God's Vision Plan is Available to Bless, Keep and Guide

Danny was chopping wood while we were off due to the icy weather. He came back into the house and blood was on his cheek! A small stick he was chopping had flown up and him in the face, shattering the left lens of his glasses.  As we looked closely, we discovered there was glass in his eye!  He fished one piece out himself, and it felt better. But there were small fragments everywhere, so we decided that our optometrist could probably see better than us if there was more glass in his eye. Off we went in the sleet and mess! Sure enough, under closer examination, with delicate instruments, four more pieces of glass were deftly removed from his eye. The doctor was amazed! He said to Danny that he would have had to call 911 and would have been rolling in the floor in agony had that been his eye – “You must be tough!” 

 

As we got new glasses ordered, Danny told the optician the  glasses he had should have been safety glass, and she said that it was indeed safety glass and that the damage would have been much worse had it not been.   

Two lessons come to mind as I think back on the event. Danny had been splitting wood, and the big stuff had caused no problem. But that small stick about as big around as a walking staff, wreaked havoc. Many times we go through issues and problems and situations and they’re big. We walk with God and we give those huge things to Him and He walks us through it. But the little stuff, those things we think we can handle ourselves can cause big problems! 

The words of the optician about the safety glass reminds me that our problems can be awful, our hurts can be huge, our lives can appear to be dangling in thin air, but God is our safety! Without His safety over our lives, imagine what damage would occur! Even when we’re in the midst of problems, God is covering us with Himself and all that He is! 

Oh beloved, what an awesome morning to be reminded to let God have your troubles! Let Him be the safety net between you and life. Run to Him often, take every care to Him. His Word is so perfect that He can point out the little things that you might miss. He has all your hopes and cares and dreams in His hands. Your problems are not bigger than the Lord!  Let Him examine every area of your life so that you will be free of hidden problems that would cause extreme hurts later. Give Him the little problems as well as the big ones. And know that He can see so much more clearly than you can.  He knows your heart and He wants to bless every area of it. He wants you to be free of man’s thinking, free of fleshly responses and free to be all that He has for you.   This Great Physician loves you beyond your wildest imagination and has a Vision Plan created with you in mind – to bless you, to keep you and to guide you all the days of your life!

1 Samuel 25:29 “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in His treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!

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

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,  and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Feeling Unfocused? It's Time to Line Up!

Remember when we were kids, the teacher said this phrase often, “Line up!”  We lined up to go outside, to go to the cafeteria, to be dismissed at the end of the day and more.  Sometimes the teacher would put her finger to her lips designating that we needed to get quiet so we could hear her instructions. Other times she might dim the lights to get our attention.  Some kids found it easier to stand still in line than others. If you couldn't line up the way she expected you to, then you might even get your name called out. “Johnny, I said line up.”  Teachers knew each of us by name and I’m sure they knew our personalities, our problems and our uniqueness. To not line up could cause delays, caused embarrassment and even trouble.  Sometimes a child would be unruly or disruptive and miss the teacher’s instructions altogether. They might miss the blessing of play time and have to stay indoors to learn to listen better. The quicker we lined up the quicker we were able to move on to our next destination.  This was especially important for recess!

We have a Teacher Who wants to instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. His plans are flawless, His instructions are faultless and His desires for us are picture-perfect. All He asks us to do is “Line up” with His Instructions.  He speaks to our hearts and at times we listen quickly and move on to the next step. Other times we falter and dawdle and wonder if we should. We can be unruly and unfocused which could cause delays in our blessings.  This Marvelous Teacher Who loves us perfectly may need to sit us down so that we can learn to listen to Him better.  All in all, His plans for us are so wonderful that His instructions become our best track and our quick obedience to His Words is for our absolute best and His absolute Glory!

Oh beloved, it’s time to line up! Line up with God’s Word. Are you having problems seeing the road ahead? Are you wondering which way God wants you to travel?  Are you wondering if you can make it? Maybe you have been in the struggle of your life and you don’t know what you will do. You've read the newspaper, you've seen the headlines, and you know your own situation so well. You feel lost, discouraged, desperate and alone. But God’s Word says you are more than your situation. You are more than the news. You are more than the things going on in your life. As He calls you into His presence and you respond those things that were your focus fade away as you live in the light of His Truth.  Open His Book of Truth and read about His loved ones and see – even those who have been losing are winners, even those who have been drowning will be pulled from the water, even those who have lost loved ones and friends and family will never be alone. Strength and honor and victory belong to you! Line up with God’s Word and you will live in His Truth – that you are loved, that you are cared for, that you are His beloved! And that’s all that really matters!

2 Corinthians 10:5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 

James 1:4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. AMP

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. NAS

God Wants to Reveal His Plan to You

Loretta Young has always been one of my favorite actresses. During the holidays Danny and I watched Come to the Stable, a movie about two French nuns who come to a small American town and involve the townsfolk in helping them to build a children's hospital.

They had a mandate given to them from God. As they began working God’s plan, they weren’t exactly welcomed everywhere they went. They were told by people, including their leaders, that it couldn’t be done. Some of the people they met along the way worked hard to stop them. But they kept going forward because they felt that was where God wanted the hospital to be. They even made people mad!  They were accused of working against people, yet all the while they were just getting orders from the Lord and expecting Him to work it out. They continued working towards the goal, never letting resentment or animosity work into their system. They never let anyone’s doomsday predictions become their focus. They just kept smiling and kept expecting God to honor His plan.  

As the deadline approached it looked like their plans weren’t going to be finished, they were told they would be relieved of their duties and sent home.  They did not retaliate, fuss, fume, insist or manipulate.  They just prayed and kept trusting God.   Guess what? God honored their fidelity and commitment and the Children’s Hospital became a reality. God used two women who were not considered to be important at all but because of their prayer life and their expectations that God would answer they fulfilled their calling. 

Oh beloved, perhaps you’re thinking, “That’s just a movie”. But God wants to reveal His plan to you!  He has a marvelous plan for your life and even if it seems small to you, His plan is out of this world! He has promised to work through your faithfulness in the face of mocking, despair, antagonism and more. He promises to work around your hurts, your brick walls and your foes.  Maybe you’re in the middle of His plan and like the nuns, you’ve run into obstacles.  Don’t walk away now! Don’t quit! Don’t throw up your hands! For God Himself is with you!  You may consider yourself to be insignificant, restricted, unable or more, but God’s plan transcends your mortal weaknesses. 

Run to the Lord this morning and seek His face, for surely He is calling you and surely He is able to perform that call all the way to its completion! He loves you and He’s on your side to work and to will His plans on your behalf for the Gospel and for your blessing.  Just pray and hang on, for what God says He will perform and that’s all that really matters!

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Psalm 37:23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm (NIV)

Psalm 90:17 And may the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!

Life Has it's Ups and Downs - But God's Loving Care Remains Constant!

The weather around here has been unstable to say the least. Snow at Christmas stayed on the ground for a week. Three days ago it was 70 degrees and this morning it’s 26 degrees and the high will barely get higher than freezing. Those few warm days we had caused rose bushes and tulip trees to pop out buds, thinking that spring had sprung.  Up and down, the fluctuation is hard on people, plants and animals alike.  Watching the weather can become our focus as we try to keep plants and animals cared for.  We need to be prepared and yet there are times when we’re caught out in it and aren't prepared.  Thankfully the bad weather will change to good eventually and spring weather will turn into the blessings of summer.

Life is a lot like the weather.  It can be rather unstable. One day all is well and turn the corner of a single day and things can go off-center.  Hard times seem to get harder. One good day and we’re flying high on the blessings. But let a bad day come and we’re shriveled in the cold harsh reality of life.  Fluctuations can ruin us if we concentrate on them. If the fluctuations of life’s situations are our focus, we’re going to be so busy dealing with things that we find ourselves worn out and done in.  Cold days of sorrows and trials make us want to retreat permanently. Our hearts that swelled with joy in warmer days are shrinking in the cold of hard times. We find our feelings going up and down as we focus on the situations at hand.

Oh beloved, it’s time to wrap yourself in the warmth of God’s loving care! He knows your situation, He knows your ups and downs and how hard it has been. He knows the doctor’s report, the financial report, the credit report and more. He knows you may be stuck in the winter of your life and you may not have even seen it coming. Harsh reality has set in and your focus has been on the worst of it. But God calls you to Himself! He speaks sweet Truth into your ear. If you will take your focus off of the weather of life and put it solely on Him.  His promises to you must be your only focus, for life and people and circumstances will fluctuate, sometimes wildly and you’ll get caught in the storm without proper care! The Lord Himself is your covering and His Word is your proper attire. Take in His Word for your morning sustenance, wear His Word on your heart for protection against the day’s changing times. And when you lay your head down at night, cover yourself with His Word for its precious warmth in the night. Our God is an awesome God! He loves you like no other and because of His great love for you He will always be with you and that’s all that you really ever need.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (NAS)

Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

Psalm 5:12 For you bless the godly, O LORD; you surround them with your shield of love.

Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

God Spoke Wisdom and Light - So We Can Walk in His Ways

At work we do lots of things that have to do with the area of agriculture. We accept customers who come in with various samples for testing, weeds and plants for identifying as well as home related questions about cooking, canning, health, meal planning and more. Some of the most useful things we can offer to clients are the fact sheets created by various specialists and agents. For instance, a plant fact sheet gives detailed information regarding the subject including disease prevention, growing problems and how to increase productivity. One sheet, maybe 2 or 3 pages, can give the person needing it all the information for making informed, educational decisions. They do not contain old wives’ tales, home remedies or secular advice handed down by generations. They are written from an education viewpoint by people who are educated to know the facts in their particular area. 

As believers, we have lots of information that floats around.  Old wives’ tales, secular information taken as spiritual, good old boy systems of dealing with things and more.  If we’re not careful we will take this outmoded, outdated and wrong information as the Gospel.  But if we take the pure undiluted Word of God and read it as a fact sheet for believers, we will find ourselves knowing how to deal with problems, how to respect leaders, how to pray, how to be healed and more.  We can read how to love one another, how to forgive, how to repent, how to get saved…The list of facts contained within the Word of God is almost endless. Everything you and I need for life and godliness is contained in the pages of the Bible. 

Oh beloved, have you tried this world’s system of thinking and found that at the end of the learning you’re still in the dark?  Did you set out to work it all out and pull yourself up by your own bootstraps? Were you sure that the best way to alleviate all pain is to quit feeling anything?  It may be that you don’t want to know the Truth because you have dealt with things so long without Him that you’re wondering if it could be possible to do it any other way. Run to the Lord this morning! Ask Him to give you His information for the situation at hand. He can be trusted; He has your best interests at heart! And, you need to know beloved, that if you will follow His ways and step in His precepts He will bless you beyond your wildest imagination! He loves you so much that He has given you everything you need to know to walk in wisdom and live in His light! His love will teach you, protect you, guide you, and carry you all the way to heaven!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

John 15:7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Did You Know You're One of God's Favorites?

Yesterday one of our daughters posted photos having fun time with her middle child in the beautiful weather.  The other two were occupied elsewhere for a change.  That reminded me of my own three. I tried to spend a little time with each one on an individual basis, but it was hard after all three were here.  There was always so much to do and so little time to get it all done. Yet we always found time to laugh and pretend and have fun. We also, as parents, learned how to deal with them according to their personalities and their likes and dislikes. We knew them each one completely and distinctly.

I enjoyed telling each one of mine that they were “my favorite”.  After they were grown, I found Christmas ornaments that said, “I’m mom’s favorite – I’m the middle child (oldest child; youngest child)” which I promptly bought for all three! Often still, when we’ve spent time together or in a text just for them I will again express that they are my favorite.   Each one holds an incredibly huge space in my heart. They are bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, so I could not disown them if I tried.  Each one is unique. Each one has certain giftings and abilities. They are not at all alike and yet oh so much alike.

God loves us, each and every one of us. He loves those who are in His family by rebirth. He loves those who aren’t in His family yet. He loves the obedient child, He loves the unruly one. He loves the one who listens to His Word and performs it. He loves his children no matter what. Each of His children, His creation, is different, but each is held very dear to His heart.  He deals with each of us, as children. He knows our distinctness, our personality and our hopes and dreams.  Because He created us He knows us. And because He knows us, He can be trusted like no other. He knows everything, good bad and indifferent and He loves us regardless. This is true love.

Oh beloved, as you wake up this morning, run to the One Who knows you! Run to the One Who knows your secrets, cares about your hurts and responds to your prayers! Run to the One Who has watched over you since before the foundation of the world! Although you may have been considered an accident, you are not and you are no mere chance of fate!  Although you may have problems and may have caused problems along the way, you are not a problem! Even if you made a mistake, turned the wrong direction or walked away from God, you are His! And, because you are His, He will move heaven and earth on your behalf as you seek His face!  Times may be hard, people may be against you, and you may not know what’s going to happen next, but you can trust the One Who loves you completely and without reservation.  You are loved by the Lord and you are one of His favorites and that’s all that really matters! 

Galatians 4:28 And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac.

Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

John 1:12 But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.

When Storms Come Get Ready to Report!

As I watch the Weather Channel, I am amazed that those reporters will stand outside to report, even in the gales of hurricanes! As the storm approaches they begin to find it harder and harder to stand.  The wind and the rain beat against them with all the forces of nature. Hats are blown off and jackets are flapping. But those reporters, having been given the task of informing the public, make their stand. No matter what, they hold their ground through it all.   

They could walk away. They could focus on the storm and say it’s not worth it. They could become afraid of the bad weather.  They could get mad at the station manager for giving them that dangerous assignment.  Or, they could remember their calling and hold their ground. 

Are you thinking about walking away this morning? Where is your focus? On the storm? Are you focusing on your wants and your feelings?  Are you losing your footing and thinking that enough is enough? Whatever your feelings, whatever storm is raging in your life, God is with you!  No storm lasts forever, but God’s people do. 

Oh beloved when the storms of life are raging, stand with the Lord! Stand under His wings, kneel in the shadow of His Name and hold on for your life! When the storm subsides, not only will you be standing, you will have something wonderful to report to the people! God reigns! God’s Word is True! He will see you through. You will be reporting that the storm you went through could not overtake you, the flood you walked through could not drown you, the momentary light afflictions could not get you off your mark! Because God loves you and He’s for you, no matter your circumstances, no matter the weather, that’s all that really matters.

Isaiah 4:6 It will be a shelter from daytime heat and a hiding place from storms and rain.

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. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall

Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

1 Chronicles 16:8  Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.

Living on a Hamster Wheel? Meet With Jesus First.

Yesterday I found myself thinking I was meeting myself coming and going. It’s just so important to me to have time to sit and ponder without feeling that I must be doing something. Yet often doing things takes over. I have plenty to do, don’t you? There’s rarely an end to laundry, dishes, cleanup, work, driving, shopping, talking, etc. Every single one of these things is important to a successful productive life. But if they take over, or if we find ourselves getting our worth from activity, we may find that we’re in the hamster’s wheel and about to lose our footing! Then you and I dear heart, may find ourselves flopping at the bottom or getting stick beneath the wheel!

The hamster wheel for a believer can be comprised of many things. “If I do more, I’m more valuable”. “If more people see me being busy, more people will think I’m worth more”. “Taking time to rest is wasteful, so my worth is lowered”. So we huff and puff and wear ourselves out. Many times we allow others to control our wheel and as long as they push, urge, cajole and banter, we try to do more, more, more.

Lord, help us! Help us to remember to take time to meet with You at the start of every day so that we don’t continually meet ourselves coming and going! Not only that, when we meet with You Lord, we find that our energy is renewed for all the things we must accomplish! And Lord, you give us the urgings of Your Holy Spirit so that we don’t try to fulfill others’ wishes for us at our own hurt. Help us to remember to go to you when we find ourselves flagging in strength and becoming agitated with ourselves.

Oh beloved, God loves your faithfulness and hard work. He knows your needs and your hopes and desires. He also knows that you and He need time together. Won’t you take a moment this morning and just rest in His arms? You’ll never hear Him snapping orders at you or telling you to hurry up! He just wants to speak His Truth into your heart and the only way to do that is to spend time with Him. The Creator of the Universe desires time with His creation and you are one of His favorites! Hear that still small voice above the clatter of the wheel? It’s the Prince of your Peace and He’s calling you to rest in His never ending love and His unimaginable care!

Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Isaiah 33:2 O Lord, be gracious to us; we have waited [expectantly] for You. Be the arm [of Your servants—their strength and defense] every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble. (AMP)

Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Where Do You Live, Beloved?

Both Danny and I moved quite a few times when we were kids.   Sometimes it required changing schools in the middle of a school year. That was never fun.  We’ve lived where we are now for the longest we ever lived anywhere. Now we travel a lot, both around the state and longer trips. When we meet people, the question usually comes up both ways, “Where do you live?” 

You may well be asked, “Where do you live believer?”  Do you live in the light of His Word? Do you live in the realm of His precepts? Do you know that you are a royal citizen of a holy nation?  We have indeed become strangers in this land, for our hearts no longer lean towards the secular but the spiritual.  We have a new country, heaven, as our reward. We are no longer content with the status quo. We find ourselves out of sync with today and looking forward more and more to a home with Jesus in heaven for eternity.  

Oh beloved, where are you living this morning? Are you living in perfect love? Are you living in mercy, grace and peace? Are you living by every Word that proceeds from His mouth? Do you realize just how wondrous this life in Christ really is?

God loves you (PERIOD)  God loves you because His essence and being is LOVE. He doesn’t love you because of anything you do or don’t do. This perfect love transcends our deepest failings, it overcomes our greatest needs, it covers our hardest lifestyles. It overlooks all, it never gives up on you! He loved you before you were conceived, He loved you in your mother’s womb, He loved you as He watched you grow and mature. He loves you when you accept Him as Lord and Savior and He loves you when you falter and stumble. He will love you, beloved, forever and always.  And because He loves you He is for you – to guide you, direct you, protect you, care for you, pick you up, dust you off, restore your losses, forgive your sins, bless your life, renew His mercies on your behalf, gather you up under His wings, walk with you through valleys, floods and more.

Oh beloved, live in the light of His Word, for there is no other place you can live so loved. Earth has lost its charm and heaven is waiting. Spend time with the love of your life and live loved!

Philippians 3:20  But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” (NAS)

1 Thessalonians 5:8  But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

Colossians 1:12  always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.

Psalm 119:93  I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. (NAS)

Do You Know the Love that Will Not Let You Go?

Last night as I was texting back and forth with a friend about God’s magnificent wonderful love for her, for me, for us, an old hymn came to my mind. “Oh love that will not let me go!” 

As I heard those words sung into my heart I saw my father and me at the train station in San Antonio Texas in the 60’s.  He had traveled the world over and seen so many things, rode so many trains, taken so many flights. While living in Tyler he decided he wanted to take me on a “real” train ride. So we left Tyler together and traveled all the way to San Antonio, via observation car and had a meal as well from a dining car. I don’t know if you can even experience this type of train trip anymore. It was fantastic! But what comes to mind as I ponder the words to this song is my father himself.

He was a big man, 6’2” and 270 pounds. The station in San Antonio was huge! Many trains going and coming on many tracks. But my father held my hand and kept me so safe! I felt so dwarfed by the sights and sounds of the station and even by my father! But I knew as my father held my hand I was totally kept safe in this crazy place full of hustle and bustle. I was holding his hand all the time, but I can assure you, my father was holding on the tightest. Nothing would have caused him to let go of me.

Oh beloved, this morning as you are waking up, I hope that you know how incredibly loved you are by the Father! I hope you know that regardless of your circumstances, the ones that dwarf you as you look at them, you will  know that the Lord has you by His hand – this hand that says – I will not let you go! I will not let you be harmed! I will not sleep or slumber or leave you! Ever. Others may fall away, others may quit and give up and say enough, but not Me, for I AM perfect love! I AM the One who will lead you forever! I AM the One who has sealed you by My love. Trust Me and together we will make it all the way to heaven! I have you always in the palm of my hand. Oh beloved, you see it is not your hand that has Mine but My hand that has yours and I will never ever let go!

So that beloved, we can sing with the choirs of heaven and earth, “Oh love that will not let me Go! I rest my weary soul in Thee!”  

Psalm 94:14 For the Lord will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

Psalm 56:4  By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me? (NAS)

Psalm 3:5  I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me.

Psalm 107:8  Let them praise the LORD for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them.

Getting Ready for the Day? Don't Forget to Eat!

For many folks, today Is the first day back at school and work after the Christmas holidays. That means that you have to get up earlier, dress differently and prepare for more than what you find to do around the house. When we rush around and find ourselves behind, like I am this morning, we may accidentally leave something behind that we needed.  If I leave off earrings, it’s no big deal, but there are other things that are very important, especially in the life of a believer.  For God’s children, we just dress differently.

If we’re not prepared for the day, then we won’t know how to behave, how to respond or how to walk.  It’s really important for us to see what God says about us, what God says about our day and what God says about our value and our importance in this world we live in. 

Have you checked in the mirror of God’s Word? Are you about to run out of the house without getting fed? Are you thinking that there’s just not time to sit quietly a moment? He wants to be with you to fellowship and make your day start off right. He wants to guard your mind, watch over your day and keep you safe throughout the week so that you will be strong and courageous.  He knows you are thirsty and hungry and running on empty. And without spending time with Him you will remain that way.

Oh beloved, You are of such incredible value to the Lord! He is waiting to speak Truth and Love into your life.  He says to you this morning, Don’t forget to put on the Garment of Praise for the Spirit of heaviness!  Just take a moment to praise God that you woke up, got up and have somewhere to go to be a part of this great world He so graciously created.  He says to seek Him first, so that all  the things you need will be added to you.  He says to let Him love you and speak sweet words of spiritual nourishment into your life.  He knows that the days can be rough, the obstacles can be many, but for the believer, and that’s you beloved, you who have put your trust in His Holy Name, life can be wonderful no matter the circumstances.  It’s just that you can’t leave God out and expect to have the blessings of Him! Without time spend with the One Who loves you and knows you and has wonderful plans for you, you cannot make it in this world.

Run to the Word – take just a bite if that’s all you have time for! But know that that small morsel of spiritual food will help your day go smoother, your heart beat stronger and your life feel sweeter.  Not only that, but that small bite of the Word will cause you to desire a bigger helping tomorrow! And the more you feed on His Word, beloved, the more you will know Him. And the more you know Him the more you will love Him and live for the glory of His Name!  You are loved by the One Who makes the sun come up this morning! You are cared for by the One Who sets the stars in the skies! Now that’s worth praising His name!

Romans 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, NAS

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Psalm 63:5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise You with songs of joy.

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ…

Troubles Raging? You Will Be Victorious Through God

There’s been a stomach bug raging through the family.  It’s been a real kicker.  It started before Christmas with one daughter. As it went to the next daughter’s family, her kids all got it, one after another.  One day right in the middle of the worst of it, 2 year old Caleb exclaimed, “I don’t like this!” This virus picked people off at random, even hitting in-laws who had happened by to visit.  No ordinary 24 hour bug, this one has been quite lengthy for some.  Between the cold weather, gray skies and this – we’re all ready for spring. We’d just as soon skip the rest of winter!

If we could see viruses with our eyes, we’d avoid them for sure.  We would not purposely enter into the virus’s territory. In the midst of the illness, we find ourselves asking if it will ever end. Being in the throes of these viral events keeps us focused on the sickness and any thought of it being over and a healthier day is hard to believe.

In life’s throes, we often have extreme times of worry, fatigue, fear, sorrow, exclusion or more. In the middle of our troubles, trials and situations often all we can see is what we’re feeling.  We may not have intentionally walked into any of it. It just happens. We look to place the blame so we can avoid it in the future, but life happens. Not everything we go through is sweetness and light. The only way to live a life that might bring us little sorrow is to become a hermit who doesn’t work, doesn’t play, doesn’t travel, doesn’t go outside of our own homes. And, that’s not living.  Besides, trouble doesn’t see the fencepost, the door locks or the boundaries.

You may be in the midst of an extreme battle this day. You’ve tried everything. You may be worn out, done in, played out. Once you knew you would get through this, but now you’re not sure.  You’ve prayed, you’ve sought, you’ve medicated yourself and you’re still in the onslaught. What may have started out as a little problem has turned into a big situation and you’re in the middle of it.  Without a cure, without some respite, you are not sure you’ll make it. 

Oh beloved, don’t give in! You may be on your last leg, but there is one who is able to pick you up right where you are! The Lord is with you! You have not been fighting this battle alone. You may have no strength, but the Lord is the Host of Heaven’s Armies. You may not have seen God with you, but His Word is True and He tells you that He is with you! He tells you that He has His angels encamping around you! He also tells you you have a great cloud of witnesses! This battle is not yours, beloved, this battle belongs to the Lord! Lay your burdens, your hurts, your trials, your battle on the altar of His loving care and let Him finish off the trouble on your behalf. He is able to walk you through the valley, He is able to get you through the sea, and He will not let this flood overtake you! You may feel worn out, but you are an overcomer! You may feel the answer won’t come, but you are not living by sight but by faith. And when this trial is over, you will see yourself as the Lord sees you! You are loved! You are taken care of! You are invincible! You are victorious! Your King is in residence in your heart today and He says the battle belongs to Him!

1 Chronicles 5:20  They cried out to God during the battle, and He answered their prayer because they trusted in Him…

Psalm 18:39  You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued my enemies under my feet.

Psalm 55:18  He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.

2 Chronicles 20:15 He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Ephesians 6:13  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Psalm 46:7  The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Isaiah 8:13  Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble.

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

Psalm 24:8  Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.

Joshua 1:9  This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Give Thanks and Receive Joy!

This past week-end, I bet I heard thank you a hundred times, at least. Most of the students who came through the meal lines were eager to say those words. And our youth evangelist, Jerod McPherson, came through to thank all the volunteers for their generosity. Not once, but several times.

To be told you are appreciated is akin to being given a huge present! Each thank you lights up the face of the recipient and causes them to hold their shoulders a light straighter and return the gift with a smile! Appreciation lightens the load. Gratefulness eases burdens and cares. Would we have continued to serve the Lord had the students not said thank you? Of course. Would we have kept being volunteers if Jerod had not taken the time to come by and speak to each of us personally? Of course. Because we serve a risen Lord, and He’s the one who gives us our reward.

But the special, continual thanks made for more joy, more strength, more eagerness! It also incites us to return the favor. “You’re welcome!” “Thank you!” and more are given as thankfulness gifts are exchanged.
Perhaps you’ve been under a load of troubles, bondage or care. You’ve tried to keep working, keep striving, keep earning your rewards but the load is getting so heavy that you’re just about to sit down and give up. After all, why should you do anything that garners no kindness? Maybe you figure it doesn’t matter to anyone because no one has said a thing to you. Remember, God’s thankfulness isn’t a matter of being perfect, gathering possessions or having things work out the way we want. Rather, thankfulness is an attitude of the heart.

Oh beloved, you matter incredibly to God! And, because you matter to Him, what you do matters as well! Because He has given you everything you need for life and godliness – everything – then it only stands to reason that thanksgiving and praise and glory and honor are due to the One Who made it all possible. Run to the Lord this morning and give Him the glory He is due! Give thanks to the One Who gives you breath and strength to be His hands and feet in this lost and dying world. You may be the only one who seems to know or care what you’re doing, but God sees it all. And, because God sees you, He rewards you as well. His rewards are peace, joy, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, self-control and more. Who else can take an ungrateful heart and replace it with thankfulness? Only the One Who loves you and cares for you eternally. If you’re looking for applause, look into Jesus’ Wonderful face! If you’re holding back on thankfulness, look at the same Precious face! God loves you and holds you securely in His heart forever!

Psalm 50:14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.

1 Corinthians 16:18 They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.

Ruth 2:12 May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Luke 6:45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

Drop the Hurts and Pick up the Blessings!

I really enjoy a good cup of coffee.  As we were getting ready to head to our car the other morning, I grabbed one more for the road. It was cold and raining and I was holding onto Danny with one hand and my coffee with the other.  As I took off running to the car, the hot coffee began to splash! I decided the cup of coffee wasn’t worth burning my hand, so I dropped it!  Danny looked at me as I explained my predicament.  I laughed and so did he as we got into the car.

We are told by the Lord that He has given us freely all things to enjoy. But there are times when what we want to enjoy is going to burn us.  We can hold onto it and have the repercussions or we can let it go and get immediate relief. We cannot hope to be all that God has for us if we hold on to bitterness, anger, malice, wrath, or Unforgiveness.  Once we let those things go, we find such sweet relief. But we cannot merely drop them as I did the cup of coffee – we must hand them off to the Lord, where we find complete relief! He will give us something else to hold onto in their place.  Love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness and more.

Oh beloved, it’s a new year! Don’t you think it’s time to drop those things that you can do nothing about? Those things that are burning your heart and giving you more bitterness and sorrow? God knows what you’ve been through. God knows who has hurt you, antagonized you and betrayed you. But He has a plan, through it all! And, if you will hand off your troubles and anguish to Him He’ll make it all good in His time! He loves you, beloved, and because of His great love, He will watch over you and keep you safe all the days of your life. 

Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Matthew 6:12  and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

1 Peter 3:9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it.

God Holds All Your Tomorrows in His Hands

An old friend tried to contact me last night. At first I didn’t realize who it was. Danny and I have had an awesome Christmas holiday, full of family, friends and faith.  It has been wonderful! Even with the poor weather, slick roads and continual dampness, nothing has dampened our time off. Nothing that is until I was reading a friend’s post on the fiscal cliff, the state of our nation and the terrible situation we are in. 

About that time I heard a knock on my heart’s door. It was that old friend that I used to consider quite close.  Something about this old friend used to make me feel cozy. Well, at least cozy as long as I didn’t go anywhere, didn’t share anything and didn’t try to break through to victory.  I thought the two of us had it made – I would keep to myself and with the help of his assistance I’d be safe and comfortable.

But God showed me one day that this was no friend.  Instead of being a friend, he was actually a nemesis from the pit.  You’re probably wondering if you know him. You’re trying to figure it out by now.

My old “friend” was Fear. Regardless of how he tried to speak to me, he will try to pull out the stops on anyone he can in any way he can. Fear will seek to keep you at home, keep you in bondage, keep you worrying about the wrong things. He’ll help you major on the minors and try to keep you completely overlooking the truth about your life. Fear says “you don’t have enough money”, “you won’t make it”, “you’ve done wrong too long”, “you better quit”. Ever hear those phrases?  How about, “God doesn’t care you”, “you’re all alone”, “nobody loves you”. 

Like other old friends, Fear likes to show up after you’ve had a wonderful time in Jesus, after a victorious moment in your faith walk, after you share Jesus, after you forgive the unforgiveable or as you begin leaning on God more than ever.

His desire is the same as His father – to kill, steal and destroy.  He is the king of trouble, the prince of darkness and the jailer of  the dungeons of the heart.

Just about time I felt the old chill of fear settling into my bones, I heard the Savior whisper to my heart. Go get up and write about this. For others are getting the same visit and they need to know not to answer the call. Tell them to let Me answer. And tell them to recall the Truth they have been learning and to act on My Truth instead of Fear’s lies.  

Oh beloved! I cannot tell you all about tomorrow, but I can tell you Who holds all your tomorrows in His hands! The Lord says to you this morning that He loves you! And, because He loves you He makes all things beautiful in His time. He is the repairer of the breech. He is your Alpha and Omega. He is the One Who feeds you, clothes you, keeps you and cares for you all the days of your life. He is the One who forgives you, redeems you, and renews you. He grants you unending hope, everlasting courage and joy beyond measure! Run to Him this morning and watch as Fear walks away, for fear cannot stand when the King of the Universe steps in!  Rejoice for your foes are vanquished when you look into your Savior’s wonderful face!

Revelation 22:13  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.

Philippians 4:6, 7  Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. AMP

Proverbs 3:5-7 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. AMP

Phippians 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.

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.

1 John 4:18  Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

Walk in His Promises for 2013!

As the old year slipped away, some folks were partying, some were sleeping, others were wishing on falling stars. Whatever 2012 was like, it’s forever in our memories. For the good times, we fondly reminisce and hold those memories dear to our hearts. For the hard times, we remember that every day is a new opportunity to start over and make a better day for ourselves and those we love. New years melt away into the past so quickly, reminding us to make the most of the times for the days truly are short. Danny and I have been holding hands as the ball drops for 4 decades now. We’ve celebrated with friends of our youth, then with our own little ones in our home. Other years we celebrated with a house full of teens or waiting for the car to roll into the driveway. Then there were the years we had a houseful of friends, learning to celebrate again as a couple with an empty nest. Those years gave way to celebrating with grandchildren sometimes and married children other times. Like many of you, we had years that we had to say good-bye to loved ones and other hopes and dreams left in the past.


But with every New Year, there is the wonderful view that even though things might have been hard, God saw us through it all! And there are always the promises of God to greet us. We are a blessed people indeed! We who claim to know Christ can also lay claim to all the promises of God for they are available as the sun comes up each morning and the calendar rolls over each year.

I know this past year may have been hard for you, but God was with you all the way. Maybe you didn’t know that when the hard time came, but as you look back you can see and take a deep breath – you made it! Maybe you want things to go differently this year, but you’re watching the news and you wonder how on earth you’ll make it!

Oh beloved, I’d like to pray for you! I pray that God will pour out His richest blessings on you for 2013! For you, beloved, I pray that you will not only hold onto the promises of God but you will walk with victory in each of them! I pray that you will not look back to the mistakes, the hurts, the broken promises of people or the unmet hopes of your heart, but that you will look ahead, for God is with you! He loves you more than you can imagine and He’s not only walking with you into the future, He is walking ahead of you, making a way where there seems to be no way! Look up to His countenance, look forward to His promises and look inward to His Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, which dwells in you! You are His forever and He will never turn His back on you or say it’s over! All the way to heaven you will live in the promises of your Lord for they are faithful and true no matter what else may come.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. NAS

I Corinthians 2:12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for His glory.

Hebrews 6:16-20 16 Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.



Isaiah 43:16, 18-19I AM the LORD, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I AM going to do. For I AM about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”