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Small Miracles

Friday at noon Dave and I left Queen Valley to start on our 10 day camping trip.

It was only about an hour later when we experienced our first small miracle. As we were driving from the valley to Payson, our radiator temperature light came on. Just ahead was an exit from the interstate and we were able to pull off and pull into a bar/convenience market. (Small miracle #1)

I went in to buy a gallon of water and Dave raised the hood. When I came back out he was with a gal who had come over to see what the problem was.

She told Dave “I’m a MOPAR certified technician. (Small miracle #2) She assessed the situation and ruled out several big problems and said it was just a cracked radiator. She could take Dave to Payson to get one and come back and put it in. (Small miracle #3) O’Reilly’s had one.

In a little over 3 hours we were on the road again. Hot and sweaty, we decided to get a hotel so we could shower and get a good night’s sleep before going on to the campground. (small miracle #5). Got the room, a very nice room, for under $100 and then found out today our credit card gave us a travel credit of $100. (Small miracle #6)

Now for the past 2 days we have been sitting under the pines and enjoying God’s grandeur!

Deuteronomy 28: 1-6 NIV. “

you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:

3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country…6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”

We definitely felt blessed and protected. Our MOPAR guardian angel definitely had some flowery speech but all the same she was truly sent by our loving Heavenly Father.

I asked her if anyone had ever told her she was a blessing and with a smirk she said nope. Well you are I said and she laughed.

So let me leave you with the verse the Lord impressed on me last Friday.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Our Father has designed more blessings than we can conceive and some of them can be found in our biggest trials.

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Free from Worry

To be free from worry is to be “care” free. It’s amazing how often the cares of life steal our peace, our joy and our rest.

I have some friends who have really gone through a tough situation. I spent most of the day in prayer for them and their family and the Lord kept bringing me back to His faithfulness, love and peace for them.

And since God is no respecter of persons, I know that His word and provision is for all of us as well. This morning the verse that the Lord put on my heart is this:

“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Peter wrote an almost identical verse hundreds of years later:

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

God is faithful to be our defense when the enemy comes against us – that enemy may be physical, emotional, financial, relational – no matter the form, it is all spiritual and our Father has promised to sustain us!

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.” Matthew 13:22 CEV

As I described it to them – I pray that the Father’s presence would cover them like floating in a pool on a hot summer’s day. You know that feeling…to be completely covered over in cool refreshing water. The sun is shining brightly, and you are engulfed in the soothing cool water.

Did you have a blistering hot day emotionally or financially or physically yesterday? Start this morning bathing in His sustaining love and don’t be moved!

Cast your burden on the Lord and you will never be moved for you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Free from worry – live “care” free.

Amen

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Boy, That Tastes Good!

Dave and I enjoy cooking for a crowd. It makes me happy to entertain and to take care of others. But with my cooking, I’m a taster. You will find me with an extra fork or spoon, lifting out little samples throughout the process or pinching off some dough or sampling the batter. I want to make sure that it tastes just right and there’s no other way to do that except tasting.

Saturday we had some folks over for carnitas tacos. Dave smoked a pork butt. It took all day but it was worth it, for sure! When he brought it in off the smoker and pulled back the foil, it looked wonderful. Such good bark! Friends came early to help out and all of us needed to pinch off some meat, “just for a taste”. Yum!

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

So here is an open invitation to experience the goodness of God. David says “Taste and see”! God is inviting us to sample his character. Just a little taste, try a little and you’ll like it. Once you’ve tasted of the Lord you’ll keep coming back for more.

“I will praise the LORD at all times. I will never stop singing his praises. 2 Humble people, listen and be happy, while I brag about the LORD. 3 Praise the LORD with me. Let us honor his name.

4 I went to the LORD for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. 5 If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face. You will have no need to be ashamed. 6 As a poor, helpless man I prayed to the LORD, and he heard me. He saved me from all my troubles. 7 The LORD’s angel builds a camp around his followers, and he protects them. 8 Give the LORD a chance to show you how good he is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on him!” Psalm 34:1-8 ERV

God is asking us to let Him work in our lives and promising that we will find Him faithful. He’s saying you can trust my goodness – it will deliver you from “all” your fears – I will be there to protect and provide.

What is it that causes fear in your life? The thought of financial ruin; physical disease; losing a family member; fear of natural disasters? Go to the Lord and He will protect, deliver, set your heart at ease and you don’t have to be ashamed in asking for His help. He wants to show you just how good He is!

Taste and See!

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Find Joy & Victory

Our long weekend get-away is coming to an end. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time together with friends. We’ve laughed and laughed some more. The Bible says “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” and I am sure we will be healthy for a very long time.

Yesterday we visited an Arizona Wildlife Park, Bearizona. So many animals, large and small, but as I sitting down to write this, one in particular came to mind. The mountain goat. He was laying down, high up on the rocky ledge, enjoying the morning sunshine. Amazing animals, jumping for ledge to ledge, going ever higher as the find safety and nourishment.

“The Lord gives me strength. He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer, and he helps me stand on the mountains.” Habakkuk 3:17 CEV

He gives me strength, makes my feet sure and helps me to stand! Life’s moments may seem like rocky ledges that are impossible to climb but with the Lord’s strength our feet will be steadfast.

“I pray that the Lord will listen when you are in trouble, and that the God of Jacob will keep you safe. 2 May the Lord send help from his temple and come to your rescue from Mount Zion. 3 May he remember your gifts and be pleased with what you bring.

4 May God do what you want most and let all go well for you. 5 Then you will win victories, and we will celebrate, while raising our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers!

6 I am certain, Lord, that you will help your chosen king. You will answer my prayers
from your holy place in heaven, and you will save me with your mighty arm. 7 Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. 8 Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm.

9 Give the king victory, Lord, and answer our prayers.” Psalm 20 CEV

I pray that today is a day of victory for each of you. Victories come in all sizes and various ways. Controlling our temper so we don’t say the wrong thing, being delivered from sickness or danger. The kind word of a stranger or a friend to encourage when our spirits are low. Each day comes with new mercy and great faithfulness from the Father.

Make today a day of joy and victory. Climb high and enjoy the Son!

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Perfect Parents

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t one.

I made plenty of mistakes in raising our kids but God has been faithful, even in my blunders.

As a parent, I have found the greatest thing I can do is raise my children to love the Lord and have a foundation of His word to direct them. My opinions and successes and failures in life, my life experience has no real value unless it is based on the word of God. That is a sure foundation!

“How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying your word.

10 I try with all my heart to serve you. Help me obey your commands.

11 I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you.

12 LORD, you are worthy of praise! Teach me your laws.

13 I will repeat the laws we have heard from you.

14 I enjoy following your rules as much as others enjoy great riches.

15 I will study your instructions. I will give thought to your way of life.

16 I enjoy your laws. I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119:9-16

These are the words of King David. As a young man he grew up trusting the Word of God. He found strength, wisdom and earned favor with those who were his superiors by living what he learned from God’s word.

Then he had a few years where he trusted in himself and his station in life and he failed in his personal life and he failed his children. It didn’t take him long to repent, he was restored and his life became an example of godliness again.

His son Solomon became king following David’s death. It is said that he was the wisest and wealthiest man to have ever lived. He gave this instruction to his sons.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings.

7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the LORD, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn.8 My son, listen to your father when he corrects you, and don’t ignore what your mother teaches you. 9 What you learn from your parents will bring you honor and respect, like a crown or a gold medal.” Proverbs 1: 1-8

I encourage you parents and grandparents, keep the word of God before your children and grandchildren. Let it be your instruction to them. We don’t need to preach AT them but live the Word of God before them. Pray with them – Pray for them – Plant God’s word in their lives and watch it grow and bring a harvest of good for them. They are worth it!

We have one example to follow – that is our loving perfect heavenly Father.

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A Garden Prayer

I want to share a simple thought with you this morning. My reading brought me to John 17, it’s the recorded prayer of Jesus in the garden. Here it is:

If Jesus hadn’t gone to the garden, He wouldn’t have been victorious at the cross.

Let that sink in as we read His prayer.

“When Jesus had said these things, He looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come! Honor Your Son so Your Son may honor You. 2 You have given Him power over all men. He is to give life that lasts forever to all You have given to Him. 3 This is life that lasts forever. It is to know You, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ Whom You have sent. 4 I honored You on earth. I did the work You gave Me to do. 5 Now, Father, honor Me with the honor I had with You before the world was made.” John 17: 1-5 NLV

The time has come! In the book of Luke, we read that Jesus anguished in the garden. It was a time of prayer when Jesus laid down all His earthly motivation for self-preservation, giving of His life emotionally and spiritually to the Father so that in the coming hours He could live it out physically.

“I have made Your name known to the people You have given Me from the world. They were Yours but You gave them to Me. They have obeyed Your Word. 7 Now they know that everything You have given Me came from You. 8 I gave them the Word which You gave Me. They received it. They know I came from You and they believe You sent Me.

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world. I pray for those You gave Me. They are Yours. 10 All that is Mine is Yours. All that is Yours is Mine. I have been honored through them. 11 I am no longer in the world. I am coming to You. But these are still in the world. Holy Father, keep those You have given to Me in the power of Your name. Then they will be one, even as We are One. 12 While I have been with them in the world, I have kept them in the power of Your name. I have kept watch over those You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost except the one who is going to be destroyed, which is the son of death. The Holy Writings said it would happen. 13 But now I come to You, Father. I say these things while I am in the world. In this way, My followers may have My joy in their hearts.

14 “I have given Your Word to My followers. The world hated them because they do not belong to the world, even as I do not belong to the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world. I ask You to keep them from the devil. 16 My followers do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Make them holy for Yourself by the truth. Your Word is truth.” John 17:6-17 NLV

This prayer of Jesus’ was for our benefit. He had the resolve for what was to come but we, His followers, were on His heart.

“I do not pray for these followers only. I pray for those who will put their trust in Me through the teaching they have heard. 21 May they all be as one, Father, as You are in Me and I am in You. May they belong to Us. Then the world will believe that You sent Me. 22 I gave them the honor You gave Me that they may be one as We are One. 23 I am in them and You are in Me so they may be one and be made perfect. Then the world may know that You sent Me and that You love them as You love Me.

24 “Father, I want My followers You gave Me to be with Me where I am. Then they may see My shining-greatness which You gave Me because You loved Me before the world was made. 25 Holy Father, the world has not known You. I have known You. These have known You sent Me. 26 I have made Your name known to them and will make it known. So then the love You have for Me may be in them and I may be in them.” John17:20-26 NLV

I know this morning’s writing was longer than usual but I wanted you to see that Jesus has been our prayer warrior, our prayer partner, from the very beginning. He intercedes for us from heaven.

When you feel weak and discouraged, remember the one who prayed fervently for you. His prayers never go unanswered. He watches over you with loving care.

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Hope & Victory

I know we’re still a week away from celebrating Easter but the heart of everyone who has chosen to put their faith in Christ celebrates His resurrection each and every day.

We serve a risen Savior – He lives!

This morning I am sitting here quietly and again I’m thinking of the first Easter morning. Thinking what it must have been like when Mary ran to the tomb and found it empty.

She was heartbroken, thinking that someone had stolen Jesus body. And then it happened – she heard her name.

“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.’ The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.” John 20:15-16 CEV

I’ve thought of that so many times,. What must it have been like to hear Jesus speak her name? In her heartache, He was there!

In my heartache, He is here. In my joy, He is here! In my day to day moments He is here and when I’m quiet, I can hear Him speak my name.

So I gladly declare to all this morning

“The angel said to the women, ‘Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. 6 He isn’t here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. 7 Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee.'” Matthew 28:5-7 CEV

He is risen as He said! He lives within my heart. Hallelujah!

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Grasshoppers – Oh My!

We have been experiencing an outbreak of grasshoppers and crickets here in our area. They are everywhere!

I decided to look up their life span – it can range from a few weeks to a few months. Ridiculous.

I’d like to tell you about a “grasshopper” mentality that lasted about 40 years. I call it the grasshopper syndrome. Grasshopper Syndrome was first diagnosed in Numbers 13.

Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and God said He had given them the Promised Land. All they had to do was go in and possess it. Moses chose 12 men to spy out the land and bring back a report. Ten men came back with Grasshopper Syndrome and two men, Joshua and Caleb, came back “considering” only the good that God had revealed to them.

The ten men said this “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33 The problem wasn’t the giants in the land, it’s that they were considering the giants and not God and saw themselves as grasshoppers.

We know from reading about Rahab in Jericho that the people’s hearts had been in fear from the moment they heard about the Red Sea parting that the Israelites would come and destroy them so really the ten men had nothing to fear except their own imaginations.

Now year’s later we find a second outbreak of Grasshopper Syndrome. It occurs in I Samuel 17. This is where we find the story of David and Goliath. The army of Israel had heard Goliath taunt them for forty days. “And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. 11When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.” I Samuel 17:10-11

Goliath was the biggest man around at over nine feet tall and he came out twice a day mocking the armies of God. Grasshopper Syndrome had spread throughout the entire army and they were filled with fear.

Then David, a shepherd boy, shows up to bring gifts to his brothers and things change. He hears Goliath’s defiant cries, and asks but one question “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” To us today, that may seem like a silly question but it was David’s way of not considering Goliath’s size.

Since the days of Abraham, circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with the nation of Israel. It meant that God had promised to be their God and always be with them.

Powerful, powerful covenant.

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the LORD will let me defeat you.,,Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the LORD doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the LORD, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47

With one shot from the sling, Goliath was dead. What kind of Goliath is standing in front of you today – unemployment, illness, personal relationships, financial hardship – whatever it is, do like David.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4

Take God’s word and destroy the giant, remove Grasshopper Syndrome from your thinking, let God’s word have final authority in your life.

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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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My Choice

What I’m about to say may shock you. I am pro-choice.

Don’t stop reading. Let me explain.

“My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever.” Psalm 73:26 CEV

“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe.” Psalm 16:5 CEV

“ Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! 4 Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.7-8  Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means our sins are now forgiven.” Ephesians 1:3-7 CEV

I woke up this morning thinking how thankful I am that God chose me – He chooses us! And then I heard my heart say, “Father, I make You my choice”. Yes, I am very definitely pro-choice. God doesn’t demand that we love Him, He give us the choice.

You all know I love getting up early in the morning and starting my day in the quiet. It didn’t use to be like that.

I didn’t always enjoy being alone with just my thoughts. My heart would become anxious; I would want to turn on the tv or the radio – anything to block out the silence, anything not to focus on the unrest or the distress that I felt churning in my spirit.

Maybe you’re like that. No wanting to get up and be “alone” with yourself and with the Father. Wanting to get up and get going right away to keep yourself from pausing in the quiet of the morning…

King David wrote in the Psalms to “be still and KNOW that I AM God”. Know = to be intimately acquainted with, a deep personal knowledge or understanding.

“God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 And so, we won’t be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea..10 Our God says, “Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:1,2,10,11 CEV

This verse says to calm down where the KJV says be still. Take time to let what you just heard sink in.

God has made the choice to be our strength, our peace, our help, our defender, our protection and our Savior. We need to make the choice to “calm down” and “be still” so we can learn that He is God and He has chosen to be kind to us.

It’s our choice.

It was reading, learning and applying God’s word that brought me peace.

” With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

When I come to His throne, in the quiet of the morning, I find grace, mercy, kindness and help. I find Jesus! I can’t imagine starting a day without this time.

The choice is ours! My choice is to choose God!

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