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