TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Then the Lord God formed man of
dust from the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became
a living soul.
Genesis 2:7

Any woman who has gone through labor and delivery of their much awaited birth of her baby knows what it means to hear that first cry of her baby upon delivery. That cry may come in a spontaneous way, with some pats on the back of the baby or with more drastic measures if necessary. My babies came before there were sonograms to check pre-birth health issues where now, problems may be detected early. No matter how perfect that baby looks at birth is to no avail if that baby doesn't take it's first breath and that first cry is heard.

At the time of creation when God completed the making of man in His own image, He then breathed into the nostrils of that man and with that breath, brought man to full life. Our breathing to this day is a part of God's original creation of us. Notice in the above verse that man physically was complete physically except for one thing...no breath, no life. If we could only grasp that the breath of God giving physical life began back then and extends to you and me today.

Paul speaks of that holy breath of God while preaching on Mars hill found in Acts 17:25, Speaking of God, he said:

...nor is He served by human hands, as
though He needed anything, since He
Himself gives to all people life
and breath and all things.

There are so many other things to be said about all of this. Books have been written regarding the Pentecost experience with the Holy Spirit descending and indwelling those saints who were that day, but I won't tackle all of that. There is one more verse that is just so precious regarding the Scriptures found in II Timothy 3:16,17 and it reads:

All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness.

That word “inspiration” I have been taught means “God breathed.” What a wonderful picture of God's working with the authors of Scripture so say exactly what He wants said to us...God breathed. What a picture.

Scripture gives us several areas where God's breath upon or in His people are important, the very activity of God that keeps us alive and functioning. It is one of those wonders that happens when we go to Heaven that our breathing and heart beating cease almost in tandem. Family in attendance always watch for that last breath. However our breathing doesn't stop there. It has been said when we exhale here on this earth, our next inhale will be in Heaven. What a wonderful Heavenly Father is ours Who has provided all we need to faithfully serve Him in the here and now.

Father, You are too wonderful for words. Thank You for every breath you allow me in this life and for the precious privilege of being Your child. Thank You for Your own breathed book that is available to all who choose to soak their lives with it. I love you dearly and Jesus too for his supreme sacrifice. In Jesus' precious name..Amen 

WE ARE BLESSED

For the Lord is good and
His love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues
through all generations.
Psalm 100:5

Who doesn't love birthdays? When very young they were often days l counted days toward...presents, birthday cake, favorite meal, friends and family, etc. Even though we may celebrate those days that are ours or someone elses, bottom line is that for most of us, it' s just a day on another person's calendar. For years now, what I have celebrated,regarding a friend's birthday is it being someone who is a dear part of my life.

Such is how I feel about the birthday of Jesus. I don't object to celebrating December 25 with the frills of it through the years. I said my Christmas “pieces” at church programs, sang in Christmas choirs, decorated trees and shared gifts. I love all of that and perhaps it's my age, but I find myself celebrating Jesus and His life more frequently than just on one day.

If you are a Tennessee voter, you, like Brian and I received a card (not in envelope) that was probably mass printed and sent out to us from our local state senator. Both sides had snow scenes, beautifully done. On one side the picture seemed gray and white...a barn in a lovely area of falling snow but brightly on one side of the barn, a huge American flag in color.

The back of the card showed a Christmas greeting from the gentleman and his wife again with snow a theme. Brian looked at the card first and found the card interesting. Just above the senders names was the Bible verse I have printed above. I looked at the verse and for a moment wondered what it had to do with the season.

Looking at the verse further, it doesn't seem in the least “Christmas-sy” unlike all the lovely Christmas cards we have sent or received with verses that apply to Christmas. I read the verse over and over...how appropriate it is for the day in which we live. When we are surrounded with chaos, bad tidings of questionable joy and our faith being questioned in many areas, here I saw this precious gift of Psalm 100:5.

This card recognizes, yes, that Jesus came to earth. He couldn't be all those things mentioned in that verse if He hadn't. I love celebrating birthdays. I guess that's where I am at this time in my life with the Christmas season...what can I give Him for His birthday. I can't give Him anything to merit my salvation but, I can be Jesus with skin on, serving others in some special ways.

In these days, this “Christmas verse” is a reminder of why Jesus came, who He was and who He continues to be down through the years to where we are in our present day. I am reminded that Jesus is good. That has become such a trite word but it runs deep blending with His love that is a forever thing. I am assured of Jesus' faithfulness that is mine and that extends into my forever.

As a mom, I love remembering my children on their birthdays, however, like other parents I don't just gift my children on their birthdays. I celebrate each of them for who and what they are on many a day. I pray I will also do Jesus that honor, not just on one day of the year but on every day. I'm not downing Christmas. I love the season and the festivities. I guess I just have a personal hope for all of us who love Jesus that we would, in these days, not just think about a Baby, but of a very special Man, a good and loving Man whose faithfulness will endure down through all generations that includes our children, grandchildren and beyond. He will be there for them as He continues to be for us.

Father, thank You for sending Jesus, Your Son, who not only lived for us but died for us as well. Because of His magnificent gift, we are forgiven, loved and promised an eternity with You. Thank You that we can celebrate a Merry Christmas every day of the year because of Jesus. In His precious name...Amen

DON'T YA LOVE IT?

The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed
never cease, for His compassions
never never fail.

They are new every morning; great
is Your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says
my soul, “Therefore I have hope
in Him.”

The LORD is good to those who
wait for Him, to the person who
Him.

It is good that he waits silently for
the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-26

If you don't read another word I write at this time, please...please grab hold of the above verses and squeeze all the spiritual juice you can get out of them. There are times in my reading when I seem to land in a spot in my Bible that is too precious to explain. It may be I had put my pencil or bookmark there with no intention in them being there. I'm not a hide and seek Bible reader. I'm not one to just open my Bible, point on the page and read where my finger lands. I'm not saying God can't lead in that way, but it usually hasn't worked for me. Today, I opened my Bible and there was my pencil, but immediately saw some underlining from time past I had long forgotten about.

I've usually avoided the book of Lamentations as it has seemed to be such a sad book. As I read the underlined verses, I saw a prophet with hope. Times had really been rough to put it mildly and he remembers some of those experiences just above those at the top of this page. In it all, he sees hope, a hope that is based in the mercy of God. I realize this book was written eons ago and would seem to have nothing to do with us in this day. Despite all of the terrible circumstances of his day, Jeremiah still saw God in such a positive light that it is mind boggling. We too should look for God's mercy and goodness in our own day.

I wrote in my Facebook today a statement I had written in the front of my Bible. I have no idea where it came from but helped me in my thinking about Jeremiah's writing. It says:

Until God opens the next door,
praise Him in the hallway.

I believe that statement spells out what Jeremiah was feeling. Circumstances for God's people at the time were terrible with perhaps no light at the end of the tunnel. They had been a people who turned to their own way, not Gods. However, in it all, Jeremiah began to express his own personal feelings about what God meant to him in his own day where sin was abounding.

As I read, I saw words He used with regard to the Lord in his life. Jeremiah lived in a time of sadness but still when he looked at his Lord, he was reminded of His consistent goodness and blessing. He used the words:

lovingkindnesses...compassions...faithfulness...
portion(source of happiness and blessing)...
good...Savior

All of that in the worst of times is how he saw His Heavenly Father. I'm wondering in these days of ours if we ever stop to do the same. God in His mercy has been every one of those things and more in my own life. I'm loving reading those verses over and over, thanking the Lord for the hope He extends me and you as well. We are truly a blessed people.

Father, thank You for how Your word speaks so clearly to our every need. Thank you too for your patience and for the hope You instill in us. In it all, thank You for Jesus and for Your sweet Holy Spirit's presence. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

ANGRY AT THE WORLD

But now ye also put off all
these; anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication
out of your mouth
Colossians 3:8

When very young and especially when in grade school, we have all probably heard the words, “I'm mad at you.” Looking back, the reasons were pretty lame compared to adult standards. The anger could be caused by something as simple as refusing to play a game another friend wanted to play. It all looks so simple now. With children, we also know that being mad at another friend didn't last long and play could restart an hour later with anger forgotten.

Several years ago, while reading my Bible and studying the book of Colossians, I came across chapter 3. It's one of those portions where the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks. Since that time, I've often invited ladies to join me in periodically using that chapter for a sincere time of spiritual inventory. The chapter contains some “put off and put on's” that are really quite clear. Prior to those, verses 1-4 are wonderful verses of assurance regarding our relationship with Jesus Himself.

I'm recalling the first time though that it dawned on me, the importance of that chapter. I sincerely try to remember when beginning any Bible reading to ask the Holy Spirit to teach me and even stop me where I need to stop and really think. On that particular day, I got down to the above verse. I read through the first phrase and came to “anger.” I paused for a moment wondering why that verse stood out to me. I tried to read on but I kept coming back to “anger.” I recall saying out loud: “I'M NOT ANGRY.” Then I decided to prayerfully ponder the possibility that I was. I realized that through the years so many things had happened in my life that gave me pause to be angry and through those years had just stuffed it all inside.

Anger is a very strong emotion. It can go from a simple annoyance rapidly to anger and perhaps even to hostility. We see it in the news almost on a daily basis. Who could have seen into the future the unkindness shown by the nicest of people. It would never have crossed our minds. As believers, what are some steps we can take to help with any anger we are dealing with? I'm working on these things myself on a daily basis.

*In Proverbs we are cautioned to not make friends with angry people. Good place to start.
*Understand that unbelievers don't have the strength we have to control themselves or even to love others.
*Be quick to pray. When those negative feelings begin to rise up, pray immediately. It doesn't have to take hours, for God can act on our behalf at any time.
*Be in the Word. Satan hates hearing the Word. It was so with Jesus in the wilderness and is the same with us in our wilderness times. Quote or even read Scripture aloud as often as possible
*When anger is building, put it in check quickly. It's something that grows fast and becomes overpowering if not handled in the moment.
*There's nothing wrong with admitting when we're angry...we are human beings. Confess it quickly to the Lord. Anger and guilt is never a good combination.
*Lastly, guard your mind. Don't watch TV news on ANY station. Be careful what you read or who you listen to. This has been among my latest moves and it feels great.

Our world needs our love and prayers more than ever. We musn't under-underestimate the power of acts of kindness, words of friendship/love and expressing words of blessing in another's life. If we aren't Jesus to others who need Him, they may never find Him.

Father, help us to be more in control of our emotions. Lead us to action only with situations where we can make a contribution for good. May Your Holy Spirit continue to remind and prompt us when we need direction and better yet, help us to respond in ways that would please You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

BEING EQUIPPED 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

In our day, there are any number of Bible retreats and conferences folks can participate in as often as they would like. 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 come off of spiritual rails.

A couple of years ago, Brian and I attended a seminar at the Billy Graham Cove. The speaker for almost five days dealt with God's Word in general and our treatment or lack thereof, of it. The first few session really blew me away. Our leader 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 had been a very long time I thought in these basic ways, especially talking about how we feel 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? Such introspection, I saw, was necessary if one was to benefit from a positive approach to God's Word.

These led us in many ways 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, Woodrow Kroll held up his Bible and simply said:

“Since God wrote only one book,
I think He would be pleased to have
us read it.”

During a question/answer time, he was asked the best version of the Bible one can read. Again his answer was simple:

“Read the one you have.”

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.

We live in troubling days ...days of insecurity and yes, evil. The only thing that is going to keep us mentally and spiritually sane, is to be in our Bibles as often as we can. We won't benefit from just a light scanning over it. It must be digested and applied in these days. It's the only thing that can grant us the security we desire. His words to us will speak peace and truth to us for He is Truth.

Father, I'm so grateful You SPOKE the words of Your 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 about Yourself. May I be willing to walk in obedience and love as I know You desire. In Jesus name....Amen

GIVE THANKS

In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning
you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

A flood of memories rush through our minds when we think of Thanksgiving day. The older we are, the more the memories. For the most part, especially for we girls, the thing that comes to mind past or present is food. On that day, growing up for my family was having dinner around noon and then going to our high school Homecoming football game. I think it was the routine of most folks in our small town.

All of my Thanksgivings weren't that routine. I was in fifth grade, my Dad was in the hospital and the day before Thanksgiving, our cupboards were as bare as I had ever seen them. Mother and I knew the problem, but neither of us could say anything. About 10:00 the night before, someone knocked heavily on our front door. Mother called from the back bedroom and said that she would answer the door. She turned on the porch light, opened the door and there on our porch swing were two big boxes of food. Mother had been very private about our circumstances and I know I hadn't told anyone, but there it was. There was everything there for our Thanksgiving dinner the next day and more to do for some days after. I don't think a Thanksgiving passes but what I picture those two boxes sitting on our porch swing, Mother looked teary and I was so very happy with our mysterious bounty. I had just accepted Jesus as my Savior a couple of weeks prior to that evening. I just felt the Lord had given me a special present.

I'm afraid we mostly think of food on Thanksgiving, but are encouraged to think about God's blessings in our lives, especially from the previous year. Brian and I went shopping Friday in preparation for the special day when one of our children will be here. For some of the time I sat in the car while Brian finished up some things and I enjoyed watching many, many people coming and going from the grocery store. I love people watching most any time, but I couldn't help but wonder what their holiday would be like. Would it all be just eating or do people ever give a thought to God's blessings in their lives.

Sitting in the car with my notebook, I started to list some things I know I'm so grateful for that I've probably already thanked the Lord for. What I noticed is that we always seem to think about the really big things and take for granted the smaller things that mean more to us than we even think about. I also felt convicted that I shouldn't have to think of things of gratitude at this time of year when God is just so good to me every day of the year.

For instance, when thinking about little things but really they're not, I first thought of water. It comes into my house through various faucets. I drink it, cook with it, take a bath in it, clean with it, wash clothes in it and thought of some other things. I turn it on without a thought that it might not come through into a sink. My mind went to pictures of folks around the world drinking from muddy pits, no fresh water available. Water...just a simple thing but more than simple, it's God's provision.

I've thought of some other things I take for granted that are important and my list grew writing down simpler things of life I'm so grateful for. Some bigger things that came to my mind among which are people who have meant so much to me this past year. I've had some friends who have gone to Heaven...people who may not know the influence they have been in my life. I've thought of our three children who God is blessing in so many ways and what a joy it is just observing them. Another special blessing is our church staff that works so hard not just on Sunday's, but every day of every week ministering to our church family. I can't thank them enough, but can thank God for each one and their families.

What I'm saying is that perhaps we should get practical this year. God knows our hearts and already knows the blessings He has brought to our lives, but big or small, I think He would appreciate a hearty “THANK YOU FATHER.”

O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
let us make a joyful noise to the
rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving, and make a
joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:1,2

PS: We never knew who brought those boxes, but to this day, I still feel grateful for those boxes and those who secretly brought them on a cold November night.

Thank You Father for Your goodness in our lives every day. You bless us with not just big things but the small things that add warm touches to our lives. You gave Your best when You gave us Jesus Who means more to us than anything we could think of. Thank You for giving us so much, but mostly Your love. In Jesus' precious name....Amen 

"SAY THE NAME!"

Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name
Philippians 29:

It's a new phrase we are hearing on the news that is being screamed from the streets by terrorists in sympathy for a person who they feel has been killed by corrupted law enforcement. In anger, such folks will get in the faces of innocent passers-by screaming the command in their faces, ”SAY THE NAME.” No one should die because of unfortunate circumstances, but the yelling goes on and on only to intimidate.

Names are more important than we think. New parents labor over what to call a new baby. The baby may be named after a family member, Bible person or just pulled from a book of names. It is a title every human being is called by so we can't underestimate the importance of ones name. A name should be respected in every way but never misused. Of course, the most precious name for we believers is that of Jesus, God's Son.

For many years in our churches, we sang a hymn that I often sing the chorus to myself:

Jesus is the sweetest name I know
And He's just the same as His lovely name.
And that's the reason why I love Him so
For Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

I understand that there are folks who have a problem with God's/Jesus' name. There are non- believers who don't hesitate using those precious names in their cursing. Even unbelievers know there is power in a name.

Much like protesters, I too want to shout “SAY THE NAME.” It wouldn't be the name they choose to hear, but it's the only name that has any true meaning. His name has power as is especially seen in the book of Acts. The Christian leaders did much in the name of Jesus. His name today is still a powerful one. People find hope and comfort in just saying that name. Having worked in a hospital, I've heard patients in extreme pain saying Jesus' name softly with tears. We call on Jesus who is our mediator in prayer. I've had times when tired or discouraged when trying to pray that all I could say quietly was that precious name.

In these days of despair that is all around us, the last thing Satan wants to hear from us is our saying that precious name even to ourselves. That isn't taking His name in vain...it's calling on the One and only who sees, understands and can act as He sees fit. He loves hearing His name just like as a mom, I love when my children say my title...Mom.

There are a lot of very haughty people who claim no spiritual affiliation or belief in Jesus who will come to realize one day who Jesus has been all along. Philippians 2:10,11 tell us:

That at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of things in
heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

We could never in our day convince unbelievers that such will come about, but when Scripture says it, it's going to be a reality. Meanwhile, we should have such a love for that name. We sing about that name often. One of those small refrains is a special one to me.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Sweetest name I know.
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.

Dear Jesus, how precious is Your name. It reminds us of love, miracles, love, a cross, Your resurrection and yes, love. Thank You for loving us despite our being so undeserving. May we praise and honor you in every way not just because of a name, but because of who You are. We love you....In Your name and Yours only...Amen 

JESUS, OUR PEACE

Peace, I leave with you; My peace
I give to you; not as the world
gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be
troubled, nor let it be fearful
John 14:27

Ask any person the one thing right now they would love to have in their lives. The list would result in being lengthy and items varied. Some may list some spiritual qualities and goals but when really looking into the depths of one's own spirit, peace may be an expressed need. However, peace may not be close to the top.

My first acquaintance with the word peace was when very young. My parents spoke of my uncle who was in the Army and would be coming home soon because of the end of the war. They spoke of the enemy as “giving up” and a paper was signed on a ship called the Missouri. I just took it that it was happening somewhere near St. Louis. No matter, it meant no more war and there would be peace.

Since that time and with much maturity, I have learned that peace isn't just a paper signed by two enemies that brings about an end to a war. I've since learned through time and trial that peace can be viewed in different ways. Conflict will always be a part of our lives until Heaven. Peace is not the absence of conflict. For we believers, peace can be a part of our lives despite any conflict we face.

Peace like love is of God. An unbeliever cannot know either of those things without a relationship with Jesus. Looking at the epistles of the apostle Paul, one finds within the first few verses a consistent blessing....”grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” How interesting that in every case, Paul puts grace before peace. The simple fact is that without the grace of God that enables our salvation, there can be no peace.

For us, peace is a gift. Jesus said it's something given to us by Him. At the giving of this promise by Jesus, He was facing death in a short period of time. He knew his disciples were troubled as He spoke of leaving. They were anything but peaceful, but He assured them of a peace He was giving them that the world could know nothing about. His peace is totally different from what the world offers.

The peace of the world is often found in distraction. There are those who find their peace in money, the next new car, friends, a new dress, a few cocktails during one's day, travel, overeating and even drugs. Many folks may use more than one of those things to give moments of what they would call peace. That peace, however, is temporary and soon, other distractions from the pains of life are required.

We are living in world that is crying for peace and many are looking for it in all the wrong places. We are finding the world seeking it's own kind of peace, is affecting us who know what Jesus intends what our peace is to be. Jesus said His peace wasn't anything like what the world's peace. He even suggested the world will try to give us it's peace. I'm afraid we often fall victim to what the world has to offer.

The human mind is a wonderful thing. It's who we are and it will be what we feed it. Jesus gave us instruction...”Do not let ”....your heart (mind) be troubled. Otherwise, we have some decisions to make as to what we feed on that will either be a blessing or cursing. This means we have a control as we focus on the One Who is the source of our peace. When I look away from him, my eye wanders to outside influences. Jesus has provided the peace we need. I wonder how often we even pray for peace in our lives. We're not to be troubled or fearful (both the opposite of peace) as the world is. We aren't meant to be victims but victors through Christ Who loves us and Who is our peace.

These things I have spoken to you,
so that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you have tribulation, but
take courage; I have overcome
the world.
John 16:33

Forgive me, Father, for worrying and being fearful over things out of my control. You've promised me Your peace. I'm sorry for not trusting You to be my peace, rest and contentment. Help me to find my rest in You and Your sovereignty. Please use me to be a witness to Your power, love and yes, peace. Thank You for Jesus Who is our peace. In His precious name...Amen 

ROW, ROW, ROW

...Be of good cheer;
it is I;
be not afraid.
Mark 6: 50B

One of my favorite places on this earth, to this day is the Baptist Camp I got to attend one week each summer through junior high school. I got to be a camp counselor for a couple of weeks each of my high school summers there. Only Heaven will reveal how God worked in my young heart during those days in that place. A city lake touches on a part of the camp so at one point, someone built a dock so that there could be some boating for camp attendees. I recall the first time I was told that as a counselor, I would need to go out in a boat, oar in hand and learn to manipulate myself on the water. Camp kids couldn't go out in a boat without a counselor so I needed to “step up to the boat.” I loved doing it.

In this process, I was reminded of a statement I heard and don't know the source or who said it in my hearing:. The person said, “Every one has row their own boat.” I couldn't figure out for the the life of me what that meant until I found myself in a row boat on a small part of that lake, all by myself. I found with me in that boat alone, that boat wasn't going to get to shore if I didn't do the work. I also realized that process was a real lesson in responsibility. What few times I was alone in the boat, I would have appreciated some company. The rowing would have been so much easier if there was someone to help. There wasn't though and the responsibility was mine to get that boat back to shore and docked properly.

To this day, I must say that as I read incidents of Jesus' disciples finding themselves in a boat during a storm and in real trouble, that it gets my attention every time. Some of those men were experienced in handling a boat because of their prior occupations so there shouldn't have been a problem EXCEPT for storms that could suddenly arise over the water, creating huge winds and waves. All was well until that happened and it's just as true today except in a different context.

Even in every day life, we are responsible to “row our own boats”. That's just the way life is. We can have the fellowship of friends and family, but when storms come, we often feel very alone...worried, nervous, frightened...especially when the “storms” in our lives hit and we wonder how we can possibly survive it all.

Jesus wanting some time alone, asked the disciples to go ahead of Him to the far side of the lake. It wasn't long until Jesus saw the storm that had hit the lake and that the disciples were really struggling. They were trying to row into the wind to get where they wanted to go, but it was only causing real panic. Before the disciples knew it, Jesus came walking on the water to them. They weren't sure at first it was Jesus, but He made Himself known and even got into the boat with them. Immediately the storm ceased and the disciples were shocked. The Scripture finishes with the disciples who should have remembered the feeding of the multitude that had just happened. This miracle in the boat shouldn't have surprised them.

How about us? Our life's boat may be rocking and heaving with the problems of health, finances, family concerns or even concerns for our country. We row and fight the waves wearing ourselves out emotionally. We need to remember that Jesus is in our boats. Remember that God has told us He will never leave or forsake us....that includes Him in our boats. He wants to bring His peace and strength into our lives. We can row ourselves to death and not be able to defeat any of the stormy winds that assault us. We like the disciples underestimate what Jesus can do in the middle of our storms. Worse yet, we forget the miracles and I do mean miracles He has brought about in our own lives.

We, like those disciples, forget the wonders Jesus has worked in our times of difficulty that were miraculous. Jesus has a more than wonderful track record in our lives so how can we forget it all. I recall times of prayer during a really tough time where it seemed like nothing changed. He doesn't change, He's still just as powerful to work on our behalf and better yet...He's in our boats. We still need to do our part in the rowing, but better yet to remember that He is our peace and strength. He's that presence that we can't ignore no matter how the winds and waves beat at our lives. Even if some storms don't cease after praying about them, we still have Jesus in our boat and He can get us through anything.

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming into my very small boat when I was at the age of ten. You have been a faithful presence ever since, especially in the difficult times I've had to face. You have worked in wonderful and miraculous ways and I'm so grateful. Thank You for Your continued presence in my life. I love You. In Your precious name I pray...Amen

SET YOUR MIND

 

For those who are according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who are according to the
Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For the mind set on the flesh is death,
but the mind set on the Spirit is life
and peace,
Romans 8:5 (NASB)

When I was in elementary school, I really struggled with the multiplication tables. I sometimes still do. I would have loved to have had a nickel for every time I heard,”Glendarae, you can do this if you set your mind to it.” I heard it from parents, grandparents, and teachers. In college there was a professor who loved using that phrase for just about anyone who had lost enthusiasm for a task.

There is something I have since learned about that remark, often made not just to me, but to others as well. It's meant to be a positive, upbeat message to any listener. Any time I was addressed with that comment, I knew the person speaking to me saw something in me I didn't see in myself. They thought I could be a person of accomplishment, and they didn't want me to give up on myself. I was being encouraged whether I realized it at the time or not.

All of us set our minds to accomplish things whether we are aware of it or not. Simply stated, when we set our minds to do something, we've determined to accomplish the whatever that something is. Such determinations might be: cleaning out a closet, washing the car, attending church, doing some grocery shopping, calling a relative, reading a book and more. Most things we get done are done because we have set our minds to do them.

We are very good at accomplishing many things, so why aren't we stronger when it comes to spiritual living. Many times, we don't set our minds to be strong people of faith. I'm looking at Paul talking to the Roman church and as I was reading in Romans 5 and came to the above verses, I thought how simply he presented some things so profoundly to those Roman believers. And yet, those same words now apply to us.

I learned a long time ago that I can't be a good Christian on my own. I can set goals and even force myself to read my Bible, attend church, pray etc. When I do my own planning and goal setting, nothing spiritually pleasing to God is going to occur. He never meant for you and me to live the Christian life on our own. Although born again people, we face the same weaknesses as does the rest of the world. We get tired, ill or discouraged like anyone else does, BUT we have an In-House Being, the sweet Holy Spirit who is ready to empower us to want to do those things that please the Father. When we pray, calling on that power, our spiritual lives become fuller, more satisfying and much more joyful.

Let's determine to set our minds more on the things of God than the things of the world that right now are occupying our minds. Whether we face a pandemic or election and the changes that can come from it all, God will still be our Father who continues to be concerned for us. In the midst of it all, His promises are sure and He's still our Father who will never leave or forsake us. He's already made up His mind about that.

Father, I do love You and want to please You. I long for a closer relationship with You and ask You to speak to me through Your Spirit and His Word. I so appreciate all You've done in my life, especially Your sending Your Son to die for me. In His precious name I pray with much gratitude....Amen