Category: Month

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Again and Again

There’s a verse in Romans 10 that I love hearing, reading, and quoting again and again.

“So, faith comes from listening, but it’s listening by means of Christ’s message.” Romans 10:17 CEV

When we hear God’s word, and then hear it again and again it builds faith in our hearts.

Do you remember when we were kids the things we heard again and again?

It’s amazing how many things we do as adults that we were taught as children. We no longer do them because “mom” is still standing there telling us every time but we do them because we know they’re right.

Look both ways before crossing a street

Brush your teeth before going to bed

Don’t run with scissors

Don’t talk with your mouth full

Chew with your mouth closed

Don’t tattle

Wash your hands after you’ve gone to the bathroom

Say, “Yes Ma’am” “Yes, Sir”

Don’t punch your sister

Pick up your clothes

Feed the dog

All of these things are simple and right, but we had to be taught them and now that we do them, we are better for it.

When we listen too and apply God’s word, we are better for it and faith is built.

“So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land. 9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua was taking over for Moses, leading over a million Israelites into the Promised Land. Big shoes to fill – he needed wisdom and courage. This was his instruction from the Lord…remember what you were taught, you will be successful!

Today I want to remind you what you were taught. There is one prevailing theme throughout Scripture, and it’s summed up in two instructions.

“36 “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus answered:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 23:36-40 CEV

When we love the Lord with all our heart we will naturally and supernaturally love others as well. We learn from His example of unconditional love and we give. We give our time, our possessions, our acceptance, we give our very lives if necessary.

That is the reoccurring message of each day’s blog. Focus on loving the Lord and we will love others as well. Faith comes by hearing the Father’s message again and again and again.

Love well today!

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Look Closer

Dave won’t mind me telling you this, I’m sure. He goes to the dermatologist on a regular basis, every 3 months, to be examined. During his younger years, he spent a lot of time in the desert sun without protection. He was a red-head, fair-skinned, freckled young man.

In the last thirty plus years he has had a number of skin cancers removed. Early this year, after a biopsy on two spots, he was given the diagnosis of melanoma. He was scheduled for surgery; they were removed, and we received a good report. They got it all.

However, those same spots had been seen a number of times without sparking any concern. This time was different. We are thankful for the discerning eye of the doctor during examination.

We should never be afraid of the Father’s examination. We should say like King David, “search me oh God and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me”.

Have you seen a jewelry appraiser look at a gold ring? It’s possible that they will scrape the metal and test it to know the purity. After all this is done, they look at any stones in the setting to determine their clarity and cut. Finally, they give you an appraisal based on their examination.

I think that’s what King David was talking about in this Psalm. He was a king who was familiar with fine items of gold and silver. His treasury was filled with the finest of the fine.

He knew the difference between trash and treasure. And he said this:

“Lord, you have tested me, so you know all about me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. 3 You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do…God, examine me and know my mind. Test me and know all my worries. 24 Make sure that I am not going the wrong way. Lead me on the path that has always been right.” Psalm 139:1-3, 23-24ERV

This is the same man who wrote the Lord is his shepherd and that the Shepherd knew how to lead him down the right path, take him to green pastures and cool waters. He knew that the Lord would protect him from misstep and bring him back when he wandered off.

What a comfort to know that our God, our Father, examines us to see that we are free from cancerous or destructive ways.

King David welcomed the Lord’s examination. When the Lord reveals an impurity in our character we should do what Dave did – have it removed immediately.

The doctor and the jeweler both examine for impurities.

“Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns.” I Peter 1:7 CEV

We are on our way to becoming 24kt Christians. Now, that’s exciting!

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Let’s Just Get Along

Over the years Dave and I have worked with some really unlikable people. We adopted a saying, “at least they have clean fingernails”. We would look for one positive trait instead of focusing on the negative ones and sometimes that meant we could only find something small like clean fingernails.

We know in our hearts that God has given us the commandment to love one another. The loving part isn’t hard because I can see that they were created by God and He had a purpose in their birth just like He had a purpose for mine but the liking – that’s another story.

Time to get honest.

Are there people that go to your church that you really don’t like? Someone who just rubs you the wrong way? Someone you try to avoid when you see them coming your direction?

I heard a story once about a man who woke up on Sunday morning and told his wife he wasn’t going to church that morning. He had had it pretending he liked those people and so he had decided he was going to stay home. His wife told him he couldn’t act like that, he HAD to go. To that he said give me one good reason! She answered softly, because you’re the pastor. 🙂

I’m sure the Apostle Paul, with all the thousands of Christians in all the different churches must have had a couple of people he had a hard time liking but look at his final prayer in Ephesians.

“I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace and love with faith to all the brothers and sisters there. 24 God’s grace to all of you who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love that never ends.” Ephesians 6:23-24 ERV

He prayed for ALL of them that they would have faith to receive God’s gifts of peace, love and grace.

When we grow in our relationship with the Father we will also grow in our relationship with each other. We will come to a place that we begin to pray for them to be blessed. That’s the Father working in us. Jesus told us to pray for our enemies so I’m sure the same prayer will work for those we just don’t like very well.

“You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye. 4 How can you say, ‘My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you don’t see the log in your own eye? 5 You’re nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye; then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5 CEV

It’s amazing how practical God’s word is. The Father wants us to live a stress free and peaceful life.

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Is Your Name Barnabas?

Yesterday morning I was reading about Barnabas in Acts 4. The Bible tells us his name was Joseph, but he was all called Barnabas which means son of encouragement.

Every time I read that description of this man I pause. What a legacy! Encourager.

When I think of an encourager it’s someone who is supportive, someone who builds others up, someone who offers helpful correction and instruction. Then the English wordsmith in me comes out and I look at the root word – courage. An encourager is someone who builds or places courage in another.

We could certainly all use more of that. So many struggles, frightening situations, obstacles to overcome and reasons to run and hide; this world needs more people who emulate Barnabas.

Maybe you know someone who has been going through a really tough time or maybe you see a stranger and sense that they just need a smile or a kind word. It might be your child or spouse; it could be a waitress or checker at the grocery store. I once encountered a lady at the pharmacy one day. I knew the Lord wanted me to speak to her so I asked if I could pray for her, she fell into my open arms and wept as I prayed. That was a God moment!

Keep your eyes open and your heart ready – ask the Lord to use you to bring hope, strength and joy to someone today.

But maybe you’re thinking, I wish someone would do that for me today. I need encouragement – I need a kind word. Take heart. I have good news for you!

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 KJV

David’s wife and children had been stolen along with the wives and children of his men. His men were so distraught they were considering killing David because they felt it was “all his fault”. David needed someone to encourage him but there was no one so he encouraged himself…one version says he strengthened himself.

“…the men were talking about killing David with stones. This upset David very much, but he found strength in the Lord his God.” ERV

Maybe that’s how you feel today. If you need to encourage yourself today start with this verse. Look in the mirror and read it to yourself.

“You formed the way I think and feel.

You put me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! 15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13-16 ERV

If no one else is there to offer words of encouragement this should put a smile on your face and hope in your heart! God formed you and He saw to it that nothing was missing in your development. He is still with you promising to never leave you or abandon you. You’re not alone!

Now take what the Lord has done for you and give hope to others. Let’s all change our name to Barnabas.

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Don’t Wake Up Grumpy

There are those days, very few and far between, when I wake up grumpy. I have gone to bed the night before praying about something that was really bothering me, an injustice of some sort or I’ve had a dream that has left me unsettled and I am out-of-sorts.

I know that never happens to any of you, but you might have friends or family members that this morning’s blog might help when they do.

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created heaven and earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble. 4 The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy. 5 The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. 6 You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. 7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers.
8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 92 CEV

The perfect way to implement an attitude adjust is first to recognize our own limitations and secondly to realize that God isn’t limited by anything!

When we look to the Lord for help, we find Him there, always! No circumstance or obstacle prevents Him from being at our side. The thief hanging on the cross is our best example of that.

In his dying hour, the thief looked over to see Jesus on the cross next to his. Many would have thought he was too far gone; his life wasn’t worth saving but the Lord was there to bring this man, this thief, forgiveness and salvation.

It’s impossible to be grumpy and grateful at the same time. Like oil and water the two don’t mix.

“Shout praises to the Lord! With all that I am, I will shout his praises. 2 I will sing and praise
the Lord God as long as I live. 3 You can’t depend on anyone, not even a great leader. 4 Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans. 5 The Lord God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him. 6 God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word. 7 He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free 8  and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls. The Lord loves good people 9  and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord God of Zion will rule forever! Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 146 CEV

Every morning, I mean every single day even the grumpy ones, I rise and give thanks for who God is and how He covers me with His love. I encourage you to find some verses that are particularly relevant to you and start each day with praise.

“It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, Lord Most High! 2 It is wonderful each morning  to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are.” Psalm 92:1-2 CEV (all of Psalm 92 is a good read)

If you do wake up grumpy, start your day with praise and gratitude. You’ll have a better outcome.

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The Sound of Rain

I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to the sound of rain. There is something so soothing about that. The raindrops falling on the roof of our RV lulled me back to sleep. I can’t wait to open the door and the windows because my first favorite thing about a desert rain is the scent.

I remember when my oldest daughter and I flew from the northwest to the desert for my dad’s funeral. It was certainly a time of sadness and our hearts were heavy. We had flown into San Diego and rented a car for our drive to Yuma. As we came down from the Mountain Springs Grade and started across the desert floor, the fragrance of a fresh rain filled our car. Something about that aroma was comforting and made us smile. It was as if the Lord gave us a sensual expression of His love, saying everything would be ok.

Outside of Noah’s flood, rain in the Bible has always been an outpouring of God’s blessings to His people. Even the great flood ended with His promise.

“I promise every living creature that the earth and those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood. 12-13 The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.” Genesis 9:11-13 CEV

The Bible talks of the former and latter rains – rain that comes at the beginning of the planting in the Spring.

“The Lord will open the storehouses of the skies where he keeps the rain, and he will send rain on your land at just the right times. He will make you successful in everything you do. You will have plenty of money to lend to other nations, but you won’t need to borrow any yourself.” Deuteronomy 28:11 CEV

When Adam sinned Satan became the ruler of this world. Jesus said that the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. All we have to do is look at what’s been happening to see the devil’s handiwork of destruction.

But the rain that God sends has the purpose of giving life.

“He will give the rain for your land at the right times, the early and late rain. So you may gather in your grain, your new wine and your oil.” Deuteronomy 11:14 NLV

I am so grateful for the rain that God gives. It brings refreshing to the earth.

I am also thankful for the outpouring of God’s Spirit that brings a newness into the lives of mankind.

“‘God says: In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will have special dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit on my servants, men and women, and they will prophesy.
19 I will work wonders in the sky above.  I will cause miraculous signs on the earth below…” Acts 2:17-19 ERV

Listen, do you hear it? Listen for the sound of God’s refreshing!

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Always Good!

Some things are always good. Things like crispy fried chicken, cold sweet watermelon, a juicy steak cooked to perfection and for me, a peanut butter & honey sandwich.

A few of you may be familiar with my recipe for the perfect PBH but for those who aren’t I’m going to share it.

When I was a kid I loved to eat peanut butter and honey sandwiches but they had to be made right. I mean you couldn’t just butter the bread and smear peanut butter and honey on it – there was a process.

First the butter had to be soft. Put a rounded teaspoon of butter in a dish, then add a big spoon of peanut butter and finally top it with a rounded teaspoon of honey. Now here’s the important part, stir until creamy and smooth and then spread it on the bread. Oh my, now that was a sandwich.

This was generally what I called supper on Sunday evening. You see, we would have our big dinner at noon after coming home from church and before we would head back for evening service we needed to grab something quick to eat and mine would be the sandwich described above.

Delicious! and I still enjoy them to this day. Some things are always good.

When I read these verses in Psalms and Proverbs this is what comes to mind.

“Honey is good for you my children, and it tastes sweet. 14 Wisdom is like honey for your life—if you find it, your future is bright.” Proverbs 24:13-14 CEV

Wisdom is like honey…sweet and delicious. Wisdom makes life better with fewer regrets and more joy.

“Eat honey, dear child—it’s good for you—and delicacies that melt in your mouth. Likewise knowledge, and wisdom for your soul—Get that and your future’s secured, your hope is on solid rock.” Proverbs 24:13-14 MSG

When our lives are guided by wisdom, Godly wisdom, we are building that solid foundation we were talking about in yesterday’s blog. The foundation of God’s word that won’t be shaken by life’s storms. Wisdom builds hope and when we hope in the Lord we will never be ashamed.

“ The fear of the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The Lord is always true and right in how He judges. 10 The Word of the Lord is worth more than gold, even more than much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey straight from the comb.” Psalm 19:9-10 NLV

God’s word is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey…somethings are always good!

Get out your spoon and scoop up a big helping of honey. It’s good for you physically and spiritually.

(If you want a real treat – go make a peanut butter honey sandwich as described above. I just did and I call it breakfast.)

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Tornado Warning

Strong as a brick house!

I never understood how true those words were until my second summer working in Iowa. We were living in an RV Park. Dave and I were both working for our friends’ who had an aerial application service. I was in the office and Dave provided ground support for the planes and helicopters.

The winds were picking up and we knew a storm was coming but then things increased in severity, and we went from a summer storm to a tornado warning. I had lived in Arizona most of my life and more recently had moved to the Northwest. I knew how to handle extreme heat and 30 below temperatures but a tornado warning was something else entirely.

A local business had specified their basement area as a storm shelter but since we, and several other RV’ers, had pets we couldn’t shelter there. Health Department regulations. We would have to stay at the RV Park in the brick shower house.

Solid as a rock!

I think that was one of the most frightening experiences I have been through. Thank God I was there with three other women, two I found out were Christians. We prayed! We prayed for safety for not only us but for our families and all who were in the tornado’s path. We prayed for the crops and farmhouses, business and schools. We prayed that the tornado would miraculously dissipate. We prayed for our pets to be calmed. We prayed!

And when the praying was done, we began to sing! We gave praise to God for the promises of His word, for His faithfulness, His protection, His greatness!

We were living the teachings of the Bible. Everyone was safe, there was very little home and farm damage, thank God!

“You believers are like a building that God owns. That building was built on the foundation that the apostles and prophets prepared. Christ Jesus himself is the most important stone in that building. 21 The whole building is joined together in Christ, and he makes it grow and become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in Christ you are being built together with his other people. You are being made into a place where God lives through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22

The cornerstone or foundational stone for our lives as believers is Jesus Christ. We are in Him! And in Him and the Spirit of God dwells in us empowering us for victory.

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.

26 “Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. And it fell with a loud crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 ERV

Jesus is called the Word made flesh so when we accept Him as our chief cornerstone we will be secure in our position, founded on the rock able to stand against the storms.

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Outside the Box

Do you have a tendency to compartmentalize your life? Family, work, health, friends, finances, social activities? Do things have to be kept in their own little box, not touching or interfering? Like vegetables on a dinner plate, don’t let them blend.

Some people do that with the Lord.

It’s ok for Him to have their Sunday and even occasionally, when times are tough, to be brought into the areas of career or life’s passions but they aren’t ready to allow Him to permeate all the areas of their life.

I found an interesting assessment of the Lord in the book of I Kings. Benhadad had attacked King Ahab of Samaria. The Israelites had gone to aid in the fight. King Benhadad was defeated and look what he was told by his advisers.

“King Ben-Hadad’s officers said to him, ‘The gods of Israel are mountain gods. We fought in a mountain area, so the Israelites won. If we fight them on level ground, we will win.'” I Kings 20:23 ERV

Our God won’t be limited. He won’t be kept in a box. This was the Lord’s reply to their limiting of His involvement.

“A man of God came to the king of Israel with this message: ‘The Lord said, ‘The people of Aram said that I, the Lord, am a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys. So I will let you defeat this great army. Then all of you will know that I am the Lord, wherever you are!’” I Kings 20:28 ERV

The same holds true in our lives. God wants to be involved in every aspect. He has the knowledge, the plan and the power to bring us through in victory.

He wants us to depend upon Him for everything, not just the things we think are too big for us to handle on our own. I’ve learned that trusting the Lord with all I do has a better result.

“ All these good things will come upon you if you will obey the Lord your God. 3 Good will come to you in the city, and good will come to you in the country. 4 Good will come to your children, and the fruit of your ground, and the young of your animals. Your cattle and flock will have many young ones. 5 Good will come to your basket and your bread pan. 6 Good will come to you when you come in, and when you go out.” Deuteronomy 28:2-6 NLV

When we farmed alfalfa, we prayed over the crops and the weather. When we travel, we pray for safety on the roads both in the city and the country. We believe the Father to be involved in our home life and our work life – coming in and going out. Our Father wants to be the leading participant in our life’s story.

My question is this, where have we limited God? Isn’t it time to let Him have it all? Learn to live outside the box, “Then all of you will know that I am the Lord, wherever you are!’”

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The Name of Jesus

When I was a little girl, my mom would tell me stories about my grandfather. I never knew him; he died the day I was born. Mom felt it was important that I knew about him. He was a gracious and loving man – a man who loved the Lord, both he and my grama were such wonderful Christians.

One thing more she told me is the hymn, “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know”, was one of his favorites. I was so happy when I learned to play it on the piano.

“Jesus is the sweetest name I know
And He’s just the same as His holy name
And that’s the reason why I love Him so
Jesus is the sweetest name I know”

A few days ago, I was reading in the book of Acts. Peter and John were on their way to the synagogue one day and they encountered a man who was lame. That man asked them for money, but they gave him so much more. Peter grabbed a hold of his hands and told him, “In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk”. The man did. Long story short the religious leaders arrested Peter and John. Before they were released the religious leaders ordered them to no longer speak to people using the name of Jesus. This was Peter’s answer:

“‘There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.’ 13 They were surprised and wondered how easy it was for Peter and John to speak. They could tell they were men who had not gone to school. But they knew they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:12-13 NLV

Peter refused to be silent. There is no other name besides Jesus that has the power to save!

Yesterday as Dave and I were streaming our church service the praise team sang a song that I was unfamiliar with. It triggered a heartfelt response of tears and gratitude. I’ll share just a bit of the lyrics and add a link so you can hear the whole thing.

I Speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Til’ every dark addiction starts to break
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
I speak Jesus

‘Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIz8vDMG20

The name of Jesus brings power, healing, freedom from addictions and life!

“ Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLV

Yes, the name of Jesus is the sweetest name I know!

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