I wonder if history has seen a time when II Chronicles 7:14 has been quoted more than it is now. We’re not very good at humility, and social media works against it, but maybe the pandemic urges us more closely toward the “humble themselves” part of the verse. Many of us have spent time giving serious thought to our sin and those of our nation, in order to “turn from our wicked ways”. Now all that’s left is for God to hear and forgive and heal, right?
There’s one more thing for us to do: “seek His face”. Do we think about God’s face? We think about who He is in history or what He gives or can give us or His creation. But seeking His face . . . Hmmm.
Scripture tells us no one can see God and live. I believe it. And to my way of thinking you don’t have to read much more than that to feel a huge amount of humility. And we know that Jesus is God incarnate, so to look on Jesus is to see God’s face. Of course others will say they see the face of God in His creation: nature, people in every walk of life, etc. Still others will say God doesn’t have a face because He is Spirit. I can’t disagree with any of it.
Still, this verse says, “seek My face”. I’ve just been thinking about finding what is beyond the usual answers. Is someone’s face the essence of their feeling and thought? Do we wear our history; our suffering and joy on our face? Can others see what we think of them when they look at our face? Do we fall in love the longer we spend gazing at someone’s face?
I think we will each come to a better conclusion if we work on this individually just now, not read what some blogger writes. If you come up with something by all means share it with the rest of us! For now, enjoy seeking God’s face. Spend time in His presence. Dwell there. See what happens. And I’ll see you when I see you – face and all.
Scripture source: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
We have honored others before You: music, media, and entertainment stars, politicians, those we admire, pets, special places, those we love and have loved. We have put these things first: jobs, reputation, leisure pursuits, goals, wealth, status, and causes. We’ve loved the earth and animals so much, that they became our focus. We worshiped the creation more than the Creator.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
We have erected beautiful cathedrals and church buildings to admire while leaving adoration of You on the threshold. We’ve admired physical fitness until those with great bodies gained attention and acclaim beyond what we give You. We’ve been more concerned with our safety than with proclaiming Your Name. We’ve named a show American Idol and watched it without flinching. We cheered the immunity idol without a thought. We think if we say we idolize someone or something it’s to our credit.
We’ve purchased buddhas we think are cute and toured religious relics the activity of which we thought made us sophisticated. We have tried to fit in to other cultures by covering our face or bowing our head. We’ve exclaimed over these things made of wood and stone, wax and clay, and left little time and energy for admiration of our actual Creator.
You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His Name.
We’ve carelessly thrown Your Name around like a trinket in speech, or used it in praise without a thought of who You truly are. We barely notice when Your Name is misused. We’ve been more concerned about how the worship team sounds and the songs that we sing than who is being worshiped. We’ve promised to pray and have not prayed. We’ve proclaimed Your power with faithless voices.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, not your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
We’ve become lazy about honor. We use the Sabbath as a day to catch up on work we didn’t do earlier. We shop. We take in entertainment or sports without acknowledging that a special day requires attention on Your creation, not our desires. We are undisciplined in reading Your Word; In praying and drawing ever closer to the One who loves us beyond description; In fasting to diminish our appetites for anything other than You.
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
We give honor when it is convenient and does not wear us out. We dismiss old wisdom because it seems out of date. We make many excuses, but are without one that is legitimate.
You shall not murder.
We speak death with our words. We’re harsh with those we don’t like and who we don’t understand. Our criticism tears their spirit and we admit no fault.
We kill infants who aren’t yet formed or who are tiny enough to be at our mercy. We call it abortion and choice, not murder and child sacrifice. We torture those of any age, finally sacrificing them on the alter of satan, himself. We drink the blood and laugh at the sorrow. And if we hear of such horrors, we dismiss them because we don’t want to admit they exist.
You shall not commit adultery.
We watch television and movies that make sexual promiscuity and deviance common and expected. We let it seep into our thinking. We trade one spouse for another and find a way to claim victimhood. We not only approve perversion, but commend it.
You shall not steal.
We take someone else’s ideas, words, or inventions without giving credit, and say they are ours. We seduce the singular affections of another’s friend or family and keep them for our own. We steal from small businesses who have no protection or big businesses because they can’t track it. We accept money from a government who takes it from someone else. In all the slippery ways there are to misuse another’s earnings, we’ve done it. We have taken money and laundered it to increase our own estates. We’ve stolen children from families who are destitute and claimed we would help them. Instead we have sold them over and over for a pervert’s sexual pleasure. We’ve mismanaged money – our own and in our government – and made excuses for both.
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
We’ve gossiped. We’ve misled others to make ourselves seem better and our sins seem less. We’ve said someone has done or said something they never did or said. We’ve threatened in order to gain confessions to reach our desired legal result. We’ve plotted and planned and written or leaked or lied or spread information that mislead others. We’ve censored information we didn’t want others to read or know.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
We’ve wanted someone’s success or reputation and allowed it to discolor thankfulness for what we have. We’ve thought about their fortune while dismissing our own, we’ve cared about their lives while missing the goodness around us. We’ve lived lives of ingratitude.
God in Heaven, These and so many more are our sins. We don’t know how you can look on our nation without turning away. And we are laying our sin before You right now. It is filthy. It is despicable. It is stomach-churning. It is tarry and awful. We know we are a hardened wasteland that ingests garbage and doesn’t care. We REPENT. We are so sorry. We want to change.
Please heal. Please pour Your Spirit on us. Purify us from our sin. Purify us inside and out. Our thoughts return to You and You alone can heal us. We ask for Your mercy.
There is a small room in my grandparents’ basement, built by two brothers. My mom’s two cousins needed housing while they attended Dunwoody Institute the year of the Armistice Day Blizzard. That November 11th day in 1940 was unseasonably warm, but ended with a two-day snowstorm that caught many off guard, even freezing some to death. As the storm hit, the two brothers walked approximately five and a half miles from school to home. By the time they walked through the back door of the house, the ear of one was frozen and covered with snow.
Later on that little room served various uses, but what I remember about it is that it had a small framed statement, maybe 6 x 8 inches, that said, Stop Worrying. You’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive.
I loved that sign. It brought a wry smile to my face the first time I saw it and every time afterward. From time to time that admonition has returned to me with its whimsical truth. It certainly echos these days in which our country is facing not one, but three (or more) challenges.
As we continue to endure the corona virus pandemic and shut down, some feel great concern over what could happen when folks begin to venture again into normal life. They are worried about catching this virus and what it can do to their health or the health of a loved one. We hear concerns about it mutating, though a highly respected doctor asserts the parts of it that mutate don’t affect the parts that respond to treatment. We have treatment for it, but not everyone agrees whether hydroxochloroquine + azithromycin (+ zinc) is effective. There are even disagreements about why people agree or don’t agree with its effectiveness. We have unanswered questions: do or did I have it and not know it, if people get it and have some or no symptoms how can they avoid giving it to someone else, what if I get it and am one of the few who suffer and die? Scott Kesterson wrote something that gave me pause: Reflect. Our time on earth is finite. When we die is unknown. What is certain is that we will die. Some will die tonight. I hope it’s not a new thing for people to think about their own death, but maybe it is. Some US citizens these days are only for the first time facing a mortal challenge.
Others feel great concern over their rights being taken away. Shouldn’t there have at least been a war before someone dropped the hammer and decided when and where citizens can go, who they can visit, and what they are allowed to purchase? Those with power are revealing who they are: concerned and focused or controlling and oppressive. Even Hollywood stars are getting into the act by parroting whatever script they are given. Not all of them, but some. (Those some, I would add, have probably been bought by someone unseen and powerful. It’s very sad to think someone gained fame and fortune at such a steep price.) Those who know the history of communism and those who only think they do have opposing perspectives.
The majority of us are probably somewhere in between; caring about public health, yet also caring about freedom; caring about the vulnerable, yet also caring about restricting government orders and the destabilizing nature of an economy in its death throes.
Yes, we have a load of trouble on our hands. We have pestilence. We have threats of war. And thirdly, we have the kingdom of darkness right here. We are only now waking up to the widespread practice of satanism among the wealthy and powerful. It walked into our house and poured its black, evil, vile presence all over the place. And whether we’re ready or not, we must fight it. We must banish it from our home and vanquish it as well as we can. And we must do so whether we’re scared or worried or weak.
These are worrisome times, but we have a God whose mighty hand can part seas, heal those who are sick, fight battles, and calm storms. That hand can even raise the dead! Why do we dismiss His power so easily? We are walking through our own Armistice Day blizzard of sorts. It took us by surprise! It’s difficult to see the path in front of us! Yet we know we must persevere in order to get to a place of safety and warmth.
Finally, let’s bring to mind not just worrisome things, but lovely things, too; because they are part of what strengthens us. As we walk this beautiful, weary world, it will do more good to let go of the things that weigh our journey down: hate, past troubles, worry, than to carry their sorry carcasses on our backs. There’s a lot to love and appreciate. Always. Even during troubled times.
Stop worrying. You’ll never get out of this world alive.
Bards of War, Scott Kesterson, https://www.Youtube.com/channel/UCOtB_qcFywPqu0uVwf6RPpw; Image: pexels.com; https://www.facebook.com/TippingPointonOAN/videos/282333452762416/?t=3
Things have already been strange. Very strange. Ever since Moses returned to his hometown in Egypt from his adopted desert home, unbelievable events have taken place. For one thing the Nile turned from water to blood for awhile. No, it wasn’t some weird algae thing. It was blood. You don’t believe me? Ask anyone. The stench was terrible and, of course, no one – not even the animals – could drink from it. Then frogs. Frogs! Really! They were all over the place. They’re slippery when you step on them. Did you know that? Not after they’re dead and dried up under the sun. No. When they’re alive and hopping all over the place and you can’t walk anywhere without stepping on them. I won’t even talk about the gnats that flew up our noses. But we at least got a reprieve from the flies – swarms of them – that were all over the place in Egypt. It was the same with the plague on the livestock. What a loss! Oh, not in Goshen. No, we Israelites were prevented that trouble here. And the boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. I kid you not. I almost, almost, began to feel sorry for the people who had enslaved us for hundreds of years – until I remembered how we were treated by them.
Now this. Moses and Aaron got us all together and said we’re supposed to take a year-old male lamb without any defects into our homes for two weeks. We’re supposed to make sure there are enough lambs to feed every family member. Then – slaughter! Yes. Just when we were starting to like the little thing. My brother even named it. He eats out of my hand, you know; his little tongue licking every last bit. But we can’t make excuses. He has to be slaughtered at twilight. Then my parents are supposed to take some of his blood and smear it on the sides and tops of the door frame. Every family in this town is supposed to do it. We won’t be the only ones crying over our little lamb.
We wonder what will happen at midnight, and everyone in the neighborhood has their own idea. But we all agree the Egyptians won’t do this. Oh! What if we can hear the wailing clear over here when every Egyptian household loses their firstborn: the Egyptians in prison clear up to the Egyptians in the palace. Horror! And Moses says be ready. After everything else that’s happened since he returned, we will do what he says. Don’t take time to let your bread rise. Eat lamb roasted over fire, along with bitter herbs and the bread that didn’t have time to rise. Pack a go bag because the Pharaoh will call for Moses and tell him he will finally grant his request to let us out of slavery. But we must hurry, hurry, hurry! Grab what we can and go! Go fast! And if some Egyptians give us some of their stuff to make us leave, well I won’t stop them. Plunder can be done in a variety of ways, can it not?
It’s twilight. Oh! The lamb! The bleating! The blood spatter! We cry, but we do what we’re told. We follow the instructions. Death will pass because of the lamb’s blood. We shut the door.
We’ve watched some folks from the entertainment business post strange videos on Instagram and Twitter, wondering what in the world they’re trying to communicate or what feelings they’re attempting to elicit.
Slowly masks are being peeled back during this time of pandemic. Truth is showing itself. We’ve watched this reveal, if you will, for awhile as some reporters seemed more hateful and biased and politicians more divided. Now we see entertainers crumbling. At least it appears that way, but with actors you can never tell. We hear things out of the Vatican that in the past we would never have dreamed of hearing. But we also see businesses stepping into the gap and citizens doing the necessary thing, the kind thing.
I think we might view this as a Sabbath rest. We didn’t ask for it. Boy, did we not ask for this. And some in the medical community or those who find themselves figuring out new ways to do their jobs or those who are battling illness don’t feel rested at all. But many of us are at home more. Together more. Without the distraction of extra things. It is unfamiliar territory, but there are good things peeking out from behind the curtain of our usually busy lives.
Around four or five months ago, I began celebrating the Sabbath. No, I am not Jewish and I don’t do the things our Jewish friends do for their Shabbat. I was raised to regard Sunday as the Sabbath and did so all of my life. Except church responsibilities made it a bit busy. So now I have a day every week – the original day God set aside in the Ten Commandments – to rest. This is what I have found:
In order to get everything done before Friday sundown, I hurry up and do the things I used to put off. I get grocery shopping done, the gas tank filled, the house cleaned, laundry done, the bills paid, meals and desserts cooked, my usual writing work attended to, piano practiced, Sunday School lesson studied, and yard work done on another day.
It was hard at first and I still have slip-ups from time to time. But I have found a new sense of order in my life. I’ve found that I get more done. It’s true! With a Sabbath deadline, it’s amazing what you can accomplish ahead of time. My life gets a weekly reset! Saturday is my mini vacation every week now. I have more time to read, to pray, to enjoy nature, and to do nothing. The week as a whole has an extra bit of peace injected into it.
While I fully intended to write a blog on the wonders of the Sabbath, I’m led just now to post this little bit because our dear world needs comfort and peace (stat!); and that’s one of the gifts of the Sabbath rest.
When placed in God’s hands, every bad, hard, and evil thing in this world can be flipped. In fact, Joseph said: You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good -so that it would come about as it is today, with many people’s lives being saved. While we are collectively shut down all over this world, we might just take the opportunity to gain a new understanding of what a slower pace adds to life. By subtracting, we find more! I wish you a peaceful Sabbath rest.
We’ve heard that we are fighting an invisible enemy. We certainly can’t see the Corona virus with which the world is contending. Who knows what else around us needs our alertness, our discernment, our will to fight? Maybe the personal things that pester us need more than a glance from us. Maybe troubles in this world that call silently need more than our helpless hope that someday things will be different. There are other things, people, and forces that have been invisible to us throughout history, as well. I alluded to it in the post https://www.myfiresidechat.com/2017/05/17/living-in-our-time/ .
So as we face something new to us and old to the world, let’s recall again words given to us many years ago.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
We fight an invisible enemy suited, ourselves, with invisible armor. We fight an invisible enemy by being unyielding in our stand against it. We persevere. And the very best way to fight – the most powerful way to fight – is with constant contact with our Supreme Commander, Jesus. Amor up and fight on!
We come before you as a nation – one nation under God despite what some desire. Yes, this nation is still Yours. And we acknowledge all You’ve done for this nation in your love and might. You influenced the Framers in its design. You’ve called people from many nations to come together with all of their gifts and perspectives and molded us together as one. E pluribus unum. You’ve given us freedom in which art, invention, business, and a multitude of other blessings have thrived; in which hometown parades are enjoyed; in which each one in a family is valued; in which we are free to say what we think regardless of how silly or wise. We know You have protected us individually and as a nation, and we are so very grateful to You.
But we must pray for forgiveness. We’ve become despicable with what we’ve allowed: course speech, perversion, selfishness, cowardice, laziness, gluttony. If there was way to break one of your commandments, we found it and did so or turned a blind eye to keep the peace. Oh Dear Lord, cleanse us. We are sick of sin. We are appalled at wickedness. Drive it out from among us! Purify this nation, we pray.
And now we ask You to heal us. Heal us of this flu. Heal the folks who have it and keep it from the folks who don’t. Heal us, too, of the fear that embraces us just now. Take it away, far away. Descend on us with Your peace and the knowledge of Your presence. If someone spreads fear intentionally, this is what we ask: we ask that every word will produce not fear, but faith; not cowardice, but courage. And we ask that those whose intentions are to destabilize us with fear – we ask that every word they speak will bring fear to them, that every effort to tear down will reduce them to dust. For we are not just sick from a germ. We are sick of lies and we are sick of deception and we are sick of corruption. So as we ask for healing from sickness, we ask for a clean sweep of evil in whatever form it takes. And we give you all the honor and glory.
