YEP, IT'S REAL

And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld His glory,

the glory as of the only

begotten of the Father),

full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Sunday evenings at 6:00 was a time our pastor had a question/answer time prior to the service at 7:00. Anyone could ask him a Bible question as long as it was done with a good attitude. I loved these sessions as they were for the most part educational. However, on one particular evening, I found myself anticipating the pastor's answer to a question I thought was too simple. The young man stood and asked, “What do you consider the most important verse is in the entire Bible.” I, like others, probably thought we would hear about John 3:16. After all, it's probably the main verse memorized by Christians and maybe even among some non-Christians as well.

He directed us to turn in our Bibles to John 1:14. He wanted us to see it with our own eyes. I must admit I hadn't paid much attention to the verse that is written out at the top of the page of this blog. There were some important things he pointed out, the most important being that Jesus, the Messiah, born in the flesh to walk the dusty, dirty and sinful world had arrived. Whether recognized in the moment as the Messiah, the fact was that it's just Who He was.

Without the fact of that verse, the pastor pointed out that we wouldn't have a Bible as we know it, if at all. The Old Testament from the beginning points to a coming Messiah and the rest of that story is told in the New Testament.

The disciples had the privilege of beholding Jesus in a huge variety of everyday circumstances and in it all, beheld His glory as only the Father could bestow. He was also full of grace and truth, so noticeable to His followers.

Have you and I truly beheld the glory of Jesus? May it be so for each of us.

Father, we are so grateful for Your Son. May we love and appreciate Him in these days more than ever before. In His precious name...Amen

 

CHANGE? MAYBE

O LORD, You have searched

me and known me.

Psalm 139:1

A new year is upon us with hopes of change and dreams coming true. In reality, the only real change regarding a new year is within a split second when 2022 changes only by replacing the last numeral (2) at the end of 2022 to a 3. There are some of us who will be happy to bid 2022 farewell. We certainly have great hope for a more positive coming year, of positive change in our culture and our being drawn to Jesus like never before.

For many years gone by in teaching ladies in various settings, I have loved sharing with them some of the truths of Psalm 139. We live in a world of change, but the changes are often disruptive and even heart breaking. An in-depth study of Psalm 139 can be uplifting and spiritually encouraging in so many ways. You see, there's one huge fact we can “hang our hat” on....that is that GOD NEVER CHANGES. He doesn't have to look back on 2022 to His failures, nor should He dread any negative events in 2023. He's in charge and does all things well.

If one has problems with self-esteem, difficult childhoods, abuse in any way and on and on, the acceptance of the facts of this precious Psalm can be life-changing. Please open your Bible with me and jump in.

V 1-6

God knows me entirely, my comings and goings, my ways, every word on my tongue. He has His hand on my life and has hedged me in.

V 7-12

There's no running or hiding with God. We can't escape His watchful eye no matter how much we might try.

V 13-16

God has had His eye on us even from our very beginning. He saw us in the womb and every iota of our human formation has been under His scrutiny. He even had us written in His book before birth. This section alone should alert us as to how God feels about abortion.

V 17-18

We are in God's thoughts. There's no way of counting the times He thinks about us, as the sand of the sea. That's a lot of thinking.

V19-22

As David writes, there is a plea regarding the wicked and how much David would desire God to step in regarding those enemies.

V23-24

These verses are a prayer regarding one's soul searching and prayer for God's leadership in life that would be on-going.

I've written this out so you might look at this chapter and be blessed by God's love,care, protection, provision....all that is unchanging in our lives. Years may come and go, changes may come, but where God is concerned, we can count on His consistency and His never changing character.

Thank You Father for the days You give us. May we use them wisely in serving and loving You, knowing You do all things well through Your everlasting love. In Jesus name...Amen

ANOTHER YEAR

Through the LORD's mercies

we are not consumed, because

His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22,23

When I think of New Years, my mind goes back many years when churches celebrated a new year in very festive ways. I remember those times from the age of about six and on through high school. New Year's eve at the church usually began around 8:00 in the evening. There was always an opening church service. Folks could leave after that if they wanted to but most stayed around.

After the service, was a long break for eating. Ladies brought all sorts of food to satisfy hearty eaters. By the time the eating, visiting and cleanup were finished, it could have been ten or ten thirty.

We then moved back to the church auditorium. I remember seeing a really good Christian film, later many that were produced by Billy Graham. That could have taken up an hour or more. Thoughtful mothers had brought quilts and some pillows for little children who by the film time were ready to sack out. They were put down in pews that became their pre-beds.

About 11:30, there were sometimes testimony times and a few minutes prior to midnight, mostly men would kneel at the alter and pray in the new year. With that done, our janitor would go immediately and begin pulling the rope connected to our church bell in the steeple. He would ring that bell heartedly, but upon stepping outside, one could hear other church bells ringing from churches all around town who too had welcomed the new year with their own church families.

So now, we face a new year. I've never believed in resolutions, but have used the word “goals.” Resolutions sounds rather SELF to me but with goals, I have a Heavenly Father who can strengthen me in attaining desired results. No matter how we bring it in or jump into the new year, I pray for us that we will have a wonderful year in the Lord that pleases Him and keeps us close to Him. The year isn't ours...it's His. May we bring glory to our Heavenly Father in all we are and all we do.

Thank You Father for a new year. We don't know what it will bring, but we want it to be a year of service to others but primarily for Your glory. In Jesus' name....Amen 

HE IS HERE!

Behold, the virgin shall be with child,

and bear a Son, and they shall call

His name Immanuel, which is

translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

There is no way of knowing now how I got into doing a “Christmas piece” (poem) for the children's program at our church that was to be just before Christmas. I had just gotten into kindergarten. I knew it was all the big kids that did those “pieces”, but Alma Lockman came into my Sunday school class and gave me my “piece”, I told her I didn't want to do it, but she assured me that my mother would help me with it. They needed a really little kid to open up the program with the first words of welcome. It would be my first experience at public speaking.

We rehearsed the Saturday before the program in the church auditorium and of course, I had to go first. I looked around at all the children and their parents who were there which looked like a crowd to me. I was told where to stand on the platform that was rather high from the main floor. Miss Alma motioned for me to go ahead and speak, but I froze....I couldn't say a word.

Finally, Miss Alma walked on floor level toward me. She was rather short so she reached up and tenderly took hold of my ankles with nothing but love and concern. I told her I was scared with all the people there. Then she said something to me intending to comfort me but, it didn't do the job. She told me I didn't need to be scared because....”JESUS IS HERE!” Oh man, all those people and now she tells me that Jesus is somewhere there. I looked all around and didn't see Him anywhere, but managed to finish my “piece.”

I've never forgotten that event. It wasn't the new clothes I had to wear or Miss Alma's love. I got through it all, taking Miss Alma's word that Jesus was there. I couldn't see Him in person, but in my fear and trembling, I had the assurance of Jesus' presence because Miss Alma said so.

Miss Alma is in Heaven as probably most of the adults who were there that rehearsal day. However, I am reminded in difficult days of loneliness or even fear, that even if I can't see Jesus in person, I know He's a presence in my life day and night. He's present even now when I've had to teach or speak to ladies in various places. What a sweet assurance for every day, and not just on Christmas day, that Immanuel is with me.

Thank You Jesus for always being a presence in my life. Your love and comfort in these days mean more to me than I can express. In Your precious name....Amen

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Forasmch as there is none like

unto thee, O Lord, thou art

great, and thy name is great

in might.

Jeremiah 10:6

Names have always been important for time and eternity. Proper names basically identify a person, company, organization, small business, medical facilities, churches and even puppies. I was given a VERY long name that few people can say with accuracy at first sight. In elementary school, I hated the first day of school when teachers felt they had to call out each student's name. Some of my teachers had taught my mom. They knew how to say my name, but still messed it up with resulting laughter in the room.

Names don't just identify us. We come to be known by those names when it comes to reputation be it good, bad or questionable. Many names from history and even in our day with known folks are judged on the spot when their names are mentioned in any context. In prior days, I recall older folks talking about the importance of having a good name. I didn't understand that then, but do now.

Despite the good or bad names we have known, the only name that is a name above all names is the name of Jesus. Isaiah gave us one list of names that are credited to Jesus in 9:6...Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There is no mispronouncing or misunderstanding any of those names. Jesus is all those and more.

I began some time ago in my Bible reading to circle every name for God, Jesus or the Spirit. I love opening my Bible and seeing God's name jump out at me....that precious name above all others. May we bless and appreciate all those precious names. There's no other name like His.

Thank You Jesus for coming to love and save us. May we always seek to honor and glorify You and Your precious name. In Your honor.....Amen 

THEN CAME WINTER

But I trusted in thee, O Lord:

I said, Thou art my God.

My times are in thy hand...

Psalm 31:14,15a

Winter has never been my favorite season. In times past, about all I ever enjoyed about this season was Christmas and my birthday in January. Depending on where I lived, I usually lived in the middle of lots of snow. Even as a kid, I didn't like snow. There were dark days, chills to the bone and having to wear gloves and boots most of the time. A ride on a sled was about my only enjoyment where winter was concerned.

Looking at our lives, I believe the four weather seasons we live through can be applied to where we are in life. Spring reminds me of new life and the nurturing of life into adulthood. Summer is a continuation of the young life that continues to be nurtured into young adult life through higher education, careers and family life. Fall brings us to a more mature view of life that can involve more established scenes. Some may even look to early retirement. With it can come empty-nesters, grandchildren, aging pets, and a good feeling of life in general.

THEN CAME WINTER...as much as I have never really liked the winter seasons, my present winter isn't all that bad. Oh, there are the usuals we experience in these particular days...arthritis, tendency to trip and fall, retirement adjustments, Medicare, married children with their own lives, Homegoing of loved ones, relaxing in a comfy chair, and watching a clock with hands that seem to move much too quickly.

For older believers, the winter days can be full of sadness and regret. Such folks become moody and hard to get along with. That's no way to complete life's journey. There won't be another spring time to walk into. Winter is our final season of life, so to speak. As believers, a major goal for each of us is to finish well. No matter the good life and example we have led for 90% of our lives, that final 10% is what will be most remembered by those who knew us.

My concern for us winter snow birds can be a spiritual smugness that can take over. It's during these years we feel we have grown as much spiritually as we ever will. How wrong can we be? These are years with more time in Scripture, in prayer and being a blessing in the lives of others. Winter, despite the weather, can be days of SONshine, with folks who love Jesus and others like never before. May we continue to grow in Him with the vigor of our Spring and Summer days. If we are in our winter days right now, we should eventually leave them having enjoyed every day and loving and knowing the Lord like never before. If you are in another season, make the best of each day knowing that around the corner, winter will arrive sooner than expected.

Thank You Father, for every day You give us in this life of ours. Help us to make each day You give us count for You and count in the lives of others You allow to send our way. In Jesus...Amen

 

KINDNESS NEEDED

And be ye kind, one to another, tender hearted,

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's

sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

It doesn't take much intelligence to see that in our day, kindness doesn't seem to be a goal in the lives of many folks. Kind folks are usually very tender-hearted. The emotion of tenderness just seems to go hand in hand with acts of kindness. One who is given to kindness usually has a very tender feeling toward other persons. Kindness isn't reserved for folks we know personally. There are many times in a store, restaurant, gas station where we come in contact with folks we don't know who may need a kind word, smile or even help.

One of the things I had to learn shortly after Brian's passing was how to put gas in the car. In time past, years ago, I put gas in a car but not recently. Those gas pumps can be very complicated. I usually get my gas in a local place out side our IGA store. There are always lots of visitors and thus folks putting gas in their cars. In these beginning days, I know I looked like a fish out of water trying to figure out what buttons to push and getting the heavy hose nozzle near the opening of the gas tank. There have been several times when gentlemen have come up to me offering to put the gas in my car, even showing me the right buttons to push. All was done with a smile and a good bit of sympathy.

Sometimes we miss the times when someone shows us kindness that are perhaps not as noticeable. There are times we too, show or express kindness when we wouldn't put a name to it...when we compliment someone, express concern about someone's health (and willing to hear the story), expressing gratitude for someone else's kindness.

Notice that along with kindness and tenderness in the above verse is the word forgiveness. I don't think we would consider that to be an act of kindness but it really is in the strongest of terms. This is something that comes hard for us, especially when we have been deeply hurt or offended. This is a really big area where we can be like Jesus. Where would we be without His loving kindness in our lives. With Jesus' sacrifice, we see and experience kindness, tender-heartedness and forgiveness all wrapped up in one beautiful package...ours for the opening at any time, any place, under any circumstances. We are truly a blessed people.

Thank You Father for the example of Jesus who extended kindness in some of the worst of events in His own life. Help us to want more and more to be like Your Son. Strengthen us with Your Holy Spirit so as to know and serve You better. In Jesus' name....Amen

 

GRATEFUL and BLESSED

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and

all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Psalm 103:1

While doing some work on my computer this week and in searching around for some special information, I came to a plaque on someone's wall. It simply had three words, one just above the other: GRATEFUL and BLESSED. I looked at it for a minute trying to get the connection. In a way, both words have some of the same meaning.

I decided in my own mind and heart that although similar, at least for me, one is a more private word (grateful) while the other (blessed) would seemingly be a word I would perhaps express to another person. Both words are somewhat intertwined but both are so direly needed in our day.

Most of us can recall when very young, if an adult gave us something or complimented us, our mothers would be quick to remind us “Say thank you.” We may have gone ahead and done that, but gratitude in that setting can be rather insincere at best, especially coming from children. Gratitude is a very personal quality and emotion that if expressed under pressure only isn't truly meaningful.

I am learning as of late that I have so many things to be grateful for, especially in the last few months. I think of Brian often, of course, and recall his love and care for me. He had a sense of humor that few people had the privilege of seeing. Such came through with family or friends he knew well. With me, he could make some of the craziest comments in his made-up screechy voice. I saw him as a Godly man with more character and integrity than most. He was firm in his beliefs and in his quiet way, would stand for what was right. I'm grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him well and at the same time learning from him. I'm not only grateful but feel very blessed.

The Word of God has meant so much to me, perhaps more in recent months than I can remember. I'm so grateful for how the Holy Spirit teaches me and guides me through so much of it that I've never really seen before. Along that line, I'm so grateful for our ladies Sunday school class I've been privileged to teach when our regular leader, Ruth has asked me to. These Godly ladies have been such a loving support and have seemed to know just what to say at the right times. Many have walked this same road as I am on.

All bundled up, I have had more things to be grateful for than I can list and because of it all, I am a very blessed person. In fact, it's quite overwhelming in a wonderful way.

Father, I don't know how to thank You for all Your blessings in my life. My heart is full of gratitude as well as just feeling so blessed for all You are in my life. In Jesus' name..Amen

SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE

The steps of a good man are ordered

by the Lord:and He delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly

cast down: for the Lord upholdeth

him with His hand.

Proverbs 37:23,24

The purchase of any new, very expensive item, new at the time of purchase, still requires a certain amount of maintenance. A new car will not stay the same new car with it's new-car smell The aroma won't last for very long. New household appliances need upkeep and won't stay new for long. The aroma of cooking bacon in a new house insures it's new smell won't linger. All expensive items require certain amounts of maintenance.

When a believer in Christ has dealt with past issues in life, it's almost as refreshing as in their day of salvation. Spiritual air feels fresh and clean in those days. Still, Satan loves to remind us of times past...our disappointments, failures and sometimes loss in so many forms. Despite our feelings of victory, Satan waits to tear us up again. So, how does a Christian, fresh from defeat, maintain that freshness and spirit of revival. Maintenance will require effort on our part. Scripture gives us direction and steps to take in the strength of the Holy Spirit. A wonderful place one could start is with Psalm 37. It's maintenance instructions are very clear, some of which are:

V 1: FRET NOT THYSELF because of evil doers

V 3: TRUST IN THE LORD

V 4: DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD

V 5: COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD

V 7 REST IN THE LORD...WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM

V 8: CEASE FROM ANGER

I encourage you to read that entire Psalm. Sometimes we need clear-cut instructions with little explanation. Those things are about as clear-cut as possible, none of which are possible without the strengthening of God's Spirit. Whether longing for spiritual victory or having just known it, those above instructions are a good place to consider. I might add that without a maintenance manual and following it's instructions, failure is a given. We have our spiritual manual...God's Word. It's instructions are failure proof when followed to the letter.

Thank You Father for Your direction in our lives. You want us to walk in victory. Give us a sense of urgency in maintaining our walk with You...Amen and amen

PURPOSE IN IT ALL

Who (our Lord) hath saved us,

and called us with a holy calling,

not according to our works, but

according to his own purpose

and grace, which was given us

in Christ Jesus before the

world began

II Timothy 1:9

They tell us in news reports today that suicides are at an all time high. Such events aren't limited to any particular status, race or culture. When one takes in hand a gun, knife or poison of some kind to take one's life, they would say there are no reasons to go on living. For them, all purpose for living seems to be gone.

The days were long and hard at the time. I'm not prone to depression, but I was there...full blown. I knew I wasn't where God wanted me to be. For six years I had lived and worked in a Christian Center in the middle of an inner city area. I was more than disappointed in myself. I wasn't all for the Lord I knew He wanted me to be and I knew I wanted to be. I felt at the time I had lost all sense of purpose being where I was. I had first gone there with stars in my eyes, that I was going to make a difference in lives. That was rather pompous on my part, forgetting that only God can do that. Bottom line was, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. God had patiently waited for me to wake up and join Him in fulfilling His purpose for my life. I soon left there and a remarkable new life opened up to me. In fact, within the year, I became Brian's wife.

We often think in terms of young people finding their spiritual way regarding God's plan and purpose for their lives. We have seen young people go forward at the end of a church service to rededicate their lives to God's will. We rejoice in those moments, but often feel that those moments are reserved for the young only.

What makes us think that even in the aging process, God isn't quite as interested in our recognizing His purpose for our lives like when we were young. We may often step back and take the attitude, “What's done is done.” The above verse is for all ages. I've said in the past and probably more often than others want to hear that “Where there's a pulse, there's a purpose.”

Why are we still here “above ground?” It's because God isn't finished with us and still has purpose for every day He gives us. Our relationship with Him must be fresh and vibrant. That contributes to our being usable for God in ways we can't imagine. He wants our lives to count, to have meaning and to be spiritually contagious in the lives of others. No matter our ages, God still has purpose for each of us.

Dear Father, help us to stay focused on Your will and way for our being. Keep us close and usable for Your honor and glory. Help us to recognize value in being close to You, serving You where You have placed us. Thank You for giving us real purpose in living. In Jesus' precious name...Amen