Tag: Jordan River

Our Refuge is God Alone

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If you are feeling overwhelmed by your current circumstances or even afraid of what may lie ahead, take solace that God is in control.

He is on top of what seems out of control in your life or around you.

Whether it’s finances, family issues, loss of a job, health concerns, addictions, or any other adversity—you can count on God to help you and bring you out of the hardship for the better.

The Bible tells us that God is with us and guiding us through each difficult situation we encounter.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8  

One of the many blessings I have received from reading God’s word is that I have learned about many keepers of the faith who were able to overcome dire circumstances because God loved them and provided the answer, the way out, and the peace to keep moving along with Him.  

When I walked through difficult situations in the past, my mind would immediately go to heroes such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Esther, David, and Daniel, just to name a few. I recalled how faithful God was to them, and I believed that He would do the same for me.

Why did I believe this? Because His word tells us that He does not show favoritism, but rewards those who follow Him and gives them peace (Romans 2:9-11).

It is our faith in God that allows us to see His supernatural power at work.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

He majestically guides, protects, and transforms us while changing our situations. He helps us overcome our adversary because He loves us and created us for His purposes.

God called Abraham to leave his home and follow Him to a better place to live that he knew nothing about nor how to get there. As God instructed him every step of the way, He encouraged him with promises for a good future for him and his descendants. Abraham, although not perfect, believed God even when he could not see how He would work it all out. God was pleased with Abraham’s faith and considered him righteous and called him a friend (James 2:23). Abraham lived many years and received all the promises God made to him in his lifetime and beyond—and it is because of Abraham’s faith that we are blessed today (Genesis 11–25).

Joseph was hated by his older siblings who sold him into slavery and was taken to a foreign land where while continuing to be obedient to God through difficult circumstances, he was thrown in prison. But God was with him even in prison and orchestrated his release and swift promotion to governor of Egypt, second in power only to Pharoah. Even though Joseph suffered greatly from his own family and fellow Egyptian citizens, God had a divine purpose for him—to save his family and the future nation of Israel (Genesis 37–50).

Moses was transformed from a shepherd in the desert to a great leader who led Israel out of slavery in Egypt, through the wilderness, and up to the Promised Land. He led hundreds of thousands for approximately 40 years, many of whom complained, rebelled, and threatened to kill him. Moses had the responsibility to protect, feed, find water, teach, judge, build a mobile sanctuary, discipline, train for war, intercede for, and forgive the entire way. For a mortal man this would be impossible, but God was there with Moses, guiding him and performing miracles for and through him (Exodus–Deuteronomy).

Joshua took over when Moses died and was responsible for leading Israel, numbered in the millions, across the Jordan River into the Promised Land inhabited by Canaanites. Joshua had to trust God that he could not only lead this great nation, but that he could also defeat the Canaanites as instructed by God to gain possession of the land. He had to trust God for his very life and for the livelihood of his people (Joshua 1-24).

Esther was a young Jewish woman taken from her home to compete against many other beautiful women for wife of King Ahasuerus in Persia. Her beauty and intelligence won the favor of the king, and she became Queen of Persia. She had to learn a new language and culture, and with this new role, she had to learn and execute the court life of royalty. When the Jews were threatened to be killed by an evil senior nobleman of the court, Esther had to lay her life on the line by going into the king unannounced. She called for a fast and prayer within her Jewish family and community to win the favor of the king as she went in for a special request. She could have been killed if the king wished by her unannounced appearance. The king granted her entry and request for a special dinner where she planned to expose the evil nobleman intent on annihilating her and her fellow Israelites. God was with her in this all the way and gave her the wisdom and favor she needed to succeed in order to save the Jewish nation (Esther 1-10).

The God of yesterday is the same God as today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8)

I can also attest to God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Because I trusted in Him, he took me from uncertain days and nights wondering whether I would be able to overcome trials to leaving all my concerns to Him in prayer.

Also, I realized that I had to be content with having JUST my Savior Jesus by my side. I had to place Him first in my life.

And how could I not? He loved me so much that He gave His life as a ransom for me.

I was not perfect along the way, but I trusted God and I set my life goal to seek after Him. I no longer put my faith in people or circumstances. I dove into His word and believed Him for a victorious life.

I made myself available to serve Him in the doors of ministry that He opened for me, and I found purpose in helping others instead of being focused on myself and my troubles.

God in His faithfulness heard my prayers and brought me gradually to a life filled with many blessings—some I asked for over the years, and others I never even dreamed of.

God is faithful!

I would like to share another Scripture verse I learned that helped transform me from being unsure about my future to knowing that God was with me, helping me every step of the way despite difficult circumstances.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.  Psalm 121

There is nothing our heavenly Father would not do to help His children overcome adverse situations and reach His purpose for their lives.

Following the ways of this world will not bring peace, joy, and fulfillment. Only God can.

If you are experiencing difficulties and don’t know what to do or can’t see your way through, I urge you to trust in God, surrender your life to Him (if you haven’t already), and seek after Him. You will be astounded by His perfect love, and you will find His will for your life.

May you be blessed as you listen to this song about how great and powerful God is.

If you want to have a relationship with God and are not sure how or where to start, see my previous posts Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

Thanking Our Fathers

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As we approach this Father’s Day, I am thankful that I still have my father who is 87 years old.

Although I live many miles away from him, I talk to him at least twice a week and I visit him at least twice a year, more if needed.

I am grateful that I can help my father do simple things like paying bills online and making good choices for his health.  He still drives well and can hold a good conversation, he just needs a little help in some areas.

As long as I’ve lived, I’ve always wanted to return the blessing to my parents in caring for them when they reach a certain age or time in their lives when they need help.

For now, they have chosen to live on their own but have recently finally agreed to live with me when they are no longer able to.

God has been gracious.

I think back to when I was a little girl and even up to my thirties—I really needed my dad during all those years. From childhood, throughout my school years and post college graduation, to living on my own as an adult, my dad (along with my mother) was my provider, protector, teacher, and personal counselor for every aspect of my life.

My dad was and is a great part of who I am today and I am grateful for his commitment to taking care of me, whether he was right or wrong along the way.

My father was tough, but I knew he loved me and wanted the best for me.

I understand that some people may not have had committed or loving fathers. I know that some have had selfish and perhaps even harmful fathers—and my heart goes out to those who have never experienced the love and selflessness of an earthly father.

Thankfully, we have a wonderful heavenly Father!

He loves, protects, provides for, teaches, guides, and if need be, disciplines us.

He is always available for us and He says in His word that He will never forsake us.

The following scripture verse records Moses encouraging the Israelites to go into the promised land without him. He was telling them that although he would not cross over the Jordan River with them to receive the promised land, God would be with them, and He would direct them and protect them along the way.

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Israel saw God’s miracles, but they depended too much on Moses to lead them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. They were so used to Moses intervening for them that they needed to be reminded that God had always been there as the One making the way for them.

This is true for us as well. At some point as we mature, we should understand that God will provide for us as He always has. Whether we have been blessed with caring earthly fathers or not, we need to understand that it is God who has taken care of us.  

In times of reflection, I have come to realize this very fact. God has always been there since I was conceived in my mother’s womb—even before, preparing everything for my life. And through good times and bad, God has brought me to where I am today, alive and well.

I would like to share King David’s psalm to God, praising Him for creating him and for always being there for him.

 Lord, You have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all.
5 You have encircled me behind and in front,
And placed Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9 If I take up the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will take hold of me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,”
12 Even darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.

13 For You created my innermost parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully formed in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my formless substance;
And in Your book were written
All the days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.

17 How precious also are Your thoughts for me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.

19 If only You would put the wicked to death, God;
Leave me, you men of bloodshed.
20 For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Do I not hate those who hate You, Lord?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:1-24

David was the youngest son in his family, and he saw God work in his life as a shepherd boy. It was David who was anointed the be the future king of Israel over his brothers.

In fact, when God sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse’s (David’s father) house to anoint one of his sons the future king of Israel, Samuel assumed the eldest brother would be the chosen one. When God said no, Samuel went to the next oldest son, and God kept saying no until it seemed there were no more of Jesse’s sons to anoint. Samuel asked Jesse if he had any more sons and he said he had one more, the youngest who was out in the field tending the sheep.

Why did God skip over David’s eldest brother and all the other brothers to anoint a young shepherd boy?

Because David had a heart for and a relationship with God.

God knew David could be trusted to shepherd Israel as He would ordain, but becoming king would be a long road of difficult times, sorrow, and fighting for his life.  

He went from an unknown shepherd boy to King, all along relying daily upon God for his very existence.

David rightly gave thanks and praise to God.

Let’s approach this Father’s Day giving thanks and praise to our earthly fathers who have been there for us and forgiving those who have not or have been injurious to us.  

And to God, our heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for creating us and being with us every day of our lives.

I hope you enjoy this weekend celebrating with your father or remembering good times for those of you whose fathers have gone to be with the LORD.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in our lives!

I’ve always enjoyed the song below praising God, our heavenly Father. I hope you enjoy it too.

For how to have a relationship with God, please read my post Relationship with God and Relationship with God – Part 2.

Israel—Chosen by God: Jacob – Part 4

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In my last post, Israel—Chosen by God: Jacob – Part 3, we learned about Jacob’s life in Haran after marrying Leah and Rachel, both daughters of his uncle Laban who lived in Paddan-aram (Haran).

We resume today with Jacob having just left Haran to return to his home in Canaan. He was actually fleeing Laban due to his deceit and hostility.

Laban found out about Jacob’s departure three days later and began to pursue him. It took him about seven days to catch up to him and he found him near Gilead, a hill country.

God sent Laban a warning to not harm Jacob.

But God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream by night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”

Genesis 31:24

When Laban encountered Jacob, he accused him of fleeing without allowing him to say goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren and send him off with a celebration. He also accused him of stealing his gods.

He told Jacob that he had every right to attack him, but the God of Jacob’s father spoke to him and warned him to not harm Jacob.

Jacob explained that he left without telling Laban because he was afraid that he would not allow him to leave with his wives. He also told him that he did not steal his gods and that he could search his camp for them. He also said that if he found them, the person who had them would die for stealing them.

Jacob didn’t know that his beloved Rachel had stolen them, but Laban never found them because she was sitting on top of them and made an excuse for not getting up to greet her father Laban.

I am certain that God protected Rachel because of His relationship with Jacob. She was not found out, so she lived.  

We can say that Rachel was blessed through this protection.

Jacob confronts Laban and tells him that he (Laban) has not been good to him even though he worked for him for 20 years (14 years for his wives) and made him wealthy; that he never took anything from Laban even though Laban cheated him by changing his wages ten times.

He acknowledged God’s blessing and protection in his life.

“If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.”

Genesis 31:42

So, Laban and Jacob made a covenant between each other with God as a witness to their actions toward each other and their families. They set up stones as a pillar and marker that each would not cross over to do the other harm once they started back to their homelands.

Laban leaves the next morning after saying goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren and pronounces a blessing over them.

With Laban behind him, Jacob continues his journey toward Canaan with yet another concern on his mind.

His focus has turned toward Esau his brother, from whom he fled Canaan twenty years earlier.

Jacob sent servants as messengers ahead of him to meet Esau to ask for favor and to determine the safety of his family. They reported that Esau was on his way to meet him with four hundred men. Jacob divided his family into two camps so that one group would be able to escape if the other was attacked.   

The Bible says that Jacob greatly feared Esau and he called upon God to protect him.

And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

Genesis 32:9-12

Jacob then sent servants one by one ahead of him with droves of different animals as gifts for Esau to appease him, so that he would not attack him and his family.

He also sent his wives and children across the Jabbok River away from him for safety. He slept alone that night prior to meeting Esau.

God changes Jacob’s Name

That night the Angel of the LORD, Jesus Christ Himself, wrestled with Jacob until morning.

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 

Genesis 32:24-30

Israel means “striver.” We have seen Jacob strive with several people, and now finally, God—and fighting with all his might, Jacob prevailed. He went from being a deceiver to a fighter.

Jacob just did not give up!

Jacob received a two-fold blessing from God. He was not only blessed, but was able to see God’s face and live. Jacob was not about to let go of the Angel of the LORD without a blessing. I believe that his intent was understood and favored by God probably because of his faith.

At this point, Jacob knew where he stood with God. He was His chosen son and would live for God out of relationship and love for Him.

When we surrender our lives to God and repent, He forgives us and protects us, but this does not mean that we will not have consequences.

Jacob certainly had consequences and learned his lesson about deceiving others.

My sincere wish for you is that you would not look at your past with shame, fear, or disillusionment, but that you would surrender to and trust God—right here, right now.

He loves you and will show Himself to you if you sincerely turn to Him in faith.

Jacob had great faith, and we are told that without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

The Bible also says that we need faith only the size of a mustard seed. (Matthew 17:20)

Below is a song about never giving up in prayer to God.

“Don’t Stop Praying” – Matthew West

Join me next for Israel—Chosen by God: Jacob – Part 5