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 

 

POST THANKSGIVING

Oh, give thanks to the LORD,

for He is good!  For His

mercy endures forever.

I Chronicles 16:34

Sitting here in my comfy chair in the corner of my livingroom, I'm recalling a scene in my house this last holiday Thursday.  I saw children of varying ages playing in and outside, coming and going with usual activity.  In the kitchen area around the table were adults, young to me because three of them are my children.  Their spouses were there along with a few others.  They were talking and laughijng, enjoying one anothers company.  My first thought was about Brian not being here and if he were, would be as observant as I was.  What a joy to witness it all.

Everyone has gone to their homes.  I have some leftovers in the freezer I hope to enjoy in some upcoming days.  The house is quiet and I must admit, I love the quiet but so enjoyed the activity.  I've always loved Thanksgiving as a holiday, but at the same time find myself wondering why it takes a holiday to emphasize a spirit of gratitude.  Even that gratitude can get lost in the food, football games and other activities on a specified holiday.

I did one of my acrostics that I think can apply to us everyday, not just on one day.

T-ake...H-eart...A-nd...N-otice...K-indness...F-rom...U-nusual...L-ocales.      Perhaps it would benefit us to pay more attention to daily blessings God so abundantly pours into our lives on a daily basis, often coming to us in unusual ways.

We may not have the usual trappings of the holiday...day off from work, sweet aromas coming from ovens, families enjoying each other's company, but why can't everyday be days of gratitude and thankfulness?  These post days, perhaps we need to add two words to our daily vocabulary and use them frequently...THANK YOU.  Our first big thank you on a daily basis should be to our Heavenly Father; then extending honest thank you's to those we meet and greet on a daily basis.  In it all, no turkey and dressing is required.

A BIG THANK YOU,  Heavenly Father, for Your goodness in our lives...a goodness not one of us deserves.  You've given so much and we so little but we love You and want to love You even more.  Help us to have an attitude of gratitude everyday we live....in Jesus' precious name....Amen 

BIBLE   PRESERVERS 

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that

I might not sin against Thee.

Psalm 119:11

Off and on through the years, I have encouraged ladies I have taught either in Sunday school or in Bible study groups to have at hand (in the memory) specific Bible verses that can be of encouragement, especially in times of stress or difficulties.  Such verses can be of such help and support in times we may not have our Bibles near at hand.

Such verses are going to be different for all of us as our experience with God's Word will be different.  These verses chosen are usually those we have been blessed by in special ways or events.  Some such verses may not even be memorized but verses we go to in our Bibles, verses that are probably underlined.

Any verses we can readily recall in normal times, may not be quick coming to mind in times of difficulty.  That's why I've suggested listing such verses by address somewhere in the front of a Bible that would be quicker to find.  When I have a Bible at hand, I READ the verse I'm hanging on to in the moment.  That verse may be stuck firmly in my mind, but I find as much as possible to read the words slowly.  I usually get some new insight into the message of the verse depending on where I am in the moment...a moment of stress of some kind.

We underestimate the power found in the Word of God.  It is so practical in so many ways.  It isn't a book to be carried to church and then to rest on a coffee table the rest of the week.  Through the Word and often in private, still learn, are encouraged and yes, can be physically strenghtened.  Our Father loves being our father, influincing our lives for His glory in so many ways.

This comes down to what the Bible, God's Word, means to us on a very personal level.  We have a wonderful pastor who faithfully preaches the Word.  You may have a really good Sunday school or Bible study leader.  Guess what?  They faithfully preach or teach and both are sources of growth, but God wants to teach us one on one.  A part of that teaching, God through His Spirit, loves one on one contact with us.  He wants us to see the reverence for His Word, but also wants His Word to be a practical help and encouragement day to day. 

 Those verse preservers can mean having a closer dependence on our Heavenly Father.  They can also be encouragement in the good times as well.  When such a verse comes to mind, that's the Spirit...chew on that verse for awhile, getting all the richness out of it as possible.  May we take a fresh look at our Bibles that aren't meant for just Sunday but for everyday.

Dear Father, may we realize how very much You want to minister to us through Your Word no matter our circumstances.  Thank You for what it means to us, providing wonderful times with You we so desperately need.   In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

 

LIKE A TREE

He shall be like a tree planted

by the rivers of water,

that brings forth its fruit

in it's season, whose

leaf also shall not wither;

and whatever he does 

shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3

Can't help but notice that our trees are looking pretty bare right now.  There is still some color on the mountain sides but down here at earth level, trees are looking pretty bare.  The above Scripture has always been such a blessing as I've always had a special love for trees.  

In Scripture, trees are of some note.  Jesus once told a short man to come down out of a tree as he had climbed up just to see Jesus.  We are often compared to trees when it comes to their fruitfulness and strength.  The other day, I came across a nice little notice I had cut out and put in my Bible that is still a blessing.  It reads:

Concerning Trees And Us...

Have deep roots,

Be flexible,

Keep growing on the inside,

Bloom often,

Show your colors,

Point your trunk upward,

Raise your limbs to heaven,

And bring forth good fruit,

as long as you live.

Seasons may come and go in our lives, but spiritually, we never have permission to lose our beautiful colors, our strength, our fruitfulness and our blossoming for our Father.  The seasons of our lives may change but spiritual strength must not ebb but be consistent no matter the days, circumstances or times.  God is God in every moment of our lives to encourage and bless us along our way.  

Things may look pretty bare right now, but trees are just rejuvinating inside and in their own way.  New outer life, we enjoy looking at as the trees again take on lovely shades of green, is just around the corner.  May you and I bear the loveliness of Christ in ourselves no matter the time of year or circumstances that might come our way.  Let's keep growing...and leafing.

Dear Father, You are the master creator of all things.  You so long for us to want to grow in Yourself, to blossom and bear fruit for Your glory.  May we have that desire for ourselves as well.  In Jesus' dear name...Amen

 

A Sweet Pillar

Precious  in the sight of the Lord,

is the death of His saints.

Psalm 116:15

It's been awhile since I have played the piano for a funeral, but did this week in honor of a dear lady I met when Brian and I first moved to this precious place.  We joined the Baptist church then as it had been our vacation church for years.  We didn't hesitate.  We loved the preacher, his wife and so many dear folks who were members.  It didn't take long until the pastor asked me to teach a ladies class and then the need for a pianist came up and I became the pianist.

I had first noticed the really nice Hammond organ in the church.  I have loved that brand and still do.  I had played one off and on in other places but didn't talk about that.  The church already had an organist...LaVerne.  She and her family still are  such a huge part of our town's history.  LaVerne was a single lady, very educated and lived down the road from the church.  She always had a smile and sweet spirit.

Our church was all LaVerne had known.  Her family had been such a part in it's building along with adding a lovely cemetery right next to the church.  In our time at the church, I don't recall her missing a single service.  The last few years have been especially difficult for her health-wise so she's not been able for some time to play the instrument she has loved so dearly.  I have heard it's the organ her father gave to the church.

LaVerne went to Heaven just days ago.  She had been ill for sometime and her homegoing didn't come as a surprise.  Her funeral was just a day ago and I was honored to be the pianist for that service.  However, our former pastor preached the funeral and what he said was so significant regarding her life.  He used the theme of a PILLAR,  explaining what they are and the need for them.  LaVerne was every bit one of the pillars in that church, a pillar that could be counted on by her loyalty, service, generosity...all  because of her love for the Lord.

Pillars aren't very often noticed when they are supports for a building but what they do is vital to the safety of a building and those inside.  I asked myself if I can be counted on as much as LaVerne was in her love and service.  Our churches need pillars like her and hope the Lord is finding you and me that faithful and more.

Father, I don't mean to honor LaVerne more than You but it's been You working in her all these years.  May we too be determined to be folks of faithful service, not for show but because of our love and gratitude for You.  In Jesus name....Amen

SCARS OF LIFE

And being found in appearance

as a man, He humbled Himself

and became obedient to the

the point of death, even the death

of the cross.

Philippians 2:8

 We all have them...scars accumulated from our various ups and downs of life.  They say with age, physical scars tend to fade or disappear, but I can still make out a few from time past.  Some folks bear physical scars with some real damage that was done to them perhaps through a car accident or even through serious burns.  Some scars are barely visible but some much more obvious.

Some of our scars bring back some very negative feelings.  Some scars may even bring a bit of a smile when we think of some scar experiences.  Such physical wounding results depend on each individual.

There are some scars that aren't visible and can't be seen because they are inside of us.  Terrible events in our lives can leave one emotionally damaged.  That damage isn't easily recognized by the outside world or even by the person who bears them.  They may have come through tragic events or through hurts that are too hard to think about.

Scars are handled differently by those who bear them.  Some folks require some special counseling, and some with special time spent with the Lord.  You see, Jesus knows a whole lot about scars, scars He didn't deserve in any way.  He went through an execution meant for the worst of the worst, despite His total innocence.  We hear about His nail-scarred hands but the other scars left on His precious body couldn't be counted.

Our scars come from everyday living and general circumstances of life.  His scars weren't just physical, the also reached to the depths of His very being.  His scars didn't come from a fall or even a work related accident.  His scars came about because of you and me.  The physical and emotional pain can't be calculated but what of the pain of bearing alone the sins of the world.  Now that's some very serious scarring...for you, for me...which makes our scars look very small in comparison.

Father, thank You for helping us bear the scars life has presented to us but thank You even more for Jesus, Who took on scars for us we can't begin to comprehend or appreciate.  Thank You Jesus...Amen

WHO'S YOUR DONKEY?

I will instruct you and

teach you in the way you

should go; I will guide you

with My eye.

Psalm 32:8

There were probably many Sunday schools who use the same materials who had a recent lesson in Numbers telling of Balaam and his donkey.  For years, I didn't pay much attention to the incident, but it really had a huge impact on me with now teaching it. 

 Simply, I'll review the bulk of the incident.  The king of Moab called for a medium by the name of Balaam from a distant city.  Balaam began the trip riding on a donkey that had been his for years.  However, on this trip, his donkey's bahavior was curious and suspect.

Three times, Balaams donkey misbehaved in such a way as to interrupt the trip for Balaam.  Three times the donkey avoided something only it could see...the angel of the Lord in the roadway with sword drawn.  That angel was there to make sure Balaam didn't get to achieve his task...that of putting a curse on God's people who were in route to the Promised Lane.

After it was beaten on three times, God gave the donkey a voice and God also got into the conversation.  Something I had never noticed in this incident was that the donkey saw the danger, but it was invisible to Balaam.  The donkey, by God's leading, had actually saved the life of it's master.  Through this event, Balaam came to yield himself to God.

When finished, I asked my ladies, "Who's your donkey?"  You see, we have all had one or more through the years.  It's a person who can often see things ahead of us we don't discern.  It can be any incident of life where God may use others to lovingly give us a caution regarding  a risky decision we are about to make.  At those times, God may have given a friend some insight we need to hear and perhaps heed.  You may have been one of those donkey's in time past, speaking with love and caution to another person.  Most of us have been on both sides at one time or another.

Sooooo....who's your donkey?

Father I thank You for those folks you have impressed to be honest with me regarding a questionable decision I may be considering.  You work in so many wonderful ways to love and guide us, even at times in unusual ways.  Thank You for those who have cared enough to speak up.  In Jesus' precious name....Amen.

 

GOOD CHEER    

These things I have spoken

to you, that in Me you may

have peace.  In the world

you will have tribulation; 

but be of good cheer, I

have overcome the world.

John 16:33

It wasn't until my college days that I learned about being of good cheer.  I always thought such a statement was reserved for Christmas greetings.  The above verse somehow didn't dawn on me that the thing of good cheer is for every day of the year.

I had a friend who just about drove me crazy telling me more than I wanted to hear for me to be of good cheer.  I had left home to go to a distant Christian college where I knew no one.  I must say that I wouldn't have considered my life to be one of good cheer.  I wasn't real clear on what cheer even was.  The main use of that word only reminded me of friends who had been cheer-leaders in past school days.  During an athletic event, they were loud with the message of loyalty to our school and always had a huge smile.  I don't think I ever saw a cheerleader at a game with a frown on their faces.

Still, my friend often during a week would admonish me to be of good cheer.  The hint for him was that I wasn't (and still not) a big smiler.  That's a big indicator.  He meant well, but it wasn't the encouragement I needed.

Such encouragement eventually came my way as I became more acquainted with the above verse.  The cheer spoken of isn't a cheer where someone goes around giggling through their faith.  Cheer is something much more in depth...cheer has a source and that Source is Jesus.  With Jesus, cheer is more a deep happiness based on the peace we have in Him.

Jesus said Himself that the things He spoke had real purpose, one of those being a peace that goes far beyond understanding.  Through that peace, comes almost in a natural way, a spirit of cheer.  Jesus stressed our cheer based in Him would be good.  Entertainment may give us a brief time of happiness, but cheer for the Christian is meant to be ongoing despite the ups and downs of life.  That kind of cheer has only one source, that being Jesus Himself.  So dear friend, BE OF GOOD CHEER.

Father, You do work Your will in so many ways.  Something like cheer may seem like a small thing but all You do in our lives is BIG and with purpose.  Thank You for Your using and loving us, especially through Jesus, and in that precious name I pray....Amen

BEE IN YOUR BONNET

Make no friendship with an angry man,

and with a furious man do not go.

Proverbs 22:24

It's a saying I used to hear "old folks" say when I was a little girl.  If someone was upset or really angry, it wasn't unusual to hear someone say that whoever it was had a bee in their bonnet.

It's amazing but in my growing up days, I can't recall witnessing alot of anger in people.  There were concerns regarding WW II and then even into the Korean War days that seemed to occupy people's minds.  I'm sure there were frustrations and insecurities in peoples lives, but one rarely saw anyone "fly off the handle."  It there was alot of frustration in lives, indications of anger were usually kept at a low.

If I were to describe our culture today, it would have to somewhere have the word ANGER in it.  People are even being paid to be angry taking it to the streets of various cities.  However, most angry folks don't have to be paid for their personal anger outbursts.

The above Scripture gives us a caution regarding our associations with angry people.  It's easy to take up the cause of an angry friend, thus, it's best to stay away from people who seem to live and delight in being angry.  Anger can be catching and destructive, and before we know it, we can be caught up in someone else's anger to the detriment of our own more calm leanings.

We must not allow the anger of our culture to take over our lives.  God is an amazing healer even in the area of our emotions.  Like other emotions that may entangle our lives, He always knows what to do and how to love us through it all...

Father God, I thank You that I can come to you no matter where I am emotionally.  Despite my ups and downs at times, I'm  so grateful for comfort and assurances of Your Holy Spirit.  I pray I will be more a person of love and forgiveness even if others don't seem to deserve it.  In Jesus' name....Amen

  

LIFE IN THE BUILDING

 Or do you not know that your

body is the temple of the Holy

Spirit, who isin you, and

whom you have from God, and

you are not your own.

I Corinthians 6:19

With job changes, moves and all, Brian and I had the privilege of being members of more than a few churches.  In thinking back to the various worship centers we sat in for services and even special events, all were different in size and even decor.  Each large auditorium had it's own personality, depending often on the geographical area of it's location.

Each of the auditoriums we were privileged to be in, however, had just about the same things as any other worship center one might visit.  These auditoriums have pews, carpeting, nice light fixtures, and usually windows of various sizes.  The platform is usually a little higher than the main floor upon where there might be chairs and a pulpit.  Many churches in our day have given up on pulpits.  Pastors like to prance around with a computer in hand while trying to get at least one spiritual pinciple over to the people.  Most churches still have a choir section although in many places, choirs aren't THE thing anymore.  Usually a piano is present and maybe an organ.  Other instruments may be seen on or near the platform.  Some facilities are more ornate than others but all are supposed to serve the same purpose.

Let me say that no matter how lovely and even ornate, that huge room sits hour after hour in dimness or darkness, nothing happening and as dead inside as anyone's clothes closet.  There it sits, nothing happening.....UNTIL...

the temples begin to arrive.  Yes, that's we believers bearing IN us the Holy Spirit of God.  In Old testament days, God's Spirit resided in a wilderness tabernacle or a beautiful temple of Solomon's building.  Our New Testament temples are soooo much better.  Nothing can light up and warm up a church auditorium like the arrival of temple after temple, with the warmth, love, chatter, laughter along with a good number of hugs.  God in unique form, in those moments, has arrived and hopefully, we are ready to be blessed in abundance.

So from one temple to another....see ya Sunday.

Thank You Father for the honor of our having Your Holy Spirit in we believers.  May we be aware of the honor and yes, responsibility of being Your temple.  In Jesus' precious name....Amen

NOT AGAIN

How beautiful are the feet of

 those who preach the gospel

of peace, who bring glad tidings

of good things.

Romans 10:15

It's been a tough week in our country.  One week ago today, life was pretty normal for people, if we can define NORMAL anymore.  We went about our daily business with few  questions about anything.  It's amazing the ways we can be yanked out of what we consider to be our norms.  A young man, Charlie Kirk was assisinated before a crowd of young people on a college campus.  Such a setting wasn't new to Charlie.  He has been talking to and encouraging college-age young people for some years with a listening ear and a strong message of faith.

At my age, my mind drifted back to other times.  I was working in a Christian center in a very needy area.  One day, I was called from my apartment in the center to the one and only TV we had in the building.  President Kennedy had been killed by a sniper.  The feeling was daunting and breath taking.  Little did I know then that I would also see assasinations or attempted ones times over:  Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King, President Kennedy and then his brother Bobby.  

Evil doesn't need a reason for what it does through it's followers.  Reasons for such behavior  is often impossible to explain....politics, race, money, influence, etc.  In these years, it's been heartbreaking to see how evil has multiplied in so many areas of our culture.  

The culture I live in now is so incredibly filled with a darkness it's hard to make our way through.  Few of Satan's tactics have changed.  Humanity has just given him more permissin to do his own thing.  The saving grace in all of this is Jesus.  He was Charlie's main message delivered wherever he went, without hesitation.  Folks will debate why this happened to this young man.  He wasn't a threat socially or politically.  He WAS a voice for the Lord He loved and wanted others to know His Savior.  Even much of the culture we live in today, doesn't want to hear that message.  An evil culture is much more threatened by Charlie's life message that was getting through to a young generation and it had to be snuffed out.

Charlie's voice is silenced physically but will still be heard.  What about the rest of us?  How bold are we in speaking of our love for Jesus when given the opportunity or when not.  What is our personal responsibility to speak the name of Jesus boldly.  I have as much responsibility to speak of my Lord to others as any young person. May we feel it a privilege to speak of Jesus whether in the presence of friend or foe.  We all have that blessed privilege.  Thanks Charlie for your encouragement.

Father, give us a boldness in these days to stand for You, speaking Your name often.  Thank You for the message that backs up Your name.  Thank You for Charlie's life and influence.  May we be willing to be used by and for You at every opportunity.  In that precious name, Jesus....Amen

KEEP RUNNIN'

Therefore, we also, since we e

surrounded by so great a cloud of 

witnesses, let us lay aside every

weight, and the sin which so

easily ensnares us, and let us

run with endurance the race that 

is set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

My Sunday school lesson was wrapped up for Sunday.  It is the first of a new series on the Israelites heading out for the Promised Land.  It was timely.  I had noticed posted signs in our neighborhood regarding a half marathon race that was going to be happening.  The participants were to run passing my front porch. I hadn't witnessed such a thing but thought I would sit on the porch and watch the spectacle.

 I'm not sure where the race started because many racers looked like they had been running for awhile.  The interesting thing for me was in seeing the variety of racers.  Some I was concerned about racing because they looked like they should have been on a front porch like me.

The variety of racers  was a good example  of common ordinary American citizens.  The youngest racer I figure to be in first grade.  Her daddy was right there with her.  There were others who were younger.  They were in strollers on riding on their dad's shoulders.  The oldest racer I would guess to be around 70 years of age.  There were very few of those.  Some racers were in good shape, looking like exercise was a part of their lives.  A few even seemed to be on the professional side of running.  Most were just average folks.  Some looked like they were wondering what they had gotten themselves into.  There was obesity represented that caused concern.  Three ladies, good friends were dressed alike in their pink ballerina outfits with decent length skirts.

Some folks ran, some walked apace while others shuffled for a time.  Many stopped to bend over.  I was surprised at the number of folks who ran while doing something on their cell phones.  That's pitiful but it's their thing, not mine.

I doubt very seriously the Israelites were a part of such a spectacle.  They and our racers had a few things in common...they were  headed for the finish line while maintaining life in the meanwhile.  Along with the is always the need for God's direction in lives.  As God directed His people back then, so is His desire to do the same in our day.  We don't have to be just running or walking though life.  He wants to direct us every step of the way.

Father, we are so blessed knowing You are always with us every step of our lives.  You desire our obedience in this life.  May we realize that our race in this life can be even more fulfilling with Your hand of love and leadership in our every day of earthly life.  In Jesus name....Amen

Death Scares

For me, to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

I have been amazed in recent days, ads or words of advice regarding the coming death of older citizens.  I've seen two articles, each predicting the death of an oldler person that could be coming within a year or less. These articles appeared on commercial advertisements.   When I first saw these articles, I knew right away that God didn't have anything to do with them. 

One article gave five indicators to watch for and the other listed six things.  Both were very similar in content.  In viewing these lists, many of the predictions or conditions can be found in most adults of any age but it's all coming at we older folks.

Death, we know, is something we all face unless Jesus returns soon.  I view many of my acquaintences who have long gone over the DEADline or expectancy of three score and ten years the Bibe mentions.  I recall when in grade school, ladies of age in my church who didn't have much time left, if you know what I mean.  Most were 65 to early 70's in age and weren't expected to be with us much longer.

I have noticed that such ads have also been intended to frighten anyone who views them on their computers of television sets.  Various medications are presented in threatening ways...we better order them or trouble is ahead.  Such thngs are often pushed by well-known healty-looking people  of some fame.  Such meds or even types of equipment are pushed to the point of being rediculous.  We can watch and hear such things only so long until we may begin to bite on it all.

Bottom line is that God is totally in charge of when I will meet Him in a very personal way.  I realize I need to take care of myself and be as healthy as I can be.  I also realize that God is still in charge of your life and mine.  We may take some meds prescribed by a doctor but I've never had a doctor do that in a threatening way.

I love the above verse.  Sometimes it might be a little hard to accept but it's a fact.  Paul enjoyed living for Jesus while here on earth, but also saw all the benefits of getting to be with the Lord looking toward Heaven.  Let's remember that God is still in charge of our lives and knows what He's doing all the time.  He is the all-knowing One we can listen to and trust in, no matter what the advertisers say.

Father God, I so thank You that I can rely on Your wisdom regarding my future.  As long as You want me on the earth, may I serve and love You faithfully.  I pray for Your strengthening right now and praise You for Your goodness and care.  In Jesus' precious name...Amen

 

HE WALKS AND TALKS WITH ME

Teach me Your way, O LORD;

I will walk in Your truth;

unite my heart to fear Your name.

Psalm 86:11

 When just a very little girl, I always sat with my Mother in church.  She didn't sing like most people as I came to know that she sang alto.  However, with everyone else singing, I sang soprono with most of the others.  The very first hymn I ever learned by heart was IN THE GARDEN.  I first memorized the chorus and to this day, I can find myself humming the melody of that precious song.

The chorus had a special beat to it from my young standpoint.  It was almost like one could sway, arms flying as if moving in the wind.  The chorus says:

And He walks with me

And He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own.

And the joy we share, as

we tarry there,

None other, has ever, known.

It might be hard for folks to think of me as being immaginative but it would be true.  Early one sunrising morning, this chorus really brought all of that out in my almost four year old body.  

 Mr. Prock owned our corner grocery store.  He and his wife lived across the street, about four doors down.  No one was stirring in our house so early in the morning with pajamas on as well as my house slippers, I left the house to go down to the Prock's house.  You see, they had the most beautiful flower garden you could have ever seen.  It had no fence and a part of it came right up to the sidewalk.

I walked into their garden and with a flurry of emotion and song, moved about the small paths of the garden singing my favorite chorus.  Mrs. Prock heard me and came outside to see what I was doing.  I really think she had been watching because she had called my Mother.  Mother came and saw me in my dew-dampened pajamas and soaked house slippers.  She reprimanded me for such an outburst but I think I detected a slight look of humor on her fact.

I still love that hymn, because it speaks so well of our relationship with the Lord....the privilege of walking and talking to us, assuring us of His presence at all times.  The joy comes when we tarry with Him every time we have an opportunity.  We don't have invade anyone's garden.  With Jesus, every place can seem like a beautiful garden.  He will always walk and talk with us no matter where we are.

Thank You Father for sweet memories, especially spiritual outings with You.  Help us to really enjoy special times with You, unplanned and enjoyable...a rejoicing time.  In Jesus....Amen

PRECIOUS HANDS

My Father, who has given them

to Me, is greater than all:  and

no one can snatch them out of

My Father's hand.

John 10:29

In some recent days, there was something that came to my attention I hadn't given much thought to.   I had worn a ring on my right hand for some time that I really paid little attention to.  All of a sudden, I had an episode with that ring on my finger.  One morning I was awakened with some pretty terrific pain on that hand.  I struggled to get the ring off but with all the swelling, it wouldn't budge.  I went to my neighbor to see if he could sever the band in some way, releasing the ring which he did.  For a few days, I still felt the pain that hindered me in any number of ways in using it.

I have thought since the recovery of the hand, about our bodies, so wonderfully created by God.  Most of our bodies we never give a thought to such as:  swallowing, eye blinking, breathing, hair growing, toes that assist with our walking, joints that bend and the myriad of things our hands do at our bidding.  

Because of the incident with my ring,  I found myself handicapped in doing many of the usual things I do with them, even typing on my computer.  My right hand didn't want any pressure brought to bear on it, but still had to make use of that hand despite the pain.

I'm so grateful that there is never damage to God's hands.  He doesn't only hold us securely in His hand but according to Isaiah 49:16, we see:

See, I have inscribed you on

the palms of My hands;

your walls are continually 

before me.

We are not only held securely by our Father, but our name is etched in His hand.  Our hands may give us some problems and become hard to work with at times, but His has us securely wrapped in His powerful ones.

Thank You Father for the security we have in You.  Satan may come at us full force at times but he'll never be able to pull us from Your hand.  Thank You for the spiritual safety we have in You.  In Jesus' name...Amen    

LOVE THOSE THREE'S

Then He said to them all, "If

anyone desires to come 

after Me, let him

deny himself,  

and take up his cross daily

and follow Me."

Luke 23:24

Anyone who has been in Sunday school or Bible study classes could tell you that I tend to watch for key words in Scripture as well as phrases.  There are just some interesting things that catch my eye mostly while doing my own private reading or study.  I realize folks have said as long as I can remember that seven is God's perfect number.  I'm not about to question that as there are many reasons for taking that view.

I've never paid much attention to the "sevens" in Scripture but have really noticed some three word groupings that I have found interesting.  For instance:

Father   Son   Holy Spirit

Ask   Seek   Knock

Sun   Moon   Stars

Ham   Shem   Japeth (Noah's boys)

Faith   Hope   Love

Walk   Stand   Sit  (Ps. 1)

Peter   James   John

Abraham   Isaac   Jacob

I'm sure there are many more that could be listed, but the three's came to my thoughts because of the above verse I found in my personal reading.  Jesus was having a serious session with His disciples.  He's mentioned again that He is going to die and be raised the THIRD day.  Jesus, despite the news He gives His disciples, He is still encouraging them to stay focused on Him and mission.

In essence, I can't believe Jesus wouldn't even in this day, request the same of you and me.  He gave them three things to do that are each dependent on the others.  The order is a tough one both then and now.  If we REALLY want to follow Him, three things are required each of which is very difficult...deny self, take up whatever cross we are called on to carry and DAILY follow Him.  Wow, that's some job description, but not impossible if we are relying on His Holy Spirit.  

What a joy that the very Son of God desires our followership...what a privilege to be called to walk in His way.  Even a cross we are called to bear can be a blessing if we have denied self and have the desire to follow Him without hesitation.

Help us Father, to have a strong desire to follow You no matter our circumstances.  We can only do this in Your power and through You loving, guiding hand.  Thank You for the privilege of Your calling in our lives.  In Jesus name..Amen

I

GOD HAS A PLAN

For I know the plans that I

have for you, declares the

LORD, plans to prosper

you and not to harm you,

to give you hope and

a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

I'm sure my ladies Sunday school class would tell you a statement I often make and that is that God always has a plan in our lives.  I recall seeing teenagers go forward at invitation time of a church service desiring to know God's will (plan) for their lives, especially in the area of ministry.  For some reason, as we age, we lose sight that even where we are in live that God always has a plan for each of us.

That plan we once thought to know when younger could have been to know one's future occupation, college to attend, person to marry, where to live, etc.  All of those, many of us have already hurdled.  We tend to forget or perhaps ignore the fact that God has continuing phases of His plan for us.  Some of those revealed plans we may like or not like, but it's still His plan.

We should consider that God's plan and planning is always perfect,  We might highly disagree with that when we find ourselves in some difficult places, but He's correct in every way, every time in His planning.  We must also believe that His plans are right on time, according to His own schedule and timeliness in our individual lives.  His planning for us isn't just when we are seeking in our youth what we want to be when we grow up.  God's plans are ongoing no matter our stage of life.

We may not understand (disagree) with God's plans for us at times.  When working six years in a slum area in a Christian center, I couldn't figure out why one day, like a clap of thunder, I knew I had to leave that position that I thought I would spend the rest of my life doing.  It hurt and I had NO means of support in making that move.  In a little over a week, I had a new job, apartment, close to the chuch I attended, and almost next door to a Kroger store.  In six months, I had my first date with Brian.  There's no way, I could have anticipated how God was going to work His own plan for me.

I have known folks out of jobs with no work in sight.  They've done everything to apply and go for interviews to the point almost of insanity.  In it all, where is God?  Even in the hardest of times, God has a plan for each of those lives.  Nothing may make sense in the moment, the God is in charge and knows what He's doing despite our discouragement.

We've all gone through the serious illnesses of family members and friends.  God seems to be almost silent, especially if one such person passes away.  We may ask our questions about it all but we don't stop to consider that the greatest plan God can work in our lives is to take a loved one or even ourselves to be with Him.  That's what I would call THE divine plan of all time.

In times of figuring out God's plan or in being a part of it, we are to do what we can to stay close to the grand Planner through being in His Word, being people of prayer and staying active spiritually.  Our spiritual walk, despite missing a loved one, not having a job or just facing life's difficulties will keep us strong and learning more about trusting the One who knows and loves us best.

Dear Father, there's so much to this life that at times makes no sense.  Even when we know that You know best in all things, our trust may tend to waver.  May Your Spirit work a strength in us that is unbelievable, giving us a stronger hope as we contemplate future days.  We love You so much.  In Jesus' precious name...Amen

TEACHERS PAST

Train up a child in the way he

should go, and when he is old

he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

 A friend and I were talking today about past Sunday school experiences.  She taught children 30 years in Sunday school and loved it.  I had another friend prior to our move who had taught in a Sunday school department so long, she was then teaching the children of some of the students she had taught in time past.

The older I get, the more I tend to look back to my own Sunday school days and the dear ladies who taught me through those primary years and others on through high school.  I especially now like looking back to those times  those teachers who taught me and my friends.

I'm sure they had their times when they were weary in well-doing but still showed up to try to tame some wild children.  They couldn't have envisioned what some of those children would become in later life with lessons learned that helped shape young lives.

I've spoken of a dear lady who even encouraged me to help her with VBS when I had outgrown it in age.  She had me teach memory work to about 25 restless junior girls and boys.  I found that I really liked doing that and that teacher friend knew I had enjoyed it.  At the end of that week, she came to me and simply said that she felt someday I would be a really good Bible teacher.  Didn't sound possible at the moment but for over 65 years, that's what I've been doing.

I think we fail to look back at folks who invested themselves in our lives and got very little thanks for their dedication.  They may have wondered some days if it was worth the effort.  After all, even Sunday school teachers are human.  I see how each of those folks had an influence in my life.  I couldn't tell you one single lesson they taught that I now remember.  However, they left in me a love for the B-I-B-L-E and I received love and care from them they could never have known I needed.

I wish I could send them a note today of gratitude but they are all in Heaven now.  Their faithfulness to the task I hope has rubbed off on me.  You and I owe such folks a debt of gratitude for their investments.  We are left to carry on in whatever service for the Lord we have been called to do..it would delight those faithful folks if they could see for a moment that they DUN GUUUD. 

Thank You Father for those teachers whose every name I recall.  Through them, I came to love You and others in the Bible.  I learned principles through them I couldn't have received anywhere else.  Thank You for that church basement where all the classrooms were and for that wonderful smell  in it that I'll never forget.  In Jesus' precious name....Amen