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