THREE IS GOOD

And the Lord shall guide thee continually,
and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make
fat thy bone: and thou shalt be like a watered
garden, and like a spring of water,
whose waters fail not.
Isaiah 58:11

We've almost always heard “three is a crowd” which means something negative. That might be true when it comes to some, but it doesn't have to be true across the board. Usually I don't pay much attention to numbers and think of some good things about most of them if I want to think about it hard enough. Woke up early this morning and got to thinking about “threes.” For one thing, I have three great kids. The problem with my three children is that they grew up much too fast and now have adult lives all their own.

When I cook a main meal, I usually plan for at least three things on the menu...meat, taters and a veggie. I may add a salad or something else at times, but for some reason, I've felt I should have three things to serve in some fashion.

I 've been thinking of the most important “three” in my life and that is my Father, Jesus, His Son and the Holy Spirit who abides in me. This wonderful trinity has individually meant more in my life than I can say. God sent His Son Jesus to die for my sin, and thus, brought me to the Father under His blood. At my time of salvation, the sweet Holy Spirit came to live in me. He guides me, teaches me the Word, prompts me regarding those things I ought and ought not to do
.

In all of this I thought of three things that are mine through all my Heavenly Father has done for me and three words came to me that all begin with the letter “P”....

PRESENCE....PROTECTION....PROVISION

Without saying, God through His Holy Spirit is with me 24/7. He is what I like to refer to as the “constant” in my life. I have every promise through Scripture of His ever-presence in my life. I'm not sure for any of us if we have grasped that fact. I think if we did, we would act, talk and think differently. As much as I may disappoint my Father at times, He never removes His presence from me. He hangs around me simply out of love. It's that love that's hard for me to wrap myself around, but it's real.

Secondly and this week especially, I'm thinking of God's protection. This last Thursday, I celebrated a special holiday. The date was 10/11/12, a day I can never forget. It was the day I fell into a dark church basement, flying down about a dozen rickety wood stairs only to crash my head into a cinder block wall, and then tumbling further down a few more stairs onto the concrete floor. I knew I was bleeding heavily from the head, but never did pass out. I was at the church to run the church bulletin. Normally, Brian never went with me, but for “some reason”, he went with me. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't been there. I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room (my first ride in an ambulance) It was like bouncing around inside a tin can. I was taken for an MRI and then stitched up. The doctor asked me that days date, I guess to check my thinking. The date was easy 10/11/12. He felt it all had been a miracle that I had lived through it all. I knew it was God's presence who was in charge the entire time. I've always believe that my times are in His hands. That day was a part of the plan.

Then there is God's provision. In my life I've known want, need, greed, abundance and even just enough. We all probably experience those things from time to time. Paul stated to the Philippians how God provided his every need. There have been times I've been perfectly happy with God's provision of just what I needed in the moment. His provision in my life hasn't always been that of money or material things. I mentioned to my hubby last night how we have been so blessed to live in the places we have, meeting the most interesting of people and making good friends with some of God's choice folks. I guess I'm at an age where I don't need a lot of what this world has to offer, but I'm grateful for good health, and just the simple of things of life....all through the provision of a gracious and loving Heavenly Father.

Thank You Father for being a Presence, my Protector and Provision. I don't thank You enough even for the little things in my life that You see to. I'm so grateful for Your Spirit and Your Son Jesus who made all things possible through the ultimate gift of His life for me and everyone else. In His precious name....Amen

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

Therefore encourage one another and
build up one another, just as you
also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11 NASB

Mrs. Lilly was one of my favorite teachers of all time. She taught in our local junior high school. She taught a combination of penmanship and orthography. I could never get the right arm muscle moving to be the cursive writer she hoped, but I did come to love orthography. This is a subject to this day I use when I come across a word that either isn't clear to me or could be clearer. We had to learn prefixes and break down the other parts of words to get a clear meaning of them. She would have us pull the word apart, Take the word “encourage” for instance. Mrs. Lilly would say that .”en” means “to cause to “ and “courage” speaks of “strength in the face of pain, grief or challenge.” From that we see then, encouragement is to “cause a person to be strong in his circumstances.” It's one thing to know the meaning of the word, another thing to do it.

In whatever form discouragement comes, it affects people in all walks of life. Leaders of every ilk as well as common ordinary people need to hear encouraging words. All of us
need encouragement at one time or another, but I think there are some who need it a little more. I think of single parent families, caregivers taking care of loved ones, unemployed persons, first time empty-nesters and the list could go on and on. All of us know of such folks and others.

I'm thinking right now of our pastors. Just today I read of two young pastors, each on opposite sides of our country who in recent days have committed suicide. Young families are left with no husband and father. Both suffered from great bouts with depression. Our pastors carry heavy and often unreasonable loads. They may smile and appear upbeat while carrying a hurting heart. I wonder what difference it would make for them to receive a kind note or e-mail expressing appreciation for all they do for so many.

Encouragement isn't a new concept. We find it scattered through God's Word and from some examples we can read such admonitions given to some who really needed it. I can't help but think of Moses to Joshua: Moses wasn't going to be allowed to enter the promised land. Joshua was appointed by God to take over what Moses had been doing. I can't imagine the butterflies in the stomach of Joshua, perhaps even a kind of panic. But God told Moses in Deuteronomy to speak words of encouragement to Joshua, the newly appointed leader. Note God's instructions to Moses in verse 3:28:

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him:
for he shall go over before this people, and he shall
cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

In Joshua chapter 1:7-9, the Lord Himself spoke to Joshua with great power. Just verse 9 said it all:

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and

of a good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou

dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.

We can understand the importance of those words of encouragement as Joshua was to undertake an almost impossible challenge.

What about you and me, in every day life who may be going through any number of things life throws our way. We may not have someone ready to call us with an encouraging word. We may not receive a kind note in the mail from someone thinking about and praying for us. There is an element I think we fail often to think of when we are discouraged with no encouragement in sight. In my reading, a verse stood out as if written in neon lights. The verse has to do with David who went through all types of tests and trials. It was a verse I know the Lord presented to me recently for purpose. The verse is I Samuel 30:6 and it says:

And David was greatly distressed; for the people
spake of stoning him, because the soul of all
the people was grieved, every man for his
sons and for his daughters: BUT
DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF
IN THE LORD.

There was no one around or even in sight who could encourage David in the way he needed. A little further down in the passage, it says that “David inquired of the Lord.” I mention these things about David because I'm afraid these are about the last things we think to do when in despair. We often expect everyone to encourage us when God waits for us to call on Him for comfort and support. He may send someone with “skin on” to act for Him, but He may not. It could be He wants to hear from us with no one else around. 

My hope for you and me is that we learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord. That can empower us more than we can imagine. Our Father is waiting with armloads of encouragement to pour into your life and mine. May we seek Him first. No one can lift our spirits like our Heavenly Father can.

Dear Holy Spirit, help me to remember to invite You to my next pity party? You are the best encouragement there is and I often rely on frail human beings to do for me what really only You can do. Thank You for my pastor and others in ministry who need Your guidance and strengtheneing every day...keep them strong in You In Jesus precious name....Amen

WHAT'S LEFT?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon

earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal;

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and

where thieves to not break through and steal:

For where your treasure is, there

will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

We met shortly after Brian and I moved here to our Tennessee home. In fact, her house is near enough to my house that I can see her house and she could see mine. She was a recent widow in her 80's, lonely with no family to speak of in her life. She did have a niece she didn't really know well,, but had no close relationship with her. As nice as “Sarah” could be she had a streak of bitterness in her that was quite noticeable even during our first conversation.. She could latch onto the wrong friendships that didn't last long at all because conversations would turn into complaining sessions so people would withdraw from her.

Sarah wasn't interested in spiritual things. I spoke with her often about coming to church with me. She could have been in the ladies class I taught at the time. She told me that her husband didn't need Jesus and so she didn't think she did either. She lived in a lovely home with nice things, but she was a very unhappy person. Any friends she made were quickly worn out by her negative attitude.

A few weeks ago, Sarah died. There was a brief memorial service, nothing religious with only five or six people in attendance as I was told. Her house had been sold and today, with sadness, I can look across the field and see her things out on her front yard and porch...an estate sale. Sarah had a delightful personality when she wasn't in a bitter mood. She had the capability of making friends, but usually chased people away with anger and insults. Sarah had lovely things in her home and now strangers are culling through her things at the estate sale that would be upsetting for her if she could see it going on. I saw the couch I often sat on during our visits...a touch of sadness for me.

The sadness was intensified for me when I stopped by that house at the end of the sale. I asked if I could just look inside at the living room and kitchen. The new owner thought it an odd request, but allowed me to do it. Obviously people had tromped through the house and it would need a good cleaning. I recalled where the couches had been, pictures on the wall and looking at the kitchen I had thought was as nice as I had ever sat in. There was the counter Sarah and I had sat at any number of times, her talking and me mostly listening. The house felt empty and lonely just as I believe Sarah's life was in her final years of life. All of her lovely things are now gone...worth nothing to Sarah anymore..

I'm not trying to speak ill of Sarah. Sarah was friendly and warm upon meeting. Despite living alone, I know Sarah could have had a good, and fulfilling life with Jesus in her life. She was an intelligent lady and could have contributed much in the lives of others, but not without Jesus in her life. She had resources she could have invested in the lives of others, but chose to stay walled up in her lovely house full of lovely things.

Sadder to me are Christians who feel they can manage very fine without Jesus an active part of their lives. Many Christians have enough of Jesus to get them to Heaven but not enough to really keep themselves at their happiest and most peaceful. They may go through daily routines never giving Jesus a thought. Prayer may not be a thing of importance nor the Word of God prevalent in their lives. Some may even feel the regular practice of church attendance and activity aren't all that important for them. When I think of it, those Christians don't have much more going for them in practice than Sarah. She felt like she didn't need Him...many non-practicing Christians live as if they don't need Him either....how sad.

The day will come however, when Jesus will be VERY important to everyone...Christians, non-practicing Christians and the unsaved as well. Time is short. What am I doing to keep in close relationship with my Heavenly Father? What am I doing to show love and concern in the lives of others...Christians and non-Christians alike? If Jesus would return today, would He find my life just full of things that really don't count for anything when I am finally gone to be with Him? Seeing couches on a lady's front yard just don't seem to matter a great deal when all is said and done.

Father, I want my life to count for you. Keep me from complaining and even bitterness. I want to be an influence for You in every way I can as You lead. Help me to not put importance on the things of this world that will only come to nothing in a short time. Thank You for Your love and direction in my life. I love You. In Jesus precious name....Amen

CHALLENGES OF CHANGE

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday
and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Change is something I have resisted most of my life. I've never liked having to adjust to it, no matter where or what the change may have been...or continues to be, for that fact. Every dictionary I checked for a definition of change basically said the same thing that change is making or becoming different. The definition is pretty simple, but the process certainly isn't.

In a previous presidential election, a major candidate ran on the promise of change

. Everyone knows what change is, but there was no way of knowing at the time what that man meant by change in government. We learned after eight long years, his view of change certainly wasn't our view. If we thought, and often do, that change is good, we have found looking at the devastation and ruin in our country left by him, wasn't what we had in mind.

One of the first major changes that came into my life was leaving my hometown to attend college in the state of Kansas. Little did I realize, it was the beginning of change(s) for the rest of my life. Growing up in my hometown was comfortable. Most folks knew each other. I had teachers in every level of school who had taught both of my parents when they were in school. Ours was a coal mining town. Many guys out of high school went to work in the mines. Some went to college or found jobs at home. I lived in two houses at different times, both comfortable with neighbors I dearly loved. There was a security in those 18 years as far as location and friends.

To this point, I've lived in five states, lived in 11 residences. This has meant church changes as well as selecting new doctors, dentists, grocery stores, and all the rest. For the last 20 years, I've made a habit of learning people's first names only. If I latch onto someone's last name, that's okay. In it all, I'm still not a good adjuster. New folks can't look at me and see what churns inside of me that has to do with change.

Can change be a positive in our lives? I had lunch this week with my NEW Sunday school teacher. She asked me where all we have lived and I told her some of it. Her comment was, “What an interesting life you have lived.” I think I nodded pleasantly. She asked me if I had taught the Bible in all of those places and come to think of it, I pretty much had. On that count, perhaps change has been good for me without thinking back on it all.

Scripture often speaks of change. In the Old Testament, there is a lot of mention of changes of clothes. Priests also had to keep an eye on disease of the skin on people such as leprosy. They would monitor changes in the lesions hoping for positive healing. There were changes of names such as with Daniel and his three friends when taken into captivity. They were basically given pagan names in place of their Hebrew ones. That couldn't have been a welcome change for those young men but there was nothing they could do about it.

Any number of times, we can read in Scripture of changes in the hearts and minds of people. These changes came often after going through very difficult circumstances. If the people had been disobedient to God's law, there were consequences for that, often bringing drastic changes in their lives.

Change, however, isn't always a negative thing. I have known friends with severe physical conditions that have changed for the good, with positive healing taking place. Most of us have at one time or another changed jobs. There were adjustments to be made, but any inconveniences seemed worth it knowing we had a better job with higher pay. Those of us who are parents have watched physical changes in our children as they have grown from babyhood through all the phases of physical change. Those changes, as we look back, came all too quickly as we look now at our children with their own families.

The greatest change any of us can experience is that time when we accept Jesus as our personal Savior. I was ten years old and went through this wonderful change in my life while listening to an evangelist in our small church. I didn't know what a lot of the BIG sins of life were like at that age, but knew that sin was sin, even if it was something as big as taking a cookie out of the cookie jar too close to supper. Sin is sin whether that sinner without Christ is ten years old or fifty. But....

Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creature; the old
things are passed away; behold,
new things have come.
II Corinthians 6:17

Changes are going to come....things will become different in any number of ways. They won't all be just positive or just negative. However, we will never be alone no matter the differences. God in His sovereignty has His hand on your life and mine. That is the best security we can have no matter the changes that come our way.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change
and though the mountains slip
into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46:1,2

Dear Father, thank You for seeing me through every change in my life. Your guiding hand not only leads in my life but is my comfort and security. Thank You for Jesus Who has made life worth living. In His precious name....Amen

STORIN' UP

How great is Your goodness, which You
have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who
take refuge in You, before the
sons of men.
Psalm 31:19

As a little girl, I loved the time in the summer when my Mother and younger sister would go to my Grandma Benbrook's house for canning time. My grandma and Mrs. Carlisle next door would get together for “putting up” their garden vegetables along with some fruit off of their fruit trees. Mrs. Carlisle had a deep basement with pretty big windows she could open up. There was a big sink and stove with tables to work at. I couldn't even count the mason jars lined up on some of those tables. One day, they ladies gathered the foods they were going to pre-cook and can the next day. There was just about every kind of vegetable you can think of.

Once it was all finished, both women took their jars full of goodies and placed them on shelves in their cellars. I remember asking my Grandma why she did all of that work and her reply was, “Just storin' up.” Later I learned that the storing process was for winter months or for having food on hand when money was scarce.

My grandparents also had at the side of their house in the yard a mound that looked like a mountain to me. I couldn't play on it because of Grandma's Black-eyed Susan flowers that covered the hill. To the back of it though, almost flat to the back of the hill was a door. Some folks referred to storm cellars and maybe that was one, but my Grandma referred to it as a root cellar. It kept a pretty steady temperature and there she kept 'taters, cabbage, and onions that would keep longer under those conditions than other vegetables. Again I would ask my Grandma why she did that and the answer was always the same, “Just storin' up.”

There's something wise about planning for future days. We never know what problems or concerns await us around any corner. If we haven't gone through difficulties in the past or even in the present day, be sure they await us in the future. There are many ways we prepare for future events. Most of us carry some kind of medical insurance in preparation for medical emergencies. We do the same preparing for auto accidents. We are people who strongly believe in being educated. I can recall when in fourth grade some teachers in my school went to night school at a nearby university to complete their bachelor degrees. At the time they were very capable teachers, but if they were to have a future, they prepared with a degree. Few people can food as did my Grandma, but many still in our day purchase fresh foods to put in their freezers, especially people who live in snow prone areas of our country.

One area of preparation that is often neglected is that of spiritual preparation. I'm careful as I approach this area, for the best preparations spiritually for future days begins now on a day by day basis. It's important for us to stay strong in the Lord on a daily basis. If we don't stay strong now, we will certainly feel the lack of it when hard times come. I haven't memorized nearly the Scripture I ought to, but am grateful for those I know that have been a strengthen and comfort in my life during some very hard times.

We can't store up spiritual strength for future days like my Grandma would can peaches and have them in store some months ahead. Everything we do on a daily basis to keep spiritually strong contributes to our being stronger in coming days. I can't do all of the spiritual dailies though in one day and expect them to last me for weeks to come. Spiritual catch-up is not a concept found in Scripture.

When we expect we can store up spiritually for tough days ahead, we leave out a most important fact. When we go for days ignoring spiritual practice, we are leaving out the fact that God misses us. You see, we don't practice a religion as Christians. Ours is a relationship... the most important relationship we can ever have in life. Our Father wants to be our strength and comfort on a daily basis and He will consistently meet us right where we are...no matter the hour, day or whatever. We must remember that God's joy is our strength for any day or time. Meanwhile, we must stay strong in Jesus by being in the Word, being people of prayer, and being a part of a church where we can be ministered to and minister as well as the lives of others.

 Meanwhile, I want to enjoy the spiritual feast awaiting me on a daily basis...that's the best “storin' up” I can do.

My Father, thank You for providing for my every need, every day under every circumstance. Thank You too for the joy you bring into my life everyday. I know wherever life takes me, You are already there. I love you. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

THE NEW NORMAL

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before
thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail
thee, neither forsake thee:
fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

In the above verse, Moses was speaking to Joshua. Because disobedience, Moses was not going to be allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses' right hand man was chosen by God to continue the journey with His people. What had been normal for Joshua up to this point in his life was never again going to be normal. For Joshua, big changes were coming. One important change was going to be the loss of one of the dearest friends on earth to him, Moses. He now wasn't going to be in a subordinate , but he was going to be the “boss.” He would have to lead the people militarily and in every other way. There would be adjustments in his life he never dreamed he would have to face. God spoke to him through Moses to assure him that with all the changes, God would always be the Presence in his life. Joshua would never have to wonder where God was. He had no reason for fear or discouragement as God would be Joshua's success.

The term “new normal” has come to my attention in the last few months. Wish I had learned of it many years ago. It would certainly have explained a lot of things to me as I faced various circumstances. Somehow, we think when our lives seem in an uproar, it would seem things will never be the same again. Well, they won't be the same, so we establish with God's direction, a new normal, a normal in our lives we will live...until the next major change.

I have some friends right now who are leaving their church that has been home for them for years. They know because of some corruptible influences that they must leave and go elsewhere. It seems so unfair and folks are left in a quandary in dealing with their church situation and the seeking of a new church home. Nothing right now feels normal for those for whom the church has been such a major part of their lives. Nothing feels normal right now. I use the term “limbo”...just hanging in mental space for a time. Church changes in our day are not unusual. Many churches are changing drastically and not necessarily for the better. Some situations have all but forced church members to seek churches that are more conservative and even more worshipful.

My family and some friends would attest to the fact that I don't like change in any way. Our family has made several moves. I don't like all the adjustments needed in new places, but they eventually come and a new normal sets in. There are major events in our lives that come to us sometimes through our own doing. There are other events that come almost like a semi truck, slamming into our emotions. These are things of life that occur often with great surprise. For instance, death of a friend or relative leaves a mark on us for some time. Like it or not, we face a new normal where that person will not be alive in our world...only in memory.

What do we know about “new normal?”:

*It will come because of a drastic often emotional changes in our lives.
*A new normal may be rejected or embraced. ''you choose
*Embracing the new norm can lead to a fruitful life.
*The new normal is a provision for healing.
*God stands ready to guide, comfort and be present in one's entire situation.

So how do we arrive at *our new norm when the necessity requires it? Some will try to find their new normal in money, things, drugs, entertainment and all other things that really don't satisfy or heal. Joshua's life at the time of hearing of Moses' not leading anymore and that he was the new leader, Moses, through God's direction gave him the answers for his new norm. Moses was very clear with Joshua some things that would usher him into his new norm:

*God had already gone before Joshua. Remember when we set out to follow the Lord to a certain place or situation, He is already there.
*God is present 24/7. Don't take that in a casual way. It is a rock-bottom truth.
*God won't fail us. He's not in the business of failure. Our God isn't a failure in any sense.
*God won't forsake us. He won't run off and leave us under any circumstances.
*Lastly and very important is a familiar command to not be fearful. Have you noticed how many of the things we fear or worry about, rarely come to pass?

Call it healing or adjustment, but the “new normal” will come to each of us at some time. May we embrace those times. Our Father is totally engaged in the new process that presents itself to us. In this area, much depends on how we view the “is-ness of God”, how we view His reality our lives.

Thank You Father for Your presence in every situation I face. Thank you that as I look ahead, You are already there. You have shown Yourself so present in my life and I thank You for that. Thank you for the “new normal” You have orchestrated in my life. May I be found faithful in every moment You send my way. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

TO THE WORK

So built we the wall; and all the
wall was joined together unto the
half thereof: for the people had
a mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:6

Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the Old Testament. I don't even have a picture in my mind what he looked like. I do know he held a most important job. He worked in the palace in Shushan. His boss was a king by the name of Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had a job probably most men wouldn't want to have. He was the king's cupbearer. Before the king ever took a sip of wine from the cup a servant brought to him, it was Nehemiah's job to take the first sip to insure the king wasn't being poisoned.

On a particular day, there were men who traveled from Jerusalem to report to Nehemiah regarding condition of their city. It was destroyed for the most part, and was in ruins. The men were hoping for some help in restoring their beloved city and was hoping Nehemiah could return to Jerusalem to see to the rebuilding. Nehemiah was grieved in his spirit over the news, but he was also aware of the fact that he was captive and serving the king of his captivity. All he could do was to approach the king about a possible trip back “home.”

Approaching a king in that day was a very precarious thing. You never entered the throne room without an invitation from the king. Nehemiah didn't have that problem as he was usually near the throne most of the time. Another no-no was in one's approach to the king. One had to be in proper attire and with a proper spirit. No one was allowed to be around the king with a sad or mad look on one's face. Nehemiah knew of these protocols but on the day he sat near the throne after he had received the news from friends, his countenance was sad right in front of the king.

 It was quite noticeable to the king and remarkably, the king didn't seem to be offended. Nehemiah explained his concern about the conditions in Jerusalem and had a strong desire to go back even for a brief time to see to the rebuilding.

It would be miraculous for a king to agree to such a thing, but Artaxerxes agreed for him to go and did everything in helping with Nehemiah's trip, even to seeing to his receiving building goods for the project. Nehemiah went with the promise of his return back to serve the king when the building was complete.

The story goes on, but as it would happen, during the building process, opposition surfaced. When doing God's work, it's amazing how quickly Satan catches on to what is transpiring and jumps on his band wagon of discouragement and threatening. In the beginning, the threats came from two men, but when the building continued despite opposition, those building came under sever threats of violence. Nehemiah challenged the people in 4:14:

“Be not ye afraid of them: remember the
Lord, which is great and terrible, and
fight for your brethren, your sons, and
your daughters, your wives and
your houses.”

The enemy was thwarted for a brief time and the people continued with their work. The men were so determined, some for a time, did the building while others stood guard with their weapons. The builders also did their work while having a sword strapped to them. These were determined men, but knew it could take a good fight to get the work finished, thus the need to keep their swords near. They had an alarm system regarding the oncoming enemy. Nehemiah arranged for there to be a trumpet sounding the warning. He added an interesting word of encouragement....:Our God shall fight for us.”

With completion of the wall around Jerusalem, there was such a time of victory and celebration. It included time spent in God's Word, prayer, singing, rejoicing, feasting...a really big time for the people. Nehemiah reminded the people that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” By the way, that statement is true for us today.

There is so much to this story and I've tried to hit some of the highlights. I was thinking about in these days when Christians all over our country are trying to rebuild walls of ministry. There are Christians discouraged, feeling like they are spiritual failures who want to rebuild so much in their own personal lives. The building of the greater walls is made up with the spiritual building that takes place in individual lives.

God is fighting for us. He wants to empower us to defeat Satan's tactics in our lives. It wasn't just in Nehemiah's day that God fought for the people. He is fighting for us now, but it takes a team effort. God won't force spiritual victory on us. We must want it, to build back some walls we've allowed to be broken down. We do it with the “Sword”...the word of Truth. We will be weak an anemic without it. With the work complete, the people spend hours standing while the Word of God was read.

We also need encouragement of members of God's family to help with what building needs to be done personally or corporately. There are churches struggling with discouragement and defeat. We're not to do the building in our own strength, but in God's and it can be done.

When victory comes, it's okay for us to celebrate any victory God gives us. We don't do this enough as we tend to give ourselves credit for our accomplishments. Let's remember again that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”...may we feel a freedom in celebrating spiritual milestones, but know it was God Who was instrumental in it all.

Father, I need You to help me in ways I need to rebuild some spiritual muscles in my life. Thank You for You being my strength in it all. In Jesus's precious name....Amen

THE GOOD SOLDIER

Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, men were lining up all over the place to enlist in the armed services. It was considered a great honor enlisting as a soldier in those days. I remember my Daddy taking a train to Chicago to an enlistment center, hoping on top of hope he would be accepted. When he returned home, my mother and I met him at the train and both were in tears. Daddy had not been accepted because of a deformed index finger caused by an accident at work. Mother was happy, Daddy was sad, but they were happy for my uncle who would be going with the Army.

Countless men and women from those early 1940's served our country, served it well and many paid the ultimate price in giving their lives on foreign fields with the intent of preserving our freedoms. In our day, some youth would have a problem in the military. One issue for many could be that of dealing with authority. Armed services demand respect and instant obedience to orders. We live in a day of rebellion as we look at riots and demonstrations many times on the part of college age youth. Choosing a military career in most cases is good for those enlisting where they learn discipline, work ethic and perhaps may learn a job skill that can carry them through life.

I hasten to say though, that rebellion and lack of respect for authority doesn't just rest with the young. At every stage of life, there are those who don't hesitate to show their disdain for any kind of authority. We may not be enlisted in any of our armed services, but as Christians, Scripture gives us the title of “Soldier” whether we accept that title or not. Paul gives us some information regarding being a good soldier for Christ. He begins by speaking of a soldier enduring hardness. Anyone who enlists as a soldier in our country knows that down the road there will be hard times in various degrees. Paul says:

Thou therefore endure hardness,
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself
with the affairs of this life; that he may
please him who hath chosen him to be
a soldier.
II Timothy 2:3,4

Just in these two brief verses, are found some expectations of us as soldiers of Jesus. We see that God's good soldiers will endure hardships of life that come their way. Those hardship times can run the gamut from bad to worse.

Why are we to avoid becoming entangled in the things of the world? Such robs us of our proper focus on our Commander. It's easy to find ourselves pleasing self and not pleasing Him who has provided for our every spiritual welfare. There can be only one Commander-in-Chief and he takes authority over all officers. It's easy to follow a lower officer and lose sight of the real Commander. This often happens in church settings where pastors or teachers become almost god-like in their relationships with the flock. Such leaders seem to draw people to themselves and not to the real Commander-in-Chief of our faith.

Many orders in the military are handed down through a staff of officers. When those orders reach soldiers, there can be no arguing or giving of opinion. As solders in God's army, we too have orders. We have received them through His Word to us. What we learn as we read isn't to be corrected, marginalized or ignored. We are to instantly obey in absolute loyalty to our Heavenly Father.

The important thing is realize we are in a battle. Satan is the enemy and does everything to defeat us or keep us in states of depression or anxiety. He would have us make choices not pleasing to our Father and that would be of harm to us. We know, though, that with Jesus we have the capability of victory in our lives. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit in us is greater than Satan who walks through the world looking for people to trip up...especially God's people.

Oh yes, our uniform. Just as we know folks by certain uniforms...policemen, nurses, firemen, and others...we too have a uniform, unlike those folks mentioned. Scripture tells us that we will be known by our love. We are known by the love Jesus pours into us and then through us into the lives of others.

Soldiers seem to stay fit. We too should stay fit spiritually for the battles we are often called on to fight. Our Commander encourages us and cheers us on at every turn. We are strengthened by God's Word taught to us by His Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit prompts us any number of times to keep us going in the right direction. We are strengthened through a consistent prayer life and of being regularly in the Scriptures.

Every asset is available to us from God to be strong and at the same time loving for this life we are called on to live. He has purpose for each of us and is available to us at any time. He wants each of us to Christians who are victorious and who bring glory to Him. Our stint in this life will be over only when our Father calls us to Himself in heaven where there will be no more battles, illness or mental anxieties. We will be Home...not just on leave...but HOME.

Father, thank You for bringing me to Yourself and for all the blessings You pour into my life even though I'm so undeserving. May I serve You well and love others as You would want. Thank You for your Holy Spirit who resides in me and for Jesus, Who made it all possible for me to be in relationship with You. In Whose name I pray...Amen

QUIT YER FRETTIN'

Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
neither be thou envious against the
workers of iniquity.
Psalm 37:1

It's a word I used to hear many years ago. I can picture in my mind some “older” ladies who have said to me at one time or another, “Quit yer frettin'.” To be honest, I didn't know what fretting, but I knew from their voices that I was doing something at the moment I shouldn't do and connected it with my immediate attitude.

Just recently, I taught an evening Bible study on Psalm 37. For as long as I can remember teaching ladies in Sunday school or Bible studies, I've had more ladies than I can count say to me, “I just don't understand the Bible so I don't read it as much as I should.” One thing I have said to them is that they will never understand the Scriptures without the Holy Spirit interpreting it for them, which He is happy to do when invited. However, there are some chapters in Scripture it doesn't take a PhD to figure out and Psalm 37 is one of those chapters.

For instance, just in Psalm 37, that is by the way on the lengthy side, I see several short phrases that speak in very clear tones, such as:

*Trust in the Lord and do good (3)
*Delight thyself also in the Lord (4)
*Commit thy way unto the Lord (5)
*Rest in the Lord (7)
*Cease from anger (8)
*Depart from evil (27)
*Wait on the Lord (34)
*Mark the perfect man (37)

I'm no brain child, but upon even first glance, I see clearly the expectation Scripture requires of me. I say all of that to focus on the theme verse I have put at the top of the page. That verse got my attention because I see “fret not” again in verses 7 and 8. Perhaps there are other phrases repeated but this one caught my attention.

David even as king didn't have an easy life. Prior to being the official king, he was chased down by a jealous Saul who wanted only to kill David. Again, he was chased down by his own son, had battles to fight and major problems to see through. David like you and me was frustrated when he saw evil seeming to be victorious and nothing happening to the offenders.

I have some friends and I include myself who in recent days have been going through some frustration because of some events over which we have absolutely no control. We looked at this Psalm together and I spent a little more time on the subject of fretting. So what is fretting? Fretting is a constant state of worry or anxiety. These two things, however, have never been known to solve one single problem, but the fretting process can take its toll on the fretter.

Men do their share of fretting, but more often, we women are real culprits in this area. We are very chemical and we wear our feelings very close to the surface of our beings. We are also the ones who want to solve every problem or crisis. When we see things that are wrong and can't solve them, we fret. I think we often feel if we aren't fretting about an issue, it might look like we don't care, as if fretting shows our depth of care. Perhaps that's how Satan wants us to deal with things so we are almost paralyzed to the point of uselessness. It wouldn't be the first time we fell for his schemes.

The problem with fretting is that it continues until who-knows-when and during that time, fretting turns into anger. That anger intensifies over time and eventually, left on its own, can lead us into the depths of depression and leave us with some serious health issues. David, without any explanation, chose to stress this simple command..”.Fret not”...three times for a good reason. I believe he knew from good experience the damage fretting could cause.

Whether it's fretting or any negative mental exercise we choose, we know we have to stop doing it. However, we need not feel out of control and defeated. Scripture will never give us a command we cannot obey. What we have to do is rely on God's power to enable this victory. Whether our concern regards health issues, employment, financial problems or any of the big and little cares of this world, God will enable us to lay them at His feet. Consistent and often many sessions of prayer is the major cure for the problem....so...”quit yer frettin'.”

I'm sorry, Father, for taking so much on myself instead of trusting and leaning on You. You have all the answers as to anything that troubles me. Thank You for Your every provision for my safety and sanity. You are such a Great Father and I thank You. In Jesus' name...Amen

THE OLD CLOTHESLINE

Whither shall I go from thy spirit?
Or whither shall I flee from thy
presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:
if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and
dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me,
and thy right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10

Someone put a picture on my Face book last week of a backyard with clotheslines. The caption on the picture said, “Do you remember this?” I remember replying to myself, “Boy do I ever.” As soon as I could begin to reach a clothesline, my Mother had me hanging wet clothes on those lines every Monday. We always had good sturdy clotheslines, but they also served another purpose in my own life from when I was about four years old and maybe even a little younger.

My husband will tell you and perhaps my children as well, that I am a wanderer. We can go into a grocery store or Wal-mart and Brian knows to keep an eye on me all the time or he'll lose me. I don't notice that I wander. I forget I'm even with anyone so if I spot something down an aisle or think of something I need to get, I just take off to find it. I think it's been this way as long as I can remember.

However, this tendency of mine began when young. MANY years ago, when I was just a little thing, life was friendly, simple and safe. As a little girl, I loved going from neighbor to neighbor just to say hello. Folks on our side of the street on our block just expected to see me on a regular basis. The problem with that friendly spirit was that when my Mother would look for me in our yard, I wasn't there. She knew I was okay, but just not just where exactly.

Mother devised a plan. To help break me from my wandering, she would tie a rope around my waist, rope the thickness of a jump rope. The rope wasn't the length of a jump rope though. The other end of that rope was thrown over a clothes line and tied in a knot that easily moved back and forth on the line. It was long enough for me to reach the back steps of the house and the out house. It wasn't long enough, however, for me to leave the back yard. I hated that rope. I knew it's purpose. but no matter how many times I was tied to the clothesline, I was still prone to wander.

Aside from my tendencies to wander physically, I must confess to you that, as much as I hate admitting it, I'm also prone to wander spiritually. By the way, I'm not the only one with this particular problem. Satan is a pro in placing inviting things in our way that may not seem to be of any particular danger. There is an older hymn we have sung with the following phrase:

“Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love.”

After having had three children, I know the panic a mom feels when looking for a child where he or she is supposed to be and aren't where they are supposed to be. However, I didn't understand my Mother's concern at the time, but after becoming a parent, I knew her concern all too well. Parents can't be everywhere all the time and I'm not sure they would even want to be, but with a wandering little girl, I think my Mother would have appreciated some kind of help.

For years, I have dearly loved Psalm 139. It is full to the brim regarding God's knowledge and care of each of us. The blessing in it all is no matter where we are or where we go, His presence is always with us. Whether we stand, sit, lay in bed, go for a walk, wander through a department store, He is with us. He also is with us when spiritually wandering. We live in a world so different from the little four year old girl I was. The worse thing in the world to happen to me was to be tied to that dreaded clothesline like a puppy dog. (Yep, some folks did that with their little dogs). Now we see a plummeting culture leaving long-established morals and ethics far behind with no restraints.

As an adult, it's my responsibility to keep my spiritual wandering in check. The Holy Spirit will empower me to do what is right and godly, it becomes my responsibility to yield to that leadership and not to the mentality of the world Satan seems to have such a hold on.

I'm glad that clothesline of yore is only a memory now. I find that God has His ways of putting me in check when called for. I never want to get away from His discipline and correction. Whatever form His clothesline takes in my life, I recognize it, as I do now with my Mother, that it's an instrument of love in my life.

Dear Father, I'm grateful for Your guidance and correction in my life. I don't mean to wander from Your ways. I'm sorry for those times I disappoint You. I'm so grateful for Your love and discipline in my life. I love You....in Jesus' name....Amen