Visitor Ready

As much as I love to entertain guests in my home, there are times when I loathe company. Two conditions can affect this response to visitors.

1). The state of my home. If my house is unkempt, I cower at the thought of someone coming to visit.

2). My response also depends upon the relationship I have with the visitor. The better I know them (and they know me) the more comfortable I feel at their forgiving my less-than-tidy abode.

My reading plan has brought me to the Gospel of Luke. This morning I basked in the worship of Zechariah. The text describes him as a righteous man (ref Lk 1:6). He blessed God and prophetically spoke of their coming visitation. In the same praise-breath, he blessed God for their redemption.

Zechariah was filled with words of praise and worship after an imposed silence for his unbelief. He exulted in God for the expected visit by their Redeemer. Their salvation would soon be at hand. Filled with the Spirit, he spoke in past tense terms, of this as having already been accomplished.

The covenant people of God knew not when their Promised Messiah would come. At long last, after centuries of waiting, the forerunner to His coming was in the world. The miraculous visitation from On High was nearing.

When our “homes” are in less-than-desirable condition, a visit from The Holy Messiah could be disconcerting. With each tick of the clock, His Reappearing is nearing. Is your house ready? How well do you know the One that's coming?

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

for he has visited and redeemed his people

and has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David,”

[Lk 1:68-69 ESV]

Bless You, Jehovah God! In Christ You have raised up a horn of salvation for us. May You receive eternal glory and honor, praise and adoration. Prepare us, Lord, the redeemed of Jesus, for Your return visit. Use us to help others “get their house in order” by accepting Your Righteousness, to become living temples of the indwelling Holy Spirit. To welcome them with Your grace into Your household.

"I Say To You"

Then Jesus came to them and said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to me."

[Mt 28:18]

Time and again in the Gospels we read that Jesus’ authority was challenged. Be it His authority to teach, to forgive sins, or His correction of the religious leaders in the law. It is questioned still.

Merrill C. Tenney wrote, in his New Testament Survey,

“Jesus taught in order to give people the authoritative word of God on which their destiny depended.”

When Jesus said, “I say to you,” He had the full authority to do so. His was (and is) the ultimate "I". What He said took preeminence over whatever else was perceived or believed. Yet He did not lord it over people. He teaches truth that gives life, with full view into eternity.

And He had a vested interest. (Still does.) He didn’t call the shots from the sidelines. He got His hands dirty and He got in the game. He invested Himself in people. His people. His creation. His actions backed up His words. He took what He said all the way to the cross -- lived them out to the finish...and beyond.

He was fully aware of our inevitable outcomes and stepped in to change them. To give us an option. He paid the price with His life to earn the right to yours.

Jesus spoke God's words to reconcile relationships and save souls, not to recruit people to an organization of fallible ideals. Merrill went on to say:

“’I say unto you;’ marks the authority Jesus possessed and constantly asserted.” [His teachings were not] “organized around a system but around himself, and their value depends on who he is.”

By His Sonship He has authority. He has authority over nature, over the spiritual realm, and in this world. Jesus came to proclaim God’s truth and was given full authority by His Father, God, to do so.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

[Mt 24:35]

A lot of things in this world do not stand up over time or under pressure. Hypothesis are often proven wrong. The promises and statements of many frequently fail or fade away. But the teachings of Jesus Christ have stood the test of time. His "I say to you" a word you can trust...follow.

But isn’t there something in us that resents being told, though? Yes! It wears a name -- pride.

A popular phrase of the day reflects this precise attitude. “You’re not the boss of me.” Why, there’s even a book and a song bearing that title. We hate being told. (I have two teens that will attest to that. Under coercion, of course!) We may not be so bold as to give voice to that attitude, but don't our actions sometimes reflect it?

A Greater Authority reigns -- whether we acknowledge and recognize Him or not. He has been given divine authority by The Only One who wields it completely. And it was not only given – it was earned.

Do I  heed His full authority over my life? As the Lord and Master I have confessed Him to be? Not merely in word, but action and obedience?

The world may tell me one thing. And my flesh, quite another. But The One that has said; “But I say to you” is the One to heed. In every last detail of my life.

Those that personally heard, "I say to you" are our example:

"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them."

[Mt 21:6 emph]

Lord, Adonai; Reign supreme in every last bit of all of me.

So that...

so that people may see and know,

may consider and understand,

that the hand of the LORD has done this,

that the Holy One of Israel

has created it.

[Is 41:20]

Tree of Life Imagery

He who has an ear,

let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To him who overcomes,

I will give the right to eat from the tree of life,

which is in the paradise of God.

[Rev 2:7]

I imagine the Tree of Life,

Resplendent with the glory of the Lord,

Adorned in colors of Autumn.

The gold of grace,

The red of passion,

The orange of courage,

The green of hope.

With two missing limbs,

That crafted Cross Beams,

Eternally bathed in glorious Light.

Branches bow in gentle fall breeze,

Leaves dance, rustle, and wave,

A joyful song of worship and praise.

A Family Puzzle

Have you ever tried to put a puzzle together without the lid? I mean, it’s the top to a box! It’s not even part of the puzzle, is it? Or is it? It sure makes it harder without the picture. Without knowing what it’s suppose to look like…turn out like.

How about this? Same puzzle. Ever try to figure it out without all the pieces? You can’t successfully complete it when part of it's missing, now can you?

And what if your life suddenly resembles a puzzle? You don’t have the lid (you’re missing the big picture) and you can’t complete it on your own (because you don’t hold all the pieces).

Well, I’ll share what I’m learning personally in just such a dilemma. I'm following God’s leading by turning to others in the family of Christ. Respected people of integrity with shared values and with knowledge of God and the teaching of Christ. Trusted individuals and fellow-disciples that will guide in His will and His way.

Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down,

his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls

and has no one to help him up!

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

[Ecc 4:12-19]

I don’t have all the answers. (I hardly have any!) And the ones I do have can’t always be trusted. So, how then am I to align my choices to God’s will and the Lordship of Christ without looking to others within the Body for direction? How am I to make wise decisions, pleasing to God, if I need the pieces they hold?

I'm just rambling details that are merely the way God is teaching me the same lesson He wants us all to learn. To experience. My little story just communicates a bigger truth: God is creating a family in Christ that is meant to live out our lives in concert with one another - for He is among us.

He ministers to us through us. Led by the Holy Spirit, He is making kingdom servants stronger to fulfill His purpose, conduct His business, carry out their part of His plan, via each other. If we are faithful.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

[Prv 27:17]

When He places you on a certain path, you must move forward. With each step, you seek answers. His answers. Answers from the people He places before You. People that maintain the same focus…Christ. That have the Bigger Puzzle in view.

Their words are not whimsical, but weighty. Not wishful and magical, but sound and sensical. For although my business deals with the material they help to keep an eternal perspective. To consider those more important issues below the surface and beyond the immediate. The unseen that matters most and stretches beyond time.

We discuss our concerns with God through prayer but the only voice you hear audibly in prayer is your own. And when you need to hear a word from the Lord, the counsel through His own is often His voice in answer to those prayers.

Keeping our eyes on the King at times requires relying on the members of the kingdom as well as the King. Christ Himself had someone to help Him carry His cross. He did not object. Nor was there shame in it. The cares of this life can at times become quite burdensome. Jesus knew that all too well. He has invited us to cast them upon Him. And He has brought us into fellowship with Himself and a community of believers to encourage one another in living lives obedient to God.

Would you not agree that we are more apt to be faithful and true in community? That when we ask God, according to His Word, for integrity and uprightness to be a protection for us, we need the aid and influence of like-minded folk?

As I gather and assemble the pieces God is bringing to me, I consider them a gift of His love and proof of His involvement in my life through the lives of others. I'm getting a better picture of the direction to take and the decisions to make...one piece at a time.



As I fit together the puzzle of this life, I praise You, Father. I give thanks for Your desire for relationship with us -- and for us.  I give thanks for the love, support, and guidance received from Your family. Grow us, together under the Headship of Christ, as we use Your gifts together to spur one another on. Thank You for answers received to questions and prayers asked. By them may You be glorified and may our faith and unity mature.

Heart ~ Soul ~ Mind ~ Strength

God is to be praised

by the quiet heart stayed

for He is the peace residing within

God is to be praised

by a soul that He has saved

for He is the Merciful, Most Gracious One

God is to be praised

by a mind choosing to obey

for He is trustworthy in all His ways

God is to be praised

by strength held fast in faith

for He is the Powerful El Shaddai

Love the LORD your God

with all your heart

and with all your soul

and with all your strength.

[Dt 6:5]

Reposted from the Archives
Copyright Debbra Stephens
Use by permission only

Touch Me, Lord

Touch my heart, Lord,

to be still.

Touch my tongue, Lord,

to be quiet.

Touch my ears, Lord,

to be open.

Touch my mind, Lord,

to be alert.

Touch my eyes, Lord,

to be dry.

Touch my hands, Lord,

to be willing.

Touch my feet, Lord,

to be ready.

Touch my will, Lord,

to be obedient.

Copyright Debbra Stephens

Use by permission only

Art:

Michelangelo

Creation of Adam

The Finger of God

Prayer-Poem for Holy Spirit Comfort

Holy Spirit Litany

(edited)

by Robert Herrick

(1591-1694)

In the hour of my distress,
When temptations me oppress,
And when I my sins confess,
 .....................Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When I lie within my bed,
Sick in heart and sick in head,
And with doubts discomforted,
.....................Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the house doth sigh and weep,
And the world is drowned in sleep,
Yet mine eyes the watch do keep,
 .....................Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the tapers now burn blue,
And the comforters are few,
And that number more than true,
.....................Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When, God knows, I'm tossed about,
Either with despair, or doubt ;
Yet before the glass be out,
 .....................Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the judgment is revealed,
And that opened which was sealed,
When to Thee I have appealed,
 .....................Sweet Spirit, comfort me! 

When Your Lights Grow Dim

My car is an older model which means my headlights are also an older model. There have been many advancements in headlights lately. The smaller the bulb, the more powerful the beam. When they’re coming at you, it’s enough to blind you (especially those blue ones!).

Winding my way around a curvy road in the black of night, a new car pulled up beside me in the next lane. The beams of light shone far and wide -- as if the skies had parted. It was the most remarkable light. Crisp, clear, pure light. A party for my eyes. We hung neck and neck for several hundred yards. Gradually he peeled away, zooming into an ebony veil. Leaving me behind to limp my way home with my puny, dim ray.

My mind went to the wisdom of Solomon (ref Ecc 4:12), “three strands are not quickly broken” (don’t ask me why -- or how rope correlates to light). But it did cause me to reflect on the innate one-another need Jesus-followers have to walk the Way of Christ.

When I am weak and my light flickers dimly, I need depend on the beam of a godly friend to show me the way. To come beside and brighten the view before me. Help me to see things lurking in the shadows. I should look to the strong beam of a more mature Christian when I reach an unfamiliar bend or stretch of unchartered territory. Glean insight from an experienced traveller.

Oncoming life racing straight at us can make us wince or cast a glare that momentarily stuns or blinds us altogether. Bound together we are stronger. Combining lights creates an even brighter beacon.

Come alongside one that could benefit from your shared beam. One that needs a little added light in the dark of night.


Giver of All Light; You have made your Light to shine in our hearts. Teach us to freely share the Light You give us to help illuminate this world.

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house."
[Mt 5:15]

From Prayer to Praise

Psalm 142

A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.

I cry aloud to the LORD;
I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy.
I pour out my complaint before him;
before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who know my way.
In the path where I walk
men have hidden a snare for me.

Look to my right and see;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."

Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.

Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.



Note the subtitle: "When he was in a cave. A prayer." Having recently been in a few caves, I completely understand that if you're there hiding out you have cause for prayer -- loud crying, even.

This was a cry for deliverance in a time of desperation. Can't you just hear it? Feel it? The pain, the anguish, the desperation?

Have you had times when you have felt pursued, abandoned, trapped? Creditors chasing you down, hounding you day and night; been left to face difficult challenges alone; have limited options. (Circumstances may vary.) These feelings can result from a variety of life experiences. But no matter the situation, The One to call is the same. The One who answers never changes.

I told 99 year-old-jewel just yesterday; "I can't imagine the size of the warehouse where God stores our prayers -- and they're all checked, Answered."

You may feel that there is nowhere else to turn. Hunted and weak, vulnerable and overpowered. Call to God. Be it a loud cry or a faint whisper. Shatter the prison holding your tongue, your heart, your faith. It's sure to turn to praise.

Have you ever started a prayer in worry, pleading for mercy, then have it dissolve, melt like wax, morph into confident praise? As if the Holy Spirit unleashes your pent-up faith-memory, turning it loose to run free in the boundless garden of grace.

Think back to Jesus' prayer; "Take this cup, take this cup," closed with; "Thy will be done." Or Paul; "take this thorn, take this thorn," to "God's grace is sufficient."

What are you facing today? Take it to God in prayer. Because in the midst of "it all" (whatever that may be for you), God's goodness is unchanging. He has been -- and will continue to be -- good toward you. Then turn that prayer to praise of a God Who Is God -- in all His splendor and goodness.


God of Infinite Goodness; Enlighten our hearts to your character. Be in every broken heart crying out in prayer and bless them with Your perfect peace in order to see Your goodness. You are to be praised -- both now and forevermore. You alone are God. You alone are good. You are above all else that pursues and plagues, pesters and pummels. Set us free to praise You.In Christ, Amen.

Aloof Dangers

Before The Golden Rule, before the Samaritan Parable, there is Obadiah expounding the universal "reap-what-you-sow" principle.

"As you have done, it will be done to you;

your deeds will return upon your own head."

[Ob 15]

In this brief book, Obadiah gives yet another much needed admonition against being indifferent to a suffering neighbor.

Here, the Edomites did not actively participate in the wrongs against Jerusalem -- but they did nothing to help either. They rejoiced at their misfortune. God's pronouncement in this transgression: "you were like one of them."

We can choose to remain aloof and do nothing when a neighbor suffers, the danger however is that "from there" God can still exact justice.

"Though you soar like the eagle

and make your nest among the stars,

from there I will bring you down,"

declares the LORD.

[Ob 4]

Verses 12-14 contain eight "do nots" worthy of noting, all leading up to the exclamation point:

"The LORD has spoken"

The pride of our hearts have deceived us -- we who live sheltered in the clefts of the rock, high in our lofty dwellings -- who say in our hearts, "Who will bring me down to the ground?" (adapted) May Your Word continually shine light into this prideful heart to reveal those things hidden that need extracting, creating a more neighborly attitude.

Prayers of the Saints

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

to whom belong wisdom and might.

He changes times and seasons;

he removes kings and sets up kings;

he gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to those who have understanding;

he reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what is in the darkness,

and the light dwells with him.

To you, O God of my fathers,

I give thanks and praise,

~Daniel
aka Belteshazzar
602 BC
As recorded in Dn 2:20-23a ESV

The Long Arm of the LORD

We like the truth of the thought; "God is with us wherever we go." We find comfort and gain strength in realizing there isn't anywhere we can go beyond His reach, His sight, His care. I think of it as the "long arm of the Lord."

When I feel insignificant, invisible, overlooked, under-appreciated, it gives me a real boost to remember my value in God's eyes.

Like words in Isaiah 46 that tell me God has upheld me since conception, carried me from the womb. That He will see me through to my old age.

"Even to your old age and gray hairs

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

[Is 46:4]

Created, carried, saved. The Sovereign God is personally involved in my life from beginning to end. Verse 10 goes on to promise that His purpose will stand. Beautiful! Powerful!

Prudence, however, remembers the other facet on the continuum in relation to God's holy character. A reminder brought recently to the forefront of my memory.

Reading many of the books of the Minor Prophets camp side last week, I read Amos one daybreak before we set out day hiking."From there," a phrase from chapter 9, took hold and was carried along on my journey.

Spelunking 60+' under Kentucky bluegrass, exploring the beauty God has placed below for the curious to discover and evoke worship, "from there" echoed between ears and cave walls alike.

From there. God was with us from heaven and the cave. In the darkness deep below earth's surface. Even from there He could sustain. Especially from there.

I took notice of the dwelling creatures. Are they hiding? Ah, but you see, Amos had warned, none can hide.

"From there," I murmured under breath, over trails that took us under and over ground. From caves to hilltops. From there the long arm of the Lord had access.

"From here God can see. From here God can save. From here God can judge, exact justice," replayed in my mind.

"From there...."

Amos tells of the justice of God and warns of judgment on "the day of the LORD". He makes it clear that fugitives are found wherever they run. Escape is impossible from the long arm of the Lord.

From heaven to hell, mountain to sea. Wherever they think to hide on their own or taken by enemy into captivity. Wherever or however....found--always.

From Golgotha's Cross. Even from there. Especially from there the long arm of the Lord stretched wide in judgment.

From wherever, He is with us. From wherever, He sees us. From wherever, He will find us. Good, bad or indifferent, the long arm of the Lord holds.



May my perspective of You, Holy God, always be a healthy balance. You are merciful. You are just. You are with us. You see, You save, You judge....from there.