Did you know that God is jealous?  He is. In Exodus 20:5 God says, “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them (graven images), nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God.”  It even carries a severe penalty because if you continue reading that same passage, it says “visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”  But it’s also followed by a promise in verse 6, “and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”

It’s sometimes hard to think of God as jealous, to associate Him with that word.  “Oh, but that’s just a mistranslation,” you might say.  “It really doesn’t mean jealous as Webster defines it: resentful of rivals or demanding exclusive loyalty.” Well, I checked out the original Hebrew word and yes, it means just that.  God is jealous.  And He is jealous over you and me.

The Bible, both Old Testament and New, are full of types and shadows. In the Old, Israel is likened to a wife.  In the New Testament, the church is called the “Bride of Christ.” But that’s not where it ends.  Like in any husband-wife relationship, the Bible calls our unfaithfulness to God, adultery. It also uses terms like fornication, whoring, as in “whoring after” other gods (Exodus 34:15). And after such spiritual unfaithfulness is committed, the Bible sometimes even uses words like “divorce” as in Jeremiah 3:8 “When for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I (God) had put her away and given her a bill of divorce.”

There can be no doubt that God is serious about our relationship with Him, and that He wants that relationship to be exclusive, intimate, and deep. So we must guard against spiritual adultery, guard against the things that in and of themselves don’t seem wrong but that can become idols in our life: materialism, ease, pleasure, success, or a dozen others; things that can fill our hearts and crowd out God. And don't forget one of the biggest idols of all: SELF.

God wants nothing less than first place in our heart. And He deserves nothing less.

Until next week,

Sylvia

The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning.  That means we can never use them up! We can never exhaust them! That means we can wake up each morning knowing that no matter how badly we’ve blown it the day before, God’s compassion, pity, forgiveness, kindness, sympathy, understanding, and benevolence will still be there for us.

I’ve already said in another blog post that if I were God, I wouldn’t have patience with vile humanity.  Why He puts up with us is beyond my understanding. But the Book of Hosea, both a picture of depraved mankind and God’s mercy, says it all.  In it, the prophet Hosea was commanded by God to marry the harlot, Gomer.  And he obeys, marries her, loves her, cares for her.  Even so she returns to her harlotry.  Yet in spite of her depravity, we see, in Hosea’s last chapter, God’s heart as he yearns for His people (symbolic of the harlot Gomer) to return to Him.

The Psalms tell us that God redeems our life from destruction and crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies (Ps 103:4), that the very earth is full of His mercy,(Ps 119:64) And then there’s this: “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.” (Daniel 9:9)

We’re all rebels at heart, and many times, even spiritual harlots.  It’s nothing to be proud of or to be worn as if it were a badge of honor. But it’s good to know that when we come to our senses, our merciful God is there waiting for us.

Until next week,

Sylvia

This may be a tough one for those who had less than stellar fathers.  Often we transfer any negative feelings we have for our earthly fathers onto our heavenly Father. This was true in my case. Being adopted, this concept of God as a loving Father was a bit difficult.  I mean, what loving father gives away his child?  The answer is that in this imperfect world, full of imperfect people, and imperfect situations, these things happen.  Fathers do give away their children, just as some fathers who keep them can be abusive or distant or uninvolved, critical and overly demanding, or possess a dozen other negative qualities. Countless works of fiction as well as psychology texts are filled with such stories, and all could make you cry.

So, in light of this, how does God stack up? Can we really compare Him to an earthly father? Well, yes, and no.  The best father is only a shadow of what our heavenly Father is like, for the best father suffers imperfections, as do we all, and God is perfect.  And that means He’s also a perfect father. His one overriding emotion for us is love.  He’s on our side; in our corner.  He’s there pulling for us; rejoicing over us when we succeed; hurting for us when we fail. 

But make no mistake.  He’s no pushover.  A perfect father wouldn’t be.  He knows how to administer discipline when it’s needed.  But the discipline is always done in love and with our best interest in mind. And it’s never administered in anger, frustration or disgust.

The Bible tells us that, “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV)  Now that’s a mouthful. But we can believe it.

God has a father’s heart, and it’s full of love for us.  And to me, the wonder is this: God knows us better than anyone—all those secret failings, that unbecoming nature, those unkind thoughts, and yet loves us anyway! Amazing.  And even more amazing is that this incredible God, the creator of the universe, wants to call us His children and to be the prefect Father to us.  He’s a Father we can tell anything too.  And why not?  He knows it all anyway.  He’s a Father we can count on.  A Father Who will never leave us or forsake us and Who loves us with an everlasting love.

The Bible tells us we are to honor our earthly fathers.  But let’s not forget to also honor God, our perfect heavenly Father Who yearns to call each of us His child. 

Until next week,

Sylvia

Who has not needed comforting sometime in his life?  Certainly everyone I know well. And though the comfort of family and friends is a true blessing, there’s no comfort like the comfort God gives.  Unlike the staying power of God’s comfort, the comforting power of the words of a brother or sister, a mother, father, friend often fades as soon as that person leaves and we are alone again. 

But if God’s comfort is so precious, where is it to be found? Well, for me it’s found in His Word, especially the Psalms.  They reach deep inside and can bring a peace that passes all understanding. Why is that?  Because God’s Word is alive and sharper than a two-edged sword.  It divides soul and spirit, and “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” leaving only truth.  It goes to the crux of a matter, soothing anxieties, fears, distresses; healing deep hurts; putting things in perspective.

There have been several times in my life when my heart has been sorely troubled: the death of a child, a reversal of finances, a serious family illness, professional disappointments, and others. And while friends and family were kind and provided what comfort they could, it was only when I sought God’s comfort that I was truly satisfied.  I would read the Word or spend countless hours listening to praise and worship CDs (which is often just God’s word set to music). And before I knew it, I’d be lifted above my discomfort, lifted to a place of peace and joy in spite of my circumstances.

Too often we wait for our circumstances to change.  If only this would happen or that would happen, we say, then we would be happy, then we would feel better. Really?  Don’t count on it.  Life is full of unexpected twists and turns capable of robbing us of our peace, our joy.  The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength and that Jesus will give us peace. And isn’t that what we all want?  To be strong?  To be at peace in a troubled world?  And there is only one Comforter I know Who’s capable of doing that for us.

Until next week,

Sylvia

What does it mean to be faithful? According to Webster the word “faithful” means reliable, steadfast, dependable. Applied to God, that means once you’ve entered into a covenant with Him, He’s there for you no matter what.  You can count on Him. It means that God’s own character, His own nature won’t allow Him to abandon you.  His own word says it all in 1 Corinthians 1:9 (amplified Bible) “He is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and therefore ever true to His promise and He can be depended on.”

Some people say when they read the Old Testament they see a God of wrath.  I see a God Who is faithful. A quick reading through Exodus alone shows this. The book details God’s mighty hand in delivering His people out of their bondage in Egypt. Time after time, He showed His power and faithfulness through the plagues He sent on Egypt in order to force Pharaoh’s hand; through the parting of the Red Sea; by making water gush from rocks when they were thirsty; by sending quail into their camps when they cried for meat; by having fresh manna literally delivered to their doorstep every morning.  Yet, in spite of all this, the Israelites constantly rebelled against God, constantly wanted to return to slavery rather than go on with Him to the promise land. Yes, there were times when His justice demanded satisfaction, and He acted accordingly.  But the overwhelming characteristic He displayed was His steadfastness; His desire to remain faithful even in the face of a faithless people.

This same theme is found in every other book of the Bible as well, especially in the books of the prophets.  Time after time, He sent his prophets to plead with His people to repent so He wouldn’t have to bring judgment upon them.  Oh how faithful God is! Once you make a covenant with Him, He’s with you all the way.  And if that covenant is broken, it’s we who break it. Not God.  

Reading through the Old Testament, I’ve often thought what would I do if I were God?  And the answer is always the same.   I’d never stay the course like He did and still does.  I’d never be faithful to such faithless people.  Oh how glad I am that God is not like me.  The Bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. And because He is, that tells me like in the days of old, He’ll be faithful to me, even during those times when I’m faithless; even during those time when I’m not doing the things I should. And in this day and age, when a person’s word, a business contract, a vow taken by a judge, a doctor, even between a husband and wife doesn’t always mean much, it’s good to know there’s One Who’ll always keeps His word; One Who is always faithful. 

Until next week,

Sylvia

The saying, “there are no atheists in foxholes,” highlights the fact that when danger is extreme it’s easier for nonbelievers to turn to God.  But we live normal lives, you say.  No foxholes here.  Really?  Think again.  We’re all living in foxholes filled with disasters, pandemics, crime, terrorism.  The world of Richie Cunningham in Happy Days, is long gone. Our world is more violent, more frightening, more complicated, more uncaring.  But dwelling on all the things that could go wrong, all the terrible things that could befall us, could also make us a nervous wreck.

“How can anyone live in today’s world without God? How do they keep their hearts and minds in peace?” I keep asking my husband.  I just don’t get it.  That’s because I’ve live both sides, and it’s only from God my own peace comes. I just don’t know of any other source.  Even in the face of hurricanes, pandemics, the rise in gang activities just a few miles from my door, I know that it’s God’s job to keep me.  Yes, I must be responsible, put up the hurricane shutters; eat right and keep fit; avoid driving alone at night in gang infested territories.  God gave me a brain and expects me to use it.  But after I’ve done all I can or should, I rest in Him and know that ultimately, everything must go through God before it can get to me. There’s peace in that, peace in knowing He is my protector. 

How many times has God protected me?  Well, on three different occasions a distraction delayed my entering an intersection after the light turned green, and each time a speeding car ran the light and would have hit me broadside.  But who knows how many other times I’ve been saved from a catastrophe? So much of what God does is hidden or revealed to us only later, like in this story below. 

Years ago a missionary I heard about wanted to reach a certain people group living deep in the roughed interior of a certain country.   In order to reach them, the missionary had to pass through the territory of a very hostile and dangerous tribe.  He did this for years.  Back and forth, back and forth he went, finally converting the people he had befriended so many years before.  In the process, that other tribe, the one so hostile, also converted.  And when the missionary finally had an opportunity to ask its chief why he never bothered to kill him, the chief answered, “Oh, we tried, but you were always surrounded by two or three giant men who looked so fierce we were afraid to come near!” The missionary just smiled because he knew he always traveled along.  What the chief saw were angles sent to protect him.

No one needs to walk along life’s dangerous pathways alone.  The Bible says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1 KJV) and that “He orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:11 LB)  BUT it also says, “The Lord is a strong fortress.  The godly run to him and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 LB) And there’s the rub.  If we stay outside that fortress we are sitting ducks.  We must run to Him.  So why don’t you put on your Nikes today and start running? 

Until next week,

Sylvia

I could write a book on this attribute.  Years ago, when my husband lost his job, it plunged us into financial hardship. At the beginning of this downturn, my husband and I made the decision that no matter what, we would be faithful in our tithes.  We were no strangers to tithing.  We had been tithing for years, but were often careless.  If we were short one week, we just put God off.  This time we promised ourselves we won’t do that.

But would we keep the promise? We had a son in college and a daughter who was getting married. Things were certain to get tight. On the other hand, surely this downturn would only be temporary.  My husband had great credentials and vast experience in his field. In no time, someone would snap him up.

He sent out one resume after another, even in response to jobs that were below his former position as Chief Financial Officer. But it seemed as if the resumes were falling into a black hole because no one ever contacted him.

This made change necessary. First, we sold our boat, then the house. We became renters and lived in a condo. Our lifestyle downsized, too.  Finally, through a friend, my husband landed a part-time consulting job. I had also gone back to work. But it was a full year before he was offered a permanent job that came with title, benefits, the works.  A full year of waiting on God; a full year of keeping our promise to Him concerning our tithe; a full year of fighting the temptation to wallow in discouragement.

But as we look back on it, we both agree it was one of our best years, for it was a year that we truly drew closer to God; a year where we got to know Him in a new and deeper way. Even to this day, when my husband and I talk about it, we marvel how, through it all, God met our needs, how He provided enough to keep our son in college; how He enabled us to give our daughter a nice wedding; and even to live in a lovely condo.

Since then, God has more than restored everything.  He has, in fact, given us a double portion.  Is God provider?  Well, to me, that’s an obvious “yes.”

Until next week,

Sylvia

Last week I started to look at some of the characteristics of God, the first one being love.  This week it’s healer.  Though there are many stories more compelling than mine, I do know God as healer. 

There was a time when I, as a young mother of two, had one strep throat after another.  I could always feel it coming: the terrible exhaustion, the fever, the sore throat, and finally, the white pustules that carpeted my mucus membranes like those little candy dots you peal off a strip. Next came the trek to the doctor’s office, the round of antibiotics, my digestive track going haywire from the antibiotics killing off all the normal flora—a vicious cycle that repeated itself again and again.

Around this time I was learning about how God healed, that those who had come into the saving knowledge of Jesus could also claim His promises; that by His stripes we actually were healed already (Isaiah 53:5); that the very word salvation meant more than just the gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sin, it also covered things like healing, prosperity, and protection.  And I was just desperate enough to believe it.  Sometimes it’s desperation that makes you step up to the mound, to that plate of faith. I mean, a mother with young children couldn’t afford to be sick.  Too much depended on her.  There was no sleeping in, no cook making hot soup in the kitchen while I lounged in front of the T.V. My husband had to go to work. There were bills to be paid. And two and four year olds don’t understand the concept of, “Just let Mommy rest a bit.”  

So when I woke up one morning, feeling, yet again, miserable and tired and feverish and sick; when I saw, yet again, those horrible white dots on my throat, I couldn’t face another trip to the doctor, another round of antibiotics so I asked God to heal me.  All day I felt terrible, but all day I prayed the healing scriptures over myself as I went about the business of caring for my family.  I didn’t hear any music or voices, or see flashes of lightening, but by the end of the day I was fine and the spots were gone.  I’ve never had another strep throat since.

Yes, God does use doctors and medicine, but He also heals miraculously, and I mean more than just our physical bodies, because He can and does heal broken hearts and minds and spirits. I also know about that, because He’s healed mine.  I like what the Bible says about God not being a respecter of persons.  What He does for one He can and will do for another.  He has no favorites.  He loves us all.  And that in itself is a miracle!

Until next time,

Sylvia

Last week I started to look at some of the characteristics of God, the first one being love.  This week it’s healer.  Though there are many stories more compelling than mine, I do know God as healer. 

There was a time when I, as a young mother of two, had one strep throat after another.  I could always feel it coming: the terrible exhaustion, the fever, the sore throat, and finally, the white pustules that carpeted my mucus membranes like those little candy dots you peal off a strip. Next came the trek to the doctor’s office, the round of antibiotics, my digestive track going haywire from the antibiotics killing off all the normal flora—a vicious cycle that repeated itself again and again.

Around this time I was learning about how God healed, that those who had come into the saving knowledge of Jesus could also claim His promises; that by His stripes we actually were healed already (Isaiah 53:5); that the very word salvation meant more than just the gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sin, it also covered things like healing, prosperity, and protection.  And I was just desperate enough to believe it.  Sometimes it’s desperation that makes you step up to the mound, to that plate of faith. I mean, a mother with young children couldn’t afford to be sick.  Too much depended on her.  There was no sleeping in, no cook making hot soup in the kitchen while I lounged in front of the T.V. My husband had to go to work. There were bills to be paid. And two and four year olds don’t understand the concept of, “Just let Mommy rest a bit.”  

So when I woke up one morning, feeling, yet again, miserable and tired and feverish and sick; when I saw, yet again, those horrible white dots on my throat, I couldn’t face another trip to the doctor, another round of antibiotics so I asked God to heal me.  All day I felt terrible, but all day I prayed the healing scriptures over myself as I went about the business of caring for my family.  I didn’t hear any music or voices, or see flashes of lightening, but by the end of the day I was fine and the spots were gone.  I’ve never had another strep throat since.

Yes, God does use doctors and medicine, but He also heals miraculously, and I mean more than just our physical bodies, because He can and does heal broken hearts and minds and spirits. I also know about that, because He’s healed mine.  I like what the Bible says about God not being a respecter of persons.  What He does for one He can and will do for another.  He has no favorites.  He loves us all.  And that in itself is a miracle!

Until next time,

Sylvia

Volumes could be written about the nature of God and still not cover the whole of it. But for the next several weeks I’d like to touch on at least a few of the descriptions of God, and I’d like to start with the one most known. The Bible says that “God is love.”  But what does that mean, exactly? What does His love look like?

Growing up, I went to church on Sunday.  I even had “religious instruction”. But my faith was shallow and not well grounded.  I never read the Bible.  What I knew of God’s Word came from snippets of the Gospels or Epistles read from the pulpit, and from movies like The Ten Commandments and The Greatest Story Every Told.

When I began reading the Bible for myself, I came face to face with some pretty raw facts that didn’t line up with my preconceived ideas.  For one, the Bible says, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22) Now there’s a shock! What did that do to my theory of just trying to be a “good person”? A theory that worked better for me especially since I thought I was pretty good.  After all, I went to church, hadn’t killed anyone or robbed a bank. 

The next shock came when I read that, in God’s opinion, no one on the face of the earth was good (Matthew 19:17/Psalm 53:3). Wow! Now I was really in trouble. How was I going to earn my way into God’s heart and into His heaven? Well . . . perhaps by doing “good deeds.” I thought it sounded reasonable enough until I read that all my good works were like “filthy rags” to God (Isaiah 64:6). Now this was getting depressing.

Finally, God took pity on me and helped me connect the dots.  Jesus already shed His blood and satisfied the blood criterion.  The only thing I needed to do was accept what He had already done and apply it to my life, my sins, my inadequacies. Oh, how simple!  And oh, what freedom!  God had done it all.  His love paid the price, satisfied His justice.  It was like a rich benefactor—someone I, a poverty-stricken debtor, had disappointed, abused, insulted with my acts, and many times discounted—had put a large deposit into my bank account and said, “Here, live life on me.  I have paid your debts, and will supply all your future needs. All you need do is draw on my deposit.”

What does God’s love look like?  It’s a love that has given everything without the promise of getting anything in return.  It’s a love that sees the vilest part of us and still wants us, still yearns for us, still pursues us, still wants to call us by name, still wants to make us His own. It’s a love that though we spurn it, spit on it, mock it, will never stop trying to win us while at the same time never violate our free will. It’s a love that my mind can barely comprehend.

Until next week,

Sylvia