Selah Scriptings

Write the vision, make it plain ...

In Habakkuk 2, God speaks six of my most favorite Words. To some, these Words would hold no meaning. To others, it is as if He flipped a holy light switch and brings us to life. I’ll admit, there are things that just make me breathe different. Put me in the presence of them and every cell in my body will stand at attention. Writing is one of them.

I don’t really remember the first time my fingers took flight. I cannot recall the exact moment when I understood God had placed this indescribable hunger for letters deep down in me. All I can tell you is that somewhere inside of me is a dictionary that longs to escape onto pages. With nouns and verbs, He has graced us with this exciting thing we call language. What a bountiful gift indeed!

I ponder sometimes that He, too, loves words. Perhaps far away in eternity ago when He first began to speak things into existence, something swelled up in Him also. He watched the glorious wonders that His very Words could bring forth. The pictures in His mind leaped out onto the canvas of our world, simply with a Word. A verb brought forth light – and suddenly what had not been seen was brightened. Where only obscurity had been, now there was illumination. He then divided the two extremes and named them with His Words. One He called Day, and one He called Night. The Holy Lexicon separated with a simple decree.

Our words have power, whether spoken or written. Jesus gives us such powerful examples of what a spoken word can manifest. God inspired the writings of our Bible and they show us the might in a written word. I pray the scriptings here will be an encouragement to all of us to choose our words wisely. I pray He uses this little corner in our vast world to leave His autograph on every line. May the gentle pause (selah) make us appreciate deeper the beauty He has given us in language penned in ink. -selah. ~trh 2/21/22

The Living Word

Have you ever really considered what it means to be The Living Word? We are told throughout scripture that Jesus is just that. There is never a day where we will find Him not to be the living, breathing, walking, talking Word of God. From forever ago, until forever from now, He remains constant, steadfast, and true. Every Word which proceeds from His mouth is forged in the Bible, recorded for evidence. If He said it in red then, He says it in red now. He means what He says and He fulfills every promise.

I’m not really like that. See, there are days when the words I said last week might not hold up in your court. In a broken moment, when my heart is hurting, I may speak words of doubt and defeat, only to find myself three days later shouting of victories. When a friend angers me and I seek for something to defend myself, you may hear me speak something contrary to the kind and loving words I said a few months ago. My mouth is not always easy to discipline. None of them are.

I suppose that is why He spoke from His own Words to tell us to be careful what we say. In James 3, He teaches about the power behind a tongue. He plainly tells us no man can tame his tongue, and how it is full of deadly poison. He uses a wise comparison between an animal’s bit and a ship’s helm to our mouth, teaching us that we have strived to tame these, but yet have unruly evil behind our lips. Coming from The Living Word, The One who never fails to practice what He preaches, these are gut-wrenching words!

Let us all, today, look to The Living Word, and be more mindful of the things we say. How often a crushing blow is dealt through something as small as our tongue! Are there people we have bludgeoned with the wrong adjectives? Have we spoken hard words in anger when our words should have been soft? Can we truly ever know the chasm of pain we cause another with our lies? Perhaps an inventory of this One we call Master is in order. How much better to be known as One Who keeps His Word … and lives it! We have a beautiful Example to follow in Jesus. May we begin today. ~selah. ~trh 2/21/22.

A Change is Gonna Come

I am so thankful for a God who lets us in on His secrets. At any given moment, we can pick up the Bible, and find the answers for any question. No one would argue that these past 2 years have brought much uncertainty. With daily upheavals in our places of employment, to weekly changes in the way we “do” school, a mind can become overwhelmed pretty easily. The good news is He didn’t leave us in the dark on these matters. The bad news is it wont get better, at least for awhile.

Jesus told us plainly what to watch for. He did not stutter, He did not hold back. Very clearly throughout His time on earth, and then through the pen of Chosen Writers, He spelled out what is here now and what is coming. He told us often that this world had seen scoffers and depravity since the beginning. He never denied that men’s hearts had been cruel since the fall, and He pointed out a look inward would show us a darkened place. A deeper digging will tell us He also said a change was going to come.

Trouble is, that change is not for the better. Jesus spoke openly about the increase in wars and rumors of them. He talked of natural disasters rising up in the strangest places. Quite bluntly, He talked of the changes that would come in people, that they would grow more and more wicked as time goes on. I can honestly say in my lifetime, I have watched these things happen. Right now we are hearing more and more of horrible things coming closer and closer to Home. A look at the latest statistics will reveal a rise in human trafficking, sadistic child abuse, and terrorist attack. What used to be something we only saw on the news, is now often living right next door. Sometimes, sadly, the monster even lives behind the same door as you.

Jesus warned us over and over in the Gospels that we are to PREPARE for worse times. Turning a blind eye will only find us caught off-guard. If we close our ears to the Truth, we will be left offended and angry at the God who tried to tell us what to expect. It is then we will see many, even those who once walked so closely in step with Him, turn their backs on Him and walk away. Many will store up food, flashlights, and medicines, but fail to store up scripture, prayer, and spiritual maturity. As these times grow wilder and more evil, our arsenal must increase for us to withstand.

We do not believe we have time to waste. Our Families are in trouble, our children are in danger, and our very lives are at stake. If our Christianity is not living on the forefront NOW, we are already stumbling. Jesus was showing us great grace in His warnings, but we must heed them so we do not waver. NOW is the time to dig deep into His Word! NOW is the time to “hide His Word in our heart so we do not sin against Him.” (Psalm 119:11) NOW is the time to seek Him with ALL of our hearts and let Him speak to us personally. What we delay may manifest in our demise.

Oh Lord, today, help us to bind ourselves closer to You. Help us, oh God of All Things, to hunger for You, to devour our Bibles, to call upon You for direction. We know we are living in perilous times, and these days will grow darker. Give us the strength Lord, and the Wisdom, to walk with You, and not against You. Train our minds to feast upon Truth. Open our eye to see through deceptions. Keep our ear gate branded and oiled so we will separate fact from fiction. We thank You for Your warnings that a change is here. You did not leave us blind-sided, that’s just not like You. Lord and Master, heighten the awareness of Your People NOW. Call to those who have already turned. Heal our hearts over these losses. Remind us to continue fast in prayer for their returns. FatherGod, set a seal upon our heart that we be not deceived in this late hour. It is in Jesus’ matchless Name and under His blood, we pray believing. Amen. trh 2/23/22

Say What?!?

Jesus told us we would suffer tribulation. But then He said something strange. Thought provoking. Odd. His next Words don’t seem to fit. Here, in the midst of an alarming statement, comes what feels almost contradictory. “Be of good cheer.” Hmmm. Surely He did not mean to say those two things in the same sentence.

I suppose if we stopped reading there, we would dismiss The Master’s Words and forget them altogether. Some would actually think it a misprint, and maybe even question the translation. That’s the problem with simply “reading” The Bible. When we do not take His Words apart and deeply put our eye on them, we miss a lot. That is often the case with this verse, John 16:33.

Jesus did not make a mistake when He spoke the two pronouncements. Being all-knowing (omniscient), He could not open His mouth and speak a falsity. Therefore, if we look at the verses in this chapter, we can find a profound promise on both ends of the spectrum. His command to STUDY begins to take on new meaning when we actually do it. We find there is a depth in His Words that He invites us to swallow.

He begins His strange Words with a defining moment – He tells us why He is speaking these words to start with. I like to call that “Bible for Dummies.” (Trust me, sometimes I need it.) He very boldly says “I am telling you this because…” Sad that He had to break it down so much. I guess He knew most would simply not get Him.

His next sentence explains WHY He is talking to us – “that we might have peace IN HIM.” I always love how Jesus makes our thoughts and emotions a priority. Throughout scripture, He remains a constant Counselor, teaching us to bring our mind and feelings under His care. That’s a good promise to hold onto right now. Here, in John 16, He makes a beautiful declaration. He is speaking because He wants us to have peace. He tells us where peace is found. Peace is freedom from disturbance, tranquility, harmony, calmness. Ah, I’ll take that.

Jesus is so good at what He does. He began His statement explaining why He is talking, then gives us this wonderful promise, and then …. stuck right smack in the middle of all this beauty, we find a startling exclamation. “You shall have tribulation.” Wow, Jesus. Way to spoil the euphoria, right? Tribulation. Trouble. Calamity. Those are not things most of us want to think of. Yet, here we are, right in the median, caught between the past and the present world we live in. Did He know something we didn’t? He never said we “might” have these afflictions. He said we “will” have tribulation.

He does not stop there. His next Words are probably the ones that seem most likely to spell out “one of these things just doesn’t belong here.” Wierd. Could the humanity in The Divinity be trying to catch our attention? I believe so. Lets look at this verse again. First, He tells us He has a reason for what He is saying. Then, He tells us what that reason is. Then, He tells us we will face some horrendous times. And then? He tells us what to do when they come upon us. He says “Be of good cheer.”

“Be of good cheer” might not seem like the best choice of words there. Yet, The Omniscient One has never made a mistake, and I am most certain He did not make one here. I believe very often Jesus opened His mouth to challenge us, to provoke us to think. Could He have known there would come a time when most of our thinking would be done for us? In a technologically advanced world now, it is even more crucial to take His Words apart, sentence by sentence, word by word. “Be of good cheer” is a command, not a suggestion.

And now, The Greatest Orator of All Time, opens His mouth to finish His sentence. His most profound words come next, and they are quite blatant. “I have overcome the world!” Oh, the strength those Words can give us today! Oh, what magnificent power we can walk in knowing this fact! Jesus, the Christ, opened His mouth and with one fell-swoop brought the enemy of our souls to naught! “I have overcome the world!” Ah, yes “I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!”

Today, no matter what tribulation you may be facing, eat the Book. Open your mouth now and declare it into the atmosphere. He said what He said. He meant what He said. Its still true today. And it will still be true as the coming chapters unfold. He told us for a reason. He wanted us to know. In Him, there is PEACE. Be of good cheer. He has OVERCOME the world. -selah. ~trh 2/22/22

A Moment of Observation

He was tiny, flitting around fast as lightning. Though my eye caught sight of him, I couldn’t quite make out exactly what he was. I watched diligently, hoping to identify the teeny creature running around in the leaf pile. All I knew was he had no idea there was anything wrong in the world around him today. His somersault turns defined his oblivious thought to worry. I smiled as I watched him, laughing at his antics.

Finally, the animal emerged from under the leaves, and I saw his striped back. There in my garden was a chipmunk, a sweet and happy little chipmunk! Over and over again he made his passes in and out, in and out, running through the leaves. How precious, I thought, to have my very own chipmunk living right under my nose and I didn’t even know it! Its funny what a moment of observation can do.

Our life is like that, you know. We go on about our days, carrying on with the daily duties of “stuff,” not ever really pausing to LOOK around us. How much do we miss when we fail to practice The Art of the Pause? Could it be God knew something when He commanded it? Surely an All Knowing Creator who would practice it Himself understood its importance.

Sabbath. Shabbat. It simply means “rest.” In the beginning, God created for 6 days. He brought everything out of nothing, and then? He rested. Stuck between one day and the next, The Holy Artisan paused. He stopped everything He was doing, and looked around … for an entire day. There on the first halt, a Holy God ceased His labors and rested, taking an intermission from it all. I wonder if He giggled at the length of the giraffe neck, even though His very hands had formed it? Did His face shine a little brighter in brilliance at the sight of that baboon’s butt? (it gets ME every time!)

Thank You, Lord, for the chipmunk’s playfulness today. Thank You for sending him to remind me to pause each week (and sometimes in between), simply so I will not miss the beauty in Your days. How wonderfully blessed we are to have been given The Gift of Rest and The Art of the Pause! Help us to remember Your day and to keep it – “holy.” Help us, oh God, to never forget to remember Your commands have reason. Let us be ever-mindful that You know us, Your Creation, inside and out. You know what is best for us in all things. Today, You took time out of Your day to remind me to PAUSE … TO REST from my working … and notice the gleeful little chipmunk had no frets at all! Thank You for guiding me to the window to see … a Moment of Observation was Your idea to begin with.

~selah trh 7/26/22

Troubles

When my BabyGrand-Daughter was 3, she would say a very startling thing when she came to visit. It never ceased to happen, and each time, it would leave me wondering what exactly she had “seen.” She would go to the front door, look around outside, and proclaim “TROUBLES! The TROUBLES are coming!” As Olders, caring for her comfort, we would tell her everything was fine, but deep down, I often pondered her words. At the time, the days were sunny and there seemed to be no worry in sight. Still, those words remained in my Ear long after she had returned Home.

Today I look around me at the alarming condition of our world. It would be easy for anyone to wonder what will happen next. Gas prices soar, food is becoming more and more scarce, while daily we are facing insurmountable talks of a coming WW3. Could it be that God had placed inside a young child the vision of what was to come? Standing in that doorway looking out, is it possible God was putting His big Words in her tiny mouth so she could warn those around her? He did, after all, tell us plainly while He was here.

Once when my sweet girl had gone home, I researched the word “trouble.” Webster’s defines trouble as “difficulty or problems; issues; stress; trauma; burden; sadness; heartache; adversity.” It is interesting to note that Jesus Himself said the Word. In Matthew 24:6, giving caution to His disciples and to us, He spoke some Words worthy of attention now.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: SEE THAT YE BE NOT TROUBLED …” On that day as The Master was speaking, did He look down through time and see the things my BabyGrand saw? What view lay in His mind as He uttered such truths? Though there have been many wars, Jesus being a True Visionary, could have very well been speaking of the one lurking on our doorsteps now. I choose to embrace His Words that day regardless ~ “BE NOT TROUBLED …”

So, what does that mean for us today? Looking again at Webster’s definition of TROUBLE, and knowing that Jesus said “BE NOT TROUBLED,” we find compelling hope for our times. The infinite wisdom of The Teacher’s Words tell us not to be bound from the worry of stress, trauma, burden, and adversity. He gave us clear instructions as His Followers to be careful not to fall into the trap of fear, depression, and anxiety in these days.

I would admit that thoughts of missiles overhead, food rationing, or martial law are not my idea of something to “not” be troubled over. A deeper look into the Bible gives us something to hold onto. We must remember WHO was speaking these Words ~ Jesus was the Orator of the day! While He was gracious enough to give us warning, He was also merciful enough to give us aspiration. “Be not troubled.” Those are powerful Words. As we come like my Grand-Daughter to the door looking out, may we be reminded today though TROUBLES come, He is with us always. ~selah. ~trh 3/9/22.

My Word is My Bond. ~Jesus

Every promise in The Book is mine, every chapter, every verse, every line!

Grace Dressings

Shaken, she came to the closet as she had so many times before. Today was different. Her hands were trembling as she opened the door. What could possibly hang there, hidden beyond the hinges, awaiting her choosing? She knew the closet contents were plentiful. Somehow today she just felt apprehensive about the constituents behind the knob.

A look inside revealed what she already knew. Nothing had changed. Over the years, she had come to understand the closet did not sway. It never mattered that everything on this side of the door was temporal, on the other side of the door were permanent fixtures. Her only decision would be what hanger to pull from.

She ran her hands across the soft blue dress. Should she wear this one today? Its makings were of the finest threadings. Often she had needed this covering, sometimes for a call to serve, at other times, for a personal adorning. She layed the dress out gently, noticing the delicacies of its making. Ah, Humility is a tender trimming! Perhaps it was a perfect choice.

She looked again, noticing yet another beautifully woven tapestry. Carefully, she brought the garment out, holding it with attentive discretion. This one had been with her for many years. She had grown to love it in such a gentle regard. How often she had picked this dress from among the many, knowing it was proven to shine in a darkened place. This gown was called Virtue, a splendid name for such well-defined apparel!

Again, she worked her hands through the hangings there. She paused for a moment as she came to another favored piece. She smiled inside as she pulled it from the closet. This one was different by far! It had been sewn from, not the usual soft and creamy fabric, but a heavier, more resilient kind. The cording that held it together was strong and supple. She remembered wearing this jersey on many occasions when she would need an armor for the days work. Across the front was written one word: Courage.

Over and over, she pushed aside each raiment. Every time her fingers felt the pieces of her treasured wardrobe, she found vigor. She was gaining her strength back. Her shoulders stood taller, her mind seemed clearer. The heavy tears that had accompanied her visit to the closet, suddenly felt like a sweet rain washing the weight off of her. She had not needed to bow to the demands of this world, or the inconsistencies of heinous humanity. There, in her closet, were the evidences of ALL that she has been clothed in!

Finally, her hand swept across her most favorite gown. This one was greater than the others, one she had not even worked for. It had been gifted to her by a King, One who laid possession to mightier thrones and jewels unsurpassed by all the crowns of any kingdom. How many times had she chosen THIS gown over the others? She could not number it, for it was higher than her ability to count. She simply called the dress Grace, for she had not deserved it.

Grace. Its favor is unmerited. It cannot be earned. Grace chooses to hide nakedness, and display a better version of its wearer. Grace portraits a more beautiful image of its model. Oh, the seasons Grace covers! It carries the embellishment for even the most skantily clad garden dweller. From the very first hand-made garment of Grace, until now, it has not lost its ability to cover fully.

Yes, today, she chose Grace from the closet. She put it on proudly, declaring The King’s great love for her with the fastening of each button. Its collar tied around her neck spelled His mercies that had been new upon her awakening. As she stepped out of the room, Grace covered her wholly from head to toe, inside and out. Grace seemed to whisper it had her name on it. Grace saved the day. She was clothed in it.

~selah. 8-19-22 trh

When a Beckon becomes an Accolade ...

Paul said it then. Here, imprisoned, he makes a request. Chained and hidden, he gives Timothy direction and tells him that only Luke has remained with him. Paul, with a command, instructs Timothy to bring Mark with him. His next words explain why he has sent for the one appealed to.

I wonder how Mark may have felt when he heard that Paul the Apostle has beckoned him? Could he have been elated to be numbered among the ranks of such importance? Paul called him “useful.” And not only “useful” … but useful TO HIM! Being called to the scene of a prison may not have seemed very exciting to Mark. He had, of course, heard of the many persecutions of his fellow men as they were locked away for their faith. Ah, but to be called USEFUL!

I ponder today if some of us may be feeling the same way. In a time of such tragedy and opposition in our world, how do we respond when we, too, are called upon? What do we say when The Master sends out His request, asking for our appearance because we are useful to Him for ministry? At times we surely answer with a loud and resounding YES, thrilled to be serving Him. Other times? I can honestly say I find myself wondering if this is really a good idea or not.

Could it be that Paul understood the heart and mind of Mark? Does that explain his use of adjective here? How often do we feel inadequate to the task at hand, needing some affirmation that we are actually USEFUL to the assignment? Perhaps his words to Timothy were for Timothy’s acknowledgement. Could it be that he may have questioned why Paul would have asked for Mark without his reasoning? How many times have we pushed someone aside, overlooking them, thinking they could not possibly be God’s choice?

Today, let us take note from this passage. First, let us see the instruction given. “Get Mark. Bring him with you.” Has God placed a call on your life where He, too, has said “Get that one?” As your ears perk to the sound of The Voice of Your Shepherd, listen for His accolade. He has called you because He knows something. He knows you are USEFUL. No matter where you are, no matter what you’ve done, He calls you USEFUL to Him. Submit to His beckon. Paul knew he needed Mark. God knows He needs YOU. Don’t let Him down. -selah. trh 2/24/22

“Step into a scene and let it drip from your fingertips.”

~MJ Bush

“Writing to me is simply thinking through my fingers.”

~Isaac Asimov

There may be no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

~JD Salinger

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth. ~Jesus (1 John 3:18)

Better Askings

FatherGod, in the Name of Jesus, we come to You this morning simply to give You praise. We do not come today to ask from Your hand, Lord. You have given enough already, though we know that You will lavish Your mercies upon us this day. Father, we thank You now for the morning sun that shines so brightly and awakens the birds singing. Lord, we give You our deepest thanks for keeping us safely through the night and for Your breath that dances in our lungs. As we go about our day, Jesus, help us to remain aware of Your presence, stopping often just to bask in the glory of YOU. Let our every step acknowledge our gratitude. Today, Master, we want to be a beacon, shining into this dark world with every move. Give us the words to say when we are empty. Give us the wisdom to be silent when its needed. Help us, oh God of Heaven, to be kind and tenderhearted, and guide us into the right places. Help our minds to know what is good and what is bad, give us greater discernment of evil. Lord, help us to be wise in our undertakings, not saying yes to far too many things. Let our day be filled with profitable workings and remind us not to be slack in our labors. Help us to remember to practice the art of the pause, stopping ever so often just to breathe. You know this world can be so demanding, Jesus. Prod us throughout this day to slow down. We must always remember that we are Your Prized Creation, and You told us we should rest. Recall Your commandment of sabbath to us today, Lord. Teach us to stop the rat race sometimes and just get off the wheel. We are in love with You, Jesus! You alone deserve perfected praise. Help us when we forget, Lord. Help us when we fill our days with everything except what is truly important. In this time we are living in, remind us of the importance of daily communion with You. Guide our feet into the Garden of Your Graces. Help us to come here often. Lord, today, help us to be quiet and listen. Let our ears perk to the sound of The Shepherds voice. Oh God, help us to hunger for You more and more! Place good and Godly people in our path today, Lord, and help us to recognize each one. Let us take nothing for granted, FatherGod. May we hear You in every sentence spoken around us, may we see You in sweet and gentle faces. Lord, could You also help us to understand that You use even the hard and cruel ones to tame us? When our hearts are wild and rambling off course, You ofttimes allow the wicked to shake us. God, help me not to fight You when it is my time at the potters wheel. May I go willingly upon the throwing surface, knowing Your hands will fashion a better version of me. And now, Jesus, go with us into every part pf our day, making Yourself known in the most beautiful ways. We are happy to have You near today, Rabboni. Teach us in every moment! It is in Your Matchless Bountiful Name we pray believing today. Amen. 3/10/22 trh

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart ... Proverbs 3:3-4

“Reading this Book can seriously damage your ignorance.”

They’re Just Words, Right??

Can it be this Living Word wrote stories upon our hearts? Is it possible these words that dance in my spirit long to jump onto pages of script? They are felt there deeply, hovering over every moment. When eyes look upon scenes played on the annals of time, these fingers crave paper and pen. Shall a soft, lush meadow become a glorious chapter to spell out His gentleness? Can a dandelions blowings turn into a story of His boundless expansions?

Often I feel Him in motion through the words. His presence is there, choreographing every movement. When fingers are set on the keys, He takes over their transposing, and sentences appear. So often, He surprises me. As I look upon His choice of adjective, His heart becomes more defined to me. A pause and moment of silence to gulp His idiom never fails to leave me with emotion. Often, there are smiles at His expressions. Sometimes, tears. Nevertheless, He speaks, and the scribing comes forth. I know when He is inside them. The pace is faster, the spirit enlivened. The Living Word is near, breathing onto this alphabet, speaking His message for penning.

I am grateful for this One we call The Living Word. How beautiful a gift He has given us in language, a way to describe what we are feeling. Today, Lord, help my words to be Your Words. Help not only the writings, but what is spoken, to be soft and edifying. Give me wisdom to speak the right phrases into the atmosphere, as well as articulate them onto the screen. I pray that only Your Words flow forth from any instrument, whether it be my tongue, or the pen. May my words bring glory to Yours and ever be a correct display of all that You have spoken. ~selah. 8-14-22 trh

How often He warns us. “Don’t make your bed here.” “Don’t walk over there!” “Careful now, you’re straying too far!” How many times could we have been spared so many dangers if only we listened to His cry? His pleas for our safety are simply just that. So often we feel He is only boxing us in.

Ponder now a lifetime of choices. Looking back, how easy it seems to see the messes we have stepped into. Life appears as scenes on a screen, one after another building the plot. Actors on stages play out their roles. Villains, monsters, mobsters, and false heroes number the script. How often were the lines forgotten while adlibs kept the reel rolling?

Were our thoughts innocent, seeking to touch what should have been avoided? As we came to the pit, did we hear that Voice calling not to fall? Were we defiant, only to find we had been trapped by the savage and unruly object of our affection? Perhaps we were deafened by our own perceived need of wildness and untamed pettings. Could it be we felt “bigger than?” How frail we must have looked from His view, sticking our tiny hands into adder’s dens and dark caves!

Lord, today we ask for REMEMBRANCE. Our minds are overloaded oftimes with day-to-day reckonings. Its hard to keep things sorted. Between the demands for our attention and our daily labors, we forget to recall where we’ve been. Today could You just send reminders? Bring our thoughts captive, Holy Spirit! Give us moments away from the madness simply to REMEMBER what You have delivered us from. Show us pictures of past trappings, oh God. Use them, not to enslave us, or to sadden us, but to teach us. God, we need to look ahead but never forget. Remind us today, Lord, that our enemy baits us with a hook. He sees our frailties as opportunities to ensnare us. From the garden, God, he craftily slithers into our paths, only to make himself look better. Remind us today, Lord, the snake never points out his poisons. Expose the wild animal for what he really is, though he comes to us in seeming softness. Speak into Your Children, Lord, to keep our hands free from the cage. Remind us today, Jesus, to step away from dangerous endearments. We ask for Your help in Your Name of Safety. Amen. 8/20/22 trh

Fine Dining

We do it often. We come to a table spread and sit down to dine. Without a look around to discern the surroundings, we begin our feastings. What we have been commanded to stay away from, suddenly becomes our main portion. We bring the fork to our mouth, eating to the full. We use the napkin to wipe, then we get up from the table. We haven’t even felt the added heaviness.

At first, we don’t notice the subtle changes in our diet. Where once we were selective, now we compromise here, make an excuse there. Surely a small nibble won’t hurt. What will it matter if we don’t practice portion control? Before we can even see the excess poundage, we have gained far more than we bargained for. By the time the weight is noticed, we are in over our heads.

See, what we feed grows. It never matters if it’s the food on our table, or the meal on the screen. Our delectable choosings will expand us, whether in a good direction or bad. When we lift the utensil to our feeding place, we must be certain it will show, even if it takes awhile. One taste of pornography will turn into a delightful morsel, then a holiday feast. What starts as only licking the beaters of occultic mixings, will turn into tounging the bowl quickly.

We have to remember our adversary is cunning. He loves to decorate the table with seemingly delicate settings, then turn on us when our belly is full. He knew our weakness from the beginning. His origin in Heaven let him in on some secrets about our feeding preferences. His ears must have perked when The Almighty One was preparing our spirits menu. “How can I divert their attention?” must have been his deepest thought.

Maybe its time to do inventory. Where are you eating these days? What table have you come to that should have never offered a seat? Is your daily diet one of putrid, soured spoilings, or a bountiful harvest carrying nutritional value to your soul? Is it time to push back from the Table of Enemy Territories? Should the food set before you be tossed and a new plate be filled today?

Lord, help us to be more cautious with our “eating” choices today. Shine Your light down on every Dining Table that we need to rise from. Help us, oh God, to understand Your desires for our Fine Dining. Show us now where we need to close the doors at the Feasting Places of our sinful decisions. May we all have the courage today to get up from the place settings of the evil one.

trh 8/16/22

Rusted Cutlery

It was a deep cut. You know the kind ~ those slices that leave you bleeding from a deep vein. No matter how hard we apply pressure to the wound, the blood still pours, overfilling the bandage fast. This one came unexpected, from a familiar knife. She was surprised at the sharpness of its blade. She had to admit she had not seen it coming.

For many days, she lay there motionless as the crimson flowed. The world around her took no notice of the pooling. It continued to spin, though she could not seem to move. Would she ever regain her strength from the carving? How would she face the outside again, knowing she had been diced in such a manner? Would they know of the hacking if they looked upon her?

In the quiet, she called on Him, dropping her fears at His feet. In His usual way, He answered back to her, reassuring her of his acceptance, even though the wound lay open. She questioned Him about the cut, wondering what she would do with the injury. He promised He would take this wound and heal it, leaving a scar in its place. This would be her testimony of great things He had done. The scar would be proof of where the wound once was.

For today, she would continue to wear the laceration. She would bring it to the first aid counter, pouring in Gilead’s Balm, watching for signs of improvement in the gash. Sometimes she thought she could see a faint glimmer of healing. The tender tissues around the soft places seemed to be granulizing, and she felt the areas were stronger than before. There were times, too, she would uncover it, only to find the runny, oozing places were worse than only a moment ago. It would take time.

She was thankful for The Great Physician in charge at The Treatment Center. He was always on call, and never left the building. If ever she needed to be seen, He was only a visit away, and His prescription for her healing was never failing from Him. How encouraging to know it never matters the depth of the knife — or the hand it comes from — Jesus has the Remedy for all things deep and brutal. Whether the cut causes the sharpest pain, or the Cutter, He is the Healer.

Thank You Jesus! 8/24/22 trh

Fortified Fencings

Is your house built? The Proverb Writer posed the question that every Christian must answer. From the dawn of time, snakes have been slithering craftily in the garden of men’s lives, seeking the next victim of the same question ~ “Is it really that bad?” If our mind is not firmly bound upon the One who keeps our footing secure, we will fall for his subtle temptings.

In todays world, social media, instant “hook ups,” private messaging, and enticing photography are fruit offerings of his hand. In any direction the eye can look, there are vivid coaxings into seduction. The alluring voice calling into the ears of all humanity has not changed since the beginning. In all honesty, we have only added technological advances to his evil game. What is a Follower of Christ to do?

Most little girls dream of growing up into fairy tales, those with little white houses and picket fences. Tea parties and sweet dressed dolls fill our days, while we play out scenes of “Honey, I’m home!” with imaginary Princes coming through the door. Press the button forward into real-time, and we find ourselves immersed in an ignorant sea of foul smelling dragons breathing fire over our heads. The beautiful aspiration of joyful bliss is now shrouded by the blanket of infidelities, wild hands, and vicious cycles. How do we win this war?

We have to understand our life needs BOUNDARIES. No matter the area, whether diet or sexuality, boundaries mark the spot. A boundary is there to keep something out ~ and to keep something in. We must discern that some battles cannot be won with flimsy fences. Hard evils need strengthened forage. We have to know that Victoria’s Secret doesnt sell war clothes. When we trade our tested battle gears for fluff and frill, we lose the strength in our covering. When millions bring the full armor to the auction, walking away with half-pieces of lingerie, minds are seared with images that cannot be removed without His help.

As Warriors in this infantry, if our mind is not focused on our Homes, the enemy will sneak in through cunning devices. There are some things that are just NOT GOOD. Could it be He was trying to tell us something much deeper than we have understood when He labeled things in Genesis? Is it possible He KNEW we would come to a time when the lines would be so blurred and the boundary lines so crossed that a clear and precise definition would be the ONLY thing that would save us???

Today, may I challenge each of us in the right direction?

Look around. Are there things in your view that should not be? Are our Homes legal ground for demonic hordes? Has sexual perversion made a nesting place in your marital bed? Clean house.

Look inside. How’s your spirit today? Do you need a heart check-up to remove the unclean thoughts and filth piled there? Is it possible the inner feelings of depression or anxiety from worry of “getting caught” is causing that lack of sleep? Take a bath in holy water.

Look across. On the other side of the room, is that your Spouse? Where have their eyes been today? What evil had its eye on them, seeking to devour them as a delectable feast? Could they be in need of your prayer covering? Suit up.

Now? LOOK UP! Look UP and see The One who is cheering for you! Look UP and see The One who is holding you! Look UP and lock eyes with this One who knew all along that life needs boundaries. Ask for His guidance where your pickets needs barbed replacements. Lean into His correction. See His instruction as shielding, not scrutiny. Most of all, set your barbed boundaries. Make them strong. Pull them tight. Give no explanation to the unrelenting voices who question your barrier. Barbed wire fencings? Ah, we better have one in place. 8/25/22 trh

A Splendid Showcase

A recent visit to an Amish Community has left my thoughts reeling. That morning, Holy Ghost had dropped a simple Word into my spirit. He does that at the strangest of times, and most often, in the oddest ways. I swallowed His Word, laying it into the “first” place He wanted to apply it. Little did I know then He had deeper plans with it than I understood.

His Word was “SHOWCASE.” Such a peculiar choice of lettering, one that I could only compare to an earlier work in my life. I stood quietly at the window, recalling the days when it was my responsibility to “showcase” valuable items in a thrift store, making them as enticing as I knew how, hoping for buyers. I pondered exactly what He wanted me to gain from the expression. A 30 minute drive revealed a deeper well.

As I took my seat in the wagon, looking around I remember thinking this was not going to be an ordinary day. That seemed simple enough ~ it isnt every Saturday you start off in an Amish buggy, after all. Our ride began and the story unfolded. Suddenly we found ourselves immersed in a sea of rich teachings, some familiar, some new. As the miles of set-apart lifestyle opened up to me, I was beginning to understand Holy Spirit’s word even more.

I wondered how the Amish people might feel, those very different from them pulling into their driveways with wide eyes peering into their personal lives. They were friendly with quiet smiles, sharing the work of their hands with us freely. While others were gathered around the produce tables, I seemed to always find myself pulled off near the chicken coops, barns, and gardens. Sometimes a front door would be propped open, and I could see inside their simple homes. SHOWCASE. That was the defining Word of the day. SHOWCASE.

Riding along in the sweltering heat, horses picking up their tired pace, He spoke. “If only My People were SHOWCASED as well.” I paused to think on those words. Sadly, its true. He had to begin His sentence with “if only.” Here, apart from the noise and clamor of the busy streets just miles away from us, a beautiful depiction of what it would look like to be truly “set apart.” Different. Odd. Peculiar. Noticeable.

How precious it would be to our Master if we lived our lives in such a manner! Even amongst cars and light bulbs, perhaps we, too, could become something worth “driving to see.” There was a time when people would walk hundreds of miles just to look upon Jesus, to hear His Words, to see what it was about His life that made Him worth coming for. In His own time on earth, how strange He must have looked to most, much like the Amish look to us. Set apart. Different. Peculiar.

As my heart thinks back on everything my eyes laid hold of there, I believe Holy Spirit had a better Word. SHOWCASE. Our lives should be a SHOWCASE of His glory, a SHOWCASE of His love, a SHOWCASE of His mercies. What a wondrous expression of His Name we should be! If only we lived in such a manner that people would come from miles around just to board a wagon to see Him! With a step away from the world’s display of Christianity today, the view would be as staggering as the bare feet and bonnets of a not-so-ordinary day. 8/28/22 trh

No Nonsense

We all know them. Maybe we’ve been one. If we have traveled a day on this planet, we can be sure our walk has encountered it. Trouble is, its weighty. Heavy. Uninviting, to say the least. Nevertheless, the head remains there, full of everything except anything that matters. The mouth opens and spills forth a lifetime of useless information to the listener at hand. What is a mind to do?

The Bible says we must guard our thoughts. Cage them. Border them with the holiness of God’s Word and not allow anything corrupt, vile, or unimportant to dwell there. One look around would reveal the negligence of man. Forever ago, we opened the gate of Wisdom and pushed it out as a horse saddled in the stocks. We give it a shove into the abyss, and begin the horrid exchange. The Holy Book is traded for a library of meaningless writings, all pulling our thoughts into the pit with the ink.

Shall we continue to gobble the food poisoning being fed to us? In a controversial world, how do we be certain not to become fools of the lies penned in unholy chapters? Our discernment must be sharp, our intellect gathered. Daily, we must stand before a wicked world of knowledge, and understand the timing of His Words. He warned us: “Knowledge shall increase in the last days.” (Daniel 12:4) It wasn’t a good thing He spoke of.

It has been well said that Wisdom is knowledge with its head on. Help us get our head on right, God. Today, let us be “mind-full” of all things good, virtuous, and holy. Let us take inventory of our “thought library.” Today, God, help us to take a look into the shelves in our Homes filled with ungodliness, filth, sorcery, and mockery of Your Name. Give us stance, oh Wise Lord! Help us to chase out the demonic pages of well-versed hypocrisy from the shelving units of our mind. Give us courage to stand against anything evil, wicked, or profane that has been penned.

Lord, when You look upon us, I pray You see glorious minds filled with Wisdom. How I hope Your view into our head’s subject matter leaves You with a smile instead of a frown! Today, let us all look well inside the table of contents of the world’s best sellers and understand the dividing line between good and evil. God of Heaven, may we each bring our worthless knowledge under Your Guiding Wisdom in this last hour. May we increase in what is acceptable, and hurl anything You despise away from us. Remind us, Lord, that You have given an entire library of useful letterings to fill our minds with. May we fall in love with Your Book, our Bible, and leave the nonsense on the shelf. ~selah. trh 9/14/22

Remaining Sands

The hour is late. Our days are numbered, our opportunity thin.

As we delve into the happenings of our world, we see the Bible displaying its last written warnings before us. The Man of Sin is moving. Each moment, he closes in on his latest moments in Biblical history and places each pawn on the board. Are we watching?

Shall The Church go down as a broken, splintered parade, or will we rise to show His Glory in these concluding days? He has given us battle strategies for victory.

Will we open the manual and seek out His directive? How often are we moving in stride with the evil one!

Shall we continue to paint a false advertisement of His Kingdom, or will we gird up our loins with the Belt of Truth and walk out true holiness?

FatherGod, You are merciful to Your Children, yet we skirt the issues at hand. How brazen do we dance in step with the world, not giving a place to Your seating.

Help us, oh Lord of Eternity, to get our feet in the right paths!

Teach us to examine our lives in light of Your Holy Word, not giving enamored sayings an ear.

Bring to our remembrance the sands of the hourglass, pouring into eternity’s forever.

Help us to close our eyes and see the trickling that is cascading downward. Give us courage to stand against the enemy’s wiles in each juncture.

We ascribe our late hour before You, King of Heaven. Into Your hands we place every second. Speak to us as the sands drop. Call to us in the midnight, give oracles in our dreams. Awaken us with the burden of souls. Give us pictures of a lost eternity to keep our witness focused. Help us as we strive to discern the wicked shroud of government and the political arena.

May You find us ever pleasing in our choices and plans.

We thank You, Merciful and Mighty One, for Who You are. We are grateful for Your guiding hand in all things. How we adore You as The Holy One of Israel, the One who does not sleep nor slumber!

Oh, how we long to be a part of Your glorious plan for revival! You alone are worthy of our praise.

You alone are right and perfected praise is Your due.

We come now, Lord and Master, to present ourselves a living sacrifice, ready to be armed to present You correctly in the earth.

Give us clean hands and a pure heart, oh God.

It is in Your Matchless Name, Jesus, that we pray now, believing. We speak TETELLESTAI over our remaining sands. ~selah. trh 9/20/22

Deadly Venoms

If you’ve never felt the sting of the bite, you cannot know the brawn of the puncture. When the vice on your mind has been inherent, you will never fully lose the taste of its blood in your mouth. How deep are the poisons, how cruel is the rupture! Oh, the danger of the venom spewed from the fangs of a snake.

Perhaps your night was spent tossing, aware of the reptiles at hand. Maybe your heart has been slandered from the hiss of the bellied evil. No matter the way its tusks have touched your skin, we never forget the burn in the clamping. Our past at the snake pit lies dormant within, until the serpent puts skin on and brings the broken offering to lay at our feet. There, we find ourselves staring at what we had seen as a healed place, while the turncoat slithers its way into the wound.

We ask You, Antidote, today for releasing. We cry out for Your mercy from the venomous champ! Help us, oh Lord, to disregard the snake charmers surrounding us. May our ears not fall prey to the playing of his flute. Cover our hearts from pains when the beguiler’s lacerations hit home. May we find ourselves strong enough to withstand the venom of the vipers lips closest to us. Help us to remember, God, the serpent is aware of our history ~ but let us ever be mindful of Your promise in destiny. Deliver us, Lord, from epidermed adders! ~selah. trh 9/27/22

Holocaust

We walk among them. Broken. Shredded. Split. Their cries are often silent. Their eyes are screaming loud. Inside a war is writhing, a battle of the mind. All around us they exist, and that is all. There is no life inside them. What was created with Holy Hands has been ripped apart by an evil who paid attention at first breath.

We walk among them. Hopeless. Frightened. Lost. They peer beneath the surface of our faces, searching for some remedy for the pain. They ponder our separation and question our spirit. How confusing it must be to carry a raging skirmish in a world that cannot see! With hollow vision and empty vases, their day-to-day motion becomes slower with time. Long before the signs are visible, a fragmented being presents itself into the streets.

We walk among them. Bitter. Cold. Brazen. Their ears are deaf to wholeness. Recoiling when approached with a kind word, simply a hardened shell stands before us. Animosity is their tone, hatred their covering. Knowing only the backside of an unlit heart, can we reach them? Their number grows wider by the second, a vast army surrounds. They gather strength from each other, attacking the tender hearts with great force.

We walk among them. A step into the world today reveals its condition. Jesus said it would be so. How do we navigate screaming humanity? How do we find the words to free imprisoned ears? Oh God of Heaven, You who formed each soul into flesh, speak to us! Teach us, Lover of Souls, to reach! Help us each day as we walk among them to take each step with intention. Remind us, today, THEY walk among US. Are we showing them You can heal what is howling – or adding Gehenna to the nightmare?

Help us, oh God! ~selah. trh 10/5/22

Primate Recess

When I was a little girl, I had great love for a toy monkey. My admiration of a favorite Uncle gave it a name. I called my toy Bobby Reeves, delighting in its magical way to make me smile. Tea parties under the stairs always invited him first, while he sat quietly listening to all of my ramblings. How many times did I pick my monkey from the toybox over all others?

Today my mind ponders. Are we overgrown children seeking only a favored gift? When will we realize that Christianity is not a weekly trip to the toybox? Do we open the lid into a collection of playthings, picking and choosing which toy is our favorite? As we scan the box widely, are we tossing aside the contents in search of what is familiar? How many times do we only want the cherished monkey, when He desires to give us something new?

I wonder today how many times we become used to what we know, when God has so much more for us? Are we settling for stuffing when He wants to give us substance? How often are we eager to throw open His toybox, yet fail to seek His face? Do we enter into His presence like playful children under the stairs, rather than seeking servants under His majesty?

God, help us to know when we have grown to adore our make-believe ideas of the curio! Teach us to gather Your heart and not Your hand. Help us to understand Your gifts are not trinkets for playtime, or novelties for our amusement. Show us where we have failed You as Your Children! Expose our romper room prancing. Rescue our childish trips to the toybox, and deliver us from religious monkeys on our back. ~selah. trh 10/5/22

Broken Records

It can feel like that sometimes. Over and over you say the words. Yesterday was no different than today. Tomorrow will match it. How many times do we have to speak the same thing? Will the lesson ever sink in? Can we expect a real change?

Proclaiming truth can be exhausting in a lie saturated society. If we open our mouth to speak it, deaf ears are often the audience. We call into darkness with clear, precise teachings, only to find a barred hearing. The brick wall that is placed there seems un-penetrable. The hardened mind seems closed. We breathe out in frustration, drawing under a sinking feeling. What can we do to reach the shells of humanity?

Do you feel that way too, Lord? How many times have You called unto me while I turned my ear from Your voice? Your Word has never changed, yet how many times do we go our own way, leaving Your record to go around and around? There on the turntable, You speak Your truth into the falsities. From the day You wrote it down, You have said the same Words. Do you tire from repeating the lessons?

Help us, today, God, to arise from broken records. Teach us to gather up the fragments of Spoken Truth and keep them on replay. May the phonograph of our life be a soothing music while a wicked stereo spins. Help us to know when to pause the recording, and when to place the needle at the start. When You call to us, Jesus, may we never be as broken records in Your sight. How we should long to swallow every note! ~selah. trh 10/11/22

Cracked Viscus

We sugar-coat the outside, making our heart seem delightfully full of flowerbeds and meadows. Smiling at strangers and friends, we are always sure to press the fabric of our fleshly garment pristinely. We learn to bounce our eyes, hoping not to let the world see inside a broken place. What would they think if they knew? How would we speak strength into a shattered remnant if we let them see our hurt?

Fearful, we grow into a false advertisement of who we are. We airbrush our presentation. We choose the filters purposely, showing a heartless mass only what we want them to believe. On the outside, we appear perfected. Inside, we are shocked and crumbling. Dare we let the secret side of our heart be viewable! Oh, the danger of the mirror facing the seat of our emotions!

It is no wonder Jesus told us our heart is deceitful above all things. (Jeremiah 17:9kjv) When we choose to show only the reel we hope the audience to see, we often become the victim of our own trickery. Telling the story in a different setting can convince us everything is alright. Over and over we paint the picture flawless and glorious. Our hands are drawn to the brightest colors, the brush strokes soft and gentle. Before we know it, even we believe the lie. We answer the empty question “How are you?” with “I’m ok.”

Alone and away from a clamorous world, we are faced with the reality of a broken heart. His words left scars. Her lack of compassion broke our spirit. We close our eyes and cannot erase the damnable stare of that stranger. The story deepens each day, while our heart consults our mind for a visitation. We grant conjugal rights to the bitter eloquence of hurtful conversings. Each time we drink the poison, our heart swallows the pungent acid. We are really not ok.

Dear Lord, today, please lend us Your Truth about who we really are. Tell our hearts they are real. Help us as we give ourself permission to feel. Remind us that You held our heart in Your creative hand forever ago! Call into us today, helping us to understand You know our deep hurts. Give us calming oil, Jesus. Stitch the gaping wounds of our brokenness, and close the gap between the chasm.

Holy Spirit, reach into our reflection and show us who we truly are. When we stare into the speculum, let the True Story look back at us. Lead us to the Caring Ones, those who are Chosen as Healing Instruments. May we know them instantly. May we find them quickly. Teach us to BE a Balm, cleansing the infected pus of a different heart. Help us to never be the reason for the cracked viscus of another! ~selah. trh 10/13/22

“Come away with me,” He said, “Let us travel into a majestic place where riddles abound and mysteries remain unsolved!” I walked with Him along a seashore, finding grand things amidst the waters. He let me step inside His footprints, striving to keep up with His pace. He was overly excited about our journey. His Words explaining the voyage ahead were planted deep within the recesses of a secret place. I could see His heart had borne it from long ago.

We continued our walk, Him leading with a sprint in His feet. The farther we stepped, the closer I wanted to be to Him. There was something about the way He talked. His eyes showed a glimmer of a far-away land, yet gathered me close into them. What was it about this wonderful setting that caused Him to light up? That shine around His face drew me in. Even His breathe became glorious!

We came into a darkened place, one that brought fear to my soul. He layed His hands upon my brow and drew my lowered chin up to His face. Softly He spoke the sweetest Words I had ever known. I asked for a pen to write them down. As I scribbled the letters, He smiled. It was as if He knew something I didn’t. Suddenly I understood that “I will never leave you” is a Promise! This Lover of His Words had made me a promise kept. I would not forget.

On and on we walked, my very soul being filled with each letter. He told of great fish and forbidden romances. He laughed when He spoke of a brazen one, sharing the details of a moonlit sword fight. His eyes grew wide as He talked about foolish prancers and rigid pretenders. He spoke of midnight riders and gentle lambs, swollen fingers and swooning seductresses. I could not pull myself from His Story. He pulled me in with every new chapter. There seemed to be a new adventure at every turn!

Finally, He stopped in His tracks. I was walking so close to Him that I found myself rammed into His side. He giggled, and looked me right in the eye. “Child, I have something for you. You’ll have to share it, but it is forever yours.” He brought His arms in front of Him and as I took the Gift, I saw the holes in his hands. He knew what I was thinking, and only spoke 3 words then … “Don’t be sad.” It was too late. The piercings broke my heart. I knew I had caused them.

I touched the elegant wrapping and held The Gift close to my chest. I was familiar with it. He looked so proud of it, His expression toward it was eternally engraved in my mind. I would never forget His face at that moment. I had come to love it when but a small girl. He had pulled me in with that look many times throughout my life. He took my hand and we opened The Book that we both cherished so deeply. What wondrous story would I fall in love with today? Oh, the beauty in The Gift He gave! His Bible has never failed to captivate this Reader. ~selah. trh 10/14/22

Dirty Laundry

He’s got some. Years ago, he fell of the wagon for the fourth time. A late-night visit to the local bar left his body aching for the taste. His shaking hands brought the bottle to his lips, and he never recovered. Press forward a few years and we find him staggering down the street, wandering into every dive along the stroll. The passersby have known of him, their eyes turn from the sight of his presence. Rarely a smile, always a smirk. The judgements are passed with each look. He’s got some. And everybody knows it.

She’s got some. A broken heart began her search. She has awakened in more beds than she can count, each one leaving her emptier. The etches in her face tell the story, the hollow eyes speak a dark truth. The Church folk know her name, they spit it out often from the hallway pew. When she tries to dress up her ugly story, the pages always come out the same. A loose woman on the prowl, is that all she’ll ever be? She’s got some. And everybody knows it.

I’ve got some. The piles are higher than I care to admit. Deep-seated hurts. Shredded heart corners. A bad decision made three decades ago haunts my history. Familiar Enemies bring it to my attention. The enemy of my soul cashes in on the moment. Try as I may to wash the heap clean, the dirt can still be found by those who want to abase my chapters. I’ve got some. And everybody knows it.

You? Your bundle is spotless. How quick you are to remind the soiled that you remain polished. Your words meet our ears with a profound glimmer, a shiny rendition that our mound can’t meet up to. We hear it often, the way your darks and whites haven’t faded. We know of the sweet fragrance of your pristinely folded washables. That man on the bar stool? He is well aware his pile will never be clean enough. The skantily dressed man-chaser? Oh, she knows her pile can’t compete with yours. And me? Ah, I learned long ago people like me will not be accepted in your landromat.

Lord, You said it ought not to be so! Your Words were a reflection of Your heart, a mirror to what You believe in. With a push and a ripping, You came into time on the floor of a stinking cattle bed. Were You speaking into our piling laundries then? Could it be this King of Spotless Washings has a place for every soiled clump? We are sorry for our dirty laundry, Jesus. We wish we could erase them ~ the drunken staggering, the sleezy hotel rooms, the choices we made against Your plan!

And God, may I dare say it? Could You silence that whitewashed, perfectly sorted mass ~ the one without the “M?” The constant boasting of their lack of laundry is exhausting.

Dirty Laundry. We all have some. And You know it.

~selah. trh 10/17/22

Outside of his view, a hurt place. A word injected, burning through. Lingering, lingering, cutting through my inner rooms. How long, oh heart, will you be etched as a variant? How many times, oh heart, must you crawl through these breakings? Outside of his view, a smile hides every shard. He can’t even look at the shatter. Outside of his view, the hurt place is unseen.

Inside of my view, a hurt place. A serrated wound overlaps an invisible ache. Why cant I point to the place of the pain? Each day opens its assignment, the wandering through a maze begins. Methodical movements. A skinned robot at work. Finish each task. Finish with excellence. Leave nothing undone for the accuser. With each breath, the hurt place lays heavy inside of my view.

Now in his view, the hurt place. A wicked eye remains keenly positioned upon it. He keeps the cracking in sight, waiting for a jagged point to pounce. History has given him an inside look. He has not forgotten his vantage point. His arsenal of prediction is proven. His timing must be impeccable, his aim precise. Now in his view, the hurt place is his target.

Eternally in view, a hurt place! He seeks to wrap every fragment in His hands, laying Gilead’s Balm to its slivers. He, too, had a hurt place. He understands shattered brokenness. He has watched after ours from forever ago. He knows the exact date of the smashing, the very second a whip was layed to the glass. Never was there a moment He did not know of its hiding place. Always His eye could see each broken piece. Eternally in view, the hurt place is His Victory!

~selah trh 11/7/22

Its not just her hands that are growing. Deep inside that little body is a big mind. Each moment she breathes, she is taking in a wealth of information. All around her are stories and places, facts and fiction, names and faces. A constant grabbing can lead to a table of beauty ~ or an overload of destruction. The mind is too precious a gift to waste!

From the second she was conceived, she started her journey of learning. Inside the womb hidden, she gathered from its sounds. Her tiny ears were leaning in to voices long before her entrance outside was made. Already she understood tone and feeling. This knowledge of others would step into this planet just as she would. Her discernment was being formed in a secret place.

From her first cry, the mind opened into a wider education. Here, with skin on, she felt things brand new, the lights and noises very different from her accustomed room. She was catching things when we did not even know it. A cold draft. A warm blanket. That soft word. A familiar heartbeat.

Throughout her days, she grew in height, but also in depth. The thoughts inside her head were forming opinions. The feelings in her heart were defining what was important. Daily she begged for addition, always seeking something wider to fill the blank spaces. With remote in hand, and a library filled with pages, she soaked. Like a sponge, she filled each empty spot with something.

And now? Now she influences the world with all that she has gleaned. As she opens her mouth to spill forth the content of her searches, what will find its way onto the pages of another? Will Truth be carried into the one standing before her ~ or will a web of lies enter the gate who eagerly listens? Have the feedings of her eye been given something worth remembering? Is the information she is speaking edifying or damaging?

Oh, what a high price, this cost of Godly Raisings! Shall we step up to the plate or back down from our mandated position? How long shall we allow a sin-sick culture to take the lead in guiding our Children? Can we truly expect things will turn out well if we have not assured their teachings? Dear Lord, give us Wisdom as we navigate this planet for our Children. Help us to be ever-watchful over every door or window opened unto them. May they never be the result of our negligence. ~selah. trh 11/29/22

Brilliance Overhead

They had been there before, brightly shining. Some nights their light was greater than others. A sky void of cloud cover would reveal their brilliance. Some still paused to admire their beauty, while others had grown complacent to their presence. Wise Men knew to look to them. These great constellations noted time and seasons, many predicted from ages past.

For centuries they had been studied. Chartings and records documented each visible one, making sure to note their placement. Though never worshipped, there was deep understanding of their significance. The prophecies had given a detailed map of what to watch for. Science had proven it was coming. The exact date was unknown, though signs revealed it was drawing closer.

Suddenly, the sky above revealed a difference. There overhead, it was finally in sight. How long had they waited? How many nights had eyes peeled to the darkness above, only to walk away still hoping? On this night, something leapt inside. The long-awaited sign could not be dismissed. The Messiah was somewhere and He should be looked upon!

With great expectancy, weary hearts could now look up. Long days of hard study now gave end to reality. The star shone above gave unsettled minds permission to come to rest. The predictions had not been wrong. A feeling of alignment finally being right would make spirits soar! Could feet have traveled any faster? Come now! Let us go and find this One whose star is shining in the east!

A long and determined journey now brought the pages of research into focus. As older faces looked into a new One, God’s Promise had been fulfilled, just as He had said. The star had lead them to the place where He abided. Inside the house, precious gifts declared the knowledge that they did not doubt who He was.

How often now are we looking into the same sky? Have we grown complacent to Star Gazing? Do we not remember another Promise, this one reassuring us that we would not be left here to wander? His Words as He went up should be ever on our thoughts: “Though I go away, I will come again.” (John 14:3)

Let us be as those Wise Men of long ago ~ keeping our face peeled to the sky, ever hoping! Could this one be our long-hoped-for night, one not much different than that glorious night so long ago? As the days grow darker, surely a bright Light would be welcomed! While distress and tribulation looms, Lord help us to keep our eyes to the sky as You told us. Remind us now just as You did so long ago ~ “Look up!”

Look up, wise men! Our Redemption is on His way. Let us not miss the sky He speaks so deeply in. Let us not miss the Shining of our Brilliant Star coming in clouds of great glory!

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

~selah. trh 12/18/22