure I had some kind of meal on the plane every leg of the flight. When I got to the base, they offered to let me cook my own food and reimburse my money so I can buy food. In the past, my experience has not been a positive one in light of my eating needs (vegetarian and gluten-food). People have been gracious, but it has been quite busy here. It has been quite cold as the poem below suggests, and it takes some adjustment.

There is a wicked wind in Worcester

Wreaking havoc about the place

Stirring up dust storms

As it kicks up its heels

Caterwauling like a banshee

Down the mountainside

Like a Hillbilly on vacation

A screaming freight train

Completely of control

Breathing its icy breath

Down my neck and

Making me wish for

100 degree weather in Texas

Yet, I have you ever received an unexpected gift? Self-knowledge has been the unexpected gift that I have received in the few days I have been in South  Africa.  As part of my training in the School of Apostolic Pioneering, I took a test called "Strength Finders: which identifies the top five talents or strengths. After taking the test, listening to a lecture, reading the book, and a 2 hour coaching, I have discovered some important truths about myslef: who I am. I am an  intelligent achiever who enjoys learning through gathering resources and who can make stragegic decisions.

At the same time, I have been learning about myself. An achiever is someone who is goal-oriented and follows through the task. Learner is someone, as the name suggests, who enjoys the pursuit of knowledge. An inputter is a literal sponge; a collector and resource-distributor. As an auditory learner, I can hear something once and retain that information.  At times, I have felt like a ’know-it-all’ and awkward for knowing so much about so many different topics, but the love of study ought to produce something.

As a strategic person, I am discerning and look for the best possible option. Lastly, I am person of intellect- a thinker. The strength-finder book, test, and coaching have helped me to understand myself and individual strengths better. In fact, the five talents identified clarified some individual quirks that I have long resisted and hid. My five talents are achiever, learner, input, strategic, and intellection.

In terms of being an achiever, I immediately recognized myself in the list-maker not merely to do lists, but past accomplishments, gifts, and future desires. What I considered an irksome habit actually makes sense now. Another talent or rather a strength, comes from my ability to assess and gather resources. I gather literature, information, and things and disburse them as needed. I never before recognized this trend as a strength, but I realize better that mental and physical ‘packratting’ actually has spiritual, physical, intellectual, and emotional benefits.  With scripture, words of encouragement, books, advice on health and exercise, and knowledge in general my input strength is edifying those who receive it.

These exercises have helped me be more confident; moreover, as I read and listened to the descriptions of others’ strengths, I began to appreciate them more; In addition, things about those others I once found irksome lost their irritation. I gained a greater appreciation for the diversity in the body of Christ, and how together we get the job done. I also understood better my role in the Body- how I am needed despite my curious nature.  Yesterday, I reread the first blog I wrote; I could see so much of what God had done just as He promised, and that I still have a ways to go.

Thankful you for,
MJ

Jonah, Me, and a Whale of a Tale

 Wise King Solomon said that it is the small foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15) . I know that it is the truth. I believe like Jonah, I have sin in my heat, it is a small, dark spot, but if when Jesus comes to remove it, I resist, it becomes larger and wider. The Ninevites were Israel’s enemies who fought and enslaved them brutally. So when God asks Jonah to go to Nineveh, he honestly had, in his mind, valid reasons not to go. But his prejudice against the Ninevites and resistance of God’s call, begins a process of alarming proportions. His sin of ethnocentrism and hatred cause him to lose perspective –the perspective of mercy.

I, too, like Jonah believe I have a right to resist God’s call on my life to love the ungodly, especially those who have been unkind to me. Listen to what God tells Jonah, “ But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty  thousand people who cannot tell their hand from their left hand, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (Jonah 4:11). I can be like Jonah more concerned my comfort than things of eternal value. Jonah cared more about the vine which sheltered him from the sun and the east wind.

When I am in the midst of a battle with God, like Jonah, I won’t win either. My life will be “destroy[ed] like ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind” (Psalm 48:7). Lately, I have battled with the desire to do things my way, but I do not want to be like those broken boats of Tarshish. You know Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish" (Jonah 1:3), but he landed in the belly of a whale where he cried,

“You hurled me into the depths,
   into the very heart of the seas,
   and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
   swept over me.
⁴ I said, ‘I have been banished
   from your sight;
yet I will look again
   toward your holy temple.’
⁵ The engulfing waters threatened me,^[b]
   the deep surrounded me;
   seaweed was wrapped around my head.
⁶ To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
   the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, LORD my God,
   brought my life up from the pit.

 ⁷ “When my life was ebbing away,
   I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
   to your holy temple.
 ⁸ “Those who cling to worthless idols
   turn away from God’s love for them. ⁹ But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
   will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
   I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’”

Jonah learned what I have learned recently, those worthless idols, the things I put above my allegiance and obedience to God, my preferences and my unrefined desires, cause me to turn away from God's unfailing. I have finally realized that the only thing that can separate me from His love is me. Not past, present, future, hardship, persecution, or disappointment if I wont let it (Romans 8:35-39). In fact, some versions of scriptures asks,Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?(Romans 8:35) I alone must choose to walk away from His embrace or at least I try, but like Jonah, God finds me where I have been hiding. Just as He searched for His first children, Adam and Eve, as they hid in the garden covering themselves with fig leaves, He still searches for me and you. And when we are ready, He puts back on dry land just as He did Jonah (Jonah 2:10)

Signing off,
MJ
 

 

Your Slingshot - Your Man

There were plenty other warriors and many other giants, but Goliath belonged to David. I am only beginning to understand that now.  There are principalities and powers that have their eyes on us, and God means for us to take them out.   I know an individual who has a larger calling and anointing on his than he realizes.  He has caught the eyes of the enemy. He desires to derail the person's life-calling and God’s purpose for his existence, and he is working very hard to that end. 

A friend of mine believes that David had five stones because there were five giants.  David eventually equips others, his mighty men, and even his nephews, to help him take out the other giants.

What giant is God calling you to knock down?  You may not have the attention of principalities and powers like Daniel did (Daniel 14). You may not ever have angelic visitations, but if you are about your Father’s business, be sure that all heaven and hell are standing at attention. Good work ,soldier.

One foot soldier to Another.

MJ

How to be A Giant-Slayer

Wow.  Once, I went to Gaza and visited an all-girls school. Gaza is actually the site on ancient Gath- a place made famous by a little shepherd boy who would become King David and a giant named Goliath. David faced his giant in God’s armor and refused the carnal trappings represented by Saul’s armor. 5 stones, exactly 5 stones for 5 Philistines chiefs. At least, that is what my friend Sadyl believes.  

I want to fly above the storm. Not listen to the enemy’s taunts. Look at Goliath in the shadow of Adonai.   I want to be a person who is mature in my view of God’s sovereignty.  But sometimes, I falter. Things look impossible, especially when thing is someone else’s heart and emotions. How can I change such things? How can God. He says that He can change the king’s heart like courses of water. But, sometimes, He changes me. Like today, here I am kvetching, a good Yiddish word for worrying, about one issue, and God gives an answer to a need I had not asked  Him to touch, and by so doing,  showing me how much bigger He is than any Goliath that tries to stand in the way of His will for my life.

About a month ago, the Lord showed me in a dream a team on outreach that was attacked.   I immediately contacted the outreach leader and intercessors from this group.  When a couple involved in the outreach learned about the attack that I had envisioned, they wrote to thank me for listening to God and praying for them and their children who are also involved in the outreach. They were, in their words, so blessed that God was concerned enough to show someone the plans of the enemy. When I read their words, I could only think …wow… how mature to accept the sovereignty of God. To see things from God’s plan and accept what seems evil as ultimately passing through God’s hands and being for our best. That requires a trust and maturity that I want to exhibit.

 If I am honest, I would be tempted to ask questions why and want to ‘change’ God’s mind. I will never be a giant-slayer that way. I must remind myself of the lion and the bear, the obstacles, that I have already slew with God’s mighty sword of the Word and my testimony. I must boldly say that this uncircumcised Philistine will be as one of these, cut down by God’s fidelity and my trust in Him, and my bold confession.

I say that I want God’s will, but when it does not agree with my desires, my true opinion of God’s will and sovereignty, is truly revealed. God forgive me. If I believe that God is good and trust that He plans are to bless and prosper me than I can trust in His sovereignty- His timing, His choices,  … when He says yes or no.

From One Giant-Slayer to Another,

MJ

What happens in Vegas . . .

When people spout the adage,"What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," what they are saying is that their sin will not find them out and there are not consequences. But this is a lie straight from the devil's heart.  Sin has consequences: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:23).

What is done in Las Vegas is supposed to stay there. But what happens when it doesn’t? Sin can never stay contained. What is done by an individual affects the corporate body.  A scourge of  recent murder and suicides have left children orphaned and people deeply scarred. These tragedies have left people questioning how could something like that happen. Pretty simple. Someone looked the other way. Someone did not speak out.

 Thank God, the community women did not let  Naomi ‘off the hook.’ Her ungrateful attitude after Ruth’s faithful service was not palpable to them. Her ungratefulness and murmuring needed to be addressed. And so they did so, blessing her at the same time. They emphatically state that  Ruth is the best thing Naomi got- better than seven sons: "The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth” (Ruth 4:14-15).

I have a question: "do we have the moral integrity to confront the sin we see in others?  More importantly, do we have the chutzpah to confront sin in ourselves (see the blog entitled “Confession Anyone”)? Someone will pay for our individual sins.  Ultimately, Y’Shua paid that price on the cross (I Peter 2:21-25); however, that does not nullify the effects of our actions. We can not make sinners our heroes; we can not make of our sins some tribute. It is sin and its consequences are painful- to our children and their children’s children. Every wound and dysfunction we pass on devalues and constricts the lives of those we profess to love: "He committed the same sins as his father before him, and he was not faithful to the LORD his God, as his ancestor David had been" (1 Kings 15:3).  Yet, God promises, "But suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things" (Ezekiel 18:14).  Let's not be deceived by sin's allurement. Thank God that "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever" (Isaiah 32:7). Let us leave a godly inheritance for our children and their children.

May we walk out of sin through confession and accountability,
M. J. - A fellow penitent