Barefoot Before the LORD

"The commander of the LORD's army replied, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did as he was told."  Joshua 5:15

My friend’s eyes spied my daughter climbing through our side window, cradling a rabbit. 

Yup. Our children use windows like doors. 

Realizing this may not be the norm for most families, I let out a raw laugh. “Didn’t you know? We live like animals around here!”

Her face lit up, “Oh, we don’t have screens, either!” 

Ah, a kindred "momma" spirit.

“But, I did notice your kids don’t wear shoes very often…”

She listed various times and events when she’d witnessed my shoeless children. It was a completely non-judgmental, endearing encounter. We giggled as she collected her cuties.

I didn’t recall half of the times she mentioned. 

I kept saying, "Really?"

“Oh yes, last week when you picked up Micah, no one had shoes on then, either…”

"Really?"

Apparently, there’s a crack in my parenting I wasn’t aware of.

The door shut as she left. "Jesus help me. I am truly raising animals."

My head sunk back. The admission slipped out in a single breath, “Jesus, there are so many holes in my parenting”.

His spirit whipped back sharp and clear. "It’s Ok. I can make them Holy."

*****

God isn’t surprised I’m not a perfect mom. If my kids do miraculously grab a shoe…they can’t find the other one anyway. Still, I imagine He delights in watching their naked toes running through grass and tiptoeing through Target.  

He must’ve been pleased with his servant Moses, barefoot before the burning bush--and Joshua, a mighty warrior, barefoot before battle.

“Take off your sandals,” he commanded them, “for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5, Joshua 5:15)

Before both men were commissioned into their own form of battle, they were asked to remove their shoes. Well, my friend, parenting is a battlefield! 

God is asking us to take off our shoes, too. 

In ancient culture, removing one’s shoes had great significance. It could signify many things, reverence, submission, redemption of property, transfer of power, showing the legality of a purchase. It was also symbolic of giving up one’s rights.  

Yes, God can make the holes in my parenting holy. However, I need to give up my parental rights to the perfect Father.

There are areas I can’t reach in the hearts of my children; no matter how hard I strain to touch them.

The tears I don’t see... 

The pain they don’t share... 

The lies they believe... 

The innocence I can’t protect…

These places are holy ground. They must be set apart for the Lord. 

Because--let’s be honest--we’ll never know the whole story of what happened at school that day. It isn’t possible to intercept every cruel word and relationship thrown at them. Sometimes, things slip between the cracks. 

No matter how hard we try, there will be days our kids aren’t wearing shoes at Costco. 

Sometimes this happens, because ALL the time, we are just human parents. Human parents, stomping around in our big ‘ole boots, thinking we've got this parenting thing all figured out.

We think we love our kids more than God does. Mamma Bears, you know this is true. This lie violently twists and tightens around our sandals, making it feel impossible to ever take them off in submission. 

I’d lay down my life for my children in a heartbeat!  But...

their Father in heaven already did when He sent His Son to the cross.. 

 I can’t beat that. I can’t love them like God does. 

When we yank those sandals off, the rocky terrain of faith may bruise and bloody our sensitive soles.

Praise God, we have a Savior who kneels down and cradles those steadfast Momma feet. He gently washes and restores. Tenderly fitting them with readiness and peace, He prepares us to follow Him into battle.

"For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News (Gospel) so that you will be fully prepared."  Ephesians 6:15

He will even help us find that other stinkin’ shoe! 

God’s ways are better for our children, because His love is bigger.

No parenting class, yoga pose, discipline strategy, special smoothie or supplement will help us to fill in the tender areas at which we fail as parents.  I want us to be a generation of parents bowing before the great I AM, taking off our shoes and declaring, “Only through His strength, can we battle for the lives of our children!”  

He is the only Father who can comfort their silent whimpers, mend their broken spirits, heal their bruised hearts, and whisper directly to their souls, You are loved, you are seen…when we cannot. We must intentionally dedicate them to the Father who never fails.

Parenting is holy ground. 

I want to be barefoot before the Lord.

A Marked Life.

Next time you see bare feet, ask God to continually fill in the spaces you can’t reach. 

Take off your own shoes as an offering

We can trust His ways are better, because His love is bigger.

by Jenna Masters

Claim Your Inheritance

"A delegation from the tribe of Judah led by Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, came to Joshua at Gilgal. Caleb said to Joshua, 'Remember what the LORD said to Moses, the man of God, about you and me when we were at Kadesh-barnea. I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the LORD, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God. So that day Moses solemnly promised me, 'The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God." Joshua 14:6-9

In Joshua 14 the time had come for nine and a half tribes to receive their inheritance. Two and a half tribes had already received their inheritance, designated through Moses, on the eastern side of the Jordan. Caleb came to Joshua to request his promised inheritance, the land he had been assigned to survey forty five years earlier. It had been promised him because he had wholeheartedly, or fully, followed the LORD.

As believers, we have an inheritance, too. We've been adopted into the family of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

"Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan...He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, God's guarantee that He will give you the inheritance He promised." Ephesians 1:4-5, 11, 13-14a

Believers, Gentile and Jew alike, are heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Through the adoption process of His blood shed on the cross for us, we partake of His Holy nature. 

"By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires." 2 Peter 1:3-4

"...Share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires."The Greek word for "share" is koinonos--partner with, partake, fellowship with. We have the nature of Jesus within us; we have His Holy Spirit dwelling in us to help us partake of Jesus. We make the choice. Do we put on Jesus and walk in righteousness, or do we keep wearing our old sin-desiring natures?

It's when we choose Jesus that the Holy Spirit gives us the power to follow through on our choice.

When we "put on Jesus," we are choosing to walk in the righteousness of God. We choose to put aside thoughts, attitudes and behavior only the world finds appealing. In their place:

"...clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:12-13a

When we put on Jesus, we are clothing ourselves to please our bridegroom. I think about the preparations every bride goes to in planning her wedding day. Her choice in what she will wear is something she's probably dreamed about at some time or another from her early years. She dreams and decides. Will it be a ball gown? An A-line or mermaid silhouette? What neckline? Sleeves? Lace? Ruffles? Will there be beading? Will it be plain or fancy? 

She finally enters the bridal shop and begins to try on beautiful white gowns. She floats in one gossamer creation after another, but something is always lacking. Finally, she puts on a style she hadn't considered earlier. She looks in the mirror and she just knows. This is her. Every style she tried was pretty, but she wouldn't settle. She pursued finding the one that completed her "look," and, she was willing to pay the price of purchase.

I think of pursuing Jesus with the same single-minded purpose, adding to our gowns (lives) the adornment of love, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, purity...all the attributes our bridegroom finds pleasing and which He gave His life to make available to us.

Just as Caleb received his inheritance because he fully followed the LORD, we are to wholeheartedly follow Him, too. Just as God gave Caleb strength to defeat his enemies, God will give us strength, by His Holy Spirit, to face our battles and win. Trials refine the intricate design on our bridal gowns.

The more we choose to exercise our faith, the more the Holy Spirit makes us able to stand firm.

The more we choose to put on Jesus, the more like Him we will become.

We will have peace within. We will be ready when He comes for us. Our Bridegroom will present us--clothed in dazzling, pure raiment--to Abba Father, and we will share in His glory.

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all His glory." Colossians 3:1-4

by Marilyn Allison

 

Living Water

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:3

A few years ago my husband after eating an apple, took the seeds, put them in water and when they grew roots he put them in dirt. As time has gone by a little tree has grown. The size of the pot isn’t very big--only about five feet high--but it does produce little tiny apples.

Anthony and I were studying Psalm 1 and he told me he sometimes feels like our little tree. Just like the tree whose growth has been stunted because the roots have no place to grow, when he doubts or is anxious he feels like his roots aren’t deep and has little fruit. I’ve thought about what he shared with me. I reminded him the tree is still alive and the life giving water keeps it that way. Even though it doesn't bear full sized apples it’s still fruit. 

On any given day we could be like that tree--desperately drinking in every little drop of water-- going on to produce fragrant buds and then fruit. Not all of us could be big Redwoods like Billy Graham.

Throughout our lives we change. There are times when we are like a Eucalyptus or Willow tree-- our roots sinking deep into the water--drinking it in--growing in beauty and grace.  At other times we can be like cactus; full of our own juices and prickly.

Are you feeling dry? Are you actively seeking Living Water? Or are you a cactus plant--self-sufficient--trying to make it through each day under your own juice?

"JESUS answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."  
John 4:10

Come to the well and drink. Let the roots of your faith be nurtured by the life giving Word of God. Drink in the Living Water that can flow through the desert places of your heart and mind, giving you life.

"Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.  John 4:13 & 14

by Eve Montano

J

Our High Priest

"The remaininng tribes of Israel received land in Canaan as allowed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the tribal leaders."  Joshua 14:1

From the beginning, those called by God to be priests were to consecrate themselves before they came near to Him, lest He break out against them.

"Even the priests who regularly come near to the LORD must purify themselves so that the LORD does not break out and destroy them." Exodus 19:22

It was their responsibility to be sure they were right with Him, and had observed His ordinances according to His directions rather than present their own efforts to serve Him. Remember Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, who tried to use fire for the altar that hadn't come from God? The flames exploded from God's presence and consumed them (Leviticus 10).

The priests had to be clean--consecrated--before they could approach God on behalf of the people. They couldn't expect to learn the will of God if they came any other way than on God's terms and in the place He chose to dwell.

One of the ways God made His will known to them was through the Urim and the Thummim. These were the sacred lots borne on the ephod the priest wore. The manner in which they appeared after being cast signified God's will to the people.

"When direction from the LORD is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim--one of the sacred lots cast before the LORD--to determine His will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do." Exodus 27:21

The priests' job was full. Their duties included replenishing the oil in the lamp stand, providing the showbread for the tabernacle, maintaining the fire on the altar, offering morning and evening sacrifices and prayers three times a day. In other words, they were constantly busy. They weren't sitting in a camp chair outside their tents waiting for the next sacrifice, 

The High Priest had the additional duty of offering sacrifice to mediate for the nation. If there was anything out of line with the sacrifice or his fulfillment of his duties, the penalty was death. God is serious about the respect due His name and He is to be approached the right way.

Today, we have a High Priest who intercedes for us non-stop. He doesn't slumber or sleep. He is constantly speaking for us. He, who knows us so intimately that He can tell each of us how many strands of hair we have on our heads, is continually talking with Father God about His plans for us and what our needs are. He loves us exactly how we need to be loved. Jesus is actively guiding what's going on here on earth, as well as preparing our dwelling place in Heaven with Him. 

He doesn't need to cast lots to know the will of God. He is the perfect sacrifice, accepted by God and in unceasing communion with Him. He is the Word of God.

"We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the LORD and not by human hands. And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. ... Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises." Hebrews 8:1-3, 6

The old covenant provided a way to cover sin temporarily. The new covenant, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, took away our sins. "It is finished," He said. Done Deal.

What about you? Have you acknowledged His sacrifice is for you? Is He mediating in Heaven for you? It doesn't take specific words. All it takes is a simple agreement from your heart. Believe. An act of your heart. 

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." Romans 10:9-10

If you have followed this action, please go find someone to tell so they can rejoice with you.

by Marilyn Allison

 

A Lesson Learned

"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Luke 6:36

I know when I’m ill or suffering from a migraine, the Lord is usually bringing me to a quiet place of “surrender” because He has something to say. Well tonight’s family time brought it all together for me.

I'm so thankful because today, after a grueling episode of food poisoning complicated by a massive migraine, I was able to get out of bed. I’m slow, and not 100%; But I could still get up and get a shower and do some things for myself. I am so thankful to be in a much different place tonight. Thank You for praying. James 5:16 tells us the fervent, effectual prayers of a righteous person avails much, and they do.

I came home to Romania from my trip to California about a month ago. My first day back I found out that some of our gypsy neighbors had begun to encourage one of their younger children to break into houses and abandoned properties to steal things and sell them. JeJe caught them at a home down the street from us during the week prior to my return. They are well aware that the law here states that a minor cannot be incarcerated, and there are no longer youth correctional facilities. However, the parents can be held responsible for the children’s actions and, if found a party thereto, be incarcerated for child endangerment and the children sent to a group home.

For over twenty years this particular group has been a sore spot to this community. We have known the mother, who is in her late thirties, since she was a young pregnant teen. At that time the man who was mayor gave her a shack of a home. In the years to follow, she repeatedly became pregnant, put some of her children in the baby orphanage--took them out--put them in--and it just continued.

Her children are now mostly grown. She, her daughter, her daughter's husband and their baby--along with several more adults and children--all live in that shack. There is no water, no plumbing and it’s a den of filth. Their dirt and trash are often spread all over the common street. 

Thankfully, due to a discussion Jeje had with them a couple of months ago, they have begun cleaning the front area. She doesn’t want to work. She's maintained the attitude that we should all give her money--her son had to break into houses because they didn’t have food. The Mayor has provided her with lumber and tiles for her roof to make home repairs and she sells them.

I wasn’t happy to come home and hear that she was defending her son's behavior, and to also find out that we might need to brace ourselves for a break in.

JeJe assured me not to worry. He had an appointment with the Vice Mayor the next day to talk with him about the situation, and would be talking to all the surrounding neighbors (HOA meeting). The Vice Mayor said a written statement of the situation and hand signatures from affected neighbors would be needed. 

JeJe went door to door, to each and every home (as he did for the trash dump, and the gas project) and came home stunned at how many people said “get rid of them.”  Several actually suggested they should be sent to Auschwitz, which horrified him. This is clearly not the heart of God. We have been praying for wisdom from the Lord, and for JeJe to have wisdom in leading this situation.

He has personally talked with them about no longer having the attitude of “give me,” but to stop and think “what can we do to better our situation?”. He also offered them ideas to earn money, such as washing windows outside of people’s homes, yard work, etc. The twenty year old daughter got it and told her mother, “He’s trying to help us." Jeje explained to them that they need to take responsibility for their own improvement then the community would view them with a much better attitude. It’s not about the color of their skin, or the fact that they are gypsies. We have several wonderful gypsy families in our community who work hard, clean up and are well respected. 

Elli shared this with us during family time: "it’s true that problems are solved when the Gospel transforms a person's way of thinking. There is much less cannibalism in the world today because of the Gospel, and Jesus can transform these people."

We ask for you to pray with us for them--that they will open their hearts to Jesus and allow Him to transform them from the inside out and renew their way of thinking. We will all get to stand back and watch as God moves through our prayers, as He did with the over nine thousand tons of trash and the natural gas lines (pipes were even free). He will move in the hearts of this family--and let’s not forget the neighbors whose hearts cry “Auschwitz” (oh dear).

The light dawned. These past two weeks I had been praying for JeJe to have wisdom in how he handles this situation, and yet I didn’t want to live next to thieves. The words God kept repeating to me while I was sick: "Be Merciful."

In reality, I’m just as dirty with sin as my gypsy neighbors are. But, I’ve been washed by the precious blood of Jesus and He shows me mercy every day. He reminded me that He commands me:

"Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

And my favorite:

"...Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:13

As we sat in the quiet evening of family time, JeJe read from a new book on leadership I brought back with me, "How Successful People Think." This is what the opening words were for him tonight:

Good Thinkers Solve Problems. They never lack ideas and they always have hope for a better future. 

May God continue to give my husband His wisdom in leading our home, church and community. May the light of Jesus shine brightly from our home and into the hearts of the people here.

A final note. God often teaches us how to be merciful thru our own sufferings.

by Coleen Jejeran, Missionary to Romania
used by permission from Coleen's facebook posts