God’s purposes
Have you ever received an answer to a question you didn’t ask, but desperately needed the answer to? Did God ever reveal something important to you? Something that would change things for you?
In part 1 of The Mirror, I included a wonderful video in the Quiet TV recommendations about the rehabilitation of a snow leopard cub who fell and was seriously injured. A few days before I started writing today’s post, I watched more of that video. While I watched, listening to the peaceful music, I read something I needed to understand. The daily massages given to the snow leopard cub’s legs helped him feel better because the massaging brought blood to the injured areas. Increased blood flow was needed for healing. I decided to try that myself. When part of my leg or back started hurting, I would do a very brief, focused massage on that area. Guess what? It worked! Inviting blood flow to the aching spot relieved the pain. Is that amazing or what? Very, very thought-provoking. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Thank you so very much.
If you have any aches or pains, will you try it? Please do.
Starting with a song
The exploration of kind words and health in part 2 included a couple inspiring quotes from philosopher Blaise Pascal, who lived to bring glory to God. As we roll into today’s post, pause and listen to this song about giving glory to Jesus: “Once for All” by CityAlight.
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20, New Heart English Bible
We’ve walked through five sets of mirror verses so far—important truths found in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
PART 1 mirror verses
1. Working for our good
2. God is for me
3. My shepherd
4. Finding rest
PART 2 mirror verses
5. Kind words and health
Today on Choosing Peace, you’ll read about two more sets of mirror verses—plus inspiration, ravens and a guy named Bill.
6. God’s purposes
Old Testament truth
“Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne from their birth, that have been carried from the womb; and even to old age I am he, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver….
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.”
Isaiah 46:3-4, 9-11, New Heart English Bible
New Testament mirror
[In Christ] also we were assigned an inheritance, having been [predestined] according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will….
Ephesians 1:11, New Heart English Bible
The family of God
In our first passage, God speaks directly to the “house of Jacob” and to “the remnant of the house of Israel.” These expressions display Old Testament covenant language. God is saying, “You are mine.” Verses 3 and 4 in Isaiah 46 beautifully confirm that God carries us before we’re born—and every single moment through our old age. He tells us clearly in verse 4 that he made us, holds us, carries us and delivers us.
In a similar way, our New Testament mirror verse tells us: “We were assigned an inheritance.” In other words, “We are God’s children. We are his.”
God’s chosen ones are his before birth and after death—for eternity.
This recent 10-minute podcast by Brylan Riggs about the death of James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, features this powerful message from Dr. Dobson himself: “Finish strong.” I appreciate those words of wisdom—now more than ever.
Seeking strength
The Lord has been teaching me important things about strength recently.
Coasting vs. noticing
It’s easy for us to coast along doing our usual thing, not noticing slow, gradual changes—like my extreme loss of leg muscles over a 10-year period due to lack of use. When changes come more suddenly or we perhaps experience some pivotal event, we take notice. We say, “Wait a minute! What’s going on?”
Preparation
I published part 1, subtitled Finding Rest, right before an unexpected series of events. From part 1 of The Mirror:
We watch the video about an injured snow leopard cub a little at a time. It is precious and there is no talking—only soft music, with written words to narrate the story. It encourages me about seemingly slow, one-day-at-a-time progress toward strength. And it encourages me about the importance of rest. Did I mention that I’m on vacation this week? I am. And it’s all about rest. That has been the Lord’s word to me this year: Rest.
Part 2 about kind words and health came as a total surprise—with my boss, Father Daniel, emailing me the mirror verses—not having any idea that I was even writing about mirror verses. Isn’t that remarkable? Part 2 was published on the last day of a pivotal three-week period in my life. The key subjects in part 1 and part 2—rest and health—held important messages and truths for me. Hmmm.
The turning point
What happened during that “pivotal three-week period”? I lost six nights of sleep—two nights per week.
Week 1: Sick.
Week 2: Brandon’s two visits to the ER. (He’s doing well.)
Week 3: Two late-night conversations with Logan ‘til 5 A.M.
Depleted
Typically, this would just be normal family stuff. People get sick. People get hurt. People need to talk. But in my weakened state, these three consecutive weeks with extreme sleep deprivation drained my extremely-thin energy reserves. During the third week mentioned above, I couldn’t check the building at St. Matt’s. I was so depleted that I couldn’t walk from my desk to the kitchen. That was a shocking reality and a serious wake-up call. I knew what I needed to do—take my strength or lack thereof seriously. Now—not someday, soon or eventually.
Determined
The next Monday, I started using my new Strength Journal, wrote my Week 1 goals and exercises, and started tracking my sleep, energy and exercises. Strategies: (1) High-protein diet. (2) Lots of rest. (3) Resistance-training exercises like squats and the plank. Brandon started making amazing protein drinks for me like the ones he used to inhale when he played football. Deeee-licious.
It feels good to be intentional regarding my leg strength for the first time in my 60-plus years. Friends are praying for me, which strengthens my soul. I give all the glory to God for the inspiration, the process and the results—whatever they may be. I know it’ll take time to build muscles at my age, Lord-willing. It’ll take time, faithfulness and patience.
Your turn
Since I got saved at age 33, I’ve devoted myself to spiritual, mental, emotional and relational things while ignoring my physical strength, for the most part. I considered my physical health “good enough” until it obviously wasn’t.
Is there an aspect of yourself—spiritual, mental, emotional, relational or physical—that needs some focused attention? Some dedication? A journal? Some goals? A season of reflection and change? Pray and ask God if he’s calling you to attend to a particular neglected aspect of your life. If so, ask him what he wants you to do next. Obey and persevere. And ask people to pray for you on your new endeavor. (See this post about The Healing Journey.)
Let’s return to the heart of our mirror verses: God’s purposes.
Purpose #1
When our mirror verses communicate “You are mine” and “We are God’s children,” they’re displaying the heart of God. His #1 purpose for humanity has always been to create and save a vast number of people for himself. We were created by and for God. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came, lived a sinless life, was crucified, buried and raised from the dead for us—to reconcile us to God, to bring us into God’s family. For more, read about the resurrection of Jesus.
Our New Testament mirror verse speaks to Purpose #1 and other purposes.
[In Christ] also we were assigned an inheritance, having been [predestined] according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will….
Ephesians 1:11, New Heart English Bible
Those of us who are in Christ were chosen to be in God’s family, but that’s not all. The verse above reminds us that God works all things according to his will.
Other purposes
Our Old Testament truth, Isaiah 46:3-4 and 9-11, has two parts, the “you are mine” part, and the “I am God” part, shown again below.
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.”
Isaiah 46:9-11, New Heart English Bible
If I had to summarize that passage in three words, I’d say: “God’s purposes stand.” In other words, if God desires something to happen, it will. He. Will. Do. It.
Animals, birds, insects, sea creatures, reptiles
We know from the story of Jonah and the story of Daniel in the lions’ den that God can and does use various creatures to save his people. He can open their mouths, as in the case of Jonah; and he can close their mouths, as in the case of Daniel. In our passage from Isaiah, God confirms his use of various creatures to accomplish his purposes: “calling a ravenous bird from the east.” God used ravens to feed his prophet Elijah during a drought. And then there’s the incredible incident with the donkey who protected and warned Balaam, his master.
How has God used one of his creatures to bless or protect you? I think of my precious dog Marvin, who watches over me at work and is my major everyday pal. And I remember times when a butterfly landed on my hand or elsewhere, as if to communicate, “I see you; it will be okay” or “Peace be with you.” What are your special animal or creature stories? A dog’s kiss? A cat’s snuggle? An encounter outside or at the zoo? A memory from many years ago?
Our location
God calls and moves his creatures and he calls and moves us. He tells us in our passage in Isaiah that he calls “the man of my counsel from a far country.” Have you ever found yourself in a location or situation and you wondered, What the heck am I doing here? As you look back, do you view that time differently? Did God have a purpose for you there? If it’s still unclear, pray and ask him to reveal the purpose and the impact on you and/or others.
From this post written last year:
The shift and the prayer
Sometimes the Lord shifts some things in our day so we can be at the right place at the right time. I love this story.
Monday, August 19—the first day of class this fall semester
Journal entry
Logan called me a lot today. It was so good to hear his voice. Three of the entrances to [the business building] were closed for construction. As he walked, and while we were talking, a freshman asked him where the vet building is. I told Logan that I prayed specifically that he would help someone today, and I experienced the answer to that prayer while we were on the phone! Logan acknowledged that if those doors hadn’t been closed and if he hadn’t been inconvenienced, he wouldn’t have been in the right place to help that freshman. Hallelujah and Amen!
Can you remember a time when your inconvenience resulted in someone else’s blessing?
God has purposes for us—large and small.
Evil purposes revealed
The devil has purposes too—to steal, kill and destroy. Consider these two updates.
The fires
In part 7 of The Gift of the Bible, I featured some current events, including the wildfires in California.
How interesting that California’s politicians, who supposedly care so very much for the environment, just torched it. I guess they needed to clear some land for their 15-minute, “you will own nothing and be happy” cities.
You may have thought at the time that I was being paranoid or unreasonably sassy. That post was published in January. Fast forward to August as the nefarious plot plays out before our eyes. Watch the first 8 minutes of this PBD podcast: “California Land Grab – Grant Cardone & Adam Carolla EXPOSE Pacific Palisades Fire Scam.”
Epstein and the CIA
Well, the Trump administration had to backpedal about the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking/blackmail case after stating that there was basically nothing there. MAGA peeps went ballistic, wouldn’t drop the obvious need for justice, and Epstein is back on the table, so to speak.
Watch this recent Liz Wheeler episode (from 4:58 to 27:08) about former Attorney General Bill Barr testifying about Jeffrey Epstein before the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door deposition last week. What’s the connection? Why Bill Barr?
Consider these important pieces of the puzzle revealed in Liz Wheeler’s podcast.
1. Early in his career, Bill Barr worked for the CIA.
2. His father worked for the CIA.
3. Bill Barr’s father hired Jeffrey Epstein as a math teacher.
4. The CIA ran the illegal Iran-Contra arms brokering.
5. At the end of President George H.W. Bush’s term in office—after the pardons of top Reagan officials convicted in the Iran-Contra scandal—Bill Barr became known as the CIA’s “mop-up man.”
6. The Saudi Arabian arms dealer who acted as the CIA’s intermediary for the Iran-Contra deals was a client of Jeffrey Epstein.
7. Bill Barr was the attorney general in charge of federal prisons when Jeffrey Epstein allegedly committed suicide (during those mysterious moments when the camera conveniently stopped recording outside his cell).
Peaceful Readers, the plot thickens….
Lord Almighty, I pray that justice is truly served in this case—far and wide. Amen.
Yes, indeed. The devil is big and bad, but God is so much bigger and is all-powerful.
It’s time to wrap up God’s purposes before we move on, briefly, to another set of mirror verses.
Two posts and two verses
My two favorite posts about God’s purposes for our lives are the posts about Samson: part 2 and part 3 of The Beauty of the Bible. If you haven’t read them lately, I highly recommend them—action-packed and very revealing.
Let’s end this part with two of my favorite verses about God’s purposes and plans: Psalm 138:8 and Jeremiah 29:11.
7. The word and light
Old Testament truth
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105, New Heart English Bible
New Testament mirror
Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12, New Heart English Bible
I wrote about light in a post about my mom—part 2 of The Trauma of Disengagement:
Plugged in
…Moms are like lamps. The ones who are plugged in give light, safety and warmth. When it’s dark, the light provides safety in and of itself. It keeps you from falling down, running into things and otherwise getting hurt. Light is also an analogy for truth. It shines brightly enough for you to clearly see and experience the truth of what’s all around you. People gather around the light to read, play games, talk and enjoy each other’s company.
Unplugged
When a mom is unplugged—like an unplugged lamp—there’s no light, safety or warmth. The home is cold, the truth is absent or unclear, and the environment is unsafe. It’s easy to get lost when you’re walking in the dark.
The truth
Can you think of a time when you believed a lie? You thought everything was okay or normal when it most certainly wasn’t? I sure can.
The Bible—God’s holy word—shows us the truth about God, life, salvation and everything that matters. The truth. There’s no such thing as “my truth” or “your truth.” What a joke; I mean the devil’s mischief. God’s word shows us the truth. Sadly, most Christians are functionally illiterate when it comes to what the Bible actually says. Precious few have read it even once. If you’re new to the Bible, see this Resources page for my recommendations on where to begin reading God’s word. (Also, look at The Bible in the index for specific Bible stories.) If it’s time for you to take a deep dive into God’s word, consider joining Bible Study Fellowship. It’s outstanding.
Seeing the truth
I’m particularly fond of these two mirror verses: Psalm 119:105 and John 8:12. When there’s light shining on the path where I’m walking, I can see where I’m going, I can see dangers, and I can see others more clearly. God’s word does that for me. It shines the light on the truth about God, others and me.
♦ Isaiah 5:20, Proverbs 6:16-19 and Hebrews 5:14 strengthened me as we dealt with evil relatives.
♦ 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 made me a better wife.
♦ The Parable of The Unforgiving Servant helped me acknowledge the extensiveness and gravity of my own sin.
♦ John 8:32 and Galatians 5:1 helped me as I learned about and experienced The Healing Journey.
♦ Galatians 1:10 drew me a vivid picture of the destruction of people-pleasing.
Following Jesus—light and life
We call the Bible the word of God. In the gospel of John, chapter 1, Jesus is called the Word. When I was younger, I didn’t understand that. For a good explanation, read this short article from GotQuestions.org.
Both the introductory segment of the book of John and our mirror verse use the words light, darkness and life.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
John 1:1-5, World English Bible
In our New Testament mirror, Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” ~ John 8:12 (NHEB). See this excellent Got Questions article about this verse.
Darkness and death are found in Satan. Light and life are found in Jesus Christ.
For the wages of sin is death,
but the free gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23, World English Bible
Together
The song below speaks to both of today’s sets of mirror verses in a beautiful way. I texted this song to Logan at the end of his summer break. I hope it blesses you as it’s blessed me.
Coming next: We’ll explore more Old Testament truths and their New Testament mirror verses. Until next time, thanks for reading and for Choosing Peace.
Truth from The Word: Psalm 43:3-4
Song: “Known and Loved” by CityAlight
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