The Lord Says You are Wonderful and You Are Important!

In the movie “The Help” Aibeleen is the maid of the Leefolts, who have a 3 year old daughter named Mae Mobley. The mother mostly ignores the child so Aibeleen is the one who in essence raises her. Every day Aibeleen tells Mae Mobley “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”  

Mae Mobley’s mother remained aloof and uncaring throughout the movie. We all know that children need love and affection to blossom and grow into emotional and spiritual adults.  We adults need love and affection as well. We thrive on kindness, generosity and we feel most fulfilled when love is given and returned in kind.  Our confidence is boosted when we feel our needs are met by someone else.  People throughout history have spent their entire fortunes looking for love and affirmation.  Although the movie never lets us see how Mae Mobley turns out, we all feel that Aibeleen’s continual verbal support must have done wonders for the lovelorn child. 

Oh beloved, the Lord wants to hold you close and speak words of affirmation into your life this morning.  He speaks the Truth to your heart and says to you that you are beloved! Not only that, He says that you are important to the Kingdom of God, you are bought with a price and you are one of a kind! Maybe no one ever told you how wonderful you are, but God’s Word is full of His wonderful thoughts about you. Maybe you have heard God’s Word but you’re not confident that He’s speaking to you personally.  Keep reading, keep believing and it will become second nature to you.  Each one is written especially for you! Let God hold you close and let Him love you!  Open up His Love Letter daily and let Him speak Truth into your life! With God’s affection we don’t have to look to a person to give us fulfillment. Instead, we will walk in fulfillment and be able to share the Truth with others. Oh how He loves you, oh how He’s passionate about you, oh how His plan for your life is ready to unfold!

 Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.

1 Thessalonians 1:4 We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people.

Jude 1:1 I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.

Hosea 14:8  I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.

Isaiah 43:4 Others were given in exchange for you.  I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you.

Got Challenges? The Word of God is Your Stepping Stone

Our family loves the Indiana Jones movies. No matter how many times we watch them, we still get involved in the plots. In The Last Crusade’s opening, we find our hero contending with not only the bandits chasing him, but also the train's inhospitable occupants. Indy is continually fighting for and against things and people, but somehow wins in spite of the disastrous situations in his life.  My favorite scene is of a passageway of stepping stones marked with individual letters. For this challenge Indy deduces that he must spell the name of God in order to proceed. As he makes the first step, the rock collapses beneath him and he nearly falls into an enormous chasm below.  He regroups and thinks of the correct spelling for the Name of God and proceeds, carefully at first and then with confidence gets through the test. It is only by stepping correctly that he survives to advance.

In many ways we believers are like Indiana Jones. Our lives are fraught with dangers, trials and snares. The enemy gives us trouble and we have to find our way through to victory. Challenges are presented and we must figure out the route God wishes for us to take. Just as Indy had to spell out the name of God correctly to move ahead, we too must know God’s Word and His Character to make it.

Oh beloved, your route may be hard today. You may be wondering why yet another obstacle is looming before you. You’ve worked and planned and prayed, but troubles seem unavoidable.  His Word is your victory! His Name is your passage through! Run to Him this morning and talk with Him, for together you and He can formulate a plan, lead by the Lord Jehovah Himself, that will cause you to be more than victorious! It will give you a joyful plan for this day and bright hope for tomorrow, no matter what life brings. He loves you so much that He not only gave you the route to Heaven, He’s able to get you through this life as an overcomer! 

Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.

Psalm 119:133 Guide my steps by Your Word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

John 16:33   I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Deuteronomy 31:6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

I John 5:4-5 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.  And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Storms are Inevitable but We Can Survive!

It’s coming up a storm this morning. I haven’t seen rain yet, but off in the distance I’ve heard the approaching rumble of thunder.  Thunder is always a harbinger of weather.  I might have noticed it earlier but we had the air conditioner running and a fan as well. Lots of background noise makes for drowning out the alerts.  Now that the coffee pot has quit gurgling and Danny’s off to work I hear it approaching, each sound getting a little louder than the one before.  I’ve also looked at the radar to see if there are any storm reports or warnings yet. It helps to be prepared, especially in the early morning before daylight.  Somehow when Danny’s here I don’t mind a little storm, but by myself I’m not as brave. Because Danny remains calm I find great comfort in being with him while the storm rages.   

Oh beloved, maybe you have found yourself right in the middle of a storm. You wonder where it came from and why it’s here now. You might have seen the signs but the noise of life drowned out the warnings. Just as we cannot pick the storms that develop in nature, we don’t pick the storms that come into our lives. But just as in nature a storm is inevitable now and then, so too storms are inevitable in our lives. Unprepared we are like sitting ducks waiting to be picked off by the enemy. But prepared we can withstand storms and hold fast until they pass. Not only that, but we can come out of the storm stronger, fearless and more knowledgeable.  It’s hard to be brave alone, but when God is with us we can be valiant and overcome the storm.   Run to the safety of His Word this morning! Seek His Truth and abide in it. His Word is your storm shelter and His love will cover you completely so that when the storm has passed you and He together can rejoice that you overcame! He loves you and He’s for you so there’s nothing to fear!

Psalm 9:9  The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Isaiah 25:4  But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat...

Joel 3:16  The LORD’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.

Proverbs 18:10  The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Psalm 18:2  The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

God's Words are Full of Love for You!

I often laugh and say that if we had another child I would definitely lay that baby down and forget where I left it! I find myself remembering less well (that’s my take on it).  That can be good or bad. Remembering where the keys are might cause a problem, but as long as I remember what they’re for eventually they will be found and I will use them.  Sometimes your memory can be your enemy.  Suddenly out of nowhere you’ll be face to face with one of the unsavory kind – you know - where you were thoroughly embarrassed as a teen or made an incredibly stupid blunder? Or perhaps out of the blue a memory of past regrets comes flooding through your mind. It feels as though at times the memories we don’t want show up and the memories we need fail us. When faced with our own human memory, most of us would admit the past is not all that great. The future may not look rock solid either.  The onslaught of the enemy of our soul can push our mistakes into our minds so that we are momentarily blinded to God’s Truth. 

Oh beloved, are you having a hard time remembering the Truth? About you? About your past regrets or your future fears? I’m praying for you today. That you will be such a student of His Truth that when the enemy shows up to parade your past in front of you, you will not wither like the flowers in the blazing sun, but rather you will respond with God’s information! Get with your Beloved Savior this morning and talk with Him about His Words to you. They are full of love, full of promise, full of hope. His Word will increase your capacity to remember the Truth and decrease the power to listen to the lies that want to take root in your mind.  Never forget – God loved you then, He loves you now and He will love you forever!  Rehearse His Love Today and reject everything else!

Deuteronomy 8:18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

1 Chronicles 16:15 Remember His covenant forever— the commitment He made to a thousand generations.

Psalm 105:5 Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given.

Psalm 111:4 He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

Psalm 103:2 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me.

He Will Lead You Out of Your Dark Place

On one of our road trips we traveled through Southern Alabama. We were hot, tired and hungry as we pulled into a steak house. After eating we headed for a state park we had found online. We didn’t really know anything about the area, just trusting what we’d read.  It was dusky dark as we found the road that would lead to that park. The road started out in a residential area. It got darker and darker as we traveled. As with all trips, the first ride there always seems to take forever. As the last light was just leaving the sky we noted grass growing in the middle of the pavement. Not a good sign. We eventually found the park entrance only to see the gate was locked!  In the dark all we could make out was a trailer house on the right and a small frame house on the left. There were lights on in the trailer and we saw someone peer through the curtains. On motorcycles, at night, in unfamiliar territory had us more than spooked. Finally a man came out and said he’d take us to a campsite. We followed his pickup and could just make out water and deep woody areas all around the narrow path.  As we drove into the camping area, he showed us our camp and pointed to the shower house.  We were just a little concerned at where we were and if we’d be safe, but we had to go to bed. By now it was after 10 pm. We talked a little about trusting God and worked quickly to get our campers set up.  We went to bed not knowing what we’d find the next day.

As I stepped out of the camper at daybreak, I was startled with delight! Yes, startled! We were perched on a little hill overlooking a beautiful small lake complete with geese and an occasional fish jumping. The fog was lifting on the water and the scene was absolutely gorgeous! What we thought was a precarious place turned out to be quite lovely. But it wasn’t until the morning light that we could know. In the dark it was impossible to see that our hard path would turn into a stunning destination.   

Oh beloved, you may well be on a path that’s stormy, rocky or rough. You may have chosen it yourself or had it picked for you. Either way, you’re there. I know it’s hard to imagine that anything good will come into your life again. Don’t let your circumstances confuse you. Your way may be hard now, but your destination is wonderful! We cannot trust our feelings, but we can trust God! Just as the man came out into the night to show us our campsite, so we must trust the One Who comes into our darkness to show us a place of rest. Follow the Lord! He will lead you out of your darkness into His marvelous light!

 2 Samuel 22:29  O LORD, you are my lamp. The LORD lights up my darkness.

Job 12:22 He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; He brings light to the deepest gloom.

Psalm 107:14  He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom…

Isaiah 45:3 And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.

Psalm 30:5 …  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

We Are A Masterpiece in His Hands!

I fondly remember my Aunt Ruth making biscuits when I was young. She was a pro at it. The simple recipe of buttermilk, self-rising flour and a pinch of soda, was like pure heaven in her hands. She would mix it and then turn it out on a floured board where she folded and folded and folded, careful not to over-knead it for that would make the dough tough and the biscuits hard. Once the dough was ready she had a remarkable knack of holding up one end of the entire thing and pinching off a perfectly round segment. It all appeared completely effortless as she pinched a biscuit and turned it over once in the iron skillet heated on the stove just so, with enough oil as her fingertips would slide one side of the biscuit into the skillet and turn it over just so. Into the hot stove, heated to 450 degrees they’d go. After the fire they’d come out beautifully burnished and absolutely the most flavorful rounds of delight.


Each step was absolutely important, each ingredient was essential. Without the addition of buttermilk to the flour, the rise wouldn’t be right. Without the iron skillet the crust and color wouldn’t be right. Without the extreme heat, the biscuits wouldn’t be so delicate and steamy inside.

We are like pieces of dough held in the Master’s hand. He carefully and lovingly caresses our lives just so. Each episode of our life is essential to the making of His masterpiece. Without the kneading, the pinching, the placing and the heat, our lives would lie flat and useless. But in His Hands, with His perfect touch, we come out perfect, useful in His kingdom, fit for Heaven.


Oh beloved. This morning, as you think about your life, laying the ingredients of the past, the present and the future out to measure, remember that God loves you more than you will ever comprehend, He cares for you more than you can see right now and His plans for you are that you turn out beautiful! One part of the recipe of life, taken by itself, can be disaster, but sifted together and put into His Hands your life is truly a stunning success.

Run to Him this morning and thank Him for His perfect work in your life. Thank Him that while He’s still working on you, it means you’re still useable for the Kingdom. Thank Him for His perfection in working with you. The Master loves you, He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.


1 Chronicles 21:13 “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”


Isaiah 64:8 And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.


Psalm 66:9 Our lives are in His hands, and He keeps our feet from stumbling.



Deuteronomy 33:3 Indeed, He loves His people; all His holy ones are in His hands. They follow in His steps and accept His teaching.

You're life is Amazing when Given to Him!

The first time I laid eyes on Danny was after I had car trouble.  I was walking to my aunt’s house to get help and he was sitting at his pasture gate in the old panel wagon he drove.  He was sitting there with huge headphones on listening to music.  As I walked by I didn’t have any particular revelation of the future. How could I have known I was walking past the man who would be my husband? How could I know that one day we’d be living for the Lord and be ministers of the Gospel together? If you asked people who knew us then, they wouldn’t have believed it either.

Oh beloved, you can’t know your future. You may be living for the moment. You may even be enjoying your life and have things all planned out. For some of you things may not be going so well. Your plans have all failed and you fail to see anything that might turn out right.  God has a wonderful plan for your life! Yes, in spite of the hard things, in spite of your best laid plans, in spite of everything, His plan is working out for your life! His plans will turn out, His blessings will come forth, His eternal purposes cannot be thwarted for He Alone is God, the Sovereign King of Heaven and Earth! Why not go to Him this morning and lay your life before Him? He won’t turn you away but instead He will take you into His arms and grant you great and wonderful things! Let Him show you from His Word all that He has for you waiting for the day you say Yes to Him! He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.

Psalm 33:11  The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

 Proverbs 16:1  We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

Proverbs 16:9  The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

 Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

 2 Timothy 1:9  For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.

A Cloud of Witnesses!

The nursery and produce stand in Caddo Valley has a line of scarecrows out front. They really aren’t scary at all, they are lovely. Each one is a different size, gender, style. They all just make me want to smile! No they make me want to laugh out loud! This row of greeters standing there reminded me of the words in the Bible, “So great a cloud of witnesses”.  Until I saw this lineup I always thought merely of those witnesses as people who remind us that even when times are hard we can make it.  And it’s true. But there’s more. They are not merely bystanders holding up their previous experience. They are cheerleaders! They are shouting, through the Word of God, “you are MORE THAN a conqueror!” You are “victorious”! They are waving wildly the banners of God’s Love Song to you and me. Not just that either…The cloud spoken of says to me they are actively involved, kicking up dust, making a scene!  In this world of compromise and quiet we are meant to kick up our heels and shout it to the rooftops “He’s for us! He loves us! No power in hell, no trouble on earth, Nothing, Nothing, Absolutely Nothing, can separate us from His loving care!”

Oh beloved, do you hear the cheers? Do you hear the accolades, the commendations, the congratulations? God and His heavenly host, along with the host of believers who have gone before us are shouting with joy to you this day: You can do it! You can make it! You are beautiful! You are loved! You are not alone! You win!

I know things can be hard, people can be mean, and finances can be lean. Cars need filling, children need clothing. People check out and life can get frazzled. But God is oh so much more than the things you are dealing with! He’s not only aware, He’s actively involved and He truly cares. This morning, while the night is still hanging on and the sun hasn’t slipped all the way to your window, give it all to Him. He’s got your life covered in His amazing grace and He loves you wonderfully! And, truly that’s all that really matters.

Psalm 149:4 “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

Psalm 97:1 The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad!

Zephaniah 3:17   For the Lord your God is living among you! He is a mighty savior! He will take delight in you with gladness! With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs!

Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us!

Is Life's Static Messing up Your Signal?

Sunday morning I got out my tambourine and turned on some praise music on the computer. Three grandchildren had spent the night and I was soon joined by one of them. Blake is 4 and he loves music! We got out a drum for him and we had a rousing good time singing, dancing and making music to the Lord! It was an awesome opportunity to just let go of things and get with the Lord. It also readied us for worship at Church. Once in the car we began listening to a Christian music radio station. As we drove along the interstate to church, I noticed the station was coming in and out. The static was soon unbearable so we had to find another station to listen to. The static interfered with the enjoyment of the music and kept us from hearing the words, so we couldn’t sing with the radio either.


Oh beloved, have you found that static of daily living is drowning out the music of God’s love, God’s joy and God’s peace? All three are free for the enjoyment of every believer in Christ. If you find that you are unable to hear clearly from Him and are losing the signal, it may be time to tune in closer! He promises that when we take time for Him He will bless us to hear clearly and live abundantly! Oh how He loves you, oh how He waits for you to draw near to Him so that He can draw near to you! Let Him tune your signal this morning and watch as the music flows!



Psalm 70:4 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”



1 John 5:14 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him.



James 4:8a Come close to God, and God will come close to you….


Psalm 63:8 I cling to You; Your strong right hand holds me securely.

When Danny was a termite technician he did a lot of crawling under houses.  Most houses were tightly underpinned with bricks or cinder blocks. The vents for air flow were small but big enough for a slim man to crawl through. Danny did a lot of that.  Sometimes he’d have to dig dirt away from the opening to get underneath. Once underneath there were all kinds of barriers to free movement. If a house had an addition, it could mean more digging and lots of wiggling through tight spots. A fireplace would have a huge footprint underneath that you had to maneuver around. Occasionally he’d get stuck in a tight spot and have to reverse the moves to get free.  Not only was the area tight and hard to get into, often there were snakes, scorpions, spiders and other varmints to deal with.   It was dank and dark as well, so that you had to have a flashlight to even move around.

There was no freedom underneath a house. Once under there, a termite technician had to deal with the elements while looking for evidence of more problems. It was restricting and hard to deal with. It was certainly no place for a claustrophobic person.  Restrictions abounded while in the confines of the depths of a house. 

Oh beloved, have you felt restricted lately? Do you find yourself busy dodging troubles or being in tight spots? If you’re looking for real freedom it is found in Christ! To give your life to Christ fully is to be brought into the banqueting room and given complete and unlimited access to the beautiful gifts of God, the wonderful gifts of His Spirit and to produce the fruit of His love! Aren’t we blessed? As believers we are allowed to go into the Holy of Holies! Because of the Blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus, the veil has been torn open and we have free admission to fellowship with God! No restrictions apply to the believer. We can freely enter, we can freely move in all that God has for us. Freedom is found like nowhere else on earth! Run to the Lord this morning and praise Him for all you are IN Him! Thank Him for His freedom and ask Him to show you from His Book of Love all the wondrous blessings that are yours in Him! Unlike the technician who has to find his way himself, we are given a grand tour and shown it all by the Lord Himself! His life gives us access and His Spirit goes with us! That’s how much He loves us! He saves us and He guides and directs our lives all the way to Heaven!  

Galatians 3:22  But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:18-22 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a [a]sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1 Corinthians 1:30  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,

Ephesians 5:8-9 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

We met in the entrance to the grocery store. It had been years since I’d seen her. We used to work together at a nearby public school. I was the study hall teacher, she was the art teacher. Guess you could say we were both bit of outsiders, not having grown up there nor gone to school there.  Our rooms were close by and we visited often during the day.  I left to go to work at another school and we never really crossed paths again. Until the grocery store. I thought it was her so I decided to say Hi.  We visited and traded facebook info (of course).  When I arrived home she had found me and asked to friend me. She also had an aha moment when she realized just who I was!

Have you been there? You think you know someone, you try from the recesses of your mind to draw the memories forward, but it’s vague.  You know you should know them, but just can’t put your finger on the why, the how, the where, the when.

Oh beloved, did you know that you are never forgotten by the Lord? You were known before the foundation of the world was laid, before the stars were hung in the sky, before the rivers ran through their courses? The One Who Created the universe and all that is in it loved you as well and planned a beautiful life just for you.  When you call upon Him, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, He isn’t puzzled nor does He have to wait a minute and try to recall. He knows your name. Not only does He know you but He has your days numbered! He also has a plan, a marvelous plan, all laid out for your life! What wondrous love is this? The One Who is Self-Existent wants you to be a part of His life? The One Who is Love, loves you with an Everlasting Love! Why don’t you run to Him this morning and read from His Design Book, written with you in mind and see.  Every good thing, every wonderful plan, every astounding promise is yours for the blessing. Because His nature is Love. Because He is the Author of your faith. He knows you, He loves you and He’s preparing a place for you. Live in the light of His Love today for that’s all that really matters!

Hebrews 12:2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…

Luke 12:7  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Ephesians 1:4  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

Jeremiah 31:3  Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

Psalm 139:13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

I'm Calling for Backup Lord!

As I was getting ready yesterday morning, I noticed a small rock sitting on my windowsill. I figured one of the grandchildren put it there. As I leaned closer to see just what kind of rock it was, I noticed a pair of eyes looking at me. It was no rock! It was a small tree frog. Now I’m not fond of frogs so I called for backup. My daughter came with a cup and proceeded to take that little interloper out of my bathroom and onto the deck outside. My eyes had deceived me. What I thought was true turned out to be a big mistake. I had to look very closely to see the true image.

We believers have problems at time when observing situations. We think we know what to do, where to go, how to respond. But often the fear of the interloper causes us to cry out in fear! We just want relief. The call for backup comes and the Lord Himself comes to our aid.

Oh beloved, are you having a hard time dealing with situations that are none of your doing? You just want it out of your life so that you can move freely and have liberty again. Perhaps it’s time to call for backup! The Lord Himself is with you, He goes before you into every situation and He is not only your relief but He’s your answer! Looks can be deceiving, but when we view things through His Eyes, by the Word of God, we can know how to react to anything that’s thrown our way. Call on him today, ask Him to let you see the situation through the Word of God. He’ll clear up your vision, come to your rescue and you and He together will dance with joy at the triumph over the interloper and the situation. He loves you and He takes great pleasure in being your rescuer!

Psalm 50:158 Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.”

Zechariah 13:98 I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Psalm 31:22 In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the LORD!” But You heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.

2 Peter 2:9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

Practicing Your Life in Christ

When I first began taking piano lessons, all I wanted to do was practice. I had played by ear as a little girl on the family’s pump organ, but learning to read music and having a piano to practice on was opening a whole new world to me. My piano teacher had taught in Tyler for many, many years. She knew her stuff. She didn’t just let me play music though. I had to learn theory, the nuts and bolts...of music. When I practiced well and came to class prepared she’d put stars on my pages. I also found that playing the piano was a great place of release for me. I could get lost in the songs and find my spirit soaring after playing for a while. I still love to play piano, but I’m not as fond of reading the music as I once was. I find myself reverting back to playing by ear, especially when someone visiting requests a certain song. Nothing is sweeter than time alone at the piano, losing myself in the music. When I completely abandon myself to the keyboard letting the music flow from my heart, I find that God speaks through His gift and worship comes easier. Instead of working to make it flow, as during those early years of practice, it just flows for after years of staying close to the keys and practicing the music it has become second nature.


Life in Christ is meant to be lived in utter abandon. Practicing the faith is not mundane but magnificent when we give ourselves totally to Him. He is our Teacher, He is the Conductor and the music of our live is meant to be played for His audience alone.

Oh beloved, life can get oh so busy. We can find ourselves out of practice and unable to make the music flow. Troubles take over and the keyboard of life can become out of tune. We may find ourselves trying to keep playing and wondering why it’s off key. Run to the Master Musician this morning. Give Him your talents, your time, your desires. Let Him speak words of confidence and comfort into your life so that the music of faith can once again flow into your life. For nothing is more beautiful than a symphony of faith reaching into the heavens as you spend time with the Lord and practice His Word and your faith. He’s waiting for your presence right now. He loves you and He has all the time in the world and together you and He will work out the notes for your good and His glory!


Psalm 98:6 Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King!

Psalm 119:147 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

Psalm 27:8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”

Psalm 40:8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”

Visiting with Your Father

The father of one of my elementary/junior high friends in Tyler Texas has passed away. I read his obituary and it brought back many memories. Skating in her hall, walking to the “walk in” downtown to see a movie, playing Barbies in the creek near our homes. About all I knew about her dad was that he was a bus driver. I hadn’t seen him in 40 years so the photo of him was unfamiliar as well. I didn...’t really know him, but my friend Vickie knew her father very well. She was born into his family. He was the leader of their home. His ways were her ways. Although I knew a little bit about him, Vickie knows everything about her father. Even though she grew up, she kept in contact with her father and fellowshipped with him every chance she got. Because he is not with them anymore, she misses him greatly. In fact everyone in the family will miss him.

We who are born into God’s family are meant to reflect His values and ideals. His desire is that we sit with Him and learn of His character, His ways and His plans so that we are similar to Him. The more intimate a relationship we have with the Father, the more we become like Him. And, when we lose touch with the Father through our own willful ways, we should miss His fellowship. When someone loves their Heavenly Father, they will make the disciplined decision to learn everything they can about Him and through this intimate relationship they will find they are becoming more and more like Him.

Oh beloved, perhaps you have been born into God’s Family. He is your Father, but you’ve grown away. That intimate time of love you had with Him may be a pleasant memory. This morning you can go back and sit in your Father’s lap and have sweet fellowship with Him again. His Word is His bond and He promises to never leave you or forsake you. Run to Him this morning and call out to your Abba Father, your Daddy God, and let Him help you get to know Him in close relationship again. You can know your Father and live in the light of His Word when you open His Book of Love! Oh how He loves you, Oh how He longs to have you come again and visit with Him. Aren’t we blessed to have such a Father and to be born into the Family of God!

2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.


Galatians 4:6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”


1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

Oh Beloved! Live in the Light of His Word!

Where do you go when things go south, when the going gets tough, when you're all out of ideas and hopes and dreams? Who do you turn to when there’s no one left? How do you survive when you are feeling totally vulnerable and fearful?



Oh Beloved, the Word of God is your key to unlocking answers to life’s circumstances! As you read the devotions contained in this book and learn to apply His Word to everyday life, you will find that God loves you, He’s for you and He’s all you will ever need!


Oh Beloved! Live in the Light of His Word is off the press and ready for distribution.  Please pray with me that lives will be changed and hearts will be blessed. After all, He loves us and He's for us and that's all that really matters.

If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, I will be glad to sign it as well.  Just email me at oh-beloved@hotmail.com I will send you instructions and the books are $10.00 plus shipping.  A portion of the proceeds from each book goes to missions via Christian Motorcyclists Association's Run for the Son.  http://cmausa.org/run-for-the-son/2013%20RFS%20Brochure.pdf

Pass THROUGH!

Danny had seen the sign, Rustic Furniture, and he knows how much I love anything rustic so yesterday afternoon on our way home, he pulled into the store’s parking lot. As we walked in I was like a kid in a candy store! Everywhere I looked I saw something I liked and wanted to take home with me! Just as we were leaving, having soaked up just about everything my eyes could handle, I spied it sittin...g on a dining table. It was a plaster bowl. This huge oval bowl contained a three dimensional scene of horses going down into the water and back out the other side. Horses in various stages of water depths and streaming water off the back of the one coming out of the water first, getting his footing as he found solid ground again. This morning I am reminded of that beautiful bowl. The horses were going through. They were not floundering or drowning, simply going through.




Oh beloved, what a wonderful promise of God we see this morning! He says to you and He says to me, “When you pass through the waters” Hallelujah what a Savior! While He does not promise that all our days will be easy, He does promise they will not last forever, the hard ones, those days that sap our strength and take our breath! Run to His Word this morning and cling to Him! Don’t stop in the midst of your troubles, but look to the Lord Who will get you through. Not only that, but he will bring you out on the other side in magnificent triumph! Because He loves you completely and He’s for you all the way and truly He is all that really matters!



Isaiah 43:2-3 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.



Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.



Psalm 54:7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.



Psalm 118:15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!

We Were Meant to Soar Like Eagles

Sunday morning we were up early leaving the house at 6:30 am heading for a Biker Sunday where Danny was slated to bring the Word. It was great to be up and on the motorcycle at that early hour with the sky still cloudy and a touch of chill in the air. Danny and I love those early morning rides. As we went across a bridge Danny just had to turn around. He had spotted not one but a pair of bald eagles right by the bridge on a downed tree! It was my first time to see a bald eagle in the wild! They were huge! Not only that, they were not even concerned when we stopped, got off the bike and took pictures. Waiting for the photo shoot to be over, they both suddenly lifted from their perch, in unison, and sailed away just a little further down the creek. I noticed as they left that their wings barely flapped. The strength of those birds was quite evident as they flew. I suddenly understood what God meant when He said, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up as eagles…”

Oh beloved! We were meant to soar like eagles, yet in our own strength we are at best hummingbirds, who constantly have to flap their tiny wings to stay afloat or like chickens who for all their wings and feathers have no desire or ability to fly! Perhaps you’ve been content with a busy life. Maybe you’ve been running around looking for God. Don’t you think it’s time to wait on the Lord? Today is the day you can soar like an eagle – with barely a flap to get you lifted up into the heights with Him. I promise, on the authority of God’s Word, that His will won’t get you tired, stressed out or make you want to give up! You don’t have to work it up or make it happen. Just like that pair of eagles was waiting on God to deliver the fish in the creek below, we too can wait on God. Sure, we can do something that might look good now, but waiting on God, doing only His will, brings eternal rewards that are out of this world as well as strength for today. It’s never too late to stop and wait on the Lord! He loves you, He’s on your side and He’s ready for you to scale the heights with Him! Run to His Word, surrender your will and wait on Him! That’s the only kind of living that will bring glory and honor to Him!

Exodus 33:16 How will anyone know that You look favorably on me—on me and on Your people—if You don’t go with us? For Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

2 Corinthians 1:9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.



Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

The company we buy office supplies from has a very fast delivery system. Generally within two days we have just what we needed at work. The only problem with the order is how they package things. No matter what we order it always seems to be a hug box that arrives. Often I will open the package, remove the huge amount of bubble wrap only to find the one small item I ordered. It makes you wonder if... all they have is big boxes and packing materials. Sometimes the package’s contents are strewn around the box because there’s so much wasted space. It can be real disappointing to open a huge package and find very little inside. Unlike the packages from the shipping warehouse, God’s package for us is completely full and running over with items! Each one of the contents of God’s bountiful storehouse is tailor made for you! Nothing you need is missing, nothing inside is useless and everything contained therein is full of delight.




Oh beloved, have you been looking for things that do not satisfy? Are you making purchases in life that continually disappoint or prove useless? God has a bountiful supply of everything you need. Run to His Package of Gifts this morning, the Word of God and open it up! It’s all there and every single item is for you! The Lord holds nothing back from you. He is generous with His supply and even if you feel you might use it up, more is always available. He loves you so much that He packaged Himself especially for you. No matter what you need, the supply to fill that need is readily available. Look at His Word and see…No one who trusts in Him will go away empty!



Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.



Psalm 107:9 For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.



James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.



Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.



2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.



2 Peter 1:3 By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.

I read a blog yesterday talking about the negative prophecies being spoken over America. Much is talked about how awful things are, and they are in the natural. It’s true. We are not the America that the Puritans stepped onto. But in many ways we still are the America that our forefathers dreamed of and our Heavenly Father ordained. We can talk the negative until you, me and the signpost all fee...l desperate and despairing. Or we can talk about the hopes, dreams and plans God still has for our country. As for me, being a glass half full kind of woman, I choose to believe there is still hope for our country and for our descendants.



Oh beloved, have you received negative press recently? Has someone pronounced gloom and doom on you and your life? Are they saying, in the natural, that you’re hopeless, useless, or a has been? Are their words negative and are they beginning to have a real impact on your feelings? It’s time to go back to the original Founding Father of your life. Only His Words will get you through this life. Let’s face it. People are going to be negative, they are going to decide to leave, give up and walk away. They have their own issues and they can and will try to put their issues on you. But oh beloved...do you really hear that? Beloved! That’s what the Lord calls you and that’s exactly what He means. His prophesies over your life are beautiful. And, all you have to do to believe them is run to His Book of Love and take it in as your nourishment and live it out. You and I must learn to live in the light of His Truth above all. Thank Him this morning as you see the beauty of His love for you. He loves you and He means it and that’s what will get you through!



1 John 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.



1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.



Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.



Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Because times are hard, people are looking for all kinds of ways to make ends meet. Many are also looking for a quick fix, a windfall. In Arkansas, as in many states, we now have a lottery. Obviously by the sales of tickets, many people feel that there’s a chance at winning.We all laugh about it – “If we could just win the lottery…” Surely a huge payout would make everything so much easier.Of cour...se, with more of anything comes more responsibility. And, often we read in the news that people win millions and run through it like water.

Oh beloved, maybe you’ve been looking for ways to make things easier for yourself. You’re tired of the rat race, tired of making ends meet, tired of waiting for better things to happen. There’s Good News! For those who are In Christ, we have won more than the lottery! We have a promise! Our Father in Heaven, who is in charge of all our needs, has given us everything we could ever desire. No need to wait for the lottery, for the dictionary says the antonym for lottery is certainty and that’s what we have in Christ! Run to Him this morning and let Him show you from His Word just how rich you truly are! And don’t forget to thank Him for His provision as you go through your day recharged, reenergized and prepared!




Micah 7:7As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.

Matthew 6:30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Drug Through the Dirt

Several months ago as I was pondering things, a picture came to my mind. It was a black and white photo. All I could see was the back of a barefoot little girl wearing a cotton dress with a cotton sash in back. The little girl was dragging a doll in the dirt, holding onto its hand with her own. Now the Lord said you know how much little girls love their dolls and they would never, ever harm them.... She loved that doll. Nevertheless the little doll was at the moment being drug through the dirt. Oh beloved, you are so loved! God is always holding onto your hand. Never will He let go. Occasionally you may feel that your life is being drug through the dirt. Always remember, regardless of your circumstances that God will never allow you to come to harm. Even when things are hard, He’s holding on to you. Hangeth thou in there beloved, for your day will come again. Just like that little girl was bound to stop and scoop up the doll in her arms and dust her off and wipe her face, so too, God will one day lift you out of these temporary circumstances, set you in His arms, wipe away all tears. You are loved, you are watched over, you are cared for and you are completely understood with mercy and grace by Your Heavenly Father. While you and I, beloved, often only feel the dust about us, when we look into His eyes, we see the eyes of Love and the dust settles around us. Cherished so much that everywhere we go we are held by Him, loved by Him, carried by Him. Oh beloved, don’t despair of your present circumstances, just know that He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters. Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Isaiah 43:1-3 Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Love Much!

came home yesterday to find Danny sitting in the living room looking out towards our neighbors house. As I sat down with him, it hit me too. The Harrington's have been our neighbors for 20 years. They watched all our kids learn to drive cars and motorcycles. We had 4th of July fireworks displays together. After our kids were grown us two couples had Christmas Eve together. Donald and Danny were ...fishing buddies and mechanic buddies. Last year Mrs. Harrington passed away and he's been alone. So he's packing up and moving back home to Kentucky. All his possessions are going in a sale tomorrow. He's been a good neighbor and a good friend. We're just a little heart broken for ourselves, but excited for him. Things change. You cannot stop that. Kids grow up, neighbors pass away, friends move off. There's only one thing we can do that will last. Oh beloved, Love much. People will always ask for your money, beg for your time, need things from you. But the one thing you can give to everyone is love. Do it lavishly. Don't hold back. Express yourself because someday, when it's all said and done, you'll wish you had. Love is the greatest expression of Christ for the world. Love is the one thing God instructed husbands to give their wives. An entire book of Scripture was devoted to it. Go ahead, beloved, let yourself feel the wonderful passion of love that Christ feels for the world. It will cause you to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. It will let you look at things from His perspective. This magnificent love will allow you to forgive the unforgiveable and love the unloveable. It will equip, encourage, reconcile and restore. It will change your life! When you look into His Book of Love and see how much He loves you, you can take that and pour it out into a world that is starving for it. And, while you're at it, tell someone about that wonderful love, because you never know when it's the last time you'll see them. God loves you, beloved, and He's totally for you and really in the end, that's all that matters!


I John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. I Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. I Corinthians 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Unreported History

Yesterday afternoon, about 5:30 pm Central Time, history was made. It didn’t get on the news, it won’t make it in the history books, but it happened. A group of concerned citizens stopped for a few moments, gathered together and prayed. The decision was made to ask God to come into the situation and help. On earth, we just saw a group of people gathered together with heads bowed. But in heaven! Th...e heavenly host sang hallelujah as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords came down to earth and met with them. Because somebody asked for God’s divine guidance and help, in a situation that makes no sense and has hurt so bad, they made history! And because they asked Him to help, He will. It’s that simple and that historic. Oh beloved, are you wondering what’s going on this morning? Are you hurting because people have lied, distorted the truth, covered up the facts and don’t keep their word? Are you wondering if anything will ever be right again or if God really cares? Run to Him this morning and invite Him in! He knows your situation, He sees your plight, and He’s ready with His heavenly host to come and meet with you! Trust Him today, put Him first, seek Him continually. He always keeps His Word, so you can count on Him! He loves you, He’s for you, He answers prayers, He loves you beyond imagination and He will work all things together for your good! History in the making – that’s your life, hemmed in His Word, seeking His face! ““The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

Live Well!

"Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much." It's one of my favorite quotes and I have it on a pillow and hanging on the wall in our kitchen. In this economy, with these tough times and so many changes going on, how can a person live well? It's more than financial, it's more than possessions. To live well is to know each day that you are living according to His ways, trusting in His Word and walking in His precepts. Oh beloved, have you ever put your trust in Christ? Have you said yes to Him? Was there a time when you knew you were walking in newness of life? The air felt cleaner, the water tasted purer and your walk was lighter? Run back to His Word this morning and read what He says about you, what He says about living and what He says about your hope. He loves you more than anyone else could ever love you, His plans are better than anyone else's and His ways are absolutely more abundant than anything you could plan for yourself. Try Him and see! He's standing right there waiting for you to welcome Him in to your day! Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. Luke 12: 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Mothers

Mother’s Day. A special day set aside to honor the women who have gone before us. The trail blazers. The pioneers. My mother was very special. Born when covered wagons were still rolling and buffalo roamed prairies, she learned stamina and persistence early on. Her life was hard yet she remained soft. She was always working, even when at home. She taught me the most valuable lessons of life. She taught me to laugh often, forgive quickly, love always. The greatest thing she taught me was to look to, trust in and rely on God. Oh beloved, what are you thinking this morning? Perhaps your mother wasn’t the role model you wish she’d been. Regardless, somewhere in your life a woman has made a difference in your life. While you may not be a mother, you too have made a difference in someone’s life. This day is set aside to honor women and I know wherever you are in your heart and mind on this day, Someone knew you before the foundation of the world. Someone had a plan for your life, a plan for good . Today may be hard. It could be a day of mourning, but because of the Lord, you can rejoice! Because of the Lord you can look up and give thanks! Things may not be the way you want them to be, but you can take this day and lay it before Him. He will make an ordinary day into something incredibly special. Why? How? Because beloved, He loves you, He cares for you, He defends you, He redeems you, He makes something beautiful out of any past. Not only will He redeem your past, He will make your future bright! Run to Him this morning and thank Him that somewhere a mother made a difference. Somehow you can make a difference. It’s Mother’s Day but it’s the Lord’s Day as well! How lavish, how perfect, how abundant is His love for you! Our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 47:4 “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! ' Philippians 4:4

The Hole in the Seat

May 12, 2012 When we purchased our present car, there was a small mark on the back left seat. Something had discolored and broke through the leather in a tiny spot. It was hardly noticeable so we thought nothing of it. Over the next couple of years though this spot grew. Beginning at barely seen, it became a gaping hole! Finally Danny figured out that the previous owner must have sat a battery in the seat and the battery acid had corroded it. Neutralizing the acid and repairing the leather was needed. Even though you could see no acid with your eyes, the fact that it was continuing to corrode led him to know that the acid was working to damage things behind the scenes. Once neutralized, the damage could go no further and with care the spot was restored. If it had been left not dealt with, eventually the foam in the seat would have been totally destroyed. There are things in our lives, unseen with the naked eye, yet working to our detriment in the background. Unforgiveness is like the battery acid. First there’s the decision not to forgive. Not seen by many, probably only your closest loved ones or friends. It festers and corrodes until little by little it becomes a wound for all to see. Unforgiveness breeds bitterness and hardness. Not forgiving someone is like pouring salt in your own wound and expecting someone else to be hurt. Oh beloved, who are you holding back on? Who have you decided does not deserve your forgiveness? Unforgiveness corrodes our lives and the lives of those around us. It’s the elephant in the room. Maybe they truly hurt you, maybe the offense was harsh. Maybe it’s justified. Regardless of the reason, left untended, it will keep corroding your life and the wound will get larger and larger. Run to the Lord today, let Him wash away the damage, let Him neutralize the situation and forgive! The choice today is yours. The results of forgiveness are restoration, peace and joy! I know it may be hard but you don’t want to end up bitter and resentful the rest of your life. You are so loved, so incredibly cared for that He will walk you through it all and create a clean heart and a right spirit in you! Never forget how much God forgives and how much He is a restorer of broken relationships. Let Him apply the neutralizer of His forgiveness to your situation today! He loves you and He’s for you, and that’s all that matters! Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6:14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Learning to Lean

When the young man picks you up for a date while he's on a motorcycle you pretty much know motorcycling is going to be a part of your life. Over the years we had all kinds of bikes. Some had passenger pegs, some had sissy bars, some had fairings. But all had to lean in the curves. I always said leaning was easy for Danny because he learned to ride in West Texas winds. Leaning was always harder for me. I found that while I trusted Danny I didn't always trust the motorcycle! I had to learn the principle that if you don't lean in the curves, you won't make them. As I discovered Danny knew what he was doing, I could relax and trust the person who knew far more about handling the road than I did. Some curves were so treacherous that I just had to close my eyes and hold on till it was over. Oh beloved, are you facing the curves of life? Are you wondering about the road ahead? Is the present just a little too hard to face? Lean on the Lord! Let him lead you through the present circumstances. While leaning on Him is essential the worst of roads won't last forever. Eventually the road will smooth out again and you'll be riding with ease. Just know that regardless of what is looming in your life, trusting Christ is the only way to get through it all. Not only will you get through it, but you'll find yourself enjoying the everyday ride better as well! He loves you, He can be trusted and He truly knows what He's doing! Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Psalm 9:10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity]. Psalm 62:8 Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

May 8, 2012 When I was a kid, there was a little candy store right across from the school I attended. For a nickel you could pick out a good handful of candies. There were quite a few penny candies to choose from. The only problem I had was choosing which ones to buy. If I got the banana candies, then I might wish I had gotten the bubble gum. It became very important to choose the right one. Learning to make a candy decision and sticking with it was a valuable life lesson. Enjoy what you’ve got. Tomorrow you could choose another type of candy. We have spiritual delights we can partake of as well. Praise, worship, Scripture, prayer, faith, and more. Unlike the nickel’s worth of candies, we can partake of as much as our hearts desire. It’s laid out for us with no restrictions. No sign that says “Take One” or any mention of having enough money before you choose. While each one of the spiritual delights is priceless, we can lay hold of them without paying. Unlike everything else in this world, from penny candies to motorcycles, which have a cost, sometimes huge for the purchaser, the gifts of God come free to the seeker. About all it takes to truly enjoy the gifts of God is whole heartedness. Oh beloved, have you been seeking the Lord? Are you desiring more from Him? Have you seen His storehouse of blessings through the window but not gone in to partake? What’s holding you back? The Lord’s storehouse is full and every delight is for you! Not only that, but He never runs out, so that no matter how much you enjoy, there’s always plenty. Perhaps you’ve seen it in others, but are holding back for fear of what friends might think if you abandon everything else and just go for God’s blessings and gifts? Today is the only day we’ve been promised. Just like the candy decision, we have to make a decision for these 24 hours. But oh beloved, and you are so incredibly beloved, once you have tasted of His heavenly gifts and basked in the light of His love, there’s no going back. He will always provide for you, always delight in you and always be with you. His gifts never run out and His blessings never go away. Try Him today. Abandon yourself in Him and watch as you enter His storeroom of love! Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 147:11 No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 103:1 Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Isaiah 55:1 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.

Godly. We hear it spoken of often. He's a Godly man. She's a Godly woman. I have those people in my life who I consider just that. Godly. Often, though, I begin to think of Godly as something to work on, dig in about, crunch the numbers on. I find that Godly is hardly attainable as I try to reach. Picture this if you will. You are caught in a flood. The helicopter comes and the rescuers are there to pluck you from your certain death. What would happen if the helicopter hovered over the spot and the rescuers called out, get up here if you can. We're waiting. Here's a rope. You are going to try to get yourself out of the water, tie the rope around your tummy and then procede to climb it. The water is lapping, the wind from the helicopter's blades is whipping you around and your without the strength to climb that 100 feet into the air. Now picture the truth. The helicopter arrives and the rescuer comes down to where you are and sets you securely in the ropes, hugs you tightly and goes all the way with you to the waiting security of the helicopter. One instance you saved yourself. Other instance you were saved by others. We are Godly because we have been set into a place of privileged that is totaly undeserved by our own merit, ability and strength. Without a Rescuer who has done all the work for us, we are doomed. We can't bob just above water forever. Our own works cannot save us, for eventually our human weakness will betray us. But the Lord, Our Rescuer, is at hand! His mighty arm will reach down at just the right time to save you to the uttermost. And, if you are saved, His grace will keep you from drowning and set you upon the Rock. Oh beloved, run to Him - His arms are strong, His strength is complete and His love is everlasting. Whatever you've been going through, He will see you through it. Whatever you've been drowning in, He is able to take you out of it and dry you off and give you the grace to be the Godly person you are called to be. Let Him lift you this morning. Let Him be the Lord to you. Let Him show you that it is He who pronounces you godly and He who will see you safely home. 2 Peter 2:9 A if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.... Romans 3:22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Jude 1:24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Root or Shoot!

Root or shoot. Last night we went to a grandson's ballgame. Before the game he told me he wanted me to hoop and holler when he hit the ball. So, being the good grandmother I am, I did just that! Once he hit the ball so well that I hollered, Woo Hoo! Way to go Blakely! As he left home plate to run towards 1st base he turned to look at me with such glee in his eyes! He loved being rooted for! I thin...k he grew in stature a couple of inches. He was proud of himself and he knew that we all were proud of him. It can go differently for kids. Sometimes parents major on the minors. They critique to the point that instead of building their kids up they put them down. You see the outcome in various ways. low shoulders, shrugs, head down, and even taunting of other kids, eager to point out their mistakes. Oh beloved, perhaps you've been shot down. Instead of someone rooting for you, you feel you're being shot at! You try to dodge the bullets of anger, animosity, unforgiveness and fault finding. Maybe you've been the brunt of it so long you find yourself doing the same thing to others. Shooting always finds victims, but rooting always brings victory! I promise, on the authority of God's Word that He never shoots, He always roots. Even when His children are having problems, He's there in the stands whooping and waving you on to victory! He's walking with you into the dugout when the world says You're Out! He's holding your hand and telling you to hang in there beloved! He loves you, He has a wonderful plan for your life and He's nicknamed you Winner! Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Philippians 2:1-2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Psalm 62:7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.