PRECIOUS

Precious in the sight of the

LORD, is the death of

His saints.

Psalm 116:15

There must have been great joy in Heaven yesterday evening, as my dear friend Phyllis was called Home.  Her serious illness had not been a lengthy one, but severe and painful and totally arriving by surprise.  One of my first thoughts in talking with her husband on the phone was having a sense of how greatly missed

she will be here, but, oh the joy and happiness she now knows there.

If every church doesn't have a Phyllis, they should find one to join their congregation.  She was a true lady personified but with such a servant spirit.  I've only known her well for four years.  During that time, she has hosted a home Bible study for some of her dear friends that it has been my privilege to teach.  She loved the Word of God and sought ways to live it out in every day living.

However, our tie was a little different that most folks knew nothing about.  Up until four years ago, I only knew her with the greetings we might have in any church setting.  She had her activities at church that didn't involve me or mine in hers so we were kind of hi/bye in knowing each other.  

However, four years ago, I was hit with the Homegoing of my dear hubby.  I found ever so subtly that Phyllis came along side of me.  She wasn't pushy or smothering in her attention, but she made a way into my life that was comforting and reassuring.  She was one of those I refer to as being Jesus with skin on.  She had a way of just  speaking a couple of questions of concern showing a kind of friendship I hadn't known before.  It grew in so many ways that others may not have noticed.

I usually don't write a blog concerning a friend who has gone to Heaven ahead of me, but in her going, there is now an empty space left here on earth.  I realize that no one can  take another's place, but we certainly can have a servant's heart, a spiritual beauty that is ours alone in serving the Lord and others. 

Father, I thank you for those You put in our lives as friends in a timely way, who can show us a part of You we might not be able to see through our tears.  Thank You for Phyllis and how she ministered in the lives of so many. I know You know this but she sure does make a great cup of tea.   In Jesus' name....Amen

IMPOSSIBLE!

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I want You forever to live in my soul;

Break down every idol, cast out every foe.

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

It's a hymn in just about any hymnal of note.  It used to be sung on a fairly regular basis.  The tune was catchy, although not a fast hymn, but still causing a pat of a foot or tapping of a finger on the page where the hymn was located.

over

I and others in our area woke up  over the weekend seeing such a beautiful snow.  It came quietly, slowly with little interference.  There was no high wind and even the snowflakes not as huge as some I've seen.  It's a snow fall that creates quietness all by itself.  It's been said, and I'm not sure of the source of the proclamation, but supposedly there are no two snow flakes alike.  That sounds impossible in our finite thinking but why not?  Look at the people too many to count since the Garden of Eden that have walked this earth and we are quite sure there could never be any two alike...not even identical twins.

The words to the hymn entitled Whiter Than Snow, today, grabbed my attention.  As I look out my windows in wonder, I question how is it possible that there could be anything whiter than what I'm looking at.  There's no sun right now which could bring about a brightness that might require donning a pair of sun glasses.  But even there, trying to imagination a greater whiteness than I'm seeing right now seems impossible.

Among other things, it's nothing to wonder about.  So often we put God on our own human level when it comes to dealing with the impossibilities  of life.  We should know by now that all we see isn't just the miracle of the snow.  The real miracle we may be enjoying is not just an earthly snowfall.  The real miracle is  that He can wash out the sin of our lives leaving in us a touch of His glory, a whiteness of His own making.

Thank You Father, for this beautiful day.  Snow days are often resisted on our parts and yet even in the beauty of it all, we can still see You.  May we be willing to yield to Your cleansing power in our lives, a whiteness only You can bring about.  In Jesus....Amen

WHITER THAN SNOW

For as the rain comes down, and

the snow from heaven, and do

not return there, but water the

earth, and make it bring forth

and bud, that it may give seed

to the sower and bread to

the eater,

So shall My word be that goes 

forth from My mouth; it shall not

return to me void, but it shall

accomplish what I please, and

it shall prosper in the thing

for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10,11

My co-church staff member came into my office with some excitement, Bible in hand.  She had come across the above verses and it was such a blessing to her.  We had often sung the hymn that said, "now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow" and that brightness was hard to comprehend.  However, she had found something else that blessed her.

At that time, there was a reason for any thought of snow.  We were in northern Indiana where it seemed we had snow beginning in November and off and on often through the month of March.  By April, parking lots had huge piles of dirty-looking snow.  It seemed we could never get away from it.  Snow was a reality for us and a constant in our lives.

With our snow falls, even if snow had fallen overnight sometimes to knee level, folks still went to work, schools didn't close nor businesses.  Life just went on despite the inconvenience.  When we moved to Texas, we often found humor in how where we lived, everything closed down with only an inch or two of snow on a street.  I must admit that it was a relief compared to what we had tolerated further north.

Scripture often mentions snow.  It is used as a comparison of the whiteness and glory of a situation with Jesus mentioned at times.  But in our everyday lives, we might wonder at times why we have to have the snow inconveniences in our lives.  We see God in the beauty of spring, with everything beginning to grow and bloom.  We give God credit for the beauty of the fall season when it He has taken a huge paint brush, covering nature with color as only He can do.  Summer with it's warmth, activities and vacations are such that we don't even give a thought of winter

God gets little credit for the winter when nature seems to have changed from green to gray.  In this season, we see little natural beauty but it has a beauty all it's own and snow is an indicator of it.  God never wastes a single thing in His creation, not even if it is only a mere tiny snow flake.  We are told there aren't any two snow flakes alike.  How like God.  Interestingly enough is that walking our earth, there are also no two people alike.  That snow we see now will melt and sink into the pores of our land.  It will aid in the nurturing of new life, come spring.  Each little snowflake makes that kind of contribution.  Such is true for us and how God wants to use each of us to spread His spiritual nurturing through us right where we are.

Father God, thank You for this time.  Snow may slow us down or keep us indoors but even then, You still have a divine plan.  Help us to not waste this time of being hindered in our activity.  May we take some seemingly idle time to spend with You that we might serve and grow in You.  In Jesus' precious name...Amen

FEAR NOT

For God hath not given us

the spirit of fear, but of power,

and of love, and of a sound

mind.

II Timothy 1:7

Our culture today is soaked in fear.  In my years of life and in looking back over most of 87 years I can remember, these days are riddled with fear.  It is fed to us on an almost daily basis.  In my younger days, we didn't have all of the media influences we have now.  

We've always known war of some sort.  We can recall any number of military events our country has been involved in.  Right now, the war we're coming to know is not military as it was then.  The wars we face now are and will always be an issue because we don't stop to think that Satan is the author and encourager of fear.   The fear he doles out isn't necessarily military.

Lately, we are seeing war in the streets of some kind in our major cities.  Rioters are being paid to do just that...riot and cause mass disorder.  It's hard to watch on newscasts all of the turmoil that seemingly can't be controlled.  That's a big example of the fearmongering that is going on.

It's also interesting, coming down to some very simple examples, the fear we are faced with just in advertisements on our computers or TV screens.  Advertisements used to be informative even though they were still irritating.  However, many ads now have to have an added message to them...a message of fear.  The message is if you purchase a particular thing be it food, medicines or even cars, you are in the depths of danger.  We are cautioned of eating or drinking various products that have been found dangerous but all will be well if we purchase the advertisers product.  Medical products are advertised using fear tactics be it aspirin or support socks.  We are bombarded with fear.

Again, Satan is on the job, full time.  He wants us to live in fear because he knows how from just a little seed of fear, it will grow, crippling us in so many ways.  If we become fearful because of things we see or read, fear can become very entrenched in our lives.  God wants to be our peace.  He can outdo Satan on any level if we let Him do that.  Satan gives fear while God gives power, love and sanity.  I'll take what God has to offer any old day.

Dear Father God, help me to stay focused on You knowing what an encourager in truth You are.  You'll never lie to us or lead us into the depths of fear.  May we cling to the promises of Your Word that assures us of Your presence and love.  In Jesus' precious name...Amen

 

IT'S MY CHOICE

With days having to do with a new year, I have been thinking back to choices, some made by me and some by others that perhaps affected me.  Most choices of any import will not only affect the chooser but also have effects on those around the chooser.

Looking back, I've like others have made good choices and some not so good.  Our choices begin when very young, when such don't have much effect on others.  I remember the day I decided to out in our backyard to our coal shed.  I love the smell of coal and it was black and shiney.  Why not...so I took a bite.  It wasn't bad at all but when my mother caught me doing it, I found my choice had not been a good one.

I've been thinking lately of some choices made by folks in the Bible that had varied results.  Eve hose to eat fruit that was forbidden, Moses to chose to follow God's bidding and lead his people.  I think of Daniel and his three friends who chose to not eat or drink for a time of the king's provision.  Also in my mind were four fishermen who chose to become fishers of men.  Saul, who wanted to eradicate Christians off the earth's surface, had a confrontation with Jesus one day and he chose a different way.  Jesus in His humanity asked if the oncoming cup could pass from Him.  Jesus knew what was ahead and it was a far more dreadful thing to contemplate than you and I can imagine.   Then Jesus chose in a huge way:  "Nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done."  No choice was ever so great as in that moment.  Jesus chose the cross.

In our spiritual walk, it seems so little to choose Jesus compared to the choice He made on our behalf.  My choices are simple compared to His:  reading my Bible today, supporting my church financially, being a person of prayer, speaking for Jesus at every opportunity and being available to love and serve as my Father would want of me. 

For all of us, the greatest choice we ever made was to choose Jesus as our Savior.  We've made more choices than we can count or remember but this particular one is by far the most important.  With that choice Jesus made on our behalf, our choice seems so little but Jesus knew what He was doing.  In that process, He chose me.

There's no way to thank You Father for loving me so much You would send Your Son do died for me and all mankind.  Help me to make the choices in my life that will honor and glorify You.  In Your Son Jesus' precious name...Amen

 

NEVER  ALONE    

  It was my first spiritual retreat at the Christian college I attended that I had so much anticipated.  There were probably 100 students attending this special weekend time away from the campus with special music and inspirational speakers.  However, one afternoon, I found myself sitting alone in the dining area, no one around me and my feeling very alone.  One of our leaders spotted me and approached me as to if I was feeling okay.  I told him that for some reason, I was feeling very alone.  He gave me every Scriptural reason for the fact that such can really never be.

All of us at times can get the loneliness feelings and may even wonder where they came from.  We can be in a large crowd whether it's with people we know well or don't know at all and still feel very much by ourselves.  For we who are God's kids, those are times to take hold of our Bibles and review some promises, like:

**

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

**

I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

**

Such precious promises are scattered through all of Scripture and we can claim them any time Satan or circumstances seem to be nagging at our spirits.  We should never feel lonely as believers and that's a fact spiritually speaking.  There are times when our human feelings rise to the surface and in those times, heading for our Bibles isn't a bad idea.  We used to sing the old hymn that says we're never alone for God has promised to never leave us, never alone.  Add our Father and His Word to our humanity, and we'll be okay.  Amen and amen.

Father God, I thank You for how You step into my life when I go through times of feeling very much alone.  I pray right now for some friends who are going through such a time that they will know and sense Your presence in a real and wonderful way....in Jesus' precious name...Amen

 

WHAT'S NEXT

But you must continue in the things

which you have learned and been

assured of, knowing from whom you

have learned them,

and that from childhood you have

known the Holy Scriptures,  

which are able to make you wise

for salvation through faith which

is in Jesus Christ.

II Timothy 3:14,15

Time is a funny thing.  We live in every moment of it and rarely give it any attention.  About the only time we really notice time is when looking at our seasons, being late 

for an appointment, leaving on a long awaited trip or even supper ready when the family usually sits down to eat.  Time is important in music.  There isn't a piece of music worth anything if time is disregarded.  It just becomes a page full of notes that can't be interpreted in any way.  

We all use time in different ways.  The most important though are those times we inhale and exhale.  That's a vital part of time that we keep on breathing.  Our bodies have a way of letting us know some things about time.  When a child, there is the desire to grow taller, and mature physically and every other way.  However in those days, we don't consider that growing process through time brings us to where we find ourselves to be aging parents and grandparents.  Time is wonderful for the human body but for some of us who have used up alot of time, it shows in the form of wrinkles, bifocals, slow in step, pain in the joints....it all and more goes with the territory.

Time, however, in spiritual terms can take on a different look.  Spiritual growth depends on each individual child of God.  It doesn't necessarily mean that when a Christian has been a child of God for twenty five years, that they are spiritually mature in that scope of years.  We all have had friends and family members who have known Christ as Savior since childhood but who haven't matured much beyond that in spiritual years.

In facing a new year, i can't help but look back at the last fifty two weeks and wonder if I have grown in the Lord as I should have.  This kind of growth is very personal...we can't ride on the spiritual coat tails of others.  Do I know Jesus better, love Him more, serve Him faithfully and live to bring Him honor and glory on a daily basis?  There's always more to be done, but I pray I will be more aware of the importance of time in everyday living, to make the most and best of it with my Heavenly Father at the helm of my life.  If we aim for spiritual growth in coming days, time will tell and God will be glorified.

I thank You Father for the time You have given me to enjoy so many phases of life.  Best of all is having You in my life 24/7.  May I make good use of whatever time You choose to give me in days to come.  I want You honored and glorified in my life, no matter the time.  I so love You in it all....in Jesus' name....Amen

 

BY FAITH    

Now faith is the substance

of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Not too long after Brian and I were married, I learned I would have a special assignment the rest of our married lives.  Anytime we had reason to take a trip beyond the comfort of where we lived that might even take us away over night,

my job was to have a road atlas on my lap.  It made no difference if I already knew the way or even if he did, that atlas had to be handy.  I didn't mind too much as I've always been fascinated with maps but still I would be asked frequently how soon

we would need to turn or stop. 

I've been reading this week in Hebrews and especially over the last couple of days in chapter 11.  That's where we see the listing of the Old Testament saints, some by name and others not.  You may call me unobservant, as there has been something I've been prompted to think about.  I would include the entire list, but in short we see:

By faith Noah...

By faith Abraham...

By faith, by faith, by faith with other names mentioned.

So what?...you might ask.  Well, I think I've had a bit of that kind of attitude when I've viewed these folks of faith that are mentioned.  We can almost dismiss each person's experience because we know how things turned out for each one.  We read about their lives and feel we know the results as to what happened.  They had no idea at the time what was coming in their futures.

There are times in our own lives we want to know what's coming.  When we think like that, it's not faith.  There's no hope in knowing the outcome of coming events.  Noah built an ark.  Noah didn't even know what rain was, let alone a flood, but he put His faith in God and kept sawing and hammering despite what the crowds of people might have said.

Abraham was such a man of faith.  Yes, at times he asked questions regarding but put His faith and life in the hands of God, never imagining all God had in store.  He was called to pick up and move when older in age, father a child in old age, asked to sacrifice his only son with no coming previews of his life.  God faithfully provided a substitute at that time.  Looking back at Abraham's life, we see a grand result of there being multitudes that would populate the earth because of his faithfulness.

As people of faith, God may lead and direct in ways we can't imagine.  He may do that through events in our lives both positive and negative.  Our job is to place our hope through faith in Him.  He never makes a mistake and we can trust His bidding.

Father, thank You for Your leading in our lives.  We may not understand Your calling at times, but we know You will always have our best interst in mind as You lead.  Increase our faith and, thus, may You find us faithful.  In Jesus name....Amen

 

FLOODS HURT

Save me, O God for the waters

have come up to my neck,

Psalm 69:1

I have never been on the receiving end of a weather-type flood.  When young, we would often  drive to the very end of our state to observe the Mississippi River that was flooding at the time and causing great damage, but we stayed safely on a high road.

We could ask Noah about what living through a flood is like.  Prior to the flood, he hadn't even known what rain was but in cooperation with God was saved on an ark Noah had built.  The ark saved his family and choice animals...all humans and animals to replenish the earth.

In a year or so, many folks in the eastern part of our state and surrounding states, came to know quickly of what damage and heartach flooding waters can cause.  Most floods come as a surprise, something out of nowhere. This flooding came from the after effects of a hurricane that had hit Florida.  The flooding was an extension of that hurricane.  Many fled to high ground for safety.  Some folks could only go to their roofs hoping for rescue.  The moving waters were ferocious,  destroying bridges, uprooting trees and carrying homes and businesses to total destruction.

Yep, I've never heard of a storm, that from a human standpoint, seemed to be of any good use.  One thing such floods cause in the normal person is a sense of panic and feeling they've lost all control in their lives.  Hopelessness in the heart can seem to set in quickly.

David's flood was different.  He was king but on two occasions in his life, he had to flee for his life.  Saul was first after David to kill him and then of all things, Absolom his son wanted him dead.  Emotionally and spiritually, David felt not just swamped but felt himself in a flood of despair and need.  You see, floods aren't always just made up of rushing, destructive water.  Emotional floods can cause that same sense of hopelessness and loss as a physical flood.

Psalm 69 is a wonderful Psalm that was written by David when he felt totally overcome.  He knew the only answer was crying out to God in those moments of sinking.  God would be David's life, comfort and direction in those floods he couldn't humanly control or understand.

The same is true for you in me in days when we feel hit by everything but a Semi truck.  When in a time of utter despair, whatever the flood in our lives, Psalm 69 is a prayer we can pray to our Father when we can't seem to even put a sentence together.  This is a longer Psalm but so well balanced in attitude and help.  If you are facing any kind of flood right now, and it can happen in the holiday times, join David in prayer.  God heard him....but God hears us as well.

Father, You know when our hearts are breaking and when we see no solutions near.  We are so grateful that in these times, You have answers and comfort.  Help us to rest in You in our times of feeling so overwhelmed by human flooding.  Thank You for Jesus...and in His name we pray.   Amen

A

  ABUNDANT PURPOSE

The thief does not come except to

steal, and to kill and to destroy.

I have come that they may have

life, and that they may have it 

more abundantly.

John 10:10

Any couple who has welcomed their first baby into the world has big dreams for that child.  For some time, they concentrate very much on baby ways....cuteness, growth, cooing just right and even maybe some future dreams for that baby.  There isn't much to go on when there isn't alot about that baby parents know regarding personality, talents, education capabilities, etc.  

I say those things because amid the special excitement Mary and Joseph must have felt with their coming Baby, I'm sure they dreamed dreams for Him like any parents would.  They were well aware their situation was different from others, but when Jesus was born, in those moments, he was a flesh and blood Baby.  When He was born He had the very same needs any baby would have.  He had to be cared for like any baby.  We celebrate this special Baby this time of year and rightly so.  His parents didn't know ahead of time what we have come to know about Jesus.  We've been able to see Him an adult, in the Word.

 That sweet Baby was to have quite a future.  God knew all about it and I'm sure Jesus did in His early years.  As a mom myself, I wish I could have known more about His growing up years.  We mom's are interested in things like that.  We just know He came to adulthood with an earthly, yet Heavenly, purpose.

Even during this Christmas season, I've been reviewing in my mind some of Jesus'

statements of purpose in His life.  Down through time, His purpose became our salvation and full life.  Jesus was quick to tell people who He was and used great examples in getting His purpose across to others in terms any of us can appreciate.

 I love the above verse as Jesus spoke of some of the dregs of society and even considering them and their low lives, He made clear how He had come for them.  The verse prior to the above one, Jesus begins by saying simply that "I am the door."  We can read a series of I AM'S Jesus stated during His ministry, all lindicating what He intended to be in the lives of others...door, shepherd, vine, way, truth, life, etc.  I guess what I'm saying is while I love this time of year...and there had to be an earthly beginning...He came with such purpose.  In it all, He became and is our Savior, our present in abundance and our future with Himself.

It was a Silent Night, Holy Night, but thankfully there is another song we sing now  ...Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

Father, thank You for Your precious gift of Jesus.  We can't imagine this gift from a Father's heart to a sin occupied world.  We can't thank You enough for loving us

that much and for Your love extended in and through Jesus who gave Himself for each of us.  Praying in that precious name, Jesus....Amen