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A Healthy Tree

There is a single verse in the Psalm 40 that I want us to look at this morning.

“O Lord my God, many are the great works You have done, and Your thoughts toward us. No one can compare with You! If I were to speak and tell of them, there would be too many to number.” Psalm 40:5 NLV

Now look at this phrase “many are the great works which You have done”.

Think about that for a moment – what great works do you see that God has done? Was it last night’s sunset or this morning’s sunrise? Was it the love and compassion you felt for a stranger who was in need? Or was it the unpretentious love and acceptance of a child? What did you experience just yesterday that you can see was a wonderful work of God in your life?

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8 NJKV

“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Psalm 111:4 NJKV

“O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.” Isaiah 25:1 NLT

Our Father is a planner; He plans good things. The things that are “wonder full” are the things that have the character of God woven through them. Things like faithfulness, truth, love, forgiveness, peace, gentleness, patience, joy…

Oh wait, did I just list the fruit of the Spirit? When God’s love fills us, we begin to produce fruit.

In the natural fruit a tree produces fruit for the kind of tree it is. Apples, oranges, bananas, and so on – you know what I’m saying. Nothing tastes as good a peach picked fresh from the branch. When we grow in Christ we will begin to produce fruit that is consistent with the vine we are growing on – we will begin to produce godly character.

Our lives should be producing Father-fruit. Do you know that He is wanting to use us to do wonderful things in the lives of those around us? And don’t think that everyone will be happy that we are an example of the Father – they won’t be. Jesus faced that opposition.

“God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 ERV

The love of the Lord will grow in our lives as we stay connected to Him. Just as a fruit tree first breaks forth with buds in Spring and those buds ripen into mature fruit we will produce the fruit of God’s character.

May the trees in our yards and neighborhoods be a reminder that we were made to produce the fruit of godly character.

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Making Priorities

The start of a new week.

What’s on your schedule? Do you have a calendar on the wall with a To-Do list or maybe it’s all in your smart phone or on your I-pad? You may be old fashioned like me and just have a list on a sheet of paper on the desk. Whatever it is, does it give you a sense of accomplishment to check things off when they are done?

This morning I was reading about the Apostle Paul. He had a checklist.

“I don’t know what will happen to me in Jerusalem, but I must obey God’s Spirit and go there. 23 In every city I visit, I am told by the Holy Spirit that I will be put in jail and will be in trouble in Jerusalem. 24 But I don’t care what happens to me, as long as I finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do. And that work is to tell the good news about God’s great kindness.” Acts 20:22-24 CEV

Paul had been out preaching all over Asia. He told everyone, everywhere he went about Jesus. That was all he had on his list.

One thing!

One very important thing. I’m sure he had other things he could have done. After all, as he would go into new towns he needed to find a place to stay, acquire provisions, and locate new Christians but the one thing at the top of his list was his relationship with God, the Father, through Jesus Christ. He had been commissioned to tell the non-Jewish world about God’s great love and the good news of Jesus.

“I do not say that I have received this or have already become perfect. But I keep going on to make that life my own as Christ Jesus made me His own. 13 No, Christian brothers, I do not have that life yet. But I do one thing. I forget everything that is behind me and look forward to that which is ahead of me. 14 My eyes are on the crown. I want to win the race and get the crown of God’s call from heaven through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLV

I have a list of things I want to accomplish today. But I will leave room at the top so that I can be ready to tell others about the Father’s goodness, mercy, kindness and grace.

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A Full Life

Years ago I realized that the Lord had given me an ability to teach and share His word. From then till now, it has been my passion to share His unconditional love, His mercy, His grace and His gift of sonship to us who believe that Jesus Christ died, was buried and is risen as our living Savior.

I saw so many Christians who were like I was; reading the Bible but not really applying it to their everyday lives. We had grown up hearing of God’s retribution, “ God’s going to get you for that” or His surprise tactics, “you never know what God’s going to do”. We were fearing God and His retribution rather than living in His love.

I accepted my calling to proclaim the good news of the gospel to Christians. It is and was my desire to see fellow Christians grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. It was my desire to see Christians walk in the full power of relationship with Christ and to receive fully from His blessings. When we live in this way, the way God intended, we truly are examples of Jesus.

Jesus said: “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

The Apostle Paul tells us it is the goodness of God that draws men to repent, not the condemning of man. There is nothing I find more fulfilling than to share God’s word – through written communication, one on one personal interaction or teaching to a gathering. It’s my heart passion.

“You, Lord God, have done  many wonderful things, and you have planned marvelous things for us.  No one is like you! I would never be able to tell all you have done. 6 Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey. 7 And so, I said, “I am here  to do what is written about me in the book, where it says, 8 ’I enjoy pleasing you. Your Law is in my heart.’” 9 When your people worshiped, you know I told them, “Our Lord always helps!” 10 When all your people met, I did not keep silent. I said, “Our Lord is kind. He is faithful and caring,  and he saves us.” 11 You, Lord, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure.” Psalm 40:5-11 CEV

Look particularly at verses 8-10, “’I enjoy pleasing you. Your Law is in my heart.’” 9 When your people worshiped, you know I told them, “Our Lord always helps!” 10 When all your people met, I did not keep silent. I said, “Our Lord is kind. He is faithful and caring,  and he saves us.”.

On this Sunday morning let me take the opportunity to declare again today – God is faithful, He is righteousness, He is my salvation and His lovingkindness endures forever!

My life is full and running over.

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What Are You Looking For?

I know I’ve told you that I really enjoy “hidden object” search games. Even when I was young I liked doing the word search pages in the newspaper or magazines.

Down the side of the page would be a list of words that were hidden somewhere in the maze of letters. If I was really feeling confident I would do them with an ink pen. These were the earliest versions of computer games before there were computers.

We all seem to be on a search, one way or another. It can be a search for fame and fortune, the perfect mate, a healthier lifestyle – any one of a vast number of things – all in hope of making life better.

My search was complete when I found Jesus!

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

Seek, search for Me, and you will find Me! This was the Lord’s instruction hundreds of years ago and it’s still valid today. The Lord isn’t trying to hide. We find Him in plain sight. The shepherds found Him in a stable. The wisemen found Him at His house with His mother. His mother found Him in the temple teaching.

Zacchaeus went searching for Jesus. He even had to climb a tree to get a better vantage point. What Zacchaeus didn’t know was Jesus was also searching for him.

“Jesus said, “Today is the day for this family to be saved from sin. Yes, even this tax collector is one of God’s chosen people. 10 The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:9-11 ERV

After His resurrection Jesus found his disciples behind closed doors. He came to them just like He comes to us. He came searching for those He loves. When we are in our darkest hour He comes. He comes to bring life, light, hope and joy.

Jesus searches to save the lost. We seek a Savior. When we meet, the search is over. No point to look any further.

“Look for the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the sinful turn from his way, and the one who does not know God turn from his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have loving-pity on him. Let him turn to our God, for He will for sure forgive all his sins.” Isaiah 55:6-7 NLV

When we find Jesus our search ends, we are complete in Him!

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Words on a Page

Some times the best composition is short.

Do you remember having to write essays for English class? I do. It started with the two-hundred word writing and worked itself up to twenty-five hundred words. The regrettable thing about adding more words is it opens the door for exaggeration.

Short concise statements leave little room for embellishing the facts. Adjectives and adverbs are meant to define but all too often create deception.

We are called to be people of integrity. People should be able to trust our words. They should be more than just words on a page. They should convey truth. Jesus told his disciples this:

“You have heard that it was said long ago, ‘You must not make a promise you cannot keep. You must carry out your promises to the Lord.’ 34 I tell you, do not use strong words when you make a promise. Do not promise by heaven. It is the place where God is. 35 Do not promise by earth. It is where He rests His feet. Do not promise by Jerusalem. It is the city of the great King. 36 Do not promise by your head. You are not able to make one hair white or black. 37 Let your yes be YES. Let your no be NO. Anything more than this comes from the devil.” Matthew 5:33-37 NLV

Integrity: the act of doing and saying the right thing because it’s right. It’s not doing what’s right because someone is watching, only driving the speed limit because there’s a patrol car behind you.

Someone with integrity does what is right because it’s right!

“Guard my soul and rescue me; Do not let me be ashamed or disappointed, For I have taken refuge in You. 21 Let integrity and uprightness protect me, For I wait [expectantly] for You.” Psalm 25:20-21 AMP

A few years back I read a book by Jon Huntsman, “Winner’s Never Cheat”. Honesty, true honesty, is greatly lacking in our world today. This little book shows how this very successful businessman gained his wealth. He never cheated. He never went back on His word, even when it cost him financially. He protected his integrity at all costs.

Integrity sets a wonderful example for our children.

“Many a man proclaims his own loyalty and goodness, But who can find a faithful and trustworthy man? 7 The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs—How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].” Proverbs 20:6-7 AMP

Lord let my life be lived in integrity as an example to my children, my grandchildren, my friends and to the world. I desire to keep my words simple, true and without embellishment. I desire to live a life of integrity.

Let your yes be YES. Let your no be NO.

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Comparisons Are Dangerous

Have you ever been guilty of making comparisons? You know the kind I’m talking about – this is better because of its qualities or this is inferior because of its size. It’s one thing when comparisons are made about products but something completely different when they are made about people.

I heard the strangest conversation the other day in my laundry room. There they were, the two of them talking. The conversation went something like this.

“You’ll never be as bright as I am. I get selected for all the BIG jobs. You’re just a little dim wit.”

“Oh yes, I see that you are the biggest and the brightest but I’m the one they want in the middle of the night to keep them from stumbling.”

In case you haven’t guessed, that was the imaginary conversation I heard between the 100w and the 4w light bulbs. Silly I know, but sitting there in a box in my laundry room neither one of them was doing any good because they weren’t connected to the socket.

“We do not compare ourselves with those who think they are good. They compare themselves with themselves. They decide what they think is good or bad and compare themselves with those ideas. They are foolish. 13 But we will not talk with pride more than God allows us to. We will follow the plan of the work He has given us to do and you are a part of that work.” II Corinthians 10:12-14 NLV

God has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives and every purpose is important because it was specifically designed by Almighty God. There are no insignificant or unnecessary members in the kingdom of God.

How often are we like those two bulbs? Proclaiming how big and how great we are but we are of no use until we make contact with the source of all Power.

“‘The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” II Corinthians 4:6-9 CEV

Our job is a simple one – stayed connected to our source of power, Jesus Christ. Don’t give up, don’t give in. There is no power shortage when we are in Christ Jesus!

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Building a Life

Our life has taken some interesting turns recently. I’m not able to share the details yet but I will later. It has been challenging to say the least. I have pulled into the Lord for His strength and direction. I have certainly learned alot about my relationship with the Father and found, once again, that He is always faithful!

Some of you are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff right now. Maybe to those looking in it might not appear to be that big of a deal or maybe it’s so big that people are telling you anyone would crumble if they were in your shoes. Friends and their words can be an encouragement and strength but they can also add to your burden and not realize it, so let’s look at what God’s word has to say about His faithfulness during difficult times.

The message is strong – “I will NEVER leave you”!

The writer of Hebrews tells us to put our faith, our hope, our perspective on the Lord and His faithfulness, not on money or circumstances. Nothing wrong with money but it cannot buy peace or be our source of strength.

Then he tells us to look at our rulers (spiritual leaders) and see how God has been faithful and moved in their lives. Their testimonies are an encouragement of the Father’s faithfulness and love. The writer of Hebrews ends with this thought. He tells us that Jesus set a precedent for moving in our lives because He IS the same – yesterday, today and forever!

“Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said,“I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” 6 So we can feel sure and say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. People can do nothing to me.” 7 Remember your leaders. They taught God’s message to you. Remember how they lived and died, and copy their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 ERV

Every time I woke last night, and there were many, the words to this song came rushing into my heart. In fact, I laid there for over an hour just singing this anthem from the depths of my being. “Build My Life” by Songwriters: Matt Redman, Pat Barrett, Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Karl Andrew Martin

And I will build my life upon your love, it is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in you alone
And I will not be shaken
And I will build my life upon your love, it is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in you alone
And I will not be shaken (Holy)

Holy, there is no one like you
There is none beside you
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who you are and fill me
With your heart and lead me
In your love to those around me (repeat)

The building blocks for my life are built on a firm foundation of God’s love for me. He will never abandon me – He will never leave me alone – I will not be deserted by my loving heavenly Father!

Don’t give up – Don’t quit! God is going through this with you and He will bring you out victorious!!!

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Loaf of Bread Faith

Last week Dave and I were in the grocery store and I was looking at the varitey of artisan breads . One loaf in particular caught my eye – Jalapeno Sour Dough.

Oh my!

It was absolutely delicious. I’m so glad I tried it. It was a definite “I would do this again”. As I sat thinking about that bread this morning I began to see a little correlation between buying that loaf and faith.

I could have said “Dave, I bet this bread is delicious. It will be great with those steaks we’re going to grill”. And then I could have walked on, leaving the bread on the grocery shelf. Or perhaps I could have taken it one step further and purchased the load and taken it home. Unpacking the groceries and moving it to the pantry I might have made another remark about how good I imagined the bread to taste but as of yet I still wouldn’t have known the true richness of its flavor.

To experience the wonderful goodness I needed to open the wrapper, cut a slice, warm it for just a couple seconds and taste!

“O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8 NLV

Once tasted (experienced) there is no denying the goodness. I can tell you how delicious I think it is, I can even put a plate with warm slices in front of you but you won’t get the full benefit until you take a piece and taste for yourself.

One Bible writer says that faith is substance of things we hope for; it’s a tangible confidence. Faith is confidence in what the Lord has done for us. I can tell you of my experience with the Lord and you can be moved by my testimony but each one of us has to experience His goodness personally.

Faith without corresponding action isn’t really faith, it’s merely supposition. To say “I wish I could have the confidence that the Lord will always be with me” or “I hope someday I will be at a place where I can give the Lord all my fears” or whatever other thing it might be without personally experiencing God’s love and goodness would be like me saying “I bet that bread tastes delicious and walking away without ever experiencing it for myself.

I can say that I have faith the bread will bring me strength when I’m famished but if I never lift my hand to take a piece and eat it; I could starve. Christ has paid the price for us and God has given us all our own measure of faith.

“Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you.” Romans 12:3 CEB

Faith equals action. Taste and see!

What action does your faith need to take today? If you listen to the Holy Spirit he will show you what you need to do.

Be willing to put action to your faith.

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Tired & Unsettled

I didn’t sleep well last night. In fact, I barely slept at all. I laid in bed trying to get back to sleep and when that didn’t work I got up. Up about an hour earlier than I normally do and that’s early.

Sitting here in my chair, I’ve been praying about what I should share and no great revelation came. Instead, I found myself saying “Lord, I’m tired and don’t know what to write” and then I realized that was the very thing I needed to put on paper.

I have let my heart get weighed down with some circumstances that are going on right now. I thought I’ve been handling it but I guess I’ve only been pushing it aside. Out of sight, out of mind. This morning I realize that I haven’t really trusted God with it.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

I’ve been trying to figure everything out in my own mind. Asking the question “what do I need to do” and it’s made me weary and unable to rest. That’s not the Lord’s plan for me and it isn’t His plan for you either.

His plan is for us to come to Him with our burdens and weariness. When we do He promises to give us rest. Rest…that’s how I know that I hadn’t given this to Him, there has been no rest.

I’m really glad you all were here today. I needed to lay all of this out on the table and then draw strength for the Source of all Strength.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

In Him, I have found rest for my soul!

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Softly & Tenderly

Happy Easter everyone. What a wonderful day – celebrating the resurrection of Jesus! Amazing. Simply amazing.

I always try to put myself in the different stories I read in the Bible. I feel I have been with the disciples in the storm at sea; I followed the woman who had been caught in adultery as she was drug through the streets by her accusers. I’ve eaves-dropped on the conversation between Jesus and the little boy with a lunch of five loaves and two fish and I’ve stood at the foot of cross to see Jesus crucified.

But the story that I can relate to the most – the one that leaves me speechless – occurred on that first resurrection morning.

“Mary stood outside the grave crying. As she cried, she got down and looked inside the grave. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white clothes. They were sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. One angel was where His head had lain and one angel was where His feet had lain. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord. I do not know where they have put Him.”

14 After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 He said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought He was the man who cared for the garden. She said to Him, “Sir, if you have taken Jesus from here, tell me where you have put Him. I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned around and said to Him, “Teacher!” John 20:11-16 NLV

That morning a group of women had gone to the tomb with additional spices to entomb Jesus’ body. They found the stone rolled away and ran back to the disciples to tell them the stone had been moved. Peter and John ran to the tomb ahead of her and found it empty. They went home but Mary stayed.

Heartbroken and alone, she stayed. Crying she stayed. Why would anyone steal her Savior’s body? The angels tried to speak words of comfort but she turned and walked away, dejected.

As she was leaving she encountered a man that she thought was the gardener. She spoke through her tears and asked “have you taken Jesus, please tell me where he is”.

At that moment, that sorrow filled moment, Jesus spoke but one word, softly and tenderly.

“Mary”.

At the sound of her name she knew instantly that this was Jesus! Her heart was bursting with joy. He’s alive! He called my name. He met me in my sorrow. I’m not alone, I will never be alone again. Jesus has called my name!

His death on the cross paid the price for the sins of all mankind but if I had been the only one to ever live on planet Earth, Jesus would have died just for me. He loves me that much. Salvation is exclusively inclusive. It’s for everyone and yet this gift is offered to each of us personally.

I identify with Mary. At my lowest point, heart filled with sorrow, I have heard Jesus softly and tenderly call my name. Jesus loves me, I will never be alone again.

I know if you will listen, you will hear Him call your name as well.

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