FLY, FLY, FLY

He giveth power to the faint;
and to them who have no might
He increaseth strength.
Isaiah 40:29

I have always had an interest in butterflies since being in elementary school. That interest was always encouraged in my own mind because my Mother for some reason appreciated butterflies. She just loved them for some reason. We brought her here to the Smoky Mountains on vacation with us on a couple of occasions. I recall one visit when we were touring and stopped at the Ogle cabin near Gatlinburg. Off to the end of the porch was a very damp area on the ground. Swarming all over that damp area were more newly hatched baby butterflies than we could count. They were all an iridescent light blue with black trim. They were gorgeous. My Mother and I stood there as long as we could just watching them fluttering, at times on top of each other...it was more of a delight than I can explain.

My fascination with them began in an elementary school classroom. Our teacher brought three paper cups, each containing a cocoon. It was to be strictly for observation. She cautioned us to never touch the cocoons even if we saw them moving a little. She explained that inside each one was a beautiful baby butterfly. Sure enough, we began to see the cocoons slowly move a little; then one end opened up. We couldn't clearly see what was there, but it seemed almost overnight, a struggling little butterfly was twisting and turning to get it's body out of that dull, gray, ugly cocoon.

Our teacher said it would soon be time open a window in our classroom (yes there were such things back then) and sit those cups on the window ledge for soon the butterflies would be ready to fly. They did just that. I think we got to see only one of them take off. She then explained that with our help, those butterflies couldn't have flown away. She explained that in the struggle to come out of the cocoon, certain fluids were being released into the tiny veins of the butterfly wings that strengthened those wings so they could fly. Without that struggle, newly hatched butterflies could only sit, flop around helplessly and die probably by birds that would swoop down and fly away with them for food.

It's interesting to watch mature butterflies on a very warm, sunny day. As they land on flowers, they seem to sit and fold up their wings for that moment. Their wings are thin and delicate. That folding is a protective action by the butterfly to protect those wings from the heat. They will often do the same out in the open when there is rain. What a wonder those little creatures are. I'm amazed at all of the touches of beauty God created for our delight.

For some folks, salvation is a struggle. They twist, bend, rationalize, try to make sense of things but when they yield to that birth process, it's such a sweet thing. However as strong as a new Christian may feel, they are very vulnerable. Satan waits to sweep down to discourage and even destroy that new freedom and joy. He can't steal that new salvation, but he sure can do all to cause the person to question their decision. It's so important in those beginning days for that babe in Christ to begin to feel strength in the wings of their new life. Spiritual exercise of any kind that is Scriptural is vital to the survival of the new Christian. Her salvation cannot be lost but the every day life of it can be damaged.

What about those of us who are more mature “butterflies.” We may have come out of the old life, the old cocoons years ago. We stretched our wings through God's strength, provision and protection. The best of butterfly creatures know if their lives are to be extended, they have to take measures to survive. Not only are they in danger from circumstances of weather, but they may have to be constantly on guard of those dreaded butterfly nets folks use to capture them. Any intelligent butterfly must know that when caught in a net, it's life expectancy is being brought into serious question.

As more mature Christians, we face the danger of feeling super confident thinking we can face anything in this life with little help. Especially in the good times, we seem to feel we have the world on a string. When the hard times come, the wind goes out of our balloons and we feel we are flopping around like one of those floppy, immature butterflies. Take note that the new butterfly had to go through tremendous tension and struggle to even live. We too will and must struggle at times. If we keep those struggles in perspective, we will, in the end, be strengthened and will have grown in beneficial ways.

Last evening, our ladies Bible study met for it's last session for this winter season. Everything about my love for butterflies came mind. I made little favors (some know them as foldies) with a saying and a lifelike butterfly attached. I always hope a Bible study will be helpful, a learning process, but my main desire is that it be a springboard to greater spiritual development...a growth process on a very personal level. Those spiritual wings will need consistent strengthening through one's relationship with Jesus. Feeding is necessary, not nectar from flowers as a real butterfly, but through feeding on God's word. Those wings mean survival for a real butterfly so they do their best to protect them from various weather conditions. We too must be cautious in taking measures to protect our “wings”, our spiritual well being. We have to avoid the nets of the world that would want to capture us and take away from us the joy of the Lord if they can. We must have the fresh air of prayer. Prayer is our line that keeps us connected

So after all is said and done, what was the last thing I left my ladies with last night and would my desire for you as well....simple:

FLY, DEAR ONE...FLY!

Thank you, dear Father, for the wonders of nature you have provided for us and the lessons we can learn for it all. Help us, Father, to soar for You through the power of the Holy Spirit. Give us strength to avoid those nets Satan would cast our way to do us damage. Thank You for Who You are in our lives, for loving us and for the privilege of soaring for You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

LIGHT vs DARK

For ye were sometimes darkness,
but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light.
Ephesians 5:8

Living where we do, a stone's throw from a national park, it isn't unusual for an alert to go out that someone has lost their way in the park during a hiking trip. There have been times when a child has wandered away and become lost. One thing that has been suggested to hikers, especially children or very inexperienced ones, has been when one realizes he is lost, to stop where he is, sit down and wait for help to come. It is important at such a time for the lost one to stay on the trail and not venture beyond it hoping to find help. The tendency even when lost, and in a panic, to continue wandering hoping to see some place or some thing familiar. It can get where all trees look alike so the lost one can wander almost aimlessly becoming more and more lost.

When lost in the daylight, a lost hiker still feels encouraged until evening begins to set in. When darkness falls, in a setting like the park here, there is real panic...there are shadows, strange sounds...even various animal sounds of those that wander through the forest at night foraging for food. The darkness becomes a serious enemy for one who is completely lost, who cannot focus or see anything clearly. The lost hiker is thrilled beyond words at the sight of a flashlight beam in the dark from a searcher or to see someone walking toward him through the woods during daylight hours.

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 God hates and that a good many of Americans are choosing, sadly, even Americans of Christian faith.

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 to where many in our country are 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 and lifestyles are now being rationalized as being okay. Anymore, our culture isn'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 becomes a reality, then, 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 discernment and thus of light.

Straying out of the light into the dark is now almost bragged about in public ways. I love game shows on television. I have noticed in recent years when people are introduced, some male contestants speak of their husbands. Some women freely speak of men they not only live with, but with whom they have had children with no marriage in sight. I can't imagine such things being proudly aired 30 or 40 years ago. It would have been totally unheard of then.

Our justice system excuses the worst of criminals with mere slaps on their hands whether it be serious drug offenses or child abuse. Women who are victims of rape have to prove they didn't consent to the act itself. Our society has slipped so far morally that right itself has slipped into the shadows of wrong, or so it would appear at times.

In our own confusion, observing the downward spiral into moral darkness, as God's children, we want desperately to do something about it all. If we had complete control over our country, we think we know the buttons we would push that would take us back to those “happy days” of the 1950's. There were problems of sin then as has been every for all generations since Adam and Eve. We are all born into sin...no one is perfect...all have sinned. Perhaps back then, we lost our alertness and were naive regarding Satan and his ploys. Whatever happened then and now, we want desperately to do something. So what are some things we can do in our day?

We must remember that where we are now is because of things that happened in individual hearts. Evil beings in individuals, but so does godliness. I read a little quote years ago that said, “If everyone in our country cleaned off their own doorstep, think what a clean country we would have.” If change is to come, it will come in individual hearts that includes that of Christians. We have dropped our guard and are spectators in all of this instead of being pro-active in standing for right and for the things of God

Our job is to get back to basics. We are to be people of prayer. Change will not come without a praying people. We must find our strength in God's Word. It is our sword in times of spiritual warfare. Christians must stop leading double lives. Christians often participate in those things that are unwise choices such as alcohol abuse or poor entertainment choices. Jesus made very clear in Matthew 7:

Ye are the light of the world....(14a)
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in
heaven. (16)

We may be that beam of light a lost person sees in his/her darkness. They may not even have known they needed rescued, but when in the middle of their darkness, frightened of their futures, this light you and I show forth may be a more welcome sight than we can imagine.  Some such persons may have come to the end of themselves and are sitting, waiting for salvation. Others may be lost and still on the move trying to find their own way, but becoming more and more lost. Either way, we Christians are those lights in the darkness. Just as a flashlight can lose power when batteries run low, we can run low as well if we don't stay strengthened in the Lord. Let's not despair...we are on the winning side, but we still have things to do and lights to shine. Let's keep our batteries charged and let's shine our lights as commanded in the dark world we are seeing in our day.

Thank You Jesus, for dying for my sin and for saving me. I know You are THE answer to every problem in our dark society. There's no problem too big for You. I trust Your working in my life and always want to be open to how You want to use me. May I be “ever ready” to let my light shine for You. In Your precious name....Amen

UP FRONT WITH GOD

Humble yourselves therefore under
the might hand of God, that He may
exalt you in due time:
casting all your care upon Him;
for He careth for you.
I Peter 5:7

You may have heard a friend say of a teenage daughter, “My child tells me everything.” Hopefully you haven't been guilty of saying something like that. It's a statement to choke on for those who hear it. That may be the way it is in the early growth years of a daughter/son where there is a more positive relationship with a child...when parents are THE main ones in their lives, but when the “mean teens” set in, children become more and more private. It doesn't necessarily mean they have anything to hide. It's just a part of the growing up process. I will hasten to add that most moms I've known going through those teen years with a child are not stupid and probably know more about the goings on of their children than children realize.

If someone had asked me if my children told me everything going on in their lives, I would have been quick to say, “I certainly hope not.” If someone were to ask me, “Do you tell your husband everything?” Again, I would have to reply, “Mercy no.” Think how time consuming that would be when there are more important things to talk about other than a hangnail or spilled soup.

There is something I'm ashamed of that I would also have to say... “I don't even tell God everything.” That statement may seem an odd one for a Christian to make. If I ever had the nerve to say it to someone even on impulse, I would have to recoil in shame. I don't like the ring of that statement, but I'm afraid that so often it is true.

There were things in the growing up years of our children when I enjoyed watching them at play or listening to their interactions and conversations, even in times of disagreement. There were so many things they didn't have to tell me. I was around them, and I had heard or seen them in action. In fact, much as they might disagree, I knew them better than they knew themselves. Some things they didn't have to tell me because in a parental way, I already knew. Guess what? Despite those things I already knew, I still loved it when they chose to tell me about those things I already knew. I didn't tell them I was already privy to their information, but just enjoyed listening to them share with me.

Can we be serious for a moment about this thing of being up front with God? I'm afraid at times, we don't share fully with God because we feel He already knows everything about us anyway. Other times, we may not share with Him those things we don't want Him to know. Sounds a little silly on our part. We have to know differently by now because of God's promise to be with us at all times, never leaving or forsaking us...even to the point of His holding us in the palm of His hand. He knows absolutely EVERTHING about us before we can tell Him ANYTHING. God knows the count of the hair on our heads. That's pretty precise.

When God created Adam and Eve, He was seeking fellowship. He created everything, preparing it with those two people in mind. He loved those days when he met with them in the garden where they shared and had times of fellowship. God didn't create robots. He wanted people with a mind and the ability to make choices. He wanted them to always choose to be with Him...walking and talking in that beautiful garden. That couple had it all. Viewing the scene, we can't believe anything could damage that fellowship.

All was well, BUT THEN...remember that thing of “choice.” We know what happened in that garden and nothing would ever again be the same. Adam and Eve hid and to this day, oddly speaking, we seem to feel we can do the same thing. We're smart enough to know that God sees and hears everything, but we still shy away from sharing our most secret of thoughts with Him especially if we think He will be displeased.

Why do we avoid being up front with God? Perhaps it has to do with trust. In our day, we aren't a very trusting people. We've been betrayed too often in past relationships. It could also be that we just aren't people of prayer, unless an emergency comes up. Maybe something in our lives is too bad to even tell God, if that's possible. It must sadden our Father though when we choose to not share with Him even the joys that come into our lives. I loved when my children shared positive things with me. I may have been uncomfortable, but wanted to hear the problems and concerns they faced. God our Father wants to be a personal and vital part of our lives no matter what is going on. We can never get beyond the fact of how dearly our Heavenly Father loves us and cares about every single thing in our lives, be they positive or negative in our own eyes.

We may even try with God to twist the facts of our circumstances. We might even want to give a positive spin to some things to make Him happy with us. With our Heavenly Father, we have a Father unlike any other we could ever have on this earth. He knows us through and through...nothing can be hidden whether we talk to Him about it or not. Our relationship can be so much stronger if we don't just trust God for our salvation, but in all of the every day situations that affect us. He wants us to be honest with Him...up front.

Dear Father...forgive my lack of total honesty with You in my prayer life even though I know very well that You already know me inside and out. Help me to appreciate that You want fellowship with me with no holding back on anything going on in my life. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Folks Along the Way

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the
way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee
with Mine eye.
Psalm 32:8

It was one of the most exciting days of my life. I was in first grade and after much begging over weeks, my Mother agreed to let me walk to my Grandma Benbrook's house. Now this was no small undertaking and people today would get cold chills at the thought of letting a child do such a thing. After much testing and traveling back and forth over many weeks, Mother agreed to my trek. You must understand that I grew up in a smaller town in Southern Illinois. Small compared to most, it was still a major coal mining center. Most folks in our town were born and raised there. Even upon graduation, guys for the most part went to the mines to work and girls married their high school sweethearts. I'm just saying that in our town, most people knew each other. Especially in one's own area of town, folks were almost on a first name basis.

My trek to Grandma's was going to be the distance of about a half mile or a little more. Mother called Grandma to let her know when I was on my way. After walking a half block, there was Mrs. Britton on her front porch. She simply said, “Good mornin' Glendarae.” I answered back and would have stopped to talk, but I was on a mission. The next block, Ruth Young from her porch called out to me. She was a lady in our church who did everything. Every small church needs a Ruth Young who runs the bulletin, banks the offerings, and heads Bible School. She was the first lady who told me when I was a freshman in high school that she saw me being a teacher someday.

I continued on my trek coming to our church and beyond where a couple of familiar faces had appeared to greet me. I made a necessary right turn and a few houses down was Mrs. McNeil who taught the older ladies Sunday school class at our church. She too smiled warmly and greeted me. A little further and over a hill was Grandma's house and she stood on her front porch waving at me.

I wasn't old enough to be curious about all of the familiar, helpful and friendly people I met on my trip to Grandma's, but into adulthood reliving that experience of “total independence” at the age of six and a half (the half is VERY important), I must say at times that I've since been suspicious of the goings on that day, but glad I didn't know it at the time. My Mother, I am sure, had prepared the way for my trek to insure my safety and well being.

In remembering this MAJOR incident in my life, I have to wonder about you and me as we are on this trek of life... how many folks God has placed periodically in our lives for His own purposes and for our very best. We may have thought that such folks popped up out of nowhere, miraculously and even mysteriously. We still think we are independent, making our way through life, doing well in our prideful state. I wonder if we ever think of how God looks ahead of us and how He strategically places special folks along our “sidewalks” of life. Such folks often have greater impacts on our lives than we can ever know. These are people who impacted our lives at just about every stage, but we were oblivious to their importance.

We can look back at the various stages of our lives, be they school days, career and even single times of life, marriage, and child rearing. Even if you are an “empty nester,” perhaps another such experienced friend came along side or met you along the way to be an encouragement or to give helpful advice. I knew my way to my Grandma's house, but I must admit there have been many times when I've had no instructions or road maps. Even when knowing the Word of God is my very best guide, I often couldn't even interpret it for myself. That was when I really came to know the Holy Spirit, my True Guide for life. If I've ever needed human direction, God has provided that with family, friends or others who seemed to appear on their “front porches” to wave me on.

Just as I believe my Mother orchestrated my very important trek seeing to my safety and well-being while never letting me in on her secret, God does the very same for us on a daily basis. He is interested in the most intimate details of our lives. When our walk through this life is over, we'll walk that last piece of earthly “sidewalk” and we'll see Jesus awaiting our arrival and “what a day that will be.”

Thank you Holy Spirit for being our Guide as I walk this life that is sometimes filled with illness, dangers, discouragements, but with lots of happiness and delight. Thank You for revealing Your Word to us, for making it clear to our hearts. Help us stay on the right path, trusting You always. Thank You Heavenly Father, for Your every provision for us. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Coming OR Here?

 

Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not anxiously look about you,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will
help you, surely I will uphold
you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

It's not been that long ago that three of our finest American young men stopped a terrorist attack on a French passenger train. I couldn't help but feel at the time that the incident could be the start of something much bigger. I didn't know if it would happen anywhere in France, but to no one's surprise, Paris, France has had to endure horrible terrorist attacks on their city. 

 

Jesus spoke of end time days and things we can expect to see. Just in Matthew 24, Jesus gave a list with the caution in verse 4 to see to it that we allow no one to mislead us.

What are these things He spoke of in this chapter to watch for?

Pretend Christs will mislead
Hearing of wars and rumors of wars
Nation will rise against nation
Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places
Christians will be delivered to tribulation and persecution
False prophets will arise (just turn on your TV)
Lawlessness will increase
People's love will grow cold

I don't know about you, but I'm seeing all of these things going on and have for awhile. But now we are seeing most of these things full-blown in our world and and even in our country.

As one of Jesus' disciples and a part of Jesus' inner circle, Peter heard most if not all of Jesus' teachings and this portion of Scripture we see in Matthew would have been no exception. In Peter's two epistles later in the New Testament, he did all he could to minister to Christians who were having to flee to various countries to hopefully avoid persecution that was being stirred up against them. It has a familiar ring today, doesn't it? Peter's two small books were devoted primarily to one thing...preparation for suffering. Considering the subject, Peter made every effort to be an encouragement for those dear saints. He began in his first letter in 1:3:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who according to His great
mercy has caused us to be born again
to a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In his writings through the Holy Spirit, Peter made one thing perfectly clear...there will be suffering for Christians no matter where they are or in what time they live. Let me remind us that Peter is now in Heaven as are those Christians he wrote to. Through his words given to him by the Holy Spirit, He who dwells in the heart of every Christian, now speaks to you and me and gives us counsel regarding suffering we will be called upon to endure. We're called to that because Jesus was called to that and if we are following in His steps, suffering will come knocking on our doors. Peter wanted his readers to be prepared. Hiding our heads in the sand just isn't going to work. In chapter 2:13-15, he gives us suggestions for that preparation.

Prepare your minds for action (Know what's going on, be informed, be ready)
Keep sober in spirit (Sober means we are to be alert)
Keep your hope completely in the grace of Jesus Christ (Place hope in the right place and in the right Person)
Be obedient to the Lord (Obedience in that we don't just hear Him, but we act)
Be holy in your behavior (Amid all of the mess, maintain purity of heart & action)

During difficult times, we may not feel like doing any of those things. However, the overriding fact in all of it is that we are to keep our focus on the Lord and not on everything that is going on around us. We must stay on top of things, but not to the point that we forget God's care and provision for each of us. Life will not always feel good, but with Jesus, it can be filled with His peace, a peace that passes all understanding.

Let's remember who our real enemy is. He may come disguised in black clothes, masks and perhaps carrying knives or guns. However, he can come in a three piece suit, as well, with smiles and words that are soon revealed to be lies. Peter went on to say that our real Adversary is the Devil. Peter cautions us to resist him with a firmness in our faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering we go through are being experienced by our brethren all over the world. (5:9)

I can talk to people, cry on someone's shoulder, but Peter tells us to:

Cast all your care on Him,
because He cares for you.
5:7

When horrible events occur whether in Paris, France or in any city of our own country, we must remember that in those times, God has not gone to sleep, He didn't turn His head nor is too busy to handle any situation. Nothing passes by Him...there is never an “oops” with God. Anything that touches our lives has to first filter through God's very strong and capable fingers. His love for you and me reaches far deeper than we can ever imagine.

Whether negative world events are coming or are here, God is totally in control even if we can't see or comprehend it. We are being loved and guided by THE real Overcomer and we can put our complete trust in Him.

Father, we get nervous when we hear of bombs, victims, and persecution. Help us to be alert and cautious regarding things around us, but still put our trust in Your care and protection. Empower us with Your strength and courage for these days. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

SWEET COMFORT

 

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father, and He shall give
you another Comforter, that He may abide
with you forever.
John 14:15,16

We, like many folks around the country have had our share of snow and cold weather. Even when the heat is turned up to what is normal for us in our house, there still seems to be a bit of a chill in the air. Upon visiting with my sister Kay about three months after our Mother died, I deposited my bags and belongings in the bedroom I would be staying in for those few days. As I entered the room, there was a lovely fleece afghan with the tied knots on all four sides laying on the bed. Kay had told me that this particular bedroom tended to be cooler than most during colder weather so I thought the afghan was for further insurance that I wouldn't be overly chilled. She let me know that she had made it for me and wanted me to take it with me when I left. I was thrilled. I don't know when I had received such a nice gift that I knew was not only made with love but for Kay and me, it indicated a new start of a fresh relationship. 

During these chilly days, I have spent hours with that afghan, mostly during times of reading my Bible and having something warm to drink. It's also as if I have a touch of comfort from Kay even though just a few years ago, she went to Heaven after a time of being so very ill. I can't begin to say how much I miss her. She and I did a lot of growing up together. Wrapping up in that fleece throw gives me a sense of comfort from her kindness, knowing she is with the Lord now.

In John 14, Jesus was trying to prepare His disciples for His leaving. He wasn't clear with them as to specifics, but He wanted those precious men to know that in His leaving, another would come who could be closer to them than He ever could. This Comforter would not only abide with them but would dwell within them. In verse 26, Jesus went further with information as to how this Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would work in and through them. He said,

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in My name, He
shall teach you all things and bring all
things to your remembrance, whatsoever
I have said unto you.

I love how Jesus used the term “Comforter” for the Holy Spirit. We all need a touch of comfort in our lives every now and then, but no one can comfort like God's sweet Holy Spirit.

When just little girls, Kay and I shared a room and bed. We lived in a house with one big round coal stove that stood in our living room. Of course, at night, the stove was tended to the point that the house really got cold during the night. My Mother would come into our room to add extra covers on our bed, on top of what was already there. Some of those items were quilts that had lovingly been sewn by one or both of our Grandmothers. Some of those quilts weren't exactly quilts but were referred to as comforters. They were much thicker with extra “stuffing” in them to provide even more warmth. It's for sure we wouldn't freeze to death with all of that weight on top of us. We slept in very cozy surrounded by those comforters that also gave a sense of security.

The Holy Spirit isn't a literal quilt, afghan or comforter, but His comfort is so much more. Jesus made very clear what the Holy Spirit would be in the lives of His believers. The Holy Spirit doesn't indwell an unsaved person. He enters into a person immediately upon accepting Jesus as Savior. From that point, He is with us, in us, abiding every moment we live and breathe. You and I benefit from His comfort more often than we realize, but He does some other things as well.

Jesus said that this Comforter will teach us all things. He stands ready to teach us as we read the Word. He interprets it to our hearts. Many Christians don't realize that they can learn so much more from their Bible reading, if they first invite the Holy Spirit to teach them from what they are reading. I also love that Jesus says that our Comforter will bring all things He has taught to our memory. I don't how many times, a verse of Scripture will pop into my mind seemingly out of nowhere. That comes from the Holy Spirit...our Comforter.

So tonight, I'm sitting with my Kay Komforter around my legs, with Bible in hand while my Holy Spirit blesses me from His Word while wrapping me in the Comfort that no quilt, blanket, afghan or man-made comforter can. My Kay Komforter was made with love and love is of God. It reminds me not only of her, but of THE Comforter Who inspired its making.

Dear Father, how I praise You for sending the Comforter to indwell those of us who have come to love you and Your Son Jesus. We take so much for granted when it comes to Your goodness in our lives. I thank You tonight for Kay making me such a gift that still blesses me, but thank You more for the Comforter You have provided in my life that guides and teaches me...and that at the same time, comforts me. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

FAIR TRADE

For God so loved the world, that He
gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

One of the most enjoyable things I recall from my grade school years was the fun of trading comic books. In those days gone by, comic books cost a nickle or sometimes a dime if the comic book was thicker in size. I loved western theme comic books, but also liked mystery ones....Dick Tracy, Green Hornet, etc. Superman was a favorite of most of us. There were classic comic books that were more expensive. Classic books such as Ivanhoe, Tom Sawyer, Heidi, and such were put into comic book form. There were romance comic books, but my Mother would never let me buy them or trade for them. They were really very tame compared to what they would be today.

Trading comics (as we called them) was usually a neighborhood thing. In those days, playmates, close family and friend associations were within one's neighborhood. We never traded comics at school. Trading was almost an art. Most kept their comics in good condition. Comics were then more valuable in trading. If you had a couple of comics without covers, you could probably only get one good comic for the two unsightly ones. Even comics with torn or messy covers lost out in the trading process. Classic comics were thicker. If one of those was in good shape, you could get two regular sized comics for it.

Americans have bargained for things back into our history. In the mountains where I live, folks back in the 1800's often had to bargain for basic needs. Storekeepers especially, took in farm commodities such as eggs, butter, chickens, animal hides for things like coffee, nails, sugar and such things that the average farm couldn't provide. Farmers selling animals would bargain between seller and buyer for the best deal.

Most people have gone into a car dealership with a used car hoping to purchase a new(er) car after bargaining with a salesperson for the best deal possible. Most know that the salesperson can be talked into a lower price on the car to be purchased, but anyone knows the company has allowed for all of that in their pricing process. Nonetheless, when an apparent good deal is in place, the buyer walks away feeling a financial victory has been won.

One thing I've learned in my years of walking with the Lord is that He is nothing like a car salesman, comic book trader or country store owner. Too often we view Him as Santa Claus Who we can go to with our list of wants and sometimes even demands. God cannot be bargained with. God is Who He is, can be no more or less. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.”

I love seeing in so many portions of Scripture those things the Lord IS. Those statements are easy to be found. I love reading those characteristics of the Lord that not only warm my own heart, but is a constant reminder that those things that are Him are not for sale, cannot be changed and cannot be bargained away. Those things are set in concrete...you and I can rest in Him with complete trust.

For instance....I've been studying Psalm 145. I love this Psalm as it is not only a song of praise to God but spells out many specifics of who He is. Let me give some of those things in this Psalm that speaks to who He is:

The Lord is gracious, merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness (8)
The Lord is good to all (9)
The Lord sustains all who fall (14)
The Lord is righteous (17)
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him (18)
The Lord keeps all who love Him (20)

There are so many more of those things in Scripture we can relish, but I can just get chills reading those few things. He's not asking anything in return. He only extends invitations to all who will accept Him and walk in relationship with Him as well.

In this same Psalm, the writer puts in words what we can do for God out of gratitude. We are often people of “I wills” in our relationship with the Lord. We mean well as this writer does, but we forget and often fail. Not only does this Psalm speak of those things, but also points out “I will” statements that have to do with us personally. Here's where some things break down...purely on our part. We are quick with the “I will's” hoping to keep in God's favor as if we want to strike a deal with Him much like we would a car salesman.

When I see that God SO loved that He gave, I must say that my trading off with Him seems to fade. There is nothing I can do for Him or give Him that would be a tear drop in the ocean compared to all He's done for me. Anything I might want to trade off with him is as an old, dirty, torn up comic book that no one would want. Scripture tells us that even our righteousness is as filthy rags. No swaps with God. I will be happy pouring out my heart to Him and will just let Him have His way.

Dear Father, thank You for Your ultimate gift to us in Your son Jesus. Forgive when we become frustrated and try to make demands of You when we have no right to do so. I thank You for listening to us patiently and then doing for us what You know to be in our best interest. May we always stand in awe of You and not treat You in a casual way. In Jesus name...Amen

Spiritual Workaholics

And He said unto them,
Come ye yourselves apart into a
desert place, and rest a while: for there
were many coming and going, and
they had no leisure so much as to eat.
And they departed into a desert place by
ship privately.
Mark 6:31,32

There are some people, especially executives and corporate ladder-climbers who are known as “workaholics” because of the ridiculous hours and even days they put in where the workplace is concerned. It isn't unusual for such people to work 18 hour days, usually six days a week or more. Even when they when arriving home, they may still work late into the night doing paper work.

Let's leave corporations for a time and look at churches, their staff members and members who hold various offices in the church setting. Again, this is not an indictment involving every Christian, whether full or part time workers or laypeople fulfilling various responsibilities in their churches. I have heard pastors from pulpits brag on the long hours they put in at the church office, arriving home at night when his children are already in bed. I've heard some pastors who boast of heavy responsibilities, building programs, various meetings, counseling sessions, hospital visitation and somewhere in there, they study for Sunday's sermons. As I have listened to the list, it makes me weary in listening to it all. You see, there can be such a thing as church workaholics. I really hesitate to use the word “spiritual” at this point because I'm not sure being a church workaholic is spiritual.

Lest you judge me as being hyper-critical of others, let me tell you that on this subject, I have been there and back with this kind of thing more than I desire to admit. I'm not going to list the responsibilities I sometimes had all at the same time. In one position, I can think of eight major jobs I was responsible for. I couldn't say “no” and in some instances couldn't refuse to do certain things because of employment. Guess what? I got lots of attention and praise. I also learned with all of that going on, some people thought I was a super spiritual person. There were those who thought me wise beyond my years and could rarely be wrong. Little did those folks know that I had little time to read my Bible or pray. In those days, my family was often neglected. My dear husband often took up the slack. Guess what...it all had become compulsive...there were no brakes...I honestly believed if I didn't do it all, no one else would or could.

Since when are we to base our spiritual worth on being as busy as we can be doing church work. Church work is different from serving the Lord. If you and I can't “serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing” then something is wrong. Some church workers are too tired doing the work to come before the Lord with singing ... serving with gladness has perhaps gone by the wayside long ago.

The above opening verse was written under the title of this blog for a reason. I can't imagine the physical weariness of Jesus and the disciples at times as they ministered. They didn't have planes or vehicles to get them where they needed to go. They didn't have fast food places where they could eat and probably often slept under the stars. Ministry is wearying no matter the century or times. I've noticed through the Gospels, though, that Jesus always knew when to go to one side to rest and pray. He often pulled away from the crowds to pray. Notice in the opening verse the disciples had been so busy, they hadn't had time to eat. Jesus saw the necessity of His disciples having a time to rest, and yes, to eat as well. I've heard church workers brag on their lack of sleep and having no time to eat. I doubt Jesus would approve.

There are those who serve the Lord for the personal satisfaction and even glory for their efforts. That can be very tiring and wearing on the human system. I have found when the Lord calls me to a task, He not only equips me for it, but also gives me the strength to bring the task to a satisfactory completion. When I become worn to a frazzle in serving Him, I usually find that I'm functioning in my own strength and not His.

The glory part of doing God's work can be addictive. There will always be folks who will pour praise and compliments out on God's servant. Don't get me wrong, there are times to encourage God's servants. Too much of such can take our focus off of the Lord and onto our own efforts and even successes. Any success should be to God's glory alone. I find the way to please the Lord is through His words in Jeremiah 9:23,24:

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man
glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty
man glory in his might, let not the rich man
glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that
he understandeth and knoweth me, that I
am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:
for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

If we serve the Lord as we should, there is no need to completely wear ourselves out. Whatever we do to serve the Lord will reap rewards for the Kingdom in good time. It can be enjoyable, satisfying and yes, even fun serving Him. God doesn't mind if we have a good time serving Him. He's delighted that we love serving Him, especially when we do it for Him and not for self honor and glory.

Father, we love You and want to serve You with pure motives. We want You to be honored in all You've called us to do. Help us to recognize Your calling in our lives and how You want us to best use the gifts and talents You've given us. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

WHO CARES?

 

Casting all your care upon Him,
for He careth for you.
I Peter 5:7

In our society, we are always learning new words or see the resurrection of old ones that suddenly become relevant. One of those words that has become prominent in the last ten or more years is the word “caregiver.” This word has become relevant because of other words we've also become familiar with such as: cancer, dementia, wounded warriors, blindness, mental disturbance, paralysis, debilitating accidents...and the list goes on and on. All of these conditions may require a caretaker in some form be it through an individual person or more in depth professional care. To a fault (and I say this tenderly) all attention is given to an individual who is in need of care while very little attention is given to that person's caregiver. Caregivers are usually spouses, adult children, close friends, professional nurses or volunteers.

Carolyn and Richard for a time didn't know when or if they would be able to return to their mountain home here in our small town. In April of 2015, Richard had a terrible accident in the yard of his home where a tree or part of one fell on him crushing ribs and with an added complication of a stroke. For weeks, it wasn't known how or if Richard would come out of it all. It was going to be a long road and has been in these months. Richard mentioned toward the beginning of his recovery, that he hoped to one day return back home. We wondered if that could happen.

Because of having a few days before another surgery, it happened that they could return home from a few states away to spend some of that time. Although using a cane, not firm on is feet and obviously very much in need of continued care and treatment, Richard with Carolyn by his side, walked out of the airport and into our car that would take them to their mountain home. This could never have happened without Carolyn's dedicated care of Richard through these months and Richard would attest to that. It hasn't been easy for either of them. Richard has been a gutsy, strong, independent and capable man as he has always been. It can't be easy for such a one to be on the receiving end of care in every way. However, Carolyn is also a gutsy, strong, independent and very capable woman whose life was drastically changed on the day of that accident...a life that was changed, never to be the same again. Carolyn walked ahead of us to open the door and turn off the alarm. We walked with Richard. As we walked through the front door, it was as if Richard just drew a deep breath, taking in the smell of his lovely house.

Just about every church I've been a part of publishes a prayer list or does it verbally in a class setting. The list of illnesses and problems go on and on. My personal conviction through what I've seen my friends experience is that although I've been very burdened for the recovery of my friend who experienced a horrible accident, I should be just as conscious for that one who is his helper, confidante and caregiver, business manager, nurse, decision maker and on and on goes the list.

A caregiver is often called on in a time of emergency to make life and death decisions on the spot. Following that may be decisions regarding medical insurance, wills, property upkeep, and bills. This can hit one person all in a moment...no notice...with the added concern for the person needing extensive care. In our day when people are living longer, caregivers ha moved to the forefront as being some of the most needed persons in our society. There's usually no extra salary if any at all for the service provided.

It sounds very business-like minus sincere feelings, but I don't mean it that way. For too long we haven't taken a good look a dear people who are giving their lives to care for people they love...people who are incapacitated and have no way of caring for themselves. Scripture speaks throughout of folks who were either caregivers or in need of care. For instance:
Think of the blind people we find in the Bible.

Those who were blind begging for alms.They definitely needed care.

• Lazarus was obviously ill to the point of death. He had the care of two sisters
• Four friends brought a paralytic to Jesus. That man had to have other caregivers.
• Peter's mother-in-law lived in his home and was very ill until Jesus healed her.

Many caregivers are long range but some may be short term. I've always been amazed at Jesus' example of the Good Samaritan who found a man by the side of a road, beaten up and in bad physical condition. Jesus said when the Samaritan saw the man, he had compassion on him. Compassion is the key when rendering any kind of care to another person. I love what Jesus said about this temporary caregiver:
And went to him, and bound up his wounds,

pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his
own beast, and brought him to an inn, and
took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed,
he took out two pence, and gave them to
the host, and said unto him, Take care of him;
and whatsoever thou spendest more, when
I come again, I will repay thee.
Luke 10:34,35

That Samaritan didn't even know the man who was hurt....a despised Samaritan did all of that for a stranger. We may be called on at times to be temporary caregivers in times of great need. It may mean finding ways to be of encouragement to a family where special care is needed...phone calls, offering to sit with an ill person to relieve a caregiver, taking a good meal into the home, but being a prayer partner most of all. We all know caregivers. Look at your church prayer list at folks with serious conditions and you will need to recognize the fact that for every name, there are caregivers. Caregivers get tired, discouraged, feel lonely, may suffer abuse of different types from the one being cared for and may wear down to the point of becoming ill themselves. These are folks who will rarely express negative thoughts about their situation except to a few very dear friends. They tend to keep their feelings to themselves and that isn't always healthy. My hope is to just raise an awareness that for every person suffering from a physical or mental condition that is debilitating, there are caregivers on vigilant duty providing care, not giving up on their loved one.

Whether a caregiver or “care-needer,” we all must remember whatever our care, Jesus is our burden bearer. He's the ultimate Caregiver and has hundreds of ways to see to our care.

By the way, welcome home, Richard and Carolyn! It's been a long road

Dear Father...You are our ultimate Caregiver. You cared enough to send Jesus to die for our sin that we might be free in You. The ills of this world still chase us while we are here. Thank You for those folks who have taken up the challenge of caregiving. You know who and where they are. Bless and strengthen each one right in the middle of their situation. Help us to stand ready to help where and when we can when a caregiving friend needs encouragement. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Defining Who We Are

Be ye therefore followers (imitators)
of God, as dear children...
Ephesians 5:1

I had to chuckle at myself two days ago as I was making spaghetti for supper. I browned the hamburger. I had already added strips of green pepper and sliced mushrooms into the meat to caramelize them. I then opened the jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce and poured it into the meat mixture. Without thinking, I then went to the sink, turned on the faucet and added a small amount of water into the empty spaghetti sauce jar. I swirled it around to get as much of the leftover sauce mixed into the water as possible and then poured it into the pan containing the other ingredients before throwing the jar into the trash. I caught myself at the end of the process recalling that I go through that procedure all the time whether it's a spaghetti jar or a soup can. We aren't poverty stricken, thank You Jesus, but I do that in cooking as if I must capture every drop of an ingredient for cooking.

Since then, I have thought of other things I do along that line that I wouldn't have to do. I've folded towels and washcloths the very same way as long as I can remember. I wash clothes as faithfully on Monday's as possible. Friends know me well enough to know that wash day on Monday is almost a ritual for me. I even put a new roll of bathroom tissue on it's little reel in a certain direction that is different than how some folks do it.

All of us could think of things we have done by habit for years and never give it a thought. In everything I've mentioned, especially the spaghetti sauce jar, is not done by accident. In all of these ways and probably in a hundred other ways, I learned by imitating without realizing it. The things mentioned are things I watched my Mother do for years. She didn't tell me to do these things when I grew up and got married. They just became a part of my routine, a part of who I am.

All of us have probably picked up habits along the way of living, especially as we observed our parents and how they did things. We may not have made mental notes to take on their way of doing things, but just in our being with them in close proximity, there were things that “rubbed off” on us, so to speak.

It isn't unusual today to hear of someone who has an “identity crisis.” Such a person seemingly has lost a sense of who they are, not in name, but in who they are at the core of their very being. We may even tend at times to take our identity from others with whom we associate. There can be a real insecurity for some in just being who they are without apology. Some like to be known by a certain name, ability, or even office held. Some like to be known for family name, talent or high position. What happens if one marries a “no name” or develops a disease of the vocal chords or loses her position in some notable organization?

Several years ago, I had a real identity crisis. For a few years I was a secretary on the church staff of the largest Sunday school in America. Thousands knew me on a first name basis. I had a lot of responsibilities that I dearly loved being a part of. The day came, though, when my husband accepted a job in a distant state. We joined a fine church there, where maybe only a dozen people knew me. The rest couldn't have cared what my name was or the things I was capable of doing. I found myself on a shelf for a time. It was among the loneliest days of my life. I had been known for certain things and abilities in the other church...now it was gone. It had felt good for a time being known on a first name basis by so many. I was asking myself who I was with issues of self worth...self identity.

Along the way, I have learned that it makes no difference what people think of me...what counts is what Jesus thinks of me. I may seek to imitate people in order to fit in or to feel secure. However, my only real security and identity is to be found in Christ alone. It does matter how I treat people, my testimony of Jesus working in my life. If I am imitating Jesus Christ, my testimony will take care of itself.

Philippians 2:5 tells us: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus....” and thus begins the list of who all He was as He took on flesh and walked this earth. As you and I too walk this earth, we are to imitate Jesus in all He did and was. I can remember people through the years, I wanted to copy, especially when in high school. In that process I was a failure and did myself personally no favors. I had to learn that with all my flaws and shortcomings, God still saw in me potential, talent that was unique to me.

My Heavenly Father still views me in a very individual way. By the way, He does the same with everyone. We don't need to find our worth or identity in anyone or anything other than in THE One that really matters. That thought is so freeing. As I live in close relationship with Him, He will leave His influence and imprint on me. Those rituals and habits I've learned through life are just an example to me of the effect God can have on my life if I observe His Word and the influence He wants to be in me as we walk together through life. It goes far beyond a particular wash day or rinsing out a spaghetti jar. God has called you and me to uniqueness in our world, but at the same time to be imitators as well, but of the only One that matters...Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, I want to be like You in every area of my life. I'm so sorry for the sin of neglecting You. I thank You for Your patience with me and for so many other considerations I don't deserve. Help me to function in Your strength, and yes, Your identity. In Your precious name...Amen!