Content?

4/30/2022

1 Timothy 6:6-11 "Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into this world, and we cannot take anything out of this world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs" "

As I have shared before, I long to live on the water. Truth be told, I look at lake homes pretty much daily. It is a far-flung dream, and yet I pray one day God blesses us with just such a situation. I guess I will never give up hope. I know my family thinks that this longing means I am not content with our current living situation. Now, I do love our home and I feel blessed to have a perfect set up for our family. We live in a nice neighborhood in a lovely little town that is very coinvent to everything. We can walk the dog for miles with all the side roads that connect and wind. We even have a park on the water that is just a few blocks away, and at certain times of year we can see the water from our front yard. It is a wonderful spot, and I am grateful. Yet the desire and draw of the water is always there. 

Contentment is a funny thing, and often times difficult to maintain. We may be happy with 95% of our lives, but there is that small 5% that wants something a little different or maybe just a little more. You can really boil this down from the big things in life to just wishing your living room was a different color. Satisfaction is tricky, I guess. 

In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul speaks of contentment. "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." As a believer, my contentment should not be based on the temporal things of life but rather on my relationship with Jesus. If all I do is look around me at the things of this world, I will never find that peace. However, if I keep my heart, mind, and soul focused on my Savior and His will I will not only find contentment but also joy. 

I am, as always, a work on progress. 

 

Past Pain

4/29/2022

Romans 8:18 "For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us."

We all have a story. We carry around pain from long ago. My husband has some sad and difficult memories from when he was young, and so do I. Our childhoods were very different and our pain from different sources, but that pain runs deep. Usually the difficult - or even joyous, I guess - events we experience when we are young inform who we become in adulthood. 

I have often thought about that over the years, processing the "why" of who I am and how I act. I can tie many of my actions and reactions to the horrible bullying I endured at the hands of the older girls in my neighborhood. I understand very clearly that much of my empathetic nature is due to those incidents. That, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg for me, though. My husband largely had learned to stuff down those painful experiences from childhood throughout his adulthood, although they still factor into his actions and reactions. Over the years, these formative memories have come out of him at a glacial pace. We have been married for a long time and I am still learning things about him. 

Just this morning, he shared something with me from when he was in first grade. It was both a happy memory and a hard one all at once. During our devotional time, as he spoke of this event, I could see him relive it all over again. It was such a sad moment, yet it uncovered for me why he reacts to certain situations the way he does. Again, this was a revelation to me after many years together. I think we often speak of these events during our time of reading the Bible and prayer, because God is healing him and breaking down the walls of self-protection he has built brick by painful brick. God is also teaching me how to better respond to certain reactions, or in my husband's case, non-reactions. He is healing and I am gaining clarity. It is so true that God never gives up on us, and we are both so very grateful.

As always, my husband and I are works in progress. 

A Quiet Warrior

4/28/2022

Psalm 144:1-2 "Of David. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge..."

I am not a fighter, and by that, I mean someone who needs to win. I relent in most arguments, and don't even try to give an opposite point of view, especially with those I know who tend not to listen to other's insights or opinions. I have learned, through God's grace and mercy, to hold my tongue. I have been a fighter in the past FOR SURE. I used to try to come out on top when I thought I was right, but honestly as I age it is just too exhausting. Besides, I have too many other battles to fight.

Now, because I am not one prone to argument doesn't mean I am not a warrior. One is done in a prideful way, but one is done in faith. I know I can come before God boldly in prayer. I can speak the truth of the Gospel boldly as well, for it is God's Word and not my own. I can love out loud, even when it isn't easy, because God has certainly done the same for me. Like the song from Casting Crowns goes, "'Cause I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about somebody who saved my soul." Most warriors' names throughout history are forgotten, but the battle they wage is remembered especially if they fought on the side of good. I just want to be a warrior for my Jesus, and to glorify God with my life. No argument needed. 

Let Him In

 4/27/2022

Colossians 1:13 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son."

This evening I saw and shared a post on Facebook that shook me and made me contemplative. It was a line drawing sketch of a small church. Jesus outside the closed door as the members are blocking it from the inside saying, "Don't let Him in! He will change everything!" Whomp! Boy, did it hit me hard. Right away, I thought of it being a church issue, like in the picture. I reposted with a bold, "LET HIM IN!" and "He WILL Change EVERYTHING!"

I, like many of you, am a walking example of how Jesus can change a life. Do we, however, accept the watering down of faith? We need Him central in our churches, in our lives, and in our world. Unfortunately, often times there is but a mere shadow of Him in all of these areas. Many of our churches have given way to secular interpretations of the Bible and adopted an accepting attitude towards sin. There may also be an emphasis on Sunday morning coffee hour and fellowship being what draws people to one church or another instead of the power of the Word being preached there. As individuals, we hurry about day after day, squeezing devotional time between other tasks or activities, leaving little to no time for our Savior. Our world has increasingly stricken God from the public square, and now sharing the Gospel with others can be looked upon as harassment. 

Do not go gently into that good night, fellow believers! We must stand for truth and what we know is right. We must speak that truth wrapped in love and mercy, but we still must speak it. We must pray and lift this world to our Savior, and we must be willing to do what He asks of us at any moment. Jesus will give us the vision and the strength through the Holy Spirit to do so.  

The Call

 4/26/2022

Psalm 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light onto my path."

Recently, I have felt the call more and more to be vocal about the truth. I do not feel equipped to be as bold as I feel led to be, but I know God will give me the ability and strength I need to go down this unfamiliar path. The world has become a place of increasing darkness, but God is on the thrown and Jesus is the Light. John 8:12 "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."' His Word and prayerful meditation will always light the way. So, I will prepare to go boldly forward listening only to my Savior. It is time for this believer to fully submit no matter the cost. 

A Call to Arms

 4/25/2022

Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

I think we can all agree that the destroyer firmly has control over a lot of areas in our world. Even with all that is raging, this next thing seemed inconceivable to me - but I guess anything goes now. If you have not yet heard about this next item, prepare to be shocked. Recently, my sister sent me an article about how Westminster College, a private liberal arts college in Utah, is offering a course on pornography. The class is not about the effect that it has on society or the brain, or the abuse rampant throughout that industry; it is a regular film studies class. The college catalogue description reads as follows: "Hard core pornography is as American as apple pie and more popular than Sunday night football. Our approach to this billion-dollar industry is as both a cultural phenomenon that reflects and reinforces sextual inequalities (but hold the potential to challenge sexual and gender norms) and as an art form that requires serious contemplation." (Source Foxnews.com although it has been reported on by many outlets.)

Just when I thought colleges couldn't get any more dangerous or manipulative to young minds, this happens. Currently, there are fourteen students enrolled in this class. The teacher has also said that a student may leave at any time without punitive action if they become uncomfortable, so I guess they think that is helpful. Oh my. Just as people are becoming so afraid to even give a compliment to the opposite sex for fear of being accused of unwanted attention or harassment, a college offers a course like this. Boy, the evil one sure does know how to manipulate our weak human minds. 

Brothers and sisters, we need to rise up and fight the good fight, not just with prayer but also by raising our voices in truth. The more we accept the slow simmering sin in our world, the harder it becomes to fight. Have we given in to the point where this kind of class is now not only offered, but acceptable? Have we silently stayed in our comfortable little Christian worlds for so long that others look upon us as endorsing (or at least accepting) horrible things? Will we continue to remain quiet in this world of rampant and unbridled sin, just because it is easier, or will we be willing to put on our spiritual armor and fight? We must pray, inform others by using our voices and social media, and we must, above all, share the transformative Good News of the Gospel will everyone. I do believe, dear ones, that God expects nothing less from His children. 

James 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

Good Day

 4/24/2022

John 14:6 " I am the way and the truth and the life..."

There is a saying I have heard recently that goes, "It's a good day to have a good day." This is, of course, supposed to set a course for concentrating on positivity. There are many sayings that have a similar meaning and desired effect. In our current world, people look to many things for strength or encouragement. There are positive affirmations on plaques, jewelry, note pads and cards, mugs, and even clothing often with a focus on self. These are all fine, of course, but where does real affirmation come from. It comes from God.

I look for affirmations from God's Holy Word, and I find strength through my relationship with Him and through the Holy Spirit. Sure, you can find verses on all those items as well, and they, hopefully, invoke a faithful mediation. True peace, joy, and hope can only be found in Christ. 

Suffer

4/23/2022 

James 5:13 "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray..."

Watching people you love suffer in any way is so awful especially when there is nothing practical you can do for them. Most people would walk through fire for those they love. I know I sure would. When there is nothing to be done to relieve suffering, I go to God in prayer. (I actually do that when I can do something practical to help as well.) Lifting another up in petition to God is the most powerful act in the world, although waiting for His answers can be excruciating. 

We are told in scripture that we should persevere, it helps us grow in strength and faith. Romans 5:3-5 "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and the endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put is to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

So we must all, the sufferer and the people who love them, never give up because walking forward in faith is where we find hope. 

Truth or Judgement

 4/22/2022

Matthew 22:36-39 "'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."'  

Often when I write, I become concerned that I may sound too judgmental in what I am meditating on. Then I think if I am pondering truth, sometimes it may sound harsh or unkind. Today is one of those days, yet I will continue with what is on my heart. 

Do some people truly only care about themselves and others that they deem worthy? It seems unfathomable to me, but I think it may be true. I know someone who seemingly fits into this category, and they proclaim Christ as their Savior. It strikes me as odd, though, since loving others is the second greatest commandment, and it is to be done without caveat. So, how can someone claim Christ and not love others? 

It is true that most of us are not loving to everyone all the time. We all fail in this area of faithfulness, but what about those who live this way all the time? What about those who keep their own tribe close and cared for, but forget others, or worse, treat them with disdain? In our world today, it actually doesn't take long to find many people who are claiming Christ while either judging or even hurting others. Do any of the rest of you feel the weight of this current situation in our world? I know I certainly do. 

The antidote to all sin is submission to Christ and prayer, but are we as believers doing these things? If we were, wouldn't it be transformative? Are we modeling that behavior for others? Am I? If not, then there is certainly a lot of work to do. 

Contained Tongue

 4/21/2022

James 3:8 "But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison."

This verse is so true. I know for myself, even if my intention is not to be poisonous, my tongue can lash stronger than a whip. It can inflict more pain than any physical strike ever could, for an injury dealt with words is both emotional and spiritual. My issue is not to cause harm intentionally, but when I drill down on a subject, as I often do, it can leave others fighting for their lives drowning in a wake of words. 

This is mainly true for my husband and son, as they get the full brunt of my penchant for talking mixed with OCD. It is not a fun cocktail at all. Unfortunately, I do not usually realize they have been "over served" until I finally recognize the familiar defeated or overwhelmed look on their faces. I thank God every day that they are both men of faith who forgive easily. 

I often pray and pledge that I will never again use my poisonous tongue for any reason, but that submission is short lived when life gets difficult, and I feel I "need to try to "help" the situation by talking it through. When will I ever learn that advise if best given when sought for? Lord, forgive me. 

So, as I process yet another failing on my part and how I gave over to sin once again, I will meditate on the verse I have written on a small white board on our refrigerator. Psalm 19:44 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to in your sight, O' Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Maybe this time I will finally fully submit this area of my life to my Savior. 

I am, forever and always, a work in progress. 

Precious Time

 

4/20/2022

2 Peter 3:8 "But do not overlook this fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."

As I have shared before, my husbands new job is very challenging in many ways. He has his own struggles, and we do pray together about those, but I have one that rises to the top; a loss of time together. He has not had a full day off in months and there is a lot of travel involved. I am alone, a lot. 

Recently, due to this life shift, I have been thinking about my parents and the time they spent apart. My dad was a Merchant Marine, and my mom worked at home raising five children and taking care of everything in the household. True, she did not have to worry about money, but they sacrificed the most precious commodity of all: time. They were married a mere 30 years before he died in an automobile accident at 52. Much of that 30 years they spent apart. I have given their relatively short journey together a lot of consideration before, and have marveled at their commitment to one another and my mother's amazing strength. In the light of the new circumstances my husband and I find ourselves in, my parents marriage as become even more of an inspiration to me. The fact of the matter for me is, however, I do not want to sacrifice time with the one I love. I am, much to my chagrin, being asked to do exactly that. It is not the same sacrifice my mother had to make, but it still exacts a cost.

One area where I KNOW my mom found strength for this oh-so difficult life was her faith. I am positive that it is what held her together, and my dad's faith too actually. She missed him, but he missed her and all of us kids. Neither one ever wavered in their devotion to their faith, and I know that is where they had the strength to endure. I know that during this difficult and unexpected trial Randy and I are experiencing, God will give us strength to not just survive but thrive. He will carry is through when we become weak and give is power to follow His leading; all we need to do is keep going vertical and trusting Him in all things. I am grateful that He, once again, has revealed to me how precious time is, and that I must be thankful for every moment given. To God be the glory.

Rescued

4/19/2022

John 3:17 "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

I am obsessed with watching doggie rescue videos on Facebook. I cannot get enough of seeing people save dogs from a dangerous or cruel situation and love them into a happy life. They are at once painful to watch and yet have such joyous conclusions. I love a happy ending. 

The common denominator with all the rescuers is that they all start with a recognition of suffering, have great patience, and do the rehabilitaion work with love. Most of the dogs experience a profound physical and behavioral change. They learn to trust and be loved.

I think these videos speak to me because they are about saving a being who cannot same themselves. Isn't that exactly what Christ does for us. Before yielding to His saving grace we are trapped, in pain, and broken. Then He reaches down to rescue us with patience, mercy, and unconditional love. This is the happiest ending of all. 

It is Barabbas

4/18/2022

Mark 15:15 "So Pilot, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified,"

My family watched the 1961 movie Barabbas, starring Anthony Quinn as the title character. This is a fictional story about the criminal that was set free instead of Jesus, based on a book of the same name by Par Lagerkvist. We began watching out of curiosity, and we were shocked by the strength of its message.

It is a "what if this happened?" kind of story, one that is both powerful and very atmospheric. In the story, Jesus, who Barabbas sees when He is sentenced and crucified, never truly leaves him throughout a long and very difficult journey. At one point, Barabbas exclaims he cannot be killed, but this was more of a curse than a blessing. He believes it is because he was set free while innocent Jesus was sentenced to death. He feels it is a curse, but has a believer tell him it is God's will. He actually asks different versions of, "Why did He die instead of me?" throughout what winds up being a very long life.

In the end, as he is imprisoned with a group of Christians after the burning of Rome, he meets Peter among them. This is where the most profound truths are spoken. Peter tells him that he had been wrestling with faith in Christ all throughout his life, but that Jesus was with him all the while. Peter states that, "In His eyes, every man is the entire world, and He loves each man like no other." Then he offers, "The kingdom is within us, there is nothing more to fear." Such amazing truth! 

There are many scenes throughout the film where Barabbas comes out of the darkness and into the light. He is imprisoned and released literally each time, but it is more reflective of the spiritual prison he remains in while he fights the call of Jesus on his life. The ending scene is just an amazing juxtaposition, as Barabbas gives his spirit over to Jesus. Even at the finale, he speaks of darkness as he enters the heavenly light. 

If you have not yet seen this movie, I would highly recommend it for its thoughtfulness and truth, for Barabbas is all of us. "Why did He die instead of me?"

Resurrection Day

 4/17/2022

John 11: 25-26 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. , Whoever believes in me, though he may die, yet he shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"'

Nothing can change the glory of Christ's resurrection and how the world was changed because of it. With His death and resurrection, He restored our connection to God. Jesus is the bridge. None of us deserved the gift He gave to each and every one of us. He bought new life to everyone who repents and yields to Him as Lord. He gave us this precious gift though His mercy, love, and grace, and became the Savior of the world. 

"Because he lives. I can face tomorrow.

Because he lives, all fear is gone.

Because I know, he holds the future.

An life is worth the living, just because he lives." Bill and Gloria Gaither 

The Longest Day

 4/16/2022

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but but have eternal life."

Every year on this day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday I think about how Jesus' disciples must have felt after all they had experienced leading up to His death on the cross. This man that they left their lives to follow was now gone, and they were scared and still did not truly understand. They called Him Master, Teacher, and Lord, they listened to Him preach, they saw Him heal the sick and perform miracles, and yet he did not save Himself. They must have felt fear and such unimaginable grief. That day was truly a dark one indeed. 

Little did they know the overwhelming joy that would come in the morning. 

The Greatest Gift

4/15/2022

Matthew 27:32-66

The Crucifixion of Jesus

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[d]

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[f] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

The Burial of Jesus

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

The Guard at the Tomb

62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Brokenhearted

4/14/2022

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

This morning, I had a difficult conversation with a friend who is grieving a loved one. This person is a believer, as was the member of her family that passed. A long battle with cancer had some to its conclusion and it was very difficult to watch. This, unfortunately, was not the first time my friend has experienced a loss to this horrible disease. I asked her if she had some peace snowing that her dearly departed was no longer suffering healed in heaven. Her reply was surprisingly, no. I was taken aback at first because most people answer yes to that question. I was surprised, but then I thought how honest her answer was. It is not that she didn't believe the truth of that freedom, but her grief is so profound that not even the thought of heavenly healing could console her. My heart was just breaking throughout the entire conversation, and I was reminded that grief is so different for everyone. This strong and fierce lady cried more than a few times as we talked. 

This conversation just reminded me once again how precious and fragile life is. I must stay grateful every day for every breath that God gives me and the ones I love. I must do my best to love out loud and share the Good News of the Gospel with the time I am given. I must do my best to have others see Jesus in me.  I must be there for others. I must always be thankful for God's grace. 

Faith of a Thief

4/13/2022 

Luke 23:39-43 "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not fear God? Since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.' And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he said to him, 'Truly. I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise'"

My sister sent me a very interesting text this morning. It looked as if it was from a social media post. I believe the original author is Chris Huges, and it was written for https://americaskeswick.org/. The truth within is powerful indeed. 

“How does the thief on the cross fit into your theology? No baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trip, no volunteerism, and no church clothes. He couldn’t even bend his knees to pray. He didn’t say the sinner’s prayer and among other things, he was a thief. Jesus didn’t take away his pain, heal his body, or smite the scoffers. Yet it was a thief who walked into heaven the same hour as Jesus simply by believing. He had nothing more to offer other than his belief that Jesus was who he said he was. No spin from brilliant theologians. No ego or arrogance. No shiny lights, skinny jeans, or crafty words. No haze machine, donuts, or coffee in the entrance. Just a naked dying man on a cross unable to even fold his hands to pray.”

There are so many parameters around the theology of a saving grace through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Every church has different actions or prayers that are put forth as requirements for salvation. In the Evangelical world, it is put forth that the Sinner's Prayer must be said for salvation. In other churches, there are sacraments that must take place. In light of what happens to the thief on the cross, however, is anything necessary but an abiding faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior? 

Some people come to Christ young being raised in the church, some come through a purposeful faith journey, some come through trial or trauma. All these ways are powerful albeit different. I know a fellow believer who did not say a formal sinner's prayer; rather, her faith evolved through devotion, study, prayer, and fellowship. People ask her about that quintessential moment when Jesus became her Savior, yet she cannot describe that moment to them. Should she have to? There is another believer I know who tearfully cried out in prayer for Jesus to be the Lord of her life, but she still felt she needed to pray the formal Sinner's Prayer for her it to be "official." 

All through my church attending life, I have heard people called to make a decision for Christ. However, I have come to believe that it is truly more of a yielding to Him as Lord and Savior. To yield is to give someone else power knowing it is what is best. If I decide, some of that power may remain with me. Perhaps this is why so many prominent leaders fall from grace. I certainly think that the thief on the cross yielded to Christ, and he was eternally rewarded for it. It was a moment of simple yet profound faith. 

So, we must ask ourselves: does anything that was written by Mr. Huges really matter when it comes to salvation? Or is it about having the simple faith of a child in the One who gave His life for the sins of the world?

Romans 10;9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

At a Cost

4/12/2022

Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace..."

There is a saying that I have heard fairly recently that goes, "It is better to ask forgiveness than permission." Now, this can be looked at two ways, I suppose. It's possible that you have a brilliant idea that you do not think anyone will sign off on, so you begin the process without consent. This can either work in your favor or not. There is also the other train of thought where you just want to do something that may not be sanctioned, and someone will probably be upset, yet you do it anyway knowing you will probably be forgiven. Both of these are willful acts that break trust. They can be on a large or a small scale, but no matter your intention, when you go about it with omission, they are always selfish. 

So, I got to thinking: do I go about my relationship with Jesus in the same manner? Do I act willfully knowing that forgiveness will always be granted to me? If so, then I am not only breaking trust, but I am dishonoring the sacrifice Jesus made for me on the cross at Calvary. Wow, that honestly just hit me like a ton of bricks. I caused His scars and He took them because He loves me; How can I ever go into anything without considering this truth? How can I ever cavalierly do anything knowing that I should not? When I consider the cost of my forgiveness, it shames and staggers me. 

1 Peter 2:4 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we may die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."

I am, as always, a beloved and forgiven work in progress. 

Listener

4/11/2022

Mark 4:24 "And he said to them, 'Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use it, and still more will be added to you.'"

Lately, I have been feeling like my voice comes across like the adults in all of the Peanuts cartoons. You know, the trombone wah wah sound where there are not actual words uttered. That has been me for quite some time now. I am not certain why this is happening, but maybe it is just where everyone is in life right now. I have to ask myself, however, if I am also hearing others the same way. Am I being an active listener or a passive one?

The one thing I can be certain of, even when I feel unheard by others, is that Jesus is always listening to me. He hears my voice and he hears my heart. This is true for us all when we are feeling alone or unheard in the world. When I am unseen and not heard, I should not lose heart, because our Savior is always there. Am I, in turn, listening to Him with my heart and soul? 

Selfless

2/10/2022

1 John 2:2 "He is the propitiation of our sins, and nor for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

We just finished watching a movie titled Self/Less. The major premise asks what would you be willing to give up or do for those you love? It also asks what you would give up for total strangers, The movie makes that answer very clear, even though the beginning was more about selfishness, it turned into selflessness.

Today started Holy Week with Palm Sunday. This day marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem while the people cheered thinking he was the king that would save them from oppression. Just a few days later, learning that He was not there to overthrow the government, these same people turned on Him. Both the cheering and the betrayal were self-motivated, yet Jesus' actions were about anything but self. He still acted in love and forgiveness until the end. It is clear what He was willing to give up and do for those he loved, He was willing to take on the sin of the world and love us all unto death. No other act in all of time could ever be more selfless. 

The Why

4/9/2022

Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him."

The last couple of years have been difficult for all of us. We all have some healing to do. Then I think about how, when life was just getting back to some form of normal for most people, Russia invaded Ukraine. That sent everything down another topsy-turvy path. It is affecting the world's economy, but much more tragically people of all ages are being killed in a war that seems so pointless. Honestly, however, isn't all war pointless? It is usually about power and greed of some kind, and we humans just cannot seem to stop engaging in it. The destroyer sees to that. So, as I reflect on all that is happening in the world, I am brought to an image of a beautiful boy's radiantly smiling face.

This little blonde ray of sunshine is the son of someone very dear to me. This past week he was diagnosed with a form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He had his tests just yesterday. His mom posted pictures of this little angel on a gurney, a certificate of bravery by his side. As his smile burned brightly right off the screen, I smiled through tears. Like everything jarring that has happened, my silent prayer went to, "Why Lord?" I know that his parents are both faithful believers and that they have a lot of love and support surrounding them, and hundreds of people are praying, but the weight of this little guy's impending struggle tore at my very soul. I know God has a plan and a purpose for all things, and that truth is the only thing that sustains any believer when the storm hits. Yesterday I saw a picture on social media of Jesus standing in a boat with a man. It said something to the effect of, "It's not that the storm won't come, it's who's in the boat with you when it does." 

Psalm 107:29 "He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed."

Release. Submit. Surrender

 4/8/2022

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

I have stated here before that doing a post every day, when very few people are reading it, is very discouraging. I get to feeling like I have no business doing this, that I am just an imposter. Some nights I sit down to write grudgingly and do so uninspired because my attitude is not what it should be. My Blooms book is also not selling. Not that I care about making any profit from it; there is very little in that regard anyway, I just wanted it to be challenging and a blessing. I wanted people to know they are not alone in their battles by sharing my own story of struggle throughout the text. I also hoped others would want to read My Utmost for His Highest, because that work was so powerful in my own journey. Again, another discouragement. The evil one will use discouragement all day long to undo a believer, that is for sure.

As Holy Week approaches, I need to really seek God's will and His way, remembering that Jesus did just that throughout His ministry. The culmination of His surrender, beginning at the Garden of Gethsemane, leading to the Cross of Calvary, and ending with His resurrection into glory. He is my model for submission to God. 

This coming week, I need to go deeply into prayer and into God's Word. I need to make sure that what I have done and what I am doing is not generated from self-motivation but is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and that, above all, it honors God. If not, then I need to stop, be still, and listen for God's guidance. I need to give myself fully in mind, body, and spirit over to God's will and His way. If it is meant to be my path moving forward, I need be committed without reservation or discouragement. I need to completely release, submit, and surrender. 

You Never Know

4/7/2022

Luke 6:28 "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

I keep reading different Facebook posts about being kind to people because you never know what they are going through. I 100% agree with this statement, and as a disciple of Jesus, I am called to treat everyone with love and grace. I am truly a nature-plus-nurture believer when it comes to people. We all have our matched set of luggage we carry around with us. One bag carries the happy times, one the hard, one the mundane, but we all have them. 

So, what do I do when someone who clearly has more bags filled with challenging events digs in? I happen to have one of these scenarios happening right now. A situation occurred that, for all intents and purposes, should not have been more than a minor irritation on the part of the aforementioned individual. For whatever reason, this person has just dug in, making this minor issue huge. Unfortunately, they are also wanting those involved to keep feeding this now angry monster. I know that, for my part; I just want the whole thing to end. 

It makes me wonder, though, how much has happened to the individual to cause this kind of intense reaction? What are they carrying around in their luggage? How many bags are full of painful situations? I surmise there are many. I have, as others involved have, been pulled into prayer for this person. I know from my own experience that the only way to peace and freedom is through a relationship with Jesus. This person may seem like an enemy, but they are just broken like all of us. So, whenever I see those posts about kindness, I will focus on praying for those who need the mercy, grace, and love of Jesus in their lives. 

Go Boldly

4/6/20222

Mark 16:15 "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole of creation."'

Do you ever feel so called by the Great Commission that you want to quit everything you are doing and just shout the truth of scripture from the rooftops? Do you feel like all the mundane duties of the day swallow up so much time that you just want to stop everything and do nothing but share the saving grace of Jesus with everyone? I have been feeling this way a lot recently. 

Romans 10:15 "And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!''

Yesterday, my sister-in-law shared a song to our sisters' text thread. It was "The Commission" by Cain. The chorus is "Go tell the world about me. I was dead but know I live. I've got to go now for a little while, but goodbye is not the end." This is a holy calling, I believe, for every Christian life, and I am feeling the urgency of that call. We, like the Apostles, are commissioned to tell the world about the saving grace that was bought by the blood of Christ at Calvary for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus became a living sacrifice for me, so what I am willing to sacrifice for Him?

Matthew 9:37-38 "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."'

It is time for me to find my way, to follow the call that God is placing so strongly on my heart, in every fiber in my body, and deep down in my soul. I am praying for guidance and for doors of opportunity to open. I do not want to go forth in my own strength, because that is just a disaster waiting to happen. I need, however, be ready to go boldly, for in this current world, sharing the Gospel can be perceived as a threat. Isn't this an even stronger reason to do so? 

Isaiah 6:8 "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me."'

Bondslave

4/5/2022

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Am I a bondslave to sin or a bondslave to God? 

Sin can hold us captive in its grip, keeping us imprisoned. This does not even have to be an overt sin, but one that is subtle yet easily undermines our faith walk. It can be an "acceptable" sin, which we of course know is not possible. A lie, gossip, anger, slander, overindulgence of any sort, are all fairly tame in the eyes of the world, but the truth is that they are sins that can hold us prisoner. These subtle sins, the ones that have no 12-step program or therapy connected to them, can be horribly insidious. They can not only hold us captive, but also be truly destructive to ourselves and others. 

The only way to battle any sin is to seek God's forgiveness and become a captive to Jesus. For in our captivity to Him, we are set free. Galatians 5:1 "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." 

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Human Frailty

4/4/2022 

Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint."

This evening I am tired. I considered not writing a post, after all many people have told me that I don;t have to write one every day, although I have made a commitment to God to do just that. He, thankfully understands my weariness. Even through I strive to be focused during these writing times, and wait to be inspired, sometimes I am too exhausted and fuzzy. Such is a night like tonight. 

Lately, my husband's job has been very demanding, and it is affecting us both. The busier he gets the more I need to handle at home. Even though I work only part time, it still feels like there are not enough hours in the day to get all that I need to do accomplished. My husband also need my support and care, which I gladly offer him, but that also takes time. Hence my exhaustion. I am so grateful that God understands me and all of my human frailties. He is the one that gives brings strength to move forward. He also brings peace to my weary and worried soul. So, if you are currently a fellow weary traveler, turn to God, for He will never leave you of forsake you. That we both can count on. 

Humility

2/3/2022

Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Although Jesus had all power and authority, while He was on the earth He did not count himself equal to God the Father. He instead acted in all humility coming into human form only to serve.  Philippians 2:5-8 "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was on the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. An being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." This truth is so powerful it knocks me over with gratitude to my loving Savior. So, if Jesus himself lived to serve others, and He is the model for my life, how can I do anything less? This REQUIRES me to put others above my own selfish desires. Do I live my life this way every day? I sadly fall very short in this area. I am so grateful that God extends mercy and grace to me daily and never gives up on me. I am still working on submission, obedience, and dying to self daily. It is very difficult indeed, especially in a culture that encourages and applauds a focus on self in all its forms. God alone will give me the focus and strength if I lean into Him, pray for direction, and listen for the Holy Spirit's gentle guidance. Colossians 3:10 "And have put on the new self, which is being renews in knowledge after the image of your creator."

I am, as always, a sanctified and blessed work in progress.

Balance

4/2/2022

John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

My husband's new job is EXTREMELY demanding on his time. This has affected the balance of our lives dramatically. He gets phone calls during his "off" hours (which really don't exists) all the time. This morning, (it's Saturday) he had to go in to cover one of his technicians that was not able to be at work early. A couple of hours later, he had to go back in to take care of another issue. This afternoon he had multiple phone calls, with one being quite long. This all after being away for three days this week. I was looking forward to spending the day together but that was not to be. As I sit here writing this post he is on his phone texting about another issue. I am very glad he is at least home with me but he is often very distracted.

I have to say that his job is very important, as he works for the state air ambulance service. Not only does he strive to ensure the safety of the pilots and medical crews, but he also needs to consider the individuals being treated and flown to whatever hospital can provide the beast care for their medical issue. It is a huge responsibility and one he takes very seriously. I greatly admire his commitment to the mission and his dedication to safety. I am, however, a weary wife. 

He used to be my partner in life, and now he has part-time involvement at best. He is always exhausted at the end of his long days and also on the weekends. I have been keeping the home fires burning, so to speak, and carrying more than I ever have before. I have been waiting and praying for him to be able to achieve some semblance of work/life balance, but he is caught in a never ending whirlwind of decision making, paperwork, and team management. Thankfully, he listens to my concerns and sees all the things that I do, he just cannot figure out a way yet to slow things down. 

So as not to add more to his plate, I am searching for the lessons that God can teach me through this difficult situation. I know He is teaching me to be more patient and encouraging towards my husbands career. This is very difficult for me because his job has been a trigger in one way or another for many years, although balance was never the issue before. God is also teaching me how to communicate better by illuminating when my husband may not be able to hear my emotions or concerns because of his own exhaustion. God is teaching me to pray for my husband instead of complaining that things are not happening the way I want them to. God is helping me to treasure the uninterrupted moments that we have together because they are fewer than ever before. God is helping me though this personal tempest, because He is the only one who can. So, even though there isn't much balance in our lives right now, God is keeping me spiritually balanced and using this situation to draw me closer to Him. 

Purposeful or Swept Away

 4/1/2022

Colossians 2:6 "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him."

Am I purposeful in prayer and intercession, or am I swept away by my busy life, the loud din of the world, or in my emotions? Do I pray throughout my day, or do I schedule time with God like other appointments in my life? There are so many things that can draw me away from my faith focus on Jesus. The tasks of the day, other people, world events or issues, entertainment, social media, and the list goes on and on. Yet the Bible tells me to pray without ceasing. Is this even possible to do? If God is first and central in my life, it absolutely is. If all I do in life is for Him and because of Him than relationships, work, and even my entertainment is entered into with purpose. If I am in prayerful submission to Jesus throughout my day, I will always be open to the Holy Spirits leading instead of fighting my way along under my own steam. I have both walked daily with Jesus and without Him, and I am hear to testify that with Him is infinitely better and brings peace to a weary soul. 

John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."