Gone

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34 The Amplified Bible

Saying goodbye to 2020. I don't think anyone is sorry to see it go. We're all wishing for a Happy New Year and the end of this mess. However, at 12:01am of this brand new year, CoVID still has not disappeared. We're still in quarantine. Still masking. Still social distancing. What difference does a day make? Well, it all depends on what happens on that day. 

I remember one day a couple years ago, I got some serious yard work done. That was the good news. The not-so-good news for me was that heavy trash pick up was the day before in the zone where I live and yesterday was gone.

I missed it by one day. The Holy Spirit taught me a great lesson that day. When tomorrow comes, today will be forever gone. What do we have to show for today? Have we done anything with eternity in mind and Heaven as our goal?

How many of us give a second thought to the time we may have squandered yesterday with regard to eternity - ours or those we profess to love? We have no guarantee that we'll all be back tomorrow. 

At the time of this writing, it's now a few minutes past midnight in a brand new year. What opportunities did we miss to speak to someone's eternity? Yesterday's gone. Now that we're thinking about that, what will we do differently about it today?  

Prayer:

Father,
           Please make us ever more mindful of the days of our lives. Let us fill them with You and what is important to You and to someone's eternity. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

That's the Truth

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2nd Timothy 3:16 NLT

I talked with a woman whose husband decided he no longer wanted to be a husband and full-time father. A man who at one point walked with the Lord... or at least gave a very good impersonation of one who did. In the course of providing Scripture with consequences for the different scenarios, she would reply, "But he doesn't believe that. He doesn't believe that will happen."

And I know what she says is true: He doesn't believe there will be any consequences as long as he provides materially for them.

However, you have to ask yourself. If it comes down to what the Word of God says or what you believe, which do you think God accepts as Truth? 

Let me explain something. It doesn't matter if you and hundreds, thousands, or even millions of other people don't believe it; if the Word of God says it, then it is Truth. You not believing it does NOT make it untrue, nor does it change God's mind.

And that's the Truth.

Prayer:

Father,
           Purify our hearts and minds! Cause Your righteousness and Truth to rise up within us and make us more like You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

R&R

 

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 
Mark 4:18-19 NKJV

During winter, when the weather warms up even for just a day or two, people want to be outside for a little R&R. No, not rest and relaxation. I'm talking about reduction and reproduction. It's a good time to cut the deadwood and parasitic weeds and stalks from the fence and surrounding areas. If we don't do it every year, it's twice as much work.

Our Christian walk can be just like that. We've got the deadwood and old roots from the winters of our lives, and instead of plucking them out and preparing the soil of our hearts, we leave them... and nothing new grows, except weeds that choke out whatever the good seed might have produced. 

And I can't find one Scripture that tells me that God wants us to be unfruitful. It's not in His plan. Everything was created to produce and reproduce after its own kind. We are to reproduce in others what God has produced in us - be it peace, love, joy, deliverance from anger, longsuffering, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness... 

Do not let the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the Word. The Truth is unless we find the time - MAKE the time - to tend to the seed, we will be reduced to being unfruitful. Our choice...reduction or reproduction?

Prayer:

Father,
            Forgive us for not being good stewards of what You have produced in us. Teach us, Lord, to plant better seed and tend to it faithfully in order to bring You a better harvest. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The End Result

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

This is gonna sound crazy... but I absolutely LOVE that God knows I can be very hard-headed at times. I don't mean the deliberately rebellious kind - I'm talking about not getting it the first few times... (sometimes not the first few dozen times). I'm not a stupid woman, but I can get very busy! How 'bout you? Do you ever let yourself get so busy you don't make the connections?

Today, I was reminded of one of the stories that makes its way around the Internet 2 or 3 times a year. I'm sure you've read this particular story. It's the one about the mother and daughter - the daughter is having a really tough day and doesn't understand why she has to go through so many trials. So the mom suggests making a cake together and the daughter is all for it. In the process, the mother offers her daughter a taste of each of the ingredients by itself, and of course, the daughter refuses and is repulsed by the idea. After all, who wants to eat flour or baking powder, oil or vanilla extract, or even cocoa powder by itself? Yuck... but when you whip all that together - leaving nothing out - and combine it into a confined space with plenty of heat, you WILL want the end result.

Well, we all want to walk in love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, just like you can't be victorious without a battle, or be an overcomer without having something to overcome, how are we going to know peace unless we experience turmoil? How will we know long-suffering (the King James version for forbearance) unless we have suffered long and still walked in His peace? We cannot possibly know faithfulness unless we have been tempted to be unfaithful. 1st Corinthians 10:13 NLT reads, No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

I don't like battles. I don't like struggling or fighting to overcome. I abhor unfaithfulness. I hate turmoil, but I love God's peace. I love the compassion for my fellow man, but that has come only by adversity and long-suffering and overcoming... You get the picture, right? These kinds of things are why David could write, Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! And why Paul writes in Romans 8, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
“ For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So, when God whips all of it together - leaving nothing out - and then confines us and applies the heat, we WILL rise to the occasion... and the end result WILL be worth it.

Prayer:

Father,
            I want accomplished in me what You want to accomplish in me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Good and Bad

You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.
Psalm 65:11 NKJV

The reviews are mixed in my little corner of the world with regard to the end of the year and the start of a new one. For me personally, it feels defined by the famous Dickens quote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

The deaths of several dear loved ones; the births of more - including my first great-grandchild, Ezra. A couple tragic divorces (I think all divorces are tragic!) I've spent eleven months of the year helping to battle devastating health issues with friends and family and the last 9 months in quarantine with most of the rest of the world. And yet, at the end of this year, the bad is eclipsed by God's crowning this year with His goodness and causing His paths to drip with His abundance in my life.

Through it all, He is faithful. Just as it is written in Romans 8, He causes ALL things to work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose - in the best of times and in the worst of times. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever - Praise His Holy Name!

Prayer:

Father,
           You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. And we are so grateful! Help us to keep our eyes and our hearts focused on You and Your purpose for our lives. Give us the strength to be about accomplishing Your purpose. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

As We Have Opportunity

When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2b NKJV

A friend from church died unexpectedly this morning. Another friend is in the hospital, trying to heal - her lungs ravaged by CoVID. She needs a miracle... My heart is sad, but my hope, my strength is in the Lord.

At all times, we should ever be before the Lord, but especially in these hard times. 

Paul instructed us in his letter to the Galations 6:10, So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Let us help to bear one another's burdens, prayerfully AND practically, according to God's Word. 

Let's look - really look - for those opportunities to do good for others; to offer hands-on comfort and healing, as Christ's hands extended.

Prayer:

Father,

           Open our hearts to pour out Your Love to those around us who are suffering. Open our eyes to see their needs and provide for them. We ask, Father, that You pour out Your love and healing comfort in abundance to overflowing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

It's Time

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! 

 Luke 2:19-20 The Message

I've heard today's Scripture passage hundreds of times - most of us have - but it is especially descriptive in this translation.

Somehow the image of the shepherds "letting loose" to glorify and praise God for everything they had heard and seen paints a much better picture in my mind of their total response to being visited by angels and then witnessing the Christ child.

I've seen and enjoyed some pretty incredible things in my life that can only be attributed to the Lord! And if you think about it, you probably have, as well. When was the last time you let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything you've heard and seen? Think about it. It's time.

Prayer:

Father,
           We choose to let loose of all bitterness and strife. We choose to let loose of thinking we know everything. We choose to let loose of unforgiveness and strife. Help us, Father, so we can really let loose and praise You as You deserve to be praised. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Good Tidings of Great Joy

I did not write this one, either. My friend, David Jackson, wrote this. For years, David was the spiritual mentor at Mustang Engineering. A mighty man of God with great wisdom and the most humble heart.

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And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

Jesus’ birth introduced a Savior to a weary world which had long been pining away in sin and error, as the Christmas hymn phrases it. It was truly a moment for that weary world to rejoice: the thrill of hope in the breaking of a new and glorious morn. If ever there was an announcement brimming with good tidings and great joy to all people, it is this gospel message proclaimed by the angels on that glorious night.

So why is it we find so much of that weary world not rejoicing in this glorious truth? They don’t doubt the sin and error which plagues their world, causing their heart to yearn for a savior. They just doubt that He’s come. And there’s little joy found in pondering our end without a Redeemer to rescue us from our pitiful plight of adversity, anxiety and addiction. But this doubt is unwarranted in light of how that Baby, heralded by singing angels, grew to change the world. As the author of O Holy Night goes on to say: “truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace”. His message of love left a legacy confirming the truth of what He said and who He was. 

Virtually every orphanage, hospital, prison ministry, elderly care facility, and charitable organization originated with Jesus’ disciples living out what He taught them in the first-century Roman world. Healed marriages, reformed criminals, freed slaves, comforted hearts, and war-ending treaties have consistently testified to the authenticity of His gospel of peace and the reliable promise of a “glorious morn” for 2,000 years. And what a glorious morning it will be: “chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother and in His name, ALL oppression shall cease”.

Truly these are good tidings of great joy for all people. The Savior who was sent to us in that lowly manger has not yet answered all of our questions; but the answers He has given and the power of His gospel thus far manifested have proven sufficient to trust Him and to know with utmost assurance that He will complete that which He started; that His love will bring ultimate healing; and that one day our unsettled, finite minds will no longer see Him and all things so dimly - we will see Him face to face; our understanding will be fully enlightened and we will “know as we are known“. So let us occupy this Christmas week with great rejoicing as we celebrate the Babe Whose birth made this thrill of hope possible.

Prayer:

Father,

          Let our weary hearts awaken to the thrill of hope that is Christ so that we walk fully in His law of love and His gospel of peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Light and Dark

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32 NIV

The winter solstice on December 21 was the darkest day of the year. For many of us, that means we begin work when it’s still dark outside, and by suppertime, the sun has long set. That slide toward the shortest day of the year seems like sinking into a black hole. No wonder people in ancient cultures celebrated the days when the sun began to return.

Eight days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple as the law required. A man named Simeon saw Jesus, and his eyes were opened to the reality of Jesus’ identity. His eyes saw God’s salvation. There, in human form. Simeon was at the right place, at the right time. Simeon saw in Jesus a brilliant light that would show the way to salvation for all nations.

The days were dark then. It was hard to know when deliverance from the tight grip of the Romans might come. Roman taxation was heavy; the sight of soldiers in the streets was a constant insult; war was always just a rumor away. The occupiers built unfamiliar buildings. It was difficult to settle into a normal pattern of living when on a whim, an emperor in a faraway land could demand a census that sent you packing your bags.

The days are dark now as well. Not just because it is late December, but because a pandemic keeps resurging; because more and more generations are turning their backs on faith; because wars rage on; because so many families are losing their jobs and their homes; because every day the evening news delivers more horror stories.

But even in so much darkness, the light will never be forgotten. Light is not an illusion; in fact, darkness has no real substance. Darkness is actually nothing more than the absence of light.

We need to see salvation as Simeon did—here and now. We need to use this Christmas to look at the One who has been prepared in the sight of all nations (Luke 2:31). The public Savior - the Light of the world.

Prayer:

Father,
          Open our eyes as Simeon’s eyes were opened to the Lord Jesus. Help us to see Your light that we may live in truth and comfort in this dark world. And help us reflect Your light to the people around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Forewarned

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
Colossians 2:8 NLT

There's a lot of nonsense and empty philosophies running rampant in our world today. satan - the great deceiver - is eloquent in his lies and twisting of the truth. Are we able to tell the difference between something that is Truth and something that has only an element of truth? 

You know that it can be very difficult to tell some knock-off products from the name-brand goods unless they're side by side with good lighting. The same is true with the everybody-feel-good-no-matter-what philosophies of life. They sound good, but are they Truth? The only way to know for sure is to hold them up against the Truth and Light of God's Word. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are instructed to study the Word so that we are able to rightly divide the Word of Truth. 

Paul warned us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 

How will we fight the lies of the enemy if we don't have the proper weaponry?

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for giving us the heads up to the enemy's battle plans. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and strengthen our hearts to fight courageously for Your Truths. Shine the Light of Your Truth into every situation. Expose the lies and subtleties of satan. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen. 

Praying with David

Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death.
Psalm 86:11-13 NLT

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Psalm 39:7-8a NLT

My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my heart! Psalm 57:7-8a NLT

Psalm 51: 1-2, 7, 10-12 NLT

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. 

Purify me from my sin.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; 

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

New and Different

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Titus 2:12-14 NLT

Ephesians 2:8 tells us that it's by His grace through faith, we are saved. When we grasp the fullness of God's grace in our lives, there should be change. That's what happens when we are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures us, This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

Heart check - Has it begun? Are we different? Are we totally committed to doing good deeds? Does the world know us by our love for one another as Jesus said in John 13:35? Or have we become complacent, stale, isolated, diluted by the cares of this life? 

Prayer:

Father,

           We pray that the only extraordinary circumstances to change our lives come from Your plan of salvation, Your grace, and the measure of faith that You have given us, according to Your Word. We want to be a new creation in You. We want to be so different that the world will see You in us and want You for themselves. Help us to walk in the fullness of Your grace. We ask for a fresh anointing to rightly divide Your Word and gain the wisdom contained in it. Change us to become more like You, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

In Service

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
Romans 15:1-2 The Message

We love to quote Scriptures about being strong, such as Ephesians 6:10 - Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. And Isaiah 40:29 - He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Perhaps one of the most favorite ones to quote - Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. However, the great Truth contained in our Promise for Today keeps echoing in my Spirit - Strength is for service, not status. I believe it is the nuts and bolts of our Christianity.

Yes, love is the driving force behind all we do (or should be). I would contend that we cannot effectively serve others without love, but we also cannot love as Christ loved without our hearts and minds being changed to want to serve. Matthew 20:28 NLT, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

So, again, Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Prayer:

Father, 

           Strengthen us for Your service. Help us to grow into the masterpiece You have designed for us to be, created anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things You planned for us long ago, according to Your Word in Ephesians 2:10. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Recall

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy.
Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders!
Psalm 77:11-14a NLT

I believe it was Ashleigh Brilliant who said, “I try to take it one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.” Have you ever felt like that? I know I have. That mindset is much more noticeable in people since this pandemic started and the enemy of our soul just loves to jump right in with both feet and try to pile on. We can't let that happen. So don't!

Make the effort to count your blessings. I guarantee there are multiples, but if you're having a hard time, start with one. You're breathing, aren't you? More? You can read. More? You are reading this on a device that can connect with the world. You get the idea. In Isaiah 61:3, God promises beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...

Praising God will lift your spirit. Be intentional about it!

Philippians 4:8 NLT tells us, And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. In The Passion Translation, it reads, And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.

Go ahead! Express your gratitude to Him for all His wondrous deeds on your behalf. Instead of pining for what you don't have or for what you're missing, give God praise that you had _____________ for as long as you did! I challenge you to recall what God has done for you and praise Him for it!

Prayer:

Father,
             We pray as King David prayed, Let all that we are praise You, Lord; with our whole heart, we will praise Your holy name. Let all that we are praise the Lord; may we never forget the good things You do for us. You forgive all our sins and heal all our diseases. You redeem us from death and crown us with love and tender mercies. You fill our lives with good things. Give us grateful hearts, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Refreshed

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 NLT

Even though we have more ways to communicate than any other generation before us, isolation has disrupted our lives in ways we never imagined could happen in the 21st century. French philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, "All of humanity’s problems stem from the man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone." I don't know about all of humanity's problems, but I do know that quarantine and social distancing are taking a toll on people's relationships. 

While the world is calling for people to check in with and care for those within their sphere of influence, as Christians, we should be leading the charge. We are called to love as Christ loved and gave Himself for others. Are we?  Unfortunately, I have heard many say they themselves are weary of everything and haven't the energy to give to others. 

Have we let our relationship with the Lord languish, too? If we're not spending time with Him, in His Word, we won't be filled with anything worth giving to others. To that, I have to say, get plugged in again. Acts 3:19 tells us times of refreshing come from being in the presence of the Lord. I think I would have to amend Monsieur Pascal's statement to read, "All of humanity’s problems stem from the man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone WITH GOD." The world needs to be refreshed. Let's get to it.

Prayer:

Father,

          According to Your Word in Acts 3:18, we repent and turn back to You so that our sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from Your presence. Open our eyes to see those around us who are in need of being refreshed. Give us divine appointments. we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen

 

The Best of Gifts

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 NLT

We live in troubled times. No great revelation there. Every day, I talk with at least one person who wishes they had peace of mind. They're worried about CoVID, the economy and the war on terrorism and politics, and their 401k, and getting old and their health, retirement, Christmas, and now, what the new year will or will not bring! The list seems endless.

Have you met those ones who get upset when you don't get upset with them? They remind me of the takeoff quote from Rudyard Kipling's famous poem, "If" in which he encourages his son to be a man with morals and quiet determination. However, the takeoff quote is, If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs... you obviously don't understand the situation!

Jesus tells us in Luke 12:21 - 25, "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?"

If you have to worry, worry about your relationship with God the Father and His Son, Jesus. But once you have a rich relationship with God, in the middle of the turmoil, you will have peace. Peace that comes from knowing God is in control. Am I saying we will never have troubles or another concern once we develop a relationship with God? No! In fact, quite the opposite! Christ Himself told us, in John 16:33, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Troubles will come as surely as you live and breathe, but God has given us a great gift in His Son, Jesus the Christ, and in the midst of our many trials and sorrows, we can have peace in Him.

Jesus - the ultimate Gift - bringing us the best gift of peace.

Prayer:

Father,
             As we hurl headlong to the end of a year that has seemed to be chockful of unprecedented challenges, let us be ever mindful that we are that much closer to the coming of Christ. Help us to keep our hearts and minds focused on You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Expecting

He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Luke 2:5-7 NLT 

There is a lot of happy expectation around the world at this time of year, especially in the hearts of children. Their anticipation, the excitement - it's almost more than they can stand! For me, it is so fun to watch them. Whatever your Christmas or holiday traditions are, there is an expectation that comes with it.

What are you expecting? Has this year played out the way you were expecting? At the last New Year, we weren't expecting CoVID and when it did come about, we certainly weren't expecting to still be working from home 9 months later. 

How often do we miss what we are expecting because we expect it to arrive in a certain way and when it doesn't, it's often overlooked? Like the people expecting a Messiah to save them, but who would make His entrance by being born in a manger. Like the death of the King to establish eternal life in His kingdom for all eternity.

So we have to ask ourselves, are our expectations aligned with the Word of God?  

What are you expecting?

Let's pray together this beautiful prayer that I found this evening, written by Aubrey Coleman, staff writer at The Daily Grace Co. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

You are good and You do good. 
Anything good that we receive comes from You.
You have formed the heavens and the earth.
You have made us for Yourself, and we find the fullness of life in You.
You are gracious in all that you do.
You care for us unconditionally.
You see our lives from young age to old and plan it according to our good and Your glory.
You know all things and see all things.
You have the best vantage point to see what’s best for us.
You are patient and kind.
Your timing is perfect.
Everything that comes to be, arrives at Your appointed times.

I confess that I have many expectations for my life.
I sometimes feel that I cannot do life well without these things.
I find myself becoming emotional when I don’t have these things, or when I’m faced with the possibility of losing them.
I sometimes lay awake at night worrying about them.
I look for the easy way to get these things.
I plan my own ways and try to establish my own steps.
I realize that these expectations can often rule my heart.
Sometimes I choose to believe that they will bring me true joy and happiness.
Sometimes I wonder if You are withholding good things from me.
Sometimes I wonder why others can have this, but I cannot.
Sometimes I become bitter and envious of others who have what I want.
My eyes fixate on my expectations and desires instead of You.
My desire for them can sometimes dictate the decisions I make.
My hopes to have them can sometimes cause me to miss out on the good gifts You have given.
I can often cling tightly to my expectations instead of relinquishing them to You!

Thank You for Your grace and patience with me.
For every time my eyes wander, Your gracious hand reaches out to turn me back to You.
Thank You for loving me without contingencies.
Thank You for loving me more than I could even know to desire to be loved.
Thank You for caring for me in ways I couldn’t even think up on my own.
Thank You for never turning Your back on me.
Thank You for allowing me to entrust my desires to You.
Thank You for listening to the longings of my heart.
Thank You for hearing even the smallest of my requests.
Thank You for promising what’s best for me even when I don’t see clearly what that is.
Thank You for orchestrating all things in a way that brings glory to Your name.
Thank You for giving me the fullness of joy and satisfaction in You.
Thank You for teaching me through my unmet expectations.

Please help me to give my desires and expectations to You.
Help me to long more for You and Your glory than for the fruition of my own plans.
Stir in my heart desires for what You desire.
Teach me truths in Your word, so that I can walk faithfully in accordance with them.
Teach me more of Your attributes, so that I may cling to them when I am doubting You.
Help me hold fast to Your promises, knowing that You always keep them.
Rescue me from any desire or expectations that keep me from You.
Remind me time and time again, that I have been offered the greatest gift in Jesus.
Remind me that He is enough.
Remind me of my hope in Him, even when my hopes are deferred and my expectations remain unmet.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Hope, Anyone?

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT

As the New Year is only a few weeks away, everyone's hopes are pinned on it. Why is that? Changing a calendar page will not make a pandemic end. There's no hard expiration date on it. And changing the date to 2021 won't end the currently-never-ending-he-said-she-said-they-said saga. In a world that seems even darker than it was before, what do you believe? WHO do you believe? What can you believe?

The truth is - in this world, there's only one thing we can be sure of - and I'm not talking "death and taxes." Hebrews 13:8 NKJV reads, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He's not moved by pandemics or vaccines or rising and falling prices of anything. He's not moved by elections or primaries or the sinful practices of mankind. He is God and we are not. Who and what are you going to believe? Where have you placed your hope?

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for Your written Word that remains alive and well and is not changed by anything. Thank You for the solid rock on which we can stand no matter what falls around us. We give You praise for these things and so much more. In Jesus' Name we pray.

Out of the Way

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12: 8-10 NLT

I didn't write this one - my pastor (Alan Neel) did this morning. I found it to be so chock full of treasure that I wanted to share it with you.

"Our constant desire is for life to be trouble-free. Unfortunately, that’s not [real] life, nor does it fit in with God’s plan. God’s character and power are exhibited best when we are not boastful, arrogant, and taking all the credit. God’s power is revealed much quicker when He is the first option and not the last resort. Often, it takes difficulty just to get us out of the way! SO… GET OUT OF THE WAY! GOD HAS A PLAN!"

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word and for faithful followers of God who will rightly divide its Truth and serve it up hot and fresh to nourish our souls and give us strength. Increase our desire for Your Truth and wisdom so that we may encourage others along the way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Christmas Music

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

Luke 2:13-14, KJV

Christmas music is everywhere. At this time of year, one can hardly tune in without hearing a Christmas song of some sort, Christian or secular. Bells ringing... although gone are the sleigh bells, now, it's mostly Salvation Army. The serenity conjured up by "Silent Night" has been lost in the insanity of last-minute shopping and Grandma getting “run over by a reindeer.” The hustle and bustle "as the shoppers rush home with their treasures."

Whatever our feeling about Christmas music, when was the last time we TRULY listened to the words of a Christmas carol and actually reflected on their meaning - our spirit moved by the passion and truth in them?

…Let every heart prepare Him room... 

…O lay aside each earthly thing, and with thy heart as offering, come worship… 

 
…The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him… 

…Born a child and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever… 

…Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord, that hath made heaven and earth of naught, and with His Blood mankind hath bought…Noel, noel… 

…Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled…

…O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind: Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, and be Thyself our King of peace…Rejoice! Rejoice!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men."

Ah, yes! The true sounds of the season…

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son to save us from our sin and ourselves. Help us to lay aside each earthly thing and with our hearts as offering, come to worship. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Real Treasure

Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will fatten your purses in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear; no thief can steal them; no moth can destroy them. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

Luke 12:33-34 TLB

During the Christmas season, there are so many different emotions flying on a collision course with the world around us. Some people are like children, they can hardly wait and stars are in their eyes and they break into song at the drop of a hat or the jingle of a bell. Others are so sad, remembering the family member or friend who did not live out the year and they break into tears without warning. Still others are angry and frustrated with the stress of trying to buy something for everyone on their list while wondering how they're going to pay for that AND the house bills.

Let me encourage you to take a step back and just breathe in - big breath - and breathe out. Again. Breathe in, breathe out.

Have we lost sight? Perspective? For God so loved the world that He gave... (John 3:16). Jesus loved us so much that He came to earth (Luke 2) so He could lay down His life for us (John 10). Why?!? Because God loved us - we are His treasure - He came to Earth because that's where we are.

Where's your heart? What are your thoughts? Where will your heart and thoughts lead you? Are you selling your inheritance for worldly instant gratification or will you hold fast to the greatest treasure ever given to mankind?

Prayer:

Father,
           Open the eyes of our hearts - we want to see You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lights

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Genesis 1:2-4 KJV

At this time of year, the world is fascinated by Christmas lights. Some of my best Christmas memories with friends and family are when we were together riding around looking at the light displays. For optimum enjoyment, you should have at least one child in the car or one adult with childlike wonder because their delight is contagious.

I discovered the delight in it quite by accident. I actually started doing it with my own children because it was free entertainment and we could make a night of it. (And even if gas was $4 a gallon, Mr. Scrooge, you're going to get 12 to 20+ miles per gallon depending on your vehicle and you can see a lot of lights in 12 miles.)

Light is a very powerful force. Movie fans are fascinated by light sabers and in the real world, laser surgery is considered the latest and greatest. The world is fascinated by lights. Electronic games and pinball machines and shoes that light up! Even Sin City is known for its lights. Every picture or postcard of Las Vegas I've ever seen was taken with its lights glittering. Why? Because light attracts.

Light is God's idea - His first words on record. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good... And it was so good, that He used it in the New Covenant as well. The Light appears in Matthew, chapter one, and again in chapter four. Later in John 8:12, Jesus announces, I am the light of the world... David tells us in Psalm 119 that the Word is a lamp and light to guide our way so that we may see clearly.

Directly following the Beatitudes given by Christ and in the same sermon, He says in Matthew 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

HIS light in you. Let YOUR light shine...

Let there be light!

Prayer:

Father,
Cause us to seek after the Truth of Your Word. Let us soak up so much of Your Truth that we reflect Your true light - Life-giving light - to a world that is dying in darkness. Help us to be purposeful in living and reflecting Your light, so that others will be drawn to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Known

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 

Isaiah 43:1b NLT

If you've been with me for any length of time, you've seen me go from lamenting to laughing about people who want to argue with me over how my name "should be" pronounced. Really? It's my name. I've had it all my life. Granted, I may be older now, but I still know my own name.

I can top that story. For the last month, I've been in deep discussion with a certain state office that wanted to argue with me about my legal name - the one I've had for years. It would be different if I had a nickname on a legitimate form of ID, but all of my identifying documents have the same name - mine - that is, except for my recently-issued driver's license because I couldn't convince them with a certified copy of my birth certificate, my SS card, last year's W-2, my electric bill, and my recently expired driver's license (I know - my fault) that I am me. They issued with a name from my past (WAY past). That's who I was - it's not who I am now.

But...Praise God! He's shown me yet again, that it doesn't matter who tries to put what on me, in more ways than one - and in the most important way that counts - by the great Grace of God, I am NOT who I was. I am changed. HE ransomed me and He has called me by name - His.

Prayer:

Father,
I will not be afraid. I have heard You call my name. I know Whose I am and who I am in You. I thank You for all that You've done, all that You're doing, and all that You're going to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

On the Day

Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes.
1st John 2:28 Good News Translation

My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near. These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us.

But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth. I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth.

Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such people are the Enemy of Christ—they reject both the Father and the Son. For those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those who accept the Son have the Father also.

Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life.

I am writing this to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ.

Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child. 1st John 2:18-29

Prayer:

Father,
          Make Your Word alive in our hearts! Help us to implicitly heed Your instructions. Live large in us, Lord, so that we may accomplish all You have set before us BEFORE the Day You come. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

No-Fail Plan

The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
Exodus 31:1-6 ESV

When God first told Moses to go to Pharaoh, Moses kept spouting excuses as to why he couldn't do that. "Who am I to do that? Who are you? I have a speech impediment, I can't speak to Pharaoh or the elders." God assured Moses He made the mouth, He would make it work. Even when Moses couldn’t get past his own inefficiencies, God equipped Aaron to go with Moses. (You can read that part of the story in Exodus, chapters 3 - 4.)

So, here we are in today's text, and God has laid out all the instructions for making the mobile Tabernacle, and He has commanded many minute details of Moses and Aaron – neither of whom were capable of doing all that He commanded. Moses didn't have the background or ability to create what God had given him to do. So what did God do? And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you...

How many times has God asked us to do something and we say no because we don't know how? "What is God thinking? Doesn't He know my background? Is He setting me up to fail?" No! No! And No!

God in His greatness, in His goodness, in His faithfulness, knows what we can and cannot do. However, He doesn’t leave us in our inabilities. If we are obedient to Him, He gives to us everything we need to carry out His plan and purpose for our lives – be it ability in us or the ability of those He puts in our lives.

People fail, that's true. God doesn't. People’s plans fail, but God’s plan never fails. No matter what you see; no matter what you hear; no matter who is in leadership on the earth. Even when you don't understand it. God is in control. He has the plan and the Word assures us God can NOT fail. 

Prayer:

Father,
           Too often, we believe our shortcomings and what we can see - more than we believe Your Word. Forgive us, O God. Forgive us for doubting You and for questioning Your every move. Lord, we surrender our will and our way to Yours. Help us to remember our walk is a walk of faith, and that faith is in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

The Shorn Sheep

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Isaiah 53:6 NLT

I did not write this story, but I found it very interesting and appropriate for this time of our lives. I hope you will, too. The author's identity is unknown to me. 

Have you heard of Shrek the sheep? He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone there to shorn (shave) it. When he was finally found and shaved, his fleece weighed an amazing sixty pounds! Most sheep have a fleece weighing just under ten pounds, with the exception usually reaching fifteen pounds, maximum. 

For six years, Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece. Simply because he was away from his shepherd.

This reminds me of John 10 when Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. Maybe it’s a stretch, but I think Shrek is much like a person who knows Jesus Christ but has wandered. If we avoid Christ’s constant refining of our character, we’re going to accumulate extra weight in this world—a weight we don’t have to bear.

When Shrek was found, a professional sheep shearer took care of Shrek’s fleece in twenty-eight minutes. Shrek’s sixty-pound fleece was finally removed - enough wool to make suits for 20 men! All it took was coming home to his shepherd.

Christ will lift the burdens we carry, if only we stop hiding. He can shave off our ‘fleece’—that is, our self-imposed burdens - brought about by wandering from our Good Shepherd.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Prayer:

Father,

          Forgive us for running from You and from Your disciplines and correction. According to Your Word, may we have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Past vs. Future

Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.)
Mark 2:15 NLT

In my day job, one of the tasks in my portfolio is the onboarding of new hires. Regardless of the position offered, it is mandatory to run a background check and prescreen for drugs and alcohol. There is a variety of background checks from which to choose; some vastly more stringent than others, depending on the job description and work location. Only those who pass are eligible to begin the actual process to be employed.

Once in a great while, we meet a candidate who has a questionable past but who is forthright about the circumstances. Often, we are able to work with that person and proceed with employment, (depending on the grade/number of hits on the prescreens). While reading Mark 2 for our promise, I was reminded of this particular employment scenario.

In verse 17 of Mark 2, Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” In my opinion, this passage is one of the greatest stories in the Word of God! 

Jesus has the background knowledge of EVERYTHING we've ever done, said or even thought! And yet, nothing can disqualify us when we give it ALL to Him, good AND bad. There isn't anything that can preclude us. God tells us in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow." It doesn't matter how it's graded - or how many hits are on it when it's processed -  when Jesus runs it, our background check comes back clear. 

In Christ, our past does not determine our future. 

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for making every provision for us in preparation of our permanent, eternal position with You. Give us opportunities to tell others of Your greatness and Your faithfulness and Your great love toward us. Give them hearts and ears to hear. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Building the House

Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it...
Psalm 127:1 NKJV

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
Ephesians 2:20-21 NLT

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.
1st Peter 2:5a NLT

You've heard it all your Christian life. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. John 15:4 NKJV, Jesus said, Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, He moves in.

So... what kind of house do we offer? A palace fit for a king? Or a shack? Deuteronomy 28 is very clear in telling us that the blessings of God come when we follow His plan... and it's also very clear what happens when we don't.

When the Israelites were instructed to build the Temple, God gave very explicit instructions - minute details - and He expected every detail of His instructions to be followed implicitly. He is explicit in telling us how to build the temple. He shows up after they do what He told them to do. God NEVER lives in a house He did not build. He is not obligated to come to church just because we build a building. Think about that for a minute.

So... do you need a remodel? A makeover? An extreme makeover? Whose blueprints will we use to build His dwelling place? His or ...?

Prayer:

Father,
          How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for Your courts, Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near Your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Build our house, O God. Make us a place where You want to live. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
1st Timothy 4:12b, 16 NLT

I like this tale of a wayward traveler...

I'm leaving Houston, and I'm going to Los Angeles. I arrive in Florida.

Someone asks, "Where are you going?" and I tell them, "I'm going to Los Angeles."
"Well, this is not Los Angeles."
"I know, but I'm going to Los Angeles." and so I leave. I arrive in New York City.
Someone asks, "Where are you going?" and I tell them, "I'm going to Los Angeles." "Well, this is not Los Angeles."
"I know, but I'm going to Los Angeles." and so I leave. I arrive in Tennessee.
Someone asks, "Where are you going?" and I tell them, "I'm going to Los Angeles." "Well, this is not Los Angeles." "I know, but that's where I'm going." and so I leave...

The traveler never got to Los Angeles even though he kept saying that's where he was going.

The point is that it doesn't matter that his intention was to go to Los Angeles. He never made preparation or a reservation or even a true determination to ensure his arrival there.

And in our walk on earth, we tell everyone we're going to Heaven... Is that our intention or our determination? Which "tion" is it? And what will we shun to make sure we get there?

Prayer:

Father,
            It is written that Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We cannot lose our way when the Light of Your Son directs our path. Help us to read and understand the map of life that You've given us in Scripture. Let our lives be a living epistle according to Your Word so we can lead others to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Do You Know...?

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.
1st John 1:1 NLT

A friend mentioned she was in line with someone who knew me, but my friend couldn't remember her name. She used to go to church with me - well, that's several hundred or several thousand that I know of, depending in which state we went to church together. She and her husband are singers - I know lots of couples who sing. That narrowed it a little, but I still had more names than I knew what to do with. Then my friend mentioned the other lady worked at a bank - definitely a shorter list, but I still knew about a handful of names who qualified. She recently had a baby. We have a winner! I knew exactly who it was then.

The lady and her husband are actually friends first with my son and daughter-in-love, and I met her through them while I still lived in Missouri. She has a great laugh and a slightly warped sense of humor (takes one to know one). Prior to the birth of their beautiful daughter, she managed a branch of a well-known bank, and really stepped up to the plate for me during a time when I hadn't been in town very long and I was trying to get a check cashed.

We know OF lots of people, including very famous people. We know OF Abraham Lincoln, but we don't know him. We know OF well-known personalities such as Albert Einstein, Dr. Michael DeBakey, Christiaan Barnard, but we don't know them. However, we act like we do because we know something about them... but it's not the same as knowing them.

We know the people who have been in life with us and been there for us. We know what motivates them to do the things they do, why they act a certain way. We know their hearts, not just their dos and don'ts.

Do you know Jesus? I don't mean do you know OF Him, I mean, do you KNOW Him? Has He been alongside of you in the trenches of your life? Do you laugh together? Do you remember good times? Does He have your back in the tough times? Do you look back and remember when you were first getting acquainted? Do you sing going down the road together? Do you talk together every day? Do you know His heart? Do you want to?

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for loving us and for sending Your Son so we could know You in all Your glory. As we get closer to You, reveal Yourself to us even more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

No Less Love

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.
Luke 11:9-12 NLT

I spent the entire day with my youngest granddaughter, Abby. They call it babysitting, daycare, whatever. I call it love in its purest form. It was the best day on several counts, but the two most important are; One - I love being with her. I don't care where it is or what we're doing, I just love being with Abby. And two - God illustrated some real truths for me.

On this particular day when Abby was a toddler, I discovered that my perfect little granddaughter was not perfect. She has a temper and a very strong will. That does NOT make me love her less. If anything, it allows me to love her more and to prove it by guiding her in the right direction. She cannot purchase or prepare her own food or drink. She could only feed herself finger food snacks (if I got them from the pantry and doled them out for her). She made a mess in her diapers and needed to be changed frequently. That does NOT make me love her less. She was still crawling. She could pull herself up on anything and could climb well. She had learned how to stand but would stumble or fall when she tried to walk alone. 

I had to appoint times for her to rest and isolate her from distractions and the noise and cares of this world so she could. I comforted her even when it was me she was angry with (because I didn't answer her plea the way she wanted it to be answered). That did not and does NOT make me love her less. 

She needs supervision because she will get into everything - and some of it even AFTER she's been told 'no'. That does NOT make me love her less, either. Nor does any of it make me want to spend less time with her. 

And if I - being sinful - know how to do these things for my granddaughter and still love her with a love that defies description, HOW MUCH MORE will our heavenly Father do all this and more for each of His children?

Prayer:

Father,

         Forgive us for all those times we didn't recognize Your love in action. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear and our hearts to receive and believe Your love for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Travel Advisory

Do this and you will never ever be lost. In this way you will receive a rich welcome into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 1:10b-11 CEB

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Lots of food. A long weekend. What’s not to love? Lots of people travelling. Regardless of your mode of travel, I hope you have great directions for your final destination.

As one who can get lost so frequently that all roads look familiar, I am thrilled to find today's promise - Do this and you will never ever be lost. Since our destination is the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it would behoove us to follow the trip advisory that God has laid out for us. If we go back a few verses in our text for today, we find this vital information:

By his divine power the Lord has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of the one who called us by his own honor and glory. Through his honor and glory he has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immorality that sinful craving produces.

This is why you must make every effort to add moral excellence to your faith; and to moral excellence, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, endurance; and to endurance, godliness; and to godliness, affection for others; and to affection for others, love. If all these are yours and they are growing in you, they’ll keep you from becoming inactive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These are the things we must do so that we will never be lost.

Peter goes on to tell us, Whoever lacks these things is shortsighted and blind, forgetting that they were cleansed from their past sins.

Let's not get lost. God has given us the directions for our journey - His Word. It has all the vital information we need. The route is clearly highlighted. Use it! Don't take one step without it.

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for the ultimate travel guide. We are so grateful that You have paid the way for us to get to You. We want to be around Your banqueting table on the day You call us home. Keep us ever mindful of the trip advisories in Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

To Die For

And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
Matthew 12:36 NLT

I can’t get away from our text for today. It scares me to think about all the idle words I’ve spoken in my lifetime. With that Scripture in mind, I am amazed at how many times a day I hear, “Oh, it’s to die for!” usually referring to some great recipe or a scrumptious dessert. To be completely honest with you - as much as I love to eat - I hate that phrase!

I cringe inside every time I hear someone say that about food or some insipid situation. I think about every person who ever served in the armed forces. What about the police force and the firefighters? These are people who daily put their lives on the line, ready to die for my safety and/or freedom, and then there are others who think a shrimp or pie is something to die for.

Personally, outside of my family, there’s very little I would die for. I’m not trying to be the word police or Sister Super Spiritual, but when someone uses that phrase in that manner, I have to bite my tongue to not make some smart-aleck remark like, “Really? You would die for that? Actually, lay down your life just so you could eat that?”

I think about this Scripture in Romans 5:6-8 NLT, When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

He died for us so that we can live forever in eternity with him. He loved us so much He deemed US worthy to die for. Now THAT’S something to get excited about and to share with everyone!

Prayer:

Father,
            Forgive us when we lose sight of what is truly worthy of honor and glory and praise. Only You, Father. Only You. Keep us ever mindful of this truth. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

A Place to Stand

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

Archimedes - a mathematician and inventor of ancient Greece - is purported to have said, "Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough and I will move the world." Scientifically speaking, with the working principle of the lever, that could be true...but we also know, he had no such place to stand. It's easy to make such grandiose remarks when you don't have to prove anything.

That's what I love about God - His Word is good! His Word is true. And He backs it up. If He said it, it's a done deal. The Earth is proof. The sun is proof. The moon is proof. The oceans, the trees, the birds, the sky, every living, breathing element of life. Proof.

What else did He say? Maybe you'd better open the Book. You need to know how it's going to end or you won't have a leg to stand on.

Prayer:

Father,
           Open Your Word to us - let us see more clearly. Teach us what You would have us to know. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

On the Daily Menu

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

1st Peter 2:1-3 NLT

It's the beginning of Thanksgiving week in the US. I love reading the thankful/gratitude/blessing posts on social media that are plentiful during the month of November. And I wonder why we can't be grateful and not hateful the other 11 months of the year.  

Speaking of Thanksgiving, people are talking about their favorite recipes and planning their menus. I like learning people's thoughts on what makes a certain food THE recipe for their holiday meal. And I wonder if we like them so much and we drool like Pavlov's dogs when we think of them, why is it we only fix those dishes on specific holidays? Would it not taste as good on say, any given Tuesday? Just wondering why they're not on the daily menu.

Have you ever tasted a better recipe for a favorite food and decided from that one taste that you would never go back to the old way of doing it? Never settle for anything less? In fact, anything less is such a disappointment that you'd almost rather do without than settle. 

What does this have to do with our Promise for Today? Well, as I see it, God has offered us His salvation, a better recipe for living this life. Do we only serve Him on Easter and Christmas? Only when we attend a church service? If we've tasted of the Lord's kindness, don't we want it on our daily menu?

Prayer:

Father,

          Change our hearts and our desires, O Lord. Help us to get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Help us to walk in forgiveness and develop a lifestyle of forgiveness. Strongly, remind us of the taste of the Lord's kindness, so that we settle for nothing less than the best. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Singing a Love Song

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100 KJV

We love music. We may not like the same kind or style (or volume) of music, but I've never met anyone who didn't like music of some kind. We listen to our favorite playlists on anything that will allow us to download to it. You can't go anywhere without seeing earbuds stuck in people's ears, while they listen to whatever digital form of music is coming from their phones.

We love it - it's part of our make up. It can lift our mood, calm our souls. Music soothes the savage... well, you know. We put our favorite music on - whatever it may be - and sing along even when we can't carry a tune in a bucket with handles and help. But you know what? That's perfectly okay. Sing your heart out! The Scripture reads, Make a joyful NOISE...! It doesn't say anything about singing on key.

God loves music. According to Scripture, that's how we get into His presence - with singing. A song of praise from our hearts beats any GPS for getting us into the throne room of heaven. Ephesians 5:18b-20 in the New Living Translation reads ...be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I especially love how that last part reads in The Message Bible - Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Yes, any excuse for a song... When was the last time you sang God a love song?

Prayer:

Father,
          Today, we lift our voices to worship You in Spirit and in Truth and in song. ♪♫Take joy, my King, in what You hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.♪♫ In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Into His Presence

On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.

Psalm 100:1-2 The Message

Today, I attended a Homegoing Celebration for Diane Marquis. For as long as I'd known her, she was intensely passionate about pointing people to Jesus, at every opportunity and in every situation. Diane had such a heart for the lost and downtrodden! One time, she disguised herself as a homeless person, unkempt AND unwashed, then entered her church on a Sunday morning to see how the people would react. She was very happy to report afterward that they passed the love test with flying colors!

Diane was demonstrative in her love for the Lord. I don't know quite how to explain it, but she seemed to be perpetually in His presence. I remember one time during deep worship, watching her literally go to her knees before the Lord. She was in her late seventies and I wondered how she was going to get back up.  The point is I don't think it ever crossed HER mind to wonder how she was going to get back up. Her only conscious thought was to bow before the King of kings and worship at the feet of Jesus. That's who she was... What a legacy!

Prayer:

Father,

          Comfort Diane's family as only You can. Help us to let our life light so shine to those around us that they may recognize You and glorify You! We pray according to Your Word in the Psalms, Teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may live according to Your truth! Grant us purity of heart, so that we may honor You. With all our hearts, we will praise You, O Lord our God. We will give glory to Your Name forever, for Your love for us is very great. You have rescued us from the depths of death. Create in us a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What Matters

For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
Galatians 5:6 The Message

What does it mean to express our faith in love? To me, it is the full expression of our professed Christianity. Think about this. What were you like before coming to Christ? Were you charitable? Compassionate? Selfless? Did you think of others' needs before your own AND attempt to meet those needs? Did you look outside your four walls? Were you able to see and discern through God's eyes? Did you even want to?

Faith makes us look outside ourselves and see others. Faith in a God who loved us enough to send His only Son to pay the ultimate price for our own rebellious hearts causes us to want to be like Him, to help a lost and dying world. Faith expressed in love...

We can reach great heights of success in the world's view, but if we don't have love, it's worthless. 1st Corinthians 13:2 NLT tells us, If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. What does any of it matter without faith expressed in love?

Prayer:

Father,

           Open our eyes to love. Increase our faith and thereby, our love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What Level of Peace

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.

John 14:26-28a NLT

The world is in turmoil - some things so awful we can't bear to think about them. But Jesus told us to not be troubled or afraid. So do we walk by faith in this or by what we see? Jesus left us a gift - peace of mind and spirit. Do we have it?

I love the words of the old hymn "Wonderful Peace". 

♪♫ Peace! Peace! Wonderful peace coming down from the Father above! Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love.♪♫

Fathomless - defined as 'very deep and impossible to measure'. When was the last time you felt peace even remotely close to that? Is it possible? Absolutely! Nothing is impossible through Christ. It's HIS peace that He's given to us. It's ours for the taking.

Can we fathom that level of peace?

Prayer:

Father,
             Your Word tells us that Your perfect love casts out fear. Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Team Effort

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

I realized that the longer we have to deal with the CoVID virus, the more I leaned toward becoming a recluse. A common ploy of any enemy - Divide and Conquer. I had to ask God to forgive me and to shine His light of truth in EVERY area of my life.

The simple truth is that we are not called to do this life alone. I'm not talking about being married, I'm talking about trying to live a Christian life apart from other people. It's hard to reach out, difficult to comfort, nigh on impossible to lend a helping hand, and we certainly can't be an effective witness living apart. (It can still be accomplished with the mandated masks and 6 feet of social distancing. See Romans 13:1-2.)

Thankfully, we live in a time where staying in touch is easier, but I have to say that texting and email are not the relationship-builders we think they are. How many times have you misinterpreted the tenor of a text or email message? I know I've done it dozens of times. There's no warmth in the voice. No camaraderie. No facial expression to lend weight or value to your words. No feeling like you are connected. 

God wants us to love one another and live it so that others can see and feel our love. Don't just take my word for it. I encourage you to look up Scriptures for staying connected. There are dozens of them. The Christian life is better as a team. Make the effort.

Prayer:

Father, 

           Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for loving us enough to correct us. Thank You for the people You have lovingly placed into our lives to help us grow in You and in our relationships. Help us to see them and to love them as You do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

 

Mere Gold

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1st Peter 1:6-7 NLT

One thing about Texas with its hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, there is always road work going on. It's annoying. It slows us down. There are detours and dead stops. Sometimes, it's just plain scary! Do you think there is road work in Heaven? Nah... the streets are made of pure gold - gold that's been through the fire and purified. Do you realize one of Earth's most precious metals is just pavement in Heaven?

Think about that for a moment. 

If we traded all our stuff for its equivalent in gold would we be able to even lay a block of sidewalk, let alone a stretch of highway? Just FYI, a standard block of sidewalk measures 2 feet by 2 feet and is 4 inches thick. It weighs about 200 pounds. As of this date, the current rate for gold in the US is $1,890 dollars per ounce. Multiply that by 16 ounces to the pound and it's equal to $30,240 dollars. Multiply that by the 200 lbs and we find that the monetary worth of a standard block of sidewalk in gold is six MILLION, forty-eight thousand dollars ($6,048,000). And Peter tells us that our faith is far more precious than mere gold...

Is your faith being tried and tested? Don't give up! 1st Peter 1:9 tells us, The reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls. PRICELESS!

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for placing such a high value on our lives and for providing the Way to pay for our salvation. Help us to hold tightly to our faith and to recognize its worth - the salvation of our souls. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen

Up and About

For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

Romans 13:9-10 NLT

You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.

But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! 

God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. 

Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! 

Romans 13:10-14 The Message

Prayer:

Father,
           Don't let us slumber and laze away these last days. Cause us to be aware and not oblivious! Help us to be proactive instead of reactive, and to do it all in and through and for Christ our Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen