JOY TO THE WORLD

You will show me the path of life;

in Your presence is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures

forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

For many years, I have loved the Christmas carol Joy to the World. For many years, I didn't really pay much attention to the words. The first sentence of this particular carol is significant, at least as I have seen it.

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!

I believe it to be a truth that the earth knew no joy until the arrival of Jesus. You see, joy is of God, a part of spiritual fruit. Only believers can know true joy. With the coming of that precious baby boy came a joy the world hadn't or would ever know without Him.

Sometimes in Sunday school we may have been given a good definition of joy: J-esus first, O-thers second and Y-ourself last. In reality, the saying should read: Jesus first, Jesus second and Jesus not even last. Joy is nothing you and I can conjure up, manufacturing or humanly working into our personalities. We may have happiness through serving others and even in having what we might think of as good lives. Joy is another thing altogether.

LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING.

Now we have joy...a joy straight from God, ours for the accepting, enjoying and sharing. May we always be welcoming of that Joy brought to us by a King. .

Help us Father to know the difference in happiness and joy. The world offers happiness in various ways, but Your joy is the real thing. Thank You for that Joy Jesus brought to us and continues to make available to each believer. Thank You too for Your Gift that is joy unspeakable and full of glory. In Jesus' precious name.....Amen 

 

LEST WE FORGET

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits.

Psalm 103:2

There was a statue that for many years was situated in front of our local VFW in my hometown. It was of what looked to be a wounded soldier and I think the lettering on it was “Lest We Forget.” As a kid when I saw or heard that phrase, I wasn't sure what it meant. Of course later, it took on meaning regarding that and some other things I should never forget about.

We of the older generation are often accused of being forgetful and at times we are. Everyone is at one time or another. What younger folks fail to realize is the older one becomes in age, the more that person has stored in their brains, so, information isn't always easily retrieved when put on a spot.

Feeling forgotten is something just about every human being will sense at one time or another. There is ONE who will never forget any one of us and that's our Heavenly Father. He will never leave us or forsake us, a promise we can hang on to for dear life.

However, how many times do we forget Him and His goodness in our lives? We get busy with holidays and varied celebrations and often our Father is put on a back burner of our lives. God is the nearest and dearest to us...The One who sent His precious Son to this dirty old earth eventually to die for us. It's so easy for us to have lapses of thought and consideration of the One who is the reason for the season...may it never be....lest we forget.

Father God, may I never forget or be thoughtless of Your presence and activity in my life. I never want the things of this world to take presidense over my love attention and appreciation for You. May I never forget how You have worked in my life and loved me when I was so unloveable. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

 

OBEDIENCE RECOMMENDED

Children, obey your parents

in all things, for this is well

pleasing to the Lord.

Colossians 3:20

When a very little girl, I always knew when Christmas was around the corner. There was no hint of it to speak of. There was no big deal about all the gifts and trimmings until well into December. Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree didn't go up on a stool until sometime later and just before THE day. There was one program at church celebrating Christmas the Sunday evening before Christmas.

So how did a little girl have any big expectation about the holiday. I knew because I was usually asked two questions on the part of family members or close adult friends. One question had to do with what I wanted for Christmas. The next comment with many adults in my life would have to do with my behavior in past days and had I been minding (translated: obeying) my parents. That obedience thing seem to have a lot riding on how many and types of gifts I might receive on that exciting day.

It's odd to me and convicting as well that we have a lot to say about obedience as it relates to children. There seems to be an expectation for them that is off the table for adults. The verse I referred to in this blog is one of few in the Bible where children in particular are admonished to be obedient.

Incredibly, God's Word often speaks of a believers attention to obedience in appropriate areas just as with children and expectations of them in this area. Our obedience toward our Father is essential. We may not receive a trove of gifts at Christmas time for such obedience, but no matter, we are gifted every day from You, our loving Heavenly Father...no holiday necessary.

Thank You Father for the gift of Your Son through whom we are loved and given the gift of eternal life. Thank You for all You all bestow in our lives through Your love, protection and provision. You don't wait for holidays to gift us and we are grateful for Your presence constantly in our lives. In Jesus precious name...Amen

 

The B-I-B-L-E

Thy word have I hid in

mine heart, that I might

not sin against Thee.

Psalm 119:11

Thinking back, I could take you to a side area, like an open room that looked into our church auditorium. That is one of the area's used in the summer for the junior department's Vacation Bible School. Sometimes we spilled into some of the pews in the bigger area for singing or special classes, but that was the VBS home for we juniors at the time.

It was one of those summers I recall memorizing the above verse. In those younger years, we memorized many verses where we didn't quite comprehend their meanings, but the words still stuck at least in my own mind. Around that time, there was also a short chorus we sang with great gusto, that you might remember as well:

“The B I B L E

Yes, that's the book for me.

I stand alone on the Word of God

the B I B L E.”

These days, when teaching adult ladies, I often give them a caution about those early learning days. We often memorized verses or choruses but were too young to really grasp their meanings.

I think most of us struggle with singing hymns of perhaps commitment that we don't pay much attention to when it comes to application. Do I, with anticipation, hide (memorize, meditate) God's Word in my heart. There are many benefits in doing so but the verse mentions keeping us from sin. Again, do I stand firmly on His Word, knowing it's the only true source of my spiritual strength. I'm saying to myself that if I'm going to quote or sing such precious words, I should be sincerely strive to live up to them.

Father, I thank you for precious childhood memories in Your house with Your servants. Thank You for using them to teach me and others the importance of Your Word throughout these years. May I live up to their efforts and Your love in how I regard and live up to Your precious Word. In Jesus precious name....Amen

 

GIVE THANKS

...in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in

Christ Jesus concerning you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

This week, I received the most beautiful card from Carol, a dear friend. It looked to be the designer type of card and on the front along with some beautiful touches, were the words that caught my attention: GIVE THANKS FOR ALL THINGS. It's a card I already adapted for use in my Bible as a bigger-than-usual bookmark.

Tis the season of thanksgiving and gratitude. We usually decide at this holiday time that we won't just confine our gratitude during this one season. Sometimes, that thought and hope gets lost somewhere in the rest of the year.

The hard part sometimes is giving thanks in ALL things. ALL THINGS may refer to those happy times that are ours, but ALL THINGS means just that... ALL. I've found perhaps later that it's in those negative times I learn the most about my Heavenly Father and His expectations. It's in those things when I think I learn the most. They are a real part of that ALL.

I also noticed that the above verse is only the latter part of a bigger sentence. The beginning of the verse tells us that we are to rejoice always and pray without ceasing. There's just comma's after those phrases. The period comes at the end of the above part of the verse.

Notice those three words...always, ceasing, and everything. It all works together to create in us a consistent spirit of giving thanks. It won't be just in November we are to rejoice, pray and give thanks. It's supposed to be our lives, every day we live and breathe.

Have a wonderful time this week of gratitude but also that all of us would do the same the other 51 weeks of the year. Blessings, my friends.

Somehow, Father, our thanksgiving for all You mean to us seems rather watered down because we just can't fully express it. Everything we have has come from You, even Your precious Son Jesus. Thank You for Him and for Your sweet Holy Spirit Who guides and teaches us. In everything You are so faithful. May we be found faithful but only for your honor and glory. We love you. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

PRECIOUS HANDS

Fear not, for I am with you; Be

not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, yes, I will

help you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Recently, I was looking carefully at my hands recalling what I remember of them from time past. Now they are wrinkled, some fingers swollen or twisted from arthritis. No matter the time, past or present, I don't know what I would do without them. I can't imagine how folks manage who have lost use of their hands through accident or physical conditions.

It's interesting when a baby comes into the world, it's usually with a shrill cry, legs kicking and tight-fisted hands boxing the air. You can force your finger into those those two little fists but it can be difficult. There is an unbelievable strength there. In fact, if you can get your index fingers worked into those little fists, with little effort, you can raise that baby in an almost standing position without it falling. If you try this, another adult should be near with open hands. I've done this several times in various settings and it was the same every time.

The hands I'm most grateful for are the precious hands of God. There are several verses in Scripture that speak of the strong functioning of God's hands on our behalf that are worth looking up. I've always loved the fact that God holds me in the palm of His hand. I don't know how He does it for us all, but He can manage it. Pity the thought that we might allow our hands to be fisted, resisting the precious guiding of God's hands in our lives.

With gratitude, on our part, one of the greatest ways to show that gratitude for all His special care for us .is to more often fold our hands in prayer.

Father, You provide the greatest tender, care for us as You lead us with your hand as a loving parent would. Better yet, You keep us close to Yourself in the palm of Your hand. Help us to relax more in those facts as we face a culture in turmoil. You are our only true security and we thank You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

 

 

IMPORTANCE OF NAMES

...that at the name of Jesus every knee

should bow, of those in heaven, and

of those on earth, and of those

under the earth.

Philippians 2:10

Names are of such importance to us. They don't just identify people, but names bring to recall things to be remembered or to be forgotten. There are names we all could call out that would immediately register with us in some way. They might be names of foods, products, criminals, pastors, vacation spots, car names, known tragedies, etc. We mostly think of the names of family members and friends.

I often wondered when going through my school years, why my parents named me what they did. My first name has caused more problems for me especially in those beginning years. People who didn't know me or my family pronounced my name in every which way you can imagine and at times, it was embarrassing.

There is a name we don't speak as often as we should and that name is JESUS. It's a name quickly recognized and a name with meaning like no other. Unlike most names, His name encourages, blesses, comforts, is full of love and calls to mind our Savior. Some people in time past have tried to erase that name from our attention but it will never happen. JESUS is the name above all names past, present and on into eternity.

Father, there is such comfort and assurance when we speak the powerful name of Jesus. Thank You for His precious presence in our lives, knowing His name holds power beyond any other name. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

A BLESSED NATION

Blessed is the nation whose

God is the Lord., and the

people He hath chosen for

his own inheritance.

Psalm 33:12

There are a lot of concerns for our nation these days. We're looking at a major election to be held this week. I've heard some folks speak with great concern, fear, questions and WORRY in all caps. There is room for concern because our nation isn't what it was for some of us who lived through the “happy days.”

We've come far away from those times. Drastic changes as in a nation don't just happen overnight. They happen gradually so we can get used to what seems like little negative things that at the time don't mean much. Satan loves to work that way and as it has happened, we now look in our nation's mirror wondering how we got to where we are.

Who ever thought our children would be caught up in an educational mire that teaches Satan's ways above anything academic. Somewhere along the line, there weren't folks to ask questions. The events we see on newscasts these days are mind blowing as we see school shootings, demonstrations on school/university campuses and behaviors that often seem beyond evil. The problem is that those young ones grow up to be leaders in schools, politics, legal areas and every other place in our society. The evil they learned, they are now passing along to today's youth.

We know in the end times that things are going to get worse and worse. Meantime, we Christians can't just fold our hands and wave white flags of surrender. We still have the responsibility to be people of prayer and yes, people with a voice. Christians often feel it ungodly to express concerns to ungodly leaders. It can be done when bathed with Scripture and prayer.

Let's be praying in these days like never before for our country. There are so many who need Jesus in their lives. He's really the only One who can make a difference in lives but we can do our part in living out the Gospel and leading godly lives that are pleasing to Jesus. We are told in these days to really be praying. It's unfortunate that we haven't been consistently praying for our nation through months and years, but it's never too late.

Father, I pray for ways to make things right in our country and that fellow Christians will stand for what is right like never before. Give us the wisdom and courage to take our stands, to be the best Christian citizens we know how to be. Bless our elections and keep them clean and legal. Help us to do our part in working to make our nation a Godly place. In Jesus' precious name....Amen 

SELAH

I will abide in Your tabernacle

forever; I will trust in the

shelter of Your wings. SELAH

Psalm 61:4

Recently in a ladies Bible study session, we ladies got into a discussion I hadn't anticipated. We are doing a study in the book of Psalms and on that occasion, we were delving into one particular Psalm. I read the Psalm aloud for the ladies to follow with some discussion following. In the Psalm I was reading was the word SELAH at the end of a couple of verses. Suddenly we were dissecting what we knew about that particular word.

The word SELAH is found in the Bible 74 times with 71 of those being in the book of Psalms. There are two views of the word itself most Bible scholars tend to accept. It isn't surprising that the word is thought of as a musical term. It's thought to be a word of some musical direction as Psalms are sung. On the other hand, many see SELAH as a term that encourages one to pause, rest or reflect on the Scripture SELAH appears at the end of a particular passage. We often do one or more of those three things when enjoying music that blesses us, as well as meditating on Scripture read.

Thus, may I encourage us to do something we probably don't do very much. We may at times read large passages of Scripture, finish the reading, close the Bible, rise and then get back to whatever we need to get done. So many times, we wouldn't be able to tell someone ten minutes later what we had read in our Bibles. I wonder how much more meaningful our Bible reading would be if we observed some SELAH time after finished reading. When I remember to do that, my reading is more meaningful and then I have been blessed beyond measure. Food we eat keeps us strong and alive. Spiritual digesting of Scripture can do the same, resulting in unbelievable growth.

Thank You Father, for Your Word. It has brought us to spiritual life in the beginning and continues to encourage our faith and our love for You. Holy Spirit, keep teaching us and thank You Jesus for all You mean to us. Thank You for being my Selah. In Your precious name...Amen 

REMEMBER WHEN

And I said,”This is my anguish;

But I will remember the years

of the right hand of the Most High.”

I will remember the works of the

LORD; surely I will remember

Your wonders of old.

I will also meditate on all Your

work, and talk of Your deeds.

Psalm 77:10-12

It's been said that the older we get, the more we lose memories of wonderful events that have occurred during our growing up and maturing years. I don't remember many things but there are those seared in my brain I'll never forget in this life. We all have our memories. In our humanity, we tend to recall very clearly the negative things that happened to us in the past, but there is so much more to remember. If nothing else, we have the goodness of God that has been ours for years.

In the verses above, I couldn't help but notice the “I will remembers” listed by the Psalmist. His intent was to remember...God's right hand in his life, the works and wonders of the Lord, all of God's works in his life. Remembering isn't future thinking...it's looking back for whatever reasons. In this Psalmists case, he wanted so very much to remember the works and blessings from God. When down in the dumps, I remember instances in my life when God stepped in through miraculous ways. Those things encourage us along the way. The Holy Spirit if great in reminding us of precious moments long forgotten.

I love remembering the day I was saved at the age of 10 on a sunny Sunday morning. I was baptized the following Sunday evening. I still remember things I learned and loved about summer church camp. I remember the names of school teachers and teachers in my church. Attending a Christian college was such a blessing and later meeting Brian, my future husband.

In between all those things are numerous events of note. When days are filled with concerns, remembering those precious spiritual times can be so healing and a blessing. They remind us of how very far our Father has brought us despite storms life may bring in the present. There are so many other things I have on my memory list as you probably do that bring smiles because such precious memories are precious indeed.

Thank You Father for all Your goodness in my life that has left me with a multitude of sweet memories. There are some days those memories have warmed my heart and encouraged me to keep going. Thank You, Jesus, for being so generous with Your love and grace in my life. In Your precious name...Amen

 

SURE SMELLS GOOD

And walk in love, as Christ also

loved us and given Himself for us,

an offering and a sacrifice o God

for a sweet-smelling aroma

Ephesians 5:2

Laying in bed last night recalling from years and more years back the pleasant smells I used to enjoy. Life was much simpler back then and the simple things had meaning. Fall was always special. Who can forget the smell after a spring rain. On Mondays, I had to go out and take down the newly washed sheets that had been pinned to the clothes lines earlier in the day. The smell inside a new car will always be special. Can't forget that smell for anything.

Even today, while those memorable scents us recall of wonderful times, are often ones that aren't so memorable. I never got any kind of boost in smelling a dirty diaper fresh off one of my babies. Burning the bacon on occasions is not only offensive but seems to last in one's house for a very long time. Being behind a car that is gushing exhaust fumes is offensive and often dangerous. Of course, there is the notorious skunk and little needs to be said about avoiding that cute animal.

Smells all have their individual scents that are either a blessing or curse. Rarely is there one in between. There is one scent that cannot be duplicated or damaged in any way and that is the sweet aroma of Christ. One can be around another person who seems soaked with perfume and folks who hug her come away smelling like her. The same can be for us when we stay close to Jesus. There is a sweet aroma all about Him. Won't it be wonderful if we can bear that sweet aroma of Him because of Who He is and our closeness to Him.

Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son through whom we have life, love and a wonderful relationship. Keep us close through Your sweet Holy Spirit that because of our relationship with You, folks may see You in us. In Jesus precious name...Amen

 

 

WORD ON A HEAP

The grass withers,

the flower fades,

But the word of our God

stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Many of us live within a relatively short distance from all of the flooding and devastation we have had since the arrival of a hurricane up this way and have been keeping a close eye out on the situation. Where I live, there was heavy rain with minimal wind but our neighbors to our east didn't fare so well.

It's been a privilege to be prayer partners with hundreds of victims in this situation as well as getting survival supplies into those hard-hit areas. Somehow, it just doesn't seem to be enough. I'm sure it's of great encouragement, however, to so many who have lost everything....everything. Clothes can be replaced as well as dishes, bedding, furniture and appliances, but what of those things that have been gathered through a lifetime that in essence is a keepsake of one's life...pictures, baby books, wedding pictures, jewelry, grade cards, Christmas ornaments and on and on the list could go.

I saw one picture that just about did me in within the last few days. It's a picture of a close-up flood setting that seemed to be washed up branches and weeds. There on top of that dirty mess was an open Bible. It looked like it had really been through the flood with it's rips and dirt. There it was, open in what seemed to be sunlight of the moment. Two TN Tec students had found it. The home near the Bible had been leveled, but there was...that open Bible.

Can't say what thought process was when I saw it. For me in those circumstances, I don't know what I would do without my Bible. My Bible is such a friend and don't know what I'd do without it. I've looked at it a little differently since seeing that picture of that lonely, tattered, dirty one laying in the aftermath of a flood. We know God's Word lives on and ministers in the worst of times. For me, reading and loving it just doesn't seem to be enough right now.

Thank You Father for Your Word that is always available to us. I pray for that dear person who has lost their Bible that perhaps can be reunited with it despite it's condition. If not, that another copy would reach that person soon. Help us to appreciate Your Word, not just for reading but for living in us in both the good times and in the floods of life. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

LOTS OF WATER

…For He himself has said,

“I will never leave you

nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

It isn't unusual here where I live to hear of weather events that are at a distance from where I live. Oklahoma is often known for tornadoes as well as other states in that part of our country. I've heard about hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf coast for years, but must say I've not paid that much attention to them...UNTIL...I had one of my own children with family move to that state. Then hurricanes became of real interest. Still, they were there and I was here in Eastern Tennessee.

Well, over the last week, some things have changed. I kept track of the hurricane warnings in Florida and watched weather reports on TV of the where and whens of the storm. I'm always amazed that such events are named, this one being Helene. Still, I prayed for my family and the people who would be affected by it all. Little did I know that Helene would find a way to visit Eastern Tennessee with a vengeance.

Like many folks, I've watched the pictures, heeded warnings that might affect me and felt it would all pass like most bad storms. Today has been a different story. I've watched films on TV until I'm about cross-eyed. My heart is heavy as I've seen small communities wiped out, farms with animals destroyed, major highways wiped out, people sitting on roofs, many stranded in the mountains with no roads out for now, hospital patients and staff on the roof of their hospital, waters rushing with great force to anywhere. The heartache, loss and desperation are too much to take in.

However, God knows everything about this event. He has all the answers for each person affected and has promised His presence in all of the havoc. The rest of us are called on to pray, pray hard and pray much for those dear folks that they will still find their hope in their God who has more love to pour into their lives with more power than any hurricane.

Dear Father, I pray for my fellow Tennessee friends and others in North Carolina, who are suffering right now more than I can imagine. I pray they will sense Your presence despite all the heartache. I know You will provide all they need. Draw them close to Yourself...warm their bodies and spirits as well. Thank You for being the loving Father You are and thank You for Jesus....and in His name....Amen 

 

                                    HOW DELIGHTFUL

Delight yourself also in the LORD,

and He shall give you the

desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Life was so good. We had two beautiful little girls and expecting our third child. The only problem was that we were in a two bedroom apartment. We really needed to purchase a house, but wanted a newly built one. Those went for the horrible price of at least $32,000. Back then, goodly down payments were required and we couldn't even come close to having one.

The only money we had coming was Brian's tax refund that might do. I suggested he go to our bank and promise them that check when it arrived if they would give us the funds now for a down payment. He looked at me like I was crazy telling me that banks just don't do that. He took some time to think about it.

The house we wanted was already in process of being built. I loved Psalm 37 for so many reasons, especially the above verse. Without Brian knowing it, I got out our old beat up typewriter, non electric, and typed the above verse 50 times. I cut out each strip, carefully rolling up each one as tightly as I could. I drove out to that house on a really cold, gloomy day. The men weren't working and I was glad because I was on a mission. I tucked each of those little rolls all over that building. They went in the holes of bricks, tucked into sockets, some inside drywall and even down some drains. May I tell you today that whoever lives in that house today has no idea all the Scripture that could be found in that place.

A couple of days later, Brian went to the bank feeling negative but feeling “Why not.” He came home with a huge grin. The banker had never done such a thing before but with a signed agreement, Brian had a check in hand.

I believe it would have worked anyway. We had always delighted in the Lord but claimed a promise. We had the joy of loving on our Father in some new and wonderful ways. We determined to honor the Lord with that house even to the day Brian handed the keys to a new owner. Our delighting didn't stop there as God has been our delight ongoing with Brian there and me here.

What a delight You are Father. Thank You for the sweet memories I have of You having worked in our lives through the years and You continuing to do so on my behalf as I'm alone now. I so love and appreciate You...Amen

 

GO TEAM, GO!

For whatever is born of God

overcomes the world. And

this is the victory that has

overcome the world...our faith.

I John 5:4

I've spent Saturday evening watching two football games. Having lived in Texas for years, I have an interest in the university there. I'm here in Tennessee now so also try to watch our team here. They both happen to be playing at the same time tonight but not against each other trying to keep up with both games.

Both teams are excellent this year and should do well. I've watched the unity of the guys on each field. They've had good coaching, have been trained well with play books and instructions and interestingly enough, both teams wear orange.

You and I are a part of a great team. Our team consists of believers all over the world. Our common uniform is on the different side as we are clothed in righteousness. God, our Coach, had a plan from the beginning of time that all people would love and follow Him explicitly, but that didn't happen. He sent His Son Jesus to coach us here on earth, and yes, to die for us that we might have life eternal. Our Head Coach also gave us His Holy Spirit and a book of instructions to live this life.

Meanwhile, we must be committed tmyo our spiritual training, staying fit through prayer and the Word. I pray I will be as committed to God's plan even more than what I see in the members of the two football teams I'm watching.

We read that at the end of the game of life, our team wins. Our Coach has declared that and He has already seen to it. Through Christ, we are the victors.

Thank You Father, for allowing me to be on Your team. I thank You for Your guidance, forgiveness and love. It's so wonderful knowing that through You, victory is ours. In Jesus name....Amen

 

IF ONLY

And all the children of Israel complained

against Moses and Aaron, and the whole

congregation said to them, “If only we had

died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we

had died in the wilderness.

Numbers 14:2

The adventure of the Israelites trip from Egypt to the promised land has always fascinated me. This was a people who had spent a lifetime in captivity. With God-called leadership, they arrived at the banks of that promised land. In the forty years in the wilderness, they hadn't been the most behaved people one could find but God had been patient with them. They had griped and complained beyond belief and now, in this moment we hear, “If only...”

We have had our own times when we have dwelt on some “if onlys” in our lives. Shortly after Brian went to Heaven, I spoke with my pastor of those things I could/should have done I didn't do that might have made a difference. He reminded me that our regrets are in the past and dwelling on them is anything but healthy.

Bottom line is that in the decision times of our lives, we probably make the best decisions we know to make at the time. We can't see into the future with any kind of accuracy so we do the best we can in thinking things over. David's son had died. He called out Absalom's name several times and then said, “If only I had died in your place!” Our if only statements come from us when a time of sadness or regret has been experienced. There is nothing present or future in those two words.

A real hero of mind through the years has been Corrie ten Boom. She, her father and sister had been in concentration camps because of harboring Jews in their home. Corrie lost them in the process. Through the years, after being liberated, she spoke all over the world and authored books one of which became a movie. Looking back, there were things Corrie wished she had handled differently and had some regrets. However she came to grips with those thoughts and said:

"I had to surrender my 'if onlys' to Jesus!”

May that be so for you and me as well.

Father, we feel we've done all we could in various situations but harbor regrets. Help us to move away from the “if only's” in our lives and move on in Your strength. Thank You very much.....In Jesus' precious name....Amen

 

THE JOY OF WALKING

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness

in the morning, for in You do I trust;

cause me to know the way in which

I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.

Psalm 143:8

There are things about ourselves we rarely think about. The ability to physically walk is one of those things. We feel deeply for folks who have lost the ability to walk because of disease or accident. There is a walk we walk that isn't physical....our walk with God.

I have known of some great couples lately who have just been blessed with their first baby. If they are anything like what Brian and I went through after a few months, folks would begin asking when our little one was going to walk. We never hurried that...thought it would happen in good and God's time. I have often said when a little one begins to walk, that's the first step they take in someday walking out of their parent's lives.

In David's writing Psalm 143, he speaks of his spiritual walk. Walking is mentioned several times in Scripture but doesn't speak of a physical walk that much. David speaks of his/our spiritual walk. David knew he couldn't accomplish a spiritual walk without God's strengthening and direction. In the above verse, David was almost pleading for God's showing him the way he should walk. That same prayer should be ours if we are really determined walk as God would want us to walk. 

We can't walk this spiritual journey in our own strength. God wants our walk to one of joy, a learning experience, of our changing from the world's ways to His precious path. Our map is His Word. His Spirit will teach us and steer us in the right directions. The most beneficial place for us to walk is in Jesus' steps consistently. He'll never lead us in any wrong direction.

Father, I really want to walk as You direct. I realize I must put forth effort on my part to study and know Your Word that will keep me on the right path. Thank You for loving and guiding me. In Jesus' name...Amen

 

ALL THAT AND MORE

Blessed be the LORD my ROCK,

who TRAINS my hands for war,

and my fingers for battle--

My LOVINGKINDNESS and my

FORTRESS,

My HIGH TOWER and my

DELIVERER,

My SHIELD and the One in

whom I take REFUGE, Who

subdues my people

under me.

Psalm 144:1,2

At times when my reading of Scripture has been on the casual side, I must admit that I have missed so much. Because of such carelessness, I know I haven't been as observant as I should have been noticing folks in Scripture in their humanity. Lately, I've been reading of some people in Scripture who are so very human. There's much to be learned from such people as they handled some of the things in life we too are dealing with.

Even more as I read, I have often been remiss in watching for ways God works in our lives for our good and His glory. Reading in Psalm 144, I saw right away in the first couple of verses how God works on my behalf. It is mind boggling how He works for His children in so many wonderful ways.

I couldn't resist high-lighting words in verses one and two of that chapter seeing special things He does for me. David is the one who penned this Psalm as the Holy Spirit led. David uses the word “my” often in the two verses as he speaks with a strength as to God's functioning in his own life. David may have penned it, but just as David took the benefits mentioned in a very personal way, so do I as God's child also appreciate the benefits mentioned that are mine just as much as for David or anyone else.

Just look at God's functioning on our behalf. Not only is it hard to grasp how He can shower so much good into my life, I also realize how undeserving I am of even a moment of His attention. Books could be written on each spiritual benefit....Rock, Trainer, Lovingkindness, Fortress, High Tower, Deliverer, Shield, and Refuge. There isn't even quality there God has missed bestowing on me. All those things are mine and yours from the Lord...special delivery as only He can do.

Thank You Father for loving us as You do. You forgive and shower us with your grace and mercy. Then You send so much more and we love You for Your being You in our lives. In Jesus name...Amen

 

OUCH...THAT HURTS

I am the true vine, and My Father

is the vinedresser.

Every branch in Me that does not

bear fruit, He takes away; and

every branch that bears fruit, He

prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:1,2

Just came in from my front porch where I was reading my Bible. I was a little distracted but couldn't quite put my thumb on the problem. I stood up and peered over the porch railing to view my rose bushes. They were radiant with the varied colors of beautifully formed roses and rose buds. It was more than I could remember their looking so beautiful and full of life.

It dawned on me that about 7-8 days ago, I was sitting on the porch in the same chair and noticed there were all sorts of rose bush branches making their way through the slats of the porch railing. It may seem odd, but I felt I really needed Brian's permission to cut away at the bushes like I would always do, before taking on such a task. However, it had to be done.

In the garage I found the large scissors Brian used for such a task, stood on the porch leaning a bit over the rail and cut the branches that had grown to being offensive and out of control. It was also noticeable as I walked into the yard viewing the bushes that they really didn't have many flowers or buds on them. I didn't want to kill the bushes but knew that pruning had to be done and I did it.

Tonight out on the porch is where those bushes appeared to be really healthy, flourishing and so pretty. I couldn't easily count the flowers and buds. We planted these five bushes when we moved into this house when it was new. The bushes have done us well. I hate to say this but perhaps the older they are, the more pruning might be necessary for them to be their beautiful best.

Jesus was speaking to his disciples at their last supper when He shared with His disciples the importance of the pruned life. Spiritual pruning is far from fun or comfortable but it brings growth in the Lord and a beauty we may not even notice. I have seen in these days from my front porch what the price of pruning in our lives can be, and how God will use it to bring a growth in Him, and a beauty as well. With taking shears in hand and lovingly doing a miraculous work in our lives, may God see us even more able in loving and serving Him after the pruning process. May we then also bear the sweet aroma of Christ that will honor Him and be a blessing to others.

Father, we know although pruning our lives is going to be painful, You don't mean it for harm but for our good. We can only go through this in Your strength and want You glorified in it all. In Jesus' name...Amen

LIVING IN FEAR

The LORD is my light and my

salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of

my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Not sure you have noticed, as have I, whether it be on my computer or television set, that fear is presented all over the place. We know that newscasts no matter the agencies saturate us with daily reports of all things negative. Sometimes we'll get a positive report but not very often.

Take medication ads, that is, if you want to. They tell us about many diseases and some that have been created in the last week or so. The answer is a new medication that is an answer to everything. We are to contact our doctors for a prescription that will take care of the problem. There are too many of those to count.

We are told foods we shouldn't be eating. At the age I am, I guess I should have died a long time ago from egg-itis and banana-ism. There are too many brands of milk to even consider, while we did quite well for years with just plain ole milk. Meats to some are bad for you so go for the veggies only. Oh yes, can't forget all the diet programs. If we don't latch onto at least one of them, we are on dangerous ground.

There are the investment programs we are told to grab hold of or go broke. Oh yes, don't forget to invest in gold, they say. We also are cautioned to have health, prescription, house, car and other insurance coverages. Of course, we can add all the threats a political year presents that's enough to do us in.

It goes on and on, ad nauseum, and we may think that none of it affects us, but it does. Satan is the author and encourager of fear. When we are bombarded with it day after day and ongoing days, fear can ever so quietly begin to sink into our being. We are all susceptible to fear of every kind. Why not adopt a Bible verse or two we can quote to ourselves over and over if we need to that can keep our thinking as healthy as God intends. I chose the above verse a few weeks ago and have about worn it out. II Timothy 1:7 tells us that God hasn't given us a spirit of ... but we know who has. God is still in control and aren't we glad.

Help us, Father to trust You in all areas of our lives. Help us to keep our eyes on You and You only in these days. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

IT WAS ON PURPOSE

And we know that all things work

together for good to those who

love God, to those who are called

according to His purpose

Romans 8:28

I have to question the credentials of any parent who claims, with more than one child in the family, that they have not heard the above statement. With many little children, there is no such thing as an accident when feeling mistreated when another sibling has been near. Parents can usually sort it all out, but it's still a fairly frequent childhood complaint.

In viewing a couple of good definitions of purpose I got two views of the word. For some, purpose has to do with a reason for getting something done or even a reason for the creation of something. It can also get down on our own very personal level. Purpose can also have to do with one's reason for living or existing as they see it.

I find it interesting that the above verse from Romans refers to the word PURPOSE and is most often quoted when something goes wrong in one's life. However, the verse speaks of “all things work together.” Why can't we include good things too that are a part of God's purpose in our lives. God has purpose in both positive and negative events. Either will line up with God's precious purpose for us.

We must not lose sight of the fact that God has purpose in these lives of ours. The list could go on and on, but aren't we glad that when it comes to life, love, provision, etc. that God does it all on purpose. We may wonder at times why He would still have us here, but until God takes us home, we are to love and serve according to His plan and do it on purpose.

Thank You Father for honoring us with real, individual purpose. May we through the power of Your Spirit seek to fulfill Your promise. May it be so that we will serve You in love to the best of our abilities for as long as You see fit. In Jesus' precious name....Amen 

 

BEWARE AMERICA

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

May they prosper who love you.

Psalm 121:6

The church I was attending during an internship north from my home had a wonderful pastor, a pastor who unusually kept track of current events. A ten minute film had been passed among many pastors at the time. I'm talking about the latter 1950's when a stunning event had occurred. In those days, it was kept off of all news casts. . He had a private showing of the film with no children including teens were not allowed to come. The film was in black and white, probably filmed secretly. It showed a huge sit in of college students in the university administration building. The university was in California. There was no sound to it but in that day, what we saw was unsettling and shocking at best.

That event would be almost nothing compared to what we see in our day. I decided a long time ago that rebels will always find something to criticize and take it to the nth degree. I go from seeing that very tame event to what I've seen in our national Capitol building with demonstrators against Israel.

I recently read the above verse in my study time. It may be one of those verses people read quickly and move on. This isn't a verse or others like it, to be of great concern. Most folks don't know a lot about the history of Israel , but God pays no attention to the ignorance we may have regarding anything to do with Him or His people.

Just as we would be very protective of our own families, so God is with His people, His people is Israel and He's made some promises to the  world, that Israel is His family of heritage. Like a loving Father, he loves His people and will take any abuse of them only so long. In the above verse is the phrase....”may they prosper who love you.” This also indicates that no good will come to those who don't love His people. In my Bible, beside the above verse, I have printed :”10/7/23.”, a date that will never be forgotten by Israel's massive attack from their enemy. It would appear from demonstrations in our country that we are in agreement with their enemy.

God wants us to prosper but when He looses patience with us or any other country, beware. If we think some things are bad politically in our country right now, we can't imagine what will happen to us when God lifts His hand of blessing off of America.

Thank You, Father, for being so patient with us. A majority of folks in our country don't agree with radical demonstrations and those who pay for and conduct them. May Your Spirit move in a mighty way to bring hope and salvation to our people. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

SPIRITUAL AMNESIA

They forgot God their Savior,

Who had done great things in Egypt.

Psalm 106:21

Despite God's people having been captive for a time in Egypt, they saw the light of freedom. At first, their fleeing from Egypt to head for their homeland didn't seem so bad but a desert experience can wear thin. We should understand some of that after having spent time in our own deserts.

After a time, the people became impatient and disgruntled. At least in captivity they had some food to eat and water to drink but those things had become on the scarce side. Despite their complaining, God still took care of their basic needs. From a rock came water, from Heaven came manna and a little later, God sent meat for them to eat. Still, no matter what God did in providing and protecting, the people continued with their attitudes of ingratitude and disrespect.

Scripture tells us that those same people who had been grateful for their impending freedom from Egypt, actually forgot God, the God who had been their Savior in every way. Not just in the wilderness, but God had done great things for them even while in Egypt. We might tend to be critical of them and their ignoring God's goodness toward them, but I wonder if we have a right to do so.

When I came across the above verse a few days ago and after knowing some of the plight of God's people both in Egypt as well as in the wilderness, I had to wonder how I've behaved toward God in my own wilderness days. I think one of the most difficult things we can undergo is feeling that others have forgotten us. That is one of the hardest things to endure. I've gone through some of that some years back but not as of late.

I have to wonder how God feels when we forget Him. We can get so busy with life, responsibilities, activities and even burdens. We have known the goodness of God like those folks back then hadn't. We now have a Savior Who died for us, not just provided for us. When we forget Him, we are the losers. Where we fail, He doesn't. He never forgets us for one single moment. Our remembering our God will come because of a close, living and loving relationship with Him.

Father, forgive my loss of memory when it comes to remembering You and all You do for me. I can't repay You for Your goodness but certainly can love and respect you more. Thank You for being such a presence in my life and to not forget Your constant presence. In Jesus' name...Amen 

BLESS YOUR HEART

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Moving from the north to the state of Texas brought several adjustments. Most of those adjustments weren't negative in nature but there was one thing that became too over used. It seemed like no matter what might happen in one's life, you would often hear the same statement...”Well, bless your heart.” Whether good, bad or indifferent the circumstance, someone would invariably make that statement.

Through the years I've come to know that the heart is a very vital organ in one's body....a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood through one's circulatory system. Those facts are not new. Many if not most times a reference to the heart can mean having very deep positive feels for someone or something.

Many times in the Old Testament we can find admonitions regarding our spiritual hearts. Often we read of some negatives...the heart is deceitful, wicked, hard at times and on it can go. However, where there is a negative reference to one's heart, close behind is usually a word of encouragement and how God can step in helping us deal with those negatives.

Jesus spoke of the heart in the beatitudes where He said, “Blessed are the pure in heart....” He comforted His disciples in John 14:1 as He encouraged those men in His latter earthly days to not let their hearts be troubled with an added answer to that care of theirs.

We see the heart of God as He views our hearts in Ephesians 3:17-19 showing God's desire for our hearts:

...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be able to comprehend with all the saints

what is the width and length and depth and height---

to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

That's the heart God wants for each of us...a heart for Him and others.

Father, give me that heart to love You with abandon while loving those/what You love. I can't have that kind of heart without You working that in me. Thank You. In honor of Jesus' heart for me...Amen

 

APPROVED STUDY

Study to show yourself, approved unto

God, a worker who needs not be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

II Timothy 2:15

We seem to spend a lifetime wanting and even seeking the approval of others. I began to learn this when I was in first grade. On report card day, my parents were all but standing inside our front door wanting to see without delay, my report card. I couldn't believe how they both read over that card, looking at grades and even at the character marks. I really wanted their approval and still, even today, want the approval of others. In these adult years, I recognize that above everyone else, I should want God's approval.

One way we can please God is how we regard His Word. We may read chapter after chapter in one sitting and hope God is pleased with our giving that time and effort. However, He is much more interested in the quality of our reading much more than the quantity. How often do we read a few chapters and close our Bibles feeling good about ourselves. So often after that, we maybe can't remember a thing we have read.

We have often heard folks encouraged to take one step at a time. Well, I'm trying to do that these days except taking one verse at a time. I select a chapter, read the first verse over and over if necessary to take in every ounce of meaning from it the Holy Spirit gives me. I may have to read it three or four times or more if needed. I don't move to the next verse until I've soaked up the first one.

That's not all the Bible reading I may do in a day, but that is a very determined effort to glean all I can from a chosen chapter. I may spend a few days on that chapter or more if necessary, but I want to squeeze everything out of it I can. I don't want to read only words on a page. I think God is pleased when I take His Word in a very serious and determined way. Try it...you'll like it.

Thank You Father for Your precious Word and for Your sweet Holy Spirit who is so happy and desirous to teach me while I am reading it. May He guide me to put into practice what I have read and learned...all for Your glory. In Jesus' name...Amen

 

SOLID AS A ROCK

The LORD is my rock and my

fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom

I will trust; My shield and the

horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 31:2

It's been some time since I have heard of someone being “solid as a rock.” People of physical and emotional strength are considered to be unmovable in their standards, unafraid to stand for what is right.

I live surrounded by rocks. There are rocks in the rivers and of course the mountains that are made up primarily of rock. A rock can be the size of a pebble or can be a huge boulder on a mountainside. People use rocks for decoration, often in their yards. Some even incorporate them onto sides of their houses. A scientific definition  of a rock is that it is a hard, natural formation of mineral matter.

However in the Psalm above, I see my Heavenly Father as being my rock. He gives me the power to be strong no matter the problems or adversities I face. I don't have His rock strength, but I can go to Him and He helps me to stand firm despite my circumstances.

God provided a rock in the wilderness for His people who had fled from Egypt. They came to the point of needing water for survival. The rock God provided spewed in floods of water for His people, thousands of them. When the heat of life overwhelms, He gives us the running water of the word to refresh us right where we are.

In Matthew 7:24-27 there is the parable of the building of houses not on sand but of on solid rock or the house can be easily destroyed. Aren't we grateful that our God is our firm foundation where we find a security in Him we can't find anywhere else.

Thank You Father for being my Rock. You sustain and refresh me as You are my firm foundation in life. On Christ my solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. In Jesus name...Amen