From, Through, & For

God is in the process of rewiring how we see, think, live, and love. He wants us to unlearn anything that keeps us from boldly believing in His power and becoming His people.

“Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you…Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD…Listen...Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Take up your positions; stand firm…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” Early in the morning they left…As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me…Have faith in the LORD your God…they sang…Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever…Jehoshaphat...returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice...The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭30

On an average day, how many thoughts run through your mind? Of those thoughts, how many of them are fearful or have some level of worry? Imagine being King of Judah and hearing the news that there was a massive army on the way to attack you. It would be reasonable to worry. Biologically, your fight or flight instincts would kick in and you would try to problem solve a way to survive. The leader of Judah chose a third option. One that went against his natural instincts. Rather than fight or flight, he chose to fast and seek first the kingdom. He chose to stand on the faithfulness of God and trust Him with the battle he faced.

Look at how God answered his prayer. God said start by rejecting the fear that naturally comes into your mind. He says do not be afraid because He knows that we naturally fear. He said take up your position and stand firm. Get ready to face your fears and have faith in Me. Each of these steps are so important in developing a process for how to deal with what we face each day. God does not say do not worry about anything because I will wipe out your enemies while you sleep on your sofa. He said get ready to go, stand firm, and face your fears. What fears do you need to face? Where do you need to listen to God's voice to win the battle that goes on between your ears?

As they went, the people chose to sing. Proverbs says the tongue has the power of life and death. When we praise God out loud among other believers we quite literally give life to ourselves and each other. The word encourage means to give one's heart or strengthen a heart. Giving thanks to God for what He has done is a great place to start and then praising Him for what He will do because His love endures forever creates in us an expectation of victory. This is what God wants. He wants people to believe in His power, pray continually, and praise before the problems in our lives have been solved. What will be your approach today?

“I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me— Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush— and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion." The LORD will write in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.” Psalms‬ ‭87‬:‭4‬-7

At first glance, this song may not mean much to us. We are not familiar with the significance of connecting Zion with Philistia, Rahab, Babylon, or any of the cities named. Zion had special meaning to the people of God. It was the place of God's dwelling. To be born in Zion would be to declared a person whose citizenship is from God or is heavenly. The text says the people of God acknowledge God and sing that their fountains, or the water that gives them life, are from Him.

But something very significant is happening in this song that goes beyond praising God for His presence in His dwelling place. The psalmist is reaching past traditional boundaries and singing that foreigners will become the people of God. Each of the cities listed were outside the promised land. This song was saying that those who acknowledge God will be called the people of God regardless of whether they were Jew or Gentile. This is no small claim. It is a prelude to the revelation of God's promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

How does that impact you today? Why does that matter for us? First, ask yourself if you are acknowledging and praising God. Do you acknowledge God at home, in your work place, in the community, and in your daily activities? Is your life markedly different than a non believer because your words, actions, and attitude look like and sound like Jesus? If so, the psalmist said the natural response to acknowledging God is a life worshiping God. Jehosophat turned to God when he was in trouble because he had built his life around seeking and acknowledging God every day. Is yours? Acknowledging God means to declare that everything is from Him and for Him.

“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God ...There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt. If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!” Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭4‬-‭32

Is it not fascinating that this Proverb was written long before Jesus ever set foot on the face of the Earth? Jesus is the only one who has come down from heaven. His words are flawless. You can read the same quote from Jesus hundreds of times and have a different response each time. His word is alive and active. He is our shield against sin. He was humble and gentle, yet bold as a lion and spoke with the authority of the Almighty.

What is the point? Like Jehosophat and the author of this Proverb, we are to look to God. Citizens of Zion, people of God's presence born of His Spirit, look to the Creator of all things for guidance on how to live as a citizen of heaven. They sing because they have hearts that are grateful for what God has given. Neither too much nor too little. They seek to do what is right. They do not try to manufacture outcomes, manipulate people, or make up lies. They speak truth because God is Spirit and Truth. The bread they eat is the bread of life, Jesus, because they know that the strength for the battle comes from dining on what feeds the soul. Our world teaches us to never be satisfied and always want more. Jesus teaches us to see that everything is from God and that we are stewards of what He gives.

“Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬-‭23

Why do we practice fasting and confession? How does that help us spiritually? Fasting elevates the spiritual over the physical. This is commonly done during the season of lent in preparation for Easter, but it can be a daily practice that helps us experience more of God's presence as God's resurrected people. When was the last time you fasted? Fasting is one of the best practices to move beyond the desires of the flesh. Fasting tears down the walls of comfort that can easily build in our lives and keep us from seeking God.

God warned the people through Ezekiel to not be fake or speak what is false. Jesus used the same terminology that Ezekiel used here to describe religious people who looked good on the outside but had hearts that were corrupt. We live in a world that can often cause us to wear a mask, pretend to be someone we are not, and encourages us to fit in with the crowd. Jesus does and says the opposite of conformity. He invites transformation. He calls you uniquely and wonderfully made and wants you to be the light that transforms the world around you. The challenge is transformation only comes when we tell the truth. Whitewashed walls and pretending to be something you are not only leads to feeling alone. Is there anywhere in your life where you have covered up a pain, insecurity, or hurt rather than bringing it to Christ?

“So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace...if the root is holy, so are the branches. do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you...you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off...Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in. I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in...The deliverer will come from Zion...this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins...for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬-‭36

Words mean more when you consider who is writing or speaking them. Paul was the insider who kept outsiders out until he encountered Jesus. He went from self-righteous white-walled follower of the law to life giving, love dispensing follower of Jesus. What changed his thinking? How do you go from chasing people away to doing everything you can to invite people in? Grace. Consider the kindness of God's grace to you. How will His grace change how you see people?

Paul wrote that everything is from Him, through Him, and for Him. Is that how you see things? Is all that you have from God or did you earn it? Many people tend to see some things from God and some things as their own. Seeing anything as your own is a one way ticket to insecurity, frustration, pride and offense. Conversely, seeing all that you have as a gift from God that you are stewarding leads to life, freedom, peace, prosperity, and honor.

Jehoshaphat saw a vast army and had every reason to panic. But he believed the breath in his lungs, the strength in his body, the duty he oversaw as king, and the battle belonged to God. Some of us are holding on to problems and possessions like they are their own. Give them to God. God's gifts and call are irrevocable. When we start to look at our lives as through and for God, we can develop eyes to see and hearts that have faith. We can overcome fear and stand boldly like a lion by faith in the One who wins every battle.

God wants to transform the way you think so He can transform the way you live. Fear tells you to retreat. Pride tells you it is all about you. The world teaches self -protection and self-promotion. Faith says fast, seek God, take your position, stand firm, and believe He will do what needs to be done. Jesus said I am the vine. Paul said it is by the root that you have strength. Your gifts and your calling come from Him. When you learn to believe that everything is from Him and through Him, you can start to live for Him. He will re-direct your focus so you too can see how you can help those living outside of His peace.

What battle are you facing today? What fear has crept into your mind? Where do you feel attacked? Declare a holy fast and make room for more of God's presence. Seek God then stand firm. He will never fail you. His promise is He will always be with His people. So take your position knowing you are not alone. Then sing. Sing like the people of old and as a person made new. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.