Category: Purpose

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A Kiss from God

Today I want to talk to you a bit about little kindnesses. In the Bible we see time and again where the Scriptures say, “He was moved with compassion” or “His loving kindness”.

Little kindnesses are like a kiss from the Father.

Loving-kindness – you know, like when the waitress brings you the wrong meal and you don’t go off on her, but you are kind in your words and sincere in your appreciation for her hard work.

You know what loving-kindness is.

It’s when you show patience at the grocery store with the cashier when she has just been cussed out by the client before you. Or when your child hasn’t cleaned up the yard or taken out the trash like you told them to do and you find out that they were wounded by a friend or embarrassed by a teacher and they were just too distracted to get it done.

All of these are practical examples of loving kindness.

Yesterday, I had two people tell me how much what I had done for them meant to them. Truthfully, I really didn’t feel I had done anything special – nothing big, not grand but I had just come along side when they were feeling overwhelmed and helped out. No biggee…but it was to them.

Jesus calls it giving cups of cold water!

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. 42 And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:40-42 CEV

Now I know some will look at these verses and focus on the reward but I really think what Jesus is trying to get us to see is that nothing, no matter how small, goes unnoticed to the Father when we are reaching out in love. Extending loving-kindness to those around us is an example of the Christ that lives in us.

Over ten years ago I spent a week in the hospital and when I came home I wasn’t able to do much for a several weeks. Some sweet ladies brought me cups of cool water.

One neighbor came over each morning to take our dog for a walk and then she took my ironing to her home and did it for me. Another neighbor cooked extra dinner each night for Dave to enjoy when he got off work. She kept the refrigerator filled with the things I had been told to eat on a special diet. And she did my laundry. These acts of love were priceless!

All these years later I remember how their kindnesses were a reminder of God’s love and provision for me. Kisses of His unfailing love.

“The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” Matthew 25:40 CEV

We can change the world, one life at a time. “Father make me more aware of those that need a cup of cold water today.”

Let me give them kisses of kindness. I want the world to see my Father through me!

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God Uses the Unusable

Do you know who Rahab was? She was a prostitute who lived in Jericho. Would you be surprised if I told you she was used of God to aid the Israelites in their destruction of that city? Talk about using some who was considered unusable – it would be her story.

Rahab’s home was on the city wall. I don’t know if there was a red-light district in Jericho but immediately upon entering the city of Jericho, the spies Joshua sent out went to Rahab’s house. I guess that they felt strangers going to the house of a harlot wouldn’t garner much attention because certainly there must be a steady stream of men going in and out of her house. But the arrival of two Israelites in Jericho didn’t go unnoticed.

The king sent and questioned Rahab as to where the spies were and she lied saying that they must have already left the city and if the king sent soldiers after them, they could probably catch up with the spies. She had hid them on her roof under the drying flax.

Rahab told the spies that the people of Jericho had lived in fear of the Israelites since they heard of how the Lord parted the Red Sea for them and then helped them defeat the kings, Og and Sihon in the wilderness.

“She said, “I know that the LORD has given this land to your people. You frighten us. Everyone living in this country is afraid of you. 10 We are afraid because we have heard about the ways that the LORD helped you. We heard that he dried up the Red Sea when you came out of Egypt… 13 Tell me that you will allow my family to live—my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all their families. Promise me that you will save us from death.” Joshua 2:9-13

I think it’s interesting that her country lived in fear for the past 40 years – since they heard about the Red Sea parting and yet, the Israelites had been walking around in the wilderness for 40 years afraid of the giants in the land on the other side of the Jordan. The report of God’s ability to fight for Israel had left their enemies in mortal fear and yet the Israelites didn’t have faith in God’s word but rather “considered” the giants in the land.

“ The spies said: You made us promise to let you and your family live. We will keep our promise, but you can’t tell anyone why we were here. You must tie this red rope on your window when we attack, and your father and mother, your brothers, and everyone else in your family must be here with you.” Joshua 2:17-20

A few days after the spies returned to their camp, Joshua set the battle plan in order and the Israelites took Jericho and everyone in the city was destroyed except for Rahab and her family. Not one Israelite died in the battle.

The Israelites had lived in fear of the giants in the promised land but the people in the promised land had lived in fear of God.

What giants are keeping you from God’s promised land today? What is it that seems so large, that you can’t conquer it? “Consider not” the giant that has paralyzed you in the past but instead consider God’s promise of blessing. When you put your faith in God and His word, He will go before you and cause you to rise victorious.

God loves using those who the world thinks are unusable.

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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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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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God’s Good Plans

Every building begins with a blueprint. From the smallest “tiny house” to the most intricate homes and palaces there is a plan to follow. A good plan.

And of course, in designing the construction of our lives God has a good plan.

“Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

“ For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLV

The Lord is the master designer and architect. He created the earth and all that’s in it. It is a synchronized, master design. The days, the seasons, the ebb and flow of the tides all work together to support the balance of life on earth.

His design work can be seen in His instruction for building the tabernacle in the desert. The floor plan, the gold work, the bronze, the dyed skins and woven linens. A massive design.

Then take a look at our human bodies. The cells, the immune system that fights disease, the organs, our master computer – the brain, our circulatory and digestive systems, none of these occurred by happenstance. There was and is a master designer who has good plans.

So, why do we think that, if our heavenly Father went through all the thought and design to make things work so well, He would leave us to figure out our daily living and purpose without instruction? That’s foolish thinking.

I found myself reading and rereading two different chapters this morning, Psalm 34 and Proverbs 4. There is so much to absorb and apply in these verses. Please take time to read them.

“ I looked for the Lord, and He answered me. And He took away all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and their faces shined with joy. Their faces will never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him. And He saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord stays close around those who fear Him, and He takes them out of trouble. 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him! ” Psalm 34:4-8 NLV

“10 The young lions suffer want and hunger. But they who look for the Lord will not be without any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. ” Psalm 34:10-11 NLV

“My son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life...  26 Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLV

God, our Father and master designer, has grand plans for our lives!

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A Gnarly Tree…

or as the prophet Isaiah put it, “oaks of righteousness” or the planting of the Lord.

Can you even imagine what this tree has experienced in its life cycle? The winds, the rains, the hurricanes, the drought, the fight to survive and thrive!

I think of trees like this as well as the giant redwoods, the sequoias, massive olive trees and cedars groves when I read what Isaiah, David and the other Old Testament writers refer to when they write about those who are righteous.

The term “righteous” isn’t some unattainable religious goal. No. Simply put it means to be in right standing with God. Righteous is a term that can be applied to all of us who have placed our faith in God.

“ Christ never sinned but God put our sin on Him. Then we are made right with God because of what Christ has done for us.” II Corinthians 5:20-21 NLV

“But he finds joy in the Law of the Lord and thinks about His Law day and night. 3 This man is like a tree planted by rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time and its leaf never dries up. Whatever he does will work out well for him.” Psalm 1:2-3 NLV

Isaiah, the prophet, wrote these words about Jesus hundreds of years before He was born.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me, because the Lord has chosen me to bring good news to poor people. He has sent me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent me to tell those who are being held and those in prison that they can go free. 2 He has sent me to tell about the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day our God will bring punishment. He has sent me to comfort all who are filled with sorrow. 3 To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NLV

Jesus spoke these words in a synagogue and it made them so angry they tried to throw Jesus off a cliff. (Luke 4:17-30, read it)

Some people still get angry today when they are told that we have received right standing with God because of what Jesus did.

A life lived in Christ is a life of thriving in the storms. Our roots go deep into His word, our branches sway in the wind, we provide shelter to those in need, comfort to those who are weary.

We become gnarly old trees who have been planted by the Lord and we stand grounded on His word.

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Caution Low Power

Every morning I pick up my laptop and share what the Lord has put on my heart for that day. After I post, I look at what others have posted overnight, read through emails and then do some research.

Inevitably, I will receive this message. “Power supply at 10%. Plug into power source.” And if I don’t heed the warning, I will get another one in a few minutes telling me I only have 7% of my power and if I ignore that warning the laptop just shuts down.

Do you ever feel like that? Your power is in short supply, you’re running low and about ready to shut down? I’ve been there many times and that weariness is my warning that I’m operating on stored power and need to reconnect to the power supply.

In Acts, Jesus had spent 40 days with His followers proving to them that He had died, rose again and was fulfilling the Father’s plan. Their main concern seemed to be the Roman government. They wanted to know if Jesus was going to set up His earthly kingdom and do away with the Romans. Jesus said to leave that up to the Father; He would handle things. (a good word for us today)

Jesus then gave them what He saw as their primary mission.

“Jesus said to them, ‘The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 ERV

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to give testimony of what God has done in our lives. Starting first with those closest to us and spreading out from there. Our family, our friends, neighbors, work mates…

The Book of Luke puts it this way.

“You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49 Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.” Luke 24:47-49 ERV

Jesus knew they needed to be connected to the power supply, the Holy Spirit. It was essential. Jesus didn’t do any miracles or ministry until He had the Holy Spirit empowering Him and He doesn’t want us to attempt anything on our own either.

We need to be connected.

Thank you Father for reminding me that my power is draining and that I have a power source with unlimited supply. I desire to stay plugged into You today!

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Always Thinking About Us

When you woke this morning, God was thinking about you!

As you go through your day, His thoughts are always on you. His desire is for your best. He loves you so deeply and is thinking of ways to show you His best.

King David said that God’s thoughts to us were so many that they couldn’t be counted. Jeremiah, the prophet, said that God’s thoughts toward us were for our success.

As you go through your day, if you stop and think, God will be thinking of you. I hope you will take time to thank Him that you’re always on His mind and in His heart!

“Great blessings belong to those who trust in the LORD, for those who do not turn to demons and false gods for help. LORD my God, you have done many amazing things! You have made great plans for us—too many to list. I could talk on and on about them, because there are too many to count.” Psalm 40: 4 &5 ERV

“‘ I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the LORD. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 ERV

“The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:17-18 CEV

Even when our thoughts are not on Him, He is thinking of us!

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Too Soon

In my prayer time this morning I was talking with the Lord about having better clarity – seeing things the way He sees them. Understanding people from His perspective. It was then I remembered these verses:

“Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do.
    I put my life in your hands! 9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies.
10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground. 11 Lord, let me live so that people will praise your name. Show me how good you are and save me from my trouble. 12 Show me your love and defeat my enemies.” Psalm 143:8-12 ERV

Show me Lord, how I can be more like You.

Sounds like a good prayer doesn’t it? And it is but it doesn’t end there. I almost closed my Bible there and went back to my prayer for clarity and understanding but I felt the Lord leading me to read on, so I did.

I turned to Proverbs, the book of wisdom. Proverbs has 31 chapters, one for each day of the month and so I turned to chapter 2 since today is January 2nd.

“ Listen to wisdom, and do your best to understand. 3 Ask for good judgment. Cry out for understanding. 4 Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure. 5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God.

6 The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. 7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right. 8 He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers.

9 If you listen to him, you will understand what is just and fair and how to do what is right. 10 You will gain wisdom, and knowledge will bring you joy.

11 Planning ahead will protect you, and understanding will guard you. 12 These will keep you from following the wrong path and will protect you from those who have evil plans.” Proverbs 2:2-12 ERV

I almost closed my Bible too soon. If I hadn’t read on, I would have missed God’s instruction on wisdom and understanding. I would have missed the answer to my morning prayer.

Kind of like spiritual GPS. We have a desired destination but if we don’t follow the instructions, we will probably get lost.

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

When we ask the Lord for direction and instruction it’s always best to listen for His answer. Don’t quit too soon!

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Mary Did You Know?

A good portion of the country is having really bad weather – the snow, subzero temperatures, the wind!

I got to wondering what the weather must have been like travelling to Bethlehem all those years ago. I know it wouldn’t have been subzero but it can get cold in the desert regions. Was there rain?

Ladies, imagine this…9 months pregnant, riding a donkey, sleeping under the stars. Regardless of the weather, it may have been perfect, but that’s not the time you want to try out the new tent and sleeping bags you just got from BassPro, right?

What was Mary thinking, this was certainly a “memory maker”? Did the trip affect her disposition? What questions did this young woman have, after all it was her first pregnancy?

Mary, did you know?

” So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:16-19 ERV

As a mother, I sit here this morning remembering different Christmas mornings with my children and grandchildren. I pray that the significance of that first Christmas morning stays as the focal point in their lives long after I am gone.

Last night I put down the knitting needles and washed the final baking dish of the season. The gifts are finished, and the baked goods have been distributed to friends and neighbors. I want to be remembered not for the goodies and the handmade gifts but for honoring the Lord and being obedient to Him.

I want to keep the attitude of heart that Mary had. The heart of a servant.

“ Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NLT

There are not enough words of gratitude to possibly express my heart’s joy over the events of that first Christmas morning and how it’s changed my life. My desire is to be a faithful ambassador for Christ, sharing His love with those around me.

“ For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us…” II Corinthians 5:19-20a NLT

Mary, did you know that your obedience would change the world?

Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to give me the gift of Your Son and a relationship of eternal life with You that first Christmas day.

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