Category: Theme

Posted on

Busy Day Blessings

Those of you who have been a part of my daily blog for the last year know we have gone through some changes.

It was just a year ago we came home from the mountain, put our home up for sale, sold it, downsized, and moved into an RV fulltime. Yes, all that took place in less than two months. Then we moved to a little community called Queen Valley. It’s southeast of Phoenix, remote enough to be out of the metropolitan area and close enough to see our daughters and their families without a three-hour drive.

We feel we have the best of two worlds. The mountain in the summer months and the desert during the winter. Dave calls it chasing 70*.

We spent this weekend going through our little storage building and eliminating some more “stuff”. The additional need to purge was prompted by the scheduled delivery of my new washer and dryer today. Out with the old, make room for the new!

“ Brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.” II Thessalonians 3:19 ERV

We were grateful for the strength to do the work that needed to be done. Last night, with our weekend job complete, we sat. The Lord blessed us with this beautiful sunset. It was good!

This morning I was thinking about how much we cleaned out, threw out, gave away and sold just a year ago. It seems there are times like that in our spiritual lives as well. It’s important that we get rid of things that are unnecessary and add nothing of value to our lives – anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lying, selfishness. If we let them go unchecked these old habits could fill a dumpster when we get serious about removing them. Then once purged, it often only requires a quick clean-up to remove any new debris.

“ Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.” Colossians 3:9-10 MSG

So, what’s all this got to do with gratitude and our focus on the goodness of God? Glad you asked.

Our Father wants nothing but the best for us, that’s why He asks us to put off the old and take on the new. He doesn’t condemn, although, He is quick to convict. Condemnation comes from the enemy. Condemnation tears down and seeks to destroy, like a building that has been condemned.

Conviction points out what needs to be corrected and changed for our betterment. The Holy Spirit becomes our cheerleader – you can do better, you can succeed because Christ has given you all you need to be victorious!

“If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. 2 The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 CEV

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

Our Father is a good father. I’m so grateful for His love and for the beauty He has created!

Posted on

Good Day for Gratitude

I woke up this morning singing a little chorus that we used to sing at church:

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord

and to sing praises to the Lord most High.”

It is a good day for gratitude. That little chorus came from the words of Psalm 92.

“It is good to praise the Lord.  God Most High, it is good to praise your name. 2 It is good to sing about your love in the morning and about your faithfulness at night. 3 It is good to play for you on the ten-stringed instrument and lyre and to add the soft sounds of the harp to my praise. 4 Lord, you make us very happy because of what you did. I gladly sing about it.
5 Lord, you did such great things. Your thoughts are too hard for us to understand.” Psalm 92:1-5 ERV

Some think there has to be a grandiose reason for being grateful to the Father. Things like being saved from a near death experience or a huge financial windfall but what about all the small things that add value to our daily lives.

There’s a brisk wind gusting this morning and I can enjoy the breeze coming through the windows but I’m grateful that I’m not in a tent, that would be less pleasurable. Of course, you always know that I’m grateful for a hot cup of coffee first thing each morning and the quiet time that I spend with the Father, enjoying His presence.

I’m especially thankful for technology advancements. Our granddaughter was married yesterday, and we were able to view the full ceremony last night because it had been saved to YouTube.

Those of you who are younger may think something like that is silly, but I remember the days when the only phone in the house was on the kitchen wall and the only time we talked to someone outside our local area was on Sunday afternoon/evening when the rates were low. There was no streaming, no cell phones, no texting – yes, it was the dark ages.

We have so much to be grateful for: grocery stores with stocked shelves, free schools (many countries still allow boys to go to school free but girls are charged tuition). Most of us live within a few miles of medical attention, we don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to a doctor or hospital. We have clean water to drink. The ability to travel from place to place without restriction. We are still free to worship God as we please.

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! 2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. 3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” Psalm 96:1-3 NLT

This is a good day to declare the news that Jesus saves!

“The Lord made this happen, and we think it is wonderful! 24 This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy today. 25 The people say, “Praise the Lord! The Lord saved us!” Psalm 118:23-25 ERV

There are so many things to be thankful for, as my good friend Winnie the Pooh says, “today’s my favorite day”!

Posted on

Jesus Does a “Good” Job

Today, we’ll look at Jesus and the good works He did while He was on earth.

“ For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” John 6:38 NLT

It all started with the angels’ message to the shepherds. “Peace on earth, good will to men”.

Jesus birth was the beginning of His mission. It was the entrance of God’s good will to men through the life of His Son. The long-awaited Messiah or Savior was born. Men’s lives would be radically changed, they would see and experience miracles. They would see the goodness of God first hand.

Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. I really like this. Today our granddaughter is getting married. I can imagine Jesus coming to that wedding. He came as an invited guest but had no place of prominence. However, his mother found out that they were running low on wine. She came to Jesus and asked him to do something about it, she didn’t want to wedding host to be ridiculed for lack of preparation.

So Jesus did a good thing, He turned the water into wine. After that we know that He healed many, many people – the blind, the lame, those with fevers, the crippled, the lepers, those with defects from birth.

He healed those with mental illness and demoniacs. He brought forgiveness to the outcasts – the tax collectors and prostitutes.

“And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Acts 10:38 NLT

For all the good He did He was hated by the religious zealots. They despised Him for His good deeds and plotted His death. Even then they couldn’t destroy Him, He rose from the dead and continued to preach the message of good will, reconciliation, from God, the Father.

The works of the Father, His good will, and the works of Jesus continue today.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NLT

This means that Jesus is working good in our lives as well. Just like those in the Bible who came to Him for healing and deliverance, those who needed a miracle, we can come to Him and find that He is willing to work things out for good for us also.

Jesus is still doing good. He is still the miracle worker!

Posted on

When Things Go Wrong…

God is good and has a plan. This is the story of Joseph’s life.

Most of us experience things that go wrong. Troubles with our family, losing a job, being falsely accused, some even face imprisonment. How do we handle the adversities of life? Do we get angry with God? Do we blame him? Or do we keep our eyes and heart focused directly on God and His goodness?

Joseph was a young man with a purpose. God had given him a dream when he was just a teenager. He shared that dream with his family and he was ridiculed, even hated by some. Here’s how his life went for the next 13 years.

His brothers sold him to slave traders. They sold him to a captain in the Egyptian army. The captain’s wife accused him of rape. He was sent to prison. While in prison he met the baker and the butler for the pharaoh. They had dreams and Joseph interpreted the dreams. The butler returned to the palace but the baker was hanged. The butler had promised to tell the pharaoh about Joseph but he forgot, for 2 years. Then he remembered…

The pharaoh brought Joseph to the palace and promoted him to second in command of all of Egypt. Joseph ruled wisely through the famine. Enter his brothers asking for food. What did Joseph do? They had sold him into slavery 13 years before.

“Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened. 21 So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And so Joseph said kind things to his brothers, and this made them feel better.” Genesis 50:19-21 ERV

What do we do when things go wrong? In all those years Joseph never turned his back on God and apparently, he never let his heart get bitter toward his brothers. He kept his heart pure.

God is good and His plans for us are too.

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

We may not feel things are going right but God is working. His plans are for our success. He hasn’t planned for us to fail!

Posted on

God Is Good

Generally, I devote the month of November to gratitude. But this year I feel I need to start a bit early.

Gratitude. Grateful. Thankful. Thanksgiving. Humbled. Awe-struck.

All of these words express my hearts deepest thoughts. My first thoughts focus on the Father’s love and His goodness but I am also grateful and thankful for each of you who read this blog every morning.

Give God credit and praise for all the good things in your life. Express your gratitude for His goodness.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34 NLT

I’m asking you to make a list – a list of things you are grateful for each day from now until Thanksgiving. Keep the list in your phone notepad or in a journal, write them on a chalkboard or a pumpkin.

Yes, a pumpkin. Several years ago I saw something on a craft page. It was one of those pumpkins you buy at the craft stores and the idea was to have everyone at Thanksgiving dinner write something they were thankful for and then use the pumpkin as part of the centerpiece on the Thanksgiving table. I liked that idea but why not do a slight variation? Get the pumpkin now and each day write something you’re thankful for on it.

“How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! 6 The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. 7 Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.” Psalm 116:5-7 NLT

I don’t think there was anyone better at giving praise to the Lord than King David. He started writing psalms and giving praise when he was a young man and he praised God until his death. He was a man committed to praise.

It’s so easy to be overcome by stress and worry. It’s so easy to look at the problems instead of the Problem Solver. Let’s make a concerted effort to establish an attitude of praise.

“ He accepts anyone who worships him and does what is right. It is not important what nation they come from. 36 God has spoken to the people of Israel. He sent them the Good News that peace has come through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all people.” Acts 10:35-37 ERV

Let’s start this first day of gratitude by thanking God for the Good News, the gospel of peace, that we have because of Jesus.

Yes, God is good!

Posted on

What Should I Wear?

I used to stand in my closet picking an outfit for the day. My work attire was business suits and heels, and for a little variety there would be a flowing skirt and tailored blouse. Those days are long past.

I still want to look nice and some days deciding what to wear is more difficult than others.

“That’s too tight, or too short, or oops is has a spot.”

I have fun wearing my “Scripture” t-shirts but I can’t fill my closet with them. Yes, deciding what to wear can be a challenge.

Did you know that the Bible has something to say about our wardrobe? I know what you’re thinking, “Kristi, the Bible doesn’t give fashion advice”. Oh, but it does.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26 NLT

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” Psalm 30:11 NLT

God wants us to look nice, He wants us to have a fitting attire so He clothes us in strength and dignity, with a splash of joy.

“ But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:20-24 NLT

If I read this correctly, we should be cleaning out our closets, getting rid of some stuff. Things like deception, anger, bitterness, and jealousy. We should replace them with new thoughts and attitudes, clothed in the Father’s nature which is righteous and holy.

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Galatians 3:26-27 NLT

Not everyone will look the same. This wardrobe is versatile. It can be dressy and classic or casual and relaxed. However, it will always glorify the Father and point those around us to Him.

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17 NLT

Now, go get dressed and have an amazing day!

Posted on

In the Will

Several years ago, we updated our Family Trust. I guess it’s something that people our age do. We desire to leave an inheritance for our children and grandchildren.

In our case, there seems to be more sentimental value than financial but all the same we wanted these things written down.

It amazes me that God, the Father, has done the same.

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Romans 8:15-17 NLT

God the Father, has made us his children, He has adopted us. If that isn’t amazing enough He has given us an inheritance and made us heirs – it’s His will! He gives us the same inheritance He has given Jesus. We share in the Father’s glory but like Jesus we share in the earthly suffering. Not a suffering like some think but the suffering that Jesus experienced was separation from His heavenly home, ridicule of His peers and denying His fleshly desires to live a life that was honoring to the Father.

We are called to do the same. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For me to live is Christ”. Our lives should be a living example of the Christ-likeness.

Here is another reference that Paul made: “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 NLT

God gave us a new life, He gave us an inheritance, an inheritance of His grace.

God isn’t looking for us to fail. He has equipped us with all we need to live a new life, no longer full of envy and hatred, no longer slaves to sinful lusts.

“ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11 NLT

By His grace, amazing grace, we have been saved. Our lives are God’s masterpiece. He planned for us to do good things. He has given us an inheritance, it’s His written will, it’s called the Bible and it’s for all the world to read!

Posted on

Call to Battle

I was reading about King David this morning. The account in II Samuel 21 is long past his days of youth when he defeated Goliath but here he is leading the Israelites in battle against the Philistines again.

David had grown weary in the fight and the Philistines knew it. A warrior had come to destroy him but King David’s aide defended him and destroyed the enemy. The Israelites were victorious, and the Philistines were once defeated once again.

Do you feel like King David? Have you grown weary in the battle?

I don’t know why Christians think that we won’t have troubles or battles. We do and we will. But our battles aren’t against flesh and blood, they are against the spiritual evil and darkness that has so much influence in our world.

“We live in this world, but we don’t act like its people 4 or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God’s power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments 5 and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people’s thoughts and make them obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 CEV

We fight against thoughts and arguments that take hold of people’s thinking, leading them away from obedience to Christ. The weapons we used are given to us by God and don’t conform to man’s way of thinking.

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11  Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

14  Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. 15  Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. 16 Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17  Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.

18 Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.” Ephesians 5:10-18 CEV

Young David said he battled Goliath not with sword and spear but with the name of the Lord. Joshua went to battle in the power of the Lord. We also go to battle in the same way.

“ So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” vs 13

Each piece of armor listed in the verses above, truth, the gospel of peace, salvation, righteousness, faith, sword of the Spirit, are all found in God’s word. He gives them freely to each of us to use.

When we grow weary, like David did, we pray for strength and the Lord will provide that too. The armor that God gives us prepares us for battle and assures us ultimate victory!

Posted on

Ready, Willing, & Able

When I was a girl, I had a wonderful example of those who were “ready, willing and able”.

My parents had an open-door policy at our home. Not only did we have company for meals on Sundays but there were times throughout the week that there would be extra chairs at the table.

I remember go fishing with Dad and we always stopped to get worms at one little store. One day he saw a man who you could tell the man was hungry. Dad bought him a loaf of bread, some lunch meat and peanut butter. We didn’t have much more than that ourselves but Dad was ready, willing and able to take care of someone else’s needs.

God, our heavenly Father, is able!

Able means He has the ability to do or complete the task set before Him. He is able to work on our behalf and He is always looking for ways to show us His goodness.

He is a loving Father and He won’t force us to take the benefits He has for us. But if we will allow Him to work in our lives, we will see His ability working on our behalf.

The prodigal son came to his senses in a pig pen. He knew if he went home and asked to be one of the household servants his father would provide for him. What he didn’t realize was the depth of the father’s love.

His father welcomed him with open arms. He didn’t make him a servant but restored him to his rightful place as a son.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 ERV

When we know God’s love, His power can work within to bring Him glory. Our heavenly Father wants us to know His love and our place of sonship.

“18 Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

He is able to help us immediately when we are being tempted because He was also tempted and suffered.

“God is strong and can (is able to) keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

God is able to keep us! He is able to save us!

“But Jesus will never die, and so he will be a priest forever! 25 He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 CEV

Our Father is ready, willing and able to show Himself strong on our behalf.

Posted on

Point of View

Yesterday morning I rose about my normal time and as I sat here in my chair I was lamenting, a bit, our departure from the mountain.

We had gotten enough unpacked and put in place that we were able to rest well but there was, and is, still much to do to feel settled. Dave and I were having coffee and talking about the day’s activities – quite a list – and we both mentioned what we thought was being done on the mountain.

It was then Dave said, “Kris, grab your camera. You don’t want to miss this sunrise!” He was right.

From where I was sitting, I would have missed it. I had the wrong point of view.

Isn’t that the way things are in life? We can be looking at things from one perspective but if we were just willing to get up and move, we’d get a different angle with a wonderous outlook.

Reminds me of a story. (Luke 7:36-50)

Jesus was invited to dinner at the home of a religious leader named Simon. A woman who had not been invited came in also. She went to where Jesus was seated and began washing His feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. Then she poured expensive perfume on them and kissed them.

Simon was outraged. This was a woman of low repute. She was causing a scene. How dare she interrupt his time with Jesus and why didn’t Jesus stop her, didn’t he realize what kind of a woman she was?

Without Simon saying anything out loud, Jesus knew his thoughts and addressed them. He told Simon a story about two people who had been forgiven a debt, one owed a great deal and the other a small amount.

Jesus asked Simon this question, “who do you think was the most grateful?”. Simon answered I suppose the one who was forgiven the most. Jesus told Simon he was correct. And then He went on to vindicate the woman.

He pointed out to Simon that Simon had neglected to show Him the common courtesy due a guest. Simon hadn’t offered to have a servant wash His feet upon arrival, but this woman had washed His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair, which was her crowning glory. Simon hadn’t greeted him with the customary kiss, but this woman kissed His feet.

Simon saw a harlot of low reputation, someone with no value. Jesus saw a woman who needed to be forgiven.

From Simon’s perspective, he didn’t need forgiveness. He was a good man. From Jesus’ viewpoint He saw a man and a woman who both needed forgiveness. One was grateful and loving, the other was stubborn and callous.

“So I tell you that all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love.” Luke 7:47 CEV

Enjoying the beauty of a sunrise is nice but viewing people from a heart of love is better. I hope that I will always see things from God’s point of view.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress