Give Your Best

Dave and I were talking last night and I asked him which Christmas Carol he really liked. What do you think he said?

Little Drummer Boy. No where in Scripture do you find the story of a little drummer boy. But all through the Bible we find that God gave His best. Since He did, should we give anything less than our best to Him?

Our best is relative. Jesus pointed that out to His disciples one day as they were in the temple.

“Jesus was sitting in the temple near the offering box and watching people put in their gifts. He noticed that many rich people were giving a lot of money. ⁴²Finally, a poor widow came up and put in two coins that were worth only a few pennies. ⁴³Jesus told his disciples to gather around him. Then he said:

I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴⁴Everyone else gave what they didn’t need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had. Now she doesn’t have a cent to live on.” Luke 12:41-44 CEV

I’ve had people tell me that they’d give God a million dollars but they just don’t have it. That’s a wonderful thought however, the true test of the heart isn’t in what we desire to do but what we do with what we have. There have been times that giving a dollar was harder to do than giving one hundred.

I remember when the kids were in school and came home with a note asking all the parents to give canned goods for the food drive. Our kids wanted to be a part of doing something special for those who were needy. What they didn’t realize was that we would have been considered the needy. I opened the cupboard and took out half of the cans on the shelf. Some went to Kim’s class and the rest went to Koy’s class.

We gave from the heart, desiring to bless others because there were folks out there who really did have less than we did. These are the words I heard in my head.

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave Me water to drink. I was a stranger and you gave Me a room. ³⁶I had no clothes and you gave Me clothes to wear. I was sick and you cared for Me. I was in prison and you came to see Me.’

³⁷“Then those that are right with God will say, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? When did we see You thirsty and give You a drink? ³⁸When did we see You a stranger and give You a room? When did we see You had no clothes and we gave You clothes? ³⁹And when did we see You sick or in prison and we came to You?’ ⁴⁰Then the King will say, ‘For sure, I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of My brothers, you have done it to Me.’ ” Matthew 25:35-40 NLV

We can be like the widow who gave to the Lord all she had. She gave out of the love in her heart. When we consider that each and every thing we give we give as if we are giving it to the Lord, we should give generously. What a joy to be able to give!

So here we have the premise of the song, Little Drummer Boy.

The Little Drummer Boy

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see
Pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum

So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
When we come

Little baby
Pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum

Shall I play for you
Pa rum pum pum pum
On my drum

Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum

Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum

What is it you have in your hand? Drum sticks, a sewing machine, a bowl of flour, cash, knitting needles, baby sitting skills, IT knowledge, a warm dinner, any type of home crafts – leather, jewelry, decorating; all of these can be used by the Father to meet the needs of others.

Whatever it is we give Him, we must give Him our best – it’s the least we can do. He was willing to give us His very best, Jesus, His Son.

““And I give you all the best olive oil and all the best new wine and grain. These are the things that the Israelites give to me, the Lord. These are the first things that they gather in their harvest. ¹³When the people gather a harvest, they bring all the first things to the Lord. ” Numbers 18:12-13 ERV

I’ll play my best for Him, Pa rum pum pum pum!

November 28, 2018

Tired & Cranky

You understand what I am saying here, tired and cranky? We all have those times when we just want to throw a fit and get away with it. Right?

Monday morning I received a text from our youngest daughter telling me that our little granddaughter had just cut 3 new teeth. My first response was “that explains her mood on Thanksgiving, she was hurting”.

We excuse some crankiness when children are little and don’t know how to tell us what’s going on. But we should be giving them instruction that selfish actions aren’t right. The problem comes when we are teenagers or adults and we have these same outbreaks of self-centered frustration.

“Remember this: There are some terrible times coming in the last days. ²People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud and boast about themselves. They will abuse others with insults. They will not obey their parents. They will be ungrateful and against all that is pleasing to God. ³They will have no love for others and will refuse to forgive anyone. They will talk about others to hurt them and will have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. ⁵They will go on pretending to be devoted to God, but they will refuse to let that “devotion” change the way they live. Stay away from these people!” II Timothy 3:1-5 ERV

These verses are a description of many of the attitudes and actions that are going on in society today. There’s an entitlement mentality that says I deserve it; I should have more and better things, not because I have worked hard or sacrificed but because I’m entitled to better.

I really wanted to be cranky yesterday. I did. I was tired, hadn’t slept much the night before and I “felt” that I deserved to be treated with more consideration. I wanted to be entitled. I was being selfish. I was thinking about me and what my needs were and what I wanted.

It only took a few minutes for the Lord to step in and correct me.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, keep looking for the good things of heaven. This is where Christ is seated on the right side of God. ²Keep your minds thinking about things in heaven. Do not think about things on the earth. ³You are dead to the things of this world. Your new life is now hidden in God through Christ.” Colossians 3:1-3 NLV

and

“Whoever wants to be first must serve the rest of you like a slave. ²⁸Do as I did: The Son of Man did not come for people to serve him. He came to serve others and to give his life to save many people.” Matthew 20:27-28 ERV

Pity parties have a very small guest list; me, myself and I. When we look at Jesus and how he lived, keeping our minds focused on how things are done in heaven, we will see that we have been given a higher assignment. We are to be an example of self-control and self-sacrifice.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, ²³gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. ²⁴And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. ²⁵God’s Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. ” Galatians 5:22-25 CEV

Probably no one else has to deal with keeping their feelings, emotions and thoughts in line but just in case you are like me I thought I would share this with you today.

Let’s live like the Apostle Paul said here in verse 25. Let’s follow the Spirit. Life will certainly be better.

November 24, 2018

Rest, Sweet Rest

Last night I told Dave that I was tired and just wanted to sleep in this morning. I said I wasn’t sure that I would get up to write the blog. He laughed and said, “Honey, there has never been a morning that you haven’t gotten up early. You’ll write the blog.

Ok, so he was right and I was up earlier this morning than I have been in a while. I hoping to be like this little puppy later today and just lay down for a bit and rest.

One of the things I have learned from years of constantly being on the go is the Lord takes no delight in us being exhausted and weary. Burn out is not God’s plan! Let me encourage you to rest.

I found sound instruction in Psalm 23 this morning.

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. ²He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. ³He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

The Lord knows that we need rest. He didn’t design our bodies or our minds to be constantly on the go. We need to have our strength renewed and restored. He invites us to lie down and rest. He’s a gracious, loving Shepherd and He watches over us attentatively.

When we’re tired we lose focus, our concentration decreases and we can even weaken our health. However, when we wait, cease from labor, our strength with be restored.

“He helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.
³⁰Young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys stumble and fall.
³¹But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.” Isaiah 40:29-31 ERV

The word trust in verse 31 can also be translated “wait”. Trusting the Lord is a form of waiting. Trusting means to expect, look for, hope in and rely on. There is waiting attached to each and every one of those words. When we are weary there is a place of rest that never disappoints.

“Come to Me, all of you who work and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. ²⁹Follow My teachings and learn from Me. I am gentle and do not have pride. You will have rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLV

God’s Word gives us instruction on how to live and keep things in proper order. It promises us rest. Jesus’ life was filled with constant activity. He walked from town to town, ministered to people daily, and resolved interpersonal conflicts. This is what He did when he needed to be strengthened and rest.

“Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. He told them to go to the other side of the lake. He said he would come later. He stayed there to tell everyone they could go home. ²³After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. It was late, and he was there alone.” Matthew 14:22-23 ERV

“Very early the next morning, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” Mark 1:35 CEV

“But the news about Jesus spread more and more. Many people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. ¹⁶Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray.” Luke 5:15-16 ERV

Jesus committed himself to prayer and there He found rest. He took time to be alone.

I enjoy doing those word search puzzles. So I am going to give you some letters and ask you to find the hidden word. You can only use each letter once. Here they are. T-S-E-S-R-S. What word did you find?

If you found the word STRESS, you can’t have rest. But if you chose the word REST you won’t have stress. Just saying!

Take a day and enjoy some time of rest.

November 15, 2018

Thankful for the Sparrows

I woke up this morning thanking God for His goodness and telling Him of my love.

Yesterday started out to be nothing special. Since we had been gone almost two weeks there were no groceries in the house and Dave had a couple of projects he needed to get to now that we were home. He made a list of things he needed and I made a list of groceries and out the door we went.

As we drove down the interstate we found ourselves counting our blessings. Did you do that too? Simple things – a good, dependable truck; no real traffic; our kids and grandkids; money to buy the groceries that we needed and our home.

Yes, it was a good day. At one of our stops we were able to help a couple buy their groceries. They were so embarrassed when they learned that they didn’t have enough money for the few groceries they were buying. The Lord put it on my heart to help so I told the clerk to add it to our bill and we would pay for it. They were so grateful and God got the glory. They walked out saying “thank God”!

What has all this got to do with being thankful for sparrows? Glad you asked.

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

The sparrows that sing each morning from our trees remind me that God is ever-present watching over me so there is no need to be afraid. Just like that couple in the grocery store; the Lord knew their need and provided for them. I love being used.

Those of you who remember watching the Billy Graham Crusades on television may remember George Beverly Shea. He was a soloist who sang many of the special music numbers at the services. There was one song I can still hear him singing, His Eye is on the Sparrow. If you’re a bit younger than me, you may recall that Lauryn Hill sang the same song in Sister Act.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
- Refrain:
  I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
  For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

His eye is on the sparrow. I know He watches me! Oh…so much to be thankful for! He watches me. He cares for me, He provides for me, He loves me!!

“I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? ²⁶Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Has something got you worried – really worried? Take a look at the sparrows; they wake up each morning singing. No worries there, they know God has more than enough bugs to keep them fed.

Aren’t you worth more than birds? Yes, yes you are and My Father cares for you! Now sing, sing because you know He watches over you.

November 14, 2018

Counting Our Blessings

We’ve been gone from home for about two weeks. Got home yesterday afternoon and this morning I am enjoying the quiet of my own living room.

It’s good to be home and I am thankful for all of the Lord’s blessings. We had a wonderful time taking care of Sam and Kristine (a blessing) for nine days and then we had time with Mom (a blessing) before arriving back home.

Blessings: 1 God’s love 2 Family 3 Friends 4 Home 5 Food 6 Clothing…

And the list goes on. But there are some around us who have lost everything. I’m thinking specifically about those who have lost all their earthly possessions in the California fires. We need to pray for them and then find a good outreach ministry that is there giving aid and financially support them as well.

Jesus said when we have done a kindness for those in need we have done that kindness for Him.

“When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

⁴⁰“Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’” Matthew 25:38-40 ERV

We need to be mindful of the many blessings the Lord has given us each and every day. Making a list is just one way of keeping our hearts centered on gratitude.

We’re only a week from Thanksgiving. We should make gratitude a part of our daily routine. While we’re brushing our teeth or combing our hair, say thank you for three things. Taking a sip of that first cup of coffee should be time to be thankful for two or three more. Arriving at work unscathed by traffic deserves a big “Praise God”. Sitting at a desk or standing at a work station we need to be thankful, some people have no job to go too.

Yes, making a list of blessings is a great way to keep our lives filled with thanksgiving.

“Stand and shout praises to your Lord, the eternal God! Praise his wonderful name, though he is greater than words can express. ⁶You alone are the Lord, Creator of the heavens and all the stars, Creator of the earth and those who live on it, Creator of the ocean and all its creatures. You are the source of life, praised by the stars that fill the heavens.” Nehemiah 9:5-6 CEV

There’s an old song in the movie White Christmas. The lyrics say “when I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep then I fall to sleep counting my blessings”. The perfect way to begin and end any day is counting blessings and thanking the Lord for all He has done.

Lord, I love you and I thank you for the many blessings you have given me. Let me see the needs that others have and be used to help.

November 8, 2018

Thankful for an Open Door

This morning I was reading in Hebrews, one of my favorite books, and I reread those verses that I share with you so often.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! ¹⁶So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

Come bravely, or boldly, before the throne!

In days of old, the only way a subject was allowed to come before the throne of the king was by invitation or summons. Even their own families were taught not to enter without first being granted access.

As I read these verses, I was impacted again with the absolute freedom that we have been given to come to the Father’s throne without fear. Confidently we come, knowing that we will find help and be treated with kindness. Amazing!

I did a search to find an image of a palace with an open door to use as today’s illustration. Do you know how hard that is to find? The picture I used isn’t a palace, it’s a cathedral. Even today, palaces just don’t have open doors. They are secure areas, special clearance is needed and very few actually receive an audience with the king or ruler.

We have open access to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

And again, it’s not just access to Him; we have favor with Him, He holds us in His heart and is always willing to provide us with help.

“When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. ⁸Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.

⁹You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name…” Matthew 6:7-9 CEV

These are the words that Jesus spoke when he was teaching his disciples to pray. He wanted them to understand that when they talked to God, prayed, they weren’t talking to someone they didn’t now. They were talking to their Father, a loving, tender-hearted, kind and compassionate Father; their Father who knew what they need before they came and had already planned to help.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude and love because of my Father’s kindness and grace. This morning I sat here in my chair, coffee in hand and I began to tell Him how much I love Him. I started listing all the reasons I have for loving Him and then I stopped abruptly. I wasn’t through with my list of His wonderful blessings…I was completely overwhelmed by His unconditional love.

Sometimes I see myself, as a little child, running through the throne room doors, straight up to the Father’s throne. When I get there I throw my arms around his neck, give Him a big kiss, tell Him how much I love Him, climb down from His lap and go on about my day. I know He likes that!

Jesus showed us that side of the Father when he took time to interact with the little children.

“Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them and pray for them. When the followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to him. ¹⁴But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” ¹⁵After Jesus blessed the children, he left there.” Matthew 19:13-15 CEV

This is an example for us. The Father wants us to come as little children. Children filled with innocence, confidence and total abandon, trusting completely in Him. I’m here to give testimony, the Father’s throne room door is always open to His kids.

Come on in! He’s waiting just for us with open arms!

November 3, 2018November 3, 2018

Thankful for Parents

Yesterday I began to think about today’s blog and where I should direct our thoughts on gratitude. I thought of parents.

We all fall into at least one of these categories. We have parents or we are a parent. Elementary but true. This picture was taken last November as some of our family joined with my Mom to celebrate an early Thanksgiving.

So grateful for Mom and her impact in my life. As she says, “I wasn’t a perfect parent but I tried”. That she did. She loved my dad, us kids, her grandkids and greats and she has loved the Lord for almost all of her life. At 95, she has been an influence in the life of many young men and women, some now in there 70’s. She was a school teacher, a Sunday school teacher, a young women’s leader, small group hostess and a welcoming friend.

“Her children say good things about her. Her husband brags about her and says, ²⁹“There are many good women, but you are the best.” Proverbs 31:28-29 ERV

Very thankful for the wonderful Mom I was given.

I’m also thankful for my children, who made me a parent. They, and their families, are the joy of my life. Life would be empty without them. Like my mother, I was not/am not a perfect parent, but my love for each one of them is unconditional. They could never say or do anything to make me love them more and they could never say or do anything to make me love them less.

“See, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special reward. ⁴The children of a young man are like arrows in the hand of a soldier. ⁵Happy is the man who has many of them. They will not be put to shame when they speak in the gate with those who hate them.” Psalm 127:3-5 NLV

“Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age, and children take great pride in their parents.” Proverbs 17:6 ERV

So thankful for those who call me Besta. Bestamor is the Norwegian word for Grandmother. There are six who call me Besta and that is one of the sweetest words to my ears.

You know I’m going to end this with our heavenly Father, don’t you? It’s from Him we learn to be the loving parents we are. He is our example, it’s His life we try to imitate. Some haven’t been blessed with a good human role model but we have all been blessed with the love of our Father in heaven.

“Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].” Ephesians 5:1 AMPC

He will never turn us away when we come to Him. He will never leave us to flounder on our own. His arms are open wide, welcoming us to come. He has tattooed us in the palms of His hands.

“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. ⁸Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. ⁹Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? ¹⁰Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? ¹¹As bad (earthly) as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

“Can a woman forget her nursing child? Can she have no pity on the son to whom she gave birth? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. ¹⁶See, I have marked your names on My hands. Your walls are always before Me.” Isaiah 49:15-16 NLV

Oh yes, I am thankful for parents; the ones I had, the one I am and for the One who has always been!

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018

Respect & Reputation

The first words off the page of my Bible this morning were respect and reputation.

So, why am I using a picture of a wallet filled with money?

A large part of our society is striving for success. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, the Lord desires for us to prosper and have good success.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. ⁹Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

The key is the phrase good success. If success is obtained in one area of life but destroys another it can’t be considered good. There are people all across our country that are gaining success in their careers and businesses but loosing their families. That’s not good.

“A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1 CEV

I went to a job interview once and was asked if I saw something that I thought was unethical being done in the company, what would I do. I gave an honest answer and said I would ask someone about it. I couldn’t just stand by and ignore something like that.

I didn’t get the job.

The Lord sees us as valuable. He treasures us, He takes delight in us as His children.

The Lord wants us to be more concerned about having a godly reputation and gaining respect than obtaining wealth. Making the right choices, setting the right priorities will bring everything else in line.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ ³²That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. ³³What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

When making the big decisions we should ask if this will cost me my good reputation, the respect of my friends and family and if it reflects godly character. If the answer isn’t a strong yes then we should drop that and do something else.

“Respect and serve the Lord! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.” Proverbs 22:4 CEV

Our Father is watching over for us and He wants our reputation to be protected.

October 14, 2018October 14, 2018

Sounds of Silence

Yesterday morning I was amazed at the silence of the early morning.

Normally I will hear the dogs in the neighborhood barking, coyotes howling, an early bird warbling its song but there was nothing. It was almost unnerving. I had the doors open to let in the cool morning air and with it came the silence.

I almost hated to do any keyboarding because the touch of the keys broke into the absolute quiet and disturbed my time alone with the Father.

Quiet.

This morning my experience is the same. The last several days we have been blessed with a steady rain, a soaker. Maybe all the animals are holed up and staying dry. That might be the reason for the silence. It is heavenly!

Having this time alone with my Father is wonderful. One of my favorite hymns when I was girl is In the Garden. It still is one of my favorites. And this morning I am singing it in my heart as I treasure these quiet moments with Him.

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

Sitting here this morning while it’s still dark and feeling the cool of the fall air, down to 55 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 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 all He has before Him this day He says to me, come and get to know me better.

“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.” Matthew 11:27 CEV

Jesus has taken the time to tell us about the Father and through what Christ has done we’ve been adopted by the Father. We can call Him “Abba Father” (Papa or Daddy) and we can experience firsthand His love and compassion.

In the silence, I feel His embrace and sense His love. In a small way, I imagine how things might have been when Jesus would pull away from the crowds for time alone with the Father.

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

Well, the birds are telling me it’s time to start the day. Let the Father lead you. Take time to enjoy the sounds of silence!

October 7, 2018

Angie’s List

This morning I would like to tell you about a lady named Angie.

She had a wonderful smile and a heart for God. She would get up each day and ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do today and whose life do you want me to touch?”

Then she’d get her husband off to work, her kids out the door to school and she would go about her day listening to the Lord and being obedient to what she felt he was leading her to do.

“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, ³⁶and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”

³⁷Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? ³⁸When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear ³⁹or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”

⁴⁰The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:35-40 CEV

I remember one story in particular that she told me. She had gone to run an errand and on her way home she “just felt” like she needed to turn down a particular street, so she did. Down that street a ways she felt she should stop, so she did. As she looked at all the houses that were on both sides of the street one of the houses drew her attention. She walked up to the front door, knocked and told the young mother who answered that she was there to help. And she did.

She helped with dishes, cleaning and told the young mother before she left that the Lord had brought her there because He loved her and wanted her to know she wasn’t alone.

Now that’s following the Lord’s leading and meeting the needs of others.

I must say that I have never been that “led”. Maybe I don’t listen as well but I have been able to help pay for someone’s groceries and taken a neighbor cinnamon rolls just after they found out a relative died. I have held a crying woman in my arms and prayed for her in the pharmacy.

I’m not bragging on Angie and I’m certainly not bragging on myself but what I am saying is there are times that God is giving us opportunity to follow His lead and reach out to help.

“God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. ” II Corinthians 9:8 CEV

Don’t think that “I can’t do something like that because I don’t have what it takes”. God is always faithful to supply what we need for every situation – the right words, the right talents, the right love.

God has used others to help when I was in need. Some of that help was financial, some was bags full of groceries. Others helped with the laundry and house cleaning, some provided meals. And still others provided a shoulder to lean on and a prayer for comfort and direction. Each and everyone was used by the Lord to meet a need. I am so grateful.

Let these words burn into our hearts, Lord. “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”