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Listen With Your Heart

Ever have all those voices going off in your head – you can’t, you won’t, you’re not good enough – you know the ones I mean? When that starts to happen recognize where it’s coming from – there is one called the accuser of the brethren and he doesn’t want you to succeed or have any peace. It definitely isn’t coming from God.

God is the One who says He has made us more than conquerors, overcomers, always victorious, able to stand and able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Amen! He’s our cheerleader.

Throw out those vain imaginations and listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit within – it will improve your day.

“It is true, we live in a body of flesh. But we do not fight like people of the world. 4 We do not use those things to fight with that the world uses. We use the things God gives to fight with and they have power. Those things God gives to fight with destroy the strong-places of the devil. 5 We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 NLV

God is the one who took Noah, an old man over 500 years old and turned him into a master ship builder. He took a young boy, David, and turned him in to a giant slayer. He took a stammering sheep herder, Moses, and made him the leader of a nation. He took an impetuous fisherman, Peter, and made him into a preacher. All of these people had limitations but God used them to accomplish great things.

He has plans for each one of us; all we need to do it let Him show us what they are and His power will cause us to succeed.

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” I Corinthians 1:26-31 NLT

Don’t listen to the voices in your head; instead listen to words of encouragement the Lord has put in your heart!

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One of the Least

For about ten days Dave and I had been under the weather with these winter flu/cold symptoms that are going around. Dave came down with them on Christmas Day and about five days later I began to feel the same effects.

I took care of him and he took care of me. We are feeling healthy and strong once again and so grateful for loving neighbors and those who sent their prayers, texts and calls. No one came to visit, thank goodness, but we felt the love as if you were here.

It was a true example of Scripture.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:34-30 NLT

There are so many across our nation who are sick right now and others are being effected adversely by the bad weather. We should be looking out for these “who are the least” among us.

It’s what Jesus would do!

Neighbors asked if we could use anything from the store. One neighbor brought over some homemade chili, rang the bell and left. They didn’t want to be exposed to the germs and we didn’t blame them; their kindness was shown. We felt loved.

If there’s someone on your block, in your work area or your social circle in need of a helping hand – reach out. Run an errand, make a soup, do a chore, take a child to piano lessons – help. In showing compassion we reveal the love of God that lives in us.

When we do it for the “least” we’re doing it for Jesus!

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You Don’t Have to Give It Back

Here we are just a few weeks after Christmas. If you’re like me you have probably made room in the cupboard, the closet or on the table top for the gifts you received at Christmas. Just yesterday I was out in the RV making room for the great camping items we received. Every gift was given with love and no one has called or come by to ask for their gift back. That would be so strange – a gift is an expression of love, it’s not something we take back.

Well God doesn’t take back His gifts either!

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29

I’ve read this verse and heard it taught on many times. In the context of the chapter, Paul is talking to Gentiles about how the Jews didn’t accept Jesus as their Messiah so that now the message is being preached to the Gentiles, us, who are non-Jews. God’s calling for salvation is available to everyone who will believe! That’s the calling of God.

However, yesterday I stopped and focused on the first few words. “For the gifts…are without repentance.” That’s when this verse took on a whole new light. The gifts – the gifts of God are without repentance, God doesn’t go back on his word. God doesn’t regret giving us something and then come take it back.

“God never changes his mind about the people he calls. He never decides to take back the blessings he has given them.” Romans 11:29 ERV

In early Bible history the Israelites or Jews were considered a blessed people and today they are still walking in that blessing. We, as believers, are also blessed of God.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

When Jesus was teaching the Sermon on the Mount He compared God’s character with that of man. God’s love is unconditional, unearned, unchanging – man’s love can be tainted by circumstance. If earthly parents, with natural affection, know how to give good gifts to their children how much greater are the gifts that God gives to us.

“Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 8 Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. 9 “Do any of you have a son? If he asked for bread, would you give him a rock? 10 Or if he asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? Of course not! 11 You people are so bad, but you still know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11

So when circumstances try to get you down, when people criticize and walk away, when it looks as if your world will shatter, remember God has spoken good into your life. If you’ve accepted His gift of salvation, you’re His child and He has many gifts and blessings lined up for you, He won’t go back on His word.

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This Little Light

I was talking with a friend and recalling a time when the power went off. The house was completely black. I know my house well and usually have no trouble maneuvering even in the darkness but this was different. Before I could get to the oil lamps and the candles I had stubbed my toe many times. Searching in the darkness is frustrating but it can also be frightening if you’re unaware of your surroundings.

It reminded me of these verses.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

We need to let the light of God shine through us each day, reflecting His glory and love. We should reflect God’s love in the same way that the moon reflects the light of the sun and then shines in beauty. It would be silly of the moon to think that the light it gives is of its own making. It is just as silly for us to think that we have any goodness to radiate on our own – we must be reflective agents of the God who created us and chooses to share His love with us.

There are millions who need to be rescued from the darkness. Darkness can be another word for loneliness, fear, low self-esteem, anger, hatred and a life without Jesus.

So for me, I will say this little light of mine – I’m gonna let it shine!

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I’m Excited!

I have such great expectation for the year before us. I’ve never lived in 2020 before and neither have you. We have so much to look forward too!

The one thing we can be certain of is our loving God and Heavenly Father knows every detail and He has designed wonderful and marvelous things for us to enjoy. Walking with the Lord is like prospecting for diamonds; the treasures are limitless.

I am so grateful for every opportunity the Lord gives me to share His word. As 2019 came to an end two new opportunities presented themselves and I feel so blessed. The first came in the opportunity to share my daily blog on the Sugar Pie Sisterhood group page. The ladies in this group enjoy homemaking – cooking, baking, decorating, a love for the old-fashioned and classic. If you are interested in these values you should check out the page – it might be just the group for you.

The second opportunity was an invitation to be the speaker at a women’s retreat in September. This particular retreat will be a mini cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada. I’ve never been on a cruise before. It will be an exciting adventure and I am looking forward to meeting new friends and seeing how God’s word will impact all our lives.

I ask you to pray for me as I continue to fine tune a new book and any other opportunities that the Lord opens for me.

If you have friends who aren’t on FB – yes, there are people who avoid it – they can receive my blog each morning via email. All you, or they, have to do is click the subscribe link on my home page and it will start within the next day or two.

Thank you for being faithful readers and prayer supporters of this outreach.

God bless you all. Happy New Year!

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Fear Not!

Here we are only a few days into this new year and I am sure that some of you have had to face circumstances or situations that are less than favorable. Some may have even received bad news that left you reeling. This isn’t God’s design or plan for you. His word is very plain – fear not!

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” Psalm 23:4 NLT

Like a good shepherd, Jesus walks with us through the darkest times and He brings protection and comfort where our enemies would like to infuse fear and unrest.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT

God, our Father, is loving and gracious. Any situation that we face doesn’t surprise Him; He has seen it coming and He has the answer. We need to press in to Him and let Him show us what it is.

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,  all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT

To have our thoughts fixed on the Lord is to be focused on Him. It’s like looking through the lens of a camera, everything on the peripheral blurs while we concentrate solely on what’s right before us. Look at every detail of the Father’s character, see His wisdom, His love and compassion. See His words of promise and stay in a place of peace.

Our emotions and imaginations can lead us down the path of “what if’s” if we allow them too. That’s why it’s so important to keep our minds filled with God’s word. When God makes a promise He keeps it.

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19 NLT

Give any worry or fear over to the Lord. Let Him carry the load and fear not!

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 NLT

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A Father’s Love

I’m a bit nostalgic today; fifteen years ago my Dad went to heaven. I miss him dearly but I don’t wish him back. I am so glad to know that he lived a life of loving Jesus and someday I have the promise that I will see him again.

Are you like me? Do you remember crawling up on your dad’s lap and talking to him about “stuff”? Did you have a hunting or fishing day? Or maybe you worked side by side in the corrals or in the pens? Maybe it was a special trip to the store or a weekly game? What is one of your favorite memories with your dad?

As a boy, our son would follow Dave through the alfalfa fields trying to match his steps stride for stride, he wore his hat like his dad and the same kind of boots. Then when he got older Dave would take him to his surf competitions. Father and Son. Now they spend time deep sea fishing, looking for boats and going to the Indy 500.

Our girls still call Dave daddy. When they write him notes or call on the phone it’s always “Daddy”. He would read to our youngest daughter when I was at work and comb her hair in the mornings if I had to go in early. Our oldest daughter had him chaperone her sweet 16 party and they went ice skating. They also had times they went horseback riding together. Now that they’re grown, their daddy is the first one they ask when they have DIY projects that they want done.

Times with Dad are special! They make an indelible impact on our lives. Even when we don’t have our earthly dads with us any more, we most certainly have our Heavenly Father here and He desires to have us spend time with Him.

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2 Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 CEV

“Since you are now God’s children, he has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, “ Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are not slaves like before. You are God’s children, and you will receive everything he promised his children.” Galatians 4:6-7 ERV

So make a commitment to spend time with the Father this year. He loves spending time with you!

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

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Big Catch – Big Question

Did you know that Simon Peter had a successful fishing business before he became one of Jesus disciples? In fact, he was involved in a fishing conglomerate; his partners were James and John.

They had been out fishing one night and came back empty handed. Their boats were on the shore line and they were cleaning their nets before they called it a day.

Jesus was there too. He was just starting in the ministry that God had designed for him. It had only been a matter of days or perhaps weeks, since He had been baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. People were recognizing that He was different; He had compassion and His teachings were like none they had ever heard. So on this day Jesus was being followed by people who wanted to hear him speak.

He saw the two boats and asked if he could get in one and speak to the people for a little ways out on the water. When Jesus finished speaking he looked at Simon and told him to go out to the deeper water and let down his nets.

Now Simon, the experienced fisherman, knew that late morning was really not a good time to fish. However, he did what Jesus said and caught the biggest load of fish he had ever encountered. It was a net breaking, boat sinking load of fish. He called to his partners and had them bring their boat to help handle the catch.

Amazing! This was the most successful day of their fishing careers. Never had they seen one like it.

Simon was overwhelmed, one verse says he was awestruck. He realized that Jesus was a special man of God and he felt unworthy to be in His presence.

“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:8-11 NLT

Some people think that they have to be at rock bottom to reach out to the Lord. Simon’s story is completely opposite. This was their best day; their biggest catch. Record breaking. And then came the big question “come fish for people”. I love the way the verse puts it, “as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus”.

Simon and his partners realized that it was Jesus who was responsible for their success that day. He was the influence that changed the circumstances. They were excited to leave all and follow Him.

A New Year lays ahead. I encourage you to follow Jesus whole-heartedly. He is the giver of abundant life and all good things come from Him.

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2020 A Year of Promise

2020

In the beginning…a New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Will this year start any differently than those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless our beginning has a solid foundation.

I want you to look at a couple verses this morning.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best way to start this new year is to have God there from the beginning! God the Father and His creative power are here to fill our beginning. And God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 KJV

God, the Holy Spirit, has come to remind us of what the Word says about our relationship with the Father and this will bring us peace! What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day.

When we start each day with “in the beginning God” we will experience a power and peace, a joy and focus that will carry us through anything that we may face.

Happy New Year!

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Don’t Judge

This morning I am recycling a post I put on Facebook about 4 or 5 years back. So many principles from the Bible need to be retaught from time to time. I hope you will find this to be a good refresher.

Ever feel like people judge you wrongly? They misunderstand or misconstrue a situtation or action and immediately jump to the wrong conclusion and you are branded, judged and even convicted.

Ever done that to someone? Ya, that’s the harder question to answer honestly. We have so many reasons or excuses for our actions. But when we judge others we are much less lenient.

” Jesus said: Don’t judge others and God won’t judge you. Don’t be hard on others, and God won’t be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. 38 If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” Luke 6:37-38 ERV

These are the words of Jesus. There are no exceptions like it’s ok to judge people who cut you off in traffic, are rude to you in the grocery store, don’t share your same political view, or who are just antagonistic. NO EXCEPTIONS!

If we judge, we will be judged and we all know that is not a pleasant situation to be in. There’s only one judge who rules justly and we are not HIM.

“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. 33 If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. 34 If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.

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 6:31-36 CEV

I’m working on making this my daily goal in the upcoming year. I want to be more like the Father so I need to be less judgmental. There’s no room in His life for it and so there should be none in mine! He doesn’t keep track of my faults and I shouldn’t keep track of others faults.

Make 2020 a judgement free year. Happy New Year.

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