Unclaimed Blessings

Call unto Me, and I will answer
thee, and shew thee great and mighty
things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

“Unclaimed blessings” isn't a term I hear much anymore. Of course, it depends on how it is used. When growing up in our Baptist church in my home town, we had a wonderful single lady who was well past what folks referred to as the “marryin' age.” She loved children and worked with them whenever any opportunity presented itself. My Mother and another lady were speaking of this lady one day within my hearing. They weren't gossiping, but were speaking very complimentary of her. My Mother asked the other lady that she wondered why this lover of children had never married as she would seem to be a good catch for some guy and a terrific mom as well. Her friend commented that this must one of God's “unclaimed blessings.”

In some local newspapers, there are sometimes 1-3 pages listing people's names with an amount of money beside each name that hasn't been claimed by them.. This money is available to each person if they will make a certain official contact to get information on the circumstances of that money. Many of those people may be deceased where some of their funds, perhaps forgotten by them, sits in a bank somewhere. Their families probably don't even know of the accounts. After notification, those funds must be claimed by the people on the list or their legal representative in a certain amount of time or they will lose the money.

Having been a casemanager with foster children, I sometimes came across unclaimed children. Some of these children were throw away children whose parents for some strange reason didn't want to claim their own children....unclaimed children...who can imagine, but it happens.

There are some unclaimed things other than money, children, houses, or items in a pawn shop to be considered. One unclaimed blessing many people fail to claim is that of the salvation that is everyone's through the purchasing blood of Jesus Christ. It cannot be stressed how basic this is to everything else in our lives. People can seek everything they want and may even get it, but all is for nothing without claiming the salvation that is theirs through the death of Jesus for their sins. It took the shed blood of a sacrifice and Jesus was that sacrifice. Blood banks keep every type of blood for special emergency use for those who must have it to stay alive during surgery or after an accident. Our spiritual lives and eternity also depends on the shed blood of Jesus to maintain life now and for eternity. That blood isn't sitting in a cooler somewhere. it is within heart's reach.

Another unclaimed blessing very often is that of peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, we read that one source of peace that passes all understanding is by praying and turning our worries and concerns over to Jesus. Somehow, we have come to the conclusion that the more we worry, the more we are solving our concerns. We don't see the toll the lack of prayer and letting Jesus have control takes on us. So unfortunately, peace is often left on a shelf in our lives while Jesus stands ready to give us what we need or sometimes desire.

Although there are so many unclaimed blessings we leave to one side, I'll add only one more. I realize that God has promised that “I will never leave you or forsake you.” His presence is promised to you and me is based on His very word. However, many of us at times don't even give recognition of the Lord's presence in our lives. His presence is very real, but might as well not be if we don't recognize His presence and take advantage of that presence whether it be for fellowship or out of need. No one likes to be ignored. Brian and I were visiting a large church that he was considering when we made a move to another city. It was raining after the morning service so he went for the car. I found myself in the good sized vestibule, alone. with the pastor. It would seem that he too was waiting for someone's arrival. We were probably in that area for at least five minutes with no one else around. He didn't greet me, or try to start a conversation...he only paced with never a word. Needless to say, when Brian asked my input regarding further attendance at that church, I was negative on the subject. That was just two people in a church vestibule, where a pastor should have at least said hello to a visitor. How must our loving Father, God of the universe, Father of Jesus Christ feel when we walk around, living life never speaking to Him or seeking fellowship with Him.

So what does Scripture say about these three unclaimed blessings:

PURCHASED
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth
us from all sin.
I John 1:7

PEACE
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid.
John 14:27

PRESENCE
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out, when the
times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19

How very sad for you and me when God has provided so many benefits and blessings to us that we don't care to claim. He makes these provisions out of His love for us. I'm sure it grieves Him when He wants to do so much for us and His blessings are left unclaimed. We are the ones who lose if we never read our Bibles, are lax in prayer, attend church only if we feel like it...all of which are sources of learning and nurturing our relationship with the One who has promised to be our all in all. Let's not leave a single blessing unclaimed that God has provided for us.

Thank You Father, for sending Jesus to shed His blood for my salvation. Thank You Jesus, for coming to die for me and everyone else. Through Your sacrifice, we have peace and the consistency of Your presence through Your Holy Spirit. I know You want good things in my life...you want to bless me. Forgive my ingratitude. Help me to be more appreciative and to gratefully accept Your goodness in my life. In Jesus' name...Amen

Don't Let Them Slip

Therefore we ought to give the more
earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we

should let them slip.
Hebrews 2:1

Most of my elementary school years, I had to walk up a bit of a hill to get to school. During that time, I lived in two different houses and had a hill either way to get to school. These hills weren't the size to be insurmountable. There was a sidewalk, but I can recall something that made for so much fun. Occasionally, in the winter, we would have an ice storm. It was such fun seeing everything outdoors covered and dropping with thick ice. In those days, there were no school cancellations. If you could get there, you went. The fun in the mornings was getting up those ice covered sidewalks. We walked, fell, crawled, fell, and really tried to walk as much as we could on the ice-covered concrete. We laughed all the way to school and were wet messes when we arrived in our classrooms. Those slippy-slidey days were such fun but for some folks, slipping isn't fun at all.

One of the greatest health risks to senior citizens in our country today is the problem of slipping and falling. Despite removing as many obstacles as possible, there are floors, showers, bath tubs and wet surfaces that cause slipping accidents that can either cause great disability or even death. Slipping accidents aren't just reserved for senior saints. How many skinned knees of children have we mother's cleaned up and bandaged. I've seen even professional ice skaters take some horrific falls on the ice and they are well acquainted with that surface and the dangers of falling on it.

To the Hebrew Christians, the author gave a spiritual warning that is relevant in our day just as it was then. He expressed a caution for Christians to pay attention to those things we have heard that are related to our faith. That's a huge caution. If we don't take notice, there is a danger and the author addresses that as well. He cautions that we mustn't let those things slip. What things? We have been exposed to a lot of preaching and teaching of the Word of God. We've been to seminars, retreats and have read not only our Bibles, but any number of other articles or books related to our faith. Let me ask us, “How much has stuck?” From all of the information regarding our faith, what do we actually retain and apply to our lives. You see, if there is nothing that has stayed with us, then there's nothing to let slip and that would be a tragedy.

What do we mean by the word “slip?” It may seem obvious in some ways but not in others. A combination of dictionaries have said things like:

loosing one's balance or footing
when footing is lost
a minor or careless mistake (“Slip of the tongue”)

The first three definitions have to do with one's footing. If we are to avoid slippage spiritually, we have to know where we stand. We often sing in church “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” If we are firmly standing on Jesus Christ and His Word, there will be no slippage. Spiritual slippage will never be God's fault. It will be of our own doing because we let it happen.

With our fourth definition, I'm not sure there is such a thing with sin that is a minor or careless mistake, but this will be the area where we really slip up. The retaining of God's input into our lives is our best defense against slipping (sinning.)

If we don't take heed the warnings regarding slipping away from the things of God, what can be some of the results? When I tried to get up that small icy hill on my way to school, usually walked 3 steps and would often fall and slide back 5 steps. Sin will do that to us as well. Our author of Hebrews also cautioned that at anytime, we could let the things of God slip. When we least expect it, we can slip on that icy hill. We mustn't be so prideful that we feel we can never fall. It can and does happen to any of us. We are to be cautious and careful because Satan doesn't play fair and we who love the Lord are all in his sights.

An icy heart can cause us to slip spiritually. May you and I stay warm toward the things of God. Hopefully we will stay so close to Jesus that not even a layer of sinful frost will be able to coat our hearts. We need desperately to stay armed and ready to defend the faith that is so precious to us.

In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us a list of the armor of God that is provided for us in fending off the wiles of the Devil. Different pieces of that armor are described in verses 14-17. Paul had been around Roman soldiers more than he cared to be and knew what their armor looked like. The feet of a soldier was important. They wore good sandals with special fittings on the bottom that kept them secure no matter the ground or rocks they had to walk or run across. Paul spoke of our feet being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. “This signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart to adhere to the gospel, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion.” ---Matthew Henry The feet of a soldier were important as was good footing. The same is true of us if we are to stand firm in our faith.

On those icy days, my Mother made me wear heavy, warm clothing and galoshes. Galoshes were of rubber to keep young feet warmer, water proofed and help with gripping icy sidewalks on the way to school. Our Heavenly Father has provided us with spiritual clothing (armor), His Word and a close spiritual family relationship to keep us safe, warm and solid ground for standing on where slipping can be avoided.

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me,
that my feet did not slip.
Psalm 18:36

Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my
footsteps slip not.
Psalm 17:5

AMEN and AMEN

M O M

...greatly desiring to see thee, being
mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled
with joy;
when I call to remembrance the
unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and
thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded
that in thee also.
II Timothy 1:4,5

Never can we underestimate the influence of Godly mothers and grandmothers. My children had a grandmother by the name of Lois. Every time I read the above verses and see that name, I think of her and thank the Lord for her Godly influence in the lives of our children and all of our family. She was a grandmother who faithfully prayed for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The mother and grandmother of Timothy had such a strong influence in his life as well so that Paul made note of it as he saw their influence in the ministry of a young Timothy who was of such help to Paul.

All of we moms have had some of the same desires for our children at times as we began the adventure of motherhood. God blessed me with three terrific children and each very different in her/his own right:
Jennie: our first baby (adopted at birth), brunette
Beverly: our first-born baby, blond
Johnny: our first boy, red hair

Each had different personalities and interests. Even though they may have wondered at times, I loved them dearly and still do. My frustration with motherhood was that I had no idea how to be a good mother. I wanted the same thing for my children that most mothers want for theirs: that they would grow healthy, educated, have healthy marriages and happy children. More than all of those frills of life, I like other Christian mothers desired more than anything that at the proper time, each of my children would come to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Along with that, I hoped they would grow to be strong Christians who delighted in a close and growing relationship with Jesus. I knew if they had that relationship, they would be equipt to meet life. They have given me every reason to be pleased with each of them.

I recently found the most beautiful bookmark at a Christian book store. I used resources from one of my children to purchase it. It has flowers and butterflies, some of which are in 3-D. On one side of the bookmark is a statement I like:

“A mother's love is a garden where the sun
always shines and the season is always spring.”

On the other side are two brief statements:

“Mothers hold a child's hand awhile
and their hearts forever?"

“Mothers plant the seeds of love that
help us bloom forever.”

On the bottom of each side of the bookmark is the word MOM. As I was sitting in church last Sunday and was turning to the Scripture that applied to the sermon, I took notice of something that made me smile. I had my lovely bookmark sticking out of my Bible, but it was upside down. There was the word MOM, but it suddenly had become a different word. On both sides of the bookmark, the upside down word read “WOW.” I know that wasn't the word that was intended, but I must admit that I forgot for the moment the Scripture I was to look up. I was suddenly finding myself thinking of the WOW it has been being a mom to my three children. I've had so many WOW moments that include first steps, candy corn rewards for successful potty training, school accomplishments, salvation and baptisms, graduations, surgeries (all three),courtships, marriages, birth of children and on and on it goes. It's the similar WOW moments other mothers have experienced just as I have.

My regrets have to do with my failures...raised voices, impatience, not listening as I should have, critical when not necessary, harsh with discipline and perhaps other mistakes made by parents everywhere. Somehow God allowed my children to survive me and to benefit from my mistakes, but that's because they are WOW children. There is no way they can ever know the prayers, lost sleep, tears, teaching, hopes and dreams as a MOM I had and continue to have for the three of them.

We often won't know some of the things that have stuck in the minds and hearts of our children as a result of their rearing process. My mother will never know what a couple of trips to the Smoky Mountain National Park meant to a very little girl who fell in love with the trees and streams of that place. Today it's where my husband and I live. There were other lasting things through the years she impressed on my mind and spirit. She was a WOW-MOM more often than she knew.

To those of you MOMs who read this, have the happiest of Mother's Days. You may or may not hear from your children, but rest in the fact that you've so often been that WOW person in their lives. God knows of your loving care and concern through the years and it's Him we all want to please. We also know that parenthood is for life, so let's continue to WOW those children of ours through our prayers, love and influence.

Happy Mother's Day !!!

Dear Father, You're the perfect parent setting always the perfect example for us to follow. More than anything, no matter what, You are consistent in Your love for us no matter how we mess up. You are our Abba Father and we thank You more than we can say. We love You!...in Jesus precious name....Amen

Crawling to Maturity

But grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
II Peter 3:18

I just saw an advertisement on television, one I've seen in one form or another before. The products may change in name, but all feature a baby under the age of one. Each of the babies I've seen only have a diaper on...the purpose of the advertisement. With each baby's cuteness, there is a brand-name diaper on the baby's little bottom. Each of the babies have something in common. As they crawl, often as fast as they can go, each little head is tilted upward with the biggest smile of accomplishment they can show. Once that crawling motion is learned, babies love to go full speed across a floor.

Parents often wonder if their crawlers will ever “toddle.” What most first time parents don't realize is that once their toddler learns and masters walking, they will be equipt to walk out of their home some day as young adults who seemingly grew up much to fast. As I sat watching a couple of such advertisements this evening, I thought back to three little crawlers I once had crawling across floors in my house. I must say, however, that they usually had more clothes on than just a diaper. I remember though that they had the same smiling looks of satisfaction.

Babies go from milk to junior foods and then table food. We wouldn't dare give a 5 month old baby a chicken leg or pork chop to chew on. An orderly progression of food and beverage for a baby is required or some serious conditions could result. Maturity is intended to be a measured thing that occurs at a steady pace.

Baby Christians go through some of the same stages in their spiritual lives as small babies do in their beginning months and years. I have always loved observing new Christians. They are excited to learn about the Bible, they have an enthusiasm that many mature Christians have since lost in their spiritual walks. Those babes in Christ study their Bibles, attend church as often as possible and even witness to others with no fear of criticism. Their spiritual enthusiasm is to be admired and personally attained to.

Paul wrote to the Corinthian church from Ephesus. As we view the information we know about Corinth of Paul's day, it might remind us of any number of large cities in our own country. It was a major center where art, culture and commerce abounded. Along with all of those positive qualities came the reputation that sexual immorality was deeply ingrained in Corinth. Paul had received information that immorality and other vices had made their way into the church at Corinth. He loved this church, but in both books Paul wrote to those in Corinth, it is easy to see his great disappointment in the sinful condition of the church with apparently little concern on the part of most members to make corrections there.

Many of the members of the church in Corinth had found Christ as Savior under the preaching and teaching of Paul. Even the strongest of Christians in that church had become infected with sinful attitudes or actions of others or had become calloused regarding sin. Their enthusiastic baby days where they grew fast and steady seemed to have gone by the wayside. They should have by now been mature and still growing. Paul felt like he had to start all over with them. He said to them:

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you
as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as
unto babes in Christ.
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat:
for hitherto ye were not able to bear it,
neither yet now are ye able.
I Corinthians 3:1,2

Notice in these verses that Paul begins by speaking to them as “brethren.” This means he was speaking to Christians, not non-Christians. Christians can get so caught up in the things of the world that their spiritual growth is stunted and for some, it may mean almost starting all over in “crawling” enthusiastically back to where they should be. Paul was having to feed them with the milk of the Word. They had lost the ability to eat the heavier meat of the Word. At Paul's writing, he says that the people still aren't able to eat the heavier meat God wants to provide. How very sad to have lost all that ground, but all hope was not gone. Hope is never gone for us as well if we have slipped backward. Paul held out hope for those in Corinth or he wouldn't have wasted time writing so lovingly in depth to the members of that church.

The writer to the Hebrews also addressed this thing of spiritual maturity. He doesn't appear to be reprimanding the people where they were, but was defining the difference between the babies in Christ and those who had matured to full age of their faith. The baby in Christ is the beginner, taking in spiritual milk with great vigor, like those crawling babies with smiles and eager anticipation of growing to the next step. He then speaks of the needs of the mature Christian who requires more than milk but requires stronger for for continued growth.

For every one that useth milk is unskillful
in the word of righteousness:
for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that
are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised
to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:13,14

Real life, crawling, giggling, drooling babies are cute as can be. We love their energy and enthusiasm, but we also know they are in a growing process that is on going and so fun to watch. That ability to crawl is the beginning of a baby reaching physical maturity and standing on two feet. Baby Christians, too, are fun to watch, but not if they are still spiritually crawling after ten years. This happens to many folks where growth comes to a stand still, is stymied for some reasons, those reasons that usually boil down to sin problems.

Oh that you and I might be among those that the above writer speaks of as being “of full age,” who are able to take in the strong meat of the Word, who exercise their senses “to discern BOTH good and evil.” What is our spiritual age...still crawling... or... moving forward on two feet at a steady pace toward more and more maturity in Christ?

Dear Holy Spirit, continue to convict me of my sin, but encourage me through the Word that I will pay attention to Your voice as I read. May I willingly yield to your promptings whether in the Word or just in the everyday events of life. Heavenly Father, I want to grow spiritually that I may please You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Wilderness Days

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness.
All I have to do is follow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness.
All I have to do is follow.
Strength for today, is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness.
All I have to do is follow.

Most of us probably sang the above chorus when coming up through Sunday school or Vacation Bible School. It has a catchy tune to it and the words are great, however, I must admit that I had no idea back then where the “wilderness” was or even what it was. Since those childhood days, however, I must admit that I have become acquainted with what a wilderness time can be in life.

People who love nature of any kind would describe the wilderness as being one or more of the following: desert, wasteland, uninhabited, uncultivated or abandoned of human or other animal life. The wilderness is often spoken of in the Bible. Many people found themselves in wilderness areas and I haven't found any who loved that particular area they found themselves in. Abraham sent Hagar and their young son into the wilderness. Sarah had insisted that they be sent away. God's people, the Israelites were allowed to return to their homeland, but had a long journey to take through the wilderness to get there. Two of my favorite people from Scripture found themselves in desert places....Moses in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament.

Moses had gone from Egyptian royalty to watching sheep in a wilderness area. Could anything good come from such an experience for one who had known the best of everything his entire life? I'm sure there were days when Moses wondered. However, God spoke to Moses in a very clear way in that area where He had Moses' undivided attention. Moses could never have imagined what God had in store for him in future days of leading His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

Jesus had just been baptized and was on the brink of His public ministry. There was no big celebration, ordination or large groups of people to wish Him well. Surprisingly, we read in Matthew 4:

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into
the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

It doesn't look like the best onset of one's ministry, but it was the leading of the Holy Spirit that took Jesus into the wilderness where He was tested in every area of His being. God may at times lead us into desert places so that He has our undivided attention. Jesus was tested physically, emotionally and spiritually and responded to Satan with Scriptures that answered Satan's enticements. Jesus passed every test, for Satan gave up and left, at least for the time being.

In Scripture, we find when one goes through a wilderness experience, God has something special in the way of ministry just ahead. When in the wilderness, it's hard to see, but God sees down the wilderness road when we can't.

Let's compare what we can experience in a spiritual wilderness experience as we view our characteristics of a wilderness:

Desert - we can find ourselves dried up spiritually
Uninhabited – in our wilderness, it is lonely even though we may be surrounded by people.
Uncultivated – When in our wilderness, it may seem there is no growth taking place.
Wasteland – We find nothing scenic, of interest or beauty when in our wasteland

God didn't take Jesus or Moses to the wilderness to destroy or ruin their lives. God had wonderful things of ministry in store for them. Whether them or us, trust in God is strengthened or broken in the wilderness. For Moses and Jesus, trust was increased. How did they do it? Jesus trusted His Father but we have to remember that He was human, tempted in all ways that we are.

Moses had gone from riches to being a common, ordinary person keeping sheep in the wilderness. That's quite a fall down the ladder of living. God spoke to him through a burning bush, placing His call on Moses' life. God saw in Moses qualities he could never see in himself. Little did Moses know, but when he led God's people away from Egypt into the wilderness, he would spend the rest of his life in the wilderness except for a brief glance at the end of the journey into the Promises land. How did he manage that? He stayed in communication with God. Moses wasn't perfect and made his share of mistakes, but still maintained a trust in God. God had enough trust in Moses to entrust him with His own laws He wanted passed along to the people.

For the last few months, I have felt in a wilderness situation. I can't tell you what the Scriptures have meant to me during this time. I've read in my Bible by the hour. Sometimes when exhausted, I've just held my Bible in my lap. Whatever the condition of this wilderness, with God's help, I want to see new life come forth from what has been desert-like. I also have seen the importance of staying in close communication with my Heavenly Father. He is the One who knows the way I should take through any wilderness I find myself in. I don't want to waste this time but want to learn what God wants me to learn, trusting Him to work good from this time.

All of us who are God's children will sometime go through a wilderness experience. We shouldn't panic when it happens. We must begin praying and getting into the Word.
Whatever your wilderness experience right now, stay in the Word, be honest with God in your praying. Moses' honesty with God about his lack of qualifications didn't make God angry. He knew better than Moses his capabilities. Know the Word well enough to give Satan chase. Although our wilderness times may be lonely, God is always there, closer than we can imagine. He knows the way through your wilderness as well as He does through mine.

Dear Father...I praise you for choosing to use me in ways that only You can. May I keep my eyes on you as I follow You while allowing You to lead in my life. I want to learn everything You want me to learn through any wilderness time. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

On Purpose

But Daniel purposed in his heart
that he would not defile himself with the
portion of the king's meat, nor with
the wine which he drank...
Daniel 1:8a

Many a time when I was very little, I found myself using those two words...”on purpose.” I wasn't fully aware of what those words really meant, but I quickly learned from other neighborhood friends that when I did something wrong and my Mother asked me about it, I could say, “I didn't do it on purpose.” A lot of the time, the moms of my friends seemed to be sympathetic to their plight. It was so unfair though, that my Mother usually didn't buy that statement like other mothers did. With a little age, I learned what the statement meant.

Every time I read the first chapter of Daniel and come to verse 8, I quickly recall those days of not fully knowing what “on purpose” meant. Daniel with friends had been taken into captivity along with the other Israelites. The culture of the Babylonians was as different as night from day compared to life in their homeland. The Jews had very strict dietary laws. Knowing how the heathen Babylonians lived, Daniel made a decision that no matter where he was in that time of captivity, he would not do the usual...conforming to that society.

The thing that was important to Daniel was this. He had made a firm decision ahead of time that he would not fit in with his new land of captivity. In refusing to conform, he was risking his own life. For Daniel, it wasn't a matter of showing off, being prideful or being deliberately a problem to his superiors. Daniel knew God's law. He knew the dietary laws as prescribed by God like he knew the back of his hand, and no matter the surroundings he found himself in, he was determined to be obedient to God.

Through all the difficulties he and his friends had to endure, God honored them in wonderful ways. Daniel became a major leader in the land and even as he grew into adulthood, he still maintained his personal, spiritual habits. This didn't get easier. Daniel was a man of prayer. He had maintained a habit of daily prayer, same time, same place, by his own window facing home. Even then, enemies reported Daniel to the King. They had already manipulated the King into passing a law that prayer to anyone other than the king and his gods were illegal. When reported, Daniel still maintained his habit of prayer that put him in a den of lions. How's that for capital punishment?

In both instances in Daniel's life, he maintained standards that he had decided upon ahead of time. When you and I have this kind of pattern regarding personal principles, when tough decision time comes, the decisions will not be as hard to make. Obedience should come with very little debate.

You and I live in an evil world. We are surrounded by open sin that 50 years ago would have not been public at all. One of the biggest sins in my high school was if any girls went out in a car to smoke a cigarette. Movies were tame. I'm not sure I would have known about it, but I never knew of a fellow student getting drunk...or a teenager running away from home.

The picture is different in our day. Sin of every type is running rampant with, in many cases, approval by the government and even some large Christian denominations. We are faced on every side with temptation of every kind and in many cases, Christians have allowed their own personal principles to be compromised.

Very often, we Christians take the attitude that we are immune to temptation and overall attacks by Satan, but we aren't. Even at whatever ages or stages you and I find ourselves, things we purpose to do or not do will often give us strength when times of temptation come. It's never too late to “purpose in our hearts” to do or not do those things that please Jesus. Let me be quick to say that there is a difference between preference and principle. We should be willing to die if necessary for spiritual principle, but preference is a different thing. Be sure to know the difference. Preference has to do with those things we like or prefer on a personal basis that have no direct Bible command. Principles may have to do with strong moral issues and/or the commands of Scripture, where we have no choice but to obey or disobey God.

Why are many Christians lax in their church attendance? They've never PURPOSED in their hearts that it's a priority, so therefore, every Sunday when they wake up, they debate if they're going to go on that particular morning. I can honestly say in that our home, I have never heard, even during child rearing days, “Are we going to church today/tonight?” It was purposed during our engagement that church attendance would never be a point of debate.

Whether it has to do with regular Bible reading, grooming habits, health (yearly checkups that I dread), choice of friends, etc. it all comes to personal decisions that we put into consistent practice after we've decided ahead of time to stay our course.

We all make up God's church. Little by little we have come to tolerate things in our churches that shouldn't be there. Any misuse of the Scriptures should never be tolerated even to the point of walking out if need be. A large protestant denomination recently approved same-sex marriages while the Word of God speaks very specifically against it, so that denomination has put their stamp of approval on sin. You and I must stay alert to those things, especially

Scriptural, that are doing damage to the churches we belong to.

Daniel made decisions ahead of time verbally and in his personal lifestyle as to how he would maintain a strong spiritual balance in his life. What are some things in our lives we need to purpose in our hearts to do and be that with God's empowering, we will please Him in all we are.

Thank You Father, for the example of Daniel who to this day encourages us to fortify ourselves against the ways of the world. May we be strong in You to live a life pleasing to You that is a strong witness for You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Dancin' On My Last Nerve

Casting all your care upon him;
for He careth for you.
I Peter 5:7

Ever have days with frayed nerves? If you haven't, you are a most unusual human being. Our bodies in the physical sense are full of networks of nerves. Many nerves find their way to the surface of the skin and they definitely play their role in the protection and overall health of the human body. Burn your finger and you'll learn almost immediately how active nerve cells are as they notify you that something bad just happened and your finger is quietly crying out in pain.

My first recognition of nerve endings in my body was when I was six years old. We had a huge round coal burning stove in our living room. It was our main source of heat in our house in those days. One day, I stood a little too near the stove just looking at it. My Mother immediately sensed that there was probably a problem in the making. She quietly warned me about not touching the stove as it could hurt me. I can remember like it was yesterday that when she went into the kitchen, I ventured forth and touched the four fingers of my right hand on that stove. My scream brought my Mother running from the kitchen with her butter dish in hand. She knew what had happened and in those days, butter was the remedy of the day for bad burns.

However, the title of this article doesn't refer to one's physical being, but to the emotional and spiritual state of an individual. I can't count, the many times through the last many years of teaching and being with women, that I've heard some moms sternly reprimand children by saying.”You are dancing on my last nerve.” That was meant to be a warning to children that a serious scene was about to unfold. There have been times when I felt with those moms who had just “had it” with one or more of her children. Most moms reach that point at one time or another.

We are living in a very tense world. People are losing jobs, houses, and a way of life because of our country's economy. Many friends who read this blog in other countries, often face harassment and persecution for their faith. We are witnessing a moral collapse in our own country. We are seeing our churches in a state of compromise with the world. We are finding acceptance of things immoral that years ago would only have been spoken of in whispers and kept hidden. We also may find that we are our own worst enemies. When going through times of tension, we generally take on more responsibilities and commitments that contribute to our running on “overload.”

Books are being written by the hundreds and even thousands on the topics of stress and tension. Some have put readers on guilt trips while others are so simplistic, it would appear they are written for first graders. When I'm going through a stressful time, to be honest, I don't need a book from a Bible book store unless it's a copy of the Bible. Some helpful books have been written, but if they aren't backed up with Scripture,. they aren't worth much. Anyone, if honest with ones self, knows what her problems and concerns are and even know most of the time what needs to be done to solve them.

Being a social worker for some years, I came across a lot of folks with stress difficulties. I found such ones struggling with one or more of the following:

Tension
Nervousness
Worry
Frustration

There may have been others but these four were some of the main concerns. When struggling with these things, the problems are very real for the person experiencing them. When talking with a struggling person, I often asked some of the following questions:

How much quality time are you spending with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading?
Are you spending time with encouragers who are strong in the Lord?
Are your friendships beneficial or do you need one or two new ones?
How full is your schedule? Whatever it is, cut it by a third immediately. You may think that can't be done....OHHH, yes it can.
Are you feeding your body quality foods?
Do you do anything for yourself on a daily basis, and when was the last time you had a really good laugh.
When was the last time you had a good physical checkup? There may be a clinical problem a doctor can help with by prescribing a medication or advising steps that can be taken to assist with the problem.

I'm not saying these things are answers for they sound simplistic. It is the consideration of simple things that can be a start. I read of a Christian psychiatrist who often wrote prescriptions for tense, nerve-wracked patients. On the prescription pad he wrote: “Read Philippians 4 three times a day for one month. At the end of that time, return for a follow up visit.” Philippians 4 is packed with wonderful godly principles for everyday living when put into practice.

One last thing I suggested to some friends on this subject was this:

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Too often, we live in a different day, different moment. Some folks live in the past where things have hurt and disappointed them...things they can no longer do anything about. Others live in tomorrows. How often have I spent a whole day worrying about something that might happen next week or next month. Either way, we miss opportunities to make the very best of the day we are living in.

We have control over our thoughts and emotions more than we think we do. Sometimes, it may be as simple as going into a room alone to take a few deep breaths. God gives us tools in His Word that can benefit us. Somehow, at times, we feel when going through a tense time, that God isn't present or interested. We often get so used to finding our own solutions that God is left out. We are encouraged to be people of prayer and spend time in God's Word. These aren't magic charms, but must be approached with sincerity. In both cases, we are strengthened beyond our expectations to take on the things of every day life and our Heavenly Father wants to be a part of it all.

Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6,7

Dear Father, Help me on those days when my nerves are frazzled, patience is slack and I'm not pleasant to be around. No matter the causes, may I cast whatever burdens I have on You knowing that You are my strength and sanity. In Jesus precious name...Amen

The Voice of God

...as it is said, Today if ye will
hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
Hebrews 4:7b

A speaking voice is something we take for granted. We may not think about our voices until we have sore throats or lose our voices for some physical reason. Some folks talk so much we might like to ask them to give their voices a rest. It goes without saying that our voices are very necessary when needing to communicate with others.

This thing of the voice came to me as I observed five grand-boys ages eight and under who were here in our home for the last four days with their parents. My hubby has always told me that “Little girls talk while little boys make noise.” Truer words were never spoken. It was amazing to observe the different voice ranges and volumes that are a part of each boy. It wasn't hard to detect who was speaking, laughing or crying when in another room or when in the back yard playing. From birth, our voices are meant to distinguish us from others.

Voices have various tones and even volumes as folks grow into adulthood. Few people sound vocally like other people. My sister, Sharon Kay, and I found people telling us that we sounded very much alike, especially on the phone. When visiting in her home, she would at times ask me to answer a ringing phone if she was outside with the her dogs and if her husband Kent was gone to run errands. There were church friends who sometimes called and I answered the phone. They would begin talking like they thought I was my sister. I always hated to correct them, but did and their responses were generally the same: “You and your sister sound just alike.”

There is a voice, however, that can never sound like any other voice. This sometimes a still, small voice that speaks to our hearts, a voice that can minister to us if we are silent enough to listen. That voice I'm speaking of is the voice of God. Scripture tells us to “be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) At times, we will hear His voice only if we are quiet enough in our spirits to listen and receive what God has to say to us.

Recently, in what I call “Recreational Bible reading,” I came across Psalm 29. This is the reading I do that isn't a deep study read, but when I just want to sit back with the Word and read whatever, wherever I want to. The first two verses of this Psalm got my attention right away for both verses started out with the same phrase...”Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.” That was just verse one. Verse 2 echoed the same as if to impress that same thought into the reader's heart...”Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” In these days, in our spiritual walk, we give a lot of glory to a lot of people, but true glory is reserved for God and God alone. We give glory to authors, athletes, musicians and even the best of preachers. Not one of them is worthy of true glory...only God.

However, the rest of this Psalm speaks of “the voice of the LORD” over and over, and lists some of the ways where God's voice is heard or felt. For instance:

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth...(3)
The voice of the Lord is powerful---the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. (4)
The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars (5)
The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire (7)
The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness (8)
The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve (9)

In this Psalm I see that my God can do anything with His voice. The list could go on and on if we look closer in Scripture. We human beings can have some influence with our voices, but no way can we come close to the powerful voice of God. I see from this Psalm that when God chooses to speak, it is more powerful than we can imagine. I also see that in all the ways I read how God speaks, that I am more important than any waters, cedars, wilderness areas or anything that is on fire. His voice can speak on my behalf under any of my circumstances.

This Psalm ends with proof of what I just said, when David, the beloved Psalmist says:

The Lord will give strength unto His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
Psalm 29:11

We can take heart that the voice of God will function for our good and that He will grant to us a strength that can only come from Him as well as a peace that cannot be explained.

Away from Psalm 29 is another precious “voice verse” and we all probably memorized it when children in Vacation Bible Schools. The verse is Revelation 3:20:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with Me.

This verse is most often used to encourage an unsaved person. However, this verse speaks of “any man.” Even when saved, there are times when Jesus still comes and knocks at the door of our hearts but notice, He doesn't just knock...He also speaks. He does all He can on His part through action and voice to get our attention, to ask Him in for fellowship. 

John 10:3,4 tells us that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd Who knows His sheep and then adds that His sheep know His voice. You and I should not only know Jesus, but should know Him so intimately that we immediately recognize and heed that precious voice of His.

Dear Father, I confess that I get so busy about the things of life that can so easily focus on things in general to the point that I don't hear Your still, small voice. I know that You won't yell or even raise Your voice to get my attention. I pray I will be alert to Your voice and leading in even in Your whispers. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

LET

And LET the peace of God rule in your
hearts, to the which also ye are called
in one body; and be ye thankful.
LET the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3: 15,16

The word “let” has been a part of our vocabulary all of our lives. I remember some phrases from time past where I heard it:

“Let me help you.”
“Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you.” (Blast from the distant past)
“Mom, let me go to Susie's house.”
“Let me talk to you for a minute.”
“Let me tell you something...”

Because of my study for our recent ladies Bible study on the book of Colossians, while paying close attention to Chapter 3, I found the word “let” used several times. I recalled other places in Scripture where that little word is found. It is scattered throughout our Bibles. I have found through computer information that in the KJV, the word “let” can be found 1,289 times. That's a lot of “lets.”

As I am one for looking up definitions, I found a consistency in meanings of the word while checking various dictionaries and concordances. I found the word “let” to mean what we might think it would mean: allow, give permission, enable to do something. Also indicated was that although it is a word that implies a voluntary action, it can also imply a request or command.

When we find the word, “let” in Scripture, we have to take care as to if that word means we can do whatever we want or what Jesus wants. That small, three-letter word “let” should signal for us a call to obedience. I'm sure the Lord would love for us to voluntarily obey all of Scripture with no questions or debate. So, LET us view a few Scriptures using our special word of the day. All of the verses are a means of encouragement to grow in the Lord. As you read the verses, remember the meaning of the LET-word

LET the words of my mouth, and the
meditation of my heart, be acceptable
in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and
my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

O magnify the Lord with me, and LET us
exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:3

LET your light so shine before men, that
they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:16

LET this mind be in you, which was also
in Christ Jesus:....
Philippians 2:5

Nevertheless the foundation of God
standeth sure, having this seal. The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And,
LET every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity.
II Timothy 2:19

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And LET him that heareth say, Come.
And LET him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, LET him take
the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

Scattered almost from the beginning of the Bible through the end, there are let-phrases that are too many to number. No matter how Scripture comes into our lives...preaching, teaching, private study/reading, this last admonition is worthy of our consideration:

He that hath an ear, LET him hear....

The word “hear” doesn't just refer to the physical process of taking in sound through the ears. This word has to do with taking in and applying information. As we read God's Word, may we be true hearers LETTING God change us for His honor and glory.

So what do I do in my own life with that little word “let?”
Will I LET Jesus have complete control of my life?
Will I LET the Word of God sink deep into my spirit?
Will I LET God use me in the lives of others?

May I LET it be so in my life and yours as well.

Dear Father, thank You for Your precious Word. Forgive me when I read it so casually that I miss allowing it to really penetrate my spirit. Help me to never approach Your word in a blaise way, but to take every word seriously, as a royal command from You. In Jesus name...Amen

Murmurs in the Wilderness

But with many of them God was not well
pleased: for they were overthrown in
the wilderness.
Neither murmur ye, as some of
them also murmured, and were destroyed
of the destroyer.
I Corinthians 10:5,10

Most people have their favorite persons in Scripture. Of course, we all would agree that Jesus is our favorite along with God, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Beyond that, our opinions would probably vary. I have my favorites, but one man I admire greatly from the Old Testament is Moses. Career-wise, in my life, I was a social worker more than anything else. On a very, very small scale, compared to Moses, I often had to work with groups of people of all ages, just trying to get some kind of project accomplished. Some of those projects were difficult and it didn't take long for the complaining to begin. Amazingly, many of those complaints came from “mature” adults and not teens or younger children. All of the griping only served to slow things down and the bad attitudes caused stress on others to the point of some just walking away from what needed to be done.

The Israelites left Egypt for their promised land. They were on track to go straight to that promised land under the leadership of Moses. God had no intention for those folks to take so long getting there. Their wandering didn't happen until there was a certain sin among the people...that of complaining.

And when the people complained, it
displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it;
and His anger was kindled; and the fire of
the Lord burnt among them, and consumed
them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
Numbers 11:1

Only when Moses prayed to the Lord for God's mercy was the fire quenched.

Even after that experience, the people griped, murmured and complained about everything...no water...no food. God, however, provided for their every need. They didn't want manna. Manna fell from the heavens on a daily basis. Water flowed from a rock. Even meat was provided for that ungrateful people. God's provision was always in place and functioning. Still, in their time in the wilderness, despite God's care, the murmuring continued so God stepped in to teach His chosen people a lesson.

We, too, can find ourselves in a wilderness of life. It may not be a place like the Israelites knew, but it seems like a wilderness, none-the-less. We can feel the same frustration and discontent as those folks felt so long ago. One of the main indicators of feeling like a wilderness wanderer is feeling trapped with the inability to escape from our wilderness, with no end to it all. For the Israelites, the trip was longer than anticipated, full of many inconveniences with 40 years added to it. I could think of several reasons for God judging their attitudes of ingratitude, but I was really surprised at His reason for bringing judgment on His people. They were punished for their murmuring...in our words...griping and complaining. I guess human nature has been a lot the same down through centuries of time.

The wilderness for us is rarely being in the middle of a hot, dry desert. The wilderness areas we find ourselves in take on entirely different characteristics. There are many places that can make up a wilderness for us. Our times in a wilderness are usually times of being very alone, not with hundreds or thousands of people like the Israelites were. So what might some of our wilderness experiences look like, where we find ourselves in survival mode:

*Stuck in a dead-end job
*Chronic or terminal illness
*Severe financial difficulties
*Divorce
*Child on drugs
*Close relative in hospice care
*Depression
*Consistent physical pain

You could probably add to that list depending on where you are at the present time. We have learned that God hates murmuring and complaining. What's wrong with our complaining every now and then?

*It reveals a lack of trust in God and His leadership in our lives
*Complaining keeps us focused on the wilderness problem
*Murmuring doesn't solve any problem
*Only to a certain point do people want to hear our complaints no matter our pain.
*Rest in the fact that nothing can touch our lives until it first filters through the fingers of God. He has everything in control even though it may not seem like it.

Books have been written on the wilderness experiences of people. There really isn't anything I can add to the writings of those authors. I only know what has helped me in such times.

*Know that in any circumstance, God will never leave you or forsake you.
*Even in the wilderness of life, there are practical lessons to be learned and we should take advantage of that time of learning.
*Spend extra time in God's Word even though you might now]t feel like it at the moment.
*Be a person of prayer. Our Father wants to hear from us...often.
*Take time to do something for someone else who is in their own desert experience. It helps to take one's mind off of their own problems.
*As hard as it may be, take time to be grateful to the Lord for His goodness.

In every thing give thanks: for this

is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

Dear Father, I never want to disappoint You and don't want to so sin that You would have to bring judgment into my life. Thank You for Your unconditional love and direction in my life. Keep me from the sin of murmuring. I love You...In Jesus' precious name...Amen