LIVE IN THE MOMENT

And God said unto Moses,
I AM THAT I AM:
and he said, Thus shalt
thou say unto the children
of Israel,
I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14

The title of this blog came to me recently through a casual comment someone made. In observing folks through recent years, I'm seeing we are a generation that either tends to look back pondering our history whether it was positive or negative, or much of our generation is living for the future.

There isn't a therapist on earth capable enough in their profession to tackle past issues of most of us. All of us have issues from our own histories back to childhood to the present that haven't been pleasant or encouraging. Then we see the ads on TV about the necessity of planning our futures...savings plans, insurance policies of every kind, retirement financial planning and that doesn't include our calendars. Our calendars remind us of coming events, many necessary to see to such as medical and dental appointments, holiday events, birthdays, etc.

In it all whether past events or future ones, what gets lost for most of us is “right now”...”this moment.” In the book of Exodus when God placed His call on Moses' life, Moses was concerned regarding how he would approach Pharaoh, for who was he to relay any message to him. God reminded Moses that he wasn't going on his own standing, but with the backing of God Himself. God could have stated who He was in any way such as we see in Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” That is valuable information for us that gives us a real sense of security as we view the consistency and constancy of Jesus.

In that moment, for Moses, he needed to hear from God that He is I AM. God was going to be for Moses his I AM every moment he was about to face. God wasn't Moses' I WAS or I WILL BE. God promised to be in every moment of every day Moses had to face God's purpose for his time.

Many of our days can be very routine. We may know what most days hold for us. We can get lost in routine to the point our moments become blurred and even at times wasted. In my young adulthood, I thought like most that I had a whole entire life before me. I had no accurate time line to judge by, but it certainly seemed to me that I had years and years to live. I sit at this time in my life and know I don't have years and years to live like I've already been blessed with. No matter what time I have (and no one knows that for themselves), what am I doing with my moments? I can even now work myself to death and not consider my moments.

Moments are of value. A moment is defined as a very brief period of time. Some go so far as to define a moment as being 90 seconds or less. Despite the definitions we know it's a brief period of time. First Corinthians 15:52 reminds us that when Jesus returns for us, it will happen “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” I read several years ago, someone in a lab at General Electric tried to time what the twinkling of an eye would be. It was so finite, it couldn't be clocked. Whether a moment or a twinkle, it's VERY brief as time goes...so is life.

How are we to live in the moment of our lives? It begins in the thinking process. We allow our minds to be cluttered with concerns and worries that God will take care of in His time. Our worry and fretting isn't going to solve anything, but will destroy precious moments we could be using to be a blessing in life. De-cluttering can only happen as we pray, giving all to God and then refreshing our minds with the preciousness of God's Word. I know folks, much too young, who live in misery spending moments looking at the past and living their days in the doldrums. God's will for our moments doesn't involve either of those things.

When Jesus does come, if it's in our day or He chooses to come just for me, I want to be found enjoying my moments. Maybe those moments will involve serving others or in healthy activity that is good for me. I want Him to be pleased that I've not wasted those precious moments He's given me.

Dear Father, my I AM...help me to live to the fullest in the moments You give me. I know You have my future in Your hands and You will direct those moments. Increase my faith that as I'm in You, all is well. I love you. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

SWEET REFUGE

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

These days in our country, there has been a great need for places of refuge. I think back to the fires that swept through our national park the end of November 2016. The fires were not just in the park but due to very high winds, caused fires to spread to homes and businesses, causing havoc, destruction and death. Today, fires are ravaging areas in California and Montana is still in recovery mode from massive fires. On top of fires, parts of our country have gone through hurricanes that have caused great loss of property, possessions and even death.

People in these areas initially had a common need. They needed, in the midst of losing everything, a place to go, even a place from the danger of continuing threats. We heard of schools, athletic complexes, community centers and other places with lots of space, opening their doors to those folks in need...the need of a safe place to be. Initially, in all of the fear, there is always a need for safety...safety for oneself and family. In a state of shock, such victims can only think of one thing...survival. We have then watched organizations from all parts of our great country come into these devastated areas with much needed supplies of every kind.

Unknowing to most children, the make good use of places of refuge more than they understand. Perhaps the needed refuge at the time wouldn't seem all that important to grown ups. At the age of four, I packed my doll suitcase with my doll, her clothes and my pj's. I was upset with my mother so went two doors down to old Mrs. Rennie's house. Told her I wanted to live with her. She fed me cookies and milk, gave me a talking to and sent me back home. I remember feeling warm and fuzzy with her. There was no danger in my own house but for the moment, Mrs. Rennie was a refuge. How many children get into scraps with neighbor kids and are very glad they can run to their own house where no one can get to them.

As adults we have sought emotional refuge in necessary places at times. One of our greatest places of refuge is our church where we can go and be away from the outside world concentrating only on the things of the Lord. Some adults, though, find refuge in bad habits, unhealthy habits and often in people who themselves are not reliable influences.

In Numbers 35, we find a system God established simply referred to as “Cities of Refuge.” The Lord provided six cities where those people guilty of accidental murder could go for refuge from the victim's family until a trial could be held. Back then, when a family member was killed, a family didn't wait on a trial whether the death was accidental or intended. Their system unlike ours, was swift with taking care of someone who had killed a family member. There were no lawyers, juries, appeals or prison sentences. A family carried out their own sentence in quick fashion. So these cities served a positive purpose in such matters.

You and I are no longer children, we may not not have just gone through a disaster of any kind, nor have we murdered anyone. What I've been mentioning has to do with real places of need, whether centuries ago or this last week.

The best refuge you and I as Christians are privileged to have is our refuge in God. It may not be a physical place as we think of places. However, I hasten to add that there have been many times when I know through God's guidance, I have been provided with places of refuge that were as real as the house I now live in.

The Lord will be

a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalm 9:9

A refuge is of no use be it a place in a community center or in the loving arms of our Savior if we don't flee to it and take advantage of what each refuge offers. God's promises in His Word of His constant presence in our lives to almost too many to count. In our humanity though, He is often the last one we flee to in our worst of times.

In our opening verse, I love all of that verse but especially the first two words...”God is...” Without the fact of those two words, the rest of that verse is meaningless. My prayer for each of us is to always be quick to flee to THE refuge, God Himself, who is the only one who can do anything and everything to meet our every need.

Dear Father, my Refuge...I am so grateful for the privilege of running to You anytime whether in a time of need or just when I need to bask in Your presence. Thank You Jesus, for making this relationship possible through Your dying for my sin that has provided me with real life to it's fullest. In Your precious name....Amen

Spiritual Service VS Church Work

And He said unto them

Come ye yourselves apart into

desert place, and rest a while: for there

were many coming and going, and

they had no leisure so much as to eat.

And they departed into a desert place by

ship privately

Mark 6:31,32

A term came into America's vocabulary several years ago many people found offensive. There were some people, especially executives and corporate ladder-climbers who came to be known as “workaholics.” It wasn't unusual for such people to work 18 hour days, usually six days a week or more. Even when they went home, they would still work late into the night doing paper work. It was bad enough when men gave themselves to such work schedules, but when women began being a part of higher levels of corporations, it made it even worse. I say this because many times, the father and mother in a home were caught up in the rat race. Families were affected because children had a lack of healthy home relationships and family life in general. This was not the case with all executives but for most, it was an issue and probably continues to be.

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

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

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

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

The work of God needs workers, dedicated to Him, who keep their focus on Him and not on the praise of people. He has blessed us with spiritual gifts to use in our service for Him. He has specific things in mind for us in our service for Him. When we move outside our gifts and God given abilities, we can become very frustrated and weary. At such point, serving God can cease to be joyful and fulfilling

My prayer for us is that we will find joy in serving Jesus, serving as He calls us. Yielding to the pressure of others to perform will serve only to frustrate us. May we serve because of a love for God and for others, while leaving self-serving agendas to one side.

Father, use us for Your glory and for Yours alone. We love You and always want to be Your servants. In Jesus precious name...Amen

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 bite on the bait that is dangled in front of us.

In these days, we have been greatly disturbed as we have watched highly paid athletes choosing to boycott our national anthem. It doesn't seem that many of them are doing nothing but following the leadership of others. This whole thing started with one football player and now has spread like a poison through professional athletics in general. Who would have thought something so negative could spread like a disease that infects in such a wide spread manner. I mention this because right now, there are a lot of athletes don't believe the above verse if they have ever read it.

No matter what circles we move in, there is always the pull on us to conform to our culture. That pull is becoming stronger and stronger, especially in the lives of our young people. However, no matter our ages, we all know as God's people that Satan has his ploys in pulling us away from those things we know to be God-honoring. We have to face the fact that we aren't exempt from the temptation to conform to the things of this world. If we don't have that awareness, we are even more vulnerable.

What's the answer? Paul says we are to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” If something needs renewing, no matter what it is, there has been a moving back to the old ways we once gave up. Renewal restores and that's a precious thought. We can never be renewed by the old things that caused our slippage. The renewal will come as we get back to a new reliance on the Holy Spirit's leading and strengthening in our lives. He will do that primarily as we get back into the Scriptures. When we slip back into the old ways, usually one of the first things to go is our consistency being in our Bibles. Getting back into the Word isn't reading it in a casual fashion. It means digging deeply into it's truths in order for the restorative healing to take effect. 
 

So how do we avoid conformity that doesn't lead us in the right direction? To stay spiritually aware of those things we tend to follow that isn't edifying means our staying spiritually alert. Some things to consider for us all....

*The major caution at this point is to always be alert to our own spiritual feelings. Women especially are very chemical beings and those feelings can often take us where we don't necessarily want to go.

*As we would suggest to our children, we should be careful of our associations. Relationships often change, thus, we should put up a guard in this area. Facebook associations can be a blessing or not as well as other areas in our lives. As much as I hate to say this, best friends can't always be found in a Sunday school class. Some Christian friends can be found in other Bible-preaching churches or denominations.

*Be a woman of prayer. When will we ever learn that God has our best interest at heart and is nearer to us than the air we breathe. He listens cares and loves us through alot.

*Stay in the Word of God.

*We should be in good churches where we get good, strong preaching and teaching.

May we walk transformed and renewed in ways that influence others for the Lord and that brings glory to Him in every way. We do that by realizing that Jesus is the divine mold we are to fit into, not the world. Our goal: to be like Jesus. May it be so in each of us.
 

Dear Father, I want to be all YOU want me to be. Keep me from the unfruitful influence of others be they believers or not. Help me to stay focused on You, alert to the leading of Your sweet Spirit. Thank You for Your Son who has given so much for me. In Jesus' name...Amen

FIRST RESPONDERS

...For he hath said, I will never leave thee,
nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is
my helper, and I will not fear what
man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:5b-6

We've heard a lot in recent days about First Responders. The recent attack in Las Vegas by a crazed gunman shooting into a crowd of people attending a country music concert brought that term First Responder's again to the forefront. The first time I recall hearing the term was at the time of the attack on 9/11 in New York City. Perhaps it was used prior to that...I just don't recall hearing it.

When we think of First Responders, we think of people like police officers, firemen and EMT's. I'm looking at my five year anniversary of a horrible fall into our church basement at the time. I knew I had fallen down steps in a dark place ramming my head into a cinder block wall. I didn't lose consciousness, but knew I had a bad cut on my head. When Brian found me, he immediately called 911. I was surprised that four EMT's showed up and that doesn't count those who came in an ambulance to take me to the hospital. I will be ever grateful to those special helpers.

But then there are other First Responders. After coming out of the hospital xray department and back to the emergency room, there were more familiar first responders awaiting me. One was a dear lady, faithful to the Bible studies I taught at the time, standing with an assuring smile to greet me. She stood for those hours prior to my dismissal helping the doctor in small ways to make me comfortable and even clean. The doctors were wonderful, but Diane was even more of a blessing in those moments. She was a God-sent first responder in those moments.

It was fascinating watching news reports last week of the Las Vegas shooting to hear of all of the heroic efforts of various first responders during those nightmarish moments. Some responders were policemen, firemen, EMT's and that was expected. However, there were those in the crowd...off duty professional responders, ex-military and just ordinary citizens...who were instrumental in saving lives by acting quickly to do all they could to protect people around them.

All of us at one time or another, may need First Responders and we can be very grateful for them. There are going to be times in our lives when we may be called on to be a First Responder. It may not mean our responding will be anything heroic as others might view things. I'm not a police officer, fireman or even an EMT even though I have some medical training, but all of us may be called on in to intervene with people problems, put out fires of high emotional situations and even help bandage up emotional wounds someone might have sustained.

There are definitely First Responders in Scripture.

*Remember the four men who carried a friend on a stretcher to get to Jesus for healing? That man couldn't get himself to Jesus but those men certainly did.

*Peter ran to a house where a dearly loved lady named Dorcas had just died. With Spirit power, he brought her back to life. She was such a servant to the community with her sewing abilities and those people were grieved. Peter got to her quickly

*Philip received God's call to get to a desert place where a man was reading Scripture and needed counsel in the interpretation of Scripture, a man very much on the brink of becoming a believer. Philip got to him as quickly as he could. The man was sweetly saved and baptized.

*I think of those fishermen who instantly responded to the call of Jesus on their lives. Scripture tells us that Peter, James and John dropped their nets right where they were and followed Jesus. This wasn't an emergency situation as we think of emergencies, but was a life saving response that changed their lives to the greatest degree.

I've been thinking about what a first responder I am, whether good or bad. To be the best responder in any situation means jumping to a situation almost without thinking about ones own good or safety. Most of the time when you and I get a call from someone in need, they need help in that moment. They don't want us to take a week to pray about their problem. If nothing else, they may just need our time, time to listen or time to even take one to an appointment. What is our respond to such needs? Such a call may not fit in with our day's schedule or plans, but that's one of the things about being a First Responder...no notice...such things indicate an instant need.

May prayer for you and me is that we will have a spiritual sense and resulting response to the needs of folks around us. We may be the only First Responders some people will ever need. I pray we will be ready to be “Jesus with skin on” when He needs us to step in physically for Him in helping meeting those instant needs of people around us.

Dear Father, keep us sensitive in this busy world to people around us who have the deepest of needs. Give us a patience when someone calls at the last minute for us to help with a need knowing that such a call is a divine appointment orchestrated by You. We love You and thank You for being our personal First Responder. In Jesus name...Amen

Waiting is Wearing

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount up with wings
as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:16

One of the most difficult things I face as a Christian is that of waiting. I don't care what it is I'm waiting on, it never comes easy for me. Waiting has involved the big and little things of life for me. My one misconception about waiting is while I am waiting, I often feel God is waiting too and not really working behind the scenes. I know better now.

Through the years, I have learned waiting is often required for those things that are really worth waiting for. We wait for the big and little things in our lives, but for some reason, the size doesn't matter...I and perhaps you don't like the waiting process.

I've sat in a lot of waiting rooms. In fact, I did just that today waiting to go in for my eye injection. A waiting room is a strange place. It can be packed with people but it has a very unsettling silence about it. Folks usually talk with whoever they arrived with but there just isn't a lot of conversation among those waiting for their names to be called. I often feel that although I'm in a waiting room with perhaps several people, it seems at times that I am the only person sitting there. Waiting rooms are like that for some reason. Folks in waiting rooms are doing just that...waiting...and one's waiting is very personal, rarely to be discussed with anyone. As we wait in that room, we observe patients being called one by one while we still wait. Only when we've been seen and leave the building do we feel a kind of relief.

In the waiting process, it's important for me to understand there are things I am prayerfully waiting for I may not see prior to my exiting that waiting room for Heaven. However, those things are important enough for me to be praying about them now and until God resolves them for me one way or the other. For instance, I'm waiting for a change in our culture that may not come. I'm waiting for athletes to honor our flag and country. There are folks I'm praying for regarding their salvation. I'm presently waiting a new pastor to come to our church for which our church has waited for several months. My waiting room list is even longer but won't belabor my list.

What do we do about waiting. I really don't want to hear any dissertations on the subject of patience right now. That word rings in my mind as I sit in my waiting room. In my waiting, I really want to keep a good attitude that honors and respects the Lord. I know as I wait, God is working. My mind says, “Hurry up Lord” but He works many plans along with my plan all at the same time and if I've learned anything about Him in these years, it's that He does all thing well.

Some verses that may be of encouragement to those of you who wait that have blessed me in recent days I hope will bless you “co-waiters” with me.

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

Notice with me that waiting isn't a choice. We are commanded in this verse to simply wait. In that process we are promised His strength for the time. We can reject His strengthening but that would be most foolish. The first verse of this chapter, however, shows us how He's earned the privilege to function in our lives as He sees fit. Notice in the following verse our benefits in Him:

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of
my life; of whom shall I be afraid.

As we sit waiting, He's there guiding and enlightening us with His light. That light is ours because we know His saving grace in our lives. Waiting can create its own kind of fear, but fear isn't of God, it's of Satan (II Timothy 1:7).

There are other verses in Scripture that can aid us in this whole process. When we wait on the Lord, and keep His way (Ps. 37:34) we will know the victory and answers that can only come from the Lord. In this whole process, we are still called upon to not just sit and wait but to continue serving and keeping the God's ways. God will answer in His time, but will be a real and loving presence with us in our waiting rooms.

Thank You Father, for the way you work in our lives. We may not understand how You work but we know You always work on our behalf for what is in our best interest. We are grateful for your promise that as we wait, You will strengthen us beyond our expectation. We love You dearly. In Jesus name....Amen

FREE SPEECH, REALLY?

Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know
how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6

We're hearing a lot about free speech these days. Our forefathers , the originators of our Constitution would probably be shocked at the attention free speech is getting in our day. Perhaps they would be more embarrassed than shocked seeing the spectacles people have made of themselves over the subject. Most Americans at this point I believe are willed with pure disgust as we view rebellious college students, professors, various demonstration groups and now the infection into the professional sports arena with all the verbal rampages and uncalled for behavior. As disgusted as it makes me, my thoughts go to the millions of children and teenagers who have such an admiration for these over-paid spoiled adult brats and what those children are learning from supposed heroes.

Perhaps others I know have had the same experience as I have had through the years. In the jobs I held over the span of 50 years, I never had a job where I had freedom of speech. If I had even uttered disgust at anything or made threats in a rebellious way, I would have been out the door, looking for another job. The simple fact is, we don't always have freedom of speech anywhere in America. There are places where authority takes charge whether we like it or not. One football team over a year ago, allowed a rebellious punk player kneel during our national anthem and did nothing about it. Look where we are now. Rebellion and rotten attitudes don't stop on their own. If not brought under some control, there is chaos. Most athletes taking their stand (or their kneel) don't even know why they are doing such other than because of peer pressure.

The simple thing to consider is that our speech of any kind whether in words or action come as a result of what is inside of us. Good people don't behave like so much of what we are seeing in our streets or athletic arenas. We are consistently be reminded of the need of Jesus in the lives of all people no matter their occupation, lifestyle, identity crisis, race or personal beliefs. Jesus is the only answer to anyone's attitude and resulting speech problem.

We Christians are admonished by Paul in our opening verse as to what our speech is to be and he leaves no doubt about it. In other places in the New Testament we are told how to speak in ways that honors the Lord. Even in Scripture, we are instructed as to how we are to conduct ourselves verbally.

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.” I Corinthians 3:7

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25

“....as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” Philippians :14b

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I Timothy 2:8

The list from Scripture is impossibly long in dealing with speech. By the way, we are free to speak in the ways the above verses list. Even in some areas of religious speech, we have to be wise and discerning should it look like we are trying to force our faith on someone else. One of the most important ways we can speak on behalf of others and our own is through the power of prayer. There's no speech like it and always lovingly received by our Father.

I have full confidence the Holy Spirit will lead a Christian in ways of speaking and acting out before others. However, He will begin in our hearts to change us in every way including the way we treat others. As people follow Him lovingly and consistently, God will change any person's attitudes for good and for His glory.

Beware...as easy as it is to sit in judgment right now of some behaviors that are really irritating to us, we should examine our own attitudes that may need God's hand of forgiveness in our own lives. He stands ready to forgive instantly when we go to Him in repentance.

Father...things in our culture are such a mess right now and so disturbing. Whoever is involved in it all is still loved by you and I pray for them that they will somehow be drawn to You. Forgive my attitudes and times I speak in ways that don't honor You. I love You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

FREE SPEECH, REALLY?
Let your speech be always with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye may know
how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6

We're hearing a lot about free speech these days. Our forefathers , the originators of our Constitution would probably be shocked at the attention free speech is getting in our day. Perhaps they would be more embarrassed than shocked seeing the spectacles people have made of themselves over the subject. Most Americans at this point I believe are willed with pure disgust as we view rebellious college students, professors, various demonstration groups and now the infection into the professional sports arena with all the verbal rampages and uncalled for behavior. As disgusted as it makes me, my thoughts go to the millions of children and teenagers who have such an admiration for these over-paid spoiled adult brats and what those children are learning from supposed heroes.

Perhaps others I know have had the same experience as I have had through the years. In the jobs I held over the span of 50 years, I never had a job where I had freedom of speech. If I had even uttered disgust at anything or made threats in a rebellious way, I would have been out the door, looking for another job. The simple fact is, we don't always have freedom of speech anywhere in America. There are places where authority takes charge whether we like it or not. One football team over a year ago, allowed a rebellious punk player kneel during our national anthem and did nothing about it. Look where we are now. Rebellion and rotten attitudes don't stop on their own. If not brought under some control, there is chaos. Most athletes taking their stand (or their kneel) don't even know why they are doing such other than because of peer pressure.

The simple thing to consider is that our speech of any kind whether in words or action come as a result of what is inside of us. Good people don't behave like so much of what we are seeing in our streets or athletic arenas. We are consistently be reminded of the need of Jesus in the lives of all people no matter their occupation, lifestyle, identity crisis, race or personal beliefs. Jesus is the only answer to anyone's attitude and resulting speech problem.

We Christians are admonished by Paul in our opening verse as to what our speech is to be and he leaves no doubt about it. In other places in the New Testament we are told how to speak in ways that honors the Lord. Even in Scripture, we are instructed as to how we are to conduct ourselves verbally.

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.” I Corinthians 3:7

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25

“....as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” Philippians :14b

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I Timothy 2:8

The list from Scripture is impossibly long in dealing with speech. By the way, we are free to speak in the ways the above verses list. Even in some areas of religious speech, we have to be wise and discerning should it look like we are trying to force our faith on someone else. One of the most important ways we can speak on behalf of others and our own is through the power of prayer. There's no speech like it and always lovingly received by our Father.

I have full confidence the Holy Spirit will lead a Christian in ways of speaking and acting out before others. However, He will begin in our hearts to change us in every way including the way we treat others. As people follow Him lovingly and consistently, God will change any person's attitudes for good and for His glory.

Beware...as easy as it is to sit in judgment right now of some behaviors that are really irritating to us, we should examine our own attitudes that may need God's hand of forgiveness in our own lives. He stands ready to forgive instantly when we go to Him in repentance.

Father...things in our culture are such a mess right now and so disturbing. Whoever is involved in it all is still loved by you and I pray for them that they will somehow be drawn to You. Forgive my attitudes and times I speak in ways that don't honor You. I love You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their waves.
The Lord on high is mightier than
the noise of many waters, yea, than the
mighty waves of the sea.
Psalm 93:3,4

For someone in another country, he might not be able to picture floods and hurricane activity that many in our country have been experiencing. I realize other countries have such but it just seems like our country has been hit in some unusual ways as of late. There are prognosticators, some spiritual in nature and some not, who seem to know all the reasons for such events. The simple fact is that nothing has happened in our country or elsewhere that would cause our sovereign God to say, “Ooops...I didn't catch that one.” We don't understand the why's of devastating events nor should we try to figure those things out. I just know that there is nothing of any kind that can touch my life without those things first filtering through the fingers of God.

My husband and I have a daughter and family living in Tampa, Florida. This past weekend, they let us know they would be staying in their home during the hurricane activity. We gave our children to God a long time ago and trust Him completely with them in the palm of his hand. May I say from the momma part of me that there's still something in me that wants to go to the rescue of my children. Again though, some precious word kept running through my mind in it all, “Trust Jesus...trust Me.” Even though I know there must have been other family and loved ones feeling what I was, they too were concerned for all of our recent flood and hurricane-affected loved ones. Despite being a part of that special fraternity, I was still feeling like an “only one.”

This past Sunday was a tough day. I knew the Florida hurricane was going to begin to hit hard that afternoon where our children are living. With our children on my mind, I was praying almost incessantly. Our music pastor came before our congregation with some words literally from the Lord. Sam is a man very sensitive to the things of Scripture and ministers more to us than he can know. He asked for a show of hands of any present who had loved ones in Florida and the oncoming hurricane. I was amazed as I tried to look a little around me to see so many hands raised. For one thing, I now saw I wasn't the only person feeling a very deep concern...I was in good company.

After that recognition of my friends in common, Sam read to us the above verses. I know I've read that Psalm more times than I can count, but all of a sudden, they came to life for me. Could there be verses more graphic to the situation we all found ourselves concerned about. How precious those verses are to me even now. Grateful, too, for Sam's sensitivity for bringing to many of us a reminder of our God who is never out of control.

As I have read those verses over and over, I'm thinking of some folks I know who aren't even getting their feet wet, but who feel some waves of life completely overtaking them. Those waves can be anything from cancer to financial problems, a negative doctor's report or a wayward child breaking a parents heart. Those waves can seem as loud as any stormy waves beating a shore or winds that slam a family home, sounds most deafening. Those waves make themselves heard with almost every breath one takes. They just won't stop. Such waves don't seem to decrease but increase in pitch to the point we feel overwhelmed, drowning in a deluge from which we can't seem to escape.

Physical, watery waves may be something we can't do much about until God and nature take care of the water situations. We know water and waves can do a great deal of damage. The waves of life we face can also do damage and be destructive. However, we have a distinct advantage in that we have a Heavenly Father who is Sovereign, in control and can handle anything life's waves throw at us. He speaks and works above the noise and although we may be inconvenienced for a time, He always knows what He's doing. His love never changes and His presence is constant.

No matter our waves, I pray we will be able to see some good and growth in it all. In the highest wave of life, we might be surprised at the blessings lurking below. Such might sound impossible, but I smile as I think of the places in my life where I saw my Heavenly Father at work in my waves and realized the blessings in the waves that were there.

Father, thank You for your protection and presence in my life. I know there will be waves in this world that will overcome me at times. I know You have only my best interest at heart. I'm so grateful for the assurance You are in control of all things. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

GOD'S TOOL BOX

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord
unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every
good work, and increasing in the
knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10

The Word of God is called by many names....Bible, Word, Scripture, etc. I don't know what we would do without it. Something I often think of when it comes to God's Word is its usefulness to me as a tool box. For the last few weeks, some dear friends and I have met together on Monday mornings for a special time in God's Word. The needs of each of us in that room are completely different...widowhood, health issues, concern for children, heavy teaching responsibilities, etc. Those are pretty common problems among Christians today that can affect any of us at any given time. We may have need of encouragement, comfort, instruction and even correction at any given time that the Word of God speaks to.

I learned early in our marriage that any time Brian and I went on vacation, the first things to go into the trunk in our car even before luggage were two tool boxes. Our car never pulled out of our driveway headed out for anywhere for an extended time but what those tool boxes were in our car. I think I can only remember one time when Brian needed to use a tool, but still they were in our trunk even for that one time. In our Monday time together, I have shared with the ladies principles from the book of Colossians. In studying toward closing the study, I found how Paul listed some very practical things that apply to our everyday living...tools for the task of being all we can be for God.

This list of tools isn't in any respect the only things from the Word we can make use of in our living for Jesus. The following are some of those tools I found important for our consideration as we strive to be all for Jesus we can be. These are concepts I found just in the latter chapters from Colossians. These concepts from Scripture are all the best of tools for us to use not just when something is broken in us. I often need spiritual repair work or just recharging...these are the handiest of tools I can keep not in the trunk of my car, but in the hollows of my heart.

PEACE & THANKSGIVING (3:15)

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

RICHNESS OF THE WORD, SINGING, SHARING (3:16)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

SERVICE (3:23)

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

PRAY (4:2)

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

WISDOM (4:5)

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, *redeeming the time.

*Redeeming the time is also mentioned in this verse. It is important for us to make the very best use of the time we are given in this life to serve and bring glory to God

SPEECH (4:6)

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

In every case, the tools listed require some action on our part. God hears, answers, strengthens us for tasks and directs how to be good Christians. Where there is no prayer, there isn't an answer. Some of these verses begin with the word “let” which indicates some act of cooperation on our part. God wants us to be “Jesus with skin on” when it comes to our service and even speaking with others. God loves our praise even if we can't carry a tune. A church building isn't the only place we can sing to the Lord. Just as we loved hearing our own children sing, our Heavenly Father also loves to hear our singing directed to Him.

Every tool we find in God's Word is meant to be used heartily and with the Holy Spirit's hand on our hand as we work for Him. Wisdom only comes from God and He will grant that to us just for the asking as we work our way through a very troubled culture.

These listed are tools are just a few to keep in the boxes of our hearts, that we take wherever we go, so we are always ready to serve Him heartily.

Dear Father, thank You for not just throwing us out into the world to fend for ourselves. Thank you for Jesus, Your Holy Spirit and Your Word...the perfect team to guide and use us however You see fit. We love you....Amen.

.

THE GIFT OF GUIDANCE

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

One of the careers available in most of our public schools is that of being a guidance counselor. It, in many cases, can be a very thankless and unappreciated job. I came to know many of them while a case manager with foster children. One of my jobs was to keep in contact with each child's school and that was generally done through a guidance counselor and at times a vice-principal. One of their frustrations is that they often have the same students coming to them with the most trivial of issues, often just to get out of class. I saw many of them grieve over those students who really needed help and counseling, but would never darken the counselors office for fear other students might see them there.

We all need guidance. If nothing else, there are times we just need to talk to someone, seeking a word of wisdom from another person. All of us find ourselves in need of counsel at one time or another. However, I hasten to say that very often, folks may not be careful with regard to who they choose to confide in. I have often said, “Everyone has a best friend.” That means that even though one may promise confidentiality, they may be tempted to tell another person.

When an adult is in need of guidance of some sort, there is nothing wrong with seeking advice or even more in-depth counseling. I can't imagine even with regard to seeking the simplest of advice, going to a non-Christian for that advice. Scripture tells we women to go to an older godly woman for our counsel or to their husband. Women should stay away from counseling sessions with pastors. Many a pastor has ended up with moral problems after lengthy counseling sessions with sobbing women. In seeking counsel, we must be careful who we approach for such.

I feel such a sense of security knowing no matter my problem or concern, I have available to me the BEST guidance possible provided by my Heavenly Father. Much of the advice I need can be found in God's Word. His Word is very in depth, not as simple as some would think. God's Holy Spirit is ready and willing to reveal His wisdom into our lives if we seek it. For instance, the Spirit can teach us and advise us from the Word. 

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. John 16:13

Jesus was introducing the Holy Spirit's work to His disciples prior to His leaving and the Spirits coming. The Holy Spirit would guide them (and now us) into all truth, especially of the things of God. Every time you and I open our Bibles, the Spirit stands ready to teach us the things of God that will guide us into truth. If we read the Word, meditate on it, many of the answers we seek in this life would be answered. The world would tell us that such is just too simple. With God, nothing is simple.

God's guidance is continual:

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

We don't have to make appointments for counsel, guidance or even encouragement from God's guidance in our lives. We often run to others for those things without bothering to consult God and what His will might be for us in any given situation. His guidance will benefit us in every way.

For this God is our God forever and ever:

He will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14

This precious Guide of ours is a forever thing with God. It makes no difference where we are, He is there an available to us. This guidance isn't just for certain stages of our lives. God wants to guide us not only every moment of our days but until the end of our days.

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How an I except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Acts 8:30-3

God may choose to use us to be guides and speak through us in being of help and counsel to others. This becomes a tremendous responsibility for us when God entrusts us with guiding another into His Words of truth. All of we who are God's children will have these opportunities to be guided by the Holy Spirit to someone or someone to us who needs spiritual guidance.

We are a blessed people. We weren't adopted by salvation into God's family and then left to fend for ourselves with no direction for our lives. He is too loving a Father to do that. He takes His parenthood in our lives in a most serious way.

Father, You are so wonderful in all Your provision for us. You care about our every decision and personal concern. We are a blessed people as we see how You do everything because of Your love for us. Thank You! In Jesus' precious name. Amen