Category: Month

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What’s In A Name?

One person, many names. Baby girl, daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt, neighbor, employee, manager, teacher…The list goes on. All of them are true. Ask anyone of a number of people and their description of me would be different because their relationship with me differs.

Our reputation is built on the way others see us. So what’s in a name?

Have you ever taken time to notice how many different names we find in the Bible to describe the character of God.

God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord, the Healer, Savior, Provider, Protector, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God. Prince of Peace, Wonderful, Counselor, Everlasting Father, Jesus, the Messiah, the Risen Lord. Friend. I AM. Abba Father. Comforter, Helper.

What’s in a name? Plenty.

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Of the names listed above which is your favorite? Maybe the name that has the most meaning to you isn’t even in the list.

When I’m scared and feel weak He is the lion of Judah – my protector. When I’m sick He is the Great Physican. When I’ve done wrong and feel ashamed He is Abba Father. When I was lost in sin He was my Savior and Risen Lord.

The sweetest name is Jesus – it fills me with such great joy because in that name is love, acceptance, kindness, goodness.

What’s in a name?

“Moses answered, “I will tell the people of Israel that the God their ancestors worshiped has sent me to them. But what should I say, if they ask me your name?” 14-15 God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:13-15 CEV

When I face what seems to be insurmountable problems He is I AM. Whatever I need at any given moment He is my I AM.

To a young shepherd boy He was a giant slayer. To a nation held in bondage and fear He was the I AM of deliverance. To a thief on the cross He was Savior.

I encourage you to make your own list of names that you have for our heavenly Father, for Jesus and for Holy Spirit, the ones that mean the most to you. Each day focus on one of those names, letting it impact that day’s activities.

“All those who are led by the Holy Spirit are sons of God. 15 You should not act like people who are owned by someone. They are always afraid. Instead, the Holy Spirit makes us His sons, and we can call to Him, “My Father.” 16 For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:14-16 NLV

Today I will call Him Father and Friend!

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Seek and Save

I have a friend who enjoys metal detecting. He has been doing it for years. It’s not really a spectator event. For the most part, it is a solo adventure.

I remember once he showed us how he cleans the items he has found. They are washed clean, then dried and sorted. He really doesn’t throw any of his treasures out. He has found innumerable pennies, nails, and cartridge casings but he has also unearthed coins, diamond rings and other valuable pieces.

His office houses numerous display boxes filled with buried treasure and he can recall the location and time of year when most of them came into his possession.

Seek and Save.

There is One treasure hunter I know who remembers exact times and dates of all He has acquired.

“Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. 10 The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost.” Luke 19:9-10 CEV

Each one of us was lost, missing out on the relationship that God the Father desired for us.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to the workmen he owned, ‘Hurry! Get the best coat and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 23 Bring the calf that is fat and kill it. Let us eat and be glad. 24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’” Luke 15:21-24 NLV

Seek and Save.

Jesus came to earth to provide the way of salvation. The blood He shed on the cross cleansed us from our sin and brought us into right relationship. A relationship of joy and peace; a place of restoration.

“For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun. 18 All this comes from God. He is the One Who brought us to Himself when we hated Him. He did this through Christ. Then He gave us the work of bringing others to Him. 19 God was in Christ. He was working through Christ to bring the whole world back to Himself. God no longer held men’s sins against them. And He gave us the work of telling and showing men this…21 Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:17-21 NLV

The Father loved us even when we hated Him and had no regard for His love. Christ brought us to the Father, giving us new life and making us right with Him.

“But God showed His love to us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NLV

I’m so glad He came to seek and to save. I was lost but now am found!

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And Now It’s Still

For the last hour we experienced a mighty, rushing wind. No, not the one from the book of Acts but the kind that comes sweeping across the plain and down the rock face.

It started at 2:30 am and now it’s 3:45 am and all is quiet. It’s still.

I was concerned. Do I go outside and fold down the chairs and table? Is it strong enough to blow the grill off the picnic table? Are all the compartment doors on the RV storage securely latched?

And now it’s still.

Dave’s back in bed and I’m here, contemplating the calm with all of you.

I remember when we bought our home in Montana. The sweet lady we purchased from gave me some excellent information. She said, “Kristi, you have never experienced one of our snowstorms. The wind will blow the snow sideways. It will blow in without warning. It looks like a blizzard is setting in, but wait. Wait thirty minutes and it will all be over”.

That first snowstorm came just like she said. The wind, the pelting snow and I waited. Thirty minutes, I watched the clock. And it was over.

Now it was still.

Life’s winds will blow. It can be disconcerting, distressing. But the storm will cease. It will pass.

“After sending the people away, they took Jesus with them in a boat. It was the same boat He used when He taught them. Other little boats went along with them. 37 A bad wind storm came up. The waves were coming over the side of the boat. It was filling up with water. 38 Jesus was in the back part of the boat sleeping on a pillow. They woke Him up, crying out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are about to die?” 39 He got up and spoke sharp words to the wind. He said to the sea, “Be quiet! Be still.” At once the wind stopped blowing. There were no more waves. 40 He said to His followers, “Why are you so full of fear? Do you not have faith?” Mark 4:36-40 NLV

And now it was still.

When the winds come it’s important we remember God’s promise – I will never leave you or forsake you. He won’t abandon us in our storms. He’s with us in the boat. Let’s take our cue from Jesus – He isn’t worried and we shouldn’t be either.

He’s in control and now it is still!

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Bloom Where You’re Planted

Some years back a clever person coined the phrase “Bloom where you’re planted”.

I appreciate the thoughts behind that saying. Many are discontent because of their circumstances; they feel they live in the wrong city or country, they don’t feel they work at the right place or attended the right schools. Life would be better “if only”.

But in all that reflecting, they are discontent and fail to produce beauty where they are.

I took the picture I’m using for this blog while we were hiking among the boulders in New Mexico. I almost walked by without noticing the little plant growing at my feet. There was new life sprouting from a mostly dead tree root. The root was under a rock. New forms of life were actually springing up between a rock and a hard place.

Maybe that’s where you find yourself – between a rock and a hard place. Things aren’t the way they should be and they definitely aren’t the way you would like them to be but remember this – you have life and Christ has promised to make that life abundant.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

When we rely on Christ and not our own knowledge and understanding we draw our strength and purpose for life from Him. Circumstances and conditions are subject to change. The one thing that remains eternal is the Father and His love for us. The Psalms say that everything that has breath should praise the Lord. This morning as I write I have breath, as you read this you have breath, so join me in praising the Lord.

“The dry desert will rejoice. The desert will be glad and blossom. 2 It will be covered with flowers and dance with joy. It will be as beautiful as the forest of Lebanon, the hill of Carmel, and the Sharon Valley. This will happen because all people will see the Glory of the Lord. They will see the beauty of our God.

3 Make the weak arms strong again. Strengthen the weak knees. 4 People are afraid and confused. Say to them, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid!” Look, your God will come and punish your enemies. He will come and give you your reward. He will save you.” Isaiah 35:1-4 ERV

I say the same thing to you that Isaiah said to the nation of Israel “Be Strong, Don’t be Afraid”. The Lord didn’t abandon them and He will not abandon us. Things are changing so rapidly in the world around us. Without the Lord there would be plenty of reason to feel weak and afraid but we aren’t without Him!

“God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. 2 Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. 3 They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 CEV

Find your strength in Jesus. Draw life from Him. Bloom where you are planted!

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Renewal by Fire

I read those three words yesterday while we were visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings. We had walked the trail from the base of the mountain, up past the dwellings and were on our descent when we rounded a bend and saw that the entire side of the mountain and down into the canyon had been destroyed by fire.

The Forest Service had placed an informational sign that was headed by those three words “Renewal by Fire”. The placard went on to explain how the grasses, flowers, trees and even the wildlife are renewed after a fire.

The area was scorched. The trees were downed and charred but beneath them new life could be seen. I was saddened by thoughts of fire burning this massive landscape. But then these words popped into my thinking.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV (emphasis mine)

Beauty for ashes! Renewal by fire.

Life’s fires seem devastating. Things we feel are important can be destroyed. However, we have God’s promise that He will give us beauty to replace the ashes and joy to replace our sorrow. The trials and sorrows of life can deepen our faith as we draw closer to the Lord. He is the one we should turn to; He is our source of strength.

“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. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine.” Isaiah 43:2-3 ERV

Renewal by fire.

New growth. New life. New purpose.

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34.9 Million Years?

Dave and I have been camping at City of Rocks State Park in New Mexico. It’s a beautiful place – peaceful and secluded.

The rock formations are spectacular! Out in the middle of nowhere, these stately spires rise. After a long walk, not quite a hike, yesterday morning we stopped in at the Visitor Center.

The writing on the walls told of a great volcanic eruption and the lava flow that formed the huge boulders. They provide many niches for camping and trails for hiking. Also written there was the information that all of this occurred 34.9 million years ago. A brochure that I picked up and took back to the trailer stated that it has been 33 million years ago.

34.9 or 33 million doesn’t seem to be the point. I’m not sure about either of those dates but I am confident of one thing.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters…Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. 10 God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:1-9 NLT

Every time we go out on a trip like this I am reminded again and again that God is the one who created this beauty. He has been here from the start! He created all of this for our enjoyment. And Jesus was here too.

“But about His Son, He says, “O God, Your throne will last forever. Whatever You say in Your nation is right and good. 9 You have loved what is right. You have hated what is wrong. That is why God, Your God, has chosen You. He has poured over You the oil of joy more than over anyone else.” 10 He said also, “Lord, You made the earth in the beginning. You made the heavens with Your hands. 11 They will be destroyed but You will always be here. They will all become old just as clothes become old. 12 You will roll up the heavens like a coat. They will be changed. But You are always the same. You will never grow old.” Hebrews 1:8-12 NLV

There is not a moment of this planet’s existence that God doesn’t know about. He was here at the creation and He will be here when it is gone – however many years that will be.

He will always be the same!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLV

His love, goodness, mercy, grace and kindness will always be – that will never change. He has been reaching out to every generation with His plan of salvation.

These rock formations will someday be gone. But 34.9 million years in the future the love of God will be the same!

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One Man’s Trash

…is another man’s treasure

That phrase came up last night as we were watching television and it got me to thinking. Thinking about our little farmhouse home in Idaho. My kitchen was small and I wanted a way to decorate with some of my favorite things so Dave brought in two old barn doors and nailed them to the walls.

I got a couple of old single trees, mounted them to the doors and hung my cast iron skillets off the cast iron hooks on each end. But I didn’t stop there. I put at least a dozen more nails in each door and hung some of my favorite antique kitchen utensils from those nails – a shifter, colander, big mixing spoons, spatulas, enamelware cups and bowls. I loved it!

Two of my uncles were passing through town and stopped for dinner and an overnight rest. While we were sitting at the table, they looked around at my decor and one of them said to the other, “Kristi has stuff hanging on her walls that we used to hang in the barn”. That’s correct.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

All of my treasures had been purchased at ranch and farm auctions for pennies on the dollar. What someone thought was old and useless, I thought was quaint and worth putting on display.

I really think that’s how God sees us. The world says we aren’t worth much but He’s sees us as a treasure.

I want to go back, one more time, to yesterday’s Scripture:

“Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1 NLV

One version of this verse says “I have redeemed you”. The Lord saw value in us when others saw nothing of the kind. He rescued us, redeemed us and brought blessing to our lives.

“Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from the Law. In that way, the Law could not punish us. Christ did this by carrying the load and by being punished instead of us. It is written, “Anyone who hangs on a cross is hated and punished.” 14 Because of the price Christ Jesus paid, the good things that came to Abraham might come to the people who are not Jews. And by putting our trust in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit He has promised.” Galatians 3:13-14 NLV

One man’s treasure!

We are God’s treasure. We are His children. He loves us.

“And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17 AMPC

Don’t let anyone call you trash. God has called you His treasure!

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To Err Is Human…

…to forgive divine!

That is a saying I heard many times growing up and I’m not really sure where it came from. I just know those are the words that were forefront in my heart this morning.

Have you ever made comments or had thoughts like this; “I just don’t think God could ever love me, forgive me, use me, want me, etc, like He does someone else”? “If people knew who I was or the things I have in my past they wouldn’t love me or want to be my friend”.

Ever had those thoughts? I have and guess what, so did the Apostle Paul.

“But our Lord gave me a full measure of his grace. And with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them. 16 But I was given mercy so that in me Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. Christ showed his patience with me, the worst of all sinners. He wanted me to be an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 ERV

Paul felt that he was the worst sinner to have ever lived, he arrested and had Christians murdered. But God forgave him, changed his life and used him to reach the world with the Gospel.

Jesus was all about forgiving. He forgave Zacheaus, the woman in adultery, the thief on the cross, the soldiers and religious leaders that were crucifying Him. He forgave Paul. He has forgiven us too!

I shared these verses with you the other morning. They are some of my favorites on the presence and protection of the Lord. Take a hard look at the first part of verse one.

“…Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you… 4 You are of great worth in My eyes. You are honored and I love you… 5 Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bring your children from the east, and I will gather you from the west.” Isaiah 41:1-5 NLV

God isn’t holding our past against us! Our past is that – past!

In Hebrews, we are told that God won’t remember our sins and trespasses. He puts them as far as the East is from the West.

If you are being held captive by your past brreak free by accepting the Father’s forgiveness!

He has ransomed you. He has redeemed you, He is walking through life’s hardships with you and protecting you. You are precious to Him!

God isn’t mad at you. He hasn’t rejected or disqualified you. He loves you!

Thank you Father for your amazing love. Thank you that my past is past and thank you that I have been redeemed and that I am Yours!

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Red Carpet Treatment

How many of you have seen those celebratory events where the red carpet is rolled out in honor of a special occasion?

It seems every sport, association, organization and political group has their own red carpet event honoring the best of the best.

Just last weekend there was another awards show on television and every news outlet and society page has carried a story about who attended, what they were wearing, how they performed and who the big winner was.

It’s like a fairy tale. A dream come true. Being recognized by the world for your accomplishments. Most of us will never walk a red carpet and have an adoring public calling our name.

However, those of us who know Christ have a much greater celebration awaiting us!

Remember yesterday’s verses? We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus. Our Father has given us an amazingly, incomprehensible inheritance. We will do more than walk a red carpet for just a few hours. We will walk on streets of gold for all eternity!

“The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.” Revelation 21:18-21 NLT

The Apostle John gives us the above description of heaven. It sounds beautiful, absolutely heavenly. But that’s just part of it. There won’t be a golden award to place on a mantel. What we receive is so much greater. We will receive a new body – no pain, no sickness, no tears, no heartache or death. Our minds will be new – no senility, no tormenting thoughts, no emotional distress, no deficiencies; peaceful, strong minds.

“I heard a loud voice coming from heaven. It said, “See! God’s home is with men. He will live with them. They will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will be their God.  4 God will take away all their tears. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All the old things have passed away.” 5 Then the One sitting on the throne said, “See! I am making all things new. Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:3-5 NLV

And we will be in the presence of God Almighty. We will see Jesus face to face and we will hear Him say “I am making all thngs new”.

I can truthfully say that I do not crave any earthly red carpet treatment. My desire is to live in glory with the King of Kings and walk the streets of gold!

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The Doors Are Open

I was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona. It’s in the very southwestern part of the state and it’s hot!

When friends and relatives came for a visit they never came in summer. But when visitors came we often made a trip to the Yuma Territorial Prison, it was something they all wanted to see. It had housed some of the most notorious lawbreakers of the early West and was mentioned in so many of the westerns made in Hollywood.

I remember being intrigued by the rock walls, the small cells and the large iron doors. The only light in those cells came through slats of iron. It had to have been bitter cold at night and furnance hot by day. It was often described as the “hell hole”.

It’s this image, the Yuma Territorial Prison, that I see when I read these words:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.  Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”  16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Romans 8:14-17 NLT

When I read those words “fearful slaves” I see those prison bars. Fear is an emotion that imprisons us – taking all our freedom and zest for life. Fear is debilitating and can cause someone to act irrationally.

But when the chains of fear are broken and the prison doors are opened freedom comes. It’s like stepping out of darkness and into the fresh light of day. The head turns upward, fresh breath is drawn into the lungs, a smile appears – freedom has come!

In Christ we go from a life of bondage to a life of sonship. We had nothing while we were imprisoned and now we are heirs, sons and daughters, of Almighty God!

We all have been in bondage to one degree or another but there’s good news – Jesus has broken the chains and we have been set free!

Look up – the doors are open!

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