Reminder - Hopeless Without Him

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Psalm 127:2 NLT

All week long, I have listened to people tell me how tired they are. All week long, I have been tired. It's exhausting...  Why are we not rested? We're out of whack. What are our priorities?  Are we trying to do life under our own steam?

If so, then we're not resting in the Lord. We're not following His lead. We're not letting Him do the building. We want to be in control. We tell God, "I got this." Then we move on without Him.

Mylon LeFevre wrote a song titled, "Without Him." He was only 17 when he wrote it, but it's a standard that holds true today, and almost 50 years later, people are still singing it with great passion.

Without Him, I could do nothing. Without Him I'd surely fail;
Without Him, I would be drifting like a ship without a sail.

Without Him I would be dying. Without Him I'd be enslaved;
Without Him, life would be hopeless. But with Jesus, thank God, I'm saved.

Jesus, O Jesus, do you know Him today?
Please don't turn Him away, oh Jesus, my Jesus.
Without Him, how lost I would be.

Verse 1 of Psalm 127 reads, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good." I don't know about you, but I work too hard for it to be wasted. And the Truth is, life is hopeless without Him.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You that You have promised never to leave us or forsake us. Lord, we recognize that it's only by Your grace and mercy and provision that we can do anything at all. Forgive us and correct us when we think otherwise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - The Seed of a Miracle

So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.
Psalm 78:7 NLT

I love reading about the miracles recorded in God's Word, don't you? It's exciting and a little terrifying to think of one million Israelites crossing on dry land through the parted waters of the sea. Think about facing a giant with a sling and a few stones. Aaron's rod - a dead stick that blossomed and produced almonds overnight (normally a 6-8 month process). An iron axe head that floated. Feeding thousands with just a few loaves and a some fish - and have leftovers! Not to mention, blind eyes and deaf ears opened. The dead raised to life. Too many to list here!

We are quick to ask God for a miracle; we know without doubt when we're in need of one, but have we ever really thought about miracles? Miracles are more than blessings. I'm not talking about winning a lottery kind of thing. I'm referring to a supernatural intervention from God when we are in crisis.

Did you ever stop to realize that ALL miracles begin with a problem? And that many come with a great test of our faith? Do we know what His Word says specifically about the situation? Will we remain faithful to God and to His Word when a miracle doesn't take place in our desired time frame? Do we dare to believe God - no matter what?

Is His Word ALIVE in us - in hearts that are prepared as good soil before Him? Not hardened, not dry. Let us also remember that it doesn't matter how much we water if there's no seed in the soil.

Prayer:

Father,
          Keep us ever mindful that we must build each other up in our most holy faith, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, awaiting the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring us eternal life. Father, we want to be safe in Your love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - At the Last Minute

If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.
Job 11:13 NLT

It came up in my memories this week - it's been seven years since Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas Gulf Coast. I remember everyone scrambling to try to find bottled water and bread and gasoline the night before the hurricane/tropical storm was supposed to make landfall. They'd known for several days, but they seemed taken by surprise. Earlier that same week, everyone scrambled at the very last minute to find glasses they could wear to watch the eclipse. That wasn't a surprise, either. They announced it LONG before it was going to happen.

I think it's going to be the same when Jesus comes again. He's been telling us for a VERY long time that He's coming back... He's not kidding. There won't be any score to be made at the last minute because according to Scripture, even though we've had plenty of warning, when Jesus comes, everything will happen "in the twinkling of an eye".  And in His case, it truly IS life or death for everyone...

Prayer:

Father,
          It is not Your will that ANY should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Open their eyes to see that You are not slow in Your return as some count slowness, but You are extraordinarily patient toward us so that all might have everlasting life. Help us to help others see You, to find You, to know You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - It Doesn't Matter What They Think

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

Luke 7:39 NLT

Do you think Simon ever entertained the thought that Jesus was the Saviour of the world or was it more of a "He's the latest fad - very popular. I'm sure I can prove what He's not, but just in case He IS something, I can say I hosted a dinner in His honor" kind of thing? Do you think - at that moment - Simon was rethinking the invitation he had extended to Jesus? The woman was a sinner!

Do you think for one second that Jesus was wondering what His status would be or what it would become in the community based on this - this sinner - touching Him? Do you think He recoiled at the thought? Not on your life! Or hers. Or mine.

What they thought of Him did NOT change who He was or is. For that matter, what WE think/believe of HIM does not change who He is, but by His Grace, it can and will change us.

I love this story for SO many reasons... but mostly I love this story because Jesus was touchable by the untouchable. What they thought of Jesus at that dinner table, what they thought of HER at that dinner table... none of it mattered to Jesus or to her. His love was REAL and she knew it.

Too often, we rehearse the history of our lives in terms of unworthy. We know our sins. Too many to count - how could God get past all that? He showed us how. He gave His life for ours. His spotless, sinless, pure and holy life for us... the Word says, "While we were yet sinners..." (Romans 5:8).

Do you think it was only for Mary? Do you think it's only for someone else - someone who hasn't done what you've done? Simon the Pharisee would think that. He'd have wanted YOU to think that. Remember this. He was wrong back then and he'd be wrong now.

Christ came to be the sacrifice for our sin so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be restored into right relationship with the Father. Lovingly and touchable. We have only to go to Jesus.

It doesn't matter what THEY think about that - what do YOU think?

Prayer:

Father,
           Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart, O God. Thank You for loving us beyond what we can comprehend and thank You for being touchable. Help us to walk resolutely - every thought in obedience to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Guest Author - Renew Our Faith

 

Finding His Will

Always be joyful.
Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

People fret, stress and worry - sometimes for years - trying to find God's will for their lives. It's a lie, a deception, from the pit of hell. It's not elusive. It's not hidden.

God's will is clearly written in His Word. Our Promise for Today is proof.

Here's another - Micah 6:8 NLT,

O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.

I encourage you to search for more. It's NOT too hard. It is written in His Word that He will give us understanding. We cannot know God's will without knowing what He said. We cannot know what He said unless we read His Word.

Prayer:

Father,
         Change our hearts by Your living Word. Help us to correctly handle the Word of Truth, Lord, to be diligent students of Your teachings, and give us understanding. Cause the scriptures to come alive in our hearts and minds, reshaping our thoughts, attitudes, and actions according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

REMINDER - Stand Up or Fall

[ Judgment for Disobedience ] “My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot out lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. They only go from bad to worse. They do not know me,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:3 NLT

At the end of August, I'm thinking about Fall. It's my favorite season. However, in Texas, we don't really call it Fall. Here it's known as Lesser Summer... and we are grateful for it. Although lately there hasn't been anything "lesser" about the temperatures.

Nevertheless, people love to mark the seasons. In the U.S., Fall is most appreciated on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The trees are extraordinary with colors you have to see to believe. The photographs - no matter how good they are - just can't quite capture the first-hand experience. It is worth every penny to make that trip at least once in your lifetime.

As the news was abuzz with the change of seasons, I just kept thinking about Fall, which led me to think about The Fall. You know, Mankind's Fall. There's an old song from the 80's we used to sing that part of the lyric is: "If you don't stand up for what is right, you're going to fall for anything." As I contemplated that line, I realized the depth of the Truth in it.

When we make a stand for or against something, there is a determination in our stance. Our feet are planted more squarely, our body braced, our muscles tensed for action to combat the opposition. If we don't stand up for what we know to be right - what we know to be Truth - then we have no courage or strength born of conviction to withstand the onslaught against us and we will fall... again.

I love Ephesians 6:13-14a in the King James or the New King James: "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth..." 

We will not fall if we take up the whole armor of God.

It's our choice: Stand up or fall.

Prayer:

Father,
           I don't want to be knocked down to make me look up. I look to You now for strength born of conviction to walk in Your Truth. We know Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and we want to follow Him and worship You in Truth. Help us, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Rocking Our World

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

Hebrews 6:18-19a NLT 

What keeps you grounded during tough times? What is it you choose that will anchor your soul when the howling winds of hell threaten to destroy you? On what can you stand and hang on to that never changes - that never needs an upgrade to be forever sustainable? Only the promises found in God's Word. Everything else will fail. God's Word never fails. 

God is faithful. He is love. He is everlasting. He is light and compassion and justice and power and SO MUCH MORE. He is everything we need and His Word has everything in it we need to live.

Life is HARD and we don't always understand the whys and wherefores of it. God's plan for our lives rarely aligns with our own. Yet, He is trustworthy and worthy of our praise, our thanksgiving, our faith, and our worship. When our world is rocked by the storms of life - sickness or calamity or even death - such things do not knock God off His Throne. If we stand on His Word, our Anchor will hold.

Revelation 21:4-5 NLT assures us, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word that calms our hearts and soothes our souls through the storms of life. Thank You for Your promises that give us hope and blessed assurance. Thank You, especially for Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." written in red. We need Your comfort and Your peace, Father, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Hundred to One

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

2nd Corinthians 9:7-9 NLT

Here's how the story goes:

A well-worn one-dollar bill and a similarly distressed one-hundred-dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The hundred-dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the country.

"I've had a pretty good life," the hundred proclaimed. "I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Orleans and San Francisco, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."

"Wow!" said the one-dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"

"So, tell me," says the hundred, "Where have you been throughout your lifetime?"

The one-dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church..."

"Wait! Wait!" The hundred-dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"

Well, we all chuckle, but sadly, if money really talked, this conversation could very likely have taken place! Relax! I'm not here to take an offering or beg. But I would like to remind you that tithing and giving are part of a covenant relationship, and according to Malachi 3:10, we are to "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"

I have come to learn that the giving principle works in every area of life and that receiving isn't all about the bucks. If I sow my time by volunteering or helping a friend, invariably, I wind up with enough time for what's on my schedule and some to spare to do it again. If I sow kindness, I will receive kindness in great measure. If I sow love, I reap it in bundles too large and overwhelming to comprehend. If I sow mercy and/or grace, I will get it abundantly in return...and I need it. And when He sees I need some more of any of it, He pours out! Scripture reads, "Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands."

I don't know about you, but I don't want the representation of the life that precedes me to Heaven to be a one-dollar bill equivalent. I want to pour it out and give it my all. That's what Jesus did AND still does!

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to see the beauty of Your majesty, to receive Your great love for us and to us through others. Teach us to give ALL, just as You gave all for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Testify for Today - Just Today

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 NIV

I was diagnosed in February 2016. Meds do NOT touch the pain, and I find they generally do more harm than good. The burning (in my legs and feet) feels as though they are lying in the hot coals of a barbecue pit. Clothes, sheets, and even water from the shower are like scraping already raw, burnt skin.

It IS exhausting and can be horribly depressing...

I reached my wits' end several years ago and just wanted to die. I screamed at God, "I cannot do this the rest of my life! It's too much!!" and then the still, small Voice asked, "Can you do it today? Just for today?" So each day since, just for today, by His Grace and His promise to always be with me - to never leave me - we've gotten through the day.

The thing is, Dear Ones, God has called us to ONLY do today. Not the last 7 years, not the last 32 months, only today. NOBODY can face a future while they're carrying the accumulation of all that awful.

Psalm 32:8 ESV, [God speaking] "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." So, is there someone today to whom we can minister the love of Jesus? Let's focus on that. Is there someone just today who needs a note of encouragement? A written prayer? Let's focus on that. We must look outside of our circle of pain. Can we give the world a smile in spite of the pain? Yes, by God's grace, we can.

Do I succeed every day? No, I do not, but in the Word, Isaiah 61:3, God said He came "To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Do I fail? Yes, yes I do but HIS WORD NEVER FAILS. That's what we stand on and the prayers of the saints He has surrounded you with who love you and continue to pray for you.

Do we understand everything and why? No, but we KNOW God is ALWAYS worthy of our praise. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You that You have decreed all things work together for our good - to those called according to Your Purpose. Give us Your eyes to see those in need around us. Help us to hear Your voice guiding us to do all that You have planned and would have us do - especially for those of the Body of Christ. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - Put It On

Come before His presence with singing!
Psalm 100:2b KJV

As a follower of Christ, where would you most want to be at any time, especially when life is hard? In His presence, right? Wrapped up in His arms, yes? Held close to His chest?

Our Promise for Today tells us to come before His presence with singing. And a previous Psalm assures us that God inhabits the praises of His people. So there's never a reason not to praise our God.

When we're happy and doing well, we, His people, naturally want to thank and praise Him. It's in the tough times that we struggle with it, yet that is the very time we need Him the most! Isaiah 61:3 tells us Christ comes to give us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. So, let's put it on! And don't worry, God knows your size.

"All my life You have been faithful! All my life You have been so, so good! With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God." excerpt from "The Goodness of God" - Jenn Johnson

Prayer:

Father,
           We come to You washed in the Blood of the Lamb and singing Your praises. We want and need more of You, Lord! More of Your resident presence in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

HUGE REMINDER - The Social Dilemma

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Colossians 3:8-11 NKJV

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. I love that I can have instant communication with family and friends who live states and countries away and at a glance, be able to catch up on the latest news. (However, we cannot let that be our only method of maintaining relationships.) 

What I hate about social media is the tendency for it to be more divisive than inclusive, what with the spewing of hateful opinions, the hard line in the sand, the black and white of things, no love, no forgiveness, no mercy.  ...neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free...

I especially hate it when the "Christians" are doing the spewing. I put the word in quotation marks because as Christians, the Bible says we are new creations. We are to have put off the old man of hatred and separatism and are to have become one in Christ.

Here's what the Word says about all of that... Colossians 3:12-15 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Prayer:

Father,
          Please forgive us for leading the charge into the fray of self-serving opinions instead of into the sanctuary of Your salvation and peace. Help us to walk faithfully in Your love and mercy, in Your kindnesses and forgiveness. Help us to put on love and to let Your peace rule in our hearts and lives. Give us grateful hearts, O God, and Your strength to live holy before You and with one another. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - Facts vs. Truth

"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 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

Reminder - Controlling the Crowd

While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.

Mark 5:35-37 NKJV

It's generally not a good idea to follow the crowd. Most of the time, they blindly push forward with only an idea of what they think is right. And with a crowd full of different people providing input, the original missive or message quickly becomes diluted and/or polluted. The pervasive personality commonly becomes arrogant and abusive because of its size and misconceived power. 

Jesus was surrounded by a crowd of onlookers and seekers after Jairus came to Him, begging for his daughter's life to be spared. The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd, dividing and conquering by faith, and was healed. When the people came to tell Jairus to not "bother" the Master any longer, Jesus knew He had to take control. 

He spoke only to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Scripture tells us that He did not let anyone follow Him except Peter, James and John. Three who He knew believed and the one who wanted desperately to believe. When He got to the house, Jesus dispersed the crowd there, too! He did not let crowd opinion and mockery rule over Him or the situation.

And there, separated unto God, the prayer of faith became Rhema Word and the child was raised from the dead and restored to her family. Are you taking notes? He did not let crowd opinion and mockery rule over Him or the situation.

What's going on in your world? Are you gathering a crowd or exercising crowd control?

Prayer:

Father,

         Let us look only to the Author and Finisher of our faith! Help us to walk the way less traveled, following only in Your footsteps. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

A Great Reminder - It is Finished

God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.

Colossians 2:14-15 (CEV) Contemporary English Version

At the Cross. That's where it happened. That's where Christ defeated ALL powers and forces. The King James reads that He "made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them..."

Where?!? At the Cross... You know as Christians we're fond of spouting that satan was defeated at the Cross. But do we know it? Do we believe it? Do we act like it?

Jim Mackey said something that was utterly profound in its most basic Truth and here it is. "We're not waiting to see who wins - We already know who wins - God!" He then painted a word picture of today's mindset - two forces running neck and neck, and we act like we're waiting to see who will be triumphant!

The Truth is - Jesus said, "It is finished!" No sequel. No do-over. No to-be-continued.

Prayer:

Father,
          Forgive us for not walking in the Truth of Your Triumph. Illuminate Your Truth to us. Help us to know it in our knower and walk in it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - How to

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 

1st Thessalonians 5:16-18

I used to be so intimidated to pray aloud. I was afraid of what people would think. I was afraid I would somehow misspeak. And then one day, Steve Fender, in San Antonio - a man who could pray the roof right off a building - preached the most liberating message about prayer. He said, "Stop worrying about what the person next to you thinks about your prayer...unless, of course, you're praying to them. And if you're not praying to them, what does it matter what they think?"

God judges our heart - the inside of us - not the outside.

There's a story about a preacher who was walking out of church one day and noticed a little boy kneeling down behind one of the bushes on the church property. Suspecting foul play, the preacher began to sneak up behind him. As he got closer, he heard the boy reciting, "A B C D... A B C D... A B C D... "

The preacher stood up and demanded with a booming voice, "Boy, what do you think you're doing?"

The little boy looked up from his kneeling position, then stammered, "I...I...I'm praying, sir."

With a snort of derision, the preacher declared, "That's not praying - all you're doing is reciting letters."

"Yes, sir, I know, but didn't you tell us that God knows everything?"

"Of course He does!"  the preacher pontificated.

"Well," began the boy in his explanation, "If God knows everything, He knows what I need to say, but I don't. So, I figured I'd give Him the letters and He could put them together to make the right words."

If ever in your life you've had a conversation with anyone, then you have the necessary rudiments to prayer. Someone to talk to. Someone who will listen. Someone who will answer.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for establishing an open line of communication. Thank You that You hear our prayers. Thank You that there isn't anything...anything...that is taboo when it comes to talking with You. Keep us ever mindful to include You in all our conversation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - The Process of Recycling

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.
2nd Corinthians 5:17-18, NLT

I want to share something that I believe God showed me, but I need to tell you the first part of the story to make the connection. It's a little long, but hopefully worth the read.

Sometime in the last few years, one of my kids showed me a YouTube video showing thousands and thousands of plastic water bottles in a garbage landfill instead of a recycling center. It made an impression on me, so I started bagging plastics for recycle; you know the drill - water bottles, laundry detergent bottles, milk jugs. I thought it would be a very simple process. Bag the recyclables - put them out for the truck.

However, my little town doesn't offer blue recycling bins with a truck pickup. They have a recycling center by the municipal complex. That meant I would have to bag them, put them in the trunk and take them to the recycling center. Okay, that was a little more involved than I'd planned to be, but I kept remembering those thousands and thousands of plastic water bottles and I knew I needed to do it... So, I loaded it into the car, and drove to the center only to find that it was closed due to some unforeseen circumstance. I have to admit, I was a little put out by that as I drove back home and unloaded it into the garage because I was not putting it back into the laundry room. And there it became out-of-sight-out-of-mind. And at the time, I lived in a little place that had a dirt floor in the garage. Oh, I continued bagging more of it, but I would haul it out to the garage, and toss it in, and try not to see how much of it was already in there because I didn't want to take the time to fight the cobwebs, etc, in a dirt floor garage. (and there's a LOT of "etc" in a Texas dirt floor garage...) Nor did I want to put that into my car until finally, I had bagged up enough that I needed help to get it there.

The first trip was a real eye-opener and overwhelming because I also learned that you don't just throw all the recyclables in one recycle bin; my stuff was all in the same bag - plastic, glass, aluminum cans. There's #1 and #2 plastic, clear glass, brown glass, blue or green glass, aluminum cans are different than tin cans, cardboard, newspaper and magazines, white paper, and so on and so forth. Getting it into the right bins was so much fun...NOT! That was WA-A-AYYYY more than I bargained for when I first made the decision to recycle. I would have to re-think this whole commitment. It would be so much easier and certainly less time-consuming, not to mention more space in the laundry room, just to throw it all in the trash... but I kept remembering those thousands and thousands of plastic water bottles.

Recycling has become a normal part of the day because I have chosen for it to be that way. I have days when I don't want to fool with it and would just like to throw it away and not be bothered with the time it takes, but in my mind, I still see those thousands and thousands of plastic water bottles... So, I take the time because it's not just about me. Now, I look for things I use that can be recycled, and it was in the process of checking an item that I believe God showed me the following analogy.

We come to salvation because we heard or saw something that led us to Calvary and what Christ did for us on the Cross. It made an impression, so we think we'd better get ourselves to church. Well, the next thing you know, it's not just church on Sunday, it's a mid-week service, too, and then they're talking about being baptized, and reading your Bible every day, with all the "thou shalt" and "thou shalt nots", depending on which translation of the Bible you read - and by the way, which one should you read? And does it matter? It's overwhelming, and you think, this is WA-A-AYYY more than I signed up for... And you want to walk away because it would be so much easier to just go back to sleeping late on Sunday and not feeling bad about what you did or didn't do regarding decisions that never used to give you a moment's pause... but then you remember the Cross at Calvary and how Jesus laid down His life for you and you realize it's not just about you...

You may think there's too much in your life that needs to be changed - you'll never get it all right. You got all this stuff and no way to straighten it all out. Well... you just need a little help to get it separated into manageable pieces, that's all. Maybe you WILL join that small group they mentioned so you can learn how to do this or do it better... Take a little time each day to read your Bible, learn about it, and put it into practice until it becomes a normal part of your day.

Will there be days you want to give up? Probably... but then you go back to what took place at Calvary - Jesus on that Cross for your sin... And all those things that were so overwhelming at the beginning? You'll find yourself taking them, one by one, to God and asking, "What can You do with this?" Our God has a very sweet way of taking what we've used or done and making good come of it.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for taking our old lives and making them new. Continue to teach us about bringing our stuff to You, so You can turn it for good use. Open our eyes to see and our hearts to know that it's not just about us and what we want. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Remembering - Mom Died 28 Years Ago Today

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT

Yes, my mother died 28 years ago on this date. Sometimes, it seems like forever. Other times, like it was just yesterday. I wrote this promise a couple years ago, but want to post it again in honor of Mom who introduced me to Jesus.

I have been remembering moments in time of my mother and my two brothers, of babies who have gone to Heaven without ever having drawn one breath here on Earth, of beloved friends who died from diseases that ravaged their bodies but could not destroy their souls. I remember marvelous moments of joy and laughter, as well as those of heartbreak and grief. And I remember God's comfort through it all.

I remember as children, my siblings and I cleared the table, washed and dried dishes, and swept the kitchen floor, as our mother played hymns on the piano, encouraging us to sing rather than squabble over who was doing what task. I remember that some nights, we touched Heaven with the harmony of those old songs. It was palpable. At that time, I didn't know it was the presence of God inhabiting the praises of His children, but I knew I could feel something deep inside my soul.

As a young teen, I ran from God and it wasn't until my late twenties - desperate for my broken heart to be healed and longing for the peace that they wrote about in the Bible - that I returned to the God who promised that and so much more. And I returned to the music that soothed my soul.

I remember sitting by our mother's bed, singing to her, and years later, by my oldest brother's bedside, holding his hand and singing softly to him in the middle of the night, as his spirit hovered between life and death, and I witnessed the peace of God's presence soothe as only He can. I remember...

And on those days that seem darker because the light that was their lives is no longer around me, I remember these words from 1st Thessalonians. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope... First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
So encourage each other with these words."

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for remembering us and our frailty as humans. Thank You for providing everything we need to thrive in this life You have given us. Thank You that we have hope and our hope is in You. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You do not change. You are straight and true. Your Word does not fail. Strengthen us, Father, so that we may help others and encourage each other with Your Words. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder to Take a Stand

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT

People have discussed and argued politics for years, but I haven't heard the despair and hopelessness like I hear now. I understand the angst and concerns. I really do understand…and it’s easy to get caught up in it. But you can’t jaw it to death unless you’re Samson (Judges 15). And for those looking for answers to these problems in a man or a government or a leader other than God, forget it.

It's happened before. Read the history books. And now more than ever, Edmund Burke's famous quote rings true - "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." There has to be some action, but it needs to be the right kind.

We should start with a sword - THE Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6). 2nd Chronicles 7:14 reads, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. I mentioned that the other day and someone who professed Christianity responded with, "Yeah, fat chance. You'll never get this nation to pray." Hmmm. That's why we're supposed to READ the Word. It doesn't say get the nation or all the heathen on their knees to pray. It says, If MY people who are called by MY name... If we call ourselves Christians…

Putting on the whole armor for a battle is not just so we can stand with some protection. It's so we can fight - it is so we are prepared to engage in the battle. The weapons of our warfare are not of this world, according to 2nd Corinthians 10:4, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds… 

In the meantime, let’s live our lives and fight our battles with the plan God has laid out before us. Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV reads, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able TO STAND against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND. [emphasis mine]

Prayer:

Father,
           Keep us ever mindful of Your Word in John 3, that You loved us so much, You gave Your Son so no one should perish or be destroyed; and that by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. Help us to walk in the Light of Your Truth. Let us be ever aware that Light always overcomes darkness. Renew our minds. Change our hearts. Help us to stand. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - I Have to Ask

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

2nd Timothy 1:15-16 NLT

Has your trust in someone or something ever been betrayed? Have you given up on someone or something because it took longer than you expected for it to come together? Or have you ever been so plumb weary at the end of a very long day that you just wanted to go home, pull the covers over your head, and forget it all?

In all areas of life, we MUST, Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching... - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. And we MUST, Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Are you trustworthy? You may think,  I'm not a thief. I'm not a liar. I'm not a   (fill in the blank).  Yes, that makes me trustworthy. That's not what I'm asking you. Are you trustworthy with the great and glorious Gospel message that God has written on your heart?

Are we trustworthy to keep His message pure and true - not adding anything to it or taking anything away?

Are we trustworthy to not destroy the trust others have in us because of how we feel about what happened today or last week or this week or this month or this year?

Are we trustworthy to share the great and glorious Gospel message with those whom God has entrusted to us?

Are we?

Prayer:

Father,
            Give us wisdom to stand in Your Truth, carefully guarding it. Make us trustworthy, O God, to keep Your Truth pure and share it with those who need Your Good News. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Want Help with That?

Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].
Galatians 6:2 The Amplified Bible

Have you ever had a difficult season in life? Yes, I know... stupid question. Every living being has had at least one. What do you do in those times? To whom do you turn? Yes, of course, Jesus. He's our only true hope. But do you have anyone to help you pray when you can't? Someone or several someones to help you when your burdens are perhaps more physical than spiritual?

What's your definition of "burdens"? We definitely need to help carry spiritual burdens - moral struggles, addictive sin, matters of an eternal nature. What about helping when someone is moving from one house to another? What about during an illness or a long recovery? Meals? Mowing? Cleaning their house when they can't? Are we as willing to walk through the truly tough times - death of a loved one? Loss of a job? Providing groceries? Caring for children or the elderly?

These are just a few examples of being Christ's hand extended - the law of Christian love. Also in the Amplified Bible, John 13:35, Jesus instructs us, By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another. 

Take a moment and think about those God has put within your sphere of influence. How can you help?

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for the times we have missed the opportunity to be Your hand extended to fulfill the law of Christian love. Open our eyes to see as You see. Open our hearts to feel for others as You would. Grant us the wisdom and the wherewithal to help those around us. Help us to live so that we are known by Your love and unselfish concern for others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - What's In Your Luggage

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Romans 13:11-14 NLT

While there are many different types of travelers, there are generally only two types of packers. Those who pack ahead of time and those last-minute packers... of which I am one.

Being a last-minute packer can be beneficial if you have back-to-back trips. You just leave some things in the suitcase and then throw in a few more depending on where you're going, and you're off on the next trip. And if you forgot something, don't worry, you can probably buy it at your next destination.

However, according to our Scripture passage today, in light of our final destination - Heaven - we need to be very intentional with what we have in our luggage. What preparation have we made for eternity? Remember, we won't be able to run out and "buy" whatever we missed. So, depending on where we want to go, we need to remove the dark deeds and immoral living. Get rid of the quarreling and jealousy so we can make room to pack the shining armor of right living. We also must clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's going to need a serious amount of space. 

So, what's in your luggage? What do you need to get rid of?

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth and to help prepare us for this journey to You. Open our eyes to see what needs to be removed to make plenty of room for Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reminder - Let's Be Reasonable

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1 NKJV

I had a conversation with a friend who mentioned the struggles he was experiencing with a particular project and how it seemed to be ongoing. He presented it laughingly, but it was obvious he wanted some relief. He said his wife told him God was developing patience in his life like He did with Peter. His response was, "I told her, Peter didn't have to deal with this..."

I quipped, "You're right, he didn't. But he was inverted and crucified, so I guess we could get an upside-down crucifixion arranged for you if you think that would be easier to deal with." Let's just say I'm not the author of the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

According to our Scripture for today, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice... Wait a minute. Doesn't sacrifice include fire and burning meat? Let's face it. We all like grilling, but not if WE are the sacrifice. When God puts me to the test and I make a comment like my friend made, my sister asks, "Hmmm... do I smell barbecue? Something's burning..." Clearly, neither is SHE the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

The Bible tells us we are to be holy and acceptable to God. How? How do we do that - holy AND acceptable? Scripture tells us in Romans 14:17-18, ... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Notice this is not a multiple choice statement. It does not read righteousness OR peace OR joy in the Holy Spirit. It's a package deal. Holy AND acceptable! Righteousness AND peace AND joy in the Holy Spirit! How in the world do we do that?!?

By the mercies of God. Now, THAT's reasonable...

Prayer:

Father,
          By Your mercies, which are new every morning, we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto You, which is our reasonable service. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Great vacation, but glad to be home!! Reminder - Myth Busters

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

MythBusters was an American pop science TV show that tested the validity of rumors and urban legends that were generally believed to be true. Items such as:

A penny dropped from a skyscraper lands with enough force to either kill a pedestrian on the sidewalk below or embed itself into the sidewalk.

It is possible to pick up radio signals through a tooth filling.

Holding a large sheet of plywood will slow a fall from a building enough to make it survivable.All of which have been accepted as believable, but none of which are true, by the way.

With the aid of the Internet, myths and urban legends are detrimentally rampant because lots of people will believe almost anything they read in written form. It's astonishing to discover how often a myth or rumor is widely accepted as truth simply because someone has heard it, read it or said it so many times.

It tends to be the same in life. How often do we buy the lie that we'll never be able to overcome a particular sin in our lives because we believe we were 'born that way' or we've 'always been like this' or 'that's just the way I am'? The verses from Titus jumped out at me today. Verse 14 declares that Christ gave His life to free us from EVERY kind of sin. I don't see an asterisk that lists any exclusions. It doesn't read 'except for...'

Let's bust a few myths today, shall we? It doesn't matter how many times you've tried and failed. It doesn't matter how many times someone has proclaimed that you will never be this or that. It doesn't matter how many times you've heard it, read it or said it... The Truth is this. 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.

God's Truth - His Word - is the original myth buster. Put it to the test.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for shining the light of Your Truth into our lives. Help us to understand Your Word and to overcome the myths and rumors and lies about us and about You. Help us to be totally committed to doing good deeds. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen