Category: Month

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All, Inclusive

This morning a phrase kept going through my head, it’s something I heard a preacher say long ago. That phrase is “when we come to Christ, we are complete, nothing missing, nothing broken”.

I don’t think there’s a person alive who at one time or another hasn’t felt alone, left out. When we were kids, someone was always the last to be chosen for the team, the last to be asked to participate, or the one who was never invited.

Christ came to change all that. He came to see that we are all included in the Father’s invitation of love.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you—not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9 TLV

Peter knew firsthand about the Father’s all-inclusive love. He had denied Christ three times on the night of His trial, but the Lord showed him forgiveness and restoration. Peter experienced the Lord’s loving kindness.

“ But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) 6 Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.” Ephesians 2:4-7 ERV

The love of God isn’t conditional, it extends for all time to show His amazing grace. God’s provision of grace, receiving something we don’t deserve, is for all who believe.

“God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. He does this for all who believe in Christ. Everyone is the same. 23 All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. 24 They are made right with God by his grace. This is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:22-24 ERV

We all are made right with God by his grace. It’s a free gift.

“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

All who come to Christ are given new life, no one is left to sit on the sidelines waiting to be chosen. The Father has made a way for all of us to have new life.

“Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:2 ERV

God’s plan for relationship with mankind isn’t based on our merit. His love is for all!

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Back In the Box

This past week Dave and I have been packing things up and getting ready to head back to the Valley. Our biggest struggle has been trying to get things back in their original boxes.

No, we don’t have a cat and if we did we wouldn’t put them in a box but we did have canvas tarps and poles for our garage and also the awning and stakes for our canopy. Dave kept saying, “how did they get all this in the box”.

After what seemed to be hours of struggling with folding and refolding, packing and unpacking and packing again, we were tired. At one point I said to him, “no more today, it can wait till tomorrow”. I went in and he kept working.

This may all seem silly to you but each of us face daily struggles. How do we keep everything in order? How do we get all our “junk” back in the box?

“He said, “This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from my Spirit.’ This is what the Lord All-Powerful says.” Zechariah 4:6

When we have Christ in our life we never have to draw on our own strength. We have his promise that He will provide the strength that we need.

Some things become easier with age. We have the experience to be more relaxed in different situations. Things don’t seem as stressful because we’ve walked this ground before and know that eventually everything will work out. Or at least that’s how it seems.

However, with age some things can seem more difficult. The physical things that we once had the power to handle when we were younger not can be tiring and frustrating.

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. 2 The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills. 3 I called to the Lord for help, and he saved me from my enemies! He is worthy of my praise!” Psalm 18:1-3 ERV

The Lord never intended for us to do things on our own. He came to walk and talk with Adam and Eve each evening. He talked with Abraham, friend to friend. The Lord visited with Moses and gave him direction. He gave David strength to defeat a giant and was there when Daniel needed Him in the lion’s den.

Jesus talked with the Father continually and obtained the strength He needed for each day. The Apostle Paul made this statement to the churches in a letter written as a prisoner in Rome.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

What is it that takes your strength? Packing up to go home, an illness, an obnoxious co-worker, financial stress? In each and every situation the Father promises to be our help and provide our strength.

Trust Him. He knows how to put everything back in the box.

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Parched in the Desert

Many years ago Dave and I farmed alfalfa in the desert outside of Phoenix. We were responsible for over 900 acres of alfalfa. The Bible says that the Apostle Paul went to the backside of the desert to learn about the Lord; well we went to Arlington.

It was there I learned about thirsting for God and His word.

Have you ever been thirsty? I mean really, really thirsty where your lips were dry and your throat was parched.

When Dave and I first started farming we had an equipment malfunction. The baler I was using kept breaking one of the wires. This was summer and it was really hot! Dave had been picking up the good bales with the roadsider and it was my job to walk from field to field, cut the wires, spread the hay for re-baling until all of it was done.

At some point Dave had finished his job, came to check on me and then had gone off to do something else. As I saw him drive away I realized he was leaving with the water! I was so hot and thirsty. I sat on a bale and cried. I felt so alone and forgotten.

I was parched!

Every time I read a verse about “thirsting” for God’s Word I remember that experience. When our soul cries out for strength and help, it’s like that day I cried for water in a hot, dry land.

I am so glad the Father is faithful to see that I am well watered!

“God, you are my God.
    I am searching so hard to find you.
Body and soul, I thirst for you
    in this dry and weary land without water.
2 Yes, I have seen you in your Temple.
    I have seen your strength and glory.
3 Your faithful love is better than life,
    so my lips praise you.
4 By my life, I will praise you.
    In your name, I lift my hands in prayer.
5 When I sit down to satisfy my hunger,
    my joyful lips hunger to praise you!
6 I remember you while lying on my bed.
    I think about you in the middle of the night.
7 That is because you are the one who helps me.
    It makes me happy to be under your protection!
8 I stay close to you, and you hold me with your powerful arm.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

Are you thirsty? The Lord’s promise is that when we hunger and thirst for right standing with Him we will be filled!

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On the Right Path

I woke earlier than normal this morning. I was organizing my thoughts and my activities. We leave the mountain in one week.

So much still needs to be done. There are responsibilities to complete here and preparations to be made for the trip home. Yet, in all of this, I heard the Father saying, “Trust Me, I know everything that needs to be accomplished and I will direct your path”.

Deep breath in and then a slow exhale. His presence always bring joy and peace.

I’ve been reading through II Samuel. This morning’s reading was the accounting of Absalom’s mutiny against his father, King David. David wouldn’t allow anyone to speak evil against or do harm to his son. He let the Lord, his God, be his defender.

From there I went to Psalms. I just happened to be reading Psalm 55, these are the words King David wrote after being betrayed by his “trusted friend”, his son. He ends that Psalm with these words; “But I – I will trust in You”.

King David had a deep grasp of God’s faithfulness. He knew the Almighty God was trustworthy in every situation.

“All day long those who hate me have walked on me. For there are many who fight against me with pride. 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 I praise the Word of God. I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can only a man do to me? ” Psalm 56:2-4 NLV

“My heart will not be moved, O God. My heart cannot be moved. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! 8 Awake, my shining-greatness. Awake, harps. I will awake early in the morning. 9 O Lord, I will give thanks to You among the people. I will sing praises to You among the nations. 10 For Your loving-kindness is great to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds.” Psalm 57:7-10 NLV

When we put our trust in the Lord we can walk free from fear. Our Father promises to maintain us – He is our strength, our shield and our defense.

“Followers of the Lord, trust in the Lord!  He is your strength and shield.” Psalm 115:11 ERV

He will always keep us on the right path, if we ask Him.

“Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.” Psalm 143:8 CEV

“Praise the Lord!  He is my Rock. He prepares me for war. He trains me for battle. 2 He loves me and protects me. He is my safe place high on the mountain. He rescues me. He is my shield. I trust in him.” Psalm 144:1-2 ERV

“ I will tell of your greatness, my God and King. I will praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day. I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The Lord is great and deserves all our praise! No one can fully understand his greatness! 4 Each generation will praise you and tell the next generation about the great things you do.” Psalm 145:1-4 ERV

(Take time to read Psalms 143, 144 and 145 today)

Whether I am on the mountain or back down in the valley, the Lord is faithful and always will be. When I trust Him, I will be on the right path.

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Can You Hear It?

Each morning as I sit in the quiet I hear it. Sometimes it’s as soft as a lullaby and at other times it comes booming through my soul with the passion of an aria.

What do I hear you ask? I hear my Father singing – yes, singing and He’s singing over me!

“ On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not be afraid, O Zion. Do not let your hands lose their strength. 17 The Lord your God is with you, a Powerful One Who wins the battle. He will have much joy over you. With His love He will give you new life. He will have joy over you with loud singing. 18 I will gather those who have sorrow for the special days, and take away their shame. 19 At that time I will punish all those who made it hard for you. I will save those who cannot walk and gather those who have been driven away. And I will turn their shame into praise. They will be known all over the earth.” Zephaniah 3:16-19 NLV

I can’t even begin to count the number of days that I share with you Scriptures where the Father instructs us not to be afraid, but here I am this morning with another one.

These verses are an encouragement to the nation of Israel but they are also offered to us. Don’t be afraid, don’t lose strength, I am with you. I take joy in you, I give you new life and I am singing over you with great joy…

Wow, what an amazing word picture. The Father is singing over us with great joy!

I remember the morning of my wedding. My brother was home to join the celebration. He was in our parents’ guest bathroom shaving and he was singing at Charlie Pride song, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning”. As I walked by, he leaned his head out the door and kissed me on the cheek.

It was one of the wonderful brother/sister moments. He was singing over me. So sweet.

That was a one-time event but the singing I hear in my heart that comes from my Father is almost a daily event. I sit quietly and I can hear His voice.

One hymn that I love to sing, and it always fills my eyes with tears, is “In the Garden”. The chorus goes like this:

“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”

Whatever your day has in store, slow down and listen. Listen with your heart. You will hear the Father singing over you. It will be a song of love.

Enjoy His presence!

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Wrapped in Peace

Years ago, my dear friend gave me a fleece blanket. She knew I get up early and she wanted me to have something soft and warm to wrap up in as I sat on my couch. It doesn’t take much to make me smile in the morning…a good night’s rest, a gentle rain during the night, enjoying coffee with a blanket wrapped around me and knowing how very much the Father loves me!

Do you remember the names of Jesus that were given in the book of Isaiah? Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE! These names are often printed on Christmas cards, as a reminder during the holiday season but they are more than words on a page in the Bible or on a greeting card or a plague hung on a wall.

Prince of Peace. Let that settle in.

Last night at twilight it looked like we were in for an evening of heavy rain and thunderstorms. But I was pleasantly surprised when the rain was gentle and the thunder lost its roar.

The rain was gentle and the sound of raindrops on the roof of the RV added to a peaceful night’s sleep. It was like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

Prince of Peace. Our Jesus is the one who rules and directs peace. Peace must go where He sends, it must stay as long as He says.

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP

Another verse that tells us what Jesus came to bring is in Isaiah 52.

“How beautiful and delightful on the mountain Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, Who brings good news of good [things], Who announces salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 AMP

This lines up perfectly with what the angels said when they announced Jesus’ birth.

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah)…14 “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.” Luke 2:10-14 AMP

Peace: the presence of God and the assurance of God that all will be well. Exalting faith over fear; believing God more than your circumstances!

Let God’s peace enfold you!

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Clap Their Hands

Have you ever seen the trees swaying in the breeze?

Here on the mountain, we often get breezes that cause the tops of the trees to sway to and fro. The leaves rustle, especially now, as they are starting to fall after displaying their beautiful colors of yellow, gold and red.

I was mindful of these verses from the book of Isaiah yesterday. I had the opportunity to be out driving, once again, down the same dirt lane I’ve driven at least a hundred times this summer but yesterday was different.

The tree tops were dancing. The prophet Isaiah wrote “the trees of the field will clap their hands”. Clothed in such beauty and splendor, no wonder they were clapping.

“Look for the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the sinful turn from his way, and the one who does not know God turn from his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have loving-pity on him. Let him turn to our God, for He will for sure forgive all his sins. 8 ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways,’ says the Lord. 9 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. 11 So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn bush, the cypress tree will come up. Instead of the thistle, the myrtle tree will come up. It will cause you to remember the Lord, something special to see that will last forever.’” Isaiah 55:6-13 NLV

Take time to re-read those verses, please.

Are you looking for God this morning? He’s looking after you. His thoughts toward you are full of love, kindness and forgiveness.

In the natural the rain and snow come to water the earth and cause the vegetation to grow. In the spiritual, God sends his word to provide for us. His word will carry out His plan – it will bring us joy and peace.

The mountains break out in joyous celebration and the trees clap their hands in honor of the Lord and all He has done. Seeing the trees will cause us to remember the Lord. They continually tell of His greatness.

Let the wonder of the beauty you see in the trees cause you to praise and celebrate the One who created them!

It’s time for us to join the celebration and clap our hands in honor of His love.

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Hold My Hand

Several years back, before we became camp hosts, Dave and I would come to Rainbow Campground for our own camping getaway.

Four years ago, our oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson joined us for a weekend. Our grandson came with his Auntitee and Unc on his first big camping trip. There were all sorts of exciting times; smores, fishing, making nature crafts and walking a downed tree.

When we stood him up on the log for the first time he was scared. We showed him how to keep his balance, but his first steps were timid and apprehensive. “Hold my hand, I don’t want to fall”. We held his hand for that first stroll.

Then, with a little more confidence, he took the second walk. This time Pappy and Unc only needed to be close -” close enough to catch me if I fall”.

Have you ever been like my little grandson? Afraid that you might fall?

“You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety.
10 So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home. 11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.” Psalm 91:9-12 ERV

The Father doesn’t scold us when we’re afraid. He speaks to us with reassuring words, building our confidence in Him.

“…’Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God… 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you.'” Isaiah 43:1-14 ERV

Don’t be afraid. You are precious to me, I love you!

Although these words were written thousands of years ago, they are filled with truth for us. Over and over again throughout Scripture God speaks the words “Don’t be afraid”. He is our loving Father who walks with us constantly, is willing to hold our hand, and to carry us through the worst circumstances. And then He rejoices with us in our victories.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT

The longer I walk in relationship with the Lord, the more I trust Him. He is always faithful.

It’s often I hear the Father say:  Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

Sam had such a huge smile on his face when he realized he had nothing to fear because his Pappy and his uncle were there to protect him. I have the same kind of smile when I hear my Father say, “Don’t fear, I’m with you”.

Thank you, Father, for holding my hand.

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My Heart’s Cry!

As dawn is breaking this morning, I’ve been listening to the elk bugle in the meadow below the campground.

First it started with just one bull calling for a mate and now more voices have joined the chorus. As I sit here, hearing them call I am aware that my heart is also crying out. These are a few words from my morning journaling:

“As the elk cry for their mate, I think of my own heart’s cry – to know You more, spending more time aware of Your presence & Your love!”

“Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. 2 I call to You from the end of the earth when my heart is weak. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a safe place for me, a tower of strength where I am safe from those who fight against me. 4 Let me live in Your tent forever. Let me be safe under the covering of Your wings.” Psalm 61:1-4 NLV

King David wrote so many times of his heart’s cry. He desired to always be aware of the Father’s presence – of His protection and love.

“ For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:6 NLV

“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10 NLV

The writer of Hebrews expressed the same desire and he wanted us to know that access to the Father was always available to us.

“ Let us go with complete trust to the throne of God. We will receive His loving-kindness and have His loving-favor to help us whenever we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

I used to forget that I had an open door to the Father’s presence. I would struggle, get frustrated and sometimes be overwhelmed with worry but now, with years of the Father’s faithfulness and loving-kindness, I am quick to come into His presence. It is here I find help and peace.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. 18 I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. 19 I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.” Ephesians 3:17-19 NLV

I pray that for us also. I pray that we will be filled with the knowledge (experiential knowledge) of Christ’s love. That we grow deeper in our understanding of the depth of His love and that we are filled with the fullness of God.

When my heart cries out, I will run to the Father’s presence. He is all I need!

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A Good Name

It’s amazing how names evoke an emotional response. Take for instance Queen Elizabeth. Her name is known worldwide and in the coming years, when spoken, it will be a reminder of a woman who served with integrity.

Now, on the other hand, the names of Billy the Kid or Jesse James bring to mind a different image. They were famous but for a completely opposite reason. Their character was associated with destruction.

This morning I was reading in the book of Matthew and Jesus was asking his disciples about His reputation, His character. Jesus had just been confronted by the religious leaders of the day. They were questioning everything he did, looking for opportunities to discredit Him, to ruin His reputation and His good name.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” Matthew 16:13-17 NLT

Those closest to Him knew Him to be honorable, godly, perfect. His name was above reproach.

“Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. 23 I have sworn by my own name;  I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.” Isaiah 45:22-23 NLT

These words were spoken about Jesus. His is the name above every name. His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Immanuel (God with us). There is no name higher or of any greater authority!

“For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 NLT

If Jesus were visiting us today and asked us the same question He asked his disciples, “who do you say that I am”, what answer would we give?

Some would say a good man, an influencer of society. Maybe some would say a con man, a phony.

What answer would you give?

To me, He is my Saviour and friend. He is my brother who died for my redemption! His name is Jesus, Son of the Living God!

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