Conform...Why?

And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God
Romans 12:2

I don't know of any parents who have seen children through their teen years who haven't at one time or another had to respond to the plea of a child who says in a very pitiful or even angry voice, “But the other kids are doing it.” Many times we parents have replied in varied ways, but usually whatever the reply, we try to get the point across that, ”You are not other kids.” We cautioned our children about following the crowd because in most instances, nothing good comes from blind conformity.

I've heard many pastors interpret the first part of our above verse that we aren't to allow the world to squeeze us into its mold. I'm afraid though, that we adults are often more guilty than our children when it comes to going along with the crowd. Today we are bombarded by the media to respond to the latest and greatest of anything being offered and it succeeds or we wouldn't be biting on the bait that is dangled in front of us.

It is amazing and almost disgusting to see all of the medication advertisements on TV these days. I asked my doctor at one point if folks go to them (doctors) to see if some of those medications would be good for them. He said it is surprising how many buy into those ads, even disregarding the warnings of their usage. Advertising puts great pressure on people who see it in the mail or in the media. We tend to be easy prey and advertisers are well aware of it.

Many Christians today are also following the crowd when it comes to types of churches, worship practices, and type of music. Mention to folks the latest Bible translation, and it's amazing how many will purchase a copy of it as soon as possible. I feel sorry for Christians who get caught up in cults. For their own reasons, they have followed the crowd hoping some empty place in their hearts can be filled.

People may agree with me, but the Christian life can be very lonely where the company of others is concerned. This spiritual walk of ours is, or should be a very personal walk with God. No one can do it for us. It must be one on one with our Heavenly Father. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the fellowship of other Christians, seeking their prayer support and even their counsel. When it gets down to the reality of things, no one can live the Christian life for us.

One thing I noticed by Romans 12:1 was Paul's usage of “ye” or “your.” Yes, he was writing to the Corinthian church, but was writing to individuals. That verse speaks to you and me in a very personal way. Paul begins in verse one to throw out a challenge:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.

Paul beseeched those Christians by God's mercies to give over their lives as living sacrifices. Sacrifices for the Jews had to be holy, pure, nothing flawed and nothing else would be accepted by God. In light of all Jesus had done for them (and now for us), it was only reasonable for them to do such.

It's not easy living holy and dedicated lives in the corrupt world we live in. Our culture pulls and tugs at us to keep up with others, do as they do and live in the same fashion as they live. This pull isn't just out in the world but is often found in churches we attend. Many churches are conforming to “worshiptainment” and we are viewed as being narrow and judgmental if we don't go along with it. In some churches, the preaching and teaching of God's Word has become watered down in order to enable people to have a comfortable faith.

So, how do we NOT conform to this world. Paul says we are to be transformed...changed from one state to another. That takes concentrated effort on our part. It will mean consistently renewing our minds. Philippians 2:5 tells us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus....” It means first desiring the mind of Christ and making that our godly goal, not a human goal but one for God's glory only. As we do that, Paul tells us that as we keep our focus on having the mind of Christ, we will come to really know so much more about what is involved in being in God's perfect will.

The world does want to form us to it's shape, but you and I have a different call on our lives. I've heard pastors say that the problem with being a living sacrifice is that once on the altar, we can crawl off. However, a dead sacrifice in our day isn't of much use. God wants us alive and functioning for Him with that transformed mind that pleases Him.

Father, help me to be consistent in my walk with You. As I read Your Word, may You, Holy Spirit, bring it to reality in my life. May it not only bless me but also convict me when I'm not even close to my “reasonable service” for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

Restore unto me the joy of thy
salvation; and uphold me with
thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:10

January is a tough month mood-wise and it doesn't seem to get better as we go into February unless we do something to get a grip on the problem. Feeling down, blue, discouraged, upset or whatever we want to call it is all very personal. I know that circumstances and negative people can play a great part in it all. When we get down to the bottom of the issue though, for a Christian, these “downer” feelings we all experience, are very personal. Christians may even feel guilty when dealing with such feelings, but afraid we are not immune from them.

I've been checking some Psalms lately written by David, Psalms written when he was alone and in great distress. He, in many cases, was struggling with either his son or Saul trying to chase him down in order to kill him. He had to hide out in desert places, caves and was usually on the run day after day. He had no one to be his cheerleader, to prop him up emotionally, to help him find hope in future days. I doubt any of us have had that kind of discouragement in our lives, at least to that extent.

In our everyday lives though, there are times we feel we are on the run, tired from the rat race of life, facing health issues, loss of employment, children deciding to do their own thing, perhaps having to be a caregiver, mid-life crisis, aging issues etc. These are things everyone may face at one time or another. Just getting through the holidays can be very tiring and even lead to depression for many, even for Christians. Somehow, we Christians are expected to rise above the fray, keep a stiff upper lip, never losing the smile while always appearing perky and upbeat
.

Let's be real that when we are going through a really tough, low time, most of the time, there will be nothing anyone can do to lite us up out of that low time. I have friends I can call who would sense where I am in spirit and who would do their best to encourage me. Some might let me just talk things out. I have some who would share Scripture with me and some who would pray with me. As dear as they are and as much as I appreciate them, their encouragement may be only a “sugar pill” that wears off pretty quickly. I either want an answer to what is eating at me and do something about it, or, if it is something over which I have no control, it must be given over to the Lord totally for his keeping or action.

David wrote Psalm 63 while he was hiding out in the wilderness and in this Psalm, I saw some things he seemed to have nailed down in his life that kept himself encouraged. He was in a position over which he had no control except to keep on the run or find the next hiding place. He found encouragement in reconfirming some spiritual concepts that had been such a vital part of his life. For instance:

V 1: O God, thou art my God..

There was no doubt as to his standing with God. That was as sure to him as the air he was breathing. When in the “pits” there are even Christians who tend to fall back even questioning God's existence...not David.

Despite David's desperation, also in this verse, he re-affirms:
“early will I seek thee...my soul thirsteth for thee.”
Even in his dire straits, he still sought God and still had a thirst for God in his life.
Through this Psalm, I saw David determined to be a man of praise. He also spoke of having times of meditation on God.
 

We could pick out several things from this Psalm that indicates how David kept himself encouraged and in every instance, David was taking his focus off of himself and onto his God. I'm not sure about you, but I know about me that in low times, my eyes are on myself and focus has been moved from God. I wallow around in my own self-pity as if that will solve anything.

What if we don't feel like praying or reading our Bibles in such a time? I'm so grateful that my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally and understands every fiber of my being. He understands my moods be they up or down and reasons for them. He knows as I try to read my Bible that my teary eyes may blur the words I try to read. He also knows I may not be able to articulate my feelings to Him. I've had a rough few days as I write. It helps me at times to just sit and say His name...Jesus, Jesus. I have a couple of Bible passages I like to read that aren't very complicated. Some of these: Romans 8:35-39, Phil. 4:4-7, Ps. 91:1-4 (When feeling down, it's not the time to launch out on a study of Revelation.)

I had to smile at something from Proverbs 27:9 I happened upon today. Just the first half of that verse says: “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart...” I remembered on a tough day how good a warm bath felt with either bath salts or nice-smelling liquid bath soap and then to get out and just lavish some lotion (ointment) on my body. Sooooo relaxing and I felt better. By the way, while soaking in that wonderful water, it really loosens up our prayer voices as well as calming our troubled spirits.

We should always aim to be encouragers for those who need it. Sometimes, we can just give them some tools with which to encourage themselves, tools we've found ourselves that work. Those are tools we can always pull out and use at anytime, anywhere, especially when we are in our own desert place.

Thank You Father, for Your presence during my down times, times I don't understand what's going on and feel so frustrated. Thank You for Your love and mercy that I just can't do without. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

THE OLD BUCKET

For as he thinketh in his
heart, so is he...
Proverbs 23:7a

Among my sweetest memories are those when I spent time, sometimes even a few days, with my Aunt Dora and Uncle Bob down on their farm. It wasn't a fancy place, but was a warm and very small place where they had raised three children. Where they put them, I have no idea, but it had to be cozy at best. I loved that place more than I can express. The farm itself had many special crooks and crannies from the hen house, and hayloft to the back pasture with the stream that ran through it. When I go through a difficult time, I run to the secret place in my mind to that farm where I can almost feel once again that I can jump in the hayloft or run through the fields with the wind blowing in my very thin hair.

All of those things I expected from a farm, at least as I had read about farms. However, the one thing I found the most unique was the well just outside their back door. When I got big enough, Uncle Bob, after some instruction, would let me go to the well for fresh water to be retrieved with a bucket dropped down into the well by a rope. I had to carefully remove the wooden cover kept on top of the well which was a tough job in itself. I was cautioned that after pulling water up from the well, ALWAYS cover the well back up in order to keep things from the air, including insects from getting into the well and tainting the water in some way.

Aunt Dora was a quiet, sweet and very mild-mannered woman. Uncle Bob, however, was very opinionated and wouldn't hesitate to let you know what he was thinking. That was true the first time I forgot to put the cover back over the well. He was doing all he could to protect their water supply. I guess at a young age, I didn't grasp the importance of protecting the purity of that well, but I certainly realize it's importance now.

When I read the above verse from Proverbs that speaks of the fact as to who and what we are isn't what people see or hear from us on an everyday basis. Solomon spoke in that verse as to the depth of who we are. We are a well of sorts that goes deep. No one will know but the Lord how deep you and I go. I heard someone say something very wise, and I'm sure it's someone famous and much smarter than I am. That person said, “Whatever is down in the well, will come up in the bucket.” Just think about that for a minute. Down deep in the well of who we are is what it is. There's only so much pretense we can display, but eventually who we really are is “going to come up in the bucket.”

Now I fully understand Uncle Bob's concern about the lid on the well. Whatever matter fell into the lid-less well was going to come up in the bucket with good drinking water. How disturbing when folks come to draw from our lives, expecting godly influence that they walk away disappointed with what “comes up in the bucket” of our lives.

One of my favorite Scripture incidents is found in John 4 where Jesus met with the Samaritan woman. This was someone he really shouldn't have been talking to according to the day's culture. We know that Jesus never thought much of human barriers when it came to speaking to the heart of people. In His conversation with her, He offered her and us as well, living water. He said if we drink of the water He offers, we won't thirst again. Then He elaborated by saying:

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

How do we keep the deep wells of our lives clean and healthy... by keeping our wells flushed out with that wonderful living water. The lid over our wells is the Holy Spirit. He helps us filter what is and isn't important in our lives. If we allow the filth and bugs of this world drop into our hearts, it's going to be revealed in what comes up in our buckets.

In Matthew 6:21: Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What comes up in our buckets? Those things that we treasure will come up and be revealed. The wonderful thing God provides for us is spoken of in Jeremiah 24:7:

And I will give them an heart to know me,
that I am the Lord: and they shall be my
people, and I will be their God: for they
shall return unto me with their whole heart.

So God wants to provide us every way possible to keep our wells clean and pure so that out of the purity of our hearts, love and the other things of God can flow freely. With all of God's provision, there should never be any surprises when the bucket rises from the depths of our wells, revealing what's in our buckets.

One fact we can bank on: Whatever is in the well will come up in the bucket. What condition is the well of my life in right now? Would I want a bucket of sorts to drop into the depths of my life, come up full to the brim with its contents revealed for all to see?

Father, I want to be transparent before others and You. I know You see everything and know everything about me. Keep me convicted, Holy Spirit, of those things that don't please You. Strengthen me to keep the well of my life cleaned out for Your honor and glory only. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

A PERSONAL SAVIOUR

For unto you is born this day in
the city of David a Saviour, which
is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

Looking at a list of “personal items” a person should not share with others, I found some familiar things my Mother told me I shouldn't share with other people. I can recall being told to never share lipstick with a friend. I couldn't understand it at the time, but I know better now. On the list of personal items I found we should never share with others are: toothbrush, razors, towels, soap, combs and deodorant. Some of these may cause questions, but with some thought, I understand the list.

There is one thing we are always safe in sharing and that is our anything to do with our faith. When I asked Jesus into my heart as a ten year old girl, I kept hearing the phrase that I had accepted Jesus as my “personal” Saviour. Let me say that in our spiritual walk, we all have had a tendency to adopt spiritual phraseology, often not paying attention to what we are actually saying. When we use spiritual phrases, I know what we are saying and it sounds good, but it doesn't mean we full meaning of what we are saying. All this to say, we have come to use words of spiritual meaning we often don't think anything about.

Perhaps it's the season we have just experienced, but I've been pondering one of the major things I often refer to Jesus as being in my own life...my personal Saviour. What is a Saviour? The world tells us that a savior is one who saves, rescues or delivers someone from danger or a life threatening situation. There are some dictionaries that refer to “Saviour” in spiritual terms, even mentioning Jesus in Christianity Who fits that definition.

I found it interesting looking up the word “saviour” in a Bible concordance that it was found more in the Old Testament than the New. In the Old Testament, there was an anticipation of a coming Saviour. In the New Testament, the Saviour has come and has come into our lives even to this day. However, even now, I tend to think of Jesus as being Saviour not just for me, but for you, people in other churches and even countries...a Saviour I share with countless others...and that's okay. That's what makes us one huge family, a family we will live with for eternity.

What has stuck in my own mind as of late is that although my Saviour is universal, who died for every single human being, I must not lose sight of the fact that He died and lives for me only, on a very personal level. He is MY personal Saviour. In this relationship He is mine all mine on a 24/7 basis. Our relationship is so intimate, it's as if I'm the only person He died for, like I'm that important to Him. I would hope you feel the same way about Jesus.

As Christians, we share relationships. We share them in families. Children may vie for attention from parents. All relationships have distractions that take away the personal feelings. I don't know how He does it, but through Jesus' Holy Spirit, He has a way of being with us in such a way that each of us always has His total and undivided attention.

Going back to the definition of “saviour,” I found three things Jesus does in our lives on a very personal level. First, Jesus saves. Poetry and songs have been written using those two words. What a pity if you and I get so used to them, they lose their significance. Jesus does save and continues saving anyone and everyone who chooses to come to Him, accepting that free gift. Our salvation isn't conditional like some relationships are. Once His salvation is accepted, it's a done deal...ours for eternity. However, guess what...it's MY salvation as I'm looking at this personal relationship I have with Jesus.

Second, my personal Saviour rescues. I have often wished I had written every time Jesus spared me from accidents, illnesses and yes, even what could have been devastating relationships that had the makings of being very toxic and destructive. I understand He has rescued you as well, but for now, He's my personal rescuer.

Third, Jesus delivers. Have you ever found yourself in a mess and couldn't figure out how to get out of it? We've all been delivered from one thing or another....financial debt, legal issues, dangerous situations...there might be other situations where we've cried out to Jesus to just deliver us from evil if nothing else. In this personal relationship I have with Jesus, I can cry out to Him at any time of day or night knowing He can and will deliver me in ways the world knows nothing about.

Please don't be offended that I'm trying to take Jesus away from anyone. I just want us to think of Him as being ours in such a personal way that it might seem He's all ours individually. I have often heard the phrase, “If I had been the only person on earth, Jesus would still have come and died for me.” It's not a very logical statement when you ponder all of details, but I get the intent of it. Jesus sees me as His very own...my own personal Saviour.

By the way, remember those personal items we should never share with others? Jesus is a personal item we can share with anyone and everyone with no fear of contamination. Even then, He becomes very personal to anyone who accepts Him as Saviour.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the Saviour of the world. Thank You for sending Him to be my Saviour in my world. I'm ever grateful for the personal relationship I can have with Jesus through Your precious Holy Spirit. I'll never know how You could love me so much. I love You more than I can express. In Jesus' precious and holy name....Amen

I Hate Interruptions

This people have I formed
for myself; they shall shew forth
my praise.
Isaiah 43:21

Interruptions have always been a problem for me. Maybe it's because I'm some kind of control freak. With interruptions, all control is lost. Interruptions to our routine can come in almost any form...phone call, doorbell, weather situation, sudden company, fender bender in a parking lot, illness, trip to emergency room, and on and on it goes. How we react or respond to these things can vary. It's important how we treat interruptions whether they bother us or not.

In recent days, I've reviewed some interruptions seen in Scripture. Some may have worked out in a positive way while others may of turned out not so well.

Adam & Eve: Life was good. Probably more than anyone we could ever know down through history, these two people probably had everything any folks could possibly want. They had all of the provisions of life anyone could possibly want. They had a close relationship with their Creator...life was good. ENTER: a serpent...not a snake as we know them now. There was no reason for fright or concern because we are told the serpent was nothing ugly or foreboding at that time. This interruption changed mankind on into eternity. Mankind would be born into and leave the earth fighting for their lives against Satan all because Eve and then her husband yielded to Satan's temptation.

David: I'm thinking of one thing in particular. David was a boy, a shepherd. The king had a need and because of David's reputation as a talented musician, was called from the fields into the palace to serve the king, using his music ability. David had been in the field with his sheep, going through his every day routine that was suddenly interrupted with that bidding. His life was changed from that point on as far as his relationship with the king who would later become jealous to the point of insanity toward David. David spent years running for his life from that king he loved and had served faithfully.

Moses: Raised in the palace in Egypt, through some circumstances that required his escaping to another place, found himself out in a wilderness, keeping sheep. It was such a dull, boring, hot and dirty job. Was this to be his fate? One day, a bush caught on fire right before Moses. If that wasn't a shock enough, there was a voice out of the bush. In that way, God placed a special call on Moses life to lead his people from Egypt to the promise land. That was quite an interruption. Moses fussed a little with God about his own inability to do God's bidding but in the end yielded.

Daniel: A grown man of prayer. He had a wonderful habit of opening his window toward Jerusalem daily and inside that window having a time of prayer. This ended up being used by his enemies to try to destroy Daniel's life. He was arrested and hesitantly, the king was forced to stay with his own edict regarding worship of anyone other than himself, and had Daniel thrown into a den of lions. We know the end of that story though, how God spared Daniel in a miraculous way. His courage and loyalty stand as examples for all of us.

Saul (Paul): He had the order in hand to go to Damascus to round up all the Christians he could and place them under arrest. One can just sense his excitement as he headed out. This was a dream job for him and he could hardly wait to get to his destination and begin the round up. BUT...while on the way, a bright light hit him right in the face, a blinding light but with that light, Jesus spoke, getting Saul's undivided attention. We know the change in Saul right on that road. He went through a lot of teaching and even a name change. He began preaching the best he knew how of Jesus, now his Savior. We also have the wonderful benefit of some of his life history in the book of Acts as well as his written epistles.

Andrew, Peter, James and John: Fishermen...a very difficult occupation. It was a business often handed down from father to son and there's no reason it wouldn't be the same with these men. One day, their lives were interrupted. They were going about their various responsibilities, some mending nets...nothing different from any other day. Suddenly, though, a stranger, Jesus, approached them without notice and placed His call on their lives. He asked them to come with Him. He wanted to make them “fishers of men.” They left their nets and fellow workers and followed. It had been an ordinary day, doing the same ordinary things until they were interrupted. They didn't question or complain. They simply followed.

Mary and Joseph: Most of us know the excitement of engagement and planning a wedding. This couple was no different from other couples. Little did they know the major interruption that would come into their lives that would change every plan they had made. How many couples have an angel appearing to them with news that would change the course of mankind. Their lives were that of common folks, not of wealth or fame but asked to take on a responsibility most of us would view as being impossible to tackle. They both responded with humility and in agreement with God. Mary gave birth to Jesus while Joseph became His earthly father.

The list could go on and on of folks in the Bible, whose lives were interrupted in some way, often interrupted by God. I have come to learn that most interruptions in my life are often of God too. I've had calls of someone needing advice or even directions. Unplanned trips to the ER or doctor's offices end up being God nudges. Most interruptions in the lives of Christians result in being “divine appointments” of some kind even though we don't understand that fact at the moment. As Christians, Jesus has every right to call on us...interrupt us...any time He sees fit. May we respond giving Him all glory as we function on His behalf.

Father, forgive my impatience with interruptions that come into my life, interruptions You know all about. Help me understand that You have purpose in everything that happens in my life. Thank You for the power and insight You give me to serve You well. In Jesus precious name...Amen

THREE DEGREES OFF

I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God
in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

It had to be more than fifty years ago that I saw a full-blown picture in Life Magazine of an experimental rocket launched by our country with the intention of it reaching a certain point at a certain time. The picture was inspirational, an indication of things to come in our future. I don't believe NASA was even a reality at that point. but the future was looking good for our country where the space race was concerned. At least, that was the hope resting on that rocket as it soared through space.

A problem of some kind developed with that particular rocket. Oh, it didn't explode or crash into anything as I recall. There was one major problem through that caused the launching to be a complete failure. The rocket had not reached it's predetermined place of arrival, at least not quite to the exact designated goal. I was surprised to see that the rocket had missed it's goal by three degrees. That sure didn't sound like much to me for all of those project members to get so upset over. As I read further though, I found what I consider three degrees was not three degrees to those experts. You see, each degree to them amounted to hundreds of miles. For that rocket to miss it's destination by three degrees was astronomical, so to speak.

Perhaps we could think in terms of “three degrees” when it comes to one's spiritual walk. I've often wondered as I've considered three degrees (three D's) that should be large parts of own our spiritual guidance systems. I'm thinking of : DIRECTION, DEVOTION and DEDICATION.

Let's begin with Direction.

Direction has everything to do with the rocket itself. No rocket....no flight....no problem. There was a rocket and it had it's own destiny and that destiny was to leave the earth and arrive at a designated location far from the earth. That was it's job...it's only job. You and have obviously been born, made to be on this earth. The goal for every human being as far as God is concerned is that we eventually arrive in Heaven. If that “degree” is off, only death is the result. The answer is, while we are here, we are made and created for God. We have purpose, each one of us. Eventually the goal is to be with Him in Heaven, but He has to make available the equipment for this purpose. It is His Son, Jesus, who blesses us with salvation when we go to Him, repenting of our sin and accepting Him as Savior. It all begins with that relationship. Without that relationship, there is no point in even reading about the other two D's.

Taking for granted the Direction in our lives is taken care of, we move to Devotion.

Once that relationship is established with Jesus Christ, we need spiritual fuel to keep us going just as that space rocket required a very special fuel for lift off and soaring into space. You and I need regular fueling with the power found in God's Word. When we get low on fuel, we can malfunction in so many ways in every day living. When our prayer life is at low ebb, we become even more dysfunctional. This spiritual fueling process is often referred to as having a regular “quiet time.” Those times are important, but I'm not sure even they are enough for the spiritual strengthening we need in our day. I will interject that another D that might be appropriate here is that of “desire.” When we owe God so much (not that we can ever repay Him), there should be a sincere desire to spend time with Him in any number of ways.

Last of the degrees I would consider is number three....Dedication.

Once we are in a salvation relationship with Jesus and we are maintaining a fruitful devotional life that is alive and satisfying, we should consider ones Dedication to the spiritual activities the Lord makes available to us. The very basic of this dedication should be our faithfulness to God's house. There should never be a debate on a Sunday as to “are we going to church today?” For whatever the reasons, it shouldn't be a debate...it should be automatic that we attend both Sunday school and church. If there are other opportunities through Bible studies to be in study with others, we should do that as well. Then depending on our abilities and spiritual gifts, we should make ourselves available to be of service in our church however we can serve. If we take on a ministry (not a job) we should do it as unto the Lord, faithful to the task to the best of our ability.

Our first degree is vital, but the other two are very important as well. Failure in any of the three areas is going to throw us off target. Three degrees may not seem like much in the whole scope of things, but they are major....major to us, to others and to our Heavenly Father. In God's power, my prayer for each of us is that we do all in our power to stay spiritually on target. There's too much at stake for us to miss any target.

Dear Father, thank You so much for saving me and for loving me even when I disappoint you. Forgive me for not being as devoted and dedicated as I should be when I tend to go my own way. I want to be centered in You. Give me Your power in serving you more and better. Thank You for Jesus in Whose name I pray...Amen

A Word to the Wise

Even a day after Christmas, I begin looking forward to a new year. Most folks who have known me for any amount of time know I like to have a guiding verse from Scripture for a new year. I don't discount the rest of the Bible but like having a verse I can memorize and bring to recall whenever I want. A verse recently presented itself in one of our Sunday school lessons. I know in time past, I've read it but it never gripped me like that day teaching the lesson.

One of the items on King David's “bucket list” was to see to the building of God's temple. However, that was not to be. Because of critical sin in David's life, he not only lived through the death of his baby son Bathsheba had given birth to, but David was also deprived of the privilege of building the temple. Such crushing blows in his life didn't deter him from his love for God or his renewed fervor for maintaining a close relationship with his Heavenly Father. Many people would have turned from God for less, but David, the man after God's own heart, didn't lose faith in God or for His continued will in David's life. It pleased David to know that his son, Solomon, would be not only king but the builder of that wonderful place of worship for God's people.

In I Chronicles, toward the end of David's life, we read how active he was in organizing what he could toward the building of the temple. He kept the people informed and excited about the erecting of that magnificent edifice. Solomon had not yet acceded to the throne when David sat down with his son to share with his son words of encouragement.

I must interject here how I came across one of the verses from Scripture I have underlined and just about have memorized. They aren't just words to a son from his father King but they speak to my heart every time I look at them. This verse was foreign to me mostly because of where it is located. There are so many gems in Scripture tucked away in some Old Testament books, books we rarely venture into. It was such a privilege for me recently to be able to hold my computer in my lap and be a part of the live broadcast of the funeral of Cliff Barrows, the long time music director for Billy Graham. They had worked together from the beginning along with George Beverly Shea and others. I believe all of the team has gone to Heaven now leaving Billy Graham here with us for a time.

One of the speakers spoke at great length of Mr. Barrows deep love and dedication to the Scriptures. In final days, he was either blind or close to it but had memorized so much Scripture, he could speak it freely. One of his favorite verses, the gentleman said, was the verse I share with you...words from a loving father...words of wisdom to the soon to be seated King, David's son Solomon who would come to be known as the wisest man on earth. Picture two men sitting together...one an older man, King of Israel for 40 years...the other younger with his kingdom yet ahead of him.

And David said to Solomon His son,
Be strong and of good courage,
and do it:
fear not, nor be dismayed:
for the Lord God, even my God,
will be with thee;
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,
until thou hast finished all the work
for the service of the house of the Lord.
I Chronicles 28:16

As I read this verse that is now heavily underlined in my Bible, I still get goose bumps as I read how clearly God spoke through that father to his son. The thrill for me is in the fact that I felt the Holy Spirit giving me the same words of encouragement.

David knew his son would need great courage and strength and I love how David added like any father might “and do it.” David knew days of discouragement would come but God's presence would be ever with Solomon in all he had to accomplish. David promised as he himself had come to know that God wouldn't fail or forsake Solomon with all he had ahead of him in finishing this special work for the Lord.

Guess what?...this isn't the first place we read in Scripture about the constant presence of God with us. His promise to never leave or forsake us is as true today as it was in David's day. With whatever God has called me to do, I need to be strong and of good courage and so do you. By now, we should know from the very depths of our beings that God is faithful by his presence and power to see us through those tasks he has called us to no matter how small or large. No, we aren't called to build huge buildings such as Solomon's Temple, but perhaps we're called to have a part in building lives...lives of families, church members, businesses...all to be done to God's glory.

Cuddle up sometime in these busy holiday times with this verse, take it in, let it sink into your spirit and claim those blessed words for your own. They can be of great encouragement as we stand at the brink of a new year. We don't know what this year holds, but we do know Who holds it in the palm of His hand. As I can recall someone saying to me...”A word to the wise is sufficient.”

Thank You Father, for Your precious promises in our Bibles meant for us on an everyday basis. Help us to take them personally and apply them to our lives. May we cling to such precious promises of Your constant presence with us. Thank You for the strength and encouragement You pour into our lives. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

O COME LET US ADORE HIM

O Lord, thou art my God;
I will exalt thee, I will praise
thy name; for thou hat done
wonderful things; thy counsels
of old are faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1

This carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful” has always been one of my favorites even from childhood. The chorus of this Christmas hymn (as I love to call Christmas carols spiritual in nature) was very easy for a child to learn. Let's face it...it wasn't hard to repeat the one phrase three times ending with “Christ the Lord.” Perhaps that was the inspiration for today's 7/11 choruses...seven words sung 11 times. However, I don't believe that was the intent of this favorite carol. We have sung this carol over and over, but I wonder if we pay any attention to the words we sing. Let's just think about the first verse.

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL – This is obviously a song of invitation. We're asked to “come.” Who is invited? God's faithful are invited...ALL of them, not just whoever feels like it.

JOYFUL AND TRIUMPHANT - How are we to come? We are to approach Him with the greatest of joy knowing we are triumphant because of THE One we are coming to adore.

O COME YE, O COME YE. - The invitation is not only repeated, but stressed with the used of repeated phrasing. It should give us a sense of urgency.

TO BETHLEHEM – My Bethlehem right now is my own heart. It's where Jesus lives through His Holy Spirit. The fact is that I can come to Him any hour of the day, day of the year to worship and adore Him, not just during the Christmas season.

COME AND ADORE HIM – All of that cantata's, gifts, parties, family gatherings, parades and decorations are wonderful, but that's not the purpose of this season. We are to approach Him with hearts full of adoration. The dictionary defines “adore” as deeply loving, respecting and even worshiping another. Is that who we are as opposed to all of the holiday trappings?

BORN THE KING OF ANGELS – What an odd phrase this is in this beautiful carol. However, a reference to the pre-incarnate Christ was a necessary bit of information. Long before Jesus' appearing on earth, He always WAS in Heaven. Angels bowed before Him. Even Lucifer did for a time before his fall from Heaven.

O COME LET US ADORE HIM – There is that invitation again. The verse has given us information that should cause us to come to this point. The chorus repeats this invitation two more times, almost building with a determined, knowing proclamation...

CHRIST THE LORD – It's Him...the long awaited One spoken of throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. He was promised down through those hundreds of years. Perhaps some had almost given up hope, but He was still destined to join us in this sinful world...perfection taking on human form in a sinful, lost, dusty world. He did it for you and He did it for me.

When He came, angels sang His praises. Shepherds (who lived with the worst of reputations for just being shepherds) left their flocks to find that little one Who would come to be known as the Good Shepherd. Even educated men in the science of the stars made a trip that took several months to find that special child.

Is it asking too much of us to “Come let us adore Him?” We have come to know not just a baby in a manger, but we have more importantly come to know Him as Savior. We appreciate the baby, but that baby grew up to be a Man, a Man who chose to die for you and me. It's fine to sing of our adoration for baby Jesus, but our song should rise with great triumphant adoration we feel for Jesus, our Savior and King.

                                   O COME LET US ADORE HIM,

                                   CHRIST...THE LORD!

We love You Jesus and are sorry for being remiss in expressing our love and appreciation for all You have done for us and all You continue to do for us even down to each breath we take. Thank You for leaving Your throne and coming to earth for us. We love you, and yes, we adore you. In Your precious name...Amen

JUST GIVE ME JESUS

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:11

Today is one of those emotional days when things just crowd in and squeeze me til I squeak. With the national park roads fully open now, Brian and I took a ride from our place to the nearby town of Gatlinburg. It's a dull and cloudy day which only adds to the gloom of the moment. We drove many of the streets where the forest fire did the most damage. Many of those streets our family has been on through the years but not recognizable right now. For instance, if anyone has been to downtown Gatlinburg and looked up to the nearby mountain that is easily seen, for years there has been a big, beautiful mountain home sitting about halfway up the mountain. I looked for it today and it is mere sticks and rubble now.

We drove some of the streets where the most damage was done. I sat in stunned silence looking at all of the burned out cars...homes and cabins burned to the ground. It was interesting to see some homes destroyed while there was an untouched cabin or house nearby. It probably has smoke damage but it looked untouched by the fire. For us today, it was seeing history erased in large measure from a place millions of Americans have come to know with great fondness.

We drove along narrow winding mountain roads where houses sat in their ruins (one still with slight smoldering) and I couldn't help but wonder how the death toll was so low. Two weeks ago today, fire was blazing on both sides of those roads while people were trying to get down and up the mountain at the same time. Many it would seem had no notice of the extent of the fire. As we drove, there are already builders meeting with owners and Gatlinburg is filled with large trucks from home restoration companies.

A dear lady, who has lost all was interviewed on television. She is one of many who got out with only the clothes on her back and maybe her purse in hand. She is so grateful that her family is alive and well but knows with the others that all worldly goods are gone, never to be completely replaced. I thought of her as I silently looked out the car window at destruction that seemed to zoom by. I recalled a song I once heard that I loved...can't remember the title or all of the words but the last phrase says: “You can have all this world, just give me Jesus.” I wondered about myself, if under the very worst of circumstances if that could be some guiding words in my own life.

We are told that we came into this world with nothing and will leave it with nothing as well. Meanwhile though, we get pretty attached to our “things.” I lean more toward sentimental things that really cannot be replaced....wedding album, my Mother's desk, children's and grand children's pictures, Bibles, some jewelry. They are all apart of this world though, my world and I don't want to lose them. Those folks lost like things and even more. Some children lost pets, a man lost his wife and two daughters, some tourists lost their lives and it goes on and on.

I pray on my own behalf that no matter what my circumstances ever come to be, that my focus will be on what is important...really important. The day will come when I leave all of those things of the world behind anyway. The question for me: “Is Jesus enough?” Even as I type that question, I feel a conviction in my own spirit. Perhaps that's what is left over from this knot in my stomach having seeing so much devastation.

I was blessed as we passed by a stone church. If you have ever driven behind Gatlinburg on the Roaring Fork River Motor Trail, as you exit it and drive a little down the road into town, you come to a church on the left side of the road. It is a stone church, a Baptist church that has stood there for as long as I can remember. It is in shambles and that grieved me even more. Wondering how they were doing, I saw contractors in the parking lot talking to what could be the pastor. I then saw a sign....”While rebuilding, we will meet at Camp Smoky.” That cheered me. Despite the fire, the work is going on even if it must be in a different location for awhile. It is always good to see that God's work doesn't stop. His people see to that. Again I was convicted of the times I didn't feel well and didn't fulfill a responsibility at church. I could have gone and done the task, but in many cases, it was probably laziness on my part.

Take a look at where you live right now and picture it in ashes. Perhaps your house burned while you were at work or at the grocery store. Picture it and your car smoldering. All you have is clothes you are wearing and a wallet or purse. It's hard to imagine, isn't it? That could never happen to us, right? A lady in Dallas I once knew had a gorgeous home in North Dallas that burned to the ground. I talked to her to assure her of my prayers. She said, “Glendarae, a burned down house with everything gone is as close to a death in the family as one can come.”

So I ask us all, would be ready for what these dear folks have experienced? Leaving all the things of the world dear and precious to us....would Jesus be enough? That's what He wants. He doesn't want there to be anything or anyone that comes before Him. He's asks that we forsake all and rely solely on Him for everything. May our honest desire be:

JUST GIVE ME JESUS

Father, I can't relate to these hurting people who have lost so much. Some have no house to go home to, folks have lost their businesses, some have physical needs while others are planning funerals for loved ones. Pour extra mercy and grace into the lives of these precious mountain folks. If any don't know you as Savior, may this be the time they turn to You. In Jesus' precious, saving name....Amen

Beauty for Ashes

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me;
because the Lord hath anointed me to
preach good tidings unto the meek; He
hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening
of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
and the day of vengeance of our God; to
comfort all that mourn
Isaiah 61:1,2

In this area where I live, I have learned that with fire, comes an unbelievable growth in nature. When we first moved here, I was greatly disturbed to see all of the fires that were deliberately set in Cades Cove by the park service. I even stopped at the ranger station and asked a ranger about what looked like total destruction to me. Not satisfied with her answer, I contacted the park service office and by e-mail was told how wonderfully I would be surprised if I watched those fields, especially come spring how lush the fields would be with plant life and beautiful flowers. They assured me that strong healthy trees are seldom destroyed and they too flourish like never before. Sure enough, come spring, the information was totally correct. I saw in reality how beauty came from ashes in those blackened fields.

The book of Isaiah is full of prophecies having to do with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus to the earth. Many theologians feel the first few verses of this chapter in Isaiah especially, gives a kind of job description regarding Jesus' coming. In fact, after Jesus' experience of being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He returned to his childhood synagogue on the sabbath day, sat down and taught the people from these verses. It would appear that in this, He was introducing His ministry. Just look at some of the goals He had in His ministry. He would preach the good news, see to the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom to captives, even opening prison doors to the bound. He would also comfort those who mourn. I don't know about you but He's done all of that in my life. We've all been captive to something at one time or another perhaps even to the point of feeling imprisoned by habits or other things. He's been with me when I've been brokenhearted...He's been all of those things for me and probably for you as well.

The next two verses are such a blessing to me in these days and probably to many who live in our area. You will see what I mean as we look at verses 3,4 of the same chapter:

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give
unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for
mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.
And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up
the former desolations, and they shall repair the
waste cities, the desolations of many
generations.

I realize verses three and four are often thought to pertain to Jesus' second coming after the earth had been decimated by events of the tribulation. He would bring His people back to the earth for the millennial reign, but a lot would have to be restored and built back up after all of the destruction. Those of us who are born again Christians have benefited much from the events described in the first two verses of this chapter.

Those next two verses I can understand are significant for future events. I'm seeing those two verses being played out in our area right now in so many ways. For instance, there are many around our area who are mourning...death and destruction are all around. As hard as it may seem right, our area will be rebuilt, trees and plant life will grow again, new houses and businesses will reappear as life goes on. I have found people especially in east Tennessee to be strong people. Historically, they and their families have endured much. They've faced wilderness existences, coming of a national park that took many from their homes, financial hardship and other things other Americans face. However, I've found more of a real almost family caring among a majority who aren't even related. There's a willingness to jump in and do for others that may not be as evident in other areas of our country.

Any of us can look at our lives, some devastating life experiences and saw and felt all was lost and in our own ways, we mourned. I have seen, however, in my own experience how through such experiences I grew in the Lord and even flourished in Him like never before. It was those times in the fire of life that I wasn't destroyed, but grew by leaps and bounds. I can see now how God brought His kind of beauty in my life from what looked like the ashes that may have even smoldered for awhile.

God did everything in my life mentioned in verse 3. He gave me a new joy to replace my mourning, a spirit of praise in the heaviest of days, a strength I could never have had on my own. The health of my spiritual life was renewed hopefully that God would be glorified. He built new, exciting things in my walk with Him. All of this has happened whenever I've been led to walk a very difficult path. Any of us can choose bitterness, refusing God's direction and even love. That only prolongs the misery we feel. He wants to bring beauty from the ashes of those burning times we go through. At the time, we feel such burnings will destroy us but come God's springtime in our lives, after perhaps a time of rest, He goes to work bringing a beauty in our lives that we may not see, but that is a blessing in the lives of others.

All of this is my prayer for my neighbors who live across the valley from me that in all of the destruction and heartache, they will come to experience the beauty that can come from their ashes. For those who don't know Jesus as Savior, I'm praying this will be their time to accept Him. I want them to know His comfort, joy and yes, restoration where needed. Please pray with me for those dear folks who have lost so much, but who can know God will bring beauty from their ashes.

Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are. I've come to know your power in my life but appreciate even more Your love and how at various times, You've brought beauty from some ashy times in my life. Thank You for it all. In Jesus' precious name....Amen