The Earth Quaked; How Does the Holy Spirit Lead?

The Earth quaked quite a bit recently. It began with 2 earthquakes in Oklahoma City, Ok, yesterday and last night, November 5, 2011. Then, this morning, a mudslide occurred in Columbia. 

The latest quake in Oklahoma registered 5.6 on the Richter Scale and was the largest ever recorded in that state. It was felt all across the Midwest and the South, from North Texas all the way up to Northern Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a small tremor of the Earth in Texas. I was sitting in my bed praying, and the lamp shade shook lightly. Then the bed moved as if it was being lifted from underneath, and while I was processing what was happening (a matter of seconds), the pens in a glass tinkled across the room. I have never felt an earthquake, but I did that day.

We do not live on a fault line; there is one several hundred miles south of us, but the last earthquake was in a similar location about 50 miles from us a couple of years ago.

It turned out that there was an earthquake of about 4.7 on the Richter Scale that morning. Then, late in the hurricane season, one arrives in the coastal waters off of Central America.

2011 has been quite a year.

I know I keep saying it, but I also hear predictions that we will see more of this in 2012. Why? I am not sure. There are some that come up with numerology, and others read the geological signs. 

The funny thing is, that no one knows why in the world Oklahoma just began having numerous earthquakes in the year 2009. They had about 42 in that year, and an increase of quakes since then. The US Geological Service finally set up a station in Norman.

Then, don’t forget about the earthquake that occurred in Washington D.C. this summer, which shook the foundations of the Washington National Monument and The National Cathedral. It closed both facilities down. Then, weeks later, a hurricane strikes the Virginia coast, creating more distress. I am sure it was a reaction to the shaking of the Earth.

Although much smaller, the Texas earthquake was similar to this one, and we wonder what ocean weather the Oklahoma earthquake will bring. As you know, earthquakes have not been the only natural disaster of this year.

The Lord is calling us to walk in faith.

He wants us to pray! The Spirit gives us trials and tribulations, but as Christians, they push us to the Almighty God, and we still stand. The unrighteous, however, will go from bad to worse, never coming to the truth. 

Think of Lot and Noah (Genesis). Everyone was having one big party during that time; life was grand…and immoral. Then the Lord called two men and their families to another land. God was calling them out to protect them from the curses coming down on Sodom and Gomorrah.

Many people are beginning to understand that we are entering a season that resembles the prophetic descriptions laid out by Jesus in the Bible. Yet, it is a call to prayer and action. 

Pray against disaster, pray for your family’s safety, but walk in faith that He will carry you. It does not mean that it has to happen tomorrow, or next year. What it means is that God is calling us to be sold out to Him! Do not listen to fatalism; that is what the devil wants from you.

God is the author of peace.

Sometimes we find ourselves trying to ride the fence of our faith in order not to offend. You know? I might offend the Muslim, the Buddhist, etc. if I say that I believe in Jesus Christ. The Lord is calling us to stand firm; we cannot just go against our faith for the sake of “keeping the peace.” That is not true peace!  

Eventually, the truth has to come out, because the fence will fall down one way or the other. It is oh, so easy, to ride the fence until you are the one in the middle of a crisis. You will have to take a stand one way or the other.

Further, we read God’s Word and decide that the Bible no longer applies to our modern-day society. We decide that it is no longer the truth because times have changed. The problem with that kind of thinking is that we are taking His Word, word by word legalistically and religiously, and not into our hearts. 

Unless we follow the commandments in the Bible in a heartfelt manner, we miss the mark.

Take the earthquake in the Capitol, for instance.

Why did the foundation of the National Cathedral literally roll, in one eyewitness account? Perhaps it is because there is not one mention of the name of Jesus Christ on their website; they follow the people.  

You may even think I am being judgmental, but God wants us to stand firm in Him.  Based on their website, the National Cathedral desires to include people of all religions and call it a church, walking the line of what our country was founded on---Christianity. 

The cathedral caters to all religions and then prays for their idea of peace and harmony. That isn’t our church, the Church of Jesus Christ, but a meeting place of government officials. Truthfully, many Christian churches have tried to walk this line too.

What is the Lord calling us to do?

The Lord is calling us to help out the Body of Christ when She has a spiritual or physical need. We cannot continue to send our brothers and sisters in Christ to outside agencies to carry out the duty that the Lord has called us to do. 

He calls us to be the hands and feet of Christ.  He calls us to care for widows and orphans. He calls us to feed the poor and needy.  He calls us to assist the victims with the love of Christ.  If our hearts are tender before Him, He will open up the gateways of provision for all involved.

We must pray and pray some more until we know the way He wants us to go.  He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us.

Earthquakes, floods, mudslides, and hurricanes strike all upon the Earth, but it is the righteous of the kingdom of God who will stand. Elohim is the creator of the universe and the author of justice; He sent his Son to fulfill the Law that He laid down.  

His grace covers Jew and Gentile alike; let us raise our families to follow Him, no matter what the world tells us.

 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matthew 6:33

But Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord...Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God.  Genesis 6:8-9

Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on November 6, 2011

Facing The Giants of Prosperity

We watched the movie again, Facing the Giants.


If you have never watched this movie before, it is a story set at a Christian high school in Georgia, in which a young football coach learns that walking in faith with God will lead him to where he needs to go. 

He arrives at the bottom of his career, when he realizes that he has coached his team poorly, and is on the verge of losing his job. In desperation, he prays over a plan, in order to lead his team to the state playoffs.  As a result, he commits his job and his attitude to Christ and then delivers an inspirational sermon to his players.

Motivated by their coach’s faith, the team works hard, and stops a losing streak, winning their way all the way to the playoffs. Although the Lord did not seem to deliver everything the team wanted at first, the team and coaches found that as they all submitted their hearts and minds before Him, they found success. They won their way to the final game in the state playoffs. It is a reminder that we all have a part and can only fulfill it if we seek Him first. 

What about this prosperity stuff?

The story leads us to believe that submitting to God Almighty no matter what happens, brings us a bit of heaven, or as some call it, prosperity. In our family, we have watched this movie repeatedly, because on many levels it is a motivational Christian story. It reminds us all of placing Christ at the head of our problem-solving.

I think that sometimes we forget that prosperity is relative. You know, according to the book of Revelations, the Lord will save 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. That means we are all different, and many have some remarkable testimonies in which they have overcome difficult circumstances to reach the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, if you have moved from homeless to a trailer park, you may have prosperity. When you move from a trailer park to a small modern home, you may have prosperity. When you have a decent car that runs, you may have prosperity. Or, when you have an older, modest car that you financially paid for, you may have prosperity. We may desire more in our hearts, but the point of the movie is that as a Christian, you may not get it when you ask, because your heart needs to be right before the Lord first.

It is not always that easy, though…

Although God wants to give us what we need, He does not necessarily give us what we want. He is after our hearts and not our accumulating more goods, status, and success at our jobs for the wrong reasons. The Lord God has a mission for building the spiritual Jerusalem, and it does not necessarily have anything to do with man’s idea of prosperity. We become content when we give it all to God! Then we find out what we really want.

However, the hard stuff hits.

You pray, and yet…

Your child receives yet another diagnosis.

You pray for a cure, and instead, your child gets sick.

Your child dies.

Your child regresses in a skill he or she already knows.

You have to add yet another specialist to the long list.

Your child requires hospitalization.

Your child’s behavior and emotional problems worsen.

Your family falls apart.

It seems like just when things are going along right, the devil strikes. You know, that unexpected attack that you did not see coming? As special needs parents, we are not immune to such events above, but that does not make it easier. We find ourselves praying our way through difficult circumstances, researching ideas, and contacting doctors. It may take a while to get things back on track and leave us feeling isolated…again.

I mean, really, Jesus, can you come yesterday?

The car keeps acting up. The kitchen sink requires fixing. The dogs need to go to the vet. Then there are the dentist and doctor’s appointments. We need to go to the hospital to get some tests done. There are general cleaning duties and responsibilities. In addition, our relationships need to be nurtured. We even have other, typical children that need our time and attention.

We are tired, and we dream of the easy life of “normal” parents. We want a break, and maybe even a vacation to a remote island with no distractions. Events occur, and we give up hope, forgetting that all of our troubles are temporary. The Lord does not call us to the frivolity of staying on the easy side of life.

Yet, seek and praise Him.

Rejoice! ~

We will have abundance and prosperity because we seek the Lord continually for our families and ourselves. He will bring us victory when we seek Him continually in His Word. We will resolve our problems, stand over our enemies, and have peace over our households. Yes, there may be temporary chaos, but it is only that---temporary.

The enemy will not rise against us a second time once we defeat him, unless He dares to go against the Lord God Almighty. If he does, he will come face to face with Yahweh; we will just stand firm in the Lord until we have victory.

Let us come before Him as the sentinels call us before the Lord God Almighty…

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

God is in The Earthquake: A Message of Hope for 9/11/2011

This year's 9/11 turned out to be quite the statement by God.

Washington D.C. turned out to be quite the center of it all with an earthquake.

What made me think this was the damage done to 2 major structures in Washington D.C. in August---both the Washington National Monument and the National Cathedral. From the outside, they seem like two well-known tourist places in our nation’s capital, and yet, when we look closer, we see something else. 

An unusual shift occurred, and it was no accident. The Earth’s creation aside, there is a scriptural connection between the spiritual condition of our world and the “groaning” of the Earth. However, it is the effects of that shift that I see.

The history of the church and state

Historically, the National Cathedral was an idea dreamed up by George Washington but took 83 years to complete.  Its intention was to be a "great church for national purposes."   It now serves as the “church” where inaugurations and burials of presidents occur. It is also the center representation of political ceremony. 

During the earthquake, several ornate pieces of the church were knocked off, large cracks were made, and from one eyewitness account, the floors of the crypt were literally rolling. The building is still closed, and the message is clear. The Lord, He is God.

The Washington National Monument is a distinctive structure, built to remind us of the courage and tenacity of President George Washington, our nation’s first president. He was a founding father of our country and our Constitution, and the structure which has stood strong for many years received a crack in its efface. 

Although still strong, it remains a true testament to the original intent of our country’s bylaws, unused, except for appearance. Yet, it has overshadowed the many political events and rallies on the mall, one of which was Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

I really think God is sending us a message

I don't think it is in the fire and brimstone way, but in the sense that changes are coming that will shake up things in Washington D.C. but that will not overthrow the government.

The events were too specific and too timely to not read into some sort of message which God wants us all to hear. 

Plus, the 9/11 attacks on our nation rocked this country and most of us want change in the hallways of the nation's capital. 

I also believe that we need to go back to the foundations of America's government, which was "One nation, under God."

Because honestly, it has not been that. Arguments over whether or not we can say the name of God or the baseless disagreements from atheists who simply think that they will remove His name from anything, and it will stay that way. 

I think the Lord is saying, “Don’t be like those who have aligned themselves with the godless for the sake of politics; they have cracks in their foundations. Stand firm on the rock of God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. It will not fall. Don’t compromise the Christian principles found in the Bible; it will only weaken your foundation. You will not be shaken. Stand firm. Stand firm. Stand firm.”

So, as we enter into the season where we remember our heroes and think about the shift in our government with the first black American president. 

While things may change, God's foundation will not fail, even if an earthquake comes and rocks the foundation. 

God is in the earthquake and He is the foundation. 

Our nation will not fall, but we will be better on the other side.

Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As for shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17 (NRSV)

Originally published on 9/11/2011

Christmas in July and One Starry Night

Christmas in July.

My special needs son has the cutest rhyming Bible, that always summarizes the stories in an entertaining, rhyming way. We read a story every night before he goes to bed, and trust me, he won’t let me forget. 

One night, we read the story about the angels appearing to the shepherds in their fields. Here is an excerpt we read from The Rhyme Bible Storybook:

The Shepherds

Late one night,

One quiet night,

Some shepherds sat

By the flickering light

When all of a sudden…

They saw something BRIGHT!

“What is it?” they cried

As they tried to hide,

For it gave them such

A terrible fright!

But then they heard

An angel say,

“Don’t be afraid,

For on this day

A baby was born

On a bed of hay.

And even though

He is so small,

This baby is

The King of all!”

The shepherds heard

A wonderful sound---

Angels were singing

All around:

“Glory to God!”

They sang, and then,

“Peace on Earth,

Good will to men!”

Then angels suddenly

Went away,

And with them went

The light of day.

Once again

The night was still,

And moonlight shone

On every hill.

The shepherds quickly

Ran with joy

To find this very

Special boy!

At last they found

Where the baby lay---

Fast asleep

Upon the hay!

Talk about your full service church! Church brought to your doorstep is always nice…but, it isn’t usually possible. 

Years ago, there was a spoof video spreading over the Internet revealing the real reasons pastors are missing church. It included daily life issues like working or caring for a fussy baby, etc. 

Obviously, people cannot just make it to church for many reasons. Whether it is because of health, behavior, or a lack of accommodations for our children, it happens to all special needs parents.

But, does that mean we "fell from God?"

Obviously not. 

The REAL question is are we listening to the Spirit of God?

In the days before the Internet, we had to go to the building in order to have church, and connections to the Body of Christ. That is, unless they sought us out. Now we are in the modern age;) where electronic connections bring us ears to hear the Holy Spirit. 

 We can download Bible apps on our phones or programs on our computer. We can watch the Twitter stream, #Jesustweeters and observe the collective words of Christians come together in one message. 

You can even read blogs like this one, which I hope points you to the Lord. You find online support as you care for your child and your family, delivered right to your own home!

Although a little corny, it is a reminder that God is everywhere; the Spirit is our deposit. He speaks online and in person to each individual as the He chooses. 

We all have seasons and the Lord holds us up whether or not we actually, physically attend church. 

If you are there, don't sweat it! He's got this!

In His grip~ Kim

Originally published on 7/10/2011

Japan's Disaster Magnanimous Disaster and How We Can Help

Out of respect for Japan, I postponed today's Lent devotional. #prayforJapan...

Japan is in a crisis.

It is disheartening to watch; it is agony to hear about the president of Japan, pleading for relief. People do not know where to go for food and other basic needs. Many live in shelters and thousands have died. The country that once had so much still had, but struggles under the weight of the crisis of the 5th largest recorded earthquake, a tsunami, and then finally, the nuclear reactor meltdown. Frankly, it is a lot for any country to stand up under.

Further, stores are selling out of potassium iodide in Oregon and Washington, as well as most online stores, including Amazon. Because people are concerned about the radiation from Japan’s nuclear explosion traveling across the ocean, they prepare. 

Some are shipping boxes overseas, and others are stockpiling it for themselves. I look at the prices on Amazon, and the cost for one box of tablets is over $300. I wonder how much they will be tomorrow…

The promise is that potassium iodide will prevent radiation illness because it will saturate the thyroid with a fairly harmless iodide. Many cancer patients use it to protect their bodies.

The anxiety heightens.

When the reality of a crisis strikes, we ask questions. We wonder. We are unsure of what to do. How do we ensure that we keep our families safe, or even worse, can we? Losses happen. People are homeless, and rebuilding takes a great amount of effort and time from outside sources. We cry out to God, our Maker, and He delivers. Sometimes it is not in the way that we want, but He does come.

We wake up suddenly, only to discover that the world we knew is over, and the destruction and fallout must be sorted through in order to build a new one. It is not neat and tidy. It is a mess that needs to be cleaned up. It is a time to come together in the Body of Christ and to assist. No matter what our gift is in the Church, it is our calling and our duty.

We realize that we cannot avoid tragedy

“More than 90 countries have offered assistance to Japan. However, the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis is greater than anyone could have ever imagined.” CBN

It is at times like this, that we all remember how frail life is, and how we just cannot prevent it. If you would like to help, there are a number of nonprofits requesting donations, so that everyone’s needs will be met. Many of us cannot do something hands-on, but we can all pray and/or donate. Our combined efforts will assist in the future of many children.

Tragedy can cause fear to roost in our hearts, particularly when we see a cloud looming on the horizon---even unseen clouds, such as radiation coming across the Pacific Ocean. It seizes our actions at first, as we grapple with what has happened. We grieve the old life, but we move forward, and so will the people of Japan with each step towards healing. Sometimes we spend extra time in shock. Loss is universal, and it is the language we all speak.

What does the future hold?

Even in all of the Biblical characters, going all the way back to Genesis, Some were created for spreading the message of God, some for leadership, some for carrying the spirit of Elijah, and some for suffering. I will not say to you that life is always a picnic; you know that. 

However, for some who live in their glass houses, it is difficult to comprehend that many suffer for the cause of Christ, and this is not of their own doing, but the God who makes all of us. Won’t you share it with them today; it is God’s season to remove people from their reverie of self, and move into the gracious love of Jesus Christ.

He is our deliverer. In Him, we trust. Better days are coming---of this, we have hope in the One who loves us.

Originally published on 3/20/2011

The Spring on The Western Wall

In the Wailing Wall or Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel, there are some plants that have grown for centuries in the cracks. 

Some refer to them as hyssop plants, and others know them to be Capparis spinosa, commonly known as the caper bush. I found this of interest because the Bible refers to hyssop, and it was frequently used in sacrifices:

“He would speak of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows in the wall; he would speak of animals, and birds, and reptiles, and fish. People came from all the nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon; they came from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom.” Numbers 4:33-34

In other words, the telling of the hyssop is part of Solomon’s wisdom, given to him by God. This use of the word hyssop translates to ezob in this verse, and for many, there is no real conclusion as to which variety of the hyssop bush it refers to. 

However, there it is, among the other natural things of the earth in Israel.

Lost in translation.

When we search for the modern-day plant described in the Bible, we discover that the meaning of the word is ezob, or in Greek, it is hussopos.  Some Bibles translate this differently. However, given the fact that these bushes grow from the cracks in the Western Wall, and that they grow all over Israel, we can surmise that this plant is generally known as hyssop.  

As in confirmation, I also searched the Jewish Encyclopedia, which contains not only Biblical history but also the history of the Law. It, too, states that is generally agreed upon that the bushes in the wall are caper bushes. It is common knowledge in Israel because they grow all over the place. 

The caper bushes in the Wall are a symbol.

These bushes are not merely the leftover seeds of some long-ago weed that grows in the wall; they are holy.  If Jesus acknowledged that the foundation of our faith is Judaism, then shouldn’t we? As a child, He sat in the Temple reading God’s Word and sharing the wisdom He already had. He celebrated the many Jewish festivals, as well.  His foundation was YHWH, no question.

Jesus, Maschiah, was God's promise to Abraham.  He knew it, even if those around Him questioned his miracles and His Words.   He split the Temple curtain in two with His death, and the earth quaked. He poured out His body for our sins; He became the perfect Lamb of God.   The Western Wall and its caper bushes are a reminder of what Jesus did on the cross for us.

Why shouldn't our foundation be HIS foundation?

Actually, it should.

Although Herod helped in the building of the Temple; it was truly GOD'S from the start.  His wall is the last one standing.  His Word is the foundation that is the beginning and the end.  It is the very foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ, as the Son of God is built.

What do those bushes mean?

In Psalms, we read that the caper bush (hyssop) purges the body and soul. How appropriate that these bushes grow in the Wall.  According to one account, the Wall has a physical power of God that is still present. Some day I will journey there myself, but today I will find His power in the blood of Jesus Christ.  

So also Christ did not glorify Himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the One who said to Him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you;" as He says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."  Hebrews 5:5-6, Psalms 2:7

Perhaps the true translation wasn't really lost...

In His grip~Kim

Originally published on 3/9/2011

King Herod's Tyranny and The Lesson It Teaches Us

Image via Wikipedia Herod.

All that is left of his regime is the western wall. The western wall stands as a memorial to the Temple in Jerusalem.  

It is the remaining wall that King Herod built, where many Jews still to this day, leave their prayers.  

Many even testify to the power of Yahweh, found simply in the touching of the wall.  Jews and Christians alike, leave their prayers daily on the wall, as it has become a holy place to meet face to face with God.

His Biblical name is synonymous with hatred and evil. He orders complete reliance, while he makes unrealistic demands. He steals from his children and kills those who do not follow him. 

His wives follow him if they want to stay alive. Even then, they may do one thing that infuriates him, and he kills them and their children. At the time that Jesus was born, it was known that Herod had only one son left, because of this er…bad habit.

He punishes as if he is God. It is as if he believes that he has the right to make decisions for everyone. All subjects are loyal to the king above all else.  Herod even builds the Jewish Temple and many other structures to expand his power and control, expecting complete and loyal submission.  

As is depicted in the story of Mary and Joseph taking baby Jesus to Egypt, many ran in order to save their lives. 

There are modern-day Herods in the world

When the revolution in Cairo first began, my teenage son, comes down that morning and tells me. We get on Twitter, of all things, and use the hashtag #Cairo. Our excitement carries us through what cable television cannot get out as immediately as we did (not that we have cable, but…). 

We witness live-time on Twitter of all places, as reporters were hunted down by the Egyptian military, and cameras were confiscated. Next, there are statements that the government was beginning to cut off the Internet. However, according to one tweet, the phone service was the last line of communication, so we continue to receive a barrage of live events via social media.

We knew when they cut off the service, though, because all of a sudden, there is silence from the reporters, and pro-Mubarak messages were displayed across the screen. 

Obviously, at the time, this is a big cover-up for what they are doing to too many innocent people. However, the people prevail, and they finally get their day when last week Mubarak steps down.

Wow, welcome to modern-day social media news, right?  What truly modern-day Herods attempt to silence the people from speaking the truth?

But, of course, God uses this to teach me a lesson about Him.

We run up against modern-day Herods

We are going to run up against Herods. They are everywhere. Each one has its own agenda and persona. Some have more power than others, but God is bigger than them all. Just like He out-foxed King Herod, keeping the baby Jesus and His family safe. 

God finally puts an end to Herod's arrogance with one fell swoop in front of his subjects. (Acts 12:22-23)  And, we need to know that the Lord carries out His justice to our modern-day Herods as well.

The Lord wants us to call on Him. He rescues us from the wrath that may come.  Further, when we make a wrong turn (or not), he is faithful to carry us to safety, even if we are vulnerable. 

He provides what we need, but He does not promise that we won't suffer at all. We may still go through trials; however, it is only for a season.

Personally, in our daily lives, our family members may receive a new diagnosis. We may have problems with entities or even at our jobs. We may suffer marrital difficulties.  We may find ourselves in difficulties that we never imagined. 

Yet, God tells us that the devil is always on the prowl, and he is the true Herod.  

However, the love of Christ is constant, and He will make a way for us and help us to stand. All we need to do is turn our hearts and minds toward Him, and we will know what to do.
 
"To Him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.  Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and on His account all the tribes of the earth will wail.  So it is to be Amen.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."  Revelation 1:5b-8

In His grip~ Kim

Originally published on 2/18/2011