JOY

“…The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

  

  

Today I’m choosing joy! I opened Facebook this morning and read lyrics to the song, “Joy of the Lord” by Rend Collective. Since the group was new to me, I went to Youtube and listened to the whole song.  I’ll be listening to more of their music in the future.

I particularly love how this song dispels a commonly held mistaken idea that joy comes from our circumstances.  Consider the opening words, “Though the tears may fall my song will rise my song will rise to You. Though my heart may fail my song will rise, my song will rise to You. While there's breath in my lungs I will praise you Lord.” 

Praising God is a decision! And where does the strength to make such a decision come from?   The song’s refrain quotes from the words of Nehemiah to the people of Israel.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength.  In the darkness I’ll dance.  In the shadows I’ll sing. The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Then this afternoon I stopped at an estate sale and found this.

The tomb – a place of sadness and mourning, yet emerging from the tomb, the One who fills our hearts with JOY.

I have this spice tin in my kitchen.

 It's a reminder to put joy into everything we do.

Seeing it is a reminder of my dear friend, Joyce Baer, a missionary we served with in Africa. She lived joyfully and she helped others praise God in difficult times. After leaving Africa, she sold these little spice tins, each with a message.  I was privileged to acquire some.

And see that little girl on the tin?

I want to be her.

I want to exude joy, 

True joy, 

Joy that comes from the heart

Because of Jesus.  

Joyfully,

Ruth

Oh, and if you haven’t done it yet, check out “Joy of the Lord” by Rend Collective on YouTube.

       

Safe Landing

"Jesus Christ is not my security against the storms of life,  but He is my perfect security in the storms. He has never promised me an easy passage, only a safe landing." 

(From Streams in the Desert)

No easy passage is guaranteed, but we can have a safe landing in a promised destination.

What a comforting statement!

Many miles of travel has reinforced for me the importance of safe arrival at the desired location. And as it is true for travel, it is especially true in this journey of life.

For some, the path is long and for some it is short. 

One of my favorite quotes is one by Dave Dravecky, 

"The length of our journey never alters the reality of our destination." 

The true path is narrow and there are obstacles and distractions along the way.  

But we can know that we will arrive at the promised destination if we follow the guide! 

He knows the way, 

He IS the way.

Without Him we are hopelessly lost.
With Him we have a safe landing.

Walk with me today, Lord Jesus,

     and I'll walk with you.

Talk to me today, dear Father.

     Tell me what to do.

Keep me on the narrow path

     when my feet are prone to wander.

Help me focus on the truth

     and my home up yonder -

Where the sadness and the sorrows of this life will be no more,

Where my eyes will be beholding the One we now adore. 

And forever reunited with those who've gone before,

We will worship at the feet of Him -

The Life,

The Truth,

The Door. 

Thank you, Father, that we can know the way because of Jesus.

Satisfying the Multitude

This month found me reading and re-reading events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As Mark records the incident of Jesus on trial before Pilate, he writes these troubling words. “Wishing to satisfy the multitude, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15, NASB)  Or, as the New King James Version states, Pilate wanted to “gratify the crowd.” 

And we know how that turned out!

Satisfying the demands of the multitude sometimes leads to devastating consequences.

And this made me wonder if there have been times I’ve gone against conviction to “satisfy” or “gratify” the demands of others.

And if so, why?  

     Because it’s easier?  

     Because being one voice can feel ineffective, even frightening, against other strident                        dissenting voices? 

     Because it may cost me something to go against the crowd?

     Because standing up for truth is becoming increasingly unpopular?

In today’s cultural climate it is not always easy to be one voice.

When the world calls right wrong and wrong right,

When conviction is viewed as intolerance and bigotry,

When truth is labeled hate-speech – it may be easier to “gratify the crowd.”

But – at what cost?

In the case of Jesus before Pilate, we know God had it covered.

That God’s will and mission will not be thwarted.

But we have to live with our choices and the words we speak or don’t speak.

May God give us courage to stand up for right even when it goes against the crowd. And to make the choices that point others to the Savior of the world. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

 Psalm 19:14

The Day After

  

Was it a day like today – gloomy, rainy, depressing, dark?  It could have been. 

For some it was a day of intense sorrow and mourning mixed with fear.  

The One they followed and loved, the One they gave the last three years of their lives to, the One in whom they had placed their hopes and dreams of a glorious future –

Jesus - was dead.

The cross was empty 

but the tomb was full. 

And now, where was their hope for the future?

For others it was just another day.

One more criminal put to death on a cross outside the city.

Business as usual.

It wasn’t going to affect them much if one more person died.

It’s not much different today.

The significance of the cross is lost on some.

Lives go on, unaffected by the sacrifice.

But for the believer –

the cross changed everything!

Satisfying the justice of a holy God, 

the cross bridged the uncrossable gap between God and man.

We can be forgiven because one day over 2000 years ago Jesus paid the price.

Forgiveness is extended because of the cross.

But the hope of life eternal?   

That came the next day!  

Nothing But The Blood  -  Words & Music: Ro­bert Low­ry, 1876

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

           Oh! precious is the flow
           That makes me white as snow;
           No other fount I know,
           Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thankful for the cross.

On the night he was betrayed ...

Reading the Gospel account of the Easter Story I am struck anew by the myriad of emotions beginning with that night - the night they took him:

- Hostility from those who came with swords and clubs to take him from the garden where he prayed

- Deceitfulness of the betrayer

- Misplaced courage of the disciple who lashed out with the sword

-Fear of the disciples who “forsook him and fled”

-Hatred of those who spit on him, struck and mocked him as he was questioned by the high priest

-Fear that gripped Peter when he was identified as a follower of Jesus, fear leading to his denials and bitter weeping.

And through it all – the calm voice of the Savior – the one really in charge!

“The hour is at hand…

Let us go…

The betrayer is at hand…”

“Friend, why are you here?”  (spoken to the betrayer)

“Put up your sword.” (to the would-be defender)

“I could ask my Father and he would send more than 12 legions of angels to defend me – but Scripture must be fulfilled.”

And to the mob, “Do you come with swords and clubs to take me like a thief, when I was with you teaching every day in the temple and you didn’t take me then?”

And before the high priest, he calmly “held his peace.” He responded to the questions with simple honesty, though he knew he would be condemned by his answer when asked if he was the Christ.

“Thou hast said; nevertheless hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

Jesus spoke truth – fully aware of the consequence – aware that the truth would incite more hatred towards him. Yet he was fully in charge even when bound and “led away.”

He knew power was available to save him – power that could wipe out the lying, deceiving accusers who opposed him. He knew he could be vindicated in the eyes of everyone.

But he set aside his own self-justification to provide a way for us to be justified.
And that way led to the cross. 

Early in the Morning

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

In the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

What is it about early morning that makes it easier to draw close to God?

Maybe it’s the quiet peaceful calm before the bustling activity of the day.

Or before the noise of a wide-awake world hurrying to get to the next place, do the next thing, and accomplish the next endeavor clangs into our consciousness.

Or before the demand of the urgent, knocking so loudly, drowns out the still, small whisper of His voice.

Ah! The blissful strengthening balm of early morning moments with Jesus infuses peace and calm and courage. Holy moments bring order to a day that otherwise might deteriorate into chaotic disarray.Priorities are set, perspective is established, and the day comes to order.

The writer of the Gospel of Mark records at least four things that happened early in the morning:

Mark 1:35 Very early, while it was still dark, Jesus went to a solitary place and prayed.

Mark 15:1 Very early in the morning the religious leaders made their plans, bound Jesus and handed Him over to Pilate.

Mark 16:1-2 Very early on the first day of the week the women went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.   

Mark 16:9 Jesus rose from the tomb early on the first day of the week.

Jesus’ work and the devil’s work began early in the morning. It’s best we are with Him at that time of day.  Jesus was praying. He was active. His followers were seeking him!

Satan was active also, filling men’s hearts with evil murderous plans. 

God, I want my day to be ordered by You – my plans to be Your plans.

Early I want to be seeking You.

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You…” Psalm 63:1(a) NKJV

Birthday Musings

Mom, my brothers, and me.

February is one of those months that make me think of Mom, especially today, my birthday.  I am grateful that she had me, that she didn’t stop having babies after my brothers were born. I remember her telling me that the doctor said if she wanted more children not to delay, so I was born less than two years after my brother Paul. I was her last baby.

I think children never fully appreciate their mothers until they become parents themselves. It’s only then that they know the sacrifices, the love, the pain and the joys of parenthood. Mothers are so often taken for granted. There is the assumption that they will always be there, always available, always know what to do. But that’s not true. Somehow mothers aren’t supposed to feel deeply or wound easily. But they do.

Mothers so often set aside their own desires and needs, putting themselves last for the sake of the children. Mothers don’t always know what to do, can’t always fix everything, and need sleep! They do the best they can and somehow, by the grace of God, the children reach adulthood and the cycle continues.

Today, Mom, I think of you. I wanted to go to your house for roast beef after church. I wanted to tell you how much I love you. I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me all those years. I am grateful. 

Somehow I think you know.  But if not, I’ll see you again someday and I’ll tell you then. 

Won’t Heaven be wonderful!

My Verse and Prayer for today

"For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth." Psalm 26:3

Today, Lord, help me to take special notice of Your lovingkindness. All around me I should see (if I pay attention) ways that You act in lovingkindness toward me. Help me keep my eyes on You so that I do not become distracted by worldly endeavors. Please show me where to go, what to do, who to encourage. May I be Your instrument of blessing today.
Please bless those who are discouraged,
Revive the tired,
Comfort the grieving,
Strengthen the weak.
You, Almighty God, are all we need today.
Your arms uphold us,
Your truth guides us,
Your loving kindness envelopes us,
Your grace forgives us,
Your peace sustains us.
Without You we can do nothing,
With You all things are possible.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
May I be Your obedient servant.
I go now in the confidence of your love.
Amen.

More Treasures to Ponder (Part 2)

If you read my last post of 2015, Treasures to Ponder, you may recall that I ended the year encouraging us to ponder treasured memories as did Mary, the mother of Jesus.
If you haven't read that post, go back and read it!

Luke 2:51 "And his mother treasured all these things in her heart."

To the treasures already stored there:
The angel's pronouncement of the miraculous conception,
Jesus birth in Bethlehem,
Announcement of the heavenly host,
And the arrival of the shepherds,
Mary added even more moments to ponder.
The prophetic words of Simeon, "My eyes have seen the Salvation which thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel." (verses 29-35)
The thankful praise of Anna, (verses 36-38)
Jesus' growth in wisdom with the grace of God on Him (verse 40)
His conversations at age 12 with the religious teachers who were amazed at his understanding and his answers (verse 47),
His response to Mary's question, "Son, why have you treated us like this - we've been anxiously looking for you," to which he replied, "Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house?" (verse 49)

Mary's heart must have been full with the treasures of those first 12 years, as she was continually reminded that the future was totally out of her hands and up to God.
Just like ours!
We have memories to treasure, great things God has already done and mysteries we don't understand. Whether walking through the uncertainties of the here and now, or anxiously looking ahead to the perplexities of the future we can pull the treasures out of the memory box and be assured:

1. He is faithful
2. His Word is Truth
3. His will cannot be thwarted
4. God will make a way

Thank you, Father, for the treasured memories.
You have led us, provided for and protected us.
You have carried us through the valley of the shadow of death and have comforted us.
You have given your peace.
Thank you for the power of your forgiveness, your grace, your love.
Make me more like your Son, Jesus.
As we move ahead into this New year, help me whatever the circumstance to reflect the Son!

As you recall your treasured memories what will your prayer be for 2016?

Happy New Year!
May it be filled with many moments to treasure.

Treasures to Ponder

Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."

For generations Mothers have stored treasures in their hearts, thoughtfully pondering significant moments in their lives. 

Mary had many things to ponder:

The strange course her life had suddenly taken as she was chosen to bear the Messiah, 

The message of the Angel, 

The pregnancy of cousin Elisabeth, 

The dream of Joseph, 

The unusual call for a worldwide census prompting the trip to Bethlehem,

The visit of the shepherds who, in response to an angelic choir, came seeking the newborn child. 

And I wonder -

What are some of the things I treasure in my heart?
What causes me to ponder?

The older I get the more treasures accumulate, until I sometimes think my heart cannot possibly hold any more.

Memories from my early years at the Bible Camp my father directed,

Fun in our family home at the foot of the mountain,

Youth for Christ choir,

Church youth group,

Nursing school,

Meeting my husband, Pete, and the journey we've taken as a married couple - from PA to Illinois, to Tennessee, back to PA, to Nigeria, to PA, to Kenya, and to Kansas - each stop filled with moments to treasure and to ponder.

God's provision

God's protection

God's direction

The hurts

The healings

The helps

And with the birth of each of our children and grandchildren came many more moments to treasure and to ponder.
Each child, a unique treasure, dearly loved and wanted. 

Each memory like a shining pearl on a strand of best-loved pearls.

Sometimes life gets so crazy and hectic that we don't take time to ponder. 

Maybe now - in this last third of my life - it is good to think back, to remember and to recount, to lift my voice in thankful praise to God - who in His miraculous grace and mercy - gave me much to treasure.

How about you? What treasures will you ponder?

O Come let us adore him….

  

 First written in Latin in the 1700’s, the words of the carol, O Come All Ye Faithful, still resound throughout the world as Christians gather to celebrate the birth of Christ.  

I looked up the word “adore” and found this meaning:  ‘to worship or honor as a deity or as divine, to regard with loving admiration and devotion, to love or admire someone very much, to take great pleasure in.” (Merriam Webster online dictionary)

So when we sing the refrain we are saying, ‘Come let us worship Him, let us give him honor, let us recognize that He is divine! Let us admire Him with unhesitating devotion’.  And I wonder if we really mean what we sing.

Jesus said if you love me you will do what I say. So if I truly adore Him my life will reflect a humble obedience to His lordship in my life.

Ah, so what is there about Him to adore?  I challenge you this Christmas season to make an A-B-C list of qualities you admire about the Lord Jesus. Maybe it could be a family activity.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

He is Almighty, Benevolent, Compassionate, Defender …

What will your list look like?

  

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshiped him.”  Matthew 2:11a

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad and Mom Haken with the Grandkids

Today was my Dad’s birthday. He’s been gone 25 years already and I still miss him.

I can still hear him praying with me on the telephone whenever we talked.

I remember him witnessing to the nursing staff when he was in the hospital having chemo.

I remember him telling me from his hospital bed that I "married a good man.”

His love for people was only exceeded by his love for God. Although as a child I did not always appreciate it, I remember him reading the Bible at the table after supper and leading the family in prayer. I remember hearing him pray out loud with Mom in their bedroom at night and hearing my name as they prayed for us kids.

I remember him bringing unexpected guests home to have a meal with us, often at the last minute. I remember his love for missionaries and mission work.

I remember how much people loved his Bible teaching and I recall the hours he would spend in his downstairs study preparing. I remember how much he loved doing “the Lord’s work.” No task was too menial or too great – whether cleaning gutters at the Bible Camp, or preaching from the pulpit at various churches, or visiting the sick and imprisoned, or counseling those in troubled marriages, or leading a board meeting – it was all the Lord’s.

And I wonder why God took him so early? Why after only 68 years? And I don’t know.

Had he lived we would have celebrated his 93^rd birthday today. But he is more alive now than ever before because he believed it when God said, “I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish” and “Whoever has the Son has life.”

So, Happy Birthday, Dad. I couldn’t have asked for a better Father. God blessed me when He put me in your family. I love you.  (And yes, I still remember that you didn’t put up with us showing any disrespect to our mother. J)

And I sometimes wonder what my children will remember about me when I am gone.  What will yours?