ALL OVER THE PLACE

Thou compassest my path and my
lying down, and art acquainted
with all my ways.
Thou has beset me behind and
before, and
laid thine hand upon me.
Psalm 139: 3,5

It was in college I read a book entitled “Your God is Too Small.” I can't tell you what an eye- opener that book was for me. I probably grew as much spiritually in college as I did in my previous years after my salvation at the age of 10. It was a very small book, but packed full of pointing out how big our God is and how we tend to keep Him in our own small boxes. I realized at that time I had a Sunday school view of God and His presence in my life. We'll never understand it all, but we are slack in putting into every day practice what we do know about Him and His all-encompassing presence.

As I write, Brian and I have been on the road visiting family. I find it isn't that often I think about the wonderful fact that God can be with me no matter where I am or where I go. It seems like such a simple concept in the theological view of things, but I am wondering if we know how blessed we are to have the watch care of our Heavenly Father every single place we go. Oh, we know as believers that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, but how often do we even give that fact a thought? It seems almost trivial to think God is with me when I go to the grocery store, run an errand, go out to lunch with a friend or when I go to get my hair fixed, but facts are facts.

I'm so grateful for God's continual presence when:

• visiting a friend in the hospital
• going to the doctor for my monthly eye injection
• comforting a friend going through a difficult time
• speaking with a young friend who is going through a difficult pregnancy
• our country seems to be bottoming out at times
• just sitting in my chair reading
• having a sandwich for lunch
• sitting in my favorite spot in the mountains
• concerned for my children and grandchildren.

It's hard to fathom how no matter where I go, God is not only with me, but already there at my destination. As I have left from where I was, He was there and remained there as well. He's above me and beneath me.

However, really thinking on those particular things also remind me of some things I might not want to think about. I love thinking about God's direction and protection in my life, but can it always be a good thing? Yes and no! What about when I:

• have a rotten attitude
• speak harshly to someone
• neglect spiritual responsibility
• share in spreading gossip
• fail to keep a promise
• show little respect for authority

You see, God is always present during those times as well. Such is just a fraction of the sin we commit toward our Heavenly Father often without even giving such a thought. If such things and others negative in nature are against God's wishes for us, then we call those things sin and He's as aware of those things as any good we do in His name.

Not long ago, our ladies Bible study worked on the topic of practicing the presence of God in our every day living. This doesn't mean just being aware of any good or sin God sees in us wherever we are. We have opportunities to not only be aware of His constant presence, but to put into practice doing everything for God's glory no matter how big or how menial.

I'm encouraging myself to be more aware that He is with me with His love and concern, and yes, with his guidance and direction. I also want to be more appreciative for how He views me in such a personal way....just as He does you. No matter the joy or heartache...the safety of life or peril, nothing can touch us without it first passing through the fingers of God. That's something I'm really trying to continue to learn, even if it takes some difficult times to teach me.

Thank You, Father, for Your loving care over us when we don't even realize You are present in every day life and events. May the thought encourage us to love and serve You with the greatest of love on our part and dedication to please You in every aspect of our lives. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

INTO THE WILDERNESS

And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost,
returned from Jordan, and was led by
the Spirit into the wilderness.
Luke 4:1

As much as I have read about any wilderness, I have no desire to spend a week's vacation in any I know about. I spent one summer in Arizona while in college where that summer, the temperature averaged at 118 degrees. I wasn't in the desert, but sure felt like I was. Just walking out the door, I could hardly catch my breath because of the heat. Loved the people I worked with but not the location.

Wilderness areas don't have much to offer to one choosing to wander though it. Many wilderness areas are dry, hot, sandy and very desert-like. Some wilderness areas are rocky and mountainous but also hot and dry and just as treacherous as a flat wilderness area.

In Scripture, we read of various wilderness areas. The Israelites, of course, had to traverse the wilderness in order to get to the Promised Land. Because of disobedience, their stay in the wilderness was extended in time beyond belief. Even though they started their journey with various types of provision, it didn't take long to go through the food and water they had gathered for the trip. However, God provided manna for them to eat. Manna was provided on a daily basis, gathering for the day's provision. They gathered double prior to the Sabbath. When water ran out, God provided that too from a rock. The people tired of the manna so God provided quail for them. No matter what He provided, the people were never happy for long.

I'm remembering how David and his men lived almost from hand to mouth as they too crossed through wilderness areas. On one occasion, they ate of the bread on the table of shewbread which was against the law but was allowed at that time. They were a hearty bunch of soldiers who needed food and water in abundance but it wasn't always available. The wilderness was not an enjoyable place for them to be.

Right up front in Jesus' ministry, Scripture tells us in the above verse some information regarding Jesus' upcoming wilderness experience. We read that He was filled with the Holy Spirit. That should come as no great surprise to any of us. We learn He was not only filled with the Spirit but was led by Him. This leading was going to take Jesus into the wilderness. Jesus was there forty days where He ate nothing. There waiting for Him was Satan where in that period of time, Jesus was tempted physically, mentally and spiritually by Satan. With each temptation, Jesus rebuked Satan with Scripture.

The best folks we can remember from the pages of Scripture who found themselves in any desert or wilderness can speak to us. I'm thinking of Moses spending years in the wilderness keeping sheep until God's call on his life.

Our wilderness experiences may not be in a certain desert-like location. I've had some wilderness times right in my own living room, in an office where I was employed, in a hospital bed and sometimes sitting in a church worship center. Some of my most difficult dry times were the few weeks after our family would make a move to another location, especially to a different state. You see, I had similar desert feelings as if I was sitting on a rock in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Thus, there are some things to be said for these wilderness wanderings we may experience and the reality of what we experience during those times that are very uncomfortable.

First is the physical effect on us during these dry, disturbing times. Satan tempted Jesus with bread. He knew Jesus hungered and this was the first area of his attack on Him. During our troubling times, we may not even feel like eating...appetite affected. Some may be tempted to over-indulge in food just to calm the spirit more than the stomach. Hopefully, we won't miss the point of our temporary wandering. Jesus said He is the Bread of Life. I may not feel like getting into the Word during this dry time but I must or Satan will be a winner. We need the strengthening of the Holy Spirit's teaching during these times.

Second, Satan approached Jesus with the offer of power and this of course, plays on a person's pride. Jesus refused this offer as well, coming back at Satan with more Scripture.

Lastly, Satan was probably working himself up to this third offer...that Jesus would just bow down and worship him. You see, if Jesus had yielded to this, the cross would have been out of the question. This was the big thing Satan was fighting against all along...the cross. Again, Jesus told him that there was only one person to be worshiped and that is God, the Father. This third attack was a spiritual one and it failed as miserably as the other two.

Satan approached Adam and Even in the same three ways. His tricks and temptations have not changed through the years. When you and I find ourselves in a desert time, whether God has led us there or we are there by our own doing, Satan is there, ready and waiting. He will attack with something physical in nature. He will play heavily on our emotions. When he feels we are already down, he likes to come in for the “kill”. When we may feel at our weakest, Satan will hit us spiritually causing us to question God's love, presence and even our salvation.

I've come to lear even though I tend to be a slow learner, that in my wilderness wanderings, God wants such a time with me, to get my attention, and to perhaps put a new calling on my life much like He did with Moses. I may not lead millions of people across a wilderness, but whatever His leading in my life, it's just as important. As often as I have done it, I have wasted so many of those times with feeling sorry for myself instead of sitting in anticipation of what God has to say. In those times, my desert can bloom because of how God brings forth His beauty in my life during those times.

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your example as to how we should deal with any of our desert wanderings that we all will go through at one time or another. Thank You that we don't have to sit in a helpless state, but can sit in anticipation of what You want to do in our lives. We love You and thank You for all You've done for us. In Your precious name....Amen

BLANK PAGES IN A BIBLE

But let it be the hidden man of the heart,
in that which is not corruptible, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price.
I Peter 3:4

A few weeks ago, a lady in my church asked if she could look in my Bible. I was only holding it at the time and had a few minutes to spare so handed it to her. Every Bible has some blank pages in the very beginning of the book itself and a few at the very end. Publishers I guess put those in there for note taking if someone would like to do that.

My friend found as she opened the cover that the blank pages in the front of my Bible have become a picture gallery of those people dearest in my life who I love and who I pray for on a regular basis. However, even on those pages and on those at the end of my Bible there are tidbits of sayings and “whatevers” that I have jotted down from time to time.
 

My friend is a regular reader of my weekly blog. She said she thought I should do a blog where I just list some of those things she herself had read. I'm going to take her suggestion and list some of those things hoping there will be a lesson in some of them for you and for me as well as I review them. Even the opening verse you see I wrote down a couple of years ago next to grand-daughter's picture and not sure as to the occasion. I do know that already, I see that meek and quiet spirit in her so maybe that was the reason at the time. So, here's a peek into some personal insights that have come mostly from the wisdom of others that I still enjoy every time I glance at them:

Let God be the Hero of your story.

Don't be a fan of Jesus.
Be a follower of Jesus.

The Spirit always has something to say
to those who listen.

Does God's truth excite me to this day?

Knowledge is knowing what to say.
Wisdom is knowing when to say it.

Greatly blessed
Highly favored
Imperfect, but forgiven
Child of God.
Song from Gaither Homecoming program

We struggle as did Paul with
unsatisfied hunger and unquenched thirst.
We also struggle with:
entitled self vs surrendered soul.

If you never stand for Jesus, you'll never be
held to a higher standard.

What's down in the well comes up in the bucket.

God is mighty big and we treat Him mighty small.

Wherever you are, be ALL there.

I want to slow down and taste life, give
thanks and see God.

What are they doin' in Heaven today?
“It's a beautiful place,” I've been told
Where peace and joy
And a friendly embrace,
Are waitin' to welcome you home.
What are they doin' in Heaven today.
…..Blue Bell Ice Cream TV Advertising song

Biblical revival is always Christ centered.

A Christian without a Bible is a naked Christian.

Courage is being scared to death but
saddling up anyway.
...on my John Wayne mug

Silent and listen are spelled with the same letters.

Thank You Father for the little snippets of inspiration you allow to drop into my heart that teach and bless me along the way. Thank You for those who have blessed me over and over with words of wisdom and encouragement. In Jesus precious name....Amen

CLING LIKE A PEACH PIT

Let love be without dissimulation. (hypocrisy)
Abhor that which is evil;
cleave to that which is good.
Romans 12:9

For years, I have loved fresh peaches. I love when they come in season so I can get that fresh peach taste in my mouth again. Canned peaches just don't do it for me. I like fresh peaches in cobbler, in sweet iced tea (a slice or two), in a dish of fresh fruit or just to eat with the juice running down my chin. There are two types of peach I've come to know....freestone and cling. When fully ripe, ready for cutting into, one finds the two types to be very different. A freestone is easy to cut into and the pit inside is easily released. However, with the ripest of cling peaches when cut, the stone actually clings to the fruit, resistant to let go.

A dictionary tells us there are two types of cleaving which are direct opposites in meaning. One definition tells us that cleaving means to cut or sever much like with a meat cleaver. Cleaving can also mean clinging or hanging onto something. Scripture uses the clinging meaning in some verses more than the severing meaning.

In Genesis, we read God's instruction concerning marriage that a man is to leave his own family and cleave to his wife. When I see that word in that context, I think of our recent visit to our son's home. On one occasion, our three year old grandson came up to Brian as he was walking toward the couch to be seated, and he grabbed hold of Brian's leg. Little children do that sort of thing to adults all the time. He had both arms wrapped as tightly around Brian's leg as his strength would allow. Brian walked some with him attached and then the moment was over. Married couples are to cling/cleave to each other for dear life.

Many of our “cleave” verses in Scripture can be found in the book of Deuteronomy. For instance:

Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God;
him shalt thou serve, and to him
shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.
10:20

For if ye shall diligently keep all these
commandments which I command you,
to do them, to love the Lord your God,
to walk in all his ways, and to cleave
unto Him;
11:22

That thou mayest love the Lord the God,
and that thou mayest obey his voice,
and that thou mayest cleave unto him:
for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.....
30:20 a,b

In the last two verses there is the phrase, “cleave unto Him.” I wonder with what intensity we cleave, cling to our Lord...to His will and ways we see so clearly in God's Word. As much as I love peaches, either freestone or cling, I appreciate that pit in the cling peach that just doesn't want to let go. Like that little boy clinging to his grandpa's leg, do I hang onto my loving Father like that or do I have a loose hold on Him depending on my mood of the moment.

Christians often say that the Bible isn't clear and hard to understand. In the above verses, I don't find it hard to see what is involved in the clinging to God process. In these verses I see we are to:

have a fear of God
serve Him
swear by His name
keep God's commands
love the Lord
walk in His ways
obey His voice

Many of those things overlap but they are things God charges us to do if we are to cleave to Him, clinging for all we're worth. Scripture tells us the result of all of this is that we will find that He is our life. I must ask myself, “Is Jesus my life...am I clinging/cleaving to Him for dear life.” The result will be the sweetest of experiences when we taste and see His goodness.

Father, thank You for how You draw me to Yourself through the wooing of Your Spirit. Forgive my slackness at times in my obedience to You. Help me to cling to You for dear life, for You are that important to me. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

THE SPIRITUAL MIND

Let this mind be in you, which
was also in Christ Jesus...
Philippians 2:5

In a recent Bible study, when we came to Philippians 2, we found ourselves in one of my favorite passages. The lead-in to the passage is our opening verse. If anyone really wants to know who Jesus was/is, that passage gives a wonderful list of some attributes of Jesus that would be worthy of us emulating. Such attributes cannot be a matter of pretense, but they must be incorporated into our lives through a sincere walk with the Lord that would be a worth while goal for any of us.

In the last twenty-five years, I heard of a former fellow social worker who was in a hospital on life support.. I learned there had been a tragic automobile accident. My friend was the dearest of Christians and a young mother. She had died almost instantly in the wreck. Her family agreed to organ donations although they never dreamed such a prospect would come so soon to any family member, let alone one so young. My friend was taken immediately to the hospital where she was put on life support that kept her body viable for the purpose of organ donating.

Should one have walked into my friend's room, the scene would have been surprising. Except for bandaging on the head of the patient, one would have thought my friend was just asleep. Of course, there were tubes and machines all over the place. Machines were breathing for her. The skin color of the patient was pink and healthy looking. It would seem as though my friend should be able to get up and walk. Minus machines and a bandage on the head, any patient under similar circumstances might look in many respects as if they were still alive.

In each case of this kind, it falls to the leading physician to speak with the family members, telling them that after much testing, they found there were no brain waves present in their loved one. Once brain waves are not found (and these measurements are precise) the victim of an accident is usually declared to be deceased. Denial generally sets in on heart broken family members and as they look at their loved one, it would seem there is life. That life appears real because of all the equipment keeping the body itself alive, physically speaking. You see, the mind is what and who we are. It is seated in the brain, yes, and the physical body functions because the brain/mind is working as it should.

What about our spiritual bodies? As Christians, we can put on such a front that other Christians think we are alive and well spiritually. After all, we appear to be doing all of the proper things that make us appear to be spiritually thriving. Perhaps we sing in the church choir, teach or attend a Sunday school class faithfully, pray good prayers before others, dress appropriately, and speak in pleasant tones. We may assure others of our prayers and carry a well-worn Bible. However, as good as things may look our being alive and well spiritually, we can fool folks. Inside of such ones, be they me, you or others, with all of the necessary “attachments” we may still be dead or near death spiritually, but no one can tell the depth of one's spiritual condition. I'm not speaking of a loss of salvation but of a loss of spiritual energy and even influence.

Putting on all the fronts of having a healthy and vibrant spiritual mind can take a lot of time and energy. Acting is time consuming and strength-sapping even if it does seem worth the effort to look good spiritually. Such pretenses have nothing to do with the mind of Christ. There wasn't a pretentious bone in the body of Christ. He was genuine, real with no effort of pretense to a sin fallen world. His only hook up was to His Heavenly Father, the same one who keeps you and me going, spiritually speaking. However, before a Holy God, we must approach Him in Spirit and truth. We may be able to make believe before others, but not before our all-knowing Father. We are to get eyes off of self and onto Him. To have a viable walk with our Lord means putting Him first, making Him the main focus of our lives. With that focus, we will do all in our power to be like Jesus with Holy Spirit power functioning in and through us.

I have asked myself in recent days, how much I want to have the mind of Christ. Am I willing to be a servant, to not strive for fame or all else Jesus was as He walked this same earth as I walk. To have His mind will be costly in that dying to self will never be comfortable. We are facing summer months when many take vacations even from the Lord. However, with the mind of Christ, we will keep going for Jesus no matter the time of year. You see, a big part of having the mind of Christ is consistency. Jesus died at Passover time, one of the most celebrated special times on the Jewish calendar. He could have said, “Not now...it's a “holiday”...but He didn't. He died a horrible death for you and me with no thought of personal timing. With His mind, we will be willing to die to self and to all else that would take our focus off of the One who paid it all for you and me

Dear Father, there is nothing about this Christian life I can manage on my own. I pray for Your power in my life not for the sake of pretense, but because I want a living, loving relationship with you. Thank You for all You have done in my life. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

A TASTE FOR GOD

O taste and see that the Lord is good:
blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
Psalm 34:8

When just a few months old, babies begin eating baby food, often the commercial kind purchased in grocery stores. Babies seem to really like the fruits which have some sweetness to the taste. There are some mixed foods like chicken and vegetables that seem to be palatable to most little ones. Then come the vegetables. Most perhaps are taken into the little mouths and swallowed with not much resistance. However, it's in this area that the funny faces begin to appear. Little heads may turn or little mouths twist in silent protest that what they are tasting isn't acceptable. I've always been surprised at some of the vegetables baby food companies encourage for the very young. Where a baby may wince at the taste of spinach, he may like spinach when older. What makes the difference?

This may sound elementary, but there is a lot in babies that aren't developed physically. We all know that, but don't think of some of the little integral parts that are important..I refer to taste buds. That's an area of development in the beginning stages. Some baby foods may not taste just right to a baby. Baby food companies have toned down certain foods that may be strong in tangy taste so they are aware that there must be some compensation for strong taste in foods to a little one. Where a baby may shun carrots or spinach at one year and under, they may develop a taste with maturity for those same vegetables in a few years.

Taste is something that is acquired. Generally we develop a taste for things through exposure. Frustrated parents wonder why a child of theirs dabbles in some things they do that brings them down or into serious trouble. It doesn't happen overnight. Generally a bad crowd is involved at school or even at church. With a teen's exposure to the wrong influences, a parent's worst nightmare begins. The exposure usually encourages more and more negative behavior and rebellion toward parents. Exposure of the wrong things in the lives of our children is common and of major concern and bad tastes culturally develop.

What about we adults? We don't just jump into the things of the world that affects our taste for the things of God. We are as easily drawn aside as any child by our exposure to those things that are not of God. I have spoken with women who little by little found themselves away from the Lord, no longer living for Him and wondering how it all happened. Our tastes are developed through exposure.

I wish you could have known my sister Kay. I admired just about everything she ever did, even from a young age. She always had good taste in clothes. She had a sense of style that I admired. I used to say that she could dress in a burlap bag and look good. She was pretty with hair in place, neat as a pin. She had a beautiful alto voice even from high school on and at the time of her Home-going was active in her church choir. She was a godly woman, loving the Word of God. She raised two godly daughters. My list could go on and on. In appearance, I was always a slob up against Kay. Even though I was the older sister, she was an influence on me more than she knew. I loved being “exposed” to her, a godly woman of great taste.

When we come across those who influence us with their class and good taste in so many ways, we are affected by them whether we know it or not. Inside, we want to adopt some of what they are into our own lives. We may want to look better, talk better, serve more, etc. This happens in us because of our exposure, that helps us in developing good,godly taste.

Taste is also at times experimental. I've heard of developing a taste for certain foods. The only way that can happen is if we actually taste the food in question. There are still foods I don't have a taste for and never will no matter how often I taste them. Taste is developed by exposure to whatever the food or drink may be. I hasten to say that the same is true of spiritual taste.

I don't know how often I heard in my life, “Come on, Glendarae, just taste this...try it, you'll like it.” When someone has to beg me that much, I figure the experience isn't going to be good. The purpose of tasting anything is with the hope we will like what we've tasted. All over our area, there are places where one can go into a store and take part in free wine tastings. Why would an establishment have such a thing? Those merchants are hoping with the tasting, a person will enjoy what they taste and will buy more of what was merely tasted.. Taste can take us in many directions.

Our opening Scripture verse encourages us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” The thing with our tasting the Lord is that there is a trust that develops in us with this in-depth exposure to Him. This tasting and seeing the goodness of the Lord is not a one time thing. When tasting of Him with consistency, we will be drawn even more to Him. Acquiring a spiritual taste takes time and in that time, helps us love Jesus more. We hopefully will want more and more of who and what He is. Hopefully tasting of Him will create in us a deep hunger for God that will be on going.

My hope for each of us is that we will develop a deep taste for the things of God. Too often, I have settled for just snacking on the things of God. Snacking isn't healthy in most cases. It doesn't build the human body in healthy ways. Spiritual snacking doesn't build strong, spiritual bodies. May we enjoying feasting (and yes, tasting) on the things of God and come to develop a loving and ravenous appetite for our Lord.

Father, thank You for the privilege of eating from Your Word and drinking from Your fountain of life. Thank You for sending Jesus to make all of this possible. Thank You for loving me and giving me the privilege of being your child. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

HEAR ME!

Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Matthew 13:43

We just returned home from a wonderful Bible seminar at the Billy Graham Cove led by Larry Crabb. In the study of the book of Colossians, we delved into the subject of recognizing false teaching in our day and the goal of living the true Gospel. Even back in the day of the Colossian church, Paul had learned of the drifting of the church at that time into false teaching. The same false teaching then has also drifted down into our own day and is rampant in many circles.

There are many pastors today who want to preach an easy Christian life gospel. They say if we do certain things, we will live lives of happiness and bliss as Christians, a message never promised in Scripture. There are two problems at play here. For one, people tend to believe everything they hear from the pulpit, never evaluating even questionable things said up against the Scriptures. The second problem, is that a good many Christians don't know the Scriptures for themselves. They want leaders to do all of the studying and searching so they don't have to, thus it's easy to fall into false teaching. There are preachers on television today with big smiles and personalities that are convincing Christians how perfect the Christian life will be if they do certain things.

One of the most important things our teacher this week pointed out that really got my attention was something I had read any number of times, but hadn't really pondered. It sent me on a mental search and physical one as well as I delved into the only concordance I had with me. It was the end of each of the instruction to the seven churches in Revelation John was instructed by the Holy Spirit to write. John writes to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He calls their attention to positive things about their churches as well as pointing out areas where improvement is greatly needed. At the end of each of the messages to those seven churches, there is a common admonition said to each of them. (2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22) Each sentence says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It was pointed out to us the use of the word “hear.” Nothing was said about listening in those sentences. I wondered why.

I have known that listening and hearing are two different things although they may be dependent on each other. Listening is the physical action by which a voice is heard and those tones register on ear drums, thus registering pictures and thoughts in the brain. However, listening doesn't mean things are registering and being heeded. Hearing is also a physical process, but seems to mean there is more adherence to what is said. John didn't write to those churches that they should listen to what he was saying. He was interested in their hearing his words.

Just getting on my computer and looking up both words I found the word “listen” in only one verse of Scripture that was found in Isaiah (KJV). I found the word “hear” 2248 times. I found the word “hear” somewhere in 38 Old Testament books and 25 times in New Testament books. “Hearken” is included 283 times in that overall number and for good reason. As I look at the word “hearken”, it's clear to see the word of interest. So I conclude for myself that God isn't nearly as interested in my merely listening to His word even though that's important, as really hearing what He has to say. However, in the listening process, it's easy for it to go in one ear and out the other, as my Mother would say. When we really hear, we are taking in not only what has registered in the ear, but whatever has truly been heard, will be retained.

Why all the encouragement for people to hear or hearken? Sticking with me was when our teacher said, “The Holy Spirit always has something to say to those with hearing heart.” I felt a real conviction settle in on me as I thought of the thousands of sermons, Sunday school lessons and Bible studies I've sat through where I mostly listened, even taking notes. So often though, I wonder how often I was really hearing what the Spirit wanted to say. He would have said much if I was really listening in order to hear.

The word “hearken” is also in the mix and it's obvious when we look at the word itself...”hearken.” Hark was a word often used in Scripture to really get someones attention. Another word I hadn't paid that much attention to is the word, “heart”...heart. You see, when I am really hearing what the Spirit has to say, it may register in my brain, but settles down in a serious way in my heart.

By the way, the opening verse I have used in the beginning is a direct quote by Jesus. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, He uses these same words (hear) a total of 8 times. Jesus didn't use the word “listen.” He really wanted the people to hear, soak up, believe and put into action in every way whatever He said.

How well am I hearing what the Spirit wants to say to me? He is willing to speak if I'm available to hear...really hear...what He has to say. My prayer is that I will be alert to this lesson learned because my heart's desire is to know Him better and walk with Him closer than ever before.

Father, I'm so grateful for how You speak into my life through Your sweet Spirit. May I slow down enough to really absorb all He has to say to my heart. I pray for a “hearing heart” that will draw me closer to You. In Jesus' sweet name...Amen

HEAR ME!

Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Matthew 13:43

We just returned home from a wonderful Bible seminar at the Billy Graham Cove led by Larry Crabb. In the study of the book of Colossians, we delved into the subject of recognizing false teaching in our day and the goal of living the true Gospel. Even back in the day of the Colossian church, Paul had learned of the drifting of the church at that time into false teaching. The same false teaching then has also drifted down into our own day and is rampant in many circles.

There are many pastors today who want to preach an easy Christian life gospel. They say if we do certain things, we will live lives of happiness and bliss as Christians, a message never promised in Scripture. There are two problems at play here. For one, people tend to believe everything they hear from the pulpit, never evaluating even questionable things said up against the Scriptures. The second problem, is that a good many Christians don't know the Scriptures for themselves. They want leaders to do all of the studying and searching so they don't have to, thus it's easy to fall into false teaching. There are preachers on television today with big smiles and personalities that are convincing Christians how perfect the Christian life will be if they do certain things.

One of the most important things our teacher this week pointed out that really got my attention was something I had read any number of times, but hadn't really pondered. It sent me on a mental search and physical one as well as I delved into the only concordance I had with me. It was the end of each of the instruction to the seven churches in Revelation John was instructed by the Holy Spirit to write. John writes to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He calls their attention to positive things about their churches as well as pointing out areas where improvement is greatly needed. At the end of each of the messages to those seven churches, there is a common admonition said to each of them. (2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22) Each sentence says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It was pointed out to us the use of the word “hear.” Nothing was said about listening in those sentences. I wondered why.

I have known that listening and hearing are two different things although they may be dependent on each other. Listening is the physical action by which a voice is heard and those tones register on ear drums, thus registering pictures and thoughts in the brain. However, listening doesn't mean things are registering and being heeded. Hearing is also a physical process, but seems to mean there is more adherence to what is said. John didn't write to those churches that they should listen to what he was saying. He was interested in their hearing his words.

Just getting on my computer and looking up both words I found the word “listen” in only one verse of Scripture that was found in Isaiah (KJV). I found the word “hear” 2248 times. I found the word “hear” somewhere in 38 Old Testament books and 25 times in New Testament books. “Hearken” is included 283 times in that overall number and for good reason. As I look at the word “hearken”, it's clear to see the word of interest. So I conclude for myself that God isn't nearly as interested in my merely listening to His word even though that's important, as really hearing what He has to say. However, in the listening process, it's easy for it to go in one ear and out the other, as my Mother would say. When we really hear, we are taking in not only what has registered in the ear, but whatever has truly been heard, will be retained.

Why all the encouragement for people to hear or hearken? Sticking with me was when our teacher said, “The Holy Spirit always has something to say to those with hearing heart.” I felt a real conviction settle in on me as I thought of the thousands of sermons, Sunday school lessons and Bible studies I've sat through where I mostly listened, even taking notes. So often though, I wonder how often I was really hearing what the Spirit wanted to say. He would have said much if I was really listening in order to hear.

The word “hearken” is also in the mix and it's obvious when we look at the word itself...”hearken.” Hark was a word often used in Scripture to really get someones attention. Another word I hadn't paid that much attention to is the word, “heart”...heart. You see, when I am really hearing what the Spirit has to say, it may register in my brain, but settles down in a serious way in my heart.

By the way, the opening verse I have used in the beginning is a direct quote by Jesus. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, He uses these same words (hear) a total of 8 times. Jesus didn't use the word “listen.” He really wanted the people to hear, soak up, believe and put into action in every way whatever He said.

How well am I hearing what the Spirit wants to say to me? He is willing to speak if I'm available to hear...really hear...what He has to say. My prayer is that I will be alert to this lesson learned because my heart's desire is to know Him better and walk with Him closer than ever before.

Father, I'm so grateful for how You speak into my life through Your sweet Spirit. May I slow down enough to really absorb all He has to say to my heart. I pray for a “hearing heart” that will draw me closer to You. In Jesus' sweet name...Amen

Movin' Along

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee, yea, I will
uphold thee with the right hand of
my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10

Moses was told by God to lead His people from Egypt back home to the Promised Land. One would have thought it was the best of situations for the Israelites. They had a wonderful leader God had chosen. That leader had the wisdom and provision of a great God. The move wouldn't be easy but it would take them from slavery back to their homeland. We know that despite all of God's guidance and provision, the people still felt they had reasons to complain....not enough variety in food, not enough water, leadership wasn't the best, etc. If they learned nothing else about God, they learned in quick fashion that God didn't and still doesn't like complaining and murmuring. They ended up far longer in the wilderness than God ever intended because of the peoples griping, rebellion and lack of faith.

I remember standing beside a U-Haul truck when Brian and I made our first move. I stood crying about leaving that lovely apartment that had been our first home from day one. My Mother was there and assured me I would love the next place as well because Brian would be there. We needed to move...needed more room as a young relative had come to live with us. In that next apartment, we would also bring our two baby girls home to it. I just remember the emotions of moving and leaving all that was sentimental and familiar to me.

We made several moves after that. Some moves required going a distance while some were no more than a couple of miles from the previous place. I learned with the short move that although moving within the same town, going from one neighborhood to another can be like moving from one state to another because every neighborhood is different.

I don't like moving. I could probably pack up the house in a good long day if we had to move again. When I dig in with packing boxes, I fly, but I do pack in an organized way. I know what boxes will go in what rooms, some boxes that will go to an attic or garage and other stuff to Goodwill. It's tiring and troublesome to move, but in our day of mobility, jobs change as they often did for Brian. I cried with every move mostly because of losing church ties including those ladies I had taught from God's Word. I grew up in the same southern Illinois town. I still tend to have a touch of envy toward those who have “stayed home.” They have very deep roots in our town and everyone knows everyone else.

Friends can make moving very difficult. They will express disappointment that we can't stay put. They will cry. We promise to stay in touch and with some we will, but with most, we just can't. The wonderful thing about Heaven is that there will be no goodbyes or so-longs, not even for a time. We'll be with the Lord and our Christian family forever...no moves...Heaven will be our forever home.

This is the season when people move. School is about to be out in most places, houses come up for sale and it tends to be the time for moves. No matter the move, there will be stress and high emotions. Children often don't understand what's going on. It's hard for an emotional mom to be super positive with children about a move when her heart is breaking. I do know though that things will work out.

I heard a pastor speak on one occasion regarding a couple in his church that was in the process of moving to a distant state. Many in the church were really upset to see those long-standing members leaving to go elsewhere. The pastor got up in the pulpit and said to his congregation to stop the emotional behavior that was beginning to turn negative. He reminded the people of how the moving couple was serving in the church, classes taught, and programs they had helped to start. The pastor suggested the people regard this couple as missionaries they were bidding farewell to who would do many of the same things in a new church as they had done in their present one. I had never thought of that either as I watched Christian friends move or with our own family moving.

May I give us some reminders to encourage both those leaving and staying:

*When Christian friends move, we must trust they are doing God's will. We dare not argue with that
*Make the move of friends as easy for them as possible. Volunteer to help in any way
*Give them a gift certificate for some place to eat along the road if they are driving.
*We live in a wonderful day of communication...phones, computers, etc....that makes staying in contact very easy. Fifty years ago, a move would have meant loss of convenient contact.
*Allow friends to depart/move with your blessing and good wishes.

The blessing in it all is that no matter where folks move, God is already there preparing the way. There will be a church to find, grocery store, doctor, dentist, hospital (in case of emergency), schools and much wisdom and discernment will be needed in making so many decisions. Friends who are moving need our continued prayers as they make adjustments to their new setting.

Father, many of us who have moved, know the joys and sorrows of such. We look forward to that great moving day when we go to Heaven or Jesus comes for us. There will be no boxes or moving vans to pack, meeting new people, etc. Meanwhile, when our moves do come on this earth, be with us in every aspect of them. Make us a blessing wherever that place is and use us for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

I REPENT

Therefore I will judge you, O house
of Israel, every one according to his ways,
saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn

yourselves from all your transgressions;
so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Ezekiel 18:30

It might be easy for us to look back at Israel of the Old Testament days with some criticism. We might feel the spiritual condition of their day was nothing like that of our own. I would say that we are different from their day in that we have fallen just as far into sin as that of Israel. Our country has more advantages when it comes to sinful thinking and activity. With all of that sinful advantage, we Christians don't seem to be making that much of an impact on this society of ours. Why? Because Christian America isn't a repentant nation. God is seeking a people that will turn from its culture of sin and return in repentance to their holy God.

It was my privilege Thursday night to watch the National Prayer Gathering in the US Capitol rotunda led by Anne Graham Lott and the committee that has spearheaded all of the days of prayer activities across the nation. There was music, Scripture reading, praying and comments by Anne as she led those there through a time of self evaluation.

Programs had been given to all who were present. On one panel of the program was a list of sins, personal in nature, that could apply to any and all of us. There was then a section regarding the need for our country to repent of its sins. It was stressed that with the personal sins, one might not think all applied to them, but if read prayerfully a few times, it would begin to dawn on the readers that the sins listed probably applied in entirety to each individual.

I don't have a copy of that program those folks had in hand but most folks who know me, know I have suggested for years a prayerful look at Colossians 3, that I have considered a wonderful chapter in Scripture that can serve as good words for self evaluation before God. It's not a comfortable chapter. There are the “put ons” and “put offs.” However,, there are small sections sufficient for self evaluation before the Lord.

Colossians 3:1 begins with a very foundational verse:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God.

Perhaps this is a place to repent of our sin. I wonder how long it's been since most of us have really lived life seeking things above...seeking God in everything. I would also note the first word in that verse, IF. Without a true relationship with Jesus, repentance is going to be the furthest thing from an individual's mind.

Looking down the chapter, I see in verse 5 a list of sins that can grossly affect any Christian's body....fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire and covetousness. Perhaps many people in our day have either participated in some of those things in the past without repentance or are currently involved in such without repentance.

Down to verse 8, I see some things that are very convicting for me...anger, wrath (anger in action),malice, blasphemy, filthy communication. Where one of those sins strikes conviction in our hearts, we need to sincerely repent in sorrow before the Lord for those sins.

Verse 9 puts icing on the cake so to speak with an admonition to Christians about lying to each other. Paul was speaking to the saved community of Colossae, thus the Holy Spirit speaks to us as well in our day. Do we speak in truth with others even in general conversation without stretching or elaborating on truth?

When the group in the Capitol Rotunda read through those personal sins and sins of our country listed in their programs, they would say at the end of each, “I repent.” They didn't say, “We repent” because no one individual can repent for anyone else. Again, it's a very personal spiritual event in the heart of an individual Christian.

We all have a desire to see repentance take place in our country...few would deny that. However, we fail to see that such repentance will only happen through individual lives and then as a whole; we will then see a flood of repentance flowing over our sinful and divided nation. We have such a wonderful opportunity in these days with the leadership we have in place in our nation's capitol to see some wonderful things happen that can bring us back to basics. However, government can't order spiritual change. Spiritual repentance and thus revival will only happen one by one...one by one...one by one. Our prayer should be, “Let it begin in me.”

Father, our country is starving for You. However, we got away from You one by one. Change can only come with Your Holy Spirit working in us on an individual basis. May I first turn to You like never before...not looking to my neighbor in the church pew. Bring our country back to Yourself using Your people one by one. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

"Bear" With Me

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear;
so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Proverbs 28:15

I loved stuffed animals in my youth and by youth, I mean junior high through high school. I don't know whatever happened to all of them, but I don't have even one of them now. However, I do have a wonderful stuffed black bear maybe as tall as a cowboy boot that Brian bought for me as a reward for either hiking or biking around Cades Cove several years ago. I named it “Cadie” with a long “a” sound. Just a few minutes ago as I left my bedroom, there she sat looking her usual attentive self from the top of my desk. Cadie never growls, begs for food or misbehaves in any way for which I'm grateful.

However, Cadie is stuffed. She looks cute, but has no life to her and couldn't hurt a flea. She is, though, a nice replica of the beautiful live black bears we see in the mountains in our area. Tourists flock to certain areas in the hope of seeing at least one bear they can take pictures of to take home to show off to friends or relatives. Cars line up beyond reason in the Cove just to view a bear that has been spotted in a nearby wooded area. Children giggle with delight at the sight while parents make fools of themselves rushing with phone cameras in tow to take pictures. It's all fun and a delight.

Some tourists, however, take serious risks despite warning signs and stiff penalties to get as close to a live bear as they can without sustaining serious injury. The opening verse speaks of a “ranging bear.” That is a bear that is seriously wandering on the hunt for food. It may display a low growl, head moving from side to side seeking food. Most bears here live on berries, bugs and even yellow jackets. That's not a lot of food even at first thought for a bear that might weigh 200-250 pounds. While that bear is on the hunt, though, it does not want any distraction and may attack if aggravated. A bear was found in a local ladies kitchen having broken through the back door and then got into her refrigerator. Hearing the noise, she glanced to see the bear and immediately called authorities. You've heard of someone being “hungry as a bear?” Well, if that's the case, that human being is pretty desperate for a good meal if he's that hungry.

Looking in Scripture, I find another kind of “bear” there. This requires action on our part that will be of benefit to others. In definitions I found regarding that kind of “bear”, I find that we may be asked to carry, deliver, support, prop or hold up someone who might have great need at any given time. So in a sense, we have the privilege of being “bears” of sorts. For instance:

Bear ye one another's burdens
and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

WHY?

So Christ was once offered to
bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for Him shall
He appear the second time without sin
unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:28

We are to bear the burdens of others because Jesus was willing to bear our sins and the sins of all others.

I also love the verse in Psalm 91:12 from one of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament:

For He shall give His angels charge
over thee, to keep thee in all
thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their
hands, lest thou dash thy foot
against a stone.

I don't know about you but there have been times when I knew my God-provided angels were on duty, especially when an accident was avoided or I sensed a special protection over me when I felt myself in an unusual situation where I felt a threat. Those angels bore me up many a time and I'm so grateful for that.

I love all of the cuddly bears that are stuffed, but don't want to mess with the real thing. I am grateful for those who have come along my side as a burden bearer. I know God has used them in my life as well as His providing those angel bearers I need on a daily basis. Personally, I need to be much more aware of the burdens of folks around me. So many of these folks have come to my attention in recent days who may need a card, a word of encouragement, a lunch date with a burdened down soul...any way I can be an encouragement and can only help one bear their burdens. Then I can have the joy of following Jesus' concern for others in being a burden bearer. We can be Jesus with skin on in the lives of others.

Father...Help me to be conscious of those around me who are really going through tough times. I want to help bear the burdens of others to be of help to them but to bring glory to You. Guide me in knowing the wise things to do and say as I seek to serve You in this way. In Jesus precious name....Amen