Category: Character

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Hungry?

I love babies!!

They are so pure and so hungry. They eat all the time and make no apology for it. They have a God-given instinct to know that they must eat and they let the world know.

“Stop being hateful! Quit trying to fool people, and start being sincere. Don’t be jealous or say cruel things about others. 2 Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved. 3 You have already found out how good the Lord really is.” I Peter 2:1-3 CEV

We need to be like babies – sincere, innocent with an overwhelming desire to grow – to drink spiritual milk (the Word) and learn of the Lord’s goodness.

And as we feast on milk, we grow and come to a point where we can feast on solid food. Growing is natural, it’s good, it is proof that we are healthy and strong.

“And the teaching I gave you was like milk, not solid food. I did this because you were not ready for solid food. And even now you are not ready.” I Corinthians 3:2 ERV

But babies also get thirsty and sometimes just need a drink of water and not a feeding of milk. Keeps them hydrated and all their organs working well.

We too need to come for the living water that only Christ can give.

” Jesus answered, “You don’t know what God can give you. And you don’t know who I am, the one who asked you for a drink. If you knew, you would have asked me, and I would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said, “Sir, where will you get that living water?…
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.”

15 The woman said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty again and won’t have to come back here to get more water.” John 4:10-15 ERV

What do babies do when they need to eat? They wake up and cry!

When was the last time we cried because we were hungry for the sincere milk of God’s word or the living water that only He can give?

I hope you have a healthy appetite because feasting on God’s word will make us grow big and strong.

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Let There Be Light

Recently we have replaced several light bulbs in the house. It’s amazing!

Dave is very handy and he has built a number of the lights in our home. He built a light to go over the bar from an old double tree. It’s one of my favorite things in the house! Has four bulbs.  We bought some of those indoor flood style bulbs – only 65w each but man, they light up the whole room.

A while back we replaced one of the bulbs in the microwave. It’s a built in microwave above the stove and one of the bulbs burned out. It made it hard to see what I was cooking on the burners. After that was replaced I realized how dim the other one was. It was grease coated and very little light was getting through. That bulb got replaced as well.

What a difference! The old bulb in the microwave was dingy and covered with grime. The bulbs that had been in the double tree had been larger watts but their light was less effective because of the way the bulb was constructed.

Sitting here this morning enjoying the bright light from the double tree I had to ask myself, “How much light am I giving to the world?”

Am I dingy, having picked up a lot of grime or am I under utilizing the power flowing through me because I have molded my life after the world’s design and not God’s?

I’ll be pondering that today. Letting the Holy Spirit brighten my bulb and even upgrade/transform my shape so that I am a brighter representative of the power source, the Father, that flows through me!

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ERV

Lord, I desire to be shining brightly.

This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine…

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Shouts of Triumph

This morning I feel like shouting! Really shouting.

“Clap your hands, all you people. Shout to God with a loud, joyful song. 2 We must fear the Lord, the Most High. He is the great king of the whole earth.” Psalm 47:1-2 GW

You know the kind of shouting I’m talking about. It could more appropriately be called cheering. That makes it clearer right?

That cheering, roar-of-the-crowd, winning touch down, home run kind of shouting! The “victory is mine” kind of shouting. The walk around Jericho, let the walls fall down kind of shouting.

“So then the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the trumpets, they began shouting. The walls fell down, and the people ran up into the city. So the Israelites defeated that city.” Joshua 6:20 ERV

Today is our day of victory! Maybe you feel you have been in a battle for a very long time. Almost ready to give up – feeling winded, knees wobbly, biceps quivering and shoulders drooping. Don’t quit now – it’s time to shout!

“I celebrate and shout because of my Lord God. His saving power and justice are the very clothes I wear. They are more beautiful
than the jewelry worn by a bride or a groom. 11 The Lord will bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth, like flowers blooming in a garden.” Isaiah 61:10-11 CEV

Not only do we have reason to shout but heaven is shouting too. The Bible tells us there is great rejoicing in heaven when we come to the Father and receive His love and forgiveness. He marks the day we find life in Him.  He circles it on the calendar. The angels in heaven sing and heaven’s “social media” come alive with the announcement of our birth.

“Suppose a woman has ten coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and look for the coin carefully until she finds it? 9 When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin that I lost.’ 10 So I can guarantee that God’s angels are happy about one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts.” Luke 15:8-10 GW

And oh how the Father rejoices when we come to Him! It’s party time!!

Yes, it truly is time to shout!

God has made us His own. He has given us new life, new hope and a joy that is almost unimaginable.

“You have now become a new person and are always learning more about Christ. You are being made more like Christ. He is the One Who made you... Christ is everything. He is in all of us.

12 God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others.” Colossians 3:10-12 NLV

More like Christ. Each day the Holy Spirit is working in us to make us more like Christ. Christ lived a life of victory; He had challenges, attacks and all out persecution but He knew victory was His because the Father had promised that He would triumph.

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Join me please. Let’s start this day with a shout! Let the voice of triumph be heard!!

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Common Sense & Truth

Remember yesterday when I said we should  read our Bibles until we read something that will stay with us the entire day?

Well, I have three short verses to share this morning. These verses are filled with a life time of common sense.

“I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. 37 Your words will be used to judge you. What you have said will show whether you are right or whether you are guilty.” Matthew 12:26-27 ERV

Jesus said those words above.

He knew the power and importance of words. After all, the world and all that is in it was created when God spoke. When Jesus spoke blind eyes opened, the lame began to walk and sinners were forgiven.

Jesus wants us to be aware of our words and to use them carefully. That’s just good common sense.

Now we have all spoken things we wished we hadn’t and most of us have probably talked just to hear our own voice. If we take time to confess those idle and careless words they will be forgiven and we won’t be judged for them.

“Wise people always think before they speak, so what they say is worth listening to. 24 Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.” Proverbs 16:23-24 ERV

We need to stop and think before we speak. If we do, we won’t be  saying something unkind, rude, or embarrassing. Our words will be sweet as honey.

“My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, 16 and if you are truthful, I will really be glad. 17 Don’t be jealous of sinners, but always honor the Lord.” Proverbs 23:15-17 CEV

I can hear the Lord’s instruction in this. Use good sense, be truthful and don’t envy those who do evil. ALWAYS honor the Lord!

Good advice – ’nuff said.

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R E S P E C T

How many of you were alive in 1967 when Aretha Franklin had her big hit, RESPECT?

 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)…by Otis Redding

Did that start your morning with a smile? I hope so. Do you know what the Bible says about respect?

Did you know that God is no respecter of persons?

“ Then Peter said, “I can see, for sure, that God does not respect one person more than another. 35 He is pleased with any man in any nation who honors Him and does what is right. ” Acts 10:34-35 NLV

When Peter made this statement he was in the home of Cornelius. Cornelius was a Gentile, a non-Jew, and he was considered unclean, second-rate by the Jewish people.  The Lord gave Peter a vision confirming to him that it was ok for Peter to go and preach to these people.

You see what Peter is saying here. God doesn’t prefer one race or nationality of people. What God does look at is the heart of man; does he honor God and do right.

Our respect or admiration should have the same basis. We often display prejudice because of someone’s educational or financial standing or lack of it. James is quick to point out that this is wrong. What we should be looking at is their character.

“My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring (respect) one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention (respect) to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you?

8 You are doing right if you obey this law from the highest authority: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 9 If you favor (respect) one person over another, you’re sinning, and this law convicts you of being disobedient. 10 If someone obeys all of God’s laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them.” James 2:1-10 GW

And then there are those who show respect or preference to some because of occupational standing. Many times the CEO is treated with more respect than the janitor. Again this isn’t God’s way of thinking.

“Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. 6 Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. 7 Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. 8 You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free.

9 Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don’t threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn’t have any favorites.” Ephesians 6:5-9 CEV

Respect, Biblical respect, has nothing to do with class, education, wealth or nationality. God says that all men and women  are worthy of respect because they are His creation, created in His image. He wants us to show honor or value to one another, displaying His love.

“Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself.”  Romans 12:10 ERV

I realize this is an area where I still need some work. I am embarrassed by the times where I have looked at someone and judged them strictly on their appearance without knowing their character. God isn’t pleased when I do that.

I want to see through His eyes, having compassion for everyone I see. I truly want to live as Jesus did – He had no prejudice, He didn’t respect or prefer one person over another.  His love for His Father was always first and then He loved us with the same love He had for himself.

 “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 22:36-40 CEV

Now back to a line from Aretha’s song:

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T…Find out what it means to me”

To me it means loving the way God does!

 

 

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Strong and Committed

I’ve spent the last several days reading through the book of Daniel. I like to read through these shorter books frequently. Each time I see something new.

I had a dream last night that I was teaching a Bible Study on Daniel and his uncompromised stand for the things of the Lord. I pointed out that Daniel stood tall and strong in the face of adversity. Even when his life was threatened he would not compromise.

In that dream I was confronted by several people who had come there to challenge God’s Word and me as a teacher. I spoke to them with a calm, matter-of-fact, voice of authority. God’s word was flowing from my heart and I had no fear. WOW! Great dream of reassurance.

This is what I have learned from Daniel. Daniel lived as a captive in a kingdom that ignored and even detested God but his commitment to the Lord brought him to the king’s court and had him in a high place of leadership.

Being a godly man in a godless nation was no small challenge. He had enemies on every side trying to trip him up and catch him  doing something wrong so they could discredit him before the king.

They finally succeeded, so they thought, and Daniel was found guilty of praying and for that horrible crime he was sentenced to what could have been a life sentence in the lions’ den. This really upset the king because he held Daniel in such high regard.

As Daniel was about to be thrown in to the den of lions,  the king said

“So Darius ordered Daniel to be brought out and thrown into a pit of lions. But he said to Daniel, “You have been faithful to your God, and I pray that he will rescue you.” Daniel 6:16 CEV

An ungodly king saw something different in Daniel, something that no religion on earth had been able to manufacture. Daniel was confident in his relationship with the living God – not religion, not a set of rules but a true relationship of trust in Almighty God.

The king didn’t sleep that night because he was worried about Daniel and when he went early in the morning to check on Daniel this is what he found.

“At daybreak the king got up and ran to the pit. 20 He was anxious and shouted, “Daniel, you were faithful and served your God. Was he able to save you from the lions?”

21 Daniel answered, “Your Majesty, I hope you live forever! 22 My God knew that I was innocent, and he sent an angel to keep the lions from eating me. Your Majesty, I have never done anything to hurt you.”

23 The king was relieved to hear Daniel’s voice, and he gave orders for him to be taken out of the pit. Daniel’s faith in his God had kept him from being  harmed.” Daniel 6:19-23 CEV

Most of us will never face a physical lions’ den but we do face the lions of public opinion that would like to devour our reputation, our businesses, our children, our careers.

Is the God we serve able to deliver us from their claws and their jaws? There was no doubt in Daniel’s mind that He was. We can have that same confidence. It comes from relationship with the Father. 

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. I Peter 5:7-9 CEV

I encourage you to grow in your relationship with Almighty God, your Heavenly Father, so  you will have the confidence that you can face the lions, real or circumstantial,  in your life.

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Life’s Lessons Lived Well

Kids all across the country are getting ready to return to school and some already have.

Over 30 years ago, a book written by Robert Fulgham brought attention to the simplicity of doing things right. It was called “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten“.

We did learn some very important lessons in our early years of education. The importance of listening, sharing, co-operating, washing our hands, saying please and thank you, were just some of these valuable lessons.

Our parents taught us other truths in our early years that molded us and were very beneficial. It’s amazing how many things we do as adults that we were taught as children. We no longer do them because we fear that we may get a whippin’ or because “mom” is still standing there telling us every time but we do them because we know their 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.

You know the same is true with Scripture.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

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!

Jesus said the core teaching of the Bible, all that Moses and the other prophets said, was found in this instruction.

“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 love, unconditional love, and we give. We give our time, our possessions, our acceptance, we give our very lives if necessary.

A little nugget that jumped off the page of my Bible this morning was from Psalms.

“Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.” Psalm 141:3 CEV

One of the most loving things we can do is to watch our words. Words can encourage or they can destroy. They can compliment or  criticize. Remember the little childhood chant, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”?

But words can hurt – they can devastate. Another one of Mother’s Rules was “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t saying anything at all”. I know that’s what this verse it is telling me.  My words should be kind and loving.

I don’t know which teaching from God’s Word  you’ll be living today but whatever it is, love well!

 

 

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Enjoy the Harvest

Do you remember early in the Spring when I wrote about planting seeds in our life’s garden?

I trust we have been diligent in watering, pulling weeds and fertilizing those seeds. If you have then I know that you are also experiencing growth and a time of harvest.

A couple of days ago I was with my sister-in-law at her home in Spokane. She has a beautiful garden. The picture above is what we gathered that afternoon; green beans, tomatoes (several kinds), squash and cucumbers. That evening we had a delicious fresh cucumber, tomato and basil salad.

I had to chuckle when I took this picture. She asked me if I was going to use it in my blog. I told her she would have to wait and see.

Of course, I did. It is such a great example for today’s topic.

Some of the seeds I had suggested we plant this Spring were love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and humility. Each one of these are the character traits that God wants to see developed in our lives.

“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

Today we’ll have opportunities to be short-tempered, rude,  impatient and unkind. Those ugly weeds are always popping up. Grab a spade, a hoe or a shovel and pull them out.

When that work is done, gather some of the fruit and enjoy your harvest.

“Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good. 10 Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself. 11 As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him!” Romans 12:9-11

Look for opportunities to do what is good – go the extra mile and in doing that you will share the love of Jesus in a tangible way.

Be Jesus to someone today! It will have a lasting effect.

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Me & Winnie the Pooh

You may know that I really like Winnie the Pooh. For years I have felt that the people I meet could be characterized by one of the beloved animals in those stories.

Sitting here this morning in my prayer time my mind went to the main character, Pooh. I think Pooh is a good example of a dedicated Christian.

Pooh is always helping. When Piglet is scared he helps calm his fears, when Rabbit is working too hard to achieve and becomes stressed Pooh helps him see the value of rest. When Eeyore is overcome by depression and loneliness Pooh always is there to cheer him up. When Tiggerrr offends others by being too focused on fun and hurts feelings or causes damage Pooh is there to point out his good heart and desire to do what’s right. And when Owl drones on with instruction and philosophy Pooh listens respectfully and appreciates his wisdom.

How much better it would be if we were a bit more like that. Not that we should be like Pooh, but we should be like Jesus!

Jesus looked for the best in everyone; spoke the truth with love, encouraged the broken hearted, corrected the misguided and disobedient and calmed the fears of those who were anxious.

Jesus lived the Scripture. “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Lord I want to look on the heart of people today! I want to be there to help when needed and not to judge.

“If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3 Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, “The people who insulted you also insulted me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. 8 I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, 9 so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them…13 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:1-13 CEV

Letting God live His life through us can be challenging but the rewards are so great!  Encouraging, teaching, being patient, living in peace and hope; these are all things that Father wants for us. He’s also given us the opportunity to provide these for others.

A quote from Winnie the Pooh puts it this way.

“Love is taking a few steps backward maybe even more… to give way to the happiness of the person you love.”

Look for opportunities for give unconditional love; you’ll be richly rewarded!

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Be All You Can Be

As I sit here this morning, I realize again that God’s design for me is that of a human “being”.

You remember this used to be the slogan that the U.S. Army used on it’s recruiting posters.

New recruits were given opportunities that they didn’t find in our places. The Army would help mold and shape them; preparing them for a future with a purpose.

There are so many verses in the Bible that instruct me on how to be what God desires for me to be.

Be Still – Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Be Quiet – But whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

Be Ready – But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. I Peter 3:15

Be Obedient – If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19

Be Rich – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  I Timothy 1:17-18

Be Lieve – Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

Be Have –  And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him. 15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. I Samuel 18:14-15

Be Loved, Stedfast, Immovable –  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:57-58

God’s purpose for our lives, for our very “being” is so much greater than an Army recruiter could ever imagine. God’s desire is that we be like Him and be dependent on His strength.

Be Like – You are God’s dear children, so try to be like him. 2 Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. Ephesians 5:1-2

Who is God asking me to “Be” today?

More than anything He wants me to be available!

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