I WILL

Be strong and of a good courage,
fear not, nor be afraid of them: for
the Lord thy God, he it is that doth
go with thee; he will not fail
thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6

What a precious opening promise as we enter into 2019. In the above verse we have promises from God to carry us through the most difficult of times. This verse also gives us a sense of security in our Heavenly Father that no matter our circumstances, good or bad, He will always be a consistent presence in our lives especially as we anticipate a new year.

I've never been one to make resolutions for the new year. I find within a couple of weeks, I've already messed up, forgetting what I had resolved or rationalizing them away. I have found for me it is best to set some goals. I know I will fail at , but with a goal, I feel I can get up and involve myself in that goal again when necessary With a goal, it's easier to catch up.

Looking into Scripture, “I wills” are found in abundance, from Genesis on through the Word. In some cases it is God Himself or His prophets speaking for Him who may use those two words. There are times when those two words are spoken in first person by someone who has an intent to do or fulfill something.

You and I use those words all the time or at least those words in essence. As we use those words, we are saying we WILL do what we say. There was a day when one's word meant something when even just a handshake sealed an “I will.” My Grandpa bought a house with a handshake and promise of paying so much a month until the house was paid off. The banker just wanted to know what Grandpa thought he could pay a month and a note was made of that. Grandpa gave his word, handshake and that was all the banker needed.

An “I will” is a promise and we can't be casual about using those two words. I have often cautioned ladies about praying “I will” verses from a book like Psalms. When we pray an “I will” to God, He takes us very seriously. Where we might renege with other human beings, there is no reneging with God.

It's an interesting study to look at God's “I wills” to us found in Scripture, but there are many from a book like Psalms that would be worthy goals for us to consider aiming for as we look at a new year. I have listed a few worthy of our consideration. Notice that these are things we must determine in our own hearts to do with the Lord's help. Goals are hard to reach minus the leading and strengthening from Him.

Psalm 4:8....I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord only makes me dwell in safety.

Psalm 9:1...I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.

Psalm 13:6...I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 66:13...I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows.

Just these few “I wills” are things we can accomplish, but not under our own power. Any of us can be people of praise. We don't have to be in church to do that. We can praise and sing to the Lord in the bathtub or shower, while driving the car, while doing chores around the house or when hiking in the mountains. He loves our praise from wherever we are.

The last verse I listed from Psalms involves one basic thing...faithfulness. The Psalmist spoke of being faithful to God's house and in keeping promises (vows). This is two areas where Christians often fall short. Many go to church if they feel like it and even at church may sign up enormous amounts of money for the building program they know they cannot fulfill. Our churches need our faithfulness and honesty that we will be all for the church we can be, in all areas giving glory to our Lord.

May each of us stretch our spiritual muscles this new year so that we will grow in Christ like never before, serving others and Jesus like never before. My prayer for us is that we will have a great year, leaving all the old stuff behind and stretching to the new and exciting.

Dear Father...We know our times are in your hands. We don't know what a new year presents to us, but we must have You with us every step of the way. You've promised to never leave or forsake us. Keep us aware through Your Spirit that without You, we are nothing. Thank You for past blessings, but for what time You have for us in 2019. In Jesus precious name...Amen

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

And the Word was made flesh, and

dwelt among us, (and we beheld His 

glory, the glory as of the only

begotten of the Father,) full of

grace and truth.

John 1:14

When in a conference setting many years ago, there was a question/answer time held where conferees could ask questions of a speaker. I anticipated some pretty surface-type questions to be asked, but one man stood and started out with a very no-nonsense question. He asked the speaker, “What do you consider to be the most important verse in Scripture?” It was certainly an interesting question and I wondered what the speaker would come up with. The speaker paused for a moment looking to be deep in thought, but in short order simply replied:  “John 1:14.” Not wanting to take a great deal of time from others with questions, the speaker simply said, “Without the truth of that verse, you might as well burn the Book.” He said he thought it would be expected that he would have said John 3:16 but that the 1:14 verse and 3:16 are companion verses. He felt the phrase “Word was made FLESH” was of the utmost importance.

I wonder how many of us can go back in the time machine of our brains to remember even 10 items we received, spread out over ages 12 and under. I can think of some memorable times and even remember when I got a bicycle, a couple of dolls and a game or two. I still have two games in my archives received on two different Christmas days....Sorry and Cootie. It was the first year for the Cootie games. However, although in my possession, I never pull them out and rarely give them a thought. Material gifts have come and gone. We may have some major items received in our adulthood we have kept and pay more attention to. However, no matter the material gift we receive, however sturdy and well made, it can never be considered permanent. If nothing else, we quickly grow weary of “things” and crave newer things.

Brian and I recently visited a place where we saw several nativity sets. Some were huge, meant for a large house or perhaps in a church. Some looked like they were made from china while others were or simple wood carvings. Some were very colorful while others looked very drab. With most of the sets there were the usual shepherds and wise men represented, the family and some even had a few animals. (We even saw a live nativity presentation with the cutest animals one can imagine.) It was all there in figures...china, wood, plaster and even one with a brass looking finish.

The most important nativity scene for each of us is the one in our hearts. I don't need to think of anything beyond a young couple and baby in the worst of settings for the birth of a baby. For any of us who have given birth, we can recall the steps a hospital takes in keeping the surroundings clean and even sterile to prevent any infection. Jesus was God's Son. That young couple knew that and also knew God would protect Him and them.

The precious gift of the Christ-child that came first to Mary and Joseph and now down the ages to us, did not come gift wrapped like many Christmas gifts given to us. There was no fancy paper, gift bag or bows. John tells us simply that He came in the flesh...that was God's gift wrape to the world. Why is that so important? God could have sent His Son at any time or any stage of life. No, that Gift would come to life just as we did and would grow through the various stages of life just as we have. As Jesus crawled, toddled, and then walked His way through His life, He was relating to us in every way. That Gift through His life and ministry, just kept on giving to everyone He came into contact with. That perfect gift even went to a cross to die that we might have life eternal. That gift of Jesus just keeps on giving year after year.

Like most gifts, though, this gift is worth nothing to those who refuse to accept it and open it up into their lives. He isn't the common, ordinary, everyday gift. When opened, it's not like a bottle of perfume although Jesus is the sweet aroma of His presence. The gift isn't something we can physically wear even though through Jesus we are clothed in His righteousness. It isn't even a gift certificate for a nice meal at a restaurant, but we have an automatic reservation ahead of us at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Everyday should be a celebration of Jesus in our lives. He's more than a baby in a manger. That is wonderful to ponder, but He continues giving in each of our lives His love, direction and hope of life eternal with Him. That isn't a gift I would ever want to exchange for something else. This gift of Himself is a real keeper beyond anything we could ever receive.

Thank You Father, for Your wonderful gift. No one will every be able to out give You. I pray I will always love and appreciate the gift of Your Son everyday of my life, not just during holiday seasons.

THE CHRISTMAS PIECE

Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday,
today and
forever.
Hebrews 13:8

While up until first grade, we attended a Methodist church. I learned on one occasion while four years old, (about to be five in January,) that the kids at the church dreaded the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Alma Lockman, who was in charge of the Christmas program would visit each class with strips of paper draped across her left hand. Those were what we called “Christmas pieces.” Those were the recitations children were expected to recite at the Christmas program. We, in the younger department, felt pretty good that we were exempt. However, on that Sunday, Miss Alma came into our classroom with one piece of paper left and came straight to me. She told me I would have that “piece” to give for the Christmas program. I tried to explain that I didn't know how to read, but she assured me that my mother would help me with it. And that she did.

We had a rehearsal the Saturday prior to the Sunday night program. I learned, being the youngest, that I would say my piece first to welcome the people to the program. I went up the stairs to the platform that was a little high off of the main floor and took my place. Miss Alma pointed to me to begin and I began, but I didn't get very far. There were a lot of parents and other participants in the auditorium that scared me half to death. I knew my piece, but I froze.

Miss Alma, as I remember being on the short side, walked straight toward the platform, but had to look up at me to talk to me. I'll never forget how she tenderly took hold of my ankles. She said, “Glendarae, I know you know your piece. Don't pay attention to the people who are here. Sunday night, the lights will be out except for the stage so you won't have to look at a lot of people.” She then hastened to add: “ You shouldn't be afraid, Glendarae, “Jesus is here.” WHAT? That was about all I needed to hear. I looked around the best I could, but I didn't see Him anywhere. I had seen Sunday school pictures of Him. No one there had a beard or a long robe on like I had seen in pictures on the wall of our Sunday school classroom. Miss Alma must have been mistaken.

I got through my Christmas piece fine during the program with most of the lights out, and could see Miss Alma on the front row looking at me approvingly. If Jesus showed up that night, I still didn't see Him. I will say this though. When I finished, I sat down on the front pew and I remember crossing my arms and determining in my young mind that NEVER, NEVER again would I get up and talk in front of people....NEVER. I smile at that now for many reasons as I look back on my life.

I so appreciate all the color, music, nativity scenes and choir cantatas that go along with the Christmas season. While recently reading in the book of Hebrews and coming across the above verse, I found myself thinking about the verse in terms of the holiday. Yes, Jesus is the same yesterday....His nativity, life, ministry, death and resurrection are facts as is the rest of our spiritual heritage. Those things will never change even though there have been those who have tried. We can't even begin to put together in our minds what our forever will be. We are a part of our own forever right now, but it will culminate with our entering our Heavenly Home in God's time.

I've been thinking about Jesus in our TODAY. Miss Alma Lockman came to my mind when she said, “Jesus is here.” I recall looking and looking for Him, but couldn't see Him anywhere that night. I'm thinking of today, not standing on a stage, but sitting in my living room, and how often do I think about Jesus being a vital part of my TODAY. I love and appreciate my spiritual yesterdays and my future forever, but what is my awareness of Jesus in my todays even with no holidays or trappings of them?

Someone sent me a card not long ago and ended the card with two words: GOD IS...I looked at those two words for a few minutes just trying to take them in. GOD IS and so I see that JESUS IS also. How often through holidays or just regular days of living do I remember that Jesus is a vital part of my life that goes far beyond my salvation. He is a vital presence in my life even though I can't see Him with physical eyes. Just because I don't have that kind of sight, do I ever stop to consider with spiritual eyes that JESUS IS? Thank you, Miss Alma for instilling a simple statement in the mind of a little girl that would grow to be the reality in her that was obvious in your own life.

Thank You Father for being who You are in all our lives. Thank You for the truth of Scripture that assures us of Jesus' being important to us with every move we make and breath we breathe. Thank You for being our I AM THAT I AM and for Jesus being our TODAY...our IS. In His precious name... Amen

WHAT'S IN A NAME

...so that you may know that it is I,

The LORD, the God of Israel,

who calls you by your name.

Isaiah 45:3b

In my pre-elementary school days, I hardly gave a thought to my name. Friends and relatives just called me “Glendarae” like there was no big deal about it. I never had to explain how to say my name or how to spell it. I never had to try to come up with some story as to why my parents named me as they did. I've since thought that perhaps my mother had a little too much anesthetic at the time. They didn't have anyone in particular in mind when they gave me my name. “Glendarae” wouldn't have been so bad if it had been two names...”Glenda Rae.”

My name was one word that every teacher I had in grade school on the first day of school NEVER pronounced correctly. That led to giggles from classmates and some teasing. Even in first grade, I felt sorry for my teacher, Miss Irene. She tried her best to divide my first name. My mother caught on and would keep a close check on her. Miss Irene finally did her best to print my name on the board or on our practice paper, feeling she wasn't going to win. There was no ill will between both ladies, but my mother would not give in on the spelling.

Names are important. They came to us free of charge. Our first name is something we carry throughout life and that will be imprinted on our grave stone. Friends may call us by nicknames, but bottom line is, when it comes to anything official, we still sign anything using our first and maybe middle names. I've always been happy I didn't have a middle name...that could have created some real space problems.

Putting our first and last name together can have tremendous power. I think of names that when I hear them, my heart is warmed. Family names are generally warming, especially when there have been good relationships maintained through the years. There are friends when they come to mind, bring smiles to my face. However, I hasten to add that there are names I'm familiar with where I don't have similar reactions. Some of those names I hear on the news or read of in a newspaper. Unfortunately, there are names of folks in some churches we have attended that immediately bring thoughts of people who have been disruptive, manipulative and even hateful in ways that have hurt members and leadership.

Our names automatically register pro or con with folks who think of us by name. However, it is a comfort to me when God says in Isaiah that He calls us by name. Think of that...the God and Creator of the universe... out of the billions of people who have or are living, still calls you and me by our name.

In Isaiah, we read of the coming of the Christ child, a child to be born to US. This birth was to be a gift to us all. In Isaiah 9:6, we read about just some of the things He is going to be:

For a child will be born to us, a son

will be given to us;

and the government will rest on

His shoulders;

and His name will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Those are some high expectations. When parents bring a baby into the world, their hopes and expectations for that child are high, but what the Christ child was to be in His earthly life would become a reality.

Anytime anything comes to my mind when I hear the name of Jesus in any form, warms my heart with never a negative thought. For unbelievers, unfortunately, the name of Jesus or God our Father has little meaning for them except to use in making a point in conversation. We have come to know Jesus by several names, some of which are listed in Isaiah 9. He has lived up to any name given Him by His Father.

Where we may have at times let our Heavenly Father down, He has remained faithful to us. Jesus has been a consistent presence in our lives. He has lived up to every wonderful name His Father bestowed upon Him and we to this day benefit from all He is. To top it off, He knows us and calls us by name.

Father, I'm so thankful I don't have to introduce myself to you every time I talk to You. Thank You for being my Heavenly Father Who calls me by name and Who is my help on a very personal basis. Thank You too for being Who you are for me in the thick and thin of life. I love you. In Jesus precious name....Amen

THE RING

And we know that God causes all
things to work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are called
according to his purpose.
For those whom He foreknew, He also
predestined to become conformed to
the image of His Son, so that He would
be the firstborn among many brethren;
and these whom He predestined, He
also called; and these whom He called,
He also justified; and these whom He
justified, He also glorified.
Romans 8:28-31
NASB

About seven years ago, our pastor here in Townsend at the time, mentioned in a sermon that we Christians ought to have some little something we carry that reminds us of Jesus...key ring or any number of objects. I found a small pinky ring that was simple with a small cross on it and rarely took it off up until of late. About a month ago, after a bath, my pinky ring was missing and probably down the drain. It had been loose and should have taken it off, but didn't. I've missed that little reminder as it's been such a blessing.

Recently some dear Bible study ladies gave me a monetary gift. I don't like that kind of thing but still was grateful. It was a bit of an ah-ha moment. If I were to go back to the same place, perhaps there would be another ring like the one down the drain. Well, went to the same Christian supply store and found no little ring like my other one. There were rings with crosses but the crosses had stones in the crosses. I personally don't like that sort of thing because I don't think there were any precious stones on the cross Jesus died on.

The last several months have been difficult ones for me. There have been major changes in my life probably with more to come knowing how life goes. I decided to look for another pinky ring with no idea of what it would look like. After looking over some beautiful Christian jewelry, there it was. It was sitting in a nice display of lovely rings but sort of sitting apart from the others. It was black with silver trim on the top and bottom of it. It was the wording that stood out to me although very small print for reading purposes. It simply says:

“Serenity to accept, courage to change, wisdom to know.”

Yep, all that on one little ring. I know it rings of the Serenity Prayer but the three little phrases spoke to my heart encouraging my attitude toward those very things I feel I need God's help with right now. Without our Father's strength and help, battles fought in the flesh are bound to fail. The Scripture reference I have typed out was added in very tiny print...Romans 8:28-31. Perhaps it can speak to you as well.

Serenity to accept: There are things in life we are forced to take on. There are events, people and no telling what else we are called on to accept. I often want a say in everything in my life and it just doesn't work that way when God has a better plan. He allows people and situations to enter our lives that may often be uncomfortable, but always with our good in mind. To fight such just delays God's blessings.

Courage to change: The older I get, the more I resist change. I've never liked it, but now at this stage in my life, I want things as much the same as possible. As God has worked His will in every stage of my life, He is quite able to get me through the one I'm faced with now. My response to change must be that of letting God be God. He empowers me to face change and make it count for His glory.

Wisdom to know: I want the wisdom to know what is going on in my life, but realizing I won't have all the answers. I want to manage God's gift of days in my life well and have the wisdom to know how to grow and be fruitful in Christ. We all need wisdom for a lot of things so this becomes vital in the plan my little ring presents. The world has it's theory of how to manage life. God has better answers found in His Word and through the leading of His Holy Spirit.

I'm so grateful for God's goodness in our lives and the wonderful ways He leads and directs us during difficult times. His love and working behind the scenes in our behalf is amazing. I want to be courageous for the Lord working within the parameters of His wisdom. I want to then be content...letting God be God...in whatever God chooses to allow in my life. I pray the same for you friends as well, especially as we will soon be coming up a new year. God has great things in store for us...we are a blessed people.

Thank You, Father for all You mean in my life. Your presence and love mean more to me than I can say. Thank You for friends who encourage, who step in with You to be a blessing. With the busyness of the holiday, help us all to keep our focus on those things that are important and not be distracted by all of the holiday festivities. Thank You that we have this special season, given to us with the utmost of love. In Jesus' precious name....Amen