James Janzen

ISOLATION - A PLACE WHERE GOD SPEAKS

5/30/2020

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And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. 1 Samuel 23:14
The Hebrew word for “wilderness” is midbaar and is derived from dahbaar meaning ‘to speak.’ The wilderness is the place where God wishes to speak into our lives. It is a place where we are not in control. It is a place where we cannot anticipate the attacks that come out of nowhere at the least expected moment. It is often a place without assignment, with no appointments to keep; nothing to do except to live and survive. It is a place where we wrestle with who we are and the purpose for our life. As a result it is a place where we experience the terror of truly meeting ourselves for the first time! But fear not, for your true self is something miraculous. David expressed it this way.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalms 139:14-15

David understood that God yearns to transform us and prepare us for the way everlasting.
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalms 139:23-24

God is welcoming all of us to the wilderness of transformation!

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ISOLATION and CHARACTER

5/24/2020

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“Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite . . .prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” 1 Samuel 16:18
As we focus on skill building, we should not forget about the need to develop character. The circumstances of loneliness, rejection by family and being asked to be part of those who stood on the bottom rung of the social ladder did not turn David into an angry, defiant, aggressive, unpleasant person. He accepted life’s circumstances as a place to become wise.
Notice his reputation! A man prudent in speech! The Hebrew word for prudent means cunning, diligent, discerning, eloquent, possessing intelligence and insight, and skillful in teaching.
God wants to pour discernment and insight into our lives during this time. Will we allow it?

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ISOLATION AND DISCIPLINE

5/21/2020

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So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” 1 Samuel 16:17-18

David also took advantage of his time in the wilderness to practice the lyre. He must have practiced a lot in order to gain the reputation that got him recommended to bring comfort to the king.
Isolation offers us the opportunity to hone our skills without distraction but requires discipline, vision, and perseverance. Because David possessed these qualities, he was ready for God’s moment. When David was called to the court, there was no more time to practice.
How has God gifted you? In what areas, do you feel you are lacking skill? I am not only talking about music. Sermon preparation, bible study, writing, and counselling are only some areas that will benefit from focussed attention. Without being selfish or insensitive to the needs of others, especially family and children, use times of isolation to practice or perfect skills.
When God removes you from isolation, he will have a special ministry for you. Will you be ready like David was?

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TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ISOLATION

5/19/2020

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Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss. Judges 20:16
There are many big wilderness stories in Scripture: Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the children of Israel, Elijah, Jeremiah, Jesus, Paul. They remind us that the wilderness is an essential, not optional, place of preparation for God's servants. But it is important that like David, we take advantage of the unique opportunity God provides at such times.
David’s extreme isolation in the wilderness began in his youth as a shepherd. His older brothers did not treat him with much kindness or appreciation. As the youngest, and therefore the lowest of all the sons, he had no choice but to look after the sheep. As well David seems to have received little attention from his father. Although specifically asked by Samuel to present all of his sons, he did not think it worthwhile to call David in.
Instead of mourning, pouting and feeling sorry for himself, David honed his skill with the sling, perhaps in an area similar to that shown in the photo that I took in Israel last year. According to Judges 20:16, the sling was a popular, easily transported weapon in Israel. The wilderness provided the perfect place to be as good as the best in Israel. His skill did not fail him when he met Goliath.
What will we do in the weeks and months to come? Mourn or seize the opportunity to become skilled in some area?

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A MAN WHO EXPERIENCED ISOLATION

5/16/2020

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But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah Psalms 3:3-4

There are many biblical characters that have something valuable to tell us in a time of crisis. After considerable thought I have decided to begin with my favourite and most inspirational Bible character. With the exception of Jesus, more Scripture—fifty-four chapters— has been devoted to his story than any other story. Consider other spiritual giants by way of contrast. The father of the faithful, Abraham, has only 13 chapters; Joseph only 14 chapters.
But the main reason for allowing this person to speak first is his perspective that many readers will find valuable—the perspective of a highly sensitive and creative person. Although often described as king, shepherd, soldier, and general, David was first and foremost a poet, musician and songwriter. Although Paul or Moses could be ranked with David in terms of the coverage in the Bible, Paul’s name is mentioned 163 times in Scripture while David’s is recorded 1,127 times. And David’s fifty-four chapters are in addition to the seventy-three psalms that he wrote.
David experienced great isolation in many different forms, sometimes for extended periods of time. He wrote the words found in Psalm 3:3-4 when the rebellion of his son Absalom, forced him to flee Jerusalem. From this place of isolation he reminds us that God is a shield who lifts the head that hangs down in sadness so that we can say, “God, you are my glory.”

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

ISOLATION - A PLACE WHERE GOD SPEAKS

ISOLATION and CHARACTER

ISOLATION AND DISCIPLINE

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ISOLATION

A MAN WHO EXPERIENCED ISOLATION

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