YEAR OF THE BIBLE

Forthe word of God is quick and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit, and of the joints and
marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

I don't know if you've noticed it or not, but we are in a spiritual war in our country right now like no other time I can remember. Our culture has gone “catty-wampus” and guess what, a Christian can see clearly the workings of a devil who is out to destroy us all. You and I know that God is the only answer to this spiritual culture crisis and that we will be sustained only through being people of the Bible. We look around and see that Satan is alive and well and out to destroy us and all we cherish. Don't expect unsaved people who are politicians, educators or unsaved people in leadership to make godly decisions Satan has them on board and Jesus and His word is the only anwer for any of them.

The Word of God has provided us with information in Ephesians 6 regarding spiritual armor to protect and arm us against Satan's ploys. All of the various pieces of that armor are to strictly protect us from Satan's darts...with the exception of one piece and that's the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” That's the only defensive weapon we have. But what good is that sword if we not only don't use it, but don't even know what it is and the power it holds in store?

I have been reading from Franklin Graham and others that this is to be the Year of the Bible. I am so glad the idea of this program is being spread. Churches, schools, families, etc. are encouraged to set some reasonable goals to get back into the Bible this year. There are times when we are discouraged, sick, angry or whatever that negative things that can come our way that having some Scripture memorized can be such a help, strength and blessing.

There there are some folks I know who really want to get back into the Word this year. We forget that a year is a long span of time with twelve months and 365 days. Getting into the Word may go smoothly for a couple of weeks and then there is a slacking off and eventually, the Bible sits on the coffee table, untouched. Satan wants us distracted and defeated and wants God's word ignored.

Remember that this is to be the Year of the Bible...not the Year of the Devotional Book. May I give a few suggestions that might be a help and encourage, maybe keeping you going for more than a few days: Some folks won't need any of these suggestions but might need one or two, so here we go:

*If you've never read through a single book in the Bible, this isn't the time to say you're going to read through the whole Bible. Before I am criticized, let me go further.

*Select a small book in the Bible to read....I John, Philippians...a book with no more than 5-6 chapters. Feel the success of accomplishing one book. It will begin to work in your system to go for more.

*Pick a time to read that is comfortable for you. There are those who tell you a certain time of day is a must. God is watching and listening no matter the time

*When you can, read your Bible out loud. This is one of the greatest things I found several years ago. It forces me to concentrate, keep my eyes on the page and encourages me to stay awake.

*ALERT!!! The huge danger in all of this is that you are READING your Bible....reading it word for word, reading while getting all those words under your belt. Most often, Christians who set out on a Bible reading plan become a part of a great race...to get it done, but day by day, walk away with nothing of what was read digested and applied. Better you glean strength from one verse than nothing from an entire chapter.

*Do not set out with a goal of reading with a determination that YOU are going to get this thing done. That will really kill your effort within days. Satan wants you to have that attitude. He laughs at us when he sees us reading and reading while walking away with nothing.

*Lastly, whatever or however you plan to get into the Word this year, never pick up your Bible to read without praying and asking the Holy Spirit to teach you. When we launch out on our own without our Teacher, every word can seem like chewing on cardboard.

Sorry about the lengthy suggestions. Not everyone will need most of them, but pick out something that may be a new thought that may refresh your Bible reading. Let's truly make this the YEAR OF THE BIBLE.

Father, God....thank You for giving us Your Word. Help us to see the critical need for instilling it in out hearts and minds that we will be ready to fend off the wiles and tricks of our enemy. Help us to be open to what You want to say to us in the precious moments we have with Your word and the Holy Spirits teaching. Keep us teachable. In Jesus precious name...Amen

BLESS THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul:
and all that is within me,
bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits
Psalm 103:1,2

It's been such a pleasure chewing my way through this precious Psalm of David. Not only with this Psalm, but there are others containing the phrase, “Bless the Lord.” I must admit to you that my first hearing of this phrase was not in my reading the Psalms. I'm recalling a dear saint from my home church who used to use the phrase frequently. She would say it at a time she was happy, or perhaps happily surprised. I didn't get the feeling she was using God's name in some kind of negative way. She had an air of gratitude when she would say it.

I've been fascinated by this phrase for some time and decided to look up in various sources what is meant by our blessing the Lord. You see, we are quit use to His blessing us, but we don't think of the ways we can bless Him.

In reading Psalm 103 (which I encourage you to delve into), in the next few verses, David reminded himself of how God had so richly blessed him. In verses 3-6, we see what David saw of God's goodness to him:

*Who forgiveth
*Who healeth
*Who redeemeth
*Who crowneth with lovingkindness
*Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things
*Who renewed our youth
*Who executeth righteousness, etc. for the oppressed

I look at that list and see the same things David saw of God's goodness and faithfulness in his own life as I see in my own. David wanted to bless the Lord for all of those blessings and even more, there wasn't enough space to mention at the time the rest of what he listed in the rest of the chapter. But then, he was most insightful when we look at verse 7:

He made known his ways unto Moses,
his acts unto the children of Israel.

David wrote on in verses 8-24 to speak more of God's blessings and how everyone no matter of position in live should be people who bless Him. But here, just into the chapter David seems to make note of two levels of God's blessing on those who do or don't bless Him. Two entities from history for David came to mind as examples. In verse 7 are two key words: WAYS and ACTS. This verse too reveals the amount of trust God had in two entities....Moses and the children of Israel, referring to their time in the wilderness.

My relationship with God, my love and devotion will determine to what extent God can trust me. The children of Israel with their ups and downs spiritually only saw God's acts....manna from Heaven, water from the rock, fire on Mt. Sinai, etc. They saw God's actions and not the God who brought them out of Egypt. Moses, however, was a man of very deep faith. He too saw God's acts, but He could entrust Moses with His ways. God didn't just give Moses what He was doing, but some of the hows and whys.

I don 't know about you, but I want to know and love God enough for Him to entrust me with more than just general information. Some of this can come to any of us, especially when we are people who bless the Lord. When we bless Him we show appreciation, recognition, attention, praise, admiration and love. David shouldn't be the only one who blesses the Lord. It wasn't just an exercise for him, but a way of spiritual being. David had come a long way with God since his erring days and now was a man after God's own heart. May it be so for you and me as well
.

Dear Father, God...I bless You today. I so often take for granted all Your goodness in my life and I'm so sorry for being so lax. I bless and thank You for Who You are, for Jesus and for Your sweet Holy Spirit who is truly closer to me than any human person. In it all, I praise you with all my heart. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Happy Birthday to YOU

For unto us a child is born, unto
us a son is given: and the
government shall be upon His
shoulder: and His name shall
be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The Mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince
of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Birthdays have always been remarkable times in people's lives. Considering my age, I've probably blown out enough birthday candles in my life to light up a town square. Birthdays begin with one's day of birth. When a baby is born, the parents can't wait to call family and friends to notify them of the birth of their baby. From that point on, that baby's date of birth will be of vital importance. Not only will it be celebrated yearly in different ways, depending on the age of the child through adulthood, but it is a date that will be required to be notated on every official document life presents beginning with the birth certificate.

As special as a baby is born into our families, as happy as we might be for the new parents, that baby's arrival isn't going to touch in a personal way, every person living now or in the future. Each baby will grow to hopefully count for Christ in so many ways, ways that can have a ripple effect into the lives of others. But as special as our babies may be, they are limited in their sphere of influence.

I have such an appreciation for Mary, Jesus' mother, in so many ways. We who have given birth can hardly imagine (beyond her unique call to motherhood), what it must have been like giving birth to a baby in a contaminated, smelly, uncomfortable stable. It was nothing like what we see in the nativity sets we put out for Christmas. It was the worst of circumstances for giving birth. Joseph was the only one there that we know about. By the way, despite pictures, the only way we know how Mary got to Bethlehem was on foot...no donkey. Nine months pregnant and walking several miles to their destination is just too much to comprehend..

We don't know of any medical help Mary had, but Scripture tells us that “she brought forth her first born Son and laid Him in a manger.” There would be hay in most mangers as that's where animals would feed themselves while in the stable. She had nothing else even resembling a crib for her baby. I remember when we were expecting our Jennie coming into our lives. We couldn't wait to go purchase a new baby bed and mattress. Little by little, we added other things to what would be her nursery. Everything clean and polished with much thought to décor. I just cannot relate to Mary's circumstances at that time, nor am I meant to be. This event, this Baby, would be the most remarkable circumstance ever presented to human-kind.

Who needed baby announcements to be mailed or sent by e-mail. There were angels to announce His birth. The first visitors weren't what we would have wanted visiting us in a hospital...dirty, smelly men from the fields. Remember wanting people to wash their hands before holding your baby? These were shepherds, the lowest occupation in society of that time. But later, the opposite of them came to the home of Joseph and Mary with gifts hard to believe. That baby had come to the lowliest of men...shepherds... and to the magi, the richest and wisest of men. All meaning of just that would unfold as did the years of Jesus' growth into manhood, seeing the varied people He would minister to and love.

I don't know what parents of that day did to celebrate a child's birthday, but I know what we do. We have presents for the birthday kid along with cake, ice cream and all sorts of festivities. What's more, we celebrate those birthdays even to the death of the elderly. In a lifetime, there have been a lot of celebrating of birthdays. Even as we age, birthdays may not seem as important, but we still, if nothing else, track those days prior to the birthday.

How do we celebrate Jesus' birthday? The best gift we can ever give Him is the gift of our own selves. I don't know of a gift that would please Him more than our giving ourselves to Him anew, ready to love and serve Him with all our being. No fancy wrapping paper, boxes or bows...poor, rich or just in between folks makes no difference. We are viewed by Him through the same lens...sinners in need of a Savior.

As awkward as it may seem, in a private moment, how about singing the little chorus we have probably sung hundreds of times in our lives:

"Happy birthday to You,
Happy birthday to You,
Happy birthday dear Jesus
Happy birthday to You"
.

Dear Father...what a wonderful gift You gave us in Your Son. Jesus wasn't just a gift from You, but a gift to us. However, a gift has to be accepted , the gift of salvation. Thank You for that precious gift as well as for every moment of Your presence in our lives. We are such a blessed people having Jesus as Savior, You as our Heavenly Father and Your indwelling Spirit constantly with and in us. I don't mean this to sound trite or irreverent but, “Merry Christmas.” In Jesus' name....Amen

AFTER THE ASHES

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will
not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
no will the flame burn you.
Isaiah: 43:2

Brian and I just got home from a short trip through the mountains to Cherokee, NC. While leaving the outskirts of Gatlinburg heading through the Smoky Mountains east to North Carolina one is confronted with some memories of some really bad days. Those memories are still very vivid of a fire that started in what we refer to as the Chimney's, taller mountains near the town where hikers love to trek. The trail is a challenge from what I hear, but seems to be a favorite of visitors to the area. The top of the mountain area has looked like chimney's to many, thus the name.

Thanksgiving, 2016 will never be lost in the minds of many who live in this area because of a small fire that started near the top of the Chimneys. Rangers detected what looked to be a controllable area of smoke, but although it looked manageable, no one expected winds to stir up to even 80 miles per hour in a short period of time. The wind gusts were picking up glowing embers, spreading them hither and yon. The fire spread rapidly. Right away our news channels were filled with startling information about the fire that was spreading to Gatlinburg and even in areas of Pigeon Forge. One commentator said, “It looks like Hell has literally broken out over our area.” The pictures on TV of the fire were almost more than one could watch.

It took time to get the fire under control. All professionals were called to the task. Many roads had fire blazing on both sides, making it hard if not impossible for people to escape. All toll, 14 died in the fire. One man lost his wife and two daughters. Another couple visiting in the area for the holiday also lost their lives. More people than can be counted lost everything and many seen right after things were under control, stood in tears by their destroyed homes still smoking.

Right away on signs through our local towns could be seen a new motto: “Mountain Strong.” It was on signs, bumper stickers and tee shirts. People came together to support and strengthen each other. Many from across the country who loved the Smoky's because of their visits to the area either came to help or sent funds to help.

So in our car rides to and from over the last couple of days, I couldn't help but pay attention to those burned areas that looked so devastated for such a long time. I still feel a sadness as I know many of the areas will never again be the same. The mountains have their own way of restoring themselves. Some trees will grow again. Others so severely damaged will remain giving the effect of toothpicks standing together at attention. Fire just damages terribly or out and out destroys. However, foliage has returned to many of the damaged areas and nature's green carpeting has been put down on many bare hillsides. Houses are being rebuilt, businesses destroyed are either rebuilt or stand empty. Churches destroyed didn't destroy the faith of their parishioners . They rebuilt usually in their same locations.

Most of us have gone through devastating times in our lives. They may have involved a literal fire, but for the most of us, some times have seemed almost that destructive. We may have wondered if our lives could ever be the same again. In such times, dreams are crushed, insecurity may set in and some may even loose faith. Even with some time, the trees may again grow leaves and grass on the lawns of our lives will again turn a beautiful green. There may still be a nearby tree in our thoughts with a bit of charring on the side of it, or even a once beautiful rock with smudges on it. Devastation leaves it's mark on our lives. The mountains have a wonderful way of healing themselves and they seem to be doing that, but they will never be quite the same again. We never return to the original after times of devastation, but beauty will still come even if different.

Our area has learned that through burning times in our lives, we can come through them stronger than we ever thought we could. I'm so grateful for those who rallied around our area to bring hope and help during all the cleanup time. I'm even more grateful how the motto of the day was “Mountain Strong.” You see, in any times of disturbance in my life, I'm so grateful that I have a Mountain in my God who strengthens and sustains me. He is “God Strong” in my life and pray I will never forget it no matter what comes into my life.

Dear Father, I'm so grateful for Your presence in my life no matter what is going on. I'm thankful You have promised to never leave or forsake me. In Your strength, I can go through anything you allow in my life. In the hard times, may I remember I am “God Strong” not because of me but because of You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

MY HIDING PLACE

You are my hiding place;
You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs
of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7

Since I was a little girl, I loved hiding places. I didn't like playing “Hide and Go Seek” because then a person had to be found and returned to home base. My sister Kay and I shared a room since we were old enough to do so. Coming from Southern Illinois, a very active coal mining area, Kay and I came up with a hiding place, we referred to it as hiding in our coal mine. When lights went out at night, we would crawl to the foot of our bed with covers over us and huddle up into two different clumps, hiding in that place. My Mother always caught on and found us for some reason and we were admonished to get up in bed and go to sleep.

As I got older, I still loved hiding places. I didn't really have anything to hide from, but loving mysteries, the thought of hiding places always fascination for me. Any hiding place I ever made for myself seemed to be easily identified by a parent. It was still fun to try.

I thought for the longest time in my adulthood, I was the only one seeking a hiding place from the cares of this world until I came to know of Corrie ten Boom. She resided with her sister and father over her father's clock shop. He felt strong affinity with the Jewish people and detested the Nazi treatment of them. Their home was soon turned over to being a shelter for Jewish folks in danger of losing their lives. That wasn't good enough for the Nazi's for they could go into any home at that time, raiding it to find Jewish fugitives.

Because of relentless of the Nazi troops, a plan was devised for a hiding place even in their house of refuge. If a raid should occur, there was a secret hiding place where Jews could hide and not be found. It was behind a wall in Corrie's bedroom.

There are times in all our lives when we would love to have a hiding place...a place away from cultural influence, family problems, crashing finances, chronic health issues...a place of peace and quiet away from it all. Such a place isn't possible on this earth, even if one were to go to reside in a convent or monastery. One could flee to the mountains where there is no indication of society in any way, but even with that would be unrest and even guilt for forsaking everyone.

Psalm 32 is such a sweet Psalm of blessing and forgiveness. As David puts pen to scroll, he's aware that God IS his hiding place. It may not be a hiding place that can be found in a building, forest clearing, worship center or other physical places. David knew his hiding place in God wasn't so much a physical place (even though it could be should God provide such), but his hiding place was in a presence...the very presence of God Himself.

We don't have to run to a place to hide. That would involve time and distance. Our hiding place as it was for David is not a physical place. The thing for us to think about is that a hiding place isn't worth a thing if we don't choose to take advantage of it's warmth and safety. God's provision is different as we see in Psalm 91:1:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

We can look to the next few verses in Psalm 91 where the Psalmist refers to God as his refuge, fortress, deliverer and will cover with his feathers where we may rest comfortably under the shelter of His wings. No, these aren't physical places, but with God, He has ways of providing even physical places for us in times of need.

I see the key to my hiding place in God is to be found in the first five words of Ps. 91:1. .”HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER. We must choose God's protection and we do that through relationship with Him. The Psalmist is speaking of one who has made a choice to dwell. You and I can flop and flounder in our problems that may strike from any direction...finances, health, family difficulties, job loss and all the rest. We like to work on our own problems and when all else fails, we turn to God.

Remember, we think of a hiding place as a physical place. I can go to a hiding place and take all my problems with me, sit and muse on them and nothing has been accomplished. How much more peace could we have if we would be so nestled under the wings of God, our Hiding Place, that He would be our first and main resource at any time, any place. For evil to try to seek me out, it would have to look for me under the wings of my Father, my shelter...my Hiding Place.

Thank You my Father for being so much more in my life that I can even think of. I so take for granted all the wonderful ways You work in my life. Thank You for being my Hiding Place, and for the comfort of the warmth of Your presence under Your wings. In Jesus' name....Amen

SEEKING AFTER GOD

Seek the Lord and His strength;
seek His face continually
Psalm 105:4

Several years ago, I gave up hero worship. There were some things I guess I had to learn the hard way. Such “people worship” is a real danger for Christians as there are speakers, leaders and authors who would love for us to fall at their feet in pure, unquestioning adoration. I do believe God brings folks into our lives who exhibit godly qualities and life styles we can learn from. However, we aren't called upon to be “followers” of theirs.

There are authors living and dead I have come to really admire and learn from. Two I'm thinking of right now who have gone on to Heaven are R.A. Torrey, a godly preacher who preached in his day like we need to be hearing in all our churches today. I have several of his books and as I read them, it's almost as if I can hear his voice.

The other author, a godly author now in Heaven, is Corrie ten Boom. The history of World War II has always fascinated me along with human incidents resulting from that time. I was fascinated with the life of Anne Frank, but Corrie is the author of Christian books, books that have spoken to me in wonderful ways. There are times I've been encouraged by her grit and toughness and yes, her humanity and humility. Her faith was so strong in latter days that it seemed she had Jesus all to herself.

Today, I have read just about everything Anne Graham Lotz has written. I have followed her life not just because of her being Billy Graham's daughter, but because of the depth of her faith. She has in recent months gone through treatments, chemo and radiation, for cancer. It would seem that such would put her on a shelf, but she made the best of the time to write and do some other things of service until able to be speaking again.

In a recent interview, I read where Anne was questioned about what was next in ministry for her. She made a statement that convicted me more than I can say. She said during that interview:

“My hearts aim all my adult life has been to be where God wants me to be. I'm pursuing Him, not ministry and I want to be where He is.”

That is such a profound statement that should be true in my life and perhaps in yours as well. I think of the times I have pursued ministry...teaching, choir, church pianist/organist, ladies ministry among them. I've done my best to do God's work well as I feel He deserves my very best, no matter what my service for Him. However, there have been times when I allowed God to get lost in it all as I engaged in all of the busyness. He waits for me (and you) to give Him some well-deserved time out of all the busyness.

I have to ask myself how much time I give in seeking God, of not just seeking position, but wanting to be who, what and where God desires of me. Am I giving as much personal time to my Heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word as I am with being busy with activity even though the activity is spiritually healthy? I know God appreciates what we do for Him, but wonder in the process if He isn't neglected by us when it comes to a more in depth relationship with Him.

As we walk closer with God, He has ways of leading us to just the right places and ways of service. As we make it a major thing in our lives to be “seekers”, it doesn't mean casual treatment of the Scriptures. It will mean time spent reading, praying through those things that convict and challenge us and allowing in unhurried ways for God to minister to us and our communing with Him.

I pray our hearts desire as God's people is that we will want to love and seek Him in all our ways...that He might become THE priority in our lives. There are fine people with great testimonies we can learn from and appreciate. However, God is to be THE Person who occupies our lives and thoughts. God stands ready for our seeking Him. He's always available.

I love those who love me;
and those who diligently seek
me will find me.
Proverbs 8:17

Dear Father, forgive me for doing my own thing so often, many times not even seeking your will regarding ministry. I want You to be first in my life. I want to walk with You, learn from You, and seek You in all things. I long to be closer to You in every way. I pray for Your empowering for there is nothing I can do on my own spiritually that can count for much. Thank You for Your Spirit in me and for Jesus who came and made it all possible. It's in His name I pray...Amen

O TASTE...AND SEE

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

All of our physical senses are important. If asked to give even on of them up, it would be an almost impossible decision....sight, hearing, touch, sight and taste. Looming ahead of us are some special days (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years), all days that involve something we dearly love...EATING. In those days and days leading up to them, there will be a lot of eating going on. It's mouth-watering just thinking about all the social events we will take part in that will present us with some of the most delightful foods and aromas that will prove to be irrestible.

There is one thing, though, that might prevent us from making utter gorging fools of ourselves and that is TASTE. I don't care how good a kitchen or dining room smells or how well presented the foods are, put a fried pork chop in front of me and I will gag to no end. Pork chops used to be one of my favorite things but not anymore. You see, our ability to taste isn't something that is a norm for some of us. For me, an accident with a head injury changed my taste in some foods for the rest of my life. Before, there wasn't anything in the way of food I didn't like but now it's different. Our taste in foods can be altered by a physical event, medications, or physical conditions.

Over the next few weeks, we will do a lot of tasting. Some things we will spoon onto our plates with great gusto while some other things, we will politely avoid. We know what tastes good and what doesn't whether it be regular entree's, desserts or things we drink. We will do all to satisfy the tastes we crave. Sometimes, certain foods may not look good just in their presentation. Thus, another sense, our sight may take over that may discourge our eating something.

The Psalmist suggests in the above verse that we taste and see. This time, food isn't even a part of our scenerio. Tasting is something we do when first approaching a food product. Tasting is something we do to first see if a dish is agreeable. Tasting is often a test as the Psalmist is suggesting to a reader. We are encouraged to taste AND see the goodness of the Lord. My question is, “What's not to like?” Our culture tells us that the Lord doesn't look good or even taste good. They come to such conclusions without having done either because Jesus isn't someone they would even invite to a Christmas party because to them, He just doesn't fit in.

For many of us, one taste and view of Jesus was all we needed. Some may have done some tasting for a good while before deciding how really “delicious” Jesus is. Delicious is another definition for something that tastes good. When we find something that tastes good, we usually want more and more of it. As I read this verse, I recall how good the Lord has been in my own life. I have seen and tasted His goodness toward me when I least deserved His loving kindness. Sweet fellowship with Him can't be surpassed and the rest of the verse indicates such. When we taste of Him and see Him and how good He is, the process brings about a trust in Him we can't explain. Our trust in others is often flawed because of our humanity, but our trust in Him is safe and secure. Our tasting Him should be every moment thing.

In coming days, we'll do a lot of eating and fellowshiping with family and friends. My prayer for all of us is that we won't leave our Heavenly Father out of all our celebrating. Tasting of Him will mean approaching Him with a grateful heart for all His goodness in our lives. Hopefully we will make time to really SEE Him as we meet with Him through His Word, in prayer and in serving others in His name through all the holiday festivities.

I am personally so grateful for each friend it's my joy to share with on a weekly basis. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. My prayer is that we will continue to taste and see Jesus in all His glory. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

Dear Father God, I can't sufficiently express my gratitude to You for what You mean to me...for Your presence in the good times and Your faithfulness and guidance in the difficult ones. Without Jesus, we wouldn't even have one iota of understanding what true gratitude is. I pray these things in His precious name....Amen

ABOVE THE STORM

Peace I leave with you; My peace
I give to you; not as the world gives
do I give to you. Do not let your
heart be troubled, nor let it be
fearful.
John 14:27 (NASB)

It was my first flight and I was scared to death. I shook as I stepped onto the plane and even when I sat down. I had purchased a first class ticket thinking that would be the safest place to be “just in case.” Little did I realize in dire circumstances, the best place to be was as far back in the plane as I could be. To top off my fright, it was a stormy day. I didn't know if the plane would even take off, but during a lull, we headed up through the clouds.

Not thinking with any kind of a mechanical or scientific mind, I was shocked to see, as we soared through those dark, and foreboding clouds, that they were changing color from very dark to various shades of gray that were getting lighter and lighter. As if a miracle took place, we were flying above the clouds with only blue skies, fluffy white clouds and sunshine in abundance. Through the window, I looked down and could see gray clouds but it seemed we were leaving those behind. I had never seen anything like this. I was in my 20's and didn't really know anyone who flew with any regularity. I had friends tell me how wonderful flying was and some of them had never set foot in a plane.

I saw the following quote on my Facebook, but it didn't have a name with it. It was that quote that reminded me of that trip. The author said:

“Remember in the storm what
God taught us in the sunshine.
The storm will pass.”

Very often in our lives, there can be some things that hide God's intended sunshine He bestows on us. There are times I walk out on my front porch and can't see the mountains that were so clearly seen the day before. Out of nowhere, a heavy mist can cover our mountains and it doesn't take a hard rain to do that. The miracle of it all is that the mist usually disappears when the sun comes out full force and dissipates the mist. The beauty of the mountains were hidden for a brief time...the sun, however, was stronger.

There are things you and I have learned in the sunshine we can stake our lives on, such as:
God can be trusted no matter the circumstances
God does everything in our lives in our best interest
The Word of God can be trusted.
God is as near in our difficult times as in our sunshine days..
God loves us beyond any love we can ever imagine
God is still on His throne and is sovereign.

Those are just a few things that should be etched on our hearts with no questions asked. Satan will do all to bring doubt into our minds when things get rough, but every positive quality of God we can remember stays in place no matter our circumstances. We believe these things...we remember them...by faith.

When the storms come, it's not the best time to prepare for the storm. Maybe some have just come through a storm or are in the middle of one. Be sure if neither have happened to you, there is a storm lurking around a corner of your life. That's just the way life is. We Christians are not insured from difficulties and struggles. CPR classes are to train people for future emergencies. Firefighters train in anticipation of using their training to put out fires and save lives. Both situations require pre-training.

As God's children I pray we will be faithful in remembering and trusting in God's love and care He has consistently provided in our lives. God never says “oops” no matter the storm we find ourselves in. Storms bring clouds, rain and noise. Our spirits can be lifted above those clouds to sunshine and blue skies. This can happen even during our storms because of who God is.

Thank You Father, for Your sunshine, but I thank You even more for Your presence and peace during the storms of my life. I thank You for Your sovereignty and ever-present love for me. Thank You, that despite storm clouds, I can rise above them into Your Son-shine. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

A MOTTO FOR LIFE

Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O Lord, my strength, and

my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

One of the great regrets in walking with the Lord these many years is that I have never memorized Scripture like I should. The older I get, the more I join others my age using the “age” excuse. However, I have come to know that I memorize things I really want to memorize. I have memorized words to hymns that I can sing word perfect. There are recipes I have by heart right down to ¼ tsp of salt. I also know of things I memorized when a child that I can still recall and so can you.

There are so many things we have memorized through the years that is amazing. The first verse I ever memorized as a little girl was John 3:16 and it may have been the same for you. In Vacation Bible School, I memorized many verses that mostly went by the wayside mostly because they didn't seem to apply to life so didn't repeat them very much.

Our small church had just one youth group. When I went into seventh grade, I thought I was as big as the world. Margie and Gerald Randolph were our youth group leaders. I think their encouragement was that they had two sons in the group. Through those six years, our youth group members became very close. I think we were closer than most we were with others at school. We met every Sunday night before the service. We went on outings and the Randolph home was always open to us on weekends.

With all of the variety there was for us as a group, there was one thing that never changed from week to week. It was standard, expected and carried out faithfully every Sunday night when our youth meeting was over. At the end of our meeting, we stood in a large circle, holding hands and repeated Psalm 19:14 and putting an “Amen” on the end of the verse. I must admit that it became routine, almost a ritual that didn't have as much meaning for me most of the time. However, little did I know that Psalm 19:14 was so etched in my mind and heart that I could never forget that verse. It's a verse with great meaning if we choose to regard it that way. I can't tell you how often, even in my “grown up” days that I find myself repeating that verse to myself. There's no one around to hold hands with, no group but that's okay.

As I often do, I'd like to pick that verse apart. Perhaps you would like to memorize it for those days when frustration sets in.

Let the words of my mouth,

Words are so common to us that we think very little about them as they roll off of our tongues. The ability to just speak anything is such a blessing. There are those who are handicapped, who don't have the gift of speech. I think of so many times I have abused the privilege of being able to have the privilege of utterance.

And the meditations of my heart,

This is where those words begin...in the heart. Whatever is in the heart is going to come out through the mouth. Jesus spoke of how a fountain doesn't give off salty and fresh water at once. If we desire purity of speech, we must desire purity of heart first. Meditation occurs when we ponder, think about things. More of that goes on that our speaking if there was a way to measure it. What we meditate upon becomes a part of us; it sinks very deeply into our very spirits. This verse would be a good one to recite when our thought life is troubling.

Be acceptable in thy sight,

If something is acceptable, it's good and meets a positive standard. For God to accept our meditation, it must be pure and yes, holy.

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer...help me to never forget the meaning of this precious verse, to honor you in my words and thoughts, seeking to please you in everything I say and do. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

DIVINE APPOINTMENTS

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who
receives whomever I send receives
Me; and he who receives Me receives
Him who sent me.
John 13:20

Several years ago, having not been in the church very long at the time, and new even to the area because of our move from another city, everything was new to me. It wasn't long until I was asked to teach a Sunday school class in the church we had joined. The teacher of the class was a staff wife and that family was going to be moving to another pastorate. Taking the place of a very loved women's teacher can be difficult and this one proved to be tense. We were strangers in one room and it would take the Lord to warm things up. His plan in a situation can be very unique.

On one particular Sunday, I was taking prayer requests when a lady walked in the door that was at the back of the room. I knew from class response that folks didn't seem to know her. The lady looked very professional in her dress and physical presence. Most visitors when they come into a new setting like that quickly take a chair on the back row. That wasn't happening with this lady. She walked around the group (chairs in about five rows) and came straight to the front row. There was no one seated on the front row so she sat down in a chair right in front of me.

I stopped what I was doing and turned my attention to her. I'll call her Grace for now. I asked her name and was shocked at what happened next...a first for me. She stood, gave her name and began listing some things. She told me she the very professional career she had with a local university, was a single mom to two teenage girls who were out of control, her husband had left her for another woman and she was recently divorced. To top it off she was just finishing treatments for breast cancer and wasn't sure if the treatments were working. After all of the information, she looked at me and firmly said with tears in her eyes, “And I need a hug.” I went to her and just held her for a longer hug than usual. I stood in utter shock. After it all, she sat down and got her Bible out of her purse and we went on with the class.

After class, I needed to get to choir, but didn't want to leave her hanging. I asked her if she read music and she said she did. I invited her to come with me to the choir and we would sit on the back row together. Our choir was quite large at the time. I didn't know if she would agree to it or not but she did. In fact, she became a faithful member of the choir and of our class. Within several weeks, Grace became the president of our Sunday school class.

We were very good friends for several months, having lunch together along with phone calls I would make feeling she needed encouragement. With one phone call, she let me know her cancer was back with a vengeance.

Several weeks later, I went on a trip for a week or so. When I came home from the trip, I had a call waiting for me from Grace's mother. Grace was in the hospital and the situation looked dire. She asked me to come to the hospital as soon as I could get there. I had met Grace's mother one time when she visited our class so recognized her right away. She told me that Grace wanted to see me privately and she honored that.

Grace took hold of both my hands and said she had one request. Her mother was going to move from another city to live with the two teenage daughters. She simply said, “Will you please be a friend to my mother?” I assured her I would do that. While holding both my hands she began kissing the backs of them. I felt awkward but said nothing about it. I leaned down, kissed her on the forehead, assured her of my love. After praying with her, I left the room. Her mother had observed things from the door and told me that Grace was telling me goodbye.

Grace lingered for another few days, and then peacefully went to Heaven from a hospice where she had been moved. Within several months, Grace's mother had to move to be with other children because of her own health issues. Up until that time, she and I went to lunch every Wednesday. She became a dear friend and could see so many special things in her she had contributed to her daughter.

We all have had “divine appointments” arranged by God alone that have been life changing. Those divine appointments almost always involve having a person walk into our lives seemingly out of no where. The person may be a person from the past we haven't seen in years. It might be a new lady coming to our Sunday school class or that we meet at work. No matter how the person comes, it usually takes us off guard and we wonder, “What's going on here?” God usually brings such folks into our lives with insistence...we can't get away from them. There may seem to be an instant “click” or feeling of trust or acceptance. However it happens, such divine appointments are life changing. The appointment may not last a lifetime, but something God intends for certain days. That person may be “Jesus with skin on” that God brings our way to minister in our lives for a time.

I'm spending some time these days thinking of those walking blessings God has chosen to send my way. From them I've learned so many things, been encouraged and blessed and have come to know Jesus so much better. What divine appointments (folks of blessing), has God sent your way, seemingly out of nowhere, but you knew at the time they had come into your life for purpose. Stop and think with gratitude for those folks who changed your life for good and God
.

Thank You Father for bringing Jesus into my life. No one has changed everything about me like He has and like He continues to do. Jesus was, by far, my most precious Divine Appointment and I thank You for that ongoing relationship with Him and I pray these things in His name....Amen