ANOTHER YEAR

Through the LORD's mercies

we are not consumed, because

His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22,23

When I think of New Years, my mind goes back many years when churches celebrated a new year in very festive ways. I remember those times from the age of about six and on through high school. New Year's eve at the church usually began around 8:00 in the evening. There was always an opening church service. Folks could leave after that if they wanted to but most stayed around.

After the service, was a long break for eating. Ladies brought all sorts of food to satisfy hearty eaters. By the time the eating, visiting and cleanup were finished, it could have been ten or ten thirty.

We then moved back to the church auditorium. I remember seeing a really good Christian film, later many that were produced by Billy Graham. That could have taken up an hour or more. Thoughtful mothers had brought quilts and some pillows for little children who by the film time were ready to sack out. They were put down in pews that became their pre-beds.

About 11:30, there were sometimes testimony times and a few minutes prior to midnight, mostly men would kneel at the alter and pray in the new year. With that done, our janitor would go immediately and begin pulling the rope connected to our church bell in the steeple. He would ring that bell heartedly, but upon stepping outside, one could hear other church bells ringing from churches all around town who too had welcomed the new year with their own church families.

So now, we face a new year. I've never believed in resolutions, but have used the word “goals.” Resolutions sounds rather SELF to me but with goals, I have a Heavenly Father who can strengthen me in attaining desired results. No matter how we bring it in or jump into the new year, I pray for us that we will have a wonderful year in the Lord that pleases Him and keeps us close to Him. The year isn't ours...it's His. May we bring glory to our Heavenly Father in all we are and all we do.

Thank You Father for a new year. We don't know what it will bring, but we want it to be a year of service to others but primarily for Your glory. In Jesus' name....Amen 

HE IS HERE!

Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

and bear a Son, and they shall call

His name Immanuel, which is

translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

There is no way of knowing now how I got into doing a “Christmas piece” (poem) for the children's program at our church that was to be just before Christmas. I had just gotten into kindergarten. I knew it was all the big kids that did those “pieces”, but Alma Lockman came into my Sunday school class and gave me my “piece”, I told her I didn't want to do it, but she assured me that my mother would help me with it. They needed a really little kid to open up the program with the first words of welcome. It would be my first experience at public speaking.

We rehearsed the Saturday before the program in the church auditorium and of course, I had to go first. I looked around at all the children and their parents who were there which looked like a crowd to me. I was told where to stand on the platform that was rather high from the main floor. Miss Alma motioned for me to go ahead and speak, but I froze....I couldn't say a word.

Finally, Miss Alma walked on floor level toward me. She was rather short so she reached up and tenderly took hold of my ankles with nothing but love and concern. I told her I was scared with all the people there. Then she said something to me intending to comfort me but, it didn't do the job. She told me I didn't need to be scared because....”JESUS IS HERE!” Oh man, all those people and now she tells me that Jesus is somewhere there. I looked all around and didn't see Him anywhere, but managed to finish my “piece.”

I've never forgotten that event. It wasn't the new clothes I had to wear or Miss Alma's love. I got through it all, taking Miss Alma's word that Jesus was there. I couldn't see Him in person, but in my fear and trembling, I had the assurance of Jesus' presence because Miss Alma said so.

Miss Alma is in Heaven as probably most of the adults who were there that rehearsal day. However, I am reminded in difficult days of loneliness or even fear, that even if I can't see Jesus in person, I know He's a presence in my life day and night. He's present even now when I've had to teach or speak to ladies in various places. What a sweet assurance for every day, and not just on Christmas day, that Immanuel is with me.

Thank You Jesus for always being a presence in my life. Your love and comfort in these days mean more to me than I can express. In Your precious name....Amen

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Forasmch as there is none like

unto thee, O Lord, thou art

great, and thy name is great

in might.

Jeremiah 10:6

Names have always been important for time and eternity. Proper names basically identify a person, company, organization, small business, medical facilities, churches and even puppies. I was given a VERY long name that few people can say with accuracy at first sight. In elementary school, I hated the first day of school when teachers felt they had to call out each student's name. Some of my teachers had taught my mom. They knew how to say my name, but still messed it up with resulting laughter in the room.

Names don't just identify us. We come to be known by those names when it comes to reputation be it good, bad or questionable. Many names from history and even in our day with known folks are judged on the spot when their names are mentioned in any context. In prior days, I recall older folks talking about the importance of having a good name. I didn't understand that then, but do now.

Despite the good or bad names we have known, the only name that is a name above all names is the name of Jesus. Isaiah gave us one list of names that are credited to Jesus in 9:6...Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There is no mispronouncing or misunderstanding any of those names. Jesus is all those and more.

I began some time ago in my Bible reading to circle every name for God, Jesus or the Spirit. I love opening my Bible and seeing God's name jump out at me....that precious name above all others. May we bless and appreciate all those precious names. There's no other name like His.

Thank You Jesus for coming to love and save us. May we always seek to honor and glorify You and Your precious name. In Your honor.....Amen 

THEN CAME WINTER

But I trusted in thee, O Lord:

I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand...

Psalm 31:14,15a

Winter has never been my favorite season. In times past, about all I ever enjoyed about this season was Christmas and my birthday in January. Depending on where I lived, I usually lived in the middle of lots of snow. Even as a kid, I didn't like snow. There were dark days, chills to the bone and having to wear gloves and boots most of the time. A ride on a sled was about my only enjoyment where winter was concerned.

Looking at our lives, I believe the four weather seasons we live through can be applied to where we are in life. Spring reminds me of new life and the nurturing of life into adulthood. Summer is a continuation of the young life that continues to be nurtured into young adult life through higher education, careers and family life. Fall brings us to a more mature view of life that can involve more established scenes. Some may even look to early retirement. With it can come empty-nesters, grandchildren, aging pets, and a good feeling of life in general.

THEN CAME WINTER...as much as I have never really liked the winter seasons, my present winter isn't all that bad. Oh, there are the usuals we experience in these particular days...arthritis, tendency to trip and fall, retirement adjustments, Medicare, married children with their own lives, Homegoing of loved ones, relaxing in a comfy chair, and watching a clock with hands that seem to move much too quickly.

For older believers, the winter days can be full of sadness and regret. Such folks become moody and hard to get along with. That's no way to complete life's journey. There won't be another spring time to walk into. Winter is our final season of life, so to speak. As believers, a major goal for each of us is to finish well. No matter the good life and example we have led for 90% of our lives, that final 10% is what will be most remembered by those who knew us.

My concern for us winter snow birds can be a spiritual smugness that can take over. It's during these years we feel we have grown as much spiritually as we ever will. How wrong can we be? These are years with more time in Scripture, in prayer and being a blessing in the lives of others. Winter, despite the weather, can be days of SONshine, with folks who love Jesus and others like never before. May we continue to grow in Him with the vigor of our Spring and Summer days. If we are in our winter days right now, we should eventually leave them having enjoyed every day and loving and knowing the Lord like never before. If you are in another season, make the best of each day knowing that around the corner, winter will arrive sooner than expected.

Thank You Father, for every day You give us in this life of ours. Help us to make each day You give us count for You and count in the lives of others You allow to send our way. In Jesus...Amen

 

KINDNESS NEEDED

And be ye kind, one to another, tender hearted,

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's

sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

It doesn't take much intelligence to see that in our day, kindness doesn't seem to be a goal in the lives of many folks. Kind folks are usually very tender-hearted. The emotion of tenderness just seems to go hand in hand with acts of kindness. One who is given to kindness usually has a very tender feeling toward other persons. Kindness isn't reserved for folks we know personally. There are many times in a store, restaurant, gas station where we come in contact with folks we don't know who may need a kind word, smile or even help.

One of the things I had to learn shortly after Brian's passing was how to put gas in the car. In time past, years ago, I put gas in a car but not recently. Those gas pumps can be very complicated. I usually get my gas in a local place out side our IGA store. There are always lots of visitors and thus folks putting gas in their cars. In these beginning days, I know I looked like a fish out of water trying to figure out what buttons to push and getting the heavy hose nozzle near the opening of the gas tank. There have been several times when gentlemen have come up to me offering to put the gas in my car, even showing me the right buttons to push. All was done with a smile and a good bit of sympathy.

Sometimes we miss the times when someone shows us kindness that are perhaps not as noticeable. There are times we too, show or express kindness when we wouldn't put a name to it...when we compliment someone, express concern about someone's health (and willing to hear the story), expressing gratitude for someone else's kindness.

Notice that along with kindness and tenderness in the above verse is the word forgiveness. I don't think we would consider that to be an act of kindness but it really is in the strongest of terms. This is something that comes hard for us, especially when we have been deeply hurt or offended. This is a really big area where we can be like Jesus. Where would we be without His loving kindness in our lives. With Jesus' sacrifice, we see and experience kindness, tender-heartedness and forgiveness all wrapped up in one beautiful package...ours for the opening at any time, any place, under any circumstances. We are truly a blessed people.

Thank You Father for the example of Jesus who extended kindness in some of the worst of events in His own life. Help us to want more and more to be like Your Son. Strengthen us with Your Holy Spirit so as to know and serve You better. In Jesus' name....Amen

 

GRATEFUL and BLESSED

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and

all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Psalm 103:1

While doing some work on my computer this week and in searching around for some special information, I came to a plaque on someone's wall. It simply had three words, one just above the other: GRATEFUL and BLESSED. I looked at it for a minute trying to get the connection. In a way, both words have some of the same meaning.

I decided in my own mind and heart that although similar, at least for me, one is a more private word (grateful) while the other (blessed) would seemingly be a word I would perhaps express to another person. Both words are somewhat intertwined but both are so direly needed in our day.

Most of us can recall when very young, if an adult gave us something or complimented us, our mothers would be quick to remind us “Say thank you.” We may have gone ahead and done that, but gratitude in that setting can be rather insincere at best, especially coming from children. Gratitude is a very personal quality and emotion that if expressed under pressure only isn't truly meaningful.

I am learning as of late that I have so many things to be grateful for, especially in the last few months. I think of Brian often, of course, and recall his love and care for me. He had a sense of humor that few people had the privilege of seeing. Such came through with family or friends he knew well. With me, he could make some of the craziest comments in his made-up screechy voice. I saw him as a Godly man with more character and integrity than most. He was firm in his beliefs and in his quiet way, would stand for what was right. I'm grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him well and at the same time learning from him. I'm not only grateful but feel very blessed.

The Word of God has meant so much to me, perhaps more in recent months than I can remember. I'm so grateful for how the Holy Spirit teaches me and guides me through so much of it that I've never really seen before. Along that line, I'm so grateful for our ladies Sunday school class I've been privileged to teach when our regular leader, Ruth has asked me to. These Godly ladies have been such a loving support and have seemed to know just what to say at the right times. Many have walked this same road as I am on.

All bundled up, I have had more things to be grateful for than I can list and because of it all, I am a very blessed person. In fact, it's quite overwhelming in a wonderful way.

Father, I don't know how to thank You for all Your blessings in my life. My heart is full of gratitude as well as just feeling so blessed for all You are in my life. In Jesus' name..Amen

SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE

The steps of a good man are ordered

by the Lord:and He delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly

cast down: for the Lord upholdeth

him with His hand.

Proverbs 37:23,24

The purchase of any new, very expensive item, new at the time of purchase, still requires a certain amount of maintenance. A new car will not stay the same new car with it's new-car smell The aroma won't last for very long. New household appliances need upkeep and won't stay new for long. The aroma of cooking bacon in a new house insures it's new smell won't linger. All expensive items require certain amounts of maintenance.

When a believer in Christ has dealt with past issues in life, it's almost as refreshing as in their day of salvation. Spiritual air feels fresh and clean in those days. Still, Satan loves to remind us of times past...our disappointments, failures and sometimes loss in so many forms. Despite our feelings of victory, Satan waits to tear us up again. So, how does a Christian, fresh from defeat, maintain that freshness and spirit of revival. Maintenance will require effort on our part. Scripture gives us direction and steps to take in the strength of the Holy Spirit. A wonderful place one could start is with Psalm 37. It's maintenance instructions are very clear, some of which are:

V 1: FRET NOT THYSELF because of evil doers

V 3: TRUST IN THE LORD

V 4: DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD

V 5: COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD

V 7 REST IN THE LORD...WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM

V 8: CEASE FROM ANGER

I encourage you to read that entire Psalm. Sometimes we need clear-cut instructions with little explanation. Those things are about as clear-cut as possible, none of which are possible without the strengthening of God's Spirit. Whether longing for spiritual victory or having just known it, those above instructions are a good place to consider. I might add that without a maintenance manual and following it's instructions, failure is a given. We have our spiritual manual...God's Word. It's instructions are failure proof when followed to the letter.

Thank You Father for Your direction in our lives. You want us to walk in victory. Give us a sense of urgency in maintaining our walk with You...Amen and amen

PURPOSE IN IT ALL

Who (our Lord) hath saved us,

and called us with a holy calling,

not according to our works, but

according to his own purpose

and grace, which was given us

in Christ Jesus before the

world began

II Timothy 1:9

They tell us in news reports today that suicides are at an all time high. Such events aren't limited to any particular status, race or culture. When one takes in hand a gun, knife or poison of some kind to take one's life, they would say there are no reasons to go on living. For them, all purpose for living seems to be gone.

The days were long and hard at the time. I'm not prone to depression, but I was there...full blown. I knew I wasn't where God wanted me to be. For six years I had lived and worked in a Christian Center in the middle of an inner city area. I was more than disappointed in myself. I wasn't all for the Lord I knew He wanted me to be and I knew I wanted to be. I felt at the time I had lost all sense of purpose being where I was. I had first gone there with stars in my eyes, that I was going to make a difference in lives. That was rather pompous on my part, forgetting that only God can do that. Bottom line was, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. God had patiently waited for me to wake up and join Him in fulfilling His purpose for my life. I soon left there and a remarkable new life opened up to me. In fact, within the year, I became Brian's wife.

We often think in terms of young people finding their spiritual way regarding God's plan and purpose for their lives. We have seen young people go forward at the end of a church service to rededicate their lives to God's will. We rejoice in those moments, but often feel that those moments are reserved for the young only.

What makes us think that even in the aging process, God isn't quite as interested in our recognizing His purpose for our lives like when we were young. We may often step back and take the attitude, “What's done is done.” The above verse is for all ages. I've said in the past and probably more often than others want to hear that “Where there's a pulse, there's a purpose.”

Why are we still here “above ground?” It's because God isn't finished with us and still has purpose for every day He gives us. Our relationship with Him must be fresh and vibrant. That contributes to our being usable for God in ways we can't imagine. He wants our lives to count, to have meaning and to be spiritually contagious in the lives of others. No matter our ages, God still has purpose for each of us.

Dear Father, help us to stay focused on Your will and way for our being. Keep us close and usable for Your honor and glory. Help us to recognize value in being close to You, serving You where You have placed us. Thank You for giving us real purpose in living. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

GOD HAS A PLAN

“For I know the plans I have for

you”, declares the Lord, “plans to

prosper you and not to harm you, plans

to give you hope and a future,

Then you will call upon me and come

and pray to me, and I will listen

to you. You will seek me and find

me when you seek me with all

your heart”.

Jeremiah 23 :11-13

What a wonderful cluster of verses that for many years have led, blessed and encouraged believers wherever the Bible is read. We live in a very troubled world and any problems we face individually go into that mix. Sometimes we are faced with terrible trauma that seems to come out of the blue. Other times we may face situations that are ongoing for long periods of time. Either way, we may feel our lives spinning out of control. It's in those times, we need to know that when we don't have a plan, God always does.

For a time, while feeling plan-less, we may desperately try to connive a plan or force something upon ourselves God would never approve of. In our effort to shuffle around, trying to make sense of things, we may feel we have the answer when we really don't. God shouldn't have to untangle the messes we make out of desperation, so He can then put His plan into effect. We also forget at times that we're not talking about just big plans, but God also takes care of those smaller ones. He is in charge of the entire direction of our lives

We often forget that God has a plan for each of us right where we are. I don't know how He can plan and handle each of us, but His work in our lives have been proven over and over. Without a close relationship with the Lord, it is easy to feel very alone in this world. Without a plan loneliness and distractions can easily come to live in us. We then wonder what's wrong...why God doesn't act.

When wondering why God doesn't seem to act, I've had to look in my spiritual mirror. I was saved, but not in right relationship with Him. Without a vital relationship with Him, I believe I can feel insecure, at wits end, no matter where I am. We have to be aware that God loves us, and has a plan for our lives. When others don't listen to us, God hears every cry from our hearts. He isn't a distant Father.

Our privilege is to be a child of the very God of the universe who loves us beyond a love we can never imagine. His plan for us includes every benefit for life we will ever need.

Dear Father, I may not know every detail of Your plan for my life, but I can trust that You always know what You're doing. Thank You for the security I have in Your love. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your every direction indicator in my life and for You, Jesus, for making it all possible through You're going to a cross for me. In Your precious name I pray....Amen

 

“IF ONLY”

And we know that all things

work together for good to them

that love God, to them who

are the called according to

His purpose.

Romans 8:28

The above verse has been thrown around and used conveniently in almost every circumstance of people's lives. Folks often use it on someone who is going through a very difficult time. It can be used in uncomfortable ways not intended by Paul or the Holy Spirit. I feel it should be used wisely and in love. Every phrase in the verse is important and builds right up to the very last few words. A key phrase in this verse, that is often left out when quoted, is the phrase “to them that love God.” That is crucial even in applying the verse to our own circumstances.

Corrie ten Boom is a hero of mine. I've read about everything she's written that I can get my hands on. She and her family suffered terribly during Hitler's reign in Word War II. One of his main goals was to rid the earth of all Jewish people. He hated and punished anyone who assisted Jewish people in escaping or in hiding them. Hiding Jews at risk is what the ten Boom family did until betrayed by a neighbor.

Her father died in just a matter of days after being arrested. Corrie and her sister spent time in a couple of concentration camps. They took their ministry for God with them ministering to ladies also in the camps as best they could. Corrie's sister died in just a matter of weeks before Corrie was released.

In all of her writings, one can see pithy statements that in themselves seem to preach sermons, often very convicting ones. This week, one of her statements crossed my computer screen. Corrie simply said, speaking of herself and past negative memories:

“I had to surrender my 'if only' to Jesus?”

It made me recall over the last year or so, the “if only” thoughts I have punished myself with..things that were and still are out of my control. Most of us have such thoughts as we look back. If we could go back, I'm not sure we would do anything differently. What's unique in her statement is the use of the word “surrender.” Surrendering has to do with our almost forcibly having to give something up we desperately want to hang onto. “What if”...it's nothing we can do anything about so for our spiritual health, we must hand those things over to Jesus and then simply walk away, leaving it all with Him. I can't do that on my own. Like other things, I have to have the strengthening of the Holy Spirit that enables me to just let go of whatever it is I don't need to hang onto. If we don't hand such over, it will just be another “if only” added to the rest that will nag us somewhere down the road.

Dear Father, You are in charge of my life and work all for my good and your glory. Help me to hang on to that promise no matter what comes into my life. Keep me from any “if onlys” Satan may bring to mind. I love You and rest in You. In Jesus' name...Amen

HOW DID I GET HERE?

O God, thou hast taught me

from my youth: and hitherto

have I declared thy wondrous

works.

Psalm 71:17

My Mother was talking to a lady friend from church on the phone. I was in first grade thereabouts so didn't really pay much attention. But then I heard a name mentioned...Nellie. Nellie Barker had been my first Sunday school teacher when I was about 4-5. We kids dearly loved Nellie. My Mother mentioned that Nellie hadn't been feeling well and then said, “You know Nellie is in her mid-sixties by now.” She said it in a very ominous way that scared me. I went into my room and remember laying on my bed crying. My Mother assured me when she heard my woe in the matter that Nellie wasn't about to die right then BUT that Nellie was a very old lady.

When I reached my mid-sixties, I remembered back to that day. Back then, being in one's sixties was considered old age. So I look at me now and wonder how I got to where I am so quickly. It's okay even though many women who are of age refuse to talk about it with honesty. Bottom line is, we are who/what we are, God has brought us a long way where we've had more opportunities to know and serve Him.

I have come to love Psalm 71, a Psalm with emphasis on old age. In it, I see phrases that say:

*let me never be put to confusion

*forsake me not when my strength faileth

*...when I am old and grayheaded...

Read this Psalm sometime and see all of the joy and blessing God has for us at this stage in our lives. The last three verses resound with the wonder of praise in these special days of life.....it ain't all bad, folks.

Thank You Father for bringing me to these special days of life. I want to serve You in special ways in this season of my life. I pray through Your strength and love that I will finish well. Ever in Jesus...Amen 

 

TIS THE SEASON

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now

for a season, if need be, ye are in

heaviness through manifold

temptations.

That the trial of your faith, being much

more precious than of gold that

perisheth, though it be tried with fire,

might be found unto praise and

honor and glory at the appearing

of Jesus Christ.

I Peter 1:6,7

Perhaps it was in first grade, I first learned about the seasons of the year. I knew there were hot months, cold ones, mild ones and the pretty ones where the leaves turned pretty colors. I had that many facts but hadn't put names on those supposed three month cycles. At my age, however, I have experienced those seasons many times over. Some of those seasons came my way while living at home, some while in college and many of them in the northern Chicago area (those winters were too miserable to even talk about).

Brian and I were married February 8 up north. There was no snow but it was certainly cold enough. We enjoyed taking a trip to Chattanooga, TN where it was milder for that time of year compared to what we were used to. Our three children were born during colder weather but no snow to keep us from getting to the hospital on time.

It's only been in my older years as I've looked back that although not official in any way, I have noticed there have been different season in my life that have nothing to do with the previously mentioned weather seasons. Most seasons I've lived through have often come and gone, some lasting longer or shorter periods of time.

Perhaps you have gone some of those same seasons that I have experienced, such as, seasons of:

school years, career, marriage, children, health issues, friendships, and even personal grieving (the most difficult being the loss of Brian in my life). Despite the season, think how dull life would be without changes. God's desire for us no matter the season is that we will come to know Him better and will grow in them. Even in nature, if there are no seasons, there would be no growth of anything. We are meant to grow and thrive in Him.

The answer for me (and I not always took advantage of it) was to go to God's Word and soak myself in those precious words from God to me. Psalms always comforted me and spoke to me in ways I needed. Taking our joys or sorrows to the Lord is a must no matter the season we find ourselves in at the present time. In it all, God is God and is always faithful no matter where we find ourselves.

Father, You have been with me in it all and I'm so grateful. In it all, I've come to love and trust You more. Thank You for being my all, no matter the season of my life. In Jesus name...Amen

 

SLOW DOWN

The thoughts of the diligent

tend only to plenteousness;

but of everyone that is hasty

only to want.

Proverbs 21:5

Lunch was refreshing with two of my dear friends. The two friends had come in the same car and I met them at a favorite place to eat. I parked my car in a handicapped space in the end and near the restaurant. I could easily back out from there and be on my way home when the time came...or so I thought.

In the car, I put on my seat belt and checked my screen that indicates safety in backing out or in someone walking behind the car. I put the car in gear and very slowly began to edge out into the lane. Suddenly, I heard/felt a slight little thump on the back of the car. I had looked in that little screen and there was nothing to be concerned about so what on earth was going on.

As I looked back, a white van had stopped behind me. I put my car in gear and got out of the car. I came face to face with a very sweet young woman who said her daughter was in the van. The lady had got onto the parking lot, in a hurry to get to the drive up window to get lunch. She said something very strange. She said, “I saw you slowly backing out but I thought I could beat you.” She was in a hurry. There was no damage to her back fender. I had a little more damage that will need attention when I get around to it. It's not really all that noticeable but Brian would want it fixed.

Why do we get so much in a hurry these days. One of the most dangerous places we can be these days is on an expressway. Everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. Even where I live with tourists coming to enjoy the mountains, there are folks in their cars who don't like slowing down even when on vacation. We even have computers that give us information almost immediately. Standing in a line at a grocery store is also a somewhat dangerous place to be.

I'm afraid there are times when we are too hasty when it comes to important things. Folks don't visit anymore like I remember when younger. Folks would go sit on a neighbors front porch swing and they would chat until the street lights came on. I walked most places I went even through high school. I left for wherever in plenty of time to walk there. Even in our Christian walk, we often find ourselves having to do some things in haste. I've heard ladies say how they have hurried through their Bible reading. Some folks may carefully look to their watches when a pastor preaches his heart out hoping he won't run overtime. Why...What's the hurry?

Time and it's moments can't be retrieved. We need not count down minutes for going nowhere to speak of. We need not rush. Why feel we have to race to get ahead of someone just for a sandwich at a drive through window. Life is too short to always be rushing. The roses are still very much worth smelling in a casual moment. SLOW DOWN!

Father, you are so patient with us. You don't rush us but tenderly tend to us no matter what is going on. Help us to enjoy every minute You give us in living life. In Jesus' name...Amen

I CAN

Philippians 4:13

ll of us have at one time or another spoken the two words above. Perhaps we've been asked what, when or how we can accommodate another person's cry for help or who perhaps just needed a favor done. Please stick with me on this.

I CAN...

Most of us would consider ourselves to be pretty capable and even self sufficient. At my age, I know there are a lot of things I am able to do for family, friends or myself. Such abilities have come through education or through the hard knocks of life itself. We're never totally self reliant but we like to think we are.

DO ALL THINGS...

The danger of putting literal stock in the first two parts of a verse is that we really can't do all things. I appreciate someone's desire to do all things for folks they can do, but there are limits how far each of us can go. For instance, although I have very capable and knowledgeable acquaintances, I can't think of a one I would want do perform brain surgery on me. I know I'm not bound for mars nor will I ever be asked to be president of an Ivy League university. However, I CAN DO with efficientcy what God has called me and equipt me to do. By the way, we can do much more than we think.

THROUGH CHRIST...

Now we get to some nitty-gritty in that there really is nothing we can do of any sufficiency without the strengthening of Christ in our lives. There's so much more I desire to know about Jesus. I know I haven't even scratched the surface of even the basic knowledge that is available to me about Him. Our faith would increase in abundance if we knew Him beyond the usual Sunday school stories we heard as children. Have we progressed beyond those days in really knowing more about Jesus?

WHO STRENGTHENETH ME...

Any other strengthening we seek on our own, will only be fleeting. We'll never know on this earth the strength and power available to us through Jesus Christ, not just forvarious tasks but also in the serious ups and downs of life. In these days of my life, I've come to know more and more when any strength I have is not of my own making but can only be from God himself. I have no strength in myself to keep me going. THUS...

I can do all things, through Christ

which strengtheneth me.

I praise You, my Father for not just past days but for every moment I am the benefit of Your strength. I know I can count on Your continued love because You are love. Thank You for all You are in my life even in this moment. Thank You Jesus for all You have sacrificed for me. In Your name I pray...Amen

WALK ON

He hath shown thee, O man,

what is good; and what doth the

Lord require of thee, but to do

justly, and to love mercy, and to

walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

While sitting in my chair and just moments ago, my eyes dropped to my right hand where I see Brian's wedding ring on one of my fingers. I have worn it since the night he went to Heaven. I was just recalling, while during our wedding ceremony, I tried to put the ring on his finger, but it wouldn't go on because his finger had swollen. He didn't struggle with it for public sake, but just held his thumb to the back of it to hold it on until we got down the aisle.

We didn't leave the altar as some might. We had a male soloist sing the song, “You'll never walk alone.” He sang that as we stood facing each other holding our hands together. I'll never forget how Brian looked in those moments. We left to slowly walk down the aisle as the soloist got to the words “Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone.” For some naive reason, I thought our walk would last much longer than it did.

We all have our own private walk in this life. We may be surrounded by spouses, children, friends and even perhaps some enemies but we're still walking. Our walks might be filled with joy, happiness, and anticipations of future bliss. Perhaps we have found in this walk of ours that there are stones in our path, tree roots and small gullies any of which could cause broken legs or even broken hearts. There are those who add joy, love and maybe some humor as we walk, but the opposite can be true as well. That's just life.

Considering this walk of ours, Scripture is pretty clear as we read the above verse regarding God's expectations as we walk this walk of ours. He has shown us and made clear in His Word all he considers to be good. He especially tells us to be people who are just and who love mercy. In our day, both can be a challenge, but not for Him as He walks with us. The big thing is at the end of the verse, where we are expected to walk humbly with our God. That means that you and I are to relinquish the top shelves of our lives to our Father who is the only one worthy to be there, whether in our lives as individuals or in the lives of others the world over.

You and I are to walk on...with hope in our hearts...knowing we will never walk alone. Our loving Father walks in step beside us and also finds ways to even walk ahead of us while beside us. Don't ask me how He does it...I just know from experience that it's how He is. So let's keep walking... with hope in our hearts, a hope that only our Father can give to us.

Thank You Father for human memories that warm our hearts. We also are reminded of the sweet memories we have of You walking us through our days. May we please You by putting others first, serving and loving as we've learned through Jesus' example...in Whose precious name we pray...Amen

 

SWEET SMELLERS

Now thanks be to God who always

leads us in triumph in Christ, and

through us diffuses the fragrance

of His knowledge in every place,

For we are to God the fragrance

of Christ among those who are being

saved and among those who are

perishing.

II Corinthians 2:14:15

My daughter and I were talking the other day about perfumes and how there seems to be a kabosh on wearing such, especially in church...classes, choirs, Bible study groups, etc. It used to not be that way. Ladies loved smelling good although some at times went a little overboard with the splashing-on process.

Scripture tells us that as we triumph in Christ, we take on a special fragrance that can only come from Him. This isn't a fragrance we can purchase at some perfume counter but one only that comes from a deep relationship with Him. That fragrance comes in the form of His knowledge and has influence on those being saved and even on those who are not.

Mrs. Clifton was our babysitter when I was working on a church staff. She cared for both of our girls five days a week. On Wednesday evening, she would bring them to church with her and would check them into the nursery. She had bathed the girls and dressed them up cute as could be. In the nursery, there was one noticeable thing and that was how the girls smelled. They smelled of Tabu perfume. She too had bathed and a routine of dressing adding touches of Tabu on the neck and wrists. My girls smelled of Tabu for at least a day and how could that have happened? My girls smelled of Mrs. Clifton because she had held them, cuddled them and had drawn them close to herself all the time from the perfume she was wearing.

I must hasten to add here, though, that we must avoid becoming a “stinkin' Christian.” I've known some who may backslide or just tend to take on the things of the world and not of Christ. Our goal should be to exude that sweet fragrance of Christ at all times. Those saved around us will be blessed and the unsaved just may be drawn to Christ, the sweetest aroma of all time.

Dear Father, thank You for holding us in the hollow of Your hand and for the privilege of being as close to You as possible. What a privilege...being Your child...Through Jesus, our Lord. Amen 

GOD IS ALREADY THERE

And the LORD, he it is that doth

go before thee; he will be with thee,

he will not fail thee, neither forsake

thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

Let me say on the onset, that I'm well aware that Moses was the recipient of the promises in this verse to be passed along to God's people. I grow a little weary of folks complaining about how others take Old Testament statements out of context. Let me say this, there is nothing wrong with referring to the above verse simply because it deals with God's character. What we see in that verse is who God is from eternity through the present on into eternity. I love any verse that speaks of God's character that is applicable to any place, any time.

Sooooo...I wonder in our lives, how many times, God knowing our every minute of life, has gone ahead of us to prepare things for when we arrived at the planned destination.We are usually surprised to find that God has already been there knowing everything about everything.

About four months before Brian's Home going, we were at the Billy Graham Cove for a seminar. At the end, when folks were busying themselves to leave, a woman approached me and put in my lap, a beautiful quilt. Brian had gone around the corner to get me something to drink for our trip so wasn't right there yet. The lady explained that she sews quilts as a ministry often making one a day. This one was almost the size of a twin bed with no overhang. . She dearly loved how God led her to one she should give a quilt to. I sat stunned with the lovely quilt in my lap. She didn't want to give me her address, as thanks from God would be enough.

Little did she know, nor I, that in about four months, I would wrap myself up in that quilt any number of times to just feel the love of it. Brian was a hugger and I missed those hugs. I hadn't made much use of that quilt until those days of Brian's Home going and even now to feel hugs of love that quilt gives is so comforting. That lady probably wasn't a teacher or leader of note, but now, these months later, the Lord knew from that moment she put that quilt in my lap that I would need and appreciate it.

My personalized car license plate hadn't arrived in time for the expiration of my present one. I was so concerned but went to purchase another one at the county court house. The lady who was waiting on me, went to get me a plate to do until my other one arrived. She came back with a strange look on her face. My personalized plate had arrived just a half hour of my arrival. How could such a thing happen? It would seem I had a Divine appointment with a license plate. I would still have gotten the plate but it was God who knew the time and place that both were all His doing. I left that building in awe, knowing God had already been there ahead of me. He often does these things in all our lives and we may chalk such times up to coincidence. With God, there is no such thing.

Dear Father...You overwhelm me with Your love and care for me and in the lives of my friends as well. May we be quick to see Your working in our today's as well as our tomorrows. I praise You and give You all the glory in it all. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

YOU CAN DO THIS

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13

I saw an interesting film/article on my computer this evening. It was of a man running a marathon race somewhere in England. He was a big guy, maybe middle aged, but in decent shape. It appeared that toward the end of the race, with several meters to go, he was looking like he was going to give up and could hardly put one foot in front of the other.

Suddenly, what was called a race coach came to the man's side and began running with him. They obviously didn't know one another. You name it and he was cheering this racer on with his encouraging comments as well as running along side of him. The racer was being fold over and over, “You can do this!” With every step, regardless of the encouragement, it looked like the racer was still ready to drop out of the race. After having run so far, it would have been a shame had he just quit.

The race coach continued with the man and suddenly, a little girl ran up beside the racer, took his hand and ran with him. It was his daughter who looked to be maybe ten years old. His steps widened some as she ran with him, but he still looked like he might not make it. There were street workers, with their safety vests on who saw the scene and they began to cheer the man on.

Nearing the finish line there were people along the sides of the street who began cheering. He had so much encouragement and support, how could he possibly have failed. He didn't fail. He crossed the line, turned giving a huge bear hug to the young man who had helped him to the finish line where the racer received the medal around his neck that all participants had received.

This has a kind of familiar ring for most of us, doesn't it, especially for those of us who are of any age above perhaps 70 years old. Probably at every age, folks have grown weary in their life's race or journey. Folks get weary and even discouraged contending with various difficult circumstances affecting their lives.

In my own race, I am so grateful for those who continue to run along side of me. My children and grandchildren are such a blessing, and there are good friends who cheer me on when I slow down in my run. I have wonderful church pastors and friends who look out for me. I also have a couple of great doctors I can call on with any questions and they are quick to be of help. My biggest support in my race, is the sweet Holy Spirit in and with me in every place, at all times and my greatest advocate. He's my teacher, doctor, strength, friend and so many other things that keep me going. I know He's cheering me on, watching always for what is in my best interest, pouring His grace and mercy into my very being and loving me with a love I don't deserve or understand. All of this is mine right down til whenever I reach my finish line where Jesus hopefully will say “well done...you did it.”

Dear Holy Spirit, I don't know what I'd do without You as You live in me, looking out for me and loving me. Father, thank You for Your Spirit and for Jesus Who gave all that I may run my life's race in such a way as to bring You honor and glory. I pray these things in Jesus' precious name...Amen.

I WILL

Come unto me all ye that labor

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

It was either the last Sunday in a November or first Sunday in a December when our pastor at the time asked for a show of hands from folks in the congregation for a special task. Volunteers were needed big time. It was time to do all of the Christmas decorating in the auditorium and other places in the facilities. I was in the choir at the time so was amazed at all the hands that were raised, both women and men.

I wish I could have raised my hand but had to work the next day. I felt even worse when on Wednesday night, I heard some folks who had been there commenting that less than half the volunteers showed up. It was really a huge job even for those who had volunteered to help let alone the job the faithful few had to do.

Probably most of us have been guilty with the two words “I WILL.” Those two words are often said in much too casual ways. When we use those two words, we forget that someone is counting on us to do what we said we would do. We see a real problem in our day with folks in all areas of life who fail to live up to promises...their word is worth nothing.

In just looking at various places in Psalms, not knowing who all was doing the writing, I noticed a hoard of I will's, very positive ones. The writers have said, IWILL...praise, sing, pray, follow, worship...and the list goes on regarding the determination of some who penned a Psalm or more. I am wondering how often, in good faith, I have promised an I WILL, and failed to keep that promise.

Aren't we glad that our Savior completely keeps His I WILL promises. God's I WILL promises are all through Scripture, but for instance, just from the Gospel of John:14. we see,

*And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4)

*If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. (14)

*I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you. (18)

Those are just examples and Scripture is full of I WILL promises God makes to us. May we strive to either curb our I WILL's or be people of our word just as God is.

Forgive me, Father, when I've made I WILL promises to You or others and not been a person of my word. At times, I have let folks down who were counting on me. Too many times, I know I let You down when I haven't fulfilled my promises. Thank You for every promise You make to all Your children and for being who and what You are in my life. In Jesus' most precious name...Amen 

JUST WAIT

For we through the Spirit wait

for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Galatians 5:5

I've never been good at waiting. I thought I'd never get my first bike, but it came along despite my impatience. A couple of times in Psalms, we are told to “Wait for the Lord.”

Sometimes, even waiting for God to work in a particular way in our lives, seems difficult. However, when it comes to God, waiting is never wasted time. It hones our patience and strengthens our faith. Along the way, I wrote below of some waiting times in my own life.

When just young and very small

Folks said that I'd grow tall only

Just wait.

School days often seemed to crawl

No end in sight, teachers I recall

Just wait.

Only career, many a long day

No family yet, but friends would say

Just wait.

There he was, straight and tall

Is this the one? Should I let myself fall

Just wait.

Wait I did, loved being a wife

Hubby, children...such a great life, but

Just wait.

Life was life with it's ups and downs

Time's gone by with the smiles and frowns

Just wait.

But parting day came, didn't seem fair

God took him home to be with Him there.

Seems impossible, with years quickly gone

Yet, I live each day...some seem so long.

My waiting is different now in earthly state

My day will come, know not the date.

I just wait.

Dear Father...help me to wait during those times it seems most difficult. I know You are present in my life, seeing to my every need. Help me to just rest in waiting no matter the situation In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

HIDDEN TREASURE

Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:11

The day is as clear to me as if it were yesterday. I was attending VBS at our church and sat in the side room just off our auditorium. Ruth Young was our teacher as she usually did every summer about the same time. We were at the part of the morning I really loved. It was Bible memory time and I clearly remember memorizing the above verse that day. Through the years, this verse and others I memorized, even to this day are among the hidden treasures of Scripture I have packed away in my heart.

These treasures aren't meant to stay hidden. Years and aging sometimes push such nuggets to the back of one's memory, but are never meant to stay hidden. For sure, they are treasures to be brought forward to bless and encourage even if sometime we can't recall the “Bible addresses” of the verses. The Holy Spirit has a wonderful way of bringing these treasures to the forefront of our hearts whenever He sees fit...when He knows what we need better than we know. He can even bring things of Scripture to our minds when we might wonder “where did that come from” moment.

Such happened to me a few days ago. All I will say is that it was a gray day. I woke up, got in my cozy chair and sat glued to it most of the day. I managed to make a sandwich and go to the bathroom a couple of times but I was stuck. I had no energy physically or spiritually. My Bible sat on the arm of my chair, but I felt no desire to open it or even read anything in it. Maybe it was a culmination of things from past months. I didn't know and didn't care.

About five o'clock, suddenly to mind came “Psalm 73: 25,26”. I recognized Psalm 73 but not the verses. In curiosity, I opened my Bible to those verses and read:

Whom have I in heaven but thee?

And there is none upon the earth

that I desire beside thee.

My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion forever.

I had the feeling that someone must be looking through my kitchen window. In reality, it snapped me to attention. It had been awhile since even thinking of these verses, but the Holy Spirit knew what I needed in the moment. I don't know how many times I sat reading those verses over and over, but I was strengthened and encouraged more than I can say. When we have the hidden treasures of Scripture in our hearts, they aren't meant to stay hidden but to be used to bless us in every way. It's another reason for us to be in the Word, saving it so it is available for the good and tough times whether our days are bright or gray.

Father, thank You for Your Word and for Your Holy Spirit who knows our every need and can minister to us at any time from it. We don't deserve Your love but grateful You love and care for us as no one else can. Thank You for Your guiding Spirit and Son Who gave all that we might really live. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

BEAR DANGER

Submit yourselves therefore to

God. Resist the devil and he

will flee from you.

James 4:7

Almost all children growing up have owned a teddy bear. For many years, there wasn't the abundance of stuffed animals like now. Children loved their teddy bears as friends and companions. They were soft and cuddly, mostly in dark color. I, today, own a stuffed black bear resembling a black bear in the park that Brian bought me after the first time we walked through the 11 mile Cades Cove Loop.

Black bears in the mountains have become a kind of trademark/logo representing the national park. However, they are still wild animals and must be treated as such. On one occasion while driving through a “bear block” caused by a medium size bear near the road, we noticed a young father, stooped down with his two-three year old moving closer and closer to the bear. The bear was casually feasting on the grass, not really paying attention to the crowd and especially to the young dad. That was fortunate for that young dad, because in a moment, that bear feeling threatened could have easily pounced on the dad and child. Bears can be very quick in movement. It could have been a tragedy, but the bear would have been blamed and euthanized.

Because of instances like that, park rangers have posted a variety of warning signs, such as:

“Don't feed the bears”

“Stay 50 yards (150 feet) away from bears”

“Caution, bears in area.”

Such bears cn't be confused with a child's teddy bear that may be at home on a bed. The dangers are real. Every effort is made to keep people safe, but we see so many folks being foolishly daring toward these protected creatures, who are usually minding their own business.

We can be much the same of mind in dealing with Satan. I realize we don't have a physical image of him with which to toy, but he is as real as those bears I've mentioned, except more so. Satan can be attractive, perhaps even cute, in his drawing us into his snares. We almost regard him as being “tame” and not much of a threat. That's exactly what he wants us to think of him. We may even draw a little too close to the world at times, and find ourselves not resisting Satan like we thought we would or could. Satan can be attractive and alluring, but like those wild bears, can suddenly pounce on us in very destructive ways.

Scripture says if we resist Satan, he will flee from us. Just as the park posts a variety of warning signs, God has provided His own warning signs in His Word. Tourists may make decisions all the time regarding heeding warning signs. Spiritually, we don't have any excuses for not knowing God's expectations.. We too must decide if we are going to feed Satan's ego or simply walk in obedience to God's Word. It's the safest place to be no matter the beast of the world we may meet up with.

Thank You Father for your provision of keeping us spiritually safe. You are so clear in warnings in your Word regarding resisting Satan. May we know those warnings and keep them. Keep us alert and strong in the face of Satan's ploys. In Jesus' precious and very strong name...Amen

 

JESUS WITH SKIN ON

....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 25:40b

Not sure how you are, especially if you live alone, but I am really uncomfortable asking for help. I'm learning more and more all the things Brian did to keep the homestead operating. I appreciate him more for all the things he fixed and created. We never had to have various handymen come to fix anything and that goes for the car as well.

In our church, we not only have a wonderful pastor and staff but such a godly group of men on our deacon board. Each deacon is assigned church members they can minister to through all the ups and downs of their lives. All are great and God gave Brian and me a special guy...Chris. He has prompted me regularly as to what he can do to be of help to me and I so resisted taking him up on it. However, the Lord convicted me in the fact that I could be depriving our deacon of the joy of serving the Lord.

Recently, I got my car parked in the garage and later found that the garage door would not work. After hesitation I called Chris. With a godly, servant spirit, he was here the next morning first thing, tools in hand. In a matter of minutes, not even an hour, he called me to the garage to push the button and up came the garage door. You cannot imagine my relief. As Chris left after my thanks, I told him that he was Jesus with skin on. He didn't really think he was all that, but he was for me and to Jesus as well.

I wonder if we ever give thought to times people have come to our rescue. Obviously, Jesus couldn't come to our aid in person, but does put a calling on all of our lives to function on His behalf. That is who and what we are called to be...His hands and feet. Because that's Who we function for, we can take no glory in whatever deed we perform because it was His calling on us.

When Jesus observes us caring and loving for others as He would if He were here in person, He is pleased. Most of the time, our ministering for Jesus may not be as huge as fixing a garage door. It's often simpler than that. For instance, Jesus said:

For whosoever shall give you a

cup of water to drink in my name,

because ye belong to Christ,

verily I say unto you, he shall

not lose his reward.

Mark 9:41

Thank you Father for those folks who are sensitive to your will and way. They seem to just know what You would have them do in the lives of folks who are in need. Help us, Father, to be counted among those folks. By the way, thank you for my deacon. In Jesus' precious name....Amen