Blog | Kristi's Morning Devotional

May 8, 2018

My Strong Place

This morning I have been focusing my thoughts on trust. Trusting the Lord is a progressive action or at least I found that to be my experience.

I’ve been reviewing the life of King David from the time he was a shepherd for his father to his life as King of Israel. He took trusting steps all along the way.

He mentions two occasions where he knew God was with him while taking care of the sheep.

“But David said to Saul, “There were times when I was taking care of my father’s sheep that wild animals came to take some sheep from the flock. Once there was a lion and another time, a bear. ³⁵I chased that wild animal, attacked it, and took the sheep from its mouth. The wild animal jumped on me, but I caught it by the fur under its mouth. And I hit it and killed it.” I Samuel 17:34-35 ERV

And because of these two trusting steps, he knew that he could face Goliath and that God would give him the victory.

“³⁶I killed both a lion and a bear like that! And I will kill that foreigner, Goliath, just like them. Goliath will die because he made fun of the army of the living God. ³⁷The Lord saved me from the lion and the bear. He will also save me from this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go and may the Lord be with you.” I Samuel 17:26-27 ERV

That was just the start of it. The same man, King Saul, who sent David out to face Goliath, became jealous of him and soon started hunting him. Each time Saul got close the Lord protected David.

“He said, “The Lord is my rock, my strong place, and the One Who sets me free. ³He is my God, my rock, where I go to be safe. He is my covering and the horn that saves me, my strong place where I go to be safe. You save me from being hurt. ⁴I call upon the Lord, Who should be praised. I am saved from those who hate me.” II Samuel 22:2-4 NLV

In these verses we see David placing his complete trust in the Lord. You are my Rock, he says. That phrase reminds me of where we live. We are surrounded by rocky mountains. Climbing to the top you could see your enemies coming for miles. You would be protected. A secure place, a place you could trust.

This kind of unwavering trust is available to everyone.

“The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. ¹⁰Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.” Psalm 9:9-10 CEV

I think it would be a good idea to keep a “trust” journal. You know a place where we write down the times we know God has been there to be our fortress, our rock, our high tower. Then when worry comes or stress tries to overwhelm we can look back and remember that God is FAITHFUL and can be trusted.

“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. ⁸Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong
and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 CEV

I find it’s also good to look at people in the Bible who encountered tremendously difficult situations and saw God deliver them. People like Noah, Daniel, Joseph, Elijah and Elisha, Peter, and Paul.

The Bible tells us that God is no respecter of persons, He doesn’t play favorites so if He delivered these people we can trust Him to do the same for us.

When we trust we will be in a place of peace.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. ⁴Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever. ” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

I’m looking out my patio window now. The sun is coming up and I see one of those rocky mountains. It is a daily reminder that God is a Rock. He is my Rock.

Today I am determined to take another step forward. I will trust Him!

“He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. ²I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NLV

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018

God Knows Your Name & Your Need

I have a list with the names of family, friends and acquaintances in my prayer journal.

I began talking to the Lord about the different names on that list this morning. Some of you I know have personal needs and so I was praying about those. But then I came to some of your names and I didn’t know what particular need there is in your life.

As I was hesitating in what to pray I felt the Lord say “It’s ok. You know their names, I know their needs.” I love that about God. He knows all about us.

“When you pray, do not say the same thing over and over again making long prayers like the people who do not know God. They think they are heard because their prayers are long. ⁸Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. ” Matthew 6:7-8 NLV

Look at the Apostle Paul. In the letters that he wrote to the different churches he always let them know that he was praying for them.

“I thank God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

“In our prayers we always thank God for you. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:3

As I said, sometimes we know how to pray for a specific need and other times we just need to let the Holy Spirit direct our prayers because we lack the understanding for what is needed.

“Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. ²⁷God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.” Romans 8:26-28 ERV

A couple weeks back I had sent a friend a text early in the morning to tell her that I was praying for her. She responded back and gave me some specific needs that were immediate.

We were in the truck and on our way to an area where there was no cell service. Her text was the last that came in for several hours. I was disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to tell her that I was now praying specifically for those needs.

The Lord reminded me that although I couldn’t communicate with her that I could certainly pray on her behalf and that He wasn’t limited by a weak cell signal. He was moving to meet her needs.

God is so good!

What a privilege it is to pray for others. What a joy it is to know that our God isn’t deaf but He hears and answers our prayers.

^”I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God. I write so that you will know that you have eternal life now. ¹⁴We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. ¹⁵He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.” I John 5:13-15 ERV

We have God’s word so we know what He wants for us and we can pray for those things to come about in our lives and the lives of our friends and family. We can even join in prayer for those we don’t know personally. Again, all we may know is a name but God knows their need.

Jesus is our example for life. He took every spare moment to pray. The night he was arrested and taken to be crucified He was in the garden praying. He was praying for himself and his followers and he was praying for us too.

“I pray not only for these followers but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching.” John 17:20 ERV

We are those who have believed because of the teaching of His disciples. Jesus prayed for us and now that He is in heaven He continues to intercede on our behalf.

Prayer is conversation with the Father. When someone we know or love comes to mind let’s talk to the Father about them.

Remember, we know their name and He knows their need.

May 6, 2018May 6, 2018

Big Love

Woke up this morning with the old song, “Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus. Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me” running through my mind.

I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was very young. I remember realizing my need for forgiveness, walking the aisle Sunday night at church and the sweet Christian lady who talked with me to make sure I understood salvation and then prayed with me. At that tender young age, I really didn’t have much sin to be forgiven but I did know that Christ had died for me and had forgiven me.

Now that I’m older, I’m amazed by God’s goodness, mercy and grace. His unconditional love paid the price of sin for everyone through Jesus’ sacrifice. Every sin ever committed from the beginning of time until this earth passes away were forgiven in that one act of sacrifice! God had not only forgiven the sins I had committed up to the day I asked Jesus to be my Saviour but He has forgiven every one of them since. Even if I had become some horrible, terrible sinner His forgiveness would have still been there for me.

“My children, I am writing this so that you won’t sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us. 2 Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:1-2

And whether my sins were great or small, it doesn’t matter – I still needed a Saviour. The Apostle James writes that “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

It’s a like a picture window; if you throw a rock through it, it’s broken; if you put a bee bee through it, it’s still broken. The size of the hole doesn’t matter, the glass is broken. So whether you’re Hitler or a small girl in Yuma, Az, sin is sin and it requires a Saviour. The same sacrifice was necessary for both of us.

God’s love is unconditional. It doesn’t matter if we are the most base sinner who ever lived or the most self-righteous. His love is the same. Each day I realize where I could have been without Jesus and I am so grateful and thankful that I am not without Him and that He chose me, He adopted me and made me a new creation.

I will close this glorious Sunday morning with an example from Jesus himself.

“A Pharisee invited Jesus to have dinner with him. So Jesus went to the Pharisee’s home and got ready to eat. 37 When a sinful woman in that town found out that Jesus was there, she bought an expensive bottle of perfume. 38 Then she came and stood behind Jesus. She cried and started washing his feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. The woman kissed his feet and poured the perfume on them.

39 The Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this and said to himself, “If this man really were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him! He would know that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus said to the Pharisee, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Teacher, what is it?” Simon replied.

41 Jesus told him, “Two people were in debt to a moneylender. One of them owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other owed him fifty. 42 Since neither of them could pay him back, the moneylender said that they didn’t have to pay him anything. Which one of them will like him more?”

43 Simon answered, “I suppose it would be the one who had owed more and didn’t have to pay it back.”

“You are right,” Jesus said.

44 He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Have you noticed this woman? When I came into your home, you didn’t give me any water so I could wash my feet. But she has washed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45 You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You didn’t even pour olive oil on my head, but she has poured expensive perfume on my feet. 47 So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.”

48 Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 Some other guests started saying to one another, “Who is this who dares to forgive sins?”

50 But Jesus told the woman, “Because of your faith, you are now saved.May God give you peace!” Luke 7:36-50

Oh how I love Jesus!

May 5, 2018May 5, 2018

Are You Confused?

I had a situation recently where I needed to log-in to a particular app. Entered the password I thought was right but…

I know you’ve been there. Or you log-in and then are asked the security questions. After several attempts of trying to remember if you capitalized the answer or are spelling it right you are locked out temporarily. Are you kidding me, what did I do wrong? I’m so confused.

There are many things that bring thoughts of confusion our way. Jobs – Relationships – Politics – Finances – Education – Technology! What to do? Throw up your hands and walk away? Guess?

I’m so glad that our access to the heavenly Father isn’t blocked by some unknown password or security questions that we can’t remember. The password is simple, Jesus! The security question answer is less complicated than most imagine, Help!

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

Confusion is not from the Lord. Absolutely not! He promises us peace. His peace to guard our thoughts and are feelings.

He has always done everything in an orderly and well planned fashion. He created light and the dry land before He created the animals and plants. He put the grasses on earth before He created the cows, deer and elk.

He foretold the birth of Jesus hundreds and thousands of years before the event and when it came time for Jesus’ earthly entry everything was in place. The wise men followed what Daniel had written hundreds of years before.

The crucifixion was orchestrated down to the words that were spoken on the cross. Every detail had been foretold and every detail came to pass without deviation. God does things orderly. Even now, heaven is being prepared for us. Every desire and detail that will make heaven, heaven, is being fashioned as we live and breathe.

So when we look at a situation or circumstance and try to plan or gain understanding and are minds are spinning, it’s time to call on the Lord for order and wisdom.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. 6 But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. 7-8 If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.” James 1:5-8 CEV

Once we’ve asked for wisdom we need to wait for it. Expect God to show up with a game plan. Don’t become impatient or we will be tossed back and forth in our storm of indecision and misinformation. We can trust God to provide when we ask.

The Apostle Paul says that we battle in our minds but the way we emerge victorious is to bring every thought “captive”. Rein it in, bring it under control but not a control of our own making, bring it under the control that comes from knowledge in Christ.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” II Corinthians 10:3-5

So when confusion comes and it does, it’s our duty to cast it down, take it captive and renew our minds to God’s way of thinking.

Ask for wisdom and then be still and listen for God’s voice on the matter. You have unlimited access to the throne room.

May 4, 2018

What Do You Desire Most?

What’s the one thing you desire most? Think about that one.

Some would say a forever home. To others it may be restored health. Still others would like to go on a long leisurely vacation, all expenses paid. Finding the perfect mate. The job at the top of the corporate ladder. I told you a few days back that I would like a Cinderella evening and I’d also like to catch a blue marlin. Wish list items.

But what do you desire the most? What is the one thing you really, really want?

I would have to say that my one thing, is to honor and serve the Lord. I’m not saying this to be pious or religious. It is my true heart’s desire. I have learned through the years that when I am serving the Lord all the other things, the wants and the wishes, pale in comparison.

However, many times my days are so wrapped up in my own pursuits that the Lord is put somewhere further down the line. Just bein honest folks – if we aren’t honest with ourselves we can’t and won’t serve the Lord the way we know we should.

“LORD, teach me your laws, and I will always follow them. 34 Help me understand your teachings, and I will follow them. Obeying them will be my greatest desire. 35 Help me follow your commands, because that makes me happy. 36 Give me the desire to follow your rules, not the desire to get rich. 37 Don’t let me look at worthless things. Help me live your way. 38 Do what you promised me, your servant, so that people will respect you. 39 Take away the shame I fear. Your laws are good. 40 See how much I want to obey your instructions! Be good to me, and let me live.” Psalm 119:33-40 ERV

King David had a “one thing” mentality. The Bible says that David was a man after God’s heart. He wanted to serve God will all his natural ability but that wasn’t enough, he wanted more. He knew he needed God’s help if he was truly going to follow God’s word.

David didn’t just sit by each day and have harps playing in the background, eating grapes and contemplating the greatest and vastness of God. His life was full – he had a kingdom to run, he had wives and children, there were enemies to defeat and battles to be won. Yet his priority was God’s word – he wasn’t seeking wealth or power – but those things came to him. He was “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things were added to him.”

David was living the very life that Jesus taught about. He was living example hundreds of years before Jesus delivered the message.

I’ve heard people say, “I don’t really study the Old Testament, there isn’t much in there for me.” Well, that’s all that David had! In fact, he had the first five books of the Bible and then the book of Job; the rest of it was being written as he lived it and after his death. He took God’s command to Joshua seriously – meditate in the book of the Law day and night and then you shall be prosperous and have good success.

Jesus said “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38

Have you ever sat and looked at a single day in the life of Jesus? Talk about a full schedule? From the time He got up until late at night he was busy. His daily life was filled with walking, sailing, healing, teaching, facing his critics and then raising the dead. When he took time to pray and be alone, people would seek him out and interrupt his prayer time. He had learned the Scriptures from his youth and was living them out each and every day.

I’m not saying that all we do is study God’s word all day long. What’s important is that we live what we read. Reading one verse and living it all day will have more of an impact on our lives and the lives of others than reading chapters and walking away and not having it change us.

“Don’t let me look at worthless things. Help me live your way.” vs 37

There was a time that David looked at worthless things and it got him into a lot of trouble. He was up on his roof top and looking down he saw Bathsheba – he committed adultery and murdered her husband all because he was looking at the wrong things. He knew firsthand how destructive it can be to take your eyes off the Lord. It begs the question “what worthless things am I looking at”?

Lord, my heart’s prayer is this – don’t let me look at worthless things but let me focus on You.

Like David, our goal should be to live in a way that people know we are depending on the Lord, trusting Him and making God’s way known to the people around him. He was God-minded and his “one desire” was to know God more.

Let me make David’s words my own – one thing have I desired. I desire you, Lord.

Don’t just read the Word today – live it!

May 3, 2018

Like Pieces of A Puzzle

I am one of those people who love to do jigsaw puzzles.

You start out with a thousand pieces and you have an image on a box, let the fun begin. I do think it’s fun. I remember when I was little my mom and dad would have friends over to visit for pie and coffee and there would always be a card table set up with a puzzle.

They would talk and put the puzzle together. It was a time of building relationship. As I became older and had a family of my own I enjoyed, and still do, putting together puzzles with family and friends. My daughters and I usually start a puzzle when they arrive for the weekend and hopefully finish it before they leave. It’s a great time to talk and share our lives.

I have a friend that shares my love of puzzles and she and I look forward to the time we spend around the table hunting for pieces, working together, and catching up.

The thing you have to remember about a jigsaw puzzle is the image was created first. Then, originally, a jigsaw was used to cut pieces in such a way that they would fit together and recreate the Master Design.

Some people I know think of the Bible as a puzzle. There are thousands of pieces and they think they know what it should look like but often times are surprised by the image that they find. Some think they will find an angry God while others believe they will see a God who is absent and unresponsive. However, quite the opposite is true!

When the pieces come together we find a loving God who is intimately involved in the smallest of details. He works everything out so that the final picture reveals His love and grace.

This morning I was reading in the book of Job. It’s not a book I spend a lot of time in but this morning I was caught up in the intricate way that the Lord described creation. The Lord asks Job:

“How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there?⁵Doubtless you know who decided its length and width.⁶What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone, ⁷while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced?

⁸When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries⁹and wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog. ¹⁰Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates, ¹¹and said, “Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no farther.” ¹²Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey?… ¹⁹Where is the home of light, and where does darkness live? ²⁰Can you lead them home?…²⁴From where does lightning leap, or the east wind blow? ²⁵Who carves out a path for thunderstorms? ³¹Can you arrange stars in groups such as Orion and the Pleiades? ³²Do you control the stars or set in place the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper? ³³Do you know the laws that govern the heavens, and can you make them rule the earth?” Job 38 CEV

You really need to read through Job 38 and 39. The Lord’s planning and thoughtfulness in the act of creation is absolutely amazing! And then my reading took me to Proverbs 3. Watch how the puzzle pieces go together.

“God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. ¹⁴Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. ¹⁵Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her…¹⁹By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. ²⁰By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain. ²¹My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. ²²They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. ²³You will walk safely and never stumble; ²⁴ you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly. ²⁵So don’t be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil. ²⁶You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3:13-24 CEV

God used his wisdom in creation. He set boundaries for the oceans and the seas. He set rules for rain and snow. He set the course of the stars. And now He is blessing us with wisdom so that we can have a long and beautiful life.

Are you beginning to see the picture? God gave us everything that we need for living on this planet at creation. He thought of every detail and He is blessing us with wisdom which is far more valuable than gold.

Now before I finish up this morning I want you to know that I am far from having all the pieces put together in the puzzle of God’s word but I do know that the more I read it, the more I look at it and study the shape of the pieces I am finding how they all fit together.

The last piece that I want to add to the puzzle this morning comes from Luke. This is a piece of protection that fits nicely with the verses in Proverbs.

“Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. ⁷Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

Do you see it? God designed the whole course of creation. It was His wisdom and knowledge that made it all work together. He didn’t create the animals before He made land, they would have drown. He didn’t create plants before light; they would have froze. He created every detail that gives the sparrows their flight. He cares for them no matter how insignificant they seem but He cares for us so much more. It all fits!

From creation until the end of the world God is showing His love and protection for us. Now that’s the big picture.

Our God is an Awesome God!

May 2, 2018

Vocabulary of Silence

Have you ever said something and wished you hadn’t? I’m sure we all have.

When our kids were little we used to practice the vocabulary of silence. The meaning of this was don’t say something that is unkind, cruel, sarcastic or untrue. And it wasn’t just a rule for the kids, Dave and I were subject to it as well. Sometimes we would have a very quiet home.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body…My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right...Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. ¹⁴But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. ¹⁵That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. ¹⁶Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. ¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. ¹⁸When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:2, 9, 10, 13-18

Learning to control what we say is a godly principle. In the book of Proverbs we are told that the tongue has the power to bring life or death. God created the universe and everything in it by His words. Yes, words are powerful.

“God’s Son has all the brightness of God’s own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 CEV

Do you remember the little saying we learned as kids? Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me. Oh but they do! Words leave a lasting hurt that sometimes take years to heal.

“Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. ¹⁹Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.” Proverbs 12:18-19 CEV

If God, who is perfect, can forgive and love, not just us but, everyone who is living and has ever lived with all of our sins, our failures, screw ups and out and out vulgar living then we should be able to love and forgive those who live in our home, work on our job and are acquainted with on a daily basis.

God is not just asking us to do this but He is telling us we need to do this to be an example of Him. He’s never tells us to do anything that we aren’t able to do because it’s His strength and His character that are living in us.

He has forgiven us of everything! I know that all of my sins have been forgiven and even, according to Hebrews, forgotten, never to be remembered again – this is so overwhelming. Think about that for a moment.

” God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:12-17

Because we are a part of the body of Christ, we should work together to be a display of His love to the world around us. Did you notice that this peace we are told to live in comes from Christ when we let him control our thoughts?

I love verse 17 – WHATEVER you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord. If we are going to say or do something that wouldn’t represent the Lord, then we shouldn’t! I know some days my world is really quiet because I’m holding my tongue until I can say something that would be representative of what Jesus would say if He were speaking through me. Yes, very quiet indeed! And some days are filled with repentance for saying things before they were filtered with love.

Stop and think where you would be without God’s amazing love. Now let that love and forgiveness flow through you to those around you as His representative.

“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. ³⁵If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

May 1, 2018May 1, 2018

Dis Has To Go

We have been given the opportunity to be free of “dis”. What is dis?

Dis: a Latin prefix meaning “apart,” “asunder,” “away,” “utterly,” or having a privative, negative, or reversing force.

I was praying for some of you this morning and it was in my prayer. I was praying against “dis”couragment, “dis” aster, “dis”respect, “dis”placement.

So I said, “Lord it appears that you have given us so many wonderful things and our enemy is stealing what you have provided. This shouldn’t be.” And this verse came to mind.

“The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

So I began to look at some “dis” words. Words that are stealing, killing and “des”troying our lives.

Dis-appoint Dis-courage Dis-aster Dis-obedience Dis-content

Dis-trust Dis-respect Dis-lodged Des-pair Dis-illusioned

Des-truction Dis-associate Dis-card Dis-able Dis-turb

Dis-gust Dis-miss Dis-dain Dis-tort Dis-ease Dis-cord

God desires that are lives are “dis”less. He wants us to be filled and overflowing with His love and goodness.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. ³The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, ⁴and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. ⁵Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5 CEV

I encourage you today to make your life a “dis” free zone. If any of those words above have been trying to infiltrate your life grab your Bible and look up the verses for “dis” removal. If you can’t find them on your own you can always email me and I’ll be glad to help you find some.

It’s time that we start living the life God intended; one that’s full of courage, contentment, respect, ease, obedience and trust.

April 30, 2018April 30, 2018

To Be Like A Child

Do you remember what it was like to be a kid?

Last night we had the opportunity to be at the dedication service of our two youngest grandchildren, Sam and Kristine.

There were a number of families there with little ones. The pastor asked that we family members keep these children and their parents in our prayers as they grow.

The parents were making public their desire to raise their children to love the Lord and to have them learn to live their lives based on God’s word.

“People brought their small children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them. But the followers told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 Jesus saw what happened. He did not like his followers telling the children not to come. So he said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. 15 The truth is, you must accept God’s kingdom like a little child accepts things, or you will never enter it.” 16 Then Jesus held the children in his arms. He laid his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16 ERV

I love thinking about these verses. I can just see Jesus playing with the children; peek-a-boo, tag, hide n seek. He wasn’t too big or too important to be bothered. No, He made time to impact their lives.

He also took time to teach the adults about their relationship with His Father. “You must accept God’s kingdom like a little child accepts things”.

A small child knows nothing of how electricity is conducted but they accept that if you touch the switch the lights come on. They accept that the remote will make pictures appear on the tv. They accept if you open the refrigerator there will be something good to eat. They accept many things they don’t completely understand.

So with the same child like faith I accept that God loves me. I accept that Jesus died so my sins are forgiven. I accept that the Holy Spirit is with me each day to guide my thoughts and actions and to give me strength and wisdom. I accept that God the Father wants me to be with Him in heaven someday.

Do I completely understand all the ways of God? No! But what I do accept is that He loves me unconditionally and that will never change.

We have the opportunity to be examples of God’s love and forgiveness each day to the littles in our lives. Do we really think that God’s love for us is any less than the love we have for them?

“Do any of you have a son? If he asked for bread, would you give him a rock? 10 Or if he asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? Of course not! 11 You people are so bad, but you still know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:9-11 ERV

Father, my desire is to relate to you as my loving, gracious, kind and benevolent Father. Thank you for loving me. I want my life to be a reflection of your love. I want to bring honor to you.

I will close with this little incident from last evening. After the dedication, most of the parents took their children to the nursery area. I noticed one little with their parents who stayed in for the pastor’s teaching. At one point the parent got up, holding their child’s hand, they walked down the aisle to the exit. Then I heard the child proudly proclaim, “I go potty”. Some of us who heard it smiled and chuckled. I’m sure the parent was embarrassed but not the child.

We will often say and do things that could be embarrassing to our Father but they will never stop His love for us!

April 29, 2018April 29, 2018

How Does Your Garden Grow

Mary, Mary, quite contrary how does your garden grow?

Yesterday I was out in my garden. Needed to get some cilantro to take to our daughter. My goodness it had grown so tall! The days have been warm and the soil is moist so the conditions are perfect. In fact, I had to cut some of the tops off because they were going to seed.

This made me think about the gardens we all planted several months back. You remember the one where we planted seeds of love, joy, peace, understanding, kindness, and self-control. See I knew you would remember. I hope you have been tending your garden; making sure it has plenty of water and sunshine. Pulling out the weeds that have tried to take root.

It really has to have attention daily. I have noticed that just a couple of days of not tending to what’s planted and the weeds begin to take hold.

“We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us. 20 You always protect us and save us from death.” Psalms 68:19-20 CEV

Day after day God treats us with kindness. We should be sharing what He brings with those around us. That’s the fun of having a harvest – we are able to share with others. In another version of the verse above it reads “blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits”. That creates a real word picture for me. I can see a wheelbarrow with vegetables that have been freshly picked from the garden, filled to the top and almost running over. Now that’s being loaded up with benefits. More than enough for me to use and plenty to share!

Giving is what God does and it’s His desire that we are givers too. It’s part of our DNA, we inherit it from our Father. There is real joy in giving. You didn’t think we planted all the seeds above just so we could enjoy the harvest by ourselves did you?

“Remember this: The one who plants few seeds will have a small harvest. But the one who plants a lot will have a big harvest. 7 Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give. 8 And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. 9 As the Scriptures say, “He gives generously to the poor; his goodness will continue forever.”

10 God is the one who gives seed to those who plant, and he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow. He will produce a great harvest from your goodness.” II Corinthians 9:6-10 ERV

We should always be looking for opportunities to give. God has given us the seeds and He will use what we plant to produce a great harvest. I will give what I have; a helping hand, a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, a prayer, a hug, a smile, a meal, friendship…

“Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you. 37 Jesus said: Don’t judge others, and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:36-38 CEV

Take another look at your garden this morning. I am sure you will find that the seeds you planted are growing and some are ready to harvest. Fill your harvest basket full and then head out and find someone to share it with.