Thanksgiving to God

Although Thanksgiving Day originated with Christians who depended on God for survival, many Americans today overlook Christian aspects of the holiday. A day full of food and football are the often the plan.

Scripture helps us look beyond our natural inclinations because it lifts us beyond our natural mindset—and the psalms are a good place to start in Scripture. The settings of the psalms are varied—and they differ greatly from both the Pilgrim’s setting and our setting. But they have power to change the focus of our hearts.

Many of the psalms emphasize God’s provision. Psalm 65 begins with, Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion . . . O You who hear prayer. . . . (v. 1a,2a NKJV) Then, Your paths drip with abundance. (v. 11b)

If we do not know He listens to prayer, there’s a good chance we miss out on much of God’s abundance. Today is a day to offer thanksgiving to God—and to believe He hears.

Originally published November 20, 1992.
Picture: Como Park Convervatory, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Emotional Wounds

Most of us do not deal well with emotional wounds. We are afraid to let others know our hurts. So we suppress them—or we cover them up with anger—or we analyze the offending person, perhaps make excuses for them because we love them.

But none of these actions removes or heals our wounds. Suppressing hurts causes inner turmoil that usually intensifies damage. Anger complicates everything. Rationalizing other people’s behavior might help us accept hurt—and keep us from becoming bitter—but it does not promote healing.

God has a remedy but it will not work if we deny our feelings—or if we are angry—or even if we make excuses for the other person. It is called forgiveness, and it means admitting both our woundedness and the other person’s sin—and choosing to forgive anyway.

Jesus said, And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your treapasses. (Mk. 11:25 NKJV)

Forgiving requires looking to Jesus because He gives us power to forgive. But the first step is acknowledging our wounds. We will not be open to healing unless we know we need it.

Originally published January 2, 1987.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Rebuilding the Wall

Ancient cities had walls so people could retreat inside for protection. When the gates of the walls were shut, people in the city experienced a measure of protection from robbers, wild beasts, and invading armies.

Because the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem's walls, the Israelites needed to rebuild them when they returned from exile—but conditions were not good. And when Nehemiah, cupbearer for the Persian king, heard about the plight of the people, he obtained permission to return to Jerusalem so he could help the people.

The first thing Nehemiah did after he arrived in Jerusalem was pray.

Then he challenged the people to work—even while under attack. He developed strategies and set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. (Neh. 4:13b NKJV) Only half of the people actually worked on the wall while the others kept watch and held weapons. Because the people were spread thinly around the city, he said, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. (v. 20b)

When the project was completed, Nehemiah joyfully recorded that they finished it in 52 days. Furthermore, as the Israelites rejoiced, their enemies perceived that this work was done by our God. (6:16c)

Originally published October 30, 1987 and October 4, 1991.
Picture: Wildflowers, Glacier National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God's Able Minister

The Babylonians carried many Israelites into captivity—including a youth named Daniel. Daniel entered fully into life in Babylon because he obeyed the words of the prophet Jeremiah. When he did, God blessed him with a career that was long and varied.

Daniel actually served as an able minister of two empires. First Babylon. But when the Medes and Persians overran Babylon, Daniel survived to become a key figure within the Persian Empire. Scripture tell us Darius planned to set him over the whole kingdom. (Dan. 6:3b NIV)

This was too much for Daniel’s Persian contemporaries. They were jealous and wanted to get rid of him. But they could find nothing wrong with his work or his person when they tried to discredit him. They finally devised a scheme so Daniel would be found guilty—of prayer! In accordance with a silly law of the land, Darius was forced to sentence Daniel to death via the mouths of hungry lions.

Darius was loathe to lose his faithful servant. He did not sleep well the night after Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. In the morning he rose early to see what had happened.

In this story, we usually focus on the brave Daniel who would face death rather than deny his God. But what about Darius? He wanted Daniel to live—and he was foolish enough to think it might be possible. He called out, Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God . . . been able to rescue you? . . . (v. 20b)

The Lord did protect Daniel by sending an angel. When it was over, Darius wrote a decree saying everyone must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. (6:26b) God saved the minister who served a pagan king—and He touched the heart of the king as well.

Originally published November 12, 1882.

Though It Tarries, Wait

The social conditions of Israel upset the prophet Habakkuk. He saw evil people prosper. And even though some individuals sought God, the nation as a whole did not. To make matters worse, God did not seem to answer his prayers.

In frustration and bitterness, Habakkuk cried out, O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear. (Hab. 1:2a NKJV)

Habakkuk received an answer he did not expect. God told him a great nation—Babylon—was being shaped as an instrument of judgment against Israel. Then God told him to write down the message for all to hear and understand—because it was a true message and people needed to receive the warning. Though it tarries, God said, wait for it; because it will surely come. . . . (2:3)

Our natural minds think Habakkuk would have been upset or disappointed. But although Habakkuk did not receive the answer he wanted, he forgot to complain.

Habakkuk rejoiced because had God had given him a message, and he responded with a hymn of praise. He initially listed all the things that bothered him or that could go wrong in his agricultural world. But after receiving God's message, he somehow knew that even if there were no figs or grapes, no laborers to harvest the olives, no grains—or if the sheep or cattle be lost, still he would say, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. (3:18)

Habakkuk's response is not surprising for a person who has heard God’s voice. Many people receive changed hearts when God comes to them or speaks to them. His Presence changes everything.

Originally published July 24, 1992.

The Showdown

The prophet Elijah followed the Lord and proclaimed His Word. And on more than one occasion God called him to do something radical. In fact, he even challenged the prophets of Baal and the people who followed them. He told them to assemble for a showdown.

The prophets of Baal would prepare a bull as a sacrifice to their god and Elijah would prepare a bull as a sacrifice to the Lord. Then the prophets of Baal would call on their god and he would call on the Lord. When it was over, they would know that The god who answers by fire—he is the God. (I Kings 18:24b NIV)

The prophets of Baal must have thought they were up to it, because they prepared a bull, sacrificed it on their altar, and prayed. Nothing happened. Elijah began to mock them around noon. Then they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears . . . until the blood flowed. . . . (v. 28). Although self-mutilation is not unknown in pagan religions, we can hardly imagine a more gruesome scene. And although unusual events can happen when people interact with the spiritual realm, the antics of the prophets of Baal did not help. Baal did not answer.

When the prophets of Baal were finally done, Elijah repaired an altar of the Lord that had been standing unused. It had probably been built years earlier, ignored by people who had abandoned Jehovah God. When the altar and sacrifice were ready, Elijah prayed a simple prayer. O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, he began, let it be known today that you are God . . . answer me, so these people will know. . . . (v. 36a,37a)

Perhaps you remember the story. The Lord responded with fire that not only burned the sacrifice but that consumed the wood, stones, dust, and even the water he had poured over the sacrifice before he prayed.

And the people? They knew. Falling on their faces they cried, The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God. (v. 39b)

Originally published March 3, 1989.
Picture: Commercial landscape, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God's Displeasure

King David brought the loosely-knit tribes of Israel together and formed them into a world power. During his reign, enemies on every side were subdued and humbled. Wealth poured into the nation's coffers.

But God never stopped dealing with David as an individual. In spite of all his accomplishments, David was still a human being and a sinner.

Psalm 39 reveals the inner struggles of a man who had to deal with the reality of sin and its consequences. David was weighed down by God’s displeasure. He said, You rebuke and discipline men for their sin . . . I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger. . . . (Ps. 39:11,12 NIV)

Is it possible that, at some point, David thought his position as king placed him on a pedestal of sorts? Perhaps he felt he no longer needed to face his sin. When God began to deal with him, his first thought was to hide his wrongdoing. He said, I will watch my ways. . . . (v. 1)

But it did not work. He describes what happened: My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned. . . . (v. 3) Those of us who have tried to walk this road can only smile ruefully in recognition. The pain is real.

Out of pure desperation, David changed his direction. He turned his thoughts toward God and he opened up his heart for scrutiny by this God who offered salvation. He prayed, But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me. . . . (v. 7)

Originally published September 9, 1983 and September 5, 1986.

Picture: Palm trees, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Place of Refuge and Danger

The introduction to Psalm 18 tells us that David wrote this psalm when he was finally free from the attacks of many enemies, including Saul. It recounts some a strategic lesson he learned during the years when he found refuge in a wilderness.

After leaving Nob, David fled to the rock caves of Adullum, so he could have had a specific image in mind when he wrote, God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. (Ps. 18:2b NIV) He describes his desperate circumstance: The chords of the grave coiled around me; the snare of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord. . . . (v. 5b, 6a)

But then we read, the foundations of the mountains shook. . . . (v. 7b) The rocks that had provided shelter had become a place of danger!

This can happen when we cry out to God. He might provide a place of refuge. But later, when we cry out again, He might answer by shaking the very things He gave us for security in the past. That’s when we’re called to draw from His abiding presence. David wrote, He reached down from on high and took hold of me . . . the Lord was my support. (v. 16,18)

His circumstances had changed, but his God had not.

The same holds true today. Everything around us can seem to crumble when things don’t fit our doctrine or theology—our concept of God. But His reality is bigger than circumstances. He is bigger than we can imagine. He is with us through the depths.

Originally published August 5, 1988.

Who Needs God?

Who needs God?

All sorts of people need God.

Psalm 107 tells us about people who suffered from emotional distress or fainting hearts. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distress. (v. 6 KJV)

Other people experienced calamities, financial troubles, and lost hopes. These also fell down . . . Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. (v. 13)

Still others were afflicted by physical disease. And so, they also, cry unto the Lord in their trouble. And He saved them out of their distresses. (v. 19)

And finally, some lived with physical danger, typified by those who go down to the sea in ships. . . . (v. 23) And they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. (v, 28)

All sorts of people can recognize God’s desire to save sinners. Yes, especially and specifically the people who know they are sinners. The people of the psalm lived with an understanding of judgment for their sin. But they also knew God could redeem them—could salvage their lives.

Only God can do the impossible.

Originally published December 6, 1991.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Prophetic Prayer

On the crucial day when Hannah returned to Shiloh to leave her son Samuel with Eli the priest, she could have focused on her loss. Instead, she prayed. I smile at my enemies, she said, because I rejoice in Your salvation. (I Sam. 2:1 NKJV)

God did something special for Hannah that day. He gave her a vision and she prayed prophetically. She looked beyond the painful task at hand and looked into the future. In that moment, because she had released her son, she understood God’s plan for Israel and all humanity. She prophetically proclaimed the Second Coming of the Son of God. For by strength no man shall prevail, she declared. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces . . .The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed. (v. 10)

We could gloss over Hannah’s trauma, decide it would be easy for her to leave her little Samuel with Eli because he was in God’s care. The Bible gives us a glimpse of reality. As the family continued their yearly pilgrimages to Shiloh, Hannah continued to provide for him. She took robes that she had painstakingly made for her son so he would have something to wear during the coming year.

Can you imagine those yearly meetings?

We don’t know if Hannah asked for more children, but God gave her three additional sons and two daughters. No longer barren, she walked in His blessings. God honored the woman of faith who rejoiced in Him.

Originally published June 4, 1993.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

She Made a Vow

Sometimes God’s people have to get serious when they pray. And sometimes, when they get serious, they make a vow.

Hannah did. After years of taunting and emotional persecution by members of the family, she had a purpose when she went on the family’s yearly pilgrimage to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. There she wept and bared her heart before God, and then she prayed, [I]f you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord . . .” (I Sam. 1:11a NIV)

After Eli the priest blessed her, Hannah returned home, and within a year she gave birth to Samuel. Several years later, when Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow. She took him back to Shiloh, and there she gave him to the Lord by placing him with Eli.

Samuel ministered to the Lord in Shiloh. He became a prophet who called Israel back to God. He was also the last judge to serve as the governmental leader of Israel. He even anointed Saul, the first king—and then he anointed King David.

The heart-felt vow of the desperate Hannah helped shape the history of Israel.

Originally published May 13, 1983.

"I Poured Out My Soul"

Why is it hard to admit failure and disappointment? Psychologists tell us it is dangerous to stuff such feelings because, when we do, they eat away at our internal strengths.

There is a Biblical alternative. We see it in Hannah, wife of Elkannah. She thought herself a failure when she couldn’t produce a child. She might have suppressed her disappointment for some time, but eventually she wept.

Hannah’s husband tried to console her by asking her to stop weeping. That might have been a convenient solution for Elkanah, but it would have been detrimental for Hannah.

God responded to the depths of Hannah’s sorrow. When she yielded to weeping, she released pent-up emotions and she directed her sorrows to the One who could help. The Bible says, she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. (I Sam. 1:10 NKJV) She said of the experience, [I] poured out my soul. . . . (v. 15)

Eli the priest did not understand and was judgmental until she spoke to him. Then he understood and responded to Hannah with a word from God. Hannah received the word in faith and, when she did, God set her free from the burden of failure.

Originally published January 17, 1992.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Enemy Within

The Israelites struggled for 400 years after entering Canaan before they actually possessed the land God had promised. During many of those years, they endured hardship. At one time, the neighboring nation of Midian was so strong that the Israelites lived in mountain crevices and caves. Often, when they planted their crops, the Midianites or other nations would raid them and take their harvest.

But when the Israelites turned away from idols to their true God—when they cried out to the Lord for help (v. 6)—He answered their prayers.

One day the Angel of the Lord came to an inexperienced youth named Gideon, telling him he would lead the Israelites in battle against the Midianites. But the angel's first assignment was a special task. Before he could defeat an enemy from another nation, he must defeat the enemy within. God said, Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord. . . . (v. 25,26 NIV)

This was no small test. Gideon knew people would react in anger and he was afraid for his life. He asked for signs to reassure him all would go well before he followed God’s instruction—and God, who knew his heart, honored his ultimate obedience.

All went well when he followed God's instructions. After that, with a unique and remarkable strategy he led the people and defeated the Midianites. Then he served as an Israelite judge (governmental leader) for 40 years.

Originally published October 5, 1984.
Picture: Como Park, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Hard-hearted Pharaoh

Hard-hearted people are not impressed by others. Pharaoh remained untouched when God performed miracle after miracle through Moses. When plagues of blood, frogs, and gnats threatened to destroy the land, magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen. . . . (Ex. 8:19a NIV)

Plagues of flies, dead livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness deepened the threat of destruction. Pain and hardship extended throughout Pharaoh’s kingdom, but Pharaoh remained unmoved. Not until the Lord struck down all the first born in Egypt, . . . (12:29a) did he finally respond. He hadn’t suddenly become tender or open to God—he was afraid. He called for Moses during the night, imploring Moses to take the Israelites and leave.

The Bible tells us God actually caused Pharaoh’s heart to harden. That’s a frightening thought. Hardness of heart can creep in with little warning.

The psalmist prayed, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10) May the psalmist’s prayer be our prayer.

Originally published July 15, 1988.
Picture: Commercial landscape, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A Forgiving Heart

A young woman confessed that although she knew she should forgive, that did not mean she was willing to forgive. My mind knows I should, but I don’t feel it in my heart. she said.

Even as she resisted forgiving, however, she often focused her thoughts on what the Bible said: [B]e kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32 RSV)

And so, after struggling over being willing to be willing, she finally asked God for help—particularly in her relationship with an alcoholic mother. After laying it before her Lord many, many times—love overruled anguish and forgiveness became genuine reality. She shared her victory with joy, quoting Jesus who said, And whenever you stand praying, forgive. If you have anything against any one. . . . (Mk. 11:25a)

The young woman knew she could not forgive on her own. Her human nature was like all human natures—and she desired to justify herself. But through God, she offered compassion and forgiveness—even in the face of mistreatment.

Originally published December 4, 1991.

Picture: Hanging basket, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig

Praying for Others

Sometimes we want God to bless an individual who absolutely does not deserve it. We might even wonder if it's right to pray for such an individual. But because we love—or at least enjoy—this person, we want God to bless them.

When struggling with conflicting emotions, it’s helpful to remember that God does not move in people’s hearts because they deserve it. He told Ezekiel to tell the Isrealites, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my Holy Name’s sake, which you have profaned.” (Ez. 36,22,23 NKJV)

We are more likely to feel comfortable praying for people who live on the edge when we remember our own sin. When we recognize our unworthy nature we remember that not one of us deserves God’s blessings. Yet God blesses anyway.

God says, I will sprinkle clean water on you . . . I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart . . . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues. . . . (vs. 25-36)

God is more than willing to bless others, even those who live on the edge. He wants to draw people to Himself and He wants us to pray for them.

Originally published May 7, 1993.

Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Discover God Is Real

Abraham had a trusted servant. We aren’t told much about him, but when Abraham sent him on the important mission of securing a wife for Isaac, the man did not pray to God because he had relationship with God himself. Instead, he prayed, O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success. . . . (Gen. 24:12 NKJV)

There are people today who have prayed and received answers from God—but who do not claim to know God personally. Usually they know God answers prayer because someone else received an answer or answers. But they are not in the habit of praying themselves. Perhaps they think they are not good enough to pray. Perhaps they do not want to submit to God—they might even think prayer is an attempt to escape responsibility.

Yet, in a time of crisis or need, they prayed. And just as God answered Abraham's servant by providing Rebecca to be Isaac's wife, God answers prayer today. It seems God delights in meeting people when they pray. Sometimes He uses that prayer as a catalyst to bring a person to Himself. Whatever the circumstance, people discover God is real when they pray.

God answered Abraham’s servant. When He did, the man bowed down his head and worshipped the Lord. (v. 27)

Originally published January 10, 1992.

Does God Subvert Judgment?

The Biblical book of Job is confusing. Job tried to explain his condition to his friends by saying unthinkable words that seemed to blame God: He crushes me . . . and multiplies my wounds . . . For He is not a man . . . Let Him take His rod away from me, and do not let dread of Him terrify me. (Job 9:17-34)

Bildad the Shuhite was shocked by Job’s outbursts: How long will you speak these things. . . ? Does God subvert judgment? (Job 8:2,3 NKJV) To make matters worse, two additional friends named Eliphaz and Zophar agreed and said similar things. Furthermore, Job’s friends must have quoted truth because almost everything they said can be found in other portions of Scripture.

Yet, in the end, the friends were pronounced guilty. God instructed them to provide an offering so Job could sacrifice in their behalf and pray for them. Now, is that not confusing?

A big difference between Job and his friends was that Job trusted the person of God for salvation. Although the friends seemed to be God-focused as well, they focused on ideas about God. Perhaps they trusted more in being right—more in what they believed about God—than they trusted in God Himself.

Originally published September 27, 1992.

Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

And Your Household

A Philipian jailer was desperate. The foundations of his prison had been shaken by an earthquake and the inmates were set free. Assuming everyone would escape, the jailer planned to commit suicide to save his good name.

Paul and Silas were in the prison that night. When the earthquake struck, they had been singing praises and praying while the other prisoners listened. No one tried to leave. And when Paul realized what the jailer was about to do he let the man know that even though doors were open and chains were broken, the prisoners were still there.

Why would prisoners remain instead of try to escape? The scene is surreal, but God was apparently reaching the prisoners through praises and prayers of Paul and Silas. When the jailer realized what was happening, he fell down before Paul and Silas . . . “Men, what must I do to be save?” (Acts 16:30b RSV) Paul and Silas shared the gospel: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (v. 31)

The jailer responded to the invitation. But why? And why so quickly? Because his prisoners were present and accounted for?

Could it have been the Holy Spirit? Whatever our interpretation, we know God met both the jailer and the jailed in an hour of crisis. In fact, God’s love extended beyond the jailer himself to touch his entire household or family.

He can do the same for us.

Originally published August 21, 1981.
Picture: Young Geraniums, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

When We Forgive

Sometimes God asks us to do hard things and we would rather disobey than obey Him. It was not easy for Ananias to pray for Saul. He objected when God told him to meet the man. He even listed Saul’s activities before God. Saul had persecuted Christians in Jerusalem—and he had authority from religious leaders to send Christians to prison. (Acts, 9) Surely God knew that Saul’s character made him an obvious enemy of God’s people.

But God overruled Ananias just as He had overruled Saul: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel . . . .” (v. 15a ) Ananias had to put personal feelings and fears aside. He had to forgive a man he thought was his enemy.

Ananias struggled, but God knew Saul’s nature, and God knew Saul’s future—how Saul would respond. Saul’s conversion was both immediate and drastic. He began preaching in synagogues and everyone was amazed because the man who persecuted them had become a believer.

Saul went on to become Paul. He traveled the Roman Empire for Jesus and he wrote much of our New Testament.

And Ananias? He is remembered as the person who obeyed God when it wasn't easy. Through his obedience he helped launch the ministry of the remarkable apostle Paul.

Originally published November 13, 1992.
Picture: Commercial landscape, Grand Forks, 2009. Photo by Solveig.