FLOODS HURT

Save me, O God for the waters

have come up to my neck,

Psalm 69:1

I have never been on the receiving end of a weather-type flood.  When young, we would often  drive to the very end of our state to observe the Mississippi River that was flooding at the time and causing great damage, but we stayed safely on a high road.

We could ask Noah about what living through a flood is like.  Prior to the flood, he hadn't even known what rain was but in cooperation with God was saved on an ark Noah had built.  The ark saved his family and choice animals...all humans and animals to replenish the earth.

In a year or so, many folks in the eastern part of our state and surrounding states, came to know quickly of what damage and heartach flooding waters can cause.  Most floods come as a surprise, something out of nowhere. This flooding came from the after effects of a hurricane that had hit Florida.  The flooding was an extension of that hurricane.  Many fled to high ground for safety.  Some folks could only go to their roofs hoping for rescue.  The moving waters were ferocious,  destroying bridges, uprooting trees and carrying homes and businesses to total destruction.

Yep, I've never heard of a storm, that from a human standpoint, seemed to be of any good use.  One thing such floods cause in the normal person is a sense of panic and feeling they've lost all control in their lives.  Hopelessness in the heart can seem to set in quickly.

David's flood was different.  He was king but on two occasions in his life, he had to flee for his life.  Saul was first after David to kill him and then of all things, Absolom his son wanted him dead.  Emotionally and spiritually, David felt not just swamped but felt himself in a flood of despair and need.  You see, floods aren't always just made up of rushing, destructive water.  Emotional floods can cause that same sense of hopelessness and loss as a physical flood.

Psalm 69 is a wonderful Psalm that was written by David when he felt totally overcome.  He knew the only answer was crying out to God in those moments of sinking.  God would be David's life, comfort and direction in those floods he couldn't humanly control or understand.

The same is true for you in me in days when we feel hit by everything but a Semi truck.  When in a time of utter despair, whatever the flood in our lives, Psalm 69 is a prayer we can pray to our Father when we can't seem to even put a sentence together.  This is a longer Psalm but so well balanced in attitude and help.  If you are facing any kind of flood right now, and it can happen in the holiday times, join David in prayer.  God heard him....but God hears us as well.

Father, You know when our hearts are breaking and when we see no solutions near.  We are so grateful that in these times, You have answers and comfort.  Help us to rest in You in our times of feeling so overwhelmed by human flooding.  Thank You for Jesus...and in His name we pray.   Amen

A

  ABUNDANT PURPOSE

The thief does not come except to

steal, and to kill and to destroy.

I have come that they may have

life, and that they may have it 

more abundantly.

John 10:10

Any couple who has welcomed their first baby into the world has big dreams for that child.  For some time, they concentrate very much on baby ways....cuteness, growth, cooing just right and even maybe some future dreams for that baby.  There isn't much to go on when there isn't alot about that baby parents know regarding personality, talents, education capabilities, etc.  

I say those things because amid the special excitement Mary and Joseph must have felt with their coming Baby, I'm sure they dreamed dreams for Him like any parents would.  They were well aware their situation was different from others, but when Jesus was born, in those moments, he was a flesh and blood Baby.  When He was born He had the very same needs any baby would have.  He had to be cared for like any baby.  We celebrate this special Baby this time of year and rightly so.  His parents didn't know ahead of time what we have come to know about Jesus.  We've been able to see Him an adult, in the Word.

 That sweet Baby was to have quite a future.  God knew all about it and I'm sure Jesus did in His early years.  As a mom myself, I wish I could have known more about His growing up years.  We mom's are interested in things like that.  We just know He came to adulthood with an earthly, yet Heavenly, purpose.

Even during this Christmas season, I've been reviewing in my mind some of Jesus'

statements of purpose in His life.  Down through time, His purpose became our salvation and full life.  Jesus was quick to tell people who He was and used great examples in getting His purpose across to others in terms any of us can appreciate.

 I love the above verse as Jesus spoke of some of the dregs of society and even considering them and their low lives, He made clear how He had come for them.  The verse prior to the above one, Jesus begins by saying simply that "I am the door."  We can read a series of I AM'S Jesus stated during His ministry, all lindicating what He intended to be in the lives of others...door, shepherd, vine, way, truth, life, etc.  I guess what I'm saying is while I love this time of year...and there had to be an earthly beginning...He came with such purpose.  In it all, He became and is our Savior, our present in abundance and our future with Himself.

It was a Silent Night, Holy Night, but thankfully there is another song we sing now  ...Christ the Lord is Risen Today.

Father, thank You for Your precious gift of Jesus.  We can't imagine this gift from a Father's heart to a sin occupied world.  We can't thank You enough for loving us

that much and for Your love extended in and through Jesus who gave Himself for each of us.  Praying in that precious name, Jesus....Amen 

 

POST THANKSGIVING

Oh, give thanks to the LORD,

for He is good!  For His

mercy endures forever.

I Chronicles 16:34

Sitting here in my comfy chair in the corner of my livingroom, I'm recalling a scene in my house this last holiday Thursday.  I saw children of varying ages playing in and outside, coming and going with usual activity.  In the kitchen area around the table were adults, young to me because three of them are my children.  Their spouses were there along with a few others.  They were talking and laughijng, enjoying one anothers company.  My first thought was about Brian not being here and if he were, would be as observant as I was.  What a joy to witness it all.

Everyone has gone to their homes.  I have some leftovers in the freezer I hope to enjoy in some upcoming days.  The house is quiet and I must admit, I love the quiet but so enjoyed the activity.  I've always loved Thanksgiving as a holiday, but at the same time find myself wondering why it takes a holiday to emphasize a spirit of gratitude.  Even that gratitude can get lost in the food, football games and other activities on a specified holiday.

I did one of my acrostics that I think can apply to us everyday, not just on one day.

T-ake...H-eart...A-nd...N-otice...K-indness...F-rom...U-nusual...L-ocales.      Perhaps it would benefit us to pay more attention to daily blessings God so abundantly pours into our lives on a daily basis, often coming to us in unusual ways.

We may not have the usual trappings of the holiday...day off from work, sweet aromas coming from ovens, families enjoying each other's company, but why can't everyday be days of gratitude and thankfulness?  These post days, perhaps we need to add two words to our daily vocabulary and use them frequently...THANK YOU.  Our first big thank you on a daily basis should be to our Heavenly Father; then extending honest thank you's to those we meet and greet on a daily basis.  In it all, no turkey and dressing is required.

A BIG THANK YOU,  Heavenly Father, for Your goodness in our lives...a goodness not one of us deserves.  You've given so much and we so little but we love You and want to love You even more.  Help us to have an attitude of gratitude everyday we live....in Jesus' precious name....Amen 

BIBLE   PRESERVERS 

Thy word have I hid in my heart, that

I might not sin against Thee.

Psalm 119:11

Off and on through the years, I have encouraged ladies I have taught either in Sunday school or in Bible study groups to have at hand (in the memory) specific Bible verses that can be of encouragement, especially in times of stress or difficulties.  Such verses can be of such help and support in times we may not have our Bibles near at hand.

Such verses are going to be different for all of us as our experience with God's Word will be different.  These verses chosen are usually those we have been blessed by in special ways or events.  Some such verses may not even be memorized but verses we go to in our Bibles, verses that are probably underlined.

Any verses we can readily recall in normal times, may not be quick coming to mind in times of difficulty.  That's why I've suggested listing such verses by address somewhere in the front of a Bible that would be quicker to find.  When I have a Bible at hand, I READ the verse I'm hanging on to in the moment.  That verse may be stuck firmly in my mind, but I find as much as possible to read the words slowly.  I usually get some new insight into the message of the verse depending on where I am in the moment...a moment of stress of some kind.

We underestimate the power found in the Word of God.  It is so practical in so many ways.  It isn't a book to be carried to church and then to rest on a coffee table the rest of the week.  Through the Word and often in private, still learn, are encouraged and yes, can be physically strenghtened.  Our Father loves being our father, influincing our lives for His glory in so many ways.

This comes down to what the Bible, God's Word, means to us on a very personal level.  We have a wonderful pastor who faithfully preaches the Word.  You may have a really good Sunday school or Bible study leader.  Guess what?  They faithfully preach or teach and both are sources of growth, but God wants to teach us one on one.  A part of that teaching, God through His Spirit, loves one on one contact with us.  He wants us to see the reverence for His Word, but also wants His Word to be a practical help and encouragement day to day. 

 Those verse preservers can mean having a closer dependence on our Heavenly Father.  They can also be encouragement in the good times as well.  When such a verse comes to mind, that's the Spirit...chew on that verse for awhile, getting all the richness out of it as possible.  May we take a fresh look at our Bibles that aren't meant for just Sunday but for everyday.

Dear Father, may we realize how very much You want to minister to us through Your Word no matter our circumstances.  Thank You for what it means to us, providing wonderful times with You we so desperately need.   In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

 

LIKE A TREE

He shall be like a tree planted

by the rivers of water,

that brings forth its fruit

in it's season, whose

leaf also shall not wither;

and whatever he does 

shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3

Can't help but notice that our trees are looking pretty bare right now.  There is still some color on the mountain sides but down here at earth level, trees are looking pretty bare.  The above Scripture has always been such a blessing as I've always had a special love for trees.  

In Scripture, trees are of some note.  Jesus once told a short man to come down out of a tree as he had climbed up just to see Jesus.  We are often compared to trees when it comes to their fruitfulness and strength.  The other day, I came across a nice little notice I had cut out and put in my Bible that is still a blessing.  It reads:

Concerning Trees And Us...

Have deep roots,

Be flexible,

Keep growing on the inside,

Bloom often,

Show your colors,

Point your trunk upward,

Raise your limbs to heaven,

And bring forth good fruit,

as long as you live.

Seasons may come and go in our lives, but spiritually, we never have permission to lose our beautiful colors, our strength, our fruitfulness and our blossoming for our Father.  The seasons of our lives may change but spiritual strength must not ebb but be consistent no matter the days, circumstances or times.  God is God in every moment of our lives to encourage and bless us along our way.  

Things may look pretty bare right now, but trees are just rejuvinating inside and in their own way.  New outer life, we enjoy looking at as the trees again take on lovely shades of green, is just around the corner.  May you and I bear the loveliness of Christ in ourselves no matter the time of year or circumstances that might come our way.  Let's keep growing...and leafing.

Dear Father, You are the master creator of all things.  You so long for us to want to grow in Yourself, to blossom and bear fruit for Your glory.  May we have that desire for ourselves as well.  In Jesus' dear name...Amen

 

A Sweet Pillar

Precious  in the sight of the Lord,

is the death of His saints.

Psalm 116:15

It's been awhile since I have played the piano for a funeral, but did this week in honor of a dear lady I met when Brian and I first moved to this precious place.  We joined the Baptist church then as it had been our vacation church for years.  We didn't hesitate.  We loved the preacher, his wife and so many dear folks who were members.  It didn't take long until the pastor asked me to teach a ladies class and then the need for a pianist came up and I became the pianist.

I had first noticed the really nice Hammond organ in the church.  I have loved that brand and still do.  I had played one off and on in other places but didn't talk about that.  The church already had an organist...LaVerne.  She and her family still are  such a huge part of our town's history.  LaVerne was a single lady, very educated and lived down the road from the church.  She always had a smile and sweet spirit.

Our church was all LaVerne had known.  Her family had been such a part in it's building along with adding a lovely cemetery right next to the church.  In our time at the church, I don't recall her missing a single service.  The last few years have been especially difficult for her health-wise so she's not been able for some time to play the instrument she has loved so dearly.  I have heard it's the organ her father gave to the church.

LaVerne went to Heaven just days ago.  She had been ill for sometime and her homegoing didn't come as a surprise.  Her funeral was just a day ago and I was honored to be the pianist for that service.  However, our former pastor preached the funeral and what he said was so significant regarding her life.  He used the theme of a PILLAR,  explaining what they are and the need for them.  LaVerne was every bit one of the pillars in that church, a pillar that could be counted on by her loyalty, service, generosity...all  because of her love for the Lord.

Pillars aren't very often noticed when they are supports for a building but what they do is vital to the safety of a building and those inside.  I asked myself if I can be counted on as much as LaVerne was in her love and service.  Our churches need pillars like her and hope the Lord is finding you and me that faithful and more.

Father, I don't mean to honor LaVerne more than You but it's been You working in her all these years.  May we too be determined to be folks of faithful service, not for show but because of our love and gratitude for You.  In Jesus name....Amen

SCARS OF LIFE

And being found in appearance

as a man, He humbled Himself

and became obedient to the

the point of death, even the death

of the cross.

Philippians 2:8

 We all have them...scars accumulated from our various ups and downs of life.  They say with age, physical scars tend to fade or disappear, but I can still make out a few from time past.  Some folks bear physical scars with some real damage that was done to them perhaps through a car accident or even through serious burns.  Some scars are barely visible but some much more obvious.

Some of our scars bring back some very negative feelings.  Some scars may even bring a bit of a smile when we think of some scar experiences.  Such physical wounding results depend on each individual.

There are some scars that aren't visible and can't be seen because they are inside of us.  Terrible events in our lives can leave one emotionally damaged.  That damage isn't easily recognized by the outside world or even by the person who bears them.  They may have come through tragic events or through hurts that are too hard to think about.

Scars are handled differently by those who bear them.  Some folks require some special counseling, and some with special time spent with the Lord.  You see, Jesus knows a whole lot about scars, scars He didn't deserve in any way.  He went through an execution meant for the worst of the worst, despite His total innocence.  We hear about His nail-scarred hands but the other scars left on His precious body couldn't be counted.

Our scars come from everyday living and general circumstances of life.  His scars weren't just physical, the also reached to the depths of His very being.  His scars didn't come from a fall or even a work related accident.  His scars came about because of you and me.  The physical and emotional pain can't be calculated but what of the pain of bearing alone the sins of the world.  Now that's some very serious scarring...for you, for me...which makes our scars look very small in comparison.

Father, thank You for helping us bear the scars life has presented to us but thank You even more for Jesus, Who took on scars for us we can't begin to comprehend or appreciate.  Thank You Jesus...Amen

WHO'S YOUR DONKEY?

I will instruct you and

teach you in the way you

should go; I will guide you

with My eye.

Psalm 32:8

There were probably many Sunday schools who use the same materials who had a recent lesson in Numbers telling of Balaam and his donkey.  For years, I didn't pay much attention to the incident, but it really had a huge impact on me with now teaching it. 

 Simply, I'll review the bulk of the incident.  The king of Moab called for a medium by the name of Balaam from a distant city.  Balaam began the trip riding on a donkey that had been his for years.  However, on this trip, his donkey's bahavior was curious and suspect.

Three times, Balaams donkey misbehaved in such a way as to interrupt the trip for Balaam.  Three times the donkey avoided something only it could see...the angel of the Lord in the roadway with sword drawn.  That angel was there to make sure Balaam didn't get to achieve his task...that of putting a curse on God's people who were in route to the Promised Lane.

After it was beaten on three times, God gave the donkey a voice and God also got into the conversation.  Something I had never noticed in this incident was that the donkey saw the danger, but it was invisible to Balaam.  The donkey, by God's leading, had actually saved the life of it's master.  Through this event, Balaam came to yield himself to God.

When finished, I asked my ladies, "Who's your donkey?"  You see, we have all had one or more through the years.  It's a person who can often see things ahead of us we don't discern.  It can be any incident of life where God may use others to lovingly give us a caution regarding  a risky decision we are about to make.  At those times, God may have given a friend some insight we need to hear and perhaps heed.  You may have been one of those donkey's in time past, speaking with love and caution to another person.  Most of us have been on both sides at one time or another.

Sooooo....who's your donkey?

Father I thank You for those folks you have impressed to be honest with me regarding a questionable decision I may be considering.  You work in so many wonderful ways to love and guide us, even at times in unusual ways.  Thank You for those who have cared enough to speak up.  In Jesus' precious name....Amen.

 

GOOD CHEER    

These things I have spoken

to you, that in Me you may

have peace.  In the world

you will have tribulation; 

but be of good cheer, I

have overcome the world.

John 16:33

It wasn't until my college days that I learned about being of good cheer.  I always thought such a statement was reserved for Christmas greetings.  The above verse somehow didn't dawn on me that the thing of good cheer is for every day of the year.

I had a friend who just about drove me crazy telling me more than I wanted to hear for me to be of good cheer.  I had left home to go to a distant Christian college where I knew no one.  I must say that I wouldn't have considered my life to be one of good cheer.  I wasn't real clear on what cheer even was.  The main use of that word only reminded me of friends who had been cheer-leaders in past school days.  During an athletic event, they were loud with the message of loyalty to our school and always had a huge smile.  I don't think I ever saw a cheerleader at a game with a frown on their faces.

Still, my friend often during a week would admonish me to be of good cheer.  The hint for him was that I wasn't (and still not) a big smiler.  That's a big indicator.  He meant well, but it wasn't the encouragement I needed.

Such encouragement eventually came my way as I became more acquainted with the above verse.  The cheer spoken of isn't a cheer where someone goes around giggling through their faith.  Cheer is something much more in depth...cheer has a source and that Source is Jesus.  With Jesus, cheer is more a deep happiness based on the peace we have in Him.

Jesus said Himself that the things He spoke had real purpose, one of those being a peace that goes far beyond understanding.  Through that peace, comes almost in a natural way, a spirit of cheer.  Jesus stressed our cheer based in Him would be good.  Entertainment may give us a brief time of happiness, but cheer for the Christian is meant to be ongoing despite the ups and downs of life.  That kind of cheer has only one source, that being Jesus Himself.  So dear friend, BE OF GOOD CHEER.

Father, You do work Your will in so many ways.  Something like cheer may seem like a small thing but all You do in our lives is BIG and with purpose.  Thank You for Your using and loving us, especially through Jesus, and in that precious name I pray....Amen

BEE IN YOUR BONNET

Make no friendship with an angry man,

and with a furious man do not go.

Proverbs 22:24

It's a saying I used to hear "old folks" say when I was a little girl.  If someone was upset or really angry, it wasn't unusual to hear someone say that whoever it was had a bee in their bonnet.

It's amazing but in my growing up days, I can't recall witnessing alot of anger in people.  There were concerns regarding WW II and then even into the Korean War days that seemed to occupy people's minds.  I'm sure there were frustrations and insecurities in peoples lives, but one rarely saw anyone "fly off the handle."  It there was alot of frustration in lives, indications of anger were usually kept at a low.

If I were to describe our culture today, it would have to somewhere have the word ANGER in it.  People are even being paid to be angry taking it to the streets of various cities.  However, most angry folks don't have to be paid for their personal anger outbursts.

The above Scripture gives us a caution regarding our associations with angry people.  It's easy to take up the cause of an angry friend, thus, it's best to stay away from people who seem to live and delight in being angry.  Anger can be catching and destructive, and before we know it, we can be caught up in someone else's anger to the detriment of our own more calm leanings.

We must not allow the anger of our culture to take over our lives.  God is an amazing healer even in the area of our emotions.  Like other emotions that may entangle our lives, He always knows what to do and how to love us through it all...

Father God, I thank You that I can come to you no matter where I am emotionally.  Despite my ups and downs at times, I'm  so grateful for comfort and assurances of Your Holy Spirit.  I pray I will be more a person of love and forgiveness even if others don't seem to deserve it.  In Jesus' name....Amen