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No Time Like the Present

What time is it where you are?

One thing I know is we are all in the “present”. Since we are connected through the internet it may be early morning – midday or perhaps you are reading this in the evening but whatever time it is where you are, you are in the present.

You could be in a time of trouble, a time of fear, good time, dinner time, party time, time of loneliness, time of sickness or time of concern. No matter, it is time to praise the Lord!

Why? Because He is Lord of all and Lord over all. All who trust in Him will never be ashamed!

Just so you know, all those times listed above – I’ve been there and the thing that ALWAYS brings me through is praise time! Remembering that my heavenly Father is bigger than anything here and that He has a plan for me to prosper and have good success gives me reason to praise.

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.4 For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. 5 Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! 6 This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. 7 For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.8 Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. 9 If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.11 Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord.” Psalm 34:1-11 TLB

Look at the clock, see the time. Mark it down. Now is the time to look up and be glad!

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Heavenly Father Watches Over Me

Do you know that our Father loves us dearly and watches over us carefully?

Have you seen a new mother watching over her baby? She responds to every squirm and squeak. Then as the child grows, she tries to shield it from scratches or scrapes, germs or harmful things. That nurturing heart comes from Father God. This little child is part of its mother and she is committed to its welfare.

Do you think the Father cares any less for us than we do for our own children? Even when we disappoint Him, our Father is there for us. He does not and will not abandon us! As the scripture in Matthew 6 reminds us, if he sees the sparrow and the lily and cares for them how much more does He watch over and provide for us.

Where are we going today? Where have we been?

There’s no place we can go or are now that He doesn’t go with us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake, (I love that word) us. We can rest in the Father’s love. Trust Him on the freeway, at our job, in the grocery store. Trust Him with our broken heart and our weary body. Trust Him with our finances, with our spouse and children. He is faithful!

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. 3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me. 7 Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? 8 If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, ‘I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.’ 12 But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. 13 You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, 16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. 18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalm 139:1-18 CEV

We are not alone – our Father is always watching over us with care!

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Who Am I?

Have you ever made comments or had thoughts like this?

“I just don’t think God could ever love me, forgive me, use me, want me, like He does someone else. If people knew who I was or the things I have in my past they wouldn’t love me or want to be my friend?”

Ever had those thoughts? I have and guess what so did the Apostle Paul.

“But our Lord gave me a full measure of his grace. And with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them. 16 But I was given mercy so that in me Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. Christ showed his patience with me, the worst of all sinners. He wanted me to be an example for those who would believe in him and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 ERV

Paul felt that he was the worst sinner to have ever lived. But God used him and showed us all just what He is willing to do with a committed heart. Notice that Jesus forgave Zaccheaus, the woman in adultery, the thief on the cross, the soldiers and religious leaders that were crucifying Him. He forgave Paul. He has forgiven us too!

I saw this verse in the Amplified Version and it really made an impact on me. Take a hard look at the first part of verse one.

“But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…4 Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you,” Isaiah 41:1-4 AMP

In spite of past judgment for sins – God isn’t holding our past against us! Our past is that – past!

In Hebrews, it tells us that God doesn’t remember our sins and trespasses. He puts them as far as the East is from the West. If you are being held captive by your past, it isn’t God! He has ransomed you – He has redeemed you and even more than that He is walking through life’s hardships and with you and bringing you out. You are precious to Him!

Get a hold of that today. God isn’t mad at you. He hasn’t rejected or disqualified you. He loves you!

Thank you, Father, for your amazing love. Thank you that my past is past and thank you that I have been redeemed and that I am Yours!

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Words, Words, Words

Yesterday morning Dave and I took an early morning flight to visit our son and his girlfriend. The people in the airport were so happy to have the choice of wearing or not wearing a mask. (I promise I won’t get political) Even the flight attendants were remarking that it was so good to see people’s faces.

Anyone who has flown knows that every flight starts with the safety instructions before the plane leaves the terminal.

Honestly, how many of us listen to their instructions? After a few flights, the things they are saying just become words, words, words. Only half of the passengers are even looking up to see their demonstration. However, the intent is for us to be as safe as possible should an emergency arise.

I think that’s how some people feel about sermons or reading the Bible. It just becomes words, words, words. After a while, they tune them out.

This morning I want to change our thinking just a little. Consider this, the Bible is a love letter. It was written by the Father to His children. His intent is to convey His love and all the wonderful blessings He has for us to inherit.

The Father is taking time to reveal the depth of His heart.

When God speaks He doesn’t waste words. Each word is filled with life changing meaning. Each story is packed with power. Each thought is a gift from God’s heart to our lives. It’s not just instruction for “in case of an emergency” but it is loving provision for every day of our lives.

“Praise the Lord! He is good.
    God’s love never fails.
2 Praise the God of all gods.
    God’s love never fails.
3 Praise the Lord of lords.
    God’s love never fails.

4 Only God works great miracles.
    God’s love never fails.
5 With wisdom he made the sky.
    God’s love never fails.
6 The Lord stretched the earth
over the ocean.
    God’s love never fails.
7 He made the bright lights
in the sky.
    God’s love never fails.
8 He lets the sun rule each day.
    God’s love never fails.
9 He lets the moon and the stars
rule each night.
    God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1-9, 232-26 ERV

Everything God does is to show us His love – the sea, the stars, the sun, the land, provision, health, protection – they are all indicators of God’s amazing love! And that love never fails!

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Some Things Amaze Me

Here we are, a couple days past Easter and I’m still thinking about the resurrection.

We talk a lot about the days that led up to the death of Jesus, His burial and yes, resurrection morning but what about the days that followed?

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” ~ Charles Colson

This quote by Charles Colson has prompted me to think more closely about what must have transpired that first week after Easter.

“Pilate said to them, “Take the soldiers. Go and watch the grave.” 66 Then they went and made the soldiers stand by the grave. They put a lock on the big stone door.” Matthew 27:65-66 NLV

“They said, ‘Tell the people, “His followers came at night and took His body while we were sleeping.” 14 We will see that you do not get into trouble over this if Pilate hears about it.’ 15 They took the money and did as they were told. This story was told among the Jews and is still told today.” Matthew 28:13-15 NLV

Tradition and military protocol tell us that these soldiers would have been killed for dereliction of duty not given hush money. How many secret meetings were there to convince them to keep quiet?

And what about the disciples? Jesus appeared to Mary, He talked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, Peter and John saw the empty tomb, but none of them were excitedly running through the streets of Jerusalem proclaiming the resurrection. They were behind locked doors, afraid that the Jews would come looking to arrest them.

“It was evening of the first day of the week. The followers had gathered together with the doors locked because they were afraid of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ‘May you have peace.’ 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. When the followers saw the Lord, they were filled with joy.” John 20:19-20 NLV

Jesus appeared to them and spoke words of peace. That was the same message He gave them the night He was arrested, “Let not your hearts be trouble”. Christ, like a good shepherd, took every opportunity to bring peace and calm the hearts of his followers.

We know Thomas, one of the apostles, wasn’t there that night. He didn’t encounter Jesus for another eight days. I wonder when Jesus saw His mother and brothers; when did He make his first visit to Mary, Martha and Lazarus, his dear friends?

We aren’t privy to that information. It isn’t recorded in Scripture, but His loving nature would not have allowed Him to keep the details of His resurrection a secret. Yes, I imagine that the first days following the resurrection were just as event filled as those leading up to it.

There is a message to reveal to the world. “He is not here; He is risen as He said”!

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“P’s” in a Pod

One of the things our grandchildren enjoy doing when they come is filling the bird feeder. Then they sit back, quietly, and watch for the birds come.

On one of their visits we ran out of bird seed. It was then they discovered the seeds which were in the pods which fell from the Palo Verde trees. They would crack the pods and save the seeds for Pappy, Dave, to put in the bird feeder. On Friday, they introduced this discovery to their two-year-old sister.

Who knew looking for seeds in a pod could be so much fun?

This morning in my Bible reading I felt like my three littlest grandchildren. I was discovering, or rediscovering, the p’s in the pod of God’s word. I would like to share with you what I found.

  • Power – “God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us.” Ephesians 3:20 NLV
  • Peace – “The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NLV
  • Provision – “The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.” Psalms 23:1 NLV
  • Protection – “ I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NLV
  • Praise – “ Praise Him for His great works! Praise Him for all His greatness!” Psalm 150:2 NLV
  • Purpose – “He is the One Who saved us from the punishment of sin. He is the One Who chose us to do His work. It is not because of anything we have done. But it was His plan from the beginning that He would give us His loving-favor through Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 1:9 NLV

I started thanking the Lord for the wonderful blessings of His word and it seemed that each new thing I was thanking Him for began with a p. It caused my heart to chuckle, much like the laughter I heard from our grandchildren as they discovered more and more pods to break open.

I hope I never lose the excitement of opening God’s word and finding these little treasures. I also hope this is an encouragement for you, keep looking for the Father’s promises.

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Making An Impact

I hope I never become complacent to the way the stories of the Bible touch my heart!

Each year at Easter I am drawn to the encounter of Mary and Jesus in the garden. It has such a powerful impact.

“Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down 12 and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus’ body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. 13 The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?”

She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.”

As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. 15 Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”

She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.”

16 Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.” John 20:14-16 CEV

Mary had been at the foot of the cross and I’m sure she saw Jesus take that last breath and utter those words “It is finished”. Her heart broken; she had probably thought of nothing else for the last few days. The Sabbath was over and now she was able to go to the tomb and prepare His body properly for burial.

Jesus was her friend, her teacher, no one had ever been as compassionate as He. She could complete this one last expression of love and loyalty to honor Him. But when she arrived at the tomb He was gone…

Her heart sunk and the tears began to flow. She had probably stuffed her emotions deep just to make it through this last act of service but finding the tomb empty she began to weep.

Turning away from the tomb I’m sure her mind was filled with confusion and hopelessness. With her eyes filled with tears she saw someone standing behind her in the garden. She didn’t recognize this man in the early morning light and with her sight blurred by her tears. She thought he was the gardener.

He spoke to her and she questioned him but then it became personal. He spoke her name, “Mary”.

No one had a voice like His! No one had ever spoken her name the way He did! This was a one-on-one exchange between Mary and her Lord.

Jesus cares about our grieving, our broken hearts, our troubled minds. He cared enough to give His life for our salvation, our wholeness – spirit, soul and body.

“For sure He took on Himself our troubles and carried our sorrows. Yet we thought of Him as being punished and hurt by God, and made to suffer. 5 But He was hurt for our wrong-doing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 NLV

In my darkest hours of overwhelming sorrow and in my moments of greatest joy I have heard Him speak my name. When you hear Him speak your name it makes a lasting impact.

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A Living Savior

This morning my little living room is wall-to-wall grandkids. Yesterday they joined us at noon and we had a sleepover with all three of the littles. It’s been a busy and loving time!

So, while everyone is still sleeping, I will be sharing a blog I wrote a few years back.

“I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer and just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He lives, He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart!”

“Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, “Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? 6  Jesus isn’t here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you,” Luke 24:4-6 CEV

Some of the old hymns say it best – I love my risen Saviour!

Easter hymns about a risen Savior have been sung through the ages. Stories that focus on the resurrection have become legends. In the South where the dogwoods grow this legend is told to those who come to the area.

“Legend of the Dogwood ~ Unknown

In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
‘Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven.
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown,
The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of My agony.”

We all have our story to tell, the story of how Christ has impacted our lives. Make it a living story that honors Him!

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Annoying Circumstances

There are little circumstances that can cause big annoyances. Let me explain.

We have been dealing with a refrigerator issue for about a month now. The freezer stays at a constant -2 degrees, however, the refrigerator won’t cool below 44 degrees. This isn’t a big problem for most of the items but things like milk, mayonnaise and eggs get a little too warm.

The manufacturer of our RV has been great. First, they sent us some “trouble shooting” guidelines. Perfect. We followed them step by step. Everything checked out. Next instruction was call a mobile tech. Check. He came and assessed the issue. Sent pictures, written explanations and waited. We received another more detailed check list from the manufacturer’s of the refrigerator. Really???

Notice, I am now getting annoyed. Emails are being exchanged a couple of times a day. Had one arrive yesterday morning at 5 am my time. I responded immediately. As Dave and I were talking, trying to keep our blood pressure down, the phone rang. It was the RV manufacturer. The rep on the other end was very sympathetic and knew our need to have a working refrigerator in place before we leave in three weeks for the mountains. She listened to our frustration and assured me she was on it.

Within two hours she sent another email. A new refrigerator is on the way. It will be there in four business days.

Big sigh and a “thank you Jesus”!

Each day that we have been dealing with this Dave has been saying, “I will not let this spoil our summer. We’ll work it through one way or another. We just need it fixed and God knows that”.

Truly, He did. He knows all the little things that come about to steal our joy and when we trust Him he will bring us through with a proper attitude.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same… 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

Will we have annoyances? Yes. Will we face circumstances that are frustrating? Yes. Do we have to give in to them? No.

If we trust Him, our Father will guide us through each situation. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. He will be the one to defend and protect. When we keep our focus on Him and His ability we will have joyful victory over annoying circumstances.

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A Gift for All

I imagine that quite a few of you are getting ready for a family gathering this Easter Sunday.

When I was a child our family gatherings were limited; we lived in Arizona and all our relatives lived in Iowa. So, our get togethers centered around our friends from church. Mom would make a big potato salad, cook a ham, make fresh rolls, deviled eggs and pies, lots of pies.

After church everyone would come to our house. We had a ping pong table set up in the carport that Mom would cover it with a sheet. The food would be brought out and organized. Plates and silverware at one end, pies and desserts at the other. The house was filled with love and laughter.

We were celebrating the resurrection – God’s gift to us all!

“In the past we were foolish too. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to the many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We lived doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other. 4 But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. 5 He saved us because of his mercy, not because of any good things we did. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. 6 God poured out to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 We were made right with God by his grace. God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. 8 This is a true statement.” Titus 3:3-8 ERV

Saved by grace!

I knew that I wasn’t good enough to get to heaven on my own. I needed a Savior and God gave me One. He gave His Son to forgive my sins and make me right with Him. He demonstrated His unconditional love!

The wonderful news of the resurrection is that everyone is included. No one is left outside of God’s forgiveness.

“Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:2 ERV

There isn’t a heavenly selection committee that includes or excludes us from God’s love. Christ paid the price for all of us and then freely gave us the gift of life.

“All have sinned and are not good enough to share God’s divine greatness. 24 They are made right with God by his grace. This is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24 ERV

A free gift. A gift for all.

My Mom gave pie, made with love. God gives us forgiveness and new life from His loving heart. There is no greater gift than God’s free gift of being made right with Him.

I sincerely pray that everyone reading this has, or will, accept God’s gift to us all.

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