New Year

For a man is slave to what ever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 2 Peter 2:19b-22

It is the end of the year and a time when people begin to make New Year resolutions; a time to correct behavior, forge new directions, take on new challenges, live a more complete, happy, and successful life. Believers should be looking back on their physical and spiritual life as well. They should see growth through triumph in pain and difficulty, they should see the many blessings and grace God has given them. Hopefully they have been journaling throughout the year, and they can sit at the feet of the Savior and worship Christ the King as they recall the past evidence of God’s enduring, promised presence in all circumstances and things.

When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea with Joshua into the Promise Land they were instructed to build a memorial with twelve large stones taken from the middle of the parted Red Sea. They were told to build a memorial so they could remember Jehovah Shammah – God is with us everywhere. I fondly call these the Stones of Remembrance. Journaling is the same type of Stones of Remembrance; a place to sit, recall, and worship God for His everlasting presence and fulfilled promises. He is, He was, and He is still to come.

Believers, use this time to reflect on the past year. Have you followed God? Have you grown in the wisdom and knowledge of who God is and the fellowship of Christ? Have you read His letters of love and encouragement in the Bible? Have you lived a life of selfishness and pride, following after the evil desires of your flesh? Have you been overcome by the deceits and trappings of temporary pleasure and success offered by this world? Who was your Master this past year? O Believer, if it was the world and your selfish desires fall on your knees, fall on your face, and plead forgiveness from the Heavenly Father. As the penitent prodigal son was received in forgiveness, glory, and grace, so will you be received of the Heavenly Father.

Look back on this year, think back; re-read God’s blessing and grace; celebrate the evidence of His mighty presence in all past circumstances. With God’s continued abiding presence press on! Press on toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Press on in learning, training, and growing in your relationship with Christ. Press on Believer, press on! For God has not called Believers to remain infants in faith. He has called Believers to be men and women of faith. Growing in wisdom and knowledge of the Almighty and loving God. He has called Believers into a life of dependent and intimate relationship of love and trust in the Creator, God Himself. He has called Believers to live a life of servitude to our fellow man and God, in humility, holiness, and brotherly love.

Look back on this past year. Which Master did you serve? Which Master will you serve this next day, next week, next month, next year?

Worthy

Revelations 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure all things are and were created.

In my twenty one year career I have received a few awards, for aiding in the saving of a life or just overall quality performance. I attended settings in which others applauded the acts or actions of my past. Someone thought I was deemed worthy of praise. Somehow that pales in comparison to what God has done.

He created all creatures great and small. He hung the stars in the heaven. He warmed the sun with light and painted the skyline with beautiful rays of sun and clouds. He carved out the Grand Canyon and placed the birds in air to soar its heights. But His greatest of all creations was man. Man, who was created in the image of God himself, a mirrored likeness in body, soul, and spirit.

O Lord, you are worthy of praise. Not that I am worthy to offer You praise, but You are worthy to receive glory and honour from Your creation. Your glory is evident to all creation. The mountains sing and the rocks cry out. You are worthy to receive all that I have in service and honour to You. My actions should reflect my humility in knowing that I am created for His pleasure and glory. In humility and love, I honour my King in my words and deeds.

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive power. Power not given by man, not grasped by man, but held in Your storehouse and used for Your pleasure. Power to calm the seas. Power to light the sun and chase away the darkness of night. Power for life and power for death. Power for healing and power for strength. Power for salvation and power for redemption. You my King, are worthy to be praised.

Wrath

On a semi country road today, while driving to a meeting, I noticed a medium sized golden tree standing in a grassy field. It was a perfectly shaped tree with a round bottom that gradually thinned at the top like a pear. This golden beauty was alone in the grassy field. The closest tree or shrub was another twenty feet behind it.

The tree was in the process of loosing its leaves. The tree top down to the middle had already lost its leaves and was bare, its golden beauty resting on the ground below. The lower half of the tree was still robed in beautiful golden yellow leaves.

A strange image entered my mind. The tree reminded me of a woman, half clothed – naked and exposed to all who passed by. I was reminded of the passage in Ezekiel 16 and my heart was broken. “I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery and who shed blood; I will bring upon you the blood vengeance of my wrath and jealous anger. Then I will hand you over to your lovers, and they will tear down your mounds and destroy your lofty shrines. They will strip you of your clothes and take your fine jewelry and leave you naked and bare…I will put a stop to your prostitution, and you will no longer pay your lovers. Then my wrath against you will subside and my jealous anger will turn away from you; I will be calm and no longer angry.” (38-42)

My heart was broken that this beauty stood there half clothed in elegance, exposed, stripped of its golden beauty and unable to cover its nakedness. God’s creation is in a version of prostitution just like Israel. Israel was blessed by God, given a land of plenty, a place of peace and rest. Yet Israel was not satisfied. She envied the nations and people around her. She followed their wicked practices. She worshipped their many different idols.

In our world today it is preached over and over again, “don’t have any idols before God.” Television is an idol, internet, money, work, kids, hobbies, and the list goes on. But do we hear the word preached about the jealous anger of God? Do we hear about His anger, wrath, or punishment? Do we know the depth of pain and sorrow we cause as we chase after these man made items of pleasure? Do we understand the sacrifice and love that has been offered to us? Do we know the riches and beauty we have been adopted into? Do we know His love? Do we know His intimacy? Do we know Him?

O Beloved, listen to Him. Have you rejected His love? Have you walked away from Him? Have you accepted His gifts and blessing and turned and used them for your own selfish pleasure and gain? Have the distractions of this world pulled you from intimate fellowship with Him? Are you missing church on a regular basis? Are you watching television and not reading the Bible? Are you sleeping late in the morning and not spending time in prayer? O Beloved, listen to the cry of His heart before He burns in jealous anger. Turn from this path of destruction, fall on your knees and call to your Heavenly Father who longs to pull you into His loving arms. He longs to feed you at His banqueting table, to clothe you in joy, peace, and righteousness. Simply repent and call out to Him asking forgiveness. Call to Him. Run to Him. Return to Him.

For My Own Sake

Psalm 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

I have wrestled for weeks over four small words in this verse; for my own sake. I recall early teachings that I am unworthy and imperfect for a Holy God. Teachings that God forgives and forgets my transgressions, removes them as far as the east is from the west, and washes me whiter than snow so I may approach the throne of His perfect Glory and enter into His Almighty presence. He sent His one and only Son who died on the cross for me. He penned the words in the greatest Book so I might know His power and glory. These teachings and my understanding was that all this was done - for “my sake.” But the words stated here are in conflict of that understanding.

In Psalm 50:9-11 I found the following, “you have no need of a bull from my stall or of goats from my pens, for every animal of the forest is yours, and the cattle on a thousand hills. If you were hungry you would not tell me, for the world is yours and all that is in it.”

You have no need of me, but you created me. You have no need of me, but you love me. I have nothing to give you, but you give to me and long after me. I have turned my back on you, and you still have compassion towards me. I desire selfish things and earthly prosperity and you gave your Son’s life. O, why do you do these things for me? I am undeserving of any kindness from a Holy and Just Creator.

And in the light of your wisdom and grace you said, for my own sake I have blotted out your transgressions and remember them no more. I created you, I formed you, and I love you. I didn’t create you to destroy you. I do all these things for my own sake, because you are my joy and my delight. You are mine and I will rescue and save you through the blotting out of your transgressions and forgiveness through grace. I do all these things for my own sake.

For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all (Rom 10:4). For the world is mine and all that is in it (50:11) and who has given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen (Rom 11:35-36).

“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).” The God of heaven offers, for His own sake, because the world is His and all that is in it. Will you choose this day the pleasures this world offers or the God of all creation? It is for His own sake you were created. It is for His glory that you exist. But it is your choice to believe, accept, and live for the God of all creation.

Read

As I read the opening sentence of the book I was caught off guard by the character’s passionate plea. I could feel the painful sorrow within as he pleaded for his best friend to return so he could be comforted and encouraged during the last days of his life.

The character, the author, wrote loving words of encouragement while recalling days gone by. He wrote strong words of faith urging the younger to remain true and faithful. He wrote words of warning, cautioning the younger not to waver in his duties and to be careful in befriending and trusting those who abandoned him. Finally he ended his introduction with the writing of his own memories of the two of them together in days past, once more encouraging the younger to come quickly.

As I read I was drawn into the life and character of Paul as recorded in 2 Timothy. Paul knows the days ahead lead to his death. His friendship and fatherly love flow through his pen and onto the pages, for generations and generations to read and know. Did Paul know that such a personal letter would be used in this way? Paul wrote them for that day, for that moment, for him, and for his beloved friend.

I write today to encourage you to dive in, take the plunge, sit, read, and absorb the story, character, and setting of any bible story. Read as though you are there. Read as if you are the main character. Read and let the Holy Spirit fill you with wisdom and knowledge. Read.

Try first or second Timothy. Pick an easily understood translation like NIV, NASB, or the Message. If you have a study bible read the introduction and get a bearing on the time, place, and purpose of the writing. Pray for understanding and then read. Put yourself into the story. Put yourself into the author or a particular character, see what they see, feel what they feel, and know an Almighty God.

Start today and read. Watch God expand your understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. Read and be blessed with grace and peace that is only offered and promised by God himself through Christ Jesus our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Read and discover God. Learn to love. Learn to know. Learn to listen. Read, and know that He is God, the great I AM.

Feeble Hands

While at home this past week recovering from surgery I have been subjected to the local and national news. The stories reported were of senseless crimes, death, violence, disaster and destruction. But rarely reported were stories of rescues and selfless acts of mercy. I also saw business hungry law firm commercials begging for money to any cause they can discover and deem unjust to all! Why? Because “you deserve it, it’s your right.” I saw horror shows presented at times when kids were home alone, commercials for upcoming television programs with women scantily dressed and abusive language.

Then I read the book of Isaiah and the tears began to flow; broken and crying over the wayward behavior of Israel and Judah; their rebellious attitude toward God, His commandments, His covenant promises, and His impending judgment, and I thought of the news and the world in which we live. I thought of my own life and the priorities and attention I have given to “stuff.”

We are a nation that lives like we are our own gods. Serving the selfish ambition, passionate lusts, and violent desires buried deep within our souls. Living life like there is no tomorrow, no punishment for crimes, caring not for one another, but moving through life with the attitude of “me first, because I deserve it.” I can only imagine the pain and sorrow of our Creator and Lord; and I am sure “that image” is not near the depth of sorrow felt in the heavenly realm.

Believer, as you look into this wretched world does a mirror reflect back the wicked state of your own heart? Are you burdened by the lack of interest or time you give to the Creator; the Lord God Almighty? Do the priorities of this world, work, television, and family activities push away any time for the Savior? O believer and child of God do you truly believe there is a God in heaven? Do you believe the words written in the Bible are true? Do you believe the judgments? Do you believe the promises?

All is not lost. For the gospel is called “the gospel of peace.” Isaiah writes of the doom and destruction that all of Israel will feel and know. He writes of the impending judgment on this world as a whole. For God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If He is to punish the deeds of the unjust and unrepentant in times past, then He surely will be true to His words in judging the deeds of this present world. But “strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you,’ (Isaiah 35:3b-4).” Isaiah not only writes about impending doom and judgment, but he also writes of the promised ransom by the greatest Redeemer of all.

Let your “feeble hands be strengthen and your wobbly knees be steady. Be strong, do not fear.” God has given you the power to overcome and the hope to endure (Rom 5:5). He has given you a path of righteousness. “A highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it…and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away, (35:8-10).” You have the power and strength within you. Will your faith allow you to set aside the necessary time to enter the secret places of the most high and abide in His everlasting promises? Sit at His feet, read the Bible, and learn of Him. Learn who He is, who He was, and who He will be. Allow the wisdom and knowledge of God to enter into the deep recesses of your mind and heart and strengthen your feeble hands and wobbly knees. “For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint, (40:31).” Come. Confess and turn from the sins of your past, and walk in the Way of Holiness. Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Who Loves You?

Having been a mother of young children and recently a nursery worker at church, loving memories of holding precious babies continue to surface as beautiful pictures of God’s love for His children. I couldn’t help but recall such love as I read Isaiah 30:15, “This is what the Sovereign Lord the Holy One of Israel says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

I recalled the small baby that is crying and distressed over the unfamiliar surroundings; the different noises, the unfamiliar voices, the different sights. The baby is not happy. Continued cries offer the child no comfort and the familiarity is lost.

The nursery worker lovingly reaches down, picks up the precious child, and firmly yet gently holds the tear filled child. She holds the child confidently, offering a quiet strength of love and comfort. As the child squirms and struggles against the unfamiliar arms and voice he slowly begins to recognize the confident strength of the one who holds him. Slowly all crying and squirming settles into a quiet rest and trust that this worker is there for his love and comfort. Her job is to satisfy the child’s basic needs in a loving and nurturing environment.

O that we as believers would learn to repent of our self reliant ways and rest in the loving arms of our Savior. O that we would come to the Comforter and find a quiet uncomplaining trust in the Lord God Almighty. O believer, fight no more against the hand that longs to hold you. Run no more from the one who longs for you to trust in Him. Are you coming to the Father? Are you trusting the written words of comfort, strength, peace, and joy?

O believer, “the Lord longs to be gracious to you.” (18) He longs to rise from the throne of glory and envelope you in His compassion. Will you quietly rest in His loving arms?

Doubts

I sit here with less than 24 hours until I teach the eighth grade girls at Sunday school tomorrow. I have no fear, but I do have my doubts. Doubts of whether I will be understood, doubts whether my skills and Bible knowledge is enough, doubts about being prepared. What a wonderful mind game Satan can play.

Fortunately for me I am confident in my calling. I know this was not a position I sought. I know that God has grown a love in me for His children that was never there before. I know He grew the understanding of His word. But this confidence does not prevent these attacks; instead they provide the defense I need to withstand the attack. And God is ever faithful, always there; He is the strong tower, He is the mighty fortress filled to the rim with words of wisdom, reminders, and encouragement.

This morning He led me to Philippians, where Paul was in prison and chains for having shared the gospel of Christ with others. He writes;

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter?” (1:15-18)

Having prayed through these doubts and read these wonderful words of encouragement, I am strengthen and renewed in my calling. I am once again filled with love; love that He poured into me, love that came from Calvary. Nothing is more powerful than knowing that this message and these words are not mine. That God himself prepared them and He alone has a purpose and intent for each one. In confidence and love I look forward to tomorrows teaching on Esther.

Romance

The cry of the heart is, I want to be good. I want to read my Bible, study, and pray. I want to be patient, kind, thoughtful, loving, and slow to anger. But these are not natural for me. Why do I struggle so? Didn’t God promise the presence of the Holy Spirit, His power, strength, and comfort to those who believe on Him? I really want to do these things for God, but I don’t seem to be able to follow through with any commitment. Why not? Why can’t I do what I know I should do?

Many of us are doing what we heard preached from the pulpit, taught in Sunday school, or evidenced by other believers. We are going through the motions, because leaders have said this is the life a believer should live. We are taught about a loving, sacrificial, eternal, God and King. But we cannot seem to do what He simply asks of us.

I have been taught math, but I don’t do math problems everyday. Had a teacher told me that was the purpose for learning it I would have laughed at her and told her she was crazy. I do math, because I love the challenge of discovering the answer, and because math just seems logical.

Unfortunately many listen and believe what others say about God, never discovering for themselves God’s character, His undying, selfless love for His creation. Never knowing the pain and sorrow the generations before caused. Never reading the love stories of old. Never reading with wonder and amazement at what it took for God to create the oceans, the mountains, the valleys, the Grand Canyon, the beautifully painted sunrises, all creatures great and small. Never knowing the anguish at the first shed of blood. Never knowing His anger. Never know His tears. Never knowing His joy.

Never knowing how God was jilted by His own people, how they turned their backs on the one who gave them everything they needed, He fought their battles, sent rain on their crops, and birthed an entire generation. He divided seas and calmed oceans. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cried with sorrow at the harassment of His creation. He loved us first.

I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard; My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choices vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. (Isaiah 5:1-2a)

The lover’s heart was so full of joy for his beloved that He did everything of necessity to care for and protect his beloved vineyard from pests, pestilence, and un-welcomed guests who wished to devour such beauty. God’s love gave us all we need. His hand of providing, protection, and blessing covers those who believe. Dive deep into His written words. Discover a God that none can describe. Discover an ember of love that will burn into a blazing fire. Discover a love so strong that not even death could contain it. Sit in the warm glow of the written words, wrap your heart, mind, and soul around every word. Search with longing at all God is, and was, and is to be.

Then fall on your knees and worship Him. Take this new discovery of love and look anew at His request that you come to Him, read His word, study, and pray. Discover a loving resolve that awakens you in the morning with anticipation and excitement. A resolve that keeps you awake at night, reads through a pounding headache, concerns of unfinished work, or unpaid bills. Read, study, and pray, and watch an “unseen God” come to life inside of you. Read….and find a Love like no other.

Tears

In search of the majestic throne of the Creator and living God, I wandered into the book of wonders, Revelation. As I read of all the glorious and strange creators I was amazed at the beauty the earth has been blessed and blanketed with, and I must admit, confused at all the hybrid looking creatures described within this book. Yet as I searched for the words that describe God and His kingdom glory, my eyes walked the path of man’s torment here on earth: a path of seeing wonders of wonders; a path of living in shear terror; a path of knowing not from whence mine help cometh.

Here at my computer, my heart broke; opened and spilled out at all that belongs to God that will be destroyed. As if I were the mother who birthed this creation and was now required to watch my children being trampled and destroyed; watching as they live in agony and terror at the destruction of their home and physical body. The sorrow came from a place within that has never been opened this wide before. My heart broke at those “that knew God, but neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Rom 1:21)

How can I share in the glory of God’s kingdom while others are trampled and destroyed below? How can I walk past my co-worker knowing that they maybe one blinded by the world’s deceits, lost in the pleasure of selfishness, lost in the temporary joy of man’s created pills and drugs of happiness and bliss. How can I look and not mention Your glory to another? How can I lay my head on my pillow at night, knowing that another opportunity to share the “good news of the gospel of peace” was lost?

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Rom 1:18) O believer, wake up! We are just as undeserving of God’s glorious treasure as those blinded by the world’s advertised pleasure. It is only by God’s endless loving kindness that we know of God’s eternal joy and salvation. And that someone cared enough to share the wisdom and knowledge of God with us. Beloved, as heir to the throne, God’s adopted children, hesitate not to walk amongst the poor, the sick, the drug addict, the abandoned, the confused, the angry, and the lost. Hesitate not to open your lips and sing praises to the King. Hesitate not to give a reason for the hope that is in you. Hesitate not, and say, “I will go where You will send me.”

A Glimpse of Heaven

I stand amazed and in wonder at the beauty beyond words - The King of Kings upon the throne, the angels of heaven in all their splendor singing and praising the great I AM, the saints of old in all perfection, the streets of gold, the mansions of glory, and the river of life which flows through the gates of glory. What a sight to behold. What a place of splendor and majesty. And who am I that I should be called the daughter of the King? Who am I that I deserve to be ransomed to glory? Who am I that You are mindful of me? Who am I that You love me? Who am I that You died upon the tree at Calvary? Who am I that I should stand in the presence of Your glory?

Ever mindful of the eternal hope that is within me, I can’t help but realize that though I stand amazed others will wiggle and scream in torment and pain, crying for the living water to quench their thirst and free them from the place of eternal judgment. Others who knew not the truth, others who rejected the truth, others who thought there was no end, others who thought I have no sin, others who lived for themselves and said there is no God.

In humbled silence and wonder of heart, a fragrant aroma of the Heavenly Father is near. He bids, “Will you go? Will you tell? Will you share? Will you love? For I long, I desire, that all men will know Me. Will you be the one?

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrated his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Rom 5:7-9)

Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:9 Thus saith the Lord, O breath, breathe life upon these slain, that they may live.

A husband stands in the kitchen, gun in hand and no reason to live. He has come home to find his wife and kids are gone and divorce papers stare at him from the kitchen counter. She has left him for another.

A daughter lays in the emergency room as doctors and nurses try desperately to save her life. She has been missing for months. At the age of sixteen she thought sex, drugs, and life on her own was the road to happiness.

A corporate woman attends a board meeting and learns she no longer has a job. She has spent her entire career climbing the corporate ladder, bypassing opportunities for a husband and family. Fame and fortune was her future, the desire of her heart.

A son lays bleeding on the side of the road, a victim of gang violence. A gang family of sex and violence seemed better than the suburban life of boredom.

O dry bones, creatures of God’s own image, you are loved with an everlasting love. Your Heavenly Father looks upon you with tears of sorrow. A Father who loves you enough to let you go because holding on will not convince you that what you desire is not good for you. O dry bones, flesh of my flesh, the world has convinced you that these temporary pleasures are the meaning and purpose of life. Instead of giving life, they have sucked you dry and left you for dead. You have been used until there is nothing more it can take from your life.

O dry bones, “no eye pities thee, nor has compassion upon thee, but you have been cast out into the open field.” (Eze 16:5) O dry bone, O sinner, the God of heaven desires that “none should perish.” He knows the pain and agony of judgment. He knows the grief and sorrow of rejection and death born upon the shoulders of Christ Jesus. He knows the joy and celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. O breath, breathe life upon the husband through the bonds of friendship. Breathe God’s enduring love and eternal hope.

O breath, breathe life into the dieing daughter. Come, Father of life, fill this weary soul with Your love, fill her spirit with the knowledge of Your mighty presence and love. Adorn her with a spirit of life and longing for You. Breathe, that she may live for You.

O breath, breathe upon the corporate woman. Fill the tear stained anguish cups with Your living water. Hold the sobbing shoulders underneath your mighty wings. Whisper Your words of strength and peace, your plan and purpose for her life. Breathe that she may live for You.

O breath, breathe life into the dieing son. As paramedics work feverishly to save his life, hear the cries of your servant, a paramedic and child of Yours, cries out for You to save him from this “body of death” and live for Your kingdom glory.

O Breath of Life, Enduring Love, Precious Father, You are the breath of life; breathe upon these slain, that they may live with eternal hope for Your love and glory here on earth and forever more with You in eternity.

PRAISE

Psalm 33:1
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright.

“Daddy, look at me!” is a familiar cry we parents hear. Our children love to show us what they can do, have learned, or accomplished. They long for the loving parental praises of their parents or guardians. They long for our undivided attention and admiration. It fills their heart with joy and strength for new adventures and challenges. It lets them know they are loved, adored, and truly cared for.

God is no different. He longs to hear praise from His beloved. He longs to hear us cry in admiration, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!” He rejoices in our learning, our understanding, our joy, our prayers, and the songs of our heart. O believer, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice and sing in the freedom from eternal, everlasting, death and separation from God. Rejoice in the death, suffering, and – hallelujah – resurrection of God’s son, Christ Jesus. Rejoice in the stories and struggles of saints gone before us. Rejoice in the rich history of God as recorded in the Bible. Rejoice in the spirit of love and a sound mind we have been given. Rejoice in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit; rejoice in His teaching, His comfort, and His intercessory prayer. Rejoice!

O believer, rejoice. Sing praises to the King of Kings. Bow before the throne of His Majesty and Glory and praise Him. Reach into the deepest recesses of your heart, recall the depth of depravity you have traveled, and weep in glorious praise at all He has done. Beloved, you are beautiful in His sight, and nothing is more beautiful to Him than to hear your praises. To hear you recall His selfless giving, His loving protection, His power of healing, His lessons of discipline, and His plans for our future. You – His pride and joy – are His delight. He loves His creation that was made in His very own image; holy, pure, and eternal.

O believer, rejoice in the Lord; take delight in Him, and lift your hands heavenward and from the depth of your soul praise the Lord Most High! He is the King of Kings; the Lord of Lords; the Master, Savior, and Creator; Emmanuel – God with us. He alone is worthy of our praise. O believer, dance before the King and praise His Holy name!

Filth

We recently went on vacation for a week. When we got home we unloaded the luggage, groceries, and other items we took with us, or brought back. Even though we removed everything from the car, it was still filthy. It had bird droppings, water spots, mud, dirt, sand, and even trash still inside.

We are the same way. We can stop smoking, drinking, cussing, looking at pornography, talking ugly, being rude and disrespectful, arguing with your spouse or boyfriend, being dishonest and untruthful, but until we confess these wrongs and ask for forgiveness we are still filthy. Yes, we have by all appearances cleaned up our life and made room for some more good qualities, but we are still filthy, we are dirty inside and out. The residue of our travel in this world still weighs heavy on our heart and soul. We are still caked in it, we still smell like it, and we look awful. We may look better, but we are not clean.

Until we remove ourselves from the distractions of this world, enter our prayer closet, and fall before the Most Holy God and confess the errors of our ways, we are unclean and intolerable in His sight. But, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) He alone can clean you up. He alone can remove all traces of filth you have been wallowing in. He alone can and will remove any guilt and shame of your past. He alone will forgive and forget.

He longs for a pure, holy, and intimate fellowship with His creation; His creation that was made in His very own image; His creation that was made to fellowship, worship, and praise the Creator; His creation that was designed to rule over the birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and all the creepy things on the ground. You are His pride and joy, the delight of His heart, and like earthly parents who long to see you succeed in life, He longs for you to be pure and holy.

When earthly parents weep and mourn over the error of your ways, God also weeps and mourns. He made us pure and holy and nothing is more heart breaking than to see His pride and joy falling for the lies and deceits of this world, tossed around by the deception of “the good life,” or carried away by the filthy lustful pleasures this world claims is your right and privilege. O how His heart aches and mourns for His creation. O how He longs for the pure, undefiled fellowship He once had.

O sinner, O believer, come into the Holy and Mighty presence of the Lord God almighty, fall at His feet in anguish and sorrow at the path of life you have wandered down. Lay prostrate at His feet and moan at the wretched state of your heart and mind. Repeat the anguished words of Paul as he cried, “What a wretched man I am. Who can save me from this body of death?” O sinner, O believer, confess your heart, confess your thoughts, confess your speech, your actions, and lay them at His feet.

Love

I have loved thee with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

“I have loved thee with an everlasting love” brings to mind such a beautiful love between a husband and a wife. A pure love, undefiled, selfless, generous, kind, thoughtful, and caring. A love that says “til death do us part.” A love that speaks no angry words and knows and speaks sweet words of love and encouragement. A love that gives to its beloved and says, “Take. This is mine and I give it to you.” A love that longs to please and is satisfied in that giving.

If you know God’s love, you know this pure, holy, undefiled, selfless, kind, thoughtful, bountiful, caring, and sacrificial love. His love is so pure that I can never repay it. His love is so kind that my generosity will never merit against it. His love is pure, holy, and undefiled and my love will never match it. His love is bountiful, caring, and selfless and my love will never compare to such selflessness and kindness. Yet, He loves me “with an everlasting love.” His love endures. His love died for me, endured death, and lives forever. His love longs for my love.

His love rises early in the morning and waits for me to awake. His love waits patiently for me to speak and acknowledge His presence. His love longs to talk about the activity of my day. His love is selfless in His providing for my basic needs. His love smiles as I leave and start a new day, but wonders when I will spend time with Him. His love hovers over me and clings to me like the cloths I wear, but I never noticed His enduring presence. His love looks on as I struggle through difficult people and problems. His love reaches out to hold my hand and longs to whisper words of wisdom and advice in my ear, but I don’t see or hear Him. His love patiently waits for me.

His love longs to please in the selfless giving of time. As my calendar is freed with canceled appointments He longs to talk with me over lunch, but I never noticed His presence in the car. Instead the news of the day, the phone has rung, or the songs of this world enticed my mind and consumed my newly found free time. Yet undaunted He waits. His love gives through the selfless acts of kindness of others once again asking patiently for my attention and I didn’t see Him.

His love protects me as I travel home, yet as I missed the speeding car that ran a red light I never noticed His presence. Once home I drop my bag and purse and plop my tired body in a chair and turn on the television. His love continues to call to me, but I don’t hear Him. His love whispers words of love and kindness, they go unnoticed. His love waits for me as I finish the day, but I walk past and fall into bed.

“His love is everlasting.” When will I notice? When will I see all that He has and is and will continue doing for me? When will my cold heart burn with the fire of His love? When will I know His very presence moment by moment, morning by morning, and day after day? When will this selfish heart break open and spill out its love for the One who loved me first? When will this heart give its love to the Giver and Provider of all love? When will I?

O Precious Father, may Your love never grow cold within me. May I always know Your intimate presence. May I always long to spend time with You. May the deepest yearnings of my heart surface to the top and cry, “Abba Father. You who loved me first fill my every thought with Your enduring love.” May I know from whence I came. May I long never to be the same. May my thoughts and selfishness be tamed by Your pure and holy love. O Father, may I share Your love in return with equaled devotion and cry out that I am unworthy of Your kindness and caring. Fill my longing with You. Fill my yearning with You. Fill my desire for love with You. Fill my entire being with You and may every sense of my being know Your everlasting presence and enduring love.

Goodness

Psalm 31:19-20

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

How great is your goodness –You, who created the universes; You, who created all living things; You, who bestowed upon me the likeness of Your holy image.

How great is your goodness – You, who loves me; You, whose joy is my delight, You, my Father and my King.

How great is your goodness – You, my provider; You, my healer; You, my protector.

How great is your goodness – You, who knows my tears; You, who knows my fears; You, who knows my heartaches and dreams.

How great is your goodness – You, who gives me strength; You, who gives me rest; You, whose shelter and presence I long for.

How great is your goodness – You, whose kingdom is everlasting; You, whose glory is forever; You, whose holiness is enduring.

How great is Your goodness you lavish on me. O Precious Father, may I never forget Your goodness. Remind me often of whence I came and may my heart remain humble of all that you gave. May the remembrance of your goodness forever be before me. May my heart long to please you from all the goodness you have bestowed upon me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Sing for the King

2 Samuel 6:5
And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments.

Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst. I am Jehovah Shammah; the God who is here. I am with you always. I am the God of all creation. I am the First and the Last. I am the One who is, and was, and is to come. I am Emmanuel. I am the Prince of Peace. I am the Potter. I am the Vine. I am the Author and Finisher of your faith. I Am the Lord God Almighty.

The knowledge of who God was, and is, and is to come should bring us to our knees in reverence. The knowledge should indwell our hearts and minds. It should stir our feet to dance, our lips to sing, and our hands be raised in praise to the King.

He is the beginning of all life. He is the sustainer of present life. He is Eternal life. And we are the first fruits of His creation. We are loved. We are cared for. We are - because He is.

Everyday we look in the mirror we should see the God who created us, and our hearts should fill our minds with awe and our lips with praise. We like David and all Israel, should play, sing, and dance in His presence. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Revelations 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

It is time to “break up my fallow ground” and repent. I have become comfortable and lazy in my physical and spiritual life. I have allowed weeds to grow among the Christian qualities and characteristics God has grown in my life. In some cases the weeds continuously grab hold of these godly roots and block out or strangle the quality from ever being productive – a stronghold. I can sow good seeds all day long, but if I don’t actively and daily control the weeds and pests in my spiritual life than I will not reap a harvest of good spiritual fruit.

Spiritual weed and pest control is a learned art. How can I “watch for” and “remove” these pesky weeds? Weeds of laziness, of selfishness, of pride, of wasteful spending, of gluttony, of anger, of shifting the blame – “It’s not my fault,” of lying, cheating, stealing, bitterness, and the list goes on. As in real gardening, learning to control and remove weeds is a continual learning and doing process. During the different seasons, winter, summer, spring, and fall, different techniques for removing and controlling weeds are done. Read, study, and learn God’s word on how to battle, and daily remove these weeds and strongholds in your life. When is the helmet of salvation used? When is the breast plate of righteousness used? When is the girding of the truth used? When do I use my feet shed with the gospel of peace? When and how do I use the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit?

It is time to break up my fallow ground, stir up the fertile righteous soil in my life, and pull out the weeds from within the garden of my life. Does this mean my spiritual harvest is gone? I don’t have any good qualities or characteristics to draw on to keep me sustained in my spiritual walk? No, it doesn’t. You have a storehouse of spiritual fruit that you have reaped, and you have the daily manna in God’s word that will sustain you during this time of repentance and re-growth of new spiritual fruit in your life.

This sounds like a season of repentance; a time where seeds of righteousness are not planted but allowing the spiritual soil, my heart, an opportunity to rest from the grips of wretchedness. A time of continuously turning over the soil, molding and tilling my heart, and preparing it for new spiritual growth and fruit.

In retrospect, this same process has been done before in my life, but I was not actively engaged. The Holy Spirit prepared my heart, my spiritual soil, for me. I am no longer a spiritual baby or child. The weeds are obviously not pretty flowers anymore. I no longer see the beauty in all things, but I know the good from the bad.

O precious Father, I am on my knees in this garden of my life. I have allowed your Spirit to till my spiritual soil in preparation for this moment. As I look around and see the weeds that remain, I am broken at the wretched state I have been so content to live in. O Father, give me strength to sustain me during this season in my life; this season of repenting and removing the weeds and wretchedness that has grown in me. Lord, use these tears and pain to fertilize Your next crop of spiritual fruit intended for me and others. O Father, Your servant, Your child, longs to please you. May you receive the praise and glory for all that is done. Selah.

Nursery - Again?

1 Peter 2:1-4

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Working in the church nursery again has been fun and challenging. My kids are twelve and seven so the mental recall of what a baby needs has been painful, but alas not forgotten. I remain amazed at the inherent maternal instincts that God has blessed women with.

Babies are loveable, innocent, sweet, precious, and I am probably one of a few who would say, challenging. Thanks to my competitive nature I love challenges. Having relatively older children my brain is challenged to understand and recall again the language of a baby. Is that whimper from discomfort with gas? Is he tired? Is he wet? Is he hungry? Does he just want his mama? Does he want to be held and snuggled? Oh my, what am I doing back in the nursery?

With all honesty I can tell you that it didn’t take long to find that once believed lost understanding. Besides the sheer joy that a mother would trust us to care for her child for a couple of hours, there is one more pleasure in the nursery; a baby that is hungry and wants to be fed.

If you understand the baby’s language and the crying early enough you will have instant pleasure in satisfying a simple need. A hungry baby becomes wiggly, uncomfortable, discontented, and very very vocal. Place the bottle in the baby’s mouth and all that goes away. Pure contentment and delight is evident in the body language of the baby. Some babies latch hold of the bottle and inhale like a vacuum. Others latch on and gently enjoy every swallow. Regardless, the baby is nourished and satisfied until the next feeding.

“As newborn babes” we are to desire the “sincere word.” We should be like the babies who become uncomfortable when we miss our bible reading in the morning. We should be distressed when we don’t study our Sunday school lesson or quiet devotional. Our whole body should cry in pain when we go days, weeks, months, and years without so much as reading the Bible.

If you have tasted that the Lord is gracious than you should be uncomfortable, discontented, and even feel malnourished if you do not read the Word of God on a regular basis. Babies have regular feedings and so should you.

Praise the Lord

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

As I sit here this morning the dawn of the new day is transitioned with a beautiful chorus from the birds outside the window. A beautiful melody. A song of a new day. A song of provision. A song of beauty and love and joined by others. O, “let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”

How is it that the birds have a new song every morning and I struggle to get out of bed and whisper a simple, “Good morning Lord?” Every morning should be filled with a new song in my heart. Every morning I should dance with joy that my Redeemer lives and death has lost its sting. Every morning I should recall the “work of His hand” in all creation and in my own life. Every morning I should know His loving forgiveness that removes my shame as “far as the east is from the west.” Every morning I should know that He fills my cup with joy and it runs over. Every morning I should know the expanse of His love that nailed my Savior to the cross. Every morning my heart should sing with the birds; singing praises to the King who was, who is, and who is to come.

Praise God in his sanctuary.
Praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts.
Praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumphet.
Praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance.
Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbols.
Praise him upon the high-sounding cymbols.
Let everything that hath breath praise the lord.
Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 150)

Sing!

1 Timothy 1:14-17
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should here after believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Today is Sunday, a day for corporate worship. A day to gather with the saints and sing praises to the King. Today is the day where Christ is known to all believers, because where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them. Today is the day to enter the temple courts with alms, praise, and thanksgiving.

Do you know “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God?” Do you know the God of salvation, of peace, of joy? Do you know the God who provides, the God who heals, the God who leads us in triumphant procession? Do you know the God whose banqueting table is prepared for you? Do you know the God who leads you to green pastures and beside the still waters?

O, if you know Him lift high your voice and sing! “Great is thy faithfulness.” “Unto thee O Lord I will lift up my voice.” “Glory in the highest.” “It is well with my soul.”

O, lift high your voice and sing for He ransomed the sinners. He freed the chains that bind. He has healed the broken hearted. He, the Creator, loves His most precious creation, you!

Do you know this love? Sing as one who knows this love. Sing as one who knows this freedom. Sing as one just pardoned. Sing as one just freed from guilt and shame. O, lift high your voice and sing to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, only wise God, Holy, Almighty, all glorious, and all powerful. Sing!!

Give the Lord the glory due Him.

Psalm 29:2
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

You spoke and there was made light in a darkened and formless world.
You spoke and light and darkness where given names.
You spoke and the formless world became a sure foundation, dividing the heavens.
You spoke and the firmament was called, Heaven.
You spoke and land was formed among the waters.
You spoke and called this land, Earth.
You spoke and the Earth produced grass, plants, vegetation, and fruit bearing trees.
You spoke and are delighted with Your handiwork; “It was good.”
You spoke and the stars, the moon, and the sun were placed in the Heavens.
You spoke and the animals of the water, land, and sea were formed.
You spoke and said, “It was good. Receive My blessings; be fruitful and multiply.”

You spoke and man was created in Your image; created with precision and care; and created as one single breathe of life, unlike the creations of many the days before. You spoke and created man. You took all day forming and creating this one creation. You spoke and gave man a purpose; “have dominion and rule over all creation; the plants and the animals of the air, land, and sea. You spoke and man listened.

O, “give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

If we know nothing else about God other than his creation, the world around us, it should fill our hearts with such wonder and awe that we naturally worship Him. The beauty of a sunrise, because God... The songs of the birds, because God… The flowers in the field, because God… Because God is the designer and creator of all things. He spoke.

O, worship the Lord, for there is none like him. O, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. “Hear, O Lord, when I cry out with my voice.” You alone deserve honor, and glory, and praise. Hear, O Lord, the song of your servant as I sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty? Who was, and is, and is to come!” O, worship the Lord. Come and sing praises to the King!

Faint Not

Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

More than anything, my desire is to continue walking in the Spirit as I have been instructed to do; seeking continued and constant fellowship with my King. Starting my day, praising Him for the great things He has done and continuing that attitude throughout the day. Being, in a sense, romantically infatuated with my Beloved in that every conscious thought dwells on God’s beauty, glory, and grace. Every action is thought of multiple times before doing them. “Would my Beloved approve of this behavior? Would my Beloved desire that I speak to this person in such a manner? Would my Beloved want me to buy this beggar lunch? Would these things please my Beloved?”

O, do not grow weary in doing well. Do not grow weary in God’s love. Though your body be tired and your heart feels not the warmth of love for your Beloved, His light of love will never grow dim. He remains constant; unchanging and unmoved by your emotions. His love is everlasting. It burns like a mighty flame. It’s jealousy is strong as death, but no grave can hold it. His love carried Him to the cross. His love died for you. His love bore the burden, guilt, and shame of your sin. His love “thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:6-9)

O, faint not in doing well. Live each day madly in love with Your Savior and King. Awake each morning, stirred to love and sing praises to the King. Walk not with the flesh, but walk with the Spirit of truth. Allow Him to consume your every conscious and waking thought. Let every action or word be spoken through the filtering hands, heart, and mind of the Holy Spirit. It is He whom God left to guide us, comfort us, and teach us all things that He has said.

O, wayward heart, may this day forever change my life, fellowship, and daily walk with my King, my Beloved. O, wayward heart, faint not in well doing for in due season it will reap.

Today is the day...

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our god; to comfort all that mourn;
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of Heaviness; that they might be called tress of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

It would seem that the six days away from church are filled with continued weights of the world. Weights of self, pride, busy schedules, household chores, and responsibilities to friends, co-workers, and family. Weights of gluttony and high expectations of self and others. Little time was spent with my Savior this week.

As Saturday approaches my body argues adamantly to stay home on Sunday and rest. The week has been hard. The kids have been uncontrollable, and the marriage has been shaky at best. I haven’t even read the Sunday School lesson and it was only three pages. My body tries again to convince me to stay home on Sunday.

But I must confess that the Spirit of Truth reminds me of the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” These words comfort me and ease my mind and body to sleep. Giving over the heavy weights of the week, my worries, and concerns to He who promised to “find rest for my soul.” To He who beckons, “Come.” “Come unto me.” To He whom I trust and believe.

As the morning dawns, I awake to a hymn from old running through my mind.
“There’s within my heart a melody.
Jesus whispers sweet and low.
Fear not I am with thee peace be still.
In all of life’s ebb and flow.”

As I lay there listening I know the source from which the music lies. I am refreshed in such a way that only God can do. He has supplied the appropriate amount of rest that I needed and my heart and spirit within me is awake. I am satisfied and ready for today’s journey.

But it is not just any journey. It is a day in which I have been given “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Today is the day I have come in humility and thankfulness of heart to worship and praise the King. Today is the day to be strengthened and encouraged with corporate worship and praise. Today is the day to allow the Spirit within to bond with those around and lift a sweet “sounding” aroma of thanksgiving and praise to the One who saved me from this body of death. Today is the day to recall the goodness of the One who preached good tidings. Today is the day to share with others the One who mended my broken heart, and who loosed the chains that bound me to this world. Today is the day to celebrate God’s liberating power; the workings of the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach, and guide. Today is the day to celebrate God’s enduring and everlasting love. Today is the day to praise Him for His persistence in His pursuit to find and seek the lost. Today is the day to know His loving hand of provision, protection, and yes, even His hand of discipline.

Today is the day for praise.
Lift high your voice and sing with all.
Lift high your voice its ne'r too small.
Today is the day to praise the King.

Remember the Bereans

Acts 17:10-11
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea; who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

In the movie “Remember the Titans” the football coach, played by Denzel Washington, and the multi racial football team were remembered for their ability to overcome the stereotypes of their day; they crossed racial lines, and formed a formidable football team. Remember the Titans, remember their struggle, remember their strength, and remember how they affected their community.

The Bereans were similar to the Titans and we would do well to remember them. They were “more noble than those in Thessalonica.” Why? Because they did not just accept the words proclaimed by Paul and Silas, but they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They didn’t just sit in Sunday school and in a church service, listen to TV evangelist, or broadcast radio and accept what was said. They searched the scriptures as to “whether those things were so” that were spoken to them.

Another important fact about the Bereans is that their minds were ready to receive the gospel that was presented to them. They didn’t spend their days being filled by the silliness of the world, but they went about diligently searching the truth, looking for God in everything they did. They were ready in their minds and in their hearts. What a fabulous thing to be able to be taught and led by the Holy Spirit. To search the scriptures, taught by the Spirit of truth, and to know the heart and mind of Christ.

Remember the Bereans. Remember that we also have this Spirit within us. We have the same ability as the Bereans. Start everyday in the truth and liberty for which we have been called. For we “that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal 5:24-25) “Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal 6:9)

Remember the Bereans. Remember to search the Scriptures. Remember Christ’s word to the disciples that they would be left the comforter, who would teach them and call to rememberance everything He taught them. (John 14:26). Remember that it is God who created us, loved, and sent His son to die on a cross for us. Remember that He desires that none should perish, but that they all would have everlasting life. Remember this gift of life and share it with others. Remember the Bereans.

Prayer of a Prodigal Daughter

Abba, Father. You are the creator and sustainer of life. You are my provider, protector, healer, teacher, and Lord. You are my God, my Savior, and my King and I humbly bow before Your glory and majesty. Father, I am filthy from my traveling in this world, blemished and broken from my dependence on self and others, distanced by the distractions this world has offered. Oh Father, as I look back on this long road I have traveled away from you, I cry at the days, weeks, and months of intimate fellowship I have lost away from Your Presence. I am ashamed. My knees begin to buckle, my bowed head continues to descend to the floor, and my heart cries out for you.

Oh Father, I was wrong, I was selfish, and I feel so alone. Oh Father, hear the cry of this your servant. Call to me, come to me, run to me and walk me back, carry me back into Your loving presence. Oh Father, I long to be with You. Oh Father, revive this heart and Spirit within me and grant in me a willing Spirit to sustain me in this continued life of surrendered service to You, my King. Father, your servant is weary. Your servant is tired. Your servant is lost and longs only for You. Oh Father, hear my cry.

As I wait in humbled silence, a still small whisper says, “I AM here.” The knowledge of His presence sends me further to the floor in prone humility and shame. Oh Father, look not upon the iniquities of my heart, look not upon my feet that have wandered far from you. Look not upon the face that looked unto another, whose eyes wandered and turned from your glory. Oh Father, I am ashamed, look not upon this wretched sinner.

As I lay in proned silence, a song of my youth intrudes my mind;

“Shackled by a heavy burden,
‘Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same

He touched me. Oh He touched me,
And O the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.”

Restoration and healing begin to flow over my body. Tears of sorrow and shame pour from the window of my heart, cleansing and healing this wayward soul. The song continues repeating itself over and over again, until my heart truly knows “the joy that floods my soul!” because “He touched me and made me whole.”

As I continue to lay in proned silence the words of Paul in Romans come to mind, “What a wretched man I am? Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord.!”

Most glorious Father and King, Thank you. Thank you for your Son, who died for me. Thank you for your loving sacrifice, upon the tree. Thank you for this gift you give, and may I never to forget.

Palace Life

From all modern appearances the story in the Bible of Esther appears to be a Cinderella story. The rich, famous, and handsome King falls in love with a peasant girl and takes her to his palace and makes her Queen. Who wouldn’t love to marry rich, famous, and handsome? This story appeals to the romantic heart strings.

But there is more than romance in this story. It has several deeper, more meaningful insights. God’s omnipotent power is unspoken but evident in every detail of the story. The King’s most trusted royal advisor, Haman, died from his blinded fury and rage. His blinding passion was to destroy the Jews. The Jews celebration of Purim is a result of this testimonial of deliverance from annihilation and destruction. Mordecai’s good deed of reporting the assassination attempt on the King’s life was not immediately rewarded, but he was rewarded at a later. All good things come to those who wait. Esther’s obedience to her surrogate father was instrumental in the defeat of Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews. Obeying your parent leads to a long life.

But there is something else in this story. On the night that Esther was chosen to approach the King “she required nothing.” She asked for nothing and she took nothing with her, except for the clothes on her back and whatever the Eunuch recommended.

Esther was an orphan. She was adopted into a loving family. She was a servant girl and desired to please others before herself. She was simple, she was quiet, and she was obedient. She carried herself with dignity without pride. She was patient and uncomplaining. She was beautiful inside and it was apparent to all. Her humbled and selfless actions found favor from all who looked upon her, even from the King. He loved her more than all the other women. Her actions, attitude, and spirit stirred the love of the King, and he chose her to be the Queen and placed the royal crown on her head.

We are but orphans in this world. “On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.” (Eze 16:4-5)

We were born in pride, selfishness, arrogance, and all kinds of evil deep within. The depth of wickedness resides within the uncut cord and fills our entire being. We are unwashed and unsanitary. We are foul smelling and a stench to all around us. There is no pity or compassion on us. We are despised and tossed aside. Who can love such a disgusting mess?

There is one who travels the road of life, who searches high and low for those tossed aside and left for dead. There is a King who loves the unlovely, the wicked, the lost, the confused, and the lonely. He longs to bring others into His palace, clean them, feed them, and love them with an everlasting love and to fill them with springs of living water. There is a King whose desire is to breathe life into the lifeless, the unimportant, and the wicked. And just like the father of the prodigal son, the King is waiting, watching, and searching. He is filled with compassion for you and He will run to meet you, throw His arms around you, and bring you into His Kingdom and life everlasting. And like the prodigal son, we have nothing to offer the King, except our living body in service to Him.

But the story of Esther doesn’t end with the happily ever after of marriage. The story goes on to tell how she learns the palace life and etiquette. She lives and interacts with the King and his royal administrators; she surrenders to the power and authority around her. She continues to live in service, humility, and obedience.

“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house; and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court that she obtained favour in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? And what is thy request? It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.” (Esther 5:1-4)

Our rescued state and eternal life is not the end of the story, but the beginning. We have a life to live in service to the King. We have a duty to learn the King’s business. To learn the history of the King, His passion, His desires, and discover how we can be of “service to the King.” It is our duty to learn the reverence and etiquette of interacting with the King of all Kings, our Savior, and Lord of our life. He rescued us. He cared for us. He brought us to His palace. His grace and favour has made us beautiful and radiant. And He longs for others to see and accept the same grace and favour. “I have seen you in the sanctuary, and beheld your power and your glory.” (Psa 63:2) I have “tasted and seen that the Lord is good.” (Psa 34:8) “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the riches of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psa 63:3-8)

Oh may my actions speak louder than my words. May my hearts desire be to please only You my King. Fill me with the wisdom and knowledge of Your love for all the world. Teach me Your statutes. Teach me Your ways. Teach me how to live a life that is a pleasing offering of service to You. Teach me the holy reverence and love for all You have given me. I have beheld your power and glory and it was good. May my cup over flow. May this little spark, this gift of life, burn with selfless passion within me for all the world to see.

Pursuit of Happiness

Proverbs 23:4
Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Strive not for riches, but for life. Work towards providing for your basic needs and not towards the gain of wealth and riches themselves. In Matthew 7:11 Jesus said, “If you being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask?” Am I working a job for my own pursuit of money, fancy house, the elitist of cars, or my expensive hobby? Why am I working? For me, it is for the basic needs of life; food, clothing, transportation, and family. I have learned to be content in all situations. Right now we were told there would be no pay raises. My retirement fund has lost over fifty percent of the assets it once had. But I labor not for these riches. I labor for the love that is within me. My job is my mission field. A place where God shines His light in my life everyday and continually grows ministry skills. That is not to say that I am perfect in this endeavor, besides I am an emotional female. I have my good days and bad days. But I strive not to please my pocket book. I strive and labor to please my Heavenly Father.

But the part of the verse that pokes at me is the second half, which says, “Cease from thine own wisdom.” Am I chasing after foolishness? Am I listening to the whisper of the world when it says, “Its okay, everybody does it?” Some sound words of wisdom I have found are; Psalms 119:34, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, yea I shall observe it with my whole heart.: Psalm 119:60, “I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Psalm 119:66, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge for I have believed thy commandments.” Proverbs 3:7, “Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord and depart from evil.”

What wisdom are you clinging to and following? Are you listening and following the wisdom of this world that says, “Go ahead. There is nothing wrong with a little lie. No one believes you are wrong in just looking at a pretty woman/man. Take the money. You deserve it. Not being truthful on your taxes is okay, besides it's your money.” Justifying your bad behavior, ugly talk, gossiping, or just being rude is the “pursuit of your own wisdom; being wise in thine own eyes.” Cease! Cease from your own wisdom and folly. Follow the commands, laws, promises, and precepts written within the Holy Bible. “Love one another. Treat others as you would yourself. Honesty is the best policy. Be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing unto God.” Live in reverent and Holy fear of God, His majestic presence, His everlasting power, and His great wisdom and knowldge!

Seek the wisdom, knowledge, and sound judgment that He has to offer. His home is opened to you, more that that He offers to bring His home, His kingdom, presence, and majesty to you! He longs to fill your cup, your plate, your life with all His wisdom and knowledge, mercy and truth. Cease striving after the things the world offers. There is no lasting value in it. It is a "chasing after the wind."

O cry out to God, “Teach me! Teach me for I long for your everlasting peace. Teach me, for my heart is weary of the foolishness of this world. Teach me, for I desire Your goodness, Your wisdom, Your knowledge, Your strength, and Your eternal love.” Make haste! Delay not! Welcome the Master and Teacher into your home. Open the Bible and discover the jewels of peace and love; the gems of love and selflessness; the light that draws you from the shadows and sorrows of life; the living water that restores your soul when you are tired of living the life this world offers; and the bread of life which never decays with age, but grows ever sweeter day by day as you dwell in the secret place of the Most High God and feast upon His lasting promises!

Cease! Cease from thine own wisdom. Open the Book of Life. Discover the world God longs to give you!

Friendship

Throughout the New Testament, Paul continually writes words of greetings and thankfulness over his friends, companions, brothers and sisters in ministry. He mentions their faithfulness, their comfort, their service, their dedication, their prayers, and their love. Throughout Paul’s ministry he was surrounded by others. Some were close friends. Some were partners in ministry and service. Some he supported and some supported and comforted him. Even during solitary times in prison, Paul still had friends and fellow believers who cared deeply for him and continued to meet his every need.

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by counsel.” (Prov 27:9)

O the joy of friendship. A friend is someone who will hold you when you cry, who will listen to your fears, tears, and dreams. A friend is someone who can laugh when you laugh and will sing when you sing. A friend is someone whose mere presence is a delight and joy to your heart. A friend is someone who carries the rainbow in the storm of your life and who leads you to the living water when your soul hungers and thirsts after God. A friend is someone who cares and prays as if you were one of their own; shedding tears of sorrow, anguish, and love in petition for and with you. A friend will hold the candle in the darkest of night and will come beside you and walk the difficult path. A friend is ointment for healing the wounded or tired spirit. A friend will bring to your life strength for tomorrow. A friend encourages. A friend endures.

O the joy of friendship, “ointment and perfume” that rejoices the heart. There is nothing like the “sweetness” of a friend. May you be blessed with a friend.

Teach Me

Psalm 119:66
Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.

Having read this scripture it has me thinking about my life. The different things I would like to do. The things I want to do. The things I know I should do but haven’t done. And I am reminded of the words of God towards David. “A man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” (Acts 13:22)

I want a heart like David. I want to love God so much that everything I do is screened through that window of love. I want to love Him more. I want to know Him more. I want to obey Him more. I want to do what He wants me to do and I want to do it with all my heart and inner most being.

My heart cries “Teach Me.” Fill my heart with such a hungered passion to know You and Your enduring word that nothing satisfies this craving but You. Empty out all the worldly distractions and replace them with your Holy Spirit and your Holy Word. Teach me knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Teach me that I may know good judgment; that I might form reasonable plans to present before you. Teach me, that my life might be a testimony of your great love!

Teach me, that I may be a light in this darken world, that others might be drawn to this light and enter into your everlasting love and heavenly kingdom.

Teach me, for my ways are wicked and my thoughts are only of me. Teach me, that I may teach my children what You mean to me.

Teach me, for I believe in your commandments.

Feast

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Patiently you watch and wait my arrival. Knowing that what You have prepared is meat for my soul, and rest and refreshment for my body. Once inside You gently lift the burdens of the day off my shoulders, placing them at your feet and away from my prying eyes and fiddling hands. Allowing opportunity for me to explain the unnecessary burdens and behaviors I bore throughout the day and humbly submit to the washing of my hands and feet.

Cleanse me O God for I am a wretched man, traveling through a dangerous land with valleys of fear, rivers of tears and anguish, thorns of selfishness, fires of envy, and rocks of lies that are tossed in foolishness and anger. But, You - are my firm foundation. You - are my stronghold. You - are my fortress and strong tower. In You alone I place my trust and rest in the shadow of Your mighty wing.

But You have placed a table and meal in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. You have prepared my table in the courtyards, in the valleys, on the hilltops, and in the darkest of caves – in the presence of mine enemies. The enemy who seeks to destroy and cast me aside. Yet you bid them come. Come and see the nourishment You give. Come and see the food You have prepared. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Sit and feast upon the riches of God’s glory. Come all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Come for I long to share my Father’s house with you.

Come. Receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Come to the banqueting table and worship the God who saves. Come and taste the living water. Come and know there is none like Him. Come and let me share what He has prepared for you and me.

His Presence

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

Psalm 23 is one of the most quoted verses of the bible. It is most commonly quoted during funerals, or times of difficulty in ones life. But I have found this verse to be inspirational in my everyday life. Especially when remembering the loving, giving, and caring qualities of my Heavenly Father, Savior, and King. Allow me to expand my understanding.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He loves me. He feeds me. He cares for me. There is no one like Him that cares for my every need. He provides a job, a family, a home, and a place for me to toil my days – at work.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He is Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides. He is Jehovah Rophe – the God who heals. He is Jehovah Shalom – the God of Peace. He is Jehovah Shammah – the God who is Present. The God who is here - always. The God who promises to never leave me nor forsake, Never turn His back on me. He loves me. I am His pride and joy.

He alone knows the lands of plenty, the streams of living water and life, the mountains of beauty and delight. He knows when I have walked a day, a path, or a life too long. He knows the rest I should have for the today, for tomorrow, and when this body can no longer continue on its own.

If He calls me in the night to sit with Him, I awake. I will sit and listen to His loving voice guide me into conversation with Him. In the morning His Spirit awakens me and guides me to the still waters; a brook abounding in refreshing love notes of providing, caring, giving, guiding, and sacrificing. He bids me come, drink of the living water. Refresh your body, soul, and spirit. Learn of me. Follow me with selfless abandon. Drink, for the journey will be long and hard. Drink, for today you will need the nourishment as we pass through lands filled with hatred, strife, and all manner of wickedness. Drink, and be on your guard, for the land is filled with lions seeking to kill and destroy, seeking to distract and drawy you from the presence of the Almighty Shepherd.

He restores my soul: He leads me in the paths of righteousness, for his name’s sake. He died once and for all for my punishment. “Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (held onto), but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death of the cross.” (Phil 2:5-8) He leads me down the trail of tears, down the road that leads to the cross, where I lay my worries, fears, anxieties, and self down - for his name’s sake. Drawing others to His perfect love and everlasting life.

Yea though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. O, though the path is dark and the terrors of my past haunt my every moment, and though others are slain and fall around me, I will fear no evil. My Shepherd is my guide. He is my comfort. He is my strength. He is my shelter. He is a very present help in danger. He goes before me. He walks behind me. Nothing is allowed to penetrate His loving protection, except that which will make me stronger. Though it may hurt me, though it may wound me, though it may cause me trails of tears and nights of loneliness, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. I know your abiding presence, and I know your power. For Your power is made perfect in my weakness. My moments of wanting, longing, and needing.

O, Father, continue to lead me beside the still waters where I can draw from You the gift of life; living in selfless abandon to Your Holy Spirit’s comfort, teaching, and direction for my life. May the words from my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing to you O God, my Father, my Savior, my Redeemer, and my King.

Deceitful Food

Proverbs 23:1-3
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you: and put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite: be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

I am probably one of the many numbers in the statistic of how children rebel against their upbringing once they are out on their own and making their own decisions. While growing up we had to maintain the diabetic diet because it was discovered that my brother was diabetic. We were often times denied numerous delectable dainties, chocolates, and other delightful looking and smelling sweets. Anything with high sugar consumption was usually bought with my own money, which was rare back then, and eaten before I ever walked in the door.

Many years later, and less physical activity, have led to an increase in weight, something that I am not proud of. About ten years ago I researched the various fad diets that were being released and actually found and tried one that met my picky appetite. I successfully followed this diet for over a year and was proud of the results. But I cannot bring myself to again follow the recommendations in this book. Until now!

On first pass of Proverbs 23:1-3, the words that quickly grabbed my attention were, “put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” That sounded like me. I looked around for my mental knife. I was, and I am, ready to be done with this wayward, demanding, and selfish appetite. I also immediately gravitated to the words, “be not desirous of dainties; for they are deceitful meat.” Wouldn’t I give for a delicious cake donut with chocolate frosting on top? Pastries, chocolate, and Coca Colas are my weakness. Just eat any of these “dainties” and watch the sweet tooth run wild. But I noticed that after all the sugar has worn off that my stomach is hungry and that sweet tooth is making noise again. The sweets deceived my stomach into thinking it was eating something of substance, just like the verse said it is “deceitful meat.” It looked good but provided no value to the health and sustenance of my body. I could not live on pastries, chocolate, and Coca Cola. My body would die of sugar overload.

So after reading this verse and being “poked by my conscience” once again, what is a person to do? In the first part of verse one it says, “Consider diligently what is before you.” Changing your eating habits, battling against the lusts and desires of the flesh are difficult tasks, and sometimes very challenging. It sure is easier to get a quick hamburger and eat it while driving than to order a salad. I haven’t tried eating a salad and driving, but I am sure it is quite interesting to say the least. Changing, overcoming, and battling these poor habits is not easy. It will take a concentrated effort and planning on my part. I will need to draw on past experience and learned lessons from the first successful eating habit change I made years before. I know what I should be eating, how much, and how often. I need to “diligently consider” what is before me, what I am getting ready to eat. I need to plan my lunches, plan my breakfast, dinner, and appropriate snacks in between.

But I have seen this battle before and I have failed. The lusts, desires, cravings, and grumpy sweet tooth have won before. Yet, I know that this is something that God would have me to do. I know that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and that I should be a sweet smelling aroma to my Heavenly Father – no pun intended. Several verses come to mind that have been useful in other areas of my life and I believe they will be useful now as well. Let me share a few.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “For my grace is sufficient. For my power is made perfect in weakness.” (Not my power, but God’s power within me is proved and perfected in me.)
1 Corinthians 9:27 – I beat my body and make it my slave…
Romans 8:5 – Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (This is a daily struggle and requires constant communion with the Holy Spirit.)
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

The correction, instruction, and encouragement are all right here. It now is up to me to put into practice the things I have learned. Diligent, determined, and disciplined effort will support God’s work in me. Pray that I remain strong in His presence and power, overcoming my deceitful desire, and retrain my body to enjoy the things that satisfy and that are the “true meat” my body desires.

Keep Out!

My Bible reading this month is focused on the book of Proverbs. The introduction to the book peeked my interest in understanding moral issues. Who doesn’t want sound wisdom and advise to help in making good decisions and choices, especially while raising kids and helping them traverse this path of life? So I dived in. Little did I realize that I would find such sage wisdom on marriage.

Growing up there was a saying, “The grass is greener on the other side.” It would seem that our society feels this is true in marriage. During my first year away at college I learned a valuable lesson living with roommates and immediately my outlook on this saying was changed. I have become fond of the saying, “The grass is greener where YOU! water it the most.”

We have become a society that looks at others for blame. “I would be happier if my husband would… I wouldn’t get so mad if he would just do… If only my husband had a personality like…” In the first few books of Proverbs there is a continuous warning - avoid the strange woman, stay on the other side of the street, look not into her eyes, listen not to her voice, and keep yourself from falling into the arms of a stranger. “Keep from the immoral woman (man), from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife (husband). Do not lust in your heart after her (his) beauty or let her (him) captivate you with her (his) eyes.” (Prov 6:14-15)

But how many times do we fail in just the simple avoidances? We place ourselves on a path and along a fence line in which we constantly gaze at the field, or grass, next to us. Sometimes we stop and wonder what it would be like to be over there, or with that other individual? We spend so much time looking, listening, watching, and maybe even crossing over to “help” and so little time in our own yard and on our own side of the proverbial fence.

Proverbs sternly warns against such activities. Stay away! Keep Out! “Drink waters out of thine own cisterns.” (Prov 5:15) Look to the activities of your own household and make it beautiful and pleasing. Strive to perfect the very place in which you promised “til death do us part.”

Some things that I have learned in my eighteen years of marriage that make my “grass greener” and that I am responsible for are; quit looking and dwelling on the faults and failures that “I see” in my spouse. Instead, take the time to pray for my husband. I don’t mean complaining to God about the poor qualities or bad habits, but asking God to help me see beyond my selfish desire to perfect my husband into “my image of him,” but perfect him into the image that God would have him to be.

Another area is listening to my own answers and tone of voice I use with my husband. Am I being negative, derogatory, or disrespectful? He is my husband, my friend, my lifelong mate, and not a household pet. Am I treating him with the proper respect and dignity that he is entitled? “For all authority under heaven is given by God.” He rightfully holds the role of the “head of the household.”

When I am mad at my husband because he didn’t take out the trash, pick up his shoes, or put the toilet paper back on the holder I often find myself dwelling on the pity path called “I am the only one in this house who does…” Several years ago I learned the verse in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that says, “Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” Knowing that my thoughts are wrong as I travel down this “pity path,” I pray this verse and ask God to change my thoughts and my heart in this area. I even ask God to help me with correcting this bothersome behavior or habit with the right heart attitude and without argumentative words. There have been times when I have been convicted enough about my own habits that I knew within my heart that I would be wrong at that moment to address my spouse. Just like the story of Queen Esther, timing and preparation are key to the positive reception of change.

I must admit that I am not perfect. There are times that I speak harshly before I have had time to “listen to the aid of the Holy Spirit” and I have had to apologize and confess that I was wrong in my word choices and tone of voice. There are times I have caught myself thinking about another person and what their life is like. And yet God is so good. “He will call to remembrance those things that he has taught me;” In the scriptures, or past problems handled properly.

I am continually reminded that it is my duty and responsibility to see that I am doing everything possible to “make the grass greener” in my marriage. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husband and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. “ (Titus 2:3-5)