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Making Choices

The last few mornings I have had to make a choice that has delayed my blog. I have been getting out earlier for my morning walk because the temperatures in the desert have been increasing.

It was already in the mid-80’s when Dave and I walked out the door at 5:30. Yep. By the time we got back we were both a sweaty mess. Choices.

I know if we didn’t go out then it would be too hot later. There was something about turning 70 a couple weeks ago that told me I MUST be serious about my health for me and my family. It’s never easy but it’s beneficial.

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. 16 I will please him with a long life. And I will show him My saving power.” Psalm 91:15-16 NLV

Now, I don’t want you to think that I am some great fitness achiever – I’m not. In fact, I still have another 20+ pounds to lose before I will feel I have accomplished my weight goal but I am working toward it.

“Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also. 9 These words are true and they can be trusted.” I Timothy 4:8-9 NLV

There you have it – a strong body and a strong spirit are both important. God has given us His word on it.

I know how hard it is to make good and healthy choices at any stage of life so I want to encourage you and I would appreciate your prayers too.

“This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives. 10 Then your lives will please the Lord. You will do every kind of good work, and you will know more about God. 11 I pray that God’s great power will make you strong, and that you will have joy as you wait and do not give up.” Colossians 1:9-11 NLV

More words to live by…God’s great power makes us strong, don’t give up. That’s where my failure comes, giving up before reaching my goal. Maybe you experience that too. So, today Scripture becomes very practical to me.

Trust the Lord to lead you and give you His strength to reach your goal. We have victory in Jesus!

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Fine Tuning the Details

Yesterday I spent a number of hours working on the itinerary for our trip to Greece.

For almost five years Dave and I have dreamed of and planned for a real vacation in the Greek Islands. At first, we thought we would need to use a travel agent to put it all together but the more we thought about all the little details we wanted to include we decided to do our own planning.

We are now seven weeks and two days from departure…but who’s counting!

Yesterday time was spent on ferry reservations, inter-island flights and finalizing hotel reservations. We are so excited! We want the trip to be as near perfect as possible and so every detail needs to be considered.

At one point yesterday Dave had a number of questions. That’s what he does; he thinks of all the little stuff that others overlook. It was then I had to say, “Trust me, I’ve got it taken care of”.

Have you ever planned a bucket list event? The details seem to be endless. I wonder if that’s how Jesus feels.

“Jesus said, ‘Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you.'” John 14:1-2 ERV

There it is – Trust in God, trust in me!

God, the Father, Jesus, the Son and the Holy Spirit have lived in the perfection of heaven since eternity past and still Jesus said to His disciples, and to us, I have some more preparation to do before you come.

The streets are paved with gold, the Father’s throne is in the center so all will come and worship Him. The gates are made from a single pearl and the walls are precious stones.

I feel very confident that the great gathering of those who follow Christ isn’t too far off. The final preparations are almost complete.

“ ‘There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness. 28 When these things begin to happen, lift up your heads because you have been bought by the blood of Christ and will soon be free.’” Luke 21:25-28 NLV

I don’t know if Christ will return in my lifetime, but details are falling into place. Final preparations are being made and it’s almost time to go. Keep looking up, He’s coming soon!

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What’s Missing?

When you get up in the morning do you feel things are missing in your life? Or do you get up with a smile on your lips and a song in your heart knowing that life is good?

Too often we are focused on the wrong things – what we need, what we want, what we don’t have. Instead, we should be seeing what we have been given – it’s definitely more than enough.

“ I always thank my God for you because of the grace that he has given you through Christ Jesus. 5 In him you have been blessed in every way. You have been blessed in all your speaking and all your knowledge. 6 This proves that what we told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every gift from God while you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come again. 8 He will keep you strong until the end so that on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes, you will be free from all blame. 9 God is faithful. He is the one who has chosen you to share life with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” I Corinthians 1:4-9

Did you see that – God is faithful!

We have every gift from God, now, while you wait. Heaven will be glorious, but God has a plan while we’re here. These verses were written by the Apostle Paul, but Peter said the same thing.

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, 4 through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.” II Peter 1:3-4

We have been given EVERYTHING we need – we have been given the Father’s great and precious promises!

If Peter and Paul aren’t credible enough, let’s look at what John has to say on the subject.

“So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them. 17 If God’s love is made perfect in us, we can be without fear on the day when God judges the world. We will be without fear, because in this world we are like Jesus. 18 Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.” I John 4:16-18 ERV

In this world we are like Jesus! I didn’t say that, the Apostle John did. Jesus had the promises of God and lived by them and expected to see God’s word work in His life. He lived a life of love – loved by the Father and loving the Father. There was no fear in Him. We have the same promises; we have the same Father’s love and so we can live in this world with the same power and blessing.

That pie, with the missing piece, should serve as a reminder of the “goodness of God” that we have already enjoyed. It should also be an indication that there is more than enough left to nourish us each day.

When we let the Scripture be our source of authority it will overrule our circumstances and fill our days with His power.

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Time to Smile

The little guy in this image made me smile!

Three words went through my mind this morning as I was praying about what to share – rested, refreshed, relaxed. And then I found this little lamb and he was the embodiment of all three.

Have you ever had the opportunity to watch sheep while they are grazing in a field?

I have. In fact, it used to be a regular outing when our oldest was just a year old. I would put her in her stroller and we would go across the road to a fenced field that was being grazed off. She loved watching the ewes and the lambs.

They would make her giggle that little child giggle that seems to come from her toes all the way up her body and bubble out her mouth. I can still hear it.

A lush green field. The lambs, close to their mothers, would eat until their bellies were filled and then they would romp and play. Moments later they would be sprawled out in the grass, just like this one, sleeping soundly.

King David, who had been a shepherd, must have experienced scenes like this thousands of times and drawing from his experience and memories he penned Psalm 23.

“Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.” Psalm 23 CJB

Rested, refreshed, relaxed…even in the presence of our enemies!

Has life had you going in circles? Too many activities/responsibilities and not enough time?

The Lord has a green pasture and a lush patch of grass just waiting for us to come lay down and take our rest. Stretch out and enjoy His presence!

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Get the Right Fit

A few days ago, Dave took me shopping. I needed some new clothes; some things just don’t fit right anymore.

I thought I could avoid the stores by shopping on-line so I ordered a dress, it looked cute but when it got here it just didn’t fit right. I knew I needed to bite the bullet and go shopping, in a real store. Did I tell you that I don’t like to shop – it’s one of my least favorite things to do.

When we got to the store Dave said he was going to the men’s section. That was good – I knew it would take me a while to find what I was looking for and I didn’t want him to become impatient.

By the time he came back I had already been to the dressing room once and had found a few things that I liked and that fit. Other items I had put on the “go back” rack. No, no, no they didn’t fit right at all. Some things I had selected were way too big and others were painfully small, even though the size on the tag was the same. Yes, everything had to be tried on to make sure it was the right fit.

That shopping adventure was what I thought of this morning when I read these verses:

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:8-14 NLT

In the spiritual sense some things just don’t look good on us – things like anger, rage, resentment, gossip, lying, bitterness, etc.

We have been given a better wardrobe; it fits perfectly because it was tailor-made for us by Christ. Our new wardrobe includes mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, joy, forgiveness and the one article that makes every outfit complete, love.

“ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT

Now, it’s time to go through the “spiritual” closet and pull out those things that don’t fit anymore. Getting dressed for the day is much easier when we have the right fit!

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Carry the Load

I know there are so many hurting people in the world and those who are friends and family need us to help them with our prayers and encouragement. But as hard as we try, we can never really know the pain they are going through.

We can empathize and sympathize with them, but we are limited in truly understanding their grief, sorrow and personal battles.

However, there is One who knows the depth of the pain and has come to carry it.

“He was hated and men would have nothing to do with Him, a man of sorrows and suffering, knowing sadness well. We hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was hated, and we did not think well of Him.

4 For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5 NLV

In one version of these verses it says, “He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”.

Christ came to carry the load. We are limited in our resources and understanding to help in life’s most trying times but not Jesus. He knows the depth of the hurt and He doesn’t want us trying to handle it on our own. He wants us to let Him carry the load.

“ Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 ERV

We can become weary, exhausted and emotionally drained from “trying” to do it all on our own. Our own efforts will fall short every time. But there is a place of rest and that is found in Jesus.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 CEV

Jesus grieved the death of His friend Lazarus. He wept. His heart was broken over the calloused ways of humankind. He wept. He was moved with compassion over those suffering with sickness and disease and also those who were ridiculed and considered social outcast.

He came to bring comfort and healing. He promises to be our help.

“ We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him…16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 ERV

When we come to Him, He promises to carry the load.

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Success In Life

Yesterday I shared with you about our great inheritance. I hope you are able to understand how amazing this is.

With most inheritances the person making the bequest has to die to put the will into effect. Our heavenly Father has always been and forever will be, He will not die, so how does the inheritance come in to being.

Through Jesus.

Yes, Jesus came to earth, lived as a man and then died an earthly death so that we would be heirs and joint-heirs with Him to all the Father has promised. In fact, just hours before His death Jesus took the Passover supper with His disciples and he said to them:

“Jesus picked up a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. He gave it to his disciples, and they all drank some. 24  Then he said, “This is my blood, which is poured out for many people, and with it God makes his agreement. ” Mark 14:23-24 CEV

It was Christ’s blood, His death, that enacted the last will and testament and made us heirs. This is why it’s so important that we don’t treat the communion service as ritual or religious tradition.

God’s word is the testament that sets forth all the specifics of our inheritance. To fully understand and appreciate what we’ve been given we need to read it and apply it.

” Christ says ‘Yes’ to all of God’s promises. That’s why we have Christ to say ‘Amen’ for us to the glory of God. 21 And so God makes it possible for you and us to stand firmly together with Christ. God is also the one who chose us 22 and put his Spirit in our hearts to show that we belong only to him.” II Corinthians 1:20-22 ERV

I have learned from applying God’s word in the small areas of my life that He is more than capable of handling those larger issues that seem to be completely out of control. When Christ was here on earth He proved that all of God’s promises are true; He lived in the faithfulness of His father. And because He lived by the Word of God in victory so can we.

  “Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say: ‘No one can live only on food. People need every word that God has spoken.’” Matthew 4:4 CEV

God didn’t make empty promises, nor did He make them unattainable. He desires for us to be victorious and so He has given us His promises because He loves us and wants our lives to be abundantly blessed.

Enjoy the promises that God has for you today. They are yes and amen to those who love God.

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Receiving Our Inheritance

Some days just don’t go as you have planned. That was today…

We’re home, under the air conditioning, I have my feet up and I’m listening to the Holy Spirit share with me, heart-to-heart.

Time today planning family get togethers, a memorial service and then I received good news on a family member’s health. All in all, it has been a day of blessing!

Although my morning was not my usual routine, and I apologize to all of you for not putting out the blog, I really had a great day with the Lord. Let me share…

“For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God. 17 If we are children of God, we will receive everything He has promised us. We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him. But we must share His suffering if we are to share His shining-greatness.

18 I am sure that our suffering now cannot be compared to the shining-greatness that He is going to give us. Romans 8:16-18 NLV

“We will share with Christ all the things God has given to Him.”

I spent a large portion of my morning reflecting on the life of Jesus here on earth. He walked from town to town preaching. He slept in the homes of friends and ate at their tables. He was ridiculed by His family, they didn’t understand His calling.

He went to wedding and funerals. He had compassion on the hurting and sick. He was criticized by the religious elite for eating and “drinking” with people who had a poor reputation.

Any of this sound familiar? If it does congratulations, you are acting like your older brother, Jesus.

His closest friends were often questioning his actions and his teachings. The man he trusted with the contributions and financial support stole from him. Other of his disciples were creating a power play to see who would be Jesus’ right-hand man.

So many distractions, so many issues. How did Jesus stay focused.

“After He had sent them away, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. ” Matathew 14:23 NLV

“ In the morning before the sun was up, Jesus went to a place where He could be alone. He prayed there. 36 Simon and the others looked for Jesus.” Mark 1:35 NLV

If we’re going to “share with Christ all the things God has for him” we’re going to need to act more like Him. He spent time listening to His Father. He spent time being silent.

I saw something on Facebook today I don’t ever want to forget. The same letters in the word listen are also in the word silent. If we are going to be good listeners, we need to learn to be silent.

We all need to learn the lesson that a young boy named Samuel learned from the old priest Eli.

“Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down. If He calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Then the Lord came and stood and called as He did the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 11 The Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do a thing in Israel which will make both ears of everyone who hears it feel strange.” I Samuel 3:9-11 NLV

Listen – I’ve been doing that all day. The Father has spoken quietly but He told me I’m living below my station. His inheritance for me is so much greater than what I have been expecting.

His inheritance to each of us who call him Father starts here on earth but will continue to all eternity!

“Father, I’m listening with great anticipation!”

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History Is Important

Yesterday was a celebration of our history. I saw some beautiful images of firework displays around the country. An explosive end to the birth day of our great nation.

Remembering who we are and where we came from is important. Remembering the names of the men and women who fought and died as a part of history is crucial. The battles fought, the victories won, the defeats they overcame all have significance.

History is important to the Lord also.

All through the Old Testament the nation of Israel was told to remind their children of how the Lord delivered them from Egypt and brought them to the promised land. They were also taught to remember the patriarchs of the faith – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – who were the ones that saw the Lord prosper them with lands and livestock, riches and prominence.

Israel was taught to remember the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. The Lord didn’t want this people to forget that He had made promises to them. History is important and especially the history that God puts forth in Scripture.

As a society, we seem to think we have evolved; we’re wiser, more sophisticated, more educated than the early founding fathers of our nation. “We hold these truths to be self-evident” aren’t just ancient words on a page, they are the foundation of our society and need to be revered.

There are also some who think the simple truths of God’s word aren’t applicable anymore but that is also incorrect. That’s the same line of thinking that caused Adam and Eve to disobey God. “You don’t need to obey what God said because He knows if you eat of the tree you will be just as smart as He is”, you know how to make decisions for yourself.

God’s word is God’s word, whether it’s the begats or the chronology, the Laws given to children of Israel, the warnings of the prophets or the letters in red spoken by Jesus. It’s God’s word!

It’s truth and should be the basis and foundation of our daily living. We shouldn’t let traditions from the past, the ideas of current society or even the teachings of religion distract and divert us from standing strong on the Word of God.

Paul gave this instruction to Timothy.

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, for re-setting the direction of a man’s life and training him in good living. The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God and fit him fully for all branches of his work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 Phillips

ALL Scripture – not just some, we don’t get to pick and choose but all Scripture will make us fully equipped for life!

History is a teacher, guiding us, instructing us, protecting us from making costly mistakes. We have a history from the beginning of time of God’s faithfulness, mercy, love and protection. Let’s never forget all He has done!

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God Blessed America

What a wonderful day we have to celebrate – Happy Birthday America!

There is no country on earth like this country we live in. It was founded on the hopes and dreams of a few. They had a desire to break free from tyranny and they were willing to give up their lives, if necessary, to see that dream of a new nation of freedom come true.

A blending of national origins, sects and ideals came together to see that this nation was birthed. Blood was shed and prayers were offered.

Today, we don’t celebrate her perfection but we celebrate her determination and resilience.

“Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord. Happy are the people He has chosen for His own.” Psalm 33:12 NLV

Some would like to argue that this country wasn’t founded on godly principles but they are woven all throughout her documents, fiery speeches and correspondence. Even her songs give glory to God.

Did you know the “Star-Spangled Banner” has four verses? Let me share with you the fourth:

“Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

That line “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation” says it all. Many feared America would be able to maintain her independence and survive as a nation when the British attacked our shores again in 1812. The fighting was fierce!

“The anthem’s history began the morning of September 14, 1814, when an attorney and amateur poet named Francis Scott Key watched U.S. soldiers—who were under bombardment from British naval forces during the War of 1812—raise a large American flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland…On September 13, U.S. soldiers at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry withstood some 25 hours of British bombardment. Early the next morning, they hoisted a gigantic U.S. flag over the fort, marking a crucial victory and a turning point in what would be considered a second war of American independence.” excerpts taken from History.com.

Inspired by that tattered flag Francis Scott Key penned the words to what would later be accepted as our National Anthem.

“When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans.” Proverbs 29:2 CEV

May we all take time to pray for our nation today. We are fractured and need the Lord’s healing. May we be a nation where justice rules!

“Father God, we pray for our nation and its leaders. May Your grace impact the hearts all our citizens. May our cause be just and our trust be in You in Jesus name, Amen.”

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