SIMPLER DAYS

 

When the righteous are in authority,
the people rejoice: but when the
wicked beareth rule, the people
mourn.
Proverbs 29:2

Do you, like me, long for some former days when things were more simple and uncomplicated? I consider it a privilege that God has allowed me to live through several phases of history both in our country and in the world. There are those who feel that today is the best there could ever be. I personally believe despite of all of the immoral messes we find ourselves in, that each day we live is the most important. Our hope would be to have authority in place in various areas of government who are righteous...persons of integrity and spiritual strength. Unfortunately, despite many wonderful moral and godly persons who hold various offices of public service, we still find ourselves in trouble.

Where have we gone wrong? I've thought lately about some simpler times I have lived through when life was less complicated, a time when in our country there was a general spirit of trust, honesty and yes, spiritual integrity. One day, I sat down and wrote a poem of such a time that reminded me of mornings when the dew covered the grass and children could hardly wait to get outside and play. Check your neighborhoods these days and see how many children you see outside playing. That's all we had to do when young. The play was simple and fun, but even in our play, we practiced a certain level of morals. For instance, take a look at Roy and Dale.

ROY (Rogers) AND DALE (Evans)

The sun couldn't come up too early

For cowgirl and restless cowboy.

Lots of bad guys needed catchin'

Folks counted on young Dale and strong Roy.

With wide-brimmed hats and rope on belts

And homemade six shooter gun.

There wasn't narry a bad man

Dale and Roy couldn't keep on the run.

They ran through Mrs. Britton's backyard

That had ever so slight of a hill.

They galloped on down the alley,

Pretend horses running at will.

By end of day, pretend horses were tired

So were strong Roy and young Dale.

Every bad guy in the neighborhood

Either fled or were in pretend jail.

Lessons were learned from such playing

Reinforcement of wrong and what's right

You knew who the bad and good guys were

You knew the dark from the light.

Our culture is quite different now

Many a soul up for sale.

Perhaps we need turnin' to days long ago

Of strong Roy and a cowgirl named Dale.

The bottom line is that we can't return to those days, but there is hope. We know that Jesus is our only hope on any given day in any given situation. However, our society didn't come to where it is over night. There was a slow drifting away from God and truth. Could we ever have thought we would be facing some issues we are facing today. Now we have to be careful about what public bathroom to enter, children walking home from school alone, scandals of all sorts among government officials and who would have thought we would see scandals among religious leaders.

Where do we begin? Believe it or not, the problems we are facing now began in the hearts of individuals in every walk of life, people like you and me. Somewhere along the line, there were those who basically turned their eyes away from a Savior who loves them. Americans in general in the days of Roy and Dale knew who Jesus was and even what He had done for each person. Nothing will improve for anyone until we get back to the things of God.

So we begin with you and me. I cannot be spiritual and moral for anyone other than myself. I can't force spirituality on my family or friends let alone anyone known in society or government. Individually, we have let down Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty, but more than anyone other than godly ancestors is God Himself. Our only hope for our country is we individuals, dedicated to living godly lives in the power of God's Holy Spirit. A home, community and country can be changed one by one as we live as God desires, making decisions that are morally and spiritually pleasing to the Lord. We'll never have the righteous in authority without a righteous people who put them

Roy and Dale are long gone and folks like them. Now it's our righteous influence that is so desperately needed, but it depends on you and me to be all for Jesus we can be. Our lives will have influence that folks will sense and that will bring glory to God and righteousness back to our country.

Father, help us to be the influence for You we ought to be. In so many ways, even Christians through time in our country have failed in keeping You in the forefront of their lives. In Your power, help us to be Your people in all we do, with the hope of changing things one person at a time. We love You and pray these things in Jesus' name...Amen

GOD MOMENTS

O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt Thee,
I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done
wonderful things; Thy counsels of old are
faithfulness and truth.
Isaiah 25:1

It was about six years ago, that an object I came across reminded me of the beginning of God moments in my very young life. I didn't recognize them as such, but still had special moments of meaning even when quite young. In my hometown of West Frankfort, Illinois is a wonderful historical museum located in a former grade school. It has a wonderful tea room in the basement of the school in the exact place where I attended a pre-school program prior to entering kindergarten. Down there is also a meeting room, but the various rooms upstairs are given over to different themes that have to do with those things that made our community the great and unique place it was and is.

After having lunch with my sister Kay in the tea room, we roamed through the different upstairs rooms. I got stuck in the school room and just couldn't seem to pull myself away. It was a room set up like the old school rooms I had known with desks, chalk board, all the décor that went with making an elementary school room homey. There were bookcases with various school texts from most of those elementary years. I drooled over a couple of them wanting those copies for myself, but happy they were there for people like me as reminders of those by-gone days.

One of the items in that room that had been salvaged from my first grade classroom was a special round table. It was probably in its day an old dining room table but had been cut down and lowered to accommodate small six year old legs. Miss Irene, my first grade teacher, had this table in her classroom, painted a bright red. It sat in her room with seven or eight small chairs around it. In the middle of the low table were several grade-appropriate books. It was a treat to get to go to the red reading table. That same table now sits in the museum, but someone painted it a light green color. I still would have recognized it. I can still almost feel the thrill when I would hear, “Glendarae, you may go to the reading table.” Time at the table was only for a few minutes, but what a thrill it was to walk to that table and sit in one of those chairs I always felt like I had “arrived.”

It was a privilege to get to go to the red table to read a book. It was a treat that was earned, not given to any student because of their name, parents rank in the community, cute or nicest dressed. If you had done your work and done well in a reading circle or reciting from word cards, you were told when you could go to that table. When I got to go to it, I felt ten feet tall, like I had grabbed the brass ring while on the merry-go-round.

All of us have had what I call “God moments” that loom huge in our lives....first job, first car, engagement, unexpected contact with an old friend, a gift out of seemingly no where, God's special healing touch during a long illness and on and on the list could go. Many such moments have to do with things we can't even see...answer to prayer, a compliment from another, moments of peace that overtake us or just the sensing of God's presence in a special way. I realize that many special things can occur in the lives of unsaved folks, but as a Christian, all of those things have been special touches in my life from God Himself.

I'm thinking of folks in the Bible who knew God moments in their lives. We read of these things but almost gloss over them as if they are expected. After all, the following folks are in the Bible. However, they were all just as human as you and me. They were not more or less important to God than you and me. For instance:

Daniel knew special moments with God but especially in that lion's den.
Moses traveled up a mount to meet God and to receive God's commandments
Esther was selected for the special purpose of saving her people.
Disciples were chosen by Jesus for ministry, each one having their special moment.
Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus.
The Samaritan woman had her moment at a well with Jesus Himself...what a moment.

All of us are probably negligent at times of not giving God credit for so many wonderful happenings in our lives. I have a friend in Texas who is raising some baby ducks in her back yard. I see those pictures and see her delight at this wonderful phenomenon of nature. That can be a real God moment. Sounds like a little thing, I know, but I don't think it is for her.

So often I find God meeting me in the most unusual and unexpected ways that are such blessings. I've come to know them as God moments and am sure you have those as well. I'm encouraging us to watch for those things God does in our lives that are so special and above the ordinary and to even share some of them with other Christian friends who will be encouraged by your testimony. Everything God does in our lives is special, but every now and then, He gives something beyond the usual, as special as getting to go to the reading table.

The day will come when we as Christians will be called to another table, that being the table where the marriage supper of the Lamb will be held. That will far outshine Miss Irene's bright red reading table. It will also far surpass the emotions as that little six year old girl felt in those moments as she sat down to read.

And He saith unto me, Write,
Blessed are they which are called unto
the marriage supper of the Lamb....
Revelation 19:9a

Dear Father...Thank You for all of those special moments You reveal Yourself to us in so many special ways that bless and encourage us. Thank You for Jesus Who bears that name above all names in Whose name I pray....Amen

WASTING THE PAST

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of
all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are
in any trouble, with the comfort with which we
ourselves are comforted by God.
II Corinthians 1:3-4

Having been a social worker, I found myself many times in a position of counseling people of all ages. Sometimes, these sessions had nothing to do with my job, but did have to do with dear women in various church positions who were bogged down with things dealing with past experiences. Too often, when folks are struggling with the past, they try to find solutions in therapists, psychiatrists and medications. There are times for those things I guess, but often for a Christian, those are things turned to first with no regard of what Jesus wants to do in their circumstances.

Many of us have unfortunate events that have occurred in our pasts. Some events have been more serious and traumatic than others, but whatever they were (and still may be), they are real and can be crippling. I have learned through these many years of life that no matter the unfortunate circumstances in my life, God never wastes a single crumb of that experience. There are things He intended for my further learning, growth and yes, even ministry. The most negative of life's events in our lives, God has more of a far reaching plan than we can imagine of our being an encouragement and even teacher for others.

A few years ago, a dear lady in a Sunday school class of mine lost her husband after his very long illness. He had suffered terribly and those of us in the class did all we could to be a help and encouragement to her. I recall going to the funeral home for the visitation time. Ladies from our class were present and were being very helpful when our friend needed anything. I recall I took charge of a Kleenex box and saw to it that my friend had fresh tissues every now and then. I also went for cups of water when I thought she needed some refreshment.

I noticed some ladies from my class as well as some others who came for the visitation time all saying something similar to my friend....”I know how you feel right now.” It suddenly
dawned on me that there was no way I could say that to this dear lady. I still had and have a living husband. I could do all I could in little ways for her, but I hadn't been her shoes, walking where she was walking. There's nothing wrong with that. The ladies in my class who are widows knew so well what this dear lady was going through and that in itself can be a tremendous comfort. God didn't waste their sorrow...He was and will use that difficult time in their lives to comfort and minister in the lives of others.

We are too quick to revert back to past events with great regret almost to the point of taking ourselves into a darkness that is hard to escape. I don't care how serious the sin or the incident, God forgives every repentant heart and can continue to use that person. Of course, the real beginning is that of salvation, but even born again Christians have their leftover past events to deal with. I'm thinking of ladies who have told me of abuse they've endured, abuse in any form whether physical, sexual or emotional. Some ladies have told me about having had abortions, others have been unfaithful to husbands. There are ladies who have told me of past problems with addictions...pills, food, alcohol, etc. I'm talking about ladies who in every incident are now viewing these things from the present back to their past.

Why mention these particular incidents? No lady has to go about airing out past dirty laundry, but God may use a lady who has known past difficulties to minister in the life of a lady who is struggling with something similar right now. The credential is, “I know what you're feeling...I have been where you are.” In that instance, one who speaks from experience is in a position to render hope to someone who feels all hope is gone, and that can expect unconditional and lasting forgiveness from God. It could be that with some problems, there are human beings around such a lady who will not be forgiving, leaving her lost and vulnerable. That is very much the likelihood in this day where forgiveness often seems in short supply. The important thing is God's cleansing, restored relationship with Him and His bringing good from what seems impossible.

In our day, we are surrounded by hurting people. The hurts may seem minor to some, but not to all. I've seen young women go through broken engagements that have been devastating. I know teen girls whose steady boyfriend broke up with them...they didn't make cheerleader...their parents are divorcing. I also know men and women who have been caregivers with loved ones now in Heaven. In our day, counsel from those caregivers is valuable. You see, there is a myriad of problems, large and small at various stages of life that can leave mental scars and yes, bitterness in ones life.

I have shared the two opening verses above with several people lately. It's what I refer to a “ones license to comfort.” Paul sees our tribulation as opportunities for us to comfort others in the same ways we were comforted during our own difficult time. Then, we can honestly say, “I know where you are right now and know there is hope for you, a hope only found in Jesus.”

All of this may not mean our ministering to a great crowd of people...it may be only one on one...but oh, the comfort and hope for a healthy future we can share with one so lost in a dreadful past. In those moments, God takes those crumbs from our terrible past experiences and uses them to be a blessing. In that process another person is helped, but we are helped as well when we can see good coming from something that at the time broke our hearts. I have watched my two daughters who have gone through some tough stuff being now in a position to be a comfort and hope to other ladies. They don't have to be older, seasoned Christians. God gives the wisdom and power to know how to handle the various needs that might come ones way in the most unexpected times. Whatever our past events that we consider crippling, God can use now as opportunities to minister in lives of others who need to know they are not alone and that there is hope. We don't have to go looking for these people who have need. God has a wonderful way of bringing them into our paths.

Here again is where we have an opportunity to be “Jesus with skin on” in ministering in the lives of others who need His touch. Scripture tells us that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are...He lived the very human life and because of God coming to earth, Jesus can feel with our heartbreaks. He can in reality speak to our hearts as we deal with heartbreaking issues in our lives, saying, “I know how you feel. lean on Me.”

Dear Father, You know there have been times I've felt swallowed up in life's circumstances in my own life and found it hard at the time to thank You for them. I now see some of Your plan as You've handed me those crumbs to use in comforting others. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Negatives, Be Gone!

And the night following the Lord stood
by him, and said,
Be of good cheer, Paul: for as
thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem,
so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
Acts 23:11

In our day, it seems we are surrounded on every side by negatives. Whether it's economics, educational systems, politics, social problems or the ill treatment of insects, it seems we can't turn on our television sets or computers without being bombarded with negatives. If we aren't careful, we can find ourselves even in church situations where there is little encouragement and too much negative nit-picking. Every church has some of that, but some have it in great degrees. I'm so grateful for the church I attend where I feel flooded with encouragement both in a congregational as well as one on one contacts.

As we read in the Gospels, it isn't too far into them until we see Jesus being attacked by political and religious leaders and there's nothing positive about those attacks. Jesus always handled those attacks with a grace where He always took the high ground in those confrontations. What we often forget was that standing nearby unless we are told differently, were Jesus' disciples, taking in the whole scenario. Even though there were hundreds who came to love and in some cases follow Jesus, there were also those who felt threatened by Jesus and His message. Those leaders felt threatened at the idea that many felt Jesus was the Messiah, that was a thought they couldn't even tolerated. We forget the disciples in all of this. They were just common guys, laymen for the most part, not as strong in the Lord as some day they would be. As much as they loved Jesus, the negative attention toward Jesus at times must of outweighed all of positive response of so many. That's the way we human beings are. Negatives tend to soak into our minds as if they are contagious.

What are some things to help us with the negatives?

First, remember God is in control. There isn't a person walking the face of this earth He doesn't know about. Nothing or no one has slipped through His very capable fingers. Despite what we read, see or hear, nothing will never be new to Him. We can be sure He has His eye on everything and everyone. God has control over everything that touches us.

Second, we must do all we can to be people who are positive and who keep positive attitudes. This isn't an easy thing to do considering our surroundings. We have to be IN this world, but we don't have to be OF this world. I don't think the fresh, new Christians we find in the early days of the fledgling church would be able to recognize most modern-day Christians as even being born again people. Through the years of world changes and compromise, many of today's Christians look more like the world than they should.

Third, it would be of great help if we would be careful to surround ourselves with friends who are positive people. Everyone has their down days, but there are many for whom every day is a down day for one reason or another. With closer friends, more in depth problems will be shared that are anything but positive. Our dearest friends are those with broad shoulders we can cry on and the Lord provides those dear ones for us as extra support. Even with them, however, we have to be careful to not fall into habits of non-constructive conversation on a frequent basis.

Lastly, we must always remember that we are a part of a very positive Gospel. Jesus didn't die for you and me to live at low ebb every day of our lives. He died that we might have life in abundance with the hope of Heaven ahead of us. There is nothing negative about those things. If we don't stay snuggled up to Him through prayer and taking in His Word, we will lapse into attitudes that are unpleasing to Him.

Jesus spoke of good cheer in three of the four Gospels. Cheer is one of the most positive things I can think of. In Matthew 9:2, a man with palsy was brought to Jesus to be healed. He said:
                                               "...Son, be of good cheer;
                                                thy sins be forgiven thee."

Jesus after several minutes healed the man, but it's important to see that Jesus took care of the most important things first. He encouraged the man to be of good cheer, but also realized the man wouldn't know true cheer without the forgiveness of sin. By the way, the same is true of us. An unsaved person isn't going to know the true cheer that comes from God so don't expect it. For we Christians the cheer of God is available to us all the time if we want to take advantage of it.

Jesus made a similar statement while walking on stormy water toward some very scared disciples. In Mark 6:50, Jesus said:
                                             "...Be of good cheer it is I;
                                                        be not afraid."

Negatives such as the storms of life can rob us of the cheer Jesus gives even when we are most nervous or afraid regarding some of our circumstances of life. He gave a command to those scared disciples to not only be of good cheer, but to realize His presence with them.

Lastly, Jesus speaks of cheer where you and I really are today with regard to the negatives of the world and our dealing with them. He said in John 16:33:
                                        "These things I have spoken unto you, that
                                          in me ye might have peace. In the world
                                    ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;
                                                     I have overcome the world."

Whether ill, in times of fear or in just looking around at world circumstances, Jesus shows us He is in control. In it all, you and I are to be people not just of cheer, but of GOOD cheer. May it be so that we not only accept His encouragement, but that we share it with folks we come in contact with. Some people may be ill, scared in their life circumstances or looking hopelessly at the world. We have the privilege to be “Jesus with skin on” spreading His positive message of hope good cheer.

Father, thank You for all the positives you pour into my life. Just the cheer, hope and peace You provide is worth more to me than I can say. Thank You is all I can offer. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

COURAGE UP CLOSE

 

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and He shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

Courage: the ability to do something that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief.

Have you, like me, met courage personified in the lives of so many who have had to face the most difficult of circumstances of life? I can't even count those I have watched...some up close...some at a distance, who had to walk what seems like too many difficult and rocky paths. 

When I think of courage, I think of our men and women in blue who every day get in their squad cars in cities and towns all over our country just to keep you and me safe. I also think of the courage of those family members who kiss those men and women goodbye as they leave for their shifts to their assigned “beats.” I often think the same of our firefighters who often have to go into dangerous situations to save lives. It's not that hard for me to look at these brave people as being more than courageous.

I think the same of our military personnel stationed all over the world, many of whom are in dangerous countries where life is threatened on a minute by minute basis. They seem to take it all in stride...(”It's our job.”) They too have said farewell to friends and family, not knowing when and if they will return again or in what condition. Courage?...I would say so.

We all know, however, courage isn't just for those who work and live in harm's way. I have friends who are caregivers. For some, their loved ones have Alzheimers or dementia of some sort. Many of these folks have to have constant care, often the kind of care one would give to a small child. I have had friends who have Down's Syndrome children or children born handicapped in some way. These are children who often grow up into adulthood physically, but still needing the special attention and care one might give a child. I've seen men who have come back from military service, who have had to have artificial limbs because of war injuries. There are those who live in constant pain from arthritis or painful bone conditions. I can't forget those with cancer who bravely and yes, courageously fight a fight for life through many kinds of treatment that hurt, cause discomfort and even affect ones physical appearance. With courage and hope, they fight by living life one day at a time.

In life, there are times when some smaller things take huge courage. I think of dad's who sit in the passenger seat of a car while his teenager begins to learn the art of driving. It takes great courage for many folks to go into a dentist's office even for a checkup. Riding a Ferris wheel takes courage for some and that would include me and don't even talk to me about zip lines.

When we first moved to Austin Texas after having resided in the Dallas, Texas area, I went to lunch with a new friend. As we were preparing to pay our checks, I noticed a display against the wall behind the cashier that was loaded down with coffee/soup mugs of every sort and size. One caught my eye right away. It had western-type colors with a very handsome face on it....yep, it was the Duke himself, John Wayne. He's been a favorite of mine for more years than I care to count. His westerns were and still are about the only ones without curse words except for a word that mentions where the Devil lives. Couldn't pass up that mug so purchased it. I still have it and hate the thought of ever breaking it.

One of the things I love about that mug is what is written on the inside that encourages me every time I see it. I usually use this mug for hot soup, so when holding the handle with my right hand and taking a sip, there on the inside/side is a quote from good ole John, and it's pretty good theology. He said, “Courage is being afraid and saddling up anyway.” I love that. I think I've written it in the front of a couple of my Bibles. When we're nervous, fearful or panic stricken, we don't feel like “saddling up” and moving forward. However, that's what courage does.

The other day, I sat in a doctor's waiting room feeling on the fearful side. I smiled as I recalled that wise statement. I knew even though I didn't feel like it, I had to saddle up. Then when taken to an injection room, I was reminded of Psalm 27 for many reasons, but especially thinking of waiting on Jesus and taking courage from Him.

Could there ever have been anyone more courageous than Jesus as He bore His own cross to Golgotha's hill where He willingly died for you and me. I don't deserve a drop of blood He shed for me so surely I can gain courage from the most courageous One who ever lived. So dear friend, whatever your situation or the battle you face, be of good courage and saddle up anyway.

Thank You Jesus for dying for us and completing that with victory over death. Because of your loving courage, we too can face the fiercest of storms or the quietest of concerns. We love You and thank You for being who You are in our lives. In Your precious name....Amen

FINISHING WELL

The memory of the righteous
is blessed, but the name of
the wicked will rot.
Proverbs 10:7

In preparing for Sunday's lessons for my ladies, I was reading in Proverbs where I needed to read for an extra dose of wisdom. Reading in Psalms boosts my joy so I try to read in it daily just as I do Proverbs. I left my usual reading schedule and found myself in chapter 10 of Proverbs. There wasn't anything unusual about that except that in the margin of that chapter there is a list...a long list. That list consists the first names of ladies who have beat me to the door of Heaven. Ladies listed there are ladies I would also consider who had been righteous in their own influence and personal lives.

As I look at this list, there isn't a perfect lady on it. I personally know of the flaws of some of those ladies as I was closer to some than others. Those flaws seem so minor now because I know that at this moment, all flaws are gone and they are enjoying the time of their lives...being in the very presence of Jesus.

I look at the ladies on my list and find they all have one thing in common. From a human and personal standpoint, I consider that they finished this life well. Some left for Heaven after having suffered long periods of illness, many with cancer of some sort. There were for some, accidents causing a quicker life's end than I would have liked. Some died suddenly with various health issues where God spared them a lengthy lingering.

Notice in the verse I have used, the last part of the verse. It addresses the wicked where basically, their name isn't worth putting on any list with the righteous. When folks think of them after their demise, there are few pleasant memories, especially in the spiritual realm. Perhaps their lives were lived for self, wallowing in the things of the world, treating people, whether family or friends, in negative ways. In many cases, such folks maybe didn't know Jesus at all. There are some folks who claim the name of Christ who have also not lived the righteous life that would be God pleasing. None of these folks have finished well, where they have left behind very little in the way of positive influences. As I look at my list, I don't have any of these folks in the margin of my Bible.

It is encouraging as I look at my list remembering my relationship with these ladies. On my list are former Sunday school teachers. Some are ladies I had the privilege of working with through the years in various jobs. I've only had one lady who died while a member of a Sunday school class of mine. I think of her so often and her encouraging ways. Then there are all the friends on my list, down through the years, who blessed my life and added a spiritual dimension to my life that is unbelievable. I know Jesus so much better because of them. Those on my list are of varying ages, some very educated while some may have not made it through high school. The oldest on my list was in her 80's when she went to be with the Lord. Most would be around my age now if they had lived to that point.

The ladies on my list are there because I consider they finished well. I wish their influence could have been extended for a longer period of time, but those things are in God's very capable hands. I think of them more often than I can say. Their names ring so often in my ears, especially when there is an event that brings them to mind. I think of Elaine who died from cancer, but through that, I came to know her mom, Thelma, with whom I had lunch every Wednesday for many months. She and I shared a love for books by R.A.Torrey. Thelma, too, is on my special list. I still miss so many others on that list who all left an imprint on my life. Each lady, I knew personally and loved.

This has all come to my mind because today, I added another name to that list. Unlike the others, I have never met this dear lady in person, but have followed her and her family for several months now. As I write, she went to Heaven yesterday afternoon. Thousands if not more have been following her venture with cancer. We have prayed for her and her family. We've marveled at her loving and attentive husband. We've watched her attention to her 2 year old little girl...teaching her, reading to her and loving on her until all of her strength was gone. Her name is Joey Feek.

She and her husband Rory have warmed our hearts with their songs that tell stories of the sweet things of life. Their last CD, record breaking at this time, was of her favorite hymns. Never having met Joey, I like so many, feel like I knew her. She was in the age range of my two daughters which really made her seem very young to me...”too young for Heaven,” I thought in weaker moments. I've learned, though, in these years of my own life that God does all things well. His purposes are so much higher than we can ever understand. I just know I have learned and benefited from Joey's witness, faith and yes, suffering. Her saga was so public that some might feel was too much. However, that was a part of her ministry in all of this along with Rory by her side every moment. I do believe that this dear young lady at the age of 40 probably packed more of life and love into those years than many manage by the age of 75.

Come what may, I've seen again that I really can do everything through Christ. I've seen this in the lives of all of my “list people.” In His strength, you and I, too, can endure what comes our way and hopefully, like with Joey and others, people will see Jesus in our lives. It is all possible, because of Jesus...who finished best of all.

Thank You Jesus, for the dear people You bring into our lives through whom we are blessed and from whom we learn more about You. Help us to be an influence for You in the lives of others. Thank You for those “just” folks You brought into my life for a time, but who are with You now. In Your precious name....Amen

AFRAID OF HEIGHTS

 

And He(God) said unto Moses,
Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron,
Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of
the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
And Moses alone shall come near the Lord:
but they shall not come nigh; neither shall
the people go up with him.
Exodus 24:1,2

Moses had a personal invitation to meet with God who was to be the host of that meeting. God, bottom line, told Moses to come up the mountain to meet with Him. There were some men invited to accompany Moses, but they could go only so far. Moses was told to come the latter part of the way by himself, leaving the group at a predetermined place. Mt Sinai (Horeb) was a much higher mountain than any of our taller mountains here in the national park. Mt. Sinai is measured at 7,497 feet. Think of climbing that hunk of rock, and Moses wasn't a spring chicken either.

It may sound odd to people to know that someone would move to the mountains who has always been fearful of heights. Well, that someone is me. My first exposure to mountains was when I was around 5-6 years old. Living in Southern Illinois, and close to Tennessee, it was no problem for my Mother to decide to go check out the new Smoky Mountain National Park. The main road through the park was nothing more than gravel at that time. A part near Newfound Gap had been paved for the convenience of President Roosevelt's going to the park to make a speech of dedication. My Mother had never driven on mountain roads with only gravel. There were no guardrails or yellow stripe on the gravel (duh). If a driver hit their brakes to make a sudden stop, she could slide to no telling where. My grandmother sucked wind around every curve. Her fear only heightened my own as I looked down those steep mountain slopes through my back seat car window.

Despite the fear, I found myself loving the mountains. Eventually the roads were paved with guardrails placed in the more dangerous locations along the two lane road. I must say that even today when we drive across those same mountains, I still tend to scoot my body away from the car door as much as I can as if that would make any difference if falling down a mountain side. Today, when Brian and I hike, I never walk near the slope edge of the trail...I stick to the inside of the trail. If I get too close to the edge, I, like my grandmother of years ago, begin to suck air as if I'm facing a very bad fall.

Spiritually speaking, there are many Bible verses that have to do with heights. Scripture is full of mountains from which we can glean spiritual truths. Just as I may not appreciate the height of our mountains as I should, there are times we can be fearful of climbing to some heights spiritually. However, Scripture encourages you and me to always be moving upward for Christ.

In Matthew 5:1, after a lengthy time of ministry, Jesus went up into a mountain. His disciples followed Him there where He taught them. We refer to this teaching as the Sermon on the Mount. I think of it as being their seminary training...Ministry 101, so to speak. I can't tell you the times I've driven into the mountains with my Bible where the Holy Spirit has taught me and spurred me on to greater spiritual growth.

Paul made good use of the word “heights”. He first spoke of reaching the heights of love in Romans 8:37-39. I have a deep love for Romans chapter 8. This whole chapter is so rich in the things of God including a growth process that is encouraged. For instance, just in verse 39, I see when it comes to God's love, nothing can part me from it. Paul says: “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us form the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So why don't we climb and stretch? I think some of that has to do with fear, fear of the unknown, of falling or even of failure. We read about Moses' trek up that mountain where he was going to meet with God. As we casually read of that incident, do we ever consider how
Moses felt. I hesitate to use the word “fear” but how would you and I feel...a personal meeting with God. He had some friends with hin for awhile, but he could go only so far with them. We can read in our Bibles about the whole thing and see that it all turned out for good, but Moses had no clue what was about to happen. He walked that steep, mountain trail by faith alone.

If we are going to climb spiritual heights for God, there are some things to remember, such as:

* Our quest must be for God and Him alone and not for showing off for others. With Him in our sights, we will reap benefits, but it can't be of our own doing.

* Remember that it is going to take some determination and effort on our part. We may not have to climb a literal mountain like Moses did, but we all have our mountains that are challenges for us perhaps on a daily basis.

* We can go only so far with others while the rest of the trek must be alone and in God's strength. God doesn't invite us to come if He isn't going to make it possible in His strength to get where He is.

* As we learn and grow, a goal of ours should always be to take the high ground. Hurt feelings, arguing, challenging others, going on the offensive for things that don't really matter...all of those things can mean trouble, and will be things that pull us backward, away from the heights.

* We need not fear the spiritual heights...Jesus is there biding us to “come higher”. He awaits our arrival.

Father, I want to go higher with You. Thank You that Jesus anticipates my arrival and will walk the rest of the way of my journey with me. Help me to not fear the heights, but to embrace them. I'm stretching upward in Your strength. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

FLY, FLY, FLY

He giveth power to the faint;
and to them who have no might
He increaseth strength.
Isaiah 40:29

I have always had an interest in butterflies since being in elementary school. That interest was always encouraged in my own mind because my Mother for some reason appreciated butterflies. She just loved them for some reason. We brought her here to the Smoky Mountains on vacation with us on a couple of occasions. I recall one visit when we were touring and stopped at the Ogle cabin near Gatlinburg. Off to the end of the porch was a very damp area on the ground. Swarming all over that damp area were more newly hatched baby butterflies than we could count. They were all an iridescent light blue with black trim. They were gorgeous. My Mother and I stood there as long as we could just watching them fluttering, at times on top of each other...it was more of a delight than I can explain.

My fascination with them began in an elementary school classroom. Our teacher brought three paper cups, each containing a cocoon. It was to be strictly for observation. She cautioned us to never touch the cocoons even if we saw them moving a little. She explained that inside each one was a beautiful baby butterfly. Sure enough, we began to see the cocoons slowly move a little; then one end opened up. We couldn't clearly see what was there, but it seemed almost overnight, a struggling little butterfly was twisting and turning to get it's body out of that dull, gray, ugly cocoon.

Our teacher said it would soon be time open a window in our classroom (yes there were such things back then) and sit those cups on the window ledge for soon the butterflies would be ready to fly. They did just that. I think we got to see only one of them take off. She then explained that with our help, those butterflies couldn't have flown away. She explained that in the struggle to come out of the cocoon, certain fluids were being released into the tiny veins of the butterfly wings that strengthened those wings so they could fly. Without that struggle, newly hatched butterflies could only sit, flop around helplessly and die probably by birds that would swoop down and fly away with them for food.

It's interesting to watch mature butterflies on a very warm, sunny day. As they land on flowers, they seem to sit and fold up their wings for that moment. Their wings are thin and delicate. That folding is a protective action by the butterfly to protect those wings from the heat. They will often do the same out in the open when there is rain. What a wonder those little creatures are. I'm amazed at all of the touches of beauty God created for our delight.

For some folks, salvation is a struggle. They twist, bend, rationalize, try to make sense of things but when they yield to that birth process, it's such a sweet thing. However as strong as a new Christian may feel, they are very vulnerable. Satan waits to sweep down to discourage and even destroy that new freedom and joy. He can't steal that new salvation, but he sure can do all to cause the person to question their decision. It's so important in those beginning days for that babe in Christ to begin to feel strength in the wings of their new life. Spiritual exercise of any kind that is Scriptural is vital to the survival of the new Christian. Her salvation cannot be lost but the every day life of it can be damaged.

What about those of us who are more mature “butterflies.” We may have come out of the old life, the old cocoons years ago. We stretched our wings through God's strength, provision and protection. The best of butterfly creatures know if their lives are to be extended, they have to take measures to survive. Not only are they in danger from circumstances of weather, but they may have to be constantly on guard of those dreaded butterfly nets folks use to capture them. Any intelligent butterfly must know that when caught in a net, it's life expectancy is being brought into serious question.

As more mature Christians, we face the danger of feeling super confident thinking we can face anything in this life with little help. Especially in the good times, we seem to feel we have the world on a string. When the hard times come, the wind goes out of our balloons and we feel we are flopping around like one of those floppy, immature butterflies. Take note that the new butterfly had to go through tremendous tension and struggle to even live. We too will and must struggle at times. If we keep those struggles in perspective, we will, in the end, be strengthened and will have grown in beneficial ways.

Last evening, our ladies Bible study met for it's last session for this winter season. Everything about my love for butterflies came mind. I made little favors (some know them as foldies) with a saying and a lifelike butterfly attached. I always hope a Bible study will be helpful, a learning process, but my main desire is that it be a springboard to greater spiritual development...a growth process on a very personal level. Those spiritual wings will need consistent strengthening through one's relationship with Jesus. Feeding is necessary, not nectar from flowers as a real butterfly, but through feeding on God's word. Those wings mean survival for a real butterfly so they do their best to protect them from various weather conditions. We too must be cautious in taking measures to protect our “wings”, our spiritual well being. We have to avoid the nets of the world that would want to capture us and take away from us the joy of the Lord if they can. We must have the fresh air of prayer. Prayer is our line that keeps us connected

So after all is said and done, what was the last thing I left my ladies with last night and would my desire for you as well....simple:

FLY, DEAR ONE...FLY!

Thank you, dear Father, for the wonders of nature you have provided for us and the lessons we can learn for it all. Help us, Father, to soar for You through the power of the Holy Spirit. Give us strength to avoid those nets Satan would cast our way to do us damage. Thank You for Who You are in our lives, for loving us and for the privilege of soaring for You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

LIGHT vs DARK

For ye were sometimes darkness,
but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light.
Ephesians 5:8

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

When lost in the daylight, a lost hiker still feels encouraged until evening begins to set in. When darkness falls, in a setting like the park here, there is real panic...there are shadows, strange sounds...even various animal sounds of those that wander through the forest at night foraging for food. The darkness becomes a serious enemy for one who is completely lost, who cannot focus or see anything clearly. The lost hiker is thrilled beyond words at the sight of a flashlight beam in the dark from a searcher or to see someone walking toward him through the woods during daylight hours.

Scripture speaks in several areas about darkness, mostly a spiritual darkness that we can become exposed to or even find ourselves in the very middle of. We live in a country of moral and spiritual darkness. It's a darkness God hates and that a good many of Americans are choosing, sadly, even Americans of Christian faith.

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

This verse speaks to where many in our country are with regard to morals and standards...good is no longer just good and evil is coming to be seen in more of a good and positive light. What used to be wrong behavior and lifestyles are now being rationalized as being okay. Anymore, our culture isn't just black and white, but morals and standards are viewed as being more gray where people can decide for themselves what is good or evil. When this mentality becomes a reality, then, a person has come into the realm of darkness and has fled the light God intends for each of us. As Christians, we are meant to be people of discernment and thus of light.

Straying out of the light into the dark is now almost bragged about in public ways. I love game shows on television. I have noticed in recent years when people are introduced, some male contestants speak of their husbands. Some women freely speak of men they not only live with, but with whom they have had children with no marriage in sight. I can't imagine such things being proudly aired 30 or 40 years ago. It would have been totally unheard of then.

Our justice system excuses the worst of criminals with mere slaps on their hands whether it be serious drug offenses or child abuse. Women who are victims of rape have to prove they didn't consent to the act itself. Our society has slipped so far morally that right itself has slipped into the shadows of wrong, or so it would appear at times.

In our own confusion, observing the downward spiral into moral darkness, as God's children, we want desperately to do something about it all. If we had complete control over our country, we think we know the buttons we would push that would take us back to those “happy days” of the 1950's. There were problems of sin then as has been every for all generations since Adam and Eve. We are all born into sin...no one is perfect...all have sinned. Perhaps back then, we lost our alertness and were naive regarding Satan and his ploys. Whatever happened then and now, we want desperately to do something. So what are some things we can do in our day?

We must remember that where we are now is because of things that happened in individual hearts. Evil beings in individuals, but so does godliness. I read a little quote years ago that said, “If everyone in our country cleaned off their own doorstep, think what a clean country we would have.” If change is to come, it will come in individual hearts that includes that of Christians. We have dropped our guard and are spectators in all of this instead of being pro-active in standing for right and for the things of God

Our job is to get back to basics. We are to be people of prayer. Change will not come without a praying people. We must find our strength in God's Word. It is our sword in times of spiritual warfare. Christians must stop leading double lives. Christians often participate in those things that are unwise choices such as alcohol abuse or poor entertainment choices. Jesus made very clear in Matthew 7:

Ye are the light of the world....(14a)
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in
heaven. (16)

We may be that beam of light a lost person sees in his/her darkness. They may not even have known they needed rescued, but when in the middle of their darkness, frightened of their futures, this light you and I show forth may be a more welcome sight than we can imagine.  Some such persons may have come to the end of themselves and are sitting, waiting for salvation. Others may be lost and still on the move trying to find their own way, but becoming more and more lost. Either way, we Christians are those lights in the darkness. Just as a flashlight can lose power when batteries run low, we can run low as well if we don't stay strengthened in the Lord. Let's not despair...we are on the winning side, but we still have things to do and lights to shine. Let's keep our batteries charged and let's shine our lights as commanded in the dark world we are seeing in our day.

Thank You Jesus, for dying for my sin and for saving me. I know You are THE answer to every problem in our dark society. There's no problem too big for You. I trust Your working in my life and always want to be open to how You want to use me. May I be “ever ready” to let my light shine for You. In Your precious name....Amen

UP FRONT WITH GOD

Humble yourselves therefore under
the might hand of God, that He may
exalt you in due time:
casting all your care upon Him;
for He careth for you.
I Peter 5:7

You may have heard a friend say of a teenage daughter, “My child tells me everything.” Hopefully you haven't been guilty of saying something like that. It's a statement to choke on for those who hear it. That may be the way it is in the early growth years of a daughter/son where there is a more positive relationship with a child...when parents are THE main ones in their lives, but when the “mean teens” set in, children become more and more private. It doesn't necessarily mean they have anything to hide. It's just a part of the growing up process. I will hasten to add that most moms I've known going through those teen years with a child are not stupid and probably know more about the goings on of their children than children realize.

If someone had asked me if my children told me everything going on in their lives, I would have been quick to say, “I certainly hope not.” If someone were to ask me, “Do you tell your husband everything?” Again, I would have to reply, “Mercy no.” Think how time consuming that would be when there are more important things to talk about other than a hangnail or spilled soup.

There is something I'm ashamed of that I would also have to say... “I don't even tell God everything.” That statement may seem an odd one for a Christian to make. If I ever had the nerve to say it to someone even on impulse, I would have to recoil in shame. I don't like the ring of that statement, but I'm afraid that so often it is true.

There were things in the growing up years of our children when I enjoyed watching them at play or listening to their interactions and conversations, even in times of disagreement. There were so many things they didn't have to tell me. I was around them, and I had heard or seen them in action. In fact, much as they might disagree, I knew them better than they knew themselves. Some things they didn't have to tell me because in a parental way, I already knew. Guess what? Despite those things I already knew, I still loved it when they chose to tell me about those things I already knew. I didn't tell them I was already privy to their information, but just enjoyed listening to them share with me.

Can we be serious for a moment about this thing of being up front with God? I'm afraid at times, we don't share fully with God because we feel He already knows everything about us anyway. Other times, we may not share with Him those things we don't want Him to know. Sounds a little silly on our part. We have to know differently by now because of God's promise to be with us at all times, never leaving or forsaking us...even to the point of His holding us in the palm of His hand. He knows absolutely EVERTHING about us before we can tell Him ANYTHING. God knows the count of the hair on our heads. That's pretty precise.

When God created Adam and Eve, He was seeking fellowship. He created everything, preparing it with those two people in mind. He loved those days when he met with them in the garden where they shared and had times of fellowship. God didn't create robots. He wanted people with a mind and the ability to make choices. He wanted them to always choose to be with Him...walking and talking in that beautiful garden. That couple had it all. Viewing the scene, we can't believe anything could damage that fellowship.

All was well, BUT THEN...remember that thing of “choice.” We know what happened in that garden and nothing would ever again be the same. Adam and Eve hid and to this day, oddly speaking, we seem to feel we can do the same thing. We're smart enough to know that God sees and hears everything, but we still shy away from sharing our most secret of thoughts with Him especially if we think He will be displeased.

Why do we avoid being up front with God? Perhaps it has to do with trust. In our day, we aren't a very trusting people. We've been betrayed too often in past relationships. It could also be that we just aren't people of prayer, unless an emergency comes up. Maybe something in our lives is too bad to even tell God, if that's possible. It must sadden our Father though when we choose to not share with Him even the joys that come into our lives. I loved when my children shared positive things with me. I may have been uncomfortable, but wanted to hear the problems and concerns they faced. God our Father wants to be a personal and vital part of our lives no matter what is going on. We can never get beyond the fact of how dearly our Heavenly Father loves us and cares about every single thing in our lives, be they positive or negative in our own eyes.

We may even try with God to twist the facts of our circumstances. We might even want to give a positive spin to some things to make Him happy with us. With our Heavenly Father, we have a Father unlike any other we could ever have on this earth. He knows us through and through...nothing can be hidden whether we talk to Him about it or not. Our relationship can be so much stronger if we don't just trust God for our salvation, but in all of the every day situations that affect us. He wants us to be honest with Him...up front.

Dear Father...forgive my lack of total honesty with You in my prayer life even though I know very well that You already know me inside and out. Help me to appreciate that You want fellowship with me with no holding back on anything going on in my life. In Jesus precious name...Amen