2006 Devotionals

---

 

Jesus First, Santa Second

Posted December 22, 2006 - I have been so pleased this year to finally see a store with lots of Nativity scenes; they were all stacked high in the middle of the isle. They were selling at a wonderful price too so I knew they would sell them. I just had thought about not seeing many of those large plastic nativities, the ones that go on the lawns. Last year all I saw were big Santa Claus figurines, the plastic ones that waved their hands, said HO, HO, HO, other phrases or they just lit up. Although I never really got into the lawn decorations except for the light and candles in the windows I still love to go look at the neighborhoods. Felt like Jesus was getting a place even if not center stage. This year a friend and I took her nephew and my little great granddaughter to the Christmas lights in the gardens at the airport and when I said: “Look a yellow chicken” Destiny told me she missed it because she could only look at one at a time, I tried to tell her to turn her head to the left and the right but for a little girl it was just so much to take in at one time. She wanted to go back through. I told her we could look at the ones on the streets but she said they were boring, just white lights. (My favorite ones)

Even if you drive 5 miles an hour, there are thousands of lights on both sides on winding paths and bridges! I didn’t see a manger or the wise men, but I saw some of the twelve days of Christmas, flowers, rockets, snowflakes and even amongst the displays in the stores, the crammed merchandise, the tinsels, the ornaments, the decorations, there just were so many choices. I began this season with a new attitude to be grateful for the places that acknowledge the real reason for the season and to not get caught up in who does or who does not do what or say what I want to hear. It is man’s free will. My job is to pray that everyone has an opportunity this season and every day to meet Jesus, to someday understand and know that He should always be the first choice over the commercialism. He alone is responsible for Christmas anyway. The first gifts were brought to Him by 3 wise men.

If I just concentrate on putting Jesus first I can have Christmas in my heart every day and that will really make me content so I won’t care if someone says Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas or Have a Nice day because it is ok. I refuse to lose my joy or peace over this special time. I believe it is a trick of the Devil to have us get distracted and upset over these annoyances. Why let it all stress you out? Just because the world doesn’t conform to our liking! Remember the saying: “Prayer changes things” (circumstances and people) we need to know the Lord that is at work in the land so we need to take a deep breath and remind ourselves that He has it all under control.

So what if Santa sits in the window or lines up the shelves I think about when we were little we all wanted to stay awake and see Santa come and eat the cookies and drink the milk, we wanted to go to bed early to get up before dawn to see if He gave us the presents we had asked him for and would they now be waiting for us? The other day I told Destiny when she said she loved Santa that I loved

Jesus and that He made Santa, her eyes got really big and she said she loved Jesus too. Of course, she would love Jesus, He gave her Santa!

Someday when she is older and asks Him to live in her heart she will know all the reasons to love our Savior and when she sings those songs she loves like “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Going to Let it Shine” she too will know she has His light and she’ll put Jesus first and Santa second. My prayer for everyone this Christmas is that we will all keep the reason we celebrate in our hearts, share God’s love, be gracious when someone says Happy Holidays and tell them to have the very best Christmas season and to be blest and then we will walk away with the glow in our hearts and the Lord will smile on all of us because we were a witness not a disgruntled Christian at the world and their ways.

We are in the world not of it so all we need to do is let our lights shine!

---

 

Christmas Roses

Posted December 11, 2006 - Tis the season to DECORATE! Yes, I love to do up my tiny but cozy little home. It is always something I look forward to each year at Christmas. I start early and take it all down late. I think of the time several years ago when I purchased some roses and stuck them in my tree, I found some white ones with gold glitter and after that year was over I used them on packages for the next Christmas.

Last year I was shopping somewhere and spotted clip on burgundy roses. I was like a vulture picking through the box and buying all they had. I knew they would be perfect on my tree and I had a reason for my madness.

You see it isn’t just that I like flowers; roses have a real significance to me. One of the names of Jesus in the Bible is “The Rose of Sharon” and so they remind me of Him. I also have angels and a small nativity scene amongst so many other ornaments, but my roses make it special. Many who come at Christmas time have said that it is a beautiful tree and it is these flowers that they comment about each time. This is a real opportunity for them to hear about Jesus in a new way.

Christmas isn’t about tinsel, trees, lights, or gifts, it is about the birth of our Savior and I don’t want to get caught up in all of the bling and the shopping. I want everything to keep my focus on the reason for the season. The next time you see a rose, you may think about Jesus.

I am reminded of a song that says in part of the lyrics: “like a rose trampled on the ground He took the fall and thought of me (and you) above all."

So whatever you have that reminds you of Him go ahead display it. My Manger and my Christmas roses do it for me.

"I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys." (Song of Solomon 2:1 KJV)

---

 

The Honor of Joseph

Posted November 30, 2006 - In the story of the flight to Egypt by Mary and Joseph when Mary gave birth to Jesus in the manager the emphasis could be on Mary (outside of Jesus of course who should take center stage) or perhaps even the wise men following the star but I want to zero in to talk about Joseph. He was a simple carpenter who fell in love with a nice Jewish girl. As the story goes he was engaged to Mary so imagine his surprise when he found out she was pregnant. He felt betrayed and yet she said she had done nothing wrong, could you imagine?

He could have chosen to not stand by her side but an angel appeared to him and told him not to fear, the same angel who told Mary she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus and told that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and she would conceive this child by Immaculate Conception. What an honor for her and Joseph. I think about how Joseph was entrusted to be the earthly father of the Son of God, so it was truly a high honor but he may have felt confused, after all what would people think?

He decided to toss all his thoughts about himself and other people to the wind because, he pondered about what the angel said and he not only wanted to obey God, he loved Mary and so he married her promising to take care of her through the best and worst of times. In the marriage vows even today we say for better or for worse, so I wonder if his first thought was how much worse can it gets, it would certainly have to get better.

He knew Herod wanted to kill all baby boys from the ages of 2 and under so he had to act fast to protect his family. For this I admire Joseph, a man of true character. He took his wife away from all they knew to protect the child and even when there was no room for Mary to deliver Jesus I picture him making a bad situation good by making the best possible accommodations for Mary and their baby even though it was a manager. They traveled far through the desert and the cold and his thoughts were only on his family.

Do we look out for the welfare of others over ourselves like Joseph? Putting our family, friends and even strangers first is a vital part of being a Christian. The bible tells us to prefer one another. And we all may have this opportunity to prefer others to the test maybe this Christmas, not by gifts so much as by little acts of kindness, loving others, encouraging them, making special time out of our busy schedules to do something unexpected for someone you normally might not do for. We should be making a difference with our lives for all to see, not to get he praise but for Christ’s love to be shown. If it is to get in a “mood” to shop well this year I am not so much thinking that way, of course I will do some but I have thought of a family I want to bless and for me this has been exciting to plan it. I know that the Lord always gives back what you give away. It may come back in money, material things but some blessing will surely come, it is God’ way to bless.

Joseph was a man we can take lessons from during the upcoming season, he didn’t complain about his lot in life, actually he got the high honor of being with Jesus a lot since he was His earthly father and what an honor since Jesus was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Mary was chosen but so was Joseph. He could have said find someone else this will ruin my reputation in my hometown; I will find another to marry, he also could have said I can’t take on that kind of responsibility, I may fail as a father, but not only was he obedient, he wanted to do the will of God because he loved Him. I know that some people when they give their heart to Lord may think all their problems will be over and when those trials come they don’t understand. If you think about this though you soon know that before you gave your heart to the Lord you still had problems and sometimes there were no real answers and defiantly there wasn’t any peace while you were waiting it out, Now there is peace and usually with every temptation there is a way of escape. You may get wisdom on how to solve your problems or someone may come along side to help but God answered you. Joseph knew what he heard sounded so strange but his faith in God made him know it would be all right. He did not run, he did not argue, he simply walked out the plan of God.

If you have the chance to see the movie “The Nativity” and I hope you do (I saw a sneak preview) perhaps you will see Joseph as I saw him. He was a simple, ordinary man that loved God and wanted to display that love. Shouldn’t we be people of integrity, those who honor the Lord like Joseph, showing compassion and love to all those we encounter? We too have the honor of being called sons and daughters of God.

---

 

He Lights My Way

Posted November 6, 2006 - While praying recently, I heard a word that has stood out in my mind. It is the word expose.

Remember when Saddam Hussein was captured? He was exposed. He thought he could hide, but he was found. Someone discovered his hiding place and turned him over to the troops. Unbelievably, he was in a hole, a dark underground place. Where did Osama bin Laden run to? It was said that one place was to the caves in the mountains. Evil always flaunts itself for a while and then retreats back into the darkness.

Once we lived in that place of darkness until Jesus found us. He called out to us and said: “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)

If someone is in sin, he or she usually doesn’t flaunt it, especially if others are disapproving of it. Instead, that person will do it in secret where no one can see. The only time an individual might mention the sin is when the Holy Spirit is convicting him or her.

God gives second chances so that we can turn from our wicked ways and be restored into a right relationship with Him. He shines that light in the hearts of mankind and gently tries to woo the wayward soul back to Himself.

As I look back and remember being out in the world more than 35 years ago, I realize that it never had anything to offer me. I was glad for that searchlight from heaven that found me. It was like a lighthouse that shone a light around me that I might clearly see. The Word of God tells us we were blinded to the truth until we heard the message that God loved us and offered us new life.

Now that I live for the Lord, I pray that everyone will understand that living in Christ is where you can hide – in that secret place under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 1). We are not to live in the darkness. That is a life of deceit where evil abounds.

Imagine a world without daylight. The plants around you would die. We, too, would be sickly and would not have healthy skin. We would be filled with gloom and despair. There is something about seeing the sunrise, about experiencing the warmth of the sun, and about feeling a light rain shower in the middle of the afternoon that is so refreshing. If the sky is dark, and there is thundering and lightning, well, that would be a different story. We would want to run inside where it is bright, warm, and dry.

Spiritually, you need to come into the light, which is Christ Jesus, where there is life, love, a future, and a hope. Come into the Light! You will be glad you did.

---

Ghosts, Ghouls, and Goblins

Posted October 31, 2006 - It’s that time of year again, Halloween. Yes, the stores are filled with horrible-looking monster masks and costumes in the aisles.

There are skulls with daggers sticking out of them, fake blood- stained hands on a stick, dead rats on the shelves, along with witches and ghosts.

I know once again that my great-grandchildren are going out on Trick-or-Treat. My daughter and granddaughter do not want them in scary stuff, so I have looked to see what nice costumes are out there.

Last year my great-granddaughter, who was 4-years-old was a princess and wanted to wear high heels. We all knew she wouldn’t have made it half a block. The sneakers we put on her without socks already became a problem that night after walking a few blocks.

Let’s face it, the whole night is weird. My little Destiny didn’t even want to go up to scary houses, and hid behind me. I told her she didn’t have to go up to that one, and that it wasn’t real.

I wondered if she thought, “There are some mean people trying to scare us little kids."

I had  finally decided to go out to pray for all the children and for their protection. I usually don’t go, but this was my daughter’s first time out with them, and we decided to go to her neighborhood.

It is the same each year for all the parents of costumed kids. The question remains, do we go with them or stay home? Should we shut the door or open it and be a witness? I guess the choices are up to the individuals. Yet, we must never forget to pray hard for the children.

It was many years ago that I was a brand new Christian and a small child approached my porch. I said, “I can’t give candy to the devil."

The little boy lifted his mask and said, "I am only pretending, but I am a little boy lady, so can I have some?"

I told him "sure," and that he should be careful and walk with some other children. I noticed he was all alone. No parent was at the end of my walkway. We must protect our children.

We should all pray on Halloween night no matter how we decide to spend it. It isn’t the little people dressed up as Ghosts, Goblins and Ghouls that we need to worry about. It is the horrible fact that there are some grownups out there that are the real monsters. Make your decisions for your children based on that fact. 

Proverbs 3:5, 6 says,

Colossians 3:15a says,

That peace, or the absence of it, will point you in the right direction. 

---

A Hallowed Night

Posted October 24, 2006 - Can Halloween night be a hallowed night?

Sure we can make it holy and turn it into a harvest time celebration. We need to let God’s love, and his light shine in the midst of the darkness. In fact Christians everywhere open their churches and some have what they call “Harvest” parties. It is an alternative to Halloween -- no devils, witches, monsters, or ghosts are allowed. Some dress children up as Bible characters or angels. Others come as ballerinas, cheerleaders, princes or princesses, animals, etc. You know any of the good guys or those in God’s animal kingdom.

That is great to do, but what about our grandchildren or great grandchildren that aren’t in church or that participate in Halloween with their parents? I have let my family know that I don’t celebrate Halloween and only ask that the parents dress the children in better costumes, not as those " bad guys," as Destiny, my great granddaughter, calls them. She is going as a cheer leader this year -- not sure about her younger brother yet; his Dad has the final say about him. Her mother has been good about doing that for me with her for several years.

My granddaughter and her mother will go to a familiar neighborhood -- and me, well I will stay home so others' great grandchildren can come by. I will open my door, praying silently for God to protect, bless and save all these children that I give out candy to this year. I will tell them to be careful and that Jesus loves them.

In the past, I have gone to the church and helped out there, but this time the lights will be on at my house. I thought about how I have prayer walked in neighborhoods and asked God to save people, expose the enemy behind those closed doors for whatever situation they were facing, adults as well as the children.

Why not just open the door and use this night for intercession and pray on your front porch before they arrive and then silently as you drop candy into a bag or pumpkin.

I remember the best Halloween I ever participated in. I was a new Christian, but I went to the children’s hospital and gave candy to the children. I had so much fun. The children’s smile back then made it all worth while.

If all the Christians stayed home and opened the door with a prayer in their heart, think of it as God’s blanket of protection that would be over so many little children on Halloween night. Perhaps you can pray a simple prayer like the one below:

---

 

 

When Trouble Knocks

Posted October 11, 2006 - Trouble comes in all forms -- family problems, financial problems, emotional stress, or personal illness, just to name a few. Sometimes it seems like an onslaught of bad situations, and other times it is little things that happen every now and then. Troubles are what we call them, but God calls them trials and testings.

May I pass on some good news? God is not sitting in the heavens saying, “How can I send chaos on My children today.” No way! He is the One who will make a way of escape. He is our Deliverer and our Rescuer.

I have quite a few friends who are really going through major trials: their children are using and/or selling drugs; two of the families are dealing with alcoholics; and one close friend is so badly stressed that she is on medication for depression and it isn’t helping. Now it is taking a toll on her physically. All of these women know, love, serve, and trust God, so what is going on? How do we all survive when troubles come our way? The answer is always in prayer and reading God’s Word.

The mind can mentally assess the difficulties and sort them out, but the heart can’t cope. I heard a pastor say in a sermon recently, “It is hard to wrap your heart around trouble when it pierces your soul.” What a profound statement! It is one of those statements that you want to tape to a mirror or to your refrigerator. I know I definitely want it to get down into my spirit.

We are not to cope with our troubles; we are to give them to God:

“Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully” (1 Peter 5:6-7, Amplified).

If you cope, you hang on to it. If you give it to God, you can let it go.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB).

We see here that the Lord will comfort us, and that is what we need. Once we are comforted and pass through our problems, we will be able to help others. Next time trouble knocks at your door, send Jesus to answer it!

---

 

The Canvas of Autumn

Posted September 29, 2006 - Winter, spring, summer, and fall are God’s seasons. I have always been a big fan of summer and spring and not too fond of fall and winter. But lately I have changed. I think it is something about those leaves of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy that fall from the trees. I feel as if I have noticed them for the very first time.

I like taking a ride and watching people setting out pumpkins in the yard with hay bales and planting mums in the yard. I am looking forward to getting some lavender and yellow mums myself for my yard and a few pumpkins.

The other day, one of my friends and I went to visit a friend who has been ill, and in her neighborhood, we noticed many yards decorated for fall. I don’t remember seeing this too much in the past. Have I missed this season all these years, or is it just that as I get older I appreciate God’s world just a little more?

The latter is what I concluded. The Bible says, “This is day that the Lord hath made, and I will rejoice in it.” Each day He has given me beauty to enjoy, so I think I should sit back and take in this glorious creation.

God is the best artist in the world, for only He can create such different themes. We see many artists that try to capture the seasons on their canvases by painting what they see around them, and they do a wonderful job. However, neither picture nor paint could ever replace the real thing splashed across the sky and spilled over the earth like the Master’s display of His finest artwork. God’s creativity is unmatched, for every day is different, just like every snowflake in winter.

When people say there is no God, I know they do not see with eyes like mine. They must see a plain, white canvas or a black drop cloth and not the blue skies that fade into light pink in the evening. Nor do they see the flowers that no paint on any artist’s palate could attempt to match or the trees that were each given a certain color leaf to change into when autumn arrives. ‘No God,’ they say. It is just that they do not know the Master of the seasons, the One who has created such magnificent displays of perfect art.

Instead of always looking forward to the summer and springtime, I have decided to enjoy the Master’s autumn masterpiece for the rest of my life.

Psalm 147: 4, 8, 16-18 (NIV)

4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

8 He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.

16 He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?
18 He sends his word and melts them;
he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow

---

Operation Toy Cleanup: A Lesson Learned from a Child

Posted September 25, 2006 - Lessons are learned from children if we listen. I often keep my great granddaughter to spend the night and this particular weekend I learned a lot from her.  She sometimes tells me she had a nightmare.  She never says dreams so I asked her if she watched scary things on TV, but she said no.  I told her that Jesus wanted to come into her sleep and help her and that I would pray for her to have dreams not nightmares that particular night. She reminded me before we went to bed to pray for her. She also told me that she had prayed too and asked Jesus one time to help her clean her room one day, I said "OH you did, and He helped you right?"  She quickly told me with a frown "NO” but I responded back with: “Yes, Destiny He did. He gave you the strength to do it.” She looked at me for a moment and said "OH!"  I told her to think about that time. "Were you tired when you got done? Did you do it all real fast or a little bit and take a break?" "Wow" she told me she did a little bit ate her lunch and than did the rest, so I said: “See that was Jesus showing you how to do it, giving you some strength eating some lunch and taking a break!"

I learned something at that moment; we often pray and expect an instant miracle or the problem to just vanish just like in a child’s room full of toys all over the floor. I imagined she thought they would all jump into the toy box by themselves or something like that. Perhaps she thought Jesus would send some angels or someone to come in and take care of everything. I know we want other people to take care of our problems sometimes but the fact is God gives us the strength to endure hardships and He gives us the answer as to how to solve our dilemmas if we pray. It may not be the answer we expected but He does answer in his way and in his timing. 

I also learned if we let things pile up without giving them to the Lord, our emotions get the best of us and it all seems like a nightmare. We ask ourselves when we will be free of all the stress. Will we ever come out from under the mess? Like the room full of toys everywhere. I know that every trial or problem I encounter I must take care of it right away before some other thing rolls along and before I know it I am overwhelmed.

I thought about these lessons later that day when the coloring books were scattered all over my living room floor, the tea set was out and Destiny wanted some play dough.

I then taught her to pick up and put away what she was finished with and then get something else so there would not be a big mess to clean up later. In our daily lives we too must tackle one thing at a time. Taking one situation or problem at a time, we give it to the Lord and pray about it. Whether it’s a health issue, a financial matter, a relationship concern or a work related problem, God does not want us overwhelmed and He truly want s to help us.  We will find He gives us the strength to walk through the trial and get results without becoming frustrated in the process.

That day she learned that Jesus does answers her prayers, how not to have nightmares and how to clean up her toys.  I learned to keep stress out of my life  by taking one problem at a time to the Lord in prayer so I don’t have a big overwhelming mess  ( like the scattered toys) to deal with all at once. Life doesn’t have to be a nightmare or a mess!

Thank You Lord for my lessons learned from the mouth of a child!

---

 

Dancing Leaves

Posted September 21, 2006 - I welcome autumn, and I am glad it has arrived. I enjoy the breeze blowing through my window in the evening because it seems so calm, peaceful and relaxing.

I am looking forward to more mini-trips to the ocean and mountains. I promised my little great-granddaughter Destiny that since she has started preschool and my daughter’s wedding is over, that we would go on a weekend trip.

She likes to pick up bird feathers and little rocks, so I am hoping she might like to gather leaves of gold and red too. I would really like to talk to her about how God makes these trees change colors and then, how after the leaves fall, the trees will be bare in the colder days, yet will be replaced with a covering of snow.

I might also tell her that they will need new clothes after the winter is over. God clothes the trees with brand-new green leaves to wear during the spring and summer too.

We can learn so much about God’s great big, beautiful world and teach our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren about how wonderful our Father God is, and that He made all of  the earth for us to enjoy.

God takes good care of all His children. He gives us warm sunshine and the cool rain to make the flowers and crops grow. I think in our lives we often take these little things for granted.

Just the other day I was watching my cat play with a leaf and saw how she seemed so content. She danced around the leaf, flipping it in the air. It was as if all of a sudden, she became aware of her surroundings and became frisky, alert and no longer lazy.

Do we get lazy from just the same old routine? Do we ever stop and take in the grandeur of God’s creation and thank Him for each day and all that is available to us?

I am really looking forward to seeing the leaves turn gold, brown and red. When I gather them up in a bundle, I’m going to throw them up in the air and catch them with Destiny. I know this will help me share with her the story of God and His creation.

Fall leaves remind us of how we are God’s creation and how He sent His son to catch us because like those dancing leaves that fall to the ground and die, we too must reach the place that we die to ourselves and realize that we need to be resurrected and become a new creation.

When we allow Jesus a place in our hearts, He makes us brand new. He clothes us in His robe of righteousness. He changes us just like He changes the leaves. He helps us rid ourselves of the old nature so that we attain new life “In Him.”

Next time the wind blows, and you see those dancing leaves, let your heart be glad for you are His special creation!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17 , NKJ).

---

 

Beach, Bride and Bubbles

Posted September 8, 2006 - Facing Tropical Storm, Ernesto during a wedding ceremony on the beach this past Saturday, Sept. 2 was challenging to my faith. My daughter, granddaughter, the matron of honor (my daughter's aunt) and I ventured out to Fort Story to decorate the Club for the reception.

The torrential rain was beating down hard upon us. The winds were blowing, and the weather forecast for the next day called for a clearing, but another newscaster mentioned possible thunderstorms in the late afternoon.

“Lord, I am asking you for at least an open window in the afternoon at 5:30 (the ceremony time) and I trust You to show my daughter what to do,”  I prayed.

The people who were catering from the Club told my daughter that she had until 2:30 pm the following afternoon to make the call on her decision to have the wedding inside or on the beach.

My daughter preferred that the wedding be held on the beach, yet hadn't anticipated the storm and sand blowing. I felt in my heart that the best decision was to have it inside since the Club was such a beautiful place to decorate for the ceremony. I held this in my heart in prayer and never said a word.

Don’t all mothers want their daughter’s weddings to be perfect ? Are they all? Well, of course not, there are always problems with or without a wedding co-coordinator. There are always last minute changes, and sometimes weather conditions.

I left my corsage home and lost an earring. I walked down the runner with a borrowed pair of earrings that matched my necklace perfectly and used the throw away bouquet in place of my corsage. One of my closest friends of over 20 years helped me with final touches that afternoon, and she and I have both been a mistress of ceremony before, so things fell into place because God provides!

The ceremony was flawless, yet the wedding started late. Friends and family patiently and graciously waited. Patience is a virtue, so I guess God gave them all an extra dose that day.

Due to the delay, the groom made a decision to forfeit the pictures so the guests could eat. My son-in-law had intentionally planned to pass out disposable cameras, and there was also a video of the entire wedding ceremony.

I thought about two things that day. I thought about Christ and His bride, the church at the marriage supper feast in heaven. On that day it will really be the only perfect wedding. Secondly, I thought about how God answered my prayer. The wedding was held inside, although the weather was perfect. The guests were seated and, God was in control of it all. He alone gave my daughter and son-in-law wisdom in their decisions, and He gave them a beautiful day.

Jeremiah 29:11 says ,

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (NIV).

He calms seas, holds back storms and gives peace to those who pray and ask. As the mother of the bride, I am grateful for His guidance towards His children. My daughter was a beautiful bride. She matched the beauty of the landscape. I glanced through the Bay windows and observed the pretty beach. It was a celebration and I will always remember the good times we all had, as the children laughed, when we danced and blew bubbles on the bride and groom.

Psalm 107:29 is a picture of what God had done that day:,

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed" (NIV).

I prayed for God to have complete control, because He is the best wedding planner. In God’s word He says that He calmed the raging storms. He brought peace to troubled hearts, and so all we have to do is trust Him, and then we will find solitude in the everyday storms of life.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV).

---

 

 

Display of Splendor

Posted August 22, 2006 - Oh the magnificence of God, the wonderful grandeur of His heavenly kingdom! Did you know that among all the celestial heavens and stars, and the beautiful earth with its rolling hills, deep valleys, and lofty mountains, God also calls those who are righteous His very own workmanship, the display of His splendor?

The Lord wants to show His great brightness and vast beauty, which attracts admiration and attention. The presence of the Lord outshines the usual. By all means, God’s glory is impressive, brilliant, excellent, and grand! So shouldn’t we want to show that radiance to all the people in the world who desperately need to know what they are missing?

Every time you go to see a display of fireworks, can’t you just hear the oohs and aahs from the audience? Every year don’t you wonder if this year’s fireworks display will be bigger and better than last year’s? There is just something about seeing the colors and designs that light up the sky. It is a breathtaking sight.

Imagine the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Creator of heaven and earth taking such time and effort to give a more excellent visual of grandeur. He created the stars to splash across a darkened night, the sun to warm and light the day, the wind to cool us, and the rain to refresh us and to help the flowers grow, so that our world would have beautiful color.

Imagine this same God in all His Majesty saying that He wants to bestow on you and me the vast wealth of this kingdom, and that we could live forever with Him for eternity. This can be our reality.

There are so many who are in despair. They grieve over the state that they find themselves in and they long for more, maybe just a moment of something grand. This King welcomes those souls into His kingdom.

The Lord promises to do the following, according to Isaiah 61:3:

"provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor" (NIV).

---

 

A Strange Night Light

August 14, 2006 - Lessons can be learned with just about anything or in everyday life experiences.

The other night my son was up late and he was looking for our cat “Bella” in the dark. He didn’t want to wake me as the kitchen is next to my bedroom, and I had left the door cracked for my cat  to come in since she likes to lie under the desk.

I heard him in the kitchen, because I am a light sleeper and as quiet as he was trying to be, I noticed a small light in the kitchen. I don’t have a night light in there, just a small lamp but this was just a small stream of light.

Seeing that light, I ventured into the kitchen out of curiosity. I saw that he had opened the refrigerator door to peer around the corner to the living room to see if Bella’s shadow was in the window sill. It worked! The tiniest light can brighten up a room.

Are we lights for Jesus for all to see? The curious will wonder why we are different. We should dispel the darkness wherever we go. 

Do you remember the story about the ten virgins? They had oil lamps, but some had used up their oil and did not have any. They had failed to keep their lights burning and when they needed it, they were frantically searching for some light. But, it was too late.

Others were wise and kept their lights shining brightly. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, and He is the light of the world. When we accept Him in our hearts' that light also shines in us for others to see.

As His followers, we must continue to read the Bible, fellowship with believers in church to grow and pray for direction, and pray for others to keep our lights shining at all times for the world to see.

If we keep our focus, and our gaze fixed upon the Lord, then others will see us shine and be drawn to the light of God’s love. They are groping in darkness without the knowledge of Jesus and how much He loves them, so we must keep our lamps filled with the oil of the spirit of God.

There is something in the countenance of the ones who stay close to Jesus. It comes from the inside to the outside. It comes from our hearts, and His love is reflected in our eyes and in our smiles to a lost and hurting world.

I have a replica lamp stand from Jerusalem of the seven candlesticks. It was an important piece in the tabernacle of  Moses, and it reminds me to keep my light burning and to pray for those who need to know that Jesus is the Light of the World. 

If a matchstick flame can lighten up a room, can you imagine how much our lights can dispel the darkness over the minds of people in the world? I urge you to not let your flame grow dim.

Matthew 15:1-3 says, "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them." (NIV )

"Make a lamp stand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it.  Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lamp stand—three on one side and three on the other.  Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lamp stand.  And on the lamp stand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lamp stand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lamp stand, hammered out of pure gold."

"Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it.  Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold.  A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lamp stand and all these accessories. See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." Exodus 25: 31-40 (NIV)

---

Don't Leave Home Without It!

Posted August 2, 2006 - We are to stand before one another spiritually transparent. It may not be easy bearing our true selves to one another, but it is necessary. What will others see? Will they see self-centeredness or arrogance? Will they see a self-absorbed life, or will they see one that gives and serves, one of compassion and caring?

As a believer in Christ, I know that my walk with the Lord should reflect how Christ would be to all people at all times. I fall short, but I try every day to do as the Word of God tells us to do, and that is to “love one another.” I think this attribute of a Christian’s character is so important. That is why God emphasizes it so much throughout the Bible.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34).

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10 ).

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart" (1 Peter 1:22 ).

In the above Scriptures, taken from the Amplified Bible, it is apparent that it is a command, not an option, to love. So how do we do this? Well, obedience to God is the first thing. Then we need to ask God for His help by praying. It is especially hard when we do come across those whom we call our enemies, but we must love them and see them through God’s eyes.

God is love Himself. He is the creator of love. If we stay in close fellowship with Him, we get to know Him and His very nature and character. It will not be difficult to put on a garment of love and humility to others, even if they seem unlovely.

When you rise in the morning, you clothe yourself in the natural. We should put on our Christian armor, too. We also need to put on our garment of praise each day in order to meet life’s challenges. But don’t stop there. Remember to clothe yourself with love as well. Take the time to look for ways to give it away to those who really need that special cloak to get them through their day. You will find that your life will be forever changed as you look at the world through God’s eyes of love.

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet" (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

---

 

Quieting the Soul

Posted July 24, 2006 - Most people plan vacations to get away and relax. When they return home they long for some peace and quiet because they are exhausted from the trip. You always seem to go and go but where is the rest?

I am a busy person and rarely take time to just sleep in, sit all day and read or be really still, yet I long for those times to quiet my soul.

God knows the desires of our heart. I like it when he sets up small retreats for us.   Recently He did that for me in an unexpected way.  I welcomed it like a cool breeze on a hot summer day.

Some friends were going out of town and asked me if I would consider house sitting there new little cat. I had been to their home on several occasions and it was the perfect getaway if I can picture it for you. It is a charming country cottage with lots of personality, there were beautiful potted plants all over the wrap around porch and flowers in the front driveway as this 6 bedroom home set way back off the street nestled amongst the trees. An entire wall of windows stretched across the back of the house in the living room to look out at Gods beautiful nature. You could see small creatures playing in the back yard and the home overlooks a lake.

Who wouldn't enjoy being there! Oh the quiet still nights, the beautiful cascade of sunshine splashing on the hard wood floors through those open windows, the cool breezes before sunset as I sat on the deck in the back yard looking at the garden, sipping coffee and reading my bible. I watched a bunny rabbit chase a squirrel. I saw ducks in the lake; they were taking an early swim one morning as the sun peeked through the trees. I was reminded that we miss the little things in life that can help remove the tension or stress. God uses these moments to shower us with his love, grace and peace.

I felt God had ordained this time for me to be still and quiet before Him. I love to write devotionals and what better atmosphere to gain insight as I drew aside hearing my Lord say:" Come away with me for a few days, feel the calmness in your soul and invite the quiet into your life to gain strength for the days ahead.

Recently, I had found my fulfillment once again in teaching God's word at church and singing. I had laid them down for a season and though I now feel contented being in God's will I was longing to do some reading and writing with no interruptions. Five days and nights seemed like a package vacation that was given to me free of charge from Jesus.

I welcomed this special time from my busy life to just listen to the Lord. It was a haven of rest from all my daily activities.  Sometimes we all feel like there is no place to escape away from the hustle and bustle in our lives but there really is and I realized that it might just be a few hours in a park, maybe a prayer room at your church, a swing in your yard but somewhere God will find that place just for you to just get away if your longing for it.

These days were a personal retreat with the Lord.  When you long for a refuge from your busyness and see God open a door for you there can be no doubt of His desire that it is time to just come aside. I know now that I will need to find those times and places to be still before my Lord. They maybe on a smaller scale but I surely thank my beloved Savior for this wonderful occasion to be pampered and to be quieted in my soul.  

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (New International Version)

”He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters,” Psalm 23:2

---

Well Seasoned in the Word

Posted July 19, 2006 - As the world grows darker in sin, we must find time to trim our wicks and get filled up so that we have plenty of oil in our lamps. We should never let our flames grow dim. We are to be the light to the world and salt to the earth, but have we lost our flavor? If we are well seasoned in the Word and we maintain our prayer life, we should be making an obvious difference.

It takes soaking up the Word of God daily so that what comes forth from our lips is a sweet savor, an encouraging word to the hearer. It is so easy to become dull and bland without those times of refreshing in God’s presence. Nobody likes plain ole, plain ole anything.

Even a good steak many times needs some seasoning salt, a little garlic, butter, or steak sauce while it is marinating on the grill. The flavor of the meat is greatly enhanced -- and so it is with us. When our lives reflect Christ, it will be evident that after we have spent time with Him, we more and more will manifest His glory. The light will shine brightly for all to see.

People need to see Christ in us, the hope of glory, for them to want Him. Who wants what we have if we are not positive, and not full of joy and peace? I hear some Christians who always speak negatively. They are worrying all the time, and they are sad and gloomy. I think they must be lacking in some quality Bible study time, prayer, and church fellowship. We want those who do not know Him to say, “I know there is something different about you” or ask, “Why are you so happy?” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear them say, “I want whatever it is that you have”?

I remember that I said those very words more than 29 years ago. I gave my heart to the Lord while watching The 700 Club. I went to visit a local church. The people there were singing and clapping, and some even danced in the aisle to the songs. I was overwhelmed. I had always attended a very traditional church while growing up, and I felt no enthusiasm or joy in it at all. I recall listening to the message intently; I had blocked out everything and had focused intently on the preacher as he spoke. I sat on the edge of my seat like I was at a long-awaited concert.

At the close of the service, I remember a lady asking me if I wanted to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I didn’t even know what she was talking about, but I said, “Whatever you people have, I want it!” I was gloriously filled that very evening and spoke in tongues. My life was changed forever, and I have felt the joy ever since.

We can share the things we have learned by being salt and light with other believers so that they can enjoy their Christian walk and be better witnesses. It is important to remember that we are not offering a “religion” to anyone. We are telling them about a relationship with a loving, living Savior who can transform their lives and not only give them the gift of eternal life, but also the abundant life while here on planet earth. Jesus wants to add some seasoning to their bland life.

Got your lamps filled with oil? Follow me! Let’s shine our lights and pour out some salt on those who need to taste and see that the Lord is good.

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him" (Psalm 34:8, NKJV)!

---

 

True Freedom

Posted July 3, 2006 - When you think about July 4th what comes to mind? Perhaps you think about a day off from work with picnics, fireworks and those red white and blue flags displayed in front yards along your neighborhood streets. This is all good but the one word that comes to my mind is "Freedom". It is a fact that we live in the United States of America where we can voice are opinions freely and can vote for the people of our choice, these are very good reasons that we should never take our freedom for granted.

Each year I notice some people really go all out decorating for every holiday but on the 4th of July I just display my flag in the yard for the entire month. The flag means a lot to me because of those in my family who have been in wars and for those friends who have served our country or came home from the war and for those who did not in the past and present war.

My Father served in World War Two, my mother was a Red Cross volunteer during that war, my niece and her husband served in Desert storm, I also have had loved ones in the Vietnam war and a friend now in Afghanistan. Because of their contributions to keeping us all free I proudly display the flag.

Have you thought about the American flag and all it stands for? It represents an emblem of the greatest nation on the earth; it has been carried through centuries in battle,

It is placed on the graves of our honored dead who fought for the right for us to remain a free nation and it flies high during peace times as well as war. "Old Glory" is its name.

There is another real freedom we can have, we can display it every day of the year and that is our freedom "In Christ" to live a life to glorify Him so that His banner of love, truth and peace can be seen by all. It is a flag flown high in the castle of my heart (taken from a song) we can be free in our spirit to serve the Creator of the whole universe and that my friends is True Freedom.

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death." Romans 8:2 (American Standard Version)

Just like the flag that represents freedom, Jesus is our banner over us that protects and shields us, He is the "Glory and the Lifter of our heads" at all times. Let freedom ring out in your heart today.

"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." Psalm 3:3 (King James Version)

In the New International Readers Version it says: "Lord, you are like a shield that keeps me safe. You honor me. You help me win the battle."

---

 

 

My Father's Eyes

Posted June 25, 2006 - Father’s day brought up some memories for me this year since my father has been deceased for a long time.  

I hesitated to speak on this subject because I do not have the fondest recollections of my father. Yet, as a Christian I have forgiven him for his neglect, and have realized how he suffered much torment as a nonbeliever and as an alcoholic.

I forgave him long, long ago. He probably did the best he could.  I pray for those who either have lost their father through death, divorce or perhaps some type of abuse or neglect.

I do know today at this moment that I have the best Father, one who looks out for my good. He longs to bless all of us in special ways. We need to really get to know Him because He wants to guide our lives.

When we learn about His love and goodness, our grief suffered by loss, and all the sorrows of the past will soon fade away.    

When I look at other’s I try to see them through my heavenly Father’s eyes. His eyes are so kind and full of compassion.  

As His daughter, I have inherited those same eyes.  I will continue to help people see that He wants to be a father to the fatherless, and even though I haven’t celebrated Fathers Day for so many years, I can celebrate my heavenly Father's love this year.

Every day, I try to share this message with others who may be without an earthly father or those who do not have many fond memories of their father.

 When I look at my son, I see so many of the qualities of a great dad. He plays with his niece and nephew, and dearly loves those children.  When he hands his niece a chocolate pudding (that is almost a given whenever she comes to stay with us) her face lights up. It's always the little things that make her smile, and my son loves to give these simple gifts to her.  

Matthew 7:11 promises,

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (NIV)

Our Father God has gifts and blessings He wants to give us. Sometimes He gives us what we ask  for, and other times He just blesses us with the unexpected.  The Bible tells us that He loads us daily with His benefits.  

Psalm 68:19 says,  

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation." (KJV)

We need to realize that He can make up for anything we lack from our past.  If you have a great dad let him know how much you appreciate him, and never take him for granted. Let  us also remember those great dads who have gone on to heaven. For the ones who feel as if their dad may have missed the mark, you are not fatherless, our father God is showering you daily with His love.

Romans 8:16 declares,

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (NIV)

---

Precious Pearls

Posted June 16, 2006 - I had never really liked pearls, yet I changed my mind when I came across a set of earrings and necklace that I liked so much that I bought them for my wedding.

The other day I looked for my wedding pearls because I thought that my daughter might like to wear them for her upcoming wedding this year, since she needs something old, borrowed, and blue.  

I remembered that I had just ordered pearl jewelry for myself, and thought about how I had changed over the years.  I don’t know how or when I changed in my taste for different styles and color choices, but somewhere along the line it happened.

In my reflection of these pearls, my mind wandered to the story of how a pearl is made. A tiny sandstone finds its way under an oyster shell, and it is so irritating to the oyster that it works on the stone, and eventually one day this sandstone becomes a beautiful, smooth, shiny pearl.

Pearls are costly to mankind, and it takes so many to make just one necklace. It's no wonder that the real ones are really expensive. They are certainly priceless and precious to the one who finds them.

After pondering these things, I immediately went on a search through my mother’s old jewelry that I had inherited, and was glad to find that I had kept her strand of real pearls. I just sat and looked at them for quite a while.

Jesus tells us in the Bible of the parable of a merchant looking for fine pearls, and how this is similar to finding the Kingdom of Heaven. When you find the Kingdom of Heaven, your salvation is like a precious pearl! There is nothing more valuable than security for your soul. Just as in the parable when the merchant found just one pearl, he sold all he had to purchase it.

Likewise, when you discover the Kingdom, it is worth everything you have to give up because you gain eternity with the Lord, the Creator of your soul, and without Him you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

I have now been able to see pearls in a different light, and can appreciate their value. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but since pearls are mentioned in the Bible, and because Jesus thought it very important to teach a lesson through pearls in His parable, “The Pearl of Great Price,” I have become rather fond of them.

Oh how precious is a pearl. It reminds me of how precious a soul is to God!

Matthew 13:45-46 says,

"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it." (Amp.)

---

No Camping

Posted June 6, 2006 - In a few weeks, my four-year-old great-granddaughter, Destiny and I will go on our first camping trip together to Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

At the Gardens, there is a specified area where families can stay overnight called the “ Enchanted Forest ."

I would like to go to the Rose Garden to camp out, but that location is prohibited.  If I were to go there, I would probably get in trouble. Secondly, it is wrong to disobey, and I wouldn't want to be a poor example to my little Destiny. Thirdly, we would be unprotected. Plus, if we stayed in the Rose Garden, we could risk rolling over on a few thorns, and that is not good!

These are enough reasons to pitch our tents' in the right place. When you go camping it is always in a designated area. You can't go off, and do your own thing.

The point I am making is if we obey the rules, and get our minds settled on the fact that we have to follow instructions, it is then that we will have success in whatever we do or wherever life takes us.

Recently my pastor preached a message about not ignoring the road signs in life because they are there for a purpose. If we heed the warnings then we will avoid defeat, destruction, and failure. I have been mediating on his message, and considering how it applies to our thought life.

The most important thing is that we must refuse to dwell on negative thoughts. I gave myself a pep talk and said, “ Hey girl, you can’t camp here on this thought because it will propel you to failure."

 It is similar to a coach who tells his team of players: “We are going to succeed because we are winners, not losers.” 

Here is a verse from the Word of God that can replace a negative thought: 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phillippians 4:13, KJV)

It is a fact that we all want to succeed. No one sets themself up to fail. Time and time again I have thought that I could not do something, and when I have asked the Lord for His help, He has always been there.

Someone recently quoted a Scripture that I found to be helpful  in understanding how to have those positive thoughts.

Psalm 138:8a says,

"The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever." (NKJV)

God has great plans for our lives, and we need to remember that we are not destined to be quitters no matter how difficult the task might be that is set before us. God will not forsake us. If everything in life were easy then we would not see the importance of being stretched. We need to see that when difficulties arise, we must rely on God, and not ourselves.

If you’re like me, and you get a negative thought about not being able to do something that you want to do, you must remember the sign. It says “No Camping."  We are not intended to stay in a place of defeat.

It’s time to move to a new place, and acquire a new way of thinking. The Lord is making a way in your situation, and it is on your behalf. He is perfecting everything that concerns you. Let your mind camp out in God’s word, and put on the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 says,

" For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (NKJV)

---

Potholes and Bumps

Posted May 30, 2006 - Life has a lot of twists and turns -- like a winding road that seems to go on and on and you feel sometimes as if you will never reach your destination. We get so caught up in wondering or worrying where we are going or how long it is taking to get there that we don’t enjoy the ride.

But we shouldn’t get too upset even when we miss turns in life. It is certain that we will hit a rough place or fall into a hole or two along the way. It has been said, 'Life is what you make it.' So ask yourself: ' Am I an optimist or am I a pessimist?' 

This is the age-old test -- do you see the glass as half full, or half empty?

It is an easy assumption that we are all going to experience the ups and downs, twists and turns, detours and all sorts of trials along the way, like potholes and bumps in the road.  However, we must manage to get out of or go over them.

Jesus told us to not think it strange when you fall into divers temptations. Yes, we will have trials and when they are over we will move on to our mountain top experiences in life and than travel again to the valleys at another point in time.

The choice we have is that we can stop along the way and take a breath of the fresh air from time-to-time and maybe smell the roses, or we can grit our teeth and see all the problems and not the view from God’s perspective.

I have had my share of troubles, but as I look ahead I don’t have time to go back to those places in my mind. I am enjoying the journey I am on and grateful to the Lord for being with me as I travel.

I can see the blessings in my life sort of like the train ride in the latest Christmas movie “The Polar Express” where the conductor had a destination and sometimes things happened to keep him from making it in the time frame to arrive.  I noticed that he constantly looked at his watch and you could see his determination, but he made it despite all the obstacles.

Is there a lesson here for us? Can we just enjoy our journey as we travel down life’s highway? Yes, we can if we realize that it is one day at a time that we venture out and that the Lord is guiding us. He wants us to enjoy our travels in life, so we can rest in and trust Him and certainly we are told not to worry.

We can get a positive outlook and pray when those trials come along. Give our cares to the Lord and He will help us out of our troubles. Remember, we will hit those potholes and bumps, but the entire road of life is not that way. So enjoy the ride and pull over from time to time to rest and see God's panoramic view. There are  so many blessings in it, and oh, that final destination that awaits will be worth it all -- when we see Jesus!

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7  New King James Version)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6  New King James Version)

---

 

A Well Tilled Garden

 Posted May 22, 2006 - Ever pictured your home as a well tilled garden? If you think of a home as a garden it can be whatever you put into it, as well as what you take out of it.

Remember the story in Matthew 13 about the wheat and the tares, sometimes known as the sower and the seeds parable? Jesus is the sower and the field is the world. He sows good seeds but the enemy of our souls sows bad seeds.

We can relate to this story and bring it down to our daily life and say we are either sowing daily those good seeds like the wheat or bad seeds like those rotten old weeds in our homes.

However, unlike this story in the bible where both the wheat and tares remain until the harvest we have to get the weeds out now! They are choking the life out of families today.

 What are these weeds or tares? They are seeds of contention and strife.  We must begin now to till our garden in our home and sow seeds of love and kindness instead of all the hostility and unkind words. We have to get those bad seeds out and sow love, peace and joy in their place.

James 3:16 (Amp) says,

"For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices."

I heard an interview on the radio about disciplining unruly children and how oftentimes the cause of these children’s behavior problems are “learned behavior”. They went on to on to say that 99.9% comes from the home life.

We must be ambassadors of Christ’s love to our family members. We have to be the living epistles because the gospel must be seen by our actions and words. It is first in Jerusalem , (meaning our home) Judah, (our city and community) and then to the uttermost parts of the world.

How can we change and sow the good seeds? God tells us how in His word.

Romans 12:2 (Amp) says,

"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]."

We can’t take strife and contention to the fields (God’s world) we must take seeds of peace and hope.  If we can’t get it together with our own little garden in our home it may be time for  us all to do some tilling right where we are planted.

---

 

Still Learning

Posted May 12, 2006 - We are never too old to learn. I am still learning to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus when life throws a curve ball as I walk along life’s highway on my journey as a Christian.

I am still learning to love those that are unlovely along the way. I think God isn’t finished with them or me either for that matter, so I need to accept everyone for who they are and for what they will become in God’s timing. My job is to pray for them on the way to their transformation.

I am still learning to laugh, not at others but at myself and sometimes with others. We are all still robed in these earthly bodies, yet we are trying to let heaven fill our souls each day. It can get comical in some of those moments.

I am still learning to be led by the Spirit. As God’s Word tells me, if I do so I won’t fulfill the lusts of the flesh. I want to live my life by walking daily in the Spirit, recognizing that my life is hidden "in Christ” and the life I now live I live by faith in the Son of God.

I am still learning to live one day at a time, which is so much easier than worrying or fretting about tomorrow, which we are not promised. The Lord says: His grace is sufficient for today!

The list is endless of what I am learning as I grow older both naturally and spiritually. I find that learning can be fun, especially  when I put myself in a position to be teachable. That’s when I am reachable for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me in every step I take.

I pray I will learn something new at all times. Then, I will know that I am growing “In Christ” as I live my life out here on earth. Most of all, I pray  that I will learn to tell others how good God is and how much He loves them, so that in turn we will all learn about what life is really about!

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)

---

 

Tattered and Torn

 

Posted April 20, 2006 - Have your ever had something of great value wear out? Maybe it was torn, stained, or falling to pieces. Whatever the item might have been, if it was worn out, you usually threw it away.

When my mother passed away many years ago, I found her Bible. The pages had become loose from the binding and a piece of leather was torn off one corner. Some of the pages were curled up on the edges. But inside she had pretty bookmarkers and little notes.

Many years ago, I had led my mother to the Lord. When she got her Bible, she used it. The more she used it, the more it began to show wear. However, the knowledge of what was written in those pages was forever engraved upon her heart.

As I looked through her Bible, I could not throw it away, nor could I give it away in its condition. So I carefully wrapped it in some silk material of hers and took it home to make it a part of my treasured books in my library. I thought of how special this particular Bible was to me. It was part of the life I had with my mother. I shared Christ with her so she would come to know Him in the quietness of her days and evenings, and she loved the Lord. I could picture her sitting and reading her Bible, so tattered and torn, perhaps reading the Scripture where the bookmarks fell among the pages. I would sit and read those verses:

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).

My mother was a “living epistle” of God’s grace in her life. Although her body wore out, her heart was brand new, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish. She had made herself ready as a part of the bride of Christ.

“And to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27 ).

---