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Hot & Tired

I was reading in John 7 this morning where Jesus is talking to the people about living water.

” On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If you are thirsty, come to me and drink! 38  Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.” 39 Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone that had faith in him. The Spirit had not yet been given to anyone, since Jesus had not yet been given his full glory.” John 7:37-39 CEV

Those words “If you are thirsty, come and drink” brought back a vivid memory.

Dave and I were farming alfalfa in the Arizona desert south of Phoenix. The hay balers were used weren’t the ones that produced the big round bales. Instead, they were Freeman balers that produced the smaller, rectangle bales, each weighing about 110 pounds.

In Arizona, we bale at night once the dew comes in and has an opportunity to moisten the alfalfa a little before baling. Well, because it was night we hadn’t seen there had been a malfunction of the bale chute and so the bales dropped off the baler and landed on their sides.

In the morning, we had to go out and set the bales up right so they could be picked up by the road sider, a piece of equipment that made the bales in a tight stack. It was summer, the sun was hot and I was walking from field to field setting the bales while Dave had other work to do.

I didn’t realize until it was too late that he had driven off with the water. I was so hot and thirsty when he returned. I was parched.

Water. Life-giving water!

I’ve also had times when my soul and my spirit has been parched. So tired and stressed that all the tears had been cried. Feeling that there was no emotion left. Hopeless.

Have you been there?

This is what Jesus is referring too. Dry in body, soul and spirit. In need of life-giving water. That water, that refreshing comes from the Holy Spirit. He brings strength from heaven’s throne.

“But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.” John 16:7 CEV

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

“Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God.” Romans 8:10 ERV

That dry, parched, thirsty feeling will be quenched when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with living water.

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Touched with Compassion

Reading the news, watching the world condition, life can cause anxiety and distress.

I’m a hugger. Not those little pat on the back kind of hugs. I like to embrace someone and let them know they are loved. Jesus called it being moved with compassion.

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 KJV

These words following are the writing of the Apostle Paul. He ministered to so many people. Some hated him fiercely and others were drawn to him and his message. Feel his compassion.

“Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.16 Always be joyful 17 and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.19 Don’t turn away God’s Spirit 20 or ignore prophecies. 21 Put everything to the test. Accept what is good 22 and don’t have anything to do with evil. 23 I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 24 The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.” I Thessalonians 5:15-24 CEV

Through these words the Lord is calling us to reach out to others. Embrace them with His love and goodness. Speak words of encouragement, pray for them, lend a hand.

“Do your best to improve your faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.” II Peter 1:5-8 CEV

The One who chose you can be trusted! Amen!

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Answer to Weariness

Didn’t sleep well last night? Too many dreams, noisy neighborhood, the dogs were barking or the coyotes howling?

You want to know how to turn the tide on fatigue and grumpiness this morning?

“Everyone, clap your hands. Shout with joy to God! 2 The Lord Most High is awesome.” Psalm 47:1-2 ERV

Don’t let the things that go bump in the night affect your day. Listen to the song of the birds – see the beauty in the sunrise and praise the Lord for the opportunity of the day ahead.

“I praise you, Lord God, with all my heart. You are glorious and majestic, dressed in royal robes 2 and surrounded by light. You spread out the sky like a tent, 3 and you built your home over the mighty ocean. The clouds are your chariot with the wind as its wings… 10 You provide streams of water in the hills and valleys, 11 so that the donkeys and other wild animals can satisfy their thirst.12 Birds build their nests nearby and sing in the trees…33 As long as I live, I will sing and praise you, the Lord God. 34 I hope my thoughts will please you, because you are the one who makes me glad.” Psalm 104: 1-3, 10-12, 33-34 CEV

I’m writing to myself this morning. It’s been a long week and my energy level is low. But I’ll be singing with the birds – as soon as they get up!

I know I have told you before but the birds are my morning reminder to praise. There was a time when Dave and I had very little money. My grocery budget was $20 a week for a family of 4. I know, it was definitely a struggle but that’s when I learned first-hand of the Lord’s faithfulness. He ministered these words to my heart and I’ve never forgotten the lesson.

“ 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 much more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Each morning the birds start their day with a song. In my imagination, I hear it as a song of praise. “Thank you Father for the bugs and the seeds. Thank you my nest in the trees. Thank you for the air that I fly in. Thank you for taking care of me”.

Find a reason to sing this morning and sing loudly! God loves you and He has a wonderful day planned for you!

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Up for a Chariot Ride?

Are you looking to be set-up by God today? You know, those “chance” meetings, wondering about people you used to be close with, just being in the right place at the right time.

God’s set-ups!

Philip was open to God using him. When Saul started persecuting the Chrisitans in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria to preach there. Then one day the Lord told him to go south of Jerusalem on the road to Gaza. Philip obeyed.

There he met a high official in Egypt’s political system. The man was reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t really understand what he was reading.

“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ 30 So he went toward the chariot, and he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’

31 The man answered, ‘How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me.’ Then he invited Philip to climb in and sit with him… The official said to Philip, ‘Please, tell me, who is the prophet talking about? Is he talking about himself or about someone else?’ 35 Philip began to speak. He started with this same Scripture and told the man the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:29-35 ERV

There are people all around us waiting for someone to be their Philip. We need to slow down from our own demanding schedules and allow the Lord to direct us to them.

It might be as simple as giving someone a smile and a God bless you. It might be asking someone how they are doing and really listening to their answer. Philip was listening, he heard the man and then he asked a question.

It’s the Father’s job to prepare hearts but it’s our job to be prepared to be obedient when He calls on us.

“Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” I Peter 3:15 CEV

” I pray God will make you ready to obey him and that you will always be eager to do right. May Jesus help you do what pleases God. To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever! Amen.” Hebrews 13:21 CEV

Are any of you praying for the Lord to send someone to minister to your children or a dear friend? What if that person is too busy? Maybe we are the answer to someone’s prayer? Are we ready?

When we take time to listen to the Father, we will be the answer to someone’s prayer! It may involve a ride in a chariot.

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Mercy – A Life Changer

There’s an old song we used to sing and this morning it came to mind once again and has filled my morning quiet time.

“Mercy rewrote my life. Mercy rewrote my life. I could have fallen, my soul cast down But mercy rewrote my life”.

Oh yes, thank you heavenly Father for Your mercy!

“You know that the Lord your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations.” Deuteronomy 7:9 CEV

This is a promise from God’s heart to ours. He faithfully keeps His agreement with us.

Simply put, mercy can be defined as being protected from judgement for the things we have done that deserve punishment. One of my favorite “mercy” verses is found in the book of Lamentations.

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, ‘The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!’” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

If there’s anyone in the Bible that knows about mercy, it’s the Apostle Paul. He carried arrest warrants for Christians. He was responsible for their imprisonment and even their deaths.

But, mercy rewrote His life.

” In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. 2 You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. 3 Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace 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 2:1-6 CEV

The worst of sinners became the man that God used to teach us all the message of grace and forgiveness.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. ‘This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all!‘ 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:15-16 CEV

When we fail, and we do. When we feel we are undeserving of forgiveness mercy steps in. God’s love covers our sins, completely!

“The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails.” Psalm 103:8 CEV

That’s what makes my heart sing – “Mercy rewrote my life”!

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Oh Eeyore!

The Lord is still impressing me to stay on this subject of looking up. Maybe it’s not for you but maybe for someone close to you.

Do you ever have one of those days when you just feel down and you don’t know why? I am glad to say that really doesn’t happen much in my life but it used too. It was a real battle to stay “up” and see the blessings that surrounded me.

About 30 years ago the Lord began to use the characters in the Winnie the Pooh stories to help me identify people according to their personalities. Our son is definitely a Tigger; our oldest daughter is Rabbit; our youngest is Pooh; my husband is Owl and I’m, well, I’m Kanga. You get the picture. But then there are those who are Eeyore’s – always gloomy. An Eeyore is always walking around with their head down, eyes down, looking for the worst and finding it. Eeyore needs to change his focus – he needs to look up and consider Someone bigger than himself.

This morning, I really felt the Lord wanted me to share Psalm 42 with you and as I read it, I thought, “Lord, did I hear you right? This is a good Psalm but what does it have to do with “looking up”, with keeping our focus on you?” And there it was!! You can always trust God.

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Psalm 42:5

Why are we cast down, o my soul? Why is our focus downward and not looking up? Why are we discouraged? We aren’t putting our hope in God, we aren’t looking up. When we do, we will praise God and praising God will improve our countenance – both our inward and external appearance. God always knows what He’s talking about.

So, consider our soul today and ask it this question – are we looking up? Hope in God!

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God…5 Why am I discouraged? (Why are you cast down) Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, 6 and you are my God. I am deeply discouraged (I am cast down) as I think about you from where the Jordan begins at Mount Hermon and from Mount Mizar. 7 Your vicious waves have swept over me like an angry ocean or a roaring waterfall. 8 Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the living LORD God. 9 You are my mighty rock. Why have you forgotten me? Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad? 10 Even my bones are in pain, while all day long my enemies sneer and ask, “Where is your God?” 11 Why am I discouraged? (Why are you cast down) Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42 CEV

There is no condemnation in being discouraged. We can be honest with ourselves and with God. He can handle it. But don’t let discouragement rule! Praise the Lord again and again – He is our help!

Stay thirsty for the Lord!

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Keep Looking Up

Yes, one more message on looking up! Why? Because that’s what the Lord said for me to do. This is a message I’ve shared before, but it bears repeating.

I want to draw your attention to a time when Jesus “looked up”. Jesus had left the area of Judea just days earlier because the Pharisees were trying to kill him. And now he learned that his dear friend Lazarus was very sick. He told his disciples that they needed to return to Bethany and they reminded him that the people in that area were against him.

Jesus waited a couple more days and then he told the disciples we MUST go to Bethany, Lazarus is dead. When Jesus arrived he learned that Lazarus had already been in the grave four days. Martha came out to meet Jesus and told him if Jesus had been there she knew her brother would not be dead.

So, do you get the picture? Jesus is grieving over the death of his dear friend. He is just a two mile walk from a town where a mob had tried to kill him just a few days ago and now his friend’s sister is blaming him for her brother’s death. WOW!

The story goes on from there. Lazarus’ other sister, Mary, and the mourners came to where Jesus is. Mary falls at Jesus’ feet and says the same thing, “If you had been here my brother wouldn’t have died.” And now comes the shortest verse in the Bible – Jesus wept.

I think he wept because he felt the grief of the loss of a friend; I think he wept because he was being blamed for that death; I think he wept because the people around him had no faith and hope. But he wept. And then he did something that we all need to do – He looked UP!

“Jesus was still terribly upset.,, 41 After the stone had been rolled aside, Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, I thank you for answering my prayer. 42 I know that you always answer my prayers. But I said this, so that the people here would believe that you sent me.” John 11:38-42 CEV

He looked up to the Father – he reminded Himself that God the Father had not abandon Him and that even in His grief, the Father was there to bring victory to the situation. He looked up and he thanked the Father for answered prayer. He knew the purpose of all of this was that the people would believe!

His words, “Lazarus, come forth” brought the power of God to the situation and Lazarus came walking out of the tomb! Awesome!

A kind and loving God brought an end to grieving and despair. He brought life to Lazarus and life to the hope and faith of the people who were there. He can and will still do the same today.

What is it in your life that is dead and needs to be resurrected? Your hope? Your faith? Your health? Your marriage? Your joy? Your finances? What???

Look up to the one who has life giving power – look up and thank Him for resurrection and then be bold like Jesus and call it forth from the grave. You notice Jesus didn’t agree with the things that Mary, Martha and the people were saying.

He was focused on looking up – we need to do the same!

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Sound Advice

No, I’m not talking about PA systems, surround sound, hearing aids or any other type of external amplification.

I’m talking about listening to the still, small voice that the Lord uses when He wants to get our attention.

Advice from a friend or an expert is good but direction from the Lord is better.

“Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

Jesus is the friend that is always with us. If we listen, we will hear His voice and when we follow Him, He will lead us.

“ My sheep hear My voice and I know them. They follow Me. 28 I give them life that lasts forever. They will never be punished. No one is able to take them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28 NLV

“ The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:1-4 NLV

His leading is for our protection. We don’t ever need to fear when we are following Him. Even in a dangerous situation like the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. Even in the presence of our enemies, He provides for us.

“You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:5 NLV

The Lord is always speaking to our hearts. That’s how a shepherd calms His sheep, He speaks to them and His voice is soothing and calming. Giving them rest.

“23 The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way. 24 When he falls, he will not be thrown down, because the Lord holds his hand...39 But the saving of those who are right with God is from the Lord. He is their strength in time of trouble. 40 The Lord helps them and takes them out of trouble. He takes them away from the sinful, and saves them, because they go to Him for a safe place.” Psalm 37:23-40 NLV

Let me advise you to listen to the right voices. Some voices spread fear and distress. Some speak words of greed and selfishness. But there is a voice to follow that speaks peace.

“ So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well. 12 You will go out with joy, and be led out in peace. The mountains and the hills will break out into sounds of joy before you. And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. ” Isaish 55:11-12 NLV

Make sure you are listening to “sound advice”.

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A Place of Help & Hope

As a child I used to look up in amazement when planes flew over. They were a completely new phenomenon to me. I wondered where they were going and how they could possibly stay in the air. To a four-year-old it was a miracle.

We are told to lift up our heads in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean to turn our heads up, it is an attitude of the heart. This was an attitude that King David took. Turn our focus heavenward. Looking up is looking beyond ourselves and looking to someone higher, looking to God the Father.

“ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” Psalm 24:8-10

Are you looking up today? Are you looking beyond yourself and finding God’s directive on how you should function today? It’s easy to get discouraged and even depressed with all the world’s happenings and Jesus knew that these days and times we are living in would be taxing to our mental peace at the very least so He gave us this command.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28

So many things around us are in turmoil. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, weather disruptions, political unrest, bias, hatred, financial uncertainty, relationships failing. All of these things wear on us emotionally, physically and spiritually.

The prophet Isaiah had this vision from the Lord.

“I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple. 2 Seraph angels stood around him. Each angel had six wings. They used two wings to cover their faces, two wings to cover their bodies, and two wings to fly. 3 The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.‘” Isaiah 6:1-3 ERV

The Lord is still on His throne. He is still in control and we can trust Him! God is not taken by surprise, and He has a plan for our good.

Don’t let your heart fail or become fearful – lift up your head for your Redeemer (redemption) draws near!

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Are You Weary?

” O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

This was the song on my heart when I got up this morning. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, written in 1922, just after World War I ended and the US was entering the “Roaring Twenties”.

But souls were weary and these words came as a refreshing reminder.

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the eternal God, Creator of the earth. He never gets weary or tired; his wisdom cannot be measured. 29 The Lord gives strength to those who are weary. 30 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 40:28-31 CEV

Over the past few days I have talked with a number of people who are just “weary”. Not getting enough sleep, too much to do. Facing situations that don’t seem to be changing quickly enough. Financial difficulties and stress.

Weary.

“Your love is faithful, Lord, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. 6 Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. 7 Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. 8 You give your guests a feast in your house, and you serve a tasty drink that flows like a river. 9 The life-giving fountain belongs to you, and your light gives light to each of us. 10 Our Lord, keep showing love to everyone who knows you, and use your power to save all whose thoughts please you.” Psalm 36:5-10 CEV

So much in this Psalm reminds me of Psalm 23 and Psalm 91. Our Father is faithful and fair. His love is everlasting and we find shelter under His wings. He gives us a feast in the presence of our enemies and life-giving living Water for our refreshing. He gives us light for our path so we don’t stumble and fall and His loves gives us strength when we feel weary.

Oh yes, He is mighty God! Jesus said His mission was to tell the world about the Father.

“ My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too. 28  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29  Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:27-29 CEV

Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you worried? Come to Jesus and find rest!

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