Are You Catchin'?

For I have given you an example,

that ye should do as I have done to you.

John 13:15

It's been years and years...way back to childhood since I was asked, “Are you catchin'?”

I was in first grade when someone came from city hall to nail a brightly colored sign to the wall beside our front door. I remember that I saw a big word on it that I couldn't read or even sound out. When the man came, I was on the front porch. Before coming on the porch he asked me to come into the yard and stand by my swing set. From there, I saw him nail the sign for all to read: QUARANTEENED. He didn't speak to my Mother or anyone...he just did it and then left. (I'd like to see anyone get by with that now.) After he left I went up on the porch, about to go into the house to tell my Mother what had happened. She was coming out of the house just as I was going to go in. She stood looking at the sign but made no comment about it. 

I asked my Mother what that sign meant. She said that if anytime I saw a sign like that on the front of someones house, I wasn't to go up to that house because it meant that someone in that house was “catchin'.” I asked her if someone in our house was catchin' and she said that it was me...chicken pox. I knew I had been out of school that day because of some itchy bumps on my skin and now knew I would be out of school for a few more days. The doctor said I could play in the yard if I felt okay but couldn't have any friends near to play with. I can remember seeing friends coming home from school while I was in the yard. Before I could say anything to them, someone would say “Glendarae's catchin' and we can't play with her.” I remember crying a lot that week.

When I went back to school, Miss Irene my first grade teacher took one look at me and asked, “Are you still catchin'?” I had a note from my mom that said the doctor gave permission for me to go back to school. For a few days, various people asked me if I was still catchin' and hated every time I heard it. When anyone would get a bad cold, one always spoke of “catching a cold.” I used to wonder how in the world one caught a cold.

In that day, when you caught something, it was an indication that whatever you had caught was contagious and no one else wanted to catch what you had caught. Still to this day, I tend to speak of catching a cold or catching a bug of some kind.

All that to say... how contagious are you and I spiritually speaking. Are we so strong in our faith that someone could nail a quarantined sign on the front of our houses, cautioning others that if they got around us, they might catch more of Jesus than they ever have in their lives? I would hope for us that our desire would be to spread as many spiritual germs around as possible.

I have been so blessed to have some of the most wonderful, godly women in my life. With all the times we have moved, I have known dear ladies all over the place. They each one have been contagious in such a way as to encourage me more for the Lord than I've ever been. You know the type of ladies I'm talking about. They are ladies of genuine humility who will never know until Heaven the spiritual impact they have had on my life. They are ladies you can sit for long periods of time talking about what the Lord is doing in her/your life. You walk away refreshed and ready to charge a sinful world with more of the things of God.

So what are some ways we can be more spiritually contagious? Perhaps we'll have cause to remember how others have affected us without knowing it. There's nothing wrong with some spiritual peer pressure. For instance...

In our day, one thing that shocks me are the Christians who go to church without a Bible. I'll never understand a couple bringing one Bible to share. Bible's ought to be very personal things. If we attend a church where bringing a Bible isn't a regular thing, we too will get to where it doesn't bother us if we forget ours every now and then. When the large majority of church members bring Bibles to church and Sunday school, we feel more like doing the same.

Church attendance...even there some spiritual contagion can be good. There have been times to be honest when I just didn't feel like going to church or Sunday school. My mind at those times quickly went to those faithful ladies I was privileged to see or sit by whenever we were together at church. There was an accountability thing there for me.

I think of participation in church services. With usually singing in a church choir, I've been in a position to view the congregation. One gets to know where people sit most of the time. There are those who participate in the singing and are engaged in the sermon that is preached. I will sing more when sitting around singers. I will pay better attention to a sermon if I'm sitting by note takers or those who don't whisper or write notes during that time. Then there are those who look like they were forced at gun point to come to church that day. I've noticed when I'm seated in the congregation, I generally participate as much as those I am sitting with. It's a “catchin'” thing.

Some folks don't bow their heads for prayer, taking advantage of that time to look around. How do I know?.....I've been one of them. It's not just a closing eyes thing, its a sensing of the spirit in the moment.

If a lady friend is physically contagious, I probably won't want to be around her for a time other than dropping off a casserole at her house. However, if she is spiritually contagious, I will want to be around her when we can get together. I want those lady friends in my life who are strong in the Lord, encouragers and yes, contagious. Beyond that, it should be my desire to be one of those ladies. This desire cannot be for prideful reasons. There are already too many spiritual super stars in most churches that intimidates more than encourages. Our spiritual contagion must be a natural thing that comes from us because of a living and vital relationship with the Lord Jesus. We will become that sweet aroma, that spiritually refreshing woman that draws others into their own close relationship with Jesus. We are called to be contagious for Christ.

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Dear Jesus...Help me to be a very active germ, a spiritual contagion that can start an epidemic in folks around me who want to live more for You than ever before. May this epidemic spread into my community and go from there. Help me to be the kind of example You set for me. I love you...Amen.

The Beatitudes of Revelation

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive

glory and honor and power; for

thou hast created all things, and

for thy pleasure they are and

were created.

Revelation 4:11

There are books in our Bibles that are often ignored or misused for any number of reasons and the book of Revelation ranks probably close to the top of that list if not at the top. I've seen it used and abused by people who want to put their own spin on things. True, there is much of it that is very difficult to understand, but there's a great deal of it that is very beneficial.

John the apostle is the author of this book under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We know that John wrote the Gospel of John as well as I, II, and III John. This book entrusted to John's writing is totally different from the four other books he wrote in that it is clearly apocalyptic literature. It was written during days of dire persecution. Some feel it was written during the days of Nero but because of dates of the times, it is more likely that it was penned during the days of Domitian, a leader that was even more insane than Nero if that is possible. John had continued to be faithful in his preaching and had become a thorn in the side of Domitian so John was exiled to Patmos, a very rocky island area used more as a quarry than anything else. Without Domitian having to out and out kill John, his hope was to work John to death as John by now was in his older years. John turned out to be pretty tough and after his time was up on Patmos, lived out his remaining years in Ephesus.

We are very familiar with the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5. We have come to learn that the word “blessed” means “happy.” So we should read each beatitude as “Happy is ....” We would do the same with the seven beatitudes that are found in Revelation. Let's see what they tell us:

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3

Here, a command is given to read this book. I don't know up front any other book of Scripture where we are commanded to read a particular book. And yet, this is one of the least read books in the Bibles of most Christians. We are also to hear this book preached and taught as often as possible and then what we learn from it, we are to keep and to put into action in our lives.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

This should be a verse of comfort for all of us who claim the name of Christ. Notice that there is to be a happiness in death. It is then that we know complete rest from our labors on this earth. Labors spoken of here are not meaning specific jobs necessarily but just the labor of living life on this earth. There are things we take with us despite what we've been told. Our works for God will follow right with us.

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

This is a wonderful caution for us to stay alert as to Jesus' coming. As the bride of Christ, we are to be ever ready for his return or we could find ourselves embarrassed for lack of our expectancy. Notice that he will come as a thief. A thief certainly does not announce his intent to come at a specific time to rob our homes or steal our cars. He may have “cased the joint” and knows the best time to strike. Jesus, too, knows the time to come and expects to find us watching, spiritual garments in order, lives in order as well. Are we fully prepared should He decide to come today? Unsaved people are cautioned to get right with God and be ready for Christ's appearing. We Christians are to be ready as well.

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9

There have been a few times in my life when I didn't receive a wedding invitation to a wedding I really wanted to attend. In many of those cases, I know it was an error of some sort but it didn't feel good. As a part of the bride of Christ, however, I don't have to have the kind of invitation we know of here on this earth. For the marriage supper of the Lamb, I am a participant...a bride all over again. What a wonderful event for every Christian to look forward to. God gives His very word verifying my anticipated presence at that great event.

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

To be honest, I can't even imagine what the millennium is going to be like, that thousand year period of time when we return to the earth with Jesus to reign with him during those many years. We know this will take place after all of God's children are gathered home to Heaven to be with Him. This verse tells us that in this whole process, we will not only be happy but holy as well.

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7

This beatitude doesn't really take much discernment to understand. The book of Revelation is full of prophecy but also full of instructions for our living on this earth right now. We will be happier people right now if we study this book and glean from it practical principles of life. By keeping the sayings of the prophecy, we are walking in obedience. Our Heavenly Father is happy about that and we are not only happier but walk in peace as well.

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14

Again there is a special blessing for obedience in following the commandments of God. We are expected to simply do as He asks us to do. I don't have to understand the why's and wherefore's of God's requests. I smile as I think about what I used to say to my children, “Simple obedience is all that is required.” Hadn't thought of that in years.

I trust we will not shy away from this book of Revelation. Preachers rarely preach from it for fear that people won't hang around long enough to hear the sermon series. However, this is a look into our future like no other book of Scripture. My interpretations of the above verses may be a bit off for some as I'm not an expert in this book, but am certainly working on understanding it. I usually read Scripture of this depth with an open ear to what sounds practical and as simple as possible.

We are going to have such a great time when we all gather together around God's throne in praise and adoration of Jesus. What a wonderful time that will be when we meet there with no more earthly concerns. Have a “blessed” day.

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Dear Jesus...I thank You for providing Your Word for anyone who wants to have a copy of it. May I take seriously the fact that You want me reading this precious Book, gleaning blessing and instruction from it. Thank You for the “Blessed” verses found in Matthew and in Revelation as well and for the encouragement each verse plants in my spirit. Help me, Holy Spirit to follow Your leading as you teach me from it

Keep Calm and Carry On

Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7

As I write, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games have just come to an end. Visitors from various countries have found the five words that are the title of this writing in various places. in the United Kingdom.    “Keep Calm and Carry On” can be found imprinted on mugs, small souvenir items, and clothing as well. Until recent years, folks in England anywhere couldn’t explain the meaning or origin of the saying.

In 2000, there was some light shed on the mystery. An English couple who owned a small book publishing company can be credited with solving the mystery. The gentleman opened an old box, one day, that contained several old books. In the bottom of the box were some folded up posters. As he unfolded those posters, there he saw five familiar words: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” The posters were dated 1939, around the time England found itself in the beginning of World War II. The saying reminded one of the many things Winston Churchill spoke to the people in that time in the way of encouragement. He told the people of that day that they should never give up...never, never, never give up. I'm sure back then, many people felt that the military and government would save them and provide for them. However, you and I know how limited even the most powerful men are. We have come to know that if we are to keep calm and go about our daily routine even in the worst of times, that it will take a strong faith and hope in our Heavenly Father.

So the mystery is solved and the saying on mugs, key chains, souvenir plates and shirts can be purchased with the words making sense, at least from a historical perspective. But when I saw those mugs in their varying colors, lined up neatly on shelves, polished and ready to be sold to Olympic visitors, I thought how appropriate for the English considering all they endured during those days when bombs by the ton were dropped on their country, especially on London by Nazi Germany. People fled almost nightly to bomb shelters unable to take anything with them except family members. During those days, families sent their children to the countrysides of England where they could be safe during the bombings. Life was rough and uncertain so in those days “Keep Calm and Carry On” became a kind of motto for the English.

I believe “Keep Calm and Carry On” isn't just for the English or for the tough times of war. It's a saying that is wonderfully encouraging for anyone...it is more than appropriate for we Christians. We know what keeping calm means. There is SO much about life that throws us into a tail spin, panic follows and we find ourselves curled up in a ball of depression. I'm sure during those days, people lived in a state of panic. I can't imagine living with windows covered so that light couldn't be spotted in the darkness of night for enemy planes to see, or jumping when one heard the first blare of warning sirens announcing the arrival of enemy planes filled with bombs of destruction. Keeping calm I would think would have been extremely difficult even under the best of circumstances during that time.

“Carry on”, however, for me would have been an entirely different story. With that kind of adversity and stress, how was a person expected to simply go about life as usual, maintaining ones cool...going to work, washing clothes, attending church, cooking supper, reading the newspaper, etc. all in the middle of the greatest of destruction. I'm sure there were many who were paralyzed by fear, but that wasn't the hope or expectation for a people encouraged to remain strong.

What could that simple motto say to we Christians, for it is one that is appropriate for the saved as well as the unsaved.  How can “Keep Calm and Carry On” (KCCO) apply in our everyday life? This motto of sorts was meant to encourage in the tough times of life.

                           ...Bad doctor's report-- KCCO

                                                                                              ...Financial crisis-- KCCO

                                                        ...Loss of job-- KCCO

                                                                      ...Rebellious child-- KCCO

                                    ...Car accident-- KCCO

                                                                                       ...Spouse wants a divorce-- KCCO

                  ...Death of a loved one-- KCCO

Our list could go on and each of us could add to it. The older we are, the more we've come to understand the importance of remaining calm, while somehow forcing ourselves to move forward even if we don't feel like it. The longer we walk in relationship with the Lord, the more we recognize God's empowering in our lives during the most difficult of times. With that empowering, we've seen how we can carry on in His strength and not on our own.

Where are we at this very moment in life? Every person goes through times of great trial or we know people who are. The Holy Spirit in us wants to give us a spirit of calmness and serenity and yes of resolve. It's ours for the taking. With that serenity from Him, we can get through anything life has to throw at us...so, carry on, my friend.

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Thank You Holy Spirit for being so much a part of me and for ministering in my life in so many wonderful ways. I couldn't get through this life as I should without Your strengthening. May I be faithful in my love and service to You, dear Father. I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus...Amen.

Living With Regret

Holding faith, and a good conscience;

which some having put away concerning

faith have made shipwreck.

I Timothy 1:19

If there is an area in my life where Satan loves to beat me to death, it's in the area of regret that usually spills over into guilt. I've never gotten past taking a nickle out of my Mother's purse so I could buy a bag of cheesy popcorn at school...that was fifth grade. In fact, that incident probably did more than anything to awaken in me the sense of what sin was. I accepted Jesus as my Savior not long after that. From that time to the present, I must say that although I haven't stolen nickels from anyone's purse, I have done other things that I know have not pleased the Lord. Oh, I haven't robbed any banks, killed anyone (even though I thought about it at times). I haven't kicked any dogs nor pushed any senior saint in front of an oncoming car. I have had to deal with my own rotten attitudes, words and behaviors that have hurt people; and I've been self centered when I should have been looking out for others. Satan is also expert in putting me on guilt trips over things of the past and the sad thing is that I often allow him to do it.

David, the man after God's own heart had everything going for him. There were probably few men in our Old Testament who had a closer relationship with God. David was God's chosen one to be Israel's second king. Up to a certain point, it would seem that David had everything all together. He had trials with Saul but David seemed to come through them pretty well. David's problems,however, really came about because of personal issues. David's personal life was a mess. He had a lapse in leadership. He should have gone off to war like kings in that day did. He didn't. (REGRET LATER) Then he went into an adulterous affair. (REGRET) David ended up being the father of Bathsheba's son. (REGRET) David orchestrated the murder of Bathsheba's husband. (REGRET).

The thing about regret is that it comes on the heels AFTER a situation of sin,wrongdoing or even missed moments. Perhaps if regret were to come first, it would keep us from foolishness but it doesn't work that way. David was full of regret after his baby son died. He hated all of the sin that he had been a part of. Psalm 51 is one of the best portions of Scripture that deals with the aftermath of sin when the sinner has come to his or her spiritual senses. For instance, David's first step was in verse 3:

For I acknowledge my transgressions:

and my sin is ever before me.

Let me tell you, that's regret big time. It must be the first step in dealing with regret or guilt. We live in a day when no one wants to be accountable for wrongdoing. When sin isn't acknowledged, it will stick to the soul like fur on a cat's back.  

We also must recognize who has been offended in the process. Verse 4 says:

Against thee, thee only, have I

sinned, and done this evil

in thy sight...

Did you know that the only one you can sin against is God? Did David sin against Bathsheba or her husband...NO? He hurt them, he offended them and did them horrible damage but his sin was against God Himself. He broke God's commands and that's the best definition of sin you will find anywhere. David, king that he was, humbled himself before God and others and confessed his sin.

David confessed his need of God to step into his life with His mercy to do some real damage control. Look at verse 1:

Have mercy upon me, O God, according

to thy loving kindness: according unto

the multitude of thy tender mercies,

blot out my transgressions.

Some translators use the word “stain” in place of transgressions. Have you ever spilled something on a favorite article of clothing and knew that stain would probably never come out? I'm thinking of times when that's happened to me. The worse stains for me have been....mustard, blueberries, spaghetti sauce, ball point ink and you could add to this list. (Please don't send me any remedies.) The stains of sin are different. There's nothing that can remove our sin but one thing...blood...the blood of Jesus. David pleaded with God to wash him in and out and to cleanse him from all sin.

That's how David handled things and those steps should be the steps we take as well. We must be sorrowful for acknowledged sin and plead for God's forgiveness and cleansing. There are a few more things we need to do from that point on.

Rather than letting Satan beat us up over past sin, we should use that regret to teach us some life lessons in either what to do or what not to do in the future.

• We should keep our focus on God, the One who has forgiven us, and not on past sin.
• Determine to live lives that will please God...a life with a clear conscience. It means being determined to change our ways, making all necessary corrections.
• As impossible as the three above things appear to be, we must remember that we have a Source of strength and power in these personal skirmishes with the enemy of our souls and He stands ready to help. Prayer is a huge key in all of these struggles.
  

Pray for us: for we trust we

have a good conscience, in

all things willing to live honestly.

Hebrews 13:18

I'm so grateful that we love and serve the God of the second (and third, and fourth, and fifth, etc) chance. When forgiven by Him, there are no spots or stains left for us to deal with. They are covered...gone. With all of that in place, we can walk in spiritual freedom and victory.

Dear Father...Forgive me for my casual attitude toward sin. Keep me sensitive, Holy Spirit, when I do anything that displeases You. May I be quick to confess my sin and even quicker to change in my life those things that need changed. When thoughts of regret and guilt arise, may I quickly turn them over to You to calm my spirit. I love you. Amen.