WHAT A MESS!

 If my people, which are called
by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek
my face, and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will
heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14

I've lived long enough to remember when really “big sin” was kept secret. People didn't want the world to know of their extra-marital affairs, blasphemy against God, murder of the unborn, government filth, open slander against people, corporation and government corruption of every kind. Universities are no longer places of learning, but of indoctrination in socialism. Not too many years ago, if any candidate even mentioned being a socialist, he or she wouldn't even have had their name appear on a ballot anywhere. A Russian leader once said of our country that Russia didn't have to come here to conquer our country. He said our country would defeat itself from within and we see that happening all around us.

In my impatient moments today and reading in the book of I Corinthians, 2:14, I read:

But a natural man does not accept the things
of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness
to him; and he cannot understand them,
because they are spiritually appraised.

I've decided I'm expecting too much of unsaved people be they in government or wherever and whoever they are. When I speak of unsaved people, I'm not just thinking of politicians. I'm thinking of our country as a whole. Our times now are often referred to as “post-Christian.” That term should cause us great concern as we view our country right now. By that term, there are those who are saying Christianity in our country is passe...a has been. Unsaved people really don't know any better in their behaviors without the moral compass Jesus provides in lives.

So what do we do? There's nothing I can do nation-wide, but if our President feels he may have to take some emergency measures to help restore some sanity and safety to our country, I think it's time we Christians take emergency measures and give ourselves to prayer for our country like never before. Every prayer we pray should include praying for those in our government who need Jesus. There are saved people in our government we need to pray for that they will be strengthened and encouraged in the Lord.

Many feel they have all the answers to everything that troubles our country. We often feel helpless, but shouldn't when we read that nothing is impossible with God. Our country will suffer because of it's snowballing sin and we deserve God's judgment. I may not have to suffer the persecution that is likely to come on my grandchildren, but I owe it to them and other grandchildren to pray hoping to stem God's hand of judgment on this country, at least for a time.

I can worry myself into a real tizzy about what I see in our country right now. Our faith is being attacked like never before. More and more Christians are being ridiculed to no end. However, God is sovereign, still in charge whether it feels like it or not. My focus must be on Him, Who has an ongoing love for even the worst of us.

Let's continue to be people of the Word and prayer, faithful in our service for Him both inside and outside our churches. Our lives should reflect Jesus everyday, no matter where we go. I remember the words of an old hymn that says, “Let others see Jesus in you.” Our witness and prayers will never be wasted. Our God will honor those things and our country will be the better for our love and concern. We live in the greatest country in the world.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Dear Father, I am so sorry for having been guilty of taking for granted the spiritual influence and benefits that are mine living in our wonderful country. Forgive my lack of praying for our country in general and for our leaders in particular. May Your Spirit convict Christians across our country to be earnest in prayer for our country in coming days. Thank You for Your mercy and grace shown in our lives and that is available to those who don't know You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

GOD IS

Truly my soul waiteth upon
God: from him cometh my
salvation.
Psalm 62:1

People who have been around me of late in a situation where I can speak of Scriptural things, will know how much I've come to appreciate the word “is.” A dictionary tells me that “is” is a word that simply refers to something that has being, an actual fact. “Is” speaks of something that is confirmed whether we consider something to be positive or negative in nature.

As of late, I have come to renew my deep appreciation for Psalm 62, a Psalm written by David containing only 12 verses. I have it marked up this Psalm in my Bible about as much as can be for in this Psalm, I find so many things God IS in my life. David was going through a time of waiting. Not sure about you, but I don't like the least thing about waiting. You and I aren't the only ones with waiting times in our lives. Such goes all the way back to David and before. But in the time of waiting, the calming thing is to be able to think in a positive way, especially as we find comfort in the things of God. David made a habit of doing that.

In this chapter, we see clearly some of the things God was in David's life and those same things trickle down through time to reading his words in these days. So what/who is He in our lives today that will be constants in our lives today, constants that will never fail us, no matter our circumstances. Let's pick at this verse to see the wonderful things that shake out before our very eyes.

In verse 2 and 6, we see “He only IS my rock and my salvation...He IS my defense.

In verse 7, again we see God IS my salvation and then adds He is my glory, the rock of my strength and my refuge. Verse 8 repeats that God IS a refuge for us.

We enjoy the blessing of the SALVATION provided for us by God through Jesus and thus we have all those other blessings showered on us. He's our DEFENDER and in these days of our messed up culture, we desperately need God's defense. He's a firm ROCK we can stand on. In a wish-washy world, we have the security of belief in Him for a firm consistency. God's standards don't change. His love is a constant in our lives even when we disappoint Him. On that ROCK is a security the world can never offer or destroy. We also read that God is our REFUGE. We all at one time or another need a place of safety to run to. There we find rest, counsel and peace we can't find anywhere else.

Not just in this chapter but in many others we have more of those IS promises. I'm thinking of those “I Am's” of Jesus that are as real to us right now as back when Jesus was speaking to others. Remember:

I AM the way, the truth and the life.
I AM the door
I AM the good shepherd
I AM the living bread, the bread of life
I AM the light of the world

When Jesus says, I AM, we can count on the fact that HE IS.

.From the Old Testament through the New Testament, we have the promises of God and Jesus and of Their presence working in our lives. There is no one on earth who can promise the things God can. Human beings are faulty to say the least and cannot meet the needs given us by a loving Father and Savior.

God IS our constant, security and presence. God IS....

Thank You Father, for being our constant. Thank You for being the very breath we breath and that You surround us, working for and in us for our good and Your glory. We praise You for all the things You are in our lives that assures us of Your love and care. Help us through Your Spirit be be more aware of Your presence in and through us ll the time. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Good "OLD" Me

O God, thou hast taught me from
my youth: and hitherto have I
declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and gray headed,
O God, forsake me not; until I have
shewed thy strength unto this
generation, and thy power to
every one that is to come.
Psalm 71:17,18

It was a most unusual Mother's Day this last May. We were fairly new to our church and hadn't spent a Mother's Day or Father's Day there. Different churches do all sorts of things for special holidays so we just enjoy the sermons or congratulations however they are expressed.

At that time, I was the organist of our church. On that special day, Mothers were recognized and appreciation expressed. Something different was done I hadn't seen anywhere before. The pastor asked all mothers age 75 and over to stand. There was a gift for each one. I sat on the organ bench smiling and clapping with everyone else for the two mothers who were present. A former pastor was sitting on the front row close to the organ and he kept making motions toward me and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out the reason for his seemingly trying to signal me. He knew I qualified to be one of those mothers, but to be honest, the whole thing just flew over my head.

I've sat through Mother's Day Sunday mornings for years. I've seen mothers recognized who are the youngest, newest, most kids and oldest. I've never been any of them so have pretty much tuned it all off. This Mother's Day was no different, I thought. As we went into the next congregational song and I was busy playing the organ, it suddenly dawned on me and knew why the friend on the front row was going crazy motioning to me. I said to myself, “Glendarae, you dummy...you're 79 years old.” Generally in such a service only the oldest mother is recognized so again I tuned it all out. There were several in the congregation who knew my age and they probably thought I had lost my mind.

Never in my life have I struggled with age. I recall my sister Kay calling me the day before her 30^th birthday. She was a little taken back by the fact that in a few hours, her age would have a 3 in place of the 2 in her age. She saw it as an end to her younger days with a whole new era beginning. I've had others speak of such things to me, but age changes have never been an issue for me...UNTIL NOW!.

In less than 24 hours, I will arrive at the grand age of 80. I can't believe it. My body is 80 but inside, I feel more like I'm 50. I'm just as active now as in the past and am in good health with some of the usual aches and pains that I guess are to be expected. When I have to talk to new people on the phone, they act like they are talking to someone younger. I'm told I don't have the usual 80 year old voice, but of course, I use it a lot, especially in teaching, which accounts for that. I ramble around in my mind about where I am right now, and how much more I would like to accomplish
.

This is not meant to be a pity party with only me invited. I hate things like that. We all must take steps to the reality of how God wants to use us no matter our age. No matter the age, God still wants us in the very center of His will, serving Him faithfully. I grow weary with ladies I have known who reach their latter 50's or early 60's who have faithfully served in church capacities, but who decide it's time to quit and let the younger folks do things. When that happens, out the window goes a world of wisdom and experience that even the youngest in a church can benefit from.

The first part of Psalm 13:15 says: “My times are in thy hand...” David was praying for God's protection in saying that, but in reality, our times do not belong to us. God determines our times...our coming and goings. I tell ladies and believe with all my heart that God has purpose in each of our lives and especially in mine. When those purposes are fulfilled, He'll call us home. So at this point, my age can't really be an issue. I'm to do right now all I was expected to do in my young, middle and older years. In it all, we are bathed in God's promises, such as Isaiah 46:4, that tells us:

And even to your old age I am He; and
even to hoary (gray) hairs will I carry you:
I have made, and I will bear; even I
will carry, and will deliver you.

Also remember:

But as it it is written, Eye hath not seen,

nor ear heard,
neither have entered into
the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for
them that love Him.
I Corinthians 2:9

Wow...I might make 100!!

Thank You Father that we are in Your complete protection and care no matter what ages we happen to be right now. Keep us serving, for we have so much to share with those who are younger. Direct our thoughts that we will be wise and loving with all You put in our paths. We love You and thank You for Your goodness to us no matter the day or year. In Jesus name...Amen

JESUS WITH SKIN ON

And the King shall answer and say
unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:40

As usual, Jesus found Himself caught up in a conversation of “what if's” the good or bad folks wanted to get into with Him. He taught that if people failed to serve those in need, they could find themselves facing the worst of circumstances. However, for those who chose to serve the needy, He presented the questioners with a very provocative thought that we find in the above verse.

We had company a few months ago...our daughter Bev, JJ and Madelyn. Madelyn has to be one of the most polite and thoughtful ten year old girls I have come across. She and I talked briefly a few times about ways we treat people and its importance because everything we do for others, we are doing for Jesus. I told her I have often told ladies that we Christians are called to be “Jesus with skin on.” Jesus is in Heaven and can't be here in bodily form, face to face. As my pastor said one evening, we are called to be Jesus' feet and hands in serving others. Our conversations in this brief time were precious moments for me.

At a busy restaurant, Madelyn and I were waiting just inside the front door for her mother to come with the car. It was a bit of a brisk day and Madelyn had left her jacket in the car. It was getting even more chilly with patrons coming in and out of the door. Suddenly, Madelyn saw an older lady approaching using her walker. Without prompting, Madelyn went to open the door for the lady, causing her to stand outside where it was even colder. The lady expressed her gratitude that a young girl would be so kind. Madelyn stepped back inside the door and I quietly muttered...”Jesus with skin on.” She looked at me and smiled.

Even with a few weeks removed from Christmas, we can't forget that a baby was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. He didn't come wrapped in fancy paper. That precious baby was literally God with skin on, coming to us in flesh. As He grew into manhood, He did far more for many more than any other human being on earth could possibly have done. Jesus came, preaching, teaching, healing, feeding, blessing, loving, rescuing, correcting, and personally dying for all mankind, none of whom deserved a single ounce of His love, salvation or consideration. Despite who mankind was or would be, we read:

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt
among us, and we saw His glory, glory
as of the only begotten from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Jesus was God with skin on...a fact we base our very salvation on. Because He came, we live and move and have our very being in God our Father.

As Jesus returned to Heaven, we should feel a responsibility doing for Him, not for self, but for Him toward people who need us in big ways and often in the smallest of ways. What seems small to us, might be huge in the life of another. It might mean a ten year old girl opening a door for a lady with a walker, that is a large act of kindness while the girl may not feel it to be much. Being Jesus with skin on isn't just for the month of December. There are people we know and don't know who may need an act of kindness, a smile, or a congenial greeting.

One of the first things that happened to us when first visiting our present church was that a member of the church walked up to us with two bags of candy in his hands. We didn't know Charles from Adam. We soon saw that Charles makes contact with most folks in the auditorium, going from person to person prior to a service. Everyone is greeted with a smile and a choice of candy to suck on. Charles is such a refreshing person, doing something unique, but functioning in kind ways as Jesus' hands and feet. Anyone can do some little something to extend kindness and cheer as from the Lord.

What a privilege is ours stepping in to minister in the lives of others on behalf of our Savior. He is the One who will lead and direct us in this process. We are living in a depraved culture where folks need us extending our hands for Jesus that may say more than our words can. We should always be looking to minister to others, giving God all the glory for what He does through us. May we find our personal joy in Him while knowing the joy of thinking of others above ourselves...just as Jesus would have us serve.

Thank You Father for sending Jesus to do all He did/does for us. It's such a privilege of being a part of Your family...sensing Your love, care and forever relationship. May we take eyes off of ourselves and be more aware of folks around us who need Your touch, a touch that may come from You to and through us. Thank You for using us for Your kingdom. In Jesus' precious name...Amen