Sunday, October 28, 2018

MARK IT!


The older I get, the more I enjoy simpler things that aren't necessarily fancy or expensive. Anyone who knows me well know how much I like bookmarks. Each Bible I have may hold within their pages two or three bookmarks. They do their job for me. I'm usually reading two or three places in my Bible at once. Some bookmarks I have made, some I've purchased and others have been given to me.

I recently told a friend that if I want to come up with another Bible Study project, I think I'll do it making use of “Bookmarks with Purpose.” Over the last few months, I've noticed in bookstores, and other places how special newer Christian bookmarks are, each with special messages that bless and encourage. At each Bible Study session, each lady would receive a bookmark that would be the study for that session. Haven't gotten around to that yet, but am watching for just the right things to use for such a time.

There is a bookmark I found a few months ago that I have gone back to the store for more to replenish my supply of it. I keep one in each of the Bibles I'm working in at the present time. I wish I could share it with you in its present form as I am looking at it right now. I will give you the info as best I can because it is precious and encouraging in so many ways. It was in our local Lifeway Store thanks to Universal Designs.

Trust in GOD'S TIMING....
IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT!

And they that know thy
name will put their trust in
thee: for thou, LORD, hast
not forsaken them that seek
thee. PSALM 9:10

The Lord will work out his
plans for my life, for your
faithful love, O Lord,
endures forever. PSALM 138:8

They that wait upon the
Lord shall renew their
strength, they shall mount
up with wings as eagles;
they shall run and not be
weary. They shall walk and
not faint. ISAIAH 40:31

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


I wish I could tell you I have memorized these verses but I deliberately have not done that.
I love looking at my bookmark, slowly reading those precious promises and reading them as often as I want, looking carefully at each word and phrase. I'm not against Bible memorizing, but there many ways of enjoying God's Word. I've been in friend's homes where they have lovely copies of favorite Scripture verses displayed. (Some ladies from previous Bible studies have shown me how they display their “foldies” but that's a secret thing from Bible Study.) As you see nice bookmarks with encouraging Scripture or messages, pick them up. When you send a card or note of encouragement to someone, enclose a bookmark. It's fun and a different way to be a blessing to others. 

Take advantage of bookmarks for your own benefit. When in one's Bible, looking at a good bookmark can be a kick start to whatever reading you are planning. I shared my bookmark for two reasons...as an example of a really good one and then that you might be encouraged if it seems you just have a little too much on your place. We need the sweet assurance that God is always present in our lives even going ahead of us preparing the way for us. I don't always understand His timing in my life, but know His timing is always true and sure.

Thank You Father that in this world of evil and turmoil, You are still present and working for our best. Your timing, even in dealing with evil, we leave in Your capable hands. Meanwhile use us in reaching the lost who so desperately need Jesus in their lives. In His precious name...Amen

Monday, October 22, 2018

SOME BENEFITS OF LOSS



But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things
but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that
I may win Christ.
Philippians 3:7,8


It doesn't seem that long ago we were seeing the devastation of fires burning in California. I am reminded of almost two years ago when we witnessed something similar in our area. Fire, in these circumstances , always does the same thing...it destroys. Where nature is concerned, it has a wonderful way of restoring itself. However, there are things fire destroys that cannot be restored...homes full of memories, transportation, and often lives of residents as well as those who so bravely fight such fires.

At times, we drive through some of those areas affected by the fire here. Some places have been rebuilt, perhaps erecting better houses or buildings than there was before. Those homes are empty of the former things that were important to home. Even in great loss for so many, there are new beginnings.

When we think of loss, we often think of death, perhaps of a deadly disease or because of some unexpected accident. Loss may come to us in degrees. For instance, losing a fingernail can't compare to losing a priceless ring from the same finger. Any loss strikes at our very being because loss is usually out of our control. We are left vulnerable, unsure of our next move.

Loss may involve for any of us, death of a loved one, our health, a friendship, a job, treasured item, loss of the familiar due to a move, and even one's youth. From your own experience, I'm sure you could add to that list. For me, just about the biggest loss is the loss of a friend in any way...death, estrangement or even distance.

In recent months, I attended the funeral of a dear friend...Sandra. She was in my Sunday school class and Bible study sessions plus she was just a really good friend. She struggled with cancer for well over a year. I doubt the doctors thought she would last as long as she did. One never heard a complaint from her. If I pinned her down, she would tell me how her days was going but never in a complaining way. She knew God was in control of her life and would work the entire situation for her good and His glory. Her funeral was like a worship service. She had planned it with a pastor friend of ours. For a time when she couldn't get to church, we had “Monday School” in her home. When she couldn't handle that anymore I still would see her weekly. However, in circumstances like that, a friend isn't lost. If it is a loss, it's very temporary for we will see each other again.

Recently when consulting with my former pastor (whose wife is a dear best friend) regarding the upcoming Fall Bible study, he quietly told me of his upcoming resignation, really his retirement that would be announced on the coming Sunday. I was saddened, but at the same time, always want friends to be in the center of God's will. Loss....it can come in packages as well.

Paul in his writing to the Philippians, spent some verses in describing what a jerk he had been even though a faithful Pharisee who dutifully did all he could to wipe out Christians. In some circles, he was a hero and faithful to society's expectations. In those circles, when he became a Christ follower, he lost everything he had known in wealth, fame, even race to a great extent. Name the loss, however, and Paul considered those things as loss for Jesus. There was no self pity or regret in any loss he had sustained.

Alot depends on our view of life. Life on this earth is a very temporary thing. We will eventually lose all and everything we have known here. All that will count is what we have done for Jesus. Whatever any loss we have sustained, it will all be gain for Christ...nothing lost, everything gained.

Thank You, Father that in You, I find my sufficiency. Those times of human loss, You are so faithful to comfort and fill in the gaps of any hurt with Your love. Thank You for sending Jesus who in His humanity understands my feelings. May I count all things as loss for You. Help me to keep that focus on You. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Monday, October 15, 2018

THREE IS GOOD


And the Lord shall guide thee continually,
and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make
fat thy bone: and thou shalt be like a watered
garden, and like a spring of water,
whose waters fail not.

Isaiah 58:11

We've almost always heard “three is a crowd” which means something negative. That might be true when it comes to some, but it doesn't have to be true across the board. Usually I don't pay much attention to numbers and think of some good things about most of them if I want to think about it hard enough. Woke up early this morning and got to thinking about “threes.” For one thing, I have three great kids. The problem with my three children is that they grew up much too fast and now have adult lives all their own.

When I cook a main meal, I usually plan for at least three things on the menu...meat, taters and a veggie. I may add a salad or something else at times, but for some reason, I've felt I should have three things to serve in some fashion.

I 've been thinking of the most important “three” in my life and that is my Father, Jesus, His Son and the Holy Spirit who abides in me. This wonderful trinity has individually meant more in my life than I can say. God sent His Son Jesus to die for my sin, and thus, brought me to the Father under His blood. At my time of salvation, the sweet Holy Spirit came to live in me. He guides me, teaches me the Word, prompts me regarding those things I ought and ought not to do
.
In all of this I thought of three things that are mine through all my Heavenly Father has done for me and three words came to me that all begin with the letter “P”....

PRESENCE....PROTECTION....PROVISION

Without saying, God through His Holy Spirit is with me 24/7. He is what I like to refer to as the “constant” in my life. I have every promise through Scripture of His ever-presence in my life. I'm not sure for any of us if we have grasped that fact. I think if we did, we would act, talk and think differently. As much as I may disappoint my Father at times, He never removes His presence from me. He hangs around me simply out of love. It's that love that's hard for me to wrap myself around, but it's real.

Secondly and this week especially, I'm thinking of God's protection. This last Thursday, I celebrated a special holiday. The date was 10/11/12, a day I can never forget. It was the day I fell into a dark church basement, flying down about a dozen rickety wood stairs only to crash my head into a cinder block wall, and then tumbling further down a few more stairs onto the concrete floor. I knew I was bleeding heavily from the head, but never did pass out. I was at the church to run the church bulletin. Normally, Brian never went with me, but for “some reason”, he went with me. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't been there. I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room (my first ride in an ambulance) It was like bouncing around inside a tin can. I was taken for an MRI and then stitched up. The doctor asked me that days date, I guess to check my thinking. The date was easy 10/11/12. He felt it all had been a miracle that I had lived through it all. I knew it was God's presence who was in charge the entire time. I've always believe that my times are in His hands. That day was a part of the plan.


Then there is God's provision. In my life I've known want, need, greed, abundance and even just enough. We all probably experience those things from time to time. Paul stated to the Philippians how God provided his every need. There have been times I've been perfectly happy with God's provision of just what I needed in the moment. His provision in my life hasn't always been that of money or material things. I mentioned to my hubby last night how we have been so blessed to live in the places we have, meeting the most interesting of people and making good friends with some of God's choice folks. I guess I'm at an age where I don't need a lot of what this world has to offer, but I'm grateful for good health, and just the simple of things of life....all through the provision of a gracious and loving Heavenly Father.

Thank You Father for being a Presence, my Protector and Provision. I don't thank You enough even for the little things in my life that You see to. I'm so grateful for Your Spirit and Your Son Jesus who made all things possible through the ultimate gift of His life for me and everyone else. In His precious name....Amen

Monday, October 1, 2018

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF


Therefore encourage one another and
build up one another, just as you
also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11 NASB


Mrs. Lilly was one of my favorite teachers of all time. She taught in our local junior high school. She taught a combination of penmanship and orthography. I could never get the right arm muscle moving to be the cursive writer she hoped, but I did come to love orthography. This is a subject to this day I use when I come across a word that either isn't clear to me or could be clearer. We had to learn prefixes and break down the other parts of words to get a clear meaning of them. She would have us pull the word apart, Take the word “encourage” for instance. Mrs. Lilly would say that .”en” means “to cause to “ and “courage” speaks of “strength in the face of pain, grief or challenge.” From that we see then, encouragement is to “cause a person to be strong in his circumstances.” It's one thing to know the meaning of the word, another thing to do it.

In whatever form discouragement comes, it affects people in all walks of life. Leaders of every ilk as well as common ordinary people need to hear encouraging words. All of us
need encouragement at one time or another, but I think there are some who need it a little more. I think of single parent families, caregivers taking care of loved ones, unemployed persons, first time empty-nesters and the list could go on and on. All of us know of such folks and others.

I'm thinking right now of our pastors. Just today I read of two young pastors, each on opposite sides of our country who in recent days have committed suicide. Young families are left with no husband and father. Both suffered from great bouts with depression. Our pastors carry heavy and often unreasonable loads. They may smile and appear upbeat while carrying a hurting heart. I wonder what difference it would make for them to receive a kind note or e-mail expressing appreciation for all they do for so many.

Encouragement isn't a new concept. We find it scattered through God's Word and from some examples we can read such admonitions given to some who really needed it. I can't help but think of Moses to Joshua: Moses wasn't going to be allowed to enter the promised land. Joshua was appointed by God to take over what Moses had been doing. I can't imagine the butterflies in the stomach of Joshua, perhaps even a kind of panic. But God told Moses in Deuteronomy to speak words of encouragement to Joshua, the newly appointed leader. Note God's instructions to Moses in verse 3:28:

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him:
for he shall go over before this people, and he shall
cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

In Joshua chapter 1:7-9, the Lord Himself spoke to Joshua with great power. Just verse 9 said it all:

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and
of a good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou
dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.

We can understand the importance of those words of encouragement as Joshua was to undertake an almost impossible challenge.

What about you and me, in every day life who may be going through any number of things life throws our way. We may not have someone ready to call us with an encouraging word. We may not receive a kind note in the mail from someone thinking about and praying for us. There is an element I think we fail often to think of when we are discouraged with no encouragement in sight. In my reading, a verse stood out as if written in neon lights. The verse has to do with David who went through all types of tests and trials. It was a verse I know the Lord presented to me recently for purpose. The verse is I Samuel 30:6 and it says:

And David was greatly distressed; for the people
spake of stoning him, because the soul of all
the people was grieved, every man for his
sons and for his daughters: BUT
DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF
IN THE LORD.


There was no one around or even in sight who could encourage David in the way he needed. A little further down in the passage, it says that “David inquired of the Lord.” I mention these things about David because I'm afraid these are about the last things we think to do when in despair. We often expect everyone to encourage us when God waits for us to call on Him for comfort and support. He may send someone with “skin on” to act for Him, but He may not. It could be He wants to hear from us with no one else around. 

My hope for you and me is that we learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord. That can empower us more than we can imagine. Our Father is waiting with armloads of encouragement to pour into your life and mine. May we seek Him first. No one can lift our spirits like our Heavenly Father can.

Dear Holy Spirit, help me to remember to invite You to my next pity party? You are the best encouragement there is and I often rely on frail human beings to do for me what really only You can do. Thank You for my pastor and others in ministry who need Your guidance and strengtheneing every day...keep them strong in You In Jesus precious name....Amen