Do You Feel What I Feel

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

We live in a day and age where what we feel is easily confused as being the truth for our lives because it's broadcast on Facebook or trending on the web or tweeted for all the world to see. We buy into others' opinions like they're gospel.

Heart check! They are not gospel. There's only one, true gospel - the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is a great difference between getting bogged down in feelings and having compassion. I'm not saying feelings are bad, I'm just pointing out that they should not control our lives, our actions. Don't get sucked into being angry and outraged. Don't get dragged down into a victim mentality over things from the past - your past or anyone else's. 

Sometimes, life is very difficult. We don't always understand why things happen the way they do, or why someone does (or doesn't do) a particular something. But there are things that we can KNOW in spite of circumstances. For instance, God reassures us in Isaiah 43:2 NIV, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Throughout the Psalms we find the Truth that God's love is everlasting. It endures forever.

Sometimes, in the midst of the trial we're hard-pressed to see beyond what we feel... but that's exactly the choice we must make. Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us to go with what we feel. No, we are instructed to stand and believe, and having done all to stand! You may not feel like it; do it anyway. Let's talk faith, not feelings.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word. It is always Truth and when applied to our lives will surely guard our hearts and steer us in a true course to complete Your plan and purpose. Help us to override our feelings with the measure of faith You have provided to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Did Anyone See That?

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1 NLT

A friend sent me a poem that reminded me of this Scripture passage. I've seen the poem at least a dozen times, but it's a great reminder every time I read it. It's not about performing to the best of our ability for performance's sake. It's about doing and being the best we can be because someone - in this case, a child - is watching... and learning. (The poem is included at the end.) 

Our Christian walk is under the same scrutiny on a daily basis. Somebody somewhere is watching, is listening, is waiting to see what we will do in any given situation. Sometimes it can be about judging us, but mostly it's about silently observing and learning.

What will they learn if they watch you and me? Will they come to know the Christ of Calvary? Will they learn of His love or only of His Law? Will they know mercy or misery? Will they see patience or pouting? Hear praise or prattle?

What do we WANT them to learn from watching us?

Prayer:

Father,
           According to Your Word, let me so live my life in Your Light, that You will be glorified. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
*****************************************************************************
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I looked at you and wanted to say, ‘Thanks for all the things I learned while I watched you, when you thought I wasn’t looking.'

Waiting to Happen

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?
Psalm 71:18-19 NLT

Times are tough. I hear lots of people making the same kind of remarks, I need a miracle...It'll take a miracle...

Lame, blind, crippled, deaf, dumb. Worked all night with nothing to show for it. Owed taxes. 5,000 hungry men, not counting women and children. A broken axe. A sea.

What do all these have in common? Do you get the connection?

Each of these is a miracle waiting to happen. We all want miracles, but we don't want what precedes one... Adversity, trouble, problems.

Matthew 15:30-31 NLT, A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. The crowd was amazed! Those who hadn’t been able to speak were talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel. 

Luke 5:5-6 NLT, “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!

Matthew 17:26-27 NLT,  “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Matthew 14:18-21 NLT,  Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

2nd Kings 6:6 NLT,  “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface.

Exodus 14:22 NLT, So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

The biggest miracle of all is the forgiveness of our sins... Do you have miracles waiting to happen? Praise Him for them now.

Prayer:

Father,
          Your goodness and mercy follow us all of our days. Your grace flows down the Cross at Calvary to forgive us - Miracles of seemingly impossible magnitude...  Let us proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Something to Work with

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV

These two verses jumped out at me while reading tonight. This happens to be from the NIV, but whether your Bible reads eternal comfort  or  everlasting consolation, it's still a show stopper!  Think about that - eternal encouragement. Everlasting. Forever. ETERNAL encouragement! If that won't light your fire, your wood's wet!

And it just gets better! God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ to encourage our hearts and strengthen us! Notice, however, there is a proviso with that. It is "in every good deed and word" that They may encourage our hearts and strengthen us. 

So then, it begs the question - If we find ourselves discouraged and weak, is it because we're not giving Them enough good words and deeds to work with?

Prayer:

Father,
         Thank You for eternal encouragement and good hope. You are the Lifter of our head. Establish our hearts so that each and every one of our deeds and words are good! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Perfect Gift

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. 
James 1:17 NASB

A perfect gift is as much fun to find and give as it is to receive. Some people have a knack for doing it every time. I'm not one of those. I'd like to be - I WANT to be - but I'm not. I'm not even close. However, about once every 3 or 4 years, I wind up in the right place at exactly the right time to find the most perfect gift for one person. It's not even everyone in the same year - it's only one and it's not very often...

When you know the person inside and out, when you've taken the time to learn their character and nature, when you've spent time and energy and love on the recipient, it's so much better. You know what they like and what they don't like. You know what makes them smile. You know how they work; how they live; what drives them.You know their favorite food, their favorite pasttime, maybe even their favorite color or at least what color suits them. Maybe you know their favorite fragrance, favorite beverage, their most favorite indulgence. These are all things that make gift-giving easier.

God knows us inside and out. He knows our character and our nature. He knows our favorite indulgence and favorite beverage. How many times has someone brought you your favorite beverage as a treat just when you wished you had one? You can believe God nudged them to do it. God knows your favorite color - He created it for you. He knows what makes you smile - He gave you the laughter. The Lord God declares in Jeremiah 1, I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. He spent the time and energy and He IS love. He knew exactly what we needed.

And that's why He gave us the most perfect Gift. Jesus.

Prayer:

Father,
         Thank You for the most perfect gift of any Christmas, anywhere. Just at the right place and at the right time. Perfect. Help us to receive and live in accordance with the Gift of Your Son to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Every Morning

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Where I live, this is the view we can enjoy in the morning. This was yesterday morning's sunrise. It was the last day of my sister's visit so we hopped in the car and drove less than a block so she could get up close to take pictures (and I could sit in the car in my pajamas...). My sister is the one with the photographer's eye, but from the car, I took this particular picture as Scripture began to run through my heart and my head - our Promise for Today - His mercies are new every morning... and Psalm 19, The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

I couldn't help but think about how many sunrises I have ignored or taken for granted while getting ready for work or wanting to sleep through on the weekend. And then I wondered, how many times have I ignored God in the display of His craftsmanship or taken for granted the miracle of love that God's mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness. How many times have I not come to a COMPLETE halt to give God glory and honor and praise and thanksgiving for ALL that is available to us on a daily basis? 

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for giving us eyes to see and the ability to enjoy what You have created. Thank You for all that You have done, do and continue to do for us every moment that we breathe. Thank You for multiple mercies that are new every morning and for Your great faithfulness. Teach us to be faithful, too. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Black Friday

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”…
Mark 15:33-34 NIV

From the writings of Spurgeon:
"This darkness tells us all that the Passion is a great mystery, into which we cannot pry. I try to explain it as substitution, and I feel that where the language of Scripture is explicit, I may and must be explicit too. But yet I feel that the idea of substitution does not cover the whole of the matter, and that no human conception can completely grasp the whole of the dread mystery. It was worked in darkness because the full, far-reaching meaning and result cannot be beheld of finite mind. Tell me the death of the Lord Jesus was a grand example of self sacrifice— I can see that and much more.

Tell me it was a wondrous obedience to the will of God—I can see that and much more. Tell me it was the bearing of what ought to have been borne by myriads of sinners of the human race, as the chastisement of their sin—I can see that, and found my best hope upon it.

But do not tell me that this is ALL that is in the cross. No, great as this would be, there is much more in our Redeemer’s death. God only knows the love of God; Christ only knows all that He accomplished when He bowed His head and gave up the ghost. 

There are common mysteries of nature into which it were irreverence to pry, but this is a divine mystery, before which we put our shoes from off our feet, for the place called Calvary is holy ground. God veiled the cross in darkness, and in darkness much of its deeper meaning lies; not because God would not reveal it, but because we have not capacity enough to discern it all. 

God was manifest in the flesh, and in that human flesh He put away sin by His own sacrifice, this we all know, but “without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” Once again, this veil of darkness also pictures to me the way in which the powers of darkness will always endeavor to conceal the cross of Christ. We fight with darkness when we try to preach the cross.

“This is your hour, and the power of darkness,” said Christ, and I doubt not that the infernal hosts made in that hour a fierce assault upon the spirit of our Lord. Thus much we also know, that if the prince of darkness is anywhere in force, it is sure to be where Christ is lifted up. To becloud the cross is the grand objective of the enemy of souls. Did you ever notice it? These fellows who hate the gospel will let every other doctrine pass muster, but if the atonement is preached, and the truths which grow out of it, straightaway they are awakened. Nothing provokes the devil like the cross. Modern theology has for its main objective the obscuration of the doctrine of the atonement. These modern cuttlefish make the water of life black with their ink. They make out sin to be a trifle, and the punishment of it to be a temporary business, and thus they degrade the remedy by underrating the disease. We are not ignorant of their devices.

Expect, my brethren, that the clouds of darkness will gather as to a center around the cross, that they may hide it from the sinner’s view. But expect this also, that there darkness shall meet its end. 

Light springs out of that darkness—the light eternal of the undying Son of God, who having risen from the dead, lives forever to scatter the darkness of evil."

Prayer:

Father,
Thank You for Your Living Word - And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined. Thank You for the Light of the World - Your precious Son - who redeemed us from sin, death, hell, and the grave. Open our spiritual eyes to see Your Light so that we may walk in the light as He is in the light. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

More or More Than Enough

Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together.
Psalm 4:6-8 The Message

The world is motivated by more. We want the biggest. We want the best. We want the most and we want it for less. And once we get it - are we then content? Does it satisfy? How many people do you know who have to have one more thing? One more sale. One more look. One more purchase.

The Truth is - apart from God - there isn't enough. There isn't enough of anything to satisfy the deepest longing of our souls. There aren't enough people.  There isn't enough love. There isn't enough food. There isn't enough shelter. There isn't enough fun.

But God is more than enough. He satiates and satisfies and He's eternal. Which will you choose? More or more than enough?

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for being more than enough. Thank You for giving of Yourself to us and for loving us first. Thank You, Father, that at day's end, we're ready for sound sleep, for You, God, have put our lives back together. Help us to know the Truth of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Give Thanks Because His Love Endures Forever

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 

Psalm 9:1

These excerpts are from the Psalms, but I find it absolutely amazing to find how many times in the New Testament, Jesus is mentioned by the words, "and when He had given thanks, He..."  Since He did, we definitely should!

Psalm 7:17
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.

Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 106:47
Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.

Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,

Psalm 107:15
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,

Psalm 107:21
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 107:31
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 118:19
Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

Psalm 118:21
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

Psalm 118:29
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 119:62
At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:2
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. 

Prayer:

Father,

           There is SO much to be thankful for! Where do we begin?!? Oh, yes - with our salvation - bought with the precious Blood of Your dear Son. There aren't enough words to thank You for this - Your greatest gift! Let our lives be an act of thanksgiving and praise to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Walking *

[The Lord God said] Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people.Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.
Jeremiah 7:23 NIV

My sister is here for a visit and we are excited to be together for Thanksgiving. We have both been making healthier lifestyle choices, so we're making choices now in order to not overeat on Thursday. To make it work, it takes some planning and commitment. In addition, her plan includes 10,000 intentional steps a day. 

When she's at home, two-thirds of her steps are accomplished at work. Here, we're on vacation. There's not a lot of work going on... Chelle's commitment is strong, though. She has learned that taking a lap around the perimeter of the beach parking lot equals 1,000 steps. Vacation or not, around she goes - walking intentionally, committedly, and with purpose. I'm so proud of her!

The Word of God has much to say about our walking - especially for those who choose to walk blameless and in obedience to His Word. Lots of promises with regard to walking in His ways. He promises long life (1 Kings 3:14), to prosper us in all we do (Psalm 128:1-2) and to be with us (1 Kings 11:38). 

When it comes to walking in His ways, are we as intentional, committed, and on purpose with our walk? We definitely should be. Keep walking.

Prayer:

Father,
          According to Your Word - we want to walk in the light, as You are in the light, so we may have fellowship with one another. Purify us from our sin, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Re-post - Free to Love

15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.
21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
John 14:15, 21 NLT

I read something that seems profound to me. I want to share it with you. It's from Max Lucado's book, In the Eye of the Storm.

He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground...

All were silent as the Creator reached in Himself and removed something yet unseen. "It's called choice. The seed of choice."

Within the man, God had placed a divine seed. A seed of His self. The God of might had created Earth's mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.

Now it's our choice. Will we?

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for creating us with freedom of choice. Freedom to love You in return by our choice. Help us, Father, to always recognize what a gift You have given us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Cleaning for Company

Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.”
Luke 11:39-41 NLT

If you have guests coming for Thanksgiving, more than likely, you will do some serious housecleaning and maybe a few upgrades. I laughed heartily at several stories shared by some of the guys at work.

The wife made me paint the bathroom…the kitchen…the laundry room, for crying out loud!

She insisted we get the carpets steam cleaned.

My wife wants all the Christmas decorations up BEFORE Thanksgiving so the house will look festive when her family comes in. Decorations are supposed to be done on the Friday AFTER.

That woman is driving me nuts!

Of course, if you’re one of those women (or men), you may not see the humor in that. After all, cleaning for people who are coming to your house is SERIOUS business.

Jesus is serious about cleaning, too. Remember when He cleaned the money changers out of the Temple?  He put it into perspective when He instructed us about ritual cleaning – washing hands, feet, wiping things down – Jesus said it’s not what goes into us that defiles or makes us dirty; it’s what comes out of us.  In our text for today, He said we clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor.

Just like holiday cleaning or impending visits, ordinary or superficial cleaning doesn’t cut it for the important things in life. The holiday season is upon us and there is an abundance of opportunity to give gifts to those less fortunate, so we can be clean inside and out.  

He’s not kidding. After all, do you remember what He gave to provide cleaning for our sins? Now, THAT was serious…

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for providing everything necessary for us to be clean. Lord, we want clean hands and a pure heart so that we can stand before You. Help us to remain vigilant and serious about the kind of clean that matters. Show us where You want us to give. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen  

Pleasure or Treasure

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.
Hebrews 11:24-26 NLT

We all remember stories that involve treasure chests. As children, we dreamed of finding one filled with gold coins or an abundance of jewels. Truth now - how many of us have ever kicked at a discarded bag or box on the off chance that there might be money in it? Have you ever allowed yourself to daydream of what you would do or buy or where you would go if you suddenly got a windfall of money?

Moses had it. He went from being a basket case to being the grandson of the richest man in Egypt (Exodus 2). They had the wealth and the best of everything. Money to burn and slaves to do their bidding for whatever they wanted. Someone to serve them hand and foot, do the cooking and the cleaning and fetching. Build a grand manor, etc. I would say, that could be pleasurable. However, it wasn't holy. 

Pharaoh's household were idolaters. They did not worship the true and living God. They worshiped gods of their flesh - sexually immoral, lascivious, gluttonous for the pleasures of sin. Yes, sin is pleasurable, but it's not lasting.

Pleasure is not eternal. However, the effect of sinful pleasure - the payoff - IS eternal. Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Matthew 6:20-21 instructs us to ...lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. So, where will we be?  We must choose. Pleasure or treasure?

Prayer:

Father,
         Open our eyes to see the true treasure - the everlasting, eternal treasure of following You. Give us the wisdom, strength and courage to choose life - the life we can find only in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Come Harvest Time

Then I saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was someone like the Son of Man. He had a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, “Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is ripe.” So the one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the whole earth was harvested.
Revelation 14:14-16

There are so many references in Scripture to planting and growing, sowing and reaping. I think I've mentioned before one of Jim Mackey's best quotes regarding that - People sow bad seed all week long and then come to church on Sunday and pray for crop failure. And yes, that will get a laugh, but in all reality, it's not funny because the Truth remains that what we sow, we will reap.

What will your harvest be? What choices have you made in choosing your seed? You do realize that the seed choice for harvest is yours, yes? What will you sow? Love? Faith? Mercy? Doubt? Anger? Selfishness? So many choices...so little time...

Seeds for Weed?
Seeds for Need?
Seeds for Greed?
Or Seeds for Feed?

And remember, within one seed is the potential for a plantation. Can you cultivate and nourish what you've already sown or is it time to dig up and replant? Hosea 10:12 reads, I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’

There is some time left, not a lot, but enough, if you start now. You want to be ready, come Harvest time.

Prayer:

Father,
           You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. You knew the end from the beginning and made provision for our salvation in spite of our wicked ways. We do not want the harvest described in Hosea 10:13-14 for those who chose not to plant good seed. Open our hearts and minds to heed Your Word, Father. Shine Your light on us so we can see exactly what needs to be dug up and replanted. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

His Plan, His Way

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV

I did not write the following, but I find it to be an eye-opening analogy.
******************** 
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest Treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it carried the King of kings in its hull.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will use you mightily.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways. However, His ways are always best.

Nothing is a surprise to God; nothing is a setback to His plans; nothing can thwart His purposes; and nothing is beyond His control.

***********************

Prayer:

Father, 

         Your ways and Your thoughts are so much higher than ours. We don't always understand what Your plan is and sometimes, we dare to ask what You are doing or why You are doing it. But we trust You, Father. We choose to trust You, for You alone are God. It is in You that we live and move and have our very being. Help us to walk uprightly before You, nothing wavering. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Impossible Love

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Colossians 1:9-12 NKJV

Sometimes, life is hard. That's not surprising news to any of you who may be reading this. It's in the day-to-day doing of it that we are provided with ample opportunities to love as Christ loved us and gave Himself. Sometimes, we get tired of doing. Sometimes, we get tired of giving. Sometimes, we get tired of loving. What do we do then?

We go to our Source of life's blood and get more so that we can continue to do and to give and to love. Why? Because He has called us to love as He loved and He gave Himself for us. And just so we're clear, it's PEOPLE He called us to love, not inanimate things. It's easy to "love" things - they don't have mood swings, bad attitudes and they don't demand our time when we don't feel like it. Don't be confused - that's not love.

Paul prayed that we might be filled with the knowledge of God's will - wisdom, understanding (there's that word again). The commandment we are given is to love one another. That's hard. Sometimes, it's seemingly impossible, but... but for Christ. 

I've heard people remark, "Oh, yeah, it was easy for Him - God was His Father - He's part of the Triune God - He IS love."  I hear ya, but do you hear God? I'll tell you, it wouldn't have been MY first choice to leave Heaven in all its glory where I walked in all authority to come to Earth as mere man, to be crucified for an ungrateful lot who - even after the sacrifice - would not recognize what had been done for them. His love prevailed. And that's the point. HIS strong love. HIS power to love.

Paul prayed it - that we would be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy... Strengthened with ALL might - by HIS power...patient and longsuffering...with joy. Yeah, it's hard, but it's not impossible. 

Christ said it Himself as recorded in Matthew 19, ...with God all things are possible.

Prayer:

Father,
         We pray as Champ Traylor once prayed, Cleanse us of everything that would sap our strength for togetherness...Let us be Your alleluia in a joyless, fragmented world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Heart for Thanksgiving

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 33:20-22 NLT

Thanksgiving was established in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. Unfortunately, in the American society, Thanksgiving is often overlooked. Christmas decorations and offerings start appearing immediately after Back-to-School sales. Thanksgiving is barely acknowledged, except to promote gluttonous greed, football...and let's not forget the sales that start at midnight.

Seemingly gone forever is what Lincoln proclaimed as "a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father..." Nor do we  hear Lincoln's advice to acknowledge God's goodness to us and to repent as a nation. Following are a few excerpts from the Presidential Proclamation of 1863. 

"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God...

Wisdom is eternal and the words of wisdom proclaimed by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 still hold true. It would be great if before we are consumed with the unholy that we take time to adhere to the tested truth that should still ring out today...  

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, ...fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union."

And while it is true that Lincoln addressed a nation torn by the Civil War, we are a WORLD torn by war and we desperately need God to heal the wounds and to restore peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.

Prayer:

Father,
         Thank You for the mercy and grace You and You alone have bestowed on our nation and the world. Father, let the people heed Your call to repentance and hear Your voice. Forgive us, Father, for our sins against You. According to Your Word, let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

To Whom Honor is Due

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Romans 13:7 English Standard Version

Today is Veterans Day in the U.S. - a day set aside to pay tribute to all American veterans who honorably served their country during times of war or peace. According to the History.com website, "Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11." One of my favorite quotes for this time-honored remembrance is, "We don't know them all, but we owe them all."

My father was a POW for 19 months during WWII, thus my family knows something about the cost of serving. So, if you are a veteran reading this, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. I pray peace in your heart and mind, and blessings for you and your family. Jesus said, There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13 NLT). And He would know!

Prayer:

Father,
            We pray a hedge of protection around everyone serving in the Armed Forces today. Protect them, O God, physically, mentally and spiritually. Thank You for the greatest love of all, the life of Your Son to pay for our sins! Help us to grasp and understand the depth of Your love for us so that we walk faithfully toward You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

On the Rocks

From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2 NKJV

 About 20 years ago, Judith Viorst wrote a children's book titled, Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Poor Alexander. He had a really bad day...gum in his hair, had to go to the dentist - I don't remember what all he went through, but I loved the title of the book. Have you ever had a really Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Most of us have had days like that at one point or another. Sometimes we'd like to move to Australia, just like Alexander, or some other far away place to get away from everybody and everything.

Wouldn't it be great if you lived at the beach with the sun shining, and no humidity, and life was full of Tastycake chocolate cupcakes, and broiled lobster with drawn butter, and neither one had any calories or fat grams and...  and... okay, reality check.

Sometimes life is no cream for your coffee, rain that starts Friday night and stops Monday morning, a water main break in the middle of your shower, and worse... All you have to do is read the headlines on any given day. It can be SO much worse.

Sometimes it's a result of wrong choices. Sometimes, it's an attack from the enemy of our soul. Sometimes it's just life. But always - ALWAYS - God stands ready as the Rock of our salvation. The solid Rock. Our firm foundation. Our Shelter. Our Shield. Our Deliverer. Our Strength. When life feels like we've been thrown on the rocks, Christ is the Rock on which we can stand.

Prayer:

Father,
         We want to follow Your will for our lives. You are our faithful Friend. According to Your Word, we know You hear us when we call. And we are thankful. Help us to remember that You are our ever present help in time of trouble. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Hope in God

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
Psalm 42:7 NIV

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you  from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon - from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; 
all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”
My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42 in its entirety

Prayer:

Father,

           All of my hope is in You. All my sins are forgiven and I've been washed by the Blood of Jesus. For these and so much more, I will yet praise You, my Savior and my God. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Not By Sight

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2nd Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Do you like to be blindfolded? As children, we mash the blindfold against our eyes and our only concern is if they pull our hair while tying the knot. Once the blindfold is on, we get spun around and either try to pin the tail on something or find someone just by hearing them call to us. It's all fun and games and most kids love it.

As adults, it's a different story. Have you ever been to a gathering where one of the icebreaker activities involves a blindfold? Women wear makeup and they're concerned about that - maybe to the point of not participating. Men and women both touch their hair to see how mussed up it might be in the process. I find it particularly interesting to note that those who are normally very boisterous and outgoing become very quiet and still when blindfolded. Have you ever noticed that? What would be your reaction?

It's human nature to want to be able to see where you're going and what's going on. We don't even like it when someone sits in front of us and we can't see over them or around them. We like to be able to see what's coming at us or being thrown at us - whether it's life or a party game.

I once attended a day retreat where one of the exercises was to be blindfolded while standing outside the building. Then one group was led around the property by a friend or spouse and another group was led around by someone they did not know. I watched adults break down and cry and refuse to move. If you'll excuse the pun, it was an eye-opening experience...

It really was all about trust and how well the people in blindfolds knew the ones who were leading them. The people led by someone they didn't know were actually more pulled than led. There was no trust that the one leading them would safely guide them - even in the parking area. Friends leading friends were a little different - they were more led than pulled. Married couples - especially those I knew whose relationships were strong - it was almost as though the one wasn't blindfolded at all.

Relate that to our Christian walk. If we are to walk by faith and not by sight, do we trust the One who is leading us? It's not a matter of CAN we trust Him - God is trustworthy - even if we can't see where He's leading us. It truly is a matter of DO we trust Him? Do we trust Him to get us over - to get us through - to keep us - no matter what? No matter the circumstances we find ourselves in? No matter the trials and the struggles and the rough terrain? Do we trust Him? 

Faith is not about seeing your way clear, it's about knowing God will make a way - even when you can't see how. It's about trusting God even when what you see is NOT what you WANT to see. Do you know Him well enough to walk by faith at His leading and not by sight?

Prayer:

Father,
          You are Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End. You are Almighty, Sovereign, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Creator of the universe. You are our Provider, our Healer, our Deliverer, and Redeemer. You are our Savior who takes our sin-stained lives and makes us holy and righteous unto You. We choose to trust You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Is There a Storm Brewing?

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.

Psalm 139:23-24

Why is it when our lives get busy, our time with the Lord is the first thing to go? Why is it that we believe the lie that our time with God is on a flex schedule - that it's optional in maintaining our faith? I've talked with so many people lately who all have said basically the same thing in one form or another. "My life is falling apart, and I just don't have enough time or energy to read my Bible" but they want to tell me about the latest episode of their favorite reality show, or how they got on Facebook last night and before they knew it, they'd been there for over 2 hours. "Oh, I'll catch up on Saturday." In between the laundry and the kids and the grocery store? Right...

"I've got to have my head on straight before I can spend any quality time with the Lord."  Let me give you a hint, satan will do his best to make sure our heads are never on straight. 

"Well, when my schedule calms down a little bit..." 
"When I get through soccer season (or softball or football or dance or...)" 
"Oh, I talk to God right before I go to sleep..." 

Do we even stay awake long enough to catch His reply?

Here in Texas, it gets really hot. And when it does, we have to water outside in order to not lose the good stuff. The weeds? They won't die out through drought or anything else. I have to deliberately kill them or pluck them out. And that can be difficult. Sometimes, though, a good storm will really help us out. It waters the good stuff and loosens the choke hold so the weeds can be easily pulled out and disposed of.

What's that got to do with spending time in the Word? Well, it's similar to when we're not cleansing our lives by the washing of the water by the Word, and we start to dry up. The good stuff is not getting watered and it will wither and die. However, just like in the natural realm, left unattended the garden of your soul will be taken over by the weeds that will eventually choke out the good stuff. Unless, of course, there's a storm...

Prayer:

Father,

         Whatever it takes to keep us close to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Feeding Time

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:13-15 NLT

If you want to get people talking, ask them what tradition makes it Thanksgiving for them. Even if they don't have fond memories of childhood gatherings, they usually DO have fond wishes of what they thought should be part of it. And I've never seen it fail that once that conversation starts, it usually progresses into the weirdest recipe ever used to serve turkey leftovers, with everyone in agreement that by the third day, they're done with turkey. They don't want to look at another piece of turkey, let alone eat it again.

I know lots of people who will not eat leftovers - ever - no matter what it is. They're a one-time only eater. As a general rule of thumb, I don't mind leftovers. In fact, some things taste better the next day - pot roast, chili, meatloaf sandwiches - but, I don't want a daily diet of leftovers and I don't know anyone who does. Do you?

And yet, many people eat leftovers every day. You know them. They're the ones who can't, or won't, trust God because they're still chewing on leftover disappointments. Still picking their teeth with sticks and stones from the past. They can't hear the kind words that are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body (Proverbs 16:24) because they're still full from yesterday's generous helpings of bitterness that they're trying to digest. By the same token, many can't take in the goodness of God because they've filled up on garbage.

What are you hungry for? Will you be wise or foolish in your choices? Do you want something fresh from Heaven or something that's been laying around for years? It's feeding time. What will you feed on today?

Prayer:

Father,
          Your Word declares that You sent Your Son to set at liberty those who are held captive. It declares that we are new creations in Christ Jesus. Open our eyes and our hearts to understand and embrace the TRUTH of Your Word over the experiences of our lives. We want more of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Striking Fear

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

Revelation 21:7-8 NIV

Have you ever been afraid? If so, this Scripture could strike fear into your heart and mind. Pun intended. Whoever thought that being cowardly and unbelieving would be listed with the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars? 

In the KJV and several others, cowardly is translated as fearful; it is the Greek word 'deilos' which, according to the Strong's concordance means 'timid, fearful, and by implication, faithless'. Remember, recently we were reminded that without faith it is impossible to please God. (See How Are We Doing? 10/27/17)

Interestingly, this particular Greek word is only used three times in the New Testament, and two of those times were when Christ was asleep in the boat and the disciples woke Him asking if He cared that they were going to drown (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40). The third is in our Promise for Today.  Its full implication is more about believers who because of fear give way under persecutions and renounce their beliefs.

As Christians, we have been taught that Faith is the opposite of fear - and that's true - but there is more. Peace and confidence are also opposite of fear. Jesus promises us His peace, not the world's version (John 14:27), and provides us with the confidence that whatever we ask according to His will, He hears us (1st John 5:14). Additionally, trust, boldness and security are opposites of fear (Psalm 91:1-2).  When we follow God wholeheartedly, He is our strength. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you have heard that, and also that in our weakness, He is strength (2nd Corinthians 12:9). Not that we are to be weak, but that when we are, we go to God for strength. It, too, is the opposite of fear. 

As you can clearly see, all these things in their truest form are found only in Christ. So how do we go about striking fear FROM our lives? 

1st John 5:5 provides the perfect response,  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer:

Father, 
           Forgive us for being feckless and fearful. We believe that Jesus is Your Son. Help us to see clearly all that is ours through the redemptive power of Christ. Grow us up to be the sons and daughters You created us to be, according to Your plan. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

God Knows Where

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."  And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel..."

Acts 9:10-15 NASB

Our text follows the account of Saul's - who later became Paul - Damascus road experience where he was blinded by the light of his encounter with Christ while Saul/Paul was on a mission to imprison every follower of Christ. I find it extremely amusing that he winds up on a street called Straight, that he had to have help to find...

Ananias answers immediately when God calls him, but then starts to argue, giving God all the reasons why he shouldn't do what God has asked. Do You know who this guy is? 
Do You realize what he did to Your saints in Jerusalem?  
Do you know he has the authority... 
Have you checked his credentials? 
Have you done a thorough background check on him?
 ...You're sending me to this guy?"   
And God's immediate response is "Go! I have chosen him..." And he sets Ananias on course to a street called Straight.

We do the same thing today. We want to tell God all the reasons why we can't do something He's called us to DO. God already knows. He's the One who intercepted you on that road with all the twists and bends, and now He's leading you to the one called Straight. 

Go. God knows where.

Prayer:

Father,

        Forgive our finite minds that cannot believe You could use something or someone less than perfect. Make our hearts obedient to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Keeping Your Word

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.  “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe."

John 14:23-29 NKJV

We live in a time when finding someone in leadership who keeps his/her word can be a rarity. And if there is no faith in the word that has been spoken, no trust, how can there be peace? The simple Truth is that there can't be. 

How are feelings of security nurtured? By keeping your word. Can your co-workers rely on you? Do they know you will keep your word? If your children learn that you keep your word, no matter what, they will learn that if you say it, it's true. And they can be secure because you said so. When training or teaching someone to have faith or trust you, sometimes it may need to be pointed out. "I promised you I would _______." "Didn't I say that I would_________?" Help them to make the connection. Jesus did it for us.

When first reading the Scripture for today, one might wonder why Jesus talks about peace in the middle of talking about keeping His Word. Is it just because He was going away and He didn't want them to worry? No. He was talking about not only us keeping HIS Word, but HIM keeping His Word. Remember? And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 

The great news is, it applies to ALL of His promises. He said He hastens to perform His Word. We can believe what He says even when we can't see how, because we know He's as good as His Word.

Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for being Trustworthy and for sending us Christ as a solid rock on which we are able to stand - no matter what storms are thrown at us. Remind us as often as needed. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen