The Thread of Love by Amy Friedrichsen

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life cant. The angels cant and the demons cant. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.”

This scripture found in Romans 8:38 perfectly encapsulates the theme of love woven throughout the New Testament. It reiterates the concept of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, which proved to be the most dramatic show of love the world has ever seen. This theme of love is developed throughout the Gospels and Epistles beginning with Christ’s birth in a manger in the opening verses of Matthew, and culminating with the ramifications of his death in Revelation. Love is woven throughout all the books of the New Testament in such a way that it displays an element of perfection that we can attain.

In the Gospels we see the thread of love in the following ways:
• Love comes in a manger, not a palace
• Love comes to serve, not to be served
• Love feeds the hungry; it doesn’t deprive or withhold
• Love heals the sick, it does not infect
• Love doesn’t come to give rules and regulations, it comes to turn water into wine and give a good time
• Love doesn’t teach with theology, but with stories and parables so anyone can understand

An example of unwavering love is seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-24. A boy begs and pleads for his inheritance until his father acquiesces; he leaves home and squanders his savings on partying and a frivolous lifestyle. When he is left without a friend or place to stay and realizes his mistake, he crestfallenly trudges the miles back to his father to beg for forgiveness. When his father catches sight of his lost son, he runs with arms wide open and not only welcomes him back, but throws a party in his honor. No matter how bad the mess up, it’s never too bad for the Father to eagerly welcome you back with open arms.

In Acts, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and 1 & 2 Timothy love is revealed in the ways God tries to connect us with His Sprit.
• In Acts, love is evident in the manifest presence of God. When you’re in love with someone, is there any greater gift than your presence? “And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
• In Romans love is shown by God giving us the possibility of righteousness… being right with God and getting to feel his peace and joy as a result. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus has done for us.” (Romans 5:1)
• In 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and 1 & 2 Timothy, God reveals his love through the gifts of joy, peace, and encouragement. “And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7)

In Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Hebrews love is prominent by the strength and endurance God provides amongst hardships.
• Philippians 4:13 tells us, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ.”
• Colossians reveals love in the way God provides freedom from religion—giving each person the opportunity for an authentic, dynamic love relationship with Jesus himself.
• Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen.” What better way to demonstrate your love for someone than by blessing them with the substance of faith to hold on to in rough patches.

The culmination of love appears in the two final books in the New Testament; Jude and Revelation.
• In Jude, love is displayed in sympathy and compassion when in verse 24 it says “God is able to keep you from stumbling.”
• The final act of love is seen in Revelation 21:4 “God will wipe every tear from his child’s eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

This theme of love which is woven throughout all 27 books of the New Testament reveals the dedication and passion of God towards His people, and shows that He will stop at nothing to convey his loving and forgiving personality.

Broken Merchandise by Tom Hovsepian

Everybody loves an underdog. How about those 2004 Red Sox as they faced their formidable nemesis the Yankees in the American League Championship Series down 3 games to 0. The Sox came back, winning 4 straight games, a feat no other major league team has ever done. They then went on to break the dreaded “Bambino’s Curse”, that 86 year World Series victory drought, ever since they traded Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1920, by drubbing the Cardinals in 4 straight games to become World Champions.

God likes underdogs too. A lot. Little boy David, tongue tied Moses, vulnerable Esther, lion-taming Daniel, and scaredy cat fishermen just to name a few.

I’ve spent 25 yrs. in the construction trade and have found the adage, “you get what you pay for”, as being absolutely true. The use of cheap or shoddy materials will always come back to haunt you.

But God doesn’t see it that way. He states in Psalm 147 that He builds Jerusalem with the outcasts and brokenhearted. It says He heals their hearts and binds their wounds. Sometimes a broken heart can be more devastating than a physical ailment or injury.

Psalm 147 goes on to say that God doesn’t take delight in the strength of a horse or take pleasure in the legs of a man—He favors those who trust in His love expressed through His kindnesses.

Jesus used some unexpected materials to build with too. When 5000 people need to be fed He uses a little boy’s lunch.

Another example of this is when Jesus healed the tormented and demon possessed man from Gerasenes. When he was healed and in his right mind, Jesus didn’t send him off to Bible school or Seminary but told him to go to his people and tell them what God had done for him. Imagine that; broken, healed and sent, that quick.

What about that encounter Jesus had with the relational wreck of a woman at the well who had five husbands and was now living with a guy. To her Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah. When He told her that He was the source which could quench her thirst, she ran off to tell her whole town the good news! “Hey, God knows everything about me, and doesn’t condemn me. Could this be the Messiah? Come and see!” That busted up lady’s testimony brought many to faith.

Jesus said He came for people just like that, “broken merchandise”. I think of what Andy Cominsky, the founder of Desert Stream Ministries said, “The most powerful thing Jesus ever did was to become weak.” Wow!

God has chosen us, the weak, the foolish, the broken to build His kingdom. As we embrace our brokenness we can then embrace the Cross—Christ being broken for all of us who are “damaged goods”. It’s here that the worst curse of all is broken, and in our weakness we become strong building materials for the Master Builder’s hands.

Tom Hovsepian is the pastoral team leader at Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Confront Fear Head On by Paula Friedrichsen

Walking is one of my favorite activities, and I try to get out for a daily trek through the neighborhood. A few days ago, while enjoying my morning stroll, a large German Shepard mix bolted out of nowhere snarling, snapping and growling. This dog meant business!

I froze in fear as I watched that menacing dog approach, his teeth bared in a low, mean growl. It appeared he had every intention of attacking me. I looked around for his owner, but the street was completely deserted.

Suddenly, something akin to indignation rose up in me. I thought, "This is my neighborhood! Who do you think you are?" I just couldn't believe the audacity of that stupid, ugly dog, to think he was going to bite me on my street, in my neighborhood!

I charged toward him a step or two and yelled, "BACK OFF!" I meant it, and the dog knew I meant it. Sullenly he backed off a few steps and stopped growling, letting me pass without incident.

This was a real victory for me, since I was bitten several times as a child by neighborhood dogs. For many years my fear of dogs accompanied me on my walks. Even if I came upon a friendly tail-wagging dog, my heart would start to pound and I would literally have to stop myself from running home at full speed (now how would that look - a grown women running in frenzied terror from a friendly, galloping Golden Retriever?)

Though I experienced some relief from my terror in the past few years, it was the incident with the German Shepard that set me totally free. It took me getting outraged at that stupid, ugly dog (and at my stupid, ugly fears) to experience victory.

This incident started me thinking about other fears I still need to conquer. I believe God has placed courage in each one of us - but it's up to each individual to "unearth" it and put it into action. And just like that stupid, ugly dog thought he would take some of my territory for his own, I wonder what other fears in my life have taken over territory that belongs to me?

Fear is a bully that preys on the wounded. Fear will take a past event from your life that caused trauma, hurt, injury, or wounding and capitalize on it until the fear is so blown out of proportion that it doesn't even resemble the initial event.

If fear is casting dark shadows over your life, perhaps it's time to put your foot down and say, "Enough!" Allow the things you fear to be the catalyst that drives you deeper into your relationship with God. He is the source of all courage and bravery, and we would all benefit by spending time in his presence every day. When we build our spirits through relationship with God, we are fortified to face those lying fears and say with confidence, BACK OFF!

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Put The Skeer On ‘Em By Tom Hovsepian

The most successful general in American history was the Confederate Cavalry officer Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest had no formal military training and disdained those who did. Yet his leadership skills, courage, and grasp of the frailties of the human personality produced victories over his enemies that were astounding. He must have been one amazing poker player because Forrest perfected the use of the “bluff” to the constant consternation of the Union.

On numerous occasions he forced a well-entrenched, superior strengthened foe to surrender. He would continually parade his smaller forces conspicuously in view of the fort’s walls and display his few artillery pieces in different positions surrounding the fort. His opponent was led to think he faced a vastly superior force. Combined with Forrest’s ruthless sounding threats of holding no quarter unless his enemy would immediately surrender, Union forts fell, often without a shot.

On one occasion, General Forrest used these tactics against a Union Cavalry column four times larger than his own whose sole mission was to find and destroy Forrest’s marauders. Once Forrest had the Union horse soldiers on the run he declared, “Put the skeer on ‘em”. Whereby his men then harassed and hounded the rear guard and flanks of the bluecoats until they were a scattered wreck. During this engagement the story is told that after 4 straight days of relentless pursuit Forrest’s horse walked straight into a tree and knocked the sleeping General to the ground where he remained sound asleep.

Early during the Great Depression economic panic was sweeping the country. In one of his fireside chats President Franklyn Roosevelt spoke the immortal words, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Bill Johnson says, “Fear is the John the Baptist of he who comes to steal, kill and destroy.” If “perfect love casts out fear” then nothing we do should be motivated out of fear, for where fear exists there cannot be love.

Like General Forrest, the enemy’s greatest tool is to “put the skeer on” us. If he can get us to focus on the negative circumstances or the “what ifs” then he’s got us on the run.

Graham Cooke tells the story of a man he was praying for some years ago after a meeting in Florida. As Graham began to prophecy over the fellow, he noticed the guy got angrier and angrier. Finally Graham had to stop and ask the man what was up. The man said, “You idiot, here you are prophesying about my future and you say nothing about the leukemia I now have, with a prognosis that I will be dead in 3 months.”

Graham then said, “Listen you pelican, God is speaking from your Future into your present, but if you don’t want Him to, that’s fine.” Not getting it, the man walked off. Several years later Graham was back in the area and this same man came up to report that he had gone home and realized God was speaking to him from a Future where he was free of leukemia. At that moment the man resolved never think of his leukemia again. He testifies that he has lived those past years cancer free and has actually fulfilled much of what Graham had prophesied over him.

Remember the BBC series, “Planet Earth”? There was that episode where dolphins in Florida would find a school of fish in some shallows. The dolphins would rapidly swim around the fish and stir up the muddy bottom with their fins. The dolphins “put the skeer” on the fish by surrounding them with the brackish water. The fish would become so panicked that they would jump right out of the water into the waiting bills of the dolphins. All because the fish got “skeered”…

When we give into fear it can become a self-fulfilling prophesy because, as Job says, “My fears have come upon me.”

Tom Hovsepian is part of the leadership team at Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

It’s Not a Monologue by Tom Hovsepian

Recently a long time friend from my early days in Crowley Lake, I’ll call her Beth, told me the story of what happened when her husband of 30 years died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Naturally, she had been preparing herself for her husband’s death due to the progressive decline caused by the disease. Yet when her companion actually passed away she was immediately overwhelmed with fear and an oppressive sense of aloneness.

As she held her husband’s lifeless body close to her she cried out in desperation to the Lord these words, “I have to know right now where Bill is.” My friend said, from this dire need to know, she loudly repeated the request for several minutes when suddenly she saw a vivid replay of an event that occurred in her past.

It was when she was living in Lake Tahoe and it was her birthday. Patty, her roommate, had asked her to take a drive around the lake later that day. She had agreed but later decided to decline. Her daughter, who was also living with her at the time said, “Patty was really looking forward to you going on that drive and now I think she will be disappointed.” With that, Beth agreed to go on the drive and at the appointed time the two took off.

When they arrived home Beth headed to the front door with her roommate, Patty, behind her. As she opened the door a loud “Happy Birthday!” rang out from her condo, which was packed with every one of her treasured friends. She was completely overcome by the surprise party of thoughtfulness and affection.

“But Lord”, she asked, “What does this memory have to do with where my husband is?” This reply could only have come from Him; “Where Bill is was a surprise I prepared just for him. Just as your roommate, who was standing behind you, couldn’t see your birthday surprise way back then, so it is with you. I have a special surprise waiting for you too, when it is your time to come.” Beth said that instantly she was enveloped in a thick blanket of peace. Peace that truly passed her understanding. No more fear and no more oppression.

Isn’t it amazing how the Lord is near to the brokenhearted? Only He could have healed my friend’s wounded and vulnerable heart. What is even more amazing is that the Lord doesn’t have to wait for a traumatic experience to reveal Himself to us as being near.

Jesus’ very name is testament to that reality. He is called “Immanuel, God with us.” He said His sheep would “hear” His voice. He also said He would send the “Comforter” who would lead us into ALL truth. He is called the “Word of God” for heaven’s sake! Why is it that we have such a difficulty believing that our God is a speaking God, and that He desires to communicate with us?

We tell our friends, “Oh, Christianity isn’t a religion it’s a … relationship.” What kind of relationship would we have on earth if all we continually did was have a monologue with a friend instead of a dialogue? Wouldn’t be much of a relationship would it?

During His 3 ½ years here on earth, Jesus modeled the type of relationship He wants us to have with him. Mark’s gospel says that Jesus chose the 12 to be “with” Him. It wasn’t a monologue and it shouldn’t be one for us either. So don’t wait for some trauma to come your way. Start now and do what He said, ask and then expect, because He desires to answer.

Tom Hovsepian is part of the leadership team at Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Hope that Brings Healing by Kathie Griner

In 2009 I was preparing to go with my husband, Tom Griner to Africa. It had been a couple of years since I’d had the opportunity to go, and frankly since our ministry started around 12 years ago I had not been able to go very often. Although I loved going to Africa, it was important for me to hold down the fort while Tom went, and to take care of my own children. I personally never wanted to let ministry take precedence over caring for my own family and their needs. I knew there would come a time when my own children would be grown and I would be free to travel to my heart’s content.

I was visiting a sister church a couple of weeks before we were to leave, and found myself a little perplexed. One of my grown children was in a situation of need and I couldn’t decide if I should stay home and minister to my family or go and believe that the Lord would cover the situation. Part of me did not want to leave, but part of me truly wanted to go. At the end of the service a woman approached me and gave me a word. She said that the Lord wanted to use me in Africa on this trip as a mother. That word hit my heart and I knew it was the Lord telling me that if I went and looked for children who needed my particular gift of caring then He would cover the situation at home. So I went, excited to look for the children I was supposed to mother.

Before we left Africa a local pastor contacted Tom to ask if we could come by for a visit and pray for his daughter. I had never met Ernest or his family but I was excited to visit and get to know them.

As we visited the grounds and saw the school that Ernest oversaw, we were very excited. We could tell that Ernest had a true heart of love for children and wanted to care for the people in his city. He then began to tell us of his daughter Lydia and how she was such a big help to him and the school. He told how she would teach, sing and dance, and how the children loved her. He shared how much he missed his daughter, and even though she had not died from her illness, she was in a sense dead to life. Earnest said, “Please, please come pray for my Lydia,” as we walked to his house.

As I entered the house I saw Lydia lying on the couch, and it was such a sad picture. She was beautiful, young, and perfect, except for the disease that had captured her and held her in bonds of immobility. How sad to think of how alive she was, how she brought life, love and help to their school. And here she was, living like a lump on the couch. Her arms hung down as she did not move or even notice as we came in. My heart cried out to the Lord, “I have three daughters around her age, alive, well, and full of life. What would I do and what could I say if this were one of mine lying there hopeless!?” Then the Lord spoke, “Give her hope, speak hope. Hope is what she needs.”

We all gathered around Lydia and prayed, and then I turned to Lydia’s father and mother and gave them what I perceived to be a word of wisdom. I told them they needed to begin to give hope to Lydia. They needed to remind her of the things she loved—of singing, dancing, and teaching. She needed to begin seeing herself doing again all the things she loved. They had to stop speaking negative things around her and acting like her life was over. She needed the hope that her life would return and she was not just a corpse on the couch. I felt sure she was going to live again. All of a sudden we saw Lydia move with all her might. She struggled to fling her arm around my neck and gave me the best hug I’ve ever received in all my life! She was saying, “Yes. Yes, I want hope. I want to live; I want to teach, to sing, and to dance.” And she was willing to fight for it. I held her for a while and spoke things I would speak to my own daughters, things only a mother would speak… things only a daughter would long to hear. When we left hope was full in all our hearts and in that house.

When we returned from our trip Tom talked to pastor Ernest and found out that Lydia, amazingly, was standing and singing and dancing again!

Perhaps for all of us there are times and seasons when we, like Lydia, are debilitated by the sorrows, cares, fears, and worries of life – but God is good, so good, and ever loving and faithful to hear us when we call. He is ready to give us hope today, the kind of hope that is able to bring life and healing to anyone who calls.

Kathie and her husband, Tom, are the founders of Father’s Heart Africa (www.fhafrica.org), a non-profit organization seeking to bring hope to the future of Africa through child & pastor sponsorships, and support to the local church to build up schools, feeding programs, and clean water wells. They are also a part of the leadership team at Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake.

Take it Off the Shelf by Paula Friedrichsen

In my kitchen I have a cabinet that holds all of my vitamins, minerals and specialized health foods. These shelves hold such things as vitamin C, multi-vitamins, fish oil soft-gels, calcium, and magnesium. In addition to these, I also have a jar of flaxseed, a ziplock bag of oat bran, and a canister of wheat germ. All of these things promote good health if I take them off the shelf and make an effort to incorporate them into my daily diet.

But how much easier it is to snack on Cheetos, or go out to eat instead of cooking something healthy, or skip the vitamins because they’re a hassle. When it comes to healthy habits, good intentions count for nothing. These items must come off the shelf and make it into my mouth to have any positive effect on my health. I can purchase wheat germ, I can Google ways to prepare it, and I can purchase a cute canister to put the wheat germ in. But until I actually take it off the shelf, prepare it and eat it, I won’t gain any of the health benefits of wheat germ, right?

And (I hope you saw this coming) our relationship with God is just like that! It’s full of peace, joy, provision, healing, direction, love, love, and more love—but unless I make time to enjoy God’s presence and carve out time in my day to seek Him, I’ll never experience all the benefits.

In my office I have an NIV Bible, New King James Bible and an Amplified Bible, as well as many devotional books. My bookshelves are bursting with life-giving, joy-giving, peace-giving nourishment. Yet I’ll have to decide to set aside some time each day if I’m actually going to read God’s word. It won’t be imparted to me by osmosis… It won’t leap off the shelf and dive into my heart as I walk by…. I’ll have to take if off the shelf and delve into it for myself to receive the health benefits.

One of my favorite worship songs says, “You are great and marvelous, God of all the universe, let your Spirit come to us, we’re waiting here for you.” I like to think of that as a description of my morning quiet time with God. Sitting on my patio with a cup of coffee, Bible spread out on my lap, my journal and pen next to me, with this hour totally set apart for my time with Him. As I sit there praising God because he is “Great and marvelous”, my heart waits for his presence. I wait for his word to come alive as I read it. I wait for his leading and direction in the situations that trouble me. I wait to feel His guidance in prayer… I wait to connect with Him. And He never fails to come. He never fails to show up. He never fails to fill me with His love and joy.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

The Possibility of Change by Tom Hovsepian

Transformation or “metamorphoo”, in the original Greek tense, indicates a work done but continues into the future. This is the norm for God’s people. As II Corinthians 3:17-18 so beautifully states (and I liberally interpret):

“We were slaves once and by the Spirit of God are now free. Free to be totally changed from our old ways of living into the new way of life exemplified by Jesus Christ Himself. Transformation from one state of glory to another is now the way of life for us.”

A perfect example of this type of transformation is demonstrated in the life of my friend Debra Crone. Several years ago she and her family decided to write down their dreams for the coming year. When they gathered together each member shared their dream and they agreed to pray to see these dreams fulfilled in the next 365 days.

Debra’s long held dream was to paint. Not just to paint though, Debra wanted her paintings displayed in a gallery in one of her favorite spots, Lahaina, Hawaii. David and Debra’s few visits to Hawaii were highlighted by strolling through the many art galleries along Front Street in old town Lahaina. The beauty of many of the art pieces would resonate in Deb’s heart like a particular note vibrates a tuning fork. She longed to express the creativity of her Father, the Creator. The only problem being that she had never painted before!

True to their agreement, Debra’s family began to pray for one another’s dreams. Yet, in respect to Debra’s dream, weeks passed and she hadn’t yet painted. Finally her kids decided to nudge Deb a bit and bought her a nice easel, wrapped it up and placed it in her living room. When Debra got home and took off the wrappings she was so stunned that she left the easel and the wrappings in the middle of her front room for two weeks.

One day, as Dave her husband was leaving for work, he casually asked about the mess in the living room, “Is that a piece of furniture or what?” That did it for Debra! After Dave left the house she gathered up her paints and brushes and finally began.

When Dave walked through the front door that night he immediately noticed the painting set on the mantel above the fireplace. With complete seriousness he asked out loud, “How much did that set me back, $400.00?” Debra said, “No”. He then asked, “Well where’d you get it then?” “I painted it” was her reply. “No way, how long did it take you?” said Dave, still incredulous. “Oh, about 8 hours” came Deb’s reply.

And so it began. To everyone’s amazement in less than 3 years her paintings were hanging in the largest gallery on Front St. in Lahaina, Hawaii. Not only that, but her works are also on display in a gallery in Napa, California. Debra’s dream was fulfilled and her paintings are now found in the 4th and 7th largest art markets in the country!

Transformation is a very real possibility, and it’s never too late to become the person God made you to be!

Tom Hovsepian is part of the leadership team at Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Ruth and Naomi by Tom Hovsepian

Her name meant “pleasant” but when she came back to her hometown after a disastrous absence she insisted that everyone call her “bitter”.

Ten years earlier, when Naomi and her husband left Bethlehem their hopes were high… they had fallen on hard times and thought the grass would be greener in Moab.

Unfortunately, their situation got much worse. Naomi’s husband died, and then in the course of their stay, both sons died too. Naomi was alone except for her son’s wives, Orpah and Ruth.

Not knowing how to support herself and her daughters-in-law, Naomi heard “that the Lord had visited His people” back in Israel. She decided to pack up and go home, and she released her daughters-in-law to go back home to live with their Moabite families. She was surprised and taken aback with Ruth begged to go with her. Ruth’s plea is profoundly unique in the Bible. Why would this young foreign woman make such a passionate commitment to a broken down old lady? We read that Ruth clung to Naomi (Ruth 1:14). The Hebrew word “clung” means “to stick like glue”. She also made the fateful declaration, “Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.” Ruth sold out in her love and devotion to Naomi.

What was it Ruth saw in this guilt ridden, bitter, Hebrew woman that caused her to leave everything familiar and travel to a foreign land? I’m not quite sure... Perhaps it was the hope that there really is a God who truly does “visit” His people? Either way, she followed through on her commitment and accompanied Naomi to Bethlehem.

Through a series of circumstances Ruth became acquainted with a wealthy man named Boaz. He had heard about Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and decided to honor, bless, and protect her. And because he was distantly related to Naomi, he decided to insure the security of her life and bloodline by becoming her “redeemer”. But there was a catch. Another relative had the first right of refusal in the “redeemer” role. It’s here Boaz’ commitment is seen as he confronts the situation head on and lays out for the relative the proposition before them.

He must have said something like this, “You can buy Naomi’s land if you wish but when you buy the land you also get her Moabite daughter-in-law in the deal.” The relative balked at the thought of having children with Ruth, a foreigner, and refused. As a result Boaz bought the field and married Ruth (who later became the great-grandmother of King David).

I’m told this story is read in Jewish circles every Pentecost. It took me awhile to see the present day prophetic significance of this custom, but I now believe it’s the foretelling of God visiting His people on that strange and glorious day when the Church was birthed.

Naomi is like much of the church today, what should be “pleasant” is disillusioned and filled with guilt over past mistakes. Ruth represents those in the church who see within it something glorious. They see the mistakes, failures and fruitlessness yet yearn for God to “visit” His people. They refuse to let go until the church is redeemed to its rightful place as the joy of the whole earth.

Tom Hovsepian is a former pastor of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Reach for the Fruit by Paula Friedrichsen

God has good gifts to give his children. He has more of Himself and His presence to shower upon us, if we will reach for it. I believe He is waiting on us to expand our vision and truly believe that with God all things are possible. On the inside cover of my Bible I have written a phrase the Lord spoke to me years ago; “Conceive higher, believe higher, receive higher”. That phrase has motivated me for years to take the limits off what I think God can do in my life and to reach out for more of him.

Many years ago I was driving through our small town when I passed a neighbors house and noticed that his apple tree was overflowing with gorgeous, bright red apples. And even though I had passed this house numerous times on my way out to the highway, I hadn't noticed the tree before. But now it caught my eye and I became intent upon getting some of those apples. I made a quick call to my friend Cleo, drawing her into my obsession to conquer the apple tree, and we were off in our common goal. The man who lives in the house with the apple tree is single, and by his own admission could only eat so many apples. So with his blessing and a promise from us to provide him with applesauce and apple pies, we set out to pick apples.

The first time we picked we brought our daughters along and between the four of us we accumulated about four larges bags of fruit. The second time we went to pick apples the tree was a bit sparse (the rest of the neighborhood was catching on to our find) but we still managed to fill several bags. After making pies and apple sauce galore we decided that we needed just a few more of those amazing red apples and we went back for our last picking. This time we left our daughters at home knowing there would be nothing they could do to help. You see, between us and the rest of the neighborhood that tree had been picked almost clean. The rest of the apples were at the very top of the tree. And as is usually the case, the apples at the very top of the tree were actually bigger and redder then the ones that had been growing on the lower branches. We stood there, hands on hips, looking at the last of those pretty, pretty apples, just out of reach… That’s when we decided to climb the tree.

So there we are, two obsessed housewives precariously climbing the apple tree, stretching, reaching, for the best fruit. I can't even imagine what this looked like to the people driving by, but the really pathetic thing is—we didn't care. We were intent upon those apples! The apples were the prize and we were determined to get the prize!

God has so much more for us! But because He is a good Father and always has our best interest in mind, He knows we are better off if we have to reach and stretch to receive more from Him. He could just drop the blessings He desires to give us right in our laps, and thankfully sometimes that does happen. But most times He is waiting for us to come up higher, having our hearts and minds expanded so we will stop putting limits on what God can do in our lives!

In my example of the apple tree we had to reach, stretch and climb for the best fruit. Spiritually speaking, we do the very same thing by reaching out for more of God with all our hearts. Extending our reach…straining to have more of him….reaching for more healing, more redemption, more of His Presence. When we begin to expect more from our relationship with God, He readily pours out more of himself upon our lives. He rewards childlike faith and He “shows off” for the one willing to believe that He is audaciously good to His kids.

God loves you so much and desires to meet your needs. To those of us who need peace of mind, He will give deep and abiding peace that can never be shaken. To those of us who desperately need forgiveness, He will give the ultimate forgiveness found in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. To those of us who need healing, He will give healing of mind and body. To those of us who cry out to be loved, He will fill that void in our hearts, having it settled forever that we are indeed loved by God Himself. We only need to reach out for more…

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

The Audacity of Favor by Tommy Hovsepian

I’m not sure why, but the Lord is often portrayed as, “Jesus, the meek and mild”? Perhaps it’s the misinterpreting of the story of his birth as being cutesy? Maybe it was His silence at the trial that condemned Him to death, thereby fulfilling the prophecy that “He was like a lamb led to the slaughter”? Yet, that characterization just doesn't jive with an incident we see of Him in His hometown of Nazareth.

When Jesus returned from His baptism and stint in the wilderness, Luke describes Him as coming back “in the power of the Holy Spirit”. One Sabbath he stood and read this piece of Scripture:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” Isa. 61:1-2

After that Jesus calmly closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. Next Jesus said something that could appear to be either arrogance or insanity: “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Next we read, “And all were speaking well of him and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips …”

How lovely. Everything was great. Meek and mild Jesus stays true to form... But then He drops a bomb saying, “No doubt you will quote this proverb to me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’ Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.”

Jesus insulted them! It reminds me of a scene in “Braveheart” when the English army and the hugely outmatched Scottish mob are facing off on the battlefield. William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson, jumps on his horse and is asked, “Where are ya going?” Wallace responds, “I’m goin’ to pick a fight.” The result is that the English are so incensed they make some disastrous tactical moves and are soundly thumped by the Scotts.

What was Jesus thinking by sticking it in their faces like that? I’m not sure except for the fact everything He said that morning was the truth. His gracious words about the manifold purpose of His coming were true and available to all. It’s just that they stumbled over some wrong thinking. Wrong thinking that led them to view Jesus differently than He actually was.

When Christ read that Scripture from Isaiah, He was announcing “the favorable year of the Lord.” The word “year”, in the Greek, doesn’t just mean 365 days—but a season, a time, an epoch. We’re in that epoch right now! Paul said it so well in Galatians, “It’s for freedom Christ set us free.” Strongs Bible concordance describes this epoch of favor as “that most blessed time when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound.” This season isn't for when we get to Heaven, but to be experienced now! It’s simply our wrong thinking that continually short circuits us from receiving it. Jesus said that God will favor Gentiles like the widow of Zarephath and the leper Naaman instead of those who should know better. These two saw something in Elijah and Elisha that allowed them to draw on the resources of Heaven, whereby they received God’s favor while others, like those in Jesus’ hometown with their wrong thinking, couldn’t.

I believe God favors those who can draw on Heaven even though it may seem outrageous to do so. People label someone like that as a Pollyanna. Well, the truth is, Pollyanna was right and so were Naaman and the widow of Zarephath, and David and Joshua and Caleb. How about you and me being included in the list as well?

Tom Hovsepian is a former pastor of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Pavers of Faithfulness by Paula Friedrichsen

Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. ~ Psalm 37:3-4

I have found that great blessing follows “faithfulness”. Faithfulness is putting your trust in the Lord and doing good, even when you don’t feel like it. To “cultivate” faithfulness means to sow, develop or improve faithfulness—ever increasing faithfulness! And the good news is that God will help us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to walk in the faithfulness he requires.

Some years back I used to take a 6:00 a.m. walk every day. I had to take my walk early, before my husband went to work, so he could keep an eye on the kids. And because my kids didn’t attend regular daycare, that walk was usually the only time during the day when I would have a chance to pray and be alone with God.

So every morning I would rise early, check the outside temperature, have a quick cup of coffee, and head out the door.

During the winter I would dress in multiple layers, including three sweatshirts, gloves, hat, and a neck gator. Many mornings the temperature wasn’t even over twenty degrees! I needed a flashlight during the darkest days of winter and I did a lot of praying when I would hear the angry bark of a stray dog. Although the winter walks were a challenge, I always felt invigorated and refreshed by the time I came in the door. But to be honest, the summer walks were so much more pleasant.

Oh those summer walks! A brilliant, sunny morning, walking in shorts and a tee shirt, the smell of fresh cut grass, flowers blooming, and birds singing. And you should have seen all the other walkers out there! Now, during the dark, cold, dreary winter months of “flashlight” walking, I hardly ever encountered anyone. But once spring and summer hit, there was no end to the early morning walkers.

So often, God uses circumstances in my life to teach me deeper lessons. During that time in my life He taught me that blessings that would be poured into my life if I took the time and effort to just keep doing the right thing—whether I felt like it or not. He showed me that when I persist in right behavior, even in adverse circumstances, it’s as if I am laying a foundation of faithfulness….. one paver at a time. For example, when I made the choice to walk and pray each morning, several areas of my life were blessed because of it. I had an undisturbed prayer time, so my relationship with the Lord deepened. Also, I exercised my body so my health flourished. I also believe that our continued faithfulness can be a key to answered prayer.

There can be times in our lives when we are aching for an answer to prayer, or maybe we have a desire in our hearts yet to be fulfilled. One of the most powerful actions we can take, if we find ourselves in that position, is to just remain faithful in the things God has directed us to do. Sometimes when we’re in a dark place, and things are not going well in our lives, it’s easy to give up, and give into our desire for relief and fulfillment apart from God and His ways. We’ve all been there…. But we have to keep going! We have to persist in doing what we know is right. We can’t stop running the race, sit on the side of the road, curl up in the fetal position, and give up before the race is over. We’ve got to keep running and keep pressing forward into the good things that God has for us. He won’t fail us. His promises are true and we can bank on that. In fact, I’ve found the promises God has spoken over my life more stable, concrete, and solid than anything else in this world.

So if you’re feeling weary of putting God first, doing the right thing, taking the right steps, and going forward in spite of your pain—let me encourage you; you will reap a harvest if you don’t faint. Keep doing the right thing, and keep laying those pavers of faithfulness. God sees. God knows. And He will reward you when the time is right.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Be Yourself by Paula Friedrichsen

I love to cook. I have always loved to cook, even as a child. My mother tells about forcing my older sisters to endure my many unique culinary creations—not allowing them to complain in my presence. She would give them “the look” as I came proudly to the dinner table with a curious dessert consisting of green Jell-o mixed with raisins, sunflower seeds, and grapes. And because of that look they picked at it with nary an unkind word.

Thankfully I think my cooking skills have improved over the years. And because my mother allowed me to express myself in the kitchen, early in life I developed the joy of putting foods together in interesting ways. Maybe that’s why my favorite analogies are food analogies… so here goes:

It’s a cold winter’s evening and you’re on your way home from a long and hectic day at work. It’s dark outside and the rain is falling fast and furious. The wind is icy, cutting like a knife, but finally, after fighting the elements, you arrive home safely. You shake out your coat, slip off your boots and trudge up the stairs to see what’s for dinner. You can smell something, but it’s still unidentifiable and you’re just pleased to warm yourself in front of the fire.

“Dinner’s ready!” And boy, are you hungry! “We’re having stew tonight.” Your mouth waters in anticipation. And there, set in front of you is something he’s calling “Tabasco Stew”. That’s right, a stew where the main ingredient is Tabasco sauce. You tentatively drag your spoon through it hoping for a chunk of meat or maybe a potato or two, but no, this “stew” appears to be mainly just Tabasco sauce.

While my story may seem a little ridiculous, the point I’m making is this; beef and vegetable stew with a couple of drops of Tabasco sauce is absolutely delicious—but a stew made up almost entirely of Tabasco sauce would be awful! And in the same way life is made up of many different personalities and when they are combined they create something beautiful. But if they were all copies of each other, our lives wouldn’t have a pleasant flavor. God never intended that we should suppress our true personality in order to conform to other people. Each and every person that God created has his or her own characteristics and abilities, that when combined with others, sends forth a wonderful aroma to our heavenly Father.

As I’ve grown older I find one of my greatest desires is to be more authentic. Nothing put-on, nothing fake… just the transparent, authentic, and genuine person God made me to be. Don’t you agree that there’s nothing worse than a phony? It’s distasteful, right? Not only is it distasteful, but it makes the person who’s pretending to be something they’re not seem needy, pathetic, and desperate. But on the other side of the coin, there is nothing more attractive than someone who is confident enough to be who God made them to be. No apologies, no insecurities, no excuses.... Just an honest representation of who they really are.

“He who has no opinion of his own, but depends on the opinions of others is a slave. To only dream of the person you are supposed to be is to waste the person you are.” (Frederic Klopstock)

“Nobody is so disappointed and so unhappy as the person who longs all of his life to be somebody other than who he really is. Most of our challenges in life come from not knowing ourselves and ignoring our best, real virtues.” (John Mason)

“The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don’t let them put you in that position.” (Leo Buscaglia)

If you can relate to this and it’s a familiar struggle in your life, ask God for the freedom to start being who you really are… the person with your own particular laugh; your corny sense of humor; your less-than-perfect body shape; your intelligence level; your facial features; your height; your weight; the way you cry so easily—or not at all; your exuberance; your shyness; your loudness; your quietness; your seriousness. Whatever it is that God made you to be, you will honor Him by not hiding your true self, and by being fully “you.” The only thing you will ever be good at is being yourself.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Ruts by Tom Hovsepian

My brother-in-law, Tig, told me a story about his recent elk hunting trip in Colorado. His hunting party was driving down a mountain dirt road when it began to rain. They continued traveling as the dirt turned to mud, and found that they had gotten stuck in the ruts of those that had gone ahead of them. At that point they had no choice but to go forward. No turning left or right because the ruts had become way too deep. He said they needed something to just pick them up and set them on flat, dry ground, enabling them to travel where they wished.

A couple of weeks ago I listened to the testimony of a man named Sy Rogers. He tried the “being good” routine... he was an Eagle Scout, went to church, played sports, and joined the military, all in an effort to find something that eluded him…. maleness. You see, Sy was struggling with his sexual identity. Finally resigning himself to what he thought was his fate, Sy decided to proceed with a sex change operation. In preparation he lived for two years as a woman until someone came and lifted him out of the rut of his female identity.

One night in his room, Sy met God. The encounter transformed him and all that the Lord asked of him was to “walk with Me.” No list of rules, or dos and don’ts…. simply “walk with Me”, and the rest fell into place. Sy was so overcome with God’s acceptance that he gladly joined up and was gloriously set free! That was 31 years ago and Sy travels the world telling people of the transforming power of encountering God.

Bill Johnson, Pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, CA, says divine encounters are the stuff that brings about transformation in our lives (a lifting out of the ruts, so to speak). Simply knowing about something will always be trumped by experiencing it for ourselves.

In the book of Romans we read that “it’s the goodness of God that brings us to repentance (change).” Charles Finney said it was like “liquid love” being poured over him. He was stuck in the rut of being a mean, feisty lawyer and it was God’s goodness that transformed him into one of the greatest revivalists of the 19^th century.

King David showed us that encounters with God were a necessary part of his life when he wrote “like a deer pants for the water brooks so my soul pants for You, O Lord. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Ps.42:1-2) Encounters with the living God were the foundation of David’s vital and vibrant relationship with Him. Because he was accepted and loved he knew he could change. And as we encounter how much the Lord loves us, we like David, will gladly begin to be lifted up out of the ruts of our lives, living holy and free before our God. Why? Because love changes things, and picks us up and sets us on level ground.

Tom Hovsepian is a former pastor of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Play the Hand You're Dealt by Paula Friedrichsen

Play the hand your dealt. I'm sure we've all heard that phrase before. I believe it's a saying taken from card playing, meaning just play the cards you've got in your hand instead of always waiting for the better hand. Sometimes we wait for true happiness, productivity, and fulfillment to come after…. After we get that perfect job; After we find that perfect mate; After we have those perfect little babies; After we get in shape. But we are only promised today. “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Last January I got the flu. Once I recovered I still had to regain my strength and this took awhile. One morning as I sat on the couch feeling like a wet dish rag (no energy, no spunk and no desire to enjoy the day) I asked God to “just help me get through the day.” Well, He showed me something that really changed my perspective on things. He showed me that each day was like a beautiful garden. It had a pretty fence around it and a gate by which to enter. The garden had gorgeous flowers to look at and enjoy. It had experiences and pleasure and closeness with my creator and closeness with my family. And then He showed me that I had the choice everyday whether I would enter into the garden and enjoy each fragrance and each touch of beauty, or if I would just stand right inside the gate waiting for the day to end. Each day God gives us is a gift not a burden! Each day is to be enjoyed not endured.

The crux of this is a relationship with God. He is the one who gives us eyes to see all the beauty in our lives. He is the one that will comfort us in our troubles and sorrows. He is the one that promises better things for our future and then enables us to live fully today. He has given me many promises through the years, some of which have already come about. But even while I look forward to the things God has said He will do in my life, I fully embrace my life now. Today it is snowing softly. Today I am enjoying the warmth and comfort of my home. Today I will hug my daughter and my husband. Today I will experience the joy of knowing Jesus. Today!!

So I encourage you (and myself also) to play the hand we’ve been dealt. No more excuses. Live fully! Be tenacious in your pursuit of a deeper walk with God. Seek out opportunities to be a blessing to others. Don't wait until you have it all together, just take what you do have and get busy.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Encourage Yourself in the Lord by Paula Friedrichsen

We all need encouragement from time to time when the journey of life seems just too trying. Sometimes we will find the hope we need when the Lord sends another along our path to speak words of life to us. But many times God is waiting to see if we will take advantage of all that he has given us, to encourage ourselves!

Some days I get up excited about the day before me. I’m feeling happy, inspired and full of the life of God. But what about those other days….

As you step out of bed in the morning you can feel the coat of depression being slipped on. It’s a perfect fit and you’ll wear it all day - maybe even the next if you don’t resist it! As you make the family oatmeal you spill the oats all over your kitchen (that actually happened to me this morning). Your kids seem loud and needy. Depressing feelings and thoughts swirl around you like a mini tornado.

We all have times in our life when things we were planning on didn’t work out, and we’re faced with the feelings of disappointment, failure, or stupidity. And it’s at that point that we can choose to have a pity party, or begin to encourage ourselves in the Lord. In Psalm 42:5 we see a perfect example of what it looks like to “encourage yourself in the Lord.”

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)

The Psalmist doesn’t say that someone else came along and told him to be of good cheer and put his hope in God – he told himself to put his hope in God. After acknowledging the fact that he is indeed depressed, he then commands his soul to line up with Gods word, telling himself to cheer up because there is hope in God!

While it’s true that there will be times in life where we are genuinely downcast and disturbed, there may not always be someone around to speak life-giving words to us and encourage us. At that point it’s up to us to speak to our own souls (our mind, will and emotions). Our words are more important then we realize. The Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). So when we are dealing with a spirit of heaviness or we feel like a black cloud is over our heads, we need to encourage ourselves with the Word of God. As we find verses in the Bible that really speak to us we can pray those scriptures out loud and we’ll be speaking the truth over our lives. We can cry out to God in prayer and stir up our faith, thereby remembering who we are in Christ and that he lives on the inside of us!

Happy Valentines Day by Paula Friedrichsen

Ah Valentines Day… the day of romance, love, and appreciation, right?

Well… it should be. But in all reality Valentines Day has become just another commercialized bonanza of buying. The media fosters unrealistic expectations when it comes to the way men and women express their love on Valentines Day. Watch a few dozen Zales commercials and you’ll likely be anticipating a candlelit dinner where hubby drops a diamond solitaire into your champagne glass… Or, check out enough FTD ads and you may find yourself waiting breathlessly by the front door to see if a lavish floral arrangement will soon be delivered.

Those things are nice, but romance doesn’t flourish because you max out your credit card. Romance flourishes when you open your eyes to the greatness of your mate…just as they are today. For example, men on commercials do things like light candles and fill bubble baths for their wives, while regular guys show they care by paying the medical insurance on time or checking the oil in the car before a big trip. Not necessarily romantic—but lovable all the same.

Women on television are portrayed as desperately sexy housewives, or scantily-clad stick figures with high powered careers. But the truth is most women can be found doing things like nursing the baby in two-day old clothing that smells of “spit up,” raising a gaggle of kids while fighting to lose those last thirty pounds, and working 9 to 5 jobs. Not perfect, but perfectly wonderful.

Adjusting your expectations to line up with reality will foster a happy union and help you enjoy your mate. This Valentines Day commit that you’re going to love and appreciate your mate just as they are today…..even if they’re completely different than you. We’ve all heard the saying “opposites attract,” but I’ve found sometimes that “opposites attack.” The personality traits and adorable quirks that initially attracted you to your spouse can be the very qualities that are now driving you crazy.

Around our house we refer to my husband Jeff as “Felix Unger” (the neat one from that old show The Odd Couple). Sometimes as I do the dishes I can feel his eyes on my back…watching me. He watches me load the dishwasher and wants to give me a little instruction. He watches me wipe off the counters and would like to give me efficiency tips. He watches me put food scraps down the garbage disposal and can hardly refrain from offering suggestions.

And although his perfectionist personality has at times driven me crazy and caused occasional conflict around our house, I’ve learned to laugh at his quirks and to appreciate the fact Jeff likes to keep things neat.

Think of appreciation as “warmth to roses.” When roses are exposed to a little natural sunlight and warmth, they begin to open with glory. Appreciation is the warmth that will cause your spouses personality and true self to bloom. When was the last time you noticed out loud something your mate did right?

It’s true that relationships can be challenging at times—but they can also be fulfilling, comforting, and joyous. If we want to enjoy our marriages it’s important to keep our sense of humor intact and our minds focused on our mate’s good qualities. Overlooking another’s faults means to literally “look over the top” of the faults to see the person you love standing on the other side. You love your spouse. You don’t love their faults—but you do love them. Remind yourself of all their wonderful qualities and get busy having a wonderful Valentines Day!

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Breakthrough! By Tom Hovsepian

Do you know anyone who isn’t going through a difficult time right now financially? I sure don’t! But there is something interesting I’m seeing in the midst of all these hard times; there are a remarkable number of people I know who are actually saying that they are grateful to the Lord for their present struggles. They recognize that God is working deeply in their lives and bringing about significant change…. the kind of change that will ultimately result in breakthrough.

David experienced a few “breakthroughs” during a significant period of his life: In 1Chronicles 13 we read how David had just become King of Israel. One of his first steps as king was to bring the Ark of God to the city of Jerusalem. After conferring with his officials and commanders he began what he felt were the needed steps to make this happen.

Soon the joyous procession begins: “They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.” (1 Chr 13:7)

Unfortunately there’s an “oops” along the way: “When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. Then David was angry because the LORD’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah….David was afraid of God that day and asked, ‘How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?’” (1 Chr 13: 9-12)

Oh, how I can understand David’s progression of emotions toward the Lord. He must have thought, “I’m trying to do all of this for You God, now look what you did!” Then he lapses into, “I guess I don’t know you as well as I thought, in fact you’re kind of scary.”

What happens next is fascinating: “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons and carpenters to build a palace for him. And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.” (1 Chr 14:1-2)

It was this graciousness that seems to cause David, even in the midst of the Ark debacle, to realize that the Lord had established him as King for the sake of His people. The Lord was expressing His approval of David even after a terrible mistake.

Now, here comes David’s breakthrough; The Philistines hear David has been crowned King and immediately attack Israel. David’s response is classic; this time he doesn’t counsel with his officials and commanders, but instead he “inquires of the Lord.” God shows him specifically what to do, and sure enough God was right—the Philistines are soundly defeated! Later, they attack again and David won’t dare lean to his own understanding but seeks the Lord a second time. Now God’s response is classic. He tells David something bizarre; He says David is not to take his army the way he did before but to circle around behind them and wait in the balsam trees until the wind starts to rustle the leaves. It is then that he is to attack because the Lord will have gone out before him to strike the enemy down. Wow! How strange is that? But David has learned his lesson the hard way and obeys God’s voice. As a result, David is victorious and calls the place Baal Perazim, “God is the Master of breakthrough.”

Next in the sequence of events we see David once again purposing to bring the Ark of God back to Jerusalem. Since he’s learned the lesson well, this time he consults the Lord to find out His specific will concerning the return of the Ark. Because of that David was successful and the presence of God returns to Israel!

I love these stories because they illustrate that although David deeply desires to do what is right—until he learns to consult the Lord before each decision or action, his great intentions may result in disaster. We also can see that God doesn’t condemn David, but affirms him through Hiram’s gracious gift. David learns the life lesson that God is approachable despite his mistakes—and in each crisis he is to seek God’s counsel first. This is breakthrough!

How important to specifically know what God is saying to us in these stormy times. He is gracious and eager to speak, leading us into victory and our own breakthrough.

Tom Hovsepian is a former pastor of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Control Freak by Paula Friedrichsen

I’m a bit of a control freak. But I’m not nearly as bad as I used to be…. Here’s why:

About ten years ago my family and I enjoyed a fantastic two-week vacation to Maui. Overall it was a lovely trip, but one incident—a kayaking adventure—stands out as a miserable experience in which God taught me an important lesson.

When my husband and I were planning this vacation we decided to book some activities online beforehand to save time once we arrived. And the activity we looked forward to the most was called the, “Scenic Kayak Adventure.” But ohhhh did the “scenic adventure” turn out differently than imagined…. Who knew we were going to be required to kayak over three miles in the open sea? Who knew one could get seasick on a kayak? Who knew how out of shape we really were?

On the day of our big adventure we left the condo before dark and arrived on the other side of the island ready for some fun. The morning began with a short lesson on how to paddle a kayak. After that we divvied up our kids—my husband being paired with our eight-year old daughter in his kayak, and me being paired with our fifteen-year old son in mine. Then (gulp) we headed out to sea. But rather than cutting smoothly and swiftly through scenic glassy waters as I had envisioned, we strained every muscle in an attempt to cut through extremely choppy ocean swells. We had been instructed that the backseat kayak occupant was to use his paddle to steer the kayak, while the front seat person continues to paddle steadily. Once we got out to the open sea we discovered this trip would require constant steering and readjustment of our positions to avoid losing sight of our guide (who I might say was racing ahead happily at his own pace).

Though my son was only fifteen at the time, he was built like a tank, standing several inches taller then me and outweighing me by almost a hundred pounds. He was clearly a great choice for the strong, backseat “steering” position. And this arrangement really should have been no problem, except that I refused to “let go” and allow my son to take control. I kept trying to steer our kayak to correct our course, thinking that I was in a better position to judge where we should be going. Consequently, my son and I were fighting each other with our opposite moves. He finally said to me "Mom, unless you stop trying to steer, I can't do my job."

I struggled to let go, but when I did things went much more smoothly. It wasn’t fun by any measure of the word….but we did make it back in one piece. In fact, the only reason Andrew and I still aren’t paddling around in circles somewhere in the middle of the Pacific is because I stopped steering!

God used that incident to teach me a deeper lesson about letting go of my need for control. It’s the Lord’s desire to lead each one of us, to reveal his will for our lives, and to direct us toward the best decision in every circumstance. And when we allow God to steer He makes our lives an enjoyable adventure. But if we think we know better and insist on taking over the controls again and again—watch out!

It's so easy to sidestep the instructions found in God's Word in favor of doing our own thing. We may truly love Him, and yet have a stubborn streak that deludes us into thinking that his Word does not apply to us or to our particular situation. When that happens, we’ve taken over the control of our lives (the kayak) and we will go in circles, getting nowhere with a whole lot of effort! Yet, “letting go” feels so good! Letting go of worry… letting go of anxiety… letting go of fear, doubt, failures, mistakes, and anger. It’s all so freeing! You simply cannot control every aspect of your life. It’s exhausting, and it just doesn’t work. It’s only imagined control anyway because ultimately you’ll just go in circles trying to manage, direct, organize, and dictate every circumstance in your life. Sometimes you just have to turn it all over to God and trust Him for the outcome. He’s trustworthy and He loves you…. So who better to steer, right?

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org