Category: Book

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Shout Praises!

Dave and I are big NASCAR fans! There’s just something about watching a race with 50,000 of your closest friends that fills the air with excitement!

“Gentlemen, start your engines” brings a roar from the crowd and when the cars take the green flag at the start of the race everyone is standing and cheering on their favorite driver! You can tell who most everyone is hoping will win by the shirt or the cap they are wearing.

The shouts that rise from the grandstands is deafening with the most popular driver takes the lead…and it’s just a sport. No eternal significance to the outcome, no monetary or physical benefit to those in the stands but the fans seem to be intimately involved in the outcome.

When the winning driver crosses the finish line and takes the checkered flag, more shouts of victory arise.

Shouts of praise!

This morning there are shouts of praise arising all over the world. From every corner, every nation, fans are young and old, from all demographics, shouts can be heard in the heavens.

“Shout praises to the Lord! With all that I am, I will shout his praises. 2 I will sing and praise
the Lord God as long as I live. 3 You can’t depend on anyone, not even a great leader. 4 Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans.

5 The Lord God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him. 6 God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word. 7 He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free 8 and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls. The Lord loves good people 9 and looks after strangers. He defends the rights
of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked.

10 The Lord God of Zion will rule forever! Shout praises to the Lord!‘ Psalm 146 CEV

If you were thinking these verses were only for the nation of Israel or that they are Old Testament and no longer valid, listen to what Jesus said:

“‘The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, 19 and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’

20 Jesus closed the book, then handed it back to the man in charge and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue looked straight at Jesus. 21 Then Jesus said to them, ‘What you have just heard me read has come true today.’” Luke 4:18-21 CEV

The writer of Psalms says “God always keeps his word” and Jesus said “what you have just heard me read has come true today”.

What we have just heard is better than any individual or team winning the championship. These are the words of the Lord and they are for us because of Jesus!

Shout praises to the Lord! Shout praise!

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Waiting for the Sun

Waiting on the sunrise this morning, I know it will be a glorious day!

There’s an old hymn that I’m humming as I wait:

1 When morning gilds the sky,
our hearts awaking cry:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
in all our work and prayer
we ask his loving care:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

2 To God, the Word on high,
the hosts of angels cry:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let mortals too upraise
their voice in hymns of praise:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

May Jesus Christ be praised! Praised from every corner of the earth. Praised by all the heavenly hosts. Praised by the angels’ chorus. Praised because He is worthy of all praise.

“They sang songs of praise and thanksgiving, taking turns in singing each part. They sang, ‘The LORD is good. His faithful love will last forever.’ Then all the people cheered—they gave a loud shout and praised the LORD because the foundation of the LORD’S Temple had been laid.” Ezra 3:11 ERV

Let’s follow the example of those Jews who were responsible for rebuilding the Temple today. Let’s take turns singing our part in the praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.

These people were rejoicing because the foundation of the temple had been laid, which meant that God would be dwelling with them once again. You see, they felt that the presence of God was with them because He lived in the Holy of Holies in the temple and rebuidling the temple meant that God had a place to live once again.

We should be giving thanks every day because we have been promised that God’s presence is always with us – never leaving us or forsaking us – His presence dwells within us when we are in Christ. That’s reason to give praise.

Each one sang their part. I’ll sing my part today and I hope you’ll join in too.

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Beauty for Ashes

Yesterday I took some time for myself. Thank you for allowing me that privilege.

My brother left earth and his Alzheimer’s weaken body and mind on Friday. His eyes and hands were focused upward toward heaven and he told his wife that he could see Jesus. What a wonderful passing!

I know that the next time I see him his body will be perfect and so will his mind. Mine will be too. Heaven is wonderful! I filled most of my day yesterday with memories of my childhood and my life and experiences with him. Sweet.

I had this precious promise from the Lord and it brought me comfort.

“ He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes.” Isaiah 61:2-3 ERV

Today, I’m choosing beauty; focusing on the love of my heavenly Father. Jesus came to bring us comfort and to take away our sadness, to meet us in our time of grieving. Jesus grieved over the death of His friend Lazarus and then with His own death, He defeated the power of death.

“So this body that ruins will clothe itself with that which never ruins. And this body that dies will clothe itself with that which never dies. When this happens, the Scriptures will be made true: “Death is swallowed in victory.” I Corinthians 15:55 ERV

“How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! 12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! 13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, 14 because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten. 17 The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:11-18 CEV

Maybe, you are also experiencing a wave of sadness or a time of mourning, let the Lord fill you with beauty and joy!

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To the Uttermost

What a strange word. Uttermost.

As defined by Merriam-Webster: “most remote or outermost; farthest. the uttermost stars. 2. of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, etc.; greatest. The country’s art has reached uttermost creativity.“

Why would a word like that come up in my mind? I’m sure the Lord put it there this morning!

“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.” Hebrews 7:24-27 NKJV

God, our heavenly Father, is able!

Able means He has the ability to do or complete the task set before Him. He is able to work on our behalf to save to the uttermost.

Because He is a loving Father he won’t force Himself on us and He won’t force us to take the benefits He has for us. But if we will allow Him to work in our lives we will see His ability working on our behalf.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 ERV

When we know God’s love, His power can work in our lives to bring Him glory.

“18 Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

He is able to help us immediately when we are being tempted because He was also tempted and suffered.

“God is strong and can (is able to) keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

God is able to keep us! He is able to save us!

“But Jesus will never die, and so he will be a priest forever! 25 He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 CEV

Maybe you’re one who feels you have been too far gone – gone like the prodigal son – gone to the uttermost. Not so, God’s love supersedes our sin. He is able to save to the uttermost.

Father, today I give you my availability so that Your abilities may work in me, through me and for me!

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There’s Something About a Sunrise

One of the privileges of rising early is seeing some of the most beautiful unobstructed sunrises!

I remember the one pictured here. It was a brisk July morning and we were in the White Mountains of Arizona. We were summer camp hosts at Rainbow Campground, Big Lake. Our campground had been evacuated because of fire danger. All the campers had been moved off the mountain and the hosts had all been moved to one campground where we had the best ingress and egress in case we needed to evacuate quickly.

It was a tense time. Occasionally we would see smoke plumes rising from the mountain tops in the distance. There was no rain. The danger was real. Internet access was spotty. In fact, we would have to drive from the campground to the other side of the lake where the signal was stronger and I could upload my morning blog.

This is the sunrise from one of those mornings. We had driven through a treed area unable to see it until we rounded the bend and there before us, the sky was filled with the glory of God’s sun, rising to meet the day!

Four words come to mind: faithfulness, thankfulness, and everlasting love!

The faithfulness of God that every day He sends a sunrise and a sunset. It proves His power and majesty. Thankfulness – that in all of creation He knows my name and takes notice of me. Everlasting love – not an emotional “fall in/fall out” of love but an everlasting love. A love that never ends.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
9 and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever...

23 He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
24 He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136 NLT

Are you feeling unloved – lost in your struggle? His faithful love endures forever!

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Corinthians 13:7 NLT

Needing answers and there seem to be none? His faithful love endures forever!

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NLT

As long as there is a sunrise, it will be a reminder that God’s love will last forever!!

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Full of Thanks

Thank-ful-ness!

Some years back, I was asked by a friend to write an article on thankfulness. Those of you that have been reading the blog for any length of time know that I generally take the month of November to remind us of what God’s word says about being thankful.

How could I condense a month’s worth of writing into a single article?

I didn’t have to figure it out on my own, I simply had to be obedient and open to what the Lord put on my heart and then put that down on paper. Thank you, Jesus.

That was then and this is now. All these years later I am still full of thanks. Grateful for all the Lord has done in my life and for those that I love dearly. Many events have transpired – moments of great joy, days of routine, and times of stress, disappointment and some heartache. My resolve to be thankful remains the same.

Sitting here this morning, as I do most every morning, while it’s still dark and feeling the cool fall air, (down to 51 this morning), enjoying the warmth of a good cup of coffee and seeking the Father for the day’s direction, I am very thankful. Thankful that my Father is still in control; He hasn’t fallen off His throne. His omniscience is superior to the knowledge of the world’s wisest men, and His omnipresence penetrates to the farthest reaches of the universe. With everything He has before Him this day, Jesus reminds me:

“My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so that they can know him too.

28 If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:27-29 CEV

Jesus has taken the time to tell us about the Father and not only that, but Jesus made a way for us to be adopted by the Father so that we can call Him “Abba Father” (Papa or Daddy) and we can experience firsthand His love and compassion.

“The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, “ Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 ERV

I don’t have to have all the answers and I don’t have to learn by “hard knocks”. I can trust the Father and learn from Him.

“With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

My greatest desire and ambition is that I leave a legacy of trusting and following the Lord. A legacy that my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will embrace.

May you experience that as well. Enjoy your day and let the Father lead you. There you will find rest. Be “full of thanks” and trust the Lord!

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Faithful to His Word

God’s faithfulness is almost beyond comprehension.

I just want to take a few more moments to dwell on God’s promises that never fail because God cannot lie.

They will remain forever. We live in a world where broken promises, contracts with escape clauses, “do overs” and even the proverbial “I was just kidding” prevail. BUT GOD! said “heaven and earth will pass away but My word will never pass away”.

“The LORD is our God. He rules the whole world. 8 He will remember his agreement forever. He will always keep the promises he made to his people.” Psalm 105:7-8 ERV

“Your kingdom is built on truth and justice. Love and faithfulness are servants before your throne. 15 LORD, your loyal followers are happy. They live in the light of your kindness. 16 Your name always makes them happy. They praise your goodness. 17 You are their amazing strength. Their power comes from you.” Psalm 89:14-17 ERV

“All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. 12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. 13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” Psalm 145:10-13 NLT

The Bible isn’t just words on a page. They convey the very heart of God Almighty!

These words have stood the test of time because they come from the eternal God who was, who is and is to come. They are an edict written in blood. They are not a law that can be vetoed or rescinded by a governing body. They are for everlasting.

Have you ever seen the movie “A Knight’s Tale”? It came out in 2001. The story of a young servant who took the place of his deceased master in medieval games of sport to prove who was the best knight.

The problem was his lineage. He was a commoner and if found out, he could be killed for his impersonation of royalty. Now, to the final scene. He is arrested and taken to the guillotine. A man steps from the crowd revealing his true identity. He is Prince Edward and proclaims that William truly is a royal. He ends his speech with this statement: “This is my word… and, as such, is beyond contestation “.

That statement has stuck with me all these years. I can hear those words coming from the lips of our heavenly Father and of Jesus, my Savior.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” John 14:10-11 NLT

Let your strength and joy come from knowing that God’s promises to you are secure and can be trusted. He loves you and will not leave you without hope or without help!

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Filled with Promise

Keeping our focus on the Lord’s faithfulness will keep us from being discouraged and depressed.

When Israel faced overwhelming threats and attacks they could confidently call on the Lord for their deliverance. They knew they had a “covenant” with Almighty God. God had promised to be their GOD and to fight for them, to stand with them, to be their protection and their source of supply. As long as they walked in obedience to God’s word all these blessings were theirs.

Remember when Moses told the Israelites that God had set before them life and death, blessing and cursing? Then Moses said choose life.

It was their choice to be a nation of blessed, victorious people. David knew this when he volunteered to fight Goliath – David’s comment, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” Circumcision was a physical sign to the Jewish people that God had made covenant with Abraham and all of his descendants.

You and I are Gentiles but we too have a covenant. The writer of Hebrews said we have a new covenant with better promises because we have chosen to follow Christ.

“But the work that has been given to Jesus is much greater than the work that was given to those priests. In the same way, the new agreement that Jesus brought from God to his people is much greater than the old one. And the new agreement is based on better promises. 7 If there was nothing wrong with the first agreement, then there would be no need for a second agreement.” Hebrews 8:6-7 ERV

“In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.”I Corinthians 11:25 NLT

God the Father is faithful and He made this new covenant for us with Jesus. Neither one of them will fail! Their covenant with us with not fail!

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:26-29 NLT

When God gave a new covenant of better promises, it wasn’t just for the Jewish people, it was for all of us who are in Christ.

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?’ Numbers 23:19 NLT

This is what the Lord was reminding me of when I heard the instruction to “Be Still”. Not just be still, but “Be Still and Know that I am God”.

He was reminding me that He has filled my life with promises and He will not break His word!

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Hush Now!

I couldn’t sleep on Friday night and I was up at 2 a.m. praying.

Those of you who have been reading my blog for any length of time know that this is something that happens occasionally. I find it is one of the best ways to go back to sleep, praying for those I love.

But this particular time, my prayers were more intense. If I’m honest, I found myself doing some complaining and questioning why I haven’t seen a change in a couple of situations. The Lord let me prattle on for a few more minutes and then very distinctly I heard, “Hush now. Be still”.

Those words weren’t harsh or rude. They were comforting, corrective, calm and reassuring. Like the words of a parent who has picked up a crying child to comfort them, these words touched my heart.

And then the Scripture verses that I have committed to memory over the years came flooding in.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 NKJV

“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3 NKJV

And then, in my heart the Lord took me back to that quiet place, the place I love to camp out.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLT

“My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me. 2 He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 NLV

Now, unless you think I’m going through some great trial – it’s not that at all. There are just some things I have given to the Lord in prayer that I still haven’t seen answers to yet. I’ve gotten a little impatient in the waiting.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

I’d like to encourage you. If you hear the Lord hush you – telling you to be still, I want you to remember the rest of that verse. Be still AND know that I AM GOD! Go to a green pasture and rest while God does what only God can do.

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Standing Strong

It seems the theme for the last days has been victory. I like that!

I like being declared the winner. I received two trophies in my life; one for most improved bowler when I was in my early 20’s and one for placing 1st at a speech tournament when I was in high school.

But in Christ, I have won!

I’ve been declared the winner, not because of my own talents or great efforts, but because I am on the winning side. My team captain has been called the Champion of Champions. He has defeated death, hell and the grave.

“When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He put his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the one who lives. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18 ERV

“David did God’s will during the time he lived. Then he died and was buried like all his ancestors. And his body did rot in the grave! 37 But the one God raised from death did not rot in the grave. 38-39 Brothers, understand what we are telling you. You can have forgiveness of your sins through this Jesus. The Law of Moses could not free you from your sins. But you can be made right with God if you believe in Jesus.” Acts 13:36-39 ERV

I hope the verses I shared yesterday are filling you with hope and encouragement. We have been given this power that raised Jesus from the dead.

“ The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. If the same Holy Spirit lives in you, He will give life to your bodies in the same way.” Romans 8:11-13 NLV

Jesus, the one who spoke to storms, healed the lame, raised the dead and freely gave forgiveness to sinners, is the One who paid for our redemption. His death and resurrection gives us the ultimate victory.

I love this old hymn that was written in 1834.

The Solid Rock

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.”

I will not move off my stand on God’s Word! It is the foundation of my life and it has remained true through the ages.

” Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

God’s Word has never failed and it never will! On Christ the solid rock I stand!!

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