Feeling Lost in Unknown Territory? Follow God!

Danny has been doing another driver’s route the past few days. The route encompasses some very remote areas in the county, areas where the roads have no signs that mark the way. He gets on the computer in the mornings to look at maps and sometimes the road he needs isn’t even marked on there. It’s rough to figure out where you are going when there are no names visible. It’s pretty important to have good directions so that you don’t get lost. There are times when road signs can be the only way to get through unknown territory.




Often we may find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. It may be Sorrow, Regret or Fear. These signs loom in our minds and we find that Chaos and Confusion come up to thwart our progress or get us off track. Thankfully on the road of life God has given us good signs and clear directions. While we can’t always choose the route, we can avoid those roads which might harm us or bring us to a dead end in our faith.



Oh beloved, have you been looking for direction? Have you been wondering why you’ve had to travel the road you’re on? It’s time to run to the Lord and ask Him for new direction! He’s got your route in the palm of His hands. He wants you to know that if you need to, you can turn around and get back on the right road with Him. If you’re on a remote road and you know He’s with you, but you find yourself so alone, don’t give up in fear! He’s with you! He will get you through this time and bring you back to the highway of joy! All of His Promises are true – every single one. All of His directions are perfect – every single one. Trust Him this morning and get out His map, the Word of God, and read until you know which way to go and continue the path of life He means for you! He loves you always and His Holy Spirit is willing to guide you all the rest of your life!



Psalm 119:59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow Your laws.



Proverbs 3:6 (Amplified) In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.



Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.



Psalm 119:35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Say Yes to God and Watch a Blessed Life Unfold!

The two year old grandson looked his mother right in the eye and said, “I said NO!” That little two letter word has become his favorite these days. And he’s using it on his mother regularly.  Of course he gets in trouble. It’s amazing to me how kids just have a keen sense of what “no” means. You have to teach waving and bye bye and we all repeat our names often for the little ones to learn, but the word “no” just seems to come naturally.  Such a little word that carries such huge meaning.  We think it’s so cute when a tiny tot says no, but then as they get older we find that it’s not so cute. Saying no to their parents becomes a sign of being spoiled or unwilling to yield their will.

Oh beloved, have you been hearing God’s instructions? Are you wondering if you can truly obey? At times it may feel as though the Lord is asking for something that’s just too hard to do.  Yet it is only in the yielding that true discipleship develops. Run to Him this morning and yield that decision to Him. Ask Him to come into your life fresh and new and give your day and your decisions to Him! His Word is your safety and His requests are your blessings! It’s never too late to say yes to Him for He is always waiting to guide and direct your path. Not only that, His guidance is the path of pure joy and the place you will find your real meaning in life. There is no love like that of our Father God, Who forgives our unwilling hearts and makes all things new!

Job 22:21-22 Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you. Listen to His instructions, and store them in your heart.

Colossians 2:6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.

John 2:5 His (Jesus’s) mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

1 Samuel 15:22  Samuel said, “ Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

Psalm 91:11 Amplified For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

Rejoice and Celebrate Today!

Birthdays are celebrated by children with parties and cakes and streamers and more! As children grow older the party becomes less important, but gifts are usually given each year.  As adults lots of folks quit partying for their special day.  Some people don’t want to be reminded of their age or growing older.  They’d just as soon forget.  I am a birthday party lover! I say celebrate every chance you get! Life is short and people do get old and heaven gets closer and closer.  Give gifts with abandon. They don’t have to be big or expensive, but anything given by the heart is a wonderful gift.  Why do you think I still have homemade cards packed away? One of my favorite gifts is a sign that reads, “Life is a Gift – That’s why they call it The Present”.  Today is my beloved’s birthday. For him I just want to shower gifts, love and gratitude. What better time to say I love you than on a milestone.  Don’t let days go by without celebrating something with someone you love. Time flies and life is fleeting.

Oh beloved, it may not be your birthday but it is truly a day to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of God. We live in a day and age where we can still be free.  That freedom is being slowly sapped away, but for today we can applaud those we love, we can give to our favorites and we can thank the One Who gave us life.  The Lord loves you and He has a marvelous plan for your life. It began with the gift of life itself. Each and every day is His gift to you. The hard days will be replaced with good ones. The sad days will be replaced with joyful ones. But something inside every day is worth thanking Him for! Run to His Word this morning and read how He loves you and celebrates your life! Trust Him for He is worthy of your Trust. 

Psalm 135:3  Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate His lovely name with music.

Psalm 16:9  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

1 Timothy 6:17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

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

2 Corinthians 5:18  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to Himself through Christ…

Worked into a Frenzy? Let God Set Your Pace!

It’s Monday morning and I realize that I do not have to go to work. It’s a three day week-end. For most of America this holiday, Labor Day, holds little meaning anymore. But its inception held real value.  The first Labor Day called for street parades to demonstrate "the strength and morale of the trade and labor organizations" to the public, followed by recreational activities and amusements for workers and their families. By 1909, also dedicated the preceding Sunday to "the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement." In other words, Labor Day honored the American working class and gave homage to the spiritual qualities of work as well.  Work was honored, especially work that created jobs for Americans and items made in America.

We live in a time when labor is frowned on. Yet the Lord Himself honored work. “Six days shall you labor, but on the seventh day set it aside as a day of rest” was His formula for a God honoring lifestyle. How we ever made it through a Sunday with all the stores closed I’ll never know.  Setting time aside to honor the working class also reminds us to set aside time to honor the Lord who gave us the opportunities and abilities to work.  If we’re not careful, we’ll work and work and work and pretty soon we’ve forgotten that it was God who placed us where we are, it is God who grants us success and it is God who will care for us always.

Oh beloved, have you worked yourself into a frenzy? Do you find that there’s just “not time” to give God the time of day? Do you feel worn out, unappreciated, underpaid? Maybe you’re on the job hunt and there’s just not much out there. Perhaps you’ve worked hard, you have plenty of money and yet find no real meaning to this life? You’ve arrived and there’s nothing there. Today is the day to cease laboring for things that do not satisfy and run to His sheltering Arms. He loves you and He’s calling you to live life at a higher plain.  The Lord will renew your strength and give you a fresh perspective on work. He created the country you live in and He created you. He has a plan for your life and it is full of His success! Ask Him this morning to revive you personally and then to use you to revive others. Everything He has for you is a blessing and He’s always on your side, with you wherever you go! Let Him lead you to a better day for He is your Redeemer!

Isaiah 48:17 This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.”

1 Corinthians 6:20  for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

Ecclesiastes 3:13  And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil—for He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.

God is Able to Relieve Your Load of Burdens

We saw them walking through a parking lot yesterday afternoon. It appeared to be an entire family of homeless people - three youths and a mother and father. They were pushing a grocery cart full of plastic bags piled up high. The cart was obviously over filled and quite hard to push. The tiredness on their faces showed the depth of their despair.




If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves wandering around with a heavy a weight as well. Trying to push our load or get ourselves where we need to be is just too hard. A face can show the obvious pain, sorrow or trouble. Sometimes others will try to load us down with their problems. They may even say you’re to blame so it’s your weight to carry for them.



Oh beloved, are you bent beneath a load you were never meant to carry? Are you stopping often to readjust – the guilt, the fear, the worry, the sorrow, the un-forgiveness and more? Or are you trying to carry what someone wants to put on you?



Run to the King Who is Able to Relieve the load of burdens you carry. He never wants you so weighed down that you cannot move and He doesn’t expect you to carry everyone else’s guilt and burden. He means for you to roll it all on Him. He is a Father to the homeless  and orphans. Not only will He see you through your present problems, He’ll give you rest and hope and peace. Let Him take that burden you’ve born far too long. Let Him take you home to live as a child of the King! He loves you and He’s on your side and that will relieve any burden forever!



Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.



Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.



Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

The Lord Wants to Be the Foundation of All You Do

Some friends painted their rent house years ago and it looked great! Being a rent house they just wanted to get it ready for renters. It sure made the house look inviting and well kept…for a few months. Unfortunately it wasn’t long at all before huge chunks of the new paint began to peel away. I asked Danny why that paint was peeling so badly and so quickly. He explained that without the proper prep work eventually the covering will give way. It’s what’s underneath that makes for the success of the paint job. Paint can just be thrown on to look good but it won’t last.


Have you noticed that when you put Him first other things blossom and produce lasting results? Have you ever wondered why things falter or fail even when you do your best?

Oh beloved! The Lord wants to be your foundation for everything! It’s only when we put Him first, let Him cover all we do and say that our lives won’t peel apart. Run to Him this morning and ask Him to be the groundwork for establishing your life. He loves you so much that He’ll never turn you down for asking. Not only that, He will come in and “refurbish” anything you have left Him out of. His heart’s desire is not for our ruin but for our complete restoration! You are no rental in His eyes, you are bought with a price and He takes care of you as full owner! Thank Him this morning for His Awesome Complete Love!



Isaiah 33:6 NLT In that day He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure.
Psalm 111:10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

1 Timothy 6:19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

Stop Snacking and Start Feasting!

Lately our grandson Blake hasn’t been eating much at mealtime. He’s pretty worn out from pre-K school and he rarely wants to quit playing just for a plate of food! A very active 4 year old that boy is.  The other night around 9 o’clock he managed to get himself a bag of chips and was found eating them as he sat in a chair. He said he had gotten hungry and couldn’t sleep! His mom explained the importance of eating a good meal during supper. She told him he would have to start eating a healthy meal or nothing else.  The chips filled his tummy but they didn’t do much for his nutritional needs.

Oh beloved! Have you been snacking on what the world has to offer? Does it seem to you that others who partake of whatever they want are happy and full while you feel empty and unfed? Run to the Lord’s bountiful table of health! His Word is your absolute necessity and without it all of us tend to fill up on junk.  Not only does His Word fill you and make you spiritually healthy, God will bring other believers into your life who desire the sincere milk of the word and the meat as well. Great fellowship can be found at the Lord’s banquet!  He loves you so much that He has a plan to fill your heart and mind so that you can rest in His presence and have strength to resist all the junk the world wants to offer you! Now that’s love!

Psalm 103:5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Acts 2:28 You have shown me the way of life, and You will fill me with the joy of Your presence.

Song of Solomon 2:4 He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much He loves me.

In the Shadow of His Wings I Take Refuge

We are all watching what may be the worst hurricane of the season. Friends and family along the Gulf Coast have battened down the hatches. Memories of childhood storms come back to me. Often we would leave Houston altogether and go north until the storm subsided. Back in the 60’s my father was on a barge in the gulf when a hurricane hit.  My mother didn’t know the condition of those men out there until after the storm had passed.  We watched the news and just like people are doing today, we kept our eyes glued for any information.  It’s an odd thing about hurricanes. They are incredibly fierce and yet inside the eye, the center of that storm, there is complete calm.  While the storm whirls about wreaking destruction everywhere else, inside the eye no havoc, no chaos, no trouble.

Oh beloved, you may be in the storm of your life. It may have been raging for quite a while and you’ve tried to hang on, hunker down and keep going. It’s hard I know. I too have weathered storms in my life. And, because I made it through I can encourage you as well. You will make it through; you will come out the other side. But more than that, you can rest in the center of the Father’s will knowing that He will keep you from the havoc, the chaos the damage. Regardless of what you are going through, His Word is your Storm Shelter. His Word is Your Guarantee. His Word is His Bond. Trust Him this morning for in the center of His Will is love, peace, purpose and strength.  He loves you and He’s for you so He will see you through!

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.

Psalm 57:1 Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

Hebrews 6:18 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.

 

The Lord's Greatest Delight is our Relationship not Our Performance

She was trying so hard to get her daddy’s attention. Tugging on his hand as he towered above her, she saw that he was busy talking with someone. Occasionally he’d shake her off and motion with his hand, but he never looked away from the conversation he was having. She jumped and said his name a little louder. She must have been desperate to talk to him. Frantic, knowing no other way to get daddy to respond, she began to pirouette and tip toe. Other folks noticed the little princess and began to applaud as she performed. The performance grew greater as the crowd ooh’ed and ah’ed. This was great! She was loving the performance and forgot all about her daddy. As her daddy looked the way of the commotion, he smiled and walked over to her with obvious pride. She stopped as their eyes met and she realized she hadn’t even noticed his attention.

Aren’t we like that little child? Often we pray, we seek God, we live in His light. After a while we get

desperate and because we may not have heard from Him, we resort to performance. We don’t know what else to do. After all doesn’t our Abba Father love us more when we’re doing things? Acting right? Behaving? Ministering? Before long performance has taken the place of relationship and we’re so busy that we don’t realize He’s been with us all along. Finally we stop and see that our Abba Father's greatest delight is always the relationship, the intimate fellowship, the love songs we sing.

Oh beloved, Maybe you’ve been seeking God and you haven’t heard His response. It could be that in your desperation you’ve traded relationship for performance and it feels great! Run back to your Daddy God this morning and keep seeking His face, for it’s only in that intimate time with Him that we find our way in this world and our place of service. He promises that He always has time and He will never shake you off! He loves you, He always listens, He always answers and He’s on your side!

John 6:29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one He has sent.”

Genesis 6:9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.

I Chronicles 16:11 (Amplified) Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!

Are You Asking? God's Answer Will Come!

My parents used to write notes on the mirror in the bathroom with a bar of soap. Usually it was "I Love You". Sometimes it was a reminder to pack something or the like. I too leave notes on the mirror. They're easy to wipe off by a little water and a cloth. Yesterday as I was in the bathroom cleaning up after one of the grandkids took a shower, I noticed an old note on the mirror. One I had long wiped away. But because of the steam, there it was plain as the day I had written it! Although I had forgotten about it, it was still there waiting to be revealed again. 

Oh beloved, our prayers are like writing on the mirror.  We give it to God. We talk with Him often about the need, the want, the heart’s cry. We ponder and we wait.  We go about our daily lives and carry on. We might even forget about it. But the Lord never forgets.  One day, just like the message in the steam covered mirror, God’s answer will come. He will reveal His character, His will and His way. It’s not for us to know why delays happen, why promises seem distant or when He needs to answer. We know, by the Word He has spoken that He is always with us, always hearing us, always taking unconditional care of all that matters to us. Go ahead and talk to Him about your life and don’t leave anything out. You do not know when His answer of love will be revealed, but you can always trust that He loves you and has your absolute best in mind.  He’s no ordinary confidant, He’s our beloved Savior!

I John 5:15 And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.

 

Psalm 65:5  You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.

God's Love for You Will Never Pass Away!

As Stella crawled across the room she was babbling and heading straight for me.   She crawled up to me and I reached down before she had a chance to climb my legs and scooped her up.  I didn’t wait until she got all the way to me before I picked her up.  I was so delighted that she was coming to me that I couldn’t wait to hold her in my arms. Once there we looked one another in the eye and both of us smiled.  I smiled because I love her and it is a pure blessing to be holding my sweet granddaughter in my arms. She smiled because she loves me and feels perfectly content to be with me.

Oh beloved, you may be thinking this is just another ordinary day. Your situation has not changed, your problems have not ceased, your heart has not been lightened.  Maybe all you can do is crawl. Maybe you don’t think you can even crawl across the floor. This morning why don’t let your Abba Father pick you up.  None of us has to wait until we get up on our own to be picked up by Him.  Wait! I see Him now, holding out His arms of love for you! It’s His heart’s desire to scoop you up and whisper sweet love words into your heart! He’s right here, right now and He’s full of love and tender care for you.  True contentment despite all life’s troubles is found in the Arms of God.  He will look you in the eye, He will tell you the Truth about you and He will never ever put you down or walk away from you.  His greatest pleasure is to hold you and bless you and revive your heart.  Your greatest blessing is to let Him.  He loves you always, He’s for you eternally and that’s all that will ever matter.  All other things will pass away but not His love for you!

 

I Corinthians 13:13  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Romans 8:39  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Thessalonians 3:5  May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Isaiah 63:9  In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.

Ever Feel Like a Frayed Knot? You Don't Have To!

I am a craft show junkie. I don't ever buy a lot but I love to go through barn after barn on fairgrounds. The one in October at Hot Springs is one of the best. I spied one of those cute crafty things a couple of years ago and it made me chuckle. It was a piece of heavy multi colored cotton rope tied into a knot with the ends frayed.  The note attached to it said, “I’m a frayed knot!”   I find myself tied up in knots at times. Don’t you?   We don’t have to be, if we look to the Lord’s Words to us.  His message doesn’t tie us up, it frees us.  Instead of frayed knots, we have the other “nots”. You shall not want.  You are not ashamed. Not afraid. Not shaken. 

Oh beloved, next time you are tempted to get tied up in knots, rehearse the faithfulness, the tenderness, the mercy of God and remind yourself that with God, troubles are not a problem! He loves you and He’s with you always and He’ll always keep you in His care!

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my Shepherd. I shall not want.

Psalm 56:11 In God I have put my trust.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.

He is the God Who will Meet all of Your Needs!

My mother was quite an overcomer. One of the times that things looked bleak she had peritonitis. She knew things were bad because she could see herself in a mirror in the hospital room. She recounted that her arms and legs were black. She remembers a doctor coming into her room and announcing to the nurse and whoever else was there, "She'll not make it."  She prayed often. She was mostly worried about her children and knew that she needed to get better for them.  During her time in the hospital, only one pastor ever visited her.  She didn't know him, but he was a faithful man who visited the sick. 

God answered my mother’s prayer and healed her body completely.  After she went home she went to the church of that pastor who visited and joined his church, because he had been there for her. 

Oh beloved, this is why I go to the Lord for all my needs. Because He is the One Who hears me when I call. He has visited me in my distress, He has taken me to new heights and He has restored my soul!  He is the only True and Faithful God. His promises are more numerous than the stars in the sky. And, He is always with me. He was with my ancestors and He will be with my descendants.  I know Him, so I go to Him. He has proven Himself to me over and over, so I Trust Him.  Today you can trust Him for everything. For your past, He promises forgiveness. For your present, He promises relief. For your future, He promises Heaven.  Won’t you try Him today?  He’s worthy of your praise, He’s mindful of your prayers and He loves you just the way you are! Not only that, His plans for you are fantastic. He won’t leave you in your present state! He is the Lord God Almighty and He is worthy of your Trust! He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.

Psalm 50:15  “Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.”

Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.

 Psalm 31:7  I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul.

Psalm 23:1  The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

Psalm 116:2  Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!

It is In the Heights that We Really Learn to Know Him

As I was looking at the photos taken of our recent ride to Petit Jean I was reminded of what a daring man I married! Several photos were taken, not only by me, but others that showed him on top of boulders, out on the cliffs and overlooking chasms. All these years I’ve watched him launch out to places I don’t dare go.  He has always asked me to go along with him, but most times I declined. On the rare occasions where I mustered up enough courage to go with him it turned out to be so worth it! The view would be so wonderful, the scene exhilarating and the realization that I had the courage to go with him was great!  I find that my husband has taught me a lot about life, about taking chances and about looking at the scenery rather than concentrating on the fear and I’m thankful again that He’s mine.  

Oh beloved!  Our walk with God is like this. We love to stroll with Him in the meadows where there’s not much trouble, few decisions and no stress.  Yet it is in the heights of the unfamiliar that we really begin to know Him and to trust Him and thus to follow Him. While it may seem safer to reside in the valley, it is up on the mountain that real change takes place - the mountains where we’re out of our comfort zones, loose from our earthly bonds and clinging only to Him. Why don’t you take His Hand this morning and say yes. Yes to the unknown, yes to the higher calling, yes to the place where you will live with “less of me and more of Thee”.  His marvelous plan is out of this world for you.  Not only that, the view is astounding and the air is fresher. You can trust His plan, you can climb up and be full of courage as together you and the Lord walk the walk He has planned for you.  Take a chance today and watch how your life lets go of the fear holding you to the meadow.  He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.

 

Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

Mark 8:34  Then, calling the crowd to join His disciples, He said, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me.

Psalm 94:18-19 “I cried out, “I am slipping!” but Your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.”

Psalm 143:10  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Julia Child’s 100^th birthday was celebrated recently.  Many of us grew up watching her cooking and cavorting on the educational network. Some of us have the misfortune of remembering the 70’s Saturday Night Live episode parody of Ms. Child as well.  It was noted that during an interview about her life, she explained "I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.” 

After graduating she enrolled in college to become a writer. She enjoyed writing but none of her work was ever published. After graduating college, she moved to New York and worked at the prestigious home furnishings company W&J Sloane. After transferring to the store's Los Angeles branch, however, Child was fired for "gross insubordination." After her marriage, her husband was transferred to France where she began to find her niche in life. Her autobiography, published after her death, centered on how she fell into her true calling as a chef.  There were many opportunities afforded Julia, who grew up privileged. However, the calling on a person’s life cannot be bought.  It must be found, nurtured and worked through.

Oh beloved, did you know that God has a wonderful calling on your life? It’s one that’s tailor made for you.  You may be struggling with your present circumstances, trying to see where you fit in or finding your place in this world.  Don’t count God out of your plans. His way is going to give you great and wonderful opportunities and fulfillment beyond your wildest hopes! But don’t count everyday life out entirely.  Most gifts and callings come to fruition right out of the middle of an ordinary life.

Run to the Lord this morning and spend time with Him, for that is where your calling comes from. He’ll speak into your heart, He’ll help you dream dreams and He’ll carry you through to His place for you in the world today. He loves you so much that He’s got something for you to do that no one else can do. He cares about you so much that He’s willing to give you time spent with Him!  What a Savior! What a Lord!

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Galatians 1:15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.

I Peter 4:11 …Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Running Out of Steam? Let Christ Be Your Strength

I rented a commercial carpet cleaner the other day.  I was skeptical but I thought I’d try it. I have to admit I was pretty amazed at the results - at least with the cleaning of the carpet. What I didn’t like was the weariness from lifting gallons of hot water and pulling a heavy machine along the carpet. Back and forth. Lift and shift.  The commercial says this machine is “screaming mad at dirt”. But I say it was screaming mad at me! 

The next morning I found achy muscles and a sore back. I had to move very slowly! But the carpet looks great! After the wrestling match I may wait until more muscle is around to attempt this. I have to admit though, I am rather proud of the way things turned out.  I was wanting to give up, go to bed and hope for the best but I persevered.  As I pat myself on the back I am reminded that right about midnight I was panting and ready to quit.  And asking God to give me supernatural strength.  So it was the Lord who came through on my behalf.  I asked, He provided and I was able to finish the job.

Oh beloved, you may be running out of steam. Your last ounce of strength may be more empty than full.  The Lord hears your cries and He is answering each call on your behalf. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Let Him take over and pull you through to victory.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that just as we admit we can do no more, He steps in and says, “but you can, through Me!” He loves to reward you through your diligence to seek Him in your trials, efforts and pain. Yay God! Yay you! One day He will put His arm around your shoulder and together you will observe the blessings that come after the work is done! What wondrous love is this to know the Creator of Heaven and Earth has your best in mind.  He loves you and He's there for you always!

Psalm 42:8  But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 121:2  My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Isaiah 40:29  He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Isaiah 59:1 Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is His ear too deaf to hear you call.

2 Corinthians 12:9  Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Do You Need a Fresh Start? You can have One!

It’s the first day of school and many households are re-learning getting up and getting going. Summer break is over and children are putting on new clothes, new shoes and donning backpacks. Some are riding the bus and others are being carried in the family car.  Old friends will be hugged and new friends will be made. Some students will cry, some mothers will cry.  The cafeterias will be baking and the playground equipment will be full. It’s a fresh start kind of morning.

Oh beloved, do you need a fresh start? Is it time for a change? In your attitude, in your demeanor, in your outlook? Today, like school children all across America, you can have that change. You can put on a new look and walk a different walk. I know things have been bad for a long time. Maybe someone’s tried to help point the way for you but you’ve rejected all help. You may be angry, tired, frustrated, hopeless, dejected, miserable.  There is One Who will pick you up and take you where you’ve never been. It’s never too late to let God teach you in His School. Run to Him this morning and open His Study Guide. It’s more than a book – it’s God Breathed! God’s Word is True and it’s written just for you. Because He loves you He can take all your misery, all your mistakes, all your futility and restore your faith, your joy and your hope. Try Him today! He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that matters.

 Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.

Jeremiah 17:14  O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!

Psalm 6:2  Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.

Lamentations 3:22-23 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Are You looking only at Your Circumstances? Look to God!

We had a ride planned yesterday but early on there was thunder lightning and heavy rain. Probably the heaviest rain our county's seen in months. Mid morning the weather broke and we headed out for our destination. It remained cloudy and cool the entire day, which made for incredible riding. An August day in Arkansas with a high around 76 degrees is unheard of. We rode to Petit Jean, ate a late lunch and went to survey the bear caves. While there someone checked the radar on their phone which showed heavy rain coming in. Much discussion went on about hurrying to leave, putting on gear, making it home.  We knew that any moment it might start raining but some folks had never been to Petit Jean so we continued the plan, hoping to outrun the rain. There was frequent looking to the radar which still guaranteed a deluge.  Finally someone said, “If all we do is look at the radar we will miss the fun of all we’re doing right now while it’s not raining.” As it turned out it never rained on us despite the gloomy radar.

Life is a trip full of ups and downs and changing weather.  Often the road we travel has its potholes, steep hills and hairpin curves.  Just like the weather life’s circumstances can change in an instant. We may be having the time of our life and suddenly it’s all different.   We may spend much time looking to the future, knowing that a storm is brewing and we wish we could avoid it.

Oh beloved, if you continue to look only at your circumstances or what you think may be ahead, you will miss the beautiful life God has given you! Everything you will go through in life is sifted through fingers of Love. God knows the road ahead, He knows the weather and He knows your heart. He is more than able to care for you throughout life. He’s not only able to get you through, but because He is going ahead of you, you can enjoy today full of joy in Him without dread of the future. Run to Him this morning, quit looking at your circumstances and let Him show you the beauty of this day.  How much does He love you? Enough to give Himself up on your behalf. How much does He care for you? Enough to send His angels to guard  your entire life.  Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider, has grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow prepared just for you!

Philippians 4:6-7  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 91:11  For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.

Proverbs 15:15  For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.

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.”

Your Life is a Canvas and God is the Painter!

One of the photos our youngest daughter took of me and her three children at our front window had really good lighting effects. It was so good that one of my friends referred to it as a Vermeer. She’s an art major, so she knows these things. I had to look up Vermeer and found that his art had lots of shadows and sunlight beaming through in ways that highlighted the scene. Vermeer, like other famous artists, created many masterpieces. With brush and paint and a blank canvas, these artists would create something extraordinary. The entire scene wouldn’t show up with one touch, but as artist put brush to paint to canvas, slowly the magnificence would appear. Each canvas started out the same, blank and devoid. But at the touch of the master’s hand every one became unique and special in its own right.


Oh beloved, you are a masterpiece! Your canvas is being painted by the Grand Master Himself. Each touch of the brush, held lovingly in His hand is going to make you magnificent! Don’t struggle at the touch, but rather revel in His creation – you! There’s not another like you in all the world. You are special. You are unique. You are priceless. Run to the Master this morning and let Him put you in the best light. He so lovingly touches your life and so amazingly blesses your days. Thank Him and let Him continue what He started – you are a one of a kind!


Ephesians 2:10 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.


Jeremiah 10:23 I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.



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.

There are many phrases popular among Christians and non Christians alike. One of the best is “God helps those who help themselves”. The quote originated with Benjamin Franklin who believed in God but that God did not intervene in earth's affairs, so all responsibility was incumbent upon people.

Somehow we equate improving our situation by our own self efforts with God and thus begins a long stint of trying to please Him by being good enough, working hard enough or being strong enough. Not only do we try to please Him this way, we try to make ourselves better this way. None of this works.   So finally, we find ourselves winded, worn out and weary.  Or we find ourselves in a trial and wonder how we got there with “God, what did I do wrong?’ hanging on our lips…

This thing called faith starts and ends with Christ! We find ourselves utterly empty of anything good, able or authentic. We call on the One Who is Excellent, Capable and Genuine and we ask Him to come in and change things for us. We admit we’re unable.  We find that He doesn’t want to just change “things” for us – He wants to change us!

Oh beloved, are you wondering how you’ll ever make it? You’ve tried. You’ve begged. You’ve worked. You’ve managed. You hate for anyone to know that you aren’t going to make it on your own. Maybe it’s time to let Christ in. To your situation… your trial… your problem… your failure… your life....  He’ll take what you can’t do a thing with and make it beautiful for His glory and your good!  This is the Good News everyone’s waiting for! He loves you and He’s for you and He has a marvelous plan for your life! Now that’s worth thanking Him for!!!

Psalm 34:2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.

Psalm 70:5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O LORD, do not delay.

Matthew 9:36 When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Romans 5:6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.