What Goes Around

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us
do good unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9,10

We received a phone call from our grandgirl Madelyn. She had some really huge news to share with her Grand-dad and me. We were at her house just a week or so ago. With her birthday coming up, we decided to get her a nice scooter she had been saving her money to purchase. My husband and I both remembered with fondness childhood days of riding a scooter, so with pleasure, we bought Madelyn a scooter. We realized there was an added benefit for us in having our scooters. It taught us about balancing on a bicycle and using handlebars at the same time. Madelyn's great news was that after riding her scooter for a few days, she was finally able to ride the bike she has without the training wheels.

With that phone call, came a flood of memories. When in first or second grades of my youth, children didn't automatically get bicycles. For one thing, bikes didn't come in assorted sizes and colors. Most of my neighborhood friends started with scooters. As much as I loved my scooter, I looked forward to the day when I could ride a bike.

A friend on my block got a new girl's bike. I was at about third or fourth grade at the time. I asked her if I could try riding her bike. With some reluctance, she agreed to let me try. I didn't tell her I had never ridden a bike before. I got on that bike and took off like an expert. I didn't really know much about applying the breaks, but managed. A dream was born in me that day of having my own bike.

One September before Christmas, my mother took me to a friends house. That friend had a bike for sale and my mom wanted to see if it was the size bike she should purchase for me “some day.” That Christmas, by the Christmas tree was a bright, shiney, red bike. To be honest, I recognized it right away to be the one I had seen with my mom that Fall, but it had a new red paint job, a basket attached to the handle bars and it looked brand new. From that day on, I was a bike addict. When I left home to go to college, several years later, one of my last ventures was to ride that bike out to our city lake on some back country roads.

After college graduation, for a time, I worked at a Baptist children's home an hour or two from home. I was in charge of some of the girls there. A favorite thing to do was going for bike rides as there was a nice park close to the facility. Just the thought brought back wonderful memories of my bike-riding days. There were several bikes parked near one of the buildings. One day, I decided to take the older girls on a bike ride. We took off into the wind. Suddenly I noticed that the left pedal on the bike I was riding was clicking against a part of the bike frame. That sounded and felt familiar. The handle bars, an odd shape also felt very familiar. I had the group stop while I checked a hidden crease of the blue bike I was on. There in that crease, was the leftovers of red paint. I stood with tears coming down my face in front of those girls...it was my old bike...my friend for years from grade school through high school. When I left home, my mother had asked me if she could give my bicycle to someone who could enjoy it as much as I had. I never knew what my mother had done with my bicycle and now I knew. She had given it to the children's home for other children to enjoy. Just as she had done for me, she had the bike repainted, but a different color.

My encouragement for us is that we faithfully serve God and others. Sometimes we may be called upon to serve others in big ways, but most often, it will probably be in very small ways. I have been learning over the past few years that I may not know the results of such kindnesses until Heaven. However, many times, it is the little things that can often come to our attention. These times are encouraging to us and blessings beyond words. Our service for others isn't supposed to be for what rewards we receive for giving of our time, belongings or even money. In fact, we should do such, not even anticipating earthly rewards. How wonderful, though, when our Heavenly Father gives us a little peek back at how He was able to use something we might have thought insignificant that turned out to be of great importance to someone(s) we might not have even known.

It's such fun serving the Lord just knowing we can be a blessing to someone in His name and at times being what I call, “Jesus with skin on” in the lives of others.

Thank you Father for honoring us by using us in Your service. Help us to serve with humility, not seeking the praise of others. Help us to be willing to serve You in any way possible with no expectation of reward or praise. By the way, thank You for my bicycle that other girls in a children's home could enjoy and for my mother's generous spirit. I love you...in Jesus' precious name...Amen.

Warm and Cozy

In the multitude of my thoughts
within me thy comforts
delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19

Growing up, I never had a jacket. Let me quickly say that in my early grade school days, that wouldn't have been unusual for most of my friends and me. One either needed coat or sweater. My grandmother was an expert at knitting. I always had a heavy, wool sweater to wear to school and to wear outside for play. Of course, when the cold weather set in, I always had a warm winter coat. As warm as my sweaters were, being wool, they were often itchy when I got a little overheated during play. Just that fact often led me to try to get out of the house without my sweater. I can still hear in memory, a familiar reminder ringing in my ears ...”Glendarae, put your sweater on..it's chilly out there.” or “Put your sweater on or you'll catch your death of pneumonia.” I must admit that I never really understood that last statement.

I must confess that more often than not, those sweaters were warm and even cozy on chilly fall days in Southern Illinois. My grandmother finally quit knitting them for me because I grew so fast she couldn't keep up. I knew every sweater she ever knit for me was done with love and a certain amount of pride.

There are many places in Scripture that are warm and cozy spots. We almost feel guilty at times when we go to those places to soak up our Heavenly Father's tenderness and warmth He feels for us. I often feel I must read the deep, theological places that teach complicated truths and that convict me of sin and wrongdoing. Those places are important for us to take in, but there are other places, many found in Psalms, where we can curl up with those precious passages, something warm to sip on and just soak up God's love and care for us.

For instance, I have loved how Jesus responded to the little children who wanted His attention. Ever been with adults with children acting up to get attention? Most adults would shoo them away for a brief time so the adults can visit. Psalm 23, speaking of my Shepherd always calms my spirit...it speaks of His deep love and care for me. We almost casually read about Jesus feeding more than 5,000 people. Jesus was concerned for their physical welfare while the disciples wanted to just send them home. I love reading about Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha. It would seem, He could just relax and unwind there...good food, warm fellowship.

Romans 8 is a wonderful chapter, filled with promises from God that encourage and warm the heart. It's a New Testament chapter I curl up with often. I feel the warmth as much as putting

on that wool sweater on a chilly fall day. To know there is no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ; to be assured that as we are led by the Spirit, we're assured all over again of our security in Jesus; the assurance that ALL things in my life work for good; that if God is for me, who can be against me; and how good to know also that nothing can separate me form Jesus' love and through Him, I am more than a conqueror. It that doesn't warm the spiritual cockles of our hearts, I don't know what will.

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) were given to us for a purpose. If all God had to offer of His Son Jesus was to die on a cross, then there would have been need for only two or three short chapters describing the events of Jesus' death and resurrection. God wanted us to know His Son, Jesus' love for people in every day life, leadership, firmness in conviction, concern for people of varied afflictions, and His attention to those of all ages and walks of life. I can be encouraged and comforted in reading of His varied miracles knowing that He is still working miracles in my life and the lives of others. Jesus isn't just the Man we read of in a book. We need to fall in love with Him all over again and allow His Words to wash over us with comfort and warmth:

Chapters 14-17 in the Gospel of John are chapters of comfort. It was Jesus last opportunity to comfort His disciples prior to His being betrayed in the garden. Cozy up and read:

Let not your heart be troubled;
ye believe in God,
believe also in me. (14:1)

I will not leave you comfortless:
I will come to you. (14:18)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I
unto you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid. (14)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in
you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall
be done unto you. (15:7)

Chapter 17 in most Bibles is written in red. This is the true Lord's Prayer. The other He gave to the disciples wasn't a prayer for them to pray. It was an outline of things to include in a prayer. This chapter is one big prayer that Jesus prayed for His disciples and is a prayer that is just as much prayed for you and me today.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also
which shall believe on me through their word; (20)

So read that chapter as if sitting in the physical presence of Jesus as He prays for you.

Jesus is still actively working on our behalf and that concern began back into Eternity. He is still waiting for those special times with us when He can speak peace,comfort and warmth to our hearts. As my mother would say, “Don't forget to put your sweater on...it's chilly out there.

Thank You Father for the way You love and comfort me all the time. I find such warmth in Your presence not just in tough times but at regular times when I just want an extra portion of Your friendship. Thank You for who You are in my life. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Walking in Darkness

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should shew forth the
praises of Him who hath called you
out of darkness into his marvellous light.
I Peter 2:9

Several years ago when our Jennie was just under a year old, our family made a trip to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. Jennie was riding on her dad's back in a child's back pack. We took a conducted tour of the cave and even had the treat of eating in their underground dining area. Halfway through the tour and I guess as close to the bottom of the cave as the tour went, the tour guide instructed our small group to stop where we were and cluster together as closely as we could. He wanted us at least in close touching distance from each other. His reason for this was that he was going to flip a switch that would turn out the lights in that area of the cave. He cautioned that we would find ourselves in a darkness we had never
experienced before and when the light went out, we shouldn't move at all.

He counted down from three as I recall and the lights went out. From most in the group, there came a quiet,verbal gasp. The shock of the darkness was huge. It was a darkness that was suffocating. Within a few seconds, the tour guide lit a match. You can't imagine the light that came from that small match in that total darkness. I have never been in a physical darkness like I was that day. The guide mentioned that if anyone were to become lost in that darkness, they could go insane in a matter of days. I will never forget the effect we all felt when that one little match was struck. We could feel ourselves as individuals feeling physically drawn, almost leaning in to that little light. I was reminded that in a very dark place, even my little flicker of a flame of witness can have more of an impact than I can realize.

During a recent visit with our daughter Jennie, we went to all sorts of places. We did some hiking in familiar areas, some car touring through beautiful scenery and visited other places of note. One place we enjoyed was Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg. That is a fascinating place for children and adults as well. One thing I noticed while there was the lighting in most of the aquarium...it was pretty dark, especially in the long clear tunnel that featured several types of marine life that seemed to swim above and to the sides of individuals passing through. Many other areas were very dimly lit in order to feature different sized displays of varied fish and sea life. I understood that need of lighting and still do.

In the beginning of our wanderings, it wasn't so bad as the entrance area and a little beyond was well lit, but as we proceeded through the aquarium, the light became dimmer. From there, the various display areas became darker to the point that I personally felt somewhat off balance physically. The unguided tour was wonderful, don't get me wrong, but I was very glad toward the end of a main tunnel, to see the gift shop in the distance, where, of course, there was plenty of light. I didn't buy anything there, but was glad to walk through it to the exit door where, outside, there was a great abundance of light...no feeling of being off balance or off kilter. Darkness can affect us in various ways.

Scripture speaks in several areas about darkness, mostly a spiritual darkness that we can become exposed to or even find ourselves in the very middle of. We live in a country of moral and spiritual darkness. It's a darkness that God hates, but that a good majority of Americans are choosing.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and
good evil; that put darkness for light, and
light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20

This verse speaks where many in our country are right now with regard to morals and standards...good is no longer just good and evil is coming to be seen in more of a good and positive light. What used to be wrong behavior/lifestyles are now being rationalized and accepted by many. Things anymore aren't just black and white, but morals and standards are viewed as being more gray where people can decide for themselves what is good or evil. When this mentality sets in, in reality, a person has come into the realm of darkness and has fled the light God intends for each of us. As Christians, we are meant to be people of light and discernment. The encouraging part of that verse is: “Woe unto them...” The “woes” of Scripture are never positive when God pronounces them. He takes care of things in His time.

As I write, just this week, our country has suffered another tragedy in the killing of nine Christians, while sitting in their church during a Bible study. A visitor to the group stood, shot nine of those in attendance that ushered them right into Heaven. All of the “why” questions began to pour in to various media outlets. It's interesting to see commentators and experts scramble for answers as to how this and similar events can happen. I have the answer...the darkness of evil. Some say it's guns...no, it's evil. Others say it's mental illness...no, it's evil. There are thousands who struggle with mental illness who never kill anyone or even think of it. Some experts say it's a lack of jobs or education, and then, of course, there is the confederate flag that is just another excuse added to the list. We know all have sinned and come short of God's glory. Sin is at the root of it all. As individuals and thus as a country, nothing can be cured unless the problem is diagnosed. The diagnosis is sin/evil and the answer is Jesus. Sound too simple? Well, it is simple. Jesus never made salvation difficult for anyone, other than for Himself.

I have since thought that in this dark world, we make our way through it the best we can with very limited spiritual light. God will give us all we want of His light, but even that light here can't compare to that light we will one day know. We wander through this dark world, but we see light ahead that the unsaved world doesn't see at all. We born again ones find hope in the light ahead of us and one day will realize the fulness of the light of His presence. Gone will be the darkness and shadows we have known in a sin-fallen world. Heaven's light will come from Jesus, THE Light, and we will bask in that Light for eternity.

In “light” of what has been written, I feel the necessity to revisit at least the last part of the opening verse:

... that ye should shew forth the
praises of him who hath called you
out of darkness into his marvellous light.
I Peter 2:9b

Thank You, Lord Jesus for being my light in a very dark world. Help me to share Your light to those around me who need Your light in their lives as much as I do. In Your precious name.

AMEN

Not Left Defenseless

Finally, my brethren, be strong
in the Lord, and in the power
of His might.
Ephesians 6:10

I recently watched a series of films on the History Channel dealing with the anniversary of the battles that took place at Normandy during World War II. How we had as many of our soldiers survive during the charge up those beaches, one can only guess. One of the things I hadn't realized was because of various barriers the Germans had put along the shoreline, landing boats carrying the troops could not come close to the shore. Many soldiers disembarking hoping to get safely to shore, often stumbled and fell into the water near the shoreline and were easy targets for German soldiers in their hidden bunkers. What had caused such a problem? Most soldiers were carrying backpacks that weighed from 60 to 90 pounds each. I can't imagine trying to charge the shore with all of that weight on soldiers' backs.

Far be it for me to question all of that. The soldiers were well equipped. In those days though, nothing was manufactured in light weight form like it is done today. It was also noticeable that each soldier I viewed was well equipped as far as their weapons, helmets, sturdy footwear, etc. To go into that kind of battle, soldiers had to be armed, equipped and dressed for the war of their lives.

In the spiritual realm, I'm wondering what makes us think we can do battle with Satan on a daily basis, barely equipped to do battle, except with self effort. Haven't we learned yet that we go to battle with Satan from the moment we open our eyes in the morning until closing them at night when we go to bed. It may not feel during the day that anything at all is going on in the way of sin or temptation, but it is. Most often Satan wants to engage us in small skirmishes that we hardly notice, but they can grow to full-blown battles. I sometimes feel that I may be so calloused toward sin that at times, I hardly recognize it. After all, many sins seem to be very small and insignificant. No matter the size, we must do battle at every place or we will become calloused and the battle for good and God won't seem all that important.

God loves us and wants us to walk in victory. Victory only comes after a contest or battle. God would never leave you and me defenseless, unable to do battle. He's given us His armor with which to defeat evil and the Evil One. The armor the Roman soldier wore was tremendously heavy and burdensome. I'm surprised they could be effective as loaded down as they were. Fortunately, God's armor isn't physically heavy.

I'm referring, of course, to Paul's description of the armor of God he wrote of in Ephesians 6:10-18. I will only make note of them. A very important statement Paul made in the beginning was: PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD. You see, in this battle of ours with that wonderful spiritual armor God has provided, Paul knew that no one would come to us each morning and dress us in the armor. It is something we must feel the need of and apply it if it is going to be of any use at all. Every piece of this armor is necessary to be worn regularly. Not one piece of it can be left behind. Satan will always look at the most vulnerable places in our lives and will strike there. Why do we even need the armor? Paul tells us in verse 11: “...that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Whether a wife, grandmother, stay at home mom, businessman, caregiver, etc., we all face Satan's tricks and temptations. If we don't care, then we don't need to bother with the armor. If, however, we want spiritual victory and strengthening, the armor will be important to us.

We have been somewhat programmed to picture our spiritual armor to look like the armor of a Roman soldier. I wish we could get that picture out of our minds because although the pieces of it may be appropriate in the comparison, that's where the similarities stop. Could we just for a moment, get the gist of what God intends each of those pieces to be in our lives? Could we begin to think of what those pieces represent and those qualities and strengths God wants to build in us? Please pay more attention to the quality, not the item.

Truth – (Loins girt)

Righteousness – (Breastplate)

Gospel of peace – (Feet shod)

Faith – (Shield)

Salvation – (Helmet)

Word of God – (Sword of the Spirit)

You see, as we have read the entire portion of Scripture, we have concentrated on a picture and pieces of the armor instead of the significance of each spiritual item. There is one that is prime above the others and that is SALVATION. If we don't know God's sweet salvation in our lives, there is no point in the others. Oh, there are unsaved people who are people of truth, who live good lives, are peaceful people. I've seen those things in some unsaved folks more than in some saved folks, which is a sad commentary on we Christians. Without salvation and the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, those other things will never come to any kind of fruition as God intends. Those things together make up a mighty arsenal, not too heavy to carry physically, but heavy in spiritual power and might.

Paul wraps things up in verse 18 by saying:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with
all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Our armor is to be all wrapped up in prayer. That is an area where most of us are lacking and yet it is the connector. Our praying in the Spirit energizes all of those other pieces of our spiritual armor. It should be our prayer that we will allow the Spirit to activate each of those attributes into our lives, readying us for any spiritual confrontation we will face.

Father, I know I have no strength on my own, except in and through You. I try to take too much on myself and end up discouraged and defeated. Forgive my lack of faith and reliance on You. Help me stay armed for any battle Satan wages against me. I love You...in Jesus' name...Amen

What a Mess-II

Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know
how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6

With my last blog, I made every attempt to express my concern over the mess I grieve over when I look at the slippery slope our country is descending into. It would seem than few people are speaking up for right in our day. Those who do, especially of any name recognition, are severely criticized. The world with it's theories shouts their thinking in our faces everyday, but Christians, according to those same people, are to keep their opinions to themselves.

Last week, I wrote of the struggle I think many of we Christians are dealing with, that I believe begins in the mind. Such doesn't mean that as we deal with our own personal mind sets, we walk around with sealed lips. If Christians don't stand for the things of God, who is going to? We find ourselves in the mess we are in today primarily for two reasons (among many) that have brought us to this point:

...Christians for too long have been giving in to the things of the world. It's a gradual happening. Fifty years ago, most churches in our country stood strong and firm regarding moral issues which believe it or not, stemmed the tide of sin. Sin has always been among us and will continue, but there at least was a hesitancy when Christians and the church took strong stands. As we gave in to the world, ever so gradually, pulpits in our country toned down their messages. Christians began to compromise and testimonies were diluted. With those things happening, one of the biggest resulting disasters for our country was that many compromising Christians jumped on the bandwagon to elect people into high offices they shouldn't even have been put in. I'm speaking of people of all political leanings. That leadership in the highest of offices, have sold out the integrity and morals of our country. It's the worse conglomeration of ingrates I've seen in my lifetime. People have also continued their avid support of Hollywood and thus, it's influence. We Christians have to take some of the responsibility for our contribution in this process. For change to come, it will have to be God's doing through His people.

...Not only have Christians given in to the world, but those left with any spiritual integrity have stood by with mouths shut. I grow weary, as I'm sure many of you do, at those on soap boxes spouting their personal opinions about world conditions who say very little. By getting my mind set where I think God wants it regarding an opinion on any subject at all, doesn't mean that I'm never to speak up or to take stands. However, what I speak should be true to those things of God whether the world wants to hear it or not. Gays in our country are such a tiny number, but we are made to think that probably half the folks in our country are gay. How have they gained such power? It has come with the winking and blinking of good people who never felt a moral threat in it all. Now all sorts of famous people are getting on the bandwagon that they are gay or transgender. It's becoming a fad because in the circles of the rich and famous, such “come outs” make big bucks for them and their agents.

Some verses of Scripture have re-emerged for me in the last few days that might arm us for the spiritual battle we face in these days. When it comes to what I allow into my mind, I am reminded of Philippians 2:5 (and the three verses after it):

Let this mind be in you, which was
also in Christ Jesus.

If we look at the three verses after this, we get an idea of where Jesus' mind was. We read that He wasn't interested in being a person of great reputation and was a very humble man. He was interested in being a servant...the very Son of God from the splendor of Heaven came to serve. He touched sick, dirty and dead people. He washed dirty feet. He fed thousands of people. On the mind of Jesus, was to walk in total obedience even unto death. How often are you and I convicted by something preached or that we read in our Bibles and ignore God's call to obedience? In every battle we fight in our day, it is most important that we have the right mind set.

Caution:

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3

I am not saying that you and I should be mute regarding the evil we face in our world. However, my words need to be measured words that meet with God's approval. How often do we pray a prayer like this verse before we speak or communicate, especially if found in contentious settings. I understand that even if I speak in love, those of opposite opinion will consider my speech to be hateful simply because it doesn't meet with their opinion. We can still speak out of love and concern even though there will rarely be agreement with those on the “other team.” We don't need to go looking for a fight. If we are right with God, perhaps even one on one, the fight will come to us. May we be faithful to God in our words, speaking with caution and yes, love.

Be prepared:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness (gentleness) and fear (respect).
I Peter 3:15

I'm not sure we understand what oddities we are in a sin fallen world. Somehow, we always wonder why people disagree with the stands people of God take. There may be some around us as we are in general conversation, who just might wonder about the how's and why's of who we are. Notice our verse suggests that we be ready to speak WHEN someone asks us the reason for our hope. This indicates such a person will have seen something in us that creates a curiosity regarding our hope. Our answer can be simple: “I have hope because of Jesus Christ in my life.” Here's where being prepared comes in. If someone pursues in asking what is meant by that statement, can we give an informative reply that would benefit that person, perhaps leading them to a personal pursuit of that same Hope we have come to know? Bottom line is that no matter the mess, Jesus is the answer. There is nothing going on that is greater than He is, or greater than He can handle. He sees the evil of our day beyond what you and I see in our own circles of life. He is far more grieved than we can ever be regarding this sin-fallen world.

These are mere days of practice for us as we take our stands for right and for the Lord. It's not going to get any easier. I see a day when any sharing of Jesus can be ruled as being politically incorrect and even illegal. Conditions for Christians are certainly not looking good at the present time, but we shouldn't be surprised. Scripture speaks of what the “last days” will be like, and those indicators are evident even now. We need to be praying earnestly for the mind of Christ in us. We should prayerfully speak when opportunities present themselves, but at the same time, have the wisdom in knowing what to say or what not to say.

Lastly, may you and I be convinced of the wonderful HOPE we have in Christ and be ready to sincerely share that HOPE with others who are seekers. Many folks who have fallen into various sins and lifestyles are basically seeking HOPE. However, they are looking in all the wrong places, so we should lovingly and respectfully be willing to share that HOPE with others when we have opportunity. We may be ridiculed in return, but that wonderful HOPE will have been presented.

Dear Jesus, I want Your mind in all I do. I know I won't have Your perfection but I want to be as much like You as I can be. Help me to be a light in this dark world and to be an influence and witness for You in ways that would please You. Thank You for Your guidance and direction in my life. I love You with all my heart. In Your precious name....Amen

Only God Can Make A Tree

And he (the blessed man) shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth
his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall
not wither; and whatsoever he doeth
shall prosper.
Psalm 1:3

My husband and I were driving home from church on a recent Sunday. A part of that trip is through an area of mountains. I made the comment that it's good seeing all of the trees with their green dresses on. During the winter, most of the trees on the mountains to me “go to sleep.” They lose their leaves and stand at gray attention for two or three months. I love when all of the varying shades of green return. I never cease being amazed at all of the shades of green God created, let alone all of the plants, weeds, trees, bushes and grass types that exhibits that color. I've always said that green must be God's favorite color because He created so much of it on this earth.

Scripture tells us a lot about trees and thought it would be interesting to see what some of the verses have to say. I will let the verses speak for themselves. I have put the “trees” words in bold print for emphasis.

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest
freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it:
for in the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 2:16

She (wisdom) is a tree of life to them that
lay hold upon her: and happy is every one
that retaineth her.
Proverbs 3:18

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;
and he that winneth souls is wise.
Proverbs 11:30

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth
evil fruit.
Matthew 7:17

...who His own self bare our sins in His own
body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness: by whose
stripes ye were healed.
I Peter 2:24

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches;
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of
the tree of life, which is in the midst
of the paradise of God.
Revelation 2:24

Just in those verses we find a variety of trees...knowledge of good and evil, tree of life, good/corrupt, and then we read of THE TREE. That tree was the one that made all the difference in the world for us all. Without that tree, the cross that Jesus died on, we would have no life, wouldn't know the difference between good, evil, pure or corrupt. Worse of all, without it, we would know nothing about that tree of life that we can eat of in Heaven.

Recently in one of our church bulletins, the following analogy was written. As I compared Psalm 1:3, with that little article about trees, I was very blessed. The tree planted by water and the benefits that come from being like that tree are enormous. As I read, I couldn't help but be blessed, especially as I find myself living in an area of trees that can only be counted in number by God.

Concerning Trees...and Us
Have deep roots,
Branch out,
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.

Father, we are so blessed by the various aspects of Your creative genius. A poet once wrote that only You can make a tree. Only You can change the human heart and I pray You will do Your work in mine. I want to be that “tree example” You would have me be that can be accomplished only in Your power. May it be so for Your glory. In Jesus' name....Amen

SPIRITUAL DEHYDRATION

Whosoever drinketh of this water shall
thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of
the water that I shall give him shall
never thirst: but the water that I shall give
him shall be in him a well of water springing
up into everlasting life.
John 4:13

My husband and I were driving through a special mountain area and came to a trail we had hiked in the past and decided to hike the trail. We hadn't made preparations for this hike ahead of time...it was just a spur of the moment thing. The trail took us one mile UP to a cabin area. The UP part was rather steep and tiresome. We knew the trip down would be easier. Brian was wearing good shoes for hiking, but I was only in my moccasins...they were comfortable. I would find later that they weren't comfortable for a hike. Not only that, we had no bottles of water with us.

Hiking up to the cabin was about the most exhausting trek I had been on in a very long time. We took extra time to sit on the porch of the cabin and enjoyed the view and aromas that are present in such a setting. We headed back down the trail and I became so exhausted, I could hardly put one foot in front of the other, even going downhill. I knew immediately that I HAD to have water or I would probably pass out before we could get to the car. Fortunately, there was a beautiful, clear stream bouncing off of rocks...cool and clear...that I was able to drink from. I can hear you now, “You shouldn't do that.” I agree and would never recommend it unless you felt like I did at that time.

Our bodies will give us signals when we are depriving it of fluids. People have died from dehydration. Dehydration basically is when the human body doesn't have enough fluid to keep it functioning. It means that there is more water loss than water intake. At first, ones mouth or throat becomes uncomfortably dry so we simply get something to drink. If there is no water intake, we can be uncomfortable in general, headache may set in and even confusion can result. Death can eventually occur even in a matter of days if the human body is not hydrated. Dieters take water pills to help with losing weight. Not only is the body deprived of essential fluids in that process, but also of essential minerals. So under different circumstances, the body can be robbed of more than just fluids.

The Word of God speaks a lot about water. It speaks of the physical need of water. While in the wilderness, the Israelites found themselves without water. I would think that nothing could make people angrier than being in the middle of a desert area...hot and dry...having run out of water. Their approach to Moses was less than cordial and they demanded that Moses do something about the situation. Moses went to God for a solution and we read God's answer to the situation.

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. Ex. 17:6

In this time of desperate need for something as simple as water, God met that need. God still meets the physical needs of His people. He may not always provide our needs in usual ways. Who could have thought...water from a rock...but our God is full of love, compassion and surprises.

One of the most memorized portions of Scripture by many Christians is Psalm 23. It gives us so many sweet assurances regarding our Good Shepherd and how He wants to function in
in our lives. In verse 2, we read:

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

This is one of the most calming and reassuring verses we can find in Scripture. We see two things our Good Shepherd wants to do for us. Here we may move abit from physical water to a restful and secure place. I know of times God has “made” me to lie down. He will do that when we refuse to lay down and rest in Him. He has ways of getting our attention. Sheep won't drink from turbulent or dirty water and by the way, He doesn't want you or me to have to drink from that kind of spiritual water, the water of the world that can contaminate and infect us. He wants us to drink from the fresh, pure water of His Word. God knows what can happen to us when we get away from Him. Again:

For my people have committed two evils, they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13

Later in Israel's history, two unfortunate things happened and they were things of the people's own doing in that time of sin and turmoil. God's people would be and eventually were judged, found guilty and sent into exile for their sin. They turned their back on God, the provider of living waters....the very Fountain, Himself. They then compounded their sin by digging out cisterns, most being very fragile to hold whatever water they could catch from any source. That wouldn't even be water that would be usable. We too make choices. When we turn from the living God, we are bound to make follow-up choices that don't honor God and that can lead us in a downward spiral.

Jesus spoke with such encouragement to folks when He spoke of the last day and the great feast we Christians anticipate. In the meantime, Jesus gave a sweet assurance of His continual supply of spiritual water, as much as we want of it. We can have that spiritual water of His to the point that it will just overflow from our lives. It's not a water we can get from a stream or a faucet. This is available to those who have accepted Him as Savior.

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:37

A final promise from God and His Word looking to future days of which you and I are now a part:

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

May it be so...come Lord Jesus!

Unclaimed Blessings

Call unto Me, and I will answer
thee, and shew thee great and mighty
things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

“Unclaimed blessings” isn't a term I hear much anymore. Of course, it depends on how it is used. When growing up in our Baptist church in my home town, we had a wonderful single lady who was well past what folks referred to as the “marryin' age.” She loved children and worked with them whenever any opportunity presented itself. My Mother and another lady were speaking of this lady one day within my hearing. They weren't gossiping, but were speaking very complimentary of her. My Mother asked the other lady that she wondered why this lover of children had never married as she would seem to be a good catch for some guy and a terrific mom as well. Her friend commented that this must one of God's “unclaimed blessings.”

In some local newspapers, there are sometimes 1-3 pages listing people's names with an amount of money beside each name that hasn't been claimed by them.. This money is available to each person if they will make a certain official contact to get information on the circumstances of that money. Many of those people may be deceased where some of their funds, perhaps forgotten by them, sits in a bank somewhere. Their families probably don't even know of the accounts. After notification, those funds must be claimed by the people on the list or their legal representative in a certain amount of time or they will lose the money.

Having been a casemanager with foster children, I sometimes came across unclaimed children. Some of these children were throw away children whose parents for some strange reason didn't want to claim their own children....unclaimed children...who can imagine, but it happens.

There are some unclaimed things other than money, children, houses, or items in a pawn shop to be considered. One unclaimed blessing many people fail to claim is that of the salvation that is everyone's through the purchasing blood of Jesus Christ. It cannot be stressed how basic this is to everything else in our lives. People can seek everything they want and may even get it, but all is for nothing without claiming the salvation that is theirs through the death of Jesus for their sins. It took the shed blood of a sacrifice and Jesus was that sacrifice. Blood banks keep every type of blood for special emergency use for those who must have it to stay alive during surgery or after an accident. Our spiritual lives and eternity also depends on the shed blood of Jesus to maintain life now and for eternity. That blood isn't sitting in a cooler somewhere. it is within heart's reach.

Another unclaimed blessing very often is that of peace. In Philippians 4:6-7, we read that one source of peace that passes all understanding is by praying and turning our worries and concerns over to Jesus. Somehow, we have come to the conclusion that the more we worry, the more we are solving our concerns. We don't see the toll the lack of prayer and letting Jesus have control takes on us. So unfortunately, peace is often left on a shelf in our lives while Jesus stands ready to give us what we need or sometimes desire.

Although there are so many unclaimed blessings we leave to one side, I'll add only one more. I realize that God has promised that “I will never leave you or forsake you.” His presence is promised to you and me is based on His very word. However, many of us at times don't even give recognition of the Lord's presence in our lives. His presence is very real, but might as well not be if we don't recognize His presence and take advantage of that presence whether it be for fellowship or out of need. No one likes to be ignored. Brian and I were visiting a large church that he was considering when we made a move to another city. It was raining after the morning service so he went for the car. I found myself in the good sized vestibule, alone. with the pastor. It would seem that he too was waiting for someone's arrival. We were probably in that area for at least five minutes with no one else around. He didn't greet me, or try to start a conversation...he only paced with never a word. Needless to say, when Brian asked my input regarding further attendance at that church, I was negative on the subject. That was just two people in a church vestibule, where a pastor should have at least said hello to a visitor. How must our loving Father, God of the universe, Father of Jesus Christ feel when we walk around, living life never speaking to Him or seeking fellowship with Him.

So what does Scripture say about these three unclaimed blessings:

PURCHASED
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth
us from all sin.
I John 1:7

PEACE
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid.
John 14:27

PRESENCE
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out, when the
times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19

How very sad for you and me when God has provided so many benefits and blessings to us that we don't care to claim. He makes these provisions out of His love for us. I'm sure it grieves Him when He wants to do so much for us and His blessings are left unclaimed. We are the ones who lose if we never read our Bibles, are lax in prayer, attend church only if we feel like it...all of which are sources of learning and nurturing our relationship with the One who has promised to be our all in all. Let's not leave a single blessing unclaimed that God has provided for us.

Thank You Father, for sending Jesus to shed His blood for my salvation. Thank You Jesus, for coming to die for me and everyone else. Through Your sacrifice, we have peace and the consistency of Your presence through Your Holy Spirit. I know You want good things in my life...you want to bless me. Forgive my ingratitude. Help me to be more appreciative and to gratefully accept Your goodness in my life. In Jesus' name...Amen

Don't Let Them Slip

Therefore we ought to give the more
earnest heed to the things which we
have heard, lest at any time we

should let them slip.
Hebrews 2:1

Most of my elementary school years, I had to walk up a bit of a hill to get to school. During that time, I lived in two different houses and had a hill either way to get to school. These hills weren't the size to be insurmountable. There was a sidewalk, but I can recall something that made for so much fun. Occasionally, in the winter, we would have an ice storm. It was such fun seeing everything outdoors covered and dropping with thick ice. In those days, there were no school cancellations. If you could get there, you went. The fun in the mornings was getting up those ice covered sidewalks. We walked, fell, crawled, fell, and really tried to walk as much as we could on the ice-covered concrete. We laughed all the way to school and were wet messes when we arrived in our classrooms. Those slippy-slidey days were such fun but for some folks, slipping isn't fun at all.

One of the greatest health risks to senior citizens in our country today is the problem of slipping and falling. Despite removing as many obstacles as possible, there are floors, showers, bath tubs and wet surfaces that cause slipping accidents that can either cause great disability or even death. Slipping accidents aren't just reserved for senior saints. How many skinned knees of children have we mother's cleaned up and bandaged. I've seen even professional ice skaters take some horrific falls on the ice and they are well acquainted with that surface and the dangers of falling on it.

To the Hebrew Christians, the author gave a spiritual warning that is relevant in our day just as it was then. He expressed a caution for Christians to pay attention to those things we have heard that are related to our faith. That's a huge caution. If we don't take notice, there is a danger and the author addresses that as well. He cautions that we mustn't let those things slip. What things? We have been exposed to a lot of preaching and teaching of the Word of God. We've been to seminars, retreats and have read not only our Bibles, but any number of other articles or books related to our faith. Let me ask us, “How much has stuck?” From all of the information regarding our faith, what do we actually retain and apply to our lives. You see, if there is nothing that has stayed with us, then there's nothing to let slip and that would be a tragedy.

What do we mean by the word “slip?” It may seem obvious in some ways but not in others. A combination of dictionaries have said things like:

loosing one's balance or footing
when footing is lost
a minor or careless mistake (“Slip of the tongue”)

The first three definitions have to do with one's footing. If we are to avoid slippage spiritually, we have to know where we stand. We often sing in church “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” If we are firmly standing on Jesus Christ and His Word, there will be no slippage. Spiritual slippage will never be God's fault. It will be of our own doing because we let it happen.

With our fourth definition, I'm not sure there is such a thing with sin that is a minor or careless mistake, but this will be the area where we really slip up. The retaining of God's input into our lives is our best defense against slipping (sinning.)

If we don't take heed the warnings regarding slipping away from the things of God, what can be some of the results? When I tried to get up that small icy hill on my way to school, usually walked 3 steps and would often fall and slide back 5 steps. Sin will do that to us as well. Our author of Hebrews also cautioned that at anytime, we could let the things of God slip. When we least expect it, we can slip on that icy hill. We mustn't be so prideful that we feel we can never fall. It can and does happen to any of us. We are to be cautious and careful because Satan doesn't play fair and we who love the Lord are all in his sights.

An icy heart can cause us to slip spiritually. May you and I stay warm toward the things of God. Hopefully we will stay so close to Jesus that not even a layer of sinful frost will be able to coat our hearts. We need desperately to stay armed and ready to defend the faith that is so precious to us.

In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us a list of the armor of God that is provided for us in fending off the wiles of the Devil. Different pieces of that armor are described in verses 14-17. Paul had been around Roman soldiers more than he cared to be and knew what their armor looked like. The feet of a soldier was important. They wore good sandals with special fittings on the bottom that kept them secure no matter the ground or rocks they had to walk or run across. Paul spoke of our feet being shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. “This signifies a prepared and resolved frame of heart to adhere to the gospel, which will enable us to walk with a steady pace in the way of religion.” ---Matthew Henry The feet of a soldier were important as was good footing. The same is true of us if we are to stand firm in our faith.

On those icy days, my Mother made me wear heavy, warm clothing and galoshes. Galoshes were of rubber to keep young feet warmer, water proofed and help with gripping icy sidewalks on the way to school. Our Heavenly Father has provided us with spiritual clothing (armor), His Word and a close spiritual family relationship to keep us safe, warm and solid ground for standing on where slipping can be avoided.

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me,
that my feet did not slip.
Psalm 18:36

Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my
footsteps slip not.
Psalm 17:5

AMEN and AMEN

M O M

...greatly desiring to see thee, being
mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled
with joy;
when I call to remembrance the
unfeigned faith that is in thee, which
dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and
thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded
that in thee also.
II Timothy 1:4,5

Never can we underestimate the influence of Godly mothers and grandmothers. My children had a grandmother by the name of Lois. Every time I read the above verses and see that name, I think of her and thank the Lord for her Godly influence in the lives of our children and all of our family. She was a grandmother who faithfully prayed for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The mother and grandmother of Timothy had such a strong influence in his life as well so that Paul made note of it as he saw their influence in the ministry of a young Timothy who was of such help to Paul.

All of we moms have had some of the same desires for our children at times as we began the adventure of motherhood. God blessed me with three terrific children and each very different in her/his own right:
Jennie: our first baby (adopted at birth), brunette
Beverly: our first-born baby, blond
Johnny: our first boy, red hair

Each had different personalities and interests. Even though they may have wondered at times, I loved them dearly and still do. My frustration with motherhood was that I had no idea how to be a good mother. I wanted the same thing for my children that most mothers want for theirs: that they would grow healthy, educated, have healthy marriages and happy children. More than all of those frills of life, I like other Christian mothers desired more than anything that at the proper time, each of my children would come to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Along with that, I hoped they would grow to be strong Christians who delighted in a close and growing relationship with Jesus. I knew if they had that relationship, they would be equipt to meet life. They have given me every reason to be pleased with each of them.

I recently found the most beautiful bookmark at a Christian book store. I used resources from one of my children to purchase it. It has flowers and butterflies, some of which are in 3-D. On one side of the bookmark is a statement I like:

“A mother's love is a garden where the sun
always shines and the season is always spring.”

On the other side are two brief statements:

“Mothers hold a child's hand awhile
and their hearts forever?"

“Mothers plant the seeds of love that
help us bloom forever.”

On the bottom of each side of the bookmark is the word MOM. As I was sitting in church last Sunday and was turning to the Scripture that applied to the sermon, I took notice of something that made me smile. I had my lovely bookmark sticking out of my Bible, but it was upside down. There was the word MOM, but it suddenly had become a different word. On both sides of the bookmark, the upside down word read “WOW.” I know that wasn't the word that was intended, but I must admit that I forgot for the moment the Scripture I was to look up. I was suddenly finding myself thinking of the WOW it has been being a mom to my three children. I've had so many WOW moments that include first steps, candy corn rewards for successful potty training, school accomplishments, salvation and baptisms, graduations, surgeries (all three),courtships, marriages, birth of children and on and on it goes. It's the similar WOW moments other mothers have experienced just as I have.

My regrets have to do with my failures...raised voices, impatience, not listening as I should have, critical when not necessary, harsh with discipline and perhaps other mistakes made by parents everywhere. Somehow God allowed my children to survive me and to benefit from my mistakes, but that's because they are WOW children. There is no way they can ever know the prayers, lost sleep, tears, teaching, hopes and dreams as a MOM I had and continue to have for the three of them.

We often won't know some of the things that have stuck in the minds and hearts of our children as a result of their rearing process. My mother will never know what a couple of trips to the Smoky Mountain National Park meant to a very little girl who fell in love with the trees and streams of that place. Today it's where my husband and I live. There were other lasting things through the years she impressed on my mind and spirit. She was a WOW-MOM more often than she knew.

To those of you MOMs who read this, have the happiest of Mother's Days. You may or may not hear from your children, but rest in the fact that you've so often been that WOW person in their lives. God knows of your loving care and concern through the years and it's Him we all want to please. We also know that parenthood is for life, so let's continue to WOW those children of ours through our prayers, love and influence.

Happy Mother's Day !!!

Dear Father, You're the perfect parent setting always the perfect example for us to follow. More than anything, no matter what, You are consistent in Your love for us no matter how we mess up. You are our Abba Father and we thank You more than we can say. We love You!...in Jesus precious name....Amen