Ezekiel 38-39

Last night, my community group watched the DVD "Epicenter" by Joel Rosenberg.  Pertaining to the title, the point was made that it is not surprising that so much of the world's attention is focused on Israel, because the temple mount can be considered the epicenter of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem the epicenter of Israel; and Israel the epicenter of the Middle East.

Looking at the history of Israel, it is clear that God's Hand has been at work; and that much of what has happened is the fulfillment of what God has said in Scripture.  It is also a reminder to continue to pray for Israel and all that is happening.

The other thing that stood out was the reference to the prophecy of the battles of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39.  In verse 38:23, God's Hand will become clear, as God says, "And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD."  Verse 39:7-8 says "I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel. It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD. This is the day I have spoken of."

Piano

I definitely wish that I was a better pianist.   I've always loved music, and when I listen to talented musicians play, I am often enthralled and inspired.  While I do not have any delusions of ever reaching heights of musical genius, I do still enjoy playing and learning new pieces.

Yesterday, I was so excited to come across the "Casting Crowns for Piano Solo" songbook, and immediately ordered it.  I am looking forward to being able to learn to play songs like "East to West" and "Praise You In This Storm".  I don't often make "impulse purchases", but this is one that I was very sure about.   I have no doubt that I will enjoy putting this songbook to good use.

One of my favorite songbooks, that I currently have, is "Lisa Nelson Hymn Arrangements for Solo Piano".   She has put together really beautiful piano arrangements for some hymns.  I've already memorized "My Jesus I Love Thee", and it is currently one of my favorite pieces to play from memory.  And, I'm in the process of memorizing "I Need Thee Every Hour".   I actually have many piano solo songbooks with hymn arrangements; but, I like these the most, because I feel that while she provides a contemporary flow to the music, it is blended with a classical style; and the result is just beautiful pieces that are pleasant to the ears and are not too simplistic.  I can still remember when I heard her play her arrangements in a concert many years ago - it was truly inspiring.

Movies and Shows

I did spend part of my weekend unwinding by "escaping" to the imaginary world created by movies and shows.

One movie that I watched was the "Bed of Roses", made back in 1996.  It was a sweet movie of a character, played by a young Christian Slater, who enjoys delivering flowers in order to see the happy moments of those who receive them.   He gives flowers to a woman who he had seen crying at her window, and a romance, heartbreak, and reuniting follows.  The movie is a reminder to not let the busy-ness of life get in the way of the truly important moments; and highlights how special it is when there is someone who is sensitive and giving.

I also watched "The Inheritance", a TV movie based on the book by Louisa May Alcott.   It was wonderfully romantic, and demonstrated the virtues of integrity in character.  It was well cast and acted; and it was definitely a "feel-good" movie.

Then, I watched "Match Point", and was troubled by the philosophical viewpoint demonstrated, particularly in the outcome.  The movie starts with the main character reading Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"; and in the movie, the main character, like Raskolnikov, commits murder.  There are philosophical rationalizations, and the character even quotes that he thinks it is "better to be lucky than good".   Essentially, he expounds the Darwinian Naturalism point of view, that all is random chance.   He commits murder in order to keep the lifestyle he's become comfortable living, and unlike the ending of "Crime and Punishment", the character in the movie never confesses to the murders and essentially gets away with it.   While he did have some "struggles" with his conscience and at one point even admitted that he wanted to be discovered, justice never really prevails.  The outcome is actually a reflection of the naturalistic point of view; for in that philosophical viewpoint, there is no room for morality.   If all is by chance, where would the standard for moral right and wrong come from?   Naturalism does not provide an explanation for why a person would struggle with their conscience and recognize that murder is wrong.  That comes only from God, who defines the standard for morality based on Who He is.    Scripture explains that it is God who has given man a conscience to recognize right from wrong ("They show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them"  Romans 2:15); and in the Ten Commandments, it is clearly stated that man should not commit murder.   Without God, we would be left with a world with no true meaning nor morality.

Last night, my community group leaders invited me to join them and a few others to the Musical Theatre West showing of "The Marvelous Wonderettes" at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.  The musical was fun and so was the music.  Of the four main characters, the one who played Betty Jean had the most impressive singing voice.  I enjoyed the time of fellowship with those with whom I went; and it was nice to have a fun light-hearted evening.

God at Work

This weekend was a reminder that my life is a "Work in Progress".   Praise God, that He is constantly at work, teaching me and helping me to grow.  I love times when I can look back and see God's Hand at work in so many areas of my life.

For the past few Sundays, there have been times that have reinforced how important it is to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading.   I have been able to meet a couple of new people at Church by sensing that the Spirit wanted me to talk to them.   I also had a chance to invite them to my class.   The person I met this Sunday came to class, and I hope that this will give her an opportunity to get better "plugged in" to our Church, especially since she comes by herself and is away from her family in Northern California.  This also brings to mind the touching story I read of Beth Moore's Hairbrush experience at the airport, how she was able to bring a blessing to another person's life by listening to the Spirit's prompting.

Then, during the worship service, Ted Rose, the California Director of the National Day of Prayer, referenced a verse in Ezekiel 22:30 (ref Ezek 13:5) which gives a wonderful illustration of what it means to "stand in the gap" - where the best warriors are to stand in any gaps in the wall to defend the city.  When applied to prayer, it is to intercede between God and man.

I also received affirmation from a few leaders in the church that I did what was right previously, in setting boundaries for dealing with the demands from one person; since they are now having to face similar situations with that same person, on a larger scale.  This was also confirmed as I was reading "The People Who Clutter Our Lives" chapter in "Finding the Life You've Been Looking For".   I can see that God is teaching me how to be better able to deal with situations like these.

Then, in class, we once again studied the passage in Judges 7 where God delivers the Midianites into Gideon's hands, against overwhelming odds.   I love vs 7:15, when Gideon WORSHIPS God and is clearly now in line with God's plan and vision (vs 7:9).   That's what I want for my life - to dream God's dream and to see my part in His Plan.   It was also neat to be reminded that God does provide the encouragement and reassurance He knows that we need, sometimes without our even asking for it.   And that He works "behind the scenes", in ways that we often are not even aware of it.

What Faith Can Do

This weekend, when I heard the Kutless "What Faith Can Do" song on the radio, and actually paid attention to the words, I realized that it fit so well with my theme this year.  It is a beautiful song and it really made an impact on my day.

The lyrics of the song remind us that we all do "fall sometimes"; and that it is important that at those times, we would cling to HOPE and the eternal perspective; and, to have FAITH that God can do the "impossible" and can give us strength to rise from the ashes:

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Praise You In This Storm

I've been listening to the Casting Crowns song "Praise You In This Storm".  The music is beautiful and the lyrics are so powerful that they brought tears to my eyes.

Sometimes, we do pray that God would take away a "storm" that hits our life, but for whatever reason, He allows it to remain.  At times like that, we should, as the song says, just continue to Praise Him, in the midst of the storm, and remember that He is always with us and can give us the strength to weather the storm.  And we have the hope that through each storm, we can grow stronger as our faith and trust in God deepens.

"Praise You In This Storm"

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Energy

I was reading the "Energy Drainers and Energy Boosters" chapter in "Finding the Life You've Been Looking For"; and there were some notable points that I found quite applicable.

The following particularly made sense:   "Remember that when you're efficient, you do the job right; when you are effective, you do the right job. ... Effectiveness has to come before efficiency."  So, it's more important to focus our energies where it would be most effective; than, even to be efficient in what we are doing, especially if it's something not worth expending our energies on.  I see this as being related to having the right priorities and wise stewardship.

Also,  the book points out that there are Energy Drainers in our lives, as I've noticed from my own personal experience.  For me, examples of these would be difficult challenges that I have to face, or very demanding people.  And actually, being an introvert, having to spend time around a lot of people in social environments would also be considered another example of a drain on energy.   Considering that Energy Drains are just a part of life and can likely not be totally avoided; then, it is important to take time out for Energy Boosters to "recharge our batteries".  Examples of Energy Boosters, for me, would be listening to music, playing the piano, reading, watching movies, or having Quiet Time.  Realizing this helps me to understand that I do need to take time out for Energy Boosting activities; so that my batteries can be recharged after they've been drained.

Judges 6

I am amazed at the multi-dimensional insights into the truths of God's Word, kind of like light refraction in a beautiful diamond.

Judges 6, on the calling of Gideon, is a passage that we have studied before; yet, some new insights are revealed as we study it in context of this whole series on the Book of Judges.  God shows His Love and Faithfulness, despite Israel's continual sin and worship of false gods.  And God reassures, uses, and empowers Gideon as a Deliverer, despite Gideon's feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.  Gideon incorrectly felt that the oppressive circumstances under the Midianites showed that God had abandoned them, when in fact, it was God who was trying to restore the covenant relationship broken by Israel's sin.  In the same way, sometimes, our inaccurate view of God and flawed perspectives, can blind us to the truth and feed our insecurities.

More on Dreams

I feel like I'm in that state where I've just woken up and I know I've had a dream, but I can only remember bits and pieces of it.  And, I don't really remember what it was about nor does it fully make sense.

I've actually been thinking and talking about dreaming God's dreams, catching God's next vision for my life.   I don't know if it's because I'm too unused to drawing from imagination and wonder, such as that a child would have; but, I've been hard pressed to come up with any "big" dreams.

Granted, I've always been more of a realist; and I'm very pragmatic; but, didn't I teach the "God is Able" series to several groups?   And, I do serve a God that I know is all-powerful and able to do more than I could ever imagine.

I suppose that, so far, I have received "bits and pieces" and hints of what may be in store for me.  And, I have even taken some steps in those directions to see if they are paths that I should follow.   However, nothing has been fully formulated; and the vision is still unclear, and downright blurry.

But, this week, a thought did cross my mind that I could see myself jumping into and could have beneficial results from the eternal perspective.   It could be useful for me to study Bible Exposition or get a degree in Biblical and Theological studies.  I've always loved learning, and this could help me to be a better teacher.  I will continue to pray about this.....

More Cooking

It's been fun trying new recipes in cooking; and it's great when the dishes turn out fairly well.   This weekend I made:

• Salmon with mango salsa - I found that ginger actually helped to bring out the mango flavor, and the onion &  cilantro/parsley is what makes it a "salsa"
• Beef with chimichurri sauce - I made the sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, italian parsley, garlic, shallots, basil, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.   When spooned over the beef (which was marinated with steak seasoning, worchestershire sauce, and smoke flavor), it is really a great mix of different strong flavors
• Cucumber and Lentil coconut curry - I made the curry sauce with coconut milk, curry spice, coconut flakes, and raisins.   If one likes sweet curry, it really gives a nice middle eastern type taste to the cucumber and lentils
• Tex Mex soup - It was a pretty simple soup with tomato, cilantro, onion, and corn; but, had good flavor and color
• Broccoli - I baked the broccoli, similar to the easy asparagus recipe, with just olive oil, salt, pepper, onions, and lemon.  The broccoli stems come out a little crunchy, but is quite good 

It is a blessing, not only to be provided with food, but also to have a chance to enjoy cooking it and trying new recipes.

  

Success

"How Do We Measure Success?" is the title of the chapter I just finished in "Finding the Life You've Been Looking For" by Norm Wright.  In a way, it addresses a combination of several of my previous blog entry contemplations.

Throughout most of my life, I have felt that it was more important to pursue Excellence than Success.   To me, "Excellence" was God's best for my life, and "Success" was what the world deemed important.  But, the book describes a godly success which is essentially the same as my definition of excellence.   Also, in a way, the book's depiction of pursuing success is similar to my view of "excelling".   I've talked about the sense of restlessness and slight discontent; but, I realize that people can feel this way when they think that they have not reached their goals of success.

The book reiterates what I recognize, that Success apart from God does not satisfy.  And, people can define success in various ways:  Power, Prosperity, Position & Prestige, and Pleasure.   But, the book states that the Biblical measure of success is "obedience" based on:
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."  (Joshua 1:7-8)

The book even goes on to say that "Success is not a matter of money, power, and ego, but also issues of the heart......it's an issue of character....it's an issue of being the person God designed you to be..."  And, it is God Who makes us significant.  It is not what we do, it is what He has done for us.

The other interesting point brought up in the book was that we can find success through failures, which is similar to what I wrote in one entry about growing and learning through mistakes.   This is the great attitude and mentality reflecting the promise that "God causes all things to work together for good."

It's neat how this chapter ties together my blog entries on Mistakes, Uneasiness, Contentment, Satisfaction, Balance or Mediocrity, and Character.  Based on this chapter, I can have the perspective that I have excelled and succeeded, for I have sought to be obedient to God.   I do love His Word and I seek to walk in His Ways.  My Faith IS the primary "goal" that I have devoted my time and energy into, and is what I am passionate about and have pursued.  As Ecclesiastes 12:13 says "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person."

Character

I've always valued the importance of strong character in a person; and have been contemplating this topic, as I've been doing devotions using Chuck Swindoll's "The Strength of Character".  In contrast to other aspects of our lives, like health or looks, character is actually something that can be developed to become stronger and more beautiful as we mature and get older.  In the Christian perspective, this would make sense, because as we become more and more like God, we reflect more of His character in our lives.

The book lists 7 essential character traits.   I've thought about whether there are any I would add or take away.  But, generally, I think it does cover the essential ones well, since traits like generosity or kindness can be incorporated in Humility or trustworthiness in Integrity, etc.  So, with a few minor nuance changes, they are:

• Courage
• Self-Control
• Integrity ("Honesty" in the book)
• Endurance ("Determination" in the book)
• Humility ("Unselfishness" in the book)
• Hope
• Sincerity

Balance or Mediocrity?

There's an old Chinese saying that one can have many knives but not one of them sharp.   In many ways, I feel like that describes me.   I've striven hard to maintain balance in my life, but, I wonder if that was at the expense of not excelling at any one thing?   So, I ask, is it Balance or Mediocrity?    I don't like to think of it as mediocrity; and it really isn't.   While I may not excel at anything, I believe that I do many things well, and I'm not typically satisfied with just being average.   More than that, it's not that I didn't pursue excellence, but, it could be that this is the best that I could do.   Does that mean that the level of excellence could be different for each person?  Maybe.   On the other hand, Excelling seems to imply that there is a comparison with something or someone else; so, it may need to be considered relative to others.

So, why is it that I feel that I don't excel?   Well,
I am intelligent, but not brilliant
I am musical, but am not gifted
I can lead, but am not charismatic
I can teach, but may not inspire
I am pretty, but not beautiful
I can write, but not soar
I can speak, but am not eloquent
I can cook, but am not a gourmet chef
I am creative, but not an artist
I am fairly successful, but not wealthy
I have friends, but don't think I'm beloved
I can play sports, but am not an athlete
And so forth......

Should I try harder to excel in one area?  Would that hurt other areas?   Should I not be content with balance?  Or do I really feel the need to excel?     I don't have the answer to these.  But, then, at what point is it considered "excelling"?   Is it being best in the world?  Being in the top certain percentage?   I have received awards academically and professionally.  Would that be considered excelling?   It appears that "excelling" can be relative depending upon one's goals.

Maybe, I should be content with pursuing excellence in all areas of my life, giving glory to God and maintaining proper balance.  And then, just trust that I will excel if it is in His Will.

Sing Praise

"I will sing to the LORD, I will sing;  
 I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel."  (Judges 5:3b)

Breaking out in a song of praise - that's what Deborah and Barak did, after delivering Israel from the Canaanites.  Why singing?  Well yes, it is an appropriate response to seeing God's amazing Work, for He is worthy of praise.   But, what is it about singing, that would be different from, say, dancing or celebrating with a meal together?  It brings to mind the Palm Sunday passage in Luke 19 when the crowds were joyfully praising God, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"   And when the Pharisees wanted to silence them, Jesus said "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."   So, words are a very important part of praise; and what more beautiful way to express them, but with music.  

Later, in Judges 5:11a, it said to consider "the voice of the singers at the watering places.  They recite the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of his warriors in Israel."   This indicates that another aspect of singing God's praises shows the desire of the person to share with others what God has done; and for the listener to learn about God's Works.

Also in the passage, is the depiction of the privilege of being used of God for His Work.  While those who followed the leadership of Deborah and Barak,  participated in the victory and were blessed; there were those who missed out because they were too complacent in their comfort zone or had other priorities.  One city was even cursed for not helping out, despite being in the heart of all that was going on around it.   May I not be one of those who get distracted or too comfortable to be used by God for His Work.  And may I always be ready to Sing Praises to Him for His Wondrous Works!

Satisfaction

I was reading Mike's blog on the Tenth Avenue North site, and he had an entry along the same lines of what I've been contemplating.  His blog entry was entitled "Satisfy" based on the following verse:
“Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love.”   (Psalm 90:14)

He also included a couple very relevant and interesting quotes:

• “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” -- CS Lewis
•  “Our hearts are made for Thee O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” -- Augustine

This reminds me of  the message in Ecclesiastes and what Psalm 73:25 says: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth."    Basically, true satisfaction can only be found in God.

He is Risen Indeed!

Easter has come and gone; but, Praise God - He is Risen indeed! 

As 1 Corinthians 15:17,20 says, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins....But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."   Because of the resurrection, I am assured of salvation from my sins and the hope of eternal life.  Amen! 

Good Friday and Easter services went smoothly, and I thank God for the privilege and blessing of being able to serve.  May He continue to use me for His Work.

Easter dinner with my family also went fairly well.   I made:

• Turkey Vegetable soup
• Turkey - it turned out fairly juicy.   I roasted it breast-side down; and while the rule of thumb was generally 4 lbs/hour of cooking time, I leaned more towards 5 lbs/hour.   It worked well for the meat that cooked faster, like the turkey breast; but, I had to further broil the dark meat.
• Sides - cranberry sauce, gravy (from the drippings), and stuffing
• Vegetables - Asparagus and Spinach and Sweet Potato Fries
• Bread - this did not turn out well.  Being a healthy low-carb package, it had a really strong oat bran/wheat germ taste.  And, it didn't really rise enough.
• Strawberry cheesecake tarts - I went with the simple approach - filling:  cream cheese, egg, vanilla; and topping:  strawberry, with sauce of "melted" strawberry with honey

Faith and Forgiveness

I watched the movie "Amish Grace" which was based on the book about the true story of the Amish school shooting tragedy in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania Oct 2, 2006.   When the tragedy occurred, the news reported the amazing story of the forgiveness and grace the Amish community showed to the widow and family of the man who killed the five Amish children.   In the movie, it did a good job of showing that forgiveness means that we leave judgment in the Hands of a just God; and that harboring hatred instead would only corrode a person's heart.

There was also one line in the movie that stood out to me.   Basically, one of the characters said that it is not so much when all is going well that our FAITH is displayed; but, it is when we are facing difficulties that our FAITH is tested and able to be shown.  The Amish community was really a good example of God's love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace through that terrible tragedy.

Easter 2010

As Easter approaches, I've been turning my focus upon the suffering Christ endured on the cross for me; and the power of HIS resurrection.  I am grateful for time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter.

I'm also on the AV team for Good Friday and Easter services, and last night was dress rehearsal.  My prayer is that those who attend the services will be moved by the knowledge of God's great love and sacrifice for us on the cross; and will not be able to help but offer up worship to Christ for HIS victory over sin and the precious gift of salvation.

In preparation for Good Friday, I've been reading Isaiah 53:
Who has believed our message
       and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
       and like a root out of dry ground.
       He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
       nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men,
       a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
       Like one from whom men hide their faces
       he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities
       and carried our sorrows,
       yet we considered him stricken by God,
       smitten by him, and afflicted.

 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
       he was crushed for our iniquities;
       the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
       and by his wounds we are healed.

 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
       each of us has turned to his own way;
       and the LORD has laid on him
       the iniquity of us all.

 He was oppressed and afflicted,
       yet he did not open his mouth;
       he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
       and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
       so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
       And who can speak of his descendants?
       For he was cut off from the land of the living;
       for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
       and with the rich in his death,
       though he had done no violence,
       nor was any deceit in his mouth.

 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
       and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
       he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
       and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

 After the suffering of his soul,
       he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
       by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
       and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
       and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
       because he poured out his life unto death,
       and was numbered with the transgressors.
       For he bore the sin of many,
       and made intercession for the transgressors.