Category: Theme

Posted on

Scattered

Many of you know that we spent the summer in the mountains. For two weeks we were in an “evacuation ready” status. The grass and the trees were dry, we’d had no rain and the conditions were right for lightning strikes.

One thing we were told to watch for were smoke plumes. If we saw smoke in an area where we hadn’t seen it before we were to notify our managers who would in turn relay the information to the Forest Service.

We were always on alert.

Oftentimes we experience the same conditions in our everyday life. We are emotionally dry, adverse circumstances come and we begin to smolder. The smoke plume is evidence that we may begin to burn. This isn’t a good sign but it’s something the Father knows how to correct. We alert Him to the danger we are experiencing.

“God, get up and scatter your enemies! May all your enemies run from you. 2 May your enemies be scattered like smoke blown away by the wind. May your enemies be destroyed
like wax melting in a fire. 3 But let good people be happy. Let them gather before God and enjoy themselves together.” Psalm 68:1-3 ERV

God scatters His enemies like smoke blown by the wind, scattered like the seeds of a dandelion, scattered like dust across the prairie. The Lord scatters our enemies, putting out the fire of contention and destruction and brings us to a place of joy.

One of the names the prophet Isaiah used when foretelling the coming of Christ was “Powerful God”, Mighty God.

“This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

Our powerful and mighty God is victorious in battle, able to defeat His enemies and also those who seek to do us harm. He has given us victory, He has scattered our enemies.

“ Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us, 4 because everyone who is a child of God has the power to win against the world. 5 It is our faith that has won the victory against the world. So who wins against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 1:3-5 ERV

Our faith in Jesus and who He is and what He has done for us is what brings us to a place of victory. Our Mighty God, our loving Father stands with us against our enemies, (physical, emotional and spiritual). As we stand with Him, we can boldly proclaim “Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!

Posted on

Bah Humbug!

We’re only a few days into the Christmas season and I have noticed that some people are already behaving like they’ve lost their Christmas spirit.

It seems sad to me when there is so much to be thankful for; so much joy to share; so much love to experience. It’s not the “grinch” or “Scrooge” that are trying to steal the peace and joy that Christmas brings, plain and simple, it’s the enemy.

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

I can understand how they get that way, but I also see it as an opportunity to share that treasure of light which God has placed within us. These people need an extra hug, a bigger smile, a kind word and an outpouring of love.

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

But maybe, just maybe, it’s not the clerk in the store or the other shoppers that has already begun to feel stressed and grumpy. Could it be that it’s the face looking back at you from your bathroom mirror? What do we do when that’s where we find the problem?

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23 CEV

Our lives should be a basket of good things. Sharing with others what Christ has done. If we find there is anything unkind or unloving about our attitudes, we need to purge it. One translation for the verse above say these qualities are the fruit of the Spirit, the Spirit of Christ and the true Spirit of Christmas.

“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

Let’s make it our goal to squelch, defeat and destroy the bah humbug and let the true spirit of Christmas, the love of Christ, be evident in all we do!

Posted on

A Teenager, A Carpenter & A Shepherd

Sometimes I think we forget that the people we encounter through the pages of the Bible were real people just like you and me. They were subject to the same emotions that we experience. I find that very comforting.

This morning I was thinking about the angels that were used to deliver God’s messages to those who had the starring roles in the Christmas story – a teenager, a carpenter and some shepherds.

First let’s look at the message that Mary received.

“The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him.” 29 But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. She wondered, “What does this mean?” 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. 31 Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:28-31 ERV

Don’t be afraid.

Then look at Joseph, the carpenter’s, encounter.

“ But after Joseph thought about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-22 ERV

Don’t be afraid.

And finally, let’s see the message the shepherds received.

“ That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:8-12 ERV

Don’t be afraid. The message is clear – God never wants our lives ruled by fear. When we are fearful, we react without thinking, often irrationally. God wants us to think clearly, to listen well and to follow His leading in peace.

If any of these three had been moved by fear the outcome of the angels’ announcements could have been very different. Mary may have told the angel to find someone else to mother the Messiah. Joseph, fearing for his reputation, may have decided to follow through with his plan to separate himself from Mary and end their relationship. If the shepherds had been led by fear they may have stayed on the hillside and missed out on seeing the newborn King.

I’ve had to ask myself; how many times have I missed out on God’s leading in my life because I let fear lead and not God’s peace. When the Father reveals His leading in our lives, He will also fill us with His peace.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

Of the three, the teenager, the carpenter and the shepherd, who do you identify with most; the young woman whose life would be publicly and dramatically changed, the businessman whose reputation and livelihood could have been ruined or the shepherd who could have not gotten involved but missed out on the meet-up of a lifetime?

To all of us, who are being led by the Father, the message is the same “Don’t be afraid, I am with you”!

Posted on

Sweet Immanuel

Earlier this week I was out in our 5th wheel trailer doing some cleaning. I hadn’t really done a thorough cleaning since we returned from the mountains. Music makes the cleaning process more enjoyable for me. I found my treasured copy of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gift” in the CD/DVD basket, put it in the player, turned up the volume and went to work.

I play this CD many times throughout the Christmas season and have for over 20 years. It’s one of my favorites. (I’ve given copies of it to my kids) I sing along with each song and let the music saturate my heart. So, I wasn’t surprised when I found the melody of one of the songs filling my mind yesterday as Dave and I traveled from Rio Rico to Apache Jct. and back.

“Oh a man named John The Baptist
Had been hearlding the news
About the coming of a Savior
For both the Gentiles and the Jews
And it happened in Judea
In the town of Bethlehem
With a bright star o’er the stable
Was born the Son Of Man
Oh the angels were rejoicing
As the tiny baby cried
For the hope of man’s salvation
In a manger had arrived
Meek as a lowly shepherd
But the mightiest of kings
He gives peace and life eternal
To whosoever calls His name
Oh Emmanuel
The Father’s precious Son
Who forgives our sins and washes clean
The hearts of everyone”*

“Oh, Immanuel, the Father’s precious Son, who forgives our sins and washes clean the hearts of everyone”!

Forgiven and cleansed!!! Can there be any greater gift than that?

When we lived in Idaho and Montana, I always welcomed our first good snow. It left a blanket of perfect white covering the pastures and the yards. The grasses that had turned brown were no longer visible, instead there was a glistening sparkle of white.

That’s what the Father does in our lives. Our past, with our sins, our failings, our guilt, leaves our hearts ugly but the Father’s loving forgiveness washes them clean, fresh like new fallen snow.

“I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 ERV

Clean and Forgiven. Immanuel – thank you for coming to earth!

“ So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 ‘A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.”‘” Matthew 1:22-23 CEV

The meaning of Immanuel – God is with us. Christ’s coming brought the presence of God to the earth. No longer alone, no longer left to struggle by ourselves, no longer without hope, no longer strangers to God’s love.

Ohhh, oh Immanuel, the Father’s precious gift to us. Sweet Immanuel, God with us!

*Song Title: What A Wonderful Beginning. Writer(s): Allen Shamblin, Austin Cunningham, Paul Cunningham

Posted on

Carry Me

How many times as a parent or grandparent have we heard that request “Carry Me”?

Let me tell you a quick story. Years ago, while we were in Hawaii visiting our oldest daughter and family, we took a day to climb Diamond Head. Us and a few hundred people we had never met. Our grandson was a toddler at that time and his sister was in kindergarten. Our grandson was in a backpack carrier, but his sister was walking. She got tired and you guessed it, said “Carry Me”.

She was carried the rest of the way and as we neared the top, I heard her say, “I’m so tired”. We had to laugh. That’s the image that came to mind yesterday while I was reading my Bible.

“Then I said, “Don’t worry! 30 The Lord our God will lead the way. He will fight on our side, just as he did when we saw him do all those things to the Egyptians. 31 And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children.” Deuteronomy 1:29-31 CEV

This is Moses talking to the Israelites shortly before they head into the Promised Land. His time as their leader was drawing to a close and Joshua would be his replacement. He was recounting all the Lord had done for them while they had been in the wilderness.

” the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we’ve been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. “

What a comfort! The Lord doesn’t abandon us, He carries us! When we are tired and weary, He gives us rest.

“I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers. 7 You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song. 8 You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones. 9 Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.” Psalms 28:6-9 CEV

When the prophets were foretelling the birth of Christ and all that He would be to those here on earth he said this:

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Eternal Father!

Think about that – He is our eternal Father! He is always with us, and He is always willing to “Carry Me”.

Posted on

Joy Is A Choice

These words filled my heart this morning as I was waking up, “Change is inevitable, Joy is a choice”.

I don’t know if someone famous said them, I don’t know where I heard them. Maybe the Lord just gave those words to me and if He did, I’m sharing them with you.

“But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” Luke 2:10-11 AMPC

We’ve all heard the “Christmas Story” at least once. God’s love came to earth as a baby. Angels sang, shepherds were startled, a young woman and man’s lives were changed completely and the world received a Savior.

Inevitable change!

Lots of change, and with it came uncertainty; some feared it, some hated it (Herod), some worshipped it and some were filled with joy. There is no doubt all were changed by this one life!

Many of the changes we encounter can step us back on our heels and create an atmosphere of uncertainty. That is when we draw close to the One who came to bring us joy. Our relationship with Christ, our dependence upon the Father, our comfort from the Holy Spirit let us know that we are not alone. When we trust Him, in all things, we can experience unspeakable joy. Joy because He is trustworthy.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. 5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:4-7 ERV

I can be filled with joy, not about unexpected changes or circumstances, but because God’s greatest gift, the gift of love has been given to me and to you, to all of us, and our relationship with Him brings peace and provides all that we need. We find comfort, peace and joy in His love.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Make joy your choice!

Posted on

Light the World

While we were in the mountains this summer I lit and decorated a small pine tree at the back of our campsite. Dave humored me when I bought the lights and told me we had multiple strands at home that we could have used but he ran the extension cord and help me string the lights without complaint.

I took little pinecones I had found on the ground, attached ribbon to them and hung them from the branches. Simple but special.

There were many nights that we sat outside and had campers walk by and remark “Oh look, they have a Christmas tree”. It was just a small non-descript Douglas fir but once the lights were added it took on new meaning.

Our lives are like that. We may be small and insignificant to the world’s population but once the Lord takes our lives and adds His light, we become a light to the world.

“You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, 15 and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. 16 Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 CEV

Notice the first four words of the verses above “You are like light” – we are to be like the light of the world, bringing hope in the darkness.

These were Jesus’ words to those who followed Him and listened to His teachings. They are His words to us as well. In the book of John, Jesus said of himself “I AM the light of the world”. He came to bring us out of the darkness of sinful living and into a life lit by the love of God.

“I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.” John 12:46 CEV

The light that comes from us is there because of Christ!

“The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 CEV

As we start this Christmas month, December, let’s remember to be a light that will point all those around us to THE LIGHT – let us be illuminated with His love!

Posted on

His Eye Is on The Sparrow

Are you ever in awe of the finite limitations of your own thinking? I am!

I am pretty savvy in some areas; common sense provides good direction but there are areas way beyond my expertise and I get baffled. What to do and how to gain more insight? I shake my head. I am so glad that I don’t have to depend on my knowledge alone.

“ I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

If we ask, the Lord will direct our steps to the right people and the right places. We need to be honest and ask for advice; seek understanding from those who know more. The Father is so faithful to provide the answers that we need if we are willing to ask.

“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. 9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? 10 Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? 11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

Our Father loves it when we ask for His assistance. He never expected us to live life on our own. I love how the verses above describe us as “bad parents”. That could be offensive but I believe what Jesus was trying to get us to see is that as good as we think we are as parents, providing for our children – protecting them and nurturing them – when we compare our goodness to the goodness of God, we are severely lacking. God’s goodness far outshines ours.

“Lord God All-Powerful, my King and my God, sparrows find a home near your altars; swallows build nests there to raise their young. 4 You bless everyone who lives in your house, and they sing your praises. 5 You bless all who depend on you for their strength
and all who deeply desire to visit your temple..11 Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun
and also like a shield. You treat us with kindness and with honor, never denying any good thing to those who live right. 12 Lord God All-Powerful, you bless everyone who trusts you.” Psalm 84:3-5,11-12 CEV

You, Lord God, are my God and my King!

The Bible uses the tiny sparrow as an example of God’s goodness. They are small and insignificant and yet the Lord provides for them daily. Jesus said if He provides for the sparrows just think of how much more He provides for us.

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1, 26 CEV

Maybe you’re in the same spot I am right now – feeling a bit “bird-brained”, in need of wise counsellors and godly advice. Ask the Lord for the right counsel and then trust Him to provide.

Posted on

Heavenly Peace

Last night’s sleep was heavenly! That’s why I am posting later this morning.

We had a wonderful couple of days with family but I have to be honest and say that I’m not as energetic at 68 as I was at 44. Just sayin’…

I loved playing and keeping up with our 6-, 4- and 2-year-old grandchildren. I wouldn’t have changed a minute of it but my body was tired when they left and the Lord blessed me with a wonderful night’s sleep.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord will keep me safe.” Psalm 8:4 CEV

The Lord made our bodies to replenish and refresh themselves with sleep and many times we forget to comply. We push to the point of exhaustion and that can cause physical and emotional problems. It’s ok to say, “I need to take a break, I need a rest”.

“Without the help of the Lord it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. 2 It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2 CEV

As we continue into the Christmas season, we need to make sure we take time to rest – time to replenish and refresh.

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

“So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 CEV

Two of the names that refer to Jesus are “Prince of Peace” and “Immanuel (God with us)”. Take time to rest, slow down. Enjoy God’s presence. Let the peace of God, dwelling in us, bring us to a place where we can sleep in heavenly peace!

Posted on

Completely Filled

and running over. That’s how my heart feels this morning!

Last weekend we had our oldest daughter and son-in-love here along with our oldest granddaughter. This weekend we have had our youngest daughter, our other son-in-love and three youngest grandchildren with us. Our son has called and sent a number of texts because it’s not possible for him to be with us.

Yes, completely filled and running over!

It’s important to me that our children and grandchildren always know they are welcome in our home, no matter where it is. This morning I was thinking of all the wonderful things that have happened in the years we have lived in this home. The birth of three grandchildren, one great granddaughter, the love and laughter of friends, along with some tears of sadness because of those we have lost. So many memories!

My heart is completely filled! Anything more is overflow!

Isn’t it amazing how the Father desires to fill our lives in the same way? He wants to enjoy the many benefits that He has designed for us – He wants our lives completely filled with His love, joy, strength, peace, hope. He yearns for us to live fulfilled and content in His presence.

“Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” Colossians 3:16 CEV

He came to bring us fullness.

“ 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

“ You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLV

“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!  For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude
20 Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 NLT

Completely filled and overflowing with the expressions and outpouring of God’s love!

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

I pray that each day we recognize the ways the Father pours out His love!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress