Just Get Me To Jesus

Then they came to Him, bringing a
paralytic who was carried by
four men.
Mark 2:3

It's an odd incident in the Gospels, but I have loved it for years. Jesus arrived in Capernaum. He went to a certain house and there began to preach. By now Jesus had done quite abit of healing and teaching so He had a following because of it. The house was packed full of people including some scribes who were there to listen to Jesus and probably hoped to get all the negative information on Jesus that they could. We read that the house was not only full but so full the crowd went to even the doorway. In all probability, there were folks standing outside the house as well.

Houses in those days were pretty simple if we go by cultural information we have from that time in history. Most were like a small building, square in shape usually made from mud bricks with mud to serve as a kind of concrete. There were in many cases a window on each side of the house and usually a very narrow stairway, attached to the house that led up to the roof. The roof was a wonderful place to be in the evenings when the sun was about set and folks could relax in the cooler evening air. During the day, the roof became a work area. The roof itself was usually made of hardened mud tiles that could be removed to pass things down into the house or just for ventilation.

Four men had a great concern for a friend who was a paralytic. We don't know the names of the men nor do we know if they were close friends or relatives. The fact is that they were very concerned for the man and felt if they could get him to Jesus, he could be healed. They carried the man on a cot or crude stretcher of sorts. Each of the four men held onto a corner of the cot and went straight to the house. Much to their dismay, they couldn't even get close to Jesus, not even into the door of the house. What were they to do?

The men decided the thing to do was to take the man to the roof. That would not be easy. Remember that the steps leading up to the roof were usually very narrow. How could four men, carrying a cot with a man on it possibly get to the roof? We don't know how they did it but they were desperate and got to the roof. There they removed some tiles and could see into the room where Jesus was preaching. They lowered the paralytic through the roof down to where Jesus was. Their determination and concern for their friend impressed Jesus who commented on their faith and immediately healed the man. Jesus told the man to get up, pick up his cot and to go to his house. Immediately the man arose from the cot, picked it up himself and went out where other people were standing. All were amazed and began praising the Lord. Many responded with “We've never seen anything like this!”

Why am I so impressed with this real event in the healing ministry of Jesus? First, there was a very desperate man with a condition that rendered him helpless. Even if he heard about Jesus, he couldn't have gotten himself to Jesus. BUT, four men appeared on the scene with a determination to get their friend to THE One they felt sure could heal him. They came up with a plan, got the man to Jesus and the rest is history.

I'm thinking of times in my spiritual walk when I became emotionally or spiritually paralyzed.

Serious situations can come into our lives and we exhaust ourselves with praying, often with more tears than we think we can shed. Perhaps some folks who love us realize our situation and come along side to stand with us. Some may be willing to even carry us. When we see a person like I've described, we can become a stretcher bearer.

When first married, a doctor told me I probably couldn't have a baby. That was a killer for me. I was the nursery director in a large Baptist church. I was taking care of others babies while having none of my own. Unbeknown to me, as I was told later by our pastor, seven of my nursery workers went to the pastor and asked him to find a baby for Brian and me to adopt. He didn't know of a situation at that time that had come to his attention but assured them he would be alert to that need. Those ladies made a spiritual agreement that night that no matter where they were, they would individually pray for this situation at 9:00 every night until I was holding a baby of my own in my arms. They also promised that they would never speak of it to me or anyone else. Can you imagine such an undertaking of love and even urgency. I couldn't do anything about our situation. I was about to the point that I couldn't even pray for myself anymore. I didn't go around talking about it but a couple of those workers were close friends and knew my heart.

In a few months, at a church staff meeting, the pastor said he had an announcement to make. He said, “Glendarae is going to have a baby the first part of November.” Everyone just cheered. I thought it was a joke...the meeting was being held in July. Sure enough, a beautiful baby girl came into our lives November 6 of that year. As much as Brian and I rejoiced with our new born daughter, secretly, behind the scenes was a group of seven ladies...stretcher bearers that supported me in prayer when I often couldn't get to Jesus for myself who among themselves were rejoicing, sharing knowing smiles about this baby who all must have felt like she was a special part of their lives as well.

We can't take on that much for everyone we come in contact with but the Lord will often bring someone our way with a great and seemingly impossible problem. Perhaps that person desperately needs one or more Christians to help bear their burden. Looking back, I remember receiving anonymous notes, little gifts, cards, some 3x5 cards with Scripture promises on them. Of course, I didn't know names of those ladies until after our baby came into our lives but the pastor admonished me to never let on to those ladies that I knew their secret. It was fun to watch those ladies on some occasions when individually, they would show up at church with a new frilly dress or baby toy for this little one they had prayed for. With each act of kindness, I just had to keep my knowing smile to myself. I wanted to cry at times when I watched some of them rock our baby while in the nursery or take extra time feeding her. They would almost have a look of wonder as they held her.

I haven't received that much secret devotion on the part of a group of friends since that time. I do know that there have been friends who have prayed and encouraged me during some very difficult times, times when I was so burdened I couldn't even word a prayer at the time. All of us need those “stretcher bearers” on occasion, but we also need to be so sensitive to the needs of others that we are willing to commit our energy and time to another person who desperately needs to get to Jesus, but who just feel like they can't quite get there. I believe Jesus is pleased when He witnesses our giving that kind of devotion to another person and He stands ready to honor that dedication.

By the way, as I write, in three days, that lovely daughter will celebrate a birthday. She loves and serves the Lord and has three children of her own. I wish those seven ladies, those stretcher bearers, could meet her now. Some are in Heaven, some are scattered now to different places but their impact is an eternal one. They got me to Jesus when I was too weary to get there on my own.

Thank You, dear Father, for seven friends who in their own way, consistently knocked on Your door on my behalf. We all learned in the process. Thank You for those in my life who have lifted me up when I felt I couldn't stand emotionally. May I be just as sensitive to others who have a need for whatever support I might be able to render. In Jesus' precious name..Amen

Uncomfortable for Jesus

Great peace have they who love
Your law, and nothing shall
offend them.
Psalm 119:165

Changeable weather brings out the good and bad of we church attenders. Over the recent couple of weeks, our building and grounds folks have cranked up the heating system of our church. Most of us know what the awakening of a furnace smells like...smelly heat. It generally overheats a room or building to the point of being VERY uncomfortable. But, spring is going to come and guess what happens then? The air conditioning will be turned on with a fury while ladies wrap up in sweaters and in some churches, choir robes. Either way, most folks end up being physically uncomfortable.

Not long ago, my friend Becky used a term on Face Book with regard to a friend of ours named Fred. (Wish you could know Becky. She's not only a wonderful musician but is also a very insightful Christian.) Our friend Fred recently made a move from my former church staff to another in a not so distant city. Becky said of our mutual friend that he is the kind of person who doesn't shy away from being “uncomfortable for Jesus.” Those words just penetrated deep into my spirit. Not only did I sense a spiritual agreement with Becky regarding Fred, but I questioned my own motivations when it comes to many things, things in which the Lord has been dealing with me on a personal level. I ask myself, “Do I want to do the spiritual thing, but at any cost?” Not a one of us likes being uncomfortable, not in today's world of controversy. Am I willing to face discomfort for Jesus Who certainly was willing to suffer more than the “uncomfortable” for me.

Comfortable: Physical ease and relaxation of mind, body or spirit
Uncomfortable: Feeling pain, physical or emotional discomfort. Feeling ill at ease or awkward.

As Christians, we much prefer the comfortable life. We want to feel good all the time or if we don't, then perhaps take a pill to take care of it. We don't want the weather too hot or too cold. We like our weather just right with maybe a jacket at night or early morning. We want to eat only the things we like. We like our mattress not too soft or too hard but just right. Sounds like the three bears trying out chairs, porridge and beds doesn't it? Our list of comforts could go on and on ad nauseum. We have grown to depend on those things that add to our comfort...dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, lawnmowers with motors and even seats, and they say the day will come when we don't even have to drive our own cars. They will drive themselves while we sit and look at the scenery.

How very sad that when it comes to our spiritual walk, we also want to keep things comfortable. Jesus didn't seek the comforts of life from what we see in the Gospels. The perfect Son of God who deserved nothing but respect and the good things of life, faced just the opposite. Some of the main discomforts He faced that were attacks on who He was came in the form of insults, disrespect, being made fun of, misunderstanding of friends and family members and physical cruelty. And yet, He remained firm in who He was. He wasn't a name dropper...”Because I'm God's Son, you shouldn't treat me like you do”. According to Philippians 2, Jesus never took advantage of who He was. He humbled Himself and took on the responsibility of servanthood.

There are areas in our spiritual walk in every day living that can be uncomfortable, especially in the day we live. We are seeing more and more in our country an onslaught of attacks against our faith and God's Word. I'm thinking of some folks who have blessed me in ways that might be uncomfortable for them but who carried on anyway:

• I'm always blessed when in a restaurant, I see folks say grace before eating and I mean saying it out loud. They don't pretend to fix the napkin on their laps as a cover for praying.
• As I was checking out at a store, I noticed the check out lady humming a song. As I listened, she was humming “I Surrender All.” She wasn't being loud or being a show off. It seemed as natural for her to do that as breathing. As I left, I said, “I love that song you were humming.” She smiled and asked what she was humming and I told her. She thanked me. I wonder how many patrons pass through her counter area who hear her song that can be a witness to the saved and unsaved alike.
• Another check out lady I noticed at a variety store had a beautiful pin on her uniform pocket that spelled out JESUS, spelled out in lovely stones. I commented jokingly to her that I'd like to steal JESUS from her. She sweetly said, “No one can steal Jesus from either of us.” She was right.
• I've seen folks read their Bibles in the oddest of places...doctor's offices, school rooms, work place, sitting in a car waiting on children to come out from school, airplanes, various waiting rooms and even in restaurants when lunching alone. These times could be uncomfortable because of the criticism that many people boldly dish out.
  

Those times are minor though when we find ourselves being called upon to take stands for Jesus before friends, family, co workers and yes, sorry to say, church members. Some of Jesus' toughest stands were with the religious community of His day. In His humanity, such times couldn't have been pleasurable. Those were the ones who plotted and schemed to have Jesus crucified. They just used the Romans to get the job done. Talk about uncomfortable, the epitome of discomfort as we see it was Jesus' torture and death. That's heartbreaking for me to think about, but so is the fact that the perfect Son of God took on your sin and mine. He had never known what sin felt like, but on that cross, He was forced to endure it.

Back to Fred... Becky and I both saw times when Fred stood for right no matter what anyone thought. Fred was our choir director and I could never envy anyone who holds that position. He was kind about things aimed his direction that were anything but comfortable, but still stood firm on the things that really counted. I doubt that Fred even considered that others were watching some of those times we knew about. People are watching you and me too. Are we willing to endure some uncomfortable moments when it comes to our faith or do we only want the calm, easy times where we're never offended for our faith. What is our faith worth if it is only a fair-weather faith? When the tough stands are brought into our lives, can we be comfortable being “uncomfortable for Jesus?”

Resting in the arms of Jesus should always be comfortable and bring us comfort when the hard times come. The unsaved of our world will never understand us when it comes to how we live out our faith. Our boldness will come only as we maintain a close relationship with Jesus. Everyday living with and for Him should be second nature to us, kind of like the humming check-out lady. Our devotion will be noticed, but even with something so simple, as humming a song, wearing a pin or saying a simple, “God bless you,” criticism and ridicule may come.

Thanks Fred...Becky and I have watched as have others. We've learned, been blessed and encouraged more than you can know!

Dear Jesus, I never want to let You down. In an anti-faith world, when called upon to stand for You, I pray for Your strengthening, counting on Your pouring courage into me. You have paved the way for me in setting examples for me to live by. Thank You for being who You are in my life. In Your precious name...Amen.

Few Words

….and a word spoken in due
season, how good it is!
Proverbs 15:23

I'm doing something I've wanted to do for a long time. I've wanted to share the blessing of some statements that have been handed down to me from others and even some original thoughts friends have shared. Such have blessed me tremendously on days when I just needed a brief but poignant word of wisdom or encouragement. We don't always need lengthy words of knowledge. Just want to share some of those with the hope that you will be blessed as have I. If I have names, I have written first names or at times with no credit for things given to me anonymously. Be blessed!!!

“God sometimes removes people
from your life to protect you.
Don't run after them.”

Anon

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character
of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.”
O. Chambers

“Many books can inform, but only the
Bible can transform.”
Marilyn

“Whatever is in the well, will come
up in the bucket.”
Anon

“When you feel like you are drowning in life's troubles,
I know a lifeguard who walks on water.”
L. Stoneking

“Without God...our week would be:
Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday,
Wasterday, Thirstday, Frightday
and Shatterday.”
Christy

“It is better to walk alone, than with
a crowd going in the wrong direction.”
D. Grant

“Until God opens the next door, praise
Him in the hallway.”
Anon.

“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation
without God and the Bible.”
G. Washington

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel
in which it is stored than to anything on
which it is poured.”
M. Twain

“God doesn't call the qualified...He
qualifies the called.”
Anon

“If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
If Grandma ain't happy...RUN!”
Anon

“The tiny seed knew that in order to grow
it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in
darkness and struggle to reach the light.”
Anon

“Satan, you might walk over here, but
you will limp back.”
Becky

“Satan's greatest weapon is man's
ignorance of the Bible.”
Anon

“Don't read books about the Bible...
read the Bible!”

Anon

“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It's today,” squealed Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
Milne

Many of the sayings I have shared have come through friends via Facebook. I've tried to keep folks on Facebook who are encouragers in my life. I will have a few friends who are more informational and even a very few who only gripe, who seem to look at life through dirty windows.

May I also suggest that there are times whether on Facebook, in a note or in general conversation that there are ways we can encourage with just a brief word. Just honestly saying to another, “I'm praying for you” can mean more than we can know.

So, lets remember:
                                                     “Anxiety in the heart of man
                                                           causes depression,
                                                   but a good word makes it glad.”
                                                            Proverbs 12:25
      

Dear Father, help me to be sensitive to the needs and hurts of others and never add to their anxiety or stress with negative words. Help me to be an encourager for Your glory...please guide my words. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Spiritual Remembering

Some trust in chariots, and
some in horses; but we will
remember the name of the
Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7

We may have certain times when we remember to pray or spend time with the Lord at
established times...there are others including:

When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Psalm 63:6

After the flood, God presented a beautiful rainbow for Noah to behold. Noah said with what sounds like words of wonder:

The rainbow shall be in the cloud,
and I will look on it to remember the
everlasting covenant between God
and every living creature of all flesh that
is on the earth.
Genesis 9:16

A beautiful rainbow should cause us to remember the promises and goodness of God.

When you and I take the Lord's supper, it is done in memory...in memory of Jesus and what He did for us in dying and then giving us victory over death. It is a kind of photograph we have of Him without having a distinct image. It happened with Jesus and his disciples at their final meal together before Jesus was arrested:

...This is My body which is given for you;
do this in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:19b

As God speaks during our times with Him and we are blessed, how pleasing it is to God when we share with others God's goodness and ministry in our lives. The more we speak of Him to others, the more His goodness is engrained in our own hearts...and we remember.

Despite how others meet with the Lord, the important thing is that we make a point of doing it. We can't meet with Him with an attitude of obligation, but because of our love for Him and because we have sweet memories of what He has done in our lives that endears Him to us.
If someone remembers me in a fond way, I feel honored. Can't imagine the pleasure our God feels when we desire to spend time with Him, remembering His love and goodness on our behalf.

When my children visit or I have opportunity to be with them, I love those moments when they bring up something from the past that is a happy memory. Our son is here visiting with his family. Standing in our kitchen, and right out of the blue, he recalled my fording a very high stream here many years ago with a rope around my waist. I needed to secure the rope on the other side of the stream. He recalled my dropping my glasses in that rushing water but what a blessing it was being able to retrieve them before the stream swallowed them up. It was a family time that the family remembers with more fondness than I do. Still yet, it was heart warming for him to bring up that event.

When children come here to visit, I have usually checked ahead of time as to anything special they want me to cook. They remember certain things with certain tastes and I'm happy to fix those things. When we would visit my mother years ago, she would always have a pot of goulash waiting for us. I tried later to make it just like she did but it never tasted the same. The taste of that goulash still seems to linger in my mind and is heart warming. She would be pleased to know how much that meant to me and that I remember. I even have the beat up old pot she always made it in.

God is so pleased when we remember His goodness toward us. It's called “gratitude” and we can never run too short of that as we think of Him and His faithfulness to us on an every day basis. We should more often, take time to just sit alone, perhaps with Bible in hand remembering again how blessed we are. In different places of our world, there would seem to be many gods, but ours is THE true God who doesn't just give us quick answers for every problem we have. We can remember though how He has walked us through each one.
There is the old song, “Try to remember...” May we make it a point to try to remember more often as He continues to shower us with blessing after blessing that is so undeserved.

Father...Thank you for all You do for me on a daily basis. There are so many things I am remiss in remembering but pray that in my times with You, I will be reminded. I love You but want so much to love You more. In Jesus name....Amen

An Appointment With God

When You said, “Seek My face.”
My heart said to You, “Your
face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8

I'll never forget the dear lady who taught me a lesson several years ago. The thing is that to this day, she doesn't even know it. One summer day, I called her on the phone for her input on something. Her son, who at the time was in his early teens, answered the phone and I simply asked if I could speak to his mom. He immediately said with great courtesy, “No Mrs. Lanoue...she can't talk with you right now.” I expressed that I hoped she was okay and not ill. I'll never forget his reply. He said, “No, she isn't sick...she's in the bedroom talking to God.” I managed to get through my surprise and simply asked him to have her call me when she had time.

When this lady returned my call, she said she figured I was surprised with her son's reply to my request. As I recall she had six children. She told me that her children know that except for Sunday, when at home, she has a personal appointment with God at 10:00 in her bedroom with the door shut. Her children knew that she was never to be disturbed during that hour unless someone was hurt, sick or her husband called. She had found it easier to make her main time with the Lord a little different from most.

Another lady who had what I consider to be a different time of prayer is someone I could have never known in person because she's a historical individual. Her name is Suzannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley. She had 19 children. She herself had grown up in a family with 25 children of which she was number 25. Suzannah's home must have been a bit of a rowdy place with having so many children. Off and on during her day, she had a habit her children had come to know well. When Suzannah wanted time with the Lord, she sat down in her rocking chair and pulled her long apron up over her head. In that moment, her children knew to be silent. Older children took charge of the younger children in those moments, perhaps leaving the room or going outside. When the apron was up, Suzannah was with Jesus.

What happens when we make appointments? Usually we make appointments because those visits are of some importance. It's important, for example to see the doctor or dentist. They are usually accommodating with our schedules. I almost always have the pick of day and time. When appointments are made, we write them down usually on a calendar of some sort. Does an appointment with God require setting the time and writing it down. It does if we can't remember to have that regular appointment. We may need to do that until our time with God comes to be second nature.

I realize we live in busy times, but I know from my own experience that I manage to make time for those things that are important in my life. I generally can make time for those things that have some urgency. We often take advantage of our loving Heavenly Father believing He loves us and will always be around so we can give Him the crumbs of our lives when we feel like it.

Some hints to help:

DETERMINE: Yes, determine...that we are going to give God quality time and attention even if it means giving up time we spend on other things.

PRAY: We should make it a matter of prayer that we are going to be faithful in seeking time with the Lord on a regular basis. We can pray anytime and anyplace and praying for a tender heart regarding the relationship we want with the Lord. However, it's so much better and thoughtful to give God some specific time in our daily routine.

DISTRACTIONS: Too often, no matter how determined we are to spend quality time with the Lord, we have distractions that interrupt our train of thought such as phones ringing or the noise of children or pets. If Suzannah could discipline (teach, train) her children to respect the uplifted apron with 19 children in the house, I think we can do it with one, two or three children. I just know that I know of a special lady who didn't just train her children to be quiet during her time with the Lord, but those children were trained to know the importance of what their mother was doing. I'll never forget that boys voice as he said that his mother was in the bedroom talking to God. It just seemed to be a normal thing to him.

PLAN: Make a plan that is YOU. We too often want to copy what others do and often, it just doesn't fit. I have friends who get up at 6:00 in the morning for their time with the Lord. I have never been and never will be a 6:00 AM person. That doesn't mean I can't pick another time. Have all materials you need at hand. Some folks like a cup of coffee, tea or in my case, Diet Coke. Everyone will be different, but we need to make our own plan and time. God loves meeting with us, but He wants us to be genuine, real and transparent with Him.

RELAX: Perhaps as important as anything, this time should be a time when we can relax with the Lord as we read, meditate and pray. We shouldn't be hurried. Just as with any friend, we want to have an enjoyable time...a time of fellowship where God can speak in that still, small voice to our hearts.

I'm not up to the standard that friend of mine of so many years ago. I'm definitely not a Suzannah Wesley. I don't have a house full of children nor do I own a big apron. I do hope I love and serve my Savior as much as those ladies did. My appointment with Jesus is perhaps the only place in my life above all relationships where I can be me, totally. That can be uncomfortable at times if I harbor any sin in my life but with my repentance, I'm back on track and our fellowship is sweet.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the privilege of spending time with You. You give me Your undivided attention anytime I want it and I'm grateful for that open door into Your presence. I pray I will be more consistent in my time with You. I love You..In Your precious name. Amen

"I Will"

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will
uphold you with My righteous
right hand.
For I, the Lord your God, will
hold your right hand, saying to you,
“fear not, I will help you.
Isaiah 41:10,13

It's been 46 years now since the Lord so sweetly gave me the verses above. I had been told that I probably had breast cancer and surgery needed to be done. There were only two people I told about the surgery...one was my boss at work and the other was Brian. Brian and I had only known each other for a month and hadn't started dating yet. With his being a new friend I still felt a strange connection to him, but told him about it trusting he would pray for me.

I recall when being wheeled into surgery that a nurse wanted to hook up an IV in my right arm. I asked her if she would please put it in the left arm. She asked me why I wanted the switch and I told her that, “Someone very special is holding my right hand.” She gave me a knowing smile and said it would be better on the left side anyway and that's what she did. I took those verses very seriously that the Lord gave me with the promise of Him holding my right hand. In that very cold surgical suite, I can't explain the warmth I felt in those moments.
He promised to help me and to uphold me with His capable hand.

Depending on how the questions are asked, we can hear the “I will” response at weddings
and sometimes in a court room. All of us have heard someone's “I will” when promising
something we needed done. The disappointing thing in our day is that for many folks, promises don't mean very much. I, like you, have had some folks who broke promises and
their “I will” quickly turned into “I won't often when I really need their help.

As is my usual practice when reading or studying Scripture, I try to notice word usage and word patterns, especially when I see the repitition of words or phrases. In Isaiah 4:10, there is consistently used the two-word phrase, “I will.” Notice with me:

The blessing in the beginning of verse 10 are the two words, “I am.” Here God gives two precious reminders:

“I am with you”
“I am your God” (so don't be dismayed)

Do you and I really believe those two statements, for if we do, how do those words affect our everyday living? Is our behavior different because God is Who He is in our lives and that He
is always with us? He can never be less than who He says He is.

We come to the “I will” promises in these verses:

“I will strengthen you.”
“I will help you.”
“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
“I will hold your right hand.” (and I know He did and does)
“I will help you.” (so fear not...He's the Lord our God)

Why should you and I ever allow the world to take our minds captive through unfortunate circumstances no matter what they may be. We have the very God of the universe who gives us a list of “I wills” that should cause us to walk in His strength through any circumstance. He's not just with us during the difficult times, but we are assured He is walking with us 24/7, no matter what's going on. Sometime, if you want an interesting study, look at the “I wills” of God in Scripture.

I can't tell you the peace the Lord gave me as I claimed those verses during that time of surgery. If I recall correctly, it was my first serious surgery. I had worked at that hospital on the volunteer staff so had seen a lot of illness and physical difficulties folks faced. Now it was my turn on the operating table. No one was there as I was wheeled out of my room because no one knew what was going on...that had been my choice. I had a peace that no matter what the doctors found, I would be okay and that He would walk me through it. I can honestly say that I didn't have a nervous bone in my body. Went for a check up with the surgeon a few days later. He told me that the lump had been malignant but that it was nestled as if in a cocoon and he was able to just lift the whole thing out. Cancer treatment has come a long way in these many years and grateful I didn't have to have any treatments that back then were pretty archaic.

I love walking on mountain trails, often holding hands with Brian. I love that feeling of love and security, but it's nothing like walking through my days, knowing that God my Father is by my side every moment of every day. The sweetest thing is that He's always holding my hand, no matter where the trails of my life take me.

Dear Father, I praise You today for Your presence in my life that sees to my well-being. Thank You for Your love and goodness. In Jesus precious name...Amen.

Fear Is No Fun

The Lord is my light and my
salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of
my life; of whom shall I
be afraid.
Psalm 27:1,2

One of our daughters had a dreaded fear of animals. She had a bad experience with a dog when she was between two and three years of age. If a gentle dog or cat even came near her, the fear registered with her immediately. She would register fear in the face, would often shake and then the tears would come. Her fear, although often unfounded most of the time, was very real to her. When there were opportunities to go inside a pen at a petting zoo, she chose to stay outside the fence. Sometimes if a sheep stuck it's nose through the fence where she was, she would at times touch the sheep with a finger, but then she was done with it. Someone once told me that my daughter's reaction to animals was all in her mind. Maybe, but no matter where the fear was, it was very real to her to the point of sheer panic. She's old enough to be beyond that. I smiled this summer as she and her family went horseback riding. There was a day we couldn't get her on a pony ride.

Fear is an emotion born out of dread, threat, impending danger, evil or pain. One's fear obviously can be a response to physical or emotional danger. Real or imagined, the body will usually react in one or more ways. A person stricken with fear may shake, cry, break into a sweat, develop a headache, or even throw up. Some folks stricken with fear have been known to faint.

No matter the age, gender, or nationality of a person, fear usually strikes at one time or another. It's almost a secret of sorts, but there are times when the best of Christians face times of fear. I have heard preachers say for more years than I can count that there are 365 “Fear nots” in Scripture. I would like just one of those preachers to furnish me with a list of them, but most, I think just copy what other preachers have said. I have been blessed by those “fear not's” that I have read and know God intends them for m encouragement.

Our fears as grown ups are perhaps different from those faced by our children or grand children, but fear is very real. Our fears, when they come, may not be of dogs, cats or even of thunder. One of the things we read about in these days is the bullying problem children go through in school or elsewhere. May I hasten to say that even adults face bullies. Adults may be able to handle the problem better, but such people can still cause adults to become very uncomfortable. Many adult fears stem from finances, family concerns, health issues, aging issues, and yes, death (loss of others or personal demise). But fear is fear that must be faced. As Christians, we are so blessed to have Someone who comes along side of us during fearful times.

I have dearly loved Psalm 27 for many years. It is such an uplifting and encouraging portion of Scripture. In the first two verses I have printed above, I see that the Lord is my light, my salvation and the strength of my life. Why do I need all of this special attention from my Lord? Verses 1 and 2 speak of fear and being afraid, thus my need for the Lord's looking out for me when no one else can.
The rest of Psalm 27 is also encouraging. For instance, verse 5 is such a blessing:

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His
pavilion; in the secret place of His
tabernacle He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

Verse 3 also speaks with encouragement:

Though an army may encamp against
me, my heart shall not fear; though war
may rise against me, in this I will
be confident.

This Psalm closes with verse 14:

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage, and He
shall strengthen your heart: Wait, I say,
on the Lord!

No matter what we face, be it the fearful knowns or unknowns of our lives, our Father is as near as the breath we breathe. We must remember that nothing or no one can enter the arena of our lives unless those things or people first filter through His capable and loving fingers. He will strengthen us as we face our greatest bully...Satan himself. Our Father will grant us wisdom for the moment through His light and blessed presence.

Dear Father, I am sometimes filled with fear and ask Your forgiveness for not placing my faith fully in You. Thank You for Your every provision I need in facing whatever fears present themselves. I love you. In Jesus' precious name...Amen!

In Everything?...Are You Kidding?

 

In everything give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

It was our Beverly's senior year, and she needed a physical check up because of being a cheerleader. We were new to the area in Virginia where Brian's job had transferred him so I had no idea how to find the right doctor. A very kind doctor in our church gave me a suggestion of a doctor he felt would be thorough.

Although Beverly needed a physical check up because of her cheer-leading, I thought it would be the usual once over that a lot of doctors do for athletic checks. Our new doctor surprised us. Beverly was asked to get into a hospital gown. Generally an athletic check up of any kind is the doctor listening to the heart, taking a pulse and blood pressure along with weighing the young person. I got the feeling that this was going to be an adventure.

This young doctor in his being so thorough, after checking Beverly noticed some things that concerned him. We were sent from doctor to doctor and finally were given a diagnosis and it was not a good one. Beverly had a serious condition. As a mom, I hadn't had to deal with one of my children being seriously ill.

We went to various places for physical tests. Beverly and I were weary with all of the appointments and questions. On one particular day as we were returning home from one of our appointments, Beverly looked over at me as I was driving and she noticed my sad face. I'll never forget how she reached over, pinched me on my right lower cheek and said, “Mom, in everything give thanks...” I'll never forget that moment as long as I live.

Since that time, there have been lots of “everythings” in my life. Our first thought tends to be with the negatives that can come into our lives but the verse doesn't say just that. We are sometimes remiss in being thankful for the good things of life. Overall, we are commanded to give thanks in everything because we trust in God's purposes for our lives. We are to trust in all of our situations that God is in control and knows what He is doing in our lives with every breath we breathe.

What are our everythings? I'm not saying that every thing in our lives is good. Many events are hurtful and negative in nature but everything in this verse means just that...every thing.

A few months after diagnosis when we had moved back to Texas, Beverly had critical surgery done. I remember walking along side of her as she was rolled into surgery not knowing how it would turn out. As I walked back down the hall to the surgical waiting room, I remember praying, “Is this one of those everythings where I get a pass?” I knew I didn't have a pass, that thanksgiving applied to this the same as to anything else. I quickly remembered back to that day when that daughter of mine had taught me a valuable lesson.

It's important, I think, to look at the verse before and the one after our verse because they too are very important to the whole scheme of things. Before our “everything” verse, we read:

Pray without ceasing.
5:17

After our “everything” verse, it says:

Do not quench the Spirit.
5:19

Either way, we are to wrap our “everythings” in prayer and reliance upon the Holy Spirit of God. To quench is to extinguish or smother. It's almost easy to feel we don't have to pray about our circumstances because God sees what is going on. We don't seek Holy Spirit guidance because He too knows what is going on and can act on our behalf even though we choose to ignore Him.

The good “everythings” we could list are easier for which to give thanks, but we don't tend to be a grateful people and need to be thankful all the time. On cloudy days, we can thank God for His presence and direction. On our sunny days, we can still thank Him for His presence and direction. He's good to us no matter the events of life that have come our way.

What's the expected:

1. We don't have to be thankful FOR personal disasters. We would wonder about the person who dances around cheering, “Yea, I have cancer with 2 months to live.” That isn't the reaction one would expect under those circumstances.
2. We are commanded to be thankful IN our every circumstance knowing that God is as near as the breath we breathe. That person with cancer can rejoice in the healing and hope God provides in when health issues arise.
3. Always, we should be prayerful asking the Lord what He wants us to learn in our times of “everything.”
4. Be in a state of consistent prayer including the Holy Spirit in our “everythings.”
   

It is amazing to me, and I will never get over the fact, that the God of the universe is concerned about me. He is concerned about my every concern, and is also such a wonderful part of my days of sunshine. He is truly my strength in all of my “everythings” of life.

Dear Father, I yield to your being the King of my “everythings.” I thank You for what you are going to teach me in these days. I love you. In Jesus precious name....Amen

Been Wounded Lately?

 

He healeth the broken in heart,
and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

(I must be honest and tell you that this is a repeat blog. It was written back in December of 2011. I have gone through one of those weeks we all would love to avoid but face them anyway every now and then. I needed this blog today so please forgive me for the repeat.)

The first time I can remember hearing the word “wound” was when I was a little girl in the 1940's. World War II was raging and I would hear my parents talk about a soldier from our town who had been wounded. My mother explained to me that a wound was a really bad hurt that enemy soldiers had caused our soldiers, like when a neighbor kid might push me down and I skin my knee or elbow but much worse. Mother wasn't very graphic, but I knew what a physical hurt of some kind was and I knew it hurt. My skinned knees and elbows usually healed with a kiss from Mother, that “red stuff in the small bottle that didn't burn” and a band-aid. 

I recall visiting a foster home in my casemanager days. The family dog knew my voice and would get excited when I arrived for a home visit. He was one of those big dogs that has all the overlapping folds of skin...loveable as can be but didn't know his own strength. Upon my entering the home on one particular day, that dog jumped up with his front paws landing on my shoulders. The foster mom called to the dog to get down and he did. But in the process, his left paw caught the back of my right hand. I had two deep scratches that immediately began to bleed something terrible. The foster mom was mortified. I just asked for the kitchen sink and lots of paper towels. She gave me ointment and a bandage, and we went on with the visit.  

I have to tell you that for weeks, the back of my hand was a sight. It probably took a month or two for my hand to heal and now I'm left with scars. Let me say, that during the healing process, my hand was very sore to the touch and was not pretty to look at. Right now, I can touch those scars, but they don't hurt anymore. I can look at the criss-cross scar on the back of my right hand now and remember a loveable dog and sweet foster family. That took time though. I know we don't want to hear it, but healthy healing really does take time.

Our wounds of the heart can turn out the same if we let them. However, I know people who have held onto bitterness for years that in some cases has poisoned their testimony and even affected their health. We're not meant to hold on for dear life to those hurts that probably in most cases, we couldn't have done anything about anyway. Wouldn't it be better if we let our hurts and wounds grow us spiritually. There are good things that can come from wounds.

Examples:

Wheat that is thrashed...for what....that you and I may have bread
Peeled orange................for what.....healthy food, juice and refreshment
Pressed fresh flowers....for what.....perfumes and resulting products
Beaten olives.................for what.....oil for the golden candlestick in the tabernacle
(These olives couldn't just be pressed in order to render what oil could be rendered. Scripture says that the oil that came from beaten olives caused the light from the golden candlestick to burn clearer and brighter.

I don't minimize the wounds you and I are sometimes called upon to endure, but I have learned that our wounds can be turned into blessing for God's glory. He wants to use every single thing in our lives to somehow touch the lives of others. We are living in a world weary day with people who are looking for Christians who live out their faith in such a way that a relationship with Jesus Christ looks inviting. Even other Christians are watching us to see how we get through some of the wounds that are often inflicted upon us. When people know we have been through a terrible time of wounding, they often don't understand the sweet aroma that can come from our lives during those times. When we go through our own thrashings, others hopefully will be lead to the Bread of Life. Our scars for a time may be very red and noticeable. As we keep functioning we later will look at a scar or two and even smile.

Some things we can remember:

1. God knows every hurt of any kind inflicted by anyone that touches us. He wants to comfort us like a mother would tend to a child's physical boo-boo. There are some folks, however, who refuse the comfort of God and want to live a life of self-pity, always seeking the sympathy of others. Others can do only so much...God comforts as no one else can.
2. Every wound in our lives is to be basted in praise.

In EVERYTHING give thanks
for this isi the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

3. Along with the above, we need to be careful how much energy we give to our hurts and wounds. That loss of energy can affect us mentally, spiritually and maybe physically. When wounded, we still need our sleep and intake of food and fluids. We need to be able to think with a clear mind. Attention still needs to be given to our prayer life that isn't always complaining to God, but that offers times of praise. Bible reading is a must but when sorely wounded, Revelation might not be the best book to choose to read. Select those Scriptures that are a balm for the soul. Select some of these ahead of time when not hurting and keep a list handy to refer to in times of difficulty.
4. Remember that there are wounds that are contageous. Physically there are infections that can spread because of exposure to someone else. There are vulnerable people who will take on the hurts of others and we don't want to be responsible for that. We should limit sharing information about our wounds only with a very few trusted, spiritually mature persons. Sometimes speaking openly about a specific difficulty can minister to people. I'm talking about the habit of just venting our hurts with anyone who will listen. That isn't beneficial for anyone...speaker or hearers.
5. I have to say somewhere in all of this that you and I must avoid self-inflicted wounds. Too often we take on the problems of others and our minds can be marked, scarred and in constant turmoil. I have decided that I am at an age where I just can't do that anymore. I will have a concern for those around me but only God can take care of some things no matter how much I take on. I will do what God wants me to do and leave the rest with Him. We often wound our own minds with worry and fretting that should just be turned over to the Lord.
6. Pray for those who have wounded you and forgive them. This is about as tough as it gets, but we are commanded to forgive even when people hurt us deeply and don't deserve an ounce of kindness from us. We forgive because God forgives us and He commands us to forgive. Jesus in His model prayer said, “Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us.” That's a lot of forgivin'.
7. Take everything to the Lord. He doesn't mind tears and doesn't need fancy long prayers. There have been times I've just said through tears, “Lord, help!” because that was all I could utter with the broken heart that was throbbing inside of me. We tend to go to everyone else with our hurts, but that's not where we are supposed to go.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee;
He shall never suffer the righteous
to be moved.
Psalms 55:22

Let's never forget though the wounding of Jesus that He endured for us. He suffered pain...the worst of pain...undeserved pain...and it was for you and me. 
 

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was
upon Him and with His stripeswe are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Wounded...bruised...chastisement...stripes...all four of those things were deliberate physical acts. He endured hateful, aggressive torture not counting the malicious taunting involved. This occurred all for you and me. Through all of that, you and I have spiritual wholeness and healing. In light of His suffering, the wounds we sustain on this earth for a time seem to pale in light of His glory.

Thank you, my Savior, for bearing all You did on the cross for me. The hurts I endure on this earth are nothing compared to what you bore for me, not just on the cross, but all of the torture you endured in every way for everyone. May I never forget Your willingness to be wounded for me. Thank you dear Jesus for Who You are in my life everyday. Forgive my being forgetful of all you did. As You forgive me, may I be willing to forgive others. I love You.  In Jesus' precious name.  Amen.

"Nussin, I Said"

For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and

wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13,14

There were little banterings between my husband and our children when they were very little even when we could barely make sense of their speech. Brian had certain questions he would jokingly ask each one when they were quite young. Our son, Johnny, usually had unique answers to most things. Often Brian would ask him, “What are you good for?”...Johnny would reply, “Nussin.” Brian would try again asking, “What are you good for?” The second time, Johnny would reply, “Nussin, I said” and that was usually the end of that conversation.

It always tickled me hearing Johnny's response to his dad's question. Johnny was always very serious in his reply even though he didn't really know the meaning of what he was saying. The sad thing to me is that I have known people who have felt that they aren't really worth much in the whole scope of life, let alone in God's plans. When growing up, it wasn't unusual to hear someone say of another, “He's good for nothing.” Bottom line is that no one walking the face of this earth whether past, present or future can be labeled “good for nothing.” Every human being born has purpose in God's plans.

We live in a day when folks are often judged unfairly. People are sometimes judged by the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the expensive watches, the cell phone they talk on or the latest toys and trinkets. They may go to bed at night laying on an expensive mattress between the finest satin sheets but who lay in the dark in the depths of despair. Unfortunately, it's often folks with all of those things who find the least satisfaction in life.

For years I have loved Psalm 139. There is no way Christians can read and take in that Psalm and walk away feeling their lives are an absolute waste. We are of the greatest value to God. We as individuals are precious to Him. I am going to take that word “we” out of the equation and firmly state that I am of the utmost value in His sight. I will recognize that you may feel the same on an individual basis but for now I choose to concentrate on the individual uniqueness I am to God. For many years, I guess because of some past issues, I couldn't be so bold in declaring how special I was to God. I didn't see how I could be. I'm so grateful for His consistency in ministering to me personally to the point of almost feeling that I am even a favorite of His. I realize that you can say the same of yourself even though we know that God has no pets.

For example, I have a dear friend in our former church, the present music minister. His name is Fred. I have known him for years even in a prior church. He has ministered to my children in time past but am grateful for the few years he could also minister in my own life. Fred is outgoing, super positive unless he has to crack down on the choir to get things done and is one of the godliest Christian gentlemen I have known. Fred dearly loves those who work under him whether on his staff or in the various music programs of the church. Fred always greets a person with a warm smile, some kidding words and sometimes an appropriate hug. Fred has helped me to understand something special about God and how special we are to Him. Fred has a way of making everyone feel like he is their best friend. In all reality, we friends of Fred know we all can't be Fred's best friend. However, through Fred I've come to understand more about my relationship with God and that's the fact that God is my best friend. God loves me, deals with me, teaches me and fathers me as if I am the only child He has. That's just how special I am to Him and you can say the same.

There's just no way to describe how important you and I are to God. Psalm 139 states clearly God's care and love for us. If we ever feel lost, forsaken, spiritually down or whatever negative things we feel in the course of daily living, a thorough reading of this Psalm will lift us to the very heights of joy and will give us such a sense of purpose, for instance:

You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5

I will praise You, for I am fearfully
and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more
in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:17,18

Read that Psalm sometime and you will see just how much God loves you. You and I are more precious to God than we can imagine. We aren't going to know the depth of that love unless we stay in God's Word where we will find the full assurance of His love and care for us. I believe at every turn, Satan wants to cause us to question our worth to God.

Thank You Father for loving me and for being my all in all. It is such an honor being Your child. There is just no one else who can mean to me what You do. Thank You for being You. I love You with all my heart....Amen