TURN AROUND

Therefore, to him that knoweth
to do good, and doeth it not,
to him it is sin.
James 4:17

In our eight years here, we've never had flood warnings. Folks who are regular visitors to our small town, “The Peaceful Side of the Smokys,” would be quite surprised if they were to see the flooding conditions here right now, especially affecting roads near the river. The river is rip roarin' and very high right now. However, our general area is also putting out flooding alerts to the point that some schools are going to close this morning. For a few days last week, rain had subsided but today again we have flood warnings because we are to get more rain today and tomorrow.

What is causing all of this? There are some basic factors that contribute to flooding. Of course, the major cause has to do with steady, consistent and unusual amounts of rainfall in a certain area over an extended period of time. Then there can be a problem of drainage because there's just so many places rain can go before overload sets in. Poor roads often washout with minor amounts of rain, but better roads in lower areas can also have a problem of drainage. Drivers often feel a flooded road isn't all that deep so they plow on through, sometimes finding themselves in the middle of disaster.

One amazing factor I saw on my computer warnings stated that even if a road has water on it that doesn't look deep, the road could have washed out under the water and you can't see the damage under the flooded area. Thus, such can create unforeseen problems for a car and it's passengers. The caution to all of us is the usual one that sounds trite, but a wise admonition...”Turn around, don't drown.” It's one of those warnings we have heard so much, it might be ignored.

On this dark, rainy morning with all the warnings I have read, I'm thinking of the times in my life I didn't heed the warnings from people concerning decisions I was about to make to my peril that wouldn't please God. I thought I knew better, the water on the road of life didn't seem all that risky and dangerous. In my mind, I felt I knew better, in fact, I KNEW I knew what was better for my own life at the time. Scripture is full of admonitions to flee sin of any kind. Fleeing doesn't mean to crawl, stroll away or do a slow walk....the word flee means to run as fast and far away from sin as you can. Most of the time that fleeing is first done in our minds ...getting away, forsaking...however we can get away from it as soon as possible. At times though, putting feet to our fleeing may be required. I have used that method often times.

The signs are often posted in front of us telling us to “Turn around...don't drown.” Sin can be a kind of water-filled sink hole where anyone dropped into it sinks. Walking near it didn't seem risky at the moment. It's like driving through that water covered road or bridge and then finding one's car floating away from anything safe. The warning signs were posted and media bulletins of warning spoke with urgency, but surely nothing unfortunate could happen to me or you. We learn of such happenings all the time.

Satan has a way of presenting us with flood conditions across some of our roads of life. He's so subtle...the “water” doesn't look that bad or even dangerous. We somehow feel we can't be tripped up...nothing vulnerable about us. Satan must get such enjoyment watching us in our states of pride and invincibility. He so enjoys tripping up God's people and it's all so unnecessary. What do we do?

First, we have to be aware and alert. Watch the news or any mystery program on TV and it's easy to see how a seemingly smart person can put their-self in such danger be they believer or unbeliever. Girls have been raped after meeting guys they didn't know in a club. Some folks make a habit of hitch-hiking...getting in a car with a total stranger. One can spend too much time with a married person of the opposite sex at work. When bored with ones church, trying another church more exciting, may lead to finding one trapped in a cult. The list of “bewares” could go on and on. Proverbs 4:23 tells in part to “Guard your heart...” don't allow Satan any freedom in ones life.

Secondly, read and obey the signs. We find those things in the Word of God, taught to us by the Holy Spirit. If we walk in the Spirit in close fellowship and obedience, we can be victorious in the big and little challenges of life. Galatians 5:16 assures us:

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye
shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

What if we plow on through the dangerous places of life and fail miserably. We find ourselves floundering in sin we never intended. God is so wonderfully full of mercy, love and forgiveness for His children. John tells us in his first epistle that we need to seek God in repentance, accepting God's forgiveness:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
I John 1:8

The only choice we have in pleasing our Father is to simply obey the warning signs He gives so lovingly and freely. He doesn't want us living in misery and defeat. Our job is to simply TURN AROUND (flee sin)...DONT DROWN (avoid sin's consequences)

Dear Father...thank You for the rain we need even in winter months to provide moisture on our lands. I pray for safety for folks today in our area who have to be out on the roads. Thank You for Your loving care and protection. Help us to stay close to You, Holy Spirit, obeying Your promptings we see in Your Word. I pray in Jesus' precious name. Amen

THE OLD TIME RELIGION

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to
write unto you of the common salvation,
it was needful for me to write unto you,
and exhort you that ye should earnestly
contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints.
Jude 3

I can recall when a young girl in our Baptist Church, sometimes singing “Give Me that Old Time Religion.” We would sing the verses “It was good for our mothers....It was good for our fathers...it was good for our grandmas”...and I guess you get the picture. I never even questioned what the old time religion was. It wasn't a “was” but then was “is.” There weren't any theological charlatans around then that I remember trying to tear up the things of Scripture. The most I ever heard discussed was the method of baptism that differed in some churches. Obedience to the Scriptures was something else. There were the same expectations of obeying the Word of God whether you heard it from the pulpit or in youth group that met Sunday evening prior to the church service.

Playing with God's Word as we are seeing it today for instance is cause for concern. Folks at the very risk of God's judgment have off and on through centuries revised, translated and changed Scripture to their own liking. Jude spoke in centuries past of such problems and it's just as real in our day as well.

Jude, Jesus' half brother, who wrote the 65^th book of the Bible, wrote completely from concern and urgency. He had heard of what was going on in a specific place learning of false teachers who were creeping into its fellowship. He said in verse 4:

For there are certain men crept in
unawares, who were before of old
ordained to this condemnation,
ungodly men, turning the grace of
God into lasciviousness, and
denying the only Lord God, and
our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice, those false teachers, ordained men who had gone rogue regarding the Scriptures were now sneaking into fellowships to teach their twisted philosophies of the Word. Jude in the introductory verse encouraged the people to fight for the faith.

One of the problems for us when we come across false teaching is that we may often not recognize what is perverted. The problem for the average Christian is that he or she may not know enough about the Scriptures to know what is what is false teaching when it is heard. It is our responsibility to know the Scripture, not just from a pulpit or Bible study group. The Holy Spirit is more than anxious to interpret His Word to our hearts. He is the author of this wonderful Book and Who better to explain it to us than the Author.

At my age, I can't help but do some looking back. I miss the simplicity, but accuracy of preachers who weren't necessarily educated to the gills. The preachers I knew were known by Reverend, not Doctor. The music was simple and special music was with the heart even though the voice may not have been up to par. Bibles in the services were all the same translation so everyone was on the same page for the preaching. The preaching was to the point...right was right and wrong was wrong. We are are told our children can choose their own gender and then change what they are if they don't like it. Gay rights are as evil as can be and our preachers of old would have called it out. Old time preaching protected us as just about all preachers agreed on preaching the true Word of God.

The old days are gone and won't return. These days must be our “good old days” for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Our responsibility for now is to be in the Word, even singing to ourselves the familiar songs that bless us, making prayer a way of life with the comforting thought that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. His Word is truth no matter what the world tells us. Yes, the old time religion should be good enough for all of us.

Thank You Father for being our never-changing God. Thank You for the consistency you teach us. Give us the wisdom we need in today's world to navigate through all the uncomfortable areas of today's world. Keep us faithful to You and Your Word. In Jesus' name....Amen

BROKEN BUT NOT DESTROYED

The sacrifices of God are a
broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O
God, You will not despise.
Psalm 51:17

When we first moved here to Tennessee eight years ago, there were things for the house I purchased mostly for décore purposes, but also because out of need. One of those things was a new canister set for the kitchen. I found one I really liked through a computer purchase and have never regretted purchasing it. It is ceramic in make up and colorful just the way I like it. The set has its place on a particular counter that is handy to get to and at the same time, looks nice sitting right where it is.

I decided recently to fix myself a bowl of cereal. I took sugar out of the larger canister that sits nearest to the edge of the counter. In my haste, I lost my grip on the lid of that canister and it went flying to the tile floor. The fortunate thing is that ceramic doesn't break like glass. Glass shatters...ceramic tends to break in manageable pieces with lots of small chips around it. Brian came running and pretty much gave up on the usability of that poor ceramic top.

Without hesitation, I picked up the large pieces while he swept the rest of the damage up in a dust pan. Brian felt the lid was a lost cause. After he left the kitchen, I proceeded to “diddle” with the chunks and found they could be glued together and once again usable. They wouldn't look quite the same with some chips now gone but from a distance, I felt any damage wouldn't be that noticeable.

All of this got me thinking about how grateful I am now for some of the broken experiences God has allowed me to experience in my life. Many of those experiences, I brought upon myself. God and no one else had to do the breaking in many cases, but I can recall how God picked up the pieces and put me back together with His “super glue”...His amazing love.

Looking on my computer at a Bible app I often use, I looked up the word “broken.” I was surprised the things mentioned with regard to being broken. Some of them are: some body parts, buildings, branches, ships, bread, congregations, covenants and even the broken body of our Lord. Please note that most of those broken things God used in trying to get His message across to individuals or groups. Many of those things were caused by folks and their deliberate disobedience.

Job, in the Old Testament, probably spoke more personally of his broken experiences than others in Scripture. As I've looked at those things he said about the breaking process in his life, his feelings about it all feels like I have when I've gone through some breaking times. I've never been broken as he was, but still hurt. It's been a combination of not understanding the why's, while at the same time, seeing God in it all.

Often when God allows a breaking time in our lives, we don't think in those moments about being very spiritual. We know the things we ought to do....Bible, pray, confess sin, even be faithful in church attendance. If attending church, it might be just going through motions. It's as if such experiences almost paralyze us emotionally and spiritually bringing us to a stand still. And yet, if I stood still for too long, I ended up spending the time crying, fretting, stewing while feeling very sorry for myself.

The thing is that we are God's children. He loves us with a love we can't even begin to comprehend and yet, He stands ready as a perfect parent would to help put the broken pieces of our lives back together. We moms used to wipe a child's tears away, kiss the boo-boos, bandage up the hurts, allow the teenage girl to cry out her hurts on our shoulders...we did a little of it all. God heals the brokenness because He can do it like no other can. We don't need to always cry on the shoulders of others, but God does provide friends we can find comfort with, friends who will pray and lift our spirits.

Oh yes...my canister top. I tried using tape putting pieces together just to see if it could be done and it looked like it could work. Took the pieces to Brian who is our Mr. Fix-it. He got out his super glue and got the lid put together, very nicely I must say. There are a couple of obvious places where some small open places are, but from a distance, the damage isn't that noticeable. I'll tell you though that I will take good care of that lid. It went through a real breaking process not of its doing. It's still very usable and it's beauty is only slightly marred.

It'll be the same for us. When we walk through those breaking times, pieces will begin to come together and our Father will love on us, heal our spirits and we will have learned. A caution: if we don't learn from our broken times when God intended such to teach us a lesson, we may have to go through a breaking again just to make sure the lesson “sticks” We may be left with a few scars and chips, but they will remind us of victory brought about through our Father Who never wastes a thing in our lives. Such is intended for us to continue to be usable for His glory.

Dear Father, I remember some days when I was more broken than I can even now describe. There were some dark days, but You as usual were my Light and Salvation and I learned I needed not fear. Your presence was and is still so precious. My prayer is that I will stay close to You, knowing You will do all things well in my life. In Jesus name...Amen

FINISHING WELL

So teach us to number our
days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

This blog will soon reveal it isn't for a large, mixed crowd. It has to do with a subject I've been forced like many to know in intimate detail. I'm referring to the subject of aging. Billy Graham said, “Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life.” For those of us in the process, I think we could resound with a loud, “AMEN!” to that statement.

When children, we were provided with books dealing with growing up. Our parents may have had some along the same line, but more with child rearing. There were books for teenagers and on and on the books went dealing with various stages of life. Somewhere along the line, I missed any encouraging, informative, useful books for people approaching or already dealing with the “elderly” years. Most of such books tend to be books that instruct, but don't encourage.

When a child, my parents seemed old to me. Both grandmothers seemed much older, especially one who had to walk with one crutch. I heard my mother chatting with someone from church and they mentioned my Sunday school teacher, Nellie Barker. Nellie was from England and we kids loved to hear her talk. The shock was, however, that my mother said she thought Nellie was around 62 years old. I couldn't believe anyone could ever live to be that old. I knew there were really old people in the Bible, but that was the Bible...but 62 just wasn't clicking in my young mind that Nellie should still be alive.

Like Billy Graham and others, being a person of age really crept up on me. I knew it was going to happen, but I like others found myself always in the middle of life events...college, marriage, mom to three, lots of church work, back to school in my 50's, new careers, kids weddings and then grandchildren, lots of Bible study groups and Sunday school classes with probably thousands of “foldies” made to pass out to classes. In it all, I maintained fairly good health.

After Brian retired about nine years ago, we made our retirement move here to Tennessee. Shortly after our move, I was diagnosed with malignant bladder cancer and went through two surgeries and some chemo. It was the first it dawned on me that I was really a person of age...72 at the time. I was definitely a slow learner.

One of the reasons I'm writing this blog is that I have come upon a treasure. It's the most loving, inspiring, sensible, spiritual outlook on aging written by one who wrote a book on the subject while in the aging stages. It's a book I have hoped to find and when getting a copy of it, read almost half of it in a couple of days. I found myself devouring the information as it was so practical and encouraging. It isn't a new book, but one that somehow I missed as I have tried to read just about everything Billy Graham ever wrote. He was in his 90's when he wrote the book. I ordered it and got it in just a couple of days. It's one to read and to pass along to friends who need encouragement regarding where they may be in this aging process. The name of the book is “Nearer Home.” I love that title as that's how I feel in these years I am in now.

There were some things that were reinforced in my own mind as I read this book, things that are already a part of my own practice and thinking, such as:

*Live everyday to the fullest.
*Have goals to be stretching for.
*Maintain good spiritual practices...Bible reading, church attendance, prayer, etc.
*Have a responsibility at church or ministry of some sort.
*Surround yourself with fun, encouraging and godly people.
*If still married, enjoy your partner like never before.
*Stay as healthy as you can.
*Read on a regular basis if you are able.

*Have an enjoyable activity you look forward to doing....cook, handiwork of some kind, get an adult color book & colored pencils, find a craft activity to do you enjoy, etc.

Perhaps there are things you could add to that list. I just know that God has kept every person here for His own reasons no matter the age. He will keep us here until we have finished His intent for us. With our last breath we are to be faithful in serving Jesus. It may be from sitting home bound, in a church pew, attending an outing with friends or whatever else we find to keep our minds functioning. I know ladies who crochet making small baby afghans for a local pregnancy center. Meanwhile we have experience and wisdom we can share with the younger folks we come in contact even though we are “Nearer Home” than they may seem to be. May all of us finish well, no matter our age hopefully all for God's honor and glory alone.

Dear Father, I'm so grateful for Your guidance and provision in my life. I pray I will stay available to You to serve You in any way I can. I want to finish well in such a way that will please You. Help me to appreciate these days in my life and in them, come to love You like never before. In Jesus name....Amen

BEING A COMFORTER

Blessed be God, even the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of mercies, and the
God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able
to comfort them which are in
any trouble, by the comfort
wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God.
II Corinthians 1:3,4

Remembering some uncomfortable days when just a little girl, I thought back to my proneness toward having bad colds in the winter. When stuffy and coughing before bedtime, my Mother would come into the room, sit on the edge of my bed prepared to do battle. Mother had a weapon that I considered deadly, but that she saw as a cure-all. Even in the dim light coming through the slightly open bedroom door, I saw her deadly weapon. It was found in a dark blue jar with a dark blue lid. All she had to do was open that jar and it seemed as though the aroma filled the room. Yep, it was good ole Vick's Salve. She would rub it on my chest. With what was left on an index finger, she would rub it with one swipe under my nose. Can't tell you how much I hated that stuff, but in a short amount of time, I was asleep with sinuses clear and no cough.

The thing is that to this day, I keep a small jar or Vick's Salve in a bedside table drawer. I usually only use it just inside the nostrils of my nose. It clears my nose up and extends into the throat. Even when I don't have to make use of the salve, there are times I get that little jar out to look at, even some time to the point of smelling that strong aroma. It's a reminder of another time when physical comfort was provided for a little girl with bad colds.

When looking at sources of personal comfort, memory is a good place to delve into. All of us have bad memories of time past. However, we can detour around them to the more pleasant memories we have of childhood or of those up to the present that brings smiles to our faces.

Most often when in need of comfort, it's because of traumatic events life presents. It's during these times that comforting ourselves doesn't seem to come easy. However, we can find personal comfort in the Word of God. Psalm 119:50 tells us: “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” The Word of God quickens, brings life back into our spirits. When a comforter, one of the best things we can give to one in turmoil is the Word of God. Preaching isn't necessary but a verse assuring of God's love or concern can be helpful. Notes or cards with just an appropriate verse can calm one's spirit.

No matter the difficulty, the best comfort we have is through the indwelling Holy Spirit. We read a lot about Him in John 14. Jesus was instructing and trying to comfort His disciples regarding His leaving them. He assured them He wouldn't leave them alone spiritually. He spoke to them of a Comforter that would come to them upon His leaving.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things,
and bring to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Holy Spirit would indwell those disciples upon Jesus leaving, going to Heaven. To this day, we benefit having the Spirit's presence in us the same as those disciples who were filled with the Spirit at Pentecost. He's in us to comfort and teach us. However, the Spirit only indwells those who have accepted Jesus as personal Savior. When in a position to be of comfort to another, we have the indwelling Spirit who wants to lead and teach us in the whole process of ministering to someone in need.

We are living in a culture that is sick and evil. Unfortunate things aren't just happening to people who are a part of the unsaved world. Christians are being put to all sorts of tests. Some events may occur just through natural events of life, while other things may come in the form of tragic, unexpected events. As God's people, we will often be called upon to be comforters. We prepare by being strong in the Lord and knowledge of His Word. I'm so grateful for comforters who knew along the way, that I was going through a tough time...those special people who came along side of me with words of encouragement and comfort.

Thank You Father for the comfort You extend to Your children through Your Word and comforting of Your Spirit. You are always on time with meeting our needs of comfort with a special touch that assures us of Your love and care. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

COUGH IT UP

I waited patiently for the Lord; and
he inclined unto me, and heard
my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible
pit, out of the miry clay, and set my
feet upon a rock, and established
my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God;
many shall see it, and fear, and shall
trust the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

It's a common phrase, at least as I remember...”Cough it up.” I would say it to my children when they were young and seemed to be choking on something. It was also a term often used when getting someone to give something to another they felt they had coming. An example would be: “You owe me five bucks...cough it up.”

Of course there is the usual cough we all endure from time to time. I've often go through it because of all the pollen that at times floats in the air here in mountain country. I swallow allergy meds, but still end up with a pretty good cough.

I have done this before with my blog, but there is a particular brand of cough drops I probably use most that is often an encouragement to me even before putting a drop in my mouth. I won't mention the brand, but it will probably come to mind for anyone who has used them in the past. With this cough drop, there is a very different paper cover on each one. Most people don't either know it or pay attention to the small sayings printed on each wrapper. For the most part, the sayings are words of encouragement. I've gotten where I pay attention to the sayings before throwing the wrappers in a trash can. So allow me to share one of these sayings with an added word of Scripture of encouragement.

“Turn 'can do' into 'can did!'”

I'm reminded of Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:13 that says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I've found in the situations where I'm nervous of the new, that God's timing is always right. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. I have slowly come to learn that when God calls, He equips. Not only does He equip, but He hangs around me during the entire process of whatever it might be I'm called to do. His presence is always such an encouragement.

When we are going through the toughest of times, there is no way we can have the company of an encourager twenty-four hours a day. In the direst of times, it's pretty difficult for any human being to help us keep an “I can” attitude. Life can really beat us up when we are confronted with fear, discouragement and even depression. I realize when encouraged to turn to the Lord, that may not sound like a reality because it isn't a human body to sit with and talk with face to face. BUT, God's presence is different. With the Holy Spirit in us, God's presence is constant and He can move mountainous problems in ways we can't begin to comprehend. Isaiah 41:10 has always been a great encourager to me helps me when I need to keep my chin up.

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

I'm so grateful that He will uphold me in ways that are unbelievable. It's true that “I can do all things through Christ...always in His strength.”

Father, I'm always amazed at the big and small ways You sen my way little nudges of encouragement and even instruction. I'm grateful today for your strengthening and presence in my life. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit and for sending Jesus...in Whose name I pray. Amen

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