Ezekiel began a his career as a priest, having been raised and trained by his father, Buzi, in a Jerusalem temple. Unfortunately his career was short lived. In 598 BC he was taken, along with his contemporary Daniel, into captivity in Babylon. Daniel was hauled off to the court of the king while Ezekiel was led with others to live by the waters of Babylon.

Unable to perform his duties of the priesthood Ezekiel sat down with the others. But as they sat down and wept, Ezekiel looked up. (Psalm 137:1-2) “By the waters of Babylon, there we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.” (Ezekiel 1:1) “While I was by the river Chebar among the exiles the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.”

In the midst of difficult situations we are usually faced with two choices - we can “sit down and weep” or we can look up and see God. There certainly is a time and place for weeping. (Ecclesiastes 3:4) But the Israelites hung their harps in the trees (Psalms 137:2) and fell into despair. Solomon said in Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

As believers our “vision” is often a spiritual understanding of what God would have us to do according to His Word in the midst of our situation. Without His wisdom we despair.

God gave Ezekiel a new mission. He was no longer priest, but prophet. (Ezekiel 2:3-5) “I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against me….As for them, whether they listen or not…they will know that a prophet has been among them…”

I am encouraged and comforted that my God will answer when I call, that I will be found by Him when I seek Him. I just want to remember to look up, to be a visionary, to trust Him and be full of hope. I want to see and reflect His glory even in the toughest of times.

Lord, help us all to keep looking up.

“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, clothe yourself with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…and beyond these things, put on love which is the perfect bond of unity.”  Colossians 3:12, 14a

Sundays were always “dress up” days when I was a child.  Fancy dresses, patent leather shoes, hat, pocketbook and white gloves.  And as I grew older I donned high heels, that were progressively higher according to my age, and nylons with seams up the back that were next to impossible to keep straight.  It was unheard of to leave the house “underdressed”.

Needless to say, when Jim and I moved to Oregon in 1975 I had a few too many “fancy dresses” in my closet.   The fashion statement of the northwest dictated that I wear something different, even to church.  Over the years I have adapted to the more relaxed lifestyle and have all but forgotten the “dress up” days of my youth.  I appreciate more that ”man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.”

In Colossians, Paul tells me how I should dress, what I should put on and why.  Because God chose me and I am dearly loved by Him, He has asked that I put off my old self, clothes and all, and be dressed in the white clothes of His righteousness.  Revelation 3:5 says, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white…”

My new duds include, 1) compassion - I must have a heart of compassion and tender care for those around me in need.  2) kindness - I must be generous and sweet spirited and speak with gentleness and goodness.  3) humiltiy - I become humble as I recognize that the creator of the universe chose to create me and graft me into the vine.  I have no right to be arrogant among others who are also “…a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.” (I Peter 2:9)  4) gentleness - I must be self-controlled as I learn to be God-controlled.  I need to model the maker as He “….while being reviled, He did not revile in return..” (I Peter 2:23)   5)patience - With my fellow believers I must practice patience, never being driven to cynicism, bitterness, or anger, but instead forgiving just has I have been constantly forgiven. 6) love - I must put on love each day and wear it so that all men will know that I am a disciple of Christ.

There was an old saying, “All dressed up and no place to go.”  In 3 John 7, we see that some disciples “…went out for the sake of His Name.”  We, too, must put on our “Sunday best” and head out into a world that is desparately in need of some new clothes.   

A few weeks ago we read in 2 Kings 22 as King Josiah read the Word of God for the very first time and wept (it had been lost in the church).  He was eighteen years old, but Josiah led his people in the reading of the Word, then broke images and altars to false gods and abolished immorality.  Revival came to the kingdom of Judah. 

One hundred years later and after many years of captivity we see again the profound impact of God’s Word on His people.  Ezra had been, for years, committed to the study of the law and now he set out to teach it.  Ezra stood behind a wooden podium made for that purpose (Nehemiah 8:4).  (Perhaps it was much like the one Steve Maricle made for First B) As he opened the book all the people stood up (Vs.5)  He read from “early morning until midday” (Vs. 3)  These Israelites had been in captivity for seventy years and were hungry for the Word.  In fact, the writer says that “the people wept when they heard the words of the law” (Vs.9)  After hearing the Word they went out rejoicing and serving (Vs 10) and celebrating “because they had understood the words made known to them” (Vs.12)

I remember, too, when I really heard the Word for the first time.  I was nine years old.  I had heard many Bible stories, but this time it was different.  I listened as the pastor read to me from I John 2:12, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.” I wept, for I had received Christ and was experiencing great peace and joy from His Word. 

The writer of Nehemiah goes on to tell us in Chapter 9 of how the people listened to the Word being read for six hours and then for another six hours they confessed their sins and worshipped the Lord. 

The prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 15:16, ” Thy words were found and I ate them, and Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart…”  In Hebrews 4:12 we read, “For the Word of God is living and active…”  I pray that I will hunger more and more for His Word, that I won’t allow my Bible to become lost in my home or hidden on my shelf.  I pray that by reading it I will be drawn to confession and worship.  I pray that it will be a joy and a delight of my heart.  I will pray that for all of us at First B.

“…and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree.”  Romans 11:17b

 The eleventh chapter of Romans is my favorite chapter in the whole Bible.  I was more than a little excited when I discovered I would be writing my blog today.  Why is it my favorite?  Because without the truths of this one chapter, because of the kindness of God and His grace I would not be who or where I am today. 

In verse 22 we read, “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness….”  God had dealt with the nation of Israel severely, He had cut them off for being a “disobedient and obstinate people.” (Romans 10:21) Then God showed His kindness to me, to us.  We were grafted into the vine.  God’s chosen people had been the Jews.  But He set them aside temporarily in order to offer us salvation by grace.  In Colossians 3:12 Paul addresses us, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…”  What an honor, how merciful!

Because they missed the plane, we are invited to sit in their seats in First Class.  A great Bible teacher once said, “I could never be anti-Semitc.  I owe too much to them as a nation.”  You and I are benefiting from the nation of Israel.  Would God have given us a place in His kingdom had the Jews followed after Him?  As Paul says in verse 34, “who has known the mind of the Lord?” 

So I am humble and eternally grateful.  I never want to take my salvation for granted or respond to it with arrogance.  I am a wild olive grafted into the already cultivated, rich and blessed tree. 

I decided to Google “wild olive tree” and what I found was a profound if not prophetic statement:  The wild olive tree is a native North American evergreen.  This small tree is very rarely found and is even reportedly close to extinction.”  May this not be true for us.

I Samuel 25:39  “Blessed be the Lord, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back His servant from evil.”

David had been wronged.  And if not for the wisdom of a faithful woman (Abigail), he would have retaliated. 

It was the custom of the day and the law of the Lord (which David knew quite well), that strangers were to be treated with love and shown hospitality.  In the book of Leviticus we read, “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.  The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you and you shall love them as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)  David’s men had approached the wealthy Nabal seeking food, water and supplies.  But the “harsh and evil” Nabal met them with a resounding “NO!”  David became angry and sent his men to kill and plunder. 

But Abigail, the faithful wife and P.31 woman (Proverbs 31:12 “She does him good and not evil all the days of her life) intervenes.  Not only does she bring food and provisions to David, but pleads with him to forgive her husband.  David responds, “Go up to your house in peace.  I have listened to you and granted your request.”  Ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died.

I am reminded of times when God has asked me through His Word or the counsel or another to ‘let it go!’  It is not always easy to set aside grudges, brooding and retaliation.  Yet God’s Word is clear:

Proverbs 29:11 ”…it is to a man’s glory to overlook an offense.”

Proverbs 20:22 ”Do not say, ‘I will repay evil.’  Wait for the Lord, He will save you.”

Matthew 6:14  “For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Romans 12:17  “NEVER pay back evil for evil to anyone…”

Romans 12:19  “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

In the case of David and Nabal, justice came quickly.  Often we may not ever see the justice of the Lord delivered in our lifetime.  Yet we are called to remember the words in Deuteronomy 7:9, “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousand generations who love Him and keep His commandments.”  Hopefully, we will remember to ‘go to God’ and be able to say with David that “He has kept back His servant from evil.” 

Psalm 14: 1  “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no god.”

 Although I had been to Thailand on five previous mission trips, I had never been to the Grand Palace in Bangkok or seen the Emerald Buddha.  It was not what I expected.  The room where the buddha was located housed an ornate gold gilded altar, lighted candles and incense.  High above the altar was a very small, 26 inch, carved piece of jade (not emerald).  Enclosed in a glass case, the buddha was dressed for winter, covered with a golden shawl.  We were told there is an elaborate ceremony attended by the royal family when the seasons change and the buddha is redressed.  All around the room were delicate mother-of-pearl designs.  And all around the altar were people, prostrate before the buddha.  Everyone was told to be quiet - I wanted to scream, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING??”

Fools are usually thought to be “insane, stupid, or mad.”  Instead of madmen,  I saw the faces of hundreds of unbelieving men and women from a race of people I have grown to love.  It broke my heart.  The apostle Paul said in Romans 1:14-15, “I am under obligation, both to the Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.  I am eagar to preach the gospel…”   

On any given day in the United States a survey would reveal that nearly 85% of Americans believe in God (even if they deny the deity of Christ).  Many would say that it would be foolish to believe otherwise.  Our patriotism demands it, our dollar reflects it, we all sing “God Bless America.”  I am used to people “believing” there is a God.  It was an incredible eye-opener for me, personally, to witness a nation in such unbelief.  And there are so many others out there. 

Paul goes on to say that the wrath of God is revealed against the unrighteousness of men and to those who suppress the truth..because God made Himself evident to all men.  I am grieved that so many cannot see Him!  I sense that the “obligation” that Paul was under should be my own, but the masses of people in unbelief is overwhelming.  It also seems easier, somehow, to start with a people who have at least a baseline knowledge of God. 

But for today, back home in the USA, I will pray for those faces without names and without hope who each day are bowing before idols who have no power.  Will you join me?

Psalm 133  “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Unity.  What a small word with huge ramifications!  If you have experienced near perfect unity or suffered from the lack of the same, you recognize and have feelings associated with both.  Last February my husband and I were part of a mission team to North Thailand.  We would agree that it was a tremendous blessing to travel and share ministry with twelve Christian brothers and sisters, all committed to unity.  We laughed, cried, sang, taught, played, shared and prayed as one in the Spirit.  It was truly beautiful.

The Bible has much to say about unity.  Paul says in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”  Isn’t that the key?  A favorite quote of mine is “never let anyone or anything rob you of you peace or extinquish your joy.”  I want to do my best, as far as it depends on me to live at peace with everyone. 

Today we leave for North Thailand.  There are nineteen of us.  I am looking forward with anticipation to the joy and blessing of our team in unity.  Please pray for us.

The conversation in my car yesterday went like this:

“Grammy,” asked five year old Fisher, “can we go and buy a new toy?”

“No, Fisher.  There are only ten more days until Christmas and then you will receive lot of new toys.”

“What kind of toys, Grammy?”

“Oh, I can’t tell you - you will have to wait and see!”

“Is there one from you and Granddaddy?”

“Most certainly.”

“What is it?”

“Can’t tell you, Fisher.”

“But, Grammy, can’t we just go buy one toy right now?”

“No, sweetie.”

As we drove along I silently asked of the Lord.  “How can I help him, Lord, at this young age to curb his desire for things and to develop a ‘character free from the love of money (or things).’ I want to be able to teach him to content with all that he has.”

Today, as I read Hebrews 13, the Lord answered my question.  “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you…” (Hebrews 13:7)  That was easy. I thought of Mrs. Huff, my 2nd grade Sunday School teacher, and of Syndey Portis who was my mentor through high school and college. My godly grandparents, married for sixty three years, taught me to honor marriage.  Loving others, showing hospitality, visiting the sick and imprisoned, keeping the faith - it had all been modeled before me.

Then I read Hebrews 13:5 in the Kings James version of the Bible.  It reads, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have.”  In order to teach and lead Fisher and others I must watch my own speech.  How many times do I find myself saying, “Oh, I really need that,” or “I have to go buy one of those.”  How often do I complain about what I have instead of “offering up a sacrifice of praise” for all that is mine?  If ‘little pitchers truly have big ears’,  I must realize that I could be the guilty party and contributing to the discontent or greediness of my little ones.  So tonight when we babysit I will tell Fisher about the goodness of our Lord and the joy I am experiencing this Christmas.  It will be the beginning of a lifelong conversation - one that I hope is “without covetousness and full of contentment.”

“Call to Me, and I will answer You , and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3

 In Jeremiah 33:1 we read, “Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time…”  In the previous chapter the Lord had spoken to Jeremiah and told him to purchase land and put the deed to the land in a sealed jar so that it would last a long time.  It seemed like an odd assignment for someone in jail who was also aware that Jerusalem was being overtaken by the Chaldeans. Not exactly a good time for buying land. Jeremiah was confused.  But as Jeremiah prayed he received his answer from the Lord and the reason for placing the deed in a jar.  God’s plan was to bring His people back to the very land Jeremiah had purchased! (Jeremiah 32:37-38) It was meant to be a sign of hope and promise to His people. 

Our dear friend, Pastor Sayan, in Northern Thailand told us this story: “One day a man in our village came to us urgently in need of selling some land to pay his debts.  Out of our desire to help him and because the land was unbelievably cheap, we prayed and decided to purchase the land.  We took our church members to the land and prayed over it, giving it to the Lord.  After three years we still had no known purpose for the land and wondered why we had bought it in the first place.  Then a man came from Germany with a mission team and observed the work we were doing  - taking in young tribal girls to keep them from being sold into prostitution.  He promised to pray for us and see how they could help.  We did not hear from him for over three years.  Then one day a letter arrived.  Hans explained that he had been raising money and now was able to present us with a check to build a dormitory to house more girls.”  And that was the beginning of the Home of Blessing, which currently houses 116 girls.

It was 8 years from the time Sayan purchased the land until the dormitory was built.  It was nearly eighty years before the Israelites returned to the land purchased by Jeremiah.

I once heard that the definition of patience was “accepting something from God without giving Him a deadline to complete it.”  I want to see the “great and mighty things which I do not know”, I would just like to see them now.  But it gives me hope and increases my faith when I read the testimony of Jeremiah and Pastor Sayan.

I am encouraged by the verses in Jeremiah that tell me if I seek the Lord I will find Him and if I pray, He will listen.  And if I just give Him a call?  He will answer.

What great encouragement and hope are found in the life of King Hezekiah.  Not once, but twice, Hezekiah pours out his heart to the Lord and on both occassions God answers in the affirmative.  In Isaiah 37:21 God says, “..because you have prayed to Me..” and in Chapter 38:5 we read, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears..”

I know many sincere believers who have serious doubt about the effectiveness of prayer. Some have given up praying entirely, believing that since God has everything in control, theirs prayers are not needed.  Others have become discouraged because, unlike Hezekiah, years were not added to the life of a loved one.  One dear friend of mine will be forever convinced that if his faith had been stronger his prayers for his mother would have been answered.

Prayer is a mystery.  Is it my faith or God’s will that determines the outcome?  Do I pray once, believing and trusting, or continue to persist in prayer like the widow in Luke 18?  Hezekiah proclaimed before the Lord that he had “walked in truth and with a whole heart and had done good in His sight.”  What about me?  Do I have any sin that would hinder my prayers?  How do I resolve all the questions?  With three simple words - “because you prayed.”

God’s words to Hezekiah compel me to pray.  The old cliche rings true - “you’ll never know until you ask.”