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Stick To Your Story

Last night Dave and I were watching the Sunday service from Gateway Church in Dallas, Tx. Pastor Robert Morris is our TV preacher. He always has a good word to encourage the body of Christ.

The last several weeks he has been teaching on the building up of the body of Christ. Some are given to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip and build up the body of Christ.

That’s us!

This evening we listened to Sunday’s teaching on the evangelist. An evangelist is one who tells the good news. The good news means gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is that He came to bring salvation to all who believe in Him.

An evangelist is one who tells a story. We don’t have to be a seminary graduate or part of the religious elite to be an evangelist. Each one of us has a story of how the Lord has touched and changed our lives. When we share our story we are evangelizing.

I was raised in a church that said women shouldn’t be teaching men. In fact, I had a large number of men who felt it was their job to tell me I couldn’t teach. But God put it in my heart and gifted me to share so I couldn’t do anything less.

However, last night the memory that came to mind was when Dave shared his story.

The picture that precedes today’s blog is a belt buckle that Dave wore for years. It is the logo of our ministry, Christian Cowboys Assn. The ministry was to working cowboys and ranchers, taking the love of Jesus to their ranches and arenas.

“So he came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. 19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:18-20 ERV

Go tell them your story!

Back to Dave’s story. We were on our way to a mule show in Gridley, CA. We stopped at a coffee shop somewhere north of Sacramento. We were with another couple who were going to minister with us at the event.

As we walked into the restaurant, Janet and I walked ahead of Dave and Brent. When Dave came through the door, a man sitting at the counter saw this buckle. He came off his seat and dropped to his knees right there.

Dave and Brent stopped to talked to the man and then took him outside to talk with him at greater length. The man told them he had been running from God and told the Lord he needed Him to prove that He was real. Just a few hours later, Dave walked through the door with his buckle declaring “Jesus Is Lord”.

It was as simple as that. Telling your story. Dave had been timid about sharing so God did it for him. That day that man recommitted his life to Christ.

If we look for opportunities, the Father will give us an opportunity to share our story!

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Nap Time

As I was searching for an image to use on this morning’s blog, I came across a picture of a napping child and the caption read “When is a child too old for a nap?”. My answer, never!

Yesterday day was busy. Not the crazy, hectic, week-before-Christmas busy but busy. Getting everything ready to travel safely and then setting up again once we were back to our permanent site.

Dave does the hard work; my jobs are little and detailed. After we were settled, I made lunch and we sat down to relax. About an hour and a half later, I woke up. Dave smiled and asked, “did you have a good nap”? Oh yes, wonderful.

If we listen, our bodies will tell us what we need and when we need it. We get thirsty and so we get a drink. We get hungry and we eat. (The trick to weight loss is to eat only when we are hungry). We rest when we are tired.

“O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1 NLT

Our bodies have these internal signals that are God-given and we need to listen to them so we don’t damage our health. If we push past these warnings it can be detrimental. Oh yes, I know this project MUST get done – the kids NEED to be at this activity. Just a couple more hours and I can rest. But if we keep that pace harm ourselves with physical and mental burnout.

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 ERV

I was reminded of a time when Jesus took a nap. He was in a boat, in a storm, with his disciples and he laid down and went to sleep. He wasn’t up fretting or helping them row. He was resting. We need to learn from Jesus.

“Jesus was inside the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went and woke him. They said, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We are going to drown!” 39 Jesus stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Mark 4:38-39 ERV

Sounds like good advice when we are in life’s storms. We can fret and worry and it will change nothing. But when we come to Jesus with those problems, He will speak to our storms and give us rest.

Trusting Him gives us a spiritual nap!

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Moving On

Today is a moving day. We’ve been at the racetrack campground for the last week and we’ll head home this morning.

When your home is on wheels there is a lot of planning and coordinated effort that goes into pulling out for the next location. Inside and outside. Things have to be stowed away to keep them from shifting or getting damaged in the move. Outside the tires must be checked, lights, leveling systems, propane, etc. The list goes on.

But don’t think I’m complaining. I’m not, I love our lifestyle. After you’ve done it a while it becomes routine, and you follow the list so nothing is forgotten. You take some new things with you like memories, smiles and suntans.

Some things you leave behind – the trash.

Isn’t that just like life?

Each day gives an opportunity to move on. We can leave behind those things that would hold us back – temper, bitterness, low self-esteem, heart ache. One of the verses I used yesterday said:

“…We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall.” Hebrews 12:1 ERV

Move on past those things, put them out in the trash. The Lord promises to direct our steps, we just need to listen.

“ 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.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

Today, you might be like me – making a move. Leave the trash behind and move forward with excitement and anticipation of where the Lord is leading and what will happen next.

Happy Trails!

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Run the Race

We’ve spent the last week at the racetrack here in Arizona. Those of you who know Dave and I know that we are big NASCAR fans. Watching on TV can be exciting but being at a live race is the best!

This weekend there are three different races. Each race has its’ own practice and qualifying times. Each race is a different length and each race has cars with different engines and calibrations.

But in every race the goal is the same. Reach the finish line and take the checkered flag.

Friday’s race was less than interesting, to me. The cars went slower, the drivers were less skilled and I wasn’t familiar with any of them. Yesterday’s driver introductions brought more cheers from the stands. These drivers’ were more well known and had built a bigger reputation, some for the good and others not so good.

Today’s race introductions will be before a larger crowd and the cheering will be amplified. These drivers are the elite and their skills and vehicles are top notch. The drivers have a larger fan base.

Isn’t that the way it is with life?

When we’re little our fans are limited to our own family members – mom, dad, grandma and grandpa. They ooh and aah over drawings and 100% on spelling papers. Then we join a youth sports team and the parents of our teammates are cheering for us too. We learn to respond to cheering.

God knew that and so He has given us a cheering squad for this race called life.

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2 ERV

Heaven is filled with saints who are watching our race and cheering us on. Jesus is our leader, our coach and our number one cheerleader. He sits beside the Father, telling Him how great we are and how glad he is we’re all on the same team. He also tells the Father when we need help – Jesus intercedes for us.

How can we go wrong with a coach like that? Here on earth it’s nice to have a cheering squad too.

“ So encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith, just as you are already doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11 ERV

We all need people who will encourage us and pray for us. People we can call on in the good times and the bad. People who are honest enough to tell us when we need to make a course correction. It’s called accountability. Find friends like that, true friends and value them. Pray that God will add friends like that to your life. They are true gifts.

And don’t give up running the race!

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Repeated With Purpose

As children we heard our parents repeat instructions on a daily basis. Sit up straight, brush your teeth, practice the piano, don’t talk with your mouth full, do your homework, say “yes ma’am, no sir”, and the list goes on.

Why?

These things were repeated with purpose. Our parents were raising us to be responsible, respectful and hard working. They were helping us build character.

Sometimes when I sit to write in the mornings I find myself saying to the Lord “but I’ve already told them that last year, last month, yesterday. Do I really need to go over it again?”

Things are repeated for a purpose.

There are four seasons, repeated every year. Not too many years pass before we learn what to plant when, to get out the jackets and long sleeve shirts. We can predict the weather and know when summer vacation is. Yes, we learn by repetition of natural events, we also learn godly principles the same way.

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

Study God’s word every day. That means repetition! Go over it again and again. Stay with the things that bring success.

I had a woman ask me once how I study the Bible. I told her I found things that I needed in my life and looked up the verses that dealt with those issues – worry, fear, health, joy, marriage, children, peace – and the list goes on. (Don’t be selfish, share your cheez-its)

I found verses that help with those areas and wrote them on an index card. I kept those cards with me all the time. They were in the truck, in my purse and on the tractor. They sat on my desk and in my kitchen. When I would feel overwhelmed in a situation, I would grab the cards and read God’s word to myself, reminding me that God has a plan and He is working on my behalf. I still have those cards from 35+ years ago.

Repetition with a purpose.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them.” Proverbs 4:20-22 ERV

Find a modern version of the Bible if the King James language is too hard to understand and read what the Lord has to say about your situation. You don’t need to read chapter after chapter if you don’t understand it. Read a couple of verses and let them stick with you all day.

These truly are the words of life and we need to apply them over and over again!

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It’s the Little Things

Each day we have the opportunity to serve the Lord with our thoughts and actions or we can serve self. It’s that simple.

Have you ever been around a group of pre-schoolers? All seems well while they are sitting in a circle listening at story time but bring out the toys or the crayons and something changes.

“I want…” “That’s mine”

Selfishness rears its ugly head and what was to be a fun time turns into one of life’s learning experiences. We can smile at the immaturity of children and say “they’ll learn” but not always. We are confronted every day with situations where we must share.

“One of the men in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, our father just died and left some things for us. Tell my brother to share them with me.” Luke 12:13 ERV

Let’s take the simple things and see if anything strikes home. The television remote is a real issue in some homes or the last of the ice cream. When we’re out in town it can be a struggle when you’ve been waiting for a parking spot and someone whips in and takes it. Or what about that project you’ve been working on and someone takes the credit for your ideas? It’s something we all have to deal with.

Last night it was Cheeze Its. I love them and had filled a small bowl and sat down on the couch. The bowl was between Dave and me. I felt that he was eating more of them than I was. It touched a chord and I didn’t like my reaction. How silly – I realized I didn’t really want to share.

What to do? I refilled the bowl, sat it down between us, this time with an attitude of being willing to share. The Lord ministered to me – don’t let the little things get to you. Just being honest with you – we have to be aware of the small things that try and trip us up.

“What you should be thinking about is God’s kingdom. Then he will give you all these other things you need. 32 “Don’t fear, little flock. Your Father wants to share his kingdom with you.” Luke 12:31-32 ERV

Our Father isn’t selfish. He wants to share all that He has with us. We don’t have to demand things from Him, He willingly gives. He gives before we ask.

“And when you pray, don’t be like the people who don’t know God. They say the same things again and again. They think that if they say it enough, their god will hear them. 8 Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:7-8 ERV

I encourage you to keep your heart open for the Lord’s correction in the big and little things. And don’t forget to share the Cheeze-Its.

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Hope for Living

Last night Dave and I were visiting and listening to the radio. We’re not big radio listeners – never have been but the last few days, here at the racetrack, it’s something we’ve started. What station? Glad you asked, KLOVE.

What a great way to start and end each day; one song after another filled with the power of God’s promises and the encouragement of praise.

Without Jesus, we really have no hope. I know what that’s like and being on the other side of that now, I can tell you I never want to go back to that prison again.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has great mercy, and because of his mercy he gave us a new life. This new life brings us a living hope through Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death.” I Peter 1:3 ERV

As Dave and I talked we were reminded of where we’ve been. There have been times that we were desperate – almost hopeless. He was working 100+ hours a week, we had a toddler and a baby on the way. Things were bleak. Another time we had to close the door on our business.

With our heart’s cry of desperation, we said “Lord, we need You. We need You to show us the way out, the way forward. We need Your direction. We need help!”

The Lord gave us two verses back then.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

“ Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

We’ve had other times when we either forgot to ask the Lord for His leading or have just ventured out to do things on our own and have faced failure and hopelessness, but God has been faithful to pick us up, help us through and bring us to a good place.

“But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. 16 But answer them in a gentle way with respect…” I Peter 3:15-16 ERV

A song came on the radio right before we were heading to bed. What a powerful message of hope! “In Jesus Name” by Katy Nichole

I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name ’cause it’s all that I can do
In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven
And pray this for you

[Chorus]
I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

This is my prayer for you – I speak the name of Jesus over you, over every circumstance, over every fear. I pray that you will have a living hope!

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Time for A Jail Break

Last night before I went to bed I was strongly impressed with these words, “It’s Time for a Jail Break”!

So many are imprisoned by an enemy that wants to destroy their very lives. This enemy takes on many forms – self-loathing, alcohol, drugs, depression, hatred, narcissism, anxiety, prejudice, jealousy. I’m sure there are more but these are the first to come to mind.

The Apostle Peter was imprisoned because of hatred and jealousy. I’m here to tell you that a jail break has been planned on their behalf. Jesus Christ is the one who can set captives free. I need you to read his story – it’s a longer read but an important one.

“During this same time, King Herod began to do harm to some of those who were part of the church…5 So Peter was kept in jail, but the church was constantly praying to God for him.

6 One night, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two of the soldiers. More soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. Herod was planning to bring Peter out before the people the next day. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing there, and the room was filled with light. The angel tapped Peter on the side and woke him up. The angel said, “Hurry, get up!” The chains fell off Peter’s hands. 8 The angel said, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” Peter did as he was told. Then the angel said, “Put on your coat and follow me.”

9 So the angel went out and Peter followed. He did not know if the angel was really doing this. He thought he might be seeing a vision. 10 Peter and the angel went past the first guard and the second guard. Then they came to the iron gate that separated them from the city. The gate opened for them by itself. After they went through the gate and walked about a block, the angel suddenly left… Many people were gathered there and were praying. 13 Peter knocked on the outside door. A servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it. 14 She recognized Peter’s voice, and she was very happy. She even forgot to open the door. She ran inside and told the group, “Peter is at the door!” 15 The believers said to her, “You are crazy!” But she continued to say that it was true. So they said, “It must be Peter’s angel.”

16 But Peter continued to knock. When the believers opened the door, they saw him. They were amazed.” Acts 12:1-16 ERV

God intervened supernaturally in Peter’s jail break. People were praying faithfully for his deliverance. The soldiers and the chains were no match for the power of God.

“‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor.
He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free…'” Luke 4:18 ERV

If you find yourself imprisoned, I have good news – Jesus has come to set you free. If you are praying for someone who has been chained, don’t quit praying and don’t be surprised when they walk free.

“So if the Son makes you free, you are really free” John 8:36 ERV

God still has the power to break chains and set the captives free!

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What Time Is It?

It’s seed time. I can guarantee you that Midwest farmers are already thinking about getting their seed in the ground. I’m not exactly sure when they bought the seed that they will be planting this year but the next harvest is always on their minds.

It’s their livelihood. It’s what they do.

They need moisture in the ground but too much moisture and the seed will rot. Too dry and it won’t germinate on time. There is a calculated science behind that box of Corn Flakes you enjoy or the corn syrup you use in baking. Corn is one of the most widely used crops in the world today.

It’s important the farmers get it right. When the seeding first come up they don’t look very impressive but give them a little time and they produce a bountiful crop.

“As long as the earth exists, seedtime and harvest, cold and hot, summer and autumn, day and night will not cease.” Genesis 8:22 CEB

A couple days ago I wrote about how we are born again by incorruptible seed, which is the word of God. May I say it like this – in eternity past God chose His words, those very words, which would bring salvation to all of us. And down through time He has planted His word in the hearts of people, where that seed has grown and produced a harvest.

“Jesus told them: If you don’t understand this story, you won’t understand any others. 14 What the farmer is spreading is really the message about the kingdom…Again Jesus said: God’s kingdom is like what happens when a farmer scatters seed in a field. 27 The farmer sleeps at night and is up and around during the day. Yet the seeds keep sprouting and growing, and he doesn’t understand how. 28 It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain. 29 Then when harvest season comes and the grain is ripe, the farmer cuts it with a sickle.” Mark 4:13, 14, 26-29 CEV

God’s word is life-giving, life-changing seed. Planted in our hearts it will produce a harvest of His character; from the seed of God’s word comes a harvest of fullness.

I’ve heard a story about some corn kernels that were found in one of the Pharoah’s tombs. The seed was preserved like the mummy it accompanied. When those seeds were planted, thousands of years later, much to everyone’s surprise they grew.

Those seeds of long ago, Bible stories your grandpa and grandma told you, stories you heard in Vacation Bible School as a kid – those seeds may have been lying dormant for years but they are incorruptible. There is life in that seed which was planted so long ago in your heart.

It’s time to water the seed and see God’s harvest!

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New Growth Coming

Dave and I sit and visit most every evening about how happy we are with our decision to sell our house and make this RV our home. We look at each other, smile and say “God has truly blessed us”.

We felt that way when we moved from our home in Idaho and went to Montana, and we felt that way when we left Montana and moved back to Arizona. Ours isn’t, nor has it ever been, a stationary life. Now it has wheels.

There is one thing I miss from our home in Rio Rico. It’s my flowers – especially my chrysanthemums and my geraniums. All year long they bloomed and flourished. I loved the color they added to the yard. Some of them I acquired when we first moved there in 2014. Of course, I couldn’t take all of them with me when we moved but I did manage to keep a few.

I have one mum that showed such great promise when we moved. It was loaded with buds and I was sure they would come to full bloom shortly. However, the relocation and a unexpected cold snap thwarted its growth. For the last two months, it has been somewhat neglected. Oh I’ve watered it, when I remember, and have trimmed the undeveloped buds as well as the stock that was frost bitten yet, no new buds appeared until this week.

New growth!

In this morning’s reading Jesus gave instruction to his disciples about their growth.

“‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 He removes any of my branches that don’t produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. 3 You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can’t produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can’t produce fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything.'” John 15:1-5 CEB

Perhaps you feel like that mum I was talking about or like the branch that Jesus is referring too. Are you in need of a good trim? Has your fruit been a little sparse or your buds not fully blossomed?

Notice that Jesus said it is the word that does the trimming. The book of Hebrews tells us that God’s word is sharper than a two-edged sword and it is capable of dividing the soul (selfish ambitions) from the spirit (God led purpose).

If we remain in God’s word, we remain in Christ. He is the Word made flesh. Interesting how it all ties together, isn’t it?

“The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 CEB

When we remain in Him, he promises we will produce much fruit. Expect it – there is new growth coming to our lives!

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