Ache of Grief

Death...Oh the ache of grief. Today my hike started with two phone calls that knocked me to my knees. Yes, everybody dies. The feelings that we experience are real, powerful, and range from one extreme to another. The cry to the Lord was a low groan. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

Where does JOY come from death? How does it relate to our blog? Read on – don't give up – God does bring us JOY even in our suffering.

Throughout the day there were many calls to make notifying family of the losses. Yes, double. Our sweet three month old grand-niece died in her sleep of an unknown reason. My wonderful uncle, who had become like a second dad to me after my dad went to heaven, died from multiple medical complications. As I made each call, those I love reacted differently to the news. Their words as they processed their grief helped to open my heart to JOY. We shared the love we had for those lost and began to celebrate the Lord's sovereignty.

Does the pain go away even when we know God is in control? He has slowed my breathing while my chest is still hurting. My legs feel like I'm walking on noodles and my head is fluttery. However, the Lord holds me up so I will not faint. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV) Tears have come randomly all day as I'm sure they have been for our entire family. “Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll are they not in your record?” (Psalm 56:8 NIV)

As we have talked, our mourning began to turn to JOY. The Lord opened our eyes to His goodness in ending the suffering my uncle had been enduring for a long time. When I explained to my son why I had been crying so hard, he started beaming. “Mom, that means he gets to be in heaven,” Tre said. Oh, the words of a child. It is wonderful JOY because we believe in heaven. My dad is now holding the hands of his great-granddaughter and hugging his younger brother.

God's word, the Bible, speaks TRUTH that the dead will be raised to meet the Lord. They will no longer be suffering. My uncle's body is no longer weak. He is now able to dance to the Beatles “Here Comes the Sun.” The TRUTH is that even babies like Tirzah are taken up for our bodies are temporary but heaven is eternal.

Do you believe in heaven? When you or your family is faced with a death, how do you handle your grief? God wants you to come to him. He will bring Joy into your suffering. Campus Crusade has helped explain the TRUTH of heaven. I encourage you to cry out to God today.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46 NIV

Just Ask

On our hike the other day, I mentioned how often we struggle with talking to our friends about a problem before we finally call out to God the Father. This week I struggled with which topic I wanted to share. There were so many areas from scripture I had studied and wanted to study more to learn.

The Lord stopped me flat. He spoke to me clearly that I should not study but to be still. His voice – JUST ASK ME.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (John 15:16 NIV)

God wants us to ask Him when we have a question. We want to learn how to be restored to JOY. It has been my desire to find out what JOY is through studying the Bible. Going to the author, God the Father, has been exciting this week. Did you know that there are 88 times in the Old Testament and 57 additional times JOY is mentioned in the New Testament. He doesn't want you to just have a smile or a laugh but a deep exceeding gladness.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our JOY complete. (I John 1-4 NIV Emphasis added)

As I asked the Lord what is JOY, He led me to look back to the earlier languages the Bible was transcribed in. Are you fascinated with old languages? I became interested in the background of the verses when I first attended a Beth Moore Bible Study...but back to the languages. The Hebrew word for JOY is Simchah (sim-khaw). This word was used in a variety of contexts including: exceeding, gladness, mirth, pleasure, rejoice. They often celebrated JOY through a religious ceremony or festival. This is something I would like to talk about again. How is God speaking to you using the word Hebrew word Simchah definition?

The Greek word for JOY is Chara (khar-ah'). You could use this word to describe calm, delight, gladness, great, or exceeding JOY. In both of these definitions, we need to choose JOY. Let go of anger to allow the Holy Spirit access to bring peace which opens you up to be Christ-like. JOY is a product of Christ-likeness. Be still. When we stop in the midst of life to give thanks, we will see the beauty of Jesus. There we can experience JOY. Look for the blessings around you. Can you feel the JOY? I recently listened to a podcast by the Timewarp wife. She said, “When we see today as a gift, we need to look towards the giver.” He is the giver of JOY.

Today let us just ask Him to teach us what JOY is. Stop and listen. What did He teach you about JOY?

• How is God speaking to you using the word Hebrew word Simchah definition?
• What did He teach you about JOY?

After the Resurrection Part 2

In the previous blog dated April 9th, we talked about how the believers reacted after the crucifixion battle was won. Many of them were filled with fear as they were being chased; they also felt guilt over their involvement in the court hearings. As God announced the winner of the spiritual battle was His only Son Jesus, Mary Magdalene only thought of her Christ.

I had planned to talk about her first as I thought about the JOY of Easter. Yet as I studied her JOY I began to compare my faith with hers. My choice was to stop studying; even questioning if writing this blog was a good idea. How can I, whose relationship is not as close to Christ, explain JOY to anyone? God used this to loudly speak to me. First, don't compare myself to another believer. Second, the reason to set up the blog is for all of us to hike towards “Being Restored to JOY.” I am not there yet. All we can do is learn from Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit to learn what JOY really is.

Now let's look at Mary and only Mary! Several disciples in the Gospels wrote down what they experienced after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they all saw Mary Magdalene at the crucifixion. John describes the scene in John 19:25-30:

“Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:25-30 NIV)

People who attend crucifixions at that time, as per Roman tradition, came to mock the criminal. Part of the punishment was public embarrassment. Many threw stones, spitting, cursing; not standing next to the criminal. Yet standing near her Lord was what Mary was doing. While the other believers had guilt after the resurrection because they were not at the cross for their Lord, Mary stood.

The day after the Sabbath, Mary rose early to gather spices for properly preparing the body of her friend. (Matthew 27:55-28:1 NIV) Can you see her dedication? When she realizes the stone has been moved, she runs to look for her Lord. I have been trying to picture her at that moment. Her eyes focused forward; belongings dropped to her feet; people around her in the shadows; clothes flapping against as her sandals pounding down on the dusty path. Yes, she had fear that Jesus' body had been taken; although, He had promised resurrection. During her run, feelings of JOY that the promise Christ had risen could be true fought in her mind with fear that his body was really stolen. As I read this, I thought of the word ambivalence. The definition of ambivalence is: the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. Have you ever experienced ambivalence?

John continues to talk about Mary Magdalene’s dedication in John 19:11-18. Once the disciples confirmed Jesus' body was not in the tomb, they again ran and hid in fear. Mary stood.

“...she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher)” (John 19:14-15 NIV) 

He knew her voice and she knew His voice. What thoughts do you have reading the Gospels about Mary? The Holy Spirit revealed several teachings through this study. Her life was changed in a miraculous way by trusting in the unseen. Jesus first meets Mary along his travels.

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (Luke 8:1 NIV)

Through trusting the unseen, the control of seven demons were cast into the sea of eternal fire. Their friendship was built over time as Mary focused on learning more about Christ. The last sentence interests me. At first I thought that it meant that the women were unable to provide for themselves prior to being healed and when Jesus healed themselves they were able to work. After further studying, I uncovered that they were able to support themselves while traveling. This meant that they were able to travel along with Christ. Luke reports that all that traveled Jesus pooled their money to pay for expenses. He makes it clear that these women contributed to the Lord's ministry. Mary was devoted to her friend no matter the cost.

Did you see that at the crucifixion and at the grave Mary stood? If someone challenged your beliefs, do you waiver? I do. Why? I don't trust that I know God's word enough to stand. What if I'm asked a question I can't answer? Mary knew that she knew. Why? She was dedicated and unwavering to studying everything about her Lord.

At the tomb, she ran to find her friend. Three points struck out to me:

• Mary was focused FORWARD. She did not look to the past. Would Jesus remember that she had once been a prostitute? Did he see her as a woman trapped, hopeless, lost, or sick? Mary was focused only on HOPE and of the FUTURE. John Maxwell spoke this truth, “Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.” (John Maxwell on Leadership) I want to encourage all of us to create a vision board.
  • Spend time in prayer today, speaking Jesus name,
  • Ask for God what your hopes have been.
  • Take time to listen.
  • Do the words you hear line up with the truth of Scripture?
  • Use what you hear to create what you feel.
  • It does not have to look like anything you “think” it has to be. This is for you.

• She dropped her belongings. All the spices gathered were scattered to the ground. The time spent trying to locate them the day after the Sabbath was difficult. It is reported that vendors did not open their shops this early especially the first day of the week. Purchasing approximately 75 pounds of spices to embalm a body would require funds I can not even imagine. At first this did not seem to be a problem for me. You see I grew up as a missionary kid (MK). My family lived in a home that was not ours. The “belongings” that truly were ours could probably fit in a small U-Haul despite us being a family of 13. We relied on the gifts of others. My father's profession was to preach the gospel as a church planter. To this day, I do not consider my belongings as mine. They are things. However, viewing money as a belonging stops me immediately. The lack of having money is a stronghold. Can you understand? The TRUTH The Bible is full of promises that God will provide. At quick glance, the Bible is full of promises that God is the Great Provider; I found seven verses (Genesis 3:21; Genesis 9:3; Exodus 14:22; Job 38:41; Psalms 34:10; Matthew 6:31-32; Luke 12:24 NIV) He will take care of our needs. We need to drop our belongings, dreams, and control.
• The disciples all agree that Mary left her friends behind to run towards the tomb. Relationships were placed into the shadows. How many of us, when we are troubled, pick up the phone to talk to a friend for advice? I remember hearing once that the phone number we need to call is 1-CALL-JESUS. This also hits home for me regarding Facebook. Why is it important to know what is going on with my friends and family at all times? My friend Kimberly shared a stronghold that she needed accountability in this area but from a different perspective. She often looked to her husband to fill needs that only God could fill. He is a godly man but he is not God. Although I do not agree totally with the Sunday School acronym (JOY) Jesus – Others – You, Jesus definitely comes first.

Mary Magdalene was referenced as the apostle of the apostles. She stood next to Christ as He ascended to Heaven at the transfiguration. She experienced true JOY through her healing, close friendship with Christ, service to His ministry, faith in the unseen, and hope for the FUTURE. How are you experiencing JOY today?

1. Have you ever experienced ambivalence? When and Why?
2. What thoughts do you have reading the Gospels about Mary?
3. If someone challenged your beliefs, do you waiver? Why?
4. Create a vision board: Spend time in prayer today, speaking Jesus name, asking for God what your hopes have been. Take time to listen. Do the words you hear line up with the truth of Scripture? Use what you hear to create what you feel. It does not have to look like anything you “think” it has to be. This is for you. What did you learn?
5. How are you experiencing JOY today?

After the Resurrection

One of the first songs I was introduced to that was not a Christian hymn was “The Champion” by Carmen. This song includes powerful lyrics describing the spiritual battle to determine who would rule the world. Through Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, He has won! He has won! He is the Champion!

What happens after a battle has been won? When your favorite team wins a game, what do you do? When my favorite team, University of Michigan Wolverines, wins a game I shout for JOY. My screams of happiness and leaps of excitement are not always seen as favorable by my family. This is because I married into a “split” family. Many of my in-laws are Michigan State Spartan fans of which are our rivals.

Following this year’s Easter celebration, the JOY I felt was overwhelming. The JOY was based on gratitude of God’s gift of His only Son. It led me to wonder what Jesus’ followers felt after His resurrection. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all wrote what they did on that first Easter. Rather than JOY, each account speaks of fear. The apostles along many of the believers ran after the crucifixion, and locked the door; choosing to forget the words of truth.

There are several reasons for their fear. The Sanhedrin had sent an order for soldiers to search the streets looking for believers with an order to capture them. They wanted to end the rumors that Jesus’ was the Messiah.  I can relate to this fear personally.

When I was 16, I was attacked. I yelled to God out loud telling Him to stop this man to get off of me. He answered my prayer and that is why I can say I endured an attempted rape. I ran home, took a shower, locked my bedroom door, and hid from the truth that God had rescued me. For ten years, I hated God for allowing the man to even touch me. I lived in fear that I would be attacked again. I looked over my shoulder; as the disciples were doing, looking for the “soldiers” who might be ready to capture me.  When have you run from God in fear? What was the reason?

The story is not a sad one. God can turn our fear into dancing. As the disciples were shaking in fear behind the locked doors, Jesus walked through the door appearing ALIVE! At that moment, the believers focused only on Him the Present. They forgot the Past of the crucifixion, soldiers, and their fear. His words of truth reminded them again of HOPE, JOY, and FUTURE. Their faces radiated with JOY. Did the crucifixion happen? Were the soldiers still there? Was the danger removed? The past and dangers did not go away of course, but Jesus was Present.

My dear friend Angela was the first one I shared the truth of my trauma. Her response shocked me. “That was the Past. I can’t understand it but God is awesome that He has brought you through it all. I wonder what He is going to do with your Future.” My sarcastic reply, “There is a Future?” I had never thought about the future. I had been consumed with the Past. Her words sent me that night to cry out asking God to show Himself to me. Through tears He comforted me. I knew He was going to lead me to the highest mountain overlooking amazing waterfalls. Was the Past still there? Yes, but My Jesus was and is and will ever be Present! He is turning my fear into dancing. I will tell you though my son and others say my dance moves are scary.

Let’s go back to the locked doors with the disciples. Another reason for their fear at that time was overwhelming guilt. Each of the Gospels, as well as in Acts, Jesus’ followers were unable to move. Yes, they were Jesus’ believers; however, they played a part of the crucifixion. They did not speak up. They watched. How many of us have been in a situation where someone or something was wrong and we have not helped?

I feel guilt quite often. I feel guilt when I am driving to pick up my son from school and see a dog running lost through the neighborhood. I know I don’t have time to rescue the dog as my son is waiting for me. I have to help the dog but am unable to. My guilt is overwhelming when I think of the woman who I know was raped by the man who attempted to rape me. If I had spoken up, perhaps he could have been stopped before striking again. How many other victims were affected that I do not know of?  Peter in Acts 2:22-24 assured the believers that the resurrection wipes out all sins. "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Acts 2:22-24 NIV) Jesus brought a mentor into my life in my early 20’s who shared the same message. Josh McDowell states it well in his book “Evidence for the Resurrection: What It Means for Your Relationship with God”

“The resurrection of Christ demonstrated that no sin is too terrible to be forgiven. Even though he took onto his bleeding back every sin that every on of us ever committed, God still resurrected him from the dead. Even the worst of our sins were taken to the grave and left there forever. Even though we have all done terribly foul things in our lives, the empty tomb of Jesus means that we are not condemned; we are forgiven.” (Evidence for the Resurrection: What It Means for Your Relationship with God by Josh McDowell) 

After the resurrection and the battle has been won, what will you do? It is my hope and prayer the you will accept his forgiveness. God wants you to be free. He wants to turn your fear into JOY. I am still learning this. Will you help hold me accountable in this and others in this group? What have you learned in your studies about how the believers reacted after the resurrection?

• When have you run from God in fear? What was the reason?
• How many of us have been in a situation where someone or something was wrong and we have not helped?
• In what way has God turned your fear into JOY?
• What have you learned in your studies about how the believers reacted after the resurrection?

Easter's Amazing Love

Good morning fellow hikers! Let's take time to sit back and rest today for Easter. God gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins; then three days later Jesus rose again. Praise God through His power “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” (Matt 11:5 NIV)

Yes, while thousands of Jesus' followers prayed for a miracle, God restored unto them what they had lost. Their hurting hearts became full of joyous praise. Can you imagine what they were feeling? This song I think captures part of the story: "Mighty to Save" by Laura Story

During my childhood, our church had service before the sunrise. The chairs were set up behind El Huerfano Mountain where we could watch the sun rise up out of the canyon. As our voices grew in praise, they would echo off the cliff walls. Watching the campfire grow, smelling the sagebrush; while sitting on boards that rattled due to bouncing children, is a cherished memory. At that time, I wanted to trust God's word that Jesus died for our sins and rose again but I could not believe He would do that for me. Because of the emotional trauma I chose to not accept the truth of Jesus' love for me. Now music pours from me in praise. What amazing love He has for me. "Amazing Love" by Newsboys

Have you accepted Jesus' love for you? Jesus died for you and for me. When the stone was rolled away that first Easter, it was with a joyous noise. Angels rejoiced for Jesus overcame sin and death. He lives for you and me today. His word speaks in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Today will this be your new beginning with the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior? I would love to answer any questions you have. Tell us what Easter means to you.

• What song describes the your gratefulness of Jesus' resurrection? 
• Have you accepted Jesus' love for you?
• Tell us what Easter means to you.

Rev. Earl Bachert

Easter Sunrise Service, Huerfano Mt. New Mexico

Joy does not know JOY?

There is so much I want to share as we start our hike together. However, if I do all of the talking you will be sure to be tired of my voice. One of the reasons why I have joined this hike is although my name means "share joy to others," I don't know JOY. In my life, trauma seemed to be at every turn. Abuse surrounded our family directly and indirectly; sexual abuse, domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, and more. I endured sexual abuse and later an attempted rape.

Due to my lack of trust, I was full of bitterness. I built an emotional brick wall to where I blocked myself in and could not experience JOY. My choices led my life on a spiral out of control. Physical symptoms began to manifest. Our current hike is a virtual one as I face the pain of chronic illness. On this hike, we will work together to move boulders that have wounded us or might slow us down. Each obstacle overcome will lead us closer to experiencing what God has promised. Becoming closer to God and feeling his JOY is is why I desire to hike this journey with you. I pray for healing for all of us and hold onto the promises of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

• Why have you chosen to join this hike towards “Being Restored to Joy?

Yá’át’ééh (Hello)

Yá’át’ééh (Hello) My name is Joy and I am looking forward to walking with you on this journey toward “Being Restored to Joy.” True Everlasting Joy as defined by God. I was born into the Bachert clan (family). From an early age, I was raised among the Diné (Navajo) people located near the Four Corners Region. The trail of my life has been covered with rocks, valleys, refreshing rivers, and forks that led me to personal relationships throughout the world.

The Lord has graced me with a loving husband Frank and my miracle son Tre. God continues to pour out His blessings on me; He brings smiles to my face when He flows true JOY to another person.

• Fellow hikers you are welcomed to introduce yourself using the comment section below. 
• Watch for our next trail marker where I will share why I joined this hike.

Crow Canyon, Four Corners New Mexico