Category: Relationship

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Crazy Stuff

This morning when I opened my computer, I had a notice from “Meta”. I think it was spam and reported it but just in case it isn’t, I would like to ask if you enjoy reading this blog every morning and are blessed by it that you go directly to the website www.arizonakristi.com and go to the blog page and subscribe for the daily emails.

I will continue posting on Facebook for as long as I can but I will not change the message of God’s goodness, grace, forgiveness and unconditional love. He forgives, He loves and He saves! This is the good news the world needs to hear.

“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20 CEV

This is my world. You are my world. God has called me to teach and this is the platform I have. I will use it as long as I am able and without apology.

“ How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? 15  And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news. 16  Yet not everyone has believed the message. For example, the prophet Isaiah asked, “Lord, has anyone believed what we said?”

17 No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ.” Romans 10:14-17 CEV

My goal each day is to build faith in the life of every reader.

God’s goodness cannot be stopped and it cannot be contained. He offers it freely to all, to everyone who will believe.

“ God doesn’t take back the gifts he has given or disown the people he has chosen.” Romans 11:29 CEV

“They replied, ‘Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!’ This is also true for everyone who lives in your home.” Acts 16:31 CEV

“ no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13  All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

One of the most famous verses in the Bible is John 3:16

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

Our heavenly Father is an all inclusive God. He always has been, and always will be. Whoever, anyone, who comes to Him and believes in Him and what He provides for us will be saved.

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

In this crazy world the love of God must continue to be preached. I will “go to the world” and you are the world I have been sent to.

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Measuring What’s Big

This morning I’m sitting in the San Jose airport waiting to fly back to Phoenix. Spent the weekend with our oldest daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter and great granddaughter waiting to be born. So blessed to have been able to spend that time with them.

Recycling a blog from about 10 years ago. It seems appropriate for today.

Trusting on God to handle the “big” things in our lives seems appropriate right? But then we try to handle the “little” things on our own – surely ,we can handle them. No need to bother God!

Have you ever asked yourself “What’s big to God?”

Big things might appear to be cancer, divorce, terrorist attacks, destructive weather, who knows? While smaller things are the day-to-day occurrences; a broken washing machine, repairs on the car, problems at work, the kids’ friends, too much month and not enough money. These are the things we try to handle on our own; coming to our own conclusions; working out our own answers.

But what is “big” to God?

He, who created the universe, who has been ever present from eternity past to eternity future, who mapped the planets, the sun, moon and stars; He who created the earth and everything in it.

What is “big” to God?

Our “big” things barely make a blip on His radar screen however He tells us to bring everything too Him, that we may find help in time of need.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 CEV

Two key words anything and everything – that’s what we are to bring to the Father with thankful hearts knowing that He has a plan.

God has never been caught off guard by any request – He knows before we ask but He still is waiting for us to ask. He’s never leaned over to Jesus and said “Boy, I didn’t see that one coming. That’s a surprise to me; I wonder what I’m going to do.” No! He knows exactly what we need and how to get it to us.

Today give Him the large, that you can’t handle and the small, that you shouldn’t handle, let Him have it all.

“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Big is relative and it all matters to our Father!

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The Glad Game

How many of you remember who this young actress is portraying? If you said Pollyanna, you’re right. If you have no idea, you should look up her name and the Disney movie that was made with the same title.

Pollyanna was a little girl who weathered some very trying, life-changing, challenges but never lost her joy. Oh, people tried hard to discourage her and tell her she was wrong for always being so optimistic, but she wouldn’t allow them to stifle her enthusiasm.

Watching that movie, I wanted to be like her. Little did I realize at the time, but she was a living example of what happens in our lives when we trust, completely, in God’s love and kindness.

Pollyanna invented the “Glad Game”. She insisted that the people around her always look for something to be glad about instead of the adverse. I like her style and so would have the Apostle Paul.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. 5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.” Philippians 4:4-6 CEV

The qualifiers in this verse are obvious: always, everyone, anything, everything. Those words leave nothing out. Filled with joy, don’t worry, give thanks.

It reminds me of what Jesus said.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:25-27 ERV

Worry doesn’t change our circumstances. Faith in God does.

“ 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 ERV

We need to look at our struggles as opportunities for refinement. Gold is purified and refined when it is heated. That’s the difference between 10k and 24k, the purity that only comes through fire. It’s important to remember that the gold isn’t destroyed, it only increases in value. It’s the impurities that are burned off.

My dear friend, I need you to remember this always.

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.” Romans 8:31-32 ERV

God is definitely for us. He’s on our side. Why else would He have sent Jesus to suffer and die? The reason is He loves us and wants to fill our lives with the richness of His goodness.

Other than Jesus, I think the Apostle Paul faced more hardship and struggle than any other Christian.
“ We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. 17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. This is why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.” II Corinthians 4:16-18 CEV

Next time struggle or adversity comes stop – before we engage in complaining or worrying let’s look to the unseen and remember that God is on our side.

Now, that’s something to be glad about!

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Let It Simmer

A few mornings back I read these verses, and they have been simmering in my heart and the back of my mind since. I use the word simmering because that’s what it’s like when the Lord impresses me with Scripture.

When I first start a spaghetti sauce or soup, all the ingredients are added in the pot, and it tastes good. But let it simmer, slowly heating, and that’s when the richness develops. Yes. Simmering.

“Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each of your concerns. God is our place of safety. 9 We humans are only a breath; none of us are truly great. All of us together weigh less than a puff of air. 10 Don’t trust in violence or depend on dishonesty or rely on great wealth. 11 I heard God say two things: “I am powerful, 12  and I am very kind.” The Lord rewards each of us according to what we do.” Psalm 62:8-12 CEV

Powerful and very kind! That’s the part that has been simmering…

He created the world and all that’s in it with His word. He held back the Red Sea with a wind. He carved His commandments on stone tablets. He controls the tides, the orbit of the planets and the rising and setting of the sun. Yes, He is powerful, no doubt.

And He is kind.

“If you honor the Lord, his angel will protect you. 8 Discover for yourself that the Lord is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.” Psalm 34:7-8 CEV

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

“The Lord God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful.” Psalm 111:4 CEV

“Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:17-18 CEV

“My prayer is that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” I Corinthians 1:3 CEV

“…My prayer is that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” I Peter 5:12 CEV

Each verse merges with the others reminding us of the kindness of God.

His kindness is as great as His power. He embraced the lepers, gave sight to the blind, healed the lame, raised the dead, fed the hungry, gave water from a rock for the thirsty. He came as a babe to bring salvation to the world.

He brings peace to the disquieted heart, comfort to the bereaved. He’s attentive to children and forgiving to sinners. Yes, He is kind and tenderhearted.

The Lord says of himself, “I am powerful and very kind”. We can trust Him. Now, let that simmer!

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Wisdom

We’ve discussed this before but there seems to be a lack of common sense and wisdom. Common sense isn’t so common anymore.

I used to read a chapter a day in Proverbs but the older I get I find that I need to break it down in smaller segments than that so I can really try to absorb what Solomon is saying. And after all these years, I am still finding new truths that I overlooked or didn’t see in the past.

I guess that’s wisdom!

“Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking. 29 The Lord never even hears the prayers of the wicked, but he answers the prayers of all who obey him. 30 A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. 31 Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. 32 You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. 33 Showing respect to the Lord will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.” Proverbs 15:28-33 CEV

1) It’s important that we give thought to the words we speak. Jesus said that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Words can have a mighty impact and so we should choose them well. A wise person will do that.

” Your words show what is in your hearts. 35 Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts. ” Matthew 12:34b-35 CEV

2) Take time to smile and bring good news. I make a conscious effort to keep a smile on my face. It improves my own outlook. A smile shared is a smile multiplied. (If you smile at someone they generally smile back and that’s multiplication).

“Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you know more than others. Make friends with ordinary people.” Romans 12:16 CEV

3) Accept correction and good advice. It’s beneficial! We can learn from others. We don’t have all the answers or know everything about anything so accepting advice and correction is a step toward wisdom.

“My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions…4 Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure…6 All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. 7 God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects those who live as they should.” Proverbs 2:1-7 CEV

4) Giving the Lord his rightful place, a place of reverence, is wise. When we give the Father and His Word first place we are truly wise.

“ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

So, smile today and be willing to accept instruction or correction and keep the Lord first…you’ll have a near perfect day!

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In the Storm

The Arizona thunderstorms are magnificent but can be frightening. The last week we had some powerful thunderstorms in the Valley- flashes of lightning, cracks of thunder, wind and hard rains. They all seem to travel around us so we weren’t in the eye of the storm, but we could see the effects driving in to town with flooded parks, carports that had been mangled and the reports of lightning caused fires in the desert.

I remember a few years ago when we lived in Rio Rico. The storms would come from Mexico and seemed to arrive in our community about 2 a.m. The lightning would light up our bedroom and the thunder would rattle the windows. Our little dog, Glory, would hide in the walk-in closet. I would count the seconds between the flashes and the thunderclap. It was epic and unnerving.

Have you noticed how there are times in life that the storms come and rob us of our peace and rest? It leaves us anxious and frightened. Sometimes wondering if we will survive such an event.

It’s important to know God’s word and His promises during those times so that we can continue to have peace in the midst of the storm.

“They were in trouble, so they called to the Lord for help, and he saved them from their troubles. 29 He stopped the storm and calmed the waves. 30 The sailors were happy that the sea became calm, and he led them safely to where they wanted to go.” Psalm 107:28-30 ERV

The Lord calmed the waves and stopped the storm and got them to where they were safe. Jesus was in the midst of a storm once and He slept through it. That is until the disciples woke him up during their panic.

“While they were sailing, Jesus slept. A big storm blew across the lake, and the boat began to fill with water. They were in danger. 24 The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, “Master! Master! We will drown!” Jesus got up. He gave a command to the wind and the waves. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 25 He said to his followers, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed. They said to each other, ‘What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, and they obey him.’” Matthew 8:23-25 ERV

Our goal is to be like Jesus and to be able to “sleep” in the midst of the storm – knowing that the Lord has this handled. That’s what Peter did when he was beaten and thrown into prison – he slept. The angel that came to rescue him had to bump him to wake him. Peter was resting in the Lord. (Acts 12:7-16)

Paul and Silas were singing in the midst of their storm. Singing at midnight in prison after having been beaten and in the midst of an earthquake, they were singing. (Acts 16:16-31)

Sometimes the Lord speaks to our storm and it ceases. At other times, He has us stand and face it and He sends our deliverance.

“‘Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.26 Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.'” Matthew 7:24-26 ERV

When we stand on God’s word we can face the storm and be at peace!

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To the Rescue

This morning has me thinking about my dad. Dad was a good man. He loved mom, us kids and the Lord. He was an impressive figure of a man; handsome, strong, rugged, loyal, outspoken and he hated injustice.

Dad wasn’t well educated, only went to the 7th grade but he was one of the smartest men I know. He could read people, their sincerity or deceit and he could fix or build anything.

Dad’s been gone for 19 years now, and I miss him. When we find a great new lake, I think of Dad. Driving through a river valley and spotting a good place to fish, building a new shed, fixing the car – all make me think of him.

Watching my grandchildren grow into good people, playing with our newest grandchild, talking to our grown kids – all these make me miss him and grateful that I have so many wonderful memories.

There were times that I needed Daddy to come to my rescue and he did. Never a question that he wouldn’t be there to help and defend. Now if I had done something stupid he would talk to me about that later but first instinct was to come to my aid.

Maybe you don’t have such a good memory of your relationship with your dad but your Heavenly Father desires a relationship with you that is so much greater than any you’ve ever had with your earthly father.

“All of you are God’s children because of your faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes. 28 Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman. 29 So if you belong to Christ, you are now part of Abraham’s family, and you will be given what God has promised…Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. 7 You are no longer slaves. You are God’s children, and you will be given what he has promised.” Galatians 3:26-4:7 CEV

In God’s family we are all equal – the same blessings are available to all of us. God’s love is not greater for one than the other; His mercy is given freely to us all and His protection and provision are not awarded with prejudice or bias. It’s our faith in Jesus Christ that makes us equal.

You’re heavenly Father loves you and whatever you may be going through today He’s right there with you and when things get bigger than you can handle your Dad’s got this. Let Him handle it!

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Perspective

It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through a tough time. If we begin to look too closely at the situation it will begin to seem overwhelming. It’s important to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.

The children of Egypt saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation.

Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection!

What is your perspective? Do you see things as hopeless, do you see defeat?

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face? 3 Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, “Where is your God?” 4 Sorrow floods my heart, when I remember leading the worshipers to your house. I can still hear them shout their joyful praises. 5 Why am I discouraged? 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 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 am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42 CEV

King David was fighting discouragement. He had been going through vicious attacks. As he laid it all out before the Lord, the circumstances hadn’t changed but his heart’s perspective had.

He remembered God’s goodness and he ended with this, “I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God”.

Are you discouraged or disheartened? Put your hope in God!

Perspective!

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I’m Sure!

Welcome to another morning of God’s mercy and grace. Yes, I’m sure.

The sun will come up this morning, the earth is still rotating on its axis, birds will sing, waves will rush to the shore and God’s love never ceases.

“We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! 24 I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my God, and I trust him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 ERV

Sitting with my hot cup of coffee, in the quiet of the morning hour, it is well with my soul!

Does that mean that everything is perfect? No worries, no problems? Does it mean I have no unanswered questions? On any given day, whether bombarded with challenges and difficulties or relaxed and filled with joy I have learned to be sure.

“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. 2  It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.

3  Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God’s command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.

4  Because Abel had faith, he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God was pleased with him and his gift, and even though Abel is now dead, his faith still speaks for him.

5  Enoch had faith and did not die. He pleased God, and God took him up to heaven. This is why his body was never found. 6 But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:1-6 CEV

Did you read that? Faith makes us sure and gives us proof. We cannot please God without faith. By faith, we believe that God is real and He rewards us for seeking Him.

When we are seeking for God, searching for Him like something that was lost, we focus on Him. When we focus on Him, He keeps us in peace.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

I’m reminded of a father who brought his son to Jesus for healing.

“Jesus asked the boy’s father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ The father answered, ‘Since he was very young. 22 The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything, please have pity on us and help us.’ 23 Jesus said to the father, ‘Why did you say ‘if you can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.‘ 24 Immediately the father shouted, ‘I do believe. Help me to believe more!‘” Mark 9:21-24 ERV

That’s what searching for God does. It helps us believe more. This was exactly the reaction that Jesus was hoping to see in this father’s heart.

Our confidence in God grows when we spend time in His presence.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Our heavenly Father does not lie. When He tells us to come, He means it. He rewards us for coming. He rewards us with grace, help and peace in our time of need.

I’m sure!

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A Final Note

Because I believe that all scripture is given by God and is profitable to our instruction I couldn’t close the teaching in the book of Ephesians without Paul’s final words to them.

“Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. 20 I was sent to do this work, and this is the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.

21-22  I want you to know how I am getting along and what I am doing. This is why I am sending Tychicus to you. He is a dear friend, as well as a faithful servant of the Lord. He will tell you how I am doing, and he will cheer you up.

23 I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace, love, and faith to every follower!” Ephesians 6:19-23 CEV

Paul had been to Ephesus several times. He became their teacher and their friend. He had eaten in their homes, he knew their children’s names and their family businesses. He had seen them grow in Christ.

Now he could no longer travel and be with them in person. I’m sure he missed them and wanted to communicate that he was still committed to them and praying for them. His final visit with them was filled with tears.

“You know everything I did during the time I was with you when I first came to Asia. 19 Some of the Jews plotted against me and caused me a lot of sorrow and trouble. But I served the Lord and was humble. 20 When I preached in public or taught in your homes, I didn’t hold back from telling anything that would help you. 21 I told Jews and Gentiles to turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus…36 After Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 Everyone cried and hugged and kissed him. 38 They were especially sad because Paul had told them, “You will never see me again.” Then they went with him to the ship.” Acts 20:18-38 CEV

Paul was, and is, also encouraging believers to follow the Lord. A man who had been beaten on several occasions, shipwrecked, thrown into prison and now was in house arrest in Rome never wanted the Christians to be without hope.

His final words in this book bear repeating.

“23 I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace, love, and faith to every follower!” Ephesians 6:23 CEV

Peace, love and faith to every follower – may we know the truth of those words in our lives today.

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