A packed suitcase...

 A packed suitcase....

https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/statistics/domestic-violence-statistics

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/12-things-everyone-help-victims-domestic-violence

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/domestic-violence/art-20048397

https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/state-resources

I don’t even know why I am supposed to write this...but it has been on my heart this week...

Recently, I learned that an old acquaintance, whose children are in college, had passed away tragically...I knew her pre-children, her infectious joy, bubbly personality, always a smile and a kind word for everyone, her faith, her newly married fun...

I moved away and lost touch, but knew she was still in the same community, serving and spreading her smiles everywhere...

But, there must have entered a darker side over the years...not sure how many knew about...but, she had a packed suitcase and was exiting her marriage...when her husband killed her and then himself, much to the dismay of family, community....”how could this happen here?”, “to them?”, “why?”....

Oh, we can blame the “pandemic”, cultural problems, but the truth is evil exists...it has since the beginning, the temptations to go against God and go our own way...

You just have to read over and over “and he did was was evil in the sight of the Lord” to know that evil exists... or simply read the daily newspaper...

Abuse, some hidden away, some open for all to see, exists, across economic/social/cultural/racial/religious lines....and there is help for those who can reach out...through intervention, counseling, friends, safe houses, churches, family, local authorities...

Care for the families...love those around...lend a helping hand...take a meal...hold a hand...take a simple walk...listen to the heartache...lead them to the Shepherd...thank YOU...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. 

He leads me beside still waters. 

He restores my soul. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1-6 

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his distruction....

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.....

2 Chronicles 26:16a

Pride...

Definition of pride 

“The quality or state of being proud, inordinate self-esteem, conceit

proud or disdainful behavior or treatment, ostentatious display, a company of lions, a showy or impressive group....”

King after king in the Old Testament lift themselves up during their reign...they capture, they accumulate, they show off....it is nothing new and we still do it...pride hasn’t changed over the thousands of years...

This is said of Satan...”“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!

You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’

Isaiah 14:12-14

Pride...to be like God...no one can take His place...

For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” Psalm 10:3-4

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:18-19

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 29:23

The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 2:11,17

The last days are described...

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

2 Timothy 3:1,3

Pride does not paint a very pretty picture...downfall, haughtiness, destruction, disgrace, disdainful...

Our pastor, this last Sunday, got to Genesis 11 in his study, sharing insights on the Babel...pride...the people desiring to build a tower into the heavens...”let us make a name for ourselves “ ...pride...before their language was confused and multiplied...

Uzziah was described in the heading...but, it could describe anyone...me... I would much rather be ...humble...where God blesses, teaches, leads, glad, revived, Lifted up....

Thank YOU for your Word...your teachings which bring us to Yourself in humbleness....seeking your way...not boasting of ours...

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Psalm 25:9

My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

Psalm 34:2

When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

Psalm 69:32

The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.

Psalm 147:6

11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 14:11

 

“To no one’s regret”...

 “To no one’s regret....”

Still reading through all the kings, rulers of Israel and Judah, in 2 Chronicles...I came across this phrase describing one of the kings who reigned in Judah ....there were those who followed God, who did what was right in the sight of God and those who turned their back and did what was evil...those who turned the people toward God and those who turned them away...this one was apparently not liked by any...so when he died...no one regretted his demise...what a sad commentary for a relatively young man...and he didn’t even make the grade of being buried with the kings...

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

2 Chronicles 21:20 

Wandering through old cemeteries, one can find a variety of epithets, comments on grave stones...from sweet remembrances, to those who add a smile or add their life’s verse or commitment...rarely do you see one which is derogatory...but Jehoram didn’t rate much apparently...

What will mine look like...will the commentary be positive or negative?

Will life’s evaluation be of good repute or bad...what am I doing now to make it positive...how am I relating to those around me? How will my grandchildren remember me...what is the legacy?

Thank YOU for the reminder to proceed with positivity...to lift up those around me, to be faithful...

Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?

Proverbs 20:11 

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3-4

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is better than fine perfume.... 

Ecclesiastes 7:1A

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

Acts 9:36 

He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:7-13

Leadership styles...

 Leadership Styles ...

Reading through the Kings and Chronicles, as well as rest of the Bible...one can observe various leadership styles. Some of the leaders sought council, help from others, while others did everything on their own...some more autocratic, others-more servant hood or democratic...

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/10-common-leadership-styles

This article talks about by Indeed speaks to 10 common leadership styles..there are other articles as well to look up on the web...ones you can actually take and be evaluated for your particular skills. No all of us see ourselves as leaders, but as servers or even slaves at times... so it is good to see the various ways God as gifted us and how we fit together as part of the Body of Christ...He knew us before we were formed, saw us in the womb...

If you look at these styles, then look around at the ones we have the opportunity to work with, we can understand ourselves and others a bit more...what are our motivations, our ways of working, communicating, interfacing, etc....some add grit to our polishing, while others add smooth and shine...just as we do to those around us...

All add beauty to the body and should help us become more unified...as we work together....

And while it is interesting to see how we function together, our ultimate goal is to serve wholeheartedly the One who came to serve us, the Lord Jesus Christ...to be unified with Him...thank YOU...

Isaiah spoke of the coming servant...

Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. He warned them not to tell others about him. 

This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Matthew 12:15-21

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 

26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 

27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Luke 22:26-27

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 5:13,22-23,25-26

Dedication of the temple....

 Dedication of the temple...

2 Chronicles 6 speaks of the dedication of the temple built by King Solomon with materials gathered but his father King David...craftsman fashioned elaborate furnishings, the temple itself into a beautiful place...

King Solomon acknowledged that “there is no God like you in heaven or on earth”, “ heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that “ he built...

Yet, he pleaded...

“Yet, Lord my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. 

Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence. 

May your eyes be open toward this temple day and night, this place of which you said you would put your Name there. 

May you hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 

Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. 

Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive. “When anyone wrongs their neighbor and is required to take an oath and they come and swear the oath before your altar in this temple, then hear from heaven and act. 

Judge between your servants, condemning the guilty and bringing down on their heads what they have done, and vindicating the innocent by treating them in accordance with their innocence. 

“When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you and when they turn back and give praise to your name, praying and making supplication before you in this temple, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their ancestors. “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. 

Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.

“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. 

Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), so that they will fear you and walk in obedience to you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors. 

“As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. 

Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. 

“When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you toward this city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. 

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin —and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you. 

“Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 

“Now arise,  Lord God, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests,  Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your faithful people rejoice in your goodness. Lord God, do not reject your anointed one. 

Remember the great love promised to David your servant.”

2 Chronicles 6:19-42

I cannot help  but put these words spoken in ancient times with the words spoken in New Testament times...the ancient with the new...when God chooses to send the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who have asked to be saved...who have repented of the sin we all acknowledged...I will be the first the admit, I don’t understand it nor begin to comprehend it...but I thank Him for that Gift of the Holy Spirit...who leads in truth, convicts of sin...who brings joy... thank YOU....

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

1 Corinthians 3:16 

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Deadheading flowers....

 Deadheading flowers....

I picked up several “6-packs” of flowers these past couple of weeks to make little individual flowerpots for a women’s retreat. I cut them apart, cut some tulling and plopped them into little clear cups....nothing too  spectacular, just fun, to put into each room with some special chocolates for a treat .

The trick was to keep them dead headed so there were actual flowers on the plants when they were to be used! So I had to increase my supply a couple of times to reach that goal. The plants were nice, but I wanted blooms as well. So 30 flowers later, I finally had enough for 20 bloomers.

Still reading through Chronicles, there are lists and lists of people, following the genealogy of the families down through the years...finally came to king David’s family...his mighty men whom he trusted, who helped him in his reign, who fought with him and beside him in various conquests...the “bloomers “....those who came to the top of the his aides ...there were others who had great qualities, abilities but just didn’t quite make the “cut”...at the time...

There are days when we are bloomers as well...our lives are bright and cheery...and other days when growth is taking place and our “blooms” are nonexistent...waiting to pop again into beauty...we may be putting down more roots and the growth isn’t quite as evident for all to see...but, God is working  through the blooms and growth...He continues to work on attitudes...transformation into His image more and more...

There used to be a popular saying...”bloom where you are planted”...be a “bloomer”...in other words...

Thank YOU...help me to bloom wherever You plant me...wherever You lead...

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25 

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

The Chronicler....

 The Chronicler...

One of the ads on my computer early this morning was for a fill-in-the-blank family tree...while another was for one of the ancestry companies who will help you find your heritage....

So it only seemed fitting that when I opened my Bible, I started with 1 Chronicles....listing chapter after chapter of genealogy...

My parents, pre-computer, worked on their family heritage, their ancestors, writing many letters to find out information before putting together books of information...they found out the good, the bad and the ugly of their forefathers...birthdates, scandals, antidotes...and just plain information...

They found a soldier who fought in the revolutionary war...family who fled from the rule of Bismarck in Germany( I have a beautiful little trunk which made that journey), incarcerated  soldiers in WW2, what pattern of kilt was worn by a clan we are related to on my father’s side, a graveyard still holding an old family grave marker in Denmark... history...family lines and ties...

On my late husband’s side this was done as well...Norwegian and English ties going back to the 1700’s...

Now, we can spit into tube, send  it away, and find out exactly how much of which country we come from... or who we might be related to...two of my children have found their biological roots and family through this process...

Amazing...

The book of 1 Chronicles starts way before all of these...Adam...his sons and on down through the ages, the good, the bad and the ugly as well...antidotes about many, the names of wives of some of the men...property granted over the years, the travels, the wars..the evil, the good...the followers of God and those who fell away...some battles fought, the winners and losers...chapter after chapter of pertinent information...roots....connections...

We can have a more permanent family connection as well...not through blood lines, but Spiritual lines...we have the opportunity to be a part of God’s family through the Good News of the Gospel...through the saving Grace and gift of Jesus...who died not only for our sins, but the whole world’s...

This is an eternal family...an eternal gift...it doesn’t matter where, or when we were born, into what family...what our heritage shows or does show...the good the bad or the ugly...it is an individual gift available to all...thank YOU....

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved —you and your household.”

Acts 16:30-31

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:4-9 .

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 3:16-18

 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23-24