Your AMAZING "Small" Beginnings

It’s interesting to me that in the book of Ezra when the foundations of the second temple were laid, the Bible says that some of the people rejoiced and shouted praises to God, but older people—the ones who had seen the former glorious temple of Solomon—wailed aloud because they did not see how this temple was as wonderful as the last (Ezra 3). The mingle of joy and sorrow was heard from far away.

It is almost a humorous yet puzzling moment for the people of Israel. Can you imagine the glances exchanged between those who were weeping over the past and those who were ecstatic about the present and the future? There might have been a bit of confusion in the mix. Maybe some could not decide how they felt—going from screaming with joy to crying, shattering with shouts of delight, then weeping.

The most dreadful incident happens next—all of their work is halted by those who opposed their righteous pursuits. The Bible says their enemies (the Samaritans) actually guided people to discourage them and wrote letters to the officials to terminate their work. And yes, the people of Israel had to stop the building—not for 1 year or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 years… but for FIFTEEN YEARS.

HOWEVER—this is a HUGE HOWEVER—When King Darius came into power, he gave back to Israel the right to establish the temple. Here is the miracle: “The enemies of the Jews, in appealing to Darius, hoped to get an order to suppress them, but, instead of that, they got an order to supply them.” SUPPLY them is RIGHT! They ended up with more supplies than they ever intended to have. They were completely restored.

Now, let’s go back for a moment. We have seen the end result—the miracle—but let’s stand in the moments of those who wept with sorrow. One commentator (Matthew Henry) states that those who wept “… despised the day of small things, and were unthankful for the good they enjoyed.”

The Israelites saw the rebuilding of the temple as their calling—this was how they wanted to give honor to God. Those who wailed seemed to exchange the glory of their humility for superficial designs of the temple. This account has several lessons in it: but I want to remind you that what seems outwardly small in your life, God can make fabulous down the road (even 15 years later).

From this historical account, we can decide who we want to be—the ones who mourn or the ones who celebrate. It is tempting to sway between what we think our callings should look like and what wonderful current thing God is trying to do for us and through us. Many times I think we get caught up in the outward appearance of what is happening in our lives, instead of having that radiant heart of honor behind every deed (even the small ones).

Who are you in this story?

1.     Maybe you are feeling sad about the progress in your call to serve God. If that is you, I want to encourage you to chin up! Look up to the hills where your help comes from, and do not be discouraged. God holds YOUR TIME in his hands. Psalm 121: ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from ² My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

2.     Maybe you are the one having your progress halted by evil attempts. If that is you, I want to encourage you that God NEVER FAILS and he has a constant eye on his work through you. Psalm 121: ³ He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.. ⁵ The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

3.     Maybe you are the one already rejoicing over the small things. If that is you, do not be discouraged if opposition soon approaches. You know that the enemy prowls around looking for someone to devour, but you do not have to be afraid. Psalm 121:   ⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; ⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

“As for God, his work is perfect; it may be slow work, but it will be sure to work.” (Matthew Henry).

I Still Eat Manna

Do you remember the story of the Israelites leaving their lives as slaves in Egypt? You can read the account in Exodus 12. Do you remember how God provided for them? God sent manna and quail to fall fresh on the ground every morning (Exodus 16). Researchers suggest that it was literally around 4,000 tons of manna every morning that fell to the ground. Then God sent quail. It’s assessed that in order to feed all of God’s people in the wilderness it would take nearly 90 million quail per month flying over-head and dropping to the ground for them to eat. That amount of food falling is astounding! I couldn't imagine seeing that many birds over my head. Well, we know the role of God’s provision, but let’s look at the Israelite's role:  

The Bible says in Hebrews 3:9 that the Israelites tested God in the wilderness. The word tested in Greek peiradzo. This word means that they were testing God to see if he was faithful. It literally means to see if something was as good as the advertisement for it. The Greek Lexicon also says it means “a tempting that stems from distrust.” They wanted God to prove himself. The word for “prove” in the Greek is dokimadzo. This word means that whatever they were testing was found to be authentic, true, real.

Any child that was born during that forty year period, was used to that manna every morning; to them, manna was common-place, and therefore lost some of its miraculous provision. God’s work was not extraordinary anymore. In verse 8 of Hebrews 3, Scripture reveals that there was hardness of heart (skleruno) among the people. Skleruno in Greek more precisely means a soil that is so tough water cannot break through (Rick Renner defined). God may have provided for their physical needs, but because they did not thank him or praise him, their bellies were satisfied and tongues were quenched but their hearts were displeased and dry.

I don’t know about you, but finding fresh, sweet, honey bread outside my home every morning would be amazing! I think I wouldn't forget about that provision, but here’s the deal: I forget all the time about God’s provisions for me… The account of the Israelites distrust and ungratefulness strikes my heart, as I realize that I awake every morning to God’s supernatural provisions: he gives me grace, beauty, joy, love, truth, power, and a heart of a conqueror. I wake up to the battle having already been won for me through the blood of Jesus Christ, but I go about my day with even a hint of a “thank you.” I awake to provisions that I could have never done for myself, and yet, I forget to thank God.

Luke 10:23-24 says that we do have something that other’s longed for—the Word of Christ and his salvation (Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.²⁴ For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.) Those prophets and Kings would look at us and think, “How could they wake up to having the opportunity for a personal relationship with God and walk away from it? How could they not cherish the time they have to spend with God and his word?”  That is kind of a scary thought.

At the end of the day, I have tasted manna (phenomenal wonders in my life that only God could do), and I want to remember to thank him for every sensational blessing.

What about you?

Do you see yourself also having tons of “manna” and “quail” in your life?

What miracle has God done for you that you sometimes forget?

Let’s try to remember to thank him!

I pray that we will not become “skleruno”, but instead that we will be filled with gratefulness. 

A Powerful Prayer (Psalm 20)

Psalm 20 

This Psalm, written by David, was purposed to be a ceremonial prayer before going into warfare (Coffman Commentary). David wrote this prayer right around before the time he went to battle with Syria. It is said this was the most trying time for David, as the war was due to his own sins (the affair with Bathsheba and death of Uriah). David wrote this prayer for the people to pray not only over him as he went into battle but also future kings who engaged in combat. After David wrote this prayer, victory did indeed come! 

Do you know someone or are you yourself facing a battle right now? I encourage you to pray this powerful prayer of assurance and great faith over yourself and others! 

1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion. (Some translate this verse to say, 'May God take you to a high place') 
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.[b]
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

6 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, (These were the most feared weapons of the day. What is the stronghold you are fighting against? God is stronger!) 
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call!

5 Ways to live a Best-Case-Scenario Lifestyle

5 Ways to live a Best-Case-Scenario Lifestyle

By Janell Ward

There is an account in the Old Testament Scriptures where God does something radical for two young men that he refused to do for anybody else; this generous, display of  God’s favor should captivate our attention and curiosity—Who were these men? What did they do to gain such great favor with God?  

Maybe you can recall the story from Numbers 10; Caleb and Joshua along with several other spies were sent to spy on the Land they were about to enter (also the land God promised them). To the group’s dismay, they saw literal giants and strong warriors living in that land.  All of them came back with a terrible report that conquering and entering the land was surely dangerous. 

However, Caleb and Joshua responded differently—the told the story from the perspective of the miraculous victory they knew God could bestow.  They courageously declared:  “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us… we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

Because Caleb and Joshua were faith filled, they were exceedingly favored by God. They were not worried future or discouraged by the sights they witnessed in the Promise Land. They were the men who told the story differently—they saw the opportunity to be victorious. Instead of tragedy they saw triumph; instead of weeping over impossibilities they saw God opportunities.  Not only did living the best-case-scenario lifestyle equip them with favor from God, but most importantly it pleased God (and this should be our highest aim).

God is clear on why Aaron and Moses (the leaders of the Israelites) did not get to enter the promise land; in Duet. 32 51 God testifies, “This is because both of you broke faith with me…” God also allowed all of the negative comments to become the very prophecy they fell under (Numbers 14:28).  Let’s remember that Moses was the man whom God said that he would speak face to face with because of his purity. Therefore, it’s nearly inconceivable that God would discipline Aaron and Moses this way; however this shows us how seriously God views doubt.

I believe that God is calling you and I to share in the confidence that Joshua and Caleb possessed—to live a best-case-scenario lifestyle— where we constantly look to see how God can turn and use what seems bad to be a blessing for us. Here are a few questions to consider over your life:

What goal and dreams has God given you?

Are there great barriers there when you look into that future?

Do you see struggle and mountains that appear to be impossible to win?

What does the best-case-scenario look like for you?

What do you want God to do in your life?

The best case scenario lifestyle embarks on a Phil 4:4 adventure—a quest to live by these words: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Paul adds to practice a faith-filled lifestyle: and the God of peace will be with you.

If you wake up in the morning full of anxiety for the day, if you see only the giants that are invading your dreams then here are some practical ways for you to battle doubt:

5 Ways to live a best-case-scenario 

lifestyle:

1.     Remember who God says He is:

a)     He is always near: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

b)     He is the peace-giver: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14.27

c)     He is the provider: The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

2.     Remember what God has done for YOU and OTHERS:

a)     Jonah, the missionary, called himself to remember where his salvation came from: "While I was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, And my prayer came to You, Into Your holy temple. Jonah 2:7

b)     David, the Psalmist, is famous for turning his mind toward the past—and what God has previously done for him: I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. Psalm 77: 1

c)     Paul’s Exhortation:  So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:6-7

3.     Remember who YOU are:

a)     You are a child of God: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.1 John 3:1

b)     You are a co-heir with Christ: Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

c)     You are a treasured possession: For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deut. 7:6

4.     Remind yourself that God is in control of your…

a)     Time & Circumstance: Joseph was taken into prison after being in a high position, but God used his prison time to bring him higher than before.   You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Gen 50:20

b)     Future: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11

c)     Your Current Needs: Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26

5.     Lastly, prove your best-case-scenario faith with ACTIONS: 

a.    Obedience: Caleb and Joshua said, if God is pleased with us he will lead us to that land… Only do not rebel against the Lord.

b.    The Divine Pursuit:  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

c.     A true REJOICING:  But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” Psalm 40:8; Rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

And now, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15: 13

7 Facts that Refute Jesus Turning Water into Alcoholic Wine by Janell Ward

7 Facts that Refute Jesus Turning Water into Alcoholic Wine

by Janell Ward

Thesis: A close examination of Scripture’s text reveal the character of Christ is not consistent with him turning wine into highly alcoholic wine.

Passage: John 2:1-12     

Place: Cana in Galilee, Wedding Feast

Purpose: In NO way am I against having a glass of wine or knowing your limit. This article is to address the confusing issue of Jesus giving more alcohol to drunk people or Jesus condoning the use of alcohol in the wrong way. I also wrote it for Christians who may be in a setting with people who make foolish comments such as "It's okay to get drunk b/c Jesus...." My desire is to give some points that you might bring up if this scenario happens to you (Because it's happened to me so much). This also is for people who enjoy studying the Greek and Hebrew language to give them new insight to the use of the term "wine" in the Bible. So I just wanted to clear that up, so that if you want to read it, you don't feel defensive about the idea. If you haven't read it yet--I really encourage you to--not for me, but for the sake of studying of God's Word and understanding the Scriptures.

Introduction: Before I being this somewhat extensive refutation of Christ’s actions to promote and provoke the intoxication of an alcoholic beverage, I will state that I cannot say for 100% sure that we can know at what point of fermentation the wine or juice was. I would love to have feedback on the below points. However, I do know the character of Christ and I think there is a good argument against the idea of Christ creating highly intoxicating wine.  It’s just some thoughts, and an interesting outline that can cause us to ponder and discover new arguments.  

1. The word for wine, in John 2, can mean fresh, sweet grape juice. The first reason to refute the wine being alcoholic derives from the Greek/Hebrew language. The literal translation of the word wine in the Greek is Oinos which is actually a generic translation of grape juice or wine. Even in the Old Testament several passages that refer to wine are talking about freshly squeezed juice that was sweet to the taste. Why is this important? Because it reveals that the translators of the New and Old Testament did not always bother to make a distinction between grape juice and a fermented drink. Here is an example, in Lamentations 2:11-12, what do the children cry out for? “Corn and wine.”  Children would not be crying for alcohol.  The word here in the Old Testament is Yayin. This word is used several times in referring to drink or sweet juice. William Patton also states: “As both yayin and oinos are generic words, they designate the juice of the grape in all its stages.” (William Patton/Bible Wines).  The author and translator leave it up to us to rightfully discern the word in context.  This truly is to a crucial argument, because it leaves us with a decision about whether a passage is speaking of alcoholic wine or grape juice.  Knowing this, all our decisions about whether we believe it was fermented or not, truly rest in who we think Jesus was. It is very possible that “Oinos” Jesus created was literally better than the freshest juice the wedding party could find. Which leads to my second point…                                                                                                                                                                                                                
2. There was more than one type of wine at the wedding: This is my favorite point, because it seems so obvious that we actually miss it altogether. If you were having a huge feast, how many types of wine would you have at a wedding? Several. Why? Because there are different people with varying ideas of what is good. In ancient times there were several types of wine from white wines, red wines, wines with spices; there were endless grape varieties. If we consider this as a typical feast, we must be aware that they probably served more than one type of wine. Why is this point vital? Because it raises the probability that if there were several wines then the wine Jesus created could have simply been one of the unfermented wines at the feast. (This point goes along well with point 7 about the symbolism of fermentation)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
3. The consistency and unbreakable union of the Trinity would be in question:  Jesus and God are one and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Jesus is the same “I Am” as God in the Old Testament. There are a plethora of verses that speak against being drunk on wine in the Old Testament; God consistently rebuked those who divulged in being drunk on wine throughout the whole of Scripture. Jesus was all about the business of God. Even as a child Jesus said, “Would I not be about my father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). Was promoting alcoholism his Father’s business? No. We know that God will not contradict himself; Christ would not go against the very Scripture he came to fulfill (Matt 5:17).  Another significance argument is that when King Solomon asked God for superior. heavenly wisdom, these were the wise thoughts on tarrying with wine:  Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 23:20 – “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:” Proverbs 23:31-32 – “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright.” We must regard Scripture as a whole—understanding that contradiction between the Old and New Testament is not in the character of God.                                                                                                                                       
4.   Christ’s role in the appearance of evil would be in question. If Christ had in fact given highly toxic wine at a feast, who would have brought that up? The Pharisees (the high religious leaders of the day). They were looking for every reason to accuse Christ of behavior against God.  Although they called him a drunkard, they never brought up this miracle of his nor put it into question. If the Pharisees were looking for a reason to find Christ guilty, that would have been the very scenario! There is a really good chance that there were Pharisees at this very feast! The Pharisees knew the Scriptures. They were the ones who maintained the Law. They would have known that it was a sin to create a toxic beverage that the Old Testament Scriptures speak against tarrying with the wine. But, not even once is it mentioned. Obviously, culturally speaking, it did not appear to be evil nor was it evil.  If I may be so blunt to say—Jesus would not offer a prostitute another client as much as Jesus would not offer a drunken man another glass of wine.                                                                                                                                                                                        
5. The Kingship/Lordship of Christ would be in question. Proverbs 31:4 says, “It is not for Kings to drink wine or for rulers to drink beer…” Was Jesus a King? Yes. Did he consider himself the Ruler of all creation? Yes. Our omnipotent Creator calls us to follow him in leadership; Scripture calls us co-heirs with Christ, therefore Christ would not want his holy people to get drunk.  Let’s remember that the disciples were at this feast as well—the same disciples that later write in gospels against being drunk. Jesus would not do anything that would provoke the growth of sin which leads to death. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE.” If we think holiness is shoving more toxic beverages down people’s throat, then we have a major issue at hand. Jesus would not provoke the foolish behaviors of our sin nature. This was Christ’s FIRST MIRACLE not his FIRST MISTAKE. He didn’t mess up. He didn’t sin.  When we use excuses that Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine, we literally question both his perfection and his intentions. Blasphemously, we point fingers at him that he provoked foolishness and drunkenness. The Bible clearly states that drunkards will not enter the Kingdom of heaven (1 Cor. 6:9-11).  Why would Jesus create a situation for condemnation? Reverand Mark Creech adds:                                                                                                                                                                     Making what would have amounted to 120 gallons of a dangerous drug, while giving no restriction for its use, certainly isn't consistent with a manifestation of his magnificence. It makes no sense and runs counter to Christ's spotless integrity to purposely corrupt what was natural and healthy for a recreational mind-altering substance.                                                                                                                  
6.   The Love of Christ would have been in question:  Some people believe that Jesus turned the water into wine to honor the wedding party and to not cause them embarrassment.  This is probably true. It was a disgrace to run out of beverage at a wedding feast, and it was highly looked down upon. So, Jesus turns to bless this family by doing a miracle for them. However, Jesus would not have instigated more worldliness in order to show them love—this would have been counter-productive of his mission. We know that when we provoke someone to sin, we are not being loving to them at all.  1 Corinthians 13:6 says, “ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Love does not mean complacency. Is being drunk wrong/evil? Yes (We have established that already from Scripture). Jesus would not delight in that, and Jesus is the quintessence of love. 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love…”                                                                                                                                 
7.  Prophecy and symbolism speak to Christ as the “new wine” without decay or death (Mark 2:22). This is such an extensive point, that I will leave it to your own discovery and research.  However, I will give you a few leads—consider that it was the third day when Jesus created the new wine. The third day is symbolic of him being life (rising on the third day). Why is this a vital point if it is prophetic? Because in order to ferment wine it must go through “death.”  The Biblical commentator, David Guzik, adds: “Moses turned water into blood, showing that the Law results in death (Exodus 7:17-21). But Jesus’ first miracle turned water into wine, showing the gladness and joy of His new work.”  If Jesus would have been portraying his glory through a drink, he would have made it fresh and alive. In Isaiah 65, God is speaking to his people about judgment and salvation. We know that Christ is the savior and that he is also referred to as the “new wine.” Look here that in Isaiah 65:8, God says: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, ‘Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it.’” If, in fact, this miracle was a fulfillment and symbol of Christ, he would have don’t destroyed the wine through fermentation.  

In conclusion, anyone who obstinately insists that Jesus turned wine into a toxic beverage should honestly question themselves on why they are so defensive about drunkenness or alcoholic beverages in general. I think the issue here could be: Do we want it to be okay to be drunk? Could it be that Christ’s holiness extinguishes our freedom of reckless living and causes us to be wise and holy? So instead of facing the facts that Jesus was not an alcoholic nor did he provoke or promote alcoholism, we slant the Scriptures to shift toward our own cultural traditions. This slanderous accusation against Christ will only lead to more self-fulfilling demands. 

The Seven Wonders of Jehovah (new poem) by Janell Renee'

The Seven Wonders of Jehovah  by Janell R. Ward

Pyramids stain Egyptian deserts,

Unrevealing of their creator,

Mysterious to the common man,

An irritant to the aggressive historian,

And I find myself

Equally baffled by

How God builds mercy.  

Galaxies surpass the Milky Way,  

Coiling our curious observations,

Frustrating our restricted perceptions,

Humbling  the prideful physic, 

And I catch myself

Correspondingly tangled by

God’s forgiveness that surpasses my sin.

Aurora rises in the artic atmosphere,

Stunning the possibilities of nature,

Romancing the weary wanderer,

Shaming the prolific painter,

And I discover myself

Likewise entranced by

the magnificence of God’s kindness.

The Grand Cannon, the human

Brain, the rings of Saturn, Petra,

Chechen Itza, Mt. Ararat, Giza,

Small creatures of the Amazon,

And I reveal myself

Equally amazed by

The providence of God’s hands.  

The Leaning tower of Piza,

Stands against the earth’s laws,

Confusing the constructors,

Causing conflict between the architects, 

And I find myself

Equally puzzled by

How God’s faithfulness never falls.

Numbers stun the mathematician, 
Who counts the coral of the Barrier Reef 
Or tallies the tiny streams in the wastelands? 
Who knows the highest figure? 
And I am 
Equally stunned by 
How God's patience is unmeasurable. 

The roar of a stampede, Mt. Kilimanjaro,

Nazca Lines, the canals of Venice,

The Dead Sea, the untamed Outback,

Putorana Plateau, Delphi, Mecca,

And I find myself

Still more in awe of

My innocent God’s upon my cross.