Apples, Apples, Apples!

It’s autumn in Wisconsin and the nearby orchards are posting ads as to which varieties of apples are currently being picked. As one looks at the extensive list of apple varieties and the calendar of picking dates, surprise and bewilderment may describe the reaction. So many different varieties, both familiar and never before heard of, are named. This does not begin to include the hybrids. Among these hybrids is my personal favorite, Jonagolreds. This is a mixture of Jonathan, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. These make the tastiest applesauce, requiring no additional sweetness. With just a hint of cinnamon the sauce is wonderful.

Visiting my local market, I find the produce section is also teaming with these additional varieties of apples. There are a minimum of a half a dozen apple varieties available year-round. But this time year that number has more than doubled. The current volume of apple varieties that are available is both amazing and tasty.

The apostle Paul spoke to the people of Galatia concerning the fruit that the Holy Spirit develops in our lives. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) These nine fruit are present in every believer and being developed as we grow in the Lord. This fruit benefits the believer and also nourishes those the believer comes in contact with.

When I consider the fruit of love, I realize that there are many expressions of true love. A kind word to someone in need is an expression of love. A couple of water to someone who is thirsty is another expression of that same love. A gift, a phone call, a visit, a note and many other actions are expressions of that same love. One fruit, love, has many expressions that are all valuable. Each of these expressions is like a variety of the apple. At times we may combine several expressions of love. Together these become the perfect hybrid to bring needed nourishment and enjoyment to a hungry soul.

Each variety of apple has its own qualities and usage. Some are firmer while others are softer. Some apples are tart and others are sweet. Some work well in baking, while others are best enjoyed fresh picked off the tree. Not all apples even look like. Although many varieties are red, others are green or gold. Even those that look alike may have very different characteristics. A golden delicious apple, which is soft and sweet, sometimes has a greenish gold color causing it to look very similar to a Granny Smith apple. This Granny Smith apple is both firm and tart. Both varieties are very good, but are used and enjoyed differently.

We are all created uniquely by our Heavenly Father. Therefore we will express His love in different ways. Our best example of love is Jesus Christ. He expressed love to people in so many different ways. Wherever he went he met the people right where they were. The apostle Paul spoke of this compassion, ^“How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38 AMP) The greatest expression of Christ love was His willing suffering and crucifixion. He endured the suffering, taking on our sin, simply for the benefit of all of us. We are likewise to go about doing good and expressing love to all we meet. This will take on many forms. We are commanded to, ^“Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].” (Romans 12:15 AMP)

There are so many more examples of meeting needs and showing love in the Scripture. We must allow the Lord to develop the fruit of love within us. When we follow His voice and express this love, the world will be able to, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) They will be drawn to the love of God through our love.

Express love today to those around you. Allow God to show you just what variety of love will be best enjoyed in every circumstance you find yourself in.

Putting Up or Putting Away?

Being married to a man who is 6’ 5” tall can be very interesting. Not only is he a man, and therefore perceives things differently than a woman would, but he literally sees things from a different height. On numerous occasions I have been looking for something in my kitchen and asked David if he has seen it or put it away. Often his response is to reach up on the top of my upper cabinets and hand the item I have been searching for to me. On occasion, when he is not home, I have resorted to climbing onto a stepstool to search the upper cabinets myself. Because I reach or see those cabinet tops, it would never occur to me to put something up there.  To David this is natural and simple.

Sometimes this can be a little bit frustrating. I am not the most organized housekeeper. (I am not the least organized either.) I do like for things to be put back into the proper place, but this does not always occur. In my family’s defense, they do not always know where I consider that proper place to be. On more than one occasion, when my husband has reached for an item from the cabinet tops, I have told him, “Putting something up is not putting it away!”

For some reason I have recently thought of that statement. I wonder how often I spiritually put things up rather than putting them away. This is something that can be extremely important when it comes to sin in our lives. Psalm 51 was written by King David after he had been confronted about his hidden sin. Until this time, David had been putting this sin out of his mind and not dealing with it. It was like putting it on a shelf where he could ignore that the events had ever taken place. Once Nathan the prophet came, David had to bring his sin off the shelf and deal with it before the Lord. Only then could he put it far away from him forever.

Psalm 51 gives us a great guideline on how to deal with sin in our own lives. The first 11 verses ask God for mercy and forgiveness while simultaneously acknowledging the sin and admitting guilt. When we have done wrong, our tendency is often to avoid God’s presence. Although the Holy Spirit brings conviction, we should never see this as condemnation. It is encouraging that David asked for mercy and then acknowledged his wrongdoing. He was guilty of no small sin, if any sin could be considered small. Yet even then, David knew that he was approaching a loving, merciful God who was waiting to extend forgiveness and restore righteousness. Like David we can approach that same merciful God with any sin that is in our lives.

After this discourse of seeking forgiveness and cleansing while acknowledging his disobedience to God’s law, David comes to the point of requesting restoration. ^“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12 AMP) When God restores our lives to right standing with Him, joy will be a natural outcome and willingness to obey will be the desire of our hearts. Although we may have run from and hidden the sin for a long time, the release of this burden and freshness of forgiveness is incomparable.

The release that David experienced through forgiveness had to be expressed. The automatic progression of this expression led to sharing with others, ^“Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You.” (Verse 13) and praising God. “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.” (Verse 15) These should always be the outward expressions of forgiveness in our lives too.

Like David, we must understand that God does not want our good works to make up for past wrongs. Although we may need to make some things right with others and there may be consequences to our actions, we cannot sacrifice our way back into righteousness with God. A repentant heart, that is willing to receive God’s love, is the only receptacle for forgiveness in our lives. ^“For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering.  My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.” (Verses 16–17)

Are you dealing with any unconfessed sin, today? If so, follow the pattern that David set when he wrote Psalm 51. God will be faithful to forgive, and you can have joy and freedom. Put that sin away from you forever. You can then lead others to that same freedom and joy.

^“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP)

Fill up Your Reservoir

For the past several weeks I have not been drinking coffee. It typically is my morning beverage of choice. By midday I switch to herbal teas or water, but that first steaming cup of coffee is welcomed in the morning. On my first day to enjoy coffee again, I chose English toffee for the flavor of Stevia to give that cup a hint of sweetness. I set up the coffee maker that has recently had little use, and poured in fresh water.

As I poured that first cup of coffee, I saw swirls of vapor rising from it. I was ready for a treat. Then I took that first sip and was extremely disappointed. Despite the evidence of steam rising from the cup, the coffee was merely warm. Although it was not undrinkable, it definitely was not what I had imagined that first sip to be.

My coffee maker is one that has a reservoir for hot water built into it. There is usually about two pots worth of hot water ready to brew at any given time. When tap water is poured through the opening, it forces the hot water into the brew chamber. Because of the lack of use, much of this hot water had evaporated. The cold tap water which was intended to push the hot through had instead mingled with the hot, causing the temperature to drop significantly. The water had been warm enough to brew the coffee, but not enough to create an enjoyable drink. It looked great but lacked the flavor to be truly pleasurable.

If we are not careful, disappointments or busyness of life can cause us to neglect our spiritual disciplines. Talking to and hearing from God, through prayer and spending time in the Scriptures, are critical to keeping our spirits full and hot. We have to continually refill the reservoir in our hearts with the Holy Spirit. Then we can be ready to see and meet the needs of those around us.

We can fall into a pattern where we are religiously going through the motions, yet allowing the love and power of God to dry up within us. Doing what the Lord has led us to in the past or looking at life situations with our own reasoning may even appear godly on the surface. Reading, praying and serving may continue to be a part of our lives, but more out of habit than truly seeking and following God. We may look good to those around us, but inside we are withering.

Jesus has some things to say about this. He quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah. ^“These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me.” (Matthew 15:8) To the spiritual rulers of His day Jesus also said, ^“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything impure.” (Matthew 23:27 AMP) Through a messenger He directs this statement to the church at Laodicea. ^“So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!” (Revelation 3:16 AMP) Outward motions, without an inward heart reliance on Him, cannot and do not please God.

We cannot allow form and ritual to take over. We must truly seek God for daily direction in all that we do. Scripture promises us, ^“Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP) Each day we desperately need to open the reservoirs of our hearts and allow God’s love to fill us and His fire to heat us up. Then we can produce a truly steaming cup of God’s love, perfectly brewed for hurting world. They are seeking this true love and we must help them to, ^“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)

Open up and be filled with a hot passion for God as you prepare to share His love with everyone you meet.

Green Means Go! (Life’s Intersections 3)

Have you ever been in a line of traffic and the front car does not move when the light turns green? Very quickly horns will begin sounding from the other vehicles in line. The symphony of horns will continue, often increasing in number and volume, until the initial car begins to move forward.

In my last two posts, I have written stories about points of life when God is telling us to stop and wait for a period of time. As with traffic signals, the time comes for the light to turn green. When God’s signal light turns green the wait is over. It is time to move down the path that God has laid out for each of us.

In order for our vehicle to move forward, we need to take action. We need to take our foot off the brake and put it on the gas pedal. We need to place our hands on the wheel and focus our eyes on the road. When all three actions are put together, we can move smoothly into the roadway ahead.

When the signal changes in our spiritual lives, we must also be willing to take action and step forward onto the path God has set before us. It is not time to begin telling God all about the reasons why we cannot do what He is enabling us to do. Moses tried this approach and it didn’t work well. (See Exodus 4) When we have shortcomings and weaknesses, God’s power can be displayed through us. “So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).” (2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP)           

The appearance of a green light from God is not the time to succumb to the fears that assault us. ^“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP) We have been waiting and being prepared by God for the task ahead. He has taught us well and promises to lead us in all things. We will not be alone. ^“It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].” (Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP) We can walk boldly with Him.

The car horns that begin to sound when the vehicle is not moving are to encourage that driver (even if not kindly) to move ahead. When we need to take a step out, we also have a great encouragement. “Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1 AMP) With the heavenly hosts and our brothers and sisters in Christ cheering us on we can step forward into our calling.

Throughout the Scripture God has told people to go to places He had prepared for them. Some of the final words of Jesus contained this command. ^“And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].” (Mark 16:15 AMP) When we all walk according to God’s direction, this command will be completed.

So we follow God’s direction. We put aside our fears and self-doubts and take that step forward.  ^“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) Trust and reliance on God bring confidence.

If God’s signal light has turned green in your life, move forward. I am among those urging you on to fulfill all God has planned for your life.

Follow the Signal for Your Life (Life’s Intersections 2)

While sitting in the front position of the center lane at a red light, I allowed my gaze to drift to a billboard off to the left. There were some branches blocking a portion of the sign. I was attempting to figure out the words that were hidden, when the vehicle next to me began moving. Realizing that my attention had drifted from the road and the traffic light, I took my foot off the brake. Returning my attention to the intersection I was grateful that I had not also put my foot on the gas. The moving vehicle I had seen in my peripheral vision had been in the left turn lane.

The light had changed to a green left turn signal. The traffic across the street had gotten the same green arrow. Had I moved forward too far, I would’ve been directly in the path of the pickup that was now turning left. I replaced my foot on the brake to wait for my turn to proceed down the road. I watched as a line of vehicles, both beside me and from across the street, made their left turns. These vehicles all have the right-of-way because of the arrow on the traffic light.

While waiting on God’s plan to be revealed to us, we can become distracted by the daily activities of life. We can become completely engrossed in what we see happening around us. This can cause us to become distracted from God’s path for us. We must keep our eyes on the road ahead. This is accomplished by studying God’s word and following the commands to pray continually. “ Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]” (1 Thessalonians 5: 17 AMP)

When we become distracted we have not actually left God’s will, but we can easily get off track. When I watched the vehicle to my left (even out of the corner of my eye) it caused me to move improperly. The path that driver was following went in a different direction than mine. The proper time to move was also different. We must always listen to the instructions of the Holy Spirit. ^“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 AMP) We must stay on the track that we are called to follow.

When I looked back to my lane, I saw the vehicle from across the street beginning to make an appropriate left turn. As I put my foot back on the brake pedal I realized that I could have caused the collision between his vehicle and mine. This would’ve been completely my fault because he had the right-of-way. Bringing my attention back to the traffic signal, I clearly saw the red light beside the green turn arrow.

When moving outside of God’s timing we may not simply hurt ourselves, but we can also cause our brothers or sisters to be hurt. This can often occur when we intervene during someone’s trial without first hearing from God. Even if we are attempting to help we can actually hinder God’s plan to deliver that person. We may interfere with the unseen work God is doing in his or her life.

Because I had quickly brought my attention back to the traffic signals and vehicles around me, I had been able to catch myself and correct my behavior before causing damage. I had not moved far enough into the intersection to be in the way of the vehicles that were turning left. I waited until the light turned green and cautiously proceeded on the rest of my trip.

When we begin to stray a little bit off track, we can quickly return our attention and get back into sync with God’s plan. It is best to keep our attention focused on Him. Yet His grace will catch us when we stray. Staying too far can lead to serious damage both in our lives and those around us. Our continual prayer should be, ^“ And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:24 AMP)

As you go out today keep your attention focused on God’s plan. If you begin to stray a little off the path listen to His promptings and return quickly.

Stop and Wait on Red (Life's intersections 1)

While giving my son a ride to work, it seemed that almost every traffic light was red when we arrived. As we sat at one of the intersections, I noticed that no vehicles were moving. There were lines of traffic in the eastbound and westbound directions. Yet the intersection remained empty. As I glanced to the North and South there was not a vehicle in sight. Nonetheless we all sat without moving. The reason was not necessity or ability to move, but simply a small, red light that signifies the command to stop.

Without that signal light, it would have made no sense for all these vehicles to remain in place. It would have appeared a bit foolish for these drivers to be waiting when there was nothing coming from the other direction. Drivers, likely impatient to be on their way to their destination, are not moving even when the path is clear. Everything that appears logical is altered by that little, red light.

As we travel on this spiritual journey, we will come to intersections in our lives. At times the signal we get from the Lord will be to stop and wait. When we can see the obstacles to His plans, this command may be fairly easy to follow. As time goes on and we perceive no logical reason in sight, waiting can become more difficult. Self-doubt and impatience can become our enemies during this process.

As a vehicle stands idling at the intersection, the driver does not begin to doubt the ability of his vehicle to move forward. He does not believe the engine is no longer working properly the transmission is slipping. He is fully aware that he is in control and that the vehicle is only stopped by the placement of his foot on the brake.

Likewise, we should not doubt our own abilities simply because God has told us to wait. By our obedience we place our foot on the brake and allow our hopes and dreams to idle as God’s plan and timing become clear. We should not begin to doubt our abilities to move forward at the right time. When the light turns to green we will take our foot off the brake and propel into the future that God has planned for us.

Going forward before the light turns green is foolish. Even when there are no vehicles in sight, one may not enter the intersection. Moving prematurely through a red light is breaking the law. It sets one up to be ticketed if a police officer witnesses this action. This will lead to the expense of paying the ticket and possible inconveniences of a court appearance. None of these consequences are worth the momentary delay of following the rules of the road and staying where you are.

In life the same principle is true. Moving forward with our own plan before God has released us is a very poor idea. Without the direction of the Lord we lose the blessing of the Lord on our actions. Consequences will always follow. The Israelites learned this principle while in the desert. ^“But they hastily forgot His works; they did not [earnestly] wait for His plans [to develop] regarding them… And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their souls and [thinned their numbers by] disease and death.” (Psalm 106:13, 15 AMP) The plans that God has for us are set for His time and in His manner. Only by following His direction exactly as He has laid it out, can we hope to achieve all that God has for us.

Impatience may cause us to move ahead with what we believe God has called us to. We must be willing to admit that we do not always have the entire picture. God may have given us a glimpse of His plan, but only He knows how all the pieces fit. ^“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP) By waiting patiently for the green light and being attentive to the directions God gives us, we will have this outcome. “It shall be said in that day, Behold our God upon Whom we have waited and hoped, that He might save us! This is the Lord, we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9 AMP)

Pay attention to the signals of your walk with God. Be sure to stop and wait when He gives a red light and be ready to go when the light turns green and follow God wherever the path leads you.

Caught in the Trap

Just outside our back door we have set up wasp traps. These consist of hanging containers containing holes that are larger on the outside and more narrow towards the inside. This funnel shape hole makes it easy for the unsuspecting wasp to enter the trap, but extremely difficult and even impossible to get out. In the bottom of the trap is a layer of apple juice. The scent of the juice is the enticement that lures the wasp in. Once inside the wasp enjoys the apple juice but is unable to get back out. The wasp is trapped and eventually dies.

Sin is very much like this wasp trap. From the outside we can catch a scent of something that we believe to be sweet and pleasant. As we approach the scent there is interference from our conscience and knowledge of God’s Word. If we push past this resistance we will crawl through the hole and place ourselves inside the devils trap.

Sin can taste sweet and be pleasurable for a time, but getting away from it can become extremely difficult. Like the holes in the wasp trap the entrance to sin is wide, but the exit back to a righteous lifestyle can be narrow and difficult to find.  “…for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. (Matthew 7:13b AMP) The end result of a life of sin is spiritual death. “For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP)

On occasion, I have seen wasps frantically make the futile attempt to exit the trap. Although they were able to squeeze through a hole having begun with the wider opening, they cannot seem to even find a place to begin their exit. They bounce against the wall of the trap repeatedly, as they desperately seek to find the opening through which they entered. Any opening to freedom would be welcome. Eventually they drown in the apple juice that initially enticed their entrance to this trap.

Once caught up in a sinful lifestyle, we can believe that there is no way back to the freedom once we knew. We can falsely believe that we have gone so far the even God cannot or will not forgive us. We may try good deeds, countless tears and endless litanies of prayers and promises. Nothing we attempt will bring the relief from guilt and hopelessness. On our own we cannot break free. We will die inside.

The words of the apostle Paul, who called himself the chief of sinners, (see 1 Timothy 1:15) gives us a great encouragement. ^“O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?  O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:24-25 AMP) We cannot find a way of escape in our own human strength and ability. But God did not leave us there. He sent Jesus Christ to be that way of escape for us. ^“Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” (John 14:6 AMP) The death of Jesus on the cross broke the bondage of sin and death. Now we can look to Him and follow Him out of sin’s traps. We can walk in the bountiful free gift of eternal life He has promised.

The best path to walk passes by the traps completely living in the freedom that Jesus has provided. If we are caught in a sin, we must not waste time and energy attempting to break free by our own strength. We look to Jesus, repent of our sin, and receive His freedom and forgiveness. This will demolish the barriers put up by any trap the enemy has laid before us.

Get free, today. Live free, forever!

A Mouthwatering Masterpiece

A current television craze is food competition shows. An entire network is dedicated to restaurants and food preparation. Some of the chef competition shows have begun showing up on other networks as well. The chefs appearing on the shows range from highly trained professionals, to home cooks and even children are now getting in on the act.

In most scenarios the competitors are given a set of ingredients they must use to prepare creative, high quality meals. Often these ingredients do not seem to be compatible. There is a time limit and often other parameters that must be kept. By adding additional ingredients, ingenuity and cooking skills these competitors develop restaurant quality dishes to set before the judges.

Our lives can sometimes seem like an episode of one of the shows. The circumstances that we encounter are often not what we would have chosen for ourselves. The time constraints we face may seem to be too tight and figuring out just how we will work things through may be totally confusing. Some encounters we have will be in familiar areas and not seem too difficult. Other conditions can take us totally outside of our comfort zone and stretch us beyond what we thought possible.

In these contests chefs rely on their training, knowledge of food and imagination to quickly come up with their strategy to create a dish. We also must rely on our experience with God, knowledge of His Word and promptings of the Holy Spirit as we face our daily lives. All three together are required to make something beautiful out of each and every day that we live.

Knowing and relying on the character of God is essential in navigating through daily life. ^“I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness;” (Psalm 138:2a AMP) Loving, faithful and true a great attributes to remember about God. And we know that He never changes. ^“For I am the Lord, I do not change;” (Malachi 3:6a AMP) “Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).” (Hebrews 13:8 AMP) Constant awareness of this can calm our nerves when we are under pressure.

We can best learn of His character through daily study of the Bible. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP) As a chef can properly handle and know what to expect from various ingredients we must be able to handle and know how to rely on the Word of God. By knowing the Scriptures, we can rely on what we have learned before ever encountering this day. ^“Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 AMP)

We test all that we know about God and have learned from study of the Bible. We can then allow our creativity to thrive as we listen to the Holy Spirit who lives within us.  ^“But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 AMP)  He will teach and remind us of all that we require to make something beautiful out of any circumstance that we face.

When we open the box (of ingredients) or hear the challenge of what today will present, we can face it with confidence and hope. “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (Romans 15:13 AMP) In joy we can be thankful. “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP)

Unlike the competitors on these cooking shows, we do not face a panel of judges in fear of being eliminated. We stand before a merciful God Who promises, “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

So open up each day with confidence, hope and thanksgiving. With God’s help you will create a mouthwatering masterpiece for the spirit, regardless of the ingredients you have to work with.

Bugs!

This past week we found another surprise in our garden. Unlike the giant zucchini and yellow squash or the plentiful cucumbers of previous weeks, this find was not as pleasant. Going out to pick more of the fresh vegetables we have been enjoying for the last several weeks, I was surprised to find an abundance of bugs beneath the giant leaves. I was happy to see that they had not fed on the squash themselves but they were all over the plants. Only two days later the leaves of these plants were beginning to show spots. We attempted to treat the garden to rid it of these pests. But within a week’s time most all of our plants were dying.

Many of the plants still contain bright yellow blossoms that signify a promise of vegetables yet to come. But in this case, the blossoms would soon wither and die along with plants that have now been sapped of life. We were still able to go through and harvest the remaining squash and cucumbers. It seems that the bugs had totally left them alone. The stalks, leaves, and roots of plants had been the target of attack from these pests. We quickly cleaned out the old vegetation and as many of the bugs as we could find. Spraying the now empty ground, we are attempting to save the nearby tomato plants.

It seemed odd to me that the bugs had not touched the actual vegetables, but were only interested in the plant itself. The zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers are the actual fruit of our labor. When we planted the garden, our anticipation was not for the roots, stems and leaves. Our eager expectation was for what these plants would produce. Oddly enough, the bugs’ only interest was in the plant itself. Yet by destroying the plant, they had effectively destroyed any further vegetables that could be produced.

As Christians we realize that the world is hungry for the fruit that God wishes to produce in our lives. When we display the fruit of the Holy Spirit we are a blessing to those around us. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [^[f]that can bring a charge].” As we develop these traits and serve with our whole hearts, both God and the world can see and enjoy the results.

Like the bugs who prey on our garden, we have an enemy who seeks to rob us of both life and fruit. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP) This enemy attacks us to prevent any further development of fruit in our lives. He does not target the fruit itself, but rather the attack is directed at our hearts. If he can defeat us, the fruit will cease to flow from our lives.

The attack is focused on our character, our identity and our core beliefs. Temptation will be set before us to lead us off the true path in all three of these areas. Temptation to overt sin is a weapon used to derail us. We can fall into the ungodly behaviors and then be overcome by guilt concerning our actions. Arrows aimed at our identity are launched to cause us to doubt who we are in Christ. We will then be less likely to step out in the things God has called us to. The attack on what we believe about God’s character and promises go straight to the heart. If we can be made to lose sight of the love and care He has for us, we will wither and die inside.

Because we were not watching the garden daily, these bugs were given the opportunity to move in and do great damage. We were not as vigilant as we should have been. Scripture cautions us concerning vigilance in our lives. “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 AMP) We must be prepared to prevent or minimize the damage that the enemy’s attack brings.

Scripture also contains promises we must remember when we are attacked. In times we fall prey to temptation and sin we must believe, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) When we doubt our right standing with God, we can rely on this truth. ^“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) And if we ever begin to feel God is no longer the loving, mighty father that He is, we must believe this verse. “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].” (James 1:17 AMP)

Do not let the attacks of the enemy rob you of the ability to continue producing good fruit. Tend to your heart well and allow God to restore you so you can continue to bring the nourishment of God’s to all around you.  Remember Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP)

Can You DIG It?

As I wrote my last post (DIY or DIG) a line from a ‘60s song, “Grazing in the Grass” (The Friends of Distinction) kept coming to mind. The line was “Can you dig it? Can you dig it?” When I checked the song the verse was a little different and reflected the title. The chorus, however, is what is memorable. “I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it, they can dig it, you can dig it, Oh, let's dig it, can you dig it, baby?”

Back then the term “dig” had nothing to do with using a shovel in the dirt. “Dig it!” or “You dig?” was a slang term that meant to like. The term carried a sense of desire and enjoyment. “Dig” was used for everything from clothing to ice cream to music and everything else. If you liked it, you dug it.

Another song, “I Dig Rock ‘n Roll Music” (Peter Paul and Mary) talked about how much they enjoyed that genre. The song also included references to some of the work of their favorite singers. The term,dig became popular and was used by many young people.

Spending our lives continually in the presence of God should be full of that same desire and enjoyment. We do not merely need God’s wisdom and power, we need Him. There is so much more to our relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship provides constant companionship, unconditional love, total forgiveness, everlasting friendship, complete security and a whole lot more that we can dig.

Many worship songs are based on Scriptures that describe the longing for God’s continual presence in every area of our lives. “As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1 AMP)  “My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God.” (Psalm 84:2 AMP) Both of these Psalms were written by the sons of Korah. King David expressed his longing for God’s presence many times including, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11 AMP) These verses and many others have been arranged into modern day worship songs. These have been sung by millions of people all around the world. 

My acronym from the last post is DIG – do it with God. We need to do everything in life with the Lord’s presence permeating it all. King David truly understood this. When he was wandering in the wilderness, running from Saul, he wrote “O God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is.” (Psalm 63:1 AMP) When bringing the ark of God back to Jerusalem he expressed his joy with dance. “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, clad in a linen ephod [a priest’s upper garment].” (2 Samuel 6:14 AMP) When he was criticized by his wife he responded in this manner. “David said to Michal, It was before the Lord, Who chose me above your father and all his house to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord. Therefore will I make merry [in pure enjoyment] before the Lord.” (2 Samuel 6:21 AMP) In all circumstances David welcomed the presence of God in his life. He chose to DIG in everything.

In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul encourages remaining close to God in everything. “Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 Amp)   “I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.  I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who ^[g]infuses inner strength into me; I am ^[h]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” (4:12-13 AMP) Like David and Paul, many others in the Bible understood the necessity of a minute by minute dependence on God. We must also learn this truth.

From the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to sleep, we should seek His companionship. As we sleep we can invite God into our dreams and enjoy His protection. At all times we can do it with God. (DIG) And we can find true enjoyment in it.  We can dig the DIG lifestyle.

So in the style of The Friends of Distinction…David can DIG it, Paul can DIG it, your brothers and sisters in Christ ca DIG it. Can you DIG it? You can DIG it!