A TASTE FOR GOD

O taste and see that the Lord is good:
blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
Psalm 34:8

When just a few months old, babies begin eating baby food, often the commercial kind purchased in grocery stores. Babies seem to really like the fruits which have some sweetness to the taste. There are some mixed foods like chicken and vegetables that seem to be palatable to most little ones. Then come the vegetables. Most perhaps are taken into the little mouths and swallowed with not much resistance. However, it's in this area that the funny faces begin to appear. Little heads may turn or little mouths twist in silent protest that what they are tasting isn't acceptable. I've always been surprised at some of the vegetables baby food companies encourage for the very young. Where a baby may wince at the taste of spinach, he may like spinach when older. What makes the difference?

This may sound elementary, but there is a lot in babies that aren't developed physically. We all know that, but don't think of some of the little integral parts that are important..I refer to taste buds. That's an area of development in the beginning stages. Some baby foods may not taste just right to a baby. Baby food companies have toned down certain foods that may be strong in tangy taste so they are aware that there must be some compensation for strong taste in foods to a little one. Where a baby may shun carrots or spinach at one year and under, they may develop a taste with maturity for those same vegetables in a few years.

Taste is something that is acquired. Generally we develop a taste for things through exposure. Frustrated parents wonder why a child of theirs dabbles in some things they do that brings them down or into serious trouble. It doesn't happen overnight. Generally a bad crowd is involved at school or even at church. With a teen's exposure to the wrong influences, a parent's worst nightmare begins. The exposure usually encourages more and more negative behavior and rebellion toward parents. Exposure of the wrong things in the lives of our children is common and of major concern and bad tastes culturally develop.

What about we adults? We don't just jump into the things of the world that affects our taste for the things of God. We are as easily drawn aside as any child by our exposure to those things that are not of God. I have spoken with women who little by little found themselves away from the Lord, no longer living for Him and wondering how it all happened. Our tastes are developed through exposure.

I wish you could have known my sister Kay. I admired just about everything she ever did, even from a young age. She always had good taste in clothes. She had a sense of style that I admired. I used to say that she could dress in a burlap bag and look good. She was pretty with hair in place, neat as a pin. She had a beautiful alto voice even from high school on and at the time of her Home-going was active in her church choir. She was a godly woman, loving the Word of God. She raised two godly daughters. My list could go on and on. In appearance, I was always a slob up against Kay. Even though I was the older sister, she was an influence on me more than she knew. I loved being “exposed” to her, a godly woman of great taste.

When we come across those who influence us with their class and good taste in so many ways, we are affected by them whether we know it or not. Inside, we want to adopt some of what they are into our own lives. We may want to look better, talk better, serve more, etc. This happens in us because of our exposure, that helps us in developing good,godly taste.

Taste is also at times experimental. I've heard of developing a taste for certain foods. The only way that can happen is if we actually taste the food in question. There are still foods I don't have a taste for and never will no matter how often I taste them. Taste is developed by exposure to whatever the food or drink may be. I hasten to say that the same is true of spiritual taste.

I don't know how often I heard in my life, “Come on, Glendarae, just taste this...try it, you'll like it.” When someone has to beg me that much, I figure the experience isn't going to be good. The purpose of tasting anything is with the hope we will like what we've tasted. All over our area, there are places where one can go into a store and take part in free wine tastings. Why would an establishment have such a thing? Those merchants are hoping with the tasting, a person will enjoy what they taste and will buy more of what was merely tasted.. Taste can take us in many directions.

Our opening Scripture verse encourages us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” The thing with our tasting the Lord is that there is a trust that develops in us with this in-depth exposure to Him. This tasting and seeing the goodness of the Lord is not a one time thing. When tasting of Him with consistency, we will be drawn even more to Him. Acquiring a spiritual taste takes time and in that time, helps us love Jesus more. We hopefully will want more and more of who and what He is. Hopefully tasting of Him will create in us a deep hunger for God that will be on going.

My hope for each of us is that we will develop a deep taste for the things of God. Too often, I have settled for just snacking on the things of God. Snacking isn't healthy in most cases. It doesn't build the human body in healthy ways. Spiritual snacking doesn't build strong, spiritual bodies. May we enjoying feasting (and yes, tasting) on the things of God and come to develop a loving and ravenous appetite for our Lord.

Father, thank You for the privilege of eating from Your Word and drinking from Your fountain of life. Thank You for sending Jesus to make all of this possible. Thank You for loving me and giving me the privilege of being your child. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

HEAR ME!

Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Matthew 13:43

We just returned home from a wonderful Bible seminar at the Billy Graham Cove led by Larry Crabb. In the study of the book of Colossians, we delved into the subject of recognizing false teaching in our day and the goal of living the true Gospel. Even back in the day of the Colossian church, Paul had learned of the drifting of the church at that time into false teaching. The same false teaching then has also drifted down into our own day and is rampant in many circles.

There are many pastors today who want to preach an easy Christian life gospel. They say if we do certain things, we will live lives of happiness and bliss as Christians, a message never promised in Scripture. There are two problems at play here. For one, people tend to believe everything they hear from the pulpit, never evaluating even questionable things said up against the Scriptures. The second problem, is that a good many Christians don't know the Scriptures for themselves. They want leaders to do all of the studying and searching so they don't have to, thus it's easy to fall into false teaching. There are preachers on television today with big smiles and personalities that are convincing Christians how perfect the Christian life will be if they do certain things.

One of the most important things our teacher this week pointed out that really got my attention was something I had read any number of times, but hadn't really pondered. It sent me on a mental search and physical one as well as I delved into the only concordance I had with me. It was the end of each of the instruction to the seven churches in Revelation John was instructed by the Holy Spirit to write. John writes to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He calls their attention to positive things about their churches as well as pointing out areas where improvement is greatly needed. At the end of each of the messages to those seven churches, there is a common admonition said to each of them. (2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22) Each sentence says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It was pointed out to us the use of the word “hear.” Nothing was said about listening in those sentences. I wondered why.

I have known that listening and hearing are two different things although they may be dependent on each other. Listening is the physical action by which a voice is heard and those tones register on ear drums, thus registering pictures and thoughts in the brain. However, listening doesn't mean things are registering and being heeded. Hearing is also a physical process, but seems to mean there is more adherence to what is said. John didn't write to those churches that they should listen to what he was saying. He was interested in their hearing his words.

Just getting on my computer and looking up both words I found the word “listen” in only one verse of Scripture that was found in Isaiah (KJV). I found the word “hear” 2248 times. I found the word “hear” somewhere in 38 Old Testament books and 25 times in New Testament books. “Hearken” is included 283 times in that overall number and for good reason. As I look at the word “hearken”, it's clear to see the word of interest. So I conclude for myself that God isn't nearly as interested in my merely listening to His word even though that's important, as really hearing what He has to say. However, in the listening process, it's easy for it to go in one ear and out the other, as my Mother would say. When we really hear, we are taking in not only what has registered in the ear, but whatever has truly been heard, will be retained.

Why all the encouragement for people to hear or hearken? Sticking with me was when our teacher said, “The Holy Spirit always has something to say to those with hearing heart.” I felt a real conviction settle in on me as I thought of the thousands of sermons, Sunday school lessons and Bible studies I've sat through where I mostly listened, even taking notes. So often though, I wonder how often I was really hearing what the Spirit wanted to say. He would have said much if I was really listening in order to hear.

The word “hearken” is also in the mix and it's obvious when we look at the word itself...”hearken.” Hark was a word often used in Scripture to really get someones attention. Another word I hadn't paid that much attention to is the word, “heart”...heart. You see, when I am really hearing what the Spirit has to say, it may register in my brain, but settles down in a serious way in my heart.

By the way, the opening verse I have used in the beginning is a direct quote by Jesus. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, He uses these same words (hear) a total of 8 times. Jesus didn't use the word “listen.” He really wanted the people to hear, soak up, believe and put into action in every way whatever He said.

How well am I hearing what the Spirit wants to say to me? He is willing to speak if I'm available to hear...really hear...what He has to say. My prayer is that I will be alert to this lesson learned because my heart's desire is to know Him better and walk with Him closer than ever before.

Father, I'm so grateful for how You speak into my life through Your sweet Spirit. May I slow down enough to really absorb all He has to say to my heart. I pray for a “hearing heart” that will draw me closer to You. In Jesus' sweet name...Amen

HEAR ME!

Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Matthew 13:43

We just returned home from a wonderful Bible seminar at the Billy Graham Cove led by Larry Crabb. In the study of the book of Colossians, we delved into the subject of recognizing false teaching in our day and the goal of living the true Gospel. Even back in the day of the Colossian church, Paul had learned of the drifting of the church at that time into false teaching. The same false teaching then has also drifted down into our own day and is rampant in many circles.

There are many pastors today who want to preach an easy Christian life gospel. They say if we do certain things, we will live lives of happiness and bliss as Christians, a message never promised in Scripture. There are two problems at play here. For one, people tend to believe everything they hear from the pulpit, never evaluating even questionable things said up against the Scriptures. The second problem, is that a good many Christians don't know the Scriptures for themselves. They want leaders to do all of the studying and searching so they don't have to, thus it's easy to fall into false teaching. There are preachers on television today with big smiles and personalities that are convincing Christians how perfect the Christian life will be if they do certain things.

One of the most important things our teacher this week pointed out that really got my attention was something I had read any number of times, but hadn't really pondered. It sent me on a mental search and physical one as well as I delved into the only concordance I had with me. It was the end of each of the instruction to the seven churches in Revelation John was instructed by the Holy Spirit to write. John writes to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He calls their attention to positive things about their churches as well as pointing out areas where improvement is greatly needed. At the end of each of the messages to those seven churches, there is a common admonition said to each of them. (2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22) Each sentence says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It was pointed out to us the use of the word “hear.” Nothing was said about listening in those sentences. I wondered why.

I have known that listening and hearing are two different things although they may be dependent on each other. Listening is the physical action by which a voice is heard and those tones register on ear drums, thus registering pictures and thoughts in the brain. However, listening doesn't mean things are registering and being heeded. Hearing is also a physical process, but seems to mean there is more adherence to what is said. John didn't write to those churches that they should listen to what he was saying. He was interested in their hearing his words.

Just getting on my computer and looking up both words I found the word “listen” in only one verse of Scripture that was found in Isaiah (KJV). I found the word “hear” 2248 times. I found the word “hear” somewhere in 38 Old Testament books and 25 times in New Testament books. “Hearken” is included 283 times in that overall number and for good reason. As I look at the word “hearken”, it's clear to see the word of interest. So I conclude for myself that God isn't nearly as interested in my merely listening to His word even though that's important, as really hearing what He has to say. However, in the listening process, it's easy for it to go in one ear and out the other, as my Mother would say. When we really hear, we are taking in not only what has registered in the ear, but whatever has truly been heard, will be retained.

Why all the encouragement for people to hear or hearken? Sticking with me was when our teacher said, “The Holy Spirit always has something to say to those with hearing heart.” I felt a real conviction settle in on me as I thought of the thousands of sermons, Sunday school lessons and Bible studies I've sat through where I mostly listened, even taking notes. So often though, I wonder how often I was really hearing what the Spirit wanted to say. He would have said much if I was really listening in order to hear.

The word “hearken” is also in the mix and it's obvious when we look at the word itself...”hearken.” Hark was a word often used in Scripture to really get someones attention. Another word I hadn't paid that much attention to is the word, “heart”...heart. You see, when I am really hearing what the Spirit has to say, it may register in my brain, but settles down in a serious way in my heart.

By the way, the opening verse I have used in the beginning is a direct quote by Jesus. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, He uses these same words (hear) a total of 8 times. Jesus didn't use the word “listen.” He really wanted the people to hear, soak up, believe and put into action in every way whatever He said.

How well am I hearing what the Spirit wants to say to me? He is willing to speak if I'm available to hear...really hear...what He has to say. My prayer is that I will be alert to this lesson learned because my heart's desire is to know Him better and walk with Him closer than ever before.

Father, I'm so grateful for how You speak into my life through Your sweet Spirit. May I slow down enough to really absorb all He has to say to my heart. I pray for a “hearing heart” that will draw me closer to You. In Jesus' sweet name...Amen

Movin' Along

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee, yea, I will
uphold thee with the right hand of
my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10

Moses was told by God to lead His people from Egypt back home to the Promised Land. One would have thought it was the best of situations for the Israelites. They had a wonderful leader God had chosen. That leader had the wisdom and provision of a great God. The move wouldn't be easy but it would take them from slavery back to their homeland. We know that despite all of God's guidance and provision, the people still felt they had reasons to complain....not enough variety in food, not enough water, leadership wasn't the best, etc. If they learned nothing else about God, they learned in quick fashion that God didn't and still doesn't like complaining and murmuring. They ended up far longer in the wilderness than God ever intended because of the peoples griping, rebellion and lack of faith.

I remember standing beside a U-Haul truck when Brian and I made our first move. I stood crying about leaving that lovely apartment that had been our first home from day one. My Mother was there and assured me I would love the next place as well because Brian would be there. We needed to move...needed more room as a young relative had come to live with us. In that next apartment, we would also bring our two baby girls home to it. I just remember the emotions of moving and leaving all that was sentimental and familiar to me.

We made several moves after that. Some moves required going a distance while some were no more than a couple of miles from the previous place. I learned with the short move that although moving within the same town, going from one neighborhood to another can be like moving from one state to another because every neighborhood is different.

I don't like moving. I could probably pack up the house in a good long day if we had to move again. When I dig in with packing boxes, I fly, but I do pack in an organized way. I know what boxes will go in what rooms, some boxes that will go to an attic or garage and other stuff to Goodwill. It's tiring and troublesome to move, but in our day of mobility, jobs change as they often did for Brian. I cried with every move mostly because of losing church ties including those ladies I had taught from God's Word. I grew up in the same southern Illinois town. I still tend to have a touch of envy toward those who have “stayed home.” They have very deep roots in our town and everyone knows everyone else.

Friends can make moving very difficult. They will express disappointment that we can't stay put. They will cry. We promise to stay in touch and with some we will, but with most, we just can't. The wonderful thing about Heaven is that there will be no goodbyes or so-longs, not even for a time. We'll be with the Lord and our Christian family forever...no moves...Heaven will be our forever home.

This is the season when people move. School is about to be out in most places, houses come up for sale and it tends to be the time for moves. No matter the move, there will be stress and high emotions. Children often don't understand what's going on. It's hard for an emotional mom to be super positive with children about a move when her heart is breaking. I do know though that things will work out.

I heard a pastor speak on one occasion regarding a couple in his church that was in the process of moving to a distant state. Many in the church were really upset to see those long-standing members leaving to go elsewhere. The pastor got up in the pulpit and said to his congregation to stop the emotional behavior that was beginning to turn negative. He reminded the people of how the moving couple was serving in the church, classes taught, and programs they had helped to start. The pastor suggested the people regard this couple as missionaries they were bidding farewell to who would do many of the same things in a new church as they had done in their present one. I had never thought of that either as I watched Christian friends move or with our own family moving.

May I give us some reminders to encourage both those leaving and staying:

*When Christian friends move, we must trust they are doing God's will. We dare not argue with that
*Make the move of friends as easy for them as possible. Volunteer to help in any way
*Give them a gift certificate for some place to eat along the road if they are driving.
*We live in a wonderful day of communication...phones, computers, etc....that makes staying in contact very easy. Fifty years ago, a move would have meant loss of convenient contact.
*Allow friends to depart/move with your blessing and good wishes.

The blessing in it all is that no matter where folks move, God is already there preparing the way. There will be a church to find, grocery store, doctor, dentist, hospital (in case of emergency), schools and much wisdom and discernment will be needed in making so many decisions. Friends who are moving need our continued prayers as they make adjustments to their new setting.

Father, many of us who have moved, know the joys and sorrows of such. We look forward to that great moving day when we go to Heaven or Jesus comes for us. There will be no boxes or moving vans to pack, meeting new people, etc. Meanwhile, when our moves do come on this earth, be with us in every aspect of them. Make us a blessing wherever that place is and use us for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

I REPENT

Therefore I will judge you, O house
of Israel, every one according to his ways,
saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn

yourselves from all your transgressions;
so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Ezekiel 18:30

It might be easy for us to look back at Israel of the Old Testament days with some criticism. We might feel the spiritual condition of their day was nothing like that of our own. I would say that we are different from their day in that we have fallen just as far into sin as that of Israel. Our country has more advantages when it comes to sinful thinking and activity. With all of that sinful advantage, we Christians don't seem to be making that much of an impact on this society of ours. Why? Because Christian America isn't a repentant nation. God is seeking a people that will turn from its culture of sin and return in repentance to their holy God.

It was my privilege Thursday night to watch the National Prayer Gathering in the US Capitol rotunda led by Anne Graham Lott and the committee that has spearheaded all of the days of prayer activities across the nation. There was music, Scripture reading, praying and comments by Anne as she led those there through a time of self evaluation.

Programs had been given to all who were present. On one panel of the program was a list of sins, personal in nature, that could apply to any and all of us. There was then a section regarding the need for our country to repent of its sins. It was stressed that with the personal sins, one might not think all applied to them, but if read prayerfully a few times, it would begin to dawn on the readers that the sins listed probably applied in entirety to each individual.

I don't have a copy of that program those folks had in hand but most folks who know me, know I have suggested for years a prayerful look at Colossians 3, that I have considered a wonderful chapter in Scripture that can serve as good words for self evaluation before God. It's not a comfortable chapter. There are the “put ons” and “put offs.” However,, there are small sections sufficient for self evaluation before the Lord.

Colossians 3:1 begins with a very foundational verse:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God.

Perhaps this is a place to repent of our sin. I wonder how long it's been since most of us have really lived life seeking things above...seeking God in everything. I would also note the first word in that verse, IF. Without a true relationship with Jesus, repentance is going to be the furthest thing from an individual's mind.

Looking down the chapter, I see in verse 5 a list of sins that can grossly affect any Christian's body....fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire and covetousness. Perhaps many people in our day have either participated in some of those things in the past without repentance or are currently involved in such without repentance.

Down to verse 8, I see some things that are very convicting for me...anger, wrath (anger in action),malice, blasphemy, filthy communication. Where one of those sins strikes conviction in our hearts, we need to sincerely repent in sorrow before the Lord for those sins.

Verse 9 puts icing on the cake so to speak with an admonition to Christians about lying to each other. Paul was speaking to the saved community of Colossae, thus the Holy Spirit speaks to us as well in our day. Do we speak in truth with others even in general conversation without stretching or elaborating on truth?

When the group in the Capitol Rotunda read through those personal sins and sins of our country listed in their programs, they would say at the end of each, “I repent.” They didn't say, “We repent” because no one individual can repent for anyone else. Again, it's a very personal spiritual event in the heart of an individual Christian.

We all have a desire to see repentance take place in our country...few would deny that. However, we fail to see that such repentance will only happen through individual lives and then as a whole; we will then see a flood of repentance flowing over our sinful and divided nation. We have such a wonderful opportunity in these days with the leadership we have in place in our nation's capitol to see some wonderful things happen that can bring us back to basics. However, government can't order spiritual change. Spiritual repentance and thus revival will only happen one by one...one by one...one by one. Our prayer should be, “Let it begin in me.”

Father, our country is starving for You. However, we got away from You one by one. Change can only come with Your Holy Spirit working in us on an individual basis. May I first turn to You like never before...not looking to my neighbor in the church pew. Bring our country back to Yourself using Your people one by one. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

"Bear" With Me

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear;
so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Proverbs 28:15

I loved stuffed animals in my youth and by youth, I mean junior high through high school. I don't know whatever happened to all of them, but I don't have even one of them now. However, I do have a wonderful stuffed black bear maybe as tall as a cowboy boot that Brian bought for me as a reward for either hiking or biking around Cades Cove several years ago. I named it “Cadie” with a long “a” sound. Just a few minutes ago as I left my bedroom, there she sat looking her usual attentive self from the top of my desk. Cadie never growls, begs for food or misbehaves in any way for which I'm grateful.

However, Cadie is stuffed. She looks cute, but has no life to her and couldn't hurt a flea. She is, though, a nice replica of the beautiful live black bears we see in the mountains in our area. Tourists flock to certain areas in the hope of seeing at least one bear they can take pictures of to take home to show off to friends or relatives. Cars line up beyond reason in the Cove just to view a bear that has been spotted in a nearby wooded area. Children giggle with delight at the sight while parents make fools of themselves rushing with phone cameras in tow to take pictures. It's all fun and a delight.

Some tourists, however, take serious risks despite warning signs and stiff penalties to get as close to a live bear as they can without sustaining serious injury. The opening verse speaks of a “ranging bear.” That is a bear that is seriously wandering on the hunt for food. It may display a low growl, head moving from side to side seeking food. Most bears here live on berries, bugs and even yellow jackets. That's not a lot of food even at first thought for a bear that might weigh 200-250 pounds. While that bear is on the hunt, though, it does not want any distraction and may attack if aggravated. A bear was found in a local ladies kitchen having broken through the back door and then got into her refrigerator. Hearing the noise, she glanced to see the bear and immediately called authorities. You've heard of someone being “hungry as a bear?” Well, if that's the case, that human being is pretty desperate for a good meal if he's that hungry.

Looking in Scripture, I find another kind of “bear” there. This requires action on our part that will be of benefit to others. In definitions I found regarding that kind of “bear”, I find that we may be asked to carry, deliver, support, prop or hold up someone who might have great need at any given time. So in a sense, we have the privilege of being “bears” of sorts. For instance:

Bear ye one another's burdens
and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

WHY?

So Christ was once offered to
bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for Him shall
He appear the second time without sin
unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:28

We are to bear the burdens of others because Jesus was willing to bear our sins and the sins of all others.

I also love the verse in Psalm 91:12 from one of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament:

For He shall give His angels charge
over thee, to keep thee in all
thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their
hands, lest thou dash thy foot
against a stone.

I don't know about you but there have been times when I knew my God-provided angels were on duty, especially when an accident was avoided or I sensed a special protection over me when I felt myself in an unusual situation where I felt a threat. Those angels bore me up many a time and I'm so grateful for that.

I love all of the cuddly bears that are stuffed, but don't want to mess with the real thing. I am grateful for those who have come along my side as a burden bearer. I know God has used them in my life as well as His providing those angel bearers I need on a daily basis. Personally, I need to be much more aware of the burdens of folks around me. So many of these folks have come to my attention in recent days who may need a card, a word of encouragement, a lunch date with a burdened down soul...any way I can be an encouragement and can only help one bear their burdens. Then I can have the joy of following Jesus' concern for others in being a burden bearer. We can be Jesus with skin on in the lives of others.

Father...Help me to be conscious of those around me who are really going through tough times. I want to help bear the burdens of others to be of help to them but to bring glory to You. Guide me in knowing the wise things to do and say as I seek to serve You in this way. In Jesus precious name....Amen