Category: Character

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Be Ready

Dave and I are away this weekend. A few days in the mountains with friends is so special. We rented an Airbnb. The fresh pine air and cool mountain breezes have been so relaxing. Believe it or not, I even took a short nap yesterday afternoon.

From the kitchen window, I saw the neighbor’s firewood supply. It runs the length of his fence and it reminded me of the firewood we had stacked by the door of our walk-out basement in Montana.

When you live in the colder climates it’s never too early to be prepared for a change in weather.

And when you’re a Christian it’s important to be ready for life’s opportunities. 

” Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.” Colossians 4:6 CEV

This was Paul’s instruction to the Christians living in Colossae and it is just as applicable today.

When we live for Christ, there are changes in our way of living that others will notice. Compassion, acts of kindness, forgiveness and peace just to name a few. We need to be ready to answer questions.

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

“Remind your people to obey the rulers and authorities and not to be rebellious. They must always be ready to do something helpful 2 and not say cruel things or argue. They should be gentle and kind to everyone… 

4 God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. 5 He saved us because of his mercy,
and not because of any good things we have done…7 Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.

8 This message is certainly true. These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:1-8 CEV

There are so many around us who experience a coldness, a harshness more bitter than winter. We should “always be ready to do something helpful”.

Let’s be ready to share the warmth of God’s love.

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A New Way of Living

God knows that my life has been varied.

As a child, I grew up in a construction worker’s home. We moved frequently because my dad was a heavy equipment operator and primarily worked on road construction projects. We never had any formal vacations but instead spent our time camping, fishing, hunting and exploring the outdoors. I loved it!

Once Dave and I were married we lived in a beach community for a while, after leaving a more rural life of farming alfalfa and living among working cowboys and ranchers. That was an adjustment.

We have lived in big cities and also so far out in the farmland and country that we said only people who were really close friends or completely lost could find us. All of these experiences changed my life; most of them for the better.

After we retired, we became fulltime Rvers for a few years and now we live in a tiny home. New experiences and adventures have been the course our lives have traveled. But the one thing that has changed our lives most completely was finding out who we are in Christ.

He has designed a life for all of us. And although the location, the people and the day-to-day experiences may vary, the lifestyle is the same for all of us who have a relationship with Him.

“Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. 11 It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12  God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13  Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16  Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:10-17 CEV

There will never be a greater adventure than following Christ. Will it always be easy? No! Will there be challenges and problems to overcome? Yes!

Following Christ will take us to new heights as we faithfully obey – greater joys, giant-slaying victories and a peace that controls our thoughts and keeps us worry fear. This new way of living works for rich and poor, highly educated or not, male or female, those who are free and enslaved.

No matter our occupation or profession. Whatever we say or do, our new way of living has us living in Christ.

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Living A Balanced Life

Have you ever been asked to make a list of your personal assets and liabilities? Maybe you’ve applied for a bank loan or were starting a business and so you had to sit down and diligently list everything you owned and everyone you owed. It can be a bit overwhelming to see those two columns staring back at you in black and white.

Reading Romans this morning I came across the Apostle Paul’s list and he got it from Jesus.

He said we should be indebted to LOVE!

Jesus said the same thing when He said that we should love the Lord, our God, first and foremost and then love others as much as we love ourselves.

Working on removing debt from our lives is an admiral and honorable thing but there should always be one debt that stays, the debt to love.

“You should owe nothing to anyone, except that you will always owe love to each other. The person who loves others has done all that the law commands. 9 The law says, “You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not want what belongs to someone else.” All these commands and all other commands are really only one rule: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” 10 Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law.” Romans 13:8-10 CEV

Love balances on both sides of the spread sheet. It is an asset of the highest order, but it is also a debt, although not a liability.

Who in your life needs your love today? Your spouse, your children, grandchildren, your parents, co-workers, friends, casual acquaintances or a stranger on the street?

Look for opportunities to go into debt today, it will make your life richer!

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“When I Was Little”

We have been blessed to have most of the weekend with our three youngest grandchildren. Such a fun time – hearing their stories and jokes, reading new books, making new things (crepes and blueberry muffins), having new adventures. Each event is a memory making moment.

Yesterday we took a trip to the local winery. No, not for a wine tasting but to see the birds and animals they have there. It was a great time, one that interested everyone. On the way home, our eight-year-old granddaughter was telling her siblings a story, and it started like this “when I was little”…In the front seat, Dave and I couldn’t help but laugh.

I said to myself, “that will preach”.

“ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I made plans like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways. 12 It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me.” I Corinthians 13:11-12 ERV

So much of what we understand in this life comes from a limited viewpoint. We are influenced by what we can directly see around us. But there’s a much bigger picture that our heavenly Father desires us to see.

Yes, we are to have “child-like faith” and trust in Him; believing that He has a wonderful plan that He wants to bring about in our lives, but He also wants us to increase in our understanding of His greatness and His attributes.

“Jesus called a little child to come to him. He stood the child in front of the followers. 3 Then he said, ‘The truth is, you must change your thinking and become like little children. If you don’t do this, you will never enter God’s kingdom. 4 The greatest person in God’s kingdom is the one who makes himself humble like this child.” Matthew 18:2-4 ERV

The thinking of a child is simplistic, honest, faith filled, living in a realm of expectation. Those qualities are ones we should continue to nurture in our relationship with our heavenly Father.

“You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. 7 You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Colossians 2:6-7 ERV

“When I was little…I trust the Lord and now that I am grown, I continue to trust in Him and deeper in my understanding of His unconditional love and His faithfulness.

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A Pattern for Living II

This morning Dave and I were out the door early with Kim and Austin as we headed for the NASCAR racetrack in Avondale. All the kids and grandkids blessed Dave with a “Ride-A-Long” in a racecar at the track.

So, I missed the morning post. 🙁 As I was reviewing posts for years past, I came across ths one and it seemed so appropriate for the study of the last few days.

When I was a girl my mother sewed most of my clothes. I remember countless times that we headed to the department store or to the fabric store to pour over pages and pages of pattern books. Once we found the perfect pattern, we would go through bolts and bolts of fabric until we found just the perfect material for the project.

What I didn’t realize is that many times the “perfect fabric” was the one that was on sale and would fit into the budget.

Success!

Did you know we have been given a pattern for life? It’s just right and will fit perfectly! There will be no bargain shopping for the right fabric, only the best will do. It has been custom design, no one-size-fits-all type of apparell.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. 2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. 3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. 4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. 5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. 7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. 8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.” Psalm 112 NLT

This is the pattern that the Lord has designed for those who are righteous. Don’t let that word scare you into thinking that this is for someone else and not you. To be righteous is to be in right standing with God. Jesus has made that possible for all of us by His sacrifice on our behalf.

Our pattern has been cut to include a heart that loves God’s word. We are designed to be generous, compassionate and fair in our dealings with others. We trust God and don’t fear bad news. We are confident in God’s provision and protection in every area of life.

We help those in need and are victorious when we face those who would like to do evil to us. We will not be overcome by those seeking to do us harm. God’s word promises that we will be overcomers in this life.

This is God’s pattern for our life. It’s tailor made, only the best will do for a child of Almighty God! Our garment has been sewn and pressed.

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 …Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:10-14 NLT

It’s laid out before us all we have to do is pick it up and put it on.

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Stand Up to Fear

I love that we have the story of Gideon in the Bible. He is the poster child of transformation. Going from fearful farmer to valiant warrior, all because he had an encounter with the Lord.

I think what I love most about this story is God’s faithfulness. He lovingly encouraged Gideon each step of the way. The Lord didn’t become impatient or frustrated, instead He gave continued instruction and showed His commitment to direct Gideon and deliver Israel.

After Gideon asked the Lord for proof of His willingness to lead him and Israelites, Gideon stepped out with the army but look where they went.

“ Early the next morning, Gideon and his army got up and moved their camp to Fear Spring. The Midianite camp was to the north, in the valley at the foot of Moreh Hill. 2 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army is too big. I can’t let you win with this many soldiers. The Israelites would think that they had won the battle all by themselves and that I didn’t have anything to do with it. 3  So call your troops together and tell them that anyone who is really afraid can leave Mount Gilead and go home.” Judges 7:1-3 CEV

They went to “Fear” Spring. God had a purpose for going there; remove fear from the camp. Everyone that was afraid was sent home. Twenty-two thousand soldiers left, only ten thousand remained.

Fear is persistent. It tries to wear us down, it’s goal is to defeat us and keep us from being who God created us to be.

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“ Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.” I John 4:18 ERV

God was not only working in Gideon’s life but also in the lives of the men who remained. The men needed to be alert, ready for battle.

“Gideon,” the Lord said, “you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I’ll test them…6 Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink. 7 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I’m going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of 300 defeat the Midianites.” Judges 7:3-7 CEV

Victory doesn’t come because of great numbers or worldly prestige. It comes from faith; trusting in God’s word and His purposes. It comes when we stand, firmly planted on God’s promises.

“ 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 1:9 CEV

Stand up to fear; we defeat it not in our own efforts but by placing our trust in our God who never fails!

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Heavy Weight or Light Affliction

How many of you struggle with the challenges of success and failure? We all do, don’t we? It’s amazing to me that some well-meaning people think that if you are doing “God’s will” that the path will be easy. Really?

They haven’t been reading the same Bible I have!

This morning I was reading about the disciples and their actions after the resurrection. A week later they were still hiding behind locked doors. They were still uncertain as to their future existence. The religious leaders were trying to come up with answers for the missing body of Christ. They were claiming the disciples stole it and if that was true, they could be arrested, tried and condemned.

Jesus met them behind the locked doors. He gave them encouragement, peace and power.

“Eight days later the followers were again inside a house. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ‘May you have peace!‘” John 20:26 NLV

Those words weren’t just for the disciples, they are written for us too.

“Jesus said to him, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” John 20:29 ERV

We are the ones who believe without seeing Him. We believe by faith.

The Apostle Paul encountered tremendous opposition on his missionary journeys. Town after town Paul was either thrown in prison, beaten, run off or all of the above. Yes, he would teach and see people born again but it wasn’t easy.

Here’s Paul’s mindset on all of it.

“We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. 9 We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:8-9 ERV

and this

“I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. 14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.” II Corinthians 4:12-14 ERV

There it is – One Thing! Our one thing in life is to look to Jesus. Running the race that He has called us too; knowing that He will never leave us or abandon us. Knowing that even though things may look their worst God is in control and we will not be destroyed.

Take a look at this. Jesus’ life appeared to be a failure to his followers. He was killed by the Romans, but it didn’t end there. He rose from the dead by the power of God. He died for us! And He lives for us!

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:1-3 ERV

Don’t get discouraged! What others see as failure Paul saw as light affliction. What others see as defeat, Jesus looked past and saw the joy of victory.

Keep focused on the One Thing – doing what God has called you to do – and you’ll end in victory!

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A Life-Giving Tree

Living in the desert we have unusual trees and most of our flowers bloom on cacti. It truly is a sticky situation!

For the last several weeks I’ve been watching a Palo Verde tree come into full bloom. Watching the desert go from brown to green and yellow is a touch of kindness to my senses.

This tree is an example of the verses I’ve been reading.

After prayer this morning, I had just one verse in mind. When I went and looked it up I found that the others around it all spoke of the same thing.

My words – my mouth and keeping the peace. Don’t know what today has in store for me or for you but this is a pretty strong reminder of how we need to act.

“A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. 2 Listening to wise people increases your knowledge, but only nonsense comes from the mouths of fools. 3 The Lord sees what happens everywhere. He watches everyone, good and evil. 4 Kind words are like a life-giving tree, but lying words will crush your spirit. 5 Fools refuse to listen to their father’s advice, but those who accept discipline are smart.” Proverbs 15:1-5 ERV

Sounds like what our Mommas always taught us. If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.

“ People will make weapons to fight against you, but their weapons will not defeat you. Some people will say things against you, but anyone who speaks against you will be proved wrong.” The Lord says, “That is what my servants get! They get the good things that come from me, their Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 ERV

I want my words to be life-giving and kind. I will let the Father defend me against the words of others and I will be an example of Him with my speech today. In the name of Jesus!

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What a Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday morning the sun was shining, the birds were singing and people were out enjoying a morning walk. I don’t know what they had planned for this morning but no one’s out, even the birds are holed up and the wind is blowing pretty hard.

Physically there is a difference in this day. Just as quickly as the wind comes in, emotionally and circumstantially our days can change. Things aren’t quite how we planned.

You ever have one of those mornings when you get up and wonder what the day will have in store? You’re wondering if it will be bright and sunny or you will have the strength to face it? Will you have the answer for the day’s questions or are you in need of help?

A very real part of our relationship with the Lord is knowing that His mercy is new every morning and that He has promised to never abandon us. When we get up each morning do we thank the Father for His mighty acts; for His strength, peace, joy and His abundant wisdom? Or do we complain about our circumstances?

It’s not all about me – it certainly is all about Him! So focus…

“Praise the Lord, because he is good! His faithful love will last forever! 2 Everyone the Lord has saved should repeat that word of thanks. Praise him, all who have been rescued from the enemy.” Psalm 107:1-2 ERV

“Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 ERV

“He gave the command and healed them, so they were saved from the grave. 21 Thank the Lord for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 22 Offer sacrifices of thanks to him. Sing with joy about all that he has done.” Psalm 107:20-22 ERV

“Whoever is wise will remember these things and begin to understand the Lord’s faithful love.” Psalm 107:43 ERV

Starting the day with praise, makes an indelible difference. Throughout the day take “Praise Breaks”. Praise reminds us of the Lord’s faithful love and all He has done!

What a difference praise makes in our day!

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Grasshoppers – Oh My!

We have been experiencing an outbreak of grasshoppers and crickets here in our area. They are everywhere!

I decided to look up their life span – it can range from a few weeks to a few months. Ridiculous.

I’d like to tell you about a “grasshopper” mentality that lasted about 40 years. I call it the grasshopper syndrome. Grasshopper Syndrome was first diagnosed in Numbers 13.

Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and God said He had given them the Promised Land. All they had to do was go in and possess it. Moses chose 12 men to spy out the land and bring back a report. Ten men came back with Grasshopper Syndrome and two men, Joshua and Caleb, came back “considering” only the good that God had revealed to them.

The ten men said this “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33 The problem wasn’t the giants in the land, it’s that they were considering the giants and not God and saw themselves as grasshoppers.

We know from reading about Rahab in Jericho that the people’s hearts had been in fear from the moment they heard about the Red Sea parting that the Israelites would come and destroy them so really the ten men had nothing to fear except their own imaginations.

Now year’s later we find a second outbreak of Grasshopper Syndrome. It occurs in I Samuel 17. This is where we find the story of David and Goliath. The army of Israel had heard Goliath taunt them for forty days. “And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. 11When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.” I Samuel 17:10-11

Goliath was the biggest man around at over nine feet tall and he came out twice a day mocking the armies of God. Grasshopper Syndrome had spread throughout the entire army and they were filled with fear.

Then David, a shepherd boy, shows up to bring gifts to his brothers and things change. He hears Goliath’s defiant cries, and asks but one question “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” To us today, that may seem like a silly question but it was David’s way of not considering Goliath’s size.

Since the days of Abraham, circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel. It meant that God had promised to be their God and always be with them.

Powerful, powerful covenant.

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the LORD will let me defeat you.,,Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the LORD doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the LORD, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47

With one shot from the sling, Goliath was dead. What kind of Goliath is standing in front of you today – unemployment, illness, personal relationships, financial hardship – whatever it is, do like David.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4

Take God’s word and destroy the giant, remove Grasshopper Syndrome from your thinking, let God’s word have final authority in your life.

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