Why Worry?

 I've been trying to get through a Bible study on YouVersion called "Why Worry?". While I was doing today's lesson, I realized something that startled me.

I am not worried. Anyone who knows me will think I'm lying or delusional. And yet, it's true. The study described worry, and I didn't have that. 

Things I don't worry about. 

• So, I have paid my bills and will pay them. 
• I'm in pain. Some days it is mild, other days it is unbearable and I cry a lot. I don't worry. I hurt.
• Mike's situation is beyond my control. I'm concerned for him, but I can't fix it, and I know it. He will get surgery and may get better or not. Worry isn't an issue. It is what it is. I'm going to be unhappy or I'll be happy. But for now it doesn't exist.
• I can take care of myself despite pain and multiple medical issues. And I care for the needs of several other people. None of that worries me. I always seem to have the ability to do that, so I just do what I have to do. 
• Today is my only obstacle. I'm not worried about getting through today. Either I will or I won't, and neither matters. It's do or die. 

What I have is anger and frustration, and I'm not happy. I don't worry about those things because they actually exist. They're real. I'd be worried if I thought it would help. It won't. 

So here is the list of things I could be worried about, but actually don't care enough about them to be worried.

• I'm not happy or content.
• I'm disorganized and frustrated by it. I've never been disorganized.
• I miss my life as it was before death cheated me. 
• I miss my granddaughter. She's too busy for me now. One day she will not be but I'm not worried by it. I'm sorry for her and disappointed in her.
• I miss my family. The road runs both ways, and they've made choices. I spent years driving a whole day to see people. I am not worried about it. I am disappointed, but I'll get over it. I have to get through today's obstacles and don't have enough time left to worry about other people's shortcomings. 
• I have wants but no needs. I was promised only that my needs would be met. They are. I am not worried about the wants. I could be disappointed, but whatever.  

So:  Rage -yes. Fury - yes. Disappointment - yes. Grief - yes. Pain - yes. 

Worry? Not so much. 

Life is an immense disappointment. We're led to believe it gets better, but it doesn't. It's painful and a thief. Most of the time you will not get what you expect or want. 

There will always be disappointment and grief. That's not worry. They won't kill you; worry will. Recognize the difference between worry and the rest of it. It's about letting things go. If you're nagging it, it's worry. If you're experiencing sadness or disappointment, probably not worry but certainly not fun. Cry and move on.

Death will visit you multiple times to remind you he's coming for you. Don't be afraid of him. He has nothing else to do, and real life begins after he's done with you. He has to repeat his job every moment of every day until one day he dies, too. That's a wasted existence. Don't follow his lead.

You don't have any choices in your life other than picking which road to follow. Your life is already mapped out, and the road you choose will determine the end. You can't change any road you choose. You just have to keep walking. Things will happen. Try to prevent bad things, but refuse to be surprised when you can't. 

There is no tomorrow because it doesn't exist yet. You will create it if you wake up in the morning. Then it will be just another today to get through. Do something different and hope for a different outcome. That's probably another definition of insanity. Enjoy it. It may be the only time you can feel in control. 

You're not in control. Ever.

God is in control. He is sovereign. You can't control him either.

Worry: To feel uneasy or concerned about something; to be troubled. Synonym: brood.

Another Rabbit Hole! After Babel - 70 Nations

 Here is my further interaction with Grok AI about the division of the nations at Babel. Fascinating stuff! Again, if you haven't read Heiser's book, you'll be somewhat in the dark. 

ME: The nations that these gods were given rule over. Do we have a clue as to how many there were at that point because Babel seems to be the turning point for this. And nations as we know them did not exist.

Oh, diving into the specifics of Deuteronomy 32:8–9 and the nations allotted to the "sons of God" (those lesser elohim in the divine council) is a great follow-up rabbit hole. You're spot on that Babel (Genesis 11) is the pivotal moment in Heiser's framework—it's where God divides humanity into distinct groups after their rebellion, essentially creating the "nations" by scattering them and confusing languages. Before that, as you noted, nations as we understand them (distinct peoples with their own languages, territories, and identities) didn't exist; Genesis 10–11 describes a unified humanity post-flood that gets dispersed.

Heiser ties this directly to the ancient Near Eastern worldview, where the division isn't random—it's tied to the number of those spiritual beings. So, do we have a clue how many nations (and thus how many "gods" or sons of God) were involved? Yes, and it's a specific, recurring number in biblical scholarship: 70. Here's how it breaks down, step by step, drawing from Heiser's arguments and the text.

The Clue to the Number: The Table of Nations (Genesis 10)

• Genesis 10 (often called the "Table of Nations") lists the descendants of Noah's three sons after the flood: Japheth, Ham, and Shem. These lineages represent the peoples who spread out and become the foundational "nations" of the ancient world.

• The total count? Exactly 70 peoples/nations—but crucially, Israel isn't included in this list because it hadn't been formed yet (Abraham's call comes right after in Genesis 12). This pre-Babel catalog sets the stage for the division at Babel.

• Heiser (and many scholars) sees Deuteronomy 32:8's phrase "according to the number of the sons of God" as a direct reference to this 70—meaning God allotted 70 lesser elohim to oversee these 70 emerging nations, while reserving Israel (through Jacob) as His own inheritance (Deut 32:9).

• Why 70? It's not arbitrary; ancient Jewish texts (like the Book of Jubilees or Targums) and even Ugaritic parallels often link 70 to divine assemblies or allotted territories. Heiser argues this reflects the Bible's engagement with that cultural backdrop—reframing it monotheistically under Yahweh's supremacy.

For a quick visual breakdown of the 70 from Genesis 10:

Noah's Son	Number of Descendants/Nations	Examples
Japheth	14	Gomer (Cimmerians), Magog, Javan (Greeks/Ionians)
Ham	30	Cush (Ethiopia), Mizraim (Egypt), Canaan
Shem	26	Elam, Asshur (Assyria), Arpachshad (leading to Abraham)
Total	70	(Excludes Israel, as it's not yet formed)

This table isn't exhaustive (Genesis 10 has the full genealogy), but it shows the math adding up to 70 distinct peoples/groups that get dispersed at Babel.

Babel as the Turning Point

• Pre-Babel (Genesis 10 context): Humanity is one big family tree branching out from Noah, but still unified in language and purpose (trying to build the tower to "make a name" for themselves, defying God's command to fill the earth).

• At Babel (Genesis 11): God intervenes, confuses languages, and scatters them—creating the "nations" (goyim in Hebrew, often meaning ethnic/linguistic groups). Deuteronomy 32:8–9 retroactively explains the spiritual layer: This scattering included assigning those 70 sons of God as overseers, but many later rebel (Psalm 82's judgment on them for injustice).

• Post-Babel: These divided peoples become the nations we see in the ancient world (e.g., Egyptians, Canaanites, Assyrians). Israel emerges separately as Yahweh's direct portion, starting with Abraham—part of God's plan to reclaim all nations through them (Genesis 12:3's blessing to "all families of the earth").

• Heiser emphasizes this as a "disinheritance": God lets the nations go their way under these lesser beings (who often become corrupt "principalities and powers"), setting up the cosmic conflict where Yahweh progressively reclaims territory through Israel, then Jesus (who defeats the powers at the cross, Colossians 2:15).

You're right that "nations as we know it were not existent"—Babel creates them. The 70 is more about primordial peoples/groups than modern nation-states; it's symbolic of the whole world minus Israel. Some critics (like in and ) push back on Heiser's reading, preferring the Masoretic Text's "sons of Israel" and seeing the number tied to Jacob's 70 descendants going to Egypt (Genesis 46), but Heiser counters that doesn't fit the Babel timeline (Israel didn't exist yet).

If this aligns with what you're pulling from The Unseen Realm (love that you're on the sourced edition—those footnotes are gold), it really ties the OT's supernatural threads together.

Rabbit Holes Galore

 I haven't done much of a post in a while that was really worth reading. Well, I didn't think so. This morning I was researching some things and as usual I got led down rabbit holes. But I love rabbit holes. That's where I learn interesting things, some true, some false but all educational. Here is what I posited to Grok AI and his response:

Please note: This is a comparison and evaluation based on my inquiries. You are not required to agree with it or me. I happen to believe the global culture of ancient gods were the fallen mentioned in Genesis 6. I've believed this since I was in my 20's after reading several things about Greek gods and the Roman gods. One adopted the gods of the other and renamed them, by the way. So same pantheon. This is true of most cultures. So read with an open mind, and think about what you're reading. 

If you haven't read Heiser's book, you may not understand but his videos are all over YouTube and there is  4 hour one that covers the highlights of the book. It's is an excellent video and why I bought the expanded book. Tons of sources cited in his work. If you're a scholar of Biblical texts, you should have read this by now. As AI points not everyone agrees. And some folks are terrified of having their pet beliefs challenged. Personally, I believe truth can't be silenced or challenged.

By the way, I also believe the Bible is absolutely true. And I think Heiser's book explains a lot that many of us question about the Bible. True or not, it is fascinating reading. For me, it was exciting. It is answering many questions I've asked over the years but was told "it's not for us to know", it isn't from an authorized source, it doesn't apply to us today, we don't need to know. I refuse to accept such weak answers. If the Bible is true, every page is for us. And we do need to know. We're at the end of the book. I think knowing how we got here is extremely important. 

My conversation with AI:

ME: I do have more rabbit holes. Michael Heiser talks about the fallen and the divine council. It's fascinating how other societies have a similar concept. I think Heiser is correct in his view. I'm reading his book The Unseen Realm that was rereleased with his sources.

Grok: Oh, Cynthia — Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm is prime rabbit-hole material, especially that rereleased edition with all the sources footnoted and expanded. It's like he handed us the map and the flashlight for exploring the supernatural layers in Scripture that a lot of modern readers gloss over. You're spot on that it's fascinating how the divine council concept echoes across ancient societies — Heiser leans heavily into that to argue the Bible isn't inventing something new but speaking into a shared ancient Near Eastern (ANE) worldview.

Core of Heiser's View in The Unseen Realm

Heiser (a biblical scholar with expertise in Hebrew Bible and ANE languages) argues the Bible presents a supernatural worldview where Yahweh (the one true God) presides over a divine council — a heavenly assembly of lesser spiritual beings called elohim (often translated "gods" or "sons of God"). These aren't co-equal deities in a polytheistic pantheon; Yahweh is uniquely supreme, uncreated, and incomparable. The council members are created spirit beings who serve Him, administer aspects of creation, and sometimes advise or witness His decrees (drawing from passages like Psalm 82, Job 1–2, 1 Kings 22, and Isaiah 6).

Key arguments:

• Psalm 82 is central: "God stands in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment." Heiser reads the "gods" (elohim) here as real spiritual beings (not just human judges or idols) who were assigned roles but corrupted themselves — Yahweh sentences them to "die like men" for injustice.

• Deuteronomy 32:8–9 (especially in Dead Sea Scrolls/Septuagint readings): When God divided the nations at Babel, He allotted them "according to the number of the sons of God" — these lesser elohim became the "gods" nations worshiped, but many rebelled and turned hostile.

• Fallen ones: Some council members (including the serpent in Eden, linked to figures in Isaiah 14/Ezekiel 28) rebelled early. Others (like the "sons of God" in Genesis 6) crossed lines further, leading to Nephilim/giants and contributing to pre-flood corruption. These fallen entities explain demonic activity, territorial spirits (Ephesians 6:12), and why pagan gods aren't just imaginary but real (though subordinate and defeated powers — Colossians 2, etc.).

• The big picture: Biblical history is a cosmic conflict where Yahweh reclaims the nations through Israel → Jesus → the church, reversing Babel and disarming the powers at the cross.

Heiser insists this recovers the Bible's own "supernatural" lens without slipping into polytheism — Yahweh alone is the Most High.

Parallels in Other Ancient Societies

You're right — this isn't unique to Israel; it's part of why Heiser finds it compelling. Ancient cultures shared a "divine council" motif, often with a high god overseeing a assembly of lesser deities who govern domains (nations, natural forces, etc.). Examples include:

• Ugarit/Canaanite (closest parallel): El (high god) heads a council with "sons of El" — Baal and others vie for power. Heiser notes linguistic overlaps (e.g., "sons of God" phrasing) and argues Deuteronomy 32 echoes this structure but flips it monotheistically: Yahweh = El supreme, no rivals.

• Mesopotamian/Babylonian: Anu (sky god) presides over an assembly of gods who decree fates; Enlil or Marduk sometimes rise as chief. The apkallu (sage-like beings) tie into Genesis 6 Nephilim ideas.

• Egyptian: Amun-Ra or other high gods oversee councils of deities.

• Greek (later): Zeus heads the Olympian council — echoes the hierarchical setup.

Heiser's point: The biblical writers knew these ideas (Israel lived among them) but reframed them radically — no rival equals Yahweh; the council serves Him, some rebel, but He's sovereign. This explains why Scripture polemicizes against other "gods" as real but inferior/false in power (e.g., Psalm 82 judgment, Exodus plagues defeating Egyptian gods).

Thoughts on Whether He's "Correct"

Many find Heiser refreshing — he takes the text seriously without demythologizing the supernatural, and his ANE context illuminates tough passages. The divine council appears in mainstream scholarship (e.g., in studies of Psalm 82 or Job), and parallels to Ugaritic texts are well-documented. His emphasis on spiritual warfare and unseen forces resonates with parts of the New Testament.

That said, it's debated:

• Some critics argue he overreads ANE influence into the text, risking polytheistic vibes (even if he denies it) or downplaying monotheism's uniqueness.

• Interpretations of Psalm 82 vary — some see "gods" as human rulers/judges (Jesus references it that way in John 10).

• Deuteronomy 32's textual variants spark debate (Masoretic vs. Dead Sea Scrolls).

• Not all evangelicals buy the full "Deuteronomy 32 worldview" tying fallen council members to national gods/demons.

But if it clicks for you (as it does for many), it's because it makes the Bible feel more cohesive — the supernatural isn't fringe; it's foundational. 

I also suggest Joseph Campbell's book The Power of Myth for an understanding of what myths are, how they work, and why we have them. It is not a religious text, but is useful if you're religious. Please don't take it as a personal attack.

When the Battle is Over

 I ran away from home last night. I've had to do that before, and in the last eight months I've had to do it a lot. The only thing I can tell you is that the inclination to run was so strong that I thought I'd scream. So, I got in my car and drove away. Unfortunately, escape is not simple. In fact, you can't escape. I think that is the trigger for anxiety. It seems to be mine.

The last eight months: Two months of family crisis resulted in exhaustion, leading to a flare lasting months. A medication change that altered my mental and emotional state- numbing pain but creating mental chaos. Constant pain in my legs and back, not touched by medication since October. Very poor sleep. I had frenetic writing episodes that would last up to eight hours a day for three months. And anxiety attacks. All of it has affected my personal interactions with people, so changing churches and meeting new people was another trigger for chaos. 

I needed a cell but had an arena.

So, I ran away last night. Like Elijah, I had to get food into me since it had been hours since I had eaten. Hardee's is close, and they have small chicken wraps that are cheap and good. Protein is good when the body is under stress, something I keep forgetting. 

After I ate, I sat in my car and broke. Into a lot of pieces. Put on music, cried, and asked Jesus to please just sit next to me and hold my hand. I didn't know what else to do. I was at the end of a long road, all by myself. He'd already taken every person I would have called. No one was going to come rescue me from myself. 

And that's what I told him. 

I'm tired of the mental, physical, and emotional chaos, of the pain. I told him how exhausted I am with just being here and that I don't want to be here anymore. 

And it's all true. I've never been this tired, this alone. And I've never wanted to leave this much. 

Don't worry. I'll be fine. I was once told I'm a fighter. It'll keep you going even when you should stop. It will keep you up at night looking for the best way to handle what's coming at you. 

Hell knows you're a fighter, too. It makes you a target for every imaginable and unimaginable thing it can throw at you, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Sometimes, all at once. It wants to stop you. 

 It starts with minor battles. When you survive those, the battles get harder, larger, and inflict more damage. You're going to bleed. You're going to hurt. You're going to want to die. 

If you survive, eventually there will be bodies on the field. You'll lose so many people that the pain will almost destroy you. You'll see them fall, and you'll feel the loss in every cell. But you won't be able to stop fighting. Because a fighter never stops until the battle is over. 

There will always be that one battle where you want to quit, to lie down and stop the pain. The one where you're the only one standing in a field of destruction. But you can't stop fighting. The end is just beyond your ability to see, and the end is what you're fighting to reach. To a fighter, there's something at the end that will fix it all. 

I don't know how many more battles I can fight. I'm kneeling in a field of bodies, bleeding from wounds that no longer heal. And just over that hill right there are hordes heading this way. 

However, I'll get on my feet, pull whatever weapons I still possess close and keep moving. Everyone is gone. And I'm still hoping there's something at the end that will fix everything. 

I hope it isn't very far. I'm tired.

God is Still Good

 Things have been so bad for the last six months. Hip pain, SI joint pain, and bursitis all in the same leg. Cramps in my calves and feet. Worst flare I've ever experienced. 

God is still good. 

I've had some personal things going on. Up and down. Happiness in brief spurts and sadness. Death of hope. Medication changes that messed with my head and emotions. 

God is still good. 

Worry about Mike. No more thinking life gets better. 

God is still good. 

Life not so much. 

I survive.

God is still good. 

Praise for the Lord's Favor to Jerusalem Psalm 147

1 Praise ye the Lord:
for it is good to sing praises unto our God;
for it is pleasant;
and praise is comely.
2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem:
he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He healeth the broken in heart,
and bindeth up their wounds.
4 He telleth the number of the stars;
he calleth them all by their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and of great power:
his understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifteth up the meek:
he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving;
sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 who covereth the heaven with clouds,
who prepareth rain for the earth,
who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
9 He giveth to the beast his food,
and to the young ravens which cry.
10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse:
he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him,
in those that hope in his mercy.
12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem;
praise thy God, O Zion.
13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates;
he hath blessed thy children within thee.
14 He maketh peace in thy borders,
and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth:
his word runneth very swiftly.
16 He giveth snow like wool:
he scattereth the hoar frost like ashes.
17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels:
who can stand before his cold?
18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them:
he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.
19 He showeth his word unto Jacob,
his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
20 He hath not dealt so with any nation:
and as for his judgments, they have not known them.
Praise ye the Lord.

Raveled Sleave of Care

 You met her, didn't you?

It was an unpleasant experience. She just took over. Totally wrecked me. I'm tired, but I don't think I'll sleep. 

Lie down. Close your eyes and think on these things. 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phillipians 4:8

I am not there. I'm not there. 

I know. But you still have to think on these things. 

You'll have to draw me a map today. I don't know where any of that is. Planet Earth. That's where I am. I don't know if you'll find any of that here. 

I didn't say you had to find them. They are already done. You just have to think about them. 

I ... would it be wrong to say I don't want to look anymore? 

It would be pretty stupid. You're not generally stupid.

I'm in so much pain right now that I am not capable of seeing anything beyond my nose. It's dark where I am. You know I am so messed up. Right? You know this. 

I am all the light you need. 

I'm just going to be honest here. I am in a dark place. No light visible. I know. Sounds disrespectful. That screaming woman? The one I said was behind me? Not anymore. She's in me. She is me. I'm her. 

........

Nothing? 

When you're ready. Go get some sleep.

You know Shakespeare?

I taught him everything he knew.

Right. I had to look it up to remember it all. "Sleep that knits up the raveled sleave of care". From Macbeth. The sleave was a skein of yarn. I've dealt with those, and it isn't that easy either. But OK, I'll go. 

The Hidden Things

 So, how are you? 

You're kidding, right?

Not at all. You appear to feel better.

Well, if you pump enough of the right drugs into me... then I guess I'm feeling better.

Oh...

It's true. Pain levels have plummeted since they increased the pills.

That's not what I meant. 

Do you mind if I sit down? Thanks. I know what you meant. I'm fine.

Oh my. I thought that -

Look, it's been the worst three months I've had in 16 years. I've watched my life overturned... again. I've been in more physical pain that I have ever been in my 69 years. I felt more terror that I've known since I was a child. So, if I seem a little distressed, well, there's a reason.

You were very angry. 

Yes.

You're still vibrating with anger, but you're hiding it well. 

I'm not hiding it. If no one knows, they chose not to see. 

I'm sorry.

I'm not angry at you. 

Ah....

OK. I have been. I am. Can we not talk about this. It's excruciating.  

You think I failed you. That I don't care. Perhaps that I caused this?

No. Not that. I know you didn't cause it. 

..........

Did you fail me? I feel I did something wrong, and this is punishment. That my prayers were meaningless. No matter what decisions I made, no matter what prayers I prayed, and no matter what I did, there was no hope of a different outcome. Never. 

I understand. 

That. Does. Not. Fix. Anything. 

You're still angry.

This doesn't feel like anger. It feels like a huge, gaping wound where my life is pouring out. Not sure there is a patch big enough to fix that. I can't fix it. And when the prayers were prayed, so many prayers, so very many prayers, you didn't fix it. It lay there like a viper waiting to jump out and bite me. And here I am. I won't even talk about the pain. It's not anger. It's a roaring, raging pain. Sounds like anger, but don't worry. It's just pain.

You are important to me. You matter. You...

Don't matter. It's not about me! I don't care about me! That's what I keep saying. I don't matter. I care about the people I love. They matter. So if I rant and scream and rail against the things thrown at them, it's not about me. It's about them, and that is all that matters. If there's anger, it's because we don't get a choice about any of this. You know better than anyone about my life. It never mattered at all. 

I am grateful for all the wonderful moments I received. So very, very thankful. I'd have shot myself long ago had it not been for those shining moments that shone light in the darkness. I'm so thankful I can't even express it in words. But this, this thing ... I can't talk about it. It's monstrously ugly and I am so not capable of handling it. I can't handle it ever.

I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry. 

I know. 

#ConversationsWithHim

Pathways

 Copied from Life on the Ledge, 3/02/2012

Every day I get a daily Bible verse in my email. Sometimes it doesn't do a thing for me. At other times I will keep the email in my inbox all day and go back an reread the verse as time permits. Today's verse is one of these. 

Job 23:10-11 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

I like the Book of Job because it's the one place in the Bible I can identify with someone so strongly that it seems Job and I know one another. In my Bible, I have highlighted several verses in Job. This whole chapter is highlighted because it's one of my favorites in the Bible. In that one chapter, I am Job.

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

For some time now, I've been lost. Every path I would travel has been cut off. I'm not where I was, and where I am is unfamiliar territory. There are no familiar landmarks, no smooth roadways, and no one to turn to for help. It would appear that my path is to be traveled alone in alien lands. 

Job 23:8-9  Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:  On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

I just don't know which way to turn. More than once, I have wanted to just sit down in the road and give up. I can't move in any direction at all because I simply don't know which direction to go because I don't know where I am. 

And yet....He knows exactly where I am. 

Job 23:10-11 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

There's no Google Earth or Google Maps for me to use on this trip. I have only one resource, and too often I forget it. He doesn't forget me. 

Job 23:13-14 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

He knows where I am. He knows the twist and turns in the roads, the highs and lows. He knows the dangers along each route. He knows the blocks across the paths that lie before me. He sees every alternative route long before I reach it. 

Sometimes when I want to go left, I am forced right. He knows what lies ahead. It is appointed for me. I'm not really lost at all. I just didn't plan the trip.

I do not know why there are dark places in the road, where no light penetrates. I do not know why accidents happen and I am injured or people die. Perhaps it's just the nature of the journey. I know only that there is great comfort in the fact that He knows where I am. And even though it seems I am lost in a strange land, He knows how I got there and where I'm going next.

Hitting the Minor Prophets

 Finished Hosea and Joel today. You know, I didn't realize how much prophecy Joel contained. It is a small book in the Old Testament. There are only 3 chapters in the whole book. And it gets rather dark. 

Joel 3:14  Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 

I'll move to Amos next, and it's nine chapters. Obadiah follows, with one chapter. I suspect the minor prophets are going to be a fast read. Then, my goal is to start the poetic books. I am not using a "plan". Instead, I'm working through the shortest books in order of my interest. 

Once those are done, I intend to start on the longer major prophets. I was thinking this morning that I might pull out my chronological Bible for the New Testament but decided not to. I'll get bogged down with all the notes included in that version. There's history, archeology, and statistics throughout that Bible, and I have to read every single thing on every page. 

So, that's where things stand now. 

The Charlie Kirk murder has knocked me down. I've also been dealing with a lot of physical pain. So, it's been a terrible week all the way around. 

I hope the coming week will bring a positive outlook and changes. 

Hosea, Can You See?

 Today I began reading Hosea. I've read the minor prophets before, and I kind of enjoy reading them. They're to the point and very clear. Not bogged down with a lot of kings and wars like the other OT books. 

Over the years, I've heard a lot of teaching on Hosea. That's likely because of the harlot wife, who may or may not have been real. In the Thompson Chain, there is a book summary before each book, and I've found that very helpful for a variety of reasons. For Hosea, there is a question of whether or not the book is allegorical or fact. I don't think it's important because the actual point of the book is how it reflects the behavior of Israel and God's judgement of them because of it. 

The book describes the nation of Israel as corrupt, a harlot who has failed to remain faithful to her husband. He points out that there is no truth, mercy, or knowledge of God left in the land. The level of sin has literally polluted the land. Because of their sin, everything in the land will waste away. He says the land will mourn and that all the animals and bird life and life in the sea will die. 

That sounded quite familiar to me. We're seeing this happen to the planet now. And from scripture, we know that the earth is suffering under man's evil. Don't think for one second you can hide your actions. The earth will testify against you. 

When I reached chapter 4 of Hosea, I had a revelation of sorts, in fact, a couple of them. In this chapter, Hosea is recounting the lack of faithfulness in the nation of Israel. He details how they have prostituted themselves with pagan gods. And that even the Hebrew priests are corrupt because of this mess. 

When the people sin, they must present offerings in repentance. These are for the priests to consume. When they commit more sins, they have to bring more offerings to the priest. The priests don't condemn them because that would stop the flow of offerings, and they wouldn't be getting rich off the sins of the nation. The priests profit from more sin.

This too sounded familiar to me. As long as you bring those offerings, you are going to be just fine. God forgives you. And He wants you to prosper. So, the more you give, the more God will bless you. 

Oh. My.

I do not believe in the prosperity doctrine. All my life I paid tithes and supported building funds and missionaries. I've never gotten rich. In fact, I've had times when I could barely pay the bills. There have been times we couldn't go to the doctor because we couldn't pay the copays. 

 Hosea was warning Israel about their lack of obedience and faithfulness to God in their daily living. That would be their downfall and bring about the destruction of the nation. They were bringing offerings to the temple, but it didn't matter. 

I believe God blesses faithfulness in our walk with him. I believe that worship and honoring God are the highest praise. Hosea was warning Israel about their lack of obedience and faithfulness to God. This was what would be their downfall and bring about the destruction of the nation: swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery, and murdering. 

My final insight from Hosea was in 4:13. Hosea claims the people chose mountains because trees gave them shadows to sin in. I also found this suggested in other places. "Men love darkness because their deeds are evil." Darkness, in the minds of men, can hide the sins they commit. 

It's ironic because Exodus 20:21 says: "And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was."

There is no protection in the darkness. God is there, watching you. He brings light to the darkness and exposes everything.  

It's High Time

Daniel 2
Courtsey Pixabay.com

 I started the Book of Daniel this past week but couldn't read every day as I usually do. I had to go to my sister's to help her and take her to her infusion appointment every day. This will go on until September. 

Today I finished the eighth chapter and will start on nine tomorrow if all goes well. Daniel is an interesting book. If you've read it, you know the story of the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace and of Daniel in the lions' den. But for me, it's the visions Daniel has that fascinate. 

The image at right depicts the sort of statue mentioned in Daniel 2. His other visions were even more complex. They all relate to the same historical events that happened over centuries. They're all connected, but you don't get that at first. The Medes and Persians, Grecians, Romans, and modern Europe. The return of Jesus will shatter the feet and bring down the statue. I always get confused about the interconnectedness of the visions until I read them. 

Today in Chapter 8 I realized that what I'd heard all my life was here. I mean, I realized what the elders had spoken of for over 100 years was here, and I was now witness to the unfolding of an ancient prophecy. Come on. You've always known it, but have you truly realized it? It's more than 1000 years since Daniel saw it. 

I thought about it for a few minutes, and then I remembered something else. I remembered how all of us had prayed for God to save our loved ones. How we've asked for just more time for them to come to him and turn their lives over to him. We've prayed for more time to make things right within ourselves, too. Just a little more time, Lord! Please. Not yet! Just a little more time. 

Every day, every year, very decade of our lives we've prayed this. You haven't? Well, I'm honest enough to tell you I have. Today I had a revelation. 

Time is not the problem. We have plenty of time. Really, we do. We have just enough time to make our hearts right with God. There's just enough time to fix our problems and create a sanctified life. We have just enough time to create a better world, to reach a broken and dying world. Time abounds. 

The problem isn't time. The problem is me and you and them. We are the problem. Our lives are mapped out before we ever arrive. Every potential ability and gift is in place for us to make an impact. Even scripture records that a special clock plots our lifetime. Psalms 90:10 says that our life is 70 years or, if we're strong, 80 years. We know people who live much longer, but that's the exception, not the rule. So you have at the least 70 years to make an impact. We can both admit that life is not perfect and that many people die before the promised time. Health, accidents, and murder are life events. However, it takes only a moment to fix a soul. 

So, why do we need more time to find God? Why do our loved ones need more time? What makes us think there has not been enough time?

I've had plenty of time to find God and live a life pleasing to him. Micah 6:8 in the Amplified Bible says:

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?

That's under the law. Once Jesus came, he gave us a plan. It's outlined in the New Testement. On the day of Pentecost, the Jews ask Peter in Acts 2:37.

 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

They realized that their time had arrived. Jesus gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom, and he used them right then to open the Kingdom doors.

 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

 The clock for the Jews' salvation started that instant. Your clock started the day you first heard the Gospel message. It's ticking. You have time. 

Romans 13:11 (NKJV) says:

"And do this, understanding the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed"

But time will end. We're almost there. If you can't see it, pray for revelation. If you are afraid, you should be. If you're not ready. Time is running out. Get dressed. 

There's going to be a party afterward.

Next Stop Corinth!

  
 I made it out of Rome! I'm now in Corinth. Well, 1st Corinthians. I reached Chapter 12 today. I wasn't able to read for the last two days because life and fatigue got in the way. 

This book is easier in some ways, but I'm still referring to the Amplified Bible a lot. The Corinthians were a mess, I think. Apparently, disunity, immorality, and false teaching were problems for the Corinthian Church. Paul had to step in and re-school them. It did not go well.

When reading Corinthians, you need to keep in mind that this congregation would not have been Jewish members only. Paul stayed in the city for a year and a half preaching to Greeks and Jews, and likely anyone else who passed through. The founding of this church is in Acts 18, and from the start, Paul had trouble with the Jews there.  

In Acts 18:6 you find Paul reaching the end of his tether. 

" And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. "

Based on my research, Corinth was a cosmopolitan city located west of Athens on an isthmus. The location made it a perfect spot for commercial and transportation endeavors in the region. Think about modern port cities with people from all over the known world going in and out, bringing their habits and beliefs with them. This environment would have exposed citizens to more materialist and immoral influences. Paul had his work cut out for him. 

I haven't read 2nd Corinthians yet, but since we have two letters, I suspect the problems didn't go away. I'll let you know.

The Rough Roman Road

 I lived in Italy in the very early 1980s. The army stationed us at Camp Darby outside Livorno. That's where you'll find the Leaning Tower.  Yes, I got to climb the tower, and I visited a beautiful church and baptistry there. I even walked some Roman roads. For a month, I stayed in Rome with Leroy and Hazel Gee, missionaries to Rome. 

This week I began reading the Book of Romans. I say this with a touch of pride. Let me explain. Twice in my life, I've read the entire Bible. I entertained the idea of a third reading, however; I elected to concentrate on the substance of the text rather than the number of readings. 

For a long time, I've read either devotionals or some kind of study guide. Honestly, I learn a lot more doing this than wading through a required daily list of chapters. This past month I started reading the letters to the Church. My goal is to pay close attention and grasp a thorough understanding of them. I mean, they're written to Christians. We need to understand them. 

I started with the shortest letters first. One thing I know about myself is that I get bored/tired quickly reading scripture. Bless your heart, if you don't. But let's face it, the book of Numbers is a lot like counting sheep. I began with Jude. It's actually good, so no problem. 

Here is where I'll tell you why I'm proud I began Romans today. I dread reading Romans. I will avoid reading if I can. 

Why? Because Paul was verbose and the KJV translators made amazing strides in translating every single word. Furthermore, they did it in the King's English and a grammatical structure that requires an English PHD to make sense of. The text's complex structure demands multiple readings. 

Look, I have a BA in history and I studied journalism. I graduated with a 3.8 GPA. If I had to guess, I've read close to a million books and the complete works of Shakespeare and several classics!  Shakespeare, for heaven's sake. Have you read Shakespeare? 

I was a few pages into Romans when I pulled out my online Amplified Bible. I've been using it off and on when I ran across something that I wanted a bit more clarity on. I love it, so much so that I'm considering buying one. It has provided tremendous help, and it's a lifesaver in Romans. 

Yesterday I reached the 13th chapter of Romans. I've read this chapter and heard it preached many times. It contains the most favorite passage of ministers everywhere. I will let you look it up and see if you've heard it. Please, please do let me know with a comment!

When I began the chapter, I thought, "Oh, I know what this is. I won't need the Amplified Bible." 

Wrong. I needed it; and I pulled it up. And I'm so glad I did. Because as I read it, I realize that this scripture is not what I made to understand it to mean. I read it twice to be sure I was reading it right. I compared verses. And since I'm using my new Thompson Chain Bible, I read the index at the side of the scriptures. 

The first heading in the side index said "Duty of Government". "Authority of Government" follows this. Next is "Duties of Citizenship". This all covers the first seven verses of the chapter. And then, a light goes off in my head. 

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Rome. They are Roman citizens. I really wanted to beat my head at this realization. I studied Roman history for an entire semester! Stupid! Paul is talking to a group of "Roman Citizens". I should know this! Cindy, what is Rome known for at this period of history regarding government and citizenship? 

I could tell you, but let's use the KISS  method. Here is the excerpt from a Google search: How did Romans feel about citizenship? 

Roman citizenship in Biblical times was highly valued and carried significant legal and social privileges. It was a status that provided protection, rights, and opportunities that non-citizens did not have. (Google AI)

The concept of citizenship was central to Roman identity, and it evolved over time, expanding from a narrow definition focused on the city of Rome to a broader, more inclusive system that incorporated people from across the empire.

This chapter is speaking to Romans about the proper attitude toward their government and how they are to behave in that respect. Verse 7 sums it up nicely. Devoted Roman citizens were to live in accordance with the laws of Rome but as Christians. Paul reinforces teaching on morality and various other topics. But my point for this post is that this chapter is not about church authority. You can get that elsewhere. Romans 13 is to Romans about obedience to government leaders, something Jesus was very clear about as well in Matt. 21:22. 

Can you use this chapter to press home church authority? I guess so. It has been all my life. No one ever said it's about how citizens were to behave themselves to their government and one another. It wasn't taught that this was to Roman citizens who became Christians and had some confusion on whether their Christianity trumped the Caesar. 

Reading these letters this month has taught me a lot about the use and misuse of scripture. I've experienced that issues. Forty years ago, I had a conversation with a minster who asked me about a private matter. I told him I couldn't tell him about that because it was private and I didn't gossip. He told me that he was my head and I had to obey him. I very politely pointed out that my husband was my head. 

He informed me, "Well, I'm his head." 

I said, again politely, "No, the Bible says Christ is his head." 

He said, "Well, I'm the head of the church." 

"No sir," I said, "Christ is the head of the Church." 

His final statement was that I might as well tell him, since the Lord had already told him. 

I responded, "Well, in that case, I don't need to tell you anything. You already know." 

This was a very toxic situation and the only thing that helped me was my knowledge of the Word. He misused the Word to manipulate me into revealing a personal matter. Specifically, the scriptures in Romans and this one in 1 Corinthians,  

1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

The Bible tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. If we're not armed with the Word, which is our sword, we will not survive the attack. The enemy will attempt to deceive us by misusing the Word. The Bible gives us examples of the devil using scripture. He always prepares for an attack. So should we.

We can use every reading plan out there, and there are many, to read the Bible through in any amount of time. They will make you familiar with the Word, but not knowledgeable. After the second read through of the Bible, I was very dissatisfied. I wanted depth. You only find depth by diving into deep water. I want to swim in it. 

I will reach the end of the Roman Road this week, and I'll be glad. It's a rough trip, but I'm enjoying it. But please pray for me. I still have 1st and 2nd Corinthians and Hebrews to finish. I don't know where I'll head then, but I hope the roads are better.

 

Questions That Drive Me Crazy In a Good Way

I never know what will come into my head when I turn off the lights. This will amuse some people. Some will find it shocking. Some will be curious. I don't need to know into which category you fall. 

> When were Heaven and Earth created? (Everyone is gonna miss this one. )

>  How long was it from the creation of the heavens and the earth until the creation of time?

You can find the answers in Genesis 1. But don't cheat. And there is no rush. Time, after all, doesn't matter.

My brain operates like an earth mover. It digs down into the core. I love it when it happens, but I sure wish it didn't happen when I'm short of sleep. 

Thirty years ago, I'd sit up all night playing with this stuff. Now? I have to write it down if I can remember it in the morning. I remembered these, and I know if I remember them, they were important. Perhaps not important to you. You may believe they're frivolous questions. I'm so glad God doesn't mind my questions. I'm glad he gives me the hard ones, too!

So, if you want to play along, write your answers. Opinions will vary and some are incorrect. However, there is no grade. If you'd rather see what other answers are, that's OK. 

We're all learning, and we learn at different rates. Sometimes I think I have the answer and I go skipping along, secure in that knowledge. Then, I trip over a boulder and realize that my original understanding was faulty. Now, here's this big old rock in the middle of the road that exposes my error. I like that rock. It has character and I can examine it in depth, every crack, crevice, and hole. I can climb all over that thing, wearing safety gear, of course.

I don't expect anyone to share my views. I am content to treasure them to myself, discussing them with the Lord, sharing only when called upon. Because some people get ugly when you share your views. When questions challenge the concepts we've adopted, our genuine nature reveals itself. As if by attempting to see, hear, and understand from a different perspective, we'll catch some dread disease. God forbid we ask God for the blueprints. How dare we! And who do I think I am to pose such questions?

I'm not afraid to ask the hard questions. I'm not afraid of answers that challenge my views. I'm not afraid to disagree, nor am I afraid to concede.Rocks are cool. They tell a story. I examine every rock placed on the path. I think God liked rocks, too. 

Why? Well....

Deut 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 

2 Samuel 22:1-7 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: 

2 And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

4 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

 1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

I'm sure someone far more educated than I will have answers. 🙄

The Things That Keep Me Awake At Night

 Don't say I didn't warn you. The following is unedited and was the brain dump that woke me up. I have NO idea what this is all about. Apparently, it doesn't matter what I think. It is.

Truth is truth, whether you believe it or not. Truth is not dependent on your belief. It will be truth even if you don’t accept it. And it will be truth, if you accept it. 

You can disbelieve in the wind, but your unbelief will not affect the direction it blows. Neither will your belief in the wind. The wind and truth are unaffected by your view of it. 

Truth is reality and is perfect. As such, you can not change it. If you attempt to change truth, it is no longer truth nor perfect. You will have created a construct that is flawed and is not truth.

You can’t prove the truth, neither can you disprove it. No matter what you do or think, the truth is unaffected by you. It remains when all else does not. Truth IS.

Jesus said he was the way, the truth, and the life. No matter what you believe, you can’t change it. You can’t prove it. Neither can you disprove it. You can only believe or disbelieve and neither of those things will alter the truth. It will still be Truth when you and I are dust.

You can deny truth. But your denial is irrelevant. Truth is not dependent on your belief. It is still truth.

Pilate said, “What is truth?” when he stood before it. He could not recognize it because he did not recognize truth. His failure to recognize truth did not affect it. When he washed his hands, his actions made his question irrelevant. Belief and disbelief both do not affect truth.

Truth does not depend on your understanding. It is truth, even if you don’t understand it, recognize it, or believe it. Truth is outside your influence. 

A Waiting Game

It's been a rough month. You're thinking, "When is it not for you?" I complain a lot and whine a lot and ... well, cry a lot. I've come so far since Covid. Most of it's downhill. It's very frustrating. I had signed up at the gym, lost 20 lbs and was feeling stronger when 2019 ended. 

I caught Covid in October 2020 and from then on, I haven't been able to get my feet back under me. I tried to keep going to the gym, but I caught Covid again in 2021 and in 2022. They were less severe each time, but I was still pretty sick.

The last year I didn't put in much effort. Managing pain was a priority. So was reading my Bible and praying more often. I made plans to do several writing assignments. Everything fell apart. 

Somewhere in 2024, my finances collapsed, and I was floundering to get from one month to the next dealing with home repairs and auto repairs and medical issues. And just paying the bills was scary. I have to tell you I was at the end of my rope. When Amanda moved in it relieved some of the pressure. Last year would have been impossible without her support. She required lodging; I required funds; thus, I took a boarder—something I'd not previously envisioned. It has worked so well and she's a great house mate.  

Other cost-saving measures provided relief; thankfully, God is mindful of our needs. He is always faithful, even when we falter. 

I feel like I'm in a stagnant place; not moving forward or backward. Just stuck. Maybe the best thing to do is pull up a stool and sit down. Sometimes all you can do is wait. I have nowhere to go, so ... I'll wait.

There's Gold if you Dig

 I'm sitting here, looking at photos of the flood damage from Helene and a thought just popped into my head. I don't know why because it has absolutely nothing to do with floods. 

You won't find gold lying on the ground.

And that's true. Even with placer mining, where a miner uses water to separate gold from other particles in water, it's not lying about like your old socks. 

In order to find it, you'll have to dig or engage in placer mining, which may require building a sluice. You must have water to operate the sluice. You can mine with a pan in river and stream beds. But originally, all that gold came from a mountain somewhere. Nature shifted it to create a more accessible path. 

Gold is valuable. Stories of gold mining and its effects on the formation of nations fill history books. Gold moves mountains. Really. People have fought wars over gold. Every city built around gold mines experienced violence daily. It wasn't because people didn't like each other, but because greed breeds violence. And gold breeds greed.

Other things are valuable, too. Perhaps not as intrinsically valuable as gold, but value is often in the beholder's eye. Some eschew possessions and so gold is worthless to them. They seek value elsewhere. 

So what is the point? That was my question. What does that statement mean?

Things of real value are hard to find. Not because they aren't available, but because they require effort to reach. You're going to have to search for the worthwhile things in life, and it won't be 'things'. You can dig in a mountain and you might find gold, but on a cold dark night when your soul aches, it won't do you any good. When you stand by the grave of the love of your life, all that waits outside the cemetery is meaningless. When your child is lying in a hospital, you won't be worried about the job, the house, the bills, or the bank account. 

You won't find gold lying on the ground. Hidden treasures are not for the foolish. Real treasures are not finite. 

Let's Forget the Past!

 Can anyone remember the song?

Be careful, little eyes, what you see.

Be careful, little eyes, what you see.

For the Farther up above, is looking down in love. 

So be careful, little eyes, what you see.

Be careful, little ears, what you hear

Be careful, little ears what you hear.

For the father up above is looking down in love,

So be careful little ears what you hear.

It goes on with hands and feet. 

We should have continued to teach these old Sunday School songs. But we had to be popular and follow the crowd. We had to make it "current."  Well, current isn't what we thought, is it? The time had come for change.

I remember those little songs we sang in the 60s. And yes, they influenced me because I haven't forgotten them. 

Only a boy named David, only a little sling.

Only a boy named David, how he could pray and sing.

Only a boy named David, only a rippling brook.

Only a boy named David, but 5 little stones he took.

And one little stone went in the sling, and the sling went round and round.

One little prayer went up to God, and the giant came tumbling down.

Those songs taught me more than how to carry a tune. They taught me how to think about my actions and how my actions impacted my world. They taught me faith, hope, and charity. And consequences. 

If a brother is in the road, we will stop and pick him up. 

If a brother is in the road, we will stop and pick him up. 

If a brother is in the road we will stop and pick him up. 

And we won't lag along behind. 

If the devil's in the road, we will roll right over him.

If the devil's in the road, we will roll right over him.

If the devil's in the road, we will roll right over him.

And we won't lag along behind.

Judges 2:10

10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.

Why? How is that possible? 

Because that generation who raised them went to sleep. They didn't influence their children with the past. When you stop reminding people of the past, of where they came from, and the values that were crucial, well, they lose direction. They think they know where they're going, but they tossed the road map. The map their fathers and grandfathers carved out. The past is old-fashioned, out of date, not in touch with reality. 

I'll tell you who's not in touch with reality, the people who raised a generation that knew nothing about their past. The reality lives in the present and those who raised this generation are going to have to stand before God and give an account of why they thought it was a good idea to forget the past.

You may think burying the past is so liberating. You'd be wrong. That's how nations become enslaved. That's how an entire generation arose in Israel who didn't even know the Red Sea parted. They didn't know about a pillar of fire at night. Their heritage was unknown to them. Hundreds of years of miracles forgotten. 

Now our children only remember how to log in to apps to be entertained. These days I see children in church playing with phones and tables. I see adults doing it, too. Believe it or not, you can tell if they're looking at a Bible on their phone or sending text messages and scrolling through a website. You're not fooling anyone. And your children? As soon as they got out of Sunday School, they forgot all about the lesson when you handed them the phone. 

What is wrong with us? No wonder we have lost a generation. In fact, we've lost two generations. The children and the parents. Forget the songs your grandparents sang. They're not fashionable. They mention b-l-o-o-d and d-e-a-t-h. Words like sacrifice, the cross, and conviction fill the pages of the song books. They teach values and remind us of thousands of years of miracles. Our history. Our faith. 

But they're just children's songs! 

No, they're the greatest stories ever told. I won't forget. 

Where's the Prayer Meeting?

I posted this on Life on the Ledge in error on the 3rd of this month. I guess I was just not with it. Anyway, putting it here. 

 I was reading my Bible Sunday morning and ran across a verse that I don’t recall ever reading or hearing preached. The verse is interesting to me because as I read it, I was led to some other interesting verses that set me to thinking about prayer.

Many people often ask when to pray and how often or if they should pray at all. One would think that, if there was a specific scripture in the Bible that comes close to an answer, then everyone, every Christian, would be plastering it on the wall in a fancy plaque, embroidering it onto pillows, cross-stitching it on fabric, wearing it on a shirt, or writing about it in a book. And yet, I don’t know of one book out there that answers the question, “When should I pray?”

Yet, there it is in Exodus, summed up in two verses. The minimum daily requirement is twice a day.

Exodus 30:7-8
7. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

8. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

As far as I can recall, Jesus never told his disciples how often to pray. He gave them a formula in the Lord’s Prayer on how to pray but he didn’t say a thing about how many times a day we are to pray according to that formula. Could it be that Jesus, knowing this scripture was there, expected everyone to know how often they were to pray?

I decided to do a search of the word “incense” in the Bible in an attempt to better understand how it was being used. I found that incense, in scripture at least, seems to represent prayer and there are many Old Testament scriptures that mention incense, hundreds, in fact. I recount only a few here that I felt were important and support my theory.

Leviticus 16: 13 describes praying for mercy. “And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: . . .”

Exodus 30:27 mentions an altar of incense. That would be an altar of prayer. In Numbers 7, the formula for the dedication of the altar is described and one of the things mentioned is an offering. “One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense...” This is an financial offering given with prayer.

Next in Numbers 16, God was about to destroy the people because they were mad with Moses and talking about him. The day before God had destroyed Korah and his family for the same offense. The Hebrews were scared to death then, but the next day they were complaining about it. God had just about had enough of this whining bunch of wimps who couldn’t follow directions without someone drawing a picture. Here is what He tells Moses and Moses acts quickly to save the people.

Numbers 16: 45-47 45.
45. Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

46. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.

47. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

When I read this, I felt the sense of urgency that Moses must have felt. He’d had several conversations with God. He had seen people struck down and swallowed up. He knew what that one statement from God would mean for Israel. He and Aaron acted quickly and interceded on behalf of the people with fiery prayers, not just in the temple, but by running among the people with burning incense. Total destruction of Israel was averted.

In 2 Kings 22 Josiah is king and the priest comes to him when he finds the book of the law in the house of the Lord. The book is brought to Josiah and read to him. Upon hearing it, he is so upset he tears his clothes, a sign of grief. The book revealed to Josiah that the nation had not been keeping the law. He sent his priest to talk to a woman who lives in the college. Whoa, dude! An educated woman preacher! Who said it was a male dominated society?

Here is what she said to them in 2 Kings 22:15-17
15. And she said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

16. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

17. Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

(Note of interest: she doesn’t even call the King by his title or name until she is repeating what the Lord has told her. She refers to him as “the man” -- an educated woman, unimpressed with titles.)

Josiah sets about to destroy every place where incense has been offered to other gods! He purges the nation of false priest, religions, and gods.

Psalms 141:2 also emphasizes that incense represents prayer in scripture.

Psalms 141:2
2. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Prayer is important and in scripture, it is compared to incense drifting up to God. The lifting of the hands is a sign of surrender. So this verse could be said to signify surrendering to God and petitioning or worshiping him. When should you do this?

Exodus 30:7&8
7. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

8. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

How you pray is important. What you pray is important. Who you pray to is important. And yes, when you pray is very important. And if you want to pray more than twice a day, it sure can't hurt you.

• Footnote: One of the few places in the Bible where one is told “when” to pray is in 1st Thessalonians 5:17 -- Paul said to “Pray without ceasing.” Considering the Old Testament events surrounding the use of incense, one can understand the importance of his instructions. For a perspective on Paul’s  verse, https://renderedpraise.blogspot.com/2008/01/time-place-to-pray.html to read “Time, A Place to Pray”