Tag: faith

Snares and Traps

On By Judy GlasserIn March1 Comment

Do we have people in our lives who create snares and traps for us?  Do they influence us to do things we shouldn’t do?  To say things we shouldn’t say?

Joshua warned the Israelites in Joshua 23 not to associate themselves with the pagan survivors who still lived in the Promised Land.  He reminded them that God would not accept this behavior and it would cause them to perish.March 15 2015 snares and traps

These relationships would become whips on their backs – causing them pain and anguish.

These relationships would become thorns in their eyes – clouding their ability to see the truth and walk in the light.

The decisions we make about who to associate with are just as important today.  These relationship can either encourage us to grow on our path of faith or they will become stumbling blocks to our growth.  These relationships will either push us onward as we run this race of faith or they will ensnare us, holding back the transformation God has planned for us as he molds us to become more like Jesus.

We make the choice.

Please help us choose wisely, dear Father.

The Sun Stood Still

On By Judy GlasserIn MarchLeave a comment

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky for almost an entire day so the Israelites could have more time to battle and win over the Amorites.March 12 2015 the sun stood still

The sun stopped.

So the earth had to stop revolving.

And the universe stopped its regular course.

The Creator of the Universe said “stop” and everything stopped.

I love these instances in the Bible where God exercises his total control over all things.  It is such a clear reminder of who he is.  How omnipotent he is.

Later in the Bible, we will read about how Jesus calmed the storm.  The wind and the waves stopped when he gave the command.  Because Jesus was in control.

We will also read of Jesus walking on the water.  Because he created the water and he can make it do whatever he wants.gdtDSC_0639

Last year at this time, I was in Israel – on a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee when the wind started picking up.  It whipped through the open boat bringing a shimmer  of excitement.  How easy it was to imagine the King of the Universe calming the wind or walking out on the water to our boat!

Thank you, Abba Father.

Our Father God is in total control of our day today.

Thank you, Abba Father.

The earth continues to revolve because that is his desire.

Thank you, Abba Father.

The bright sun rose in the sky this morning because of God’s love and faithfulness to us.

Thank you, Abba Father.

I will take my next breath because my Father God is making that possible.  He provides the air.  He provides life to this body.

Thank you, Abba Father.

 

 

Sword Fighting Class – Don’t Waste Your Time

On By Judy GlasserIn Sword Fighting ClassLeave a comment

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.James 1 1 -9

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position for he will pass away like a wildflower.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.  In the same way, a rich man will fade away even as he goes about his business.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because, when he has stood the test, he will receive the Crown of Life that God has promised to all who love him.James 1 part 2

When tempted, no one should say ‘God is tempting me’.  For God cannot be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, give birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly light who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Therefore, put off all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word of truth planted in you, which can save you.  Do not merely listen to the word and deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

Yeah!  With God’s help we are doing an awesome job of memorizing James 1!  The next two verses go together so here they are:

“Anyone who hears the word and does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

Useless.

Worthless.

A waste of time.

That’s what we’re doing if we’re listening to and reading God’s word but not letting him change us and transform us through it.

Please open our heart and minds to your transforming power, dear Father.

 

 

It’s Our History

On By Judy GlasserIn MarchLeave a comment

At this time last year, I had the privilege of visiting Israel.  Other people who had taken the trip told me that it would change how I read the Bible for the rest of my life.

They were so right.

As we’re reading this famous story of the walls of Jericho falling down, I remember how it felt to be sitting on a hill in the new Jericho.  The old Jericho was cursed so the new Jericho was built close to the old city but not at the same place.aaaDSC_0310

Our tour guide was Dr. Woodrow Kroll who was leading his 50th group through Israel.  He stood in front of us on a hill with his back to the city (picture) so we could look down at this land promised to the Israelites thousands of years ago.  He read from the Bible the historical account – the marching, the yelling, the trumpet blowing and, finally, the walls tumbling down.

Sometimes when we hear about the ‘stories’ of the Bible or read one of these historical events that have become a well-known Children’s Bible story, we can start to think that these stories are folklore, handed down through the generations.

That’s not true about the Bible.  The Bible is a historical account of events that happened.  The miracles in the Bible actually took place, they weren’t computer generated like they are in the movies.aaDSC_0307

Archeological findings continue to prove the historical truth of the Bible.  The amount of conflicting archeological findings is growing smaller as more and more things are being discovered that verify the historical accuracy of the Bible.  They just haven’t found everything yet.  When they do, there will be no more conflicts.

The Bible is not filled with ‘stories’.  It is history – our history as children of Abraham.  Children of the faith.  The places are there.  The proof is there.

If you ever get a chance to go, pack your bags.  It will change how you read the Bible…forever.

Thank you, Abba Father.

 

 

Faithful Leaders

On By Judy GlasserIn MarchLeave a comment

March 10 b 2015 Faithful leadersAs Joshua was giving directions to the fighting men of Israel, they committed to do whatever he commanded them to do and then they finish their statement with some very important words – Be strong and courageous.

Didn’t we just hear God say that same phrase to Joshua several times?

God has just told Joshua that his strength and courage would need to come from God himself.  Joshua would not be able to do what he was going to need to do on his own.

Now the Israelites were telling Joshua that they needed him to be strong and courageous.  He was their leader.  They needed him to be relying on God so that they could all be successful.

We need the same thing from our spiritual leaders today.  We count on them to be in-line with God so they are hearing his voice and doing his will.  Some of us are in positions of spiritual leadership and this reminds us of our huge responsibility to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.  It is never about what we want – it’s all about what God wants.  When our faith is strong, we are hearing and we are following.

If we’re not in this good place with our faith, we should not be in a position of spiritual leadership.  If we’re not listening, we become an obstacle to God’s will being done here on earth.

When we’re relying on God, he makes us strong and courageous – qualities that are required for spiritual leadership.

Those that are following us are counting on it.

Thank you for strength and courage, dear Father.

Sword Fighting Class- Do What it Says

On By Judy GlasserIn Sword Fighting ClassLeave a comment

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1 1 -9  If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without fault and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, for he will fade away like the wildflower.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.  In the same way, a rich man fades away even while he goes about his business.James 1 part 2

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials for, when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me’, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor can he tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters, every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruit of all he created.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word of truth planted in you, which can save you.”

Wow!  We’re memorizing James 1 and we only have a few more verses to go.  Here’s our next one:

“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

Do what it says.

Listen and obey.

Let God transform us from the inside out as we read his word and then do what it says.

We deceive ourselves if we just check the box by sitting in church on Sunday but we don’t let God’s word soak in and change us.  We deceive ourselves if we faithfully read our chapter of the Bible everyday but we don’t respond.  If we don’t repent and turn away from the sin in our lives.  If we don’t let God transform our thinking and our attitudes.

Do what it says.

That’s easy to memorize – very challenging to do.

We need your help, Abba Father.

Where Do I Find My Strength?

On By Judy GlasserIn MarchLeave a comment

Our to-do lists are long.

And they keep growing.march 10 2015 where is my strength

There are so many challenges ahead.  It can be overwhelming.

Where do we find the strength?

Joshua must have felt completely overwhelmed when Moses turned over leadership of the Israelites to him.  He was going to have to lead them into battle – over and over – in order to claim the Promised Land.  They could see the Promised Land.  They could also see the fortified cities that were already there and the crowds of people who inhabited them.

The book of Joshua begins with God giving instructions to this new, young leader.  ‘Be strong and courageous’.  God repeats this phrase three times in his first set of instructions to Joshua.

3 times.

Why?  Because Joshua was going to have to remember that he needed God’s help to do this.  This was way too big of a mission to try to pull off on his own.  Joshua by himself is not strong enough for what he is going to have to do.  Joshua by himself is not brave enough to face the challenges that lie ahead for the Israelites. So God is telling Joshua what he will give Joshua strength and courage – as long as Joshua depends on God.

God is telling us the same thing today as we read his words.  He will give us strength and courage for the journey we are on – the purpose we are here to fulfill.

We can be strong –  it comes from God.

We can have courage – God has our back.  There is no reason to be afraid.

We find strength and courage when we’re living close to God.

Listening and obeying.

Thank you, Abba Father.

Blessings of Obedience – Leviticus 26, 2015

On By Judy GlasserIn MarchLeave a comment

If you are careful to obey my commands, I will shower my blessings upon you.

You will be fruitful and prosperous.March 6 b 2015 blessings of obedience

I will keep you safe.

I will bless you with peace.  You will sleep well – not fearful of anything.

I will remove all threat to your safety from your life.  Your enemies will fail.

Don’t worry about being outnumbered by the evil ones – I am on your side.  I will look upon you as my favorite child – providing for you and always being faithful.

My blessings will overflow in your life – one on top of another.

I will walk with you and live with you.  I will be your God and you will be my child.

I am the Lord your God who sent my only son to die for you so you might believe and live with me forever.

I gave you freedom so you can choose to stand faultless before me.  You can choose to walk closely beside me everyday.  You can choose to love me and listen to me.

You can choose to obey.

Thank you, Abba Father.

Tassels of Remembrance

On By Judy GlasserIn MarchLeave a comment

God told the Israelites to put tassels of blue cord on the corners of their garments.  When they looked at these tassels, they would be reminded of all of God’s commands and that they were supposed to obey them.  I bought a prayer shawl for my husband when I was in Jerusalem last year and it had several tassels on it.  Devout Jews still wear tassels every day – to remind them to obey.

Where are our tassels?March 6 2015 a tassels of remembrance

What are we doing to help us remember God’s commands so we can obey him?

A lot of people post scripture in their homes – on mirrors, on walls, on refrigerators.

Many of us have scripture in frames or on plaques hung on our walls.  One of my favorites is a picture of several hot air balloons going over some mountains and its hung in my office at work.  It reads  “Faith is holding onto God’s dreams and watching your own come true.”  It’s not a scripture but its a blessing that God has made happen in my life.  It reminds me of the many years God has been faithful to me – in all situations.  And it challenges me to ‘press on’ with obedience in anticipation of what God has planned for me in the future.

Another very effective way to always have scripture available to help change our thinking and change our behavior is to memorize it.  For those of you who are taking on the challenge of memorizing James 1 with me, I know you are feeling the blessings like I am.  We aren’t quite done – we have a couple of more verses to go.  But I already can say that I not only know James 1.  I also feel James 1.  The wisdom in this chapter is woven through my mind.  It has become a part of my thinking process.

How amazing!

What a blessing!

And its all because I did my part and God showed up and did his part.

What are your tassels of remembrance?

Do you need some more?

Please help us remember, Abba Father.

Sword Fighting Class – Our Black Belt

On By Judy GlasserIn Sword Fighting ClassLeave a comment

We are memorizing James 1 and we are up to the Black Belt level.  We are memorizing verse 21 today and we have 6 more to go.  What a blessing!

Here are the first 20 verses that we have memorized:James 1 1 -9

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like the wave of a the sea, blown and tossed by the win.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.James 1 part 2

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position for he will pass away like the wildflower.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.  In the same way, the rich man fades away even while he goes about his business.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail because, when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

When tempted, no one should say ‘God is tempting me’ for God cannot be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters, every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we may be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

Yippee!  We’re doing great!  This is only possible because nothing is impossible with God!  Here’s our next verse:

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

The thing that immediately comes to my mind with this verse is “50 Shades of Gray”.  Moral filth.  Evil.  And I feel like I’m being bombarded on all sides.  In the media.   In conversations.  The general population doesn’t seem to have any issues with it.  I’m starting to call it ’50 Shades of Smut”.  No one has any questions about my opinion 🙂

God tells us in this verse to get rid of all moral filth and evil.  We are to cast off all sinful practices like a filthy garment.  This includes our thoughts along with what we say.

And we are to open our hearts and minds to the word – wanting to hear the truth and willing to change.   The Word can help make us wise and help us understand salvation.  Grace.  Redemption.  Transformation.

Thank you, Abba Father.