Yesterday at lunch I was eating the last of my chili. It was the last bowl of the batch, which I had eaten over the course of the week. About halfway through lunch, I discovered small, scary wormlike objects in my bowl. Frightened, I decided to take a poll of my office co-workers to see if there might be hope that I was not eating worms.
The poll came in at a saddening 50%. Half thought worms. Half thought part of the chili beans.
50% simply was not strong enough of a vote to continue eating the chili. Should someone have offered money for a dare, I might have taken them up on it...being that I had already surely consumed some cooked worm-like unknowns prior to that point.
Warning: Stay away from cheap cans of white northern beans.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Tuning with the E String (1 Samuel 23:1-14)
For a couple of years in high school, I played around on my mother's guitar and then took a guitar class in college. Musical gifting is not one of my strengths, so the skill did not develop like I had hoped. One useful thing I remembered, though, was that I could tune the E string to a standard, and then tune the rest of the strings according to that one accurate pitch. When the low E string was tuned to the standard, I could descend down the other five strings, tuning each accordingly. Should the reference pitch be off and my E string be out of tune, I won't be able to reproduce good music.
As a reminder, do you remember Saul in one of his first acts as King (1 Samuel 13)? He was to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice before God prior to going to war. As stress mounted and the Philistines gathered in mass quantity for battle, Saul's men began desserting him. Saul chose to reject God's instruction to wait, offering the sacrifice himself impatiently. Saul's internal heart strings were not tuned to an accurate E pitch. Without God as the accurate reference pitch, his actions were out of tune and the nation would falter.
In contrast, David was also surrounded by stress in 1 Samuel 23:1-14. He had lost his home, was daily on the run for his life with 600 men depending on his leadership, and had come into knowledge of Keilah's (a city) need for defense from a Philistine attack. David approached God to inquire what to do. In those moments, David was using God as his reference pitch. He was tuning his low E string by which he would be prepared to tune his others decisions as a leader. As tuning goes, you tighten and loosen the string to find the correct pitch. It's not an immediate find. David similarly was tuning his heart to God. It was not a perfect first try, but as the relationship was growing, David was learning life with God.
With a heart accurately tuned, he led his men into battle against their will, trusting that God's sovereigty and power would act on their and His own behalf in victory.
What is your reference pitch? Are you, like David, able to daily tune your heart to the solid truth of Scripture and active, prayerful relationship with God through Christ? Or, like Saul, are you depending on your own actions and flesh to deliver you through the day, thus tuning your heart to an out-of-tune pitch that will affect all other parts of your life?
Tune well, my friends. Find the reference pitch that is accurate, beautiful, and immutable.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
As a reminder, do you remember Saul in one of his first acts as King (1 Samuel 13)? He was to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice before God prior to going to war. As stress mounted and the Philistines gathered in mass quantity for battle, Saul's men began desserting him. Saul chose to reject God's instruction to wait, offering the sacrifice himself impatiently. Saul's internal heart strings were not tuned to an accurate E pitch. Without God as the accurate reference pitch, his actions were out of tune and the nation would falter.
In contrast, David was also surrounded by stress in 1 Samuel 23:1-14. He had lost his home, was daily on the run for his life with 600 men depending on his leadership, and had come into knowledge of Keilah's (a city) need for defense from a Philistine attack. David approached God to inquire what to do. In those moments, David was using God as his reference pitch. He was tuning his low E string by which he would be prepared to tune his others decisions as a leader. As tuning goes, you tighten and loosen the string to find the correct pitch. It's not an immediate find. David similarly was tuning his heart to God. It was not a perfect first try, but as the relationship was growing, David was learning life with God.
With a heart accurately tuned, he led his men into battle against their will, trusting that God's sovereigty and power would act on their and His own behalf in victory.
What is your reference pitch? Are you, like David, able to daily tune your heart to the solid truth of Scripture and active, prayerful relationship with God through Christ? Or, like Saul, are you depending on your own actions and flesh to deliver you through the day, thus tuning your heart to an out-of-tune pitch that will affect all other parts of your life?
Tune well, my friends. Find the reference pitch that is accurate, beautiful, and immutable.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Saturday, April 07, 2007
A Light in the Darkness (1 Samuel 23:15-29)
David obediently rescued the city of Keilah from Philistine attack, but was then divinely directed to leave the city's protective walls before they would turn against him. He was considered a hero while the need existed, but would be rejected into the hands of King Saul should he stay.
On foot and fleeing from Saul with his growing band of nearly 600 men, David was expending himself according to God's will. We can see that God's eyes are closely on him, twice providing light in David's situational darkness.
Firstly, Jonathan came to David's hiding place to remind him of their covenant in friendship. Jonathan, son of King Saul, rejected any future claim to the throne. Jonathan respected God's anointing on David and subjected himself to it, loyally serving David as the future King. Jonathan's arrival brought a welcome word of encouragement following the deliverance of Keilah. He specifically reminded David of the future throne over Israel, of his loyalty to their covenant (18:3), and of Saul's inability to find David. What a timely encouragment to help prepare David's heart for what comes next!
A second light in the darkness came just before Saul trapped David and his men. So close to capturing the small Davidic army, Saul abandoned the chase. God's hand allowed the sin of the Philistines to again rise up against unfaithful Israel. As King, Saul rejected his pursuit of David in order to protect the land and the people. Saul decided that this in-house scuffle between a Benjamite and a Judean would have to wait.
The Lord's encouragment to us is not a promise to remove suffering, trial, or difficulty. Instead, his encouragement to us often comes as a reminder of who He is. Trials seem to encompass us on the dark mountain. Nearly surrounded, God gives us the light of hope to see His ability to bring us to what lies beyond our dark moment. He is a God who communicates hope, and allows our situation to teach us to cling to Him in trust. David was learning to cling and to rest in a God of hope as he lived in a world of darkness.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
On foot and fleeing from Saul with his growing band of nearly 600 men, David was expending himself according to God's will. We can see that God's eyes are closely on him, twice providing light in David's situational darkness.
Firstly, Jonathan came to David's hiding place to remind him of their covenant in friendship. Jonathan, son of King Saul, rejected any future claim to the throne. Jonathan respected God's anointing on David and subjected himself to it, loyally serving David as the future King. Jonathan's arrival brought a welcome word of encouragement following the deliverance of Keilah. He specifically reminded David of the future throne over Israel, of his loyalty to their covenant (18:3), and of Saul's inability to find David. What a timely encouragment to help prepare David's heart for what comes next!
A second light in the darkness came just before Saul trapped David and his men. So close to capturing the small Davidic army, Saul abandoned the chase. God's hand allowed the sin of the Philistines to again rise up against unfaithful Israel. As King, Saul rejected his pursuit of David in order to protect the land and the people. Saul decided that this in-house scuffle between a Benjamite and a Judean would have to wait.
The Lord's encouragment to us is not a promise to remove suffering, trial, or difficulty. Instead, his encouragement to us often comes as a reminder of who He is. Trials seem to encompass us on the dark mountain. Nearly surrounded, God gives us the light of hope to see His ability to bring us to what lies beyond our dark moment. He is a God who communicates hope, and allows our situation to teach us to cling to Him in trust. David was learning to cling and to rest in a God of hope as he lived in a world of darkness.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Live by the Spirit, not the Flesh (1 Samuel 22:3-23)
The transition of authority and power for Israel's Kingship is at hand. Suspense is heightened as Saul's rage and jealousy have consumed him to the point of large scale murder.
The feeling in my gut when I hear about Saul, as he slayed the priests and people of Nob, matches that of 9/11. That morning I watched television reports displaying horrid evil deeds. Something is so very wrong, so my gut says. In each instance human depravity (our sinful nature and its evil potential) reared its ugly head in the form of mass injustice and hatred. This should cause our hearts to react.
Saul called the priests before him, accusing them in the same way that he had formerly accused his servants (22:8). With Saul's hatred seeking a target, the fate of the priests was chosen before they appeared. Saul was in rebellion against God, and the victims of his rage were ultimately an act of spite toward the God who had disciplined him and taken the throne of Israel from him.
He killed Levites that day. They were priests whose life work involved worshiping God by serving the Israelite people in the sanctuary. They were not warring men in their God-ordained role. This tribe of people represented God's holiness in interaction with humanity. Levites were an example for the nation of Israel. They were a living example of life with a holy God.
In sin we, like Saul, are not theocentric. Rather, we are egocentric. It takes God in us to regain a theocentric life. Saul's progression into greater rebellion and hatred was a process. According to God's Law, Saul had a responsibility to keep his heart theocentric. Yet, the life he developed convinces me that he did not. Sin became a driving force in his life, not held to account by his relationship with a holy God.
To me this is a reminder of the importance of the work of a sanctification in my life. I have a personal responsibility in working with the Spirit of God in the process of being made like Christ. My sin nature always has the potential to rebell against God's ways. But the Spirit in me gives me hope that I can continue to be made into a reflection of God's holiness.
My potential to hurt, hate, and live out the sinful nature is as real today as it was before I came to know Christ. Yet, I have the gift of the Holy Spirit teaching me God's ways through faith in Christ Jesus. I can't speak divine judgement upon Saul, but for Christians today we have teaching that bids us toward obedient love:
"So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14 NAS)
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Scripture marked “NAS” is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
The feeling in my gut when I hear about Saul, as he slayed the priests and people of Nob, matches that of 9/11. That morning I watched television reports displaying horrid evil deeds. Something is so very wrong, so my gut says. In each instance human depravity (our sinful nature and its evil potential) reared its ugly head in the form of mass injustice and hatred. This should cause our hearts to react.
Saul called the priests before him, accusing them in the same way that he had formerly accused his servants (22:8). With Saul's hatred seeking a target, the fate of the priests was chosen before they appeared. Saul was in rebellion against God, and the victims of his rage were ultimately an act of spite toward the God who had disciplined him and taken the throne of Israel from him.
He killed Levites that day. They were priests whose life work involved worshiping God by serving the Israelite people in the sanctuary. They were not warring men in their God-ordained role. This tribe of people represented God's holiness in interaction with humanity. Levites were an example for the nation of Israel. They were a living example of life with a holy God.
In sin we, like Saul, are not theocentric. Rather, we are egocentric. It takes God in us to regain a theocentric life. Saul's progression into greater rebellion and hatred was a process. According to God's Law, Saul had a responsibility to keep his heart theocentric. Yet, the life he developed convinces me that he did not. Sin became a driving force in his life, not held to account by his relationship with a holy God.
To me this is a reminder of the importance of the work of a sanctification in my life. I have a personal responsibility in working with the Spirit of God in the process of being made like Christ. My sin nature always has the potential to rebell against God's ways. But the Spirit in me gives me hope that I can continue to be made into a reflection of God's holiness.
My potential to hurt, hate, and live out the sinful nature is as real today as it was before I came to know Christ. Yet, I have the gift of the Holy Spirit teaching me God's ways through faith in Christ Jesus. I can't speak divine judgement upon Saul, but for Christians today we have teaching that bids us toward obedient love:
"So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14 NAS)
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Scripture marked “NAS” is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The View from Above (1 Samuel 22:1-2)
One of my last summers in college I was riding out the remains of my groceries and protecting the small bit of gas money I was saving to travel across the country for a ministry internship. My meals consisted of things like eggs, green beans, refried beans, pancakes, etc. I barely had enough to last until I left. Then came a knock on my door.
Standing outside were a brother and sister from Ecuador that attended my small Christian College with me. She needed a place to stay for a while and to be able to fix meals for her and her brother. They came without provision so it was my unique assortment of foods that fed us at first.
I'll never forget the feeling of having next to nothing and being asked to extend it to my neighbors in need. Sometimes when you feel you have nothing to give, God calls you to to feed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). Leading you to act upon faith instead of ability, God plans to provide and intervene. Because He is your God, you can freely give.
This incident reminds me of David, in hiding at the cave of Adullam, while his family and four hundred distressed and outlawed persons gathered to him for leadership. He literally had fled for his life, having to approach the priest in Nob for bread and a sword. This was a desprate measure for a man in crisis. We don't find David sitting upon a seat of wealth and leadership. We find him hiding in a cave.
That cave, though, was a place for remembering and transformation. The caves of Adullam were located in the Elah valley. High upon a hill where he could watch for coming attacks, this hill overlooked that valley of significance. Waiting and watching, David was overlooking the place of his victory against Goliath. The hard knocks of life had David seeing the Giant from a new perspective, but this was a great place to stop and remember what the Lord had done through his faith in days past. I believe he gained strength and new hope from remembering what the Lord accomplished in that place.
When the many began to gather under David's leadership uninvited, David had to turn his perspective away from his own difficult situation. God forced him, in the midst of trial, to lead with others in mind. The time of remembering only lasted for a moment, and then David had to move on with his newly formed band of four hundred men.
God requires much of us some days. He wants us to grow in making decisions according to His ways and provides opportunities for us to practice an ever increasing gift of faith. May we push on toward our goal in Christ Jesus, remembering the victories and facing trial through the eyes of faith.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Standing outside were a brother and sister from Ecuador that attended my small Christian College with me. She needed a place to stay for a while and to be able to fix meals for her and her brother. They came without provision so it was my unique assortment of foods that fed us at first.
I'll never forget the feeling of having next to nothing and being asked to extend it to my neighbors in need. Sometimes when you feel you have nothing to give, God calls you to to feed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21). Leading you to act upon faith instead of ability, God plans to provide and intervene. Because He is your God, you can freely give.
This incident reminds me of David, in hiding at the cave of Adullam, while his family and four hundred distressed and outlawed persons gathered to him for leadership. He literally had fled for his life, having to approach the priest in Nob for bread and a sword. This was a desprate measure for a man in crisis. We don't find David sitting upon a seat of wealth and leadership. We find him hiding in a cave.
That cave, though, was a place for remembering and transformation. The caves of Adullam were located in the Elah valley. High upon a hill where he could watch for coming attacks, this hill overlooked that valley of significance. Waiting and watching, David was overlooking the place of his victory against Goliath. The hard knocks of life had David seeing the Giant from a new perspective, but this was a great place to stop and remember what the Lord had done through his faith in days past. I believe he gained strength and new hope from remembering what the Lord accomplished in that place.
When the many began to gather under David's leadership uninvited, David had to turn his perspective away from his own difficult situation. God forced him, in the midst of trial, to lead with others in mind. The time of remembering only lasted for a moment, and then David had to move on with his newly formed band of four hundred men.
God requires much of us some days. He wants us to grow in making decisions according to His ways and provides opportunities for us to practice an ever increasing gift of faith. May we push on toward our goal in Christ Jesus, remembering the victories and facing trial through the eyes of faith.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Where Will Help Come From? (1 Samuel 21)
The storyline of 1 Samuel is intensifying very quickly. From the euphoria of being devinely favored to the desperation of fleeing for his life, God's promise of David's future reign as king seems under attack. Does the adversity in David's life threaten the spoken will of God? Is David able to rise up as a king amidst his life's chaos?
David first fled to Ahimilech, the priest at Nob. We have no explanation as to why David chose to deceive the priest. Yet, we are told that he lied in order to receive provisions and the sword of Goliath. There in the midst of the nation's worship and their relligious leaders, David found momentary provision. Yet, even while pretending to be great (on a mission for King Saul) he was not safe from danger. Doeg the Edomite, chief shepherd, saw him there. David was forced to leave a sacred location of worship in fear of his life.
Next, David escaped to his enemies in Philistia. With the sword of Goliath, the huge Philistine that he conquered, David enters into the chief city of Gath. His renown as God's champion has not been forgotten. The enemy remembered David. In response to their recognition, David chose to pretend to be useless, a madman. Drueling and scribbling, the king rejected the Hebrew madman from his presence.
Neither the priest nor the enemy could offer David refuge. At most he finds temporary support. Where will his help come from? David used desperate human ideas protect himself, but ultimately learns that he must rely on God to find strength, daily rest, and peace. This chapter should leave us with many questions. In narrative style, we can see that David used sinful ways to protect himself. Yet, the author does not give us a moral absolute. We are watching a life rather than laying down law in 1 Samuel. Through relationship and life experience, God has something to teach us about Himself, His promises, and His relationship to us as sinners.
Through our questions and the unknown ahead, we and David must trust that God's sovereignty is still active. A human situation cannot nullify the will of God. As you go on your way today, consider what situations in your own life seem to threaten you. Is there a promise in God's word or a characteristic about Himself that you can rest in and learn to trust?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
David first fled to Ahimilech, the priest at Nob. We have no explanation as to why David chose to deceive the priest. Yet, we are told that he lied in order to receive provisions and the sword of Goliath. There in the midst of the nation's worship and their relligious leaders, David found momentary provision. Yet, even while pretending to be great (on a mission for King Saul) he was not safe from danger. Doeg the Edomite, chief shepherd, saw him there. David was forced to leave a sacred location of worship in fear of his life.
Next, David escaped to his enemies in Philistia. With the sword of Goliath, the huge Philistine that he conquered, David enters into the chief city of Gath. His renown as God's champion has not been forgotten. The enemy remembered David. In response to their recognition, David chose to pretend to be useless, a madman. Drueling and scribbling, the king rejected the Hebrew madman from his presence.
Neither the priest nor the enemy could offer David refuge. At most he finds temporary support. Where will his help come from? David used desperate human ideas protect himself, but ultimately learns that he must rely on God to find strength, daily rest, and peace. This chapter should leave us with many questions. In narrative style, we can see that David used sinful ways to protect himself. Yet, the author does not give us a moral absolute. We are watching a life rather than laying down law in 1 Samuel. Through relationship and life experience, God has something to teach us about Himself, His promises, and His relationship to us as sinners.
Through our questions and the unknown ahead, we and David must trust that God's sovereignty is still active. A human situation cannot nullify the will of God. As you go on your way today, consider what situations in your own life seem to threaten you. Is there a promise in God's word or a characteristic about Himself that you can rest in and learn to trust?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Beauty of the Lilly
Strong she stands amidst her fellows.
From kindness to kindness,
She is a gift.
To radiate glory
To reveal His praise.
No voice to sing, she is but a flower.
Silently waiting,
Yet ever teaching
Should her beauty begin to fade
Her life well lived,
She gave Him glory.
Scolding the anxious by beauty great.
Solomon will know
His glory was temporal
At best a showing of what will burn.
Then what will I
A simple worker
Set my heart upon at last?
Should clothing fade
And skin so wrinkle,
Will my beauty within endure?
Clothed with splendor
Washed in blood
I have been dressed by heaven's hand.
The lilly's beauty
Sits before me,
Striking my heart and humbling my head.
Truth be told
The Master has spoken
The lilly's beauty began in heaven.
Sometimes I worry about my clothes. I let my simple life and looks be compared to the creative and fun styles that are beyond what my wallet can afford. It is a selfish, though common, worry for women.
As I sat upon my bed in quiet moments talking with the Lord a few days ago, I looked to the boquet of flowers my housemate had given me in thanks. I had seen them so many times, being "wowed" at their beauty. They caught my eyes differently this time, realizing that the big beautiful ones were lillies. My mind remembered the Lord's teaching in Matthew chapter 6. The sweetness of the Lord's timing, with the worry in my heart, was both discipline and love.
The beauty of the lillies in my room, though they will fade quickly, reminds me of a great Provider and Lover of my soul. I can rest in Him.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
From kindness to kindness,
She is a gift.
To radiate glory
To reveal His praise.
No voice to sing, she is but a flower.
Silently waiting,
Yet ever teaching
Should her beauty begin to fade
Her life well lived,
She gave Him glory.
Scolding the anxious by beauty great.
Solomon will know
His glory was temporal
At best a showing of what will burn.
Then what will I
A simple worker
Set my heart upon at last?
Should clothing fade
And skin so wrinkle,
Will my beauty within endure?
Clothed with splendor
Washed in blood
I have been dressed by heaven's hand.
The lilly's beauty
Sits before me,
Striking my heart and humbling my head.
Truth be told
The Master has spoken
The lilly's beauty began in heaven.
Sometimes I worry about my clothes. I let my simple life and looks be compared to the creative and fun styles that are beyond what my wallet can afford. It is a selfish, though common, worry for women.
As I sat upon my bed in quiet moments talking with the Lord a few days ago, I looked to the boquet of flowers my housemate had given me in thanks. I had seen them so many times, being "wowed" at their beauty. They caught my eyes differently this time, realizing that the big beautiful ones were lillies. My mind remembered the Lord's teaching in Matthew chapter 6. The sweetness of the Lord's timing, with the worry in my heart, was both discipline and love.
The beauty of the lillies in my room, though they will fade quickly, reminds me of a great Provider and Lover of my soul. I can rest in Him.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Vehemoth
I should be writing about 1 Samuel, but I've no focus for it at the moment. I've just been through a crisis.
This evening I did a lot of cleaning and straightening for a party happening at my house tomorrow evening. Last on my to-do list was to finish some laundry. It was a load of whites. Pure white, fluffy, warm. Everything comfortable and nice. Relaxing and enjoying our living room, I put all of the items in piles and began to put them away. I walked partially into my bedroom and was rudely confronted.
A roach the size of Texas....I repeat, the size of TEXAS....was coming at me. He wasn't scittering along the baseboard or crawling along the ceiling. This boy was strutting right down the middle of the hallway of my bedroom as if he owned the place. I expected him to try and pick up the lunch I made him on his way out the door to work!
What does a girl do when Vehemoth is coming straight for you? Scream and dance around. Because that remedies the situation quite well, scaring and stirring up the thing. (I tried it once with a bat flying around my dark apartment. It works like magic. I jetted the shared room, and my flatmate at the time sat in her bed half awake as I watched the bat circle her head.)
I trapped Vehemoth under a dish and my roommate let it loose outside. Crisis averted within moments.
Now that Vehemoth is gone, guess who's not getting any sleep? Yeah. ME! The girl who hasn't bought a bed frame yet and who sleeps on a mattress on the floor. What's worse is that Vehemoth and I have probably been cuddling ever since the weather got warm.
I seriously just heard a strange noise....
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
This evening I did a lot of cleaning and straightening for a party happening at my house tomorrow evening. Last on my to-do list was to finish some laundry. It was a load of whites. Pure white, fluffy, warm. Everything comfortable and nice. Relaxing and enjoying our living room, I put all of the items in piles and began to put them away. I walked partially into my bedroom and was rudely confronted.
A roach the size of Texas....I repeat, the size of TEXAS....was coming at me. He wasn't scittering along the baseboard or crawling along the ceiling. This boy was strutting right down the middle of the hallway of my bedroom as if he owned the place. I expected him to try and pick up the lunch I made him on his way out the door to work!
What does a girl do when Vehemoth is coming straight for you? Scream and dance around. Because that remedies the situation quite well, scaring and stirring up the thing. (I tried it once with a bat flying around my dark apartment. It works like magic. I jetted the shared room, and my flatmate at the time sat in her bed half awake as I watched the bat circle her head.)
I trapped Vehemoth under a dish and my roommate let it loose outside. Crisis averted within moments.
Now that Vehemoth is gone, guess who's not getting any sleep? Yeah. ME! The girl who hasn't bought a bed frame yet and who sleeps on a mattress on the floor. What's worse is that Vehemoth and I have probably been cuddling ever since the weather got warm.
I seriously just heard a strange noise....
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Extra Grace Required
I've found it! My life's quote...
Accountability partners have been some of the sweetest and deepest relationships in my life. There's nothing quite like coming to the cross of Christ humbled and broken with someone who knows that they have also been saved. Deeply grateful, and still dependent. Together we bury our faces at the foot of the cross, opening our lives to one another for enouragement, rebuke, teaching, and fellowship in the precious name of Jesus.
I'm no longer in Indianapolis. In fact, I'm in a "whole other country." Yet, my times to talk with A on the phone bring me a joy and peace that aren't easily matched. Yesterday, I called A to wish her a happy birthday. We shared our lives while I drove out of the city. Amid the traffic, while wishing I could be in the HOV, A told me a story about finding a post-it note in the midst of her frustration with a difficult situation. The post-it read, "Extra grace required." She was immediately reminded to extend grace to others, because great and amazing grace had been extended to her.
I've attached the phrase to my mind, keeping it as a reminder of God's grace to me as I go throughout my day. Really, I would like to wear it as a banner accross my own forehead. Jesus is the source of my worth. I won't be able to please you fully. I can't do everything perfectly. To love me you must read my label which says, "Extra grace required." I will also have to apply this in order to love you.
Christ is at the center of grace. Know it. Receive it. Give it.
...And stick a few post-its around to remind you that relationships are going to need an extra ounce of grace, both being given to others and being received from others in the name of Christ.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Accountability partners have been some of the sweetest and deepest relationships in my life. There's nothing quite like coming to the cross of Christ humbled and broken with someone who knows that they have also been saved. Deeply grateful, and still dependent. Together we bury our faces at the foot of the cross, opening our lives to one another for enouragement, rebuke, teaching, and fellowship in the precious name of Jesus.
I'm no longer in Indianapolis. In fact, I'm in a "whole other country." Yet, my times to talk with A on the phone bring me a joy and peace that aren't easily matched. Yesterday, I called A to wish her a happy birthday. We shared our lives while I drove out of the city. Amid the traffic, while wishing I could be in the HOV, A told me a story about finding a post-it note in the midst of her frustration with a difficult situation. The post-it read, "Extra grace required." She was immediately reminded to extend grace to others, because great and amazing grace had been extended to her.
I've attached the phrase to my mind, keeping it as a reminder of God's grace to me as I go throughout my day. Really, I would like to wear it as a banner accross my own forehead. Jesus is the source of my worth. I won't be able to please you fully. I can't do everything perfectly. To love me you must read my label which says, "Extra grace required." I will also have to apply this in order to love you.
Christ is at the center of grace. Know it. Receive it. Give it.
...And stick a few post-its around to remind you that relationships are going to need an extra ounce of grace, both being given to others and being received from others in the name of Christ.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Sunday, February 18, 2007
OK Lord, I'm Listening...
In honor of a friend that I will be hanging with next weekend, I wanted to relate to you part of her story:
I worked for Kanakuk Kamps a couple of summers in college. My first experience with true discipleship came from J, a young adult employed as my shepherd while I served on the kitchen staff at Kanakuk. The discipleship and investement that took place that first summer at Kamp impacted me strongly. I returned to my college on fire for discipleship among the young women I had been commissioned to lead.
Discipleship has been a fire in my belly that has not been quenched since that time. J's influence has gone far and wide through my ministry to young women.
I moved to D in 2005 without knowing much of my new church except for the well-known pastor and his ministry. While getting established in D, I began to think of J quite often. Soon enough I figured out that she had attended this church that was now my new home. I wondered when and if I might run into her, but we had lost contact over the 10 years since Kanakuk.
Growing stronger on my heart, I still was not sure what to do with the recurring reminders of her in my head.
The year went on and I kept watching and waiting, but not remembering to pray. Prayer finally became obvious to me when I pulled out a recyle file from amid a stack of hundreds at work. Her name was on it. I said immediately in my mind, "OK Lord, I'm listening. I will pray for her."
One year after I moved to Texas, I began to attend a bible study on the book of Esther. I walk in one day, and she was there! The moment was a suprise and a laughing matter to me. How hard headed can I be when He puts names and faces upon my heart? Pray, woman!
We scheduled a time to get together to catch up on the past 10 years. She no longer lives in D, but came frequently into town to bless her mother and father as he slowly was dying. Her father was not a Christian, very opposed to the idea. After our talk, the year of having her so frequently on my heart and mind began to make sense.
Needless to say, I joined in with the team of saints who God was calling into prayer for this man. As you might expect when God begins moving, you can expect solid foundations to be shaken. Her father became a Christian not long before he died.
Bittersweet. Evoking awe and wonder at our amazing God. Who are we to be involved in the sweetness of salvation?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
I worked for Kanakuk Kamps a couple of summers in college. My first experience with true discipleship came from J, a young adult employed as my shepherd while I served on the kitchen staff at Kanakuk. The discipleship and investement that took place that first summer at Kamp impacted me strongly. I returned to my college on fire for discipleship among the young women I had been commissioned to lead.
Discipleship has been a fire in my belly that has not been quenched since that time. J's influence has gone far and wide through my ministry to young women.
I moved to D in 2005 without knowing much of my new church except for the well-known pastor and his ministry. While getting established in D, I began to think of J quite often. Soon enough I figured out that she had attended this church that was now my new home. I wondered when and if I might run into her, but we had lost contact over the 10 years since Kanakuk.
Growing stronger on my heart, I still was not sure what to do with the recurring reminders of her in my head.
The year went on and I kept watching and waiting, but not remembering to pray. Prayer finally became obvious to me when I pulled out a recyle file from amid a stack of hundreds at work. Her name was on it. I said immediately in my mind, "OK Lord, I'm listening. I will pray for her."
One year after I moved to Texas, I began to attend a bible study on the book of Esther. I walk in one day, and she was there! The moment was a suprise and a laughing matter to me. How hard headed can I be when He puts names and faces upon my heart? Pray, woman!
We scheduled a time to get together to catch up on the past 10 years. She no longer lives in D, but came frequently into town to bless her mother and father as he slowly was dying. Her father was not a Christian, very opposed to the idea. After our talk, the year of having her so frequently on my heart and mind began to make sense.
Needless to say, I joined in with the team of saints who God was calling into prayer for this man. As you might expect when God begins moving, you can expect solid foundations to be shaken. Her father became a Christian not long before he died.
Bittersweet. Evoking awe and wonder at our amazing God. Who are we to be involved in the sweetness of salvation?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Thursday, February 08, 2007
A Friend's Open Hand (1 Samuel 20)
Three times today the phrase "open hand" has come to my mind ~ one in a blog, one from remembering a sermon, and one from my 1 Samuel study notes. I was originally awakened to the phrase in a church sermon outside of Kansas City. The pastor was describing the faith of Abraham in allowing Lot to have the first choice in land division (Genesis 12:7). Becuase Abraham rested in God's ability to provide, He did not need to protect the situation for his best interest. God promised. Abraham believed and rested.
Likewise, Jonathan befriended David wholeheartedly. As typical heir to the throne, Saul hoped Jonathan would be territorial over his future kingdom. Instead, Jonathan acted with an open hand toward David, God's anointed. With active faith Jonathan helped time and again to save David's life, working against his own father and his own future role as King. His hand toward David was open. God was working toward His will, and neither Jonathan or David was outside of His care.
In my reading today, I was convicted of my attitude of late. I've been facing new stressors and protecting my best interest as I make decisions. I have been close-fisted instead of resting in God's consistent character and watchfulness over me. I've been my own protector and providor, my own best logic and my own source of wisdom. On the contrary, what I need most comes from without, instead of within. Living without faith is egocentric. When I take control, my fist closes to God and to friends. When I relinquish control, my hand joyfully opens to offer the best to others as I trust God to take care of me.
Are you an open-handed friend?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Likewise, Jonathan befriended David wholeheartedly. As typical heir to the throne, Saul hoped Jonathan would be territorial over his future kingdom. Instead, Jonathan acted with an open hand toward David, God's anointed. With active faith Jonathan helped time and again to save David's life, working against his own father and his own future role as King. His hand toward David was open. God was working toward His will, and neither Jonathan or David was outside of His care.
In my reading today, I was convicted of my attitude of late. I've been facing new stressors and protecting my best interest as I make decisions. I have been close-fisted instead of resting in God's consistent character and watchfulness over me. I've been my own protector and providor, my own best logic and my own source of wisdom. On the contrary, what I need most comes from without, instead of within. Living without faith is egocentric. When I take control, my fist closes to God and to friends. When I relinquish control, my hand joyfully opens to offer the best to others as I trust God to take care of me.
Are you an open-handed friend?
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Friday, February 02, 2007
Divine Will (1 Samuel 19)
I suppose David might have been excited to be anointed by Samuel as a chosen king, but he faced years of trial before actually being positioned as such. Through the many challenges, like Saul's pursuit of his life, David learned to trust in God's divine will. Chapter 19 of 1 Samuel shows us the persistence of God toward his divine will and its inclusion of everyday challenges that shape our character. We'll look at it from two different perspectives.
DAVID'S PERSPECTIVE
Saul was bent toward David's destruction because of jealousy, so much that he attempted to kill him. Saul commanded his servants to murder David, but was assuaged by Jonathan's plea on his friend's behalf (19:1). Saul next tried to pin David to the wall with a spear in an angry rage (v.10). After escaping, David was chased down in his home with the wife present (v.11). Lastly, David fled out the window and to the prophet Samuel. Thrice Saul sent messengers who were inhibited from completing the task by the Spirit of God. Saul's last, personal attempt to apprehend David from Samuel's protection was also thwarted by the Spirit of God.
David fled for his life with the echoing promise of God's will in his heart. Life as a fugitive tested David's trust in God's word. Is the God who gave His promise able to carry it out without David being the one to accomplish? The victory with Goliath and over the Philistines in war (v.8) had David looking pretty good. He accomplished much through God's blessing on his own physical ability. But in Chapter 19, we see divine favor acting on David's behalf. Disappointment was met with reminders of hope.
SAUL'S PERSPECTIVE
Saul tried exhaustingly to accomplish his personal goals outside of God's favor and outside of God's stated will. Each time, the diminishing King had doors shut in his face...his son pleaded otherwise, his daughter betrayed him, his servants could not withstand the power of the Spirit of God and neither could he. God's divine will was set against Saul, inhibiting every step.
Both perspectives, that of David and that of Saul, operate within the divine will of God. Both likely experienced disappointment and disillusionment, but only one could claim hope. David could face the daily challenges in light of hope, because he was within God's will. Saul had no hope because he treated God as his enemy.
If we have aligned ourselves within the stated will of God, imperfect as we may be, God is working for our best end. Disappointments may come, but they may be faced with hope. God is faithful to accomplish His word, His stated will. He is not a liar. Disappointments and challenges will be a part of our character formation and a part of this fallen world. Yet, we have a secure hope in God.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
DAVID'S PERSPECTIVE
Saul was bent toward David's destruction because of jealousy, so much that he attempted to kill him. Saul commanded his servants to murder David, but was assuaged by Jonathan's plea on his friend's behalf (19:1). Saul next tried to pin David to the wall with a spear in an angry rage (v.10). After escaping, David was chased down in his home with the wife present (v.11). Lastly, David fled out the window and to the prophet Samuel. Thrice Saul sent messengers who were inhibited from completing the task by the Spirit of God. Saul's last, personal attempt to apprehend David from Samuel's protection was also thwarted by the Spirit of God.
David fled for his life with the echoing promise of God's will in his heart. Life as a fugitive tested David's trust in God's word. Is the God who gave His promise able to carry it out without David being the one to accomplish? The victory with Goliath and over the Philistines in war (v.8) had David looking pretty good. He accomplished much through God's blessing on his own physical ability. But in Chapter 19, we see divine favor acting on David's behalf. Disappointment was met with reminders of hope.
SAUL'S PERSPECTIVE
Saul tried exhaustingly to accomplish his personal goals outside of God's favor and outside of God's stated will. Each time, the diminishing King had doors shut in his face...his son pleaded otherwise, his daughter betrayed him, his servants could not withstand the power of the Spirit of God and neither could he. God's divine will was set against Saul, inhibiting every step.
Both perspectives, that of David and that of Saul, operate within the divine will of God. Both likely experienced disappointment and disillusionment, but only one could claim hope. David could face the daily challenges in light of hope, because he was within God's will. Saul had no hope because he treated God as his enemy.
If we have aligned ourselves within the stated will of God, imperfect as we may be, God is working for our best end. Disappointments may come, but they may be faced with hope. God is faithful to accomplish His word, His stated will. He is not a liar. Disappointments and challenges will be a part of our character formation and a part of this fallen world. Yet, we have a secure hope in God.
© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Danger Zone (1 Samuel 18)
On my older sister's wedding cruise, I was snorkeling off of Grand Cayman in beautiful blue water. The wedding ceremony had been completed and the rum cake eaten. Thus, many of us changed out of our "formal" beachwear and began to swim along the surface of the water, occasionally diving below to see different kinds of fish and sea decor. You kind of get lost in the beauty and uniqueness of the water world, which unfortunately made it easy to venture far from shore.
Getting tired and realizing that we were too far out, my little sister (high school) and I decided to swim back in. I headed up our little school, soon realizing that the swim to shore was exhausting. We swam for quite a time and were barely making headway to the shore. I kept going, not wanting my little sister to get scared or give up, but inside I was beginning to worry. Three times the effort and only a portion of the distance! What I didn't realize when we went out was that we were near a forbidden swimming area. The water current was flowing in an odd direction as it neared the rip tide and created resistance for us.
We eventually made it to shore, but I learned some lessons along the way. Mostly, I learned to keep an eye out for danger zones. Those red floats had a significance that I did not personally understand, but luckily someone else was wise enough to place them there for protection.
Reading through 1 Samuel 18, I see David's gained favor among the people by God's divine direction. The young anointed one acted in wisdom and humility, while Saul's jealousy festered and spilled out through speech and action. Having lost the favor of God, and in decline as the most popular man, Saul chose to act according to a fleshly and self-centered heart. How I long for him to see the red floats indicating danger!
What do you see as red flags that Saul should be noticing and repenting of as a man of God?
1. Anger at David's success, though they are teammates (v.7)
2. Watching David with suspicion, an undeserved and insecure response (v.9)
3. Internally enraged and loss of inward peace (v.10)
4. Returning evil for good (v.11)
5. Distancing the relationship (v.13)
6. Plotting tactics for revenge (v.17,25)
7. Involving unnecessary parties in the conflict (v.22)
8. Honey words and whiskey deception (v.22)
9. Complete hardheartedness toward a brethren (v.29)
Well! That list brings more conviction that I really wanted this evening! Can we stop now? I relate with most of these danger signs. Moments earlier, I wanted Saul to see the danger signs that could have saved his life from striving against God. Now, I'm concerned for danger signs that pop up in my own relationships. Isn't it so tempting to want to involve others in our conflict by gossip? Isn't it terribly easy to talk sweet to someones face while harboring a grudge in the heart? Distancing people and hardening the heart toward someone alleviates the need for confrontation and honesty, and we set ourselves up for character decay. Maybe God knew that you and I have a lot more similarity to Saul than we recognize! We need to watch out for the danger zones, lest we begin to swim against God's tide.
My course of action tonight is this, that I begin to agree with God in the continued conviction of the Holy Spirit about sin in my life. Then, I need to begin to make things right by actively loving like I am commanded to in 1 Corinthians 13. My place under God's authority is to obey.
Being changed to look like Christ is a life-long process. We need to help one another to see warning signs like these, which takes honesty and a willingness to invest in one another like Christ did for each of us. Let's exhort and encourage one another toward the safe waters.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Getting tired and realizing that we were too far out, my little sister (high school) and I decided to swim back in. I headed up our little school, soon realizing that the swim to shore was exhausting. We swam for quite a time and were barely making headway to the shore. I kept going, not wanting my little sister to get scared or give up, but inside I was beginning to worry. Three times the effort and only a portion of the distance! What I didn't realize when we went out was that we were near a forbidden swimming area. The water current was flowing in an odd direction as it neared the rip tide and created resistance for us.
We eventually made it to shore, but I learned some lessons along the way. Mostly, I learned to keep an eye out for danger zones. Those red floats had a significance that I did not personally understand, but luckily someone else was wise enough to place them there for protection.
Reading through 1 Samuel 18, I see David's gained favor among the people by God's divine direction. The young anointed one acted in wisdom and humility, while Saul's jealousy festered and spilled out through speech and action. Having lost the favor of God, and in decline as the most popular man, Saul chose to act according to a fleshly and self-centered heart. How I long for him to see the red floats indicating danger!
What do you see as red flags that Saul should be noticing and repenting of as a man of God?
1. Anger at David's success, though they are teammates (v.7)
2. Watching David with suspicion, an undeserved and insecure response (v.9)
3. Internally enraged and loss of inward peace (v.10)
4. Returning evil for good (v.11)
5. Distancing the relationship (v.13)
6. Plotting tactics for revenge (v.17,25)
7. Involving unnecessary parties in the conflict (v.22)
8. Honey words and whiskey deception (v.22)
9. Complete hardheartedness toward a brethren (v.29)
Well! That list brings more conviction that I really wanted this evening! Can we stop now? I relate with most of these danger signs. Moments earlier, I wanted Saul to see the danger signs that could have saved his life from striving against God. Now, I'm concerned for danger signs that pop up in my own relationships. Isn't it so tempting to want to involve others in our conflict by gossip? Isn't it terribly easy to talk sweet to someones face while harboring a grudge in the heart? Distancing people and hardening the heart toward someone alleviates the need for confrontation and honesty, and we set ourselves up for character decay. Maybe God knew that you and I have a lot more similarity to Saul than we recognize! We need to watch out for the danger zones, lest we begin to swim against God's tide.
My course of action tonight is this, that I begin to agree with God in the continued conviction of the Holy Spirit about sin in my life. Then, I need to begin to make things right by actively loving like I am commanded to in 1 Corinthians 13. My place under God's authority is to obey.
Being changed to look like Christ is a life-long process. We need to help one another to see warning signs like these, which takes honesty and a willingness to invest in one another like Christ did for each of us. Let's exhort and encourage one another toward the safe waters.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Five Smooth Stones (1 Samuel 17)
Then he took his staff in hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
(1 Sam 17:40, NIV)
Facing a giant has a way of shaking us down to our true selves. No matter if that giant is a large and intimidating person or an overwhelming circumstance like cancer or life transition, the reality of the challenge ahead of us dispells lofty and unrealistic thoughts. As seen in chapter 17 of 1 Samuel, David faced Goliath with a full measure of faith, but how? Can we face our challenges and fears without being dreamy-eyed and wishful, hiding our fear that God might abandon us as we step out to face the giant?
Saul originally presented David with a solution. The king's armor would be the best in the land, and it was offered to David for protection in facing Goliath. Fortunately, David was wise enough to know that armor and a sword would not be his strongest option. David was not trained in fighting with armor. He spent years in the fields with flocks, protecting his sheep from predators. Out in the wilderness, a sword and shield was of no use when a bear or wild cat attempted to feast on the flock. A sling and a staff were David's normal mode of fighting off danger. He was wise to turn down Saul's armor in favor of using the sling. David chose to go to battle with the tool that God had allowed him to be trained in.
To further prepare for the battle, David had to select five appropriate stones. Down to the stream he went, carefully choosing his basic, simple ammunition. Shapely and smooth, David placed the stones into his shepherd's bag. Thus, David was ready to face Goliath.
Are you prepared to face your giant?
What I learn from David is the need to consider wisely the method I use to seek out victory. My current "giant" is the pursuit of a seminary education. It is a very large goal - financially, in terms of time and energy, and in the sacrifices it requires. As I progress through this goal, I may need to be reminded of the sling and the stones that I carry. For future encouragement, I decided to name five smooth stones that God has given me to seek victory in my goal:
1. I belong to Him. I bear His name.
I am no orphan in any challenge that I face. God is with me and has named me with his own glorious name. Together we are facing this giant.
2. God is faithful.
He will continue toward His will through my life. He will continue to love me. He does not change.
3. Words of God
In my grasp I have the Words of God to encourage me, to remind me, to nurture me, and to direct me in knowing Him. They are a lifeline for my soul.
4. A passion to cummunicate the treasure of Him
I am convinced that my life's work will be to communicate to others the treasures found in God through Christ. I am driven toward it, and have not built this passion on my own. It wells up within me and is purposed to come out. Therefore, I will continue to build my skills in knowing Him and revealing the treasure of Him to others.
5. The body of believers
I am surrounded by a great body of believers in this world. Together we face our giants, encouraging, praying for, and supporting one another. We will endure.
I am ready to face my giant. I gain strength from knowing that using these five stones is nothing new. I have been practicing and using them in the wilderness for many years. To me they are familiar and a strength by which to trust God in this new seminary challenge.
Are you ready to face your giant? Have you taken the time to remember what God has already equipped you with as you fight for victory in your current battle? Someone else's armor will do you no good. Get alone and choose with God five smooth stones that will remind and challenge you toward greater faith in Him.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (R). Copyright (C) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
The End
We finished our 1 Samuel Bible study this week! Sung-Jin returned to South Korea and Mu-Chia is still in the USA from Taiwan. The other two are full blooded Texans! Thank you faithful ladies for treasuring the Lord with me this past semester.
My writings will progress throughout the whole book of 1 Samuel, though I have taken a momentary break after chapter 16. More to come soon!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
The Most Beautiful Feet
Prostrate I fall
Face to the floor
I reach out to touch the most beautiful feet.
Normally disgusting
Cringing, withdrawing
Somehow these feet welcome me home
Eye level with carpet
I know my place
Is to respond with worship, to feast upon grace
My hands have never touched
such beautiful skin.
So precious, so strong ~ encouraging strength within.
Feet of love
Feet of flesh
My savior has come that I might have rest.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Face to the floor
I reach out to touch the most beautiful feet.
Normally disgusting
Cringing, withdrawing
Somehow these feet welcome me home
Eye level with carpet
I know my place
Is to respond with worship, to feast upon grace
My hands have never touched
such beautiful skin.
So precious, so strong ~ encouraging strength within.
Feet of love
Feet of flesh
My savior has come that I might have rest.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Back Stage Pass or Dinner for Two? (1 Samuel 16)
Imagine not being invited to the party, but instead being assigned shepherd duty while your father and seven brothers got back stage passes with Samuel. Samuel was a prophet people trembled before. To be a guest at one of his sacrifices and meals required a special invitiation. To your surprise your dad gets an invite for the whole family, but SOMEONE has to stay behind with the stinkin' sheep. Guess who gets picked? That's right, the youngest. David was the youngest of his seven brothers and held the position of least honor as the youngest male. When Samuel's invitation arrived at Jesse's household, David was left with the responsibility of the flocks while the other males went to meet with Samuel.
At the party, Samuel was eager to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as Israel's new King. Samuel, looking at appearance and height of stature, was quite certain that the oldest son was he. Interrupted by the Lord, Samuel was reminded that the Lord looks inwardly into a man to make his selection, as opposed to relying on outward physical characteristics to enable a man to fulfill the role of King well. Then, one by one, each of the older brothers got passed by. The Lord had not chosen any of them.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch and to David's surprise, he was wisked away from the sheepfold to stand before Samuel. God had chosen him. Smelling of sheep and not of the same physical presentation as his impressive older brother, the last to be presented was indeed God's man who would be annointed as King.
God can look into the heart. He is able to do what man cannot. In our story, He is willing to withhold the judgement of a man as influential as Samuel in order to bring his will about in the life of an individual. God must really want David's leadership in Israel to happen, because He additionally enables David to accomplish the task by giving him the gift of himself, the "Spirit of the LORD"(v.13).
As a Christian and in like manner, God is so sold on my part in His plan to bring the good news to all nations, that he has enabled me fully to do it by giving me the gift of Himself, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Beyond living with Him and loving Him, I have a commission before me. His good news is to reach all nations, and He's been moving toward that goal since the first sin of man. Yet, I am worth more to Him than a hired worker or a concert attendee. I have a special place of intimacy in his heart.
Now, If I were David, I would have had a pity party because I did not get the back stage passes. I have a friend who amazingly wins regularly from contests on the radio. She's always getting the goods! She's got a magic cell phone, I tell you! I really want to go to the concerts, to be included in all the great prizes. But the truth is that God has a dinner for two planned. He's given me the larger gift by looking into my heart, commissioning me in His will, and giving me the gift of Himself.
I guess the question I ask myself today is this:
Is the backstage pass my greatest desire? Or am I trusting and relishing in dinner for two?
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
At the party, Samuel was eager to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as Israel's new King. Samuel, looking at appearance and height of stature, was quite certain that the oldest son was he. Interrupted by the Lord, Samuel was reminded that the Lord looks inwardly into a man to make his selection, as opposed to relying on outward physical characteristics to enable a man to fulfill the role of King well. Then, one by one, each of the older brothers got passed by. The Lord had not chosen any of them.
Meanwhile, back on the ranch and to David's surprise, he was wisked away from the sheepfold to stand before Samuel. God had chosen him. Smelling of sheep and not of the same physical presentation as his impressive older brother, the last to be presented was indeed God's man who would be annointed as King.
God can look into the heart. He is able to do what man cannot. In our story, He is willing to withhold the judgement of a man as influential as Samuel in order to bring his will about in the life of an individual. God must really want David's leadership in Israel to happen, because He additionally enables David to accomplish the task by giving him the gift of himself, the "Spirit of the LORD"(v.13).
As a Christian and in like manner, God is so sold on my part in His plan to bring the good news to all nations, that he has enabled me fully to do it by giving me the gift of Himself, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Beyond living with Him and loving Him, I have a commission before me. His good news is to reach all nations, and He's been moving toward that goal since the first sin of man. Yet, I am worth more to Him than a hired worker or a concert attendee. I have a special place of intimacy in his heart.
Now, If I were David, I would have had a pity party because I did not get the back stage passes. I have a friend who amazingly wins regularly from contests on the radio. She's always getting the goods! She's got a magic cell phone, I tell you! I really want to go to the concerts, to be included in all the great prizes. But the truth is that God has a dinner for two planned. He's given me the larger gift by looking into my heart, commissioning me in His will, and giving me the gift of Himself.
I guess the question I ask myself today is this:
Is the backstage pass my greatest desire? Or am I trusting and relishing in dinner for two?
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
A Monument to Oneself (1 Samuel 15)
Having already shown public impatience for waiting on God's timing and command (Ch.13), Saul's rejection of God's sovereignty came full circle in this chapter. God gave a specific command to Saul before he defeated the Amalekites. But as victory came by God's hand through the Israelite soldiers, Saul chose to disobey. He obeyed only the portion of God's command which required no personal sacrifice. He lost nothing in that portion of obedience. But those portions of the spoil that could be of great benefit, Saul chose to keep them for himself with a good dose of religious justification. In doing so, Saul officially was removed from the throne as Israel's King.
After the battle Saul erected a monument to himself in Carmel. Also, instead of killing Agag (King of the Amalekites), Agag was kept as a living monument to Saul's greatness. Agag's people had been wiped out, but as Saul's prisoner he would be a living reminder to everyone of Saul's victory. This time there was no mention of the Lord's victory from Saul's mouth.
When Samuel appears to confront Saul, the first words from Saul are, "I have carried out the command of the Lord"(v. 13). Nice try. When confronted by Samuel, Saul goes on to explain the disobedience by blameshifting. It is now the people who chose not to obey...and according to Saul they were just on our way to make a sacrifice and give it all to the Lord. So smooth with his justification! But God saw beyond the lies. He looks at the heart.
In contrast to Saul's monuments to his own greatness, Samuel speaks of the Lord in a new and unique way. The Lord is named, "the Glory of Israel." This name directly contradicted Saul's actions in building monuments to his own glory. The reality that Saul faced that day was a choice each of us face. Will it be our greatness that we erect for people to see? Or will it be the Glorious One who people recognize as we live out our lives?
After the battle Saul erected a monument to himself in Carmel. Also, instead of killing Agag (King of the Amalekites), Agag was kept as a living monument to Saul's greatness. Agag's people had been wiped out, but as Saul's prisoner he would be a living reminder to everyone of Saul's victory. This time there was no mention of the Lord's victory from Saul's mouth.
When Samuel appears to confront Saul, the first words from Saul are, "I have carried out the command of the Lord"(v. 13). Nice try. When confronted by Samuel, Saul goes on to explain the disobedience by blameshifting. It is now the people who chose not to obey...and according to Saul they were just on our way to make a sacrifice and give it all to the Lord. So smooth with his justification! But God saw beyond the lies. He looks at the heart.
In contrast to Saul's monuments to his own greatness, Samuel speaks of the Lord in a new and unique way. The Lord is named, "the Glory of Israel." This name directly contradicted Saul's actions in building monuments to his own glory. The reality that Saul faced that day was a choice each of us face. Will it be our greatness that we erect for people to see? Or will it be the Glorious One who people recognize as we live out our lives?
May the Lord continue to discern and discipline the workings of my heart
as I seek to use well the gifts He has provided in my life.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Friday, November 10, 2006
In Need of Rest? (1 Samuel 14:24-52)
Eager to please God after being rebuked (Chapter 13), Saul gave a command that wearied his troops. They may not eat until they have accomplished victory against the Philistines. Jonathan publicly disobeyed his father's declaration and led the people in gratifying their hunger. Abandoning self-control, the soldiers began slaughtering the spoil and eating the meat with blood still in it. For Israel, eating the blood of an animal was not acceptable according to God's Law. But they were very weary, and fulfilling their hunger was their first priority after withholding for the duration of the battle.
Jonathan's wisdom told him that his father made a poor leadership decision as King. But in his own rebelliousness, he ate and led the people against the King's command. In judging his father, Jonathan also made a poor leadership decision. Israel's soldiers responded with self-fulfillment as their first priority.
The author of 1 Samuel repeated, "the people were hardpressed," "weary," and "very weary;" and couples it with the closing comment, "Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul" (v. 24, 28, 31, 52). Their strength was waning as a nation and as individuals. By the end of the chapter, I feel pity for this young nation.
Sin brings about chaos, both publicly and privately. It creates unrest within the soul. Sin sends us striving for affirmation, for personal victory without God, for anything that will bring us temporary rest. It is at the foot of the cross that we rest, through grace that cannot be earned. Our place of rest and exaltation is the cross of Jesus Christ. He did the work to salvage our souls.
Can you rest today? Is the work of Christ and His greatness enough for your soul to relish in, though life may be chaotic? Rest, my friend. One thing is enough (Psalm 27).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Jonathan's wisdom told him that his father made a poor leadership decision as King. But in his own rebelliousness, he ate and led the people against the King's command. In judging his father, Jonathan also made a poor leadership decision. Israel's soldiers responded with self-fulfillment as their first priority.
The author of 1 Samuel repeated, "the people were hardpressed," "weary," and "very weary;" and couples it with the closing comment, "Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul" (v. 24, 28, 31, 52). Their strength was waning as a nation and as individuals. By the end of the chapter, I feel pity for this young nation.
Sin brings about chaos, both publicly and privately. It creates unrest within the soul. Sin sends us striving for affirmation, for personal victory without God, for anything that will bring us temporary rest. It is at the foot of the cross that we rest, through grace that cannot be earned. Our place of rest and exaltation is the cross of Jesus Christ. He did the work to salvage our souls.
Can you rest today? Is the work of Christ and His greatness enough for your soul to relish in, though life may be chaotic? Rest, my friend. One thing is enough (Psalm 27).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
One Man's Bravery (1 Samuel 14:1-23)
What a man! Jonathan is my hero for the day. We don't know much of him yet in 1 Samuel, only that he is overseeing some of his father's troops (King Saul) while they are facing the Philistines for battle. After being introduced to King Saul's strong fear and impatience with the Lord's command in chapter 13, we now see his son take active, bold faith in God's ability to save.
With only his armor bearer, Jonathan says, "Let's go...perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few"(v.6). Sneaking over to enemy territory, the two of them set the pace of war by putting many Philistines to death. Following his son's lead, the King jumps into the battle with his troops. Even those who had gone A.W.O.L. into caves and hiding places began to pursue and take down the Philistines.
One man's bravery jump started the nation into God's awaiting victory.
Can you imagine being the armor bearer, following a brave man into battle like that? Even the armor bearer got some of the action and was willing to risk his life in following. There was bravery in the heart of the armor bearer, too, though he was not the leader.
Lucky me, I got to visit a high school classmate this summer and attend Fellowship Church in downtown Dallas. The sermon was on this very chapter. Though Gary Brandenburg's thoughts were to those serving alongside the leaders of the church, I couldn't help but think of how it applied to being a future wife. Mr. Brandenburg brought out three qualities of the armor bearer in this chapter of 1 Samuel:
1. He prompts the decision to go
2. He affirms the direction of their plan
3. He joins in the action, letting Jonathan know "I am with you"
Does anyone else see the role of a wife in this? As women, (I've been told) we have unique influence and insight within the marriage relationship. Though we have a role that may not lead out front like men often do, God has designed us with just as much bravery through faith. The armor bearer even got to fight in the battle! (Maybe it is widsom that causes us to think before acting, though you have to love men's drive to face challenges despite their emotions and bravely dive into the unknown.)
I want to be a woman who directs my husband to lead in God's direction. I long to be a wife who affirms the unity of the plan. I am eager to stand beside my husband in the ways that I can, letting him know that I am with him in the battle. God is able to accomplish by many or by few, and one day I will stand proudly beside a man of faith so that it will be said of our God in the end, "The Lord delivered that day" (v.23).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
With only his armor bearer, Jonathan says, "Let's go...perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few"(v.6). Sneaking over to enemy territory, the two of them set the pace of war by putting many Philistines to death. Following his son's lead, the King jumps into the battle with his troops. Even those who had gone A.W.O.L. into caves and hiding places began to pursue and take down the Philistines.
One man's bravery jump started the nation into God's awaiting victory.
Can you imagine being the armor bearer, following a brave man into battle like that? Even the armor bearer got some of the action and was willing to risk his life in following. There was bravery in the heart of the armor bearer, too, though he was not the leader.
Lucky me, I got to visit a high school classmate this summer and attend Fellowship Church in downtown Dallas. The sermon was on this very chapter. Though Gary Brandenburg's thoughts were to those serving alongside the leaders of the church, I couldn't help but think of how it applied to being a future wife. Mr. Brandenburg brought out three qualities of the armor bearer in this chapter of 1 Samuel:
1. He prompts the decision to go
2. He affirms the direction of their plan
3. He joins in the action, letting Jonathan know "I am with you"
Does anyone else see the role of a wife in this? As women, (I've been told) we have unique influence and insight within the marriage relationship. Though we have a role that may not lead out front like men often do, God has designed us with just as much bravery through faith. The armor bearer even got to fight in the battle! (Maybe it is widsom that causes us to think before acting, though you have to love men's drive to face challenges despite their emotions and bravely dive into the unknown.)
I want to be a woman who directs my husband to lead in God's direction. I long to be a wife who affirms the unity of the plan. I am eager to stand beside my husband in the ways that I can, letting him know that I am with him in the battle. God is able to accomplish by many or by few, and one day I will stand proudly beside a man of faith so that it will be said of our God in the end, "The Lord delivered that day" (v.23).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Wait (1 Samuel 13)
And you shall go down before me to Gilgal; and behold, I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings. You shall wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you should do. 1 Samuel 10:8
Waiting agitates my desire for control. When I wait, I humble myself to someone else's decisions and timing. Waiting requires time, in which I subject my mind and heart to faith in someone else coming through on their promise. In relationship to God, waiting requires faith and taking Him at His word. In the above conversation between Samuel and Saul at his private anointing as King, Saul was promised that after he preceded Samuel to Gilgal, Samuel would offer sacrifices to the Lord and would give Saul instruction on what to do. The new King must wait on God and take Him for His word.
Little did Saul know that the occasion for gathering at Gilgal would be in the context of oncoming raids and battle with the Philistines. Because of Isreal's previous unwillingness to completely wipe out the Philistines when they moved into the neighborhood (the Promised Land), the Philistines had market control over ironworking. In their quest for control, Philistia cut off Israel from being able to have swords and modern fighting equipment. Saul and his son Jonathan were the only two who owned swords. Three thousand Isrealites with their axes, hoes and practical workman's tools gathered against the 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen of Philistia.
Israel was terrified. They were running across the border (crossing the Jordan), hiding in caves, and trembling at the thought of facing the Philistines. Not only was Saul's army miniscule compared to his opponents, but the lack of weaponry and declining morale mounted stress on Saul as a national leader.
Wait.
Did God really expect Saul to WAIT on Samuel?
Samuel's seven days were up on Saul's stopwatch. The impounding stress and fleeing Isrealite soldiers created a circumstance that seemed to need quick action. Waiting on God looked foolish for someone laying their bet on a worldly solution. God may have previously confirmed Saul's kingship with a victory over the Ammonites, but that was a far cry from Saul's stressful circumstance. The people expected a King to deliver them, and Saul was ready to give into his and their fears.
We see Saul flounder in this account, taking action into his own hands and offering the sacrifice. He decided not to wait any longer for Samuel. In divine timing, Samuel arrives just in time to rebuke Saul and remove him from the divinely appointed role as King over Israel. Through impatience, Saul lost God's blessing.
I can very much relate to Saul's impatience in waiting. I often take comfort in having control in my own hands. When I do this, I don't have to see with holy eyes the pain, fear, or selfishness that truly are a part of my heart. . .I seem righteous when I take matters into my own hands. But when I wait, allowing prayer, the Word of God, accountability, or wise counsel to examine me, I see my sin and can focus my attention on becoming a woman after God's own heart. In that, I do not need my own righteousness, because I rely on Christ's power in me and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I wait in His shaping to change my attitude or ability to have victory in a challenging circumstance.
Saul chose not to rest in God's promise and God's proven character. Are you resting today in God's promises and His proven character to be the Almighty, the Counselor, the Redeemer, the provider, the lover of your soul, etc.?
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Waiting agitates my desire for control. When I wait, I humble myself to someone else's decisions and timing. Waiting requires time, in which I subject my mind and heart to faith in someone else coming through on their promise. In relationship to God, waiting requires faith and taking Him at His word. In the above conversation between Samuel and Saul at his private anointing as King, Saul was promised that after he preceded Samuel to Gilgal, Samuel would offer sacrifices to the Lord and would give Saul instruction on what to do. The new King must wait on God and take Him for His word.
Little did Saul know that the occasion for gathering at Gilgal would be in the context of oncoming raids and battle with the Philistines. Because of Isreal's previous unwillingness to completely wipe out the Philistines when they moved into the neighborhood (the Promised Land), the Philistines had market control over ironworking. In their quest for control, Philistia cut off Israel from being able to have swords and modern fighting equipment. Saul and his son Jonathan were the only two who owned swords. Three thousand Isrealites with their axes, hoes and practical workman's tools gathered against the 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen of Philistia.
Israel was terrified. They were running across the border (crossing the Jordan), hiding in caves, and trembling at the thought of facing the Philistines. Not only was Saul's army miniscule compared to his opponents, but the lack of weaponry and declining morale mounted stress on Saul as a national leader.
Wait.
Did God really expect Saul to WAIT on Samuel?
Samuel's seven days were up on Saul's stopwatch. The impounding stress and fleeing Isrealite soldiers created a circumstance that seemed to need quick action. Waiting on God looked foolish for someone laying their bet on a worldly solution. God may have previously confirmed Saul's kingship with a victory over the Ammonites, but that was a far cry from Saul's stressful circumstance. The people expected a King to deliver them, and Saul was ready to give into his and their fears.
We see Saul flounder in this account, taking action into his own hands and offering the sacrifice. He decided not to wait any longer for Samuel. In divine timing, Samuel arrives just in time to rebuke Saul and remove him from the divinely appointed role as King over Israel. Through impatience, Saul lost God's blessing.
I can very much relate to Saul's impatience in waiting. I often take comfort in having control in my own hands. When I do this, I don't have to see with holy eyes the pain, fear, or selfishness that truly are a part of my heart. . .I seem righteous when I take matters into my own hands. But when I wait, allowing prayer, the Word of God, accountability, or wise counsel to examine me, I see my sin and can focus my attention on becoming a woman after God's own heart. In that, I do not need my own righteousness, because I rely on Christ's power in me and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I wait in His shaping to change my attitude or ability to have victory in a challenging circumstance.
Saul chose not to rest in God's promise and God's proven character. Are you resting today in God's promises and His proven character to be the Almighty, the Counselor, the Redeemer, the provider, the lover of your soul, etc.?
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Woman with the Big Head
Yesterday, one of the Korean girls had her senior recital. I was amazed at the clarity, depth, and magnitude of the voice that came from such a soft spoken little woman! She did a wonderful job...and she's not the woman with the big head, by the way. My Korean friend is studying music, hoping to work with Bible translation in missions, using music as a way to incorporate the gospel message into culture as they work to translate the Bible into a new language. What an amazing vision and passion! Her mother traveled all the way from Korea for the event, and I got to meet her. (She's not the woman with the big head, either.)
As I began to walk onto campus toward the Music Hall, I realized that God had developed me from being a young woman, into being a woman. Somewhere along the lines of the past several years, I stopped associating myself with collegiate life. The mid-twenties were such a mix of learning life outside of college, though I really related to college life more than adult life. Walking on campus made me confirm in my head that I was in a new life stage.
I was dressed in clothes from work, and sticking out like a sore thumb among the students. Though I was older and had different responsibilities, I realized that my life now has just as many unknowns. Faith is required of me now, as it was in college when my financial means were less and when my future looked like a blank sheet of paper. Faith is always required in relationship with God.
Instead of faith, I chose to make my head big and think myself as better because I was older. Self-righteousness began to separate me from the ones that I should have compassion on. In my attitude, I turned my back on the Lord's sheep and goats.
"Do you love me?" Jesus asked Peter. "Then feed my sheep." (John 21)
I am the woman with the big head. Instead of faith in God, as a woman who seeks to do His work with her life, I chose to appease my fears with self-righteousness. My head grew and my heart shrank.
May the grace of God lead us to recognize and confess our sin, and to pray for one another in our daily need for Christ's work on the cross.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
As I began to walk onto campus toward the Music Hall, I realized that God had developed me from being a young woman, into being a woman. Somewhere along the lines of the past several years, I stopped associating myself with collegiate life. The mid-twenties were such a mix of learning life outside of college, though I really related to college life more than adult life. Walking on campus made me confirm in my head that I was in a new life stage.
I was dressed in clothes from work, and sticking out like a sore thumb among the students. Though I was older and had different responsibilities, I realized that my life now has just as many unknowns. Faith is required of me now, as it was in college when my financial means were less and when my future looked like a blank sheet of paper. Faith is always required in relationship with God.
Instead of faith, I chose to make my head big and think myself as better because I was older. Self-righteousness began to separate me from the ones that I should have compassion on. In my attitude, I turned my back on the Lord's sheep and goats.
"Do you love me?" Jesus asked Peter. "Then feed my sheep." (John 21)
I am the woman with the big head. Instead of faith in God, as a woman who seeks to do His work with her life, I chose to appease my fears with self-righteousness. My head grew and my heart shrank.
May the grace of God lead us to recognize and confess our sin, and to pray for one another in our daily need for Christ's work on the cross.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Keep Your Lawn...I mean Heart...With all Diligence (1 Samuel 11-12)
In my household of women, I've taken on the responsibility to care for the lawn. With the summer's drought, most of the grass died, and my job was easy. With the sprinkling system broken, our yard became a yellow crunchy field where weeds thrive. A small bit of rain revived the yard, and we now can see some green; both the good and bad are thriving together.
The worst of the weeds are the stickers, which attach themselves to our shoes and make their way into our carpet. I often find them with my bare feet as I walk through the house. They must be at their prickly best in the fall, because I reached my limit of tolerance for them being tracked throughout the house. Yesterday I spent several hours working on the yard, including pulling up each of the sticker grass sprouts by their roots. They thrive in the hot, dry climate because of their very shallow root system, and easily strangle out the good grass. Who knows how long my effort will last!
As the Lord confirmed Saul as King in chapter 11, we again see that God divinely enabled Saul for the task at hand. Israel had victory over the Ammonites, confirming God's anointing for Saul as King. Samuel then lead the nation in faith, gathering them for the public anointing (Ch. 10 was more of a public presentation). Saul's official reign as King began with God's confirming victory. It all seems swell, right?! No sticker grass here.
Then, in chapter 12, Samuel communicated the boundaries and situation for the King that God was giving them. Gathered as a nation at Gilgal, the Lord reminded them of His works in leading them from Egypt, establishing them in the land, and providing for their national needs. He showed them how good it was to have Him as King. Then the Lord rebuked them for their tendency to forget Him, their perpetual cycle of sin, and for rejecting God as King. The Lord's will was to answer their plea for a king, but He was not condoning the sin in their hearts.
Israel was very celebratory over their King, yet God sends them a terrible storm to confirm his anger over their evil. Their harvest would suffer because of the storm. The people fear, but God reminded them that apart from Him their pursuits are futile. He will not abandon His people according to His promise, but He will discipline them. They must be able to recognize the sticker grass which threatens their trust in Him. If they do not learn to love Him wholly, the stickers will strangle out what is good from their hearts. Instead of fruition, the end result would be pain and unrest as the stickers do their damage.
Sin so easily entangles. Its roots do not have to run deep to do much damage. God sees our sticker grasses, instructs us, and desires our ability to rest in him. As we allow the Spirit of God to convict, remember that removing the sticker grass means that your hands will likely be pricked and it will require some sweat, but the end result allows for a fuller trust and rest in God. It's worth the work. Keep striving with the Spirit of God to keep a lush and fertile heart!
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
The worst of the weeds are the stickers, which attach themselves to our shoes and make their way into our carpet. I often find them with my bare feet as I walk through the house. They must be at their prickly best in the fall, because I reached my limit of tolerance for them being tracked throughout the house. Yesterday I spent several hours working on the yard, including pulling up each of the sticker grass sprouts by their roots. They thrive in the hot, dry climate because of their very shallow root system, and easily strangle out the good grass. Who knows how long my effort will last!
As the Lord confirmed Saul as King in chapter 11, we again see that God divinely enabled Saul for the task at hand. Israel had victory over the Ammonites, confirming God's anointing for Saul as King. Samuel then lead the nation in faith, gathering them for the public anointing (Ch. 10 was more of a public presentation). Saul's official reign as King began with God's confirming victory. It all seems swell, right?! No sticker grass here.
Then, in chapter 12, Samuel communicated the boundaries and situation for the King that God was giving them. Gathered as a nation at Gilgal, the Lord reminded them of His works in leading them from Egypt, establishing them in the land, and providing for their national needs. He showed them how good it was to have Him as King. Then the Lord rebuked them for their tendency to forget Him, their perpetual cycle of sin, and for rejecting God as King. The Lord's will was to answer their plea for a king, but He was not condoning the sin in their hearts.
Israel was very celebratory over their King, yet God sends them a terrible storm to confirm his anger over their evil. Their harvest would suffer because of the storm. The people fear, but God reminded them that apart from Him their pursuits are futile. He will not abandon His people according to His promise, but He will discipline them. They must be able to recognize the sticker grass which threatens their trust in Him. If they do not learn to love Him wholly, the stickers will strangle out what is good from their hearts. Instead of fruition, the end result would be pain and unrest as the stickers do their damage.
Sin so easily entangles. Its roots do not have to run deep to do much damage. God sees our sticker grasses, instructs us, and desires our ability to rest in him. As we allow the Spirit of God to convict, remember that removing the sticker grass means that your hands will likely be pricked and it will require some sweat, but the end result allows for a fuller trust and rest in God. It's worth the work. Keep striving with the Spirit of God to keep a lush and fertile heart!
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
A New Thing (1 Samuel 10)
It's so hard to draw out any lesson in chapter 10. God is doing something so new in Israel, that I have to stand back and just watch with suspense. He's answering the people's plea for a king to rule over them, and chooses Saul. We see Saul's private anointing by Samuel, his hiding the news from an uncle, and then hiding himself among the baggage when Samuel presents him publicly as king to the people. This is new business between God and Israel, so I'm content to sit back and observe. Here's some things I noted:
1. The LORD had earlier said the people would do this, and that it was not motivated for God's glory, but by a rejection of Him. He's allowing it to happen in His sovereign will. We don't know why, but in v.18-19 Samuel speaks the words of the LORD, specifically that this is happening because they have rejected the LORD as king.
2. Take some notes on Saul. His father is a mighty man of valor (9:1), so he comes from a lineage of brave men. That makes him seem a good choice for a king. Secondly, he is taller than everyone around. His stature seems to promote strength. Thirdly, he is reluctant to assume the role as king, hiding and withholding information.
3. God is the one enabling Saul to be king. His Spirit comes upon Saul and changes him. He seeks Saul out to be annointed. He lifts Saul up in front of the people.
4. Even though Saul is king, he is expected to live and rule under the authority of God. He must obey Samuel's instructions throughout the chapter. This is not a role he can fill without the hand of God moving for Him. The king is dependent on God.
My rule of thumb is this: when you don't know exactly how to apply (and even before you seek to apply the Word of God to your life) be a good observer. Watch God do His work and listen to Him through Scripture.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
1. The LORD had earlier said the people would do this, and that it was not motivated for God's glory, but by a rejection of Him. He's allowing it to happen in His sovereign will. We don't know why, but in v.18-19 Samuel speaks the words of the LORD, specifically that this is happening because they have rejected the LORD as king.
2. Take some notes on Saul. His father is a mighty man of valor (9:1), so he comes from a lineage of brave men. That makes him seem a good choice for a king. Secondly, he is taller than everyone around. His stature seems to promote strength. Thirdly, he is reluctant to assume the role as king, hiding and withholding information.
3. God is the one enabling Saul to be king. His Spirit comes upon Saul and changes him. He seeks Saul out to be annointed. He lifts Saul up in front of the people.
4. Even though Saul is king, he is expected to live and rule under the authority of God. He must obey Samuel's instructions throughout the chapter. This is not a role he can fill without the hand of God moving for Him. The king is dependent on God.
My rule of thumb is this: when you don't know exactly how to apply (and even before you seek to apply the Word of God to your life) be a good observer. Watch God do His work and listen to Him through Scripture.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
The Morning's Random Thought
After running this morning with a wise and fun woman, I soaked in some of the Lord through prayer and 1 Samuel. Afterward, there was a wonderful 10-minute span where I knew I could satisfy my fleshly craving for more sleep. Giggling at myself, I jumped back in bed to lavish myself in pretend sleep.
While doing so I daydreamed about what I would tell a group of young women. The thought was convicting to me because it was truth in my own life. Here's what I would say:
We spend so much time in front of the mirror, caring for the details of our presence, our look. We must be content with the image in the mirror, so we think. We must show others that we have value and worth. Looking at the image in front of us, we expect it to reflect our glory. But let the truth sink in deeply: that image is not our glory.
Our glory is reflected in the cross. There we are the desperate beauties, wanting and longing for a savior. There we are deemed the height of beauty because we are found complete and forgiven in His glory. Rescued, cherished, bravely won...Christ is our glory. May our eyes for ourselves fade, and our attention to the significance of Jesus become sharp and bright in our hearts' eyes.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
While doing so I daydreamed about what I would tell a group of young women. The thought was convicting to me because it was truth in my own life. Here's what I would say:
We spend so much time in front of the mirror, caring for the details of our presence, our look. We must be content with the image in the mirror, so we think. We must show others that we have value and worth. Looking at the image in front of us, we expect it to reflect our glory. But let the truth sink in deeply: that image is not our glory.
Our glory is reflected in the cross. There we are the desperate beauties, wanting and longing for a savior. There we are deemed the height of beauty because we are found complete and forgiven in His glory. Rescued, cherished, bravely won...Christ is our glory. May our eyes for ourselves fade, and our attention to the significance of Jesus become sharp and bright in our hearts' eyes.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Friday, September 08, 2006
He is Lord of All Time (1 Samuel 9)
The Hebrews/Israelites had such a verbal history, passing down stories to be remembered. The way this portion of scripture works is a reminder that we are reading a narrative history. It is not a cold and hard timeline, but an interactive narrative to draw us into the lives and events during this time of history. The seeds of the story will help hearts to remember God and his ways. The people in our narrative history were actively allowing us to see success and failure in what God has already specifically commanded.
I love the Hebrew narration in chapter 9. We've been introduced to Samuel already, but in chapter 9 he was referred to at first in honored, esteemed and general terms like "man of God," "held in honor," "prophet," and "seer." Finally, in verse 14, the suspense ended as the author name-dropped "Samuel." It's as if Saul was ignorant of this man of God and his role in Israel (not a fact, just my thought). Saul sought Samuel for help in finding lost donkeys, but God had this timely collision of the two perfectly planned.
Saul was clueless. Need I say more? God had not yet informed Saul of his future role as king, but it was coming straight for him. In fact, the two are seeking each other for very different reasons. Saul sought donkeys. Samuel sought God's chosen king. Saul, the man looking for his lost donkeys, was surprisingly invited to the sacrificial meal and given the choice seat. He was placed in honor above the other 30 guests there! Samuel had the chef set aside a choice portion for Saul's meal saying, "it has been kept for you until the appointed time"(v.24).
What this chapter does for me is to strengthen my trust and peace in God's timing. I can relate to Saul in not having any special revelation from God about the specifics of when and where in life, which puts me in a place to trust God's ability to move on my behalf. I live according to His ways and according to the repentance required of a sinner, and He will take care of the rest. Peace, brothers and sisters. God is in control, even when it is not according to American standard time.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
I love the Hebrew narration in chapter 9. We've been introduced to Samuel already, but in chapter 9 he was referred to at first in honored, esteemed and general terms like "man of God," "held in honor," "prophet," and "seer." Finally, in verse 14, the suspense ended as the author name-dropped "Samuel." It's as if Saul was ignorant of this man of God and his role in Israel (not a fact, just my thought). Saul sought Samuel for help in finding lost donkeys, but God had this timely collision of the two perfectly planned.
Saul was clueless. Need I say more? God had not yet informed Saul of his future role as king, but it was coming straight for him. In fact, the two are seeking each other for very different reasons. Saul sought donkeys. Samuel sought God's chosen king. Saul, the man looking for his lost donkeys, was surprisingly invited to the sacrificial meal and given the choice seat. He was placed in honor above the other 30 guests there! Samuel had the chef set aside a choice portion for Saul's meal saying, "it has been kept for you until the appointed time"(v.24).
What this chapter does for me is to strengthen my trust and peace in God's timing. I can relate to Saul in not having any special revelation from God about the specifics of when and where in life, which puts me in a place to trust God's ability to move on my behalf. I live according to His ways and according to the repentance required of a sinner, and He will take care of the rest. Peace, brothers and sisters. God is in control, even when it is not according to American standard time.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Straight on to Salvation (1 Samuel 8:10-22)
En route from Egypt, Moses foretold Israel, "When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, and you possess it and live in it, and you say, "I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me..."(Deuteronomy 17:14). Though the Hebrew nation of Israel was wandering in the dessert for 40 years, God gave Moses instruction about how to live in their future homeland. Knowing that the people would ask for a King, God instructed Israel through Moses generations before it took place. As we read the second half of 1 Samuel 8, this instruction of God should be ringing in our ears. God foreknew that Israel would reject Him, yet in love He continued to give them of His promises, His protection, and His love.
1 Samuel 8 is a sobering passage to read as we recognize our sin in relation to Israel's rejection of God's best ~ that which He had specifically instructed to them in the way they should live. Yet it is a delightful passage to meditate on in considering the character of God toward sinners. God had planned, from the days He led little Israel by the hand from Egypt, that when they grew into adolescents and flexed their muscles of autonomy, that He would allow them to experience what they asked for. More than that, the place and timing of their hearts would be right on track as God headed straight forward to His coming Messiah.
Taking apart vv. 10-22, we see a progression in God's message to Israel through Samuel:
1. Your sons
2. Your daughters
3. You
4. THEN...you will
5. Nevertheless
"Your sons," "your daughters," and "you" were first instructed to give to God their very best. The first and best portions belonged to God, and then Israel enjoyed the rest of God's blessings among themselves. Under a king, not only would their best go to God, but also then they would give of their own families members, produce, and earnings to support an earthly king. Even the king's servants would eat from the best of Israel, and then the nation would supply for them from what was left. (Reality check!) Under the king, their families, their economy, their national defense system, and their agriculture system would all be adapted to support the king. They better hope for a kind and gracious king, and one who trembles under the fear of God! A self-serving king would be able to lead them into poverty and even greater moral demise.
Next, God foretells that they will cry out from under their earthly king. Note in v. 18 how often "you" is used, and for that matter, note how often it is used in our whole passage today. God is making a statement about the responsibility behind the consequences. When the situation gets undesirable, that finger of blame has one way to point ~ to the "you" in our passage. Sovereignly and with a good heart, God grants their sinful request so that maybe they would see why God's best is best. He's not to be the place of blame for their future grief. Sin is a serious offense, with death as its wages (Romans 6:23).
Lastly, we have "nevertheless" used. This should be a red flag, telling us that Israel has rejected God's warning through Samuel and pursued the desires of their own hearts. Verse 19 says that they refused to listen to God and demanded that they be like all the nations. God's instruction to them was to be holy as He is holy (emphasized repetitively in Leviticus), but the allure of second best had captured their hearts.
Isn't God full of mystery and wisdom? In the midst of Israel's sinful rejection, He chooses still to go straight toward His coming Messiah. His promise, His word drives Him. He embodies truth and faithfulness. God later promised through the lineage of King David, that his throne would never end. Historically we see it does end when Babylon and Assyria become world powers, yet the coming of Jesus, the Messiah and a descendant of David, is the securing of the throne for eternity. Human rejection will not stop God from His own will. His love for us is too great to stop short of the goal.
In the midst of our sin, God's wisdom says, "Straight on to my salvation! Straight on to the greatest of rejections upon the cross! I want my people with me, and I will provide the way!"
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
1 Samuel 8 is a sobering passage to read as we recognize our sin in relation to Israel's rejection of God's best ~ that which He had specifically instructed to them in the way they should live. Yet it is a delightful passage to meditate on in considering the character of God toward sinners. God had planned, from the days He led little Israel by the hand from Egypt, that when they grew into adolescents and flexed their muscles of autonomy, that He would allow them to experience what they asked for. More than that, the place and timing of their hearts would be right on track as God headed straight forward to His coming Messiah.
Taking apart vv. 10-22, we see a progression in God's message to Israel through Samuel:
1. Your sons
2. Your daughters
3. You
4. THEN...you will
5. Nevertheless
"Your sons," "your daughters," and "you" were first instructed to give to God their very best. The first and best portions belonged to God, and then Israel enjoyed the rest of God's blessings among themselves. Under a king, not only would their best go to God, but also then they would give of their own families members, produce, and earnings to support an earthly king. Even the king's servants would eat from the best of Israel, and then the nation would supply for them from what was left. (Reality check!) Under the king, their families, their economy, their national defense system, and their agriculture system would all be adapted to support the king. They better hope for a kind and gracious king, and one who trembles under the fear of God! A self-serving king would be able to lead them into poverty and even greater moral demise.
Next, God foretells that they will cry out from under their earthly king. Note in v. 18 how often "you" is used, and for that matter, note how often it is used in our whole passage today. God is making a statement about the responsibility behind the consequences. When the situation gets undesirable, that finger of blame has one way to point ~ to the "you" in our passage. Sovereignly and with a good heart, God grants their sinful request so that maybe they would see why God's best is best. He's not to be the place of blame for their future grief. Sin is a serious offense, with death as its wages (Romans 6:23).
Lastly, we have "nevertheless" used. This should be a red flag, telling us that Israel has rejected God's warning through Samuel and pursued the desires of their own hearts. Verse 19 says that they refused to listen to God and demanded that they be like all the nations. God's instruction to them was to be holy as He is holy (emphasized repetitively in Leviticus), but the allure of second best had captured their hearts.
Isn't God full of mystery and wisdom? In the midst of Israel's sinful rejection, He chooses still to go straight toward His coming Messiah. His promise, His word drives Him. He embodies truth and faithfulness. God later promised through the lineage of King David, that his throne would never end. Historically we see it does end when Babylon and Assyria become world powers, yet the coming of Jesus, the Messiah and a descendant of David, is the securing of the throne for eternity. Human rejection will not stop God from His own will. His love for us is too great to stop short of the goal.
In the midst of our sin, God's wisdom says, "Straight on to my salvation! Straight on to the greatest of rejections upon the cross! I want my people with me, and I will provide the way!"
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The Allure of Second Best (1 Samuel 8:1-9)
The repentance of chapter 7 was short lived. For a time the Israelite's eyes were turned toward God under the leadership of Samuel. Verses 15 through 17 of that chapter give us a summary and closure of Samuel's leadership. He was still acting as a priest, prophet and judge in Israel after this point, but leadership in the nation was being transferred.
Israel relied strongly on a leader to direct their spiritual lives. So as one generation ended and another began, God slowly faded from supremacy in their hearts. Samuel was old, and his sons caved in their choices. Taking bribes and perverting justice, they forecasted a troublesome future for the nation as Israel depended on them for leadership. The nation has seen this before in Eli's sons, and they have decided that they will not tolerate it. While seeming a wise decision, Israel had not fostered continual repentance before God in their hearts. They are relying on leadership to be the manager of their spiritual health.
No man can stand under that weight unless it is the Lord at work. God had not placed a man as a political or governmental leader over the nation. He set priests in the center of the people, next to Himself, in order to serve and exemplify how to live in relationship with a holy God. Unfortunately, during the conquest of the land, Israel slowly reverted back to pagan worship. They began subscribing to their magazines, letting their lusts for second best grow. Soon, they had altered their plans for how to inhabit and manage the land, though God had given some specific directions.
Yet, Israel was convinced of what they wanted. And what they wanted was so easily justified as a need outside of faith in God. The other nations' systems had immediate benefits. Fearing those nations instead of God, the governments and advanced military systems looked shiny and new. They were so alluring, as well as having religious systems that thrived on idolatry. Those other nations could trust in what they saw leading them, but this generation of Israel was expected to trust in God who they could not see. Faith was required, but it was hard.
Not building a foundation for their worship and relationship with the Lord, Israel fell to the allure of second best. God had been their King. He was unseen, but had proven His character, His might, and His miracles since the days they left Egypt. Yet, verse 8 says, "Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt...they have forsaken Me and served other gods." The inclination of their hearts, and our hearts, is sin. We have a natural bent to want and desire second best, even when God shows us miracles.
Ultimately, Israel rejected God as King and asked for a king to be set over them. This grieved Samuel in His old age, but in conversation with God he was told to listen to the people. God is sovereign, able to act for His own good in every circumstance. In this portion of chapter 8, we see that God was allowing the allure of second best to be gratified. He was allowing sin and circumstance to be a teacher for the nation. They are about to be reacquainted with the reasons that God is the one true King.
Second best is so alluring, isn't it? Wants get so easily justified as needs, freeing my heart to follow after sin actively. By selfish desire, I quickly and easily displace God as King in my heart and set myself upon a lesser throne. I don't so easily mean to reject God, but in my heart I have not fostered repentance. Like Israel I may easily stray from my foundation of faith in God. What I set before my eyes seems a more alluring king. Do any of you women out there feel this well up in you when you walk the shops at the mall or get lots of magazines to look through at home? I'm so vulnerable, and notice a war start to arise in my heart when I am not careful with these things. Each of us has areas where we easily debunk God as King. Be aware of where yours are, and beware of your interaction with those "other nations."
Every day I need the gospel. Every day I need the blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sin. Only by Him am I made anew and shaped for His glory. Oh but what glory there is, because I have been changed. Doing what I could not do in my own strength or by my own intellect, God has made me anew. "He who hears my Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Israel relied strongly on a leader to direct their spiritual lives. So as one generation ended and another began, God slowly faded from supremacy in their hearts. Samuel was old, and his sons caved in their choices. Taking bribes and perverting justice, they forecasted a troublesome future for the nation as Israel depended on them for leadership. The nation has seen this before in Eli's sons, and they have decided that they will not tolerate it. While seeming a wise decision, Israel had not fostered continual repentance before God in their hearts. They are relying on leadership to be the manager of their spiritual health.
No man can stand under that weight unless it is the Lord at work. God had not placed a man as a political or governmental leader over the nation. He set priests in the center of the people, next to Himself, in order to serve and exemplify how to live in relationship with a holy God. Unfortunately, during the conquest of the land, Israel slowly reverted back to pagan worship. They began subscribing to their magazines, letting their lusts for second best grow. Soon, they had altered their plans for how to inhabit and manage the land, though God had given some specific directions.
Yet, Israel was convinced of what they wanted. And what they wanted was so easily justified as a need outside of faith in God. The other nations' systems had immediate benefits. Fearing those nations instead of God, the governments and advanced military systems looked shiny and new. They were so alluring, as well as having religious systems that thrived on idolatry. Those other nations could trust in what they saw leading them, but this generation of Israel was expected to trust in God who they could not see. Faith was required, but it was hard.
Not building a foundation for their worship and relationship with the Lord, Israel fell to the allure of second best. God had been their King. He was unseen, but had proven His character, His might, and His miracles since the days they left Egypt. Yet, verse 8 says, "Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt...they have forsaken Me and served other gods." The inclination of their hearts, and our hearts, is sin. We have a natural bent to want and desire second best, even when God shows us miracles.
Ultimately, Israel rejected God as King and asked for a king to be set over them. This grieved Samuel in His old age, but in conversation with God he was told to listen to the people. God is sovereign, able to act for His own good in every circumstance. In this portion of chapter 8, we see that God was allowing the allure of second best to be gratified. He was allowing sin and circumstance to be a teacher for the nation. They are about to be reacquainted with the reasons that God is the one true King.
Second best is so alluring, isn't it? Wants get so easily justified as needs, freeing my heart to follow after sin actively. By selfish desire, I quickly and easily displace God as King in my heart and set myself upon a lesser throne. I don't so easily mean to reject God, but in my heart I have not fostered repentance. Like Israel I may easily stray from my foundation of faith in God. What I set before my eyes seems a more alluring king. Do any of you women out there feel this well up in you when you walk the shops at the mall or get lots of magazines to look through at home? I'm so vulnerable, and notice a war start to arise in my heart when I am not careful with these things. Each of us has areas where we easily debunk God as King. Be aware of where yours are, and beware of your interaction with those "other nations."
Every day I need the gospel. Every day I need the blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sin. Only by Him am I made anew and shaped for His glory. Oh but what glory there is, because I have been changed. Doing what I could not do in my own strength or by my own intellect, God has made me anew. "He who hears my Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24).
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Repentance (1 Samuel 7)
In 1 Samuel 7, Samuel took his stand as a national leader and called for the gathering of all Israel at Mizpah. The nation of Israel had come to trust Samuel, because the Lord chose to reveal Himself and His Word through the young prophet. Now, after a major catastrophe with the precious national centerpiece (loss and return of the ark), Israel had 20 years to review their hearts and accept conviction. Verse 2 says, "...all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD."
After this time, Samuel uses his influence to preach a message of repentance. Repentance in this instance contains four action steps for Israel. With hearts of genuine remorse, they were to:
1. Return to the Lord with all of their hearts
2. Remove the idolatry and foreign worship from among them
3. Direct their hearts to Him alone
4. Serve Him alone
These steps are applicable to me, also. As the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin, in genuine remorse I should turn my heart to the Lord. I give it wholly to Him and begin removing stumbling blocks from my life that have caused me to sin. Not only do I return and remove, but I actively should direct my heart to Him. Where idols were removed, I need to fill my heart and mind with Him. True heart change will happen by His hand. This can happen through spending time in prayer, fellowship with other Christians, and studying the Bible to know Him better. Dying to myself, I then spend my energies in service to Him instead of my own selfish desires and empty idols.
Back in our chapter, Israel uniquely worshiped God as they gathered and fasted in repentance. During those twenty years after the ark made its way back from Philistia, they saw their need for His centrality in their lives. The LORD was living water to the desert of their sinful hearts. Responding under Samuel's leadership, Israel drew up one of their most precious resources in that region - water - and poured it out before God as an act of worship. In repentance and conviction, they acknowledged their need of God and poured out their hearts to Him.
God's living water seeps into the parched areas of the sinner's heart. Moment by moment His grace sustains and prepares the soil. If a human heart is to be a fertile place to bear His fruit, then one must depend on His part in doing it. For the Israelites, this meant pursuing God each time they were tempted to turn from Him.
The Philistines again came to tempt them into submission, and Israel was afraid. Yet, they asked for Samuel's prayer and stood for battle. As a fulfimment of His promise should they repent, the Lord acted mightily on their behalf to defeat the Philistines. Samuel's response to this victory is one that will help us in our own repentance. He built an altar before the Lord and remembered, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
As we are again and again tempted, each in ways that are unique to our own weaknesses, we should ask for prayer from those Christains around us. Though we may fear our own moral failure in the beginning, we will stand for battle in obedience to the Lord. Each small step taken that is victorious should cause us to ascribe victory to the Lord. We build a memorial in our hearts to remind us that the Lord helped us thus far. Then, we stand again and look ahead to the next small step of victorious obedience.
Thus far the Lord has helped us. He will again help us in the next temptation.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
After this time, Samuel uses his influence to preach a message of repentance. Repentance in this instance contains four action steps for Israel. With hearts of genuine remorse, they were to:
1. Return to the Lord with all of their hearts
2. Remove the idolatry and foreign worship from among them
3. Direct their hearts to Him alone
4. Serve Him alone
These steps are applicable to me, also. As the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin, in genuine remorse I should turn my heart to the Lord. I give it wholly to Him and begin removing stumbling blocks from my life that have caused me to sin. Not only do I return and remove, but I actively should direct my heart to Him. Where idols were removed, I need to fill my heart and mind with Him. True heart change will happen by His hand. This can happen through spending time in prayer, fellowship with other Christians, and studying the Bible to know Him better. Dying to myself, I then spend my energies in service to Him instead of my own selfish desires and empty idols.
Back in our chapter, Israel uniquely worshiped God as they gathered and fasted in repentance. During those twenty years after the ark made its way back from Philistia, they saw their need for His centrality in their lives. The LORD was living water to the desert of their sinful hearts. Responding under Samuel's leadership, Israel drew up one of their most precious resources in that region - water - and poured it out before God as an act of worship. In repentance and conviction, they acknowledged their need of God and poured out their hearts to Him.
God's living water seeps into the parched areas of the sinner's heart. Moment by moment His grace sustains and prepares the soil. If a human heart is to be a fertile place to bear His fruit, then one must depend on His part in doing it. For the Israelites, this meant pursuing God each time they were tempted to turn from Him.
The Philistines again came to tempt them into submission, and Israel was afraid. Yet, they asked for Samuel's prayer and stood for battle. As a fulfimment of His promise should they repent, the Lord acted mightily on their behalf to defeat the Philistines. Samuel's response to this victory is one that will help us in our own repentance. He built an altar before the Lord and remembered, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
As we are again and again tempted, each in ways that are unique to our own weaknesses, we should ask for prayer from those Christains around us. Though we may fear our own moral failure in the beginning, we will stand for battle in obedience to the Lord. Each small step taken that is victorious should cause us to ascribe victory to the Lord. We build a memorial in our hearts to remind us that the Lord helped us thus far. Then, we stand again and look ahead to the next small step of victorious obedience.
Thus far the Lord has helped us. He will again help us in the next temptation.
© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.
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