Exercise...

Exercise….

This time of year we hear a lot about exercise. There are dozens of infomercials about exercise equipment that will supposedly make exercise easier or more effective.

There are commercials for pills to swallow or concoctions to drink….

But the bottom line is, exercise is work. It takes on purpose, disciplined activity. Strenuous activity. No pain, no gain. (….or should I say loss?)

In my morning quiet time reading from The Message I came across this passage….


“Now pass on this counsel to the Christians there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus.
Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God--no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.” (1 Timothy 4:6-8)

Like staying clear of those machines that make promises as big as the price tags on them, I am instructed to be wise about my spirituality.

I can’t buy something and sit it in a room of my house and my body automatically be in better physical shape.

Neither can I buy a Bible, or a case of them….and automatically be in better spiritual condition.

Going to a church building won’t do it.

Only exercising the muscles of my heart and mind with the Word of God will make my spiritual condition more vibrant and healthy.

Exercise daily. In His Word.

And don’t wait till January 1st. Begin right now. This minute.

Don’t make a goal that is unattainable. Don’t set yourself up to fail.

One verse that conveys a message of truth from Him is better than reading several chapters.

Read, ask Him to speak to you thru the printed page.

And expect to hear Him….He is faithful.

What?!?.....

What??!!…

I don’t worship angels, don’t assume that they are at my beck and call. (they aren’t)

But this week, I’ve found myself thinking about their roles in the story of Christmas.

The messenger sent to Mary.
The messenger sent to Joseph.

And, the messengers sent to the shepherds.

Imagine having been an angelic being in the Presence of The Triune God and being sent to humans to announce The Word of that God would become one of them. God Himself would become human….

To save them from their fallen human condition.

“WHAT?!?”

“You? The God of the universe, Creator of it all…going to that planet and becoming a ….

….a human?”

And they were sent to announce and smooth the way.



Peter writes that angels ‘desired to look into’ the very things that he was reporting in the letter he was penning. (1Peter 1:12)

Angels were interested in the gospel message.

Angels have no Savior.

We, however, do.

Thank You Lord Jesus. (….sure am glad I’m not an angel)

Mary, did you know?....

Mary, did you know?

Again at Christmas time, I find myself trying to put myself in Mary’s place. Young, common, the future settled… Or so she thought.

Her life was planned out. Her future had been decided. She would be married to Joseph and live happily ever after.

Then…………

"Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”(Luke 1:30-31)

I wonder, how much courage did it take to announce the news the angel brought to her?
I wonder ,who did she tell first?
I wonder, how long did she wait to tell it?

Did she wait until she was sure she really was with child? Or did she immediately believe, and without reservation, share the angel’s news right away?

How precious that God made sure that Joseph had no unanswered questions. Joseph wasn’t asked just to take Mary’s word for it. What a comfort it must have been to Mary for Joseph to share in the divine revelation of the coming Messiah she carried.

I bet they compared notes about what their angel looked and sounded like, was it the same one, or different…

Mary had her world turned upside down. Yet, she didn’t go into a tailspin. Incredible

(God knew not to pick someone like me, I’d have definitely gone into a tailspin…)

I think Mary probably shed plenty tears, wondering about what lay ahead, hearing the whispers, feeling the stares. But there was no turning back. She did nothing but go forward in trust.

I was once young and certainly common. At one time, I too thought my future was settled. It sure has taken some turns I didn’t expect.

How thankful I am that God continues to reassure me with His Presence.

Mary didn’t know her life would turn out like it did.

But she knew her Child was The Messiah.

None of us can know what our life will turn out like.

But we can know Him, Who was the Christ Child.

He is the great I AM. And He has my future.

Eternally

Watch out...

*•♫♪♪♫•*•♫♪♫•*•♫♪♪* “You better watch out !”….*•♫♪♪♫••*•♫♪♫•*•♫♪♪*

That lyric is heard a lot in homes with children this time of year.

I’ve used it many times when my boys were little.

I‘ve sung *•♫♪♫•*“…Santa Clause is coming, to town.”*•♫♪♫•*many many times as a reminder to ‘be good’, and not that I’m pleased that I did it, sometimes I sang it as a threat.

Today I would change the lyrics!

*•♫♪♫•* “You better watch out….Jesus Christ is coming, again.” *•♫♪♫•*

That isn’t a threat, it’s a promise from scripture that you can be sure of.

Whether you are ‘naughty’ or ‘nice’.

Whether you’ve been ‘bad’ or ‘good’.


He sees you.

He knows.

And He is coming.


Surer than Santa Clause….

Offering...

Offering…

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service..” (Romans 12:1)

I don’t think there is one of us that would jump to say our body is ‘holy’.

But the ‘therefore’ of verse 1 refers back to the preceding 11 chapters of Paul’s message in the book of Romans.

Paul wrote those chapters explaining about the situation of all humans, our ruined condition….and God’s rescue.

We often jump right to the ‘duty’, right to what we should ‘offer’….and never really come to understand the doctrine taught…. that HE is the one that makes our bodies holy.

Nothing I can ever do or not do will make me holy. Not one single thing or a hundred things….

If God places me in His Son, I am holy….


Not because of things I eliminate…
Not because of words I don’t say anymore or places I don’t go anymore…..
Not because of any kind of behavior modification.

The “therefore” of verse 1 is a first step…a first choice to finding God’s will and walking in it……….walking behind His Son Jesus, Whom we follow.

Choosing to do that is really the only thing we have to offer God. He created every single thing that is a reality to you and I. Nothing of that is really mine, I have nothing He has not provided.

The paper (money) that we lay in the offering plate is just a tool that WE have devised to USE what HE has given us in the first place.

The only value it has to Him is the attitude of our hearts when we offer it back to Him. We either offer it freely and with joy, or out of meaningless duty.

Is our money all we offer Him?

During this season of Christmas, we hear songs about the wise men bringing gifts to the infant Jesus.

I’m sure those valuable gifts came in handy to two poor parents, displaced from their homes, separated from family and support systems. The gift was valueable, and the gift was used.

But I wonder what a big smile it brought to God’s heart to have these ‘wise men’ travel such distance, just to meet Immanuel, “God With Us”.

The priority was to find The Promised One. The offerings were the least of it I think…the true gifts they brought were within. The worship of the newly born King of Kings.

What do you understand about what He has given you?

“The One who is highly honored lives forever. His name is holy. He says, "I live in a high and holy place. But I also live with anyone who turns away from his sins. I live with anyone who is not proud. I give new life to him. I give it to anyone who turns away from his sins. (Isa. 57:15)


What do you bring Him this morning?

A little of your money?

An hour or two of your time?


“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit…. a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”(Ps. 51:17)

Living sacrifices…..

I am a living sacrifice. Are you?

Like me, do you have a tendancy to squirm around on the altar? Like me, do you regularly climb off?


This morning, I bring an offering of worship to my King. No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing, Jesus may You receive the honor that You’re due…Oh Lord, I bring an offering to You.

Favored...

Favored…

Mary was highly favored. She was chosen to be the birth mother of deity. Probably in her teens, an angel appeared to her to give her the incredible news.

I haven’t seen an angel (that I know of…).

But I’ve been given some incredible news.

“….He hath made me accepted..” (Eph.1:6 KJV, personalized by me)

Both ‘highly favored’ and ‘accepted’ are translated from the same original word ‘charitoo’.


I am highly favored.

Mary received the Seed of God into herself.

I have received the Spirit of God into myself. I am not His mother, He is my Father. I do not share my human condition with Him, He shares His perfect holiness with me.



“When I believed, he marked me with a seal. The seal is the Holy Spirit that He promised.”(2Timothy 1:14 personalized by me)

“ The Spirit marks me as God's own…”(Eph. 1:14 personalized by me)

“ He has given me the Holy Spirit as a down payment. The Spirit makes me sure of what is still to come…”(2Cor. 5:5 personalized by me)


I’m not a god, and I’m certainly not God. I’m not an angel, and I’m not perfect.

But I am a child of The Most High God.

I will “ Guard the truth of the good news that I was trusted with. Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in me…”(2Tim. 1:14 personalized by me)


“I know the One I have believed in. I am sure He is able to take care of what I have given Him. I can trust Him with it until the day He returns as judge. I will follow what I heard as the pattern of true teaching. Follow it with faith and love because I belong to Christ Jesus.”(2 Tim. 1:12-14 personalized by me)

I am highly favored.

Hallelujah.

Lyrics...

Lyrics…
“….while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wandering love…”

Another beautiful Christmas carol…angels hovering over the Christ child. The Holy One Himself, dressed in human infant flesh.

Angels are not at our disposal. They can be, and are, sent by God to minister to us, but only to serve His purposes and carry out His will. Certainly not ours.

I’ve had reason to look at some facts about angels this past week. I’m really glad I’m not an angel.

Angels obviously can choose poorly. “ …. the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home….”(Jude 1:6)

“God did not spare angels when they sinned. Instead, he sent them to hell. He put them in dark prisons. He will keep them there until he judges them.” (2Peter 2:4)

But there is no offer of redemption to them. Satan and his rebellious group were cast out. There is no Savior to angels.

Jesus stepped out of His deity within the Godhead, not to become an angel. He didn’t enter into the angelic realm, angels can’t reproduce. There are no baby angels.

But God’s created humanity procreates, and He chose to birth Himself into our race, become like us, to live the perfect life that we forfeited in The Garden incident.

He lived the perfect life that I can not, because of the sin nature passed on to me from my ancestors. He shares in my heritage thru His mother’s blood, formed in her womb, birthed from her body.

All humans ”…. have bodies made out of flesh and blood. So Jesus became human like them in order to die for them. By doing that, he could destroy the one who rules over the kingdom of death. I'm talking about the devil. Jesus could set people free who were afraid of death. All their lives they were held as slaves by that fear. It is certainly Abraham's children that he helps. He doesn't help angels. So he had to be made like his brothers in every way.”(Hebrews. 2:14-17)

I wonder if angels die. I wonder why it is that in scripture, when they manifest themselves, they are always portrayed as men, never female, and why we always see feminine figurines or pictures. I wonder what things they ‘long to look into’ (1 Peter 1:12) I wonder what they will be judged about, and what it will be like to judge them…because “ Don't you know that we will judge angels?” 1Cor.6:3)

I wonder lots…..we aren’t told lots. Just enough to make me really glad I’m not an angel. ….I know, I know…. you all already knew I’m not one…)

Wish list, calmness...

I wish to be calm.

Listening to the well known Christmas carole, “Silent Night” makes me wish to always be calm.
Oh, I like a little excitement sometimes. (…never, ever, however, drama !!)



There is just nothing that will ever replace a calm heart. Nothing compares to a rest filled spirit.

I’ve been occupied today with a word study about ‘rest’.

God has made it possible for me to be calm….He has provided the possibility of rest.

For me, and for all believers. For you if you choose to receive it…



I sit at His feet, and know calmness.

“…all is calm…”

I feast on His recorded Word and get new glimpses of His majesty.

“…glory streams, from heaven afar…”

I revel in His love for me, His forever outstretched Hand, even in the face of my sin and imperfection.

“…with the dawn of redeeming grace…”



“Christ, my Savior, is born…”

Wishes, discernment....

I wish to be more discerning.

I want to recognize right from wrong. Immediately.
I want to recognize good from bad. Instantly.
I want to recognize the vital from the trivial. Consistently.

I want to have my conscience trained.
I want my senses to be alert.
I want my mind clear and focused.
I want my body responding to my spirit and not my flesh.

I want my spiritual eyes to be keen.
I want my spiritual taste to be for truth.
I want to distinguish what is pleasing and what is provoking to my Creator.

I want to recognize what is helpful, and what is hurtful to my body, my spirit, my soul.
I want to recognize temptation before it gets to me, long before I become trapped or involved.
I want to use scripture as it is intended by God, not to suit my own purposes.

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar……. you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.”(Ps. 139:1-4)

“…. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me…. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Ps. 19:13,14)


I live in a body of flesh. But I am a spiritual being and I have a soul.

Personal sin is not just offensive to God, it is hurtful to me. What is displeasing to Him is even more so because of the effect it has on me, His creation.

My sin hurts Him….and me.

Even if I don’t discern it at the moment.

I wish to be more and more discerning.

Wish Lists....

This is the time of year we hear a lot about wishes. Children have long lists, often very expensive ones.

I begin my wish list tonight.

It will NOT be a regret list.

It won’t be a list of things I wish I hadn’t done or said.

A wish is a desire. What is it that I really desire?

The words recorded in Psalm 37:4 have long been a very personal message to me…… “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

The message in that verse is not a matter of how to get what you want.

It isn’t about kissing up to God so He’ll give us everything on our wish list.

It IS, however, about the desire of our hearts being met.

How? Where from ?

Certainly not the North Pole or the fancies of department stores.

The wishes of my heart will never be realized by anything I can do. I can’t buy it, you can’t furnish it.

I wish to know Him better than I know Him now. Not so He will give me anything.

But because He already has.

He has given me life eternal......I wish to know Him as never before.

Thankful #22...

I am thankful I am becoming perfect.

"Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus.

I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal……… There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals…..I've warned you of them many times…….Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven!
I'm waiting the arrival of my Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform my earthy body into a glorious body like His own.

He'll make me beautiful and whole….. with the same powerful skill by which He is putting everything as it should be, under and around Him.” (Phillipians 3:13-21 The Message)

I was not a perfect child. I was, however, easily disciplined.
I was not a perfect teenager. I was, however, seldom rebellious.
I was not a perfect young adult. I was, however, responsible and dependable.

I am not a perfect daughter. I do, however, honor my father and mother.
I am not a perfect sister. I do, however, respect them as equals.
I am not a perfect wife. I am, however, completely committed.
I am not a perfect mother. I am, however, devoted and prayerful.
I am not a perfect friend. I am, however, trustworthy and truthful.

I am not a perfect hairdresser. I do, however, do my best.
I am not a perfect business owner. I am, however, honest and fair.
I am not a perfect citizen. I am, however, law abiding.

I don't always do all of the above.
I don’t always do the right thing.
I don’t always say the right thing.
I don’t always act in the right way.
I don’t always have the right attitude.

My body is not perfect.
My skin is not perfect.
My hair is not perfect.

But I am being perfected…..not by my effort alone, but by the only perfect One Who ever walked in flesh, as I do.

“It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, He did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.” (Hebrews. 10:14 The Message)

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained....

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Php.3:12-21NIV)


Me?.....Perfect?

Not yet……

But He is.

“ As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Ps. 18:30-32)


"His divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness through my knowledge of Him who called me by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given me His very great and precious promises, so that through them I may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.."(2Peter 1:3-4 personalized by me)

Hallelujah.

Thanksgiving indeed.

Thankful #21....

I am thankful for hearing.
My ears have always been very sensitive to sound. So sensitive, in fact, that some sounds are painful.

My man doesn’t hear like I do. He hears low sounds easily, more easily than I do really…but the higher pitched sounds…like my female voice…he doesn’t hear it well at all... (…..or so he says :-) ........)

I’m thankful to hear music. I love all kinds.
I’m thankful to hear the sounds of nature. I love all kinds of that too.

I’m thankful to hear my man breathing next to me at night. I don’t love that every night….but I’m still thankful.

I am thankful that I can hear. But I’m more thankful that God can.

I'm thankful that He does....thankful that He has never been hard of hearing, nor will He ever be.

He will hear every single thing I say to Him.

Always.

Thankful #20

I am thankful for hunger.

…..Not the kind that comes from an empty stomach.

I am thankful that I have a hunger for knowing what God has said, what He has done, and what His will is.

I am thankful that the hunger is met with understanding another layer of truth.

I am thankful that the hunger returns, only to be met with understanding yet another layer of truth.

I am thankful for the written Word of God, the book we call Bible, a source of feeding my hunger.

Jesus said, “ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”(Matt.5:6)
The Message says it like this…."You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink is the best meal you'll ever eat.”


I’m sad that so many people have no hunger for Him. Some have just accepted their unrighteous condition and don’t have an appetite for right-ness at all.

So many people have never been empty. They are stuffed and running over with themselves. They fill themselves up with spiritual junk food and top it off with a big ME-pie.

Like it or not, admit it or not…we are spiritual beings. There is a spirit within us that will be fed. And when we don’t on purpose feed it the right thing, it will graze on all the junk food it can find, and there is plenty of it in our culture.

I am so thankful to be aware of what I am really hungry for. I am so thankful to know what it is to have that hunger fully satisfied.

When you find what you are really hungry for, nothing else will ever satisfy you again.

“ I am the bread of life.”(John 6:48)


You are hungry for God. Whether you know it or not, or admit it or not. You are.

And nothing else will ever fill you like He will.

Thankful #19....

I am thankful for community.

We are getting ready to go to a community Thanksgiving service.

As I count my blessings, I count it a great blessing to live in a community that gathers together each year, regardless of political differences, racial differences, and even religious differences…

….no matter what the sign on the door of your church building says….once a year, we gather to thank God for His blessings to our community…

…. we join together planning and preparing for the coming year…

….purposing to meet as many of the needs as can be met of those among us and those who may need help as they pass thru….



Webster says community is “a society of people, having common rights and privileges, or common interests, civil, political or ecclesiastical; or living under the same laws”.

We often get bogged down in denominating ourselves, separating ourselves into groups, categorizing ourselves…

Our enemy loves that. It helps his purposes.

I am thankful to be part of a community where Jehovah Nissi still is the banner above us.


“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: He said, "Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the LORD, the LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation….”(Ex. 17:15-16)

Thankful #18...

I am thankful for indoor plumbing.

I remember as a little girl, spending the night with my great great grandmother and her ‘old maid’ daughter.

I don’t recall if the house had electricity or not, I didn’t notice that. But I sure did notice the absence of a bathroom. The little country church just up the road where they attended services didn’t have one either.

I remember the trails that led to both of them. I remember the smell. And I remember looking over into that hole….uuugggghhh. Wish I could forget that !

I am thankful that when I ‘need to go’, I have only a few steps indoors to be in the appropriate place, no stench, and no horrendous sights.

I am thankful that I don’t have one of those ‘chamber pots’ under my bed, and I have never had to empty one of them.

I am indeed thankful for indoor plumbing. And it just amazes me that the men of this house will walk past two of them to go outside …..

Thankful #17...

I am thankful for blow dryers.

I have been working behind a styling chair for 38+ years. When I started, there were no blow dryers. There were hood dryers. For home use, if we had the fancy one, it folded into a hard case. The not so nice one had a plastic bonnet that stretch fitted over your head.

My first blow dryer looked nothing like the ones I use today. And believe me, it didn’t work like mine does today either !

My niece is now in beauty school. Every day that I work, when she gets out of school, she comes to the salon and helps me for the rest of my day. I look forward to her arrival because she always has a tale to tell about her day. And I love hearing them.

She did her first roller set the other day. She told me about her client, and about how well her technique was in getting the rollers in. And she said ‘It was fun!’

If roller sets come back…I’m going home. Just so you know…..

I am thankful for blow dryers.

And I am thankful that most women prefer them !!!

Thankful #16...

I am thankful for being satisfied.

I think back on how hard I have worked for some “thing”.

I worked hard for the dining room table that still sits across the room from me. I bought is at Plum Fun Discount Furniture so many years ago I can’t recall…it is solid oak. The chairs are beginning to show a lot of wear, the tabletop needs resurfacing yet again, and one of the claw feet has some chew marks from a puppy the boys brought in long ago.

I worked hard for the sofa I am sitting on, (the same one I spent a few sleepless hours on last night….!!) It is very heavy, wonderful fabric, very well made. It it the best piece of living room furniture we have owned…much better than the three cheap sofas we have had.

I am thankful for the camper that sits outside under it’s own shelter. I worked hard to pay for it and the camper barn that it sits under. It is not as fancy a camper as the ones they make now, it doesn’t have as many slides as they make them with now, but does have one. It is much nicer than the camper my parents had when I was young, and certainly better than the tent we camped with when our boys were little. Definitely not a needed item…

I am thankful for king sized maple bedroom suit in our bedroom, I worked hard for it. It provides me with more sleeping space than I had when we slept on a full sized bed. Kerry Pinkham has some long legs…..

We never had a matched bedroom suit until I bought this one. When they began to unload it, he said he thought they’d brought the wrong one, this was a really fancy one.

No…it was right.

He asked how much I’d paid for it and I advised him that if he wanted to be able to sleep when he laid down on it, he probably shouldn’t know. It was an expensive purchase for us, especially at that time. But I worked hard, and I paid for it.

All of those things were expensive. They aren’t the finest things in the world, but they are much finer than what we once had, but certainly they are not necessary.

We could eat sitting on the floor. Many do. Dirt floors in fact.

We could sleep on the floor. Many do.

We don’t need a little house to pull around behind the vehicle I have. That little house is more shelter than a large number of people enjoy.

These are examples of things I have become satisfied with. Regrettably, there were many things I worked hard for that didn’t satisfy for long. Much of my work has been for things that I no longer even have….things that I became dissatisfied with, and discarded.

I am thankful to have come to the place in my life where I am satisfied more easily.

Oh don’t get me wrong, I often still have the desires for the new, the better, more of , the latest…(for those of you who know me well, you’ll know my weakness for a nice handbag.)


I heard it once said that happiness is not having what you want…it is wanting what you have. I have learned how true that is.

Solomon, who was the wisest of men, wrote this…“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? (Ecc. 5:10-11)

The quest for having what will make you happy is a lie. You can’t earn it, create it, or buy it. There is only One Source of life and true happiness. Only He can give and provide what He alone created.


“ A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness…”(Eccc. 2:24-26)


“ Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this..”(Ps: 37:4-5)

Thankful #15...

I am thankful for my simple way of life.

Things tend to start getting really complicated this time of year. Holiday plans overlap. People get over extended both in time and energy. Sometimes even financially…

I have determined that I will not get caught up in it or stressed about it.


Starting right now........

Thankful #14....

11-15-11
I am thankful for Bible Study Fellowship.

You may have heard about BSF. Maybe not. The organization has been around since the 1950s and there are classes literally around the world…over a thousand of them.

There is no ‘church’ affiliation, no denominational name tag associated with it…( there ARE name tags….everyone wears one with their name displayed big enough for everyone to see it and use it.)

Daily questions give a place to start for individual personal Bible study. When classes meet once a week, there is a time for small groups to discuss the insights gained from that personal time in God‘s Word.

Challenging lectures bring more information and application to what everyone has studied personally the week before, having privately sat at the foot of our Lord, Bible in hand, prayerfully and expectantly listening for the teaching and guidance of His Holy Spirit within.

Study notes given out after the lecture provide even more teaching and application as well as the questions for the upcoming week.

I’ve been churched since before I have memory. I knew how to read. I knew and purchased all the various resources …. commentaries, dictionaries, etc.

This method of study is so very different.

I’ve learned so much.

“ In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…(Heb.1:1-2)

I have the help He promised….“.. the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)


The most important thing I’ve learned in my years of BSF is that God does indeed speak to every single person thru His written Word by the power of His Holy Spirit.

He speaks to me. I don’t have to have the right commentary. I have a very personal Teacher.

Thankful #13...

I am thankful for immediate answers.

More often than not, waiting is involved. I’m better at waiting than I was at one time, but I’m not any better at liking the wait.

I like immediate service, immediate responses…and I like immediate answers to my prayers.

More often than not, I have to wait for all of them.

But, occasionally I get an immediate answer, and I must admit…it is usually quite startling when I do. God has such a sense of humor sometimes…. Here is my latest immediate answer…

Do not fret.

Trust in the LORD and do good

Delight yourself in the LORD

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

Wait for the LORD and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land
(select verses from Psalm 37)

When frustrated and disturbed, (that sounds better than mad as a wet hen…) I think of all sorts of ways to respond…(that sounds better than retaliate)

And when I ask God to show me how to walk thru it, He needs only to remind me of what I already know. Hence the latest message from Psalm 37.…

Fretting is useless.

I am responsible for my choices, either to do good….or not so good.

Handling it in my own human manner is just telling Him that I don’t trust Him to take care of it.

Taking charge and setting everyone straight is not committing my way to Him, but committing to my own agenda.

Waiting is the smart thing to do because I don’t see the big picture nor do I know other people’s heart.

What something ‘looks like’ is not always what it is. God will have His way ultimately…He just sometimes has a purpose for it taking longer than it ‘looks like’ it should take.

My temper and imagination will only lead to my own wrong thoughts and behavior.
I have a choice. I can continue to look at my wrong thoughts and consider them…or I can on purpose turn FROM them and choose life instead of death.

I can believe that God WILL keep His promises, that He IS KEEPING His promises even now, and especially when I don’t see nor understand the mechanics of His ways.

Thankful #12...

Today I am thank for grandchildren.

I remember eleven years ago today getting a call that my first would be arriving within hours.

The time was a bit early, but circumstances demanded an early delivery...so we headed off to the hospital and got there just in time to see our son hovering over a tiny little baby girl in a hospital nursery. Chesley was here, healthy, and precious.

She was our first experience as far as grand children went…and our first experience at little girls. They are indeed different than the two little boys born to us. Their grandfather had no daughters, and had no sisters. Boy was he in for surprises !

What a joy it is to be a grandparent. Grandchildren are just that. Grand children. Grand indeed.

What a legacy born to us.

“Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children…”(Prov. 17:6)

What a responsibility.

“A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children..”(Prov. 13:22)

We can’t eat cake and ice-cream with our firstborn grand-daughter on this, her birthday. We are geographically separated. (…another reason to be thankful for technology !! )

But we will never be separated in heart.

How we love you Chesley. Happy birthday sweetie…

Thankful #11....

I am thankful for rest.

Rest, as in going to bed and actually sleeping all night.
And rest, as in sleeping late!!

Rest, as in sitting with coffee for as long as you want.
Rest, as in reading whatever you want, and for however long you want.

Rest as in no agenda, no demands on my time or energy.

All of those things and a list of dozens more define what we think of as rest.

But here is where REAL rest comes from…. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….”(the words of Jesus, Matthew 11:28 emphasis mine)

When I find myself so very weary, often it is not a weariness that can be recuperated from by a good night’s sleep. It is weariness that is a result of getting out from under the yoke with Jesus, pulling the weight of my life in my own strength. When I do that, it doesn’t take long for me to wear myself out.


“ Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with Me.' If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You. Remember that this nation is Your people." The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Ex. 33:12-14)

Moses was called by God to shepherd His people out of bondage, thru a wilderness, to a promised place.

Moses knew the landscapes and the dangers. He knew the Egyptians, and he knew the life of a nomad shepherd. He had his hands full…but he was never asked to do it in his own ability.

I’m certainly not Moses. but I’m called by God to be a beacon of His Light, leading people out of bondage, pointing the way to His promised land.

And if you wear The Name of Jesus Christ….you too are called. Jesus Himself said, “….go and make disciples …and teach them…”(Matt. 28:20)

Like Moses, I am not left to my own ability. I don’t have the cloud guiding me by day and fire by night, I have the indwelling Holy Spirit of God within.



If Moses couldn’t do it alone, who am I to think I can…..

Thankful #10

I am thankful for today.

Thankful that it is over.

Thankful that all todays aren’t like this one was…


And I’m thankful for the encouragement and hope from God’s Word about days like today….

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.”(Hebrews 3:13-14)

“…as long as it is today….:”

That includes this day.

Encourage one another. And if there’s nobody encouraging you...for those who share in Christ, He provides encouragement Himself. He comes in The Person of The Holy Spirit to encourage.

I am thankful for today, and thankful for the Comforter Who helped me get thru it.

Thankfullness #9...

I am thankful for my man.

I am thankful for all the nonsense, the wisecracks, all the picking and teasing… There are very few hours that pass that he does not in some way acknowledge my worth to him…certainly never a day of the last 37+ years.

I am thankful for the morals that he has, the standards by which he endeavors to live, and the integrity that he strives to maintain.

I am thankful that he has never lorded himself over me, but has instead always had a servant heart. Not only does he think he’s not above any task, he considers that I am…and steps in to perform them instead.

I am thankful for the genuine concern he has for other people, the strong convictions about right and wrong, fairness, justice…

And I am thankful for the compassionate heart that has not become hard and calloused over the years, in spite of seeing and experiencing so much of human sinfulness and suffering.

He is a mighty man of God, my knight in shining armor.

Thankfullness #8....

I am thankful for seasons.

I love them all and my favorite one is usually whichever one we are in at the moment. (…unless I’m cold…I don’t like to be cold, but it takes more and more to make me be cold these days !!..)

When it is springtime, I enjoy watching the leaves sprout and the flowers begin to bloom, the birds building nests and laying eggs.

When it is summer, I love our garden, working the soil, enjoying fresh vegetables on our dinner table. I love a freshly mown lawn, the scent of honeysuckle in the evening air, and dips in the lake or swimming pool.

When it is fall, as it is now, I love watching the leaves change colors before my eyes. I love the smell, the warmth and the crackling sound of a fire as I sit on the patio by our chiminea sipping a cup of coffee.

When it is winter, I love the way snowflakes fall so silently and cover creation with a blanket of white that looks so incredibly serene and peaceful. I love the curling of the smoke coming from our chimney, the patterns of frost on the windshield, and the way it shimmers from the roofs of the houses.


I would tire of any one of the seasons. You would too.


God was wise to give us change in the seasons. We get bored so easily….an opportunity for the enemy to lead us into disobedience and rebellion.



“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

...I know that everything God does will endure forever…” (Ecc. 3 select verses)



Seasons don’t last.

The leaves bud and grow, they become lush and green, then change into brilliant colors, eventually falling to the ground to decay. They don’t last…

But they come back..

My life has seen many seasons. I’ve been thru lots of phases and experienced lots of growing pains. Certainly not suffered like some have, and certainly not from any merit of my own.

I’m nearing the autumn of an average life. Winter will come, this body will become dormant. And die.

And I will enter an eternal season with our Creator, with a glorified body, walking on the streets of glory.



“....Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God! Hour by hour I place my days in Your hand, safe from those who pursue me…….warm me, Your servant, with a smile; save me because You love me. (Ps. 31:14-16)



I love life. I love the seasons. And I love the God Who gave them both….



“ Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all:

He changes the seasons and guides history,
He raises up kings and also brings them down,
He provides both intelligence and discernment,
He opens up the depths, tells secrets, sees in the dark--light spills out of Him!

God of all my ancestors, all thanks! all praise! (Daniel 2:20-23)

Thankfullness #7.....

I am thankful for children.

I love babies. They are so very small and helpless. A tiny little human being is such a wonder !

I love toddlers. They are so curious, constantly learning, absorbing new information all the time.

I love adolescents. They are so awkward, ready to explore the world while still loving to be coddled.

I love teenagers. They are so sure of themselves, so confident in their own wisdom and ability.

I love adult children best…..

One day they see how tiny they still are in the grand scheme of things.
They see how small a human being is, yet how incredibly important.
They begin to see how much they don’t know….. and admit it.
They begin to embrace the wisdom of other rather than claiming they don’t need it.
They embrace the awkwardness of living in this world where we have no control except of personal choice.


They begin to see the older generation thru different eyes, seeing beyond surface and circumstance. They begin to see the frailty and weakness that was there all along and appreciating the battle we refused to stop fighting.


I loved my sons when they were in the womb, never having seen them or known them.
I loved the infants that nuzzled at my breast.
I loved the toddlers who hid under the bed and spilled their milk.
I loved the adolescents,so happy yet utterly miserable, fighting to mature yet stay babies.
I loved the teenagers who were so sure they were smarter than me.


I love the adult sons who now see my efforts instead of my mistakes.
I love the adult sons who are willing to share themselves freely with their parents.
I love the adult sons recognize the passing of time, and understand that it is limited.
I love the adult sons whose desire is to fill our needs as fully as their needs were filled.
I love the adult sons who ask what I think, and genuinely value my input.



“Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.”(Psa. 127:3)


I am thankful for the two sons we are blessed with. I am thankful to know they will always be there for us as we grow older and older. My heart rests in knowing they will care for us when we can not.


I am thankful that our two sons acknowledge our Creator God, and thankful that He will guide them into all truth, one step at a time….. Just as He did with their father and I. He will make them into mighty men of God as they walk in His truth.


“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”(3John 1:4)


“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.
May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,..”(Pro. 23:22-26)




Lord, help me listen as an adult child to my own words. Help me to continue to make my father and mother glad, may I be a blessing to them, a reward from You, an arrow in their hand, contending with any enemy, may I bring them joy as I walk in Your truth, may I never despise but always delight in them and value their wisdom.

Thankfullness #6

11-7-2011
I am thankful for color.

Especially this time of year.

I just drove to town and back and the colors of the leaves are just stunning.

My sweet man can explain to you just exactly how that happens and why. He loves to understand the ‘how’ behind God’s design. (..when he can..) Understanding the ‘how’ doesn’t change the wonder and awe of it for either of us. God is such a creative Creator ! Leaves change colors because of a certain activitiy that is going on within them.

Not that I care really, certainly not like my man does. I just know that God did it and I love it.

"…He changes times and seasons….. (Daniel 2:20)

In every season, there is evidence of His majesty.

Stop and look with wonder at His creation. Do it on purpose. Today. Right now.
Oh let us not loose the ‘Wow!’ of it !!

“…… turn from…. worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them…….He has not left Himself without testimony:…”(Acts 14:15)

He is God !! And He designed all that is reality to us !! Not me, not you, no human…. If you disagree, answer a few of the questions He asked Job.


"Job, have you ever commanded the morning to come? Have you ever shown the sun where to rise?”

“ What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed, or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth?”

“Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons?”

“Do you know the laws of the heavens?…. tip over the water jars of the heavens…?”
(Job 38 select verses)

He is God.


"Think about this. Wrap your minds around it. This is serious business……….

I am GOD…

The only God you've had or ever will have-- incomparable, irreplaceable--

From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be. All along letting you in on what is going to happen, Assuring you, 'I'm in this for the long haul, I'll do exactly what I set out to do,..”(Isa. 46:8-10 The Message)




Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great;

You are clothed with splendor and majesty.…
You stretch out the heavens like a tent …
You make the clouds Your chariot…….
You set the earth on its foundations….

You make grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate—
The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
You bring darkness, it becomes night….

How many are Your works, O LORD!
In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever…


I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the LORD.
(Psalm 104 select verses)

Hallelujah.

Thankfullness #5

11-6-11
I am thankful for technology.

I know technology has brought a lot of undesirable stuff into the inner sanctuary of our home, but the devil intends to bring his evil into every realm., and he uses every means and every angle….in every generation and every culture. We are wise to learn his standard operating procedures and learn to recognize them immediately, shutting him down before he gets his stinky foot in the door.

Sure, there is a lot of porn on the internet. But there are thousands of excellent sources for Chrisitians to learn and grow or be entertained.

Sure, email and Facebook etc. remove the face to face, up-close-and-personal ways of relating to others. But there are thousands of friendships that are born and grow from the cyber world of social networking. Hundreds of friends and relatives are re-connected and communicating on a regular basis, sharing their lives thru words and photographs or videos.


There are lots of negatives to the social technology of today. (….I seem to remember the same said of television and satellite recievers…) Some things are most certainly of an evil nature, but the way to block out evil is not to do away with television or internet. Instead, we must choose to use them wisely and in obedience to how God created us to live.

There’s a way to navigate away from bad web-sites, and there’s a channel changer and off switch on the television. We again get to choose, use it….for good or for evil.

“………… God created humankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes." (Ecc. 7:29)

Humans are capable of making a mess of pretty much anything. And there is a very real spiritual realm that will help us do just that.

“….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”(Ecc. 12:13,14)

That includes what you do in your cyber-world.


I was almost finished with this reflection last night when the computer sitting across my lap began to sway and I realized that I’d just experienced an earthquake. For the next several minutes, I visited in cyberspace with people from miles away and from people close by, who had also felt the earth move and heard it groaning. Instantly, before the television news had anything to report, I heard from my friends all over Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas about the event.

A few weeks ago, my son and his family experienced an earthquake in New Jersey. In moments I knew about it, heard them share their experience, and knew they were ok. Cell phone and video call technology….

Another reason to be thankful for technology !

Thankfullness #4

I am thankful for music .

I don’t remember the time that I did not sing. I grew up singing alto at church. I sang at many a wedding and funeral. I sang in talent shows, in the school choir….I sang along with records, 8 tracks, and transistor radios.

Glen Campbell was young and handsome, Rod Stewart was old and kinda weird…but I sang along with them both. I imagined myself as Connie Francis and Karen Carpenter…..

I am thankful now that I was neither one.

I can hardly remember when I couldn’t play the piano, even though I’ve never been an accomplished pianist.

My mother had an upright piano that her daddy bought her before she married and left home. It was hers, so it was ours, and it took up a big part of our living room for many years.

Somewhere along the way, she taught me to read the lines and spaces of music out of a church hymn book. The first song I learned to play was “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”.

He’s still the best Friend I have.

I thank Him this morning for how music ministers to my soul in ways that nothing else can.
I thank Him this morning for the love of music in both my husband and sons.

And I ask Him to use the love of music that He has placed within each of us for our good and His glory and honor.

After all, it was His idea……..

Thankfullness #3....

I am thankful for joy.

I almost said laughter, but laughter is not always something pleasant. Laughter can indicate derision or ridicule. Laughter can even hide pain.

There is no mistaking joy.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)


Joy can be present even in the most difficult moments.

I’ve known people suffering, fighting for life…and witnessed joy. I think of my own hours of childbirth…certainly no laughter, but filled with joy.

Only God can bring joy out of circumstances that are unpleasant at best.

“….Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit…..” (Isa. 61:3The Message)

Only God can redeem. And He can even redeem anxiousness, sorrow, and hurt, bringing about joy.

“ When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul. “(Ps. 94:19)

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your Presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right Hand.”(Ps. 16:11)


“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. The LORD is the strength of His people…”(Ps. 28:7,8)

Thank You Lord for the joy You have brought to my heart and life.....the joy of my family, my friends, my home, Your marvelous creation all around me… Thank you for simple pleasures of life and the capacity You have given me to find joy in them.

Thankfullness #2

11-3-11
I am thankful for being ‘churched’.

There was instilled in me a very strong sense of right and wrong, a recognition and submission to authority, and a knowledge of Biblical information and teaching.

For some time, I resented such tight boundaries, so many restrictions…and of the fear of not staying within the boundaries.

Now, I am so very thankful for those restrictions. Those boundaries kept me safe. Those restrictions prevented me from ever having the opportunity to make some bad choices….and that saved me a lot of heartache.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”(Ps. 111:10)

Fear was the beginning of any wisdom I now have.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”(John 8:26)

I now enjoy freedom. Now, I am not as apt to choose poorly, I am just a bit wiser than I was. Not as wise as I hope to become. It is a journey.

I’m definitely not there yet…..

Thankfullness...

11-1-11
I am challenging myself to post one thing I am thankful for as my status every day until Thanksgiving. Want to join me? Today I am thankful that I have a clearer understanding and more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ than I have had in the past, and thankful to know His love in a very real way.

11-2-11
I am thankful for the promises of scripture. Promises from a holy God who can not lie and will never forget nor fail.

“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

I can be sure that what God asks is always and only good. Whatever He asks, whatever difficulty I face, no matter what it ‘looks’ like….God’s plan for me is good.

I am thankful that He doesn’t take my failure as an out for Himself.

It is me who has the desire to quit, never ever Him. No matter how often I stumble or even fall flat on my face…He is willing and anxious to raise me up and continue forward.

(….there’s that song in my head again…. ‘movin’ on up….’…)

Movin' on.....

Movin’ on… I recall a theme song about movin’ on… “ movin’ on up, to the east side…”....

We said goodbye tonight. Some dear folks are movin’ on.

They have been used by God in our lives, touched our hearts. They have often challenged us, served us, loved us, occasionally even failed us.

As have we them.

There comes a time for all of us to ‘move on’. It is discerning the ‘when’ of it that is difficult.

Location may change, but the mission however, never ever changes.

“….Jesus came to them and said….go and make disciples…. baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…. teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you….." (Matthew 28:18-20)

The disciples and apostles of Jesus certainly knew about movin’ on. They did plenty of it. Sometimes by choice, sometimes out of necessity. But whatever the case, their intent was to inform and convince every person they met that Jesus Christ lived, died, and was resurrected, explaining the profound impact of that truth to all who would believe and participate.


Tonight, we heard these words….“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”(2Timothy 4:7)

May we all someday be able to say with Paul that we fought a good fight… that we might finish our individual life’s race… that we too might keep the faith.

These past years, this man and his family have plowed some ground, planted some seeds, fought some weeds, and harvested some fruit.

May God continue to use him in mighty ways as he and his family continue to serve Him, seeking His Face…..in another place.

“The Lord be with your spirit Shawn Bailey. Grace be with you and your family.” (2Timothy 4:22 personalized by me)

Influence...

Influence… we all have it…

Google defined the word as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

We all do influence, one way or the other.

We gals certainly have influence. And we are not always wise in the ways we use it. There has always been a potential influence both for and against truth. Since the garden. Eve used hers and look at the mess we are in….

Women tend to be more impulsive, more emotional, and often quick to ‘do’ something…even if it’s the wrong thing. “Look at this fruit Adam…doesn’t it look delicious?”

I am again brought to my knees before God, examining my female self….confessing and repenting of using my influence in wrong ways. Think about how the women in the following passage misused their influence…..

“The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. (Acts 13:49,50)

They got the Apostles thrown out of the city. The very men with the message of salvation!

Have you ever stirred up a little stink? Used your words to cause strife or conflict? Spoke to someone you know who has more authority……to sway your own agenda?

Certainly using our influence is not always wrong. I believe we are taught to use it….to make disciples, to encourage, to cause others to want the peace and joy that we have in Jesus Christ.

But certainly we CAN influence in many areas that we need to purpose in our hearts and minds to NOT exercise influence.

My husband can write you a speeding ticket. You might think I can get you out of it….and I might could do that. If I chose.

But would speaking to him about releasing you from the penalty for your wrong doing be using my influence in the right way?

Let me just say this….don’t ask me. Cause I will say no. He does his job fairly, and my influencing him otherwise would equal to my doing his job instead of him. And I am not qualified to perform his job.

And God forbid I ever get in the way of God's message being delivered to another person.

Rich...

Rich… Are you ?

I had a conversation recently about how it is you put someone in the category of being ‘rich’.

Immediately, the American mind goes to $$$$ doesn’t it?

Money can sure makes life easier… in some ways.

It gets us things, pays for other people to do things for us. It enables us to have bigger and better. It makes it possible to go places, to play, to see the world.

But money is only a tool. And like all tools, it can make a job easier, it can be used properly, and used well.

Or not.

I am rich.

I have more food than I eat. I have more clothes than I wear. I have more rooms than I occupy. I have money enough with some to spare, and a savings account.

I am convicted tonight about how I use what I have. I personally know people who have to struggle to buy groceries. I know people who have to deny themselves in order to provide for the children in their care.

On my refrigerator, there are pictures of two children who benefit from a mere pittance of my money each month. I only give up what would buy a new blouse or a trip out to eat, and they are provided with food that is not available, clean water, clothing, and a chance at an education that we would consider primitive.

And I am convicted tonight that I somehow consider that I’ve done enough. I take the rest of what I have and spend it on whatever whim I have at the moment. After all, I work hard… right?

I think of Jesus’ words….

“…..it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matt. 19:23,24)

It is not money that causes the difficulty. It is the fact that we choose it over following Jesus. And that is the most costly thing we could ever do.

Personal....

Personal…. ‘of or relating to a particular person, carried on between individuals..’
Personally… ‘as far as oneself is concerned..’


We have personal belongings. Personal thoughts. Personal information.


“Don’t take it personally, but….”
“Personally, I think…..”

There are personal questions. Jesus asks one….

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" (Matt. 16:15, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20)

The world dances around trying so hard not to offend anybody. Each of us have personal choices and decisions. We are not obligated or forced to choose Jesus Christ. But He IS the Savior. There will be no other deliverance from the predicament we are in. We are NOT holy. We can not fix that. And we will not enter God’s Presence without being cleansed and made holy.

People have their empty religions, meaningless rituals. They are not wicked really….but certainly ungodly. The gods they serve are not holy. Their god is not God, The Father of Jesus Christ.

Yet we are conditioned to hold back in fear of offending them. Perhaps we hold back because we are not confident in our own convictions.


“Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." (Matt. 15:12-14)

Perhaps the enemy has convinced us that we are incapable of effectively communicating the message to another person. (….the indwelling Holy Spirit will empower us to do that, but we must learn to hear and we must act when we do hear..)


“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine……..

….according to His power that is at work within us,

..to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”(Eph. 3:16-21)

Sway...

Sway... Something fixed at one end moving back and forth at the other...

Sometimes we can sway pretty good, sometimes not...

Perhaps it has to do with how well we are grounded, what we are grounded to...


"....having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." (Colossians 2:7 NASB)

I've watched in amazement as tall pine trees.... trees that must weigh hundreds and hundreds of pounds, reaching high toward the heavens... sway under the power of an invisible wind.

How can they stand so tall and straight up, much less sway back and forth like they do, yet remain standing?

They have strong roots and a body flexible enough to bend with the winds.

Winds do come that are more than they can endure without breaking. They do get damaged, twisted, broken off, even uprooted...When the storms come.


Often I want to be rigid and unbending. Sometimes I seem to forget where my roots reach to and forget to be grateful for the firm solid soil under me.

I want to be like those pines....ever green, standing tall and straight, yet flexible..remaining firmly rooted.

At least I want to want to...

Batons....

Baton… I never could twirl one of those things, hit my elbow every time…

My little sister could twirl it. I’ve watched amazing performances over the years where girls could keep two of them spinning like crazy, throwing them up in the air. I even saw fire on the ends of a twirling baton in one performance.

Runners use batons. They have to ‘pass the baton’ to the next runner. Doesn’t matter how soon you get to the finish line if you failed to catch that handed off baton.

Looking at a scene revealed to us in Acts 6, I see a baton being passed off, and several batons being twirled at the same time.

“During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers--"Hellenists"--toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, "It wouldn't be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we'll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we'll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God's Word." The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose…..” (Acts 6:1-5 The Message)

I’m a pretty good multi-tasker. (…less so the older I get !! ) These Twelve apostles were definitely multi-tasking.

Testifying about the risen Jesus, performing signs and miracles to validate the power of the Holy Spirit, praying and ministering the Word of God, explaining the scripture and revealing the fulfilled prophecy within them…..and meeting physical needs of women who had no husband. Social work…

Seems they weren’t much different then us. How often I have complained to the minister that somebody wasn’t being cared for just right. Or complained about him because he didn’t do what I thought he should..

How many times have I complained that the preacher didn’t visit, the church didn’t bring food or send flowers… Why is it we think that is always somebody else’s job? Why is it we think we are off the hook because there is somebody on a payroll to do all that? Maybe it’s just me that’s guilty of that….

In this situation of the early church, there were some cultural things we just can’t appreciate. I am a woman, and though I’ve never been a widow, I don’t fear being without resources to feed and care for myself.

In this situation of the early church, the leading characters were doing the grunt work along with being on stage and in all the speaking engagements. Am I as willing as they to not just do the works that I have a passion for, but also be willing to roll up my sleeves and do the behind the scenes stuff? The dirty work? The stuff that’s not fun?

In this situation of the early church, when the baton was held out to be passed on, there were those willing to grab it and run with it. Am I as willing to accept a baton held out to me? Do I accept that responsibility without ill-will? Do I do everything I can to free others to move on to greater responsibility?

I admit it, it is sometimes hard for me to let go of that baton, hard to pass off to somebody else. After all, they might not do it ‘right’….they might do it differently than I do !! Gasp !!

I confess it, I often hesitate to accept a baton handed out to me. “Well, that’s just not my gift….”

Nonsense… I doubt Jesus thinks much of that excuse. Especially when there is a need and I’m an able body.

And I confess, I’m guilty….guilty of thinking the money I put in that plate on Sunday pays somebody to do stuff I could participate in myself. I have plenty excuses. I work. I don’t have time. I’m just not good at that. I don’t know those people. Those people don’t know me. I have dozens…

Course….I might be the only one.

But I doubt it.

Love is....

Love… I ran across a list of quotes about love. Reading them made me wonder how differently we define love....just what does it means to love, what does it look like to be loved.... What do you say?

I think lots of us have some very skewed perceptions about love. Some of the quotes I can’t agree with, some of them don’t measure up with the teaching of Jesus.

“God IS love.” (1John 4:16 emphasis mine)

He invented the whole concept, it defines Him…and He gets to define what love is, not me

Or you.

One of the quotes I read is : “Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”

Interesting quote to think about.

How does the happiness of another person effect me? What person’s happiness matters to me?

Jesus said we are to love God first and foremost. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' …..”

And He said we are to “Love your neighbor as yourself.'…” (Mark 12:30-31)

Loving other people is second only to loving God. I’d say that’s a pretty important matter to consider.

“ There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31)

I tried hard to love a god I didn’t really know. I knew facts of history, not character and nature.

I was afraid of Him, knew I was supposed to love Him but didn’t find Him very loveable. Nor did I grasp His love for me. I didn’t know it, and certainly didn’t live in it.

All the dissatisfaction within me was a symptom of my need to know and live in His love. God loves us with a love we can not fathom, nor can we duplicate it. Man was created to live in His love…we are never complete and happy any other way.

His capacity to love is beyond human capacity, but He DOES enable us to love beyond our nature.

His love is essential to my happiness.
Loving Him is essential to my happiness.

If you don’t love Him, you wonder that you don’t know really Him.


Find Him today. He is so good.

Names...

Name… Everybody gets one at birth. For us gals, most of us get a name change when we marry. Some folks get a name for themselves…whether a name for good or not so good…

In my religious heritage, the name of the church was an important issue. I mean the name that is on the sign out front. I have heard lots of sermons about names. I have come to understand that the only name that is important in that regard is the Name of Jesus the Christ. But, some folks are convinced otherwise, so whatever….

When we named our children, we considered lots of options. But we never thought past the sound of the name. Frequently, we didn’t like a name because it reminded us of someone else.

In scripture, names were very important, and had lots of meaning. They were words…they communicated something. Often, they indicated something to come to pass about the child….prophetic.

Hanna named her son Shmuel, in English spelled Samuel. It comes from the two Hebrew words ‘shama’ meaning to hear, and ‘el’ meaning almighty, which referred to diety. Samuel means heard of God. Hanna had no children, prayed fervently for a child, and she heard from God an answer to her prayer, conceived and bore a son. (1 Samuel 1:20)

Jesus, Jehovah saves. Immanuel, God with us.

Eve, Noah, Moses….I could write dozens of examples like this.

Have we lost something in the way we name our children? Maybe, maybe not….

When our youngest grand-daughter was to be born, the name was discussed almost every day. I can’t explain to you the why of it, but I knew her name. Her name was Caroline. I finally gave my suggestion, and eventually announced to my precious children that I would be calling this unborn child Caroline until I was told differently and informed of the name she would be given.

I looked the name up one day, and upon reading what the name means, was even more convinced that Caroline was indeed her name…… she was a ‘bringer of joy’.

And indeed she was and is.

Connie…. ?

“constant; steadfast”

Quote 13...

Quote 13… “Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.” …

Communication is vital isn’t it? You can lecture for hours, read a zillion words, write a zillion more…But unless the thoughts are conveyed, you’ve just wasted time, energy, and ink. (…or in my case, memory on a computer.)
Sometimes, I get an attitude and mindset that I need to be right about every single thing, as well as make sure you are correct too. Sometimes, I skip right over the message, and focus on the method.

I’m sure I’m the only one guilty….

Don’t misunderstand me. Being correct is of the utmost importance, but sometimes I correct form, when form doesn’t make a bit of difference.

Mama talks baby talk so baby can understand. THAT is the important thing. Understanding. And baby talk is far from correct grammar !

I’ve heard folks argue over which translation of written scripture to use, as if Jesus used one of them. (He did use one, and I understand it was Hebrew….I don’t understand Hebrew much better than I understand the original KJV.)

Translations line the shelves of bookstores now. There are groups of scholars from all over the globe who regularly gather to examine the old documents and manuscripts. They study the language of the era, and they consider how words were used in all sorts of literature of that day.

They consider what words we use today, and how we use them. Which, by the way, changes from generation to generation. Big time.

Scholars’ goal is to take the message in that old manuscript, written to that ancient world, a document that used their language and their words, and then communicate the message of it to our world today, using our language and our words.

I bet the people of other foreign languages don’t have this axe to grind….I’m pretty sure there’s not a lot of Bibles written in Chinese. Certainly not the King James Version ! And I’m glad I don’t have to read either of them. But I am thrilled that the Chinese can read and understand what was once only written in Hebrew or Greek.

It is certainly a good thing to be educated in the correct use and form or words. It’s a far better thing to be able to use all of them to effectively transfer a thought from one mind and heart to another.

We are told to “ …grow in the grace and knowledge…”(2Peter 3:18)

I wonder if some of us don’t need some refresher courses in grace. Are we impressed with our knowledge and the other person’s lack of it ?

Might we need to heed the words of Paul…. Certainly I do.

“ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up…” (2 Cor. 8:1)

It is the message that is important. Not the method, not the pronunciation, not the spelling, not the punctuation, not the grammer.

Father, may our desire be to grow in grace and not simply knowledge. May our knowledge be only a tool to help us build others up and communicate the message of Jesus Christ.

Quotes 12....

Quotes 12.…“A place where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain…”

Have you ever been in such a place? Ever longed for such a place?

I tried for years to make such a place. Didn’t happen.

There is a such a place though. And it is indeed beyond the moon, beyond the rainbow… somewhere.

I find my mind going to the old hymns….

“Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within….”

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

“The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, peace be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, or demons, or men, or whatever it be.
No water can swallow the ship where lies, the Master of ocean and earth and skies;
they shall sweetly obey Thy will, peace be still, peace be still.”

I do long for a place where there is no trouble. No global trouble, national or international… political, cultural….personal.

I have known people who lived in circumstances that looked so distressing…like there was not a moment of peace. Yet, they exhibited joy.

How often I have said ‘I don’t know how you do it…’.

“Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with then thousand, ten thousand beside….” Great is His faithfulness.

There is peace for our now and for all of eternity for those who have The Holy Spirit of God dwelling within.


We all have eternity in our hearts. Will your eternity be one of peace?

No need to search for peace over the rainbow, no need to try to orchestrate it for yourself, you can’t.

Jesus Christ says “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me”

He is waiting. Let Him in….“and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds…” (Phillipians 4:7)

Quotes 11....

Quotes 11.…. “….you are under the unfortunate impression that just because you run away you have no courage; you’re confusing courage with wisdom.”


The speaker of that quote was not at all what he pretended to be. He hid behind curtains, used bells and whistles of all sorts to make himself appear to be THE grand, all knowing, and all powerful one. Some wizard he was….

He was pretty ordinary….pity he didn’t apply his words of wisdom to his own life and come out from hiding behind that curtain sooner…. It takes courage to step out of hiding and be real.


We have an enemy who is a liar and a deceiver of the brethren ( John 8:44, Rev.12:10, Rev. 13:14, Gen. 3:13) He prefers to keep us in pretense.

One of the enemy’s most effective weapons against most of us is fear. Satan deceives us, we choose to believe him over believing God, we find the truth out for ourselves by experience, then instead of running TO God, we hide behind our own curtain, displaying our own bells and whistles…those of denial, pretense, and excuse.

We too are often under the unfortunate impression that running and hiding means we are weak and cowardly. A usual tactic of the enemy...take a little truth and twist it....

Hiding our sin from God IS cowardly. And futile.

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)

Hiding our sin from ourselves is not only cowardly but catastrophically unwise.

It does takes courage to evaluate ourselves in the Light of the holiness of God because we …“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23)

I am convinced that only when we KNOW the love of God can we come out of hiding.

Only when we have the Presence of Jesus Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, can we see ourselves both as we are, (sinful to the core….), as well as loved by our Creator God beyond human capacity and beyond human understanding.

Don’t confuse courage with wisdom, nor fear and hiding with safety.

There is only one safe place to hide. ….“hidden with Christ in God”(Col. 3:3) “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body..” (Hebrews. 10:18-20)

Quote 10....

Quote 10.… “Houston we have a problem.”…….

Houston, LA, Seattle, New York, Miami…Hong Kong, London, Cairo…

New Boston, Foreman, DeKalb, Simms…

Every person in every city….we all have a problem.

“You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we're in…”(Romans 5:12 The Message)

Our problem is that we can not be perfect. No matter how bad we want to, no matter how hard we try.

"…….What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.

So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary. But I need something more!

For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help!

I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.

I decide to do good, but I don't really do it;

I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.

My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions.

Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. (Romans 7:14-21 The Message)

The apostle Paul had the problem, we all share it. And Houston can’t fix it….

So what to do?

“Who will save me from this sin that brings death to my body? I give thanks to God. He will do it through Jesus Christ our Lord…”(Romans 7:24-25)

“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved.”(Romans 8:1 The Message)


Hallelujah.

Quote 9....

Quote 9... “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.”……

Paul Newman’s portrayal of a cool handed Luke demonstrated that Luke communicated quite well. He chose his own way, regardless of the personal cost.

Over and over he breaks the rules and pays the price for it… being imprisoned.

Over and over he challenges that prison. He managed to escape it, but it was a short-lived freedom…he would only be re-shackled, bound heavier and tighter.

At one point, after an escape, he finds himself in a church building and speaks to God, accusing Him, “You made me like I am.”

Our shortcomings are not God’s fault. He only allows us the freedom to choose poorly.


Luke’s communication was one sided. He communicated his will, but failed to understand the communication from the other side of that church house ceiling.

He insisted on his own way, refused to accept the consequences of his choices, and challenged the wrong in others while accepting, even excusing the faults in himself.

When caught up with yet again, he found himself with no way to escape. “…all you’ve got to do is give up.”, his friend told him.



I don’t claim complete understanding. I don’t claim to be able to communicate perfectly.

But how very thankful I am that my Lord’s message makes sense to me.

I am so grateful to understand what He has gone to such great length and cost to communicate to us.

I continue to learn to communicate…..in both hearing and listening to Him. I continue to learn to communicate with Him in prayer, doing my best to bring an open and honest heart, even though at times, it is not at all cool.

In fact, it’s pretty ugly sometimes…..

Quote 8....

Quote 8.… “I’ll be back….” I bet you read that with a certain accent.



The two looked human, but were not.

The two had different missions. To kill. To save.

When the character uttered the line in the movie, he usually came back in some vehicle, crashing thru walls or windows.

He demolished whatever was in the way of his mission….saving a young woman’s life.

As the movie progresses, she goes from not trusting him at all, to complete trust and following his direction.

Jesus was human, yet was not. He is unique in that….completely both. Completely human. Completely divine.

He too had a mission, and He has a foe that counters that mission, trying to thwart it in any way he can.

The enemy? “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”

The Savior has “…come so they can have life….in the fullest possible way.” (John 10:10)

And He WILL be back.



“I will come back. And I will take you to be with Me. Then you will also be where I am.” (John 14:3)

Quotes 7....

Quote 7... “May the force be with you.”……..

I didn’t think much about that line back way back when…and I really don’t know now just what that meant.

But, it’s a line that most people recognize.

It is something found in most all my prayers of intercession.

It was something that Paul prayed in many of his letters. I consider those prayers to be prayers for ME.



“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus….equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)


“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)


“May the Lord be with your spirit. May God's grace be with you.”( 2 Tim. 4:22)

The force IS with me. Just as was promised to those early Christians, the power and Presence of Jesus Christ thru the Holy Spirit of God is with me.


“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem. You will be My witnesses in all Judea and Samaria. And you will be My witnesses from one end of the earth to the other." (Acts 1:8)

Is The Force with you?

There is no reason to live a defeated life, no reason to not have peace even in a storm of life.

If He is not with you, you can not know what you are missing….

Find out today. He is so good. He wants ONLY good, even better and best, for all of His creation. He WANTS to be with you. The God of the universe WANTS to be with and in you!

“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD..”(Jer. 29:11-14)