Category: I Peter

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The River of Life

This morning I found myself praying for my children and grandchildren as I do each morning. Praying for their health and safety. Praying that they will have wisdom, peace of mind and joy.

 

Trusting the Lord to reveal the depth of His love to them – showing them that His Mercy is new everyday and that there is no end to His loving kindness to them!

I feel a bit like the mother of Moses. The Pharaoh had given a vicious order. All the Hebrew boy babies were to be killed. He feared that the Hebrew slaves would increase in population so greatly that they would rebel against him and his rule.

Moses mother made a basket of reeds and tucked Moses safely inside and placed it in the  Nile River but she had someone standing close by to ensure his safety.

“A man from the Levi tribe married a woman from the same tribe, 2 and she later had a baby boy. He was a beautiful child, and she kept him inside for three months. 3 But when she could no longer keep him hidden, she made a basket out of reeds and covered it with tar. She put him in the basket and placed it in the tall grass along the edge of the Nile River. 4 The baby’s older sister  stood off at a distance to see what would happen to him.

5 About that time one of the king’s daughters came down to take a bath in the river, while her servant women walked along the river bank. She saw the basket in the tall grass and sent one of the young women to pull it out of the water. 6 When the king’s daughter opened the basket, she saw the baby and felt sorry for him because he was crying. She said, “This must be one of the Hebrew babies.”

7 At once the baby’s older sister came up and asked, “Do you want me to get a Hebrew woman to take care of the baby for you?”

8 “Yes,” the king’s daughter answered. So the girl brought the baby’s mother, 9 and the king’s daughter told her, “Take care of this child, and I will pay you.” Exodus 2:1-9 CEV

Moses mother had to trust God to keep her son safe. There were all sorts of perils to deal with. Crocodiles, snakes, the basket sinking or the baby being found by an Egyptian soldier.

It’s a hard thing to put our kids in this river called “life”. So many dangers but we can stand back watching, praying and planning to protect. Thank God that this isn’t a job of our own effort.

“16 Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. He helps the people who are from Abraham. 17 For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted. He is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18 ERV

Jesus is the one we can trust to provide that much needed salvation from life’s dangers. In common speech He’s been there, done that, nailed it. We don’t send our kids out on their own. They are under the watchful protection of a loving heavenly Father.

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

As we send them out the door this morning or perhaps they are grown and live far away, we can put our trust in the Lord. He provided for little Moses and He’ll do the same for our children.

Thank you Father for blessing me and trusting me with these lives and thank you that You, in Your great love, are faithful and well able to protect them and give them victory.

” I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11 ERV

 

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Green Stamp Redemption

A while back there were a number of “Do you Remember” items on FB posts. One of them was “green stamps”.

Do you remember green stamps or maybe it was gold stamps that you saved? Each time we went to the gas station or the grocery store, the attendant would give my folks green stamps and they would bring them home and we put them in a savings book.

We had a green stamp catalog and we would save our books until we had enough to go to the redemption center and get what we had been saving for. That was so much fun, we walked out with something we really wanted and then we would start collecting for the  new item that we wanted. 

Do you know that we have been “redeemed”? The word redeemed means to rescue or to ransom. Our lives have been redeemed; not by collecting our good works and sticking them in a book for all to see but by the precious blood of Jesus.

“You were rescued (redeemed) from the useless way of life that you learned from your ancestors. But you know that you were not rescued by such things as silver or gold that don’t last forever. 19 You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent lamb.” I Peter 1:18-19

All our good deeds cannot begin to measure up to the price Jesus paid for our redemption. Can’t you see it now, Jesus walking into the redemption center and God the Father asking “what would you like to take home today”?

Jesus says, “I would like Kristi for my own”.

And the Father says, “Well, are you sure you wouldn’t like something better? She has done some pretty foolish things.”

“No,” Jesus says, “I would like her.”

“And what will you give for her redemption? It has to be something very valuable.” says the Father. And he shows Jesus all the charges of my shortcomings and sins.

Jesus stretches forth His hands revealing the nail prints and says, “I think this should cover it.”

“Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.” Colossians 2:14 Amplified Version

Hallelujah! I have been redeemed. I have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus. All my sins have been blotted out, covered by the blood of Jesus!

He’s done the same for you. He’s paid the price for your redemption.

 

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The Lion and The Chihuahua

This morning I was reflecting on our move to Arizona. It was 4 years ago this month.  I know I have shared some of this story with you before but I wanted to share with you the Lion and the Chihuahua struggles that we faced in bringing us to this place.

Roaring lion or barking Chihuahua! The struggles we face on a daily basis can be one or the other.  Oh my goodness, one brings fear and the other is just an annoyance that doesn’t go away.

Before I go any further let me interject here, I have a friend that loves her little Chihuahuas and I am in no way casting dispersions on them but just relaying a lesson the Lord taught me years ago and apparently one I needed to be reminded of this morning.

“6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” I Peter 5:6-8 CEV

We were in the process of packing up the house in Montana and getting ready to make our move home, back to Arizona. We were so excited and each chore was met with joy and anticipation. However, there was one “care” that I found myself throwing over on the Lord continually. We were moving ourselves with a U-Haul big truck and our Excursion was too large to tow so we needed a third driver.

The logistics were complicated and just when we thought we had them figured out they changed! That’s the Chihuahua I’m talking about. The little details kept changing.

For the past 6 years we had been anticipating this move; that long wait was our roaring lion. The enemy roaring at us, telling us it was never going to happen, telling us we had missed God and it wasn’t His will that we move. Those words roared in our ears but we took our stand on God’s word and stood, stood firm, stood steadfast and immovable. Now we were moving!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

Lion conquered but now for the Chihuahua.

Years ago we were holding a Camp Meeting at a ranch in Northern Arizona. When we arrived at the ranch, our friends weren’t there and we were greeted by their little dog that lived under the porch. He came out making the most ferocious bark that he could muster. As I took a step toward him, he took off and went back under the porch.

This was a scene that repeated itself a number of times over the next 20 minutes. Finally, frustrated I scolded him harshly and told him to hush. He ran back and stayed under the porch until his owners came.

In that situation, I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. He said, you know that little dog is a good example of the devil. He’ll yep and bark and annoy but he can’t win. The victory has been given to you through Christ Jesus! You need to stomp your foot and tell him to get back “to where he came from”. Don’t let him distract you from what you were called to do.

You see the verse doesn’t say the enemy IS a roaring lion. It says he’s LIKE a roaring lion. Don’t be scared off by the growl.

So that morning of our moving preparation  we stomped our foot and sent the adversary running. God knew every detail and step that we needed to take with this move and weren’t  going to be distracted, worried or frustrated by the enemy’s yapping!

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” I Peter 5:7-8 AMP

You may have much bigger problems and struggles than we did with our move. Yours may be health issues, financial issues or a marriage that’s falling apart. The principles of God’s word work for all of us. So read on and see the promise of victory.

“But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11 God will be in control forever! Amen.” I Peter 5:9-11 CEV

Let me give you the ending our of story. Our son and his girlfriend were able to meet us in Salt Lake and drive our Excursion the rest of the trip. They were also able to stay with us for a few days in Arizona and help unload the moving van. What a blessing!

Victory – Grace filled victory!

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A Cinderella Story

Every year about this time we begin to see pictures of Prom.

Beautiful daughters and granddaughters. Handsome and princely sons and grandsons.

My senior year in high school I opted not to go to Prom. I didn’t have a boyfriend at the time and to be honest I guess I wondered if anyone would ask me. So instead of being hurt or embarrassed by not having a date, I asked a friend of mine who lived out of town to come visit for the weekend and we went fishing on prom night.

I don’t have a bucket list but Dave knows that if I did, one of the things on it would be to have a Cinderella night; one where I get to dress in a beautiful dress, go out to a fine restaurant and then dance with my prince (him) before the night is over. Yep, that would be just about perfect!

I believe that whether you are male or female we all have a desire to be presented in the best and most elegant way possible, even if it’s just for one night. God knows that about us – in fact, He is the one who put that desire in us – the desire to be regal, to have a moment of elegance and royalty.

“May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler
of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free
from our sins. 6 He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father
as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6CEV

Through Christ we are able to reign as kings and priests not just for a night but for all eternity. We will share with Him in His kingdom.

Jesus found us when we were scrubbing the floors and cleaning the ashes out of the fireplace in life and by His love has elevated us to a place of royalty in God’s kingdom.

Because He died for us and took our sin we are no longer dirty, unworthy or inadequate for life with Him. This is the great exchange! He took our sin and the penalty of death attached to it so that we could take His life of righteousness and the gift of life and right standing with God!

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God. 21 Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so that Christ could make us acceptable to God.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 CEV

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came looking for us when we were lost and forgotten.

“The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:10 ERV

We have been given a new life, not just for a “bucket list” night but forever. We give up our old life and let Him live His life through us!

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, 10 “Once you were nobody. Now you are God’s people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness” I Peter 2:9-10 CEV

The Father has planned our future and it’s glorious!

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Seeds of Celebration

We ladies know what it’s like to “dream of our wedding day”. From the time we are little girls and go to our first wedding or see our first Disney Princess movie we are hooked.

But before you men completely discount this morning’s writing I want you to know you are included in this celebration too. For whether we are man or woman we are all joined with Christ as our husband.

The Scripture tells us that we have a loving husband. Jesus is the husband and we are His wife.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV

Christ loved us so much that He gave up his life for us. His shed blood completely removes any residue of sin and leaves us clean, no spot or wrinkle and glorious arrayed!

How many times have I heard people say, “if you only knew what I have done, you would know that God couldn’t love me”. It because of what we have done that God found a way to make us clean and acceptable. He has covered all our failures, our sins, our imperfections.

“Sin ruled by means of death. But God’s kindness now rules, and God has accepted us because of Jesus Christ our Lord. This means that we will have eternal life.” Romans 5:21 CEV

“God already planned to have us as His own children. This was done by Jesus Christ. In His plan God wanted this done.

6 We thank God for His loving-favor to us. He gave this loving-favor to us through His much-loved Son. 7 Because of the blood of Christ, we are bought and made free from the punishment of sin. And because of His blood, our sins are forgiven. His loving-favor to us is so rich. ” Ephesians 1:5-7 NLV

We have seen the royal weddings on television, all the pomp and circumstance. The carriage, the beautiful gown, the groom dressed so regally, the flowers, the lace. The celebration!

But that is nothing compared to what the King of Kings has prepared for His bride.

“You are God, and you will rule forever as king. Your royal power brings about justice.  You love justice and hate evil. And so, your God chose you and made you happier  than any of your friends.
8 The sweet aroma of the spices myrrh, aloes, and cassia, covers your royal robes. You enjoy the music of harps in palaces decorated
 with ivory. 9 Daughters of kings are here, and your bride stands at your right side, wearing a wedding gown trimmed with pure gold.” Psalm 45:7-9 CEV

Sometimes Christians are considered to be second class citizens, as if we need to apologize for our station in life. The opposite is true. We are joined to the King of Kings and our father, is God Almighty.

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say,

10 “Once you were nobody. Now you are God’s people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness.” I Peter 2:9-10 CEV

It’s important that we see ourselves as God sees us. We are His children and we are dearly loved. There was no expense too great to keep Him from bringing us into relationship with Him.

“I cried to the Lord in my trouble, and He answered me and put me in a good place. 6 The Lord is with me. I will not be afraid of what man can do to me. 7 The Lord is with me. He is my Helper. I will watch those lose who fight against me. ” Psalm 118:5-7 NLV

We have been dressed in royal splendor, our husband loves us dearly. It’s time to celebrate!!

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Harvest of Healing

Last night I woke up shivering and all my joints were aching. It wasn’t cold in our room so I knew I needed to harvest some of the healing seeds that I had planted years ago.

We first learned the Bible’s scriptures on healing in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. We began to plant seeds immediately. We didn’t have time to be sick nor did our kids. The harvest from these seeds has brought health and healing to our home for many years.

Sometimes return to health has come instantly and at other times it has taken a few days or even a couple weeks. There have been instant healings that have almost been miraculous and others that have been assisted by doctors and modern medicine. No matter what path has brought the healing to our bodies we know that it has been given by God and we praise Him for it.

There are times when the healing comes and it is as sweet as honey. Other times it’s been like a plate of fresh vegetables bring strength and nourishment and at times healing comfort has come like a piece of fresh baked bread with butter. God’s word is food for our souls.

Now let’s plant some seeds.

“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. 6 All of us like sheep have gone the wrong way. Each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has put on Him the sin of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 NLV

“I will lift You up, O Lord, for You have lifted me up. You have not let those who hate me stand over me in joy. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to You for help and You healed me.” Psalm 30:1-2 NLV

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. 3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. 4 He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity.” Psalm 103:2-4 NLV

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble. And He saved them from their suffering. 20 He sent His Word and healed them. And He saved them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving-kindness and His great works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:19-21 NLV

“My son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLV

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Whenever anyone came to Jesus and asked to be healed Jesus granted their petition. He didn’t turn anyone way. And he’s not turning us away either.” Matthew 4:23-24 NIV

“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew 10:1 NIV

And just one more.

“He never sinned. No lie or bad talk ever came from His lips. 23 When people spoke against Him, He never spoke back. When He suffered from what people did to Him, He did not try to pay them back. He left it in the hands of the One Who is always right in judging. 24 He carried our sins in His own body when He died on a cross. In doing this, we may be dead to sin and alive to all that is right and good. His wounds have healed you!” I Peter 2:22-24 NLV

I hope you make room in your garden for seeds of health and healing. They are a gift from God for all to enjoy.

And just so you know, as I was writing this my fever broke and the aching joints are gaining more mobility. Praise God!

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An Unending Harvest

I’m sure that I have mentioned before that Dave and I spent a number of years farming alfalfa for an absentee owner. We lived south of Phoenix, out in the desert half way between two very small towns, Buckeye and Gila Bend.

It was there that we really began to study God’s word. Each hour that we were on the farm equipment was another hour spent listening to cassette tapes and receiving faithful teachings. It was our Bible school and it was the place that I gained practical application of God’s word.

The area we farmed was rich, river loam soil. We had 900+ acres of alfalfa which was irrigated. The wells ran day and night providing the much needed moisture to the fields. We got 10 cuttings a year from that ground. In the peak of the summer, we were swathing alfalfa every 21 days. We would water twice, cut, rake and bale. We only stopped in the winter when the frost came and stunted the growth of the plants.

What I learned was that alfalfa was a perineal not an annual plant like cotton or maize, it was a perpetual seed that continued to produce for seven years before it needed replanting. Within one seed was multiplied potential for reproduction and harvest.

I applied that to the seed of God’s word. When planted the harvest potential is immeasurable.

“You have made your souls pure by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit. This has given you a true love for the Christians. Let it be a true love from the heart. 23 You have been given a new birth. It was from a seed that cannot die. This new life is from the Word of God which lives forever. 24 All people are like grass. Their greatness is like the flowers. The grass dries up and the flowers fall off. 25 But the Word of the Lord will last forever. That Word is the Good News which was preached to you.” I Peter 1:22-25 NLV

God’s word is an incorruptible seed, it is a seed that never dies. What we are planting in our lives today will continue to grow and bring us a harvest beyond compare. It can be thwarted by weeds of worry, unbelief, anger, unforgiveness, strife, gossip, etc. but it will not die.

When we yield our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to plant seeds in our hearts that will bring a harvest of godly character.

“But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, 23 being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 NLV

We have already planted some of these and today we are going to add one more from this group.

Love.

“”But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 CEV

“We have come to know and believe the love God has for us. God is love. If you live in love, you live by the help of God and God lives in you.” I John 4:16 NLV

“Love does not give up. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. Love does not put itself up as being important. Love has no pride. 5 Love does not do the wrong thing. Love never thinks of itself. Love does not get angry. Love does not remember the suffering that comes from being hurt by someone. 6 Love is not happy with sin. Love is happy with the truth. 7 Love takes everything that comes without giving up. Love believes all things. Love hopes for all things. Love keeps on in all things.

8 Love never comes to an end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 NLV

So let’s take these seeds and plant them in the soil of our heart today.

Imagine a lifetime of producing fruit from the seeds of love.

 

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Seasoned with Humility

Are you ready? This morning’s seeds will season any life.

Meekness: humility, gentleness. Who doesn’t need more humility demonstrated in our lives. Think of how many arguments would be ended before they started if each of us were a bit more humble – if we didn’t feel it was necessary to defend ourselves to those who didn’t understand or to “stand up for ourselves” so we wouldn’t be taken advantage of. Yes, we all need to plant seeds of meekness.

Jesus is our example of meekness and humility. He is the Son of God but he took on the form of a man to come to earth for us. He experienced ridicule and persecution from the very ones he was coming to die for. He didn’t defend himself not even at the judgment hall before his crucifixion. What he did defend was his Father; he stood unflinchingly strong on the Word of God. He didn’t back down and in fact, verbally battled those who came against and spoke contrary to God’s word and His nature.

“Blessed are the meek (humble): for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

“Young people, I have something to say to you too. You should accept the authority of the elders. You should all have a humble attitude in dealing with each other. “God is against the proud, but he is kind to the humble.” So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes.” I Peter 5:5-6

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” Colossians 3:12

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

When we plant meekness and allow it to grow we will be like Jesus and make of ourselves no reputation but represent and defend the name of Almighty God.

“Think as Christ Jesus thought. 6 Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. 7 He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. 8 After He became a man, He gave up (humbled) His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. 9 Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLV

You’ve heard the term “stage mom”, well Jesus had a “disciple mom” to deal with. She wanted her sons to have important roles in the kingdom that Christ was setting up. See, many thought that Jesus came to set up a physical kingdom which would overthrow the Roman rule and as such they were looking for places of distinction in this kingdom.

“The mother of James and Johncame to Jesus with her two sons. She knelt down and started begging him to do something for her. 21 Jesus asked her what she wanted, and she said, “When you come into your kingdom, please let one of my sons sit at your right side and the other at your left.”

22 Jesus answered, “Not one of you knows what you are asking. Are you able to drink from the cupthat I must soon drink from?” James and John said, “Yes, we are!” Matthew 20:20-22 CEV

The most important people in the kingdom sat at the king’s right and left side. Jesus, however, knew that His kingdom was a spiritual one and not one on earth. So when he asked the question if they were willing to drink of the same cup as Him he was referring to the suffering of his death. James and John didn’t realize that and so they answered that they were able to do that.

The reason Jesus pushed through fatigue, ridicule, and hardship was because He had put on a coat of humility or meekness.

“And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. 28 The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescuemany people.” Matthew 20:27-28 CEV

Who is it we can serve today? Serving those we love can at times may be more difficult than serving strangers. When we serve the same people day in and day out we can develop a resentment if we aren’t careful. We begin to ask, “what have they done for me” or “do they even appreciate what I’m doing”. Questions like this are a true sign that there are some weeds in the garden trying to choke off the fruit that grows from the seeds of humility. Pull them out immediately!

How? By thanking God for bringing such wonderful people into our lives and by thanking Him for giving us the opportunity to love and care for them. Recognize and accept the wonderful assignment we have been given, an assignment that no one else in the world has been trusted with nor can they do it any better. God has prepared us for this very thing.

Be grateful for the ability and the opportunity to serve others, it’s what makes us more like Jesus.

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Bird Brained Thinking

I have lived in the desert most of my life. Took a 22 year hiatus in the northwest but the desert is my home. I think some of my favorite animals to watch here on the desert are the birds. Oh I’m far from being a “birder” but I am fascinated by the dove, quail, roadrunner and hummingbird. They give me many hours of enjoyment. Other than the hummingbirds these other species are drab in color. They are basically brown and that’s for their protection, it gives them the ability to hide from their prey.

Do they complain? I’ve never heard them. In fact, what I hear is their sweet song each morning. They wake to the day with a melody that is soothing and joyous. During midday their song is the same and finally as day comes to a close you can hear their song on the evening breeze. They are content!

The term bird-brained has been used in a derogatory manner. MacMillan’s dictionary defines it this way: “Someone who is unintelligent, stupid or silly: fool, lump, clown” but I don’t see it that way at all. I will gladly be bird-brained when it comes to worry and trusting God.

Oh to be them – to be bird brained. Programmed to sing!

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are?” Matthew 6:25-26 ERV

We, on the other hand, have a tendency to worry and many of us are very good at it. God doesn’t want us worried or fretful. He wants us trusting Him, relying on Him and being confident in who He is. Have you ever seen a bird complaining because they aren’t as brightly colored as another species or that their song may not be as sweet. No never! They are content in who they are because God made them for a purpose.

God is our provider and creator!

When we were in Iowa for the summer we experienced some terrible winds and rain. The sky would blackened, the winds would blow gale force and we were often notified of tornados in the area. I must admit those storms made me fearful. And then I began to watch the birds. They would continue to go about business as usual – hopping around on the ground, flitting from tree to tree, singing their songs. As long as the birds were singing I knew things were fine. When they stopped, I knew we had a big storm coming and it was time to take shelter. They knew – they were bird brained but they knew.

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30 Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31 So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-30 CEV

What a wonderful example God has given us on trust. We are valuable to God. The birds go out each morning and expect to find bugs and seeds. They have an instinct that protects them in face of danger and they always have a song. God has promised to cover us with His protection as a mother hen does to protect her chicks.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield.” Psalm 91:1-4 ERV

I hope you are beginning to see that God has promises for every area of our lives. He wants us to trust confidently in His word.

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

Join me today in becoming “bird-brained”

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Peace Beyond Comprehension

While looking through my index cards of verses I have come across several there that are promises of peace.

 

“ Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! 5 Let all people see how gentle you are. The Lord is coming again soon. 6 Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 NLV

How well I remember the first time I was truly blanketed with peace. Dave and I had just moved back to Arizona from living in New Mexico for two years. The kids were little, 2 and 4, and I had recently had a miscarriage.

We were back home and I was glad to be here. Getting reacquainted with old friends, Mom and Dad were close but my heart was heavy. We had received a cold and chilly rebuff to moving to this home.

One neighbor, who wanted to live in a Senior’s Only neighborhood, came to the door as we were unpacking boxes and told me that she was circulating a petition to have our lease nullified…really!

Oh Lord, my heart was overwhelmed and I felt no peace. I was really in turmoil and for the next few days I kept busy unpacking boxes, helping the kids get settled in while Dave went off to work. Agriculture work in Az is in full force in the Spring and so he had some pretty long hours.

The anxiousness grew and peace was gone. One night after the kids were in bed, I went out into the backyard and sat on one of the kids swings. It was a clear night and when I looked up the sky was filled with stars. I began to cry.

Don’t you love it! Crying is such a good thing especially for us women. It allows us to release emotion that we really can’t do any other way. With tears running over my cheeks I said “Lord, I want to trust you but my heart is aching and I really don’t know why. I need to be a good mom and wife. I need to be strong and I feel like I’m falling apart.” Transparency with the Lord is best; He’s knows what in our hearts.

And then that verse I had known since I was little came rushing into my thoughts.

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ERV

What I needed was peace! Looking up at the stars I was also looking up to God for his strength. I began to think of all those people I knew from the Bible. God had Abraham look at the stars and it was there he received a promise from God. David, as a young boy, tended sheep at night under these stars and God was there. Jesus would go out at night and pray under these stars and His Father would meet him there.  As long as there had been stars God had been there and He was in control.

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

It was like a blanket fell from the sky. A warm comforting blanket and I was wrapped snuggly within it. The tears were gone, the anxiousness was gone, joy was there. Not a laugh-out-loud kind of joy but a settled peace.

Circumstances hadn’t changed but my outlook had. I knew I could trust God and He would take care of my worries. It was His peace that wrapped around me and I felt His presence. Everything was going to be alright!

As I’m finishing up this morning, this verse just came to mind (another good one for you to write down).

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

Was that the last time I worried or was overtaken by anxious thought? Not hardly! But it is a mile stone – it is a place in my life that I mark with calm assurance that God revealed his loving character and met my need.

I hope you don’t mind me sharing these life experiences with you. I feel it’s important that you know that God’s word is trustworthy – He does keep his promises. If He will meet me like this, He will do the same for you!

Moses gave instruction to the people of Israel to remember what they had seen God do and to teach their children and grandchildren so they wouldn’t forget the Lord.

“You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. 10 Do you remember the day you stood in the Lord’s presence at Mount Sinai? The Lord said, “Moses, bring the people of Israel here. I want to speak to them so they will obey me as long as they live, and so they will teach their children to obey me too.” Deuteronomy 4:9-10 CEV

When worry comes, and it will, let peace guard your heart! Keep your mind focused on God who always was, who is and who always will be!

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