Tag: BeAnExample

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Make A Difference

That was my prayer this morning, “Lord, I want to make a difference. You must increase and I must decrease”.

“ Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.

31 God’s Son comes from heaven and is above all others. Everyone who comes from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all others. 32 He speaks about what he has seen and heard, and yet no one believes him. 33 But everyone who does believe him has shown that God is truthful. 34 The Son was sent to speak God’s message, and he has been given the full power of God’s Spirit.

35  The Father loves the Son and has given him everything. 36 Everyone who has faith in the Son has eternal life. But no one who rejects him will ever share in that life, and God will be angry with them forever.” John 3:30-36 CEV

These were the words of John the Baptizer. He had been asked if he was the Messiah. His answer was “He must increase and I must decrease”.

The Apostle Paul made a similar statement.

“ But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. 8 Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ 9 and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, 11 so that somehow I also may be raised to life.” Philippians 3:7-11 CEV

When I first started writing on Facebook over 15 years ago, it was my desire to show that God’s word is practical for everyday living. I want those who read this little blog to move past religion with its list of rules, do’s and don’ts, and enter into a loving relationship with Christ.

“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19 ERV

Not perfect but growing each day in the knowledge of what the Lord has done for us and who He has made us to be. We are joint heirs with Christ and we are called to make a difference.

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A Life Worth Living

Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. Ever heard that before? Did you think it was Shakespeare or some other poetic author?

It comes from Isaiah and was then quoted by Paul. People have been living with this idea of self gratification for a long time. I remember years back when Frank Sinatra’s song, I Did It My Way, and Peggy Lee’s hit in the late 60’s, Is That All There Is, echoed the sentiment above.

Paul the Apostle was writing to the Christians in Corinth about resurrection from the dead and the promise we have in Christ. He was writing to encourage them that there is so much more to life than living for a few days of gratification here.

This morning’s thoughts come from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Corinth. It’s his instruction on a life worth living from I Corinthians 15.

People will try to influence us away from what we know is right and good. It’s called peer pressure, and I quoted verse 33 to my kids on numerous occasions as they were growing up.

“ I face death every day. That is true, brothers and sisters, just as it is true that I am proud of what you are because of Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 I fought wild animals in Ephesus. If I did that only for human reasons, then I have gained nothing. If we are not raised from death, ‘Let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we die.’

33Don’t be fooled: ‘Bad friends will ruin good habits.’ 34 Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning. Some of you don’t know God. I say this to shame you.” I Corinthians 15: 31-34 ERV

If our only hope is getting all we can out of this life and not looking at eternity, we should eat, drink and be merry.

But we have more than that. We have this life and life eternal with Christ. Our hope is in Christ and the power of His resurrection. Living physically, there will be a physical death, but it is not something to be feared. For when we die physically, we will live on spiritually.

“It will be the same when those who have died are raised to life. The body that is “planted” in the grave will ruin and decay, but it will be raised to a life that cannot be destroyed. 43 When the body is “planted,” it is without honor. But when it is raised, it will be great and glorious. When the body is “planted,” it is weak. But when it is raised, it will be full of power. 44 The body that is “planted” is a physical body. When it is raised, it will be a spiritual body.” verses 42-44 ERV

We need to be mindful of the joy of living for the Lord.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” verse 58 ERV

“ So if you eat, or if you drink, or if you do anything, do it for the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31 ERV

Our life’s work here on earth is to show the world that hope, joy and peace that a relationship with Jesus gives. We truly have a life worth living!

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Little Old Ladies

When I put the words “little old ladies” into a search this morning, this was one of the images that popped up.

I want us to look at one little lady that the Lord brought to the attention of His disciples.

“ Jesus sat near the Temple collection box and watched as people put money into it. Many rich people put in a lot of money. 42 Then a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth less than a penny. 43 Jesus called his followers to him and said, ‘This poor widow put in only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. 44 They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had. It was money she needed to live on.'” Mark 12:41-44 ERV

I’ve seen this lady many times in my imagination. Hair brushed back, the fabric in her clothing faded, a bit thin but a smile on her face and an air of confidence in her step.

The disciples hadn’t noticed her but God did!

The world around her ignored her. She wasn’t significant to them, but she was to the Lord. She didn’t come to Jesus asking for anything, she came to give to God willingly, sacrificially and without pretense.

There’s no mention that Jesus had any personal encounter with her, not like He had with Zacchaeus when he told him to come down out of the tree or that He had with Peter when He asked him to leave his fishing nets and follow Him.

No, but He noticed her. He knew what God would do.

“Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.
16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:15-18 CEV

“ When you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand gives. 4 Your giving should be in secret. Then your Father Who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4 NLV

This isn’t a message on giving, please don’t think that. But it is a message on being seen by the Father.

These four verses tell us that nothing is outside of the Father’s attention. Something that appears insignificant to the world makes our heavenly Father take notice.

A little boy’s lunch, a widow’s small offering, a cup of cold water, a broken bottle of perfume – all gifts from the heart. All were noteworthy and found their place in Scripture. God felt they were important enough to be recorded in a book filled with miracles.

The little kindnesses we extend each day, the time spent in prayer for a loved one or a neighbor, forgiveness given, sacrifices of time, all are noticed.

Young child, college student, young mother, career path walker, blue collar worker, executive, retiree or little old lady – the Father sees you, He notices and He knows your heart.

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Some Things Should Be Cleaned Out

This weekend Dave is off on a weekend with our son so I am making good use of my time by doing some deep cleaning. I don’t like clutter and I don’t like mess.

Friday, I got out the leaf blower and cleaned up the deck and the patio. Dave’s really good at keeping that done but Thursday night we had a monsoon come through with winds, blowing dust and pine needs, rain and more dust.

Then yesterday it was time to hose off the patio chairs because of the dust, the rain and the tree pollen. After my prayer time and Bible reading this morning, I got up to get another cup of coffee and the refrigerator caught my eye. Since I’m going to be joining Dave and Koy on Tuesday I thought I really should go through the fridge and get rid of anything that might spoil. Yep, I went down that rabbit hole but it’s done now.

Brought myself back to my chair and laptop and these words came to mind. “Cleanse yourself from these things”. I knew the Lord was speaking to me spiritually.

“ In a big house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are of more use than others. Some are used every day. 21 If a man lives a clean life, he will be like a dish made of gold. He will be respected and set apart for good use by the owner of the house.

22 Turn away from the sinful things young people want to do. Go after what is right. Have a desire for faith and love and peace. Do this with those who pray to God from a clean heart. 23 Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble. 24 A servant owned by God must not make trouble. He must be kind to everyone. He must be able to teach. He must be willing to suffer when hurt for doing good.” II Timothy 2:20-24 NLV

That part about those who want to argue hits home. In high school and college, I was a debater. You choose one opinion, and I would debate the opposite side, whether I believed what I was saying or not. I was good at it. The Lord continues to teach me not to argue!

“There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven that are hated by Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who are without guilt, 18 a heart that makes sinful plans, feet that run fast to sin, 19 a person who tells lies about someone else, and one who starts fights among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NLV

That’s a big list – pride, lying, murder, evil plans and running to carry them out, gossip and discord.

Now, I’m not trying to step on anybody’s toes but Scripture is given for our instruction and correction. Even the things that are silver and gold need to be polished so they keep their luster.

The Father wants what’s best for us! As the Holy Spirit ministers to our hearts, we should be willing to clean some things out.

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First We Have Coffee

This book is a favorite of mine. Some of the stories touch a personal chord since I was raised in the home of first-generation Norwegian Americans.

First We Have Coffee, a book by Margaret Jensen, describes her life in Canada in a Norwegian pastor’s home. I read this book many years ago and it intrigued me because she was Norwegian, and she was a pastor’s daughter. Being Norwegian, I found many of the things they did in their home very humorous and oh so familiar.

But the thing I liked most was that her parents built relationships with people before they felt they had a right to minister to them. The full title of this book is First We Have Coffee Then We Talk. What an example of Jesus this is. He found himself constantly developing relationships – helping fisherman who hadn’t caught any fish; rescuing a prostitute; having dinner with a tax collector; supplying wine at a wedding…on and on it goes.

Without relationship we really don’t have a right to bring a message. Folks need to know our heart, to know that they aren’t being “preached” at or being judged. Jesus didn’t judge – He loved unconditionally. Yes, He definitely had a message of salvation for all He met but He didn’t judge. He encouraged, corrected, cured and showed compassion but He didn’t judge.

When He was asked a trick question by an attorney – which is the greatest law, He wasn’t flustered or ashamed. His answer was clear.

“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. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.” Matthew 22:36-40 ERV

When we love God the Father with our whole heart it changes us and we develop a sense of self-worth we can’t get any other way. God’s love elevates the way we think about ourselves because we begin to see ourselves the way He does – we have value, we were worth dying for.

And when we begin to accept the love God has for us, we can then see He has that same love for others that He has for us, and we begin to see they have value too. We can love them the way the Father has loved us, the way we love ourselves.

A few weeks back I had a wonderful conversation with a friend. She told me she had been tainted by preachers, you know, religious people. In her honesty, she said she had been skeptical of me. We both cried as she told me that she had judged me wrongly.

I had never felt anything but friendship and kindness from her, yet she had been holding back because of skepticism. She told me she realized I was genuine. That meant more than words can express.

This morning, I had my first cup of coffee with the Father and now I get to share one with you. Thank you for allowing me into your computer. Thank you for sharing your mornings with me. I appreciate the relationships that are being built.

Let’s have coffee again tomorrow and we’ll talk some more.

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Always Be Grateful

Father let my heart be filled with prayer and praise this day. Let me focus on You all that you have blessed me with. Let my eyes see as You see and let my mouth speak as You speak. Let my hands reach out as You reached out to me. I desire to be a living example of You in this world. In Jesus name, Amen.

This image hung in my mother’s home. It may have reminded her of her grandfather or her father, both of them were men who prayed fervently and so did their wives. They trusted God for everything, in everything. Their lives had one purpose to honor and glorified their Lord and Savior, Jesus.

My grandfather, who I never met, was nicknamed Preacher. He ran a gas station. He made sure that everyone who came to his station heard about Jesus. He was a good and godly man. I wish I had known him.

“Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:35 ERV

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:17 CEV

“Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault. 14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 19:13-14 CEV

Today I am thankful for those who have had a godly impact on my life. Those who taught me the truth of grace, the power of prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I pray that you have had some such wonderful people in your lives and that you are making an impact in the lives of others.

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For Our Benefit

This morning I’m going to do something I rarely do. I’m going to talk to you about a few “don’ts”.

When I was a kid I received a lot of instruction; don’t touch the stove, it’s hot. Don’t throw rocks at the window. There was a skull and crossbones on the bottle of poison telling me not to drink it. Don’t run with scissors. Don’t cut the dogs hair. Don’t go swimming for an hour after you eat.

All of these, and many more, instructions were for my benefit from loving and caring parents.

The Apostle Paul is giving us some don’ts today. These come from our loving heavenly Father and are for our good and beneficial to our development as we grow in Christ.

“So stop lying to each other. Tell the truth to your neighbor. We all belong to the same body. 26 If you are angry, do not let it become sin. Get over your anger before the day is finished. 27 Do not let the devil start working in your life. 28 Anyone who steals must stop it! He must work with his hands so he will have what he needs and can give to those who need help. 29 Watch your talk! No bad words should be coming from your mouth. Say what is good. Your words should help others grow as Christians. 30 Do not make God’s Holy Spirit have sorrow for the way you live. The Holy Spirit has put a mark on you for the day you will be set free. 31 Put out of your life all these things: bad feelings about other people, anger, temper, loud talk, bad talk which hurts other people, and bad feelings which hurt other people. 32 You must be kind to each other. Think of the other person. Forgive other people just as God forgave you because of Christ’s death on the cross.” Ephesians 4:25-32 NLV

Each one of these instructions is for our benefit. Lying will destroy our character. Anger will give us ulcers and effect our heart. Stealing will get us thrown in jail or fired. Bad talk will separate family and friends.

On the other hand kindness, forgiveness, and thoughtfulness are beneficial and restorative.

The Bible is practical in its instruction. Let me put it this way, Don’t not follow the loving guidance that God gives us for a prosperous and peaceful life.

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A True Reflection

There is a single verse in the Psalm 40 that I want us to look at this morning.

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.” Psalm 40:5 NKJV

Now look at this phrase “many are the wonderful works which You have done”. Think about that for a moment – what WONDERFUL works do you see that He has done? Was it last night’s sunset or this morning’s sunrise? Was it the love and compassion you felt for a stranger who was in need? Or was it the unpretentious love and acceptance of a child? What did you experience just yesterday that you can see was a wonderful work of God in your life?

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8 NJKV

“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Psalm 111:4 NJKV

“O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1 NKJV

I like the verse above – God’s counsellors are faithfulness and truth. The things that are wonder – full are the things that have the character of God woven through them. Things like faithfulness, truth, love, forgiveness, peace, gentleness, patience, joy…Oh wait, did I just list the fruit of the Spirit? When God’s love fills us, we begin to produce fruit.

In the natural a tree produces fruit for the kind of tree it is. Apples – apples, oranges – oranges, bananas – bananas and so on – you know what I’m saying. When we grow in Christ, we will begin to produce fruit that is consistent with the vine we are growing on – we will begin to produce godly character.

Now look at your life and see what Father-fruit is growing there. Do you know that He is wanting to use you to do wonderful things in the lives of those around you? Don’t think that everyone will be happy that we are an example of the Father? They won’t be. Jesus faced that opposition.

“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant” Matthew 21:14-15 NKJV

People were indignant with Jesus for the wonderful things he did. Some people will become indignant with you as well but don’t be detoured just keep producing fruit.

Let the love of the Lord shine in your life and as you do, you will reflect it like the moon reflects the sun. The moon has no light of its own, but it does shine brightly in the night. As we reflect the Father’s love and His wonderful works, we will begin to shine brightly in the dark and it will bring joy to others.

We will be a true reflection!

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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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Be A Good Example

When you look at your life who has been the biggest influence. Parents, teachers, friends…?

My parents had the largest impact on my early years, that is certain. I can still hear some of those simple childhood teachings. As a young wife and mother there were some gracious women who mentored me, one without knowing it. Her example was life changing.

Of course, the Bible has had the biggest impact on my life. Watching how godly people, men and women, conduct themselves in their daily lives is such an encouragement. Watching pious and selfish people’s example is a warning of things I try to avoid.

I’ve been reading through the book of Acts and I have paid close attention to the verses that mention Barnabas.

“…Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35 to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 36-37 Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.” Acts 4:34-37 CEV

The first mention of Barnabas shows that he was a generous man. A man of compassion. A good example.

The early Christians were being persecuted for choosing Christ over the religions of the day. Many of them were disowned and left without home or property. Others were imprisoned and still some were murdered for their faith in Christ.

He was called “one who encourages others”. A good example.

When Saul, who had been arresting Christians, came to Christ Barnabas validated his change of heart with the apostles. He gave testimony that Paul had a true conversion and should be accepted.

Barnabas was able to put Paul’s past aside and saw who he was becoming in Christ. Barnabas was the one who brought Saul to preach and teach to the believers in a town called Antioch. It was there that both Barnabas and Saul were sent out to be missionaries.

“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for me. They are the ones I have chosen to do it.” Acts 13:2 ERV

They ministered together for years and then Barnabas separated ways with Paul and began encouraging his nephew, John Mark, while Paul continued traveling with a man called Silas. Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Barnabas encouraged the saints. Both were used by God.

The Lord brings people into our lives. Some are only passing through, others become life-long friends. Whatever the period of time, we should be a good example. Loving them unconditionally as Christ has loved us. Forgetting their past and seeing who Christ is helping them become.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 ERV

Love makes us a good example. Lord, I want to be that example to others!

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