Spark the Memories

I regularly spend time with a 94 year old woman named Helen. Helen has significant difficulties with her memory. Often, she has forgotten many years of her life and believes that she is either a child or a young woman again. When this happens she is devastated by the fact that her parents have been dead for many years. She has to process the loss and accept her advanced years and missing memories.
As Helen and I were talking the other day, I began telling about her wonderful life. She has six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with two more on the way. She has outlived two husbands. As I told her this, she looked at me with fear in her eyes and stated that she did not remember either husband.
At this point I pulled out a box of pictures that spanned the last 20+ years. There were pictures of her grandchildren from when they were very young along with both she and her second husband. We laughed at some of the antics that were displayed in these photos. When certain photos of her husband were in front of us, Helen would remember and relate to me some specific facts about him. One of these occurred when he was on the floor playing with his young grandson. Helen remembered that when the little ones were over, his favorite spot was on the floor playing with them. She also remembered a night spent with some friends as we looked at the photos. She even remembered that her husband had preferred shirts with collars over t-shirts.
Do we sometimes struggle with our spiritual memories? Do we look back to the times we were first born again and remember the newness of our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, only to forget everything that God has done in our lives since that point? And when we have forgotten, does that same fear show in our eyes?
When we are in the heat of struggles it can be easy to forget the miracles that we have been experienced. We can be overwhelmed in the moment and lose our focus of Almighty God. Fear of the future seems to overpower memories of the past. We wish to retreat to a safe time when we were young and protected.

When times like these occur we need to take a moment and pull out or spiritual photo albums. We need to flip through page after page of how the Word of God has been true in our lives. Like the psalmist, Asaph, we must purposefully remember God’s deeds. “I will [earnestly] recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will [earnestly] remember the wonders [You performed for our fathers] of old. I will meditate also upon all Your works and consider all Your [mighty] deeds.” (Psalms 77:11-12 AMP)

We can also get together with friends and discuss the experiences that we have had together. “Remember the time when God did...” can be a very encouraging and strengthening conversation. “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19 AMP) This reminiscing will encourage all to remember God’s goodness and deep love.

But even more then remembering the mighty deeds of our Heavenly Father, we need to remember Him. We need to know Him afresh. This can be accomplished only by spending time and Hs presence and in Hs precious word. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].” (Hebrews 12:2a AMP) When we look and remember we will be encouraged and strengthened in all we do. Constantly spending time in the Scriptures will also help us to keep from forgetting. “But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).” (James 1:25 AMP)

So pull out the photo album of your life with God. Spend time gazing into His loving word. And renew the memory of your beloved.

A Series of Confusing Turns

Many years ago my family took a trip up north for one of my brother's wedding. Because of the number of people going we were in 2 separate cars. My oldest brother, Dave, and his family let the pair. Before we were even out of our neighborhood Dave made several crazy, random turns. He made a series of rights followed by lefts and more rights. There was no rhyme or reason to where he was going. He was simply driving around the neighborhood.
My other brother Phil, who was driving the car in which I was, finally pulled up beside Dave to ask what in the world he was doing. Dave replied, “I was attempting to find out just how good a follower you are.” Because this was a time before cell phones, it was imperative that we stuck together and did not get separated on the road. My brother wanted to be sure that if he suddenly exited the highway at an unexpected location or turned down the wrong road, our car would follow him. He wanted to determine this before we ever reached the highway that would begin our journey north.
As confused as Phil had been, he had passed the test. Dave`s vehicle had never left our sight. Despite the lack of understanding and mild frustration that had been building, our car had stuck with the leader. Our leader was now confident that we would arrive together.
Sometimes we may feel God`s path for us is taking random, strange turns through the familiar areas of our lives. Lessons that we thought we had already learned maybe put to test again through new trials. We may be asked to do the same type of service as we have many times before. We may even feel as though we've taken several steps forward, when God turns around and goes in a direction that we would consider backward.
How well do we follow when we do not understand? Solomon, in his great wisdom wrote, “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)

Jesus repeatedly told people to follow him. “And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!” (Matthew 4:19 AMP)  We do not read in Scripture that He told people exactly where they would be going. He simply told them to follow and that there would be a purpose. We are referred to as sheep and He is the Good Shepherd. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 AMP)  Sheep will follow the Shepherd's voice without question. This same obedience must apply to us.

The hotel where a wedding would take place was the destination of this trip. That was never in question. We even had a map and a planned route. God has provided a destination of His perfect plan for our lives. He has also given us a road map of sorts in His Word. We follow the instructions found in Scripture. Sometimes the leading of the Holy Spirit will be understandable and other times we will take many confusing turns. In all times following is key.
In order to follow we must remain attentive. We can do this by daily prayer and Bible study. We do not want to let these become lax. We also want to keep our hearts sensitive to His voice throughout the day. When we are not in constant contact with God it is easy to miss a turn. We also want to remain close so that He is ever in our line of vision. Allowing God out of sight, even for a short time, can have serious consequences.

There are many promises when we follow the Lord completely. The prophet Isaiah wrote these. “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 AMP) “I will go before you and level the mountains [to make the crooked places straight]; I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut asunder the bars of iron.” (Isaiah 45:2 AMP) Solomon tells us, “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP) These are just a few. All are exciting and encouraging.

So if your life seems to be taking unexpected turns, stick close to the leader and follow His every turn. He knows the way and will make sure you arrive safely.

Stickers on the Car.

As I drove into a crowded parking lot I began to search for my son's vehicle. His car is silver therefore there were many vehicles that looked similar. Long before I could see the emblem of the car’s make, I noticed some decals that he had placed on the rear of his vehicle. With these stickers he had customized his ride with evidence of one of his favorite pastimes.
How about us? Most of the Christian life is filled with ordinary, everyday things. We may go to work or school or work at home. We shop, pay bills, spend time with family, and many more simple, ordinary things. But is there anything in our lives to show where our true passion lies? Do our lives bear the markings of our passion for Jesus? When someone who does not know us personally watches our actions and listens to our everyday speech, can they tell we belong to Him? The scripture tells us that we have been sealed by God. “[He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].” (2 Corinthians 1:22 AMP) This seal is visible in the spiritual realm. Our speech and actions are the key to this becoming visible to all those with whom we have contact.

Is a sticker of love displayed in our lives? Jesus spoke these words concerning how to identify His true disciples. “By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John 13:35 AMP) God's nature is love. “He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 AMP) As we imitate Jesus we will engage in behavior that is motivated by compassion and concern for others; not selfishness. “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Selfless love is a definite ‘sticker’ that a child of God should display in his/her life.

Another sticker that should always be displayed in our lives is obedience. “But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” (Jeremiah 7:23 AMP) We are to follow the command of the Lord, whether it is easy or hard, convenient for inconvenience. Obedience should always be complete. An obedient heart does not try to see how much it can get away with. It pushes to see how completely it can fulfill God's will. This includes obeying those who have authority over our lives in this world. “Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord. (1 Peter 2:13a AMP)

Perseverance is another mark of a true believer. Do we lose hope when our trials are not resolved quickly? God may not always work on the timetable we would choose. His plan may take longer then we expect. We must continue to believe during these times. “Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35 AMP)

One more sticker of our passionate relationship with God is an attitude of praise. How do we look at life situations? Do we look at the struggle or do we gratefully look to the mighty Father who is always caring for us? Do we complain about the present trial or recount God’s prior deeds and ponder His mighty attributes? “Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!” (Psalm 150:2 AMP)

People are always watching us to see if our faith is real. When we proudly display these marks of true, passionate faith, those who see us will know that we belong to God. We will not have to preach but can simply live our lives before them. By these marks our true passion will be obvious to all.
So proudly display the marks or stickers placed on you by our loving Lord. Let the world recognize that you belong to him.

Keep Knocking; the Door is Already Cracked Open

One afternoon I let my dogs out into the backyard. Kari came back much sooner than Beamer did. I left the sliding door open a crack and stepped into the kitchen. The crack was not quite large enough for Beamer to get through. He stood there waiting on the back deck until I came. When I arrived at the door, I found his nose sticking through the open space. He was trying to wiggle his way in because I have not returned soon enough.

Normally my dogs will stand at the back door jumping and scratching until someone lets them in. Because the door was partially opened, Beamer did not scratch as usual. Instead, he stuck his nose in the small opening and was attempting to move the glass door. His little head did not have the leverage to slide at door open and give him access to the house. Instead, he stood there struggling while I was only a few feet away ready to open the door for him. Yes, he stood outside waiting.

In the Bible, prayer is compared to knocking at the door. Jesus said to knock and the door will be opened. “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 AMP) We are also told by the Apostle Paul to pray continually. “Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP) This should be our attitude toward approaching our heavenly Father.

 Do we sometimes pray but quit after only a few attempts? Teaching about prayer, Jesus tells the story of a widow. She needs help from a judge and refuses to give up until he gives her justice. She comes day after day until he finally gives in. (See Luke 18) God is righteous and loving. He does not answer prayers because he gets tired of us. He wants to see our faith and trust displayed in the persistence of praying over and over again. When we pray repeatedly we show God that we trust that He will answer.

 Sometimes our answer does not come after just one prayer. God may answer our prayer in small increments until the full answer comes. In parables Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. Using a farming analogy He said, “The earth produces [acting] by itself—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:28 AMP)  Our prayers may be answered in the same way. It may take time to see the full answer. During this time we are to keep praying and trusting God to finish His work. He will bring it to maturity.

Instead of continuing to pray and trusting God, we may be tempted to take His partial answer and attempt to finish the work ourselves. Like Beamer put his nose in the opening of the door and tried to push his way in, we try to push our way to the results we have asked God for. Like Beamer failed to alert me of his presence at the door, we may stop praying just when God has planned to answer. He is always close and ready to respond to us. He simply wants to hear from us. He wants to open the door for us. He will not leave a work undone but will slide the door wide open as we pray.

 So do not stop praying. God will answer and open the doors you cannot.

Little Walks With the One I Love!

My husband and I sometimes take walks together. Quite often we have the dogs with us. Our goal is simply a little bit of exercise and time together. When we reach the end of our street we do not have a specific destination in mind. We may turn left or we may turn right. Since our neighborhood is a collection of cul-de-sacs, we may choose to wander through one or more of them, or we may choose to just follow the main road. We may also choose to get off the road altogether and walk around the grassy areas that include two ponds. Sometimes we leave our neighborhood all together and drive to a park or walk along Lake Michigan. The purpose of these walks is simply time together.

This time together does not have to have a significant purpose. It is a time when we can talk about the day’s events. We can share hopes and dreams for the future. And often we can just laugh and appreciate the little things of life and each other. This casual time together always brings refreshment to us.

In my last post (January 18, 2015) I spoke about getting off the treadmill and beginning to walk with true purpose under the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is a long, directed walk with God. It is the path that our lives take. We travel down this road a little bit every day for our entire life. Along this path we will also have opportunities to take little side trips. These can be aimless with no real direction in mind. It is simply a walk for enjoyment and companionship.

The Lord also loves spending time together with His children. Just as a dad comes home and plays with his little ones, God wants to just spend time with us. “For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!”  (Romans 8:15 AMP) Abba means daddy. Do we cry out, “Daddy! Daddy!” when we have an opportunity to spend time with our Heavenly Father?

Christ, our bridegroom, desires to spend time alone with us. The Song of Solomon contains the musings of a bride concerning her love. “My beloved speaks and says to me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10 AMP) She is excited and wants only for time to hurry until they can be together. Is this our response to setting aside time to spend with Jesus? Are we excitedly anticipating the presence of God?

Making a priority to spend some time to just hang out with God will cause these times to occur more frequently. These times of God can be spontaneous. It can be merely a few minutes in the middle of our busy schedule. It can also be a sudden change of plans that would allow more time alone with God. Scheduling these times apart is also important. Scheduling times to simply enjoy God’s presence will enhance everything else in life.

It is the desire of the Lord to share His heart with us. “And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.”

(Isaiah 45:3 AMP) Isn’t it amazing that He calls us each by name? No matter how long we have walked with God there’s still more things He wishes to share with us. “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).” (Jeremiah 33:3 AMP) In all things and at all times God desires to express His love to us. “The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3b AMP)

If time passes and David and I have not had our walks or other times to just talk, we can really feel the effects relationship. We need that time to set aside the business of life and just hang out together. The same is true when we neglect our times with God. In addition to communication concerning the pressing issues of our lives, we need to spend time sharing secrets and just hanging out with our heavenly Father. We cannot neglect these times for they will refresh our souls. “…that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of  reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19b AMP)

Take a little stroll with God today. Share your hopes and dreams and simply walk hand-in-hand with the one you love. He is calling to you, “Come away with Me!”

Where Are You Going?

One day, a young mother was walking on her treadmill when her two and a half year old daughter entered the room. The toddler paused for a moment and a puzzled look crossed her face. In a sweet, innocent voice she asked, “Mommy, where are you going?” After a moment of confusion followed by a hidden chuckle, the mother replied, “Nowhere honey. Mommy is just walking.”
Remembering this story always brings a smile to my face.  I wonder if we don't sometimes spiritually live out the same scenario. Caught up in daily activities that we perform out of habit, do we step on a spiritual treadmill where we get a lot of exercise, but do not gain any ground. Does the voice of the Holy Spirit ask us where we are going?
There are several types of spiritual treadmills that we can choose to step on. A few that come to mind include striving to meet the expectations of others; engaging in activities that are more busyness then have an actual purpose; and repetitive prayer and Bible reading with no real faith or concern for what God truly has for us.
Striving to meet the expectations of others can be an exhausting, futile attempt. We are to serve those around us. This is clear in the Word of God. But it is also clear that we have only one master and that is God. It is He that we are to please. The apostle Paul addressed this topic. “Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).” (Galatians 1:10 AMP) We are not accountable to other people because we are servants of God. “Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another’s household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.” (Romans 14:4 AMP) We do not have to strive to make others happy if we are doing what God directs. He is the only one to please and He is happy with His faithful servants.

Busyness is a common thief in our society. It disguises itself as necessary work. Jesus addressed a very hardworking Martha in this way. “But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but ^[a]a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [^[b]that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:41-42 AMP) We can also get caught up doing what we believe we must do without ever consulting the Lord. This is not the type of sacrifice that He wants from His children. We must listen so we can obey. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” (1 Samuel 15:22b AMP)

Prayer and Bible study, done simply as a duty, does not have the deep, pleasing aroma that true fellowship with God offers. We must come with a desire to get to know God better and believe that He will act according to His Word.  “But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].” (Hebrews 11:6 AMP) Time with God must be initiated by love and a desire to know and trust Him more. Genuine prayer and study are real communication with the Lord.

Jesus has called us to follow Him. “Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me,” (Matthew 4:19a AMP) He also promised us rest. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28 AMP) The Lord never intended for us to live hard lives that are going nowhere. He does not want us striving to be what we, or anyone else, think we should be. He wants us on the path He sets.

“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)

 There is a path the Lord wants each of us to walk down.  This path contains genuine service to the Lord.  We are to receive direction from Him and follow where He leads. Then we will always be in His presence and can walk purposefully in joy. “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)
The answer to the question, “Where are you going?” will be this.  “I’m following the path the Lord has planned and He walks beside me.”

 So do not walk for the sake of walking. Get off the treadmill and walk with purpose on your God designed path. He will be with you every step.

Interruptions In the Plan

I received a call from my son one morning. He had hurt his foot the previous day and had a doctor’s note that he needed to bring to work. The note stated that he should stay off of his foot for several days. This would require some accommodation from his employer and modification to his job. The company was willing to do what was necessary, but only with the doctor's note. Unfortunately the note had fallen out of his pocket before he left for work that morning. He needed me to bring the note to him.
At first the company had said that the next day would be fine to bring it in. So I went about my day as I had originally planned. Then the HR representative said that the letter would have to be brought in immediately. This was when I began to look for where the letter had been dropped. It took me a little time to find the note. After some searching, which took time, I finally found it. And then I needed to leave my home and my plans for catching up on housework and writing to take this letter to his workplace.

At first the events were a little bit frustrating. I was available to help Jon because I was off work from one of my jobs today. I had set up an entire schedule of what to do with this time. Then I thought about what was really important to me. Although running this letter down to his workplace would cause me to change my plans and possibly not get done as much as I would like to, what really mattered was my son. I sent him a text to let him know this was how I felt. My son’s well being was far more important to me than anything else on my schedule. I did not want him to feel he was causing trouble by this inconvenience.

What is more important to us than anything else? Do we love God enough to let Him change our plans? If He asks us to do something at an inopportune time, do we whine or grumble?   Jesus spoke these words to His followers. “And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31 AMP) In these circumstances this could include all our schedules. If we truly love God, we will happily allow Him to interrupt our plans. We will willingly respond when He presents a need to us.

Letter in hand, I put on my coat to head to the car and a scripture came to mind. “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP)  We can go about our walk with God listening to the Holy Spirit and doing what we believe He has led us to do. Sometimes we think we have the whole thing figured out in our minds. We are sure we know exactly what God is doing in our lives and how He will do it. With great intentions we have created our spiritual schedule. Then something comes in and throws everything out of time.
God has His own plans for us.  “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 AMP) We must plan out our day, but always be open to a change.  If an opportunity to serve someone presents itself we must be ready to respond. God has the best plan and timing for everything that we do. We need to be ready to move as things change. God knows about the schedule, but He also knows what is best. When we follow His lead, everything works out for the best. He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11a AMP)
Do not allow plans or schedules get in the way of truly loving God. Remember what is really important! Love and serve God by allowing Him to change things up as He pleases and He will make your steps sure.

The Acceptance Letter

Applying to colleges is something that many high school juniors and seniors both look forward to and dread at the same time. Once the often tedious application has been filled out and sent off, the wait begins. And then the letters begin to arrive. They're called acceptance letters but can also become rejection letters.
The college’s required criteria must be met in order to be accepted. When filling out the application the students list their accomplishments including grade point average. In addition to grades extracurricular activities, community service, and any other accomplishments are put on these letter these applications to impress.
The day comes and the letters begin to arrive. There is great joy when a student’s top choice of colleges returns a letter that states he or she has been accepted to their program. All of the hard work has paid off and the next step in the future has been determined. Now all that is needed is for the student to acknowledge and accept the offer.
Acceptance to a college is often based on activity and accomplishment. We have received another type of acceptance letter. This acceptance is entirely different comes from Almighty God. It is found in the Bible.
The application process is simple. There are no minimum requirements to be met. All the activities in the world do nothing to impress. The qualification is simply to be born into this world. Every member of the human race has already been accepted by God, our creator. 
In the scripture we find our acceptance letter. This acceptance is based completely on God's unconditional love. This love precedes any good works. “But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” (Romans 5:8 AMP)  We could not do anything in order to earn this acceptance. We can also never lose this acceptance by anything that we do.
Once we have received our acceptance letter by hearing the good news of Jesus Christ, it is our turn to respond. Jesus’ death has paid the price for our eternal salvation. We must simply receive that life by believing in it and in Him. “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16 AMP) This one act acknowledges that we wish to be among those were called the children of God. “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life” (John 5:24a AMP)
An acceptance letter is only the beginning of collegiate life. Once a student begins to attend, they become a part of the student body of that school. These activities include studying and doing what is necessary to pursue a chosen degree.
Likewise, a true son or daughter of God will want to do the works the Father has called him or her to do. Our acceptance is not based on this work. It is simply the response of having a grateful heart to a loving Father.  “Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.” (John 14:23 AMP)
If at some point we are not responding with obedience and love, we do not lose our acceptance. God does not put us on a probationary list as happens in school. He responds to us with forgiveness and new chances. Jesus told a parable of a prodigal son. (See Luke 15) God will respond in the same manner as this father. “So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently].” (Luke 15:20 AMP)   We have no fear of ever being cast out.
We can be secure in this acceptance. It is not about anything we say or do. It is simply about God’s unconditional love for us. “It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20 AMP)
So read your acceptance letter over and over in the Scripture. Be happy and secure that you are forever loved.

Catch His Drift

Snow: it is an inevitable part of a Wisconsin winter. As the afternoon has progressed during this bitter cold week, it had turned into a snowy day. As I drove home from work I was behind a snow plow for most of the way. As the plow turned off and I continued straight, I found the road to be mostly cleared but there were patches where snow had drifted back over from snow on the side of the road. Despite all of the plowing efforts, it took only a matter of moments for the high winds to blow the snow back onto the road. Repeated plowing was only partially successful in clearing the road of snow.  The snow just kept coming back leaving drifts across all lanes.
In Scripture snow can represent blessings and refreshment. “Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the life of his masters.” (Proverbs 25: 13 AMP) In Psalms it compares the Almighty scattering enemy kings to snows on a mountain. “When the Almighty scattered kings in [the land], it was as when it snows on Zalmon [a wooded hill near Shechem]”. (Psalm 68:14 AMP) God sends the snow of blessing. “For He says to the snow, Fall on the earth;” (Job 37:6a AMP) He sends blessings by the wind of the Holy Spirit. “The wind blows (breathes) where it wills; and though you hear its sound, yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 AMP) So this snow of blessings is continually drifting into our path by the breath of our loving God.
Like a snowplow, trials of life come and try to clear the blessings from our path. We may feel as though there is nothing but cold slippery concrete beneath our feet. But God does not allow these trials to clear this path from His blessings for very long. As soon as the path is clear another blessing will blow in covering our paths with the goodness of God. Sin may “plow” the blessings away from our lives. As quickly as we confess and repent, the Spirit blows in purity and forgiveness back over us. “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall [in reality] be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 AMP) When fear attempts to plow away the blessings, the Lord provides a secure mind. “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) When distress attempts to scrape away our peace the Lord abundantly blows back with the winds of peace. “ Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.  And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP)
We know that all good originates from God. “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) We cannot allow difficult situations to clear away these gifts.  We must simply trust in His Word. “For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11 AMP) We will be refreshed.

If driving in snow, look for the cleared roads. On your spiritual journey, watch the blessings blow back over your path and catch His blessing drift.

Tell Them the Truth.

Even though my son is now an adult I tend to hear lines from childhood movies in my head. For some reason Aladdin has had many of the lines that have sparked truths of God in my life.
I hear the genie’s voice telling Aladdin to, “Tell her the truth!” In the movie Aladdin is trying to be someone that he is not. He has all the appearance of a prince, but he is still a street boy. Because he is afraid of the response of the princess, he is reluctant to let her know just who he really is. He does not feel that the truth will be well received. Fearing rejection he holds his tongue and tries to keep up appearances.
How often do we find ourselves in situations at work, out in public or even with friends when we have an opportunity to share the truth  with others? We do not speak the truth of the salvation of Jesus Christ to them because we fear they will reject us along with the message. We may believe that they are not interested in the things of God and therefore our comments will only push them even farther off.  Claiming that we are trying to shove the gospel down their throats they may reject our friendship. All of these thoughts can come at us when we have an opportunity to speak about the wonderful love of God to those around us. What will we choose to do at these times?

The genie’s voice now turns into the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit as he pleads with us to “Tell them the truth!” People are hurting all around us and need to hear of God’s power and love. “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.” (Palms96:3 AMP) We have much to tell if we will just open our mouths. ^“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.” (Psalm 40:5 AMP)

After living with and sharing for three years with His disciples. Jesus had this instruction. “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) His instructions are true for us today. We do not have to fear as we speak to others.  Jesus also gave this promise. “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP) We have everything we need to share of the great work of Jesus Christ with others.

The benefits of sharing are great.  The Bible promises, “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall bow down and worship before You,” (Psalm 22:27 AMP) We may not see the results of our words at the time we speak them. Often a person may need time to comprehend the love of God. The Lord will do the work in the hearts of man.  “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11 AMP) When we share the good news of God’s love we are blessed. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 AMP)

Aladdin found victory and peace only when the truth came out.  He could have avoided difficulty had he told the truth sooner. We should likewise speak the truth as soon as we hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  He will do the work in another’s life.

If you hear these words “Tell them the truth!” do not keep silent. Tell others of the love of God.   

A Song Stuck in My Heart

Have you ever had that certain song stuck in your mind. It plays over and over again; sometimes at the most inopportune moment. It can take extreme concentration to get the song out of your mind to focus on important matters.
A coworker of mine purchased the movie “Frozen” for her daughter for Christmas. She commented that she just couldn't get that soundtrack out of her mind. The daughter has watched the movie over and over again in recent days. After relating this, her final comment was “There are worse songs to have stuck in your head. At least I enjoy these songs.”
I began to wonder about the spiritual songs that are stuck in our minds. What songs are playing in our minds? What songs are we singing in our hearts each day? Do we sing songs of praise that extol the attributes of God as we are directed to do in the Psalms? ^“Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them.” (Psalm 105:2 AMP) Or do we repeatedly go over everything we need and everything we want. Do we moan over things that we do not have or opportunities that we have missed. What is the melody that plays in our minds over and over as the day goes on?
Many of us have been singing the songs of need and lack. We've contemplated far too much on what we don't have or what someone else has that we would like. We have bemoaned that which we cannot do rather than been thankful for that which we are able. We cry over dreams that have not been realized and refuse to dream big dreams of what God can and desires to do in and through us. These are not the songs we wish to have stuck in our minds. These are not enjoyable songs.
The song that we listen to repeatedly in your mind is the song that we begin to sing. The song that we sing leads to the life that we will live. It is essential to choose the song wisely. We must listen to God's precious promises that are repeated over and over again in the scripture. His love for us is great and He has carefully chosen His song to sing over us. “The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 AMP) It is time that we listen to God’s song, learn its melody and sing it ourselves.
So how do we get a bad song out of our mind?  Focusing on getting rid of this song will only draw our attention to it more and more.  We need to listen to a new soundtrack and replace the song with a better one.  Meditating on Scripture is a great way to do this. We must fill our mind with the promises of God.  Good worship music is another way to turn our focus to the greatness of God and His love toward us. Once we have changed what we are listening to we can make the decision to sing a different song.  Scripture gives repeated encouragements to do this. The Psalmists wrote, “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!” (Psalm 96:1 AMP) and “O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have wrought salvation for Him.” (Psalm 98:1 AMP) We get the same command from the prophet Isaiah. “Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the islands and coastal regions and the inhabitants of them [sing a song such as has never been heard in the heathen world]!” (Isaiah 42:10 Bible AMP) We can change the tune that plays in our hearts so that it becomes a tune we enjoy hearing, humming and singing.
What tune are you listening to today? If it is not in line with God’s love for you, make the effort to change it now. Listen to His song of rejoicing over you and sing a song of praise and thanks back to Him.  Soon these songs will be the ones that stick in your heart and mind.