NOT ME...REALLY?

Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not anxiously look about you,
for I am your God. I will
strengthen you, surely I will
help you, surely I will uphold
you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

A doctor I saw today at an appointment in general conversation, said, “We are sure in the most difficult of times.” That was putting it mildly and he knew that. We are troubled on every side seeing things going on in our country we never thought possible. It's easy to see things and take on a judgmental spirit toward others, refusing to look at our own sinful ways.

A few days ago, there was a chapter of Scripture that kept crossing my mind. I knew what the chapter contained and to be honest, just didn't want to go there. I knew, however, that the Holy Spirit was prompting me to go to that place, so I did.

The chapter is Psalm 51...a prayer by David seeking God's pardon for sins that had just been pointed out to him by the prophet Nathan. David found himself in a place he never thought he would be in...much like us with our own sin. David was a good boy, son and man. No one would have believed the depths of sin to which David stooped beginning with being out of God's will. David, as king, was supposed to go to war with his army like kings did in that day. This time he stayed home. In that process, he sought out a beautiful woman he spotted across the way bathing. We know what it all led to...lust, adultery, murder of the woman's husband that ended up with the death of his own newborn son. David was a good man, weak for many days, susceptible to sin like we all are. To this we would say perhaps to ourselves, “That would never happen to me.” Really?... be careful.

David, however, when approached by Nathan regarding his sin, didn't deny any of it. He took responsibility unlike in our day when someone is caught in crime or sin of some sort. The whole thing was so heartbreaking for David. He knew he had disappointed God and in Psalm 51 confesses his sin, shame and repentance for those things.

We look around today and see people dressed in black as well as high up people in their fine clothes rioting, plotting, and lying through their teeth just to keep our country torn up. We can become pretty judgmental of them all and yet every yelling, screaming, destructive person is of concern to our Heavenly Father. He wants to save them, bring them to Himself even though we don't understand it.

In this Psalm, David prays some things that appear in very short in words. Looking , especially at the first 14 verses we see parts of Davids prayer: Be gracious to me, Blot out my sin, Wash me, Cleanse me, Purify me, Restore, Sustain me, Deliver me. David put himself out there before God in sorrow and repentance.: He says in verse 4

Against You, You only, I have sinned
and done what is evil in Your sight,
so that You are justified when you
speak and blameless when You judge.

As strange as it may seem, we cannot sin against another person. However, he recognized that his sin wasn't toward those he had hurt, but against God. Sin is anything that goes against the principles and will of God. We can hurt people and it can at times cause far reaching damage, but sin will always be toward God. David wasn't covering his wrong doing, but knew he first had to go to God.

Nestled in the middle of David's prayer is verse 10, a precious, priceless prayer he prayed with a repentant and sincere spirit. It's not a group prayer...it's a very private one and the result was clearly seen in the changed life of David.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right
spirit within me.

This is a prayer we all could pray frequently. There's a lot going on in our country, a lot that seems even beyond the bounds of wrong doing. It's easy to look at ourselves and feel pretty self satisfied because we aren't like the rest. God hates our sin and wrong doing just as much as in those bent on destruction, perhaps more because we know better, or should.

If we are wanting revival in our country, it's going to have to begin in you and me individually. We believers need to get real and transparent with God...praying for His grace, forgiveness and deliverance. May we look into the mirror of God's Word with a yielded spirit. In addition, may we be people of prayer like never before. It can't be a one time “Now I lay me down to sleep” kind of prayer. It can't be one or two-time prayers. We must pray like warriors digging in the trenches because prayer still changes things.

Dear Father, forgive me for being judgmental toward others. May I be a person more of love toward others, knowing in their wrong doing, they need You in a huge way. Help me to keep short accounts with You when it comes to my own sin. Renew a right spirit in me. In Jesus name...Amen

GOD IS GOOD

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord will give grace and glory:

no good thing will he withhold

from them that walk uprightly

Psalm 84:11

I can't tell you how much the above verse has meant to me through the last 51 years. The Christmas prior to our February wedding, Brian and I got each other new Bibles...mine red and his black. He wrote a sweet note on a front blank page, but closed it with the above verse. Every time I read the verse, which is often, I am reminded of God's goodness in our lives through the years. Brian and I have seen the goodness of God in our relationship and family, but have also seen it in our own personal lives.

Many books are written these days about the attributes of God. Often, the attribute of God that is often relegated to the end or not given as much attention as it deserves is that of goodness. God's goodness in our lives is mind-boggling if we choose to consider it. Goodness is often defined as a deep kindness shown to others whether they be deserving or not. We may think about it as being “nice.” My Mother used to tell me to be good, if I was going away from our house with others. I knew she meant I was to be well behaved in my treatment of others. God's goodness is much more than behavioral...it's who and what He is.

One might call it a tradition, but every Sunday morning at the end of the service, our pastor closes our time with:

“God is good”
“All the time” (congregation)
“All the time”
“God is good.” (congregation)

The greatest goodness God ever showed in our lives was in sending His only Son Jesus into the world. Jesus didn't come as a celebrity to prance around as many celebrities do. He came as a human being to relate to everyday people. In all the Gospels, the thoughtfulness and goodness of Jesus is evident on every page whether He was healing, teaching, or raising the dead. He set the example for us as to how to treat friend and foe alike with goodness whether deserved or undeserved.

As I've thought of God's goodness in my life, it's easy to think of the big things...education, careers, marriage, three great kids all along with the opportunities He has opened up for me in serving Him. However, lately, I've been trying to take note of so many little things that God in His goodness provides for me day after day to enjoy. I wish you could see my three rose bushes in front of the house. They are full of the most beautiful flowers. As I go onto the porch to observe them, I am facing some of the most beautiful mountains straight ahead. I realize others enjoy nature God has provided in His goodness for all, but these days, I'm taking all of these things personally as God's gifts to me.

I realize that God's goodness may also come in the form of what we consider negative events. God will always work in our lives for what is best even though it may not seem like it. Here we have to include Romans 8:28:

And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to His purpose.

Don't ask me how He does that, but I trust He is always working good on my behalf, even if I don't understand the circumstances at the time.

My prayer for each of us is to concentrate more on God's goodness that comes to us in abundance. God has such a special way in His goodness that He just blesses my “blesser.” I think our Father would appreciate a thank you every now and then, even for the smallest things. Our gratitude must bring warmth to the heart of our Father. With our gratitude, He is glorified.

Father, we thank You for your goodness You surround us with every day of life. Your every provision in our lives, speaks of Your goodness and love. Thank You for Your ultimate goodness in sending Jesus, and for His love in dying for each of us. In His precious name....Amen

OUR SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE

Blessed be the God and Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His

great mercy has caused us to be born again

to a living hope through the resurrection of

Jesus Christ from the dead,

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable

and undefiled and will not fade away,

reserved in heaven for you,

who are protected by the power of God

through faith for a salvation ready to be

revealed in the last time.

I Peter 1:3-5

While a kid watching our black and white television screen, I was fascinated by a program entitled “The Millionaire.” I think there have since been remakes of this program, but it doesn't hold the mystic for me like it did then. With every program, an assistant was called into the den of his boss. With few words, the assistant was handed an envelope with a name on it. He was to deliver that envelope to that person. In that envelope was a cashier's check for one million dollars. Back then, millionaires were only in our imaginations. It was nothing like now. The assistant did as ordered, knocking on the appropriate door and handing the envelope to the proven intended receiver. The story went from there after the shock of the receiver and we followed what happened with that money. It usually went to someone who had great need or circumstances.

The above wasn't exactly an inheritance, I realize, but something similar has happened in the lives of genuine heirs. Most people know if their name can be found in the will or a relative or friend so there may not be any surprises about that. There are people who learn by some legal source that they have something coming to them because of the death of someone who may been a total stranger to them.

I found it interesting in my reading how Peter opened his book with the good news of an inheritance that is coming to God's people. To receive anything from another's will, there has to have been a death. The wonderful thing about Jesus' death is that He rose again and still when we die, we will share in an inheritance that can't be explained in words. In this case though, every human being will not be receivers. There is the requirement of a relationship with Jesus for that inheritance to be valid. Jesus according to verse three made all of this possible. As born again people, we are family and entitled to His riches in glory. How wonderful that is!

Our will is described in four words that all have to do with security. There are things in our day that can go wrong with wills. They may be contested. If that doesn't happen, whatever is received is only temporary, not meant for eternity. As we have learned, we can't take it with us. With God's inheritance for us, it's in our future and we will get it at a time and place that has true meaning in our lives...Heaven with the Giver. So how does Peter describe this more than wonderful inheritance?

*Imperishable: This inheritance can't be destroyed. It won't spoil, mold, rust or in any way come to nothing.

*Undefiled: Pure in every way.

*Won't fade: Won't disappear

*Reserved: This is for true heirs only...God's true believing children.

There may be people who fill out their wills when in good financial or material shape. My name could be on that will as an heir. When the time would come upon the death of the writer, they might be broke, item promised can't be found. If I had been advised of my being an heir, the person could have removed me from their will without telling me. For now, it's all so very earthly. As God's children, He has so much that awaits us that will be more than we can wrap our minds around.

This wonderful inheritance God is providing needs no notary signature. The only stamp to be found on this inheritance is in the blood of Jesus and is protected by the power of God meant only for His born again children.

Dear Father...thank You for my every provision on this earth. I know from Your Word that You have even more in store for me in the future than I can imagine. Your greatest gift to me, though, was Jesus and all He has done in my life. He is my great reward in my present days and can hardly wait to be in His presence. I love and appreciate You and pray these things in Jesus' precious name...Amen

ONE PIECE AT A TIME

For even as the body is one and

yet has many members, and all the

members of the body, though they

are many, are one body, so also

is Christ.

For the body is not one member,

but many.

I Corinthians 12:12,14

It's something I used to love doing that of putting together piece or jig-saw puzzles. I've had my eye on a couple of them that has a Park theme and finally purchased two of them. They each have 550 pieces which once opened looks more like 5500 pieces. I purchased two of them, one being a favorite church we have visited many times in Cades Cove and another of a cabin scene. They are both beautifully photographed and then rendered into their many pieces with the intent of producing something very original..

The church puzzle looked to be an easier one so tackled it first. I dumped all the pieces on a table and for some reason, they didn't look at all like the picture on the box. As I sorted through all of the pieces, I pulled to one side any piece of the puzzle that had one very flat edge. Those pieces in essence would serve as a boundary for the puzzle, but not exactly a frame. The whole puzzle would through various pieces work into that frame. No pieces of the puzzle would fit outside of the the established boundary.

It seemed so appropriate as I put the church and it's surroundings together that it took every piece of that puzzle for it to be complete. As I separated all the pieces, it was obvious that some were similar and alike in shape, but were each different in color from all the rest. We are all made in God's image, but we are definitely different shapes and shades to say the least. Have you looked around your church worship center lately to notice all the differences in those sitting in the pews? Each different in clothing, size, age, shape, but still a brother or sister in Christ. The makings of a beautiful completed puzzle.

No matter how I tried to force a certain piece into a certain place because I thought it SHOULD fit, it didn't and I was frustrated. I've watched through the years in church settings, folks either being forced or forcing themselves into areas of service where they didn't fit. I've been there and done that and I know the result wasn't what pleased the Lord. For my puzzle picture to be right, the pieces had to fit as the creator of the puzzle intended.

Just as the pieces were fit together to create a beautiful picture of the church, the not so noticeable edging served as the guide, the boundary that lent stability and definition to the puzzle. As a church, we have the Word of God that serves as that boundary for us. We can not go beyond it or we not only mess up the puzzle, but will have ventured beyond truth. Without the Word of God, we have no security or guidelines in our lives let alone words of love and even correction we often need.

When I got to the end of my puzzle venture, I had one empty hole. A piece was missing. It isn't hard for this to happen with a puzzle. A piece can fall off the table or be hidden somewhere near. In any case, the puzzle isn't finished even if only one piece is missing. As I look at my church and Sunday school class, there are people who I don't realize how much they are missed until there is no contact with them for a time. Things just aren't complete when they are missing. By the way, that piece had fallen off the table and under the couch. It was easily retrieved with a broom. I had to ask myself when the last time I went looking for a seemingly lost piece to the GRAND puzzle.

This body, our church, needs every piece (person) in place, serving with others for God's glory. I'm not sure how important every member of a church knows themselves to be. Not all can sing in the choir, teach a class, usher, work in the nursery or serve as a greeter. Perhaps there are those who are prayer warriors we don't even know about. Some are able to give financially to the church on a greater level than others for God's work. During the virus, we have had a faithful deacon and his wife who have kept a check on us. All of these things mentioned and others show a living picture of God's intention for His people. He wants us all, no matter the shape, color or position to serve in His divine puzzle to be Jesus with skin on.

No two puzzle pieces are identical...same with all of us who love and serve Jesus, happy with our place. Result: pure beauty bringing the glory to God He so rightly deserves.

Dear Father, it's such a joy being a part of Your grand plan not just for me but for my brothers and sisters in Christ. May we find fulfillment in serving Jesus together in those places You have designed for us. Keep us mindful when even one of us has fallen away and needs picked up and encouraged so they will fine their rightful place again. Thank You Jesus for making this all possible. In Your precious name....Amen

ONE THING

Brethren I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things
which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

Not only here but in other of Paul's writings, we see Paul as a goal setter. I don't know about you, but if I don't set some reasonable goals in just about every area of my life, I don't get much accomplished. I recently took on a challenge and have been determined to get it finished. Somewhere, I came across a schedule for reading through the New Testament in one month. It sounded like a reasonable thing to push for and to this point have been able to stick with it. To do this means a real stretch for a goal.

There are many reasons for setting goals, some reasons more important than others. Often, though, we don't think of setting spiritual goals. If we are to be all for the Lord He wants, it will mean having a determination to get certain things accomplished and doing them with the strengthening of the Holy Spirit.

Although the above verses combined seem long in words, Paul actually had two things in mind that would bring spiritual victory in his life. First he says to us even now: “This ONE thing I do....” He had made a very determined decision and he focused on only one thing at the moment. You and I are called upon to have that very same focus when it comes to the things regarding our faith in Christ. Our “one things” may change often, but this one thing Paul speaks of should be our main thing through our lifetimes.

The second thing Paul mentioned is how he intended work his “one thing” plan. He says in our verses that he was going to “press toward the mark.” Brian and I really like watching track events on TV. There is one thing all the runners have in the course of their race. Often there are at least two leading in the race. As they see that tape at the end, it's obvious the strain in the faces of the runners, the deep breathing, and the stretching to be the one who breaks that tape and is declared winner. Very often, runners lose their races because they lose focus. They may look to see who is near them in the race or the crowd may be a distraction. A coach can call from the sidelines that distracts. Thus, a race can be lost.

Paul spoke in between of a distraction.  Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind.” Satan would love to distract us with past events or failures. He wants to do anything to cause us to lose focus on what lies before and the possibilities of finishing well.  I don't know if you have noticed as have I that we are living in times of great distraction. Satan has us worked up, angry and worried. I don't like seeing everything going on and would like to place blame all over the place. We need to understand that SATAN is the culprit using rich and evil pawns of all this to cause our troubled minds through their hired pawns.

Paul said in the middle of his main statement that he was FORGETTING and REACHING. Both were necessary if he was to reach the prize of God's calling on his life. This was the one thing he was living for...the prize of God's calling. Sounds oh so simple, doesn't it. This is another area where we often in good faith, take on this Christian life on our own. We never see Paul launching out on his own without the leading of God in His life. He was saturated with pleasing his Heavenly Father.

Spirituality doesn't come in a bottle where we take a tablespoon of it's contents once each day and then we are cruising spiritually through another day. With all the distractions of our day, may we focus more on the things of Christ, put the past behind us, reach and press. The reward is the high calling of God in our lives, His blessing and anointing. Spiritual goals take tenacity and determination with Holy Spirit power all for God's glory. How great is that?

Father, I pray for Your power in my life to be disciplined in my walk with You. Help me with so many distractions I tend to pay attention to. I want Your mind in my life so I'll be who You want me to be for Your kingdom and glory. I pray for our country and for people to be saved who so desperately need You in their lives. Protect our authorities and help them to reach for what is good and not evil. I pray these things in the precious name of Your Son Jesus...Amen

IT'S HISTORY

Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday,
today
and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Looking back, one of the joys of my life was the privilege of teaching both World and American History in a Christians school in Virginia. We had been home educating at the time. Brian was transferred to that locale and in the church we joined, I was asked to take a teaching position in it's school. The second year there, I taught both history classes in the high school. I found the students at first doubtful about getting into the subject as it sounded boring but I tried to make it as interesting in various ways to make their time well spent.

In the process of preparing for these classes and in getting the teaching of History in my own mind, I felt getting my own self prepared as much as possible. One of the main things I came to grip with was what History really is. In preparing bulletin boards and the whole ilk that is expected of teaching preparation, I recall the final thing I did on one wall of the classroom. I purchased somewhat large cut out letters and on one wall, I positioned those letters where they stayed for the entire year. The sentence was simple but true as could/can be. It read:

HISTORY IS HIS-STORY!

Did you catch what that statement says and what it means? Some of us have very protective feelings about our history and heritage from Columbus discovering our country, the establishing of our Constitution, victories in war, survival of various kinds, etc. I don't know what to think of adults, some in government who are willing to sell us down some liberal river historically.

Let me explain something. Something happened that first week of creation other than the things we think of. One of the most meaningful things that happened was the beginning of history. History is measured by time. Our human history began that week with the establishment of light and dark, day and night...time itself. We measure history by time/days. With every day from then to now has been history, our history as we look at it from a human standpoint. However, it was God who created it all and from that first day until right now, history is God's story...His-story.

That history has moved in a very wide ranging way from the garden of Eden. Still, we have extended from that first couple as has everyone. All has occurred from then to now under the careful watching of God Himself. Civilizations grew and spread...still God's story remain His. It's a story, a people He hasn't always liked and at times had to punish and yet, a people from wherever He has still dearly loved...loved to the point of sending His Son to die for mostly ungrateful citizens of the then earth.

We often think of Jesus in terms of coming to earth as a baby. We read of His ministry and His ultimate sacrifice for mankind. We rejoice with His resurrection and so look forward to seeing Him again either through death or through His second coming. However, a quick look at Genesis 1, we see Jesus an active part in the creation of all things that first week. Jesus didn't just pop up on Christmas. He's been at the core of history from the very beginning of the earth as we know it. His history goes back into eternity...a term we can't begin to comprehend.

Even today, Jesus watches a people He loves desecrating those things precious to Him...people He died for. I think He grieves with every Christian that is martyred, church that is burned or spray painted with evil words, historical persons in books or in some form spit upon or destroyed. As much as I look back at my own appreciation of the history of my country and family, God is grieved as we are at the ingratitude and evil doings of evil people we are seeing in our day. Remember that in what we are seeing, many of the protesters are paid by big name people with wealth beyond our imaginations who hate our country as it is. They are paying for all of this to be done. Despite the evil, God sees and God knows in His time how to deal with it all.

I rest in the fact that history is all God's story, past and present. I know just a small part of it. I also rest in the fact that God knows how to take care of every situation in our day as He has done in days past. We claim a belief in the sovereignty of God. It's time we believe that fact. So what now?

First, we must never lose sight of the fact that as individuals, we are a part of this great historic story. People may never remember me years from now, but God allowed my footprint to exist on this earth and I have made my contribution as only God sees. We must make our time count. Next, we must pray like never before. Prayer moves things, gets things done beyond our scope of view. Every evil person we see functioning as has been seen lately needs us to pray for them. We can't throw up our hands and give it all up. When we entertain such an attitude, Satan laughs.

Father we sometimes feel our worry and concerns about present circumstances can change things in our circumstances or our world in general. Help us to boldly take all these things to You knowing You have a plan and will work that plan for Your glory. Use us as You see fit, but only for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

WATER, WATER

But whoever drinks of the water
that I will give him shall never
thirst; but the water that I will
give him will become in him a
well of water springing up to
eternal life.
John 4:14

Water is something we take for granted. It has been a lifelong friend and necessity for all of us. While we may drink it in various forms, we also have water in the foods we eat. When it rains, we benefit from it's moisture even to the point of humidity in the air that we sometimes don't care for. We have fun with water. If you are a boater, fisherman, water skier, swimmer or just a wader in a stream, water can be most enjoyable. We bathe in it for cleansing and doctors scrub in it prior to surgery while some folks have to have it for various forms of therapy.

Water is prominent in Scripture beginning with it's creation in Genesis 1. Not too far into Genesis we meet Noah and his family who are living in a time where civilization was evil to the core. God made a decision to wash it all away and begin again with Noah building an ark in preparation for a massive flood that would destroy everything except for those harbored in the ark.

In Exodus we meet Moses leading a very ungrateful people out of slavery in Egypt. Along the way, rations dwindled and there was a need for food and water. Amazingly along with manna from Heaven for food, God also provided water from a rock. Amazing....water from a rock. They had already crossed the Red Sea where the power of water was shown in it's fullest, but no fuller than the power of God who controlled it.

An important use of water was/is for baptism. John the Baptist baptized people in his day and had the privilege of baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. Jesus saved His disciples from drowning in the Sea of Galilee during a storm. He also washed His disciples feet using a basin of water. So water has been down through time vital for many reasons, especially keeping a human body hydrated.

When droughts come bringing a desperation for water, people do any number of things to encourage rain. There has been seeding clouds, praying for it and even digging for it. Many farmers I recall had wells near their houses. I remember drinking well water while at the farm of a relative. It tasted so different, so good and so cool.

Jesus, in John 4, sat down at a well in Samaria and spoke with a woman who came mid-day for water. There were two things wrong with this as the Jews of that day would see it. First Jesus was in Samaria. Jews would walk many miles around Samaria without entering it. Next, he spoke with a woman at the well, especially with no one else around. He had sent His disciples for provision. All this was put to one side because Jesus had a message for this woman and the same lesson that would come down through the centuries to us.

When Jesus saw this woman, He engaged her in conversation on the subject of water. She was thinking of physical water that would have tasted good at that time in the heat of the day. However,, Jesus had a different kind of water in mind. He spoke to her of spiritual water, a water that would never run dry. It would flow from the inside of a believer and hydrate that believer in ways physical water could never do. She appeared to be fascinated with what He was teaching and became a believer almost on the spot. She couldn't wait to tell others of this experience and many of them too sought that spiritual water Jesus spoke of.

So how does anyone experience that filling spiritual water Jesus spoke of then and still makes available to people in our day?

*Without a salvation experience, spiritual water isn't available. This point cannot be ignored.
*Once saved, we will stay refreshed by being in God's Word, drinking from it in abundance.
*Prayer is that connecting water hose available to us that keeps us refreshed and blessed in so many ways. Prayer is our lifeline to our Heavenly Father.
*This spiritual water needs no well, will never become scarce, but is available constantly no matter where we are or the circumstances.

Just as Jesus spoke to that Samaritan woman that day, so He extends the same information and invitation to people today. Sometimes while pouring a glass of cold water  into a glass, we might want to reflect and thank Jesus for that spiritual water available to us with no well or faucet required

Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus, the giver of that water to every believer from Him that is always available to us. Thank You for it's strengthening and sustaining power in our lives. Thank You too for the refreshment we find in You every day. Keep us close and in Your Word daily. Forgive us of our sin and keep us close in these days of evil and confusion. Amen.

IMAGINE THAT

For the weapons of our warfare are
not carnal, but mighty through God to
the pulling down of strong holds:

Casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against
the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ.
II Corinthians 10:4,5

Imagination can be a wonderful thing. It's that part of us that dreams, creates and plans. There is nothing wrong with imagination when used in it's correct context. Paul speaks of imagination in terms that are negative. The people in Corinth were facing a lot of negativity in their lives in their cultural circumstances, similar to what America is facing today. Satan loves playing with our minds and works heavily in our imaginations. Think of the times our thinking about our own circumstance begins with two words...”What if.” Those two words can take us down a very negative path imagining things that haven't happened and probably never will. This was happening with the Corinthians...negative imaginations. It would appear they were feeding on those imaginations rather than on the knowledge of God.

We are faced on every side with circumstances that contribute to our negative imaginations and thinking. In fact, they are so negative they strike fear of the present and future days. Protests, killings, people burning buildings...”What if.” Political manipulations, politicians who don't seem to care about regular citizens, statues of our historical heroes trashed...”What if.” Flu symptoms, being alone and vulnerable, finances drained...”What if.” With just the mention of some of those things, our “What if” thinking kicks into high gear.

This week, while reading in II Corinthians, I came across the verses above, verses that struck me in my spiritual heart in such a different way, mostly because of the events of our present time. Paul gives a simple command to cast down anything that tries to exalt itself above God, get rid of them, and refuse to entertain them. Sounds impossible, doesn't it. However, we also know that with God, nothing is impossible.

There are times I feel sorry for God. I don't know how He tolerates any of us on any given day. We don't have to murder anyone, rob a bank, crush another's spirit, etc. What we forget is that to God sin is sin. I realize some sins are more far reaching and crushing, often affecting dozens of people for a lifetime. Scripture brings me back to the fact that God is sovereign and is very capable of taking care of Himself and of all of us for sure.

I feel bad for people who weren't born in the times I was. This is one of my problems in that I have some other times to compare with today's events. I remember a country that was loyal, never questioned the treatment of the American flag and for the most part, where people were happy. Sure there were problems. We lived in a fallen world like we do now. All lives mattered. I didn't know a thing about abortion until I was out of college. We weathered wars that were heart breaking. Yep, we had our messes, but we're in a mess right now so what do we do.

One of our biggest mistakes we make as Christians is that we feel there is nothing we can do because we are individuals and what can one person do. I was feeling a little of that as I was praying the other day, but it came to me...what if every concerned Christian dedicated themselves to be people of prayer like never before? Praying in church is fine, but I'm talking about all of us dedicating ourselves to be people of prayer on a daily basis.

So in this time, WHAT IF we:

Commit to prayer and Bible study
Are faithful to our church in every way possible
Cast out our own evil thinking that isn't of God
Allow God to rule our minds and imaginations
Bring our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ
Take advantage of the weapons of warfare God has made available to us.
Speak in love for God to another He may put in our paths.

Change will never come except on an individual level. We can't wait for other person to get right with God. It must begin in us individually and then What If can be changed into What Is because of personal obedience to Jesus. I can't change anyone else...just me...just imagine!! Then I must partner with God to be a personal witness to others of His love.

Dear Father we are seeing confusion and evil in abundance these days. We may fret and worry, but in that process, forget that nothing escapes Your sight. You remain in charge of every circumstance and You will handle such circumstances for purposes we may never know. Help us to lean on You and trust You in these complex times. In it all, we are gratteful that Jesus died for every person no matter their background. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and my friends...giving us a life that can be lived for You. In Your precious name...Amen

SPLASHIN' IN THE WORD

Isaiah 43

Recently in some hot days and in seeing some TV ads of children playing in sprinklers, splashin' in a pool or even dancing in the rain, my mind went back to my sister Kay and I in younger years playing with the water hose in our back yard. Mother would adjust the nozzle, hang it over a clothes line and then turn it on full blast. Kay and I ran in and out of the falling water, even jumping two-footed in any puddles that developed. We hated to go into the house to dry off and get into dry clothing. We wanted to keep playing, but there was a time to stop. It felt good...it was fun.

This past week, while reading in the book of Isaiah, I got stuck on chapter 43. I was being refreshed over an over as I “splashed around” in those pages and always hated stopping because of other things that had to be done. God was speaking to His redeemed people back then, but I am one of His redeemed as well now. I'm not sitting in Israel, but in the mountains of Tennessee. I'm still one of His redeemed. When I saw words for Israel, I just slipped my name in there claiming those same blessings God continues to spray into my life that I can just splash around in with the greatest of delight. Take a look:

1.But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator,

O Jacob, (Glendarae), and He who formed

you, O Israel, (Glendarae)

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have

called you by name; you are mine!

2.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,

nor will the flame burn you.

5a. Do not fear, for I am with you....

Are you with me yet? Read back over those verses, child of God, and splash around in God's wonderful words to us. MORE...

13. Even from eternity I am He, and there

is none who can deliver out of My hand; I

act and who can reverse it?

ONE MORE...

19. I will do something new, now it will

spring forth; will you not be aware

of it? I will even make a road in the

wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Get out your pencil and do some digging in Isaiah 43...the deeper you dig, I believe you will strike water...that wonderful water Jesus spoke of to the Samaritan woman in John 4. When you do, just splash with rejoicing in the promises of God. We need refreshing in these days and only our Heavenly Father can provide that for us.

Thank You Father being our refreshment in times of the dust of turmoil. May we take more personally Your love and care for us and not regard what we read from Your word as just general information. You are so precious to we undeserving people. Thank You for Your loving patience. In all these things, may Jesus be praised. In His name....Amen

REMEMBER

Remember those who led you, who
spoke the word of God to you and
considering the result of their
conduct imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7

Think back...who is the very first Sunday school teacher you remember? What is the name of the first pastor you remember standing in the pulpit of your church when you were just a kid? Who were some people in the church you may have admired as a very young person...folks you watched and observed? As a very little girl, I remember how the older ladies smelled so good from various perfumes, soaps or bath powders. Remember for a moment those church folks who smiled, handed you a piece of candy, hugged you and maybe corrected you for not behaving in church.

I said to my husband the other day when folks think of their favorite school teachers, most will leave out one of the most important teacher in their lives. I don't know all their names in each of your lives, but I know the position they held. That teacher I'm referring to is the teacher in our youngest school years who taught us how to read. There wasn't any skill taught so vital to the rest of our educational/life success. Without reading, we could go no further even in elementary school. So when I think of that teacher, I think of Miss Irene, my first grade teacher. She had also taught my mother when she was in grade school.

In church, my mind and heart goes to Nellie Barker. She was our preschool Sunday school teacher who had come from England. We loved the way she talked. Many in class couldn't yet pronounce their “r's” so called her Nellie Bawka. She was about as round as she was tall with gray hair. She loved teaching children. There were huge Bible character pictures she put up on the walls of our room. She put them halfway down the wall so we could easily see them. We didn't have fancy Sunday school literature then, but she made Bible stories live. She was a hugger and often expressed her love for us. I can remember her voice and how she would pat her sweating forehead with her handkerchief. Thank you Nellie Bawka for setting several of us on the right path of loving the Bible and Sunday school.

We are in a season of honoring moms and dads. Blessed is the person who has known nothing but godly parents who taught him or her the things of God from the very beginning of life. They were taught prayer before meals and at bedtime. A parent read Bible stories to them when young and shared things from the Scriptures as they grew through their teens. Such parents still encourage their children from the Word at appropriate times.

At our adult stage, we have a lot to look back on. We have been so blessed by all the spiritual input that has been put into our hearts and not just in our childhood years. Even during our adult years, there are teachers, preachers, Bible study leaders...all and more who have and who continue to invest in our lives spiritually. I've had several pastors and Sunday school teachers in my adult live who have enriched me in the things of God. I presently have a great pastor and Sunday school teacher who bless me on a regular basis with their teaching. I'm not the only one who is benefiting from such people of God.

Many of my remembrances in this area are already in Heaven. I believe as I continue to remember and be blessed by those folks that God sees and His rewards for those folks continue. We must remember that we are all teachers too. We may not preach a sermon or teach a Sunday school class, but people are hopefully being blessed by our lives lived and they will remember.

 Let's take a little time and think back on those who taught us so much but perhaps knew little of their own influence on us. One of the best ways to remember them would be to stop and thank our heavenly Father for each of them and their influence in our lives.

Dear Father, there is so much to remember about Your goodness in our lives. We think of Jesus giving His all for us as well as Your sweet Holy Spirit Who still ministers in our very beings. Thank You for being You in our every breath and step. Rather than our problems, may we remember what a blessed people we are. In Jesus' precious name....Amen