Category: Relationship

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Worthy?

I wonder how many people woke up this morning with a feeling of not being worthy. Not worthy of the position they hold in their company, not worthy of the success they have obtained, not worthy of love.

Because of Christ, we are embraced by God the Father.

This morning I was reading the story of a man who felt he wasn’t worthy of Jesus coming to his house. His servant was sick and needed a miracle. He knew Jesus was a miracle worker and could heal his servant, but he felt unworthy.

Let’s get a little background on this man. He was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army. The Romans were occupying the land of Israel and holding the residents captive. Many Romans treated the Jews with contempt and cruelty. Not this man, he had built a synagogue for them.

“They came to Jesus and begged Him, saying, ‘The man is respected and should have this done for him. 5 He loves our nation and has built our Jewish place of worship’.” Luke 7:4 NLV

Although others proclaimed that he was worthy, the Roman captain felt he didn’t deserve any special attention from Jesus, but he did care enough about his servant to want him well.

“Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the captain told some friends to tell this to Jesus, “Lord, do not take the time to come to my house, because I am not good enough. 7 And I am not good enough to come to You. But just say the word and my servant will be healed.” Luke 7:6-7 NLV

May I say right here that the miracle-working power of God is never dependent upon our worthiness. In and of ourselves none of us are worthy of God’s compassion and grace. That’s what makes grace – grace. Grace is the outward expression of God’s undeserved love.

“Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 NLT

The Apostle Paul never lost sight of God’s grace to him. Paul was responsible for the arrest and persecution of hundreds of Christians. He was there when Stephen, a leader in the early church, was stoned to death.

Was he worthy to be used by God? No, not according to the religious standards of the day. But Paul wasn’t limited by religion, he was freed by His new relationship in Christ. His life is an example to all of us. God’s love and mercy make all of us worthy of His acceptance and forgiveness.

Because of Christ, we are worthy to be called the children of God.

“ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ” Romans 5:6 NLT

Worthy of forgiveness, love and amazing grace all because of our relationship with Jesus!

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Turn on the Light

I’m not sure how many times my parents had to tell me to turn off the lights until it became a natural reaction – walk out the door, turn the lights off. But this morning I want to encourage you to turn the lights on – light up the place, make it as bright as you can!

I listen to a lot of old country songs and there’s one by Trace Adkins that came out in the mid 1990’s. The song is about a man in love who leaves the lights on for his love so she can come back home.

“Every light in the house is on
The backyard’s bright as the crack of dawn
The front walk looks like runway lights
It’s kind of like noon in the dead of night
Every light in the house is on
Just in case you ever do get tired of bein’ gone
Every light in the house is on”

We should be leaving our lights on. We need to light up the world with the love of God!

“ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:15-16 NLT

“Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong.” I John 2:10 ERV

An interesting fact about the Father. His love doesn’t grow or wane. His love is always the same.

“My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life. We are now God’s children, and we know him. 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn’t love others has never known him. 9 God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. 10 Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other.” I John 4:7-11 CEV

We are the ones who choose to let love shine toward others or we can choose to condemn and criticize which turns the light off. The Father has placed His light in us.

“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.” II Corinthians 4:6 CEV

The good thing about letting this light shine is we will never get a bill from the electric company. It’s ok to turn on every light in your house. Get out the flood lights, pull back the drapes, raise the shades and let the world be flooded with the light that God has placed within us!

Shine brightly and impact the world with the love of God today!

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Accepted and Loved

I spent a lot of my younger years trying to please people. I was very insecure in who I was, the way I looked and how I dressed. It was a hard time and I think most of us go through this, to a certain extent, when we are in our teens and early twenties. Hopefully, it’s something we outgrow.

Yet, for some it continues into mature adulthood. Trying to please the boss we sacrifice our own integrity or our families. Wanting to be accepted in the workplace and in our social circle we give in to activities that go against our internal convictions.

Walking free of others’ opinions is a hard thing to do whether we’re 5, 15, or 55. But there is an answer, a solid solution.

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:5-7 NLT

Did you see when God decided to adopt us? It was in advance of our coming to Him. It was in advance of Jesus coming to this earth. The Father’s love and desire to see us restored to relationship with Him was the driving force to the plan of salvation.

We are loved and accepted just the way we are! Before we could do anything note-worthy or good, He chose to love us by His grace.

Start the day right – focus on the Father and His lovingkindness. When we know how much God loves us even our worst day is better. What does it matter what others think about us, say about us or do to us, when the Almighty God loves us and holds us in the palm of his hand?

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet. 6 I think about you, God, before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. 7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalms 63:1-8 CEV

We are loved and accepted. Our heavenly Father provides us with all the support we need!

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Discover New Treasures

We had two of our youngest grandkids with us on Friday and Saturday. It’s always fun to see things through their eyes.

Dave and I took them in the side by side for a ride in the desert. We hadn’t gotten too far from the RV when we stopped to look for rocks and talk about the cacti. There we found a large number of quartz rocks and lava rock. Our granddaughter is particularly interested in volcanoes, so this was a real find for her. Our grandson is a learning sponge so everything we saw and explained was intriguing to him.

As we traveled down the road further, we discovered a catch pond filled with water. The road around the upper bank was narrow and rocky. I thought the kids might be a bit scared and I was ready with words of reassurance but then I heard our granddaughter giggle from the front seat and say, “Pappy this is fun”.

That’s how I feel when reading the Bible – it’s a new and exciting discovery!

“But there in these other lands you will look for the Lord your God. And if you look for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Deuteronomy 4:29 ERV

The Psalms which were written by David are filled with his life experiences and how he trusted God. He includes his successes and his failures. It was important to him that others could learn by what he had faced. This morning I was drawn to Psalm 34 and I read it from several different translations. I really wanted to put down the whole chapter here because it is all so good but am only going to share the first eight verses and you can read the rest in your Bible or an on-line source.

“I will always praise the LORD. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the LORD. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the LORD with me! Celebrate his great name. 4 I asked the LORD for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the LORD! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the LORD saved me from all my troubles. 7 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 34:1-8 CEV

Notice how the word LORD is in all caps. It means Adonai, all that God is – all of His attributes and power.

We praise the LORD because there is no one greater; we look to the LORD because there is no one with more power and wisdom; we honor the LORD because there is no one that deserves more reverence or respect. We discover the LORD and find that He is all loving, kind, merciful and gracious.

Take time to discover the LORD. Let Him reveal who He is and He can be all we need.

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Break Free

It’s the first Saturday in January. The first Saturday of a New Year. It’s a new beginning, a new life filled with new experiences and we can wipe last year’s slate clean.

God doesn’t want us held back by past mistakes, failures or even past sins. Through His love and forgiveness, we have been promised a freedom that no one else can provide. Remember a few days ago when I told you I am growing in God’s grace? Well, this is what I mean.

We are free to walk away from any hurt, any condemning voices, the memory of any blatant sin because of God’s grace and mercy.

“The Holy Spirit tells us this: First He says, 16 “This is the New Way of Worship that I will give them. When that day comes, says the Lord, I will put My Laws in their hearts. And I will write them in their minds.” Then He says, 17 “I will not remember their sins and wrong-doings anymore.” Hebrews 10:15-17 NLV

That day has come – the day of restoration and reconciliation with the Father. When we accept the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins, giving His life for ours, we are cleansed completely.

Free from the past; free from sin, free from failure, free to love, free to serve. Free!

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36 NLT

And the Son has made us free to be called sons of God, to enter into a relationship with the Father.

“If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. 2 The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death. 3 The Law of Moses cannot do this, because our selfish desires make the Law weak. But God set you free when he sent his own Son to be like us sinners and to be a sacrifice for our sin. God used Christ’s body to condemn sin.” Romans 8:1-3 CEV

The Father’s forgiveness is instantaneous – the moment we ask, it’s given and forgotten. The struggle comes when we let our own memories continue to condemn us. It’s important to realized that the Father’s unconditional love covers all sin.

“And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. 19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:18-22 NLT

There’s an old hymn we used to sing, “Calvary Covers It All”. The chorus goes like this:

Calvary covers it all,
My past with its sin and stain;
My guilt and despair
Jesus took on Him there,
And Calvary covers it all.

Enter the New Year without looking back. God isn’t holding us in bondage to our past; He sent Jesus to set us free and now we are free indeed!

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We Are Human Beings

As I sit here this morning, I realize again that God’s design for me is that of a human “being”.

We are all created in His image and He is not a god of inactivity or silence. Our heavenly Father is active, He is constantly in process of being. The Hebrew names for God tell us He is Lord God Almighty, our provider, our shepherd, the Living God, our peace, our Father and more.

Our Father has made Himself available to us every day and in every situation. Jesus showed that during His life on earth. He was involved; he attended weddings, funerals, dinners, feast days. He was at the bedside of the sick, in the streets with prostitutes, tax collectors, and the outcasts of society. He could be found at the seashore with fisherman and in the Temple with the religious leaders. He came to be involved.

Is it any wonder that we are called human beans beings? We are called to be His ambassadors on this earth. We are to be examples of His love and goodness. Let’s look at a few other things we are called to be.

“Be” still – Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

“Be” quiet – But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

“Be” ready – But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. I Peter 3:15

“Be” obedient – If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isaiah 1:19

“Be” rich – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; I Timothy 1:17-18

“Be”lieve – Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23

There’s only thing the Lord doesn’t want us to be, we are not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

What is God asking you to “Be” today? More than anything He wants you to be available!

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Amazing Grace

As I sit here this morning the rain is gently falling. It started yesterday and subsided overnight, but it has come again this morning. The desert ground is soaking in the much-needed moisture. In a few days the earth will show signs of new life.

The love grass will push its way through the crusted soil, the Ocotillo will begin to show its green leafy buds followed by the bright orange/red blossoms. Cacti that have been thin will plump as they retain the precious moisture that is gracing the earth.

I love it when it rains in the desert – there’s a fragrance of freshness that I haven’t experienced in any other locale. Somehow, it seems appropriate to have rain the first days of the year. Not only a refreshing for the earth but a refreshing for the soul.

While reading this morning I was searching for the verses that were the basis of the great hymn “Amazing Grace”. It’s God’s grace that brings life to our souls in the same way that the rain brings life to the desert.

John Newton wrote that hymn in the late 1700’s. He had been a godless man, filled with hatred – a slave trader until he personally experienced the life-changing love of God. He became the recipient of “Amazing Grace”. “The song we know as Amazing Grace was published with the title “1 Chronicles 17:16–17, Faith’s Review and Expectation”, without any accompanying music.”

“Then King David went to the Holy Tent and sat before the Lord. David said, ‘Lord God, you have done so much for me and my family. And I don’t understand why. 17 Besides all these things, God, you let me know what will happen to my family in the future. Lord God, you have treated me like a very important man. 18 What more can I say? You have done so much for me. And I am only your servant. You know that. 19 Lord, you have done this wonderful thing for me and because you wanted to. 20 There is no one like you, Lord. There is no God except you. We have never heard of any god doing wonderful things like those!'” I Chronicles 17:16-20 ERV

I had expressed my thoughts, similar to these, in my journal this morning and had thanked the Father for bringing me “safe thus far” and for His faithfulness that I know will continue throughout the rest of my life. I am so thankful for His blessing of grace. That’s when these two verses from Amazing Grace filled my heart.

“Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.”

I believe that the Father has set the theme for my life in 2023 to be growing in grace. I have nothing and am nothing without His grace. I will say with King David “Lord, you have done this wonderful thing for me and because you wanted to. 20 There is no one like you, Lord. There is no God except you.”

May your life be filled with the amazing grace of God!

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As We Begin

In the beginning…a New Year, a blank slate, a clean page, a new horizon, a fresh start. How many more clichés can I come up with? You get the point.

Does this year start any differently than those in the past? High expectations are easily replaced by disappointment unless the beginning has a solid foundation.

God is the master of beginnings.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.” John 1:1 CEV

The best way to start this new year is to have God in your beginning! God the Father and His creative power is here to fill your beginning. And God the Son, Jesus, the Word, is here as our example of what life is like when we depend upon the Father.

Oh and one more verse.

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

27 I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:26-27 CEV

The Holy Spirit comes to remind us of what the Jesus taught us about our relationship with the Father. That relationship will bring us peace and freedom from worry. Our heavenly Father desires for us to be worry free. The angels who announced the birth of Jesus said, “Fear not”. The angel who came to both Mary and Joseph first said, “don’t be afraid”. When the storm came up on the sea and the disciples thought they would drown Jesus said, “fear not”.

When God works in our lives He brings peace, not fear.

What a great way to begin this year and it’s a great way to walk through each day. In the beginning is God and He promises to bring us peace.

Happy New Year!

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One More Gift

Some of you have been reading the advent devotional I wrote several years ago and today you’ll read the last chapter and then you’ll probably put the book away until next year. But I want you to know there’s one more gift I’d like to share with you before the year ends.

Last night I pulled my covers up tight, tucked myself in and began to thank the Father for the many wonderful gifts He has blessed me with over the years. As I was thanking Him for filling my life, I heard myself say “thank you for making each day a gift”.

For 10+ years I have been sharing daily the goodness of God on Facebook and the last 5 years I have also been writing this blog. Each day I wake up knowing that there will be something in the day that I can embrace, each day is a gift of His love.

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

But my life wasn’t always filled with this awareness.

I grew up in a Christian home and gave my heart to Christ when I was very young. However, as a teenager my relationship with the Lord lacked relevance. I became more concerned with pleasing people and being accepted by them than I was with the Lord. My first year in Bible College I became so despondent that I attempted to take my life.

That’s when the love of the heavenly Father became real to me. That’s when I came to know that each day is a gift from God. He wasn’t just some stories I had been told in Sunday School and the Bible wasn’t just words on the pages of a book.

“…’Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.’” John 6:68-69 CEV

My relationship changed. I saw myself the way He saw me. With all of my faults and my failures, my Father loved me unconditionally. There was nothing I could do to earn His love and there was nothing I would do that would keep Him from loving me.

Each day His word gives me the gift of life!

“ 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

Each day is a gift – a gift of hope and a gift of help!

As this year ends and we look to 2023 we have no way of knowing what things will come our way but we have the Father’s promise that our future will be filled with hope.

Each day is a gift from the Father – a gift filled with love!

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Rough Roads

We had a great time taking the family to the Polar Express in Williams on Tuesday. It was one of those “memory makers” that we, grandparents, hope to make with our grandchildren.

We had hoped for some snow so the kids could also make their first snowballs and possibly a snowman. When we woke yesterday morning the cars in the parking lot at the hotel had a nice little covering of snow. What we didn’t realize was that the road which led to home was snow packed.

Making snowballs in the parking lot was fun for them. They giggled as they made their slushy projectiles, lobbing them at their mother and siblings. All the while Pappy and their Dad were making plans on how to navigate the roads.

The weather and road apps didn’t give us the full story. We talk with the hotel desk clerk, and she said her managers had come from Flagstaff and they didn’t report any problems, so we loaded the kids in their car, we got in the truck and headed out.

The first several miles were fine. Driving slower than normal but nothing too concerning. And then – well the roads got worse, no ice but snow packed ruts narrowed to one lane and it was very slow going. It was that way for the next hundred miles. (The picture was taken when the roads got better.)

As we reached the lower elevations the snow turned to rain and the roads were open again. Our daughter text me saying, “This is why I’m glad we no longer live in the snow”. Amen to that.

Those roads reminded me of a Scripture.

“A voice is calling, ‘Make the way ready for the Lord in the desert. Make the road in the desert straight for our God. 4 Every valley will be lifted up and every mountain and hill will be brought down. The turns in the road will be made straight and the bad places will be made smooth. 5 Then the shining-greatness of the Lord will be seen. All flesh together will see it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:3-5 NLV

These are the words of prophecy that were given about the ministry of Jesus.

When life seems to be full of twists and turns, rough and rocky places, we can depend on the Lord to make the bad places smooth. The power of God in our lives will make crooked places straight; turn struggles into strength and battles into triumph.

Keep going even though the path narrows and the way seems constricted. It may be a difficult road to navigate but when we keep your eyes on Him we will see the path clear and His shining-greatness will be revealed.

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