BROKEN BUT NOT DESTROYED

The sacrifices of God are a

broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O

God, You will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

An incident yesterday got me thinking about brokenness. When we first moved here to Tennessee eight years ago, there were things for the house I purchased mostly for décore purposes, but also because out of need. One of those things was a new canister set for the kitchen. I found one I really liked through a computer purchase and have never regretted purchasing it. It is ceramic in make up and colorful just the way I like it. The set has its place on a particular counter that is handy to get to and at the same time, looks nice sitting right where it is.

I decided around noon yesterday to fix myself a bowl of cereal. I took sugar out of the larger canister that sits nearest to the edge of the counter. In my haste, I lost my grip on the lid of that canister and it went flying to the floor. The fortunate thing is that ceramic doesn't break like glass. Glass shatters...ceramic tends to break in manageable pieces with lots of small chips around it. Brian came running and pretty much gave up on the usability of that poor ceramic top.

Without hesitation, I picked up the large pieces while he swept the rest of the damage up in a dust pan. Brian felt the lid was a lost cause. After he left the kitchen, I proceeded to “diddle” with the chunks and found they could be glued together and once again usable. They wouldn't look quite the same with some chips now gone but from a distance, I felt any damage wouldn't be that noticeable.

All of this got me thinking about how grateful I am now for some of the broken experiences God has allowed me to experience in my life. Many of those experiences, I brought upon myself. God and no one else had to do the breaking in many cases, but I can recall how God picked up the pieces and put me back together with His “super glue”...His amazing love.

Looking on my computer at a Bible app I often use, I looked up the word “broken.” I was surprised the things mentioned with regard to being broken. Some of them are: armies, Sabbath, some body parts, buildings, branches, ships, bread, congregations, covenants and even the broken body of our Lord. Please note that most of those broken things God used in trying to get His message across to individuals or groups. Many of those things were caused by folks and their deliberate disobedience.

Job probably spoke more personally of his broken experiences than others in Scripture. As I've looked at those things he said about the breaking process in his life, his feelings about it all feels like I have when I've gone through some breaking times. It's been a combination of not understanding the why's, while at the same time, seeing God in it all.

Often when God allows a breaking time in our lives, we don't think in those moments about being very spiritual. We know the things we ought to do....Bible, pray, confess sin, even be faithful in church attendance. If attending church, it might be just going through motions. It's as if such experiences almost paralyze us emotionally and spiritually bringing us to a stand still. And yet, if I stood still for too long, I ended up spending the time crying, fretting, stewing while feeling very sorry for myself.

The thing is that we are God's children. He loves us with a love we can't even begin to comprehend and yet, he stands ready as a perfect parent would to help put the broken pieces of our lives back together. We moms used to wipe a child's tears away, kiss the boo-boos, bandage up the hurts, allow the teenage girl to cry out her hurts on our shoulders...we did a little of it all. God heals the brokenness because He can do it like no other can. We don't need to always cry on the shoulders of others, but God does provide friends we can find comfort with, friends who will pray and lift our spirits.

Oh yes...my canister top. I tried without glue putting pieces together just to see if it could be done and it looked like it could work. Took them to Brian who is our Mr. Fix-it. He got out his super glue and got the lid put together, very nicely I must say. There are a couple of obvious places where some small open places are, but from a distance, the damage isn't that noticeable. I'll tell you though that I will take good care of that lid. It went through a real breaking process not of its doing. It's still very usable and it's beauty is only slightly marred.

It'll be the same for us. When we walk through those breaking times, pieces will begin to come together and our Father will love on us, heal our spirits and we will have learned. A caution: if we don't learn from our broken times when God intended such to be to teach us a lesson, we may have to go through the same again just to make sure the lesson “sticks” We may be left with a few scars and chips, but they will remind us of victory brought about through our Father Who never wastes a thing in our lives that is intended for our good and His glory.

Dear Father, I remember some days when I was more broken than I can even now describe. There were some dark days, but You as usual were my Light and Salvation and I learned I needed not fear. Your presence was and is still so precious. My prayer is that I will stay close to You, knowing You will do all things well in my life. In Jesus name...Amen

SEEKING AFTER GOD

Seek the Lord and His strength;

seek His face continually

Psalm 105:4

Several years ago, I gave up hero worship. There were some things I guess I had to learn the hard way. Such “people worship” is a real danger for Christians as there are speakers, leaders and authors who would love for us to fall at their feet in pure, unquestioning adoration. I do believe God brings folks into our lives who exhibit godly qualities and life styles we can learn from. However, we aren't called upon to be “followers” of theirs.

There are authors living and dead I have come to really admire and learn from. Two I'm thinking of right now who have gone on to Heaven are R.A. Torrey, a godly preacher who preached in his day like we need to be hearing in our churches today. I have several of his books and as I read from them, it's almost as if I can hear his voice.

The other author, a godly lady now in Heaven, is Corrie ten Boom. The history of World War II has always fascinated me along with human incidents resulting from that time. I was fascinated with the life of Anne Frank, but Corrie is the author of Christian books, books that have spoken to me in wonderful ways. There are times I've been encouraged by her grit and toughness and yes, her humanity and humility. Her faith was so strong in latter days that it seemed she had Jesus all to herself.

Today, I read just about everything Anne Graham Lotz writes. I have followed her life not just because of her being Billy Graham's daughter, but because of the depth of her faith. She has in recent months gone through treatments, chemo and radiation, for cancer. It would seem that such would put her on a shelf, but she made the best of the time to write and do some other things of service until able to be speaking again.

In a recent interview, I read where Anne was questioned about what was next in ministry for her. She made a statement that convicted me more than I can say. She said during that interview:

“My hearts aim all my adult life has been to be where God wants me to be. I'm pursuing Him, not ministry and I want to be where He is.”

That is such a profound statement that should be true in my life and perhaps in yours as well. I think of the times I have pursued ministry...teaching, choir, church pianist/organist, ladies ministry among them. I've done my best to do God's work well as I feel He deserves my very best, no matter what my service for Him. However, there have been times when I allowed God to get lost in it all as I engaged in all of the busyness. He waits for me (and you) to give Him some well-deserved time out of all the busyness.

I have to ask myself how much time I give in seeking God, of not just seeking position, but wanting to be who, what and where God desires of me. Am I giving as much personal time to my Heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word as I am with being busy with activity even though the activity is spiritually healthy? I know God appreciates what we do for Him, but wonder in the process if He isn't neglected by us when it comes to a more in depth relationship with Him.

As we walk closer with God, He has ways of leading us to just the right places and ways of service. As we make it a major thing in our lives to be “seekers”, it doesn't mean casual treatment of the Scriptures. It will mean time spent reading, praying through those things that convict and challenge us and allowing in unhurried ways for God to minister to us and our communing with Him.

Think of the things we seek in this life. Some things are necessary, but many are not. We are good at seeking things and even people who make us feel good. Very often, I'm afraid, God isn't even on that list.

I pray our hearts desire as God's people is that we will desire to love and seek Him in all our ways...that He might become THE priority in our lives. We live in a culture that is seeking to silence people of faith. Their efforts are becoming more and more a reality and we are going to need all the spiritual strength we can muster. God stands ready for our seekingHim.

He's always available!

I love those who love me;

And those who diligently seek

me will find me.

Proverbs 8:17

Dear Father, forgive me for doing my own thing so often, many times not even seeking your will regarding ministry. I want You to be first in my life. I want to walk with You, learn from You, and seek You in all things. I long to be closer to You in every way. I pray for Your empowering for there is nothing I can do on my own spiritually that can count for much. Thank You for Your Spirit in me and for Jesus who came and made it all possible. It's in His name I pray...Amen

THANK YOU, MY FATHER

For you have not received a spirit of slavery
leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of
adoption as sons by which we cry out,
“Abba! Father!”

The Spirit Himself testifies with our
spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:15-16

We were nervous to say the least as we entered the Cook County courthouse in Chicago, Illinois. In hand Brian carried a new diaper bag and I carried the new baby girl we had received for adoption just one month previous to that day. We had to appear in court in order to get legal custody of her. I dressed her in a pretty yellow dress that had been given as a gift.

The court room was unusual. It didn't look like anything on TV. There was little seating in the court room area. The wall to the right of the room was of glass. This was obviously Family Court because behind that huge glass I saw rocking chairs, changing tables, play pens, cribs of various sizes and adults with children mostly age four and under. It was a happy place.

We were called in to appear before the judge. He looked so like a grandfather with his gray hair and warm smile, but with the black robe. He had some introductory remarks for our lawyer while Brian and I stood in front of his bench. Jennie was asleep, her little tummy cozied up to me, breathing as a sleeping baby does. Her face was nestled in my neck at the moment. The judge addressed Brian and me regarding our responsibility in adopting Jennie. He reminded us that she had every right as if she were our naturally born baby. He said she had every right to physical provision and protection, education opportunities, the right to bear our name, the right to inheritance...all this even if we had future birth children. No difference could be made in the children in our family.

When all of that was laid out to us, we had to verbally agree to those things even though we knew those things prior to that time. Surprisingly, the judge looked at Jennie who was still sleeping soundly, and said, “Jennie, do you want to go home with these folks and they be your mommy and daddy?” Suddenly, Jennie let out one of those baby sighs that only babies can when they are sleeping. The judge smiled and said, “Well Jennie, that's good enough for me.” By law Jennie couldn't be ours for another six months, but we knew from that court experience that she was ours.

I can't tell you how often I think back to that judges admonition to us. I can't even explain all the red tape we had to go through to finally be handed Jennie's adoption papers. She just became a part of an earthly family. With God, it is different...no red tape, no jumping through hoops to become a member of His family. No visits to CPS, lawyers office or court rooms. We have the say regarding our own adoption into His wonderful family. He becomes the best Father any of we human beings have ever had or ever will have.

We have a book, our Father's Word, where He gives us every promise of His watch care and provision. He will teach and train us. Unlike any earthly parents, God has been total provider. He has protected me when in danger. He has also chastened me as a loving Father would do and that's been a real education. I also have an inheritance reserved for me in glory with my name attached to it signed in the blood of Jesus who made possible my adoption into God's family.

Just as we promised to be the parents Jennie needed, I think of the myriad of promises God gives to me personally in His Word:

For I am the Lord your God,
who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, “Do not fear,
I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13

And my God will supply all your
needs according to His riches
in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

My earthly father couldn't be with me at all times, but I have the promises of my Heavenly Father that He will never leave me or forsake me because His presence through His Spirit abides in me and will be a constant presence in my life on this earth.

I have the privilege of calling God “ABBA ...Father” and to extend to Him my personal HAPPY FATHER'S DAY as lovingly as I can.

Thank You Father for all You are in my life. The list is too long to write out but I love You dearly more than I ever could any earthly individual. Forgive me for those times I disappoint you because of my sin. Just know I love You and am grateful for Jesus and Your Spirit for all You do in blessing my life. In Jesus' sweet name....Amen

IN LOVE WITH THE WORD

All Scripture is inspired by God

and profitable for teaching, for

reproof, for correction,

for training in
righteousness;
so that the man of God may be
adequate, equipped for every
good work.
II Timothy 3:16,17

There is no way I can count all the Bible conferences I have attended in my lifetime. I remember returning home after those “mountain-top” times with the Lord. Some meant more in my life than others did, but sure each one contributed a certain amount of spiritual growth for me at the time. Through the years, those conferences moved from being with high school student / student retreats. Those two were life changing.

For women, there are any number of retreats and conferences available they can participate in as often as they would like to. Some people attend those things because they are enjoyable and give a quick shot of spirituality. For others it may mean a salvation experience or re-dedication of a life that has perhaps run off of spiritual tracks. I like to think that these experiences are beneficial in a more mature way than when in high school. As an adult, the stakes are really high when it comes to our spiritual growth. More people count on our spiritual influence than we can consider.

Brian and I just returned from a wonderful five-day seminar at the Billy Graham Training Center (The Cove) where we were taught by Dr. Woodrow Kroll who for several years was the president and daily teacher on the Back to the Bible radio broadcast. Our topic was to do with do with experiencing the power of God's Word.

The first few session really blew me away. They didn't seem to deal with the Bible at all. We started out with our belief in God, how we know there is a God, how God speaks to us and how God spoke through His Son. I must say to you that it's been a very long time I thought in these elementary ways, especially talking about how we felt about God. What DO we think about God? I don't mean just listing His attributes. Person to person, what do I think about Him and how engaged am I with Him.

These times would lead us through many phases of looking at the Bible...what it is, what it does and how did we get it in the first place. I know it all seems Sunday school-ish but we got down to some things I hadn't thought of in years.

For instance, our leader held up is Bible and simply said:

“This is the only book God ever wrote.
I think He would be happy if we would read it.”

Another thought he had to share was that of our concern for people in distant countries who have no access to the Word of God; and yet, in many Christian homes, the Bible is the main decoration on coffee tables that are never read. Better to be without a Bible than to have one or more in our possession that is never read.

With that we were challenged to consider that our Bibles are the only way to know God and not reading it is going to affect how we feel about God and how well we know Him. We also heard over and over that the Word is God's spoken Word, actually words from His mouth to the prophets and others in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, He spoke through His Son and Spirit. We're not talking about mental telepathy in the formation of the Bible. God spoke verbally, word by word, what He wanted His Word to say, using Godly men to receive the words, doing what writing God wanted. but spoken words that make up the precious book we call the Holy Bible.

I have a renewed appreciation for this precious book I so often take for granted, but at this point want to take it in a more personal way...God's spoken words through others straight to me. When I get to Heaven, I'm convinced a question could possibly be asked of all of and it could be: “What did you do with My Word? Did you read it and follow my commands? Did it you make a habit of reading it or did it just sit on your bookshelf?” I believe God will hole us accountable for our treatment or mistreatment of His Word and how we made it a part of our every day living and loving.

Father, I'm so grateful You SPOKE the words of Your book. I recognize it's the only book that tells me about You. Your book is THE source of my knowing You and learning from You. Thank You for your Holy Spirit, Who teaches all you want me to know. May I be willing to walk in obedience and love as I know You desire. In Jesus name....Amen

COUGH IT UP

I waited patiently for the Lord; and
he inclined unto me, and heard
my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible
pit, out of the miry clay, and set my
feet upon a rock, and established
my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God;
many shall see it, and fear, and shall
trust the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

It's a common phrase, at least as I remember...”Cough it up.” I would say it to my children when they were young and seemed to be choking on something. It was also a term often used when getting someone to give something to another they felt they had coming. An example would be: “You owe me five bucks...cough it up.”

Of course there is the usual cough we all endure from time to time. I've been going through it because of all the pollen that floats in the air here in mountain country. I swallow allergy meds but still end up with a pretty good cough. I probably should get stock in some cough drop manufacturers with all the ones of several brands I keep in my mouth a good portion of the time.

I have done this before with my blog, but there is a particular brand of cough drops I probably use most that is often an encouragement to me even before putting a drop in my mouth. I won't mention the brand, but it will probably come to mind for anyone who has used them in the past. With this cough drop, there is a very different paper cover on each one. Most people don't either know it or pay attention to the small sayings printed on each wrapper. For the most part, the sayings are words of encouragement. I've gotten where I pay attention to the sayings before throwing the wrappers in a trash can. So allow me to share two of these sayings with an added word of Scripture or encouragement.

“Turn 'can do' into 'can did!'”

I remember the day my Mother introduced me to our Singer sewing machine. It was an old timer with the foot treadle that had to be pushed with the feet to make the thing run. At the age of ten I had pretty long legs, but I just couldn't figure out how to step on the treadle and manage to hold the cloth in place for the needle to do it's job. I know Mother meant well and just wanted me to enjoy a new adventure, but I was in tears and hating life in that moment. I kept saying, “Mother, I can't do it” and she always had the same answer, “Can't never did anything...”can't” can't.” I know she was right but the timing wasn't.

I'm reminded of Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:13 that says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I've found in the situations where I'm nervous of the new, that God's timing is always right. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. I have slowly come to learn that when God calls, He equips. Not only does He equip but He hangs around me during the entire process of whatever it might be I'm called to do. His presence is always such an encouragement.

Let's look at one more cough drop saying.

“Keep your chin up.”

I don't hear this one much anymore. Perhaps it's a little out of date. When little, I would hear adults say that to another and various absurd pictures came to my mind. I wondered how in the world would a person do that. To be honest, I never saw anyone who needed to do something drastic to their chin. Their chin didn't seem to be lower than usual or out of shape somehow. Later after asking my Mother about it, she told me that it was something said to someone who is discouraged or who is going through a tough time. I've come to understand that saying better in my older years. I know the tendency for any of us is to drop our gaze, looking more downward when we are very weary or really “down in the dumps.”

When we are going through the toughest of times, there is no way we can have the company of an encourager twenty-four hours a day. In the direst of times, it's pretty difficult for any human being to help us keep our chin up. Life can really beat us up and we are confronted with fear, discouragement and even depression. I realize when encouraged to turn to the Lord, that may not sound like a reality because it isn't a human body to sit with and talk with face to face. BUT, God's presence is different. With the Holy Spirit in us, God's presence is constant and He can move mountainous problems in ways we can't begin to comprehend. Isaiah 41:10 has always been a great encourager to me helps me when I need to keep my chin up.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;
for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I
will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness.

I'm so grateful that He will uphold me in ways that are unbelievable. He's even capable of upholding my sagging chin.

Father, I'm always amazed at the big and small ways You sent my way little nudges of encouragement and even instruction. I'm grateful today for your strengthening and presence in my life. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit and for sending Jesus...in Whose name I pray. Amen

A HEALTHY THIRST

As the deer pants for the
water brooks,
so my soul pants for You,
O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God...
Psalm 42:1,2a

There are so many wonderful places in our national park we can go to for refreshment and renewal whether traveling by car or even by foot. Brian and I have been all over the place, but a favorite place we have hiked to is the Walker sister's cabin. Anyone who has been there knows it is a hike almost straight up. There are a few flat places along the way where one can catch a breath, but those places are few and far between.

Our last trip up to the cabin was pretty uneventful, but much more tiring on me than I thought it would be. I could have curled up in a cabin loft for a nice long nap. After having time for a sufficient rest, we began the trip back down to the parking lot. One would have thought this wouldn't be much of a problem as the return trip to the parking lot would be primarily a downward trek. About a third of the way down, I was feeling faint, found a rock to lean against, but knew immediately that I had to have some water. We had failed to take any with us. There was a tiny, pretty, clear- running stream just off the trail. It was too far down for just leaning into the water so what were we to do? I was desperate. Soooooo.....

It dawned on me that I had a fairly new pair of moccasins on my feet. I pulled one off, handed it to Brian and asked him to dip it into the water and bring me a moccasin full of water. Anymore, Brian knows no matter how crazy something is coming from me, I'm generally quite serious about my request. With his long arm, he managed to get me a moccasin full of water. I have never had a more delightful, refreshing glass (shoe) of water as that water was from my moccasin.

I have seen our mountain deer, drinking from one of many cool, refreshing streams. I don't see them hanging out around the streams. They seem to drink when thirsty and when the thirst is quenched, they go on their way chewing on grass or just doing whatever deer do. When their bodies are thirsty, they seem to respond quickly to drinking all they want in that moment. Any body, whether animal or human, has a physical need for water (or maybe a Diet Coke?) and the natural reaction to that thirst, is get something to drink right away. It's just born into any living being.

Psalm 42 is a very emotional one. We don't know it's author, but whoever he was, he knew something about animals. He had observed somewhere along the way, the cravings or needs of such animals as deer. He quickly switched his thinking to spiritual craving in the heart of believers. I don't know about you, but there are times when my spiritual thirst reaches a real high and I can't figure out why. It's not that I haven't read my Bible, prayed or been in God's house for worship. Then there are those times when I haven't been as faithful in my spiritual walk when those water brooks call louder to me than times past.

There's no great lesson here. We know when our soul is panting (longing, thirsting) for our living God. When one is a believer, the Holy Spirit has a way of pulling and tugging at us to draw nearer to God and be refreshed. Notice our Scripture tells us we are being drawn to THE living God. So how do we do it?

First let me say that there are no spiritual shortcuts. There's no spiritual pill to take or Bible vitamin we can swallow. When we are spiritually thirsty there is only one way to God and that's to get into His Word. I'm not talking about being in church or a class of some kind even though those things can help. A spiritual thirst problem is a personal thirst problem. It means one on One with Jesus in His Word...getting back to spiritual basics.

For me, I spend time in Psalms where I find joy, Proverbs where I find wisdom and a Gospel like John for Jesus. These things can vary, but I like to spend time in each of those areas. When my heart is panting of thirst for the water brooks of God, going to the source of that precious water (of the Word) is my only satisfaction. I don't have to drink from a moccasin. God makes it so much easier to just drink from the water He provides anytime I want a good drink of water whether I'm real thirsty or just seeking moments of refreshment.

Dear Father, thank You for providing Your living water through Your Son and Your Spirit. Thank You for always being available to me when my spirit cries for relief of my thirst and that I need never run dry. I love and appreciate You in so many ways. I pray through Jesus....Amen

GOD IS GOOD!

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord gives grace and glory;

No good thing does He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11 (NASB)

I can't tell you how much the above verse has meant to me through the last 50 years. The Christmas prior to our February wedding, Brian and I got each other new Bibles...mine red and his black. He wrote a sweet note on a front blank page, but closed it with the above verse. Every time I read the verse, which is often, as I spend a lot of time in the Psalms, I am reminded of God's goodness in our lives through the years. Brian and I have seen the goodness of God in our relationship and family, but have also seen it in our own personal lives.

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

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

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

I just love that in that we are remembering the goodness of God in our lives. I know that seems rather juvenile spiritually speaking, but as of late, I've been reading a lot about God's goodness. I'm afraid we often pay little homage to His goodness in our lives. If we chose to do so, we wouldn't have enough paper or pens to list all of God's goodness in our lives.

The thing is that every good thing that has happened in our lives is from Him. He may have used some pretty odd people or situations to bring goodness into our lives, but He is God and can work on our behalf anyway He likes. The odder thing yet as I think about it, is those times I've seen goodness in my life from God that I certainly didn't deserve at the moment. In those times, I knowHis goodness was meant to draw me closer to Himself.

The greatest goodness God ever showed in our lives was in sending His only Son Jesus into the world. Jesus didn't come as a celebrity to prance around as many celebrities do. He came as a human being to related to everyday people. I've said before and always suggest that if you have a red lettered version of Scripture, sometime just sit down and read the red letters only in the four Gospels. I just finished doing that with the book of John. In all the Gospels, the thoughtfulness and goodness of Jesus is evident on every page whether He was healing, teaching, or raising the dead. He sets the example for us as to how to treat friend and foe alike.

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

My prayer for each of us is to concentrate more on God's goodness that comes to us in abundance. Each time as I see something special, it just blesses my “blesser.” I think our Father would appreciate a thank you every now and then, even for the smallest things. Our gratitude must bring warmth to the heart of our Father. With our gratitude, He is glorified. May we not allow a single day pass without making a mental and prayerful note of at least one (and more) item revealing God's goodness. Each goodness we should take as a very personal blessing from the Father.

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

HONOR DUE...MOTHERHOOD

Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right.
Honor your father and mother (which
is the first commandment with a promise),
so that it may be well with you, and
that you may live long on the earth.
Ephesians 6:1-3

Motherhood began with Eve, although it actually began in the heart of God way back in eternity. We don't know about her motherhood, but do know because of sin, the family situation was changed forever. We don't know what it would have been precisely had perfection God intended been in place. Childbirth for one thing would be a painful experience for Eve and every mother to follow.

I've thought of some Bible mom's who have impressed me in some ways. Sarah wanted so much to be a mom, but the years caught up with her and any possibility of being a mother. I'm thinking of some friends who wanted so much to be moms, but it seemed it just wasn't happening. Some in their 40's found God blessed them with a baby. Just as for Sarah, motherhood became a reality and with great appreciation.

There was Hannah...a remarkable woman. She too wanted a baby so badly, but it just wasn't happening. Her hubby's other wife made fun of her for not being able to bear a child. Even her hubby said something that always makes me smile. He said to the effect that wasn't he better than having several children. How like a man saying something like that even though he might have been sincere in his intentions. Hannah made it all a matter of prayer and God answered her, giving her a son, Samuel, who grew to be a great man of spiritual influence.

Jochabed is a woman I have long admired for endangering her own life in order to spare her baby son Moses from certain death. Boy babies were being massacred, but she had a plan for saving her son by hiding him in a waterproof basket hidden in the reeds of a river. God's plans always amaze me, plans you and I would never begin to think of. Moses was spared by the Egyptian princess who even ended up using Jochabed as Moses' nurse until he came of age beyond the nursing process. We all know how God used Moses years later. He had a faithful mom who maybe didn't have much input into his growing up years, but still gave him the best start she could.

There are other moms in Scripture we can admire. I think of Mary, Jesus' mother and His aunt Elizabeth who gave birth to His cousin a little before his own. We read of Timothy's mother and grandmother who raised and nurtured him in the Scriptures. There are so many wonderful women we can look at in Scripture who too were moms of note.

BUT, this is now. Many mothers today of every age look back with varied feelings, some with joy and others with regret. No matter how good a mother has been through the years, there has never been a perfect mother. Sin came through Adam and Eve and from that point, motherhood has always been a struggle even under the best of circumstances. Satan works on every mother who is or ever has been just as he did with Eve, tempting and taunting. The best of godly mothers often struggle with all they didn't do or should have done when in reality, they did a pretty good job mothering their children into loving, productive adults.

I have a list of moms I admire tremendously. There are the single moms who have been left alone to raise and see to the needs of her children. Some moms could not physically give birth, but chose to adopt babies or children of various ages. I know moms who are raising their special needs children and along with that are moms who sit at the side of their child's bedside, a child with terminal brain tumor. Some have found their children addicted on drugs or alcohol which is a whole different heartache. I know of ladies of age right now who never gave birth, but who mothered girls in their Sunday school classes through years of service.

Motherhood has come in a variety of packages....as many packages as there are mothers. We who are moms have been granted the privilege of being just that...moms. What a privilege and honor. For some, there may have been heartache. We all as moms have made our share of mistakes. I have never in my life met a perfect mom, but with God's help, we have hopefully done our very best, and yes, hopefully we've done a lot of smiling in the whole process.

I read a quote and find it so true: “Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother.”
Mothers don't know everything but we have a Heavenly Father who does. Blessed are the children who have had a godly mom who loves them as only a mom can. For those of us who are moms...what a privileged calling from God to be used of Him in serving Him in this area of motherhood.

Thank You Father for my mother, my husband's mom and my three children who call me mom. Forgive the mistakes, wrong attitudes at time, shortness in patience that I probably share with other moms. Thank You for this call on my life. In Jesus' name...Amen

CULTURE AT A LOSS

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

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

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

Scripture speaks in several areas about darkness, mostly a spiritual darkness that we can become exposed to or even find ourselves in the very middle of. We live in a country of moral and spiritual darkness. It's a darkness that God hates, but that a good majority of Americans are choosing. There are even Christians finding themselves more exposed to a cultural darkness than ever before, some even succumbing to it.

The above verse speaks to where many in our country are with regard to morals and standards. Culture now tells us that 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 acceptable. Things anymore aren't just black and white, but morals and standards are viewed as being more gray where people can decide for themselves what is good or evil. When this mentality sets in, in reality, a person has come into the realm in darkness and has fled the light God intends for each of us. Such folks find themselves lost in a darkness hard to get out of. Continuing to wander in it just takes them further into it
.

It's amazing to me how quickly a culture can change. I loved the era of the 1950's that spanned much of my education. Any comparisons between then and now are unbelievable. Back then there were standards that now are foreign to everyday folks. Many of us can recall:

School starting with the pledge to the American flag.
You didn't want to go to the principals office...he was usually a man of action.
There was a strong respect for police officers.
When committing a crime, one usually confessed and was in prison within a couple of weeks.
Boys didn't “like” boys and girls didn't “like” girls...if you know what I mean.
Babies were born boy or girl (still are) with nothing in between.
You went to church on Sunday with no discussion about it.
Parents were respected and “talking back” was dealt with.
The dress in high school then was better than what teens wear to church today.
A young person didn't have a car until able to purchase one.
You didn't know about the “birds and bees” in first grade.
Some teachers read Bible stories to their grade school classes.
History was taught in high school and each senior had to pass a test on the U. S. Constitution to graduate.
When a judge handed down a verdict, that was it. Can't recall appeals very much.
Two parent homes were the norm.
Kids played outside til dark or when the street lights came on.

Maybe some of these things are memories for most. My question is, “What happened?” I can recall honorable politicians, at least for the most part. If you had a TV, you got the local evening news with informative information..no drama. Somewhere our culture let a lot of really good things go. Electronics have played a huge part with TV's, computers, all sorts of phones, etc. in taking us places we never anticipated going.

Our country needs a good old sweeping revival in the worst of ways. We can't go back and change the past, but we can be a part of changing the future, one by one. First, we can live lives pleasing to the Lord. We need to take advantage of speaking for Jesus when we can. We must ourselves be in the Scriptures and bathe it all in prayer. If our country continues it's self destruction, I would hope you and I would be doing our part in it's “stay” of self execution.

Father, help us to be a doer of Your Word and not hearers only. As pleasant and some of our memories may be, there are children growing up now who will never know an innocence like America past. Keep us praying..keep us faithful. In Jesus precious name...Amen

MY HIDING PLACE

You are my hiding place;
You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs
of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7

Since I was a little girl, I loved hiding places. I didn't like playing “Hide and Go Seek” because then a person had to be found and returned to home base. My sister Kay and I shared a room since we were old enough to do so. Coming from Southern Illinois, a very active coal mining area, Kay and I came up with a hiding place, we referred to it as hiding in our coal mine. When lights went out at night, we would crawl to the foot of our bed with covers over us and huddle up into two different clumps, hiding in that place. My Mother always caught on and found us for some reason and we were admonished to get up in bed and go to sleep.

As I got older, I still loved hiding places. I didn't really have anything to hide from, but loving mysteries, the thought of hiding places always fascination for me. Any hiding place I ever made for myself seemed to be easily identified by a parent. It was still fun to try.

I thought for the longest time in my adulthood, I was the only one seeking a hiding place from the cares of this world until I came to know of Corrie ten Boom. She resided with her sister and father over her father's clock shop. He felt strong affinity with the Jewish people and detested the Nazi treatment of them. Their home was soon turned over to being a shelter for Jewish folks in danger of losing their lives. That wasn't good enough for the Nazi's for they could go into any home at that time, raiding it to find Jewish fugitives.

Because of relentless of the Nazi troops, a plan was devised for a hiding place even in their house of refuge. If a raid should occur, there was a secret hiding place where Jews could hide and not be found. It was behind a wall in Corrie's bedroom.

There are times in all our lives when we would love to have a hiding place...a place away from cultural influence, family problems, crashing finances, chronic health issues...a place of peace and quiet away from it all. Such a place isn't possible on this earth, even if one were to go to reside in a convent or monastery. One could flee to the mountains where there is no indication of society in any way, but even with that would be unrest and even guilt for forsaking everyone.

Psalm 32 is such a sweet Psalm of blessing and forgiveness. As David puts pen to scroll, he's aware that God IS his hiding place. It may not be a hiding place that can be found in a building, forest clearing, worship center or other physical places. David knew his hiding place in God wasn't so much a physical place (even though it could be should God provide such), but his hiding place was in a presence...the very presence of God Himself.

We don't have to run to a place to hide. That would involve time and distance. Our hiding place as it was for David is not a physical place. The thing for us to think about is that a hiding place isn't worth a thing if we don't choose to take advantage of it's warmth and safety. God's provision is different as we see in Psalm 91:1:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

We can look to the next few verses in Psalm 91 where the Psalmist refers to God as his refuge, fortress, deliverer and will cover with his feathers where we may rest comfortably under the shelter of His wings. No, these aren't physical places, but with God, He has ways of providing even physical places for us in times of need.

I see the key to my hiding place in God is to be found in the first five words of Ps. 91:1. .”HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER. We must choose God's protection and we do that through relationship with Him. The Psalmist is speaking of one who has made a choice to dwell. You and I can flop and flounder in our problems that may strike from any direction...finances, health, family difficulties, job loss and all the rest. We like to work on our own problems and when all else fails, we turn to God.

How much peace could we have if we would be so nestled under the wings of God, our hiding place, that He would be our first and main resource at any time. For evil to try to seek me out, it would have to look for me under the wings of my Father, my shelter....my Hiding Place.

Thank You my Father for being so much more in my life that I can even think of. I so take for granted all the wonderful ways You work in my life. Thank You for being my Hiding Place, and for the comfort of the warmth of Your presence under Your wings. In Jesus' name....Amen