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It’s In the Script

When our youngest daughter was in middle school and high school, she was very active in drama. It was her creative outlet. She enjoyed being behind the scenes more than being on stage.

It was important for her to see how things came together. The sets, the lights, the staging were all crucial elements in delivering the story. Sometimes we would be at home, watching a movie and she would say, “I wonder why they did it that way”. My reply was always the same, “It’s in the script”. Sometimes that answer caused her to smile and at other times it frustrated her.

But that was the truth. All the stage direction is in the script. The author of the play puts in all the details of entrances and exits, lighting and sounds.

When I was searching for an image, “in the script”, to use for this blog the search actually came up with “in the scriptures”. Exactly. The script that has been written for us is the Scriptures.

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

When it comes to a life of faith, Jesus is our example. He followed the Father’s plan completely.

“God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us. 12 He did this so we Jews would bring honor to him and be the first ones to have hope because of him. 13 Christ also brought you the truth, which is the good news about how you can be saved. You put your faith in Christ and were given the promised Holy Spirit to show you belong to God. 14 The Spirit also makes us sure we will be given what God has stored up for his people. Then we will be set free, and God will be honored and praised.” Ephesians 1:11-14 CEV

God always does what He plans. From the beginning of time, He put his plan in the script. He chose us. Christ delivered that truth to the world and the Holy Spirit is here now giving us direction, showing us how to put God’s plan into action.

When in doubt about what to do and the way to live all we have to remember is it’s in the script.

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Shining a Light on #1

Do you remember the blogs I posted in January? I said I wanted us to start the year focused on the Father’s love. Well, here we are halfway through the year and I think it might be time for a refresher course.

This morning, I found myself starting to read through the book of Ephesians – again! It really is one of my favorite letters that Paul wrote. For the next little while, I will be sharing thoughts with you from his writings. I encourage you to read it along with me and let the Holy Spirit speak to you personally.

“I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! 4 Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.” Ephesians 1:2-6 CEV

Now, that’s a lot to grab hold of and it’s only the first six verses of the book!

You and I – WE – have been chosen before the world began to receive God the Father’s kindness and blessing of peace. Christ brought spiritual blessings from heaven to earth and gave them to us because He choose us to be God’s very own children.

We have done nothing, nor can we do anything, to earn this adoption. It has been given to us as a free gift of undeserved grace.

Do you know what the the word unmerited means? Merriam/Webster defines it this way: not adequately earned or deserved : not merited

We could not adequately earn or deserve God’s favor. It is freely given, a precious gift of paramount importance. It’s free but it isn’t cheap. It is the most costly gift that we will ever be offered because it required the life of the giver.

“Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because of God’s gift of undeserved grace to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, 9 and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. 10 Then when the time is right, God will do all he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth. 11 God always does what he plans, and this is why he appointed Christ to choose us.” Ephesians 1:8-11 CEV

Our sins are forgiven because of God’s grace!

Oh yes, God is very kind to us. Our hearts should be filled with peace because of His amazing love. There’s only one thing we should do after being offered such a wonderful gift. We should accept it humbly and then spend the rest of our days thanking Him for choosing us.

We should shine a light on the One who gave His all for us.

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One Thing Is Needful

I’m so glad to see that many of you were able to click through and find yesterday’s blog. I hope everything posts correctly this morning.

It was a long weekend for most of us. It’s nice to have the time to visit with family and friends and be involved in activities outside of our normal realm. BBQs, fireworks, swimming, boating, roasting hot dogs, eating watermelon and enjoying small/large town parades and celebrations in the park. We are blessed to have these kinds of celebrations.

Now, it’s Monday morning and a full week of the routine ahead. I asked the Lord what He wanted me to focus on as I started this new week. How long should I make my “to do” list? What needs to be accomplished?

“The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. 40 Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!’

41 The Lord answered, ‘Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42 CEV

I used to be such a Martha and I have to be very watchful of not letting myself fall into that trap. There’s always one more thing to be done, but those things will keep me from the one thing that is needful (necessary), from what is best and that is spending time listening to the Lord’s words.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend on the phone and she told me that sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night with thoughts running through her mind, robbing her sleep and her peace. She said “it’s then that I start thanking the Lord for all the things I have been blessed with – my comfortable bed, the air conditioning, the soft covers” and then she said “I fall asleep, no longer worried but praising God that He is able to take care of everything”.

“Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. 5 Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:4-7 CEV

May I encourage you to do what’s needful. Think on God’s word. His promises are unbreakable; don’t worry, be glad. Be blessed with peace – choose the good part!

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He Heard Me

Have you ever been speaking to someone and you know they aren’t listening? It happens quite frequently. It’s hard to get someone’s undivided attention. I know I’m guilty of only half listening at times; my mind wanders or I’m distracted with what I’m reading or working on.

Did you know God is never distracted? He listens intently when we talk to Him, He’s there when we cry for help and He’s ready to answer when we ask for His direction and wisdom.

“I will always praise the Lord. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name. 4 I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the Lord. You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:1-6 CEV

I’m not sure what fears and troubles are plaguing you today but our Father does.

Ask for His help; He is here to save you from every distress. He is faithful; He can be depended on!

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

He’s listening and ready to help!

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Don’t Stumble in the Dark

Yesterday we were able to get away and visit dear friends! It’s such a joy to spend time with them and their family. We were able to stay the night and will have more time with them this morning.

It’s always interesting when we stay some place we haven’t been before. Don’t want to get up in the night and run into something or be lost in the dark.

You walked carefully across the room, stubbing your toes more than once, wishing there were a night light that could give you some assistance in your journey. I have. As a child, Dave was a sleep walker and would wake up lost so needless to say we have night lights in our home. Very helpful indeed.

When we travel now we keep a night light packed in our bag just to prevent that very thing.

But what about those times when we need a “night light” as we walk through life?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:105-106 KJV

It would be silly to ask someone for direction when we don’t know the way and then ignore what they say. The same holds true for mental and spiritual direction in our lives.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise.” Psalm 119:128-130 ERV

When we have God’s word to light the way and give us direction, we don’t need to be second guessing or ignoring the instruction we receive. When we walk in the light, we save ourselves from unnecessary bumps and bruises and our way is smoother.

“God is strong and can keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. ” Jude 1:24 ERV

Walk well today; walk in the light.

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No Coincidence

Through my years, I have learned that there are no coincidences with God.

This morning while I was praying I thanked God, the Father, for providing us with a “free” will. Then I said thank you to Jesus for paying the price for our salvation making it a “free” gift. Lastly, I thanked the Holy Spirit for guiding us each day and reminding us of the freedom that we have in Christ.

Free indeed!

Then I began reading in Psalms and there David was thanking God for freeing him of his past sins. From there my reading took me to the book of Daniel and I read the story of Daniel being sentenced to the lions’ den for his faithfulness to God. When Daniel was freed, he gave credit to God for his salvation.

My Bible reading ended this morning in Galatians, chapter 5.

“We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong in that freedom. Don’t go back into slavery again…13 My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” 15 If you continue hurting each other and tearing each other apart, be careful, or you will completely destroy each other. 16 So I tell you, live the way the Spirit leads you. Then you will not do the evil things your sinful self wants… 22 But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. 25 We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.” Galatians 5:1, 13-16, 22-25 ERV

Free will, free salvation, free direction!

Just exactly what I had been praying about before I started reading.

Our freedom in Christ is no coincidence. It was planned in heaven before the world began. While we were in rebellion to God, He made a way for us to be reconciled (made right) with Him.

“So now anyone who is in Christ Jesus is not judged guilty. 2 That is because in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free. It made you free from the law that brings sin and death. “ Romans 8:1-2

God’s plan is our freedom; free from sin, free from fear, from guilt, from anger, from selfishness, from hate. Our freedom is no coincidence – it’s the intentional plan of our loving Father.

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Free Indeed

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

” So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.” John 8:36 ERV

On this day of independence, it’s important to remember that we are truly free through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are no longer held captive or enslaved by sin and/or the devil because the Son, Jesus Christ, broke the chains of bondage and set us free! Hallelujah!

Our nation was founded by men and women who were seeking a better way of life; an opportunity to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They trusted in God’s leading and direction in the founding of this nation.

We are blessed with a great heritage of those who have fought for our freedom and with founding fathers who established our nation using the Bible as the base and foundation of our governing laws.

Many things have changed since the founding of our nation but one thing that has not changed is God is still and forever will be, Lord God Almighty who rules and reigns in mercy, truth and justice!

We can trust Him and Him alone! He is our hope, He is our peace, He is our joy, the Everlasting God!

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

Keep your hearts free from fear. When God reigns He brings peace and with Him is ultimate victory.

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Call Her Blessed

“Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 CEV

Today I would like to honor my Mom. I would like to tell you what happened 71 years ago today.

My parents and siblings lived in a little town called Tacna. It’s about 40 miles out of Yuma. My dad worked road construction and their home was a small 8’x30′ trailer. My birth was eminent and since they lived so far from town, and I was my mother’s third pregnancy her doctor scheduled my delivery.

Dad drove Mom to the hospital in Yuma. July 3rd in Yuma. There was no such thing as air conditioning. In fact, there was a water shortage, so the evaporative coolers didn’t operate properly, no water to cool them, only hot air circulating through the hospital. I was born at 3:30 p.m. and my Mom later learned that her dad had passed away about twelve hours earlier at 3:30 a.m.

That’s how life started for me.

My Mom was a real trooper, and she loved the Lord. She and Daddy both had accepted Christ about five years before in a tent revival meeting. They raised us with prayer, love and a trust in the Lord.

Times were tough; we didn’t have a lot of material things, but we did always have food on the table, a bed to sleep in, a home filled with love and prayer. I wasn’t always the perfect daughter, and she wasn’t always the perfect mom but I’m so thankful that God chose her to be my role model.

“Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLV

Mom’s been gone three years now and I miss not hearing her voice on the phone as she called to wish me happy birthday. So many good memories of birthday cakes she made, parties she planned, new clothes she made and the love she gave.

“ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 Keep these words in your heart that I am telling you today. 7 Do your best to teach them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NLV

I want this to be an encouragement to each of you. Our possessions may be meager but as long as we are confident in God’s love and His goodness, we have immeasurable wealth to share with our children.

Thanks Mom.

Thanks Mom – I’m blessed!

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Say Thank You

This morning, I was reflecting on God’s goodness and loving faithfulness.

You see eleven years ago this month I was hospitalized with some very serious health issues. God was so good, and I left the hospital seven days later – weak but with a clean bill of health. Lately, I had been experiencing a few of the early symptoms that I had back then. Yesterday, I went for an in-office procedure and was told that everything was clear and healthy.

Thank you, Lord!

We have so much to be thankful for – large and small.

Was it last night’s sunset? Maybe this morning’s sunrise; was it the smile on a child’s face or the tiny delicate fingers of your sleeping baby’s hands?

Maybe it was the blue gentle ripples on the lakes surface; the green of the forest trees; a hawk soaring on the breeze or a prairie flower in all its beauty?

Perhaps you saw love in the eyes of your spouse or child; did you hear joy in the words “you can go home tomorrow” or “it’s benign, nothing to worry about”?

Whatever it was or whatever it is, do you hear and see the love that the Lord has placed all around you? He did this just for you! He wanted you to be aware that He cares about you and His love is measureless, unconditional and free to all.

“Shout praises to the Lord! Shout the Lord’s praises in the highest heavens. 2 All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.

3 Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. 4 Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise. 5 Let all things praise the name of the Lord, because they were created at his command. 6 He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done. 7 All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord! 8 Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord! 9 All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, 10 every wild and tame animal, all reptiles and birds, come praise the Lord!

11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, 12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord!

13 All creation, come praise the name of the Lord. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth. 14 Like a bull with mighty horns, the Lord protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him.

Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 148 CEV

Enjoy what the Lord has done for you today and tell Him thank you!

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Don’t Be Annoyed

Oh my goodness – today we turn the page on the calendar to a new month. This year is half over, will the next six months go as quickly as these have?

My heart’s prayer is to have every day be one of purpose, filled with compassion and direction.

The words that came to my mind are from the book of James:

“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. 20 If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things God wants done.” James 1:19-20 CEV

Listen more, speak less and don’t get angry! “Lord, that’s a big assignment.”

I read systematically from Psalms each day. I find such practical instruction there. This morning I read from chapter 37. Look here at what the Lord has to say:

“Don’t be annoyed by anyone
who does wrong,
    and don’t envy them.
2 They will soon disappear
    like grass without rain.

3 Trust the Lord and live right!
The land will be yours,
    and you will be safe.
4 Do what the Lord wants,
and he will give you
    your heart’s desire.

5 Let the Lord lead you
    and trust him to help.
6 Then it will be as clear
as the noonday sun
    that you were right.

7 Be patient and trust the Lord.
    Don’t let it bother you
when all goes well for those
    who do sinful things.
8 Don’t be angry or furious.
    Anger can lead to sin.
9 All sinners will disappear,
but if you trust the Lord,
    the land will be yours.” Psalm 37:1-9 CEV

There’s more to this chapter, another 31 verses to be exact. The theme of the whole chapter is trusting the Lord and following His lead.

Do you see how well this ties in with the verses from James?

Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Don’t be annoyed, don’t be bothered, don’t get angry. Trust the Lord and follow HIS lead!

Follow His lead. He has given us written instruction and He promises to walk with us each day.

“The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall.” Psalm 37:24 CEV

Christ is our example; we should keep our focus on Him. Don’t be annoyed by anyone who does wrong – Trust in the Lord. That instruction will serve us well as we continue through the second half of the year.

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