Category: Book

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Tradition with Purpose

This morning I spent quite a bit of time thinking about traditions; especially the ones we have around Thanksgiving and Christmas. These are holidays. Holiday means holy day.

So many modern traditions are or those created in the last hundred years have consciously or subconsciously set about to downplay the real reason and purpose we celebrate these days.

I know I have posted this before but it’s been a couple years and I wanted to make you aware of the history behind Thanksgiving. Yes, it was a celebration of life and survival by the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. A time for thanking God for His providence and protection. The days of feasting – the days of thanksgiving. But did you know it was Abraham Lincoln who officially proclaimed the last Thursday of November to be day of Thanksgiving?

Here is his official proclamation:

“The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and even soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Abraham Lincoln

By the President: William H. Seward. Secretary of State.”

Praise God for a president who pointed our nation to God Almighty and His wonderful provision. This day is truly a tradition with purpose.

“Praise the Lord, all you nations.  Praise him, all you people of the earth. 2 For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 117 NLT

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Maxamino’s Portion

Sometimes I am surprised at the things that come to mind and the lessons the Lord teaches me from those memories.

Years ago when Dave and I were farming alfalfa in central Arizona we had a man who worked for us. His name was Maxamino. He was such a great help. He was responsible for doing all the irrigating of the 900+ acres we farmed. He was a happy man, always a smile on his face, always willing to do what he was asked.

It was Thanksgiving and we were cutting hay. When alfalfa needs to be cut it doesn’t matter what day the calendar says it is. I had made the traditional Thanksgiving dinner and we ate after we swathed hay in the morning. I fixed a big platter of food for Max and Dave took it down to his house. He was overwhelmed by the amount of food that we took to him. He told us that this plate would have been enough for his whole family.

I realized how blessed we were and was grateful for how the Lord had provided for us. Since that Thanksgiving I have been reminded again and again how important it is that we share what the Lord gives us.

There will always be someone who has more than we do but there will also be those who have less. We have been commissioned to be a light in the world. The Lord wants to shine through us and one way He does that is through our giving.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 The Message

As I was reading this morning I came across these words:

“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. 14 May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. 15 May you be blessed by the Lord  who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:13-15 NLT

Part of the blessing we receive from the Lord comes through giving. Look for someone to bless and let God’s light shine through you.

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In My Heart

With Thanksgiving only a few days away I’m sure some of you are like me and are beginning to plan the timing of the food preparation, everything needs to come out of the oven at the same time. As a child I had already checked the TV Guide to see what time the parades would start; I didn’t want to miss a single float, band or balloon. I never was into football but know some who are and they have been strategically planning to watch the games, oh the games.

But this morning I find myself in prayer for friends and family I won’t be seeing on Thanksgiving Day. Some of you have experienced real heart ache this past year- the loss of a loved one or the severing of relationships. Others have hearts full of joy; a new birth, a new home, a marriage, renewed health. The Lord has brought many of you to mind and I’ve been praying for you individually.

I can’t help but think of what the Apostle Paul said to all of us. He wanted us to recognize that we have an important part in this life. God has gifted each of us with a unique and personal role; it’s a calling that no one else can fill.

“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back, says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them, If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 812:8-21 NLT

These verses are God’s command to us. Even when we are treated badly we are not to retaliate; we are to be loving. This kind of loving attitude will cause the one who is hatedful to be ashamed of their actions. We will conquer evil by doing good.

Isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about – doing good. The Native Americans helped the Pilgrims through that first year and this was the festival of celebration. Look at your past – when did someone come along side of you and help you through a rough situation? Thank God for them and enjoy this wonderful time of reflection and gratitude!

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Who Would You Talk To

For some reason this morning I began to think about people I would like to sit down and talk with one-on-one. These are people who I feel have great knowledge, insight and understanding. I would like to learn from them, listen to their advice and counsel.

My lists consists of people like Robert Morris, Max Lucado, Rea Drummond, Beth Moore, the Apostle Paul, Peter Maneas, Kevin Harvick and Darrel Waltrip.

Quite a list right? So who’s on your list? Think about it for a moment…if you could have a special meeting for two hours, uninterrupted, who would you like to talk with? Great presidents, leaders of industry, influential men and women of medicine, sports stars – who would it be and what would you ask?

As I sat here thinking of the questions I would pose to each of these people I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of my heavenly Father. He is so much greater than anyone who has ever lived on earth and I have unrestricted access to His throne room.

“Lord All-Powerful, you are greater than all others. No one is like you, and you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true.” II Samuel 7:22 CEV

There is no one like our God – He is gracious, loving, kind and good. He knows all things and He created all things. His desire is for our good and well being; He will never abandon us or leave us helpless.

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” I Samuel 2:2 NLT

“I will call to You in the day of my trouble. For You will answer me. 8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord. And there are no works like Yours.” Psalm 86:7-8 NLV

“There is no one like You, O Lord. You are great, and Your name is great in power. 7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For You should be honored with fear. Among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their lands, there is no one like You.” Jeremiah 10:6-7 NLV

It truly is amazing to know that someone this great and powerful is not only willing, but desirous, to give us His undivided attention. He asks us to come and spend time with Him. He tells us to call and He will answer. He tells us not to fear, He will never leave us; we will not be abandoned.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV

I would still like to talk with the people whose names I listed above but there is no one, absolutely no one, I would rather talk to than my Father.

Unlimited access! Unconditioned love! Unsearachable knowledge! Unlimited Grace!

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Loaded Up

Here we are just a few days before Thanksgiving and other than the grocery store commercials not a lot is being said about this day that was set aside for giving thanks. The focus is already on the Christmas shopping season and it has been for several weeks now.

It seems that less and less time is allotted for thankfulness. Our hearts should be overflowing with thankfulness. God has been gracious and kind. There may have been disappointments and even heart aches in the last year but God remains faithful and trustworthy.

He continues to bring blessings and benefits into our lives.

“Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. 18 It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. 19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; ” James 1:16-19 AMP

He is the giver of every good and perfect gift and He does not change. We need to listen more and murmur less. This will definitely bring us closer to thankful hearts.

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19 NKJV

Daily, He loads us up with benefits…Selah means stop and think.

Yesterday I stopped in at our local grocery store to pick up a few things that I wanted to have on hand for our Thanksgiving meal next week. I saw a number of people who had their shopping carts loaded to the top. It made of think of this verse. I consider a full shopping cart to be a benefit from the Lord. Loaded up. I remember the days when we had very little in our weekly grocery budget and so my cart was never loaded. A full shopping cart always makes me grateful; I’m thankful for the blessing of enough to eat.

“After you eat and are full, give praise to the Lord your God for the good land he gave you. 11 Make sure that you never forget the Lord or disobey his laws and teachings that I am giving you today. If you always obey them, 12 you will have plenty to eat, and you will build good houses to live in.” Deuteronomy 8:10-12 CEV

As you go about your day, Stop and Think about the ways the Lord has been good to you. I guarantee it will make you thankful!

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Good Fertilizer

Yesterday I listened to a conversation between two very wealthy men. One man was asked about his philanthropy. He is extremely generous; always giving to make the lives of others better. This man said he looked at wealth in the same way as he did manure.

Interesting thought.

He said if you hold manure too close it will cause everything you do to stink. But, if you throw it away from you, it can be used to fertilize the ground and cause things to grow. He was using his wealth to cause communities to grow; he was fertilizing local economies.

Such an amazing perspective. This man chose not to hold his wealth close to him, instead he wanted to spread it around where it could benefit and prosper others. If more of us had this attitude there would be much less selfishness and greed.

“Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. 32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. 33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:31-25 NLT

The Apostle Paul was willing to give up all his personal acclaim and possessions to see that the world knew the greatness of God’s love for us. He learned that from Jesus – instead of holding His position in heaven tightly in His grasp He gave it up freely so that all would know His Father’s love, forgiveness and desire for renewed relationship.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. 15 Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.

17 The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. 18 No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.” John 10:14-18 CEV

Jesus fertilized the world with God’s love. He spread it everywhere He went.

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” I John 3:16 NLT

In light of this analogy I can honestly said that I want to be a fertilizer spreader. I want to fertilize the world with God’s love.

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Shout For Joy

I hope things get really noisy at your house today. I want you to shout for joy – yes, shout!

Does that sound silly to you? I hope not. We shout at sporting events for our favorite team, we rise to our feet in applause at the end of a concert or public performance; we shout when we are calling our kids home for dinner; we shout when we feel someone is in danger. So why not shout for joy?

Little kids do it all the time – they go outside to play and they shout – they giggle, they laugh, they yell with glee! At this time of year, we should be child like and overcome with excitement and joy. There’s so much to be thankful for – if you’ve been following along since the first of the month you have nineteen days of things you’re grateful for. Everyone of them should be worth shouting about.

On my list from yesterday I told the Lord I was grateful for His loving correction in my life. Yes, correction – I had talked to Him about a situation I was experiencing and He lovingly showed me that I needed to adjust my attitude. I was mumbling inside and it was disturbing my joy. I was quick to repent and my whole outlook changed.

I would shout right now but it would wake up the whole house, so…I will go outside in a little while and shout.

Today is a day to shout – Shout to the Lord, with a voice of triumph!!!

Remember in the movies when the battle would be over and those that were on the winning side would shout and toss their hats and other clothing in the air? That’s the picture I see when I read this verse – shout with a voice a triumph – not a voice of defeat or depression!!!!

“All of you nations, clap your hands and shout joyful praises to God. 2 The LORD Most High is fearsome, the ruler of all the earth. 3 God has put every nation under our power,
4 and he chose for us the land that was the pride of Jacob, his favorite. 5 God goes up to his throne, as people shout and trumpets blast. 6 Sing praises to God our King, 7 the ruler of all the earth! Praise God with songs. 8 God rules the nations from his sacred throne. 9 Their leaders come together and are now the people of Abraham’s God. All rulers on earth surrender their weapons, and God is greatly praised!” Psalm 47 CEV

Verse 5 reminds me of the children of Israel when they had marched around Jericho for seven days. For six days they had walked around the city in silence. On the seventh day they were given the command to march around the city in silence again but when the trumpets blew they were to SHOUT and the walls came crumbling down.

“The LORD said to Joshua:
With my help, you and your army will defeat the king of Jericho and his army, and you will capture the town. Here is how to do it: March slowly around Jericho once a day for six days. 4 Take along the sacred chest and have seven priests walk in front of it, carrying trumpets.
But on the seventh day, march slowly around the town seven times while the priests blow their trumpets. 5 Then the priests will blast on their trumpets, and everyone else will shout. The wall will fall down, and your soldiers can go straight in from every side.” Joshua 6:2-3

In obedience, they followed the Lord’s command and victory came! In obedience today, rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice – why? Because you feel like it, probably not; because you can figure out the solution on your own, probably not; then why? Because God said so, He has a victory planned for you!

SHOUT!

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The Air I Breathe

Have you ever been desperate? Thinking all hope was gone and there was no where to turn – what do you do? That’s a time when many turn to God – they have exhausted their own resources; their wisdom, their finances, their influence and even their health and then they say “God help!”

I’ve been there and so have many of you! I would never criticize any who finds yourselves in that place. I only want to encourage you with this truth – God does care and He will help – He will provide a way out! When I think of that helpless, hopeless feeling now it brings me to a place of comfort and peace because God did meet me there – He did provide all that I needed and more!

There’s a song by Michael W. Smith that says “I’m desperate for you” – that’s the place I want to be each and every day. Desperate for the Lord – I want to be so dependent on Him that I can’t imagine a day or an hour of living without a sense of His presence in my life. Again from the song there’s a line that says, He’s the very air I breathe. Do you know what’s it like to be that desperate for the Lord? I hope so!!

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. 5 They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:1-9 ERV

Verse 9 in the King James version says “ For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” To be longing – that’s desperate. It’s more than desire; it’s a need, a deep need – a “I can’t go on any further without you” need.

When Jesus was teaching the Sermon on the Mount he said this:

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV Now read it in the Easy to Read Version
“Great blessings belong to those who want to do right more than anything else. God will fully satisfy them.” Matthew 5:6 ERV

Are you satisfied – fully satisfied? They will be satisfied! That’s a promise from God. Do you long for Him today? I hope you do!

I hope you are as grateful for God’s presence as you are for the air you breathe and the food that sustains you.

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Rest!

Do you remember being little and having your Mom tell you to take a nap? It was torture. The thought of having to lay down, close your eyes and rest. Fast forward sixty plus years; please, please, please will someone make me go to my room and rest!!

Our bodies need rest. They aren’t made to continually operate at full speed. Rest is an overlooked necessity to our good health. Overstimulation brings stress factors; anxiety, short temper, fatigue, forgetfulness, rudeness, worry, overeating, heart problems, poor digestion and so much more.

God gave us a gift – He gave us the seventh day. He set the example from the very beginning. After all He created He rested and enjoyed the fruit of His labor.

“By the seventh day God had finished his work, and so he rested. 3 God blessed the seventh day and made it special because on that day he rested from his work.” Genesis 2:2-3 CEV

It wasn’t until hundreds of years later that the Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments and made resting on the seventh day an established sign of obedience.

“Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. 9 You have six days when you can do your work, 10 but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day—not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. 11 In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That’s why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me.” Exodus 20:8-11 CEV

God gave us a day of rest for our well being but also as a reminder to give Him pre-eminence in our lives. All of the commandments that God has given are for our best – don’t lie, murder, steal, commit adultery, etc and so is keeping the Sabbath or a day of rest. All the other nations worked every day, there was no rest. Resting was a sign to them that the Israelites were a people who had a promise of provision from the Lord. They didn’t need to work themselves to death; they were trusting God.

“I reminded them that I was the Lord their God and that they should obey my laws and teachings. 20 I told them to respect my Sabbath to show that they were my people and that I was the Lord their God.” Ezekiel 20:19-20 CEV

Let’s not miss out on this wonderful gift of rest that God has provided for us. Let’s place of our trust in Him that He will help us get enough done in the six days to rest on the seventh. After all, we should be following His example.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT

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Be A Comfort

Yesterday morning I went to the hospital early to see Mom. She had a good night and was feeling much better than she had the day before. Shortly after I arrived she received her breakfast. She said it tasted good but not as good as the chocolate pudding she had the night before.

In just a little bit, a sweet nurse’s aide came in and asked if Mom would like to have a sponge bath. She thought that sounded nice. The aide was so sweet as she went about her task – warm water, wash cloths, a clean hospital gown and then she changed the sheets on the bed. Mom felt like a new woman! To top it off, she leaned over and gave Mom a big hug before she left.

Comfort!

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

Mom was dismissed from the hospital yesterday afternoon, my sister and brother-in-law are taking good care of Mom, we are so grateful for all they do!

The littlest kindnesses are sometimes the greatest sources of comfort. Where do you find comfort?

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. 19 And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

“When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life. 51 Conceited people sneer at me, but I obey your Law. 52 I find true comfort, Lord, because your laws have stood the test of time.” Psalm 119:50-52 CEV

Our true comfort doesn’t come from the external things in our lives but from the eternal – from God’s Word and His love.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others.” Philippians 2:1 CEV

My prayer is that we will all be used of God to make others “Comfort-abled” today!

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