WADING THROUGH WEEDS

But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. To Him
be the glory, both now and to
the day of eternity. Amen
II Peter 3:18

When we first built our house here in Tennessee, it was discouraging looking out a window and seeing nothing but dirt for a yard. I was grateful with some weeds that grew because they were at least green. I just couldn't foresee any green grass ever covering our surrounding dirt. We had neighbors on both sides of us with nice grass and flowers. I so longed for good old green anything showing up on our dirt. I now marvel at all of the green that surrounds our house. Seeds were planted and fertilizer spread, all done as frequently as called for. It's still not the best but I'll take it.

With the green though, weeds remained. It was as if they had staked their claim early and had no intention of leaving. I must hasten to say that although weeds come with names, their own characteristics and sizes, I have put them all in two categories. Some weeds are beautiful. Many of them can be found on mountain sides. Coming into our town one sees huge drapes of wild vines loaded with wide leaves. I guess they aren't worth much of anything except they grow fast and full, up trees if any are near and even on utility poles and wires. Some may consider them a pest, but they really are pretty serving their own kind of landscape service. No one has to pay any attention to them as they just grow fast and full on their own. They are faithful to return every spring after drying up for the winter months.

The other category of weeds in my opinion are those weeds that are nothing but pests. They take over yards, flower beds, vegetable gardens and rob the soil of nutrients necessary for growing healthy plants. I have pulled some from around my rose bushes that come up with roots a foot long. They don't give up easily, but ruin the areas with their cocky selves. They almost dare you to yank on them. A few years ago, I couldn't picture myself pulling up those precious green things that decorated my dirt, but it's different now.

When you get down to it, weeds are not the desired thing, anywhere whether they are pretty or not. We don't have a “lawn” surrounding our house...we have a “yard.” A yard from a distance when all greened up, mowed and trimmed looks like something we might have spent lots of money on. However, a closer look if you were to walk across our yard, would reveal weeds...weeds of many types and sizes. They do not make for a real lovely lawn, but they seem to fit in, looking like the grass around them. Weeds may give the impression of being lovely, but they are phony where grass is concerned. They take up space where grass should be growing. Most landscapers avoid weeds like the plague.

Along this line, I got to thinking about weeds that can crop up in my own spiritual life. Those weeds take up valuable time and space that detracts from my walk with the Lord. Many of those weeds cropping up in my own life are of my own doing. Satan can't always be blamed for my deliberate actions. If weeds of sin aren't removed immediately, they will grow large, spreading with deep roots. These are weeds you and I need to get rid of. These weeds of sin vary from person to person. What may be a problem for me may not be one for you. Ripping them up may be painful, but any damage can be repaired and we are the better for the purging process.

Guess what? Those very same weeds keep popping back up. I may have a space of time where I am not aggravated by them, but Satan knows my weaknesses and this is where he plays a huge part. What am I to do? I do the same as I do with weeds that keep popping up around my rose bushes. I keep pulling them up and using proper weed killer to keep them at bay as much as possible. Weeds will always make frequent appearances as sin in our lives. We have to keep fighting being in the Word and in prayer. We also must stay alert, never complacent or prideful.

I'm grateful I can look at our yard and see healthy green, but I can see from the porch where some weeds are smugly nestled in with the good stuff. I don't want to be that kind of Christian. I want to be a healthy-grass-Christian and not a grass pretender like weeds are. May we live, grow and thrive for Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

Dear Jesus, I love following You and am so sorry for those times I allow weeds of sin crop up into my life. Thank You for Your consistent love and forgiveness in my life. In Your precious name I pray...Amen

JOY FROM JESUS

Whom having not seen, ye love;

in whom, though now ye see

him not, yet believing,

ye rejoice with joy unspeakable

and full of glory.

I Peter 1:8

Several years ago, a group of ladies I had taught in a Bible study purchased a lovely bracelet for me. It's a simple silver chain with crystal stones on it. In fact there are 14 of them. I have on that bracelet 7 varied color stones that are repeated. The seven stones are supposed to represent the Fruit of the Spirit. The first stone is a beautiful red color representing the fruit of LOVE. The very next stone, clear in color, represents joy...perhaps pure joy. The fruit is placed in it's intended order via Galatians chapter five teaching. I hasten to add that the colors of these stones have nothing to do with Scripture. There are many interpretations of color meanings in Scripture

I find it interesting that right after love comes joy. Love is basic to all the fruit. Every time I wear that bracelet, I glance over at those various crystals. Galatians, of course, doesn't use the word fruits in the plural because those spiritual qualities listed work together as one and they grow in us out of our relationship with Jesus.

In Scripture, it is interesting to see in Paul's writing to the Philippians that he can't seem to help himself through the Holy Spirit's leading from using the word “rejoice” all of 9 times. The Philippians were a special people to Paul. Paul had to write to some churches with words of correction and even disappointment. The Philippian church wasn't perfect as we can tell by some of the subjects he addresses, but it was a good church, a generous church. He encouraged them regularly in this book to be believers of joy.

Paul in the KJV doesn't use the word JOY in this book, only rejoice. That's okay. The two words compliment each other in every sense. Joy is that inner peaceful delight only given by the Holy Spirit. Rejoicing stems from that inner joy as it is an action word and demonstrates outwardly that inner quality that seems to just want to burst out of us sometimes.

Happiness is a good word, but I'm always hesitant to use it in this context. In our world today, for everyone saved or unsaved, happiness is a quality that seems to be dependent on our outward circumstances. As Christians, there are times our circumstances will not always be upbeat and problem-free. That's just life, but nothing can rob us of our inner joy. I've seen Christians in some of the most dire of events in their lives who, through tears still maintains that sense of inner joy they have no matter what's going on.

There is a very familiar verse we have all read and perhaps even claimed the last part of it. God's people had been far from Him, but were in the process of coming home and were anxious to hear the Word of God read to them. It's interesting to see their excitement as they received the reading. If you and I get away from God, our joy will be affected. Don't confuse joy and salvation. We can't lose our salvation, but if we get away from God, our joy can be dampered.

And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha,

and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the

Levites that taught the people, said

unto all the people,

“This day is holy unto the Lord your

God; mourn not, nor weep. For all

the people wept, when they heard

the words of the law.

God's people had returned home and the Word of God was read to the people. Many had never heard it but only heard about it. Here they were, as a people listening and weeping.

Then he said unto them, Go your way,

eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and

send portions unto them for whom

nothing is prepared: for this day is

holy unto our Lord:

neither be ye sorry:

for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10,11

The people left but came back later wanting more of God's Word. I wonder when we are exposed to God's Word if we ever weep over it or even get joy from it. Do we starve as the folks in that day, to hear from the Lord. In these days, may we find our strength in the joy of the Lord.

Thank You, dear Father, for Your Word and for Your Spirit who faithfully teaches it to us. May we find joy and strength in Your Word and convict us to tears when need be. In Jesus precious name....Amen

I WILL

For I the Lord thy God will hold

thy right hand, saying unto thee,

Fear not: I WILL help thee. (41:131)

It's two words used a multitude of times in our language. Of course, we use “I'll” which is the same thing as “I WILL.” We have said in so many ways what we will do or won't do. There are times when we fulfill those “I wills” and times we have let someone down by our forgetfulness or busyness. We've all been guilty at one time or another. We've been let down from time to time by another “I will-er.” Be it me, you or others, it happens. We've almost become used to it because we live in a world where many folks deliberately make promises with no intent of keeping them.

Lately, I have loved spending time with some of the Old Testament prophets, I came across a neat little section in Isaiah that some commentators entitle “The Greatness of God.” This section is found in Chapters 40-48. There is so much in the Old Testament where I wonder how in the world God could put up with all the spiritual ups, downs, crashes, disloyalty over and over of His people. Unfortunately we live in just such a day as Isaiah. But through all of the spiritual unfaithfulness of God's people, He remains faithful.

In this entire book as in others in the Old Testament, I am finding a multitude of “I will” statements by God. Many of those promises the people probably considered to be in their favor. However, God also made some of those statements with regard to His displeasure with them and even various types of judgment He was planning. Whether those statements were positive or negative, God was and is a God of His Word. Whatever He says He's going to do, it comes to pass.

In this precious little gift box (Chapters 40-48), I found some of those statements that have to do with His presence in the lives of His people. They just seem to speak to where we are right now. Some will say, “That's Old Testament and God was talking to THOSE people.” Yes, He was. What I love about the Old Testament is that it shows throughout the character of God Himself. God doesn't change. What He promised then, He is quite capable of providing for you and me now. God is an entire Bible God. As His children, we benefit from who He is all the time. By the way, that includes warnings regarding our sin. God will never wink or blink at sin, no matter the century, year or present day.

May I suggest some cuddle-up time under God's precious wings (Ps. 91) with one or more of the following verses. May we sense anew His precious presence in our lives.

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. (41:10)

When thou passest through the waters,

I WILL be with thee; and through the

rivers, they shall not overflow thee:

when thou walkest through the fire,

thou shalt not be burned; neither

shall the flame kindle upon thee. (43:2)

For I WILL pour water upon him that

is thirsty, and floods upon the dry

ground: I WILL pour my spirit

upon they see, and my blessing

upon thine offspring. (44:3)

And even to your old age I am He;

and even to hoar (gray) hairs

WILL I carry you: I have made,

and I WILL bear; even I WILL

carry, and WILL deliver you. (46:4)

In Hebrews 13, we read “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” God of the Old Testament is the God of the New and His promises are safe and sure, to be claimed by us. When God promises us His constant presence no matter our present circumstances,  He does exactly what He has promised.  We can rest in that fact.

Dear Father, thank You for Your many promises in Scripture and that we can trust Your promises all the time. Thank You for Your watch care and help us to remember that You will never leave or forsake us. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

GODLY THINKING

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are

true, whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be

any praise,

THINK ON THESE THINGS.

Philippians 4:8

Recently we looked at Philippians 2:5 and following verses that had to do with letting ourselves have the mind of Christ in our selflessness, servanthood, humility and obedience. When reading such a challenge in Scripture we tend to be a little negative because the challenge seems to much. Paul's command was “LET this mind be in you....”

We don't like anyone messing with our heads. We make up our minds about things. We don't want to be told we are wrong about any of our thinking. When we think something, we think it from the top of our heads to the big toes on our feet. How often when younger perhaps at home with parents did we say or think, “You can't tell me what to think.” I'm afraid to ourselves we may have said that any number of times as adults.

We are presently in a difficult thinking time. We've been told to stay home and don't go anywhere. Ordinarily Brian and I wouldn't go much of anywhere anyway. We are home bodies. He goes for an orchestra practice on Monday evening and on Friday morning I go get my hair done. The rest of our activity has to do with church. Well, orchestra is done for the season, I'm not getting my hair done for now and church is on our computer screens. The most people I see looking out my front windows are joggers and bikers most that appear to be tourists (who aren't supposed to be here)from heavily infected flu states.

Where you live may present some different things for you. I know grandparents who can't visit with their grandchildren. Some folks have had to cancel trips. Grocery stores may not have the products needed. The walls of the house seem to be closing in. News on TV (if you watch it) is so depressing. Money in the bank account is dwindling. Someone you know and love may be out of a job. Concern over becoming ill. Some folks may be dealing with more than one of those things listed.

Despite the times, Paul in two places tells us what to think. If we want healthy minds in these days of turmoil and concern, it will mean revamping how we think and what we think. It's almost a retraining for us, but with Holy Spirit power, He can do anything in us but, we must be willing to participate in the training. For most of us, it's probably been a long time since we even considered the good, bad or ugly of our thinking. Paul lists some things for us to think upon. Once again it seems a lot, but we can step into the circle and take charge. The change in our thinking will improve our lives and hopefully give God the glory. So what are we to think on:

Truth: Honesty that is God given, not only with others, but with ourselves as well.

Honest: Truth in action

Just: That which is worthy of respect and right.

Pure: Moral purity

Lovely: Beautiful

Good report: Thinking only in light of spiritual good and relaying such in conversation.

Paul says if there is virtue and praise in these things, then that's where to LET your mind go. We must train ourselves to think in Godly ways on all those things that are positive, good and clean. Every now and then just to quietly question, “Will this thinking honor God?” “Is God pleased with what I'm thinking about right now?” Come up with your own searching questions. My bad thought attacks come when I am in bed and have trouble getting to sleep. Satan knows my weaknesses and where to hit my mind with subtle, negative thoughts. If not careful, I'll just go ahead and run with them and then they grow and grow.

In our day with so much negativity, we have God's power to help us rise above all the junk of this world. Our thoughts affect our health and well being more than we realize. A virus may not all that needs cleaned out of most lives. Let's use this time to benefit us spiritually, which by the way, begins with our thinking.

Thank You Father for this wonderful tool box of spiritual character with which to work and live as You desire. Help us, Holy Spirit to be open to Your leading. Without Your strengthening we can't accomplish any one of these thinking points. Thank You Jesus for making this wonderful life available to us. In Your Name...Amen

ENJOYING YOUR BIBLE

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Please allow me to suggest some things that folks have taught me through the years regarding my treatment of the Word of God. We have all been told probably since our salvation that we should read our Bibles every day. Really? Unless one grew up in a strong Christian home, that rule of thumb was more than frustrating for someone like me at the age of ten. With some maturity and some excellent spiritual friends and teachers, I learned I could be myself with that most precious Book.

First, please know that your Bible isn't a religious relic to be worshiped because the two words HOLY BIBLE are printed on the front. Several years ago, there was a couple that always sat in front of us in church. One day, she came in, sat down, turned around and wanted to show me what her hubby had purchased for her birthday. From a tote bag, she pulled out a box...a Bible in the box...an expensive Bible in the box. I asked why she brought her new Bible in the box. She said to keep it new. Until the day we moved, that dear lady (and I do mean sweet, dear lady) still carried that Bible in it's original box. We should respect our Bibles, not mistreat them, but a Bible is a tool, a textbook to be used.

One day while in college, I walked into another friend's room. She was laying on her tummy across her bed, chin on her folded arms on the edge of the bed. On the floor right under that was an open Bible. I apologized up and down for interrupting her devotions. I'll never forget what she said with a radiant and smiling face...”Oh that's okay Glendarae, this isn't devotion time. I'm just enjoying myself with some extra recreation in the Word.” WHAT??? Recreation is swimming, playing ball, jogging on a track, hiking...and you know the rest. This time in the Word for her was recreation. When I think of recreation, I think of something enjoyable, even fun. Can I regard my Bible as holy and still find enjoyment, even fun with it? I've come to believe that God loves when I enjoy Him and what He has to say.

Others have taught me some things....some hints that have enriched my Bible study. In a these days of confinement, let me suggest a few of them you might pick from and try.  Please keep in mind that I never treat the Word of God with any disrespect. It is not a ten cent puzzle book to be treated that way. I want God to speak to me through it every time I open it's pages. I, like others, can have a wandering mind as I read. There are things I have found that keep me focused. The following are some of those things that have kept me “tuned in” to not just reading words but to staying alert to what those words are saying to me. If you disagree, that's okay. Here we go:

*Be a Bible marker. Even if you have to purchase a cheap Bible from Walt-mart get one you can write, underline and make notes in.

*Go to Psalm 119. In every verse but three in the KJV, there is a word that has reference to what the Bible is....law, statutes, commandments, etc. Read through the Psalm and mark those words. They will remind you what God's Word is to do in us.

*Something very different I've suggested that I do at least once per quarter is to read through the four Gospels, but read the red letters (Jesus statements) only. This takes away the crowds, scenery, etc. hearing only what Jesus speaks. It's something I always look forward to doing.

*I have been using a new Bible for a few months and as I read, I am circling the names of Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Master, Teacher...any name for God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Talk about fun (if I may use the word), I love now turning every page (except Esther) seeing God's name standing out all over the place.

*Get a small notebook. Write a verse in it each day. Sometimes I write more. I date the writing as I go. Writing Scripture slows me down to really pay attention to each word. It doesn't take much time, but can take as much as I want and this is such a personal blessing.
*While reading, I always circle the word "all".  For one thing, when the Word says "all", that's exactly what God intends.

Don't misuse the Word. It's precious and inerrant. No matter how wonderful it is, what use is it if we aren't reading, enjoying and applying it, so for it! You might be surprised in these days of confinement how free you will feel.

Father, thank You for our Bibles. There are Christians all over the world who would give anything to even own one. Some are dying because they have one. Help us to appreciate this precious book and to learn from it and enjoy the learning process as we come to know You better. In Jesus precious name...Amen

BEING LIKE JESUS

Let this mind be in you, which was also

in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought

it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and

took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he

humbled himself, and became obedient

unto death, even the death of the cross

Philippians 2:5-8

A couple of weeks ago, our son visited us with his family. His oldest son and I were looking at some pictures. I had a recent one of his cousin he hasn't seen in awhile. He asked me if that was Aunt Beverly. I told him that it was his cousin not his aunt. He said, “She looks just like her mom.” I told him that they have heard that before. All of us have known people who look just like someone else. There are ladies I have admired through the years who I've told, “I want to be just like you when I grow up.” I didn't know at the moment how to really compliment them. I saw Jesus in them like they didn't see in themselves.

Foundational to the book of Philippians is the above section of verses that are basic to who Jesus was/is and what that should mean to us. Paul's challenge to us is found right at the beginning of verse five. His first six words don't seem to be a suggestion but a strong challenge that to us might seem impossible. He says for you and me to have the mind of Christ. That sounds next to impossible, but Scripture never gives us a command we can't attain to. Needless to say, it won't happen if we haven't had our own personal salvation relationship with Jesus. There may be others who feel they can skip that step, but without an introduction to Jesus, growing in Him just isn't going to happen.

In the context of Paul's precious package here, he gives us a couple of areas where we can be spiritually successful. While in the likeness of man, Jesus never sought to climb any ladders leading to popularity/reputation. In fact, in the Gospels, we find Him saying at times to others to not tell of some of His miracles. This attitude and mindset brought out in Jesus his servant hood. Jesus, the Son of God actually washed the feet of His disciples after their last meal together before He would go to the cross. That may not seem to be a big deal to us but in those days, culturally for all folks, even slaves weren't required to wash the feet of dinner guests in their owners home. When a guest, every consideration was extended except that you washed your own feet. A basin of water and towel was provided for you. People wore sandals and feet were a real mess. For Jesus to wash feet was a very significant gesture.

Paul also speaks of Jesus' humility. Even Jesus humbled Himself to His Father. He knew the Father's desire for His Son's life and Jesus humbly yielded to the Father's authority, even to the point of going to the cross. He didn't go there because He was guilty of anything. He went because you and I have been guilty of many things for which a perfect sacrifice was required.

So Paul tells us to LET the mind of Christ permeate our own minds. It means our not seeking to have some great reputation/popularity for ourselves. To have His mind, we are to be servants. This requires our thinking first, of others and doing for them when they have need. Then we see the humility of Jesus. These three things culminated in His obedience, even to death on a cross. We need those three things as well, as we are often called to die for something in our lives or circumstances.

We'll never attain to those four things perfectly until Heaven. For the time being, Paul said: LET this mind be in you. Let means for us to allow something to happen, to put forth effort to reach out to. We often don't set any spiritual goals because we just don't think about it. Here in this passage, we have four things to pray about that the Holy Spirit will do the work in us. I can't be any of these things without His empowerment.

Our world is crying for Christians who are earnest in living all out for Jesus. Nothing would make our Heavenly Father happier. LET us be seekers to the higher things of Jesus. May we want to look like Jesus and to be more like Him.

Dear Father, help us to love You more than we ever have. If we don't love You well, we'll feel no urge to serve You well. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to have a desire to be more like Your Son, Jesus...and we pray in that precious name...Amen

QUARANTINED

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful

unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee:

yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I

make my refuge, UNTIL these

calamities be over past.

Psalm 57:1

We're hearing the word “quarantined” a lot lately, and with a gush of thought has come a memory I think little of unless reminded in a way like today's circumstances. I was in the first grade when one morning I woke up with itchy little bumps all over my body. It was frightening for a little kid because I hadn't seen them the night before. I didn't even have a name for it, but my Mother sure did the minute she saw me...”Chicken Pox....oh no.” She got on the phone to the doctor who confirmed what it was with Mother's description of my looks.

I was told I couldn't go to school. That didn't sound too bad although with time, life was a little boring. The worst part of the whole thing was that first day when a man showed up from City Hall. I was sitting on the swing of our porch. He asked me to go into the yard, but not out of it. I don't think he wanted to be around me. Mother had said that Chicken Pox was something others could get from being around me. The man didn't even knock on our front door. He took some nails out of is pocket and put them between his two front teeth...that was odd. Then from his belt came a hammer. He already had a yellow sign in his hand probably a little longer and wider than a legal size sheet of paper. He nailed that sign onto the front wall of our house to the upper side of our front door. The sign was of heavy cardboard. I just remember the one big black word on it “QUARANTINED.”

It was explained to me that the sign warned people to stay away from our house and especially me because what I had was “catching.” I could be in the yard, but if anyone walked up I had to get to the porch. It had to be that way until I was “all better”. Only then would the man come back and take the sign down leaving four holes in the wall.

Being quarantined in our day doesn't require a sign by the door, but it's just as inconvenient, especially for adults who aren't used to staying put for any length of time. We Christians need to realize that God knows what's going on and I believe He wants us to take advantage of these different days. Every minute of our lives with God is important to Him and thus should be important to us.

We are a busy people. We come and go often on a whim. Jobs may keep folks busy as do responsibilities when workers get home. There are always things to be done, people to see and places to go. But now, things have come to a stand still. Routine is different, children are home from school, need things from the grocery store and enjoyable activities cease...even church.

In all this disruption in our lives, what are some things that might please God during this time of isolation The word “isolation” is almost offensive. It means that for some reason, we have to be put to one side, away from friends, co-workers and even family as much as can be. As Christians, however, our viewpoint must be different from all others. Where the world is in a panic, you and I can know a peace that only our Lord can give and maintain in our lives.

Despite the inconveniences of these days, I know that God won't waste a crumb of this experience. I've also learned that if I don't learn the things He desires right now, He'll put me through a retest down the road. It can be far worse than the first testing time.

Along with tiring of any virus news on TV and refusing to watch most of it, we can find ourselves a little bored with all the spiritual advice we get from various sources that all sound the same. We mustn't let those encouraging words roll off of us despite their repetition. I can't hear enough that in these days of isolation, God is very present in my “now-ness” and in very personal ways. This is not “spiritual coat tail” time. I can't ride on someone else's spiritual experience. I want to sense and know the presence of Jesus in my life like never before, One on one. We mustn't waste precious moments in this new process we find ourselves in. Remember, God always has a plan.

Dear Father, there's so much information coming and going our way these days. Keep drawing us to Your Word, the only real accurate information we have to keep us strong and close to You. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your constant presence and teaching. In Jesus precious name...Amen

BE OF GOOD COURAGE

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear,

but of power, and of love,

and of a sound mind

II Timothy 1:7

It was November, 1968 and I had done everything I could do toward my coming wedding set for February of 1969. Looking back, I'm so glad I had done all of that. My final task was to go to the doctor for a blood test that was required in our state to get a marriage license. All I had wrong was a slight cold which didn't count for much toward getting that permit slip. The kind doctor suggested I get an inoculation for the Hong Kong flu that had been going around. I know he meant well, but later I learned that folks were warned against getting that inoculation if you had a cold of any kind.

The next day, I went to work, not feeling well and got so sick someone had to get me home where I was living with dear friends prior to the wedding. By that evening, I was so sick I wouldn't have cared if I had died. I never had been nor since been so sick with the high fever, chills, a swollen esophagus that felt like I had a large lump I couldn't swallow or cough up. Called the doctor and couldn't go to the hospital...it was full. I was given much the same instructions one hears today under the same circumstances. I was in bed for about a week and then did further recuperating for another week or ten days.

Here's what was odd as I look back. I knew our hospital was full, but knew nothing of this deadly flu being anywhere else to speak of. If there was any broadcasts about the flu, I didn't see them. It would have heaped defeat on top of despair. I later learned that there were 1 million infected persons world wide who died of the Hong Kong flu. I didn't even know the scope of things in the United States. I learned later that 34,000 in America died of that flu. I was so grateful to be a survivor for more reasons than I could name.

Here's the kicker....I didn't spend hours by a radio or TV listening to statistics about the flu. I didn't need to hear anything about it all. People are not equipt in our day to listen to this kind of information day in and day out. In my day, schools weren't closed down nor were churches or ballgames. Life went on. Folks who were ill stayed home and took care of themselves. Staying out of crowds may help in some instances, but shutting off life does nothing but bring people to despair. We can all stay in houses with shuttered windows, but even a family member may have been exposed outside the home. There are just some things over which we have NO control.

Right now, people who are Christians are about as fearful as those without Christ. With all I've seen or heard on the news, I've heard very little said even mentioning God in anyway. I finally heard it this morning on the news from the owner of a pro ball team. He mentioned how God is in charge of everything and knows what is going on. I wondered where that kind of thing has been in these days of panic. God has provided for our strength and peace in the hardest of times. Fear isn't an option with God as our opening verse tells us.

As Christians, we do very little to prepare ourselves for hard times. If we haven't gone through them, not in one right now, there is one lurking around a corner. Ours is a feel-good society. We do all to keep ourselves happy and healthy and want that for everyone around us. However, such theories just aren't reasonable. Reality tells us life can be tough. God never intended for all of this to happen. He created a perfect earth with two perfect people. There was no sickness, negativity of any sort. Sin changed all of that and that is what we continue to deal with to this day. Weather can be a mess, roses have thorns and people suffer from any number of diseases, just to name a few of the things we deal with because of sin infesting two people and the earth itself.

Moses gave some final words to Joshua as Joshua was about to take over leadership of the Israelites. I can't imagine how he felt, but Moses knew of Joshua's concerns. He knew Joshua was afraid. Moses spoke in the book of Joshua, encouraging him with words we would do well to take seriously in these days of anxiety and concern. I hope some of them will encourage your heart. They give us a good prescription for survival in any days of difficulty we are forced to face.

This book of the law shall not depart out of

thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day

and night that thou mayest observe to do according

to all that is written therein: for then thou

shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou

shalt have good success.

Have not I commanded thee?

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid,

neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy

God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:8,9

Here we have some worthy suggestions for us in these days. Be in the Word, meditate on it forcing us to think the right things instead of dwelling on news reports. Be an encourager a positive support with friends and families. We are commanded to be strong and courageous....no choice... and God equips us for that with His constant presence in our lives.

Dear Father, we need You desperately in these days. We know You love us and want what is best in our lives. Help us to keep our focus on You, Your power and Your Sovereignty. Nothing can slip Your attention. We ask for healing for so many who are ill and for healing for our land and world. In Jesus precious name...Amen

CULTURE AT A LOSS

Woe unto them, that call evil good, and
good evil; that put darkness for light, and
light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!
Isaiah 5:20

Living where we do, a stone's throw from the national park, it isn't unusual for an alert to go out that someone has lost their way in the park during a hiking trip. There have been times when a child wandered away from parents and became lost. One thing that has been suggested to hikers, especially children or new folks to the park, has been that when one realizes he is lost, to stop where he is, sit down and wait for help to come. The tendency even when lost and in a panic is to continue wandering hoping to see some place or some thing familiar. It can get where all trees look alike so that the lost one can wander aimlessly becoming more and more lost.

When lost in the daylight, a lost hiker may still feel hope of rescue until evening begins to set in. When darkness falls, in a setting like ours here, there is real panic...there are shadows, strange sounds...even various animal sounds of those that wander through the forest at night foraging for food. The darkness becomes a serious enemy for one who is completely lost, who cannot focus or see anything clearly. The lost hiker is thrilled beyond words seeing the glow of a flashlight or hearing a call from a nearing rescue person.

Scripture speaks in several areas about darkness, mostly a spiritual darkness that we can become exposed to or even find ourselves in the very middle of. Should such happen in our own lives, the suggestions of the national park I think apply here. We need to stop wandering around trying to find answers that often aren't anywhere to be found. Most of us in those circumstances need to just sit down and quietly wait for the Lord to come and minister to our spirits. He will often do that as we refer to His guidebook.

The above verse speaks to where many in our country are with regard to morals and standards...good is no longer just good, and evil is coming to be seen in more of a good and positive light. What used to be wrong behavior and lifestyles are now being accepted as being normal. Our culture tells us that things anymore aren't just black and white, but morals and standards are viewed as being more gray where people can decide for themselves what is good or evil. When this mentality sets in, in reality, a person has come into the realm of darkness and has fled the light God intends for each of us.

Many of us can look back to days that were more civil, when authority was respected, where good character was evident in school rooms and in the halls of government. My question is, “What happened.” I can recall honorable politicians, at least for the most part. If you had a TV, you got the local evening news with informative information..no drama. Somewhere our culture let a lot of really good things go. Electronics have played a huge part with TV's, computers, all sorts of phones, etc. Hand held computer devices teach children how to be unnecessarily aggressive, even to the point of killing. However, behind all of those things resides in the hearts of people wanting to find their way, a way out of unhappiness and boredom.

I've decided that what our country needs is a good old sweeping revival in the worst of ways. We can't go back and change the past, but we can be a part of changing the future, one by one. First, the greatest need of any people is an acceptance of Jesus as Savior. Without Him in one's heart, life will be spent living life at Satan's bidding. 

 As believers, we are commanded to live lives pleasing to the Lord individually. The lives we live for Christ will say more to others than any sermons we preach. We need to take advantage of speaking for Jesus when we can. We must ourselves be in the Scriptures and bathe it all in prayer. If our country continues a path self destruction, I would hope you and I would be doing our part in it's “stay” of execution.

Father, help us to be a doer of Your Word and not hearers only. As pleasant as some of our memories may be, there are children growing up now who will never know any innocence in today's culture. Keep us praying..keep us faithful. In Jesus precious name...Amen

TIGHT PLACES

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change.
And though the mountains slip
into the heart of the sea;

Though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains quake at
its swelling pride.
Psalm 47:1-3

Brian and I visited Chattanooga, Tennessee a few weeks ago where fifty years ago, we spent our honeymoon. We went to the places we had visited back then. I must admit that most of it had changed drastically (duh!). A favorite of ours was walking again through Rock City which is still a most fascinating place. Along this walk, one comes to places referred to as “tight squeezes.” It would be very hard for some folks to work their way through those places be it a problem with weight or even in some cases hampered mobility.

In recent days, I have taken a look at Psalm 47, really spending more time on the above verses. The entire Psalm written to be sung is a Psalm of Gods love and the security He provides for those who are His children. Just in those three verses we read of God's strength in our lives, especially in times of trouble. God being our refuge is such a comforting thought. A refuge is a place we can go to for safety, protection and help. In our day we know about shelters of various types...homeless, battered women, rescue missions sponsored by churches and even pregnancy centers. All are the extended arms of God to minister in lives of need whether we recognize that fact or not...remember “Jesus with skin on.”

At the end of verse one is the word “trouble.” The interesting thing about that word according to my reference Bible is that it is translated “tight places.” When I saw that translation, and seeing that during those times, God is a very present help, I thought of tight places through life I have gone through. As I recall, some of them were really tight especially during my single days. There were work and financial stressors where there just wasn't any wiggle room.

We've all known those tight places during family life. Tight places could include job issues, financial woes, challenges in child rearing, and even health problems that in any area could bring troubles (tight places) that seemed impossible to deal with or get out of. It seemed the more we wiggled to solve or get out of such problems, it was to no avail. At times, the more we wiggled to escape, the tighter the place became. In it all, God was a help during those times even if we didn't recognize Him at the time.

The other two verses in this section refers to something we are all experiencing in our country even today. There are times we glide through Scripture as if what we are reading is just historical and not for today. The other two verses refers to weather issues. We see that the earth will change. Yep, God is SO smart. Mountains are spoken of crumbling, tumbling into the sea. Volcanoes tremble and some even spew lave into nearby oceans. When that happens because of the heat, the waters roar and foam because of the hot lava falling into the water.

We hear in our day regarding “climate change.” I'd like to shout from the mountain tops that climate, no matter what it is, belongs to God. He can use it as He sees fit...IT'S HIS. Politicians can come up with all the solutions for climate change they choose, but it will be to no avail. They blame us in some ways for the changes in our air...misuse of fuels, industrial smog and even cattle “passing gas” while roaming their fields. The Psalmist tells us that we are not to fear no matter what happens weather-wise on our earth. He's got it all under His control.

For many people in our day, weather has created some tight places in their lives. We have seen on our TV's horrible fires ravaging through forests and homes. Flooding has destroyed entire cities with their being reports of people who have drowned. It would seem we've had an unusual number of tornadoes and hurricanes. Unusual cold weather has spread across our country with unrelenting snow storms striking in some unusual places. All of these events disable and destroy...tight places.

In it all, whether our tight places are personal or national, we have a Heavenly Father who is totally in charge of everything. I don't expect unsaved people of note to think spiritually about anything when they don't know Jesus. While they are full of panic, we can be full of trust in God, knowing He's in charge. We also know that in it all, God is trying to get our attention.

We have decisions to make...”Therefore we WILL NOT fear...” We can choose to trust during those tight places and not be fearful. God is our “very present help.” May we rest in that fact no matter what comes our way.

Dear Father, thank You for being my refuge in times of trouble and problems...my tight places. I may not understand circumstances that come my way but I know I can trust you in every disturbing event in my life. You are my strength and joy and have been in the tight places of my life. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You in the bad or good weather of my days. In Jesus' precious name...Amen