Category: Book

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This Little Light

I was talking with a friend and recalling a time when the power went off. The house was completely black. I know my house well and usually have no trouble maneuvering even in the darkness but this was different. Before I could get to the oil lamps and the candles I had stubbed my toe many times. Searching in the darkness is frustrating but it can also be frightening if you’re unaware of your surroundings.

It reminded me of these verses.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

We need to let the light of God shine through us each day, reflecting His glory and love. We should reflect God’s love in the same way that the moon reflects the light of the sun and then shines in beauty. It would be silly of the moon to think that the light it gives is of its own making. It is just as silly for us to think that we have any goodness to radiate on our own – we must be reflective agents of the God who created us and chooses to share His love with us.

There are millions who need to be rescued from the darkness. Darkness can be another word for loneliness, fear, low self-esteem, anger, hatred and a life without Jesus.

So for me, I will say this little light of mine – I’m gonna let it shine!

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Fear Not!

Here we are only a few days into this new year and I am sure that some of you have had to face circumstances or situations that are less than favorable. Some may have even received bad news that left you reeling. This isn’t God’s design or plan for you. His word is very plain – fear not!

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” Psalm 23:4 NLT

Like a good shepherd, Jesus walks with us through the darkest times and He brings protection and comfort where our enemies would like to infuse fear and unrest.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT

God, our Father, is loving and gracious. Any situation that we face doesn’t surprise Him; He has seen it coming and He has the answer. We need to press in to Him and let Him show us what it is.

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

To have our thoughts fixed on the Lord is to be focused on Him. It’s like looking through the lens of a camera, everything on the peripheral blurs while we concentrate solely on what’s right before us. Look at every detail of the Father’s character, see His wisdom, His love and compassion. See His words of promise and stay in a place of peace.

Our emotions and imaginations can lead us down the path of “what if’s” if we allow them too. That’s why it’s so important to keep our minds filled with God’s word. When God makes a promise He keeps it.

“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

Give any worry or fear over to the Lord. Let Him carry the load and fear not!

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 NLT

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A Father’s Love

I’m a bit nostalgic today; fifteen years ago my Dad went to heaven. I miss him dearly but I don’t wish him back. I am so glad to know that he lived a life of loving Jesus and someday I have the promise that I will see him again.

Are you like me? Do you remember crawling up on your dad’s lap and talking to him about “stuff”? Did you have a hunting or fishing day? Or maybe you worked side by side in the corrals or in the pens? Maybe it was a special trip to the store or a weekly game? What is one of your favorite memories with your dad?

As a boy, our son would follow Dave through the alfalfa fields trying to match his steps stride for stride, he wore his hat like his dad and the same kind of boots. Then when he got older Dave would take him to his surf competitions. Father and Son. Now they spend time deep sea fishing, looking for boats and going to the Indy 500.

Our girls still call Dave daddy. When they write him notes or call on the phone it’s always “Daddy”. He would read to our youngest daughter when I was at work and comb her hair in the mornings if I had to go in early. Our oldest daughter had him chaperone her sweet 16 party and they went ice skating. They also had times they went horseback riding together. Now that they’re grown, their daddy is the first one they ask when they have DIY projects that they want done.

Times with Dad are special! They make an indelible impact on our lives. Even when we don’t have our earthly dads with us any more, we most certainly have our Heavenly Father here and He desires to have us spend time with Him.

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2 Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 CEV

“Since you are now God’s children, he has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, “ Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are not slaves like before. You are God’s children, and you will receive everything he promised his children.” Galatians 4:6-7 ERV

So make a commitment to spend time with the Father this year. He loves spending time with you!

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So 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

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Big Catch – Big Question

Did you know that Simon Peter had a successful fishing business before he became one of Jesus disciples? In fact, he was involved in a fishing conglomerate; his partners were James and John.

They had been out fishing one night and came back empty handed. Their boats were on the shore line and they were cleaning their nets before they called it a day.

Jesus was there too. He was just starting in the ministry that God had designed for him. It had only been a matter of days or perhaps weeks, since He had been baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. People were recognizing that He was different; He had compassion and His teachings were like none they had ever heard. So on this day Jesus was being followed by people who wanted to hear him speak.

He saw the two boats and asked if he could get in one and speak to the people for a little ways out on the water. When Jesus finished speaking he looked at Simon and told him to go out to the deeper water and let down his nets.

Now Simon, the experienced fisherman, knew that late morning was really not a good time to fish. However, he did what Jesus said and caught the biggest load of fish he had ever encountered. It was a net breaking, boat sinking load of fish. He called to his partners and had them bring their boat to help handle the catch.

Amazing! This was the most successful day of their fishing careers. Never had they seen one like it.

Simon was overwhelmed, one verse says he was awestruck. He realized that Jesus was a special man of God and he felt unworthy to be in His presence.

“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:8-11 NLT

Some people think that they have to be at rock bottom to reach out to the Lord. Simon’s story is completely opposite. This was their best day; their biggest catch. Record breaking. And then came the big question “come fish for people”. I love the way the verse puts it, “as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus”.

Simon and his partners realized that it was Jesus who was responsible for their success that day. He was the influence that changed the circumstances. They were excited to leave all and follow Him.

A New Year lays ahead. I encourage you to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. He is the giver of abundant life and all good things come from Him.

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2020 A Year of Promise

2020

In the beginning…a New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Will this year start any differently than those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless our beginning has a solid foundation.

I want you to look at a couple verses this morning.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best way to start this new year is to have God there from the beginning! God the Father and His creative power are here to fill our beginning. And God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

God, the Holy Spirit, has come to remind us of what the Word says about our relationship with the Father and this will bring us peace! What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day.

When we start each day with “in the beginning God” we will experience a power and peace, a joy and focus that will carry us through anything that we may face.

Happy New Year!

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Don’t Judge

This morning I am recycling a post I put on Facebook about 4 or 5 years back. So many principles from the Bible need to be retaught from time to time. I hope you will find this to be a good refresher.

Ever feel like people judge you wrongly? They misunderstand or misconstrue a situtation or action and immediately jump to the wrong conclusion and you are branded, judged and even convicted.

Ever done that to someone? Ya, that’s the harder question to answer honestly. We have so many reasons or excuses for our actions. But when we judge others we are much less lenient.

” Jesus said: Don’t judge others and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:37-38 ERV

These are the words of Jesus. There are no exceptions like it’s ok to judge people who cut you off in traffic, are rude to you in the grocery store, don’t share your same political view, or who are just antagonistic. NO EXCEPTIONS!

If we judge, we will be judged and we all know that is not a pleasant situation to be in. There’s only one judge who rules justly and we are not HIM.

“Treat others just as you want to be treated. 32 If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. 33 If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. 34 If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.

35 But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.” Luke 6:31-36 CEV

I’m working on making this my daily goal in the upcoming year. I want to be more like the Father so I need to be less judgmental. There’s no room in His life for it and so there should be none in mine! He doesn’t keep track of my faults and I shouldn’t keep track of others faults.

Make 2020 a judgement free year. Happy New Year.

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Being Confident

Some mistake confidence for arrogance. I was going through a particularly rough time many years ago and I told someone that I knew God would bring me through the situation victoriously. They told me I was being arrogant; they told me that I was acting like God would do anything for me. To which I replied, He will; He’s my loving heavenly Father and I trust Him. When our confidence is in the Lord we aren’t arrogant; we are living with faith in His word. And living by faith pleases God.

Our confidence is in Him and not in ourselves. We know too well our weaknesses and failures and so does He but He provides us with forgiveness and a new hope for our future.

Confidence!

The year behind us should be just that – behind. Now it’s time to look forward with full assurance that He is faithful and will lead us to greater things.

“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.” Hebrews 10:22-23 CEV

Life can be discouraging and that is why it’s necessary that our confidence is based on our faith in God.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:35-36 KJV

Don’t give up – be courageous. Be confident.

“Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” Hebrews 11:6 ERV

Seek God! It’s in Him that we find abundant life! Now that’s confidence.

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He’s Not Mad

As the year comes to a close many become introspective; examining their lives over the past year. They also become determined to make changes; to improve themselves in the coming year. Part of the self-examination is letting go of bitterness and also making amends with those who have been hurt.

Religion, man’s idea of how God is, tries to tell us that we have failed God and that He is angry with us. Maybe you’ve grown up with that concept of God, maybe you think there is nothing you can do to please Him so why try.

The angels message on the night when Jesus was born is this, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Jesus came to show us how greatly God loves us. His whole life was spent doing good and displaying the compassion and unconditional love of the Father.

Jesus ended the war between God and man. God judged our sin by placing it on Jesus and He paid the price. He was convicted, found guilty and punished with death for crimes (Sin) He didn’t do. Our spiritual indebtedness was Paid in Full.

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” John 16:7-11 NLT

The Holy Spirit corrects people who don’t believe that Jesus was and is God’s Son and He is the sacrifice for our sins. He shows us that we are made righteous (in right standing) through relationship with Christ and that God’s judgment belongs to satan and those that follow him.

“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.” II Corinthians 5:17-18 CEV

New Year’s Eve is one of the prime times that people are plagued with depression and loneliness. It is our job to tell them that God has made a way of “peace” for them through Christ. The good news that was proclaimed in the angels’ message is still true. Peace on earth, good will to me.

I am doing my job of bringing this good news to you. I hope you will share it too.

“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. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

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We All Need A Good Umpire

I can hear you asking, “what’s an umpire got to do with Christmas?”. It isn’t even baseball season. The rush of the holidays may have you feeling exhausted and/or disappointed. I read several posts on twitter where this was being discussed. One husband said he went into the kitchen, took a look around and told his wife “we’ll just sell the house, come sit down”. I chuckled at that but it’s a very real reaction after days of having company, preparing meals and all the baking that goes into the holiday festivities.

So, why an umpire? Scripture tells us that peace should rule in our hearts like an umpire. The word “rule” used in Colossians means to act as an umpire. I don’t know a lot about sports but I know the duties of an umpire in baseball – he calls balls and strikes, he says who’s safe and who’s out.

“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state” Colossians 3:15 Amplified

Peace will do that for us. It will call “out” those bad attitudes and unwanted stress factors as they run across our home plate. The book of Colossians identifies the things that try to “steal home”; things like unforgiveness, lack of understanding, impatience and anger.

“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. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. 14 Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other. Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful…17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:12-17 ERV

When we let peace control our thinking it will lead us to be thankful, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving. It will fill us with joy and we will be able to carry the love of this Christmas season in our hearts.

What a great way to end the Christmas season and to start the New Year!

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Heart & Purpose

Christmas night we sat around wondering what to do. We were ready to relax and not in the mood for playing games. My future grandson suggested we watch a movie; not your traditional Christmas time movie but a new movie that Disney had recently released, Togo. Willem Dafoe is cast in the starring role and his co-star is a beautiful and intelligent sled dog.

Disney tells the story of Togo, a sled dog, who was all heart. He ran with purpose. From the time he was a pup all he wanted to do was run. No matter how many obstacles were placed before him he found a way to run. (Now I won’t divulge the whole story but I will tell you, you won’t be disappointed if you take the time to watch it.)

This dog instinctively had one purpose – to run and he did it with all his heart.

Last night as I was sitting on the couch those two words, heart and purpose, settled in my thinking. I was reminded of three Scripture verses.

“I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. 5 In times of trouble, you will protect me. You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock.” Psalm 27:4-5 CEV

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

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

King David, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, and the Apostle Paul all had their hearts set on “one thing”. They had purpose.

As we come to the start of a new year I am more determined than ever to live my life focused on God’s purpose. I want to life and love with my whole heart the way the Lord wants me to. I want my life to be free from criticism, bitterness, judgement of others – these will distract me from my purpose and cause me to get off course.

I choose to live guided by God’s word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Then, and only then, will I follow the example of Christ and imitate the character of God, the Father. I say with the Apostle Paul I haven’t attained it yet but I forget my past failures and look ahead and press on.

Join me? Let’s live focused on one thing – a life with purpose and heart.

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