CHOOSE LIFE

As I was finishing up paperwork at my Octogerian patient's house today, I offhandedly asked him what his profession had been. He told me he was a preacher. Preached for over half a century... still preaching. We chatted a minute about the Bible and I asked him if he believed we were truly in the 'Last Days'. He nodded his head emphatically and said, “Most certainly!” He explained that America today is just like Israel in the OT... filled with lost people in search of an earthly king who will give us what we think we WANT, instead of a Heavenly King who gives us exactly what we NEED. He quoted Deuteronomy 30, where Moses – in his final speech – told the Israelites to “Choose Life” so that they would receive all the promised blessings from God.

Coincidentally (?) I had just finished Deuteronomy. It's a tough, book for me – it swamps me to read about the death of Moses. I can't deal with all the feels when God takes Moses up to Mt. Nebo to view the promised land. I cry every time, imagining the profound sense of accomplishment Moses felt after 80 years of service finally culminating in the deliverance of God's people; joy that the Israelites would finally be “home”; sadness in the prophetic knowledge that his "stiff-necked" people would eventually lose their homeland and be dispersed all over the world because they chose the curse instead of the blessing.

Today is my Daddy's birthday. He would be 87. To me, he is perpetually 64 – the age he left this earth. Several years ago I wrote this birthday tribute to him which popped up on my FB memories:

“It's been 15 years since my Daddy held me safe against his big ol' chest while I snuggled in, getting high on the scent of Old Spice. There was magic in that Old Spice. One whiff and a hug from my Daddy was all it took to make everything okay. I'm missing him more than usual. Maybe it's because the world seems to be going crazy and Tina Turner was completely wrong: we DO need another hero. He was mine.”

Undoubtedly, the world has become even uglier and crazier in the decades since my Dad found his way to heaven. We are surrounded by chaos, still searching for a 'king' to make everything better.

Life is hard and uncertain. Our hearts are troubled. There's not much I wouldn't give for one of my Dad's magical hugs...

But while he was my hero, God is my salvation. He reminded me of that today. His messenger was a tired, old preacher who believes without a doubt that he is still here for a purpose: to encourage others to Choose Life.

I'm thankful for men like him... beyond grateful for the modern-day Moseses who continue to lead lost wanderers into the Promised Land.

(Also, I'm pretty sure the Promised Land smells like Old Spice... 😉

 )

TABLE OF NATIONS

Noah’s Ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat in Turkey (previously known as Asia Minor). Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, wrote of ark remnants still in that area in AD 100. All serious archaeological evidence points to this area in Turkey being the origin of the second civilization after the flood.

At that time, all of the descendants of Noah spoke one language. Noah lived another 300 years after the flood – long enough to see a vast repopulation of his great and great-great grandchildren. They began to migrate east to the land of Shinar (Mesopotamia). In Genesis 11, the descendants of Noah and try to build the Tower of Babel and are stopped by God when He confuses their language. From that very location (the city of Babylon), they are divided into 70 nations and sent off in different directions.

Genesis 10:32: "These are the families of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, by their nations; and out of these the nations were separated on the earth after the flood."

From Noah's sons (Shem, Ham, & Japheth) and their descendants come all the peoples of the earth: 26 nations from Shem, 30 from Ham and 14 from Japeth. The list is probably not complete, but we get a concise picture of the division of race based on these 70 nations.

In general, the descendants of SHEM stayed in Mesopotamia (Middle East) or headed southeast; the descendants of HAM went southwest (Africa / India) and the descendants of JAPETH went north (Asia / Europe). Not all of the various nations have been identified.

Simplified, the descendants of HAM include: Egyptians (origin of the Philistines), Africans, Ethiopians, Canaanites, Phoenicians and Hittites... pretty much all the villains of the OT!

The descendants of JAPETH (after the languages were confused) spoke what we classify as Indo-European languages, including: English, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, Russian, Armenian, Persian.

SHEM is the guy to keep your eyes on, though. He was blessed by Noah above his brothers (Genesis 9:26–27), and it is through his lineage that the promised “Seed” will eventually come. Shem lived to be 600 years of age (Genesis 11:10–11) and most of his descendants are well documented. They include the Hebrews, Persians and Assyrians. The descendants of Shem (Shemites) were termed “Semites” in the 1770's. Today the term “Semite” refers to speakers of the Semitic languages (i.e. Jews/Arabs). [The term “antisemitism was derived from “Semite” to refer to anyone who discriminates or is hostile to Jews, in particular.]

Genesis 10:21 tells us that “Shem was the ancestor of all the sons of Eber”. This is important because “Eber” is the origin of “Hebrew”.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM GENESIS

All through the Bible God relates to His people through a “covenant” relationship. Understanding the covenants (or promises) God makes with His creation helps us to see the 'big picture' of the Bible. Simplified, these covenants between God and mankind contain promised blessings for keeping the relationship along with curses for breaking it. And those curses ain't no joke, y'all... 😳

Genesis 6:18 is the first time the word “covenant” is mentioned in the Bible. But to fully understand the covenant between God and Noah, it's important to go back 10 generations to the Garden of Eden and re-read one of the most foundational verses of the Bible. In Genesis 3:15, God says to satan: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” [The “Seed” of The Woman (indicating a virgin) is none other than Jesus Christ (1 John 3:8).] Many scholars recognize God's promise as the first covenant... the “Adamic Covenant”. In this covenant, God prophesied about a “Seed” who will destroy the curse of sin. After Adam & Eve's screw-up, God didn't throw in the towel but He did throw down a gauntlet of consequences. From that day forward, He proclaimed that men and women would both endure death, sorrow and “painful labor”... man, by the sweat of his brow and woman, by the sweat of labor pains, i.e. pushing a watermelon out of a keyhole. (See Genesis 3:16-19, with a bit o' paraphrasing. 😜)

From this point on, the rest of the OT is pretty much an outline of God's plan to bring forth the promised “Seed”, while dealing with all the bone-headed antics of His creation.

Which brings us to God's covenant with Noah. A mere 1,650 years after God created man, the world had grown evil beyond belief. Although He was filled with regret and grief for His creation (Genesis 6:6), God's promise to Adam and Eve remained. When God shut the door to the Ark, He was protecting His plans for the Seed. And oh, the symbolism! Just as the Ark delivered Noah through the flood waters into a new life, Christ delivers Believers from sin to salvation through baptism.

FUN FACT:

Noah’s name means “rest and comfort.” When he was born, Noah's father (Lamech) prophesied that Noah would "comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by THE GROUND THE LORD HAS CURSED.” (Genesis 5:29). This refers back to the very same curse of Genesis 3:17-19. After the flood, Noah presented God with a burnt sacrifice and God said in His heart: “Never again will I CURSE THE GROUND because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.” (Genesis 8:20-21).

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

Today is an important day.

Not only is it National Cheese Lover's Day 🧀 but our new president just declared it a National Day of Unity. What do you wanna bet that there were a whole bunch more Americans eating cheese than practicing unity, today?

While I agree that National Unity is a noble goal to which every American should aspire, I'm afraid only a miracle could make it happen this side of heaven.

Though I will never stop praying for peace and unity, my focus is on God's side of heaven.

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Have y'all noticed all the postings of The Lord's Prayer on FB recently? Don't know about you, but I find it to be a nice reprieve from political memes and casserole recipes. [I AM NOT dissing your recipes... but if I put on any more weight, my full armor of God ain't gonna fit over my hips. 😲]

No doubt some of y'all are posting The Lord's Prayer as an act of defiance against the suppressive turds running FB (I'm looking at you, Zuckerburg). But it really is the perfect prayer for times such as these.

In the past, I have been guilty of saying this prayer by rote, mindlessly repeating it instead of offering each word to God from a humble heart. But now I have come to a fuller understanding of The Lord's Prayer, how it calls down the promise heaven and yes... eternal UNITY.

In Matthew 6, one of the Apostles asked, “Teach us how to pray like you, Rabbi.” In response, Jesus offered this beautiful prayer which has remained sufficient to all Believers throughout the ages. Particularly powerful are these three petitions:

■Hallowed be Your name

■Your kingdom come

■Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

When we ask these specific things of God, we are literally asking Him to move heaven and earth. We're petitioning for citizenship in heaven. Let's break it down.

■ HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME ■

Hallowed means “to make holy” and interestingly enough, is used as a verb in this verse. As an imperative statement, the translation becomes: “Father in Heaven, MAKE your name Holy!” In the Old Testament, Ezekiel tells us that when THE KINGDOM COMES, God's name will be vindicated and HALLOWED. God will ultimately be proven holy when His people are redeemed.

■ THY KINGDOM COME ■

Are y'all looking as forward to heaven as I am? Man, I can't wait! It'll be Cheese Lover's Day there EVERY day and I just know there will be buckets of M&M's and rivers of Blue Bell ice cream. Heaven is coming. Soon, all the fraudulent kingdoms of this world will be vanquished and there will be a New Kingdom. How do we get to be a part of that Kingdom? By spiritual rebirth (John 3:5). And there is nothing that pisses satan off more. He and his stinkin' demons continually test us and try us and divide us in an attempt to take our focus off Heaven... the place of true UNITY. In God’s kingdom “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and IN ALL.” (Colossians 3:11.)

■ THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN ■

Another request for the Kingdom... do you see it? When Jesus returns and establishes His Kingdom here, His desire will be done on Earth AND in Heaven. Every time you speak these words, you are aligning your heart with the heart of God.

So you see, this isn't just any ol' prayer. When Jesus taught The Lord's Prayer, He was directing his disciples – and us – toward Heaven... to the final manifestation of God's Kingdom.

That's the unity we all should be praying for. 💙

HAPPY HOPEFUL 2021

Yesterday... I made the very last visit to Dr. Firestone, my Ocular Oncologist in Oklahoma City. After almost 3 years, he declared my eye tumor to be not only merely dead, but really most sincerely dead! Not gonna lie, the Dickman and I both got a little wet-eyed and sniffly; not because we were worried about my outcome (I've always had a blessedly optimistic prognosis) but because we felt just so dang blessed. And humbled.

That rosy-hued feeling only lasted about 5 minutes after we drove thru Braums on the way back home. In my fragile state of starvation I began scarfing down fries like a Schnauzer with a sirloin while Dickie drove down I-40 with a lead foot. All of a sudden I started choking... seriously-wondering-if-this-is-how-it-all-ends-choking... until beaucoups (French for a “butt load”) of chewed up fries began spewing like Spindletop out of every orifice on my face.

Which is pretty much a metaphor for how our entire year has gone.

2020 has been a year of extremes: Beautiful mountain peaks and soul-gutting valleys. Terrible heartache followed by unremitting joy. Satan has been relentless, but oh, my Lord... God has been Supremely Steadfast. Not only has He supplied every need through every trial, He has overwhelmed us with unexpected blessings and undeserved favor.

Still...

I'm not even a little bit sad to see this year go. (Don't let the door hit you on the butt, 2020!) But I'm not breathlessly looking forward to Next Year, either. To be honest, I'm just perfectly happy to be right where I am... at home with my Dickman, gazing out the window as God spectacularly and finally brings the sun down on 2020.

He. Is. Amazing.

If you're still reading this, I'd like to wish you a Happy and Healthy 2021. But the truth is... if wishes were fishes we'd all be fried. 

Prayers are stronger than wishes. Our real hope lies in the One who gives us beautiful sunsets and sunrises full of promise. Since we could all use a little more hope right now, I'd like to share my New Year Prayer with you...

🙏

Heavenly Father,

Even though we may unwittingly carry the problems of today into tomorrow, help us to remember that we do not bear them alone. You go before us and make the crooked paths straight. Your Grace and Mercy are new every single morning. Help us to face this New Year with faith instead of fear. Give us obedient hearts that choose You as our Savior each day... hearts that choose love over hate, hope over worry, strength over weakness, kindness over selfishness, peace over division. May we listen for the sound of Your voice above the chaos and discordance of our broken world. Help us not to rely on our own fickle feelings and emotions but to be led by Your Holy Spirit. I pray You will rebuke, cancel and destroy any attack from the enemy against us. Father, I lift up friends and family who are grieving; please comfort them with Your supernatural peace. Hold those who are sick and hurting in your Mighty Hand. Comfort with Your healing power and protection. Forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive others. And oh dear Lord, may we never grow weary of doing good. 

All glory and honor be Yours in the New Year and Forevermore.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Sleep In Heavenly Peace

Finally. Christmas Freaking Eve.

I'm not at all sure how we got here. By my calculations, there were at least 23 extra months somewhere between COVID and CHRISTMAS. Honestly, the only reason I know that it's the Night Before Christmas is because my six G-Babes are excitedly counting down the hours to Santa Claus... a bright and hopeful spot in a not-so-bright year.

Speaking of Bright Spots... we were on our way to Maxwell's Christmas Farm Monday evening when we saw the Bethlehem Star shining bigly in our beautiful Texas sky. I began pointing wildly and talking loudly about how the Wise Men were led by a similar bright star on the night Baby Jesus was born. My G-Babes were more like, “Meh, it's not THAT big or bright. I bet the star that the Wise Men saw was waaaaay brighter.”

As I was reading Colossians later that night, I decided they were right. Colossians 2 says: “Everything of God gets expressed in Him so you can see and hear him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything." (The Message)

His power extends over EVERYTHING.

The brightness of the 2020 Bethlehem Star only gave us a hint at the fullness of Christ. Yet that brilliant merging of light brought all Believers a moment of hope in anticipation of His coming... an event that will outshine anything we've ever dreamed or imagined.

I sincerely hope that you are making the most of this holiday season and - like us - are simply having a wonderful Christmas time. I pray that your Christmas is filled with family, fellowship and “everything bright and beautiful that He has for us.” (Colossians 1:13-14)

DON'T BE SHAKEN...

From the look of my FB newsfeed, many of my peeps seem to be in various stages of meltdown over the 2020 election. Completely understandable. I mean, right in the middle of a pandemic and a Lysol shortage while coping with Seasonal Anxiety Disorder due to losing a much needed hour of sunlight we get hit with a steaming hot pile of election horsecrappery.

It seems we are no longer simply divided by our politics. Nope. The dysfunction and disorder of our respective parties has caused us to retreat into various groups identifiable by our particular method(s) for coping with this plethora of crises. Without undermining the complexity of such choices (and with apologies for any erroneous assumptions based on your meme game) I have clearly identified at least 5 separate-though-not-mutually-exclusive groups:

GROUP 1: People who are pissed off and polishing their muskets for Civil War Deux

GROUP 2: People who are riddled with anxiety and have retreated into a dark room with a weighted blanket to watch Hallmark Christmas movies

GROUP 3: People who seem to be taking things in stride but are quickly running out of wine and/or carbs

GROUP 4: People who are unfazed because they know the government is not designed to represent us but to control us, therefore we're just electing new zookeepers

GROUP 5: People who are steadfast in faith and focused on heaven

Personally? I find myself vacillating between Group 3 & Group 5. My COVID-15# is quickly expanding to ELECTION-20# and I don't even care because it just makes sense to bulk up in preparation for Armageddon, amiright? That extra 3000 calories a day could be the difference in a bayonet hitting a vital organ. Or not.

Sometimes, when I'm low on carbs, I sink into moments of pissiness (Group 1). Though I am not an advocate of another civil war OR muskets (or bayonets), I admit to having thoughts of inflicting wrathful vengeance on... others. Nothing that would leave a scar or cause them to go into the hospital because that could mean taking a bed away from a COVID patient and I would really go to hell for that but seriously... would it be so wrong to line up a bunch of elected officials and give 'em a good shin kicking?? Do they really think we're THIS stupid? We have witnessed with our very eyes the amazing technology of lunar landings and shuttle splashdowns. More importantly, we have benefited from the clockwork precision of Chick-fil-A workers to deliver our orders the minute we pull up to the window. SO WHY THE HECK CAN'T THEY FIGURE OUT HOW TO COUNT VOTES ON ELECTION DAY?!

Sheesh.

Then, I take a deep breath and open my Bible (Group #5) and just like that... perspective and sanity returns. There is nothing like being in the Word to remind me that groups and political parties and choosing sides is not important. It's not up to me to tell Jesus whose side He should be on. All I need to be sure of is that I am on His side. Cause if we think things are in a mess now... just wait until Jesus REALLY starts shaking things up. Know what's gonna happen then?

Only the things which cannot be shaken will remain. (Hebrews 12:27)

Don't be shaken, y'all. Turn your TV off. Grab a cookie and get in the Word.