Are You For Sure?

We were in the van . . . Again! Our family spends a lot of time there! On the way to “this” — home again from “that.”

Our youngest loves to talk to “mom,” to “dad,” to “whoever will listen!” He “defines” the gift of communication — at least he did at age five.

On one of our many rides we were “listening” when his chatter suddenly became full of questions. Finally, he had to have an answer from Dad on some childish things that was troubling to him. It was an easy response for Dad, something learned through education, or simply from the experiences of life. However, when Dad gave his answer, which was certainly correct, our son wasn’t quite satisfied. “Are you for sure?” he earnestly asked my husband.

I had to laugh! Here was my son, all of five, questioning the

certainty of my husband on a matter. Quick as a wink it came to me.

“Oh,” I said audibly. “That’s what we do to God sometimes!”

Our human, finite minds come to our infinite God with questions. We are seeking Him for answers. The questions seem incredibly large to us. Then, when He gives us the answer — or asks us to trust Him with this one, we get this wrinkled up forehead and puzzled look in our eyes as we look up and say, “are you for sure?”

“Are you for sure?” we may ask, when the answer isn’t exactly what we hoped it would be. When our desires can only find their home in bowed surrender at his feet, echoing the words He spoke in a garden so many years ago, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

“Are you for sure?” we may wonder, when tears course down our cheeks — wounds open, and pain fresh. When our hands grip the Word until our knuckles turn white with a grip that results in nothing less than death — the death of self.

“Are you for sure?” we ask in astonishment when the trial is over and the breeze of the wind of healing touches our face, filling our souls with a time for celebration and fulfillment. When we find ourselves made alive unto Christ — with His plan being lived through us.

“Are you for sure?”

He’s certainly “for sure!’” He hasn’t been caught by surprise — He knows! He existed before there was an “is!” And He “will be” when “time isn’t!” His name is, “I AM!” He “inhabits eternity,” our verse tells us for today. He dwells in it, lives in it — and we haven’t even experienced it yet! Oh, yes! He’s “for sure!”

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’”

Isaiah 57:15

To Hear His Voice, to See His Glory

When we were getting ready to name one of our five children, I remember some “advice” from “Readers Digest.” They advised to choose a name, then stand and the back door and yell it one hundred times. If you still liked it by then, that was the one to name your child. Although I never tried it, five children later certainly gives me a better understanding why they gave that advice!

To hear or not to hear . . . that is the question! 

To hear and understand is even better. In our modern world of constant technological communication, we find ourselves without the benefit of voice inflection, tone, articulation . . . Much of what we do is simply words on some kind of screen to relay a message as quickly as possible.

One couple who were going through some marriage difficulties got to the place where they simply couldn’t communicate face to face, so, they texted from different rooms of the SAME house! “At least they were communicating” I can hear someone say. True, but I’m not sure it held long term value!

Moses, the great man of faith and Friend of God desired to commune with Him, face to face. He had written down the “text” God had given for His people on tablets of stone. He had heard His voice on numerous occasions, in numerous ways, for numerous things! He had represented Him before Pharoah, had followed Him, leading out His chosen people. He had seen Him in a pillar of fire, and watched Him in a cloud of smoke. He had seen the miracles He performed – had witnessed His Power in God-sized proportions. Yet, perhaps it was the times when God spoke to Moses, “face to face,” as “friend with friend,” that created in Moses the longing to see His glory.

He had to climb a mountain and be alone to even get close. And, although our wise Father knew our human frame could not bear to look upon the full glory revealed in His face, He answered the request of His servant according to His will.

There, in the cleft of the rock, Moses experienced the Presence of God as never before. He could not look upon God’s face and live, but as God passed by, He was able to see His back.

Following this glorious time, once again God gave to Moses the instructions for His people. He made an everlasting covenant with them. Moses didn’t just “hear.” He heard – he understood – he obeyed. The shine on Moses face when He returned to the people was a mighty testimony that he had been with God Almighty – He had seen a portion of His glory.

Oh, God. My heart cry is to commune with you, face to face. To more than “hear” but to understand and apply what You have to say to me. May I take the time to spend in Your Presence so Your shine will be on my face, creating a hunger in others to know YOU!

In Jesus’ name, Amen

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two Tablets of the Testimony in His hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” Exodus 34:29

In The Son

What a night! It was late, we had just returned home from a church function, and my daughter was covered up in homework. She needed, “help” from mom. Another one of the children was hungry, and mom was endeavoring to work with getting help from dad on something she needed to do! Finally, the apex was reached. Off to bed went everyone — with the “famous teaching of the centuries” hanging in the air . . . “everything will look better in the morning!”

Before daylight even fully dawned, mom and daughter were up, working hard to complete the Science homework. There, in the reading of a science text book popped out this phrase; “One moment a particle orbits the sun as it has probably done for thousands of years; in the next moment, it ventures too close to the earth and is pulled into the atmosphere by Earth’s gravity.” (Third Edition, Space Science, BJU Press.) It went on to say that most particles are no larger than a speck of dust!

Now I am sure that the lessons she was learning, and what the Holy Spirit was whispering to my heart were two different things! But the similarities were so clear in my mind. A “speck of dust” . . . That’s what the human race was created from according to Genesis 2:7.

“Too close to earth” . . . (Romans 12:2) Somehow, after orbiting the sun for an extremely long time, the particle is drawn away from the sun and into earth’s atmosphere.

This causes it to have a “flash of brilliance” as it hurries downward, called a “shooting,” or “falling” star. (Heb. 11:25) Most of the “specks” don’t even make it anywhere — they just burn up in the atmosphere.

Our world is full of “now things” that last for a moment . . . Or maybe a day. It’s pull is everywhere! But what is it that causes our life to shine with a radiance that lasts? (Ps. 34:5) Who is it that keeps us from being swallowed up into the worldy way of thinking or squeezed into it’s mold? What keeps us fruitful and useful in His Kingdom from a young age clear through the older ages? (Ps. 92:14)

The secret is clear — we can’t allow ourselves to be pulled away from the Son! We have to stay living in Him, and allowing Him to live in us. This doesn’t just, “happen!” We are in a relationship! The most wonderful relationship ever known! Us, and the God of Heaven!

How do we stay close? How do we do it in any other relationship? We spend time with them. We listen to what they have to say. We learn what they like. We talk and share our joys and sorrows . . . If we don’t, it certainly won’t be a relationship of substance for very long!

His Word is a love letter — just for us. His Spirit longs to whisper to our heart as we read. He loves to hear our voice as we share in His joy or bring our greatest needs. He loves to commune with us — and act on our behalf! This relationship is definitely meant to be “long-term!” Eternal in fact — and His Presence along the way? It KEEPS us radiant!

And what can He use to teach us? Certainly a Science textbook — He created it all!

                                                                                                                       By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.”

Psalm 34:5

Words of Purpose

Bed time had come. Not just a normal “bed time.” The next day was the very first day of school — and our youngest was headed into Kindergarten. No more “babies” in the house.

For whatever reason, my heart was softened when he said, “I’m scared.” So, he piled into the middle of our bed — at least until he was asleep!:)

Mom and he were talking as his eyes got droopy . . . “You know,” Mom said, “God has a purpose for your life.” His response amazed me. “I know what my purpose is,” he replied. “You do?” I asked, rather surprised that at six he was ready with this answer. Then he said something that amazed me. “My purpose is to love the Lord.”

Truer words were never spoken. That is his ultimate purpose for life – mine too – all of ours really. Once we come to the realization that He is the reason for living, life makes much more sense.

Loving Him causes a myriad of responses which benefit. We find ourselves looking for the good in others – willing to help them in any way possible. The fact of the matter is, the more we love Him, the more we love others.

He promises us when we delight in Him He will give us the desires of our heart. It is when we focus on loving Him that we find the real desires of our heart! The more we love Him, the more our desires become one with His!

The soul delight of being with Him – of loving Him – creates a hearing of His pulse that propels us forward. Forward to continue a cause so much greater than our selfish selves. Forward to a surrender which leads to brokenness and creates life – life IN HIM!

So, again a child led. Led me with his words . . . “I know what my purpose is . . . my purpose is to love the Lord.”

Loving Enough

I love You enough to spend time in Your Word

So I may hear You speak

I love You enough to bring You my cares

For I know You care for me

I love You enough to trust You with all

The dearest things to my heart

I love You enough to lay down my life

So in me Your life may start.

Create in me a love that’s perfected

To be what You want it to be

My greatest desire – to make You smile

Please, live Your life through me.

                                                                                                                      Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what’s best for those who fear him – hears them call out, and saves them. God sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t.” Psalm 145:18-20 The Message

A List for Life

Hurriedly I grabbed another sheet of paper. There were so many things to do I couldn’t use just one list – I needed two or more it seemed. Everybody needed something – plus all the tasks I was responsible for . . .

The day my children REALLY wanted something they would say, “Mom, I’m going to put it on your list!”

My mother was also a “list maker.” When we would get ready to pack for a trip – mom would get out her list. When we went to the grocery store – mom had her list. So, on to me she passed the “trade” of list making!

How do you remember things? Tie a string around your finger . . . set your cell phone to “alarm” you . . . tell someone else to remind you . . .

Today, as I was preparing for the day, the Holy Spirit began to remind me of some things. He reminded me of a neighbor who needs Jesus – led my mind to pray for yet another soul who needs Him – and then, He began to speak to me about remembering what my real purpose is here on earth.

It seems so easy to get caught up in the legitimate “here and now” needs! Our focus can get blurry by the fog of difficulties. If we let it, the earthly can distract us from the eternal.

What is our purpose as Christians? Christ commissioned us to go into ALL the world and spread the gospel to everyone. This is our eternal purpose. One that will live far beyond the “here and now.” This is our reason for living.

We are the ambassadors of Christ! Children of the King! Our purpose is a high one, our calling an honor. “To KNOW Him . . . and to make HIM KNOWN!”

It’s like making a “life list” with those two things at the top!

Life List

#1 To know Christ in a personal, intimate relationship

#2 To make Him known wherever, however, whenever, to whomever

The “how” we are expected to do it is our individual purpose. He will direct each of us . . . and help us prioritize the rest of the duties that our day demands.

Thank you, precious Holy Spirit for reminding us today of our “true purpose” here on earth. Please make us effective vessels to make Christ known!

Take it with You

“Go into the world. God everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.”

Mark 16:16 The Message

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

How it Really Is

Human nature is a fickle thing. Can you see the older, wiser grandma wagging her finger and warning with her words, “there is a fine line between love and hate.” In our world today it seems more true than ever! When things are going well – enough money in the bank account, young, thin, beautiful, energized – friends abound and love is alive and well. Let life bring the hardships – then you find out who you’re friends really are, and if the commitment to love really holds.

As a rule, people believe what they see. Just like in Acts 28, when Paul and the crew who should have all been killed were spared by the mercy of God. Here they are, swimming to shore, or clinging to boards and pieces of the boat until they can reach the island of Malta. The natives of the island are kind enough, having compassion, taking pity on their obvious need.

Here comes Paul, gathering sticks to put on the fire when a poisonous snake strikes from within the wood. How quickly the people turn from compassion to judging. They didn’t even try to help him at this point. They were sure he had murdered someone and was getting just desserts.

They watched him for quite a long time – and, when the normal results of such a snake bite weren’t taking place, just as quickly, their humanity took them from judging to presumption – he must be a god!

The fact of the matter is all of these human emotions didn’t lead them to the real facts. The fact was that the very appearance of these strangers on the island was the mercy of God! Even if they were shipwrecked.

The fact was Paul was on mission for Christ and NOTHING would be allowed to stop him. Detain him – yes. Deter him – no.

The fact was Paul possessed One within him who was greater than anything in the world. Was Paul a god? NO! But he was carrying the Message within him of a God who loved so much He sent Jesus – not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.

Does life for you today seem to be “spinning out of control?” Trust in the fact that God loves you! Remember He IS still in control. He has a purpose for you within His plan. Your surrender to Him allows Him to fulfill His purpose in you. You may be delayed – but His will won’t be deterred! He will be faithful to complete it in you! (Philippians 1:6)

Are your burdens too big to share with others – or are you feeling misunderstood? Trust in the fact that our God knows ALL and when we cast our burdens on Him He has promised to sustain us! (Psalm 55:22)

Keep on your mission! Share Christ with your world knowing, GREATER is HE that is in you that he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Human nature is fickle, but God’s fact is final. Keep the faith!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29

Details

  It had been a long valley. Prayer had gone up for several weeks, the burden had come, lifted, come, lifted . . . The "passing through" the valley I knew would surely take place, but my feet seemed to be wearing heavy boots. Each step I endeavored to take seemed to carry with it the wearisome effort of pulling my foot out of gooey, thick sticking mud, like the "Montana gumbo" I remember from childhood. It seemed I would manage to take a step -- only to get stuck again. I prayed earnestly for God to release the prison bars as He had done for Peter. Longed to see the gates of my prison open -- much like the doors to a supermarket open -- automatically.

   Then, in the middle of one ordinary evening, the door began to crack. It was a miracle -- though not the way I'd hoped. Of all things, it was a "miracle in the making." In other words, when I first heard of the beginnings, my heart leaped for joy -- and then my mind took over. "What about this . . . what about that . . ." I took a big step, ready to rejoice -- started sinking in the mud of wondering . . .

   "There are just so many details  . . ." I said to the Lord. Oh, my, the words He gave in reply . . .

   "I'm good at details."

   Like Job, my hand must go over my mouth! (Job 40:4)

   He set my mind to thinking again, and my spirit rose a little -- should have been a lot! (Confession IS good for the soul.)

   Details. I don't know as if I'd seen it quite like this before. Oh, I marveled at the majesty of mountains, and surveyed with wonder the magnificence of the stars. I knew His great all seeing eye cared for me as He does the sparrow. I reveled in the glory of a God large enough to create a world, yet small enough to live within my heart, and felt the warmth of His embrace as He revealed His unfailing love to me . . . but, details? I always thought of God as the One who sees the universe as a whole . . . and He does. As the One who knew His plan from before the begining of time . . . and He did. But for some strange reason, it never dawned on me, as it did that morning, that within all of the "wholeness," is a God who is extremely concerned with, and VERY GOOD AT, DETAILS!

   Have you ever taken time to look within the wildflower you happen to pick? Or think for a moment about the intricate design of thegolden winged bird at your bird feeder? Take a closer look at the trees in the forest -- from the bark to the leaves -- detail! Oh, sure, He sees the whole, but His balance is perfect! He also takes care of each detail.

  So, I chose to rejoice in the miracle of the "beginning." Began my climb out of the mud on to solid ground. I chose to trust the remaining details to the One patient enough to remind me, in all His glory, "I'm good at details!'

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;  for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:6-7a (NIV)

Fighting for Us

He was three years younger than his older brother, and quite a bit smaller. But that didn’t stop him from a protective role second to none. Coming into a play area one day, he thought his brother was being attacked in some way. His voice rang out VERY loud, and VERY clear, “DON’T YOU HURT MY BROVER! (BROTHER!)” He didn’t care how many of them there were, wasn’t even considering the fact that they were all bigger than he was, he was DETERMINTED about ONE THING — his brother would NOT get hurt in ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM!

My Dad came from a family of three brothers and one younger sister. Grandpa Beers had come to the Lord later in life . . . And he never lost his belief that boys needed to know how to protect themselves! Growing up in a “big city,” other young men soon learned, you didn’t mess with one of those “Beers boys” or you got them all! Loyalty to each other ran deep and strong.

Joshua, as the leader of Israel, was again finding himself in definite need of the help of the Lord. Not one King, but FIVE Kings had decided to come up against their servants the Gibeonites. His loyalty ran as deep as His promise to protect these people. As soon as he heard of their need, he mobilized not some of his troops, but the ENTIRE ARMY! (Josh. 10:7) He had the Word of the Lord this time. He knew the way to take. “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” With those assuring words they headed into an all night march and took their enemy by surprise.

In the middle of their obedience, God Himself began fighting from Heaven. Hurling hailstones from Heaven — God stood up for His obedient people! The day wasn’t long enough to complete obedience — no problem—so big was the need for victory Joshua bodly proclaims the extraordinalry. He’s sized up the situation and knows what needs to happen. “O sun, stand still over Gibeon. O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon. . .” God allowed it to happen so they could get the job done. Everyone knew, ‘Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!’ (Joshua 10:14)

We have Jesus as our older brother! His love and loyalty run deep!He is on our side! When we choose His side we can be assured He will fight for us. In the middle of our obedience we can stand strong and rest assured, “With God for us, who can be against us?”

Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel.” Joshua 10:13b-14

"Lower than a Pregnant Ant Sitting on a Curbside"

My husband and I had a friend who had a very interesting way of declaring his “down days.” He would comment that he was “lower than a pregnant ant sitting on a curbside. . .” Just the comment made you burst into laughter as you mentally pictured this scene . . .

The problem is when you’re the one feeling like the ant! Somehow the statement doesn’t seem as funny then. True – we have an eternal HOPE in Jesus Christ. True – nothing is impossible with God. True – our future IS bright – as bright someone has said as the promises of God.

However, it is also true that we are human beings, with human emotions, and some days the skies are gray. (Then other days they may be pouring rain!) So, what are the secrets of getting through . . . victoriously?

Well, the Psalmist lifted His eyes to the hills – and realized His help came not from the hills, but from the Lord who made the hills. The Lord who made “heaven and earth.”

When the Israelites were bound in slavery, their cries weren’t falling on deaf ears. God tells Moses in Exodus 3, “I’ve taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I’ve heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them . . .” (Ex. 3:7-8 a The Message)

Moses, the chosen vessel to bring deliverance is uncertain that he is up to the task! What makes him up to it? God’s promise, “I’ll be with you . . .” (Ex. 3:12 The Message)

What is the name of our God? I AM WHO I AM! He is presently concerned with our need. He is presently able for our circumstance. He is presently enough. Yes, He always has been and He always will be – and He lives in the PRESENT with us.

His mercy extends to the heavens – His faithfulness reaches to the skies. His love is wider, and deeper than any ocean. His power knows no limit – you cannot measure His grace.

Looking to Him it isn’t long until our feet can find the “top of the curb!” (We may not be dancing our way down the street, or flying with the eagles quite yet, but we’re on our way!) He walks along side and says it’s ok – that He is working things out for the best. The heart inside remembers -- “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10 NIV)

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“God said to Moses, “I Am Who I Am.” Exodus 3:14

Over The Top

Caleb was a one of God’s warriors. We looked last week at one of his greatest accomplishments in life — he WHOLEHEARTEDLY followed the Lord. In Caleb’s life, he had another accomplishment. Caleb was a Dad. His obedience to God granted favor not only in his own life, but also to his children. (Josh. 14:9)

Caleb evidently didn’t get the “memo” that you are supposed to not do any more exploits for God after a certain age. At age 85 he declares, “. . . I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out . . .” Then, he makes a request, “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day . . .” Sure enough, his request was granted. Joshua blessed Caleb, “and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.”(Joshua 14:13)

One time when my children were smaller, I can remember one of them asking for something simply because their “mama” did. At the end of their request, they made this statement, “I want everything you want.” They didn’t really desire it on their own, they just wanted it because I did.

As we read further on in Joshua, we see Joshua’s daughter, Acsah, learning well from her father. She urges her husband to ask her dad for a field. But she wasn’t satisfied with just a field. She desired what would turn that field into something valuable. Springs of water. Without water there couldn’t be grazing for animals. Without water their couldn’t be healthy crops. And so, learning from her father, she does simply what he did. She asks.

Caleb was a wise and loving father. You can tell he knows his daughter well, for when she begins getting off her donkey, he immediately asks, “What can I do for you?”

Once he knows her requests, he doesn’t just meet her bare minimum, he goes “over the top.” He doesn’t just give her one spring, but two! He gives her the “upper” and “lower” springs . . . Water that would last.

What is it we desire from our Heavenly Father’s hand? As we seek His Kingdom first, we can know all the “other things” will be given to us as well. When we walk in obedience, seek His Kingdom first, and simply ASK and our Heavenly Father will give us, “over the top.” Ask largely . . . He’s a BIG God!

Janene Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, ‘What can I do for you?’ She replied, ‘Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.’ So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.” Joshua 15:18-19