Category: Growing

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A Changed Mind

Having a changed mind, or a renewed, transformed mind, as the Apostle Paul says, is a two-sided coin.

We have to realize what God the Father says about us in His word and live that out each day, but we also have to realize that we have an enemy who tries to destroy what the Father desires to do.

We are the deciding factor.

Who do we agree with? If we side with the Father and believe His Word we will see the positive results that He intends for us. If we side with the enemy and agree with him, we will see results of destruction. God is greater than the devil and could just “force” us to believe the right, but He won’t.

God doesn’t want us to be mindless puppets. He wants us to be loving children who hear and obey His word. We have a free choice, even if that brings a negative influence into our lives.

I want to point out a few of the subtle and not so subtle mind games the devil likes to play. He uses the same old tricks he always has so they are pretty easy to spot and through our strength in Christ, easy to defeat.

“… He was always against the truth. There is no truth in him. He is like the lies he tells. Yes, the devil is a liar. He is the father of lies.” John 8:43-45 ERV

“…The snake spoke to the woman and said, “Woman, did God really tell you that you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1

“The devil came to tempt him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread.” Matthew 4:3 ERV

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1-2 KJV

Identify the words of the enemy; he comes to bring doubt, destruction, condemning and “if” thoughts. “You can’t do it; look at your past; God won’t use you; did God really say that; you’ll make a fool of yourself; “if” you try you’ll fail; are you really sure you’re saved and God will come to your rescue?” All of these and so many more are the tactics of the enemy.

The devil’s a liar but God cannot lie!

If the thoughts that come to your mind are any of the above, you know the devil is at work trying to dis-courage or destroy what God has promised. Condemnation doesn’t come from God. When we do things wrong, He will correct and instruct and even discipline us but it always comes in a loving, you-can-do-better type of way. He doesn’t ridicule or defame.

“[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),” II Corinthians 10:5 AMP

We are to take EVERY thought captive into obedience in Christ!

Don’t let thoughts that aren’t from God take residence in your mind, drive them out as Jesus did – IT is written, it IS written, IT IS WRITTEN!

God’s word creates a changed mind!

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In the Midst of Winter

Hearing of the storms that are blanketing the nation, I know that winter can be a treacherous time for many.

Living in North Idaho and Montana we saw our fair share of snow and freezing temperatures. Nothing uncommon there. The evergreens would be flocked with snow and the deciduous trees had their bare branches covered with ice and their trunks packed with white. They looked stark and dead.

The young saplings were protected since they grew close to the base of the larger trees. The mind set of those facing such harsh conditions was Spring can’t come soon enough.

Winter comes to all of our lives both spiritually and physically. Winter is a time of resting, a time to rejuvenate; it’s not a time of death. Spring will come shortly and new life with break out.

“As long as the earth continues, there will always be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night on earth.” Genesis 8:23 ERV

If you feel like you’re in winter – cold, dormant and unproductive, take heart! God is working in you and through you. You haven’t been abandoned or deserted. New signs of growth will spring forth soon.

“Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. 2 Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. 3 So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream—a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.” Psalm 1:1-3 ERV

As I was finishing this writing, a song from my time at high school summer camps came to mind, “Pass It On”.

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wonderous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you’re bound,
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – PRAISE GOD!
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.”

In the midst of your winter, remember Spring will be breaking out very soon! Pass It On!!

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Good Fruit

Dave and I made a quick trip for groceries yesterday morning. We had placed our order on-line, but I forgot a few things, so I ran in to get them while he collected our order.

I was on my way to the register when a grape display caught my eye. A few weeks back we had purchased a large container of red grapes, they were so crisp and tasty I wanted to get another one.

Good fruit!

This morning, I’m thinking about the good fruit that God produces in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith.

I was a Christian for a lot of years but had no peace. Worry was a big part of who I was. I worked hard to find peace. Occasionally I would find small moments of it but for the most part peace eluded me.

Peace isn’t the absence of conflict or struggles; instead, it is a clear focus while in the turmoil. Like King David says in Psalm 91:

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.‘ 3 The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. 4 He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. 5 You won’t need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. 6 And you won’t fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon.” Psalm 91:1-6 CEV

True peace, peace that comes from God, isn’t something we “work” to get. It is a natural outgrow of being attached to Jesus the living vine.

“ I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. 6 If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire. 7 Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.” John 15:5-7 CEV

Jesus told his disciples that He was the vine, we are the branches and if we abide (stay joined) in Him we will bear fruit. Peace is some of the fruit that will grow while abiding in Him.

Producing fruit is a natural result for a healthy plant. Water, sunshine, good soil and a strong stock produce good fruit. Good ground (a prepared heart), the Living Water, the Vine and the Son.

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.” Galatians 5:22-24 AMP

I bring my heart to Christ. I let Jesus cultivate the soil and I become grafted to His vine. He bears the fruit through me.

Focus on the Vine today and good fruit will come!

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Heart’s Desire

May I ask you a question today? Thank you, I just did but now let me ask you another question. What is your heart’s desire?

It’s ok to take time to think about it. I’ll wait…

Before coming to Christ many of our desires were rooted in self-promotion, personal gratification and even greed. After coming to Christ our heart changes and our desires become more focused on Him.

That’s really how it is when we fall in love with someone. We lay aside our desires for theirs.

“Trust the Lord and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. 4 Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire. 5 Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help.” Psalm 37:3-5 CEV

The Lord isn’t looking to give us an encumbered lifestyle. In fact, it’s just the opposite. He came to give us life, an abundant life to the full and overflowing.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

I heard one person put it this way. “Since I came to Christ I still do everything I want to, but my “want to” has changed.

“ Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex. Don’t be immoral or indecent or have evil thoughts. Don’t be greedy, which is the same as worshiping idols…10  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… 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 3:5-17 CEV

This is where our “want to’s” change. This is the Word we were talking about yesterday, the Word that gives light to our path. It keeps us on the right road, it instructs us on how to follow Christ.

Please take time to read Colossians 3, verse by verse, phrase by phrase. Let it sink in. Let it replace any selfish desires with those that please and honor the Father.

As we change and trust Him, He will give us our heart’s desire.

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Good Fruit & A Solid Foundation

I love the stories of the Bible!

Jeus taught in visuals because they made an impact. This morning, I have two to share with you; listen to what Jesus has to say.

“‘A good tree does not produce bad fruit. And a bad tree does not produce good fruit. 44 Every tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. You won’t find figs on thorny weeds. And you can’t pick grapes from thornbushes! 45 Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.

46 ‘Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but you don’t do what I say? 47 The people who come to me, who listen to my teachings and obey them—I will show you what they are like: 48 They are like a man building a house. He digs deep and builds his house on rock. The floods come, and the water crashes against the house. But the flood cannot move the house, because it was built well.

49 “But the people who hear my words and do not obey are like a man who builds a house without preparing a foundation. When the floods come, the house falls down easily and is completely destroyed.’” Luke 6:43-49 ERV

These are just a few of teachings that come from what many call the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus had a large crowd who had come to hear Him teach. In the verses just prior to these He taught on the importance of not judging others, of loving their enemies and of hungering for the things of the Lord.

Now He was using an analogy they could understand and visualize. The teaching on the tree reminds me of a tree we have here in Arizona, the ornamental orange tree. It’s a beautiful tree with brightly colored oranges. Upon closer look you will see that it has large thorns, like spikes on its branches next to the fruit. If you try to eat the fruit it is horrible tasting, not even the wild animals who are herbivores will eat it. It looks good but it is bad to the core.

Jesus compared the bad fruit to a bad heart. When our hearts are good, our fruit is pure.

He went on to use one more analogy. A truth that contractors still use today. Dig down and build on a firm foundation. Houses with shoddy construction are the first to fall in a storm.

“The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety—” Proverbs 18:10 CEV

Building on a firm and solid foundation, we can stand during the storm and provide shelter for others. Kind of like the three little pigs – house of straw, house of sticks and a house of bricks.

Linking the two analogies together we get a solid house built on a foundation of God’s word, surrounded by trees (our lives) filled with good fruit. A very inviting place to live.

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Make A Difference

That was my prayer this morning, “Lord, I want to make a difference. You must increase and I must decrease”.

“ Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.

31 God’s Son comes from heaven and is above all others. Everyone who comes from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all others. 32 He speaks about what he has seen and heard, and yet no one believes him. 33 But everyone who does believe him has shown that God is truthful. 34 The Son was sent to speak God’s message, and he has been given the full power of God’s Spirit.

35  The Father loves the Son and has given him everything. 36 Everyone who has faith in the Son has eternal life. But no one who rejects him will ever share in that life, and God will be angry with them forever.” John 3:30-36 CEV

These were the words of John the Baptizer. He had been asked if he was the Messiah. His answer was “He must increase and I must decrease”.

The Apostle Paul made a similar statement.

“ But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. 8 Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ 9 and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, 11 so that somehow I also may be raised to life.” Philippians 3:7-11 CEV

When I first started writing on Facebook over 15 years ago, it was my desire to show that God’s word is practical for everyday living. I want those who read this little blog to move past religion with its list of rules, do’s and don’ts, and enter into a loving relationship with Christ.

“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19 ERV

Not perfect but growing each day in the knowledge of what the Lord has done for us and who He has made us to be. We are joint heirs with Christ and we are called to make a difference.

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Let God Make Changes

There is always some well-meaning person who wants to make rules and regulations for us to live by and those rules are supposed to make us more holy.

In yesterday’s blog we read that the blood of Jesus has blotted out all the handwriting (the accusations, words of condemnation, guilty-of-sin actions) that were against us. Instead of judgement we receive redemption.

When I grew up, we had all sorts of rules that we needed to live by; no dancing, no playing cards, didn’t say gosh darn it because that was swearing and my freshman year in college, we had to sign a statement that we wouldn’t attend movies. My mom remembers that she couldn’t use scissors on Sunday when she was a young girl.

Holiness is never about what we do; it’s about our relationship with Christ who lives within us. I don’t do things for my husband to be a good wife; I do things for him because I love him and want to show him that love – and I hope that makes me a good wife.

Paul tells us that God blotted out the handwriting against us and follows it with how we should act and react to those who would like to set man-made rules for us to live by.

“So don’t let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about Jewish customs (festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days). 17 In the past these things were like a shadow that showed what was coming. But the new things that were coming are found in Christ. 18 Some people enjoy acting as if they are humble and love to worship angels. They always talk about the visions they have seen. Don’t listen to them when they say you are wrong because you don’t do these things. It is so foolish for them to feel such pride, because it is all based on their own human ideas. 19 They don’t keep themselves under the control of the head. Christ is the head, and the whole body depends on him. Because of Christ all the parts of the body care for each other and help each other. So the body is made stronger and held together as God causes it to grow.

20 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.

Chapter 3 Your New Life

You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 2:16 – 3:4 ERV

If you ask the Lord to show you what things in your life don’t please Him, He will tell you. Be honest enough to tell Him you are willing to change those things but that you need His help. Since we know that all of God’s power lives in Christ and we live in Christ there will never be a power shortage when it comes to change.

The Apostle Paul also tells us “There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1

When God prompts us to change it comes with encouragement and not condemnation.

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Growing in Harsh Climate

I’ve had a hard time this summer keeping some of my plants alive. I bought what I knew were hardy plants that are suited for our climate, the Mexican Bird of Paradise, but they failed to grow. In fact, they died.

It’s frustrating.

But there has been some success, and I am so grateful for that. We bought two bougainvillea and also some tecoma stans or bells of fire. They are growing well and my heart is happy.

This morning, it just so happens that I was reading in Mark 4 where Jesus is telling the story about the farmer who was sowing seed in a field. Some of the seed fell on the road, some on rocky ground, some in the weeds and some on good soil. It was a reminder of what I have been through with my plants.

“Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this picture-story? Then how will you understand any of the picture-stories? 14 What the man plants is the Word of God. 15 Those by the side of the road are the ones who hear the Word. As soon as they hear it, the devil comes and takes away the Word that is planted in their hearts. 16 The seed that fell among rocks is like people who receive the Word with joy when they hear it. 17 Their roots are not deep so they live only a short time. When sorrow and trouble come because of the Word, they give up and fall away. 18 The seed that was planted among thorns is like some people who listen to the Word. 19 But the cares of this life let thorns come up. A love for riches and always wanting other things let thorns grow. These things do not give the Word room to grow so it does not give grain. 20 The seed that fell on good ground is like people who hear the Word and understand it. They give much grain. Some give thirty times as much grain. Some give sixty times as much grain. Some give one hundred times as much grain.” Mark 4:13-20 NLV

The seed is God’s word. Sometimes we hear God’s word and it is stolen from our hearts before we have time to see it grow. Our hearts are hardened, and the seeds can’t penetrate. Then other times the Word begins to grow and we are so happy to see God working in our lives but our roots don’t go very deep and when heat and dryness comes, we wither.

Oh, and then there are times when we hear God’s word and it begins to grow. The Word is coming up strong and things look good. Then we get too busy to pull the weeds of selfish ambition, pride, bitterness and a love of other things and the seed gets choked out.

But thank God for the good ground. We hear and understand the Word and it grows and flourishes and we see a fruitful harvest. The blessings that God’s word brings to our lives – forgiveness, joy, healing, peace, patience, self-control and unfailing love.

The four different types of ground were in the same field. We can also have all four kinds of soil in our hearts. Hard places, rocky ones, unattended weeds and good soil. The Bible tells us to break up the hard and rocky ground in our hearts. We should also be on guard against weeds of worry and greed.

And finally, we take care of the seed. We water it and make sure it’s the right kind of seed that will grow even when the climate is harsh. Peter, the disciple of Jesus, said God’s word is incorruptible seed. It will grow and produce when we nurture it.

Let God’s word grow – the harvest is amazing!

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Time to Bloom

This weekend I had two plants that needed my attention. One was a poinsettia from Christmas and the other a hyacinth from about 6 weeks ago. Both need a time to go dormant before they will bloom again.

They are now tucked away in a dry and dark place, resting, waiting for their time to grow and bloom again.

Last night we had a good soaking rain. I love the smell of rain in the desert! It smells like life. The desert, like my poinsettia and hyacinth, has a season when it looks like everything is dead or dying but when the rains come, it blooms.

Life can be like that.

Dry, dormant, seemingly lifeless. Void of color and fragrance. But don’t lose hope, don’t give up.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat.
11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do.

12 “So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace. When you come to the mountains and hills, they will begin singing. All the trees in the fields will clap their hands. 13 Large cypress trees will grow where there were thornbushes. Myrtle trees will grow where there were weeds. All this will happen to make the Lord known, to be a permanent reminder of his goodness and power.” Isaish 55:10-13 ERV

God’s word brings life – joy and peace. Its seed filled with promise and God’s promises are eternal.

“God is the one who gives seed to those who plant, and he gives bread for food. And God will give you spiritual seed and make that seed grow. He will produce a great harvest from your goodness. 11 God will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will make people give thanks to God.” II Corinthians 9:10-11 ERV

It may seem like you’ve been going through a dry spell; it may have been dark and unprotective, but I encourage you to let God’s word reign in your heart.

When God blesses us with a harvest, we can share with others and because of our generosity people will give thanks to God.

Get ready for a harvest. It’s time to bloom!

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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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