LOOKING BACK

Be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

There are times when someone does something for us in secret and they have no way of knowing at the moment what it means to us. This last weekend is one of those times when a friend couldn't have known the impact of leaving a precious gift at my front door.

I grew up with the greatest of neighbors. I often went to the house of Mr. & Mrs. Rennie. They lived two doors down from us. We referred to them as Old Mr. Rennie and Old Mrs. Rennie. Our parents always referred to them as “Old”. They were probably in their mid sixties...they weren't just old. They were very old....OLD. I loved them and often went to their house. Old Mr. Rennie's entire backyard was a garden. Many people in those WWII days had gardens, but he grew about anything you could think about.

In the summer I learned to walk through our neighbors back yard to Old Mr. Rennie's back door. He would come to the door and I would tell him I wanted to eat a tomato. He had taught me how to pick one that was ripe and the right size. We would sit on his back steps, each eating a tomato. He would bring a salt shaker and we would both indulge. I knew I had to sit on that step until I ate all of my tomato leaving only the stem part. There just was no taste like Old Mr. Rennie's tomatoes.

I have spent my life loving tomatoes and really looking for just one tomato that tasted like those tomato's I ate on those concrete steps with and OLD friend. I've sought that taste and although most tomatoes have been very good, there has just been something missing.

Sunday, a friend left four gorgeous tomatoes on my front porch. I don't know who did it but brought them in anticipating eating one when I got home after church. I couldn't wait to dig in and did so after grabbing my salt shaker. I took my first Bite. I just sat there chewing on that goodness. All I was thinking was “Old Mr Rennie.” I couldn't believe that after 78 years, THE tomato had finally made it's appearance in my life. Sounds strange I know but that's the way it was.

All of that for this....we never know when we show a kindness in another's life what that might mean to that person. I've done those things and it's kind of fun pulling off a secret on someone. At the same time, on the other end and in many cases, we may not know until Heaven what that act of kindness meant to one who was perhaps going through a hard time and an “Old Mr Rennie: memory may be stirred in that person's mind and are blessed. How fun to be that kind of encouragement. A person need not be going through a tough time for such thoughtfulness. We can all use an extra smile at anytime.

As Christians, we're called to be people-conscience whether they be saved or unsaved friends. Maybe that “tomato” could be a seed sown in an unsaved heart that would draw that person to seek and find. Perhaps a Christian who is discouraged with life would feel a warmth that someone thought of them in a special way and they were blessed. Often just such a thing can encourage our own hearts as givers knowing that for a moment, we took our eyes off of our own problems and thought of someone else.

It may mean a phone call, a card, or a word of kindness...even a tomato We live in a needy world and are still called to be “Jesus with sin on.” Let's not be weary in well doing. Too many people need us.

Thank You, Father for the people You have brought into my life through the years who have blessed me in so many ways. Thank You for the notes, church friends, teachers, green beans, squash and yes, tomatoes that have brought me through some tough times. Thank You mostly for Jesus Who is my all in all. In His precious name....Amen 

UNDER THE FEATHERS

 

He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou
trust: his truth shall be thy
shield and buckler.
Psalm 91:4

Anyone who gets a card from me knows that in the inside bottom right corner of that card, I print “Ps 91.” The “Ps” doesn't refer to “public school” as it has in the past, but refers to the book of Psalms. For several years, it has been a Psalm I read often, especially in a time when I need a warm hug from God. It's a Psalm of strength, comfort, security and love, among other wonderful benefits. Through all those things, I've come to know God so much better and it reinforces my trust and faith.

The entire Psalm is precious, but there are qualities I see sprinkled through this Psalm that remind me of who God is, such as:

*Most High -1
*Almighty-1
*Lord-2
*Refuge-2
*Fortress-2
*My God-2
*Feathers and wings-4
*Shield and buckler-4
*Angels on duty-11

There is so much more in all the verses of that Psalm that connect it all. Verse 4 is one I have on a plaque and even on a necklace I wear often. In that verse I see the warmth and tender care of the Father as expressed as a mother bird would protect and provide for her little ones. In that warmth and tender care, security and trust is built up.

The story is told of a prairie fire that occurred many years ago. A family had to forsake their homestead because of the fire. When all was over, the family returned to find total devastation. However they found the charred body of a hen. The man just kicked it over and from there three or four little chicks scurried from under the mother hen's charred body. She had extended her wings pulling her chicks down and under her wings for protection.

As I look at the above verse, I am reminded of that mother hen, providing love and life for her chicks. In that verse is not only the protection and warmth under His wings, but we see a God armed for battle...shield and buckler. He's prepared in every way to be our defense. A shield is a large item that would cover most of a soldiers body,. The buckler was a smaller round shield with a strap the soldier could hold on the forearm while holding a sword in the other hand. It was used for closeup skirmishes. All of this is a way to describe our God, our protector and defender from the evil one.

All in all, this Psalm spells for me L-O-V-E as only God can show and feel for me. I'm not worthy of one moment of His attention, but that is just who He is in my and your life as well. In these days, we need to read over and over who God is in our lives. Jesus gave His all on this earth that we might know this wonderful love and care only God can provide. He is as near as the breath we breath. Under His feathers we find comfort, help, security, love and so much more. Join me...under His feathers

Dear Father God, how we thank You for all You are in our lives. We can't begin to make the list of Your times of protection, provision and peace You have extended to us all because of Your love for us. May Your Holy Spirit continue to guide and teach us. Help us to walk in obedience and grow in You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

ONE FOUNDATION

Neither pray I for these alone, but
for them also which shall believe
on me through their word;

That they all may be one; as thou,
Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may b one in us:
that the world may believe
that thou has sent me.

And the glory which thou gavest
me I have given them: they may
be one, even as we are one.
John 17:20-22

One of my favorite Bible studies is from John 14-17. These chapters are so rich in love and concern on Jesus' part. In chapters 14 through 16, Jesus spoke to his disciples with regard to His soon departure. He gave a lot of promise and encouragement they couldn't have understood in the moment. By the way, those promises are important for us today the same as back then. Chapter 17, however, is what has come to be known as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. It is a gem above all gems as He prayed for those dear men He had loved and led. The last part of that prayer looks down through the ages to where you and I are right now. The above verses are just a samples of His concern for future believers.

This all has come to my attention because of an event that happened recently at the supper table where we were at the time for a five-day seminar. The tables seat eight and we happened to be alone at one table. A couple approached and asked if they could join us which is the usual question no matter how many are already at the table. We welcomed them.

I would say the couple was perhaps early 60's, nice looking and quite personable, especially the gentleman. They took their seats and proceeded to say grace between them which again is normal for that setting. Usually people look at each other's name tags to at least see where folks are from as a point of conversation. This time, that didn't happen. With his very polished voice, he looked at us and simply asked, “Are you Baptists?” He could have asked us most anything to begin a conversation, but this sounded a little odd, but Brian answered in the affirmative.

With that, in between bites, the man began with giving us his history with Baptists. He had been an association director a couple of times, had offers to pastor but not I'm sure what he ended up doing. He did indicate he was finished with Baptists and they were happy in a non-denominational setting. He had even told his pastor that their church reminded him of a Baptist church. His pastor replied that he was honored to hear that.

After eating, we went into the auditorium. The guest pianist began playing a short concert prior to the speaker coming to teach us.. For at least ten minutes, she played one hymn using a variety of style for each time she played it. As God would have it, after our interesting supper, she played “The Church's One Foundation.” It brought back lines to my mind as she played. Some phrases from that blessed, old hymn came to my mind:

*The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.
*One holy name she blesses; partakes one holy food
*Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One

...and there are others describing our Kingdom citizenship because of what Christ has done for each of us. There were several usages of the word “one” throughout the hymn. Name tags gave no church affiliation at this place. I never heard denomination discussed, only this one time. We were there as God's Kingdom Kids and it was so refreshing. We believers are all a part of God's family, no matter the name of the church or denomination. We believers stand on our mutual foundation....Jesus.

Thank You dear Jesus for doing so much to bring us to Yourself. Thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit that teaches us from it. Thank You for the fellowship we have with other believers because of You dying for each of us. Forgive our sin and keep us from the evil one. We love you...in Your precious name...Amen 

PREPARATION OF A PLACE

Let not your heart be troubled:
ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I
would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3

With the exception of where we now live in beautiful East Tennessee, there has been something very consistent in my life with my husband. We have lived many places, five of which meant the construction of a house where we would live. We have leased a couple of times, but Brian has usually seen those places before I did. When we made a move to Virginia, he went ahead to find a place to lease for a couple of years. He brought back pictures of the house we would live in for that time. When it has come to the roof over our heads, most of the time Brian has taken me to the places he already arranged for. I trusted him to the fullest in the making of such decisions.

Brian has always had good taste in so many ways and choosing a place for us to live was n exception. He's usually picked a place as new a possible for many obvious reasons. All places have been clean and nice and some brand new even to the point of our building a new place. We've never lived in a mansion, nor would we go looking for one.

I must admit when I think about a place to live in Heaven, I get a little concerned. You see, I don't care all that much about anything gold...jewelry, gilt items, etc. For ten years now, I've lived in Eastern Tennessee, a stone's throw from our house to the Smoky Mt. National Park. We are surrounded by “green” as far as the eye can see. I love trees in all of their various shades of green glory. I can't imagine from Scripture what Heaven will be like, but I read of gold, gates of pearl and various precious stones in Heaven's foundation. It's sounds lovely. but I sure would like a green tree or two I can look at.

In pondering all of this not long ago, the Holy Spirit just put on my heart that it really doesn't make that much of a difference the physical make up of Heaven. The cosmetics of it all are going to pale in light of what it will be like with being with Jesus, the Light of the World. Just the privilege of sitting around the throne with Jesus at the right hand of the Father with all believers will be more than we can comprerhend. It was the same with Brian's preparations. Even if I hadn't liked a place, it would have been home because Brian would be there.

Jesus was very clear about His leaving the disciples and as disturbed as they were, Jesus gave them some points of encouragement that are meant for us to consider as well. Those are found in the above verses. Read them and try to soak it all in. Wrap yourself in John's chapters 14-17 and immerse yourself in Jesus' final, personal time with His disciples..

We read these verses and feel they are for the disciples only. Jesus spoke on our behalf as well. We won't always be on the earth in the middle of all it's muck. There will be a day when we, His children, will know eternal peace, an uninterrupted peace...an eternal peace like we've never known. We'll have no more political promises of unity or military promises of peace treaties. There will be no more striving between races or other cultural concerns. We will know a peace and contentment we can't even imaging right now. What a glorious day that will be.

Thank You Jesus for going to prepare places for us where we'll abide with You forever. Thank You for the hope you have placed in our hearts and for Your shed blood that covers we, Your chidlren. In Your precious name I pray...Amen 

GOD GOES BEFORE US

And the Lord, he it is that doth
go before thee; he will be with
thee, he will not fail thee,
neither forsake thee: fear not,
neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

Moses had already said similar words as above to the Israelites he had been leading. A new leader was required as Moses wasn't going to lead the people himself into the Promised Land. Moses took Joshua to one side to make it official that he would be the new leader of the people in his place. The above verse is just a part of of what Moses said to Joshua.

I don't know what can “rattle our cages” more than huge change in our lives. Even if a family makes a move, going together, there is something very lonely about a huge move of some sort. I didn't have a family at the time, was single working in a Christian Center. I thought I would spend my life there, but God had other plans. After a sermon on Sunday morning, I sensed God's leading for me to leave the position and work I loved so much. Making such a move seemed an impossible thing to do. I had no money, no car, forthcoming job or place to live. It was overwhelming.

Early one morning while praying and pondering, it “came to me” that I had enough college library science hours to have minored in the subject. Just down from my church was a fairly new public library. I borrowed the Center's car and ventured to that library and spoke with the head librarian. After a lengthy conversation, he simply said: “When can you start?” I told him it wouldn't be for at least a week or so. That was fine with him.

I walked out the door of that library and looked across the street. A lady was putting up a “For Rent” sign in the door window of a very old apartment building. I hurried over to speak with her. She had a very small furnished apartment for rent. After conversation and telling her I had no money, she offered the place to me with no deposit. I would be a block from Kroger's, two blocks from my bank, a half block from my church and three large blocks from downtown. I got back to the Center that day exhausted from all the blessings of the day.

From that move, in a matter of a couple of months, I met Brian and within a year, we would be married. It was almost unbelievable how God led in less than a year having gone ahead of me. I didn't know that the library needed new personnel, nor did I know an apartment would need a tenant, but God knew. He knew THE day I needed to go to that library and how He already had my life planned out.

I usually don't like to give this much personal information, but God can teach any of us so much in such a short period of time. I learned to listen and trust Him when he led. I can't say I was a great person of faith at the time, but my faith was reinforced times over in just that one day. A big thing I learned is how God goes before me. When I got to the library, He was already there. When I walked out and looked across the street, God was already there. It was if He had swept everything out of my path to get me where He wanted me to be.

This kind of incident in my life isn't unusual. Probably anyone reading this can think back and see how God wonderfully led in their lives. For us all to have experienced such, something had to die. My dream of living and working where I had been had to die for new life to begin and any kind of death isn't comfortable for any of us, but drastic change usually demands dying to self. In it all, God is always in charge and leads in our lives in very personal ways. We can't see how He's working, but we must have faith to believe that He loves us beyond comprehension and does all things well.

Father God, I continue to be amazed at how You work in the lives of people. You are Sovereign, Someone who knows all and can function on my behalf in such amazing ways. I am so grateful and dearly love every part of You...Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. It's in Jesus name I pray...Amen

DO NOT FEED THE BEARS

There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man: But God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way
to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Corinthians 10:13

Black bears are a real fascination for folks who come to our mountains. People swarm to our nearby cove to just have the joy of spotting a bear or two. We are near enough to the park to even have bears occasionally visit in our town. If a neighbor spots one, he is quick to alert other neighbors. Black bears are not like stuffed animals one can purchase in a visitor's center. They are very much alive, very fast runners, defensive of their young, unpredictable and usually very hungry.

Black bears really are beautiful signs to behold. The smaller ones are fun to watch as they follow close behind their mommas. As fascinating as it all is, there are signs that warn people to stay at a good distance from any bear they see in a nearby field. My shock is to see the carelessness shown toward these seemingly friendly animals by well meaning visitors. We have seen people do really stupid things. We saw a father with a two year old little boy, edge up to a bear to the point of being just about 10 yards or less from the bear. He just wanted his son to get a good look. There is no way that dad could have outrun that bear if the bear had turned on him and his son.

People are cautioned about feeding the bears. Human food can turn that animal's system into something that is unnatural. If used to human food, bears will seek out human food and such a venture can mean real danger for a well-meaning tourist. Bears can see or sense food left in a car while a family goes for a hike. Bears have been known to open car doors to gain access to delicacies left behind in it. Bears just being bears can end up being euthanized because of the careless behavior of human beings.

Sin can at times look as innocent as a cuddly little black bear. The sin may seem innocent enough and harmless at best. The problem with little bears is that they quickly grow to be bigger ones, bears that can show their fierceness at times with little provocation. A live bear always has to eat to keep alive and satisfied. Such is the same with sin.

There are so many seemingly innocent things that can take hold of our lives and I'm speaking of we Christians. Somehow because we are God's children, we feel we are immune to the horrible effects of little innocent temptations that can eventually have destructive effects in our lives. Moderation can go out the window when presented with any sin.

One of the attributes of sin, like our bears, is that it demands to be fed. It will plead, beg and nag to be fed. It is relentless. This is why temptation is such a dangerous thing. Many Christians feel they are immune to temptation. Satan loves when we feel like that. What tempts you might not tempt me. Satan has us and our weaknesses all figured out and knows just the right thing to dangle in front of us.

I think the older we become, the more immune we feel we are from most worldly things and that may be true. However, we may have our own set of sins that God still hates. Where some younger person may get hung up on alcohol, an older person may get great delight in gossip and spreading as much negative information as possible. We can have issues of anger and resentment that may seem harmless when just the opposite is true.

I know the “bears” in my life that demand my attention, time and response. Let the real black bears feed on all the berries and nuts they can find. Our answer is to be folks who feed regularly on the Word of God. When faced with the roar of temptations, flee it as quickly as one should get away from any black bear found in a park. Both can be terribly damaging.

Father, thank You for Jesus who died for our sin and to give us life eternal. Keep us alert as to Satan's tactics. May we act against such with Holy Spirit power to resist him while clinging to Your precious word. In Jesus name...Amen 

SUIT UP

Finally, my brethren, be strong in
the Lord, and in the power of
his might.
Ephesians 6:10

Lately I have been so blessed by spending time in the book of Ephesians. I realize we are living in a culture that is tossing and turning in pain. However, it must be noted that this culture of ours is made up of individual people. Like it or not, we're in the middle of it and need all the encouragement we can.

How comforting to know that we are not left defenseless. Our loving Father saw down through eternity our need of tools with which to fight the attacks of Satan. He has given us pieces of spiritual armor with which to deal with the wiles of the evil one. Each piece is important. Without even one piece, Satan will attack that weak area of our lives. Thus we are commanded:

Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

All pieces of that armour are for the purpose of protection except for one and that is the gospel of peace. We can fend off any spiritual attack with the Word of God. Without that weapon, we just aren't going to have the strength needed to fight any spiritual battle we are faced with.

Many of such spiritual skirmishes I seem to experience are at night, in bed, in the dark, morning hours, and can't sleep. This happens off and on with me and I've learned to just grab my sword (Bible), head for the living room and allow the sword to do it's work. If we aren't very acquainted with our sword (Bible) we wouldn't know what to do with it. However, the Holy Spirit in His loving patience, can steer us in the right direction.

This kind of thing happened to me just about four nights ago. I had some folks and situations on my mind, things God is very capable of taking care of. I got up, headed for my chair in the living room and turned to one of my comfort zones in the Word...Philippians. At my age, I at times think maybe God is ready for me to “hang up my spurs.” There it was...1:6”

Being confident of this very thing,
that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ.

I can't tell you how that warmed my heart at about 2:00 AM. You see, when we think of the spiritual armor and the sword, we think of huge negative events that come into our lives. What I'm thinking is that God wants us suited up for any kind of warfare Satan may bring into our lives. A soldier takes great care to know his weapon, how to shoot it, how to clean it, etc. Without that effort, a soldier could be in great danger when in the course of battle.

Let's determine to know our swords (Bibles). Among all the pieces of spiritual armor, only the Word is our defensive weapon. We need it for battle in the hardest of times, but also perhaps in the midnight hours when we need to come out swingin'.

Dear Jesus, You not only died to save us but you have given us the best of tools with which to fight evil the assaults us. Through Your Holy Spirit, may we be encouraged and even excited about being in Your Word for strengthening and encouragement. Forgive our remiss in not making it more a priority in our lives. In Your precious name....Amen 

TAKE ME BACK

Take me back, take me back, dear Lord
To the place where I first received You.

In recent days, the above words from a song have been running through my mind. For all of us, there are places in our past lives we don't wish to revisit,but there are spiritual events we should revisit every now and then. We've all had more time in recent months to do some thinking. Perhaps this thinking has been mostly on the negative side. It doesn't have to be like that for God's kids though. So I have revisited some places spiritually that have been heart warmers for me.

Jesus came into my heart, one sunny morning after an evangelist's sermon. I could take you to the church and where I was sitting at the time. (Renovations would keep me from taking you to that pew now.) What a wonderful day. We were given little copies of the book of John with a place on the back to fill in our name and date of salvation. I still have it although it looks as worn as I do. I often go back to that day. Little did I recognize at that time what that decision would mean in my life and eternal future. After all, I was only ten years old at the time. There's never been a regret. How often do you return to that time in your life? It should be a heart warmer for you as well.

I received my first Bible at the age of 12, two years after being saved. I admired my friend Donna's Bible. She marked verses in it that were meaningful to her. I had never seen that before and began doing that when I got my new Bible. I still have done it with every Bible I've owned. King James was the Bible in 1949 everyone used. We could never have looked into the future to see all the translations we have now. I have used one in particular I feel a confidence in...however...in these days of revisiting time gone by, I have again pulled out a KJV I have had on a bookshelf. I'm so enjoying going back to the “thee's and thou's.” The Holy Spirit, our teacher, taught us well from the KJV we all grew up with and He still does.

A fun thing I'm doing with returning to the KJV is listing those verses and passages I memorized years ago whether in Sunday school or Vacation Bible School. Some I've never forgotten although their addresses are vague at times. Of course, there is Psalm 23. Long ago in marking my Bible, I underlined all of the personal pronouns like me, my and mine. That made that precious Psalm my own. Although memorized, I still like to read it and absorb all of it's promises on the written page.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11

I've gone back in memory, remembering those past preachers and teachers in my life. They'll never know how appreciative I am of their investment in the life of a little skinny, tow-headed girl. I'm going back in grateful memory of those folks. They'll never know the difference they made in my life, secondary only to my Savior.

I remember the days of old; I meditate
on all thy works; I muse on the
work of thy hands.
Psalm 143:5

I would encourage us to look back more often. Spiritual highlights in our past lives can be such treasures and blessings for today.

Dear Father God, how grateful we are that You never change. You are our loving Father past, present and future. More important, Your love and care for us never changes. Thank You for all those dear folks in churches and other places You chose to be blessings in our lives. Thank You for Jesus and Your sweet Spirit. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

AFFLICTION

It is good for me that I have
been afflicted; that I might
learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71

When I think of affliction, I think of the first time I remember hearing the word. Polio was the big panic when I was in my latter grade school days. A really sweet girl from our school in a couple of grades lower than mine had “caught” polio. She had to immediately be put in what was then called an “iron lung.” Even with polio, there wasn't a panic I knew of. Schools didn't close nor masks worn. I'm sure parents and teachers were watching out for us. Thank God there was a polio vaccine that came on the scene preventing a great deal of damage across the country.

I heard adults use that A-word, but just thought it was a sickness someone was going through. I know now that affliction covers anything that has to do with pain or suffering. Affliction isn't always going to be physical. There are people who are afflicted with any number of hardships, disease, pain or other troubling events. So several years ago, when I came across the above verse, it was puzzling to me. How could the Psalmist possibly see affliction as being a good thing?

Through time, I've come to understand some things first by looking at many of my past difficulties, many of which I didn't see coming. Some afflictions I also brought on myself. Ten years ago, I didn't ask for bladder cancer. When the doctor told me of it, I wish I could say that my response was “blessed be the Lord.” I was really in a state of shock. God got me through it with treatment, and in those days, I felt such a closeness to Him. That was amazing to me.

When affliction comes, no matter it's cause, it usually comes on quickly. Some circumstances may start small and grow, but many times it comes to us with a shock. Very often it comes with a phone call or a knock on our door. Mental stress brings a different kind of affliction as it is a very lonely thing, often not revealed by anyone who is afflicted with it.

The above verse from Psalm 119, seems to take on a positive look. Affliction is a time of testing God hopes will be spiritually beneficial. Our times of affliction may not be times we first think of when it comes to spiritual growth. However, that's exactly what God means for us in such times. If I've never learned much from these difficulties, I have learned one big thing. It's in my best interest to pass any test God sets before me, for if I don't pass the test, God may retest me. Retesting may be harder yet.

Whatever the affliction, God's desire in it is for us to learn more about Him and His Word. These difficult times are not times to skip spiritual activities....Sunday school, church, Bible reading and prayer and even serving others. A lady said to me: “I'm so down, if I read my Bible I'll get nothing from it.” I said to her, “Read it anyway.” Prayers may change even into complaining. God can take our being upset. He can take our venting in our prayers. After all, He knows our circumstances anyway. He won't allow any difficulty in our lives leaving us alone and helpless. When affliction passes, we'll know God so much better. That's His desire for us and so much more.

Dear Father, help us to remember that there is no affliction that can come into our lives but that it is filtered through Your loving fingers first. Strengthen us in such times. Keep us from bitterness and anger in those days. May we come to know You better through it all. Thank You for Your unconditional love. In Jesus name...Amen 

WORSHIP

Come, let us worship and
bow down, let us kneel
before the Lord our Maker.
Psalm 95:6

So many people through the years have spoken privately or in the course of a spiritual setting of this thing of worship. Of course, the world has used the word with regard to hero worship of favored people such as (“I worship the ground she/he walks on.”) The world also worships fame, money, things,etc. But how are we Christians to view this thing of worship?
I realize a myriad of books have been written on the subject, but my very finite mind chooses to view it in a simple, practical way.

Worship was always been meant for one Person. Worship for we Christians has to do with our Heavenly Father, Jesus and His Spirit and for them alone. How is worship defined for we believers? When we worship God, we are giving our complete attention to Him as we express our honor for His greatness. We may have our own definitions of worship, but that is only a knowledge of it. We don't worship words and definitions. It's something we do regularly out of our loving relationship with God. God delights in His children worshiping Him. I've listed some things below in the fashion I'm accustomed to doing that can contribute to our putting worship into practice.

W-ord
Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
II Timothy 2:15

O-bedience
If ye love me (Jesus), keep my
commandments.
John 14:15

R-ejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

S-inging
O sing unto the Lord a new song:
sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name;
shew forth his salvation from
day to day.
Psalm 96:1,2
WORSHIP

H-eart
Let the words of my mouth, and
the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

I-mitate
Be ye therefore followers of God,
as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also
hath loved us....
Ephesians 5: 1,2a

P-raise
But I will hope continually,
and will yet praise thee more and more.
Psalm 71:14

There are many ways we might choose to worship our Heavenly Father. My list isn't exhaustive. You might think of some words to go with those letters that would be worship for you. Whatever the methods we choose, our worship should be backed up by our living. It's not a one time thing for just a moment. The wonderful thing is that we can be people of worship anytime and anywhere. Worship of God should be a vital part of who we are. He deserves no less.

Dear Father, we love You more than we can express. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness for the so many times we disappoint you. Through Your Spirit, strengthen and encourage us to be more for You than we've ever been. We worship and praise You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen