Category: Character

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Mighty to Change

Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.

That’s the start of a children’s action song that we sang when I was a little girl in Sunday School. It started a train of thoughts this morning about God’s ability to bring about mighty changes in our lives.

“The Changed Life of Zaccheus

19 Jesus went on to the city of Jericho and was passing through it. 2 There was a rich man named Zaccheus. He was a leader of those who gathered taxes. 3 Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus but he could not because so many people were there and he was a short man. 4 He ran ahead and got up into a sycamore tree to see Him. Jesus was going by that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw Zaccheus. He said, “Zaccheus, come down at once. I must stay in your house today.” 6 At once he came down and was glad to have Jesus come to his house. 7 When the people saw it, they began to complain among themselves. They said, “He is going to stay with a man who is known to be a sinner.”

8 Zaccheus stood up and said to the Lord, “Lord, see! Half of what I own I will give to poor people. And if I have taken money from anyone in a wrong way, I will pay him back four times as much.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today, a person has been saved in this house. This man is a Jew also. 10 For the Son of Man came to look for and to save from the punishment of sin those who are lost.” Luke 19:1-9 NLV

Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus – everyone had but he hadn’t seen Him. He was curious, he wanted to see what this teacher and miracle worker looked like. I don’t think he went thinking that Jesus would change his life. The woman with the issue of blood did that; she knew she needed to touch Jesus to receive her healing. The man with the daughter on the verge of death knew he needed to get Jesus to come to his house and touch his daughter or she would die. But Zacchaeus just wanted to see Jesus, who was this man?

However, being face-to-face with Jesus, eating with Him, talking with Him effected a marvelous change. A once greedy and dishonest man went through a complete metamorphosis in one afternoon.

Jesus didn’t demand that Zaccheus give back money he had taken wrongfully. We don’t have any evidence that Jesus even mentioned his shady business dealings. Yet, it happened.

“For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun.” II Corinthians 5:17 NLV

Belonging to Christ brings change. Change in our attitudes, change in our perspective, change in our character and in our lifestyle. Greed is replaced by gratitude, fear gives place to faith. Kindness occupies the space that cruelty had dominated. Love lives where self-centeredness stayed.

Like a caterpillar our lives are transformed by the power of God’s love!

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The Bible and A Ham

It was Easter and a young bride had been asked to bake the traditional ham for dinner. She had taken the ham from the refrigerator and the roasting pan from the cupboard. Her groom of only a few months was in the kitchen watching.

His bride took a large butcher knife from the drawer and cut the end off the ham and set it aside. He asked “Why did you do that?” To which his wife replied “Well, my mother always does”.

But why?

She called her mother and asked, “Why do you always cut the end off the ham before placing it in the oven?” Her mother was quick to answer, “That’s what your grandmother always did”.

The young bride called her grandmother. “Why do you always cut the end off the ham before you cook it?”, she asked. Her grandmother chuckled and said, “My roasting pan was too short and the ham wouldn’t fit”.

Tradition. For years these women had been following a routine, not knowing why, it was just something that had always been done.

For the past number of days these morning blogs have been focused on the importance of having God’s word rooted in our lives. God’s word often times upsets our traditions.

“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.

8 Be sure you are not led away by the teaching of those who have nothing worth saying and only plan to deceive you. That teaching is not from Christ. It is only human tradition and comes from the powers that influence this world. 9 I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:7-10 ERV

The Bible is our final authority for life. God’s word is truth giving us everything we need. It will bring the light of correction to our lives – spotlighting those things that need to be corrected. The Holy Spirit is our teacher – He doesn’t condemn but He does correct.

“ You died with Christ and were made free from the powers that influence this world. So why do you act as if you still belong to the world? I mean, why do you follow rules like these: 21 “Don’t eat this,” “Don’t taste that,” “Don’t touch that”? 22 These rules are talking about earthly things that are gone after they are used. They are only human commands and teachings. 23 These rules may seem to be wise as part of a made-up religion in which people pretend to be humble and punish their bodies. But they don’t help people stop doing the evil that the sinful self wants to do.” Colossians 2:20-23 ERV

Am I saying that all tradition is bad or evil? No! But if it doesn’t point us to Christ and the freedom that His death purchased for us then it is man-made and unnecessary. Jesus told the Pharisees that their traditions were causing people to be disobedient to God’s word.

“You are putting away the Word of God to keep your own teaching. You are doing many other things like this.” Mark 7:13 NLV

God wants us walking in the freedom that we have in Christ. The Bible gives us all the instruction we need for godly living.

Spiritually speaking, don’t cut off the end of the ham without knowing why. It may just be man’s tradition.

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Bountiful Harvest

Last night a friend and I sat and talked about how much we love God’s word. We can read a chapter, or a few verses and God touches our hearts with His words and our lives are changed.

The Word of God is incorruptible seed. It brings a harvest of God’s goodness into our lives.

“ You have been given a new birth. It was from a seed that cannot die. This new life is from the Word of God which lives forever. ” I Peter 1:23 NLV

I heard tell, truth or myth I do not know, that seeds were discovered in the tombs of the pyramids and when they were planted, they grew. Now, that’s a seed that didn’t die.

Farmers and home gardeners know that to have a successful garden you protect the seed. Many home gardeners have gone to starting seedlings inside so that the plants grow strong before they face the elements. Farmers aren’t afforded that opportunity but they do research which seeds produce the best yield and are well suited for their climate and soil.

Jesus was using these principles when he spoke to his followers about seed.

” Now listen to the meaning of the story about the farmer: 19 The seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message about the kingdom, but don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches the message from their hearts. 20 The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it right away. 21 But they don’t have deep roots, and they don’t last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up.

22 The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. 23 The seeds that fell on good ground are the people who hear and understand the message. They produce as much as a hundred or sixty or thirty times what was planted.” Matthew 13:18-23 CEV

Although the seeds of God’s word may lie dormant for a while they will produce a crop. When watered by prayer, tended by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the weeds of worry and doubt removed we will gather a harvest.

The first crop that is produced is salvation and then forgiveness, peace, love, joy, faith and other fruits grow.

Our heart is the soil, God’s word is the seed. Happy Harvest.

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Be Wise

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!

Do you remember that little saying from when you were a child? I remember saying it several times but you know it’s simply not true. The ugly words that people say stay with you for a very long time. Much longer than a few bruised knuckles and a black eye.

I once woke from a dream where I was quite angry with the person and instead of unloading on them with my mouth, I held my tongue and was able to walk away without saying anything hurtful. I was able to hold my tongue.

Maybe there will be a situation in my life today that I will need to walk that out. Maybe not until tomorrow but surely the experience of my dream will be relived in real life and I pray that I handle it as well.

As Christians we are called to be salt and light to this world. We need to speak out for godliness, we even need to correct misdirected situations but not at the cost of belittling or humiliating the people we are speaking too.

Remember “speak the truth in love”. So if you face difficult people and difficult situations remember this admonition from James.

“My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. 20 If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done.” James 1:19-20 CEV

“My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right…Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. 14 But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. 15 That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. 16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:9-10, 13-18 CEV

Good words to live by. Have a wonderful day of peace!

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Legacy

Thank you to the many mothers and grandmothers out there who have taught their children to love the Lord and to serve others. You are true blessings to the world.

” I always remember you in my prayers day and night. And in these prayers I thank God for you. He is the God my ancestors served, and I have always served him with a clear conscience. 4 I remember that you cried for me. I want very much to see you so that I can be filled with joy. 5 I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith. 6 That is why I want you to remember the gift God gave you. God gave you that gift when I laid my hands on you. Now I want you to use that gift and let it grow more and more, like a small flame grows into a fire. 7 The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:3-7 ERV

I was blessed to have grown up with a praying grandmother and mother.

My grandmother would spend hours each day praying for all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mom did too. That’s who they were.

Moms you may not have great wealth and earthly possessions to give your children but don’t be discouraged. What you have is your time, your love, your understanding and your prayers. These are the gifts of inheritance that matter the most.

“a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.” Proverbs 31-30 CEV

Giving praise to the mothers and grandmothers today who have given us a godly legacy!

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Daily Instruction

God’s word is relevant for every generation! His truth is never antiquated!

The Word of God is alive and powerful; the Word became flesh, and the living Word of God is called Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the written Word and brought God’s purpose, reconciliation for us, into existence.

Each day God’s word gives us vital instruction, it is the Word of Life. God’s word has the power to transform our lives.

Learn From Christ to Be Unselfish -this the heading in my Bible above these verses.

5 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 ERV

Before Jesus left this earth, He commissioned His disciples with the task of going into all the earth to preach and teach, making more disciples by sharing His love and restoration.

The Apostle Paul took that commissioning seriously. He went from one who persecuted Christians to literally evangelizing the world with the message of Christ.

“ We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. 29 God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son. Christ was first and all those who belong to God are His brothers. 30 He called to Himself also those He chose. Those He called, He made right with Himself. Then He shared His shining-greatness with those He made right with Himself.” Romans 8:28-30 NLV

God the Father has chosen us to be like His Son. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are being conformed to His likeness hour by hour and day by day. Jesus humbled Himself, laying aside His deity, became human so the world could see and know the love of God.

“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV

A life that imitates the Father is one of our greatest acts of love. Reflecting Him in what we say and do brings Him honor.

“Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 NLV

Father, it is my desire to be like you! Show me who I need to touch today with the love of Your heart! ❤

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Kindness & Peace

Two things we can always use more of is kindness and peace.

It would mean a great deal if people treated us nicer, right? And I think we can get a hardy amen to having less drama in our lives. What can we do to see that we are being used to bring those two elements into the lives of those around us?

“This letter is to all of you in Rome. God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” Romans 1:7 CEV

Well, we can begin by praying for God to bless those we know with kindness and peace. And then we can follow through with being kind to those around us.

Kind to the other drivers on the roads, to the sales clerks and waiters. To receptionists and executives. To the person sitting at the next desk or our biggest competitor. To our kids and our spouses.

Paul said just a few verses later in the Book of Romans that

“You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?” Romans 2:4 CEV

It’s God’s goodness that brings people to Him. When we emulate God’s character we are being used to bring others to Christ. We must never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.

“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 I’m praying that God’s goodness and peace will overflow in your lives!

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Let God Be True

We saw the verses yesterday that say, God is always faithful and His word is always true. James tells us that there is no variation of change in God, no shadow of turning. He stays true to His character and His word.

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

If we wonder what the will of God is for us, His children, all we have to do is look at how He operated in times past.

He blessed His people with His abiding presence. He provided safety and protection for them from their enemies. He was their sustainer; He was their Shepherd who led them to green pastures and still waters. He gave them a land flowing with milk and honey.

Our Lord is a giver – a giver of peace, joy, mercy, grace, forgiveness. As King David wrote in the Psalms, He is the rock of my salvation.

The Israelites made many mistakes. They doubted God’s love and provision. They followed after false gods. Because of their ignorance and rebellion they were overrun by their enemies. They went into captivity. But when they prayed God delivered them and brought them back to the land of promise.

I am so glad that the Lord doesn’t abandon me to my ignorance or disassociate with me because of my mistakes. We have His promise to never leave us or forsake us. He forgets our past and present failures.

The world, our world, tries on a daily basis to skew our thoughts to a natural way of thinking. It tries to persuade us that right is wrong and wrong is right; that good is evil and evil is good. We are bombarded to “think for ourselves, don’t be brainwashed or old fashioned, the world is changing, and we must be progressive”.

However, God’s word tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s word will never pass away. We are told not to change God’s word and that when push comes to shove, we “let God be true and every man a liar”.

“True, some of them were unfaithful, but just because they broke their promises to God, does that mean God will break his promises? 4 Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is not. Do you remember what the book of Psalms says about this? That God’s words will always prove true and right, no matter who questions them.” Romans 3:3-4 TLB

Trusting God’s word is invaluable! We shouldn’t be swayed to adopt other thinking.

“My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you.

3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverbs 3:1-8 ERV

What decisions do you need to make today?

Trust the Lord not yourself; if you’re uncertain as what to do or say, seek the answer in God’s word. It will never steer you wrong.

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Not By Sight

There’s an old expression that says “seeing is believing”. The picture I’m sharing with you this morning reminds me that isn’t true.

I took this picture from the balcony of our room while we were in Greece. Each morning and evening we would look across the bay at the tall masts of the sailboats and think what a wonderful place this must be to anchor in. We imagined the peaceful cove and the crystal blue waters.

After about ten days, we took a water taxi to a beach resort that was near that cove. What we had been believing and imagining was completely wrong. The tall masts of the sailboats that we could see, believing them to be serenely anchored, revealed that they were all in dry dock. Not in the water at all. We laughed; we were convinced they had been enjoying a wonderful anchorage.

When I came across this picture last week, I was reminded of our misperception once again.

Life is a lot like that. We make a first impression or jump to a conclusion without knowing details and we judge a person or a situation based on limited knowledge.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.’” I Samuel 16:7 ERV

Samuel was the priest in Israel and he had been sent to a man named Jesse. He was to choose one of his sons to be the new king of Israel. Samuel saw the oldest son, Eliab, and thought surely this is the man. But he was not God’s choice. God looks at the heart.

David was Jesse’s son, the youngest, that God chose. Then David was misjudged by his brothers when David took nourishment to battle. Goliath defied the armies of God and David questioned why Israel was allowing him to do that. His brothers thought he was being obnoxious, and they chastised him. But David was defending God.

“ David asked the men standing near him, “What did he say? What is the reward for killing this Philistine and taking away this shame from Israel? Who is this Goliath anyway? He is only some foreigner, nothing but a Philistine. Why does he think he can speak against the army of the living God?” I Samuel 17:26 ERV

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought His disciples were a congregation of unlearned men. They were fisherman, tax collectors, common folk. Surely the Messiah, the Son of God, would have had a more distinguished group that this.

“ The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.’ Acts 4:13 ERV

Have you been misjudged? I know I have but I have also been guilty of judging others incorrectly. It’s important that we look at the heart of a person and not judge them by sight.

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A Godly Interruption

Yesterday we saw how the Lord has instructed us to be gentle and kind to everyone.

Are you looking to be set-up by God today? You know, those “chance” meetings, wondering about people you used to be close with, just being in the right place at the right time.

God’s set-ups!

Philip was open to God using him. When Saul started persecuting the Chrisitans in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria to preach there. Then one day the Lord told him to go south of Jerusalem on the road to Gaza. Philip obeyed.

There he met a high official in Egypt’s political system. The man was reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t really understand what he was reading.

“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ 30 So he went toward the chariot, and he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’

31 The man answered, ‘How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me.’ Then he invited Philip to climb in and sit with him… The official said to Philip, ‘Please, tell me, who is the prophet talking about? Is he talking about himself or about someone else?’ 35 Philip began to speak. He started with this same Scripture and told the man the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:29-35 ERV

There are people all around us waiting for someone to be their Philip. We need to slow down from our own demanding schedules and allow the Lord to direct us to them.

Maybe the Lord will have you pay for someone’s groceries or pay for their meal at a restaurant. He could ask you to assist them by mowing a lawn or helping change a tire. I hardly ever, hardly ever, give money to those with signs on street corners but occasionally the Lord prompts my heart so strongly that I know I just have too.

It might be as simple as giving someone a smile and a God bless you. It might be asking someone how they are doing and really listening to their answer. Philip was listening, he heard the man and then he asked a question.

It’s the Father’s job to prepare hearts but it’s our job to be prepared to be obedient when He calls on us to be a part of a godly interruption.

Are any of you praying for the Lord to send someone to minister to your children or a dear friend? What if that person is too busy? Maybe we are the answer to someone’s prayer for their loved one. Are we ready?

When we take time to listen to the Father, He can use us to be the answer to someone’s prayer!

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