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More Than Shadow Boxing

Remember, years back, all the Rocky movies?

Cue theme music, roll tape, see Rocky running through the streets and up the steps. Now he stands at the top and raises his arms above his head in triumphant victory! And the crowd goes wild!!!

I have to be honest, I only saw the first one; it was good but it didn’t entice me to see the sequels. The thing that I took away from that movie was the heart’s desire of the underdog. The never give up, never quit determination that can consume some one’s life.

Long before Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed there was someone else who knew the importance of never giving up.

“You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one runner gets the prize. So run like that. Run to win! 25 All who compete in the games use strict training. They do this so that they can win a prize—one that doesn’t last. But our prize is one that will last forever. 26 So I run like someone who has a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something, not just the air. 27 It is my own body I fight to make it do what I want. I do this so that I won’t miss getting the prize myself after telling others about it.” I Corinthians 9:24- 27 ERV

The Apostle Paul compared our lives in Christ to a athletic competition.

We’ve got to be disciplined. We’ve got to train with someone who will challenge us to be our best and won’t allow us to quit. Victory is not the result of an overnight success; it comes from dedication and hard work. We don’t run a marathon in our first week of training and we don’t get the champion’s belt after our first sparing match.

Of course not!

The same holds true with the battles we fight with our physical desires that don’t honor the Lord. The Apostle Paul says that we are to crucify (deaden, kill, destroy) our fleshy desires. John writes the same thing.

“Don’t love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you cannot love the Father. 16 Our foolish pride comes from this world, and so do our selfish desires and our desire to have everything we see. None of this comes from the Father. 17 The world and the desires it causes are disappearing. But if we obey God, we will live forever.” I John 2:15-17 CEV

We all know we shouldn’t be doing those “big” sins. It’s the little ones we need to conquer. Things like gossip, the little white lie, loosing our temper, saying something unkind or critical, laziness. These are the conditioning races or shadow boxing. Perfecting our technique and skills. We need to conquer the small things.

“Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. 2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne! 3 So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:1-3 CEV

We have the best coach and trainer, we have Jesus. He came and faced every temptation that we do and He was victorious every time. If we follow His instruction, we will also be victorious!

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 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 4:14-16 ERV

Cue the music – We are the champions!

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The King’s Daughter

When I was a girl I wasn’t a Girl Scout but I was a King’s Daughter. That was the organization we had at church for young girls and there was also a group for the boys.

It was there I learned to memorize Bible verses. It’s been almost 55 years ago that I was in that group but occasionally I test my memory to see what I remember. The first whole chapter that I memorized was Psalm 100.

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before His presence with singing. Know that it is He who hath made us and not we ourselves. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Be thankful unto Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His mercy endures to all generations.” Psalm 100 KJV

Not quite word for word but almost.

That Psalm reminds me to always be ready to praise the Lord. He has given me life and His goodness, mercy and truth will always endure.

Another verse I learned back then comes to mind quite frequently and still gives me guidance when I’m wondering what to do and how to do it.

“Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11 KJV

There are many other things that I learned while in King’s Daughters but the one that has stayed with me – the one that has been life changing – is the training I received to love God’s word and to honor His promises.

Right now our daughter is teaching our little grandson how to write. He knows his letters, colors, animals, sounds, numbers, etc. The other day she sent me a picture of his writing lesson for the day. He’s really very good.

It brought back memories of when our kids were little and I was teaching them these things. It’s important to have a good education. As important as these things are, it is even more important that we know the words of our Father. They bring us life.

“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 1:8-9 ERV

Just as children learn from their earthly parents, it’s vital that we remember and know what the Father says. After all, we’re the King’s kids.

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All The Children of the World

When I was a little girl we sang a song in Sunday School, Jesus Loves the Little Children.

Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white; they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Do you ever stop to think where you would be without God’s amazing, unconditional love? On our best days, when we’re kind and gracious to those around us, we still don’t measure up to the love that He shows us on a moment by moment, 24/7 basis.

How much He has forgiven me! I know that all of my sins have been forgiven and even, according to Hebrews, forgotten, never to be remembered again – that is just so overwhelming – so, well the only word for it, awesome!

If God, who is perfect, can forgive and love not just me but everyone who is living and has ever lived with all of their sins, their failures, screw ups and out and out vulgar living than I should be able to love and forgive those who live in my house, work on my job and are acquainted with me on a daily basis. God isn’t just asking us to do this but He is telling us we need to do this to be an example of Him. He’s never asked us to do anything that we aren’t able to do because it’s His strength and His character that are living in us.

” God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 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. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:12-17 ERV

Because we are a part of the body of Christ, we should work together to be a display of His love to the world around us. I love verse 17 – WHATEVER you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord. So if you are going to say or do something that wouldn’t represent the Lord, then don’t! I know somedays my world is really quiet because I’m holding my tongue until I can say something that would be representative of what Jesus would say if He were speaking through me. Yes, very quiet indeed!

I asked you at the beginning to stop and think where you would be without God’s amazing love. Now let that love and forgiveness flow through you to those around you as His representative.

“He said, “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?”

37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.” Matthew 22:36-40 ERV

Take the love of God to the world.

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Today’s Goal

What do you want to accomplish today? Do you have a goal or a purpose for the hours that lay ahead?

I woke up this morning singing the little chorus I learned years ago:
In my life Lord be glorified, be glorified. In my life Lord be glorified today.

That’s my goal today – to glorify or give honor to the Father today!

When Jesus came He said His purpose was to glorify the Father and then He went on to say that he came to cleanse the leper, heal the sick, raise the dead, heal the broken hearted and to set free those who were imprisoned (spiritually and emotionally). He quoted a prophesy from the book of Isaiah. At the end of that prophesy it says that we will be called trees of righteousness that the Father may be glorified.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind. 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of God’s favor to them has come, and the day of his wrath to their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:1-3 TLB

The purpose of the miracles is to draw us to Christ and into a relationship with the Father. That relationship will so change our lives that we are living examples of his love and mercy.

We are planted, as trees, in our relationship with the Father, ever growing, firm, stalwart, able to stand in the storm, growing in our awareness of His righteousness working in us.

“God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers 17 and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love.” Ephesians 3:16-17 CEV

In my life Father, be glorified today!

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Few or Many

Which is better many or few? I guess that would depend on the circumstances, right?

This morning I was reading in I Samuel. King Saul was going out to battle with the Philistines. His soldiers were scared and had deserted him. Many of them were hiding in caves, among big rocks and some even went to hide in old tombs. Saul was greatly outnumbered. They were many, his army was few.

Saul’s son, Jonathan, was with his father as they strategized a battle plan. Saul was hesitant because of the size of his army and the many who had deserted.

“That day, Saul’s son Jonathan was talking with the young man who carried his weapons. Jonathan said, “Let’s go to the Philistine camp on the other side of the valley.” But Jonathan did not tell his father.

2 Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree at the threshing floor at the edge of the hill. Saul had about 600 men with him…These men did not know that Jonathan had left. 4 Jonathan was planning to go through a pass to get to the Philistine camp. There was a large rock on each side of the pass. The large rock on one side was named Bozez. The large rock on the other side was named Seneh. 5 One of the rocks faced north toward Micmash, and the other faced south toward Geba.

6 Jonathan said to his young helper who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s go to the camp of those foreigners.[c Maybe the Lord will use us to defeat them. Nothing can stop the Lord—it doesn’t matter if we have many soldiers or just a few soldiers.”

7 The young man who carried Jonathan’s weapons said to him, “Do what you think is best. Whatever you decide, I am with you all the way.”

8 Jonathan said, “Let’s go!” I Samuel 14:1-8 ERV

At times, circumstances seem stacked against us. The odds are overwhelming. We’re not qualified enough; expectations of others seem to be over exaggerated; financially we’re limited; physically we’re weak.

In times like these we remember our teaching from yesterday; we are in Christ and so we do like Jonathan and we go for it!

“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

When we follow the Lord’s direction it doesn’t matter if we have an army standing behind us or we stand alone, in Him, we are the majority and able to win any battle. We may feel like David standing before a Goliath of a problem but we can stand there in confidence because it was David who won with God’s help.

Look at today’s challenges. Get a word from God and go for it. Nothing can stop the Lord!

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Are You With Or In?

Each morning I spend quite a bit of time looking for the right image to go with each day’s blog. I hope that the image used will stick with you through the day and cause you to remember the teaching I share.

When I saw this image, I knew I had to use it. This little guy is “with” the ducks and “in” the water.

Have you ever thought about the difference between “with” and “in”?

If you have water in a glass and you take it to the table it is “with” you. But you can leave that room and leave the water behind. However, if you drink the water it is “in” you. It gives life to your cells and nourishes your body.

All through the Old Testament we find that God was “with” the people. When Jesus came one of his names was Emmanuel, God “with” us and wherever Jesus went He took God with Him. It is the presence of God that changes our lives.

But once we accept Jesus as our Saviour the Scriptures says that we are “in” Him.

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding [ain it with thanksgiving.

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead ]bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:6-10 NKJV

His fullness fills us with His life, His love, His character. Wherever we go we take Christ in us. We bring His nature, His life to every circumstance and person we come in contact with.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. 5 And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. 6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.” Ephesians 1:3-6 ERV

We don’t need to beg God for be “with us”. We need to be aware, vitally aware, He is always “in us” because we are “in Christ”. He goes with us everywhere, we can’t ever be separated from Him.

“This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people. 27 God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth, which is for all people, is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory. 28 So we continue to tell people about Christ. We use all wisdom to counsel every person and teach every person. We are trying to bring everyone before God as people who have grown to be spiritually mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:26-28 ERV

He lives “in” us so that we can take Him to the world! Let the Lord shine through you today.

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Time With The Father

I like something I saw on Facebook a while back. It went like this: Religion is a man sitting in church thinking about fishing – Relationship is a man fishing thinking about God!

I believe in Christian fellowship and I believe in attending church but if it’s done from ritual or tradition it really isn’t profitable. However, when it’s done because of relationship with the Father, church attendance is a wonderful place of strength and growth and it is also a wonderful place of service. But I’m not here to talk about church attendance.

I’m asking you today to see how many times you find yourself thinking about the Father and how many times you find yourself reaching out to someone in a gesture of His love; not in a religious, preachy sort of way but just genuine caring and concern. A smile, a hug, a phone call or a note, being patient with someone who you feel is incompetent or unprepared; taking time to help someone else even if it means you are detained from doing what you “want” to do – look for the God directed interruptions to your day.

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-40 NJKV

I also want you to see how many times the Father interrupts your day with His thoughts and reminders that He cares about the smallest details in your life; a creative thought that makes work more efficient, a friendly stranger giving you their place in a long line, finding something you needed for less that you expected to pay, a great parking space, a smoother flow of traffic, a call from a friend, a smile or soft word of love from someone you hold dear. These are all ways that the Father reaches out to us! You might think that God doesn’t really care about the little things but you’re wrong – He’s the master of the tiny details.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV

If He sees the sparrow fall and He does; He knows the smallest detail about your life and He is invested in showing you His love!

Maybe it’s time to go fishing. Whatever you do, enjoy your relationship with the Father today!!

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Don’t Grow Weary

I hope the verses from yesterday really made an impact in your day. Not by might nor by power…

We have a tendency to burn the candle at both ends, too many projects, overcommitted and not enough rest. That’s where I find myself today. I’m asking you to pray for me today because I am weary. I woke up this morning feeling like I could spend the whole day in bed. My body wanted more rest.

Have you ever been there?

So the first thing I did was tell the Lord I needed more strength. And I hope that today would be the day to get a nap. And then this verse came to mind.

“Dear friends, you must never become tired of doing right.” II Thessalonians 3:13 CEV

Another translation words this verse “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”

And there’s another verse in Isaiah that I really take to heart on day’s like today.

“Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. 31 But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” Isaiah 40:30-31 CEV

I’m already feeling stronger and more ready to start my day! God’s word is like good, nourishing food to my spirit. It’s amazing how reading these Scriptures brings strength.

If you’re feeling like I was this morning – a bit tired and weary – take time to put today’s verses into practice. Add to them yesterday’s verse and let the Spirit of the Lord carry the load. This is where we find rest!

“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.[a] Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. 30 Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 ERV

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Not My Power

“I am the Lord All-Powerful. So don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit.” Zechariah 4:6 CEV

When I woke up the words above were the ones that came to mind. Not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit says the Lord of hosts. This is an all encompassing word of encouragement.

Right now, I have a friend who is facing a very serious heart surgery. One of my children is recovering from back surgery and another has a surgery scheduled next week. Our youngest daughter is pregnant and has had a rough time with morning sickness. We have friends who have been overwhelmed by business details and work situations.

As I was praying about these areas and many others the Lord kept reminding me of the verse above. Not my might, not my power but total dependence on the Lord. When I finished praying I found these words that I had written a couple years back…

What’s your focus when you wake up in the morning? Is it the project before you – the diagnosis you recently received from your doctor – the financial challenge that seems overwhelming? Maybe it’s physical pain in your body – a relationship that is factured and fragile – possibly physical danger and unrest?

If those things remain in the forefront of your mind, your day will wrap itself in worry, distress and then eventually lead to despair and depression.

However, if your focus is on God’s goodness and His provision you will find hope, joy and peace. That’s why I love starting my mornings in the Psalms – it is good to begin each day celebrating the faithfulness of the Lord.

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole world sing to the Lord! 2 Sing to the Lord and praise his name! Tell the good news every day about how he saves us. 3 Tell all the nations how wonderful he is! Tell people everywhere about the amazing things he does. 4 The Lord is great and worthy of praise. He is more awesome than any of the “gods.” 5 All the “gods” in other nations are nothing but statues, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 He lives in the presence of glory and honor. His Temple is a place of power and beauty. 7 Praise the Lord, all people of every nation; praise the Lord’s glory and power. 8 Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory! Come, bring your offerings into his courtyard. 9 Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty. Everyone on earth should tremble before him. 10 Tell the nations that the Lord is King! The world stands firm and cannot be moved. He will judge all people fairly. 11 Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be happy! Let the sea and everything in it shout for joy! 12 Let the fields and everything in them be happy! Let the trees in the forest sing for joy 13 when they see the Lord coming! He is coming to rule the world. He will rule all the nations of the world with justice and fairness.” Psalm 96 ERV

Let the Lord rule over the circumstances in your life today and receive the peace that floods in when you let go and trust God. It’s not our might or power but HIs Spirit that brings the answers and defeats the enemy.

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Easy-Up Living

When I was a kid the majority of our family outings were to the lake and fishing was involved. Mostly, we had “day trips” because of Dad’s work schedule. No time for extended stays and we weren’t prepared to stay much longer than a few hours. No tent, no travel trailer or RV. (Once we borrowed a travel trailer from friends; it leaked but that’s a completely different story.) They were great times!

When our kids were older we got a tent and would go camping with the church group occasionally but it wasn’t until we moved to the northwest that we really got geared up for camping. We had a big two-room Kelty tent, all the sleeping bags, camp cots, air mattresses, water toys, kitchen gear – we were set. One of our favorite things was to throw everything in the back of the Jeep and head for our favorite campground on the Clark Fork River.

The only thing that would put a damper on the weekend was setting up the tent. Let’s be honest, it was a real challenge. Dave and I both had to fight to keep a cool head as we worked together to get the right tent poles in the right slots and then stake the thing down. One year while living in Montana we sold all the camping gear. We were done with overnight camping; those day-trips like we had when I was a kid seemed good enough.

Time and grandkids have changed our minds. Over the past year we have been talking how much fun it would be to take the grandkids camping in the White Mountains of Arizona just like our parents did with us. We have committed to living debt free since we retired so the purchase of a 5th Wheel trailer wasn’t in the budget. Thus began our search for a tent that would be big enough for the family but easy enough for Dave and I to set up on our own. We ordered it last week and it arrived on Tuesday.

Yesterday was the trial set-up. This tent was advertised as an “easy-up”. Take it out of the bag and have it up in 2 minutes. That’s exactly what we were hoping for! Well, it’s up. First attempt only took 9 minutes to have it out of the bag and up. We felt accomplished. And now we are looking forward to many wonderful times, just the two of us or with the family, exploring the outdoors again and camping in the mountains. I even found a Scripture to go with tent camping.

“The tent of a good person stands longer than the house of someone evil.” Proverbs 14:11 CEV

It will be fun to “rough it”. So many wonderful memories to be made however, I am realistic enough to know that it won’t be like home. Home is better. And that’s the lesson the Apostle Paul was trying to get us to see.

“Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. 2 While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. 3 We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked.

4 These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don’t do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. 5 God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it. 6 So always be cheerful!

As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. 7 But we live by faith, not by what we see. 8 We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord. 9 But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him.” II Corinthians 5:1-9 CEV

Our lives here on earth are like camping, Paul tells us. This tent isn’t as good as our home in heaven, not in the slightest. But we can still be cheerful! We can enjoy the adventure that is ours here on earth. The Holy Spirit is our helper and He will give us what we need here and reassure us that we have a better home coming.

Life here on earth has it’s struggles and challenges but in Christ, our easy-up tents are blessed.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

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