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True Love

Happy Valentine’s Day!

When I see the advertisements for beautiful rose bouquets my memory takes me back to the first years Dave and I were married.

Dave worked in agriculture and near the fields he worked in were the fields of a commercial rose grower. The roses were grown for stock, not for flowers. When the roses bloomed, they were cut and left lying on the ground and the stock was harvested to sell to nurseries.

In those days, we didn’t have too nickels to rub together. On his way home from work – tired as he was, he would stop and go out into the fields and collect the buds and bring me a beautiful bouquet! He would do this several times during the growing season. What a guy!!

Here we are – 49 Valentines’ Days later and those are still some of my treasured memories.

We all know that love isn’t about a day. True love is a way of life.

“Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child. And so everyone who loves knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him. 10 True love is God’s love for us, not our love for God. He sent his Son as the way to take away our sins.” I John 4:7-10 ERV

True love is found in God. He IS love and all that love is, is found in Him.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

Love gives and never gives up. Love forgives and forgets. Love is filled with hope and kindness.

We can never be separated from the unconditional love of God.

“Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 ERV

The Father demonstrates His unconditional love to us each day of each year of our lives. God’s love for us will never end because God, Himself, has no end.

Happy Unconditional Love of God Day!

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Roaring Oceans

For the last couple of days, I have shared with you the Scriptures that keep me on a solid footing each day. In my 68, almost 69, years there have been days with roaring waves and those of calm seas. What I’ve learned in my relationship with the Father is He wants me to be at peace regardless of what I see around me.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

Sadly, I admit, I haven’t always enjoyed being alone with just my thoughts. My heart would become anxious. Maybe you’re like that. But it’s in this quiet that God reassures us of His presence.

“God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. 2 So we are not afraid when the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the sea. 3 We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark and the mountains tremble. Selah …He is there to help even before sunrise. 6 Nations will shake with fear and kingdoms will fall when God shouts and makes the earth move. 7 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah 8 Look at the powerful things the Lord has done. See the awesome things he has done on earth…10 God says, ‘Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah” Psalm 46 ERV

The Psalmist recognizes that there will be earthquakes, raging seas and rough times but it also says God is there to help us even before the sun rises. We are told to stop fighting. I think that refers to fighting our own fears and anxiousness because it goes on to say, “I am the one who controls the world; I am the place of safety”. The Psalm ends with the word Selah which means to pause, reflect, and take time to let what you just heard sink in.

I used to hate being alone with my thoughts, focusing on the quiet of my own heart. It told me I was unworthy, I was alone, I wouldn’t amount to anything. It pointed out all my failures and my shortcomings. But that wasn’t really my heart talking that was my mind. I never measured up so why did I want a quiet time to reflect on all that was wrong with me?

It was in that quiet time of reading, learning and applying God’s word that I found peace, true peace. It provided me with my firm foundation.

“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 4:16 ERV

When I come to the Father’s throne, in the quiet of the morning, I find grace, mercy, kindness and help. I find Jesus!

This time before the sun rises is where I find help for when the oceans roar!

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Unshakable, Immovable Part 2

This morning’s blog will be the conclusion of yesterday’s teaching.

I want everyone to realize that God’s promises are still true. They haven’t lost their power and they aren’t being withheld because we aren’t worthy to receive them. That’s just not the case.

Let’s continue…

But it’s not a given – the promises of God are true, but we have to appropriate them.

We all have electricity in our houses. But if we don’t know to turn on the switch we will sit in the cold and the dark. It’s that simple. Christ paid the bill, the power is flowing, we have to release that power.

2nd reason: There is a very real devil who is working against us. He wants to destroy us and he will if we don’t fight back.

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

When satan came and tempted Jesus, He resisted the devil’s attacks by using Scripture.  We must follow His example.

 “7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.” I Peter 5:7-9 CEV

3rd reason: We get rebellious and want to do things are own way.   Just like a child who is told not to touch the stove because its hot – if the child reaches up to touch the stove, ignoring the father’s advice, and gets burned that’s not the father’s fault. He didn’t allow it or cause it. It was an act of our will.

“16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things.”. James 3:16 CEV

4th reason: We get tired of fighting and give up. Seeing God’s promises come to pass is not for the faint of heart.  The Apostle Paul says it’s a spiritual battle. Don’t be moved away from God’s word, therein is our victory!

“Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:12-13 ERV

Never, ever, are we alone. The Father has promised to never leave us or abandon us.  We might get weary and want to give up but if we ask, God will give us all the strength we need.

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything” Philippians 4:13 CEV

God will not force His protection and blessings on us. We have to believe and receive His promises. There’s nothing the devil wants more than to defeat us and make others think God’s word doesn’t work. If he can deceive, he can defeat.

God’s word has stood the test of time, the very gates of hell cannot prevail against it. When we stand on God’s word, we will be unshakable and immovable!

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Unshakable, Immovable

A few days back a friend and I were discussing all the senseless tragedies that have been in the news lately. Some people want to blame God for what’s occurring. I would like to go on record, “this is not God’s fault”.

What I’m about to share with you now are the words that came pouring from my heart. The word of God is my unshakable, immovable, solid rock foundation. In these uncertain times we need a firm foundation.

“ Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me 48 is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake. 49 But anyone who hears what I say and doesn’t obey me is like someone whose house wasn’t built on solid rock. As soon as the river rushed against that house, it was smashed to pieces!” Luke 6:47-49 CEV

Let’s take a look at God’s word. He has given us a free will and He will not violate that. We are free to choose His blessings or to reject them. The choice of building our lives on the solid rock of God’s word is ours. God will not usurp our will to keep us from going to hell nor will He force us to accept any of his other blessings or His help.

“God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance”. II Peter 3:9 KJV

Psalms 103:1-5 tells us that the Lord forgives all our sins and heals all of our diseases but there are very few people I know who actually live free from the guilt of sin in every area of their lives or who live in divine health, 100% of the time. Does that mean that God lied when He said all, or does it mean we are unworthy to receive those blessings? NEVER!

If we are in Christ, children of the Father, all His promises belong to us.

“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

Why do bad things happen to good people? 

If we don’t know that God’s promises belong to us, all of His promises, then we blindly and ignorantly accept the evil being done without fighting back. If we don’t know that God wants us protected, well, prospered, worry-free, forgiven and loved then that lack of knowledge will destroy us. We will have no foundation.

“My people are destroyed because they have no knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 ERV

But if we know we can fight against those things and be victorious, it changes the outcome.

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

If we are in Christ, and we are as Christians, we are promised victory. I have more to share on this so there will be a part two tomorrow.

Don’t give up, don’t quit! Build on a solid foundation; we will be unshakable and immovable!

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Coals of Fire

I woke up this morning and it was chilly! Not cold, like it was in Montana or Idaho but chilly. We had gone to bed last night and had neglected to turn on the heat.

I found myself, in my sleep, tugging on the blanket and bedspread. I needed it tucked under my chin to keep me warm. I looked at the clock and it read 3:30. Ok, time to get up. When I came out to the living room, I realized why there was a chill in the air. The electric fireplace wasn’t on.

I turned the fireplace on; went straight to the coffee pot and got that started, picked up a lap robe and waited for the room to warm and the coffee to brew. Aww, comfort. I am so thankful for warmth of home.

As I sat here enjoying the increase in temperature a Scripture came to mind. You knew I was going to say that, right? Well, it did.

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 22 This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads. And the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 CEV

And then these verses came to mind almost immediately after that.

“Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. 28 Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you… 31 Treat others just as you want to be treated.32 If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them…35 But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. 36 Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.” Luke 6:27-36 CEV

What a lesson God is wanting us to learn! Be kind to our enemies, do good to those who hate us – feed them, clothe them, provide them with warmth. Really Lord?

He wants us to follow His example. This is exactly what He has done for each of us.

“But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven.” Ephesians 2:5-6 CEV

He showered us with forgiveness; He covered us with His unconditional love! The Father is asking us to share what we have received.

“Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” 22 Jesus answered: Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!” Matthew 18:21-22 CEV

These verses give us amazing insight into the Father’s love and forgiveness for us.

I’m glad the house was chilly. The Lord took the time to remind me of how He wants me to treat others; I’m to fill their lives with the warmth of His love.

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One More Time!

Yesterday I shared some insights from the book of Joshua. It seemed appropriate to draw on that book again today.

Years ago, I was given a copy of the book, Victorious Christian Living by Alan Redpath. It was written in 1955, long before much was being said about victory in the lives of Christians. Redpath uses Joshua’s experiences to show us how God has designed for us to win. (I would encourage you to find a copy [ebay’s a good place] and read it.)

This morning I was reading about all the kings that came out to fight Joshua and the Israelites when the entered their Promised Land. Moses had led them in successful military campaigns before they crossed the Jordan River but Joshua was given the responsibility to lead the warriors as they defeated the many kings occupying the land.

“…The total number of kings was 31.” Joshua 12:24 ERV

Joshua went from battle to battle. Sometimes he was the aggressor but at other times four or five kings would form an alliance and come out to attack him and the Israelite army. Each time Joshua headed into battle the Lord would give him the same message.

“All these kings met together at the small river of Merom. They joined their armies together into one camp and made plans for the battle against Israel. 6 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of that army, because I will allow you to defeat them. By this time tomorrow, you will have killed them all.” Joshua 11:5-6 ERV

Don’t be afraid – one more time go out to battle; one more time I will give you the victory.

Joshua wasn’t the only one who faced repeated battles. Young David first fought Goliath and then he battled many enemy armies, including one his oldest son led against him. Jesus also faced many personal attacks. Satan came to him with three different temptations when Jesus was physically and emotionally weak. He had just completed a 40 day fast when Satan tempted him with food, with proving his deity and with world-wide acclaim.

“Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’ 11 So the devil left him. Then some angels came to Jesus and helped him.” Matthew 4:10-11 ERV

Joshua and David won great victories because they trusted God’s word. Jesus was victorious over the temptations of the devil because He placed His trust in God’s word.

The Christian life isn’t void of trials or attacks but like Joshua and even more, like Jesus we can go from victory to victory when we put our trust and confidence in the promises of God.

“But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 ERV

I just had the feeling that some of you woke up this morning with a battle ahead of you. The Lord wanted me to remind you, you’re not in this alone. “Be not afraid, send the devil running. Our victory comes from the Lord”. You’ve got this – He’s got this!

Trust Him – one more time!

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What Matters Most

I’m going to ask you to think about doing something. Something different, something special.

I want you to make a list, an actual physical list not just one in your head, of 10 things you want your children, your grandchildren, your closest friends and people in general to remember about you when you’re gone.

Several years ago, I brought up the same thought in one of my writings. Since then, my Mom has passed and a number of dear friends. In fact, just a couple weeks ago I was asked to speak at one friend’s memorial – the thing I could recall most vividly was her kindness and her love for the Lord.

I was reading in Joshua again this morning and was reminded what the 2 1/2 tribes of Israel that stayed on the East side of the Jordan wanted people to remember about them.

As they were returning to the land they had been promised, they stopped and built an altar, an altar that their fellow tribesmen thought was sacrilege. However, look at the reply of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh.

“…No, we built the altar to remind us and you and the generations to come that we will worship the Lord. And so we will keep bringing our sacrifices to the Lord’s altar, there in front of his sacred tent. Now your descendants will never be able to say to our descendants, ‘You can’t worship the Lord.’ But if they do say this, our descendants can answer back, ‘Look at this altar our ancestors built! It’s like the Lord’s altar, but it isn’t for offering sacrifices. It’s here to remind us and you that we belong to the Lord, just as much as you do’…The people of Reuben and Gad named the altar ‘A Reminder to Us All That the Lord Is Our God.’” Joshua 22:29-30 & 34 CEV

A reminder to us all that the Lord is our God! I want my life to have reminders that the Lord is my God.

I think people will probably remember that I was a good cook and I love to entertain. It makes me happy to have people in my home and I enjoy honoring my friends and neighbors. Maybe, people will remember this blog that came every morning, but more than anything I want people to remember my love for the Lord and His word.

Let me ask again, what things do you want to be remembered for? What matters most?

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The Delivery

I can’t even begin to tell you how many deliveries we have had since we took possession of our new home. There are so many little things I couldn’t find after the move or I didn’t think I’d need any longer and sold, only to replace them.

It’s one thing to receive a delivery of something I’ve ordered but there’s a completely separate emotion and excitement when I see that it is something which has been sent by a friend or family member.

Never once have I taken that unexpected arrival, set it on the table and left it to be opened later. No, it’s one of those “find the box knife and open it carefully” moments. Everything about this unexpected gift says it’s special.

I was remembering this morning the boxes my Mom used to send when I was in college. The boxes would be wrapped in brown paper and there would be stickers or handwritten drawings on the wrapping. Inside there were cookies, homemade candies, a favorite magazine, stationery and stamps – little things that told me she loved me.

Now, imagine today one of those delivery drivers stops at your house with a package. You don’t recognize the store or the return address. It’s addressed to you but from whom?

It’s the most wonderful gift ever! You’re overcome with emotion. Tears stream down your face; words can’t express the gratitude. You are overwhelmed and now you grab the phone and call the giver of this precious gift and say, “I’m sorry I can’t receive this. I don’t deserve it and I’ll be sending it back.” Really? No, not at all. You call and express your gratitude and love, or at least that’s what I would do.

Do you know that this is exactly what God has done for us? Let me show you.

““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. 25-26 God gave Jesus as a way to forgive people’s sins through their faith in him. God can forgive them because the blood sacrifice of Jesus pays for their sins. God gave Jesus to show that he always does what is right and fair. He was right in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. And in our own time he still does what is right. God worked all this out in a way that allows him to judge people fairly and still make right any person who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26 ERV

God’s great grace and love gave us something we didn’t deserve. Something we won’t ever earn, something we will never be able to buy. It’s a gift!

It’s a gift of love that comes straight from the Father’s heart. The gift is new life, a relationship with God the Father. We’re saved from the punishment of sin. Jesus took the punishment for us! Why? To show us through all the time to come that He loves us.

I feel I have been given the job of the delivery driver. I get to bring the gift to your home. Once you open it, make sure you call the Father and thank Him for this amazing gift of love!

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Love, Not Fear

Years ago, our first year of marriage to be exact, Dave was in law enforcement. Each day he would head out the door into an unknown world filled with danger. I could sit home and fret or I could trust the Lord.

I remember specifically praying one of those first mornings, “Lord, you love David more than I do. I don’t want anything to happen to him so I am putting him in your care. Bring him home to me at the end of each shift. I love You more than I love David. I will trust You”.

And I did trust the Lord and I knew Dave was safely wrapped in God’s love.

Yesterday I had several times throughout the day that I found myself focusing on the Father’s love. I could see, in my mind’s eye, the love of God surrounding me like a shield, protecting me from every side. It was amazing.

I gained a new understanding of this verse:

“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear.” I John 4:18 ERV

Understanding the depth of God’s love will drive out fear. Realizing that I am completely surrounded, shielded, by the Father’s love removes all fear. The Bible tells us that God is love. Since He is love and He promises to never leave us or abandon us, we will always be shielded by that love.

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. 16 God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children.” Romans 8:15-16 CEV

No longer enslaved by fear, we are children of a loving Father and nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from His love.

“God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. 10 Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven.” I John 4:9-10

During the month of February we celebrate love and there is no greater love than the love of the Father!

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A Shield of Love

I couldn’t sleep last night so I found a movie to watch, Mountain Top. The main character is played by Barry Corbin who is falsely accused of embezzling $100,000. It wouldn’t be top-rated in any genre but the acting was good and the plot was refreshing.

The lead character had an unwavering faith in God’s provision even when those around him doubted. It was that kind of faith that comes from walking with the Lord for years and depending on Him in all situations.

“The Lord is truthful; he can be trusted. He loves justice and fairness, and he is kind to everyone everywhere on earth.” Psalm 33:4-5 CEV

It gave me pause. I’m not always good when people falsely accuse me of wrongdoing. In fact, I’ve been known to jump in and make things worse. This is one area that the Lord is still helping me with – keeping my mouth shut and letting Him defend me.

“Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, ‘I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.’” Romans 12:19 CEV

Jesus knew what it was like to be unjustly accused. It seems every time He taught someone was there to malign Him. Jesus would redirect the conversation and point His accusers back to the Father. Even at His trial, He stood silent.

I’m really not sure why the Lord put this subject on my heart this morning, but I know I had to be faithful to write it. Maybe some of you are dealing with false accusations; it could be that you are being threatened with losing your job or a relationship because of lies.

“But let those who trust in you be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love your name. 12 Lord, when you bless good people, you surround them with your love, like a large shield that protects them.” Psalms 5:11-12 ERV

I want to encourage you to let the Lord fight the battle. Place yourself behind His shield of love!

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