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Building Up!

Each morning before the day has dawned I hear the birds singing in the trees. It’s dark out – we can’t tell if the sky is cloudy or clear, but the tone of the day is set. It’s a day to be joyful and it’s a day to share joy with others!

Someone needs your song today. Someone needs a word of encouragement. Someone needs to be built up.

Yesterday was an ordinary day. Dave and I spent most of our time sitting under the awning and taking in the beauty of our campground. But before day’s end it was a day to encourage; it was the day for a hug.

The lady in the next campsite had a bad day, a really bad day. I barely know her but I really sensed that the Lord wanted me to talk with her, to listen to her heart and to give her a hug and a prayer.

I used to be really timid about doing things like this but when you know it’s God you have to be obedient.

As we sat at her picnic table I listened to her heart. It was aching. I told her I believed in the power of prayer and I would be praying for her. She said she did too. She was facing losing her job but even more than that she had been slandered. I told her the Lord always has a bigger plan and we can trust Him to work things out for our good.

In a few short hours the situation had changed. God had intervened!

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” Romans 15:2 NLT

Who can you encourage? Be like those birds I hear singing outside my window. Share your song.

Build someone up!

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Tenderhearted & Forgiving

Some of you have probably figured out that Dave and I are on a summer adventure. We left home recently in our traveling bunkhouse, our 5th wheel trailer. We are in the mountains of Arizona. Yes, Arizona has mountains, beautiful, cool mountains.

These trips away from our home are always times of growth. The Lord stretches me and shows me things in my life that I need to work on. I guess I just see them clearer when I am out of my daily routine. I’m happy to say that some of the things I have seen come to light show me that I have grown more in my faith and my compassion than I had realized. Others, the Lord has shown me I still have a ways to go.

Last night was one of those “I have grown more than I thought” situations. I woke up several times to the sound of a generator. Now for those of you unfamiliar with camping or RV park rules there are always quiet hours when no loud music or generators are allowed to operate.

But instead of getting angry because someone was obviously not following the rules my mind went to kind thoughts. Maybe they’re new to camping and don’t know the rules, maybe they have a new baby and didn’t realize it would be this cold and needed the generator to operate their heater, maybe…just maybe…

Each time I woke I heard the word tenderhearted. Being sympathetic and empathetic are actions of a tender heart. Looking at the cause instead of the action is a tenderhearted perspective. If my heart can be tender toward someone in the campground who I don’t even know shouldn’t I be more tenderhearted when relating to those in my own family and among my close friends and fellow Christians?

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Christ paid the price for our sins long before we ever repented. His forgiveness and compassion aren’t based on our repentance, they come because of His unconditional love. Waiting for someone to say they are sorry before we forgive is selfish and not the way God forgives at all. We need to conform to His way of forgiving.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT

Exercise kindness, tenderness, forgiveness this summer. By doing these things, we will be an imitator of our Father and an example of His love to the world.

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Encouraged to Be Strong

Encouragement: the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. (Oxford Dictionary) I like to define it as “to fill with courage”.

Encouraging people with the promises of God’s word is one of my favorite things to do. I know what it’s like to be discouraged, hoping for someone, anyone, to give you a kind word, a smile, a hug or a prayer.

When we’re tired, we become easily discouraged and discouragement leaves us weak, angry, susceptible, emotional and devastated. None of these are what God has planned for our daily lives. He is the Master of Encouragement.

The Lord told Moses several times to encourage Joshua. Joshua would be his replacement. No one knew better than Moses that the Lord had been faithful to keep all His promises and he needed to impress that on Joshua.

“You must give instructions to Joshua. Encourage him. Make him strong, because Joshua must lead the people across the Jordan River. You can see the land, but Joshua will lead them into that land. He will help them take the land and live in it.’” Deuteronomy 3:28 ERV

Joshua had been at Moses’ right hand for the past 40 years and the mantle of leadership was about to land solely on his shoulders. Those three words “make him strong” are what encouragement does.

The Lord just didn’t leave it up to Moses to encourage Joshua. The Lord spoke to Joshua directly.

“…After Moses died, the Lord spoke to Joshua and said, 2 “My servant Moses is dead. Now you and all these people must go across the Jordan River. You must go into the land I am giving to the Israelites. 3 I promised Moses that I would give you this land, so I will give you all the land wherever you go… 5 Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. No one will be able to stop you all your life. I will not abandon you. I will never leave you.

6 “Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9 ERV

Take a minute to go back and read that again. Unpack what the Lord is saying – I will give you the land, no one will be able to stop you, I won’t abandon you, I’ll never leave you!

Be strong, be brave, follow My teachings and you’ll be successful in all you do. Be obedient, you’ll be successful – be strong, be brave, don’t be afraid. Now, that’s encouragement!

If your tired and weary today; devastated or discouraged look to the Lord. Draw en-couragement from Him and you’ll become victorious. He will encourage you – Be strong, be brave!

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Right or Left?

Have you ever been at a crossroads and wonder which path to take? 

It could be a physical spot on a roadway – right, left, or straight head but more than likely that crossroad involves a decision about career path, relationships, monetary commitments and even health choices.

How do we know which choice is right?

It’s important to get good advice but ultimately, at least for me, it comes down to following that inner voice, sense of right/wrong, the peace that I feel in my heart.

Jesus used an analogy with his disciples that they all understood. He talked to them of the way sheep follow a shepherd. They were familiar with seeing bands of sheep out on the hillsides with their shepherd. Jesus said I am the good Shepherd, and my sheep hear my voice and follow me.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep…My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:11,14,15,27 ERV

If we are listening, we will hear our Shepherd’s voice and follow the path He takes us on.  Sometimes we start out following the Shepherd and then we get off the path and head out on our own. The attitude of “I can take it from here, thanks for getting me started” can be disastrous. 

When that happens, it is encouraging to know that the Shepherd will come looking for lost sheep. He knows the dangers that can present themselves. He is faithful to rescue us.

“Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 ERV

In Jesus’ own words He said he is the “good” shepherd. Some shepherds had been known to leave the sheep in times of peril. Some didn’t properly care for those who had been attacked or injured.

But not the Good Shepherd. He is willing to lay down His life for his sheep. He takes His sheep to green pastures beside still water where they can be fed, watered, and well rested.

When He sees danger coming, He protects the sheep and keeps their enemies for attacking. He leads them through the valley of the shadow of death with no fear. He is their comfort.

Which path to take? Follow the Shepherd, He will never lead us astray.

Have a decision to make? At the crossroads?

Pray about it. Don’t be in a hurry. Listen for the Shepherd’s voice and then follow Him!

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Good For All Time

Every day I ask the Lord to show me something new. I never want to quit learning. I want increase in knowledge of natural things and in spiritual things.

Yesterday, I was reading the list of items the Lord told Moses would be needed in building the Tent of Meeting. This would be the portable place of worship where the priests would offer sacrifices for the people and would also offer prayers of repentance and thanksgiving.

There were all the things you would expect to find when for erecting such a structure – gold, silver, wood for the tables, bronze, oil, spices, precious stones, linen for the priests’ garments but there was one item I did not expect to find, seal skins.

Seal skins? That was odd.

Dave and I talked about it, and I went to the maps in the back of my Bible to see where they might have gotten seal skins. The Israelites were still traveling in the wilderness and weren’t close to any seaports that I could tell so I’m not sure how this was a thing. I learned something new.

I also learn something new about my husband’s camping experiences when he was a kid. He asked me what I remember about being in the mountains with my family and then told me things he did with his cousins and the fun they had. When we love someone, we should want to know all we can about them.

Our walk with the Lord should never be something we take for granted, consider passe` or old fashioned. It should be more contemporary than the newest software, technology advancement or medical breakthrough.

Our love for Him should have us asking questions and learning new things in our relationship with the Father. God is practical but complex. He is the God of all generations.

“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles…For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.”
Psalm 145:1-4, 13 NLT

God’s kingdom will last forever. He will rule in every generation. He is good for all time.

I encourage you to ask the Father to show you something new today or to remind you of something you have forgotten. You may be surprised by what He teaches you when your heart is opened to learn.  

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Busy, Busy, Busy

Good Morning!

I hope that you are looking forward to your day.  I’ve noticed the last couple months as things return to normal that I am hearing from friends and acquaintances that life is getting more hectic.

There are more things to occupy their time and schedules. Family get togethers, ball practice, weddings, showers, business trips, projects that had been put aside – life is certainly getting busier.

If we’re not careful we will find ourselves rapidly picking up speed on the old way of doing things and leave behind the slower lifestyle that was forced upon us but was good for us.

I have heard of studies that indicate mechanical equipment lasts longer with fewer repairs when it is allowed to be at rest at least one day a week. Employees are more productive when they have down time; one of the most positive comments during this nationwide work-from-home effort was that production and creativity increased.

Doctors attest to the fact that bodies are healthier when we have less stress and more rest. Even farmers know that taking their fields out of production every seven years is good for the soil and will cause the following year’s yield to increase.

I do believe that God knew what He was doing when He issued the commandment to rest on the Sabbath day.

“Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. 9 You have six days when you can do your work, 10 but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day—not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. 11 In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That’s why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me.” Exodus 20:8-11 CEV

“You will plant seeds in your land for six years, and gather the grain. 11 But in the seventh year you will let the land rest without planting. So your people who are in need may eat. Whatever they leave, the animals may eat. You are to do the same with your grape-fields and olive trees. 12 You will work six days and rest on the seventh day. So your bull and your donkey may rest. And the son of your female servant, and the stranger, may get their strength again.” Exodus 23:10-12 NLV

In Exodus 20, God gives what we call the Ten Commandments to Moses. He then gave them to Israelites. These were to be the laws that directed everyday living. Isn’t it interesting to see that resting was just as important to the Lord as not killing, lying, or stealing?

I think we should all take another look at our appointment books and schedules. Block off time to rest. Let your body, mind and spirit have time to recover.

For those of us who are always on the go this will be hard to initially implement but remember it’s God’s commandment for our well-being.

Enjoy the day!

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Two Become One

This is a tree growing at our campsite. It took me a couple of days to notice it and then I became intrigued. When you look at the image, you will notice two trunks at the bottom but about halfway up you can see where the trees’ trunks become intertwined, and they start to grow as one.

The bigger, better nourished tree has been wrapped by the thinner, weaker trunk. The larger of the two is now supporting the weight of both trees. Look closely and you will see that they are two different species. This seems to be nature’s own engrafting.

Nature is such a great teacher. 

There must have been a storm or wind that caused the two of them to grow in such a way. They were stronger together than separate.

Does that remind you of anything Biblical? Don’t most of us come to God when we’ve been through a storm. He’s there to provide us with shelter and strength.

Jesus told his disciples I am the vine, you are the branches, if you abide or stay connected to Me you will produce much fruit.

“Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. 5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.” John 15:4-5 ERV

This is a promise made to all of us.  If we stay connected to Jesus, our life-giving vine, we will be productive and fruitful. 

The other example that came to mind was Paul’s teaching on marriage. He took these words from God, the Father, in the Garden of Eden.

“In the same way, a husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself. A husband who loves his wife shows that he loves himself. 29 None of us hate our own bodies. We provide for them and take good care of them, just as Christ does for the church, 30 because we are each part of his body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” Ephesians 5:28-32 CEV

And the two shall become one!

Jesus assumes the role of husband to those who place their trust in Him. He loves us, nurtures us, protects us as He does his own body. He leaves all other distractions and is totally committed to us.

What do we give Him in return? He asks for our love and devotion. God, who is love, desires our love and fellowship. Is that too much to ask?

As I sat and really studied these two trees my heart’s prayer became “Lord, let me so dependent upon You that it will be hard for people to see who I was before I leaned on You and You became my source of strength, my support, my all in all.

Two become one!

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Are You A Small Fry?

Do you understand the meaning of “small fry”?  It was reiterated to me yesterday morning.

Dave and I went out fishing first thing.  It was just after daybreak. The hatch of water bugs was in full harvest.  At first we thought we stepped into a swarm of mosquitos. No, not that. We were in a hatch of what appeared to be small dragon flies.

As they landed on the water’s surface the trout began to boil. It had been a long time since I had seen such a sight.  Everywhere there were ripples, the trout were coming to the surface to feed on the new hatch.

As we cast our bait we hoped there would be one or two trout that chose it over the freshly hatched bugs sitting on the surface of the water.

At shore’s edge, we observed the hunger of the small fry. Did you know that young fish are called fry? 

These little guys, less than 3 to 4 inches long, would come to the surface of the water to feed. Up they’d come, gulp, flip their tails and be gone. 

Does it shock you that I would think of a story in the Bible to relate to this adventure? 

Jesus met Peter, James, John and Andrew on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after they had had an unsuccessful night of fishing. 

“Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.” 6 They did it and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. 7 Then they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t come near me! I am a sinner.” 9 Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. 10 His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too. Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.” Luke 5:5-10 CEV

This was a net breaking, almost boat sinking load. But what I find interesting is that nowhere is there any mention to the size of the fish. Surely, some of the fish were small fry.

This is so much like Jesus. 

He never makes a distinction between large or small, rich or poor, educated or plain. In fact, Paul says that the Lord uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

This should be so encouraging. 

If you feel like a small fish in a big pond guess what?  God knows you’re there. Are you a small fry?  Not to worry, God has jobs that only small fry can fill.  You won’t find a whale in a mountain lake.

Father, let us realize that you have a specific job for each one of your children. We don’t need to be envious of the bigger fish in the lake. You are willing to use those of us that are small fry!

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Consider the Lilies

On our walk yesterday morning I saw that the forest floor was dotted with these wild flowers. I believe they are some sort of Iris. The detail on them is so intricate, I just had to take a picture.

When I got back to the RV, I looked at the picture more closely. I am always in awe of God’s handiwork.  Seriously, the first thing I thought of were the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:28-30 that say

“Consider the lilies of the field”.

Consider – think on, contemplate, mull over, study.  What does this beautiful little flower have to teach us on this Sunday morning? 

We were at this campground last summer and the summer before that. I only remember seeing a few of these flowers. So, the first thing I “considered” is they are impacting their surroundings. More are growing each year.

Question 1:  Am I impacting my surroundings? Am I adding beauty and grace to my world?

“They neither toil or spin”.

These delicate flowers aren’t worried about how they grow or where they grow. They just grow.  I found two of them that had pushed their way up through the soil right next to some elk scat. Not quite the picturesque setting you’d expect for something so delicate. All of them had to push through decaying pine needles, aspen leaves and wild grass but push they did.

That’s what flowers do they grow. They don’t stress over rainfall or worry about the climate. They grow.

Question 2:  Am I growing? Or am I spending more time toiling and spinning in circles?

“Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these”.

King Solomon was the wealthiest king of his time. His garments were the finest purple, adorned with gold but Jesus said that the lilies of the field were more gloriously clothed than he was. The lilies were totally dependent on God’s provision, by themselves they were nothing. They had but one purpose – to point to the Creator.

My purpose, and your purpose, is to point those who see us to the Father. He is the One who will provide all we need. He sends the sunshine and the rain to nourish the flowers and He provides for us as well.

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field…will He not much more cloth you, oh you of little faith”?

Final question: Am I trusting the Father to provide for me the way the flowers do? I ask you to “consider the lilies” today. Learn from these delicate beauties.

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Maybe Today

Yesterday Dave and I were traveling through the New Mexico/Arizona mountains. Every time we take this road we are greeted with the most beautiful cloud display and each time I ride silently, enjoying the view.

There’s just something about clouds that I find intriguing. When we lived in Montana I would spend hours taking pictures of the clouds. One year I made a Cloud Calendar. As we would drive from Montana to Iowa each summer I would ask Dave to stop just so I could take one more picture of them.

Mind you I am not a cloud expert and I really can’t tell you which ones are cummulus, stratus or nimbus but I know I am captivated by them. Dave once told me that I would probably be taking pictures of the clouds when the Lord returns.

I think that’s it! I see those gorgeous pillows of white filling the sky and I think maybe today.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the LORD’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the LORD, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the LORD himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And so we will be with the LORD forever. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

Will the Lord return today? Will this be the day that the Father says to His Son, go bring my children home to me?

I live expectantly. Maybe today!

That is the hope that we who believe in Christ as our Savior have. In Jesus’ last evening with his disciples he said “I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and receive you to Myself”.

Jesus talked of heaven on many occasions. Once He said the day of the Lord’s appearing will come when life is going on as normal. People will be working, buying and selling, cooking and sleeping. He will come for His own.

Maybe today or maybe not until my life is over.

Whenever that day is, and no one knows except the Father, all of us who have placed our trust in Jesus will be ready. No one needs to be fearful that they will be left because Jesus is coming for all who believe. Not one believer will be left behind.

Maybe it will be today.

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