Jeremiah 30:11 ‘I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’

This is part of one of many messages the Lord gave to Jeremiah to pass on to the children of Israel, his chosen people. This was a nation with which the Lord forged a special relationship over time. He provided leadership through the prophets who taught them what the will of the Lord was but they would often rebel and do as they pleased. God would grant them favor repeatedly and forgive them. So great was God’s love for them, he would even destroy whole nations for their sake.

God is just and, like a good parent, he administers discipline but shows mercy at the same time. Why? Because he is faithful to what he has covenanted with his children. If you are a believer and feel that you are being disciplined by God, it is not a time for despair. Rather it is a time for hope. Look at the pattern in Jeremiah 30. You will see that God promised his people: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds…” So whether your present wound is physical, emotional, financial or otherwise, God can restore you.

In the same way God said to Israel: “I am with you and will save you” he has covenanted himself to believers today: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 5:13). Do not trust in the way you feel nor give in to your current circumstances, instead depend on the relationship you have had with the God of the new covenant and, like David, cry out for help. “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (Psalm 18:6).

Exodus 30:25 Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.

The Book of Exodus records that Moses, assisted by Aaron, was appointed by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt where they had been enslaved for some 400 years. The exit from Egypt also represented a new beginning for God’s people. In that process the Lord established new rules of conduct for their daily lives, established the priesthood by way of Aaron and his sons and ordered the building of a tabernacle with an inner sanctuary for worship.

The Lord’s instructions to Moses for construction of the tabernacle and sanctuary and their contents were detailed and specific. So too were the instructions for making the garments of the priests and the rituals they were to perform to atone for the sins of the people. In verses 22 to 38 of Chapter 30 instructions were given for the preparation of the anointing oil and incense to be prepared in the manner in which perfumes are made. The contents and formula for each were precise and specific. The resulting compounds were fragrant and were to be considered holy and sacred as the oil would be used to anoint the Tent of Meeting and its contents which would be used in worship as well as to anoint the priests and no one else. The incense was to be placed in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting where the Lord said: “I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.” The punishment for the misuse of the anointing oil and incense was death.

God in mercy does not require of believers today the strenuous rituals of worship which were outlined for the Israelites. We are under a new covenant established by the shedding of the blood of Jesus. That is most sacred and we must continually give thanks for that and the fact that we live in the age of grace. For this reason the Apostle Paul issues the following charge to us: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2) Consider your body sacred.

Matthew 6:19-20 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Every so often it dawns on you how transitory the things of this earth are. We exhaust ourselves building homes or careers and accumulating stuff. All well and good, it is life and we are obligated to be productive while in the earth. However if we live long enough, there is the distinct possibility that at some point we will stand back and watch it all disintegrate, making it necessary to start over, sometimes from scratch.

Jesus’ teaching in these verses in Matthew 6 is to let us know that children of God need a sober and eternal perspective on possessions. Whatever you own are “kingdom” resources and you are the administrator. If you have gained your wealth by honest means, consider it a blessing from God but do not become so attached that if it disappears, your faith in God disappears with it.

A child of God is to be about his Father’s business and we are told that business is to “store up treasure in heaven.” How do we do that? Words from an old poem remind us: “only what’s done for Christ will last.” With that in mind, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to do with your money, time, talents and other abilities the things that please your Father. The greatest treasure in heaven will be the souls who learn about Jesus and come to know him because of what you do in the earth.  Remember too that the idea of rewards in heaven for service in the earth is biblical: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

Many believers read, sing or say these verses with great familiarity. My mind, however, takes a pause at “every knee shall bow”. Why? Simply this – It is not normal to bow the knee, instead we speak of bowing the head but bending the knee. So what is the reason that the word bow is used in this verse? Indulge me for a moment. Has anyone ever hit you on the knee or have you ever walked into a piece of furniture and hit your knee? Are you old enough to suffer from knee pain? Are you getting the picture? I have figured out that the knee is the source of your strength. Injury to your knees put you out of commission – without them you are not going anywhere.

Your knees allow you to walk and stand with pride, hold your head high and look the world in the face, salute, or draw attention to yourself. But God’s word says: “every knee shall bow” meaning he requires you to humble yourself before him while you can do so voluntarily. Set aside pride, accomplishments, status, authority, riches and every other vestige of power you have imagined yourself to possess and bow the knee to Almighty God and acknowledge his Son Jesus.

Have you or anyone in your home kneeled before the Lord in prayer lately? When we were children our parents (mostly my mother since Papa was overseas at times) would gather all eight of us children for Bible reading in their bedroom.  At the end of each session we kneeled down to pray. This has shaped our response to a Holy God – one who loves and protects but whom we hold in reverence. He gave his Son who in turn humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name which is above every name.” (Phil. 2:9) That is why we should bow the knee. We do it now in awe, with joy and thanksgiving, or later we will be judged and made to bow.

Judges 4:4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.

If we look at Deborah through the lens of the 21^st Century, we see a thoroughly “liberated” woman. Those of us who came of age in the 70’s and 80’s know that high positions held by women in industry, politics, medicine or almost any field for that matter, were attained by very strenuous effort, and sometimes even through litigation against gender discrimination.

However, here in the Book of Judges, we see a married woman who is also an accomplished military leader of Israel. In addition she was a prophetess, meaning she spoke and acted on the basis of divine inspiration. She is not the only woman mentioned in the Bible as having this title but she is the only one called to lead her people into battle. She was of the tribe of Ephraim and a judge and woman of authority. Judges 4:5 states in part: “….the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.”

Because Deborah is hearing from God, she is able to appoint Barak to lead Israel’s army against Jabin, a King of Canaan. “The Lord, the God of Israel commands you: ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Napthali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor.’” She even outlined her strategy to lure Jabin’s army to a position which will guarantee their defeat. Such was Barak’s confidence in her that he said “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Imagine that!

I believe Deborah’s strength flowed from her relationship with God. She not only agreed to go into battle with Barak but she shared with him what God had already revealed to her, namely that the honor of victory in the battle will go to someone else, another woman. Don’t you get the feeling that God does not discriminate based on gender? You should. God calls both men and women and assigns them tasks which will bring glory to his name. Consider your life and circumstances. Can you hear God’s voice letting you know that you are not where you are by accident? Cherish what you do as if you know it is God’s assignment for you.

John 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

What is racism? As I understand it, it is a deep-seated, virulent hate of the other and often not because you have had a negative experience with the individual you encounter but because that individual is part of another ethnic group. It is deep-seated because it is “inherited” or it has been taught that for many reasons or no reason at all “we just do not associate with those people”. This is exactly the under-current in this conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman.

The “active in your face racism” in America, which had been tempered in the last few decades by the gains of the Civil Rights Movement, enlightened governance and affirmative actions, is coming out of hibernation. It is blossoming again and the pods of hate are blowing in the wind from place to place in the country. But make no mistake it is an ill-wind that will benefit no one.

I find myself asking how to reconcile the societal injustices of the past and present with my understanding of the divine. The more I learn of policies and practices against various minority groups in this country’s history and currently, the more I realize that the stance of some that “minorities” should lift themselves up by their own bootstraps, is not fair, it’s not sufficient and will never work. There needs to be a permanent, personal commitment on the part of those who educate, legislate, administrate and remunerate to be “my brother’s keeper”. To right the wrongs that you can.

If we are going to be followers of Jesus, we cannot perpetuate the wrong attitudes and practices which deny basic opportunities to huge sectors of society. So you ask: What does God require of me? Simply this: “To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Malachi 6:8)  You can only point others to the divine when you practice justice and mercy and share life-enhancing opportunities fairly.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-bye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

What are we to make of the chaos of our world today? For most of us in America, we think of it as a new phase in our history which began on 9/11. For the generation before us they probably hark back to the Second World War. Since 9/11 many more countries are experiencing defining moments of mayhem and death and destruction. We look at it all and wonder how it is possible for human beings, whether governments, factions, or individuals, to prey on one another in this fashion. At the heart of it I think it is the “payback” mentality, evil for evil.

The only explanation I can find in the Bible for myself is this: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). In the King James Version the passage reads: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” And clearly we have not changed since Old Testament times either since Matthew 15:19 expands on the explanation: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” In short all the things which create chaos in our world.

Man was made in the image of God. How did we fall so far? Since Adam sinned and disobeyed God, paradise has been lost. But God, not willing that any should perish, sent Jesus to the rescue. Man has since been asked to make another choice. Choose Jesus, he alone is the Prince of Peace. Since it is clear that many have rejected God’s remedy, our world will continue to be chaotic. But what about you, have you made the right choice to be at peace with God and your neighbor of whatever origin he may be? It is only God’s peace that will bring stability and calm to your life in the midst of the chaos. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.

Paul in writing to the church at Achaia (in Western Greece) told them that he had been boasting to the church in Macedonia about their enthusiasm and generosity. They had promised to give a generous offering. Paul sent some of his partners ahead of him back to Achaia to make sure the offering was collected and ready when he and any Macedonians should arrive so there would be no embarrassment.

He wrote to remind them that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6). It is interesting that this is not just a spiritual law but a natural law as well. You know people who are giving and kind and, if you think about it, you will realize that you don’t hear them complaining about what they do not have. They are not the ones who are barely making ends meet. It does not mean that they never experience hardship, but they eventually land on their feet.

If the average person can grasp this principle, why is it such an obstacle for children of God? There is often a grudging spirit in some who claim to serve a generous God.  He gives life, health, sunshine, rain, food, jobs, spouses, children, clothing, shelter, the moon and stars and this big beautiful earth for us to inhabit. Then he gave his Son who said that he came so we might have abundant life. Paul provided this guidance on how to give: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

If you do not give or give sparingly, only you will know. If you do not give in the house of God because no one is being saved, the full gospel is not being preached and you feel your gift is not being used properly, then it is time to move on. Find a place of worship that is honoring God. Just do not deprive yourself of the blessing that will result from your generosity because God is able to bless you in everything you do so you can experience an overflow with which to bless others. Wow!

1 Peter 3:1-2 and 7 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives….Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

So you ask “what if my marriage is the pits but I want to stay married? To the woman the Word says “submit” and to the man it says “be considerate and respectful”. Why? For the woman, you may win your husband to Christ! Is he worth it? For the man, God will hear your prayers. Is it worth it? Sir, is it possible that all your prayers have gone unanswered for years because you have failed to be considerate and respectful of the woman you married? Just think what it would be like for both of you to begin to walk in lockstep with God and be blessed in your marriage.

My husband and I were married for just over 38 years before he died. We were already believers when we met but we were young and tempestuous as any couple could be. But we learned to worship together in public and private. He would pray for me and I for him. Why not start over with that? Start honoring God first together and see what happens. We tend to forget that marriage is God’s idea and if we are going to succeed at it we need his help. Marriage is a framework within which individuals have an opportunity to be their best selves and be a Power Point presentation of what God can do with two lives submitted to him.

What if I’m not married yet but want to be? Marry someone who will pray with you and for you in public or private even if, as my daughter puts it, “he is no more attractive than concrete” or in the case of a woman, “a plain Jane”. I exaggerate of course, but the point is that your beloved’s appearance need please no one but you. Marriages do not succeed because partners are “trophy” grade. They succeed as you become aware that you are “heirs with each other of the gracious gift of life” from a faithful God.

1 Peter 3:1-2 and 7 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives….Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

I am intrigued by the fact that the Apostle Peter’s treatment of this subject is a continuation of his teachings on submission to rulers and masters in Chapter 2. Verse 13 of Chapter 2 opens with: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men….” So clearly the teachings in Chapter 3 are addressed to wives and husbands who are believers as they are meant to be embraced “for the Lord’s sake”. How else do you begin to appropriate any of this teaching to day to day living in the 21^st century? It is the age of confusion and relativity with no moral compass.

The believer, however, has the word of God and on the subject of marriage it speaks clearly. I know this passage makes you grimace with discomfort. After all, who talks about submission in marriage in this day and age? (I was married for just over 38 years, so I’m not being flippant. My story is told in my book “Listening to God will transform you”). For those of you who have successful, time-tested marriages you know that Peter is right and I salute you. Somewhere along the line, you both learned that the dynamic which has under-pinned your marriage is love for God first, love and respect for each other and desiring the good of your partner above your own. Of course you each threw tantrums from time to time, but you eventually resolved them “for the Lord’s sake”. Why? Because he is your Master! Furthermore, towards the end of Chapter 2, Peter reminds us that Christ is our ultimate example of submission.