The Hardened Heart

                    "But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his
                            heart and did not heed them, as the LORD had said." 
                                                        ~Genesis 8:15


It's been an exciting journey for me to once again read through the Bible and have been reading through the book of Exodus at this time. Of course, in the earlier chapters of Exodus, we read through the story of Moses, Pharaoh, the ten plagues, the freeing for the children of Israel, and the parting of the Red Sea. But this time, I'd like to discuss Pharaoh's hardened heart and the hardened hearts in today's world.

First, Pharaoh would see the plague and then plead for Moses to take away plague. He'd promise to free the Israelite children; but each time, he would change his mind to keep them enslaved. Plague after plague terrorized the nation of Egypt, and each time there was relief from the plague, Pharaoh's heart became hardened. When we read the story, we may be amazed at Pharaoh's stubbornness. I mean, to see things from rivers turning into blood to locust destroying the crops from the land being covered with frogs to witnessing the first born of every Egyptian and beast killed. If we had been the Egyptian people, we might have tried to overthrow the crazy Pharaoh and let God's people go to worship Him before the rest of us were literally destroyed. Instead, in this time and now, we can learn from Pharaoh's mistake and avoid the tragic consequences.      

So what lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's mistake?


How often are we like Pharaoh? We promise God that we will serve Him if only He would take our pain and difficulties away, just to turn back to doing the things we had been involved in before the struggles started. We are no better than Pharaoh if we are "Foxhole Christians", we see that the problems we're facing aren't going away so we promise to obey Him...that is until the problem is gone. Then we have the tendency to turn back to the activities that are not God-focused.


The first plague, the water turning into blood, should have been enough to convince Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go, right? The water was literally undrinkable, the source that keeps the living alive is now contaminated and stinks throughout the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh promises to free the people if Moses will intercede. The second plague brings frogs into the land and they can be found in the entire land of Egypt. They are jumping into the houses, in the "kneading bowls" (Exodus 8:3), into the beds, into the kitchens... they're everywhere! Pharaoh calls for Moses and pleads him to intercede and then the children of Israel may go worship God. Well, we know he didn't keep his word. So God sent lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. Each time Pharaoh made a promise and later broke it. It became a vicious cycle! And then the ultimate plague struck the land. You could say it was the 'one that did it'. Not only was Pharaoh's son killed, but the firstborn child of every Egyptian servant and animal died that night as well. Only were the children of Israel saved from the deaths and plagues.

It's a clear sign that God protects His people as He promised He would. God is with you, too, in whatever you're going through. He heard the cries of the Israelites and He rescued them from their great oppression. God also hears your cries and He listens. But get this: He knows that you need to experience difficulties. Not because He doesn't care about you. But if you never went through trials, you wouldn't grow Spiritually and you wouldn't grow closer to Him. It's in the pains of this life that make us rely more and more on our dear Savior.


"But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses". (Exodus 9:12)


Until the sixth plague--the boils--Pharaoh was hardening his own heart. As a documentary by Dr. Charles Stanley sums it up this way: "To this point in the story, Pharaoh had hardened his own heart. But now, God hardens his heart. Willful disobedience can reach a point of no return." If we continually harden our hearts, it becomes a habit we can't break on our own strength. Pharaoh hardened his heart so many times that it finally resulted in his death and the death of his armies. It certainly does have serious consequences, friends. Ask the Lord to remove the stubborn stone around your tender heart to break off and completely trust in God's plan.  


"But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth." (Exodus 9:16)

We don't always understand the circumstances that God lets us go through or why He allows adversaries to stand in our way to give us grief like Pharaoh did to Moses and the people of Israel. But God is our powerful God and He sometimes raises up even our enemies in order to show the world His power. But He doesn't always just demonstrate His might to the unsaved, but He does so to remind His people that He is still in control. Sometimes because we can't see God, we can forget He is there and that He is still mighty. God gives us those reminders and we can give thanks to Him by remaining loyal to Him and having a "healthy heart".

In conclusion, we may come across many politicians, parents, friends, co-workers, and even preachers who have hardened their hearts to God and His Word. We need hearts that remain tender to the nudging God gives us when He is trying to tell us to listen. God listens to us, let's listen to Him.


Anna

Rear View Mirror Driving

It might seem weird, but our day-to-day lives can perhaps be compared with that of driving a vehicle. I was driving with my Mom shortly after I got my DL, and a car behind me was just getting way too close for comfort. I don’t even like to be followed almost bumper to bumper in town when we’re going 25 MPH, but out in the country (at approximately 55-60 MPH), I was feeling really cramped for space. Trying to remember to just keep my eyes on the road ahead, I avoided looking into my rear view mirror every few seconds. When the guy finally passed me, I couldn’t help but think of how many times, in my Christian walk, that I kept my eyes glued to the past. I kept looking into that "rear view mirror". Reminiscing on those past mistakes that I've made that sneak up behind me. Those negative memories haunting me, demanding my attention to the point that I don’t focus on what is before me: the Spiritual road. 

If I keep looking into the rear view mirror, I could end up in a ditch or run into another vehicle.  As is in my spiritual walk with Christ, looking back, regretting things, and taking my eyes off of the One Whom I should be looking to, I could seriously hurt myself and others by making more wrong choices. I’ve heard many pastors give this comparison before; but as is with many other things, those words don’t “sink in” until we experience those scenarios and really think about what those messages mean.  

I believe it’s ok to look back at the past sometimes, because then we remember where we've come from and how it's brought us to where we are today. However, I also believe that looking back is something to be careful about. Glancing can be good; but staring draws our attention away from Christ and His perfect plan for us. We will never get fulfillment by looking into the “mirrors” that remind us of our failures; but we can find satisfaction if we keep our eyes on Christ, remembering that He has a perfect plan that we need to be looking towards.

We have already faced many obstacles before. With Christ, we will keep looking straight ahead, because that’s what will keep us on the path that He has laid out for each of His children.

Hebrews 12:2 “..looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Blessings,
Anna

The Listening Servant

As I was thinking what I should write about this week, the Lord led me to turn the page in my Mom's devotional book and the title was "Your Servant Is Listening". I thought to myself, Yeah, but where could I go with that for a post? Everyone knows that we should listen to the Lord.  And then I opened up my Mom's NKJV Bible and it turned to Jeremiah 22:21, which says the following, "I spoke to you in your prosperity, But you said, 'I will not hear.' This has been your manner from your youth". So to make this short, I believe God led me to these references to not only encourage you in your walk, but as a reminder to me personally.

So many times (and especially lately), I feel I know what's best for me. I get so independent in my thinking and I don't want to listen to the Lord. He might want me to go in a direction (or away from the one I'm going), and I'd rather resist His counsel and keep doing what I think is best for me. I think every Christian deals with this at some point in their relationship with the Lord. We think our own decisions will turn out alright or we leave God behind most of the time, forgetting to ask Him for an answer. Or we might ask the Lord, but with our own "clocks" ticking away, demanding immediate answers, we jump ahead instead of waiting on the Lord for His answer. And it certainly doesn't help when we live in a secular world where everything is rushed and if you don't grab the chance now, it'll be too late tomorrow. As humans, we feel the decisions we need to make have to be "today or never"; however, we easily forget that the Lord has perfect timing. His time schedule is never "behind" or "runs fast". Yes, my discussion so far has dealt a lot with waiting on the Lord, rather than listening to Him. But you know, they both go hand in hand.

"The realization of our need to listen to the Lord means we are willing to wait for His answer."

So when does God speak to us? When we submit to Him and say "Lord, okay, You know I really want to do this, but I'm not going to move until I hear from You". And how does God speak to us? He speaks to us through His Word. Like I mentioned earlier, God led me to the Jeremiah reference where He gently reminded me to "not move until He speaks". For example, I'm really looking to buy a handheld gun for protection. Though I really think this is the smart thing to do, I need to wait on the Lord. Whether the decision is as small as this or something bigger like marriage, God wants us to "consult" with Him and wait on Him to provide us with His perfect answer. So, we see that He speaks to us through His Word. He also speaks to us through other people, those who counsel us. People like our pastors, youth leaders, parents, other family members, and Christian friends. Those around us who God is speaking through to advise us. He also speaks to us through His Spirit, our "Conscience". You probably know exactly what I'm talking about. That Voice inside of you that says it's wrong to go and do something you will later regret. And quite frankly, He's right every time. In short, God has many modes of communication that He uses to reach us.

But God gives a warning to people who stray away and listen to the counsel of fools. In Proverbs 1:28-32.....

"Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer; they will seek Me diligently, but they will not find Me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them."

And then in Proverbs 1:33, God gently tells us what will happen when His children come to Him and listen to His voice. "But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil."

How intelligent it is to listen to the Lord! He knows what is best for you. He cares for your life. He has created you. And when we take the time to listen to the Creator of the earth, there is nothing that will stop Him from talking to you. When you listen for Him to answer you, nothing in heaven or earth can keep Him away.

Proverbs 1:5: "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel."

Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."


"So when God speaks to you, listen attentively and prepare to submit to whatever He tells you. Obedience pleases your heavenly Father and He desires to bless you for listening well." ~Charles Stanley, life lessons NKJV, pg. 886)


Blessings,
Anna

Change Ahead

 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 have always been very dear verses to my heart and I'm so thankful that God knows what my future holds, and that He takes me by the hand and leads me.  And again, my life takes another turn that I honestly didn't think it would.

A new year can mean changes for individuals and this year, it will change for me, too. On March 8th of this year, my coaching hold ends.  This will also be the day that my coaching ends for a long time.  I am terminating my enrollment with CollegePlus.  I've been in CP since September of 2011 and it's been quite an eventful one.  But I haven't really been satisfied with the results these last couple years, and I believe that it's because this chapter in my life is closing; I'm not meant to continue this educational journey.  Especially in these last two years, I've been feeling led to get out and I believe I know why.  Since my Grandpa's death, I feel like God is telling me to lay college aside and get more involved with helping my family take care of my Grandma.  She is not 100% capable of leaving alone, so my Mom has devoted a lot of her time to taking care of her.

What will I be spending my time on now?

I will continue to work for both QualityTrack Int. and on the farm.  Because CollegePlus have raised their rates again, this also plays into my decision.  And at the moment, I need to earn money for a more reliable truck.  This past winter has proven to me that winter tires help, but a 2wd will never be as dependable as a 4wd. :P  I'm also hoping to advertise my services as a horse trainer and maybe go through some training and achieve a license to be a horse judge for shows.

I also want to spend extra time that I have preparing to take care of a house and a family of my own some day.  I haven't taken as much initiative as I should have in taking care of the house, but with Mom busy at Grandma's almost every day of the week, it gives me some time to help her with the housework and read the Christian books that I haven't indulged myself in. I'm looking forward to this! :)

But mainly, I've decided to return to my original idea of publishing books.  I've written many rough drafts of different book ideas over the years, but because college and investigative reporting seemed like that was the only way to earn a living, I laid those dreams aside.  Unfortunately, at local newspapers and even with a degree in Journalism, I would most likely end up setting type--as my Mom's friend's daughter ended up doing after four years to achieve her BA.  I started to edit a chapter last fall, but with this course through Brigham Young and the changes that accompanied Grandpa's death, I was barely able to get one chapter done.  My plan is to continue editing one book at a time, perhaps attend some writing conferences in Wisconsin, and start the publishing process by late this year or early 2015.

Being able to lay college aside has lifted a burden off my shoulders.  Though CollegePlus offers so much and I've learned a lot with CP friends, this chapter in my life is being closed.  Perhaps in the future, I will return to studying for CLEPs and earning three credits here and there; but I feel God is leading me to put my time and energy into more important things.  I believe that it was God's will for me to be a part of CP for these last few years, because I've learned some valuable lessons that I would not have learned had I not enrolled.

But we trust God and have assurance that he knows what is best for us.  We lean on His understanding and follow Him wherever He leads us.  For we will find rest only when we trust in His wisdom and not our own.

Blessings,
Anna

Letter From God

When the waves crash in around you.................
                                                            ......................look to Me.


When you don't know where or who to turn to..................
                                                                         ......................turn to Me.


When you've fallen and you can't get up......................
                                                                .................reach up to Me.


When you get lost and can't find your way home....................
                                                                            .......................read My Word.


When you need comfort, but everyone deserts you...................
                                                             .......................fall into My arms.


When you loose sight of what's most important......................
                                                              ..........................remember Who I am.


When you are swallowed up by your fears.....................
                                                        ................................cry out to Me.


When you feel alone or unimportant.......................
                                                         .........................think of Me.


When you are restless......................
                                       ............................rest in Me.


(Julianna 12/16/2013)

Direction After Correction

". . .My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."  Hebrews 12:5,6


The key word here is "love". God doesn't chasten you, because He hates you. Just as when we were kids and were being disobedient, our parents punished us out of love. So God, Whose love is great for us, punishes us when we try to lead our own lives on our own strength. Through chastening, we will most likely find ourselves at a 'dead end road' and find no way to go except back to Who we wandered from: God. Through chastening, we realize our need for God and are reminded that we cannot live a life free from Him. Through chastening, we recognize that our sin is blocking us from having a complete relationship with the Savior and that we must repent in order to rebuild the bridge that separated us.

God never walks away from us. He never chooses to let us out of His hands. He never wants that sin to separate us from Himself. But when we let sin interfere, we ourselves are choosing to be separated from His love and care. We choose to walk away; and hence, why we sometimes don't sense God's presence with us any more.

God isn't always chastising us when life seems to do a back flip; but it's important to eliminate the possibility by examining our lives carefully. Such as when we partake of Communion. We should ask God to show us where we went wrong, and believe that He is faithful to point out the problem(s) that we need to ask forgiveness for and turn away from. He will never close the door in our face or walk away when we desire to repent from whatever sin has been plaguing us.

In a devotional book that I sometimes share stories with you, this one stood out as going along with this post topic very well. "As a professional stock-car racer, Darrell Waltrip was once proud of his image as 'the guy folks loved to hate'. When crowds booed, he'd just kick the dirt and smile. Then things began to change. He miraculously survived a Daytona 500 crash. He began to going to church with his wife, Stevie. He and Stevie began to try to have a family. Stevie, however, suffered four miscarriages. One day their pastor came to visit. He asked, 'Your car is sponsored by a beer company. Is that the image you want?' Darrell had never thought about it. He had always loved watching kids admire his car, but the more he thought about it, he discovered that he did care about his image. He thought, If Stevie's and my prayers were answered for a child, what kind of dad would I be? He remembered his pastor's admonition to 'walk the walk, not just talk the talk'. He didn't know what to do to convince the car owner to change sponsors, but amazingly, an opportunity opened for him to sign with a new racing team sponsored by a laundry detergent company! After much thought and more prayer, he switched teams. Two years later, daughter Jessica was born, and a few years later, daughter Sarah. In 1989, he won Daytona."

As we see in the above story, when Darrell changed his life around by advertising something better on his racing car and refusing to model pictures of beer around the track, God began to answer his and Stevie's prayer regarding their family. Sins truly do block our prayers with God. We cannot believe that God will listen to our cries for help, if we continue to allow the sin to remain in our lives.

God continues to encourage us to live a life pleasing to Him. As in the scene on the famous movie Facing the Giants, Grant pushed his player to do the death crawl across the whole field. Blindfolded, the play cried out in agony as he carried the "140 pound" player on his back to the end zone. Our Spiritual walks are the same. We carry around baggage and it feels that there is no hope in crossing this "field of life". We cry out to God for help, but He seems to be nowhere near us. God is asking us not to give up on Him; but to give up the sin that is separating us from Him. When we do so, we will find ourselves in the "end zone".

"In order to receive the direction from God, you must be able to receive the correction from God."

Sis in Christ,
Anna