Muddled ∙∙

Muddled ∙∙

Your ears will hear him. Right behind you, a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. – Isaiah 30:21

Joshua 1:6-9

 6 Be strong and courageous . . ..

 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then, you will be successful in everything you do.

 8 Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

 9 This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Alice came to a crossroads, a fork in the road, and asked, “Which road do I take?” she asked.

“Where do you want to go?” responded the Cheshire Cat.

“I don’t know,” Alice answered.

“Then, it doesn’t matter.” said the Cheshire Cat (Lewis Carroll, Thru the Looking Glass).

For the children of the King, forks in the road are all about our crucial life decisions. They begin with recognizing meaningful opportunities and not retreating in fear or doubt. Instead, we should seek wisdom from the Father.

Life revolves around choices. Gaining wisdom involves learning to make decisions for the right reasons. Wise choices stem from the heart and your developing relationship with the Father. They require a clear understanding of where you intend to go and, ultimately, where the Father wants you to be.

Motivation is key. Two people can pursue the same objective but for entirely different reasons. The film “Chariots of Fire” illustrates this well. It tells the story of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, both athletes preparing for the 1924 Olympics. Despite being on the same team, they differ significantly. Abrahams competes to prove something, driven by insecurity. For him, winning is all important. It’s all about him.

Liddell, however, competes to win as well, but he feels the Father’s pleasure when he runs. The Father’s strength and presence uplift him to victory. He is not in bondage to himself but is inspired to live for the Father’s honor and glory: two men, two different motives, two distinct inner lives. Eric Liddell competes energized and empowered by the Holy Spirit, while Harold Abrahams relies on personal ambition and sheer adrenaline. This contrast highlights the difference between the divine strength of mature spirituality and the earthly power of self-driven ambition.

The world is a dark place, but Jesus is the light of the world.

John 8:12 Jesus said, I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life.

John 12:35 So Jesus said to them, for a little while longer, the Light is among you. Walk in the light while you can . . .. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.

REFLECT & PRAY

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it” (Yogi Berra). When it is time to make crucial decisions, make them!

Father, grant me the wisdom to understand the significance of my choices and the courage to rely on Your guidance for making the best ones.

INSIGHT

The Father doesn’t play “hide and seek” to obscure His presence or plans and make it difficult to find Him and His will. He promises us His guidance and clarity if we truly desire to follow His will. However, there is one gotcha. While the Father may be transmitting loud and clear, we may have our receiver turned off. And we are simply not listening.

Yet, one of the realities of the Christian walk is that there are moments when God seems hidden, as if a barrier stands between us. The Father in heaven appears to separate Himself from us and erect a thick, impenetrable barrier. But these times DO NOT LAST. Once the barrier is lifted, we experience the delightful joy of experiencing closeness and intimacy with Him.

The Father communicates with us in many ways. Ironically, when the King’s children cannot see, He opens their ears. What cannot be seen can be heard. His voice becomes perceptible, and He tells them which way to go.

A simple whisper, once heard, trusted, and followed, changes the trajectory of our lives.

The Father offers a profound and intimate relationship with Him, both now and in eternity. What could be more wonderful and fulfilling than experiencing His presence and closeness?

Spiritual maturity requires being adaptable and open to whatever guidance the Father provides. Our faith deepens when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to hard truths that test us profoundly and challenge us to the core. The Father calls all His children to strive for greater growth, as mediocrity, remaining inactive, and stagnation are not part of His plan.

He envisioned our journey of faith as an exciting, thrilling adventure fueled by our love for Him. Obedience is about discovery rather than merely a means to avoid negative outcomes.

Unfortunately, the children of the King often view obedience as a way to sidestep the repercussions of disobedience, perceiving it as a burden rather than a broad and inviting path to maturity and fulfillment. Asking the right questions is vital.

Such questions are: Father, what would you have me do? Father, what would you have me learn from these circumstances? Father, which path is best for me now?

Proverbs 3:5-7

 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Trust often suggests a potential threat or evil ahead. To trust in the LORD with all your heart signifies a complete surrender of oneself. This admonition “is the theological foundation upon which all the proverbs rest” (Bland).

When the sage advises the reader to acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:6), it refers to an attitude; the child of the King desires to fulfill the Father’s will. By fully trusting in Him, the assurance is that He will direct and make straight your paths. This doesn’t guarantee a life free from challenges but instead provides a life with clear direction and purpose (Bland).

Abraham embarked on his journey without knowing the destination, confident that God would guide him. In essence, God promised to straighten his paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes (Proverbs 3:7). This phrase appears frequently in Proverbs and is used to depict the fool who is “wise in his own eyes” (see Proverbs 26:5, 12, 16).

Those who consider themselves wise are often led by arrogance, relying on their intellect to navigate life (see Jeremiah 9:23-24). This mindset contrasts with “fearing the LORD.” “ To be wise in one’s own eyes is a demonstration of pride. To fear the LORD demonstrates humility” (Bland).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯8-02-2

© Dr. H 2024

Ordinary people ∙∙

Ordinary people ∙∙

If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? – Esther 4:14

Esther 3:1-6

 1 Sometime later, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire.

 2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.

 3 Then, the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?”

 4 They spoke to him day after day, but still, he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew.

 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.

 6 He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire.

Anti-Semitism describes hostility or discrimination against Jews as a religious or racial group. The term was introduced in 1879 by Wilhelm Marr to label the anti-Jewish activities occurring in central Europe at that time. Despite its common usage today, the term is somewhat inaccurate, as it suggests prejudice against all Semitic peoples. Arabs, who are also Semites, are not typically the focus of anti-Semitism (Encyclopedia Britannica).

Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French artillery, faced wrongful accusations of espionage and treason in 1894. This led to his unjust demotion and imprisonment on Devil’s Island. Known as the Dreyfus Affair, this incident became one of the most polarizing political scandals in modern French history, reverberating throughout Europe. An international campaign eventually cleared Dreyfus’s name, exposing the widespread anti-Semitism of the era and resulting in his release and reinstatement in the French military.

Anti-Semitism is a long-standing issue, with Jews facing prejudice and persecution for over 4,000 years. This was evident even in ancient Persia, now Iran. The Book of Esther, written around 450 BC, recounts events during the reign of King Xerxes, referred to as Ahasuerus in the text. After the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon and its people taken into captivity, Babylon itself fell to Persia. Persian rulers allowed many subjugated populations, including Jews, to return to their homelands. While some Jews returned to Judah, many chose to stay in Persia.

Esther and her cousin Mordecai were among those who chose to stay in the Persian kingdom, where they eventually felt secure and comfortable. In a surprising turn of events, Esther took part in a beauty contest, which she won, earning her the title of “Miss Persia.” This victory led her to marry King Ahasuerus and become the queen of Persia. Initially, Esther found her new environment daunting, but she gradually adapted and felt more at ease. Her Jewish background did not significantly impact King Ahasuerus, who was captivated by her beauty, much like how modern actresses such as Natalie Portman, Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), or Madeleine Stowe captivate audiences today.

The Book of Esther is unique in the Bible, as it is the only book that does not mention the name of God. Nevertheless, God was constantly working behind the scenes, orchestrating events and setting the stage for future developments. He had a special mission for Esther, which she could only fulfill because she had become queen.

For Mordecai and Esther, it was the “good old days.” Life seemed idyllic, but this was not to last. A sinister plot was brewing in Persia. Haman, a wicked man, was secretly planning to exterminate all the Jews in the kingdom. He cunningly devised a scheme that appeared impossible to escape, intending to destroy God’s Chosen People.

God often uses ordinary people and everyday events to achieve His eternal purposes. Esther and Mordecai were ordinary individuals with extraordinary faith and trust in God. They placed their lives entirely in His hands, relying on Him for the outcome. They risked everything to save both the Jewish people and themselves.

As the story unfolds, God remains unseen but not inactive. He is the invisible artist weaving the tapestry of events together. God is at work fulfilling His eternal plan and His promises of redemption for His Chosen People. “Providence is God’s attention concentrated everywhere. His care is microscopic as well as telescopic” (Strong). “Kings may issue their unalterable decrees, but God overrules and accomplishes His purposes” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

God is omnipresent and actively actively working out His eternal plan. Our challenge is to discern where He is at work and respond with faith.

Father, encourage me to rise to the occasion and faithfully carry out the tasks You have entrusted to me with integrity and perseverance.

INSIGHT

The Father allows the evil villain to arise, knowing his end from the beginning. The Father sees what remains hidden from others. There would be no surprises for anyone except, of course, for Haman. God’s invisible and powerful Hand of Providence worked through a faithful woman and man. Despite overwhelming odds and far outside their comfort zones, Mordecai and Esther rose to the occasion. When everything was on the line, they chose to trust God with the outcome. This was their moment to shine, their defining moment in history.

Mordecai discovered the plot and needed to inform Esther. Though he couldn’t approach her directly, he could communicate his distress and mourning subtly.

Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.

Esther’s servants observed his public display and reported it to her. She then dispatched one of her attendants to investigate what was troubling Mordecai. The attendant returned with the shocking truth and Mordecai’s even more startling request.

Mordecai urges Esther to risk her life by approaching the king without an invitation. If the king did not extend his golden scepter to her, she would be executed (Esther 4:11). He solemnly warns her that remaining silent would not save her; anti-Semitism would infiltrate the palace, endangering her because of her Jewish identity. However, God was faithful and had her back.

Esther 4:13-14

 13 Mordecai sent this message to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace, you will escape when all other Jews are killed.”

 14 “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Imagine having someone to spur you on with such encouragement. Fear must have surged through Esther’s heart, given the immense risks involved. Though it was a time of prosperity and normalcy in the palace, she ventured far beyond her comfort zone.

What didn’t she do? Esther didn’t vent on social media or engage in public outbursts. It’s important to remember that if Satan can’t make us do the wrong thing, he’ll try to make us do the right thing in the wrong way. So, what did Esther do? She called for a prayer meeting.

Esther 4:16 Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.

Wow! Esther was not only in the right place at the right time, but she also had the right mindset and responded in faith immediately. If only we could all emulate her example.

Haman’s wicked decree was in effect, offering a reward for every Jew killed. His sinister plan to annihilate the Jewish people was set, and the trap was about to be sprung. The Jews faced imminent destruction, and the stakes were incredibly high. Haman had even constructed a special gallows to hang Mordecai, the object of his intense hatred for anything Jewish.

Would the Father prevail? Would His people be spared?

Esther courageously approached King Ahasuerus. The king extended his scepter and welcomed her. Esther trusted that God had her back and had devised His own plan. She invited King Ahasuerus and Haman to a banquet. Oblivious to the impending danger, Haman believed he was to be honored. He had no idea that Esther was Jewish or that Mordecai was her cousin.

Esther revealed Haman’s evil scheme and destructive intentions. The king, outraged, ordered Haman to be hanged immediately on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. What a stunning reversal! The Jewish people were spared. Unfortunately, anti-Semitism did not end with Haman; it persists to this day. Mordecai was promoted and became one of the king’s servants.

The Father’s unseen and eternal plan was executed. Yet, in real-time, He heard the heartfelt prayers of His people and answered them. They had prayed for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Who knew? The Father knew!

The Father is always at work. He continually invites you to be a part of His plan. The choice is yours. Perhaps you have also come into His kingdom for such a time as this.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯4-17-1

© Dr. H 2024

Tearing down fortresses ∙

Tearing down fortresses ∙

If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! – Jeremiah 15:19

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,

 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds (fortresses) of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Our present is not only shaped but frequently dominated by our history. We often find ourselves confined by our past. Reflecting on our past, we recall numerous disappointments, failures, poor choices, and their repercussions. These memories, along with subconscious wounds and traumas to our souls, can be acknowledged and dealt with.

So, what should we do? Our trials and frustrations can serve as the building blocks and a foundation for a better present and a more fulfilling future.

Life is a journey, and we must make the best of it. “Your journey will be much lighter and easier if you don’t carry your past with you (Anonymous).”

“The past cannot be changed, forgotten, edited, and or erased. It can only be accepted” (Anonymous).

“Every pain gives a lesson, and every lesson changes a person” (Anonymous).

“Forget the mistake. Remember the lesson” (Anonymous).

“The past is meant to teach you, and the hard times are meant to strengthen you” (Anonymous).

“Never be a prisoner of your past. It was just a lesson, not a life sentence” (Anonymous).

Contemporary counseling and psychology provide extensive guidance on creating life strategies to overcome past issues by learning to “take out the garbage.”

The Scriptures are replete with wise counsel from the Father on how to achieve this. The true enemy is not seen but invisible. Our struggle is not physical but spiritual. The Father has equipped us with supernatural weapons for this battle.

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

We must separate what is essential from what is superficial, trivial, and superfluous. Our goal is to focus on the wheat and eliminate the chaff.

Jeremiah 15:19 If you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin” (Mother Theresa).

Father, I acknowledge that I have accepted many lies and falsehoods. Strengthen and encourage me to recognize and identify my false, erroneous basic life beliefs and exchange them for the Truth of the Word of God.

INSIGHT

Paul advocates waging a spiritual battle with the Father’s mighty weapons to identify and knock down strongholds, fortresses of human reasoning, and false beliefs.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds (fortresses) of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

In ancient times, physical fortresses were commonly constructed from stones and bricks. Similarly, spiritual strongholds are built from spiritual “bricks,” which are often called basic life beliefs. Basic life beliefs are what we believe, whether true or false, which shape how we live our lives.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.

As we transform our basic life beliefs, our thoughts and actions follow.

But where do these basic life beliefs originate? They are often absorbed rather than taught during our early childhood. These beliefs are typically shaped by our society, family, or the influences of our social environment. The mastermind and strategist behind this programming is the enemy of our souls. Consequently, much of what we believe is erroneous. Sadly, much of our personal belief system is based on lies.

The Father has given us an extraordinary process to eliminate the lies we believe. This starts with identifying these false beliefs and the triggering events that led us to accept them. This revelation often comes through prayer, reading the Scriptures, or the wise counsel of spiritual advisors.

Once a lie is identified, we find a corresponding truth in God’s Word to replace it. By an act of the will, we exchange the lies we hold for the truths of God’s Word. We discard the false beliefs and replace them with the Truth. It’s like removing a false “brick” implanted by the enemy and replacing it with a biblically-based brick from the Word of God.

For example, if we believe the lie that we are unlovable and unacceptable, we search the Scriptures for the truth to counteract this false belief. Here are two scriptures related to being loved and accepted.

Ephesians 1:6 He has made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV)

Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself.

Like it or not, the enemy has declared war on the children of the King. We are in a battle, and it takes place in our minds. The Father has endowed us with all the power necessary to fight this war effectively. His power takes captive and demolishes strongholds and fortresses. These strongholds are anything we depend on for security, self-worth, or survival.

The Greek term translated as “strongholds”or “fortresses”is ochuroma. Ochuroma is found only in 2 Corinthians 10:4. Outside of the New Testament, it is used in both a literal and figurative way. Military strongholds provided the imagery used in Cynic and Stoic philosophers, and in particular by Seneca, a contemporary of Paul. Ochuroma was used to describe the fortification of the soul with reasonable arguments to render it impregnable under the attack of adverse circumstances (Kruse). These “mental walls” fortify people against the invasion of the Truth and, ultimately, the knowledge of God (Wiersbe).

The enemy uses lies, false information, and speculations to contradict the truth of God’s Word, implanting his false belief system in our hearts. It is our responsibility to identify and remove these false basic life beliefs (bible.org/seriespage/lesson-8-tearing-down-walls-2-corinthians-101-18).

The weapons provided by the Father enable us to “put an end to the strength of the enemy” or “tear down defenses that are difficult to destroy” (UBS).

2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Just as we exchange our sin for God’s righteousness, we also replace our false beliefs with the Truth. By learning and internalizing the Scriptures, we consciously replace our false beliefs with His Truth.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯10-01-2

© Dr. H 2024