COURAGE UP CLOSE

 

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and He shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

Courage: the ability to do something that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief.

Have you, like me, met courage personified in the lives of so many who have had to face the most difficult of circumstances of life? I can't even count those I have watched...some up close...some at a distance, who had to walk what seems like too many difficult and rocky paths. 

When I think of courage, I think of our men and women in blue who every day get in their squad cars in cities and towns all over our country just to keep you and me safe. I also think of the courage of those family members who kiss those men and women goodbye as they leave for their shifts to their assigned “beats.” I often think the same of our firefighters who often have to go into dangerous situations to save lives. It's not that hard for me to look at these brave people as being more than courageous.

I think the same of our military personnel stationed all over the world, many of whom are in dangerous countries where life is threatened on a minute by minute basis. They seem to take it all in stride...(”It's our job.”) They too have said farewell to friends and family, not knowing when and if they will return again or in what condition. Courage?...I would say so.

We all know, however, courage isn't just for those who work and live in harm's way. I have friends who are caregivers. For some, their loved ones have Alzheimers or dementia of some sort. Many of these folks have to have constant care, often the kind of care one would give to a small child. I have had friends who have Down's Syndrome children or children born handicapped in some way. These are children who often grow up into adulthood physically, but still needing the special attention and care one might give a child. I've seen men who have come back from military service, who have had to have artificial limbs because of war injuries. There are those who live in constant pain from arthritis or painful bone conditions. I can't forget those with cancer who bravely and yes, courageously fight a fight for life through many kinds of treatment that hurt, cause discomfort and even affect ones physical appearance. With courage and hope, they fight by living life one day at a time.

In life, there are times when some smaller things take huge courage. I think of dad's who sit in the passenger seat of a car while his teenager begins to learn the art of driving. It takes great courage for many folks to go into a dentist's office even for a checkup. Riding a Ferris wheel takes courage for some and that would include me and don't even talk to me about zip lines.

When we first moved to Austin Texas after having resided in the Dallas, Texas area, I went to lunch with a new friend. As we were preparing to pay our checks, I noticed a display against the wall behind the cashier that was loaded down with coffee/soup mugs of every sort and size. One caught my eye right away. It had western-type colors with a very handsome face on it....yep, it was the Duke himself, John Wayne. He's been a favorite of mine for more years than I care to count. His westerns were and still are about the only ones without curse words except for a word that mentions where the Devil lives. Couldn't pass up that mug so purchased it. I still have it and hate the thought of ever breaking it.

One of the things I love about that mug is what is written on the inside that encourages me every time I see it. I usually use this mug for hot soup, so when holding the handle with my right hand and taking a sip, there on the inside/side is a quote from good ole John, and it's pretty good theology. He said, “Courage is being afraid and saddling up anyway.” I love that. I think I've written it in the front of a couple of my Bibles. When we're nervous, fearful or panic stricken, we don't feel like “saddling up” and moving forward. However, that's what courage does.

The other day, I sat in a doctor's waiting room feeling on the fearful side. I smiled as I recalled that wise statement. I knew even though I didn't feel like it, I had to saddle up. Then when taken to an injection room, I was reminded of Psalm 27 for many reasons, but especially thinking of waiting on Jesus and taking courage from Him.

Could there ever have been anyone more courageous than Jesus as He bore His own cross to Golgotha's hill where He willingly died for you and me. I don't deserve a drop of blood He shed for me so surely I can gain courage from the most courageous One who ever lived. So dear friend, whatever your situation or the battle you face, be of good courage and saddle up anyway.

Thank You Jesus for dying for us and completing that with victory over death. Because of your loving courage, we too can face the fiercest of storms or the quietest of concerns. We love You and thank You for being who You are in our lives. In Your precious name....Amen

FINISHING WELL

The memory of the righteous
is blessed, but the name of
the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:7

In preparing for Sunday's lessons for my ladies, I was reading in Proverbs where I needed to read for an extra dose of wisdom. Reading in Psalms boosts my joy so I try to read in it daily just as I do Proverbs. I left my usual reading schedule and found myself in chapter 10 of Proverbs. There wasn't anything unusual about that except that in the margin of that chapter there is a list...a long list. That list consists the first names of ladies who have beat me to the door of Heaven. Ladies listed there are ladies I would also consider who had been righteous in their own influence and personal lives.

As I look at this list, there isn't a perfect lady on it. I personally know of the flaws of some of those ladies as I was closer to some than others. Those flaws seem so minor now because I know that at this moment, all flaws are gone and they are enjoying the time of their lives...being in the very presence of Jesus.

I look at the ladies on my list and find they all have one thing in common. From a human and personal standpoint, I consider that they finished this life well. Some left for Heaven after having suffered long periods of illness, many with cancer of some sort. There were for some, accidents causing a quicker life's end than I would have liked. Some died suddenly with various health issues where God spared them a lengthy lingering.

Notice in the verse I have used, the last part of the verse. It addresses the wicked where basically, their name isn't worth putting on any list with the righteous. When folks think of them after their demise, there are few pleasant memories, especially in the spiritual realm. Perhaps their lives were lived for self, wallowing in the things of the world, treating people, whether family or friends, in negative ways. In many cases, such folks maybe didn't know Jesus at all. There are some folks who claim the name of Christ who have also not lived the righteous life that would be God pleasing. None of these folks have finished well, where they have left behind very little in the way of positive influences. As I look at my list, I don't have any of these folks in the margin of my Bible.

It is encouraging as I look at my list remembering my relationship with these ladies. On my list are former Sunday school teachers. Some are ladies I had the privilege of working with through the years in various jobs. I've only had one lady who died while a member of a Sunday school class of mine. I think of her so often and her encouraging ways. Then there are all the friends on my list, down through the years, who blessed my life and added a spiritual dimension to my life that is unbelievable. I know Jesus so much better because of them. Those on my list are of varying ages, some very educated while some may have not made it through high school. The oldest on my list was in her 80's when she went to be with the Lord. Most would be around my age now if they had lived to that point.

The ladies on my list are there because I consider they finished well. I wish their influence could have been extended for a longer period of time, but those things are in God's very capable hands. I think of them more often than I can say. Their names ring so often in my ears, especially when there is an event that brings them to mind. I think of Elaine who died from cancer, but through that, I came to know her mom, Thelma, with whom I had lunch every Wednesday for many months. She and I shared a love for books by R.A.Torrey. Thelma, too, is on my special list. I still miss so many others on that list who all left an imprint on my life. Each lady, I knew personally and loved.

This has all come to my mind because today, I added another name to that list. Unlike the others, I have never met this dear lady in person, but have followed her and her family for several months now. As I write, she went to Heaven yesterday afternoon. Thousands if not more have been following her venture with cancer. We have prayed for her and her family. We've marveled at her loving and attentive husband. We've watched her attention to her 2 year old little girl...teaching her, reading to her and loving on her until all of her strength was gone. Her name is Joey Feek.

She and her husband Rory have warmed our hearts with their songs that tell stories of the sweet things of life. Their last CD, record breaking at this time, was of her favorite hymns. Never having met Joey, I like so many, feel like I knew her. She was in the age range of my two daughters which really made her seem very young to me...”too young for Heaven,” I thought in weaker moments. I've learned, though, in these years of my own life that God does all things well. His purposes are so much higher than we can ever understand. I just know I have learned and benefited from Joey's witness, faith and yes, suffering. Her saga was so public that some might feel was too much. However, that was a part of her ministry in all of this along with Rory by her side every moment. I do believe that this dear young lady at the age of 40 probably packed more of life and love into those years than many manage by the age of 75.

Come what may, I've seen again that I really can do everything through Christ. I've seen this in the lives of all of my “list people.” In His strength, you and I, too, can endure what comes our way and hopefully, like with Joey and others, people will see Jesus in our lives. It is all possible, because of Jesus...who finished best of all.

Thank You Jesus, for the dear people You bring into our lives through whom we are blessed and from whom we learn more about You. Help us to be an influence for You in the lives of others. Thank You for those “just” folks You brought into my life for a time, but who are with You now. In Your precious name....Amen

AFRAID OF HEIGHTS

 

And He(God) said unto Moses,
Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron,
Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of
the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
And Moses alone shall come near the Lord:
but they shall not come nigh; neither shall
the people go up with him.
Exodus 24:1,2

Moses had a personal invitation to meet with God who was to be the host of that meeting. God, bottom line, told Moses to come up the mountain to meet with Him. There were some men invited to accompany Moses, but they could go only so far. Moses was told to come the latter part of the way by himself, leaving the group at a predetermined place. Mt Sinai (Horeb) was a much higher mountain than any of our taller mountains here in the national park. Mt. Sinai is measured at 7,497 feet. Think of climbing that hunk of rock, and Moses wasn't a spring chicken either.

It may sound odd to people to know that someone would move to the mountains who has always been fearful of heights. Well, that someone is me. My first exposure to mountains was when I was around 5-6 years old. Living in Southern Illinois, and close to Tennessee, it was no problem for my Mother to decide to go check out the new Smoky Mountain National Park. The main road through the park was nothing more than gravel at that time. A part near Newfound Gap had been paved for the convenience of President Roosevelt's going to the park to make a speech of dedication. My Mother had never driven on mountain roads with only gravel. There were no guardrails or yellow stripe on the gravel (duh). If a driver hit their brakes to make a sudden stop, she could slide to no telling where. My grandmother sucked wind around every curve. Her fear only heightened my own as I looked down those steep mountain slopes through my back seat car window.

Despite the fear, I found myself loving the mountains. Eventually the roads were paved with guardrails placed in the more dangerous locations along the two lane road. I must say that even today when we drive across those same mountains, I still tend to scoot my body away from the car door as much as I can as if that would make any difference if falling down a mountain side. Today, when Brian and I hike, I never walk near the slope edge of the trail...I stick to the inside of the trail. If I get too close to the edge, I, like my grandmother of years ago, begin to suck air as if I'm facing a very bad fall.

Spiritually speaking, there are many Bible verses that have to do with heights. Scripture is full of mountains from which we can glean spiritual truths. Just as I may not appreciate the height of our mountains as I should, there are times we can be fearful of climbing to some heights spiritually. However, Scripture encourages you and me to always be moving upward for Christ.

In Matthew 5:1, after a lengthy time of ministry, Jesus went up into a mountain. His disciples followed Him there where He taught them. We refer to this teaching as the Sermon on the Mount. I think of it as being their seminary training...Ministry 101, so to speak. I can't tell you the times I've driven into the mountains with my Bible where the Holy Spirit has taught me and spurred me on to greater spiritual growth.

Paul made good use of the word “heights”. He first spoke of reaching the heights of love in Romans 8:37-39. I have a deep love for Romans chapter 8. This whole chapter is so rich in the things of God including a growth process that is encouraged. For instance, just in verse 39, I see when it comes to God's love, nothing can part me from it. Paul says: “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us form the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So why don't we climb and stretch? I think some of that has to do with fear, fear of the unknown, of falling or even of failure. We read about Moses' trek up that mountain where he was going to meet with God. As we casually read of that incident, do we ever consider how
Moses felt. I hesitate to use the word “fear” but how would you and I feel...a personal meeting with God. He had some friends with hin for awhile, but he could go only so far with them. We can read in our Bibles about the whole thing and see that it all turned out for good, but Moses had no clue what was about to happen. He walked that steep, mountain trail by faith alone.

If we are going to climb spiritual heights for God, there are some things to remember, such as:

* Our quest must be for God and Him alone and not for showing off for others. With Him in our sights, we will reap benefits, but it can't be of our own doing.

* Remember that it is going to take some determination and effort on our part. We may not have to climb a literal mountain like Moses did, but we all have our mountains that are challenges for us perhaps on a daily basis.

* We can go only so far with others while the rest of the trek must be alone and in God's strength. God doesn't invite us to come if He isn't going to make it possible in His strength to get where He is.

* As we learn and grow, a goal of ours should always be to take the high ground. Hurt feelings, arguing, challenging others, going on the offensive for things that don't really matter...all of those things can mean trouble, and will be things that pull us backward, away from the heights.

* We need not fear the spiritual heights...Jesus is there biding us to “come higher”. He awaits our arrival.

Father, I want to go higher with You. Thank You that Jesus anticipates my arrival and will walk the rest of the way of my journey with me. Help me to not fear the heights, but to embrace them. I'm stretching upward in Your strength. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

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