Do It Right

      Doing things the right way is God's way.  Some people want to take all the shortcuts and just get whatever it is done.  Will it matter?  Will anyone really notice?  These are the questions Satan puts in our thoughts to deceive us into doing things wrong.  God says 'do everything as of unto the Lord, not man'.  I think we all know from experience that doing something over takes way longer than if we did it right to begin with.
       Do we demand of ourselves what we expect from others?  Our example to others will be followed and they will not just choose from our good side either.   Matthew 7:2  ''For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.''  
      May we all do what is right, not what is easy.  It's often a fork in our road, so may we always choose the right path to follow.

God's Goodness

    Well I'm glad the answer to the question above doesn't matter because I could go either way at this point.  I'm taking lasix today by choice to help the swelling in my foot go down.  It's not serious but just a nuisance.  I'm hoping the end justifies the means because it doesn't make for a fun day.
    'Life isn’t always easy. No matter how positive you are, how many smiles you spread, or how many uplifting quotes you share there will always be what seems to be just an down-and-out bad day. But, from those bad days you’ll come to learn, love, and appreciate even more the best days of your life.'
    The more you think of God's goodness, the less your focus will be on your troubles.  'Each day can bring more joy than sorrow when our mortal and spiritual eyes are open to God's goodness'.  It reminds me of the guy who drowned and asked God 'why didn't you help me?'  God answered 'I sent a life preserver and a raft but you ignored them'.
    There are no rainbows without rain, but do you see them?  There is good in 'every' day, even if we label it a bad day.

Harmony

     Today my friends, the Bakers, came over for a visit.  They have four children that are all under the age of five.  Harmony and peace among them is an on going lesson for their daily lives.  Romans 12;16  '' Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.''  I think children playing together can be a great example of this. They aren't of lower position, but they are different in ages and at different learning stages.  Parents train their kids to 'play nicely with others', so where do we lose that in adulthood?
     Also from Romans,  'Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.'  We should be sympathetic, loving, compassionate and humble in our interactions together.  'Harmony is when the sum is greater than the parts'.  Often childish, petty things can destroy relationships, even between adults.  The pride in our ego is the main cause of discord among people.
    'Can't we all just get along?'  It sounds so simple, yet seems so difficult for some.  Some people think 'peace is the time of reloading' and that can include your rifle, your mouth, your thoughts.  That's not peace, but seeking vengeance.
    May we put others before ourselves and live a more harmonious life together.

Through It All

     Sometimes life feels like a roller coaster with ups and downs, twists and turns, dark tunnels and lighted paths.  Do we get scared and anxious?  Of course, we do.  God is our safety belt that holds us even when we don't cling to Him like we should.
    The first part of this caption is about how we draw nearer to God in the roughest times of our life.  With praise, thanks, trust, and love, we can show with Who our reliance truly stands.  We offer up our gratitude despite the circumstances.
    The second part is about how God is our source and satisfier behind the scenes.  Our hope in despair, our light when we are blind, our strength when we are depleted, and our comforter in distress.  Our greatest comfort is knowing that God is in control.
     Today as my church family prays for our sister in Christ, Sherry, we know that God is good at all times and we trust in His will.

Our Appointments

"The impression that a PRAYING MOTHER leaves upon her children is life-long." ~ D.L. Moody


     Today I attended the memorial service for Kay Stinnett.  Her daughter, Cara, is not only a friend of mine but more importantly my sister in Christ.  Cara had the strength today of 10,000 soldiers as she shared the testimony of her mother's Christ-like example to her in her life.
    'As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses of what Jesus has done in us and for us. To point people to Christ, we don’t need to be able to explain every theological issue or answer every question. What we must do is explain what we have witnessed in our own lives through the cross and the resurrection of the Savior.'
     Everyone is guaranteed two appointments in this life, with birth and death.  We've all made our first appointment but what are you doing with your time until the next scheduled appointment?  We call this our 'dash', like mine is 1971-?  Are we passing the hope we have in Jesus to others?
     For believers, death is not the end but instead a glorious new beginning.  Jesus conquered the grave and gave us victory in death.  Yes, we all want to go to Heaven but it always seems too soon for those left behind and not yet called to go.  May the peace of God comfort us all till we meet again on that beautiful shore.

It's a God Thing

     When we are used as a blessing to others, 'it's a God thing.'  It is good to be blessed but even better is to be a blessing.  I am often, if not daily, encouraged by the comments I get about my blogs.  We are called to be a part of God's family, transform our character to be like His, and spread His Good News to others.  You are a blessing anytime and in any way that you think about others before yourself and act upon it.  Don't discount yourself either, small acts mean as much as big acts to God.  It's all about how much heart you put into it.
    May your focus be on being a blessing wherever you go.  1 Peter 3:9  ''Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.''

Hold On

 
    'Don't you know things can change?  Things'll go your way, if you hold on for one more day. Can you hold on?'  These are lyrics from a song but it can also be a life mantra.  It's all about trusting in all circumstances that it is for our good.
     Psalm 30;5  ''For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.''
    We shouldn't ask God to take away our 'thorn' but instead ask for His favor.  We may get frustrated and be at the end of our rope but that's where you trust more in God's will than your own.  God will catch you or give you wings to fly.
    Can you think of hardships that you've gone through to get to the blessing?  I can think of many but I'll just give one example.  My summer of 1986 began with back surgery, a week in the hospital and two months of recovery.  Yes, not exactly a summer dream.  I knew to hold on for better days that lie ahead.  The blessing has been a life long favor of better breathing, body support by the rods, and no back pain.
     So when I think of current sufferings, I reflect on God's faithfulness in my past and HOLD ON.  Psalm 23;4  ''Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.''

Prayers

     The last few days have been full of both joy and sorrow for friends of mine.  It makes me feel helpless, especially for the ones in pain.  I have to remind myself that my prayers are more powerful than anything I can do.  So whatever your day has brought you to my friend know that God is with you always.  I believe in asking and receiving according to His will, therefore I will do my best to pray for the burdens and well being of the loved ones and the lost that I know.

Chris Tomlin Concert 2013

Linda, Vivian, Charlene, Angie, Bobbie, Karla
Roger[behind the camera]

'Whom shall I fear.  I know Who goes before me, I know Who is by my side.  The God of angel armies is always by my side.'

    Well if you were one of the many people who prayed for me last night, then I am here to tell you that your prayer was answered.  I had no cough all night and enjoyed the concert to the fullest.  We had great seats and saw other friends there as well.
    The pre-concert opened up with various music from a DJ to get the crowd pumped up.  Then the concert opened and ended with the song, 'God's Great Dance Floor'.  Karla and I lost our timidness by the end.  She danced and I did my 3 spins.  The show wasn't all fast, rock music.  Chris sang 'Nothing but the Blood of Jesus', 'Amazing Grace' and some other slower songs.  He has a song called 'White Flag' about how God's love has come to win our battle against sin and we raise our white flag to surrender it all to Him. So the people in the crowd who had bought tshirts were given a white flag and were asked to wave them during the song.  Well we hadn't bought our tshirts yet so we broke out our Kleenex's and waved those...haha.  He sang another song called 'I Will Rise' about us rising up on eagle's wings to Heaven when he calls our name Home and how there will be no more sorrow, no more pain.  The audience was asked to shine a light of any kind during the song.  Linda was prepared with her flashlight and shined it brightly.  Chris sang 'In This City' and stated how much more is to come and be done for the Lord in Little Rock and Arkansas.  He sang more songs than I can mention but it was almost a 3 hour show of praise and worship.
    Included in the show was a 30 minute message by Louie Giglio.  He talked about 'The Prodigal Son' parable.  He asked 'do you know what prodigal means?'  I always thought it meant 'lost' but that's wrong.  It means 'lavish'.  The father in the story, as our Father in heaven, wants to lavishly welcome his child back when he willfully returns to him.  This was a message to both unbelievers and those who had lost their first love of God to worldliness.
    If you ever have the opportunity to see a Chris Tomlin concert, I encourage you to go.  This was my second chance to go and I was more than pleased with both.

Karla's tshirt 'Angel Armies'
Angie's tshirt 'Awake My Soul'

Fear

    This is my verse for tonight.  I am fearful and dismayed when I think of having to cough and leave during the Chris Tomlin concert.  I can do everything in my power to prepare myself but my cough can be unpredictable so the threat is often in the back of my mind.  I will try and walk my talk by turning my burden over to Him and trust with all my heart.....and lungs.  'He will strengthen and help me' so why doubt?  The devil wants to steal my joy in a concert full of praise music and worship.
    'He who is in me is greater than he that is in this world.'  My will to go is greater than my fears, too.

Persuasion

    The power of persuasion is a mighty tool that can be used for good or bad.  Who doesn't get hungry watching a cooking show?  Or you think your crafty aptitude goes up by watching a do-it-yourself segment. Some people are born as charmers and others learn manipulation.  The fact is that we can often be persuaded in our weak areas.
    Aristotle says, 'character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.'  Zig Ziglar says, 'the most important persuasion tool in your entire arsenal is integrity.'  Wouldn't it be good if we were only persuaded by honest and legitimate means?  But no, we must be discerning and stand firm in what is right.
    We can all be persuasive if we want something bad enough.  After my choking bout with my Subway years ago, I had to stay overnight in the hospital.  I was not to have ANY food or water.  Well my throat was probably as dry as Moses' throat was in the desert.  I begged the nurse for a drink over and over. Although it was against her orders, I persuaded a few ice chips out of her.
    Persuasion.......don't raise your voice, improve your argument.

It's a God Thing

    A good night's sleep is 'a God thing.'  Did you catch it in the verse above?  The Lord 'only' gives peace and safety so that we can sleep with ease.  We have to do our part by laying our burdens on Him.  Don't we all have restless nights when we have anxious thoughts?  We can only have peace when we trust that He will take care of things with our good in mind.  '' And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.''   I read that 'worry is believing God's plan is not good enough to be trusted.'  Whoa, I thought, that kind of bites.  There really is no way to justify our doubts.
    May we all sleep purrrrr-fectly tonight, despite all the reasons why we could worry and just hand them over to Him.

Weakness

     The book I'm reading points out that 'at some point you must decide if you want to impress people or influence people.'  So often we just want to show others our strengths, because to show our weaknesses would also show our vulnerabilities.  The truth is when you are weak, you are spiritually stronger.
     'Whenever you feel weak, God is reminding you to depend on Him.'  We often wrestle with God, like Jacob, and try to manipulate things into our way with our strength.  'God touched Jacob’s strength (the thigh muscle is the strongest in the body) and turned it into a weakness. From that day forward, Jacob walked with a limp so he could never run away again. It forced him to lean on God whether he liked it or not. If you want God to bless you and use you greatly, you must be willing to walk with a limp the rest of your life, because God uses weak people.'
     When Gloria suggested that I write a blog that shared my struggles with others, I must admit that my pride didn't want to be that open and honest.  When you share your weaknesses, you do risk rejection.  It's not comfortable to be so transparent, but I've found it to be a blessing and helped me to be more confident of who God made me to be.
    My reading says.....Admit your weaknesses, Be content with your weaknesses, Honestly share your weaknesses, and Glory in your weaknesses.
    Paul said, “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses.'
    May we all let pride step aside and let others see the strength of God in our weakest moments.

Suffering

   ''Suffering is part of the human condition, and it comes to us all.  The key is how we react to it, either turning away from God in anger and bitterness or growing closer to Him in trust and confidence.''--Rev. Billy Graham

    Suffering is only temporary for the believer and the eternal outcome is the hope that keeps them going.  Even tho, suffering is not pleasant to see or experience, it does have purpose in His plan.  Life is not fair or bliss filled all the time.  Suffering builds our character and perseverance.  Why do we think we should be exempt from suffering, when Jesus suffered for us all?  As the verse above states, we can look forward to the coming day of no pain or sorrow.
    ''"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone... opens the door, I will come in and eat with him" (Rev 3:20). To believe, according to John's Gospel, is to receive (Jn 1:12), to receive what God has already done. His part is finished ("It is finished," he said on the cross). Our part is to receive that work and let it work itself out in and through our lives, including our tears. We offer it up to him, and he really takes it and uses it in ways so powerful that we would be flattened with wonder if we knew them now.''
     Suffering is part of God's plan to show your need for Him, draw you closer to Him and let Him work through you to the hearts of others.

Did You Hear?

    Well, it takes more than big ears to really hear things.  Of course, we need the ability to hear but it also requires our undivided attention.  We are so easily distracted that our concentration wavers at even the littlest of things.  The noise of the world can deafen us so that we can't hear God's whispers or screams.
     What if I wrote about the same thing every day in my blog and used the same picture, wouldn't you want something new and different?  Some people say they don't need to go to church because they claim to have heard it all before.  If that is true then they should be as close to 'perfect' as you can get but 'know it all' people are far from that. 'The eye is not satisfied with seeing, but is weary of seeing always the same sight, and covets novelty and variety. The ear is fond, at first, of a pleasant song or tune, but soon nauseates it, and must have another; both are surfeited, but neither satiated, and what was most grateful becomes ungrateful.'
     Romans 10:17  'Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.''  When we hear the gospel, we should be convicted in our hearts.  Just as we develop in our lives from child to adult, our faith builds the more we hear, learn and put into action the message of Christ.
    'To truly hear, you must quiet the mind'.  Have you ever said, 'I can't even hear myself think?'  Tune out the world and find your own quiet space to have a heart to heart with God.

Integrity

He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. - Proverbs 10:9

Integrity is best......
--Even when it makes parts of life harder
-- Even when it allows others an unfair advantage
--Even when it requires uncomfortable conversations
--Even when it exposes my weaknesses
--Even if it means I won't fit in
--Even when no one else will know the difference
--Even when it requires me to treat others better than they've treated me

     Integrity is all about doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, caring or interested.  'Integrity is a heart issue and a spiritual habit.'  'Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that would damage your integrity.'
    The 'ends do not justify the means' no matter how much the world tells you that it does. 'A word of advice to those who are striving for a reputation of integrity: Avoid those who are not trustworthy.'  Choose your friends wisely because you will be judged by who you keep company with.  'When you lie down with dogs you get fleas.'
    Success without integrity is failure.  'Do what is right and let the consequence follow.'

Renewal

    As a catepillar turns into a butterfly, we too can be transformed into a new creation in Christ when we surrender our will to His.  My devotional yesterday talked about how personal renewal can benefit our lives.  Let me share this with you.
    Personal renewal brings New Determination, New Direction, New Dependence, New Desire, New Devotion, and a New Dedication.  Where can we find an example of this in the Bible?  ''When famine came to Bethlehem, Naomi, her husband, and their two sons fled and settled in Moab. In due time, her sons married Moabite women. The Moabites were a race that was born in incest and a people who observed a false religion that was the antithesis to their Jewish heritage. Later, Naomi’s husband died, as did her sons. Left with her two daughters-in-law, Naomi, upon hearing that there was now bread in Bethlehem, set her face like a flint to return to the will of God for her life. She encouraged the two women to go back to their people and to their gods. Orpah kissed Naomi and went back. The other, Ruth, clung to Naomi, saying, “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” These now familiar words constitute the formula for us when new things come and we cling to Christ in such a manner. When personal renewal comes to our own heart, it brings several new things.'' [biblegateway.com]
     So many people are looking for newness in their lives, just look at all the self-help books on the market in your local bookstore. When you decide to believe in Christ, your life should be dedicated and devoted to Him, like Ruth was to Naomi.
    I encourage everyone to read the book, 'Not a Fan' to understand the difference in being a fan of Jesus versus a follower of His.

Never Alone

Job 7; 17-19  ''What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention, that you examine them every morning and test them every moment?  Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?''


      We feel lost and alone when we depend on ourselves for answers, direction and comfort.  Who hasn't said,  'Just leave me alone' at some point.  The walls we build up can often block out the very help we need at the moment.
      You are never alone, never forsaken, and never forgotten... God always knows where you are and how you are.  No, He won't look away from you even for an instant.  Job didn't understand that despite all of his strife that God was looking after him at all times.
     'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'  Sometimes it's hard to see the good in the journey when we aren't sure of the plan He has in mind.  Heaven tho is not just about the destination but the journey and the relationship built with Him during it.
    When I was 13, my parents took me on a drive but wouldn't tell me where we were going.  Yes, I've always wanted to know what Point A and Point B are on a trip and the route we are taking.  I had to just trust them in that they knew what they were doing and the best way to get there.  They didn't need my help but just to follow along in the ride. It turned out better than I expected....Magic Springs.  Isn't that how we should trust and obey in God's leading of our lives?  I bet the destination is better than we expect too.

Take It Back

    Oh the heat of the moment!  It is often the devil's playground.  Haven't we all let our mouths run wild and say hurtful things in that moment?  It could be from the stress of the situation, the worry in our minds, or just the blame game in action.  Just because we know later that we didn't mean what we said, we also need to tell the person we said it to that it was wrong.  Hurtful words can be replayed over and over in the mind, therefore deepening the wound in the heart.
    Proverbs 21; 23  ''Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.''
Matthew 6:14-15  ''For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
     May we all bridle our tongues, even in the moments when it's so hard to hold back.  A point to ponder.. 'I would rather sit in silence for days than let my hurtful words echo on in someone's heart forever.'

Never Seen

Philippians 1:6  ''Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.''

      If you're like me, there are some people that you 'think' are never going to change and are beyond hope.  Well that kind of thinking comes from our own arrogance that we have in our own efforts to be more than a seed planter of the gospel.  ''When we get to heaven, we will find out how little we actually had to do with our salvation and how true our verse today is--“He who has begun a good work in you.” Salvation is, from start to finish, from first to last, the work of God Himself in us. He sought us. He found us. He began the good work in us. He keeps us. And one day He will present us faultless before His Father’s throne. After all, it was the shepherd himself who went after the one lost sheep until he found it, and then he carried it on his shoulders safely back to the fold, rejoicing all the while (Luke 15:1– 7).''
    'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God'.  Did you catch that?  ALL and no one since the fall of Adam is excluded, not me or you, from sin.
   'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.'  He gave His Son because He loved all of us in this world, even before we knew Him.
   'For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”'  There are no exclusions.  No one is beyond the reach of Christ's calling.

Jesus Loves Me.....lyrics

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.