The gift of simple and peaceful living

This morning as I read about Tola and Jair in Judges 10, I asked them, "Why did you only get two or three sentences about you?" I wondered, "Was their lives so simple that they did not warrant further notes?"

Oh my! I just caught something so beautiful. During a time when people did what was right in their own eyes and evil in God's eyes, there were two judges that did such a good job in leading in peace that they didnt warrant to be noted other than a footnote between evil judges. 

There is something to be said about living your life simply in love and service without being noticed. Truly, these are the men and women that make life beautiful and make the opportunity for glorious things to happen.

I found it a bit odd that for Jair it was noted that he had 30 sons, who rode 30 donkeys, and they over saw 30 territories. Do you know how wealthy he was? I once read that to own a donkey back then was a sign of wealth like owning very expensive car today. His reign must have included providing well for the people in these territories because there was no drama. 

Imagine!

These two men provided 50 years of peace and they only get 5 lines as reminders to their gift of peace.

The Bible doesn't say it, but some rabbincal scholars imply that their reign is what enabled Boaz to enjoy such wealth and prosperity. This is debated so it cant be said as a certainty, but if this is the case, I had to giggle because the argument for Jair being why Boaz was prosperous sets the stage for him to be the wealthy landowner that marries Ruth. And we all know Jesus is born through their lineage. So simplicity and faithful living can bring about heavenly opportunities.

It made me think of my Greg. He is quiet, sincere, and doesn't really draw attention to himself. He remains faithful and works hard to make sure his family is faithful. He gives where he can and gives freedom to his family to go and serve. He only asks that we honor Jesus which means we are to be people of peace. Our lives are blessed because of his quiet and faithful service. 

Don't ya just love the gift of those that just do what they know what is right to do and don't invite drama into their story! 

Thank you, Tola, Jair, and Greg Rye!

Romans 16 Women

Thank you, Paul, for the women in Romans 16. I recently heard someone say, Romans 16 is the New Testament list of Proverbs 31 women. Hmmm. I had to go investigate. Why was this said?

God did not disappoint me!

As Paul listed out greetings to his fellow workers in Christ, he listed out a total of 29 people: 19 men and 10 women. Wozer!

I then took the time to list out labels given to each one. Here are the labels given. I have put an "F" for female to show that a woman was included in that label. 

Deacon (servant) F

Coworker (hard worker) F

Friend

Fidelity

Prison mates F

Apostles F

Household (hospitality) F

Jew

Chosen

Mother F

Paul wrote the book of Romans because he wanted to unify the body of Christ in the Roman Church. He sought to clarify the gospel while resolving any issues misrepresenting Christ. He longed for them to know how to live in community. 

I love how his closing notes models the balance of serving in community. It takes both men and women; Jews and Gentiles.  

As Paul reminded us in Romans 12, whatever you do, do it heartedly for the LORD by thinking of others above yourself. 

Amen!

Shalom y'all!

Open Doors

It took me about 12 hours to paint. Naomi asked me if I could paint my watercolor called "Open Doors" into a big picture. Audio Scriptures theme for the year has been open doors. We pray everytime we are together for open doors and on our own as a team. 

I finally finished the acrylic painting and needed a box to ship it to Naomi. When I went to the post offices I was sent to another store to buy the right kind of box. It was going to take three trips. Ugh. 

When I walked into the box store, there were three young men lounging on the boxes while one man was working behind the counter. I wondered if it was their break. As I waited, I was surprised at the "F" bombs lacing their conversations. At first my reaction was to want to turn around and suggest alternative words. My second thought was, "Yeah not wise!" Then I was a little unnerved that employees were behaving in such a manner in front of a customer. And how they just let the other guy do all the work. After waiting for "J" to finish a transaction with a very frustrated face. I realized he was helping them. 

Phew! They were customers. I felt better for "J" and then also sad because "ugh" there really wasn't any respect happening.

As they walked out, he asked me, "How can I help you?"  

"I need a box to ship my painting."

He walked me over to a row of piled boxes and we picked the closest in size and then we walked back to the counter. Then "J" said, "Can I see it? Did you paint it?"

"I did. I painted it for my boss/friend. I am a missionary with Audio Scripture Ministries and this painting represents Open Doors."

I then told him the key verse I envisioned as I painted it.

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Revelation 3:8

"Oooh! What is a missionary?"

"Hmmm. Well, I train and tell people about the Bible so they can know that God values them and has a plan for them. I show them how to engage the Scriptures so they know how to have eternal life and then how to tell others about Jesus."

"My girlfriend is religious, but I am not." 

"Would you like for me to share with you a little of what God would like you to know?"

"Yes." He nodded his head.

I then gave a short impromptu telling of the Big God Story emphasizing value and relationship so we can know Him and be with Him through His Son Jesus. 

His face was so humble and sincere. I was able to see how the story was penetrating. Precious! Especially, in contrast to the young men who just left the store.

When I finished he said, "I believe that!" 

Then the phone rang. He had to get back to work.

I never asked him for a response, but he gave it. So, the very first time, I shared my painting called "Open Doors" with its story, it led to an open door into a human heart. 

Feeling very humbled and blessed. I love how God opens doors! He even uses a reroute to a different store so someone can know Him.

*Image shared is of the watercolor that prompted the painting. I am not revealing the painting yet.