TERRIFIC THREES

“Two's company...three's a crowd.”

Perhaps in some circles, the above saying is true. It never works for a married couple to have a third party involved in their marriage if the husband or wife is having a relationship outside the marriage. With many teenagers, when wanting to be with their best friend only, may resent the presence of another teenager. When we think of “threes” it doesn't conjure up positive thoughts.

When in high school and at our church, there were three of us girls who sang in a trio. Judy had a beautiful soprano voice, Donna had a beautiful alto voice and then there was me. There wasn't much beautiful about my lower “honker” alto voice, but the three of us managed to put a trio together. Many of the church members liked hearing us sing in church. We enjoyed singing together. The three of us read music so the trio came together pretty easy. One thing about a trio though is that it isn't worth anything if each one doesn't sing the correct part. There must also be an effort made to blend together as much as possible. I love trio music and we enjoyed those days. When singing in a trio, the simple fact is that three people are required, so threes aren't always negative.

Any lady who has been in any of my recent Bible studies knows that I have been absolutely fascinated with “threes” in Scripture. I can't share the entire list I've accumulated, but will share some that have special meaning in my own life.

I must start with the “trinity.” A few years ago, a lady told me that she didn't believe in the trinity because one can't find that word in Scripture. She's right about the lack of the word in the Bible, but we can't discount the fact that in various places in Scripture, the three persons of the trinity are mentioned together, especially in the beginning of some of Paul's letters, for instance:

...who was declared the Son of GOD with power
by the resurrection from the dead, according to the
SPIRIT of holiness, JESUS CHRIST our Lord.
Romans 1:4

There is a very profound teaching of Jesus that I sometimes want to yell at my television set when I see teachers and some preachers talking who seem to ignore some very basics of our faith, one being, when Jesus stated:

I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No man cometh to the Father but by me.
John 14:6

Despite what the world says about making it's own way to spiritual success, Heaven is impossible for them without recognizing Jesus as THE way, THE truth and THE life. We don't get to our Father without Jesus, our Savior. That's an important trio.

The things about our faith that distinguishes us from all other beliefs is that of LOVE. We can find the importance of love all through Scripture. The basic verses in the Old Testament and repeated in the New Testament are so foundational as to who we are supposed to be. It's the badge we wear that says who we are.

We've read this last verse in I Corinthians 13 often, perhaps not giving it much thought, but Paul thought it important. Verse 13 says:

Now abideth faith, hope and love, but
the greatest of these is love.

It doesn't mean the first two things aren't important, but without love, faith and hope don't mean as much in the whole scenario of things.

The next trio may not seem significant but has been very noticeable to me in studying the book of Mark and reading in the other three Gospels, that is:

“Peter, James and John....”

When disciples are listed in the Gospels, invariably one can see the same three men listed in the same order each time. They made up Jesus' inner circle. I wondered about Peter (foot in mouth, rash, weak in many ways) because Peter was so human that led one to wonder about his future in ministry. Check out the book of Acts after the filling of the Holy Spirit where Peter was a ball of fire for Jesus. What an encouragement to me that despite my weaknesses, Jesus can teach me, love me and change me into what He wants me to be. Thanks Peter!

At the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Matthew 4, Satan arrived in the wilderness to tempt Jesus and with every temptation, Jesus answered Satan with Scripture. Check it out...Satan tempted Jesus in three ways...physically, emotionally (mentally) and spiritually. At the same time, in I John 2:16, John speaks of the same three things we too are confronted with.

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh
and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life
is not from the Father, but is from the world.

I have loved Luke 2:52 since I was a little girl. It had to do with Jesus' growth from babyhood to adulthood. I believe it's an indicator as to how we too are supposed to grow. This verse states:

And Jesus increased in WISDOM and STATURE '
and in FAVOR with God and man.

Let me share one more of the many I have found that is a very convicting verse for me personally. This verse is found in James 1:19.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
let every man be
swift to hear slow to speak, and
slow to wrath.

That's a threesome that is rather uncomfortable for me. I'm to listen more, speak less and refrain from anger no matter the circumstances.

I give you these “Terrific Threes” to whet your appetite that as you read Scripture, you might be alert to such treasures, that make for wonderful trios without music.

Father, I thank You for being my Father and for sending Your son Jesus to do all for me He did to save, and secure for me a place with You in Heaven. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who teaches me from my Bible the directions for my life. I love all three of You dearly....Amen

Change...Don't You Hate It?

For I am the Lord, I change not...
Malachi 3:6a

Anyone who knows me knows that I hate change. There are times I don't like changing channels on the TV and may not like changing sheets on a bed. I don't like changing lanes on a highway nor changing the supper menu at the last minute. Changing clothes in the middle of the day ranks with changing jobs or locations. I just don't like change even though it has been one of God's key instruments in my life ...yes...for change.

There are changes that come into our lives that change everything in our comfortable settings. A new baby in the family changes things as does the next and the next. A wedding in he family changes a lot of things for us. For instance, I have a sweet, dear friend. She's a very special lady in my eyes. I met her a few years ago while working on a committee together. She is the wife of a pastor of a small, loving church. She is one of those people who jumps in with all fours to do anything that needs done and no job is too menial for her. There isn't a lazy bone in this lady's body. She also is a gifted teacher of women and Bible study leader. In recent days she has seen to the details of her only daughter's wedding. I can attest to the fact that such an event can drain a mom in so many ways even though the occasion is a joyous one.

Not too long ago, she mentioned on Face book that her husband has accepted a new pastorate in West Texas so a move is imminent for her in coming weeks. She keeps her smile, trust in her dear hubby and yes, in the Lord knowing He does all things well and will bring her through all of the emotional highs and lows she is presently going through. This will be a huge emotional change for her as well as change of location. I don't know of anyone who I believe can handle it any better than this dear friend. Why?...because in it all, I see her focus being on Jesus when it should be for her and for us all

Change is never a real positive thing for women. We like our comfortable lives and surroundings. We like to keep our children and friends close. We like the feel and smells of our comfy homes. We even like our doctors, grocery stores, and other establishments we've gotten so used to. Most of all, we dearly love our church family and the ties there, especially for a woman who teaches other women the Word of God. During a recent trip to Texas, I got to return to the church we left to come to Tennessee. I was shocked at all of the friends who greeted me...some I had sat with in the choir, some I taught in Sunday school, others I taught in a home Bible study and then there was a general assortment of friends. I hadn't been back in four years. I must admit to you that after leaving, I found some privacy in a bathroom and wept. No one but teachers will ever understand the heart a teacher has for those she has shared the Word of God with in classes of various types.

I look at Scripture and find three ladies who really knew change in their lives. There are many but these three come to mind....Sarai, Esther and Ruth. Sarai's husband walked in one day to announced they were moving. He didn't have a lot of details about the move, only that the God he didn't really know had given him the instructions. The average wife about that time would probably have told him to go take a nap and try again. She didn't and went along with it. So much would have been missed if she hadn't. You see, we don't see down the road to what God sees and how His plan to change things could change a world.

Think of Esther...a young Jewish woman rounded up with a lot of other young women because the king was looking for a new queen. Talk about change...instead of the usual chores, she found herself bathing in a bubble bath, being anointed with precious oils and being attended by all sorts of maids. It doesn't appear she really wanted to be there and her presence was a mystery to her. Unknown to her was the fact that she would play a vital part as new queen in saving her own people. She could never have guessed what such a drastic change in her life would bring about.

Ruth is another young woman, a Moabite who had married to a son of Naomi. However, Naomi's husband and sons died leaving her with two daughters in love. One decided to say in Moab, but Ruth decided to go back to Naomi's homeland...a strange young lady in a strange land. But we see how God used her in the lineage that produced the Messiah. I'm not sure it could ever have dawned on her until Heaven what that change in her life brought about.

There is a major change that occurred in Scripture that we don't really know much about except for the result of that change. I can't imagine that change Jesus went through leaving Heaven to come to earth. Talk about a change.... Oh we hear of, read and sing about Jesus coming to earth, but I have to wonder when Jesus' Father perhaps said, “it's time for You to go,” the change He went through for us. None of us have experienced a change like Jesus had to endure. He came from perfection, glory and His Father's presence in that place to come to the dirt, grime, sin and problems of earth. Such changes I can't comprehend, but one thing I do know...He did it for me.

There is another really big change that is yet to occur. That change will be when all we Christians will be changed upon the second coming of Jesus to receive us to Himself. There is no other change that will be able to top that one. It will be a change that we don't mind in the least.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not
all sleep, but we shall be changed
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at
the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and
we all all be changed.
I Corinthians 15:51-52

As much as I have disliked changes that have come about in my life...large and small...I have found that wherever a change takes me, God meets me right there in that place, at that time. You see, He's everywhere in all of our life events. He can be trusted with those changes that tend to make us the most uncomfortable and there we meet up with His comfort

My Father, You never forsake us. You always meet us where we are no matter the events of our lives. Thank You for loving us so much that You choose what is best for us even if we don't understand the reasons. Keep us trusting you in the dullness of dailies or the challenges of change. We love you. In Jesus' name....Amen

Thirst...For What?

As the hart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the
living God...
Psalm 42:1,2a

Ever been thirsty...I mean REALLY thirsty? I think of times I have experienced thirst. Always after mowing our lawn, I headed for a faucet or an outside hose. When hiking on trails in the mountains, one can become very thirsty. Brian and I took quite a hike a couple of years ago and forgot to bring water bottles. Coming back down the trail, I was so thirsty I was light headed. I couldn't go another step without water...my thirst was beyond explanation. We were high enough on the mountain that I didn't fear the mountain stream, a tiny one that trickled a few feet from us. I took off my moccasin and begged Brian to dip it in the stream and bring me water. I shook out the moccasin, but that shows you how desperate I was. When I told our daughter Jennie about it, her immediate response was, “MAAAAM” why did you do that?” She's an outdoorsy person so that gave her the willies.

In John 4, Jesus met up with a Samaritan woman at a well. Jewish men didn't speak to or associate with Samaritan women let alone find themselves alone with one. He took the opportunity to talk with her about thirst. As she approached, He simply said, “Give me to drink.” In their conversation, they got around to the real purpose of His conversation with her. He introduced her to a water she knew nothing about. It was/is a water that was living. He assured her if she drank of that water He offered, she would never thirst again. We know what He was talking about. He was speaking of the water that upon acceptance would spring up into everlasting life.

A human being can go without food for many days, but the human body HAS to have liquid on a regular basis for the body to function as it should. The human body can break down and even die if it goes without fluid for a period of ten days or perhaps a few more than that. It is vital and necessary whether we think so or not. When going through the wilderness, the Israelites had gone without water for a time and demanded that Moses do something about it. Riots can occur over the scarcity of water and Moses just about had that on his hands. Fortunately, God provided with the cooperation of Moses. They didn't have to drink it from a moccasin, but did drink of water from a rock.

I believe our world is thirsty...terribly thirsty and I include Christians in this need. There are those who know nothing about that water that heals spiritual thirst, the living water the gives eternal life. We know of people of false religions and cults who have tried to drink of the world's theories and philosophies, but they are still thirsty. In many cases, their thirst leads them into terrible problems as they seek their thirst to be quenched. This unquenched thirst can lead to violence, abuses of different types, addictions and the list could go on and on. Until one drinks of that living water, problems and difficulties will only increase.

We Christians are at fault when we don't drink of that water often enough. Oh, we have drunk from it enough to know of eternal life, but not enough to be fully quenched and satisfied. I read some words of prophecy in Amos 8, verse 11 and it says:

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God,
That I will send a famine in the land,
not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord.

We know that spiritually we will grow through the food and water provided in the Word of God. I've gone through times in my life when I was so hungry and thirsty for the things of God and yet was too busy or lazy to go to the Book that would satisfy my needs.

It's interesting that God spoke of the days to come when He would send a famine in the land. I believe we are presently in the middle of that famine in our country. It's a famine being experienced by people who refused the wooing of God for salvation. It's also a famine in the lives of Christians who have become so casual in their spirituality that they don't even sense that hunger and thirst. Some go through the motions...attending church, seminars, socials, and all those things that could make one feel they are a part of a spiritual country club. There is little commitment to the things of God.

It's summer...hot, humid...a good glass of ice water tastes good and is so refreshing. We are also in the heat of our days spiritually. We aren't deer lapping up water from a stream, we are children of God who should daily be thirsting for the living water of God. Jesus spoke of that water to the Samaritan woman, and thus to us in our world today.

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give
him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him
shall be in him a well of water springing up into
everlasting life.
John 4:14

So my friends, no matter the weather or circumstances, let us take a nice, deep drink Jesus provides and eat of the food of His Word. Both will satisfy like nothing else the world has to offer. By the way, being hungry and thirsty for the things of God doesn't necessarily mean we have been slack in our attention to spiritual things. Even though I eat and drink regularly, I still find myself hungry and thirsty again in a few hours. Continuing to have a thirst and hunger for the things of God is healthy and a good indicator that we are doing something pleasing to Him.

Father, I thirst for more of You in my life...more of Jesus and of Your Spirit. Thank you for the ways you draw me near to Yourself. I know You are the answer to my spiritual hunger and thirst. Keep me close to You...keep me hungry for You and Your ways. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Misunderstanding God

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee
is mighty;
He will save, He will rejoice over
thee with joy;
He will rest in His love, He will joy
over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Every year, I try to select a verse that I can carry with me in a special way for the coming months. The above verse is a verse I have chosen on several such occasions. I love this verse because it is such an encouragement to me personally. It came to my mind today when I e-mailed it to a dear friend of mine who left today for a well deserved vacation. She's had a really tough year from last September until now and I want in the worst way for her, in these days away, to see and sense the sweet and tender side of our Heavenly Father.

Perhaps this wasn't your growing up experience, but when very young, I can recall hearing about God watching me all the time just to catch me in wrong doing. God would then pull out his huge book, turn to a page with my name at the top, and would proceed to write the date and offense I had committed. After all of that, God, I was told, would put a big black mark against me on that page. Sometimes, adults say the most damaging things to children to make their point, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. I viewed God as a big, mean old man just watching everyone with a critical eye...I didn't see love or concern even though I sang “Jesus Loves Me” every Sunday at Sunday school

At the age of nine, I was given a new view. This view was of Jesus (who I had sung about in Sunday school) who was God's Son and of all things, had come to earth to die for me. The additional information I had was that God in love had sent Jesus to do all of that. It was a little hard for my child's mind to sort out, but began to accept it all by faith even if I didn't understand it all. By the way, we never will.

When I want to curl up in God's lap, I think of when I held my own children. Perhaps they were ill, maybe they were scared for some reason or just needed comfort and closeness that any child needs from time to time. I would first do all I could to ease any physical discomfort they might be experiencing. In other cases, I would speak of my love for them or say some things to cheer or encourage. When they were very young, I often sang a spiritual chorus or hymn to them. They may not even as adults remember some of that, but I remember doing it. Parents can't always be authoritarian, but provide safety as much as possible. Very often, as they observe their fathers, they will judge God their Heavenly Father by their own daddy.

The above verse is one of many that becomes my safe and sacred place with my Heavenly Father. I see in this verse everything I need from Him on a daily basis. Scripture speaks in more places than can be listed of God's love and tender care. This verse is just a special capsule of what has helped me to continually come to a right understanding of God my Father. I'm not saying I know all about Him...no one does. We do, however, need to get past some misconceptions of Him so that we can come to a point of really enjoying being God's child and His being our loving Father.

In the above verse found in the last chapter of Zephaniah are a few things I love and just adore about my Heavenly Father. In these things is His perfection personified. He has no ulterior motives, but just wants us to know how much He dearly loves us. Everything He does is out of love and this verse expresses some of those things.

• He is MY God...I take this statement in a very personal way as He intends it should.
• He is in my midst...I'm never out of his loving, protective sight.
• He is mighty...My Heavenly Father is strong and cannot be defeated.
• My Father will save me...Later, He sent His Son to see to that.
• He rejoices over me with joy...How like a loving parent. He takes great joy in me.
• I can rest in the security of God's love.
• He sings over me with joy....Yes, God sings and sings over me. WOW! God sings!
  

Look at that list. That verse should bless and encourage you and me to the hilt. You and I can curl up close to our Heavenly Father and He is all those things in our lives. What wonderful promises are there for you and me.

One might say, “Well, that's in the Old Testament and we are New Testament people.” Let me suggest to you that one of my joys in reading in the Old Testament is seeing the character of God in all sorts of life situations. God never changes in His character no matter where we read in the Scriptures. That's what is so wonderful about having a consistent Heavenly Father who never changes.

We must have a healthy respect for who God is. He can't tolerate sin in the world and in us. He will deal with it as a parent would/should deal with a child's wrongdoing. His dealings will be just...He can do nothing less. With all the love He showers on us, our natural response should be to love Him so much that we don't want to disappoint Him. When we do sin, it should be automatic for us to confess our sin and seek His forgiveness. I'm not suggesting that we have an unrealistic view of God, our God who is perfect, holy and intolerant of sin. We should, however, come to enjoy Him...His love and care for each of us.

I cant' help but wonder though, what God's singing voice sounds like as He sings joyfully over me. Someday I'll know...on the other side.

Father, forgive me for not enjoying Your presence as I should. I want to love You freely, with no inhibitions because that's how You love me. Thank You for all You do for me even with every breath I breathe. Help me to relax and love You with ease and to be excited about our relationship. I love You and love Your songs even if I can't quite hear them yet...in Jesus precious name...Amen

CHECKUP TIME

...God has revealed them to us through His
Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yes,
the deep things of God.
I Corinthians 2:10

It is often suggested that we have a physical checkup yearly. Some folks do that in one form or another. One may have eyes checked yearly while many women have yearly mammograms. If a person has a chronic condition such as Diabetes, she may need to see the family doctor more than once each year. For the most part, however, people shy away from having regular checkups done. They are bothersome, sometimes nerve wracking, expensive or just frightening. Despite the reasons for not seeing a doctor, a checkup can often help a person avoid the terrible effects of an oncoming condition that might be treated successfully in beginning stages.

Although one's family doctor usually sees to the physical aspects of a patient, we as Christians also have our Great Physician. We don't have to leave home to see this Physician, nor do we have to pay Him anything out of pocket. He, the Holy Spirit, is in you and me. He is with us constantly and although He has power to heal physically, He diagnosis our spiritual condition on a regular basis as He speaks through His Word, bringing spiritual things to our recall. He also uses our circumstances to often redirect our steps. It's always good when our own family doctor gives us good news that all is well with our bodies. How much better, if the Holy Spirit can give the same report on our spiritual conditions. I love the following verses that speak of the Spirit's working in us.

EYES: We have perfect spiritual sight when we rely on the Holy Spirit. Every path is very clear by Him for our best...no glasses or contacts needed.

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

EARS: The Holy Spirit speaks in clear tones to you and me. Physically, an accumulation of ear wax can block our hearing process. The Spirit shouldn't have to speak through any blockage you and I have built up that doesn't please Him. Sin and things of this world have a way of dimming our spiritual healing.

But as it is written:“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
nor have entered into the heart of man the
things which God has prepared
for those who love Him.”
I Corinthians 2:9

HEART: The previous verse also speaks of the heart and all the Spirit wants to say to it. However, for a Christian, a huge danger can be that of a hard (stony) heart. God's people in Old Testament days had reverted back to their old ways. They were following the ways of the heathen, but despite their rebellion against Him, He made a promise He would clean them up as a nation. His procedure of bringing the people back to spiritual health was:

                                        I will cleanse you from all your filthiness
                                                     and from all your idols.
                                             I will give you a new heart and put
                                        new spirit within you; I will take the heart
                                        of stone out of your flesh and give you a
                                                                heart of flesh
                                                            Ezekiel 36:25b-26


LEGS: The Holy Spirit might convict us of the way we are walking with Him. Is our walk in Christ one that brings Him honor and glory or are there some things we need to change? Perhaps the Holy Spirit would have us walking in a different direction than has been our custom. Ezekiel also speaks to what God wants to do with our legs:

I will put My Spirit within you and cause you
to walk in my statutes, and you will keep my
judgments and do them.
Ezekiel 36:27

God's prescription isn't one we can purchase in a drug store. He simply wants His Spirit recognized and functioning in us enabling us to walk in obedience.

TASTE: Since having a serious fall about four years ago, resulting in a head injury, one major thing affected for me has been my taste. I can taste things, but there are some foods that are simply revolting to the point I can't eat them. My doctor has told me that my normal sense of taste may return, but it may not, so I eat most things that taste normal to me. Our great Physician has something in mind for our spiritual taste that He highly recommends.:

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

BREATHING: In our day, many people suffer with breathing problems of some kind. Sometimes allergies of various types cause great suffering for people mostly in the fall or spring when there is an abundance of pollen in the air. Our ability to even breathe began with God when He breathed His very breath of life into man.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of
the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7

You and I have the very breath of life in us because of God's breathing into that first man. Humankind has been breathing to live since that time. Living in a sin cursed world often causes disease that affects our breathing. The above verse from Genesis just reminds us of how dependent we are on our great Creator of life.

Physically we are wonderful beings. Only our God could create the human body with all of it's miraculous functioning. We also have this miraculous spiritual being within us that is made complete by the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit...the Spirit who leads us in wonderful, healthy ways.

In Him we live and move
and have our being.
Acts 17:28

Dear Father and Wonderful Creator...You have created us with so many intricate members of our bodies that all work together to make us whole, valuable and functioning. Help us to take care of our amazing body, not only physically but spiritually as well. Thank You for being our loving and caring Creator and Father. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Been There, Done That

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

So often, we are quick to say to some who is in distress for any reason, “I know how you feel.” A few years ago, I taught one of the most delightful ladies Sunday school classes in the world. The president of our class at the time was a dear lady, Norma. I always thought I'd like to be like her when I grew up...just a very special person. One day in class, Norma asked us to pray for her regarding a doctor's appointment that week. She had Macular Degeneration and was to have an injection in her eye at her appointment. I cringed at the thought, but like others in the class, promised to pray for her and did. I didn't really know what all was involved with that condition, but knew Norma wasn't looking forward to her appointment.

At this writing, I have just returned home from my eye doctor's office. Every time I go there, I think of Norma. Last fall, it was discovered that I too have Macular Degeneration and now I have to go every 4-6 weeks for an injection in my eye. May I tell you that it is scary and not a lot of fun. It wipes me out more emotionally than physically. NOW, if Norma were here, I could sincerely say, “I know how you feel.”

Several years ago, I had a friend who sent her son off to college, a college at some distance from home. I think for at least three months, that dear mother wept in my presence more than we were able to talk. It went on for weeks and weeks, not just with me but with others as well. I remember hoping that I would do better if one of my children went off to college at some distance. At the time, there was nothing I could say or do to console my friend. In reality, I had not idea the depth of her pain.

Guess what? I drove a our daughter from Texas to South Carolina to attend college. I can't tell you how torn up I was. Most of the way back home, I couldn't have even told you what highway I was on or through what state I was traveling. Talk about upset...wow. All of a sudden, I knew what that friend of mine had felt. I am usually good had holding in emotions and was when I got home, but until I got home, I was a mess. In those days, God was definitely my co-pilot. Again it took a shared, personal experience to really appreciate what others might be experiencing.

There may be times when we are critical or impatient with family members and other friends who seem to be taking some things in a more serious manner than we think is necessary. We smile, listen and may even be guilty of that no-no statement...”I know how you feel.” Despite our impatience and lack of understanding, Scripture speaks to some of this in such a way it may seem almost too simple:

Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with then that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward
another, mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate.
Be no wise in your own conceits.
Romans 12:15-16

Here are some practical pointers from these two verses:

*Rejoicing with someone who is rejoicing is harder than you might think. If a friend gets a new car or new house...announces her pregnancy when you can't bear children...a friend's child gets straight A's and your child doesn't. Come on now...do we feel like sincerely rejoicing. Don't be too quick with that answer.

*Weeping sincerely with another person who is in the depths of trouble can also take some doing when we haven't come to the point of having a compassionate (feeling with) heart.

*Try to put yourself in the others persons shoes even if you haven't experienced what they are going through.

*Probably as important as anything, is to not be so conceited that you feel you must give words words of wisdom regarding a situation you know little about because you just haven't been “there” in your own life's experience. Give no advice unless it is asked for. Give comfort and encouragement that God loves them and is in control. Encourage with the warmth of God's Word without being preachy.

In the last 40 or so years, I have known mothers who have children with serious illnesses. I was fortunate and felt so blessed that I had three children who were strong and healthy. I felt bad for those mother's, but often saw in them, God's grace oozing from their lives in those times of stress and concern. I assured them of my prayers for them and their children. I would ask frequently how things were going. Some ladies I would pray with on the spot if we weren't in a busy, open area.

Some years later, I've had children with some serious health issues. As I've walked this path, I've thought back to some of those ladies and my heart has been encouraged in the Lord as I've thought of them.

I love the fact that despite our finite minds and often lack of understanding and experience, we have Jesus. His comfort and understanding is beyond what anyone else can render.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be
touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
was in all points tempted (tested) like as we are, yet
without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find
grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15,16

Dear Jesus, I realize you never had a doctor stick a needle in your eye nor did you bid farewell to a child going to college, but in Your all knowing wisdom of all things, You understand beyond our comprehension the various tests and trials we face. Thank You for Your love, grace and understanding of us no matter what we face on a daily basis...for it's in Your precious name....Amen

YESTERDAY

Jesus Christ
the same yesterday,
today,
and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

In the mid sixties, the Beatles recorded a song, written by Paul McCartney, one of their own group. It has a beautiful melody to it and the words, very melancholic. In the song, despite various scenarios, there is a repeat phrase I believe many people, including Christians, have come to adopt in many ways. That phrase is: “I believe in yesterday.”

In my years of teaching ladies and having many come to me for advice, I often have found something most of those ladies have had in common. It's a tiny thread that winds itself in and through many lives and that is the thread of “yesterday.”

There are many things in our lives Satan can use to try to rob us of our joy. I'm not sure our joy can be completely stolen if we are walking closely with our Savior, but it can be battered to a great extent. Most negative things in our lives can certainly rob us of our happiness. Our happiness relies on our hap-in-stances...those events we rely on to keep us smiling and satisfied. Joy is supposed to do that for the Christian and joy is one of those assets that comes into our lives through Jesus. Scripture goes so far as to tell us that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Things from our past can rise up at most any time to taunt us. Satan is good at digging up things taking us down a path of guilt and maybe even shame. Although we shouldn't, we may believe in yesterday more than we should...reliving over and over things long past.

I've talk to ladies who:

were untrue to their husbands
gave parents fits during their teen years
shop lifted from stores
had abortions
were addicted in the past to drugs or alcohol
deeply hurt good friends
failed to return library books years ago
wrote hot checks
left the scene of a minor car accident
pornography (yes, women can have the problem as well as men)

...and that list could go on and on if I could remember it all. Many have wept on my shoulder and many on the telephone. I've usually said to the caller, “Go ahead and cry...I'll hang on until you feel you can talk.” I have assured many that God's love putty so wonderfully fills in the cracks of our yesterdays and broken hearts as only His unconditional love can.

I believe there are times when we wish we could go back and do things differently, but knowing me, I'd make most of the same mistakes again in my own life. I have my own list that I've had to give to the Lord in repentance. His forgiveness is not only cleansing, but freeing as well. Life never gives us a do over. We have to just do whatever we can at the present time to do what's right and pleasing to the Lord. If we can do that, our yesterdays from this time on will pretty much take care of themselves.

My counsel has always been the same...seek forgiveness from Jesus with genuine repentance, making corrections in one's lifestyle may be called for. I am always amazed how careless we can be in putting ourselves right in Satan's path either in our worldly activities or associations. Somehow we tend to take on the same attitudes of our youth that nothing evil can touch us. No matter what age we are, we must be spiritually cautious.

Let's be practical:
*Stay in the Word of God...whether we feel like it or not.
*Be a person of prayer...our spiritual strength can be measured by our prayer lives.
*Be in God's house with God's people as often as possible. Being with God's family will be of genuine strength.
*Guard your heart. Keep a close check on your outside influences.
*Pick your friends carefully. Just because a friend is a Christian doesn't mean that person is someone who is good for you.
*Stay away from problem areas in your life. Don't go where angels would fear to tread.

In this world, as Christians, we can't be too cautious. Our witness and testimonies are so needed in our day. We will not reach perfection but people are looking for genuine examples. They want to see that our faith really works...that Jesus is really Who we says He is. They don't care about our yesterdays. By the way, neither does Jesus if we have taken all of that old baggage to Him and left it with Him. People need Jesus in these very troubling days. If we are sloshing around in our yesterdays, we will be of little help. Folks who need Jesus need to hear from us that their yesterdays can be just that...yesterday. Jesus is for today.

Thank You Jesus for dying for me so I might know your love and forgiveness. Thank You for relieving me of the burden of yesterdays, giving me daily renewed strength to face today. May I continually rely on Your strength in all things. Thank You many times over. In Your precious name....Amen

CUT and PASTE

For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to thee dividing asunder of
soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

I was fascinated by a historical fact found in our Sunday school literature regarding Thomas Jefferson. I had read of this particular thing, but never saw the end result of what Jefferson actually published. It was in later life that Jefferson completed a publication entitled The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. It came to be known as the Jefferson Bible. I have read about such a Bible. The problem with that Bible is that Jefferson did a lot of cutting and pasting. He took the Gospels from the Bible to patch together portions of selected Scripture he saw as important. He literally took a Bible and cut portions of Scripture from it and pasted it in whatever order he chose, often omitting the miracles of Jesus and even portions that spoke of Jesus' deity.

We might read that information with mouths open that someone would have the nerve to do something like that no matter how popular they are. However, it goes on all the time. Take a good look at all the Bible translations or transliterations and just read some of them carefully. It will almost seem like someone took scissors and rewritten verses on every page that no longer make the same sense as before. In some editions, pronouns are changed...no more

“he/she”...or God is no longer “He.” Folks are seeking what is politically correct even to the point of wanting a different Bible.

Just because a book says “Bible” on the spine of it doesn't mean it's automatically the right thing for one to invest in. Whatever translation we choose, we tend to really latch onto it and will defend it to the bitter end, even if its accuracy can be very much called into question. There are computer Bible programs where one can read chapters in most of today's Bible translations. That can be done prior to purchasing a new Bible.

There are some things one should never accept, though, in selecting of a new Bible, especially if contemplating a new translation. Watch for:

a translations approach to Creation

sin not being watered down or the names of sin being changed to please society

miracles being included without adding to or from them

Jesus' life and His credentials as God's Son, Savior, Redeemer, victor over death, etc

proper approach to the Holy Spirit and His work in a born again person

what the Bible says about itself

encouragement to appropriate worship and praise.

There's much more to look for, but having the right translation of Scripture is very important for us for so many reasons.

Like I said, we might be critical of Thomas Jefferson and the way he chose to handle Scripture. However, I wonder how much cutting and pasting we do with the Bibles we own. We don't need a pair of scissors and a glue stick to censor Scripture passages. We can do it in our minds. Yesterday, I was reading my usual five Psalms that is a usual process for me. Two of the chapters happened to be very long....30 or more verses. My first inclination was that I was tired and would just let them go until next month when I would come to the same chapters again. But, this cutting and pasting thing was in my mind. At times, if we read any part of Scripture with regularity, some passages may seen overly familiar to the point we feel almost bored at the thought of plowing through them again. Worse yet, is when Scripture convicts you and me...the “Thou shalt not's” or calls to obedience that don't seem to agree with us at the moment. The natural tendency might be to simply disregard those passages.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness.
II Timothy 3:16

Sometimes I think we take God's Word for granted. People in Hitler's Germany probably took Bibles and Torah's for granted, but they had to watch them burned in city squares. The same is going on in Eastern countries where Christians are being persecuted and killed. Their Bibles have been burned before them, churches destroyed prior to much martyrdom.

My challenge to us, if appropriate in any reader's case, is to wipe the dust off of our Bibles and dig back into it's truths that hold power for our lives. It's ours for the reading at anyplace and anytime. May we keep our focus on the precious blessing God has given us in His Word. It's His desire to communicate with us and this is His main way of doing that....without any mental cutting and pasting.

Study to show thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15

Thank You Father for Your desire to speak with me through Your Word. Thank You, Jesus, for being the living Word and my gratitude to You, Holy Spirit for the way You teach me the Word. Without Your teaching, I wouldn't know how to interpret or apply it to my life. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Making Memories...Making a Life

I thank my God upon every
remembrance of you.
Philippians 1:3

More people than I can remember have asked me how my husband and I ended up in Eastern Tennessee when we retired. My husband had never been to this area until our first vacation here a year or so after we were married. I wasn't sure how he would take to these mountains, but he sure did.

When very young, I was brought to Eastern Tennessee by my Mother and Grandmother on vacation. My child's imagination ran wild as we drove through the mountains, seeing the rock-filled streams, flowers and an occasional deer. However, as fascinating as that first trip was, I had already been to the mountains as far as I was concerned.

Folks from Southern Illinois would laugh at me for this, but my first mountains were at a place called Giant City State Park. There was a wonderful playground, but I was much more interested in the trails through the woods and rocky areas of the park. In that park I could pretend to be a pioneer girl. It's where I learned something about directions and how to take in everything around me. This state park had/has a lodge. It was a huge log building where you could go sit in funny (rustic) furniture and buy souvenirs. Today, it also has a wonderful dining room added on to it. It had cabins people could pay to stay in. That was really my first of being inside a log structure that I could remember. I decided then in my elementary youth that I wanted some day to live in an area with mountains or big hills. My house now, however, isn't a cabin in any way.

I say all of this to say that parents and even grandparents often have no idea where memory- making can lead. As parents we may plan special events for our children or take them places usually that we like more than they do. Somehow they survive all of our connived plans and who knows what might rub off on them. Our children as adults love coming to the mountains. Not too surprisingly, some grandchildren have also come and can't wait to return.

There are so many ways parents and even grandparents make memories. My children remember Grandma's goulash...my grandsons usually request my chicken spaghetti. I'm not talking about huge events, things or even big expense. It can be the little things that shape a life, but that can be huge in memory banks years later.

Think of others in our lives who helped shape us that we so often forget. I think of neighbors in my growing up years who were almost like family members. Remember those Sunday school teachers and youth leaders? I didn't know what a youth or children's minister was. I had Ruth Young who did a little of everything with the children in our church. She was the first one who said to me, “Glendarae, some day you will be a great teacher.” I don't know about “great” but I think of Ruth so often when I teach ladies in Sunday school, conferences, retreats or Bible studies. The Randolphs had us teens in their home and took us all over the place. Memories galore thanks to the investment of such dear people just in our home churches.

School teachers have left impacts on all our lives more than we can know. I think more of the little things. I learned from Mrs Wolfe, a high school teacher of mine, who one day sensed I was going through a tough time. I was, but never told anyone about it. She stopped me after class one day to express a concern and to lend a listening ear. She will never know what that meant to me that taught me to this day the importance of an encouraging word, being sensitive and available to people who are hurting and who can't bring themselves to talk about whatever the burden might be.

The most important influence we can have in the life of a child of any age has to do with spiritual and emotional encouragement along the way. With computers in our day, we have a perfect means of sending little typed messages to children or grandchildren. When I purchase books for family members, I try to get books that will build character or that presents Scriptural principles. The smallest things said or given can have greater influence in lives than we can imagine, things that say to another that we believe in them and God's purpose for their lives.

Think back and recall things said to you or things given to you that encouraged you so much at the moment. Perhaps those came your way by someone who has since passed away. There is no way now to give them a huge thank you. The best thing any of us can do is repay those dear folks by following their example. We live in a world that expects big things. Most folks in future years remember so many more of the little kindnesses than huge gifts or big things done.

How do I repay a Ruth Young, the Randolph's, Mrs. Wolfe and so many others? I learn from their example and in their examples, I see Jesus. We are always to strive to be like Him. Philippians 2:5 begins...”Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus...” and from there, we see so many of His characteristics. There are hurting children and adults around us who need a touch of kindness and encouragement. In all of that, we will build memories in lives that can be life changing down the road. We may know nothing of results until Heaven, but that's not to be our concern in the present time.

I never knew Jesus in His physical presence nor has anyone else for approximately 2,000 years. That's not necessary at this point. He has not only left me with eternal life, but has given me a life of the sweetest of blessings that are turned into memories that have completely changed my life. The least I can do is to pass some of that along through investing in the lives of others.

Thank You Father, for the memory makers in my life. I thank You for those folks who taught and encouraged me, especially in my family and extended family. I pray I will have the joy of making some memories in the lives of others, especially among the young. In Jesus' precious name, the One Who gave me the greatest of memories...His life for my sin.....Amen

SOWING AND REAPING

Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he
also reap.
Galatians 6:7

It is the time in our small town for vegetable gardens. If anyone is going to have one on their property, it is already in process. Our neighbor always puts out a beautiful garden. He carefully measures out each row to the inch and as certain things begin to come up, he has various props to keep them secure.

My first experience with gardens, however, was in the 1940's when I was just a little girl. During those years, people were encouraged to plant what was called “victory gardens.” It was the time of World War II and it was hoped that by doing that, there would be other foods that could go to the soldiers at home and overseas if family gardens took up the slack. At least, that was what I was told. We had some neighbors with beautiful gardens. We didn't have one, but we had chickens in our backyard. Neighbors shared food items with each other and we shared eggs and sometimes whole chickens. It was really a wonderful and healthy process during the spring and summer months. Some gardens produced enough to eat, share and can for the winter.

My Grandma Benbrook (my Dad's mom) had a beautiful, large garden in her backyard. She had some vegetables I had never heard of. She was known in our town for winning first place prizes for her flower garden plots, but she could really grow a mean tomato. The first raw carrot I ever ate, she let me pull it out of the ground, showed me how to wash it and then I chomped on that thing for the rest of the afternoon.

Mr. Rennie, two houses down from my early childhood house also had a large vegetable garden. I could go there and he would let me pick a tomato to eat. He would pick one too and we would sit on his back steps eating our tomatoes. His only requirement was that if I picked it, I had to eat it while on his steps.

One day, Mr. Rennie brought out a cloth bag that had a lot of seeds in it. After pouring some into his hand, he asked if I knew what they looked like. They looked like dried up corn to me and that's what they were. He saved them and allowed them to dry. He had taken them from some ears of corn from his garden and planned to plant them the next spring. That's just what he did the next year and again had beautiful corn stalks in his garden with huge ears of corn just waiting to be cooked and eaten.

I didn't understand until further in years the significance of just one of those kernels of corn. When planted, one of those kernels could bring forth a beautiful stalk of corn, a stalk on which there could be at least 4-5 ears of delicious corn. However, look at one of those ears of corn after shucked and count how many kernels are on that ear...each a potential stalk of corn in someone's garden. Tomatoes are full of tiny seeds, all potential for bringing forth a lot of tomatoes in someone's garden if the seeds are harvested, dried and kept for planting.

One of our pastors had a great quote this week that I think he said was from Dr Charles Stanley with regard to sowing and reaping. He said regarding the law of sowing and reaping:

Reap what you sow
Reap more than you sow
Reap later than you sow.

We may feel we can live life unpleasing to the Lord, living in such a way that seems harmless in our lives and lives of others. There are things done in younger years that we perhaps thought we got by with, that even Jesus ignored. If those things are evil, of sin, those same things can come back to us often in abundance. We may even be caught off guard in later years, surprised that something familiar has shown up in our lives that causes shame. Yes, God is forgiving of our sin and I'm so grateful for that fact. There are some things we may not be proud of that can follow us.

I remind us that when a corn kernel is planted, from it will grow corn and only corn. If I plant a tomato seed, it won't produce squash. I can be assured that tomato seed will give me a tomato plant full of red, ripe tomatoes. We can't sow onions and expect green beans to appear.

This doesn't mean this law has only to do with sin. There are things we can plant in the lives of our children, friends, fellow Christians and others that can bring forth a positive yield. Our opening verse sounds rather foreboding... no hope...all negative. However, we need to move on to the next two verses (8,9) that give us positive encouragement:

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of
the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth
to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting.

So as usual, we come back to choices...the flesh or the Spirit. The flesh will count for nothing, only leaving damage in our wake. Those things of the Spirit are those things that count for God and eternity. I'm glad Paul added the next verse to encourage us:

And let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.

I love that because sometimes, I get weary in well doing. I don't just want to go around being an evil influence. Let's be real, friends, Godly living takes work. If we want to please our Heavenly Father we are going to want to reproduce good things of the Spirit. What we sow in this life can come back to either haunt us or bless us in abundance.

Dear Father, please keep me aware through Your Holy Spirit that my negative actions can be costly both now and in the future not only for myself but for others. I want to be a blessing in the lives of others and want Your blessing in my own life. Forgive me for disappointing You and failing you. I want to sow good seed for Your glory. In Jesus name...Amen