Tag: trust

Herod’s Decision

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

King Herod failed royally when faced with two historic decisions that revealed his pretentious pride and pathetic insecurity.

The Wise Men came to Herod’s palace seeking the newborn king, which was sensible. But when they told Herod a star had led them from the east in search of a new King, they rocked his world. He directed Jewish leaders to research the Magi’s claim and found it to be accurate. Decision one: Protect his kingship. Find this child under the pretense of wanting to honor him.

Aided by the results of the king’s research, the Magi found the Child in Bethlehem, presented their gifts, and worshipped Him. Herod had asked them to come back and tell him where to find this new king, but they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod and took a different route to their home country. They rocked Herod’s world again.

He was furious when he realized he’d been outwitted. Decision two: Double down on protecting his kingship. Find this child-king and make no pretense of worship—kill him. To ensure he destroyed the king-child, he ordered the murder of every boy under two. There was no Mary-like humility, no Joseph-like submission, only militant pride.

A decision is a personal choice, and there is always a choice. Only a humble, submitted heart—one that wants what God wants—will keep pride and resentment from affecting a choice. Obedience can make us uncomfortable and often brings challenges, but God is watching, guiding, and protecting us, as He did for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Lord, may our hearts seek only you, and nothing of self, pride, or control. You are fully trustworthy.

Quote is from Matthew 2:13.

Established & Eternal

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

In five days half of America will be relieved and the other half will be devastated.

Has there ever been an election more emotionally charged? I dare say, not many are overjoyed with our options. I hear phrases like, “the lesser of two evils” and “vote policy, not personality” spoken with both panic and resignation.

We may forget that our single vote is not the determining factor. Nor is the electoral college. Nor is the last minute campaigning. As much as news outlets alarm us, the psalmist calms us. He refocuses us in Psalm 75:1-2 with God’s words.

“I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”

God’s vote is the determining factor. “He brings one down, He exalts another” (v7).

Is that too simplistic? Faith is simplistic. It’s affirming that God is God and I am not. The sum of my intelligence, influence, and intuition amounts to an anemic, limited understanding. I will gladly defer to the God who holds the pillars of earth firm, measures time in His hands, and judges with justice. I don’t know what tomorrow (or next Tuesday) will hold, but God knows the end from the beginning.

I invite you to simply rest. Trust the Creator of the world—He is dependable and steadfast—for time and eternity.

Prominence & Power

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

. . . 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.”
Daniel 2:20-22

When driven by paranoia and fear, we suspect and accuse. We are convinced we know the facts but, when honest, we admit we can be wrong. We need to rely on a source greater than ourselves.

Wisdom and knowledge that comes from God teaches us about Him and His ways—how He acts and what He values. It reveals His power and sovereignty. It gives us discernment that is informed by His written Word. Then we live the best we can, conscientiously making choices based on principles revealed in the Bible.

We may be suspicious but we don’t actually know what dwells in the hearts of men. Therefore we must not accuse, blame, or call names, but trust in God. He assures us that wrong will be made right, evil will be held accountable, and the coming judgement will be just.

We vote, but God appoints. He removes and sets up leaders by His wisdom, according to His plan, and for purposes we cannot fathom. So, friends, do not fear. Do not hate. Do not despair. God is on His throne.

Believing and Adjusting

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

What do I believe when I hear reports of the wrath and destruction of war? Or when I gape in disbelief at the devastating pictures of nature’s unrestrained power? Or when I witness the aftereffects in our son’s body after only one week of chemo? Or when I cringe at the rage displayed in the current civil war in America? I will be overwhelmed if I fail to adjust what I see by what I believe.

I adjust my line of vision from what is before me and focus my eyes higher. I look up—to the God who sees all, knows all, and, yes, controls all. I believe in His purposes, His heart, and His sovereignty. I don’t argue with things too high or complex for my understanding.

I adjust my thinking and take my cue from the Psalms, professing ultimate, unequivocal truth.

The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
    indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
    you are from all eternity. Psalm 93:1-2

I will adjust my mind to dwell on what I know is true because what I see and understand is limited, too short-sighted. The God I believe is unlimited and sees the end from the beginning—I will choose to believe in Him, His grace, and His salvation.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart