Saturday, March 30, 2019
Computer is down.
I attempted a system restore and it locked me out. I had changed the password earlier, but it won't recognize the new one or the old... 😟
Friday, March 29, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Worse Than Not Knowing
Baffled by what I hear, undone by what I see. Absolutely stunned, horror-stricken, I had hoped for a relaxed evening, but it has turned into a nightmare.
Isaiah 21:3b-4 The Message
Isaiah asked God to let him see what was going to happen. Isaiah thought that in knowing, he could prophesy to the people and give hope. But when God granted Isaiah's request, the prophet was overwhelmed. I have lived as a Christian long enough that when I read this Scripture, I found myself praising God that sometimes the answer is 'No."
Looking back over my life, I can truly give thanks and worship a Holy God who lovingly refused to show me some things ahead of time. I wouldn't have been able to stand it had I known some of it ahead of time. It would have caused me to run in the opposite direction, but when thrust in the midst of it, I turned to the only One I could trust. And having lived through it, bearing the fruit of what satan meant for evil, God turned for my good, I am able to see and praise God for His guiding hand on me during those times. Would I have chosen it? No. Absolutely not, but on this side of it, I am eternally grateful for the lessons learned, the wisdom gained, and for the capacity to love to be enlarged.
Now, when I think back on all the times I begged God to show me what He was doing; what was going to happen, and He would not, I'm so thankful He's God and I'm not, and He chose not to. What a loving Father, a protective, caring, loving Father. You see, there are things worse than not knowing. I don't have to know it all as long as I know the One does.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for revealing those things that need to be revealed. Thank You, Father, for every heads-up You provide. And we pray, Father, as the psalmist prayed, Hear my cry, O God: Attend to my prayer. 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. For You have been a shelter for me. A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Lord, keep us on a need-to-know basis as defined by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Isaiah 21:3b-4 The Message
Isaiah asked God to let him see what was going to happen. Isaiah thought that in knowing, he could prophesy to the people and give hope. But when God granted Isaiah's request, the prophet was overwhelmed. I have lived as a Christian long enough that when I read this Scripture, I found myself praising God that sometimes the answer is 'No."
Looking back over my life, I can truly give thanks and worship a Holy God who lovingly refused to show me some things ahead of time. I wouldn't have been able to stand it had I known some of it ahead of time. It would have caused me to run in the opposite direction, but when thrust in the midst of it, I turned to the only One I could trust. And having lived through it, bearing the fruit of what satan meant for evil, God turned for my good, I am able to see and praise God for His guiding hand on me during those times. Would I have chosen it? No. Absolutely not, but on this side of it, I am eternally grateful for the lessons learned, the wisdom gained, and for the capacity to love to be enlarged.
Now, when I think back on all the times I begged God to show me what He was doing; what was going to happen, and He would not, I'm so thankful He's God and I'm not, and He chose not to. What a loving Father, a protective, caring, loving Father. You see, there are things worse than not knowing. I don't have to know it all as long as I know the One does.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for revealing those things that need to be revealed. Thank You, Father, for every heads-up You provide. And we pray, Father, as the psalmist prayed, Hear my cry, O God: Attend to my prayer. 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. For You have been a shelter for me. A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Lord, keep us on a need-to-know basis as defined by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Friends' Favorite - A Letter
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2nd Corinthians 3:5-6 NKJV
I have a hard time reading contracts. All the legalese drives me to distraction. To me, it's a perfect illustration of our text for today regarding the letter kills. I'm sure glad I don't do it on a full-time basis. I'm not saying contracts aren't important - they are for many reasons - but sometimes contracts or more precisely, contract disputes kill a "guaranteed" project. The client has the work they need done, and you are qualified and trained to do that work, and they want you to do the work, and you want to do their work. Sounds like a perfect solution, right? Unless you can't agree on the contract terms - all the what-ifs and contingencies, etc.
The legal eagles on both sides will argue the letter of the law, the literal letter - an S or not an S - sometimes to the death. But once in a while, there's a champion who can come in and breathe life back into the contract, based on the compatibility of needs with the ability to meet those needs - the spirit of it, if you will - and the champion convinces the two parts to drop the letter of the law (or at least provide a little grace for it.)
What's in one letter that would make that much difference? Well, I'll show you just a few sample pairings.
Change - Chance; Aspiring - Aspirin: Wise - Vise;
And if you leave a letter out, it can be devastating.
Life - Lie;
And satan is banking on it; his lies are subtle. he knows the Word well enough to mess with it. Do you know it well enough to counter his lies with the life that's in the Word? Here, take a letter.
Prayer:
Father,
Teach us to walk in Your Spirit so that we don't fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Help us to know when to fight to the death of something and when to pray for life to be breathed back in it. But Father, may it always be Your breath that brings it to life, and not our own. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Corinthians 3:5-6 NKJV
I have a hard time reading contracts. All the legalese drives me to distraction. To me, it's a perfect illustration of our text for today regarding the letter kills. I'm sure glad I don't do it on a full-time basis. I'm not saying contracts aren't important - they are for many reasons - but sometimes contracts or more precisely, contract disputes kill a "guaranteed" project. The client has the work they need done, and you are qualified and trained to do that work, and they want you to do the work, and you want to do their work. Sounds like a perfect solution, right? Unless you can't agree on the contract terms - all the what-ifs and contingencies, etc.
The legal eagles on both sides will argue the letter of the law, the literal letter - an S or not an S - sometimes to the death. But once in a while, there's a champion who can come in and breathe life back into the contract, based on the compatibility of needs with the ability to meet those needs - the spirit of it, if you will - and the champion convinces the two parts to drop the letter of the law (or at least provide a little grace for it.)
What's in one letter that would make that much difference? Well, I'll show you just a few sample pairings.
Change - Chance; Aspiring - Aspirin: Wise - Vise;
And if you leave a letter out, it can be devastating.
Life - Lie;
And satan is banking on it; his lies are subtle. he knows the Word well enough to mess with it. Do you know it well enough to counter his lies with the life that's in the Word? Here, take a letter.
Prayer:
Father,
Teach us to walk in Your Spirit so that we don't fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Help us to know when to fight to the death of something and when to pray for life to be breathed back in it. But Father, may it always be Your breath that brings it to life, and not our own. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Guilty of Arson
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James 3:5-6 NLT
Recently, I heard a sermon about judging others. I thought I'd been doing pretty well about not judging people; that is until I heard the sermon in its entirety. I was going along just fine with it, doing a mental checklist - Check - no longer do that, Check - no longer do that, Check - no longer do that... Then he asked, So you think you're doing a pretty good job of not judging people? How about when you're at work and you no sooner hang up the phone and you say, 'Idiot'? You just passed judgment on that person...
In my mind, I'd really like to try to justify that particular action by claiming that I am just stating a fact. However, Ephesians 4:29 instructs me, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And the Truth is, proclaiming idiocy over someone is definitely NOT ministering grace... And even though I wasn't actively pursuing the act of pronouncing judgment, that's exactly what I've been doing.
Yes, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is interesting to note that in common law, arson is defined as the malicious burning of the dwelling of another. For purposes of common law arson, malicious is defined as action creating a GREAT RISK of a burning. It is not required that the defendant acted intentionally or willfully for the purpose of burning a dwelling. [emphasis mine] Creating the risk is enough to be charged with the crime (sin).
So, here I am, yet again, walking out James 5:16, Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word that always leads us back to You and redemption. Restore a right spirit within us, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Mutual Trust
I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end.
2nd Timothy 1:12b The Message
If you have been following Christ for more than 6 months, more than likely you have heard someone refer to or quote Jeremiah 29:11 numerous times. It's one of those Scriptures everybody likes to quote. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord... What a great Scripture! We love to confess it and hang on to it. It gives us great hope. Fills us full of victorious thoughts. God continues...They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Oh, we LOVE that one, don't we? God's gonna get us out of whatever it is that has forestalled or come against us.
But do we know the story behind it? Do we have any idea why God is saying that to them? Let me give you the summary. Israel was taken captive and they wanted to be free. God told them to settle in, build houses, plant gardens, be fruitful and multiply. He told them to pray and WORK for the peace and prosperity of their captive city. Then basically told them they'd be there 70 years... THEN He said, I know the plans I have for you...
Would you believe God had a plan if He told you that you'd be in your particular trial 70 years? Wow! We don't even want to hear it if we have to wait 7 hours or 7 days, let alone 70 years. I'm not saying God's going to leave you in the middle of whatever-it-is for 70 years. I'm just saying, God DOES have a plan, even when we don't know it. And He is trustworthy. How much will you trust Him? With your life?
Prayer:
Father,
You are everything we need for our everyday life and for all Eternity. Open up that Truth and make it come alive to us, Father. Let our true security be in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 25, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Rest Area
Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
1st Timothy 1:14-16 NLT
Have you ever been on a long road trip and so determined to get to where you are going that you didn't want to stop for a break? You know the trip is long, and it will be hard, and you've counted the cost, and know that you're gonna have to fight your way through to the end. You might pass every rest area in 3 different states before you decide that it's okay to stop for a quick moment. And then after you take the break, you feel so much better and wonder why you didn't stop before...
So often in our walk of faith, we're just like that. We're on this eternal trip - trying to make Heaven. And we become so focused on trying not to sin so we can get there that we wind up being hypnotized by the road. And after a while, the trip is so long and so hard that we dare not, care not to look where we're going or where we've been. We become so consumed with where we are and how to put one foot in front of the other, and yet we still want to minister to others about Christ and who and what He is and who and what they can be IN Him, and we forget this one incredible, awe-inspiring, all-consuming Truth - that God the Father sent His only begotten Son to pay the ransom for our sins.
He paid the price IN FULL and bought us back - lock, stock and barrel. There's nothing left owing. No one can come and repossess us for lack of payment or unfulfilled promise of payment or even for back taxes. We have been bought with a great price. Inflation, recession, market crashes, poor decisions by us or by those who we have no control over - nothing can affect or change that Truth. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...and He did exactly what He came to do.
Selah...
I don't know about you, but sometimes I think we just need to stop. Stop asking, stop begging, stop whining. Just stop. Stop long enough to reflect on the magnitude of what has ALREADY been done for us...and praise Him for it. Take a 10-minute break with me and just praise Him for what He's already done. This is a rest area...
Prayer:
Father,
We come to You with praise and thanksgiving for all that You've already done for us. Your Son's life for ours is beyond our comprehension of love but teach us to walk fully in that Truth and to unconditionally express it toward those You have placed in our lives. Give us the opportunity to share Your Good News. Make the music of the salvation You purchased for us come alive in our hearts and souls. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Real Change
Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT
Everywhere we turn, someone is talking about change. However, change for the sake of change? I can't say that is always for the better. Sometimes, it's much worse.
The Truth is, in order to have change, you have to want to be changed, and then you have to choose to act on it. I wish I had a clean house without getting up to do anything about it, is not going to get your house clean. I wish I spoke another language is not going to make you bilingual. I wish I was a better Christian... What? Like poof! Here, Child, I'll make you a better person, you just sit back and eat bon-bons and watch TV? Not happening.
What can you do to bring about change in your life and in the lives of those around you? Timothy tells us in his second letter, Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.
2nd Timothy 2:25 NLT
2nd Timothy 2:25 NLT
That will be REAL change!
Prayer:
Father,
Bring Your Word to our remembrance. Help us to be instant in season to speak Your Truth so it can set the captive free, and so we can effect change for Your glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Promise Forever
He keeps every promise forever.
Psalm 146:6b NLT
I don’t know that I’ve ever read that sentence before in the New Living Translation. I thought I had, but if I did, I must have had blinders on. Talk about piercing my soul…
Have you ever fully contemplated ‘forever’? Just forever by itself, nothing attached to it. I have a hard time envisioning it. When I was a little girl I fully believed in ‘Happily Ever After.’ That was my version of forever. I just knew someday my prince would come and rescue me and that’s how we would live…forever. I dreamed of it. Hoped for it. Prayed for it…
He keeps every promise forever.
Forever isn't about NOT making any promises just so we can say we never break them. That’s a falsehood.
He keeps every promise forever.
The Truth is that forever is much more than just never-ending time. Forever is commitment. Forever is trust, safety, provision. Forever is making promises AND keeping them. Why? Because God doesn’t just love us - He IS love.
And when the King of all kings comes for us, we will ride away with Him, and we’re going to live Happily Ever After. Happily Ever After what? This. In John 16:33 (NLT), Jesus says, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. He promised…
And He keeps every promise forever. Yes, He does…
Prayer:
Father,
We will give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good! According to Your Word, Your faithful love endures forever. You remember us in our weakness. Your faithful love endures forever. You saved us from our enemies. Your faithful love endures forever. You give food to every living thing. Your faithful love endures forever. We will give thanks to the God of heaven. Your faithful love endures forever. Help us to understand Your forever love. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 22, 2019
Friends' Favorite - The Promise of Rest
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden
is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
We look forward to the weekend so we can sleep in a little. We work hard all week long and we just wanna rest a little. Rest for our bodies is easier to arrange than rest for our souls. Some of the longest nights we have are those nights when our minds won't shut down. If we could just learn to give it all to Jesus... Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us, You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone today - just today - say, I'm tired, I would have enough money to take you to dinner at a great place and leave a generous tip for the tired waiter or waitress. As a child, one of my favorite songs we sang in church was the old hymn, "Come Unto Me," written by Charles Jones, based on our Scripture text for today. It was on page 20 of the old green hymnal. I loved it because we sang it fast and I could play the tambourine, but when I got older, I loved it because of its message. There's something about the promise of rest.
Our text in The Message Bible reads, Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Doesn't that sound wonderful? It is! It is our Promise of Rest from Jesus... written in red.
Prayer:
Father,
Creator of heaven and earth, teach us how to rest in You. Teach us the unforced rhythms of Your grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
We look forward to the weekend so we can sleep in a little. We work hard all week long and we just wanna rest a little. Rest for our bodies is easier to arrange than rest for our souls. Some of the longest nights we have are those nights when our minds won't shut down. If we could just learn to give it all to Jesus... Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us, You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone today - just today - say, I'm tired, I would have enough money to take you to dinner at a great place and leave a generous tip for the tired waiter or waitress. As a child, one of my favorite songs we sang in church was the old hymn, "Come Unto Me," written by Charles Jones, based on our Scripture text for today. It was on page 20 of the old green hymnal. I loved it because we sang it fast and I could play the tambourine, but when I got older, I loved it because of its message. There's something about the promise of rest.
Our text in The Message Bible reads, Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. Doesn't that sound wonderful? It is! It is our Promise of Rest from Jesus... written in red.
Prayer:
Father,
Creator of heaven and earth, teach us how to rest in You. Teach us the unforced rhythms of Your grace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Shine the Light
Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
Ecclesiastes 11:7 NLT
I stopped again this morning to watch the sunrise out over the water. I wanted to witness the miracle of it one more time. I am fascinated with the wonder that each sunrise has been unique for as long as there has been the dawning of a new day.
This morning I was struck with the realization that even before the sun actually appeared on the horizon, the clouds of night began to reflect the light of it. And the light replaced the dark with beautiful color. Just like the Son does in our lives. We may not see Him, but as we draw closer to Him, He gives us beauty for ashes.
For me, sunrise never loses its wondrous beauty. I have watched many new days dawn over one beach or another. Some by design because I got up early just to watch the sunrise. Other times were because I'd worked all night long and on my way home, the sun rose to greet me. And then there were the times when the night seemed to go on forever, not only in the dark of the night but in the dark of my soul, as well. Times when I despaired of ever seeing light again, and yet faithful, just as sure as there is a heaven, the sun would peer over the horizon, glimmering, shimmering across the water to the sand at my feet, spreading its warmth around me, my hope rising with the sun. And I would be reminded one more time that Jesus is the Light of the World.
What a blessed hope! No matter how dark the night of your soul, Jesus came so that you might have LIFE and have LIFE more abundantly. He IS the hope to light our way. And the Light overcomes darkness EVERY time.
Prayer:
Father,
Shine Your Light to show us the way. Cause us to be a true reflection of You and Your Light, to provide hope for the hopeless in a lost and dying world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ecclesiastes 11:7 NLT
I stopped again this morning to watch the sunrise out over the water. I wanted to witness the miracle of it one more time. I am fascinated with the wonder that each sunrise has been unique for as long as there has been the dawning of a new day.
This morning I was struck with the realization that even before the sun actually appeared on the horizon, the clouds of night began to reflect the light of it. And the light replaced the dark with beautiful color. Just like the Son does in our lives. We may not see Him, but as we draw closer to Him, He gives us beauty for ashes.
For me, sunrise never loses its wondrous beauty. I have watched many new days dawn over one beach or another. Some by design because I got up early just to watch the sunrise. Other times were because I'd worked all night long and on my way home, the sun rose to greet me. And then there were the times when the night seemed to go on forever, not only in the dark of the night but in the dark of my soul, as well. Times when I despaired of ever seeing light again, and yet faithful, just as sure as there is a heaven, the sun would peer over the horizon, glimmering, shimmering across the water to the sand at my feet, spreading its warmth around me, my hope rising with the sun. And I would be reminded one more time that Jesus is the Light of the World.
What a blessed hope! No matter how dark the night of your soul, Jesus came so that you might have LIFE and have LIFE more abundantly. He IS the hope to light our way. And the Light overcomes darkness EVERY time.
Prayer:
Father,
Shine Your Light to show us the way. Cause us to be a true reflection of You and Your Light, to provide hope for the hopeless in a lost and dying world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Self-Inflicted Conflict
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other...
Galatians 5:16-17b NIV
When we haven't made up our minds about certain issues, we are often in conflict within ourselves. When we don't make a conscious choice, we have - in effect - chosen to walk without direction. Indecision sets us up as targets for the enemy of our souls.
When we haven't made up our minds about certain issues, we are often in conflict within ourselves. When we don't make a conscious choice, we have - in effect - chosen to walk without direction. Indecision sets us up as targets for the enemy of our souls.
Consider this. Depending on how well a human being is hydrated, one can live anywhere from 3-12 days without water, and 3-6 weeks without food...although obviously neither scenario is suggested. And yet, wars have been won or lost based on food supplies that were or were not readily available.
Battle-weary soldiers who have not eaten in days and who have no water supply will voluntarily surrender to the enemy for the promise of food and water. Why? Because they don't want to die. And as desperate as some may be, not all things wet or chewable are good for consumption. Many will cause death if we ingest them.
For instance, if we're dehydrated, we need something wet, a liquid of some kind, but obviously, we're not going to drink gasoline or coal oil or bleach. While all are liquid, they are also deadly. Anyone in their right mind would not drink these liquids. We want to live and - hear me now - what we feed and water will live.
The same is true in our walk with the Lord. We are in a battle. The war between our flesh and spirit wages every day. And quite simply, what we feed and water will live. If we feed our sinful nature the things it craves, our sinful nature will thrive and survive... but we CAN starve it to death. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Word - the Living Water. Our text for today tells us the Spirit and the sinful nature are in conflict with each other...the question is, how much of it is self-inflicted?
WE choose which one will thrive and survive. Victorious overcomer...or self-inflicted conflict?
Prayer:
Father,
You are the Master Nutritionist. Sustain us on Your Word, O Bread of Life and Living Water. Help us to hide it in our hearts so we will flourish in Your will for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 18, 2019
Friends' Favorites - I Believe I'll Testify
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
Psalm 18:1-2 NLT
I was sitting here tonight, thinking of my beloved father-in-law who went to be with the Lord in February of 2012. I can't believe it's been seven years. I miss him. As I reminisced, I was reminded of the miraculous protection of God on one of the many visits I made to San Antonio to see Lee.
It was always good to see him. We would talk and talk, and then go out for lunch. In the latter years of his life, Lee always wanted to eat Chinese food. Although he was in a nursing home, he wanted to go OUT to eat… Others tried to convince him that we could just get take-out and bring it back to eat with him at the nursing home.
But you see, when it came to going to the restaurant of choice, Lee and I had been cohorts since the beginning of our relationship, and this particular time, he looked me right in the eye and said, “I want to go to Panda.” I looked him right back in the eye and said, “I’ll pick you up at 11.” And so the next morning, by the grace of God, I got my little father-in-law into the car and we took in all the beautiful scenery - crepe myrtles and lovely oaks - on the way to the restaurant. Once there, I watched him eat Chinese food to his heart’s content. It was a precious time. He was tired when we got him back to his room, but he trusted me to get him back into his bed and settled, and he was one happy camper.
About an hour later, I was on the road heading back home… Now, you know those white signs on the side of the road with numbers on them? In Texas, they’re considered to be more of a suggestion, so we try it and if we don’t like it, we do it faster. And we were all doing it faster… I was about 150 miles outside of San Antonio, and had been traveling with the same 6 or 8 vehicles for the last 50 miles or so. One was a large pickup, hauling an RV trailer, and he and I seemed to do cat-and-mouse the whole time at the back of the pack, when all of a sudden, all the tire warning lights came on in my car! My left rear tire showed no pressure at all and my dashboard was lit up like a bookie’s scoreboard!
I was right at an exit when it happened, so I was able to get off the road immediately (that’s SO God…). I got down to the intersection and pulled into the gas station, and then all the warning lights reset themselves. All the tires were fine – exactly at the pressure they were supposed to be. Go figure… the gauges all reset by themselves. Nothing wrong. I was tempted to be a little frustrated, but I thought, “No, whatever that was about, Father, thank You. I’m sure You have a reason for it.”
I headed back onto the freeway…only to discover that in the time it took for me to get off the road, the RV that I had been cat-and-mousing with had come off the hitch of the pickup and rolled completely across the highway. Had I not pulled off at the exit because of the flashing warning signs, I would have either been smashed by the RV or I would have hit it…going at a high rate of speed. I had to pull over again, but this time it was because I was crying tears of gratitude for God’s protection over my life. Had it not been for His grace and mercy, I would have been killed or severely maimed.
Can I get a witness to the loving protection of God, our Father? I had to testify…
Prayer:
Father,
I love you, Lord; You are my strength. You, Lord, are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Savior; in whom I find protection. You are my Shield, the Power that saves me, and my place of safety. On behalf of my children and grandchildren, and the rest of my family, I thank You, Father, for sparing my life. You never cease to amaze me. Help us to walk worthy of the life You give us every day. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 18:1-2 NLT
I was sitting here tonight, thinking of my beloved father-in-law who went to be with the Lord in February of 2012. I can't believe it's been seven years. I miss him. As I reminisced, I was reminded of the miraculous protection of God on one of the many visits I made to San Antonio to see Lee.
It was always good to see him. We would talk and talk, and then go out for lunch. In the latter years of his life, Lee always wanted to eat Chinese food. Although he was in a nursing home, he wanted to go OUT to eat… Others tried to convince him that we could just get take-out and bring it back to eat with him at the nursing home.
But you see, when it came to going to the restaurant of choice, Lee and I had been cohorts since the beginning of our relationship, and this particular time, he looked me right in the eye and said, “I want to go to Panda.” I looked him right back in the eye and said, “I’ll pick you up at 11.” And so the next morning, by the grace of God, I got my little father-in-law into the car and we took in all the beautiful scenery - crepe myrtles and lovely oaks - on the way to the restaurant. Once there, I watched him eat Chinese food to his heart’s content. It was a precious time. He was tired when we got him back to his room, but he trusted me to get him back into his bed and settled, and he was one happy camper.
About an hour later, I was on the road heading back home… Now, you know those white signs on the side of the road with numbers on them? In Texas, they’re considered to be more of a suggestion, so we try it and if we don’t like it, we do it faster. And we were all doing it faster… I was about 150 miles outside of San Antonio, and had been traveling with the same 6 or 8 vehicles for the last 50 miles or so. One was a large pickup, hauling an RV trailer, and he and I seemed to do cat-and-mouse the whole time at the back of the pack, when all of a sudden, all the tire warning lights came on in my car! My left rear tire showed no pressure at all and my dashboard was lit up like a bookie’s scoreboard!
I was right at an exit when it happened, so I was able to get off the road immediately (that’s SO God…). I got down to the intersection and pulled into the gas station, and then all the warning lights reset themselves. All the tires were fine – exactly at the pressure they were supposed to be. Go figure… the gauges all reset by themselves. Nothing wrong. I was tempted to be a little frustrated, but I thought, “No, whatever that was about, Father, thank You. I’m sure You have a reason for it.”
I headed back onto the freeway…only to discover that in the time it took for me to get off the road, the RV that I had been cat-and-mousing with had come off the hitch of the pickup and rolled completely across the highway. Had I not pulled off at the exit because of the flashing warning signs, I would have either been smashed by the RV or I would have hit it…going at a high rate of speed. I had to pull over again, but this time it was because I was crying tears of gratitude for God’s protection over my life. Had it not been for His grace and mercy, I would have been killed or severely maimed.
Can I get a witness to the loving protection of God, our Father? I had to testify…
Prayer:
Father,
I love you, Lord; You are my strength. You, Lord, are my Rock, my Fortress, and my Savior; in whom I find protection. You are my Shield, the Power that saves me, and my place of safety. On behalf of my children and grandchildren, and the rest of my family, I thank You, Father, for sparing my life. You never cease to amaze me. Help us to walk worthy of the life You give us every day. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Friends' Favorites - * The Danger of Criticism
Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Romans 14:1 NLT
Today’s Promise is taken directly from Romans 14:1-13 New Living Translation
For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.
In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him.
Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.
If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say,
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’”
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see and love each other as You love us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Romans 14:1 NLT
Today’s Promise is taken directly from Romans 14:1-13 New Living Translation
For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.
In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him.
Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.
If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say,
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’”
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to see and love each other as You love us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Friends' Favorite - * All of Them
All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and
all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea,
all of them were baptized as followers of Moses.
All of them ate the same spiritual food, and
all of them drank the same spiritual water.
For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.
Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
1st Corinthians 10:1b-5 NLT
God declared a new beginning for all of them, whether they were born in the land or were strangers who chose to be a part of the assembly and follow the Lord; God made no distinction among them. It no longer mattered to Him. Here's all you have to do... (read Exodus 12).
And then He gave them the same instructions. All of them were given the same opportunity. And again, He made the point of expressing that it made no difference if they were born in the land or were strangers who chose to follow His ways. Follow Me and live. Not one of them could say, "Well, You gave him more than you gave me..." Not one...
Did all of them follow Him? No, they did not. Will you?
You may say, Yeah, but that was back then and He provided their shelter and their food every day and they didn't have to earn a living and pay gas prices and...
The great Equalizer is this, they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. The same Christ who instructed us in Matthew 28:20, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world...
I ask again... Did all of them follow Him? No, they did not. The question is, Will you?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to examine our own lives - face to face with You. Cause the compass of our hearts to be totally fixed on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friends' Favorites - Fast and Furious
But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.
Galatians 6:8b-10 The Message
We live in a fast and furious world. This highway sure seems to have a lot of potholes, detours and roadblocks, but there doesn't seem to be any speed limit signs or designated pit stops. We work crazy hours, the A/C is on the fritz, the car's making a weird noise, kids, grandkids, elderly parents, veterinary bills, health issues, funerals... I don't know where the time goes. We get up early and go to bed later than we wanted to and every minute in between seems to clamor for attention from something or somebody. At this point you might be thinking, This is your Promise for Today? Is this supposed to make me feel better?
No, those are the facts. Life. Things that are actually happening. For those of you who have been on this journey with me for a while, you know about facts vs. Truth. The best illustration is the story of my life. Facts are: A drunk, drug abuse, and the garbage that goes with it. The TRUTH is: Born-again child of the Most High God, walking in His righteousness - in right standing with the Father, my Redeemer, Deliverer. You see, God's Truth always - ALWAYS - overcomes the facts of life.
Fast and furious world, no time - those are the facts, but the Truth is found in Matthew 11:28-29 NLT, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
In the midst of our hurry-scurry world, that's our Promise for Today and every day. If we will take the time to spend the first part of our day with Him, He will give us rest and we will be strengthened for the rest of our day.
Be encouraged, Dear Ones. God is a faithful God. Look above the circumstances! Look above the cares and trials of this world to the Author AND the Finisher of our faith. If He started it, He WILL finish it. In a world where there is too much going on, I offer you Truth over the facts of your life. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11).
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Truth. In these crazy times we live in, help us to keep our focus on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith. In the tough times, Father, when it's hard to see and understand, cover us with Your wings of mercy and grace when we come to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Goød God - Whose Idea?
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly...
Psalm 1:1a NKJV
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12 NKJV
I'm bad about wanting to figure a quicker way - one that takes less time, less energy and maybe less money - and then I have the nerve to hope I can get the same result. Sometimes, that works out on the less than essential projects, but on the things that really matter, it generally does not work out. I have found that there's a reason the recipe says to make it the night before or refrigerate for 8 hours before baking. And there's a reason why you shouldn't try to put on the second coat of paint before the time specified on the can... just to name a (very) minor two.
Ever had a good idea that went bad? It seemed like the right thing to do - all your planning seemed to be sound - you checked with your friends and they all agreed it was good, but it still went horribly wrong. Do you have any idea why? Whose opinion did you seek? Okay, so it was your best friend - but does that best friend have a working knowledge about your idea? Do the people at work have any idea about your idea or do they only know what you've told them? Does it sound good to them only because you are persuasive or passionate about it? Should we be ruled or overruled by our passion?
We should ALWAYS ask the One who knows best. It might seem right, but it may be very wrong. Do you want a good idea or a God idea? Only one will work.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for not acknowledging You in all our ways so that You will be the One to direct our paths. Forgive us when we try to run things by ourselves. Help us fully recognize our need to lay down our seemingly good ideas for Your ideas. We need Your ideas, God, and only Yours. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 1:1a NKJV
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Proverbs 14:12 NKJV
I'm bad about wanting to figure a quicker way - one that takes less time, less energy and maybe less money - and then I have the nerve to hope I can get the same result. Sometimes, that works out on the less than essential projects, but on the things that really matter, it generally does not work out. I have found that there's a reason the recipe says to make it the night before or refrigerate for 8 hours before baking. And there's a reason why you shouldn't try to put on the second coat of paint before the time specified on the can... just to name a (very) minor two.
Ever had a good idea that went bad? It seemed like the right thing to do - all your planning seemed to be sound - you checked with your friends and they all agreed it was good, but it still went horribly wrong. Do you have any idea why? Whose opinion did you seek? Okay, so it was your best friend - but does that best friend have a working knowledge about your idea? Do the people at work have any idea about your idea or do they only know what you've told them? Does it sound good to them only because you are persuasive or passionate about it? Should we be ruled or overruled by our passion?
We should ALWAYS ask the One who knows best. It might seem right, but it may be very wrong. Do you want a good idea or a God idea? Only one will work.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for not acknowledging You in all our ways so that You will be the One to direct our paths. Forgive us when we try to run things by ourselves. Help us fully recognize our need to lay down our seemingly good ideas for Your ideas. We need Your ideas, God, and only Yours. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, March 15, 2019
Friends' Favorite - Have You Lost Your Mind ++
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
"I think I'm losing my mind," her voice was subdued in response to my question. She wasn't joking or making light of the inquiry. I knew she was serious. There was no sparkle in her eye; there was only torment. The weight of emotional pain was overwhelming her - body, soul, mind, and spirit.
Have you ever been in that place? Chances are, you may have been at one time or another. Maybe you're there now, wondering what in the world you are going to do. And if that's you, I want to speak directly to you.
I don't know your circumstances or your questions, but God does. I don't have all the answers, but I know the One Who does. I have been in that same place and I am here to tell you - unequivocally - that God will bring you out. Don't give up. Don't quit now. He WILL see you through to the other side of this. What I DO have is the living proof of His faithfulness to make good on the promises in His Word.
You see, I thought I was a goner. I thought dying would be the only way out of the mess I was in. I was so broken and dead inside that I couldn't see any way out. I couldn't keep two coherent thoughts in my head because of the things that overwhelmed me. I was losing my mind. Then I found the verses of our Promise for Today.
Back then, I didn't know if God had the time or the inclination to hear all my prayers and petitions, but I chose to believe the Truth of His Word over the facts of my circumstances. And now, this many years later, I am here to tell you that God keeps His Word, and if we will choose to keep His Word, too, then we will surely reap the many benefits of His peace that exceeds all understanding and will keep our hearts and MINDS SAFE in Christ Jesus.
The Word of God tells us if He does it for one person, He'll do it for all, so let me leave you with this encouragement from Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Prayer:
Father,
I pray according to Your Word that Many will see what [You] have done and be amazed and that they will put their trust in You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Philippians 4:6-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
"I think I'm losing my mind," her voice was subdued in response to my question. She wasn't joking or making light of the inquiry. I knew she was serious. There was no sparkle in her eye; there was only torment. The weight of emotional pain was overwhelming her - body, soul, mind, and spirit.
Have you ever been in that place? Chances are, you may have been at one time or another. Maybe you're there now, wondering what in the world you are going to do. And if that's you, I want to speak directly to you.
I don't know your circumstances or your questions, but God does. I don't have all the answers, but I know the One Who does. I have been in that same place and I am here to tell you - unequivocally - that God will bring you out. Don't give up. Don't quit now. He WILL see you through to the other side of this. What I DO have is the living proof of His faithfulness to make good on the promises in His Word.
You see, I thought I was a goner. I thought dying would be the only way out of the mess I was in. I was so broken and dead inside that I couldn't see any way out. I couldn't keep two coherent thoughts in my head because of the things that overwhelmed me. I was losing my mind. Then I found the verses of our Promise for Today.
Back then, I didn't know if God had the time or the inclination to hear all my prayers and petitions, but I chose to believe the Truth of His Word over the facts of my circumstances. And now, this many years later, I am here to tell you that God keeps His Word, and if we will choose to keep His Word, too, then we will surely reap the many benefits of His peace that exceeds all understanding and will keep our hearts and MINDS SAFE in Christ Jesus.
The Word of God tells us if He does it for one person, He'll do it for all, so let me leave you with this encouragement from Psalm 40...
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Prayer:
Father,
I pray according to Your Word that Many will see what [You] have done and be amazed and that they will put their trust in You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Time for a Change
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2nd Timothy 2:24-26 NLT
Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.
What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
He had to include that one, right? The be patient with difficult people phrase? I noticed tonight there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...
Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.
Their eternity could be determined by whether or not we CHOOSE to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.
Prayer:
Father,
Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
2nd Timothy 2:24-26 NLT
Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.
What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
He had to include that one, right? The be patient with difficult people phrase? I noticed tonight there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...
Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.
Their eternity could be determined by whether or not we CHOOSE to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.
Prayer:
Father,
Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Are You Putting Me On?
Then He said to His disciples,
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing."
Luke 12:22-23 NKJV
We put on a lot of things in an effort to improve how we look and how we are perceived by those around us. We put on deodorant and clean clothes. Women put on makeup and sometimes men wish they could and both put on multiple hair products and colognes. Many people are motivated by not wanting to be judged. However, even when we're not trying to be judgmental, we often have a comment based on something we've decided we like. I like your shirt. Your hair looks great. Your makeup looks really good today. Is that a new jacket? Oh, I love your earrings. It doesn't stop there, but neither you nor I have the time to make a complete list.
Then you've got phrases like, Puttin' on the Ritz, puttin' on the dog, putting on a brave face, puttin' on your big-boy britches. One of my favorite quotes is by A.A. Milne, 'When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.' Makes me wanna put on my Big Boots...
The greatest adventure of them all has to do with putting on something else entirely. There was a certain crown - made of thorns - that was put on His head. And they also put on Him a purple robe. Then they mocked Him, judged Him and falsely accused him, and put Him on the Cross to die for our sin.
Galatians 3 tells us, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have we put Him on or are we putting Him on (but not in a good way) and only fooling ourselves?
Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV, tells us, Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Do we see ourselves putting on all these things, according to this passage of Scripture? If Jesus asked, "Are you putting ME on?" what would be your answer?
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Do we see ourselves putting on all these things, according to this passage of Scripture? If Jesus asked, "Are you putting ME on?" what would be your answer?
Prayer:
Father,
According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Friends' Favorites - The Makings of a Hero
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
You may not have heard of Chris Farias before. He received the Navy Cross for his act(s) of valor. It is the highest award bestowed for Navy and Marine personnel. It is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor. It is a BIG deal - HUGE honor - and well deserved. His family and friends are extremely proud of him and grateful to God for protecting his life. You see, Chris was wounded in the battle and still, he fought on.
I've been thinking about courage and what it takes to be courageous because I was thinking about Chris. He was one of the little boys who lived next door to where I raised my youngest child - also a boy - a couple years older than Chris. When my son read the Summary of Action nominating Chris for the Navy Cross, he responded with, "Who would have known that back then, I was driving a hero to school every day?"
You know, when we think HERO, we tend to think Large and in charge - topping out over 6 feet tall, 200 pounds and muscles on top of muscles. A superpower or two wouldn't hurt, either. Chris is none of those things. His younger brother towers over him. Chris is lean and well-muscled, but you won't catch him flexing them. As a teenager, he gave his mother fits. He wasn't a model student. So then, what makes a hero?
Courage.
You're not born with it. I believe it is forged in those times when you witness someone making the right choice in spite of the odds or negative peer pressure or response and doing it unpretentiously. I believe it's something that develops in the fiber of your being because of the choices you make as you observe it being played out in life. I believe we can be courageous when someone we respect and believe in expects us to be so.
Joshua and Caleb stood before the people of Israel and declared that the Promised Land was theirs for the taking. Ten others stood up and said, "No way..." and discouraged all of Israel (read the book of Numbers, chapter 32).
Bottom line - Joshua ultimately led the people of Israel into the Promised Land... but not without a fight. It's important to know that. God told him ahead of time they'd have to fight for it - but God also told him to be strong and be courageous.
You may be fighting life on every side. You may wonder why you have to... Joshua had to - JESUS had to... we live in a fallen world. But listen, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. You have the makings of a hero!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for teaching us how to be strong and courageous. Thank You for putting the pattern before us. Help us to step up to fulfill Your plan for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, March 11, 2019
Friends' Favorites - Holey, Wholly, Holy
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it.
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it.
Colossians 1:19-23a NLT
Have you ever paused to reflect on holy? On what it is and how it applies to your life? When I think of holy, I think of pure, undefiled, perfect... none of which are naturally included in the list of top ten adjectives I would use to describe me. (I know I can get an 'Amen' on that - I don't even have to ask for one.)
I am so humbled when I stop to think that the God of the Universe sent His perfect and perfectly holy Son to die in my stead, to pay the price for MY sin, so that I could stand - stand, mind you! - in the presence of the Almighty God, holy and blameless, without a single fault. It is almost unbelievable, but for Grace.
When I was thinking about Holy! Holy! Holy! this morning and about how it applied to my life, I thought of it more like Holey! Wholly! Holy! Most of us start our walk of faith holey... Holes in our hearts where hurts blew through. Gaping holes in our love toward each other because of lack of trust. Then we ask Jesus into our hearts and He fills us - makes us whole again. So because of Him our holey can serve Him wholly...and stand holy and blameless before Him. What a mighty God we serve!
Prayer:
Father,
Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty, You are perfect in power, in love and purity. And we humbly bow before You, Lord, to worship and adore You. In Jesus' Name we pray, the One who made it possible. Amen
Have you ever paused to reflect on holy? On what it is and how it applies to your life? When I think of holy, I think of pure, undefiled, perfect... none of which are naturally included in the list of top ten adjectives I would use to describe me. (I know I can get an 'Amen' on that - I don't even have to ask for one.)
I am so humbled when I stop to think that the God of the Universe sent His perfect and perfectly holy Son to die in my stead, to pay the price for MY sin, so that I could stand - stand, mind you! - in the presence of the Almighty God, holy and blameless, without a single fault. It is almost unbelievable, but for Grace.
When I was thinking about Holy! Holy! Holy! this morning and about how it applied to my life, I thought of it more like Holey! Wholly! Holy! Most of us start our walk of faith holey... Holes in our hearts where hurts blew through. Gaping holes in our love toward each other because of lack of trust. Then we ask Jesus into our hearts and He fills us - makes us whole again. So because of Him our holey can serve Him wholly...and stand holy and blameless before Him. What a mighty God we serve!
Prayer:
Father,
Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty, You are perfect in power, in love and purity. And we humbly bow before You, Lord, to worship and adore You. In Jesus' Name we pray, the One who made it possible. Amen
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Friends' Favorites - What's the Difference?
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Psalm 11:3 KJV
I like reading different versions and translations of the Word of God because sometimes they say it so differently that I am able to understand the BIG picture of it all. This same text for today in the New Living Translation reads, The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do? And I love it in The Message, The bottom's dropped out of the country; good people don't have a chance... Hmmm... I heard that line at the office just the other day.
I remember a conversation I had with a young woman years ago. She believes in God, but she has not yet embraced the Word as her standard for living. She wanted to justify her actions and her beliefs by what was going on in the world system. It seemed right. The infamous 'Everyone else thinks it's okay.' 'There's no law against it.'
Well, actually there is...
It's just not in the book of law that she's reading...
Society (and their lawmakers) will go to unbelievable lengths to justify their actions, even so far as to enact laws saying they're okay. For those fools (that's what Scripture calls them) who say, 'There is no God,' it's almost understandable. However, for those who say, 'We believe in God' and yet still embrace what is clearly opposed to His Word, it's unbelievable... or is it?
Pastor Alan Neel said something a couple years ago that really stuck in my heart. He said, "We've spent the last 30 years making believers out of people. Nowhere in the Word of God does it say go and make believers. It says go and make disciples."
What's the difference? James 2:19 reads, You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.
What difference does it make how many laws are passed to say something is okay if the Word of God says it's sin? What difference does it make if everyone is doing it if the Word says it's sin?
I'm going to reiterate what I said to that young lady years ago. I don't care how many rules and regulations and laws are presented, passed and posted on the books. There's only one Book of Law that doesn't change. Only one whose standards and truths remain. Immoveable, unshakeable. Only one that has stood the test of time since the beginning of time...and remains. If the Bible says it's sin, it's sin.
What does the Word say about what's going on in the world? Read further in Psalm 11, The Message, God hasn't moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn't changed. He's in charge, as always... and at the end of the chapter, God's business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight.
Setting us straight. Making the difference between believers and disciples. What's your standard? That's the difference.
Prayer:
Father,
We look to You - the Author and Finisher of our faith. Make our paths straight. Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Psalm 11:3 KJV
I like reading different versions and translations of the Word of God because sometimes they say it so differently that I am able to understand the BIG picture of it all. This same text for today in the New Living Translation reads, The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do? And I love it in The Message, The bottom's dropped out of the country; good people don't have a chance... Hmmm... I heard that line at the office just the other day.
I remember a conversation I had with a young woman years ago. She believes in God, but she has not yet embraced the Word as her standard for living. She wanted to justify her actions and her beliefs by what was going on in the world system. It seemed right. The infamous 'Everyone else thinks it's okay.' 'There's no law against it.'
Well, actually there is...
It's just not in the book of law that she's reading...
Society (and their lawmakers) will go to unbelievable lengths to justify their actions, even so far as to enact laws saying they're okay. For those fools (that's what Scripture calls them) who say, 'There is no God,' it's almost understandable. However, for those who say, 'We believe in God' and yet still embrace what is clearly opposed to His Word, it's unbelievable... or is it?
Pastor Alan Neel said something a couple years ago that really stuck in my heart. He said, "We've spent the last 30 years making believers out of people. Nowhere in the Word of God does it say go and make believers. It says go and make disciples."
What's the difference? James 2:19 reads, You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.
What difference does it make how many laws are passed to say something is okay if the Word of God says it's sin? What difference does it make if everyone is doing it if the Word says it's sin?
I'm going to reiterate what I said to that young lady years ago. I don't care how many rules and regulations and laws are presented, passed and posted on the books. There's only one Book of Law that doesn't change. Only one whose standards and truths remain. Immoveable, unshakeable. Only one that has stood the test of time since the beginning of time...and remains. If the Bible says it's sin, it's sin.
What does the Word say about what's going on in the world? Read further in Psalm 11, The Message, God hasn't moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn't changed. He's in charge, as always... and at the end of the chapter, God's business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight.
Setting us straight. Making the difference between believers and disciples. What's your standard? That's the difference.
Prayer:
Father,
We look to You - the Author and Finisher of our faith. Make our paths straight. Lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Friends' Favorites: Promises, Promises
What? No Scripture?
That's because I couldn't find one - not one - in any of the translations I have access to - not one single Scripture that tells me after I accept Christ as my Savior, I won't have any more problems, even though I've heard people say that. Yeah? Well, Promises, Promises. I can't give you that promise - today or any day - because it has no back up in the Word of God.
However, Christ Himself gave the Promise that He will NEVER leave you (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6,8, Joshua 1:5 NKJV). And the Promise that He will be with you until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20b NKJV). I can Promise that He will complete the work that has been started in you because He said so (Philippians 1:6 NKJV). You can see those have Scripture to back them up.
Other Promises God offers include that whatever is born of God overcomes the world (1st John 5:4); that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37); that we have victory over death, hell and the grave. (Revelation 20:14). Jesus also said that in this world we WILL have many trials and sorrows, but we are to "take heart" because He has overcome the world (John 16:33 NLT).
But I'd like to point out something for your consideration... You're not an overcomer unless there is something to overcome (Revelation 12:10-11). You do not become a conqueror unless you face something that needs to be conquered (Romans 8:36-37). How can you have a victory without a fight or battle (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)? Promises, Promises, and more promises. But those are REAL promises.
Prayer:
Father,
Give us beauty for ashes. The oil of joy for mourning. Be our Strength. Grow us up in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
That's because I couldn't find one - not one - in any of the translations I have access to - not one single Scripture that tells me after I accept Christ as my Savior, I won't have any more problems, even though I've heard people say that. Yeah? Well, Promises, Promises. I can't give you that promise - today or any day - because it has no back up in the Word of God.
However, Christ Himself gave the Promise that He will NEVER leave you (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6,8, Joshua 1:5 NKJV). And the Promise that He will be with you until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20b NKJV). I can Promise that He will complete the work that has been started in you because He said so (Philippians 1:6 NKJV). You can see those have Scripture to back them up.
Other Promises God offers include that whatever is born of God overcomes the world (1st John 5:4); that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37); that we have victory over death, hell and the grave. (Revelation 20:14). Jesus also said that in this world we WILL have many trials and sorrows, but we are to "take heart" because He has overcome the world (John 16:33 NLT).
But I'd like to point out something for your consideration... You're not an overcomer unless there is something to overcome (Revelation 12:10-11). You do not become a conqueror unless you face something that needs to be conquered (Romans 8:36-37). How can you have a victory without a fight or battle (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)? Promises, Promises, and more promises. But those are REAL promises.
Prayer:
Father,
Give us beauty for ashes. The oil of joy for mourning. Be our Strength. Grow us up in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Friends' Favorites - I Have to...
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.
Luke 10:39-40 NLT
And after reading the text, all the "Marthas" groan collectively. Relax. I'm not here to beat you up or down. I was just thinking of how many conversations I've heard this week that contained the words, "I have to..."
I have to complete this project. I have to get this out the door by... I have to pick up... I have to drop off... I have to go... I have to come in... I have to take... I have to give... I have to... I have to... and all of it with an underlying tone of stress. As if the things that had to be done weren't enough, then there are the...If this happens, then I have to do that... If that happens, then I have to... Sound familiar?
We all do it. Subtle satan at his best or worst, depending on how you look at it.
In this present time, where we're all trying to be king and queen of the multi-taskers and see how much we can get or get accomplished, and figure out how we're going to keep it - Jesus' words still hold true. Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
What do you have to do? Which part will you choose?
Prayer:
Father,
I want to sit at Your feet. I want to soak in Your Words. I want to bask in Your presence. I have to. Keep me focused, Father. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Regarding "Friends' Favorites"
Dear Ones,
I am currently working on a writing project that I hope to finish by Easter. It is time-consuming, but it's a long overdue act of obedience. I hope you will stay with me through the next 39 days as I post "Friends' Favorites" and some of my own favorite reminders and milestones (in other words, previously posted PFTs) in an effort to utilize what available time I have each day after work. Please pray for me if you think about it. I'd appreciate it and could definitely use the spiritual support! I will need focus... Thank you for being a part of the Promise for Today blogspot.
I am currently working on a writing project that I hope to finish by Easter. It is time-consuming, but it's a long overdue act of obedience. I hope you will stay with me through the next 39 days as I post "Friends' Favorites" and some of my own favorite reminders and milestones (in other words, previously posted PFTs) in an effort to utilize what available time I have each day after work. Please pray for me if you think about it. I'd appreciate it and could definitely use the spiritual support! I will need focus... Thank you for being a part of the Promise for Today blogspot.
Blessings!
Andréa
Friends' Favorite - Seed Sown, Seed Grown
It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it. But don't fool yourselves. Don't let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk.
1st Corinthians 15:32b-33a The Message
Continuing...Some skeptic is sure to ask, "Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this 'resurrection body' look like?" If you look at this question closely, you realize how absurd it is. There are no diagrams for this kind of thing. We do have a parallel experience in gardening. You plant a "dead" seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. You could never guess what a tomato would look like by looking at a tomato seed. What we plant in the soil and what grows out of it don't look anything alike. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different.
You will notice that the variety of bodies is stunning. Just as there are different kinds of seeds, there are different kinds of bodies—humans, animals, birds, fish—each unprecedented in its form. You get a hint at the diversity of resurrection glory by looking at the diversity of bodies not only on earth but in the skies—sun, moon, stars—all these varieties of beauty and brightness. And we're only looking at pre-resurrection "seeds"—who can imagine what the resurrection "plants" will be like!
This image of planting a dead seed and raising a live plant is a mere sketch at best, but perhaps it will help in approaching the mystery of the resurrection body—but only if you keep in mind that when we're raised, we're raised for good, alive forever! The corpse that's planted is no beauty, but when it's raised, it's glorious. Put in the ground weak, it comes up powerful. The seed sown is natural; the seed grown is supernatural—same seed, same body, but what a difference from when it goes down in physical mortality to when it is raised up in spiritual immortality!
I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don't in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very "nature" is to die, so how could they "naturally" end up in the Life kingdom?
But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die—but we are all going to be changed. You hear a blast to end all blasts from a trumpet, and in the time that you look up and blink your eyes—it's over. On signal from that trumpet from heaven, the dead will be up and out of their graves, beyond the reach of death, never to die again. At the same moment and in the same way, we'll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal.
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. 1st Corinthians 15: Verses 35-44, 50-54a, 58 The Message
1st Thessalonians 4:18 tells us to encourage one another with these words. THIS is NOT all there is...
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for getting caught up in the cares of the world. Help us to stay focused on the prize - Heaven and eternity with You. Help us to bring as many with us as we can. Be with those who have lost loved ones and are still grieving. Strengthen them, Father. Let them be encouraged with Your Words. We look to You the Author and Finisher of our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 15:32b-33a The Message
Continuing...Some skeptic is sure to ask, "Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this 'resurrection body' look like?" If you look at this question closely, you realize how absurd it is. There are no diagrams for this kind of thing. We do have a parallel experience in gardening. You plant a "dead" seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. You could never guess what a tomato would look like by looking at a tomato seed. What we plant in the soil and what grows out of it don't look anything alike. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different.
You will notice that the variety of bodies is stunning. Just as there are different kinds of seeds, there are different kinds of bodies—humans, animals, birds, fish—each unprecedented in its form. You get a hint at the diversity of resurrection glory by looking at the diversity of bodies not only on earth but in the skies—sun, moon, stars—all these varieties of beauty and brightness. And we're only looking at pre-resurrection "seeds"—who can imagine what the resurrection "plants" will be like!
This image of planting a dead seed and raising a live plant is a mere sketch at best, but perhaps it will help in approaching the mystery of the resurrection body—but only if you keep in mind that when we're raised, we're raised for good, alive forever! The corpse that's planted is no beauty, but when it's raised, it's glorious. Put in the ground weak, it comes up powerful. The seed sown is natural; the seed grown is supernatural—same seed, same body, but what a difference from when it goes down in physical mortality to when it is raised up in spiritual immortality!
I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don't in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very "nature" is to die, so how could they "naturally" end up in the Life kingdom?
But let me tell you something wonderful, a mystery I'll probably never fully understand. We're not all going to die—but we are all going to be changed. You hear a blast to end all blasts from a trumpet, and in the time that you look up and blink your eyes—it's over. On signal from that trumpet from heaven, the dead will be up and out of their graves, beyond the reach of death, never to die again. At the same moment and in the same way, we'll all be changed. In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal.
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. 1st Corinthians 15: Verses 35-44, 50-54a, 58 The Message
1st Thessalonians 4:18 tells us to encourage one another with these words. THIS is NOT all there is...
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for getting caught up in the cares of the world. Help us to stay focused on the prize - Heaven and eternity with You. Help us to bring as many with us as we can. Be with those who have lost loved ones and are still grieving. Strengthen them, Father. Let them be encouraged with Your Words. We look to You the Author and Finisher of our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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