Category: Relationship

Posted on

Like A Diamond

This morning I will be starting a new teaching, one that will take several weeks. Over the New Year weekend I was praying about what I should be sharing and I felt strongly impressed to share excerpts from my book “Like A Diamond”.

These are teachings that gave me knowledge and strength for daily life many years ago. They are the foundations that are keep my feet firmly planted on the Solid Rock during life’s most tumultous and trying times.

“My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests.” Hosea 4:6a NLT

The Jewish people had forgotten God’s word; they no longer remembered God’s promises and were following false teaching. Their enemies had captured them and there was chaos and devastation in their land. God said it was because the priests had not been teaching them His word and they had no knowledge of His promises.

“I was saved when I was a small child and for many years my Christian experience was limited. I grew up with the concept that we just struggle by the best we can while we are on earth. Then one day we will go to heaven when we die and it will be worth all the pain and heartache we went through here.

However, all that started to change in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I began to hear teaching on victorious Christian living. This was all new to me and to be honest, my first thought was this seems too good to be true.

Yet, it was true! The word Gospel means exactly that – good news. Reading my Bible became a delight. Each page was filled with promises and stories of God meeting the people He created and filling their lives with blessings.

The Holy Spirit began to open my understanding to the miraculous transformation that the Lord would like to make in each of our lives. It is a refining process, a development – it takes a Master touch to reveal our true potential.

Our lives, when we come to Christ, can be compared to a diamond in the rough. When the diamond hunter first finds “diamond rough” it is unattractive. It is often encased by common mineral deposits.  

It is the work of a Master Diamond Cutter that gives the stone its brilliance. They assess the stone to determine the size and weight of the finished product. Will they choose to cut one large diamond or perhaps two smaller ones will be more valuable? Will it be a round or a square brilliant cut?

Once the sawing or cutting of the diamond rough is complete the bruting process begins. Bruting is the art of cutting a diamond round. From here the diamond is polished, enhancing its many facets, weight, and clarity. A final inspection involves a thorough cleaning.

Our lives as Christians have greater value than that of the world’s largest diamond. God, the Father, is our Master Diamond Cutter. He sees us when we are encased in dirt. He chooses us to be His own. Through His Word what is detrimental to our beauty is cut away.  We are then polished and refined so that our true beauty shines brilliantly.  

Our Christian lives, like a diamond, are multi-faceted. In each chapter of this book we will look at some facets of our new life in Christ. For some this will be new information like it was for me all those years ago. For others it will be a refresher, an opportunity for another polishing. God’s word always brings a change, a glorious change.

As the facets of our life in Christ begin to be revealed we will shine “Like A Diamond”.”

“And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17 AMPC

I hope you will join me over the next weeks as we mine the truths of God’s Word and It reveals the value that God places on us, His children.

Posted on

A Good Reminder

Some lessons in life aren’t learned the first time or even the second. I needed this reminder this morning.

I shared this a few years back but God is still working in me so that I can be successful every day…What a great way to start the New Year!

You know if God brings something to me, I’m going to share it with you too. So here goes – the other day I found myself complaining about some people and how they were doing something. It wasn’t the first time I had “complained” about this situation so when I finally finished my vent, I heard this in my heart. “Those are my kids and I want you to quit complaining about this. I’m working on them and as their parent, that’s My place – not yours!”

Oooo, I knew I had been rebuked but it didn’t end there. The Lord went on to say “I put you in their life to help them, not criticize and I put them in your life to help you get past being critical of people.”

Ouch!!

So this morning, if this applies to you – if you struggle with being critical of certain people and certain situations accept the correction that the Lord gave me.

“The LORD hates these seven things: 17 eyes that show pride, tongues that tell lies, hands that kill innocent people, 18 hearts that plan evil things to do, feet that run to do evil, 19 witnesses in court who tell lies, and anyone who causes family members to fight.” Proverbs 6:16-19 ERV

You see, I was being prideful and feeling superior, glad I wasn’t like “them” (double ouch) and God hates that. Pride is in some pretty bad company in these verses. It’s linked right in there with murder, perjury, those who plan evil and family discord. God sees them all the same and He hates all those actions.

It’s my job to be loving and helpful not critical and prideful. Yes Lord, I’ll be obedient.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing 15 so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. But you are living with evil people all around you, who have lost their sense of what is right. Among those people you shine like lights in a dark world,” Philippians 2:14-15

We’re suppose to be different – we’re suppose to be a light!

So this is my prayer. “LORD, help me control what I say. Don’t let me say anything bad.” Psalm 141:3

Forgive me if I stepped on your toes. God is wanting us to be a light to those who have lost the sense of right and wrong. To do that we need to be different, we need to be godly.

We are to speak out against the evil and ungodliness in our world but we aren’t to speak evil of the people doing it!

Posted on

Cultivating Friendships

Relationships are like beautiful gardens. The seeds are planted but must be watered and pruned so that they can grow in a healthy and productive way.

It’s so great to spend time with friends. Those special people who have been with you through life. They have seen you cry, laughed with you, encouraged you, picked you up when you were down and even corrected you and set you on the right path again. Friends are one of life’s most valued treasures.

John was one of Jesus’ closest friends. John had been with Him from the beginning and it was John who was standing with Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the foot of His cross. He loved Jesus. In the first few verses of I John he reveals his purpose for writing this letter.

“We are telling you what we have seen and heard, so that you may share in this life with us. And we share in it with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing to tell you these things, because this makes us truly happy.” I John 1:3-4 CEV

That’s how I feel each morning when I share my thoughts with you. I write this so that you will be truly happy.

The joy found in friendship/relationship with Jesus is indescribable, complete and will sustain you even in the toughest times.

Jesus is the one who initiates relationship with us; He’s the one who developes the friendship.

“I no longer call you servants, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. But now I call you friends, because I have told you everything that my Father told me.” John 15:15 ERV

This past year has kept us from many of our dear friends but social distancing can’t stop us from pursuing our daily relationship with Jesus. The Bible tells us that there is one who sticks closer than a brother. That One is Jesus.

When fear and depression sweep in like a tidal wave He is there. When inexpressible joy elevates us to the heights of emotion He is there. When our daily walk has us on an even plain He is there.

Maybe you’ve thought that God was too big or that you were too insignificant to have a real relationship, a friendship, with God. King David wrote these words. He marvelled at the thought of God’s pursuit of relationship with him.

“If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— 12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” Psalm 139:7-18 NLT

Maybe it’s been a while since you just sat and shared your morning coffee with Him or talked through things on your morning compute but He’s there waiting. Take Him with you on your camping trip, your next ride or hike; share a wave with Him as you surf or let Him go with you as you cast a line.

Friendship with Him is definitely worth cultivating. I guarantee if you draw close to Him He won’t walk away.

Posted on

The Garden Maker

For a few years we lived in Spokane, Washington and our home was close to a wonderfully designed garden, Manito Park. There were ponds, rolling hills, large evergreens, a Japanese garden and a magnificent flower garden. At one time the garden had been the home of a small zoo.

Our daughters and granddaughter skated on the pond in the winter and sledded on the manicured hills. In the Spring and Summer the flower garden was brilliantly dressed in every shade of red, purple, yellow and blue. The walking paths were welcoming to all who came.

But the garden didn’t just come into being on its own. This 90-acre public park was designed in the early 1900’s and completed by 1912. A famous landscape architectural firm was commissioned to design the garden grounds. Since then the city of Spokane has kept the grounds as it was designed.

On any given day there are numerous grounds keepers and volunteers through out the park tending to the plants. The grounds keepers became the focus of my attention last night as I heard a discussion on the resurrection of Christ.

A woman named Mary went to the tomb, where Jesus had been laid, early on Sunday morning after the crucifixion. She was startled to find that Jesus body was no longer there. She was weeping in the garden and she encountered a man she presumed was the gardener and asked if he had taken Jesus body somewhere. She didn’t recognize Him as Jesus.

“The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?” She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. 15 Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.” 16 Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” John 20:13-16 CEV

Here was the One who had created all that was in this garden and she assumed He was just a grounds keeper. The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus laid aside His reputation when He came to earth. Jesus said that He came to minister to the needs of people and not to have the people minister to Him. This is certainly proof of that.

Can you imagine? The master designer of all of creation – sun, moon, stars, planets, oceans, waterfalls, flowers, trees, mammals, fish, birds – Creator of All and He took on a form so common that He could be mistaken for a gardener.

How often are we like Mary and don’t recognize Jesus working in our lives? We get caught up in our daily struggles, trying to fix things on our own when we have the Master Designer, Almighty God, our heavenly Father waiting to help us in any circumstance.

None of us could create the flowers we see in a garden. However, we can know the Creator personally. We can call Him Father and we can trust the plans He has designed for our lives. His plan for us is much greater than a flower’s design.

“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. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Posted on

Twas the Morning of Christmas

Twas the morning of Christmas and all through the house, the only creature stirring is me. The coffee is brewed and my cup is full but not nearly as full as my heart which is overflowing with love and appreciation for each of my family and friends who are reading this non-rhymning message.

A world changing event transpired over 2000 years ago when the sky was filled with an angelic chorus. A baby born affected the whole human race by introducing unconditional love in human flesh to reconcile us to a perfect and merciful God, the Father.

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

Our prayer for you and your families this morning is that you know Him personally and that you have allowed Him to change your life. You have certainly impacted our lives through the year and left an imprint of your love, your caring and your joy. Your friendship is dear.

Merry Christmas from the Wilson’s casa to yours!

“This is what God commands: that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ, and that we love each other as he commanded. 24 All who obey God’s commands live in God. And God lives in them. How do we know that God lives in us? We know because of the Spirit he gave us.” I John 3:23-24 ERV

Posted on

The Heart of the Matter

Many years ago my writings often came in the form of poetry. Some of those poems were published in a monthly newsletter but most of them were tucked away in a manilla folder in the filing cabinet drawer.

About ten years back I came across that folder and for the first time in a very long while I shared this poem on Christmas. I’d like to share it with you this morning.

Christmas Warms the Heart

Long ago and far away, a child was brought
to earth.

For many years, men had sought, the coming of
His birth.

On quiet hills in pastures green, the flocks
they did sleep.

When shepherds woke from peaceful rest,
heavens glory they did see.

When I hear this story, and remember all
that’s told,

I’d like to have been a shepherd and lived
those years ago.

The angels in their chorus, proclaiming
Peace on Earth

Brings excitement to my soul and my heart is
stirred.

To see the heavens shining bright, a glory
uncompared,

Then walk the road to Bethlehem and find the
Christ child fair.

To kneel before His presence and know that
He was King

What more could I expect from life, His
praises I will sing.

Today I see the tinsel, the glitter and the
toys

The stores are filled with shoppers,
laughing girls and boys,

While streets are lined with trees and
Santas’ ringing bells,

Ovens fill with cookies – oh,those wonderful
smells.

Now it is time to stop from all the things I
do,

To remember Christmas, and it’s meaning that
is true.

It is God’s Son, brought to earth to give
eternal life,

His glory to shine within my heart, not in
the sky of night.

In each of us, Christ wants to live, in
power and in love

Let us proclaim, to men the same, as angels
from above.

Peace on earth can only come, when before
the Son we bow.

We must kneel and honor Him, our lives to
Him we vow.

This year a special gift we give, not like
the kings of old

For it’s not gold or frankincense but a
heart that He can mold.

Many a gift we have received and have given
with joyful heart

But Jesus now this gift we bring, from You
we’ll never part.

O Lord, this is our honest prayer, our gift
we’ll not forget

But that it is a lasting one to which we
will commit.

My heart is warmed by Your love and the gift
You gave to me,

It is in Christ and Christ alone, I find
what Christmas means.

 

Let’s take this time to recommit our heart’s devotion to our loving heavenly Father, the one who gives us life. 

“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.'” Matthew 22:36-38 ERV

Posted on

All That Glitters

The last few days I have been thinking alot about where we are in life. Not just our physical location, although that adds to it, but more about our sense of well-being. We’ve been retired for a number of years and life is good.

When we were younger and our children were small I used to imagine going to the grocery store and being able to buy what I needed and some of what I wanted without using a calculator to keep track of my total. That was my idea of being rich.

I also imagined a time when I would be able to go all week without doing laundry because we would still have plenty of clothes to wear. Enough socks and underwear to last the week. Yes, according to my own standards we are rich. Those are the insignificant things in life.

These are the things that now fill my life with richness. God’s love and goodness never ends. Our children and grandchildren love us. Our friends do too. Our home is comfortable. We are healthy, we can travel in our RV. We are content. We have joy. Our lives are richly blessed!

“Devotion to God is, in fact, a way for people to be very rich, but only if it makes them satisfied with what they have.” I Timothy 6:6 ERV

What things in life make you feel rich?

Conversations that are rich with laughter. The presence of family and friends. Surviving 2020 with health and home intact.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

Let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Wisdom is worth much more than gold. Understanding is worth much more than silver.”
Proverbs 16:16 ERV

“Yes, the Scriptures say, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed.” 12 It says this because there is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is the Lord of all people. And he richly blesses everyone who looks to him for help. 13 Yes, “everyone who trusts in the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13 ERV

These gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom, help. A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings the richness of these gifts to our lives. We are rich with God’s goodness.

Merry Christ – mas!

Posted on

Open A Gift Early

What do you think will be the best Christmas present you will receive this year? Is it something from your kids, grandkids or your spouse? What will bring the biggest smile to your face and the greatest warmth in your heart?

I was one of those kids who would take a sneak peak at some of the presents under our Christmas tree. I was able to lift the tape without tearing the paper and made sure that all the creases on the wrapping lined up perfectly before I placed it back in the exact spot under the tree. But I always felt guilty.

This year when packages started arriving one label read “Don’t open until December 25th”. Do you think they knew we might be tempted to open them early? Our youngest daughter gave us permission to open her gifts early and Dave happily complied.

Several years ago I began giving my morning readers a “gift” for each day of December. The following year I expanded on those writings and compiled an Advent Book, “The Best Gifts of Christmas”.

There are thirty-one short chapters, one for each day of the month. Each day focuses on a different gift that we have received from our heavenly Father. Each gift is wrapped in His love and has our name on the tag. Each gift is personalized, specifically designed just for us and yet each gift has universal appeal.

This morning I’d like to give you permission to open a gift early and you don’t even have to feel guilty.

It’s something you can enjoy every day of the year; there’s no expiration date. It won’t grow old or go out of style. This is something you can have for all time.

“This is the new agreement I will give the people of Israel. I will give this agreement in the future, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write my laws on their hearts I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 Never again will anyone have to teach their neighbors or their family to know the Lord. All people—the greatest and the least important—will know me. 12 And I will forgive the wrongs they have done,  and I will not remember their sins.” Hebrews 8:8-13 ERV

The Lord has put a desire in our hearts to know Him. There’s a drawing to have relationship with Him. This relationship is for everyone and yet it’s specific to each of us. He promises to forgive every wrong we’ve committed and once it’s forgiven He forgets it as well.

“Everything God says is true— and it’s a shield for all who come to him for safety.” Proverbs 30:5 CEV

Since everything God says is true then that means having our sins forgotten, forgiveness extended, and restoration belong to us! Thank you Lord for these wonderful gifts.

Posted on

Nothing To Brag About

We live in a reputation driven society. Companies spend billions each year on advertising, making sure they have the right image for their product.

Celebrities are given huge endorsements. The best production companies are hired. Constant attention is placed on positioning of those on-line searches. Reputation means everything – drink the right product, wear the right clothes, drive the right car, support the right candidate, play for the right team. The list is endless.

But, what about you and me? I know me and I really have done nothing to brag about, I won’t be asked for my public opinion or endorsement.

I’m kind of like Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree.

So were the shepherds on that eventful night when the angels filled the sky. Shepherds had a poor reputation in their society at best. They were considered the lowest of the blue collar workers, rogues, and liars but God… God saw them as men who would be faithful to spread the message that His Son had been born!

“The angels went from the shepherds back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see what has happened. The Lord has told us about this.’ 16 They went fast and found Mary and Joseph. They found the Baby lying in a place where cattle are fed. 17 When they saw the Child, they told what the angel said about Him. 18 All who heard it were surprised at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary hid all these words in her heart. She thought about them much. 20 The shepherds went back full of joy. They thanked God for all they had heard and seen. It happened as the angel had told them.” Luke 2:15-20 NLV

How do you see yourself today? Are you someone who has struggled most of your life with relationships and careers? Do others look down on you because of your education or lack thereof? Maybe you’ve done some stupid stuff and it has caused people not to trust you or you have wounded and broken relationships. Well, God has a message and a plan for your life. He is willing to use you to touch others.

The Bible is filled with people of low reputation who were used by God. Fishermen, shepherds, slaves, prisoners, prostitutes, tax collectors, children, a divorcee, murderers. People you and I probably wouldn’t invite to dinner but God used them all and not only did He use them, He saw them as valuable.

Jesus gave us His reputation and His place in heaven to reach us with His love.

“Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. 7 He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. 8 After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8 NLV

He died for you and me. He brought us new life and completely blotted out all the old garbage; our past is gone, never to be remembered.

“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.” Colossians 1:27 ERV

The splendor and the glory of Christmas is not in the tinsel, the lights, the trees; it’s not in the messengers (that includes us) but it’s in the message of the manger and the Son of God laid aside His reputation to become Immanuel, God with us.

Now that’s something to brag about!

Posted on

Committed to the Cause

My children enjoy running; this is something I have never said about myself. Yesterday our son-in-law ran his first full marathon. Amazing!

What’s even more admirable is he ran a race that had been cancelled. It takes months to train for a marathon. Little conditioning runs, followed by rest days build to longer days of training until training runs exceed the twenty-mile length. He had trained for this and he was committed to the cause.

Our youngest daughter just had her first half-marathon cancelled but she is also still training and will run her race regardless.

Commitment.

“You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! 25 Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. ” I Corinthians 9:24-25 CEV

Because their races have been cancelled the only prize they won or will win is the prize of achievement, of knowing they worked hard and didn’t give up. They have competed against their own physical pain and exhaustion and won.

What an example! An example for daily life.

When Jesus came to earth he came with one purpose; He came to restore the relationship between God, the Father, and mankind. He came on a mission of love. I’m sure He must have felt like giving up and quitting multiple times but He kept the goal forefront in His heart.

He was asked once what was the most important law to live by and His answer was quick and simple. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.

He told the disciples that they were to keep one commandment when He was gone; love one another and then the world would know that they were His disciples. What kept Jesus on track the whole time He was here was His goal to love the world and to give His life for them, and for us.

Never did He do an unloving thing. Even when He chased the merchants out of the Temple it was done in love; love for the Father, love for the people who were being cheated.

“Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:7-8 ERV

His final act of love on this earth occurred on the cross. He gave his life for us and His final words, like the words of a runner, were “it is finished”. He had crossed love’s finish line and been true to His purpose.

“I mean that while we were God’s enemies, he made friends with us through his Son’s death. And the fact that we are now God’s friends makes it even more certain that he will save us through his Son’s life. 11 And not only will we be saved, but we also rejoice right now in what God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is because of Jesus that we are now God’s friends.” Romans 5:10-11 ERV

Because of His love, because He finished the course, we receive the prize. We are the victors. We win love’s greatest gift, eternal life!

We’ve been given the same instruction that the disciples received. Love one another! Let’s be committed to the cause – let’s run our race with the love of God in our hearts.

We win because love never quits!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress