Do Not Forget the Finishing Touches

Over the past months we have done a couple of minor remodel projects in our home. We set up some new video/bookshelves and then we brought a refrigerator/freezer in from our garage (where items in the refrigerator were freezing from the outdoor temperatures) and put it in our laundry room. Both of these projects required some building and modification of existing shelving and storage. It also required moving some items to other areas of the home or garage for storage. The end result of these projects has benefited our family in several ways. We now have easy access to often used items.

The last of these projects was finished a few weeks ago. As I look around my den today I still see some remnants of this remodeling time. There are a few tools sitting on the hearth of our fireplace. There are also some items on the desk that have never been properly put into their new storage space. These last few details still require our attention.

Along the path of our walk with God we will encounter many projects. Often the projects will be in the building of our own character. Like these home improvement projects, there may be some cutting here and moving there. Things that have long been a part of our lives may need to be shifted or taken completely out. The work may be labor-intensive and require repeated Scripture, trials and conversations with the Lord. Or it may be a simple one day job in which a single conversation of the Lord helps us to make the adjustments necessary to be useful to Him.

Throughout Scripture we find many teachings on growing into maturity. We do not want to stop short of the completed work.

The apostle Paul teaches on this topic. “Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).” (Colossians 1:28 AMP) This is a process that will not be completed in a brief amount of time.

 There are nine fruit of the spirit. “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) Sometimes we may wish we could work on six or seven and leave two or three of them to wait a while longer. However we are instructed to allow the Holy Spirit develop all of these in our lives.

In his second letter to the churches, Peter gave a list of instructions for spiritual growth. “For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 AMP) It may be tempting to stop somewhere along that list and consider ourselves mature enough. Yet the Lord wishes us to grow completely and fully into that perfect Christian love.

So we must remember that God wants to do a complete work in us. He is not content to leave things partially done. “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever—forsake not the works of Your own hands.” (Psalm 138:8 AMP) We must persevere and allow the Lord to finish the work He has started in us. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)

 If you have been tempted to settle for the work that God has already done in your life, please reconsider. Allow Him to place His finishing touches on your beautiful new life.

We Have a Better Solution Available

Over the last couple of days, I have been working on my gift of a “Diaper Tricycle” for a baby shower. This extremely practical gift is both fun and adorable. The “tricycle” consists of diapers, receiving blankets, bibs, booties and a bottle. All of these items are useful to a new mom. Wrapping each separately would make a wonderful gift. Put together in this creative way makes it all the more special. Shopping for and finding the perfect mix of safari themed items has been fun. Blankets with a mix of safari animals, bibs and booties with monkeys, a little bit of time and instructions from the Internet, and the “tricycle” quickly took shape.

As I stood back and inspected my final product, I felt as though the handlebars were a little bit droopy. The “trike” was so cute that I was unwilling to allow even this minor flaw. Considering what would help straighten my handlebars, I thought of a package of straws that were tucked away in one of my kitchen drawers. I began to search through those drawers of seldom used, but necessary, items. I did not immediately come across the straws, but I found something much better. In one of these drawers was a package of short, wooden skewers. These have been left over from a finger food party that I had catered. (To be honest I had not thought of these in a long time and did not even remember they were in that drawer.) The skewers were the perfect length to straighten the blanket and bootie handlebars.

How many times have we have situations that arise that require just a little bit of attention. We think things through and come up with our version of the solution. Without ever consulting the Lord we move ahead with what we think will work best. This can often lead to less than stellar results. If we will take a moment to pray and seek the Lord, even on the little things in life, we will often find that He has a much better solution just waiting to be found.

Life outlooks change when we begin to seek God. When Jesus spoke in what is commonly termed “The Sermon on the Mount” He instructed people on a better way. (See Matthew 5:38 – 48) In place of vengeance He taught love. The apostle Paul also taught this when he wrote, “But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love].” (1 Corinthians 12:31 AMP) This line precedes what is often referred to as the love chapter. The Scriptures make it clear that love supersedes any logical response to circumstances.

What about the smaller decisions of life? Having walked with God for a while, we may have learned to respond to life’s trials with thanksgiving and forgiveness. We may be, to the best of our ability, following the principles that the Bible teaches. We may attempt to allow love guide us. Yet every day we have choices to make as to the words we will speak in the action we will take. Do we stop to consult the wisdom of our Creator?

God is concerned about every area of life. When we have decisions to make or need help in a situation, the Holy Spirit is there with a ready answer for us. We are told several times in Scripture to call upon the Lord. “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 times of trouble we can call. “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15 AMP) When we need wisdom we can ask. “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 AMP)

So we have no good reason to attempt to reason things out on our own. Our way may be adequate, or even good, but God always has a better way. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 AMP) He is also willing to share His way with us.  So why should we struggle in our own strength?

Pray and ask for the Lord’s help in all things. You also can say, “I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]!” (Psalm 57:2 AMP)

Excitement at the Door

Lying quietly in the sun beside the sliding glass doors that lead to our deck is a favorite pastime of Beamer and Kari. Whether sleeping, looking out the window or keeping a keen eye to see if I may drop a morsel of food while I work in the kitchen, these pups enjoy that peaceful spot. Suddenly the distinct sound of an anticipatory whine comes from extremely alert dogs. Prancing and jumping at the door soon follow. As excitement increases, Kari begins leaping in the air at more than twice her height. (The paw prints on the glass door attest to her acrobatic feat.) Something has been moving in or behind our back yard.

By the time I reach the door to let them out, I can see nothing that would cause this excitement. Both dogs race toward the back corner of the yard. I’m assuming that a rabbit or a squirrel had caught their attention and then swiftly fled. There is an easement behind our yard where children often play or people walk their pets, but I would most likely have been able to catch a glimpse if that had been what my animals had seen. This had been more subtle and quick.  Laughing at the excitement level that Kari had displayed, I returned to what I had been doing and allowed the dogs to spend some time outside.             

We can enjoy time just resting in the presence of God. Worship music may be playing or the Scriptures may be open before our eyes. Then just as suddenly, the truth that we had not seen before can be spoken to our hearts by the Holy Spirit. God’s presence suddenly seems more real and intense. Do we display the same exuberance with which Kari jumped into the air when that animal caught her eye? Does our heart leap causing us to desire to understand everything that this gentle whisper entails? Even before his birth, John (the Baptist) had this reaction to the presence of Jesus who was also yet to be born into this world. “And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb,” (Luke 1:41AMP) There was an excitement at the entrance of the tangible presence of God.

As born-again believers we have the presence of the Holy Spirit abiding in our lives every day. This is a source of hope, contentment and 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) At times the Lord will speak clearly to our hearts. We may be rereading a familiar Scripture and suddenly see a truth that had not previously been obvious. We may suddenly know the direction to go in an area that we have been praying. There are so many ways that the Holy Spirit may enlighten us. When we see something clearly, do we get excited and run after it? Is our excitement uncontainable to the point that our inner man leaps into the air?

We have a great example in Scripture of a young boy who responded well when hearing the voice of God. Young Samuel was a servant of Eli, the priest. (See 1 Samuel 3:4–10) We see his exuberant response the first time he heard God call his name. “When the Lord called, Samuel! And he answered, Here I am. He ran to Eli and said, Here I am, for you called me.” (1 Samuel 3:4-5a AMP) Even before the young Samuel knew he was hearing from God he jumped up and ran to answer. Could this exuberance of youth be part of what Jesus was referring to when he commanded us to come as children? We know that he desires we trust like a children, but I wonder if there wasn’t just a little bit more when He said, “And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].” (Matthew 18:3 AMP)

As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we should never lose that same excitement of hearing His voice. Whenever something appears to “jump off the page” at us, we need to be ready to “jump up” to pursue it and find the full meaning of what is there for us. The critter that captured Kari’s attention was elusive, but God will never withhold His truth from our pursuit. He is waiting to see if we will chase after it. Will this be our response to a glimpse of truth? “My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8 AMP)

When God speaks to your, heart leap with excitement and chase hard after all He wishes to teach you. “Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit;” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 AMP) Pursue Him instead.

Repeat That Please

When I was in college there was a professor who always began the semester by informing the students that anything repeated more than once was extremely important. What this meant was that the information would most definitely be on the test, and that we needed to truly understand the concept not just be able to repeat the information.
This is often true in life. As a parent I considered any information that I had repeated to my son to be taken in and adhered to. Although all of my directions and commands required his attention, that which was repeated was all the more important.
Scripture is full of important direction for our lives. We have direct commands from God, as in the law and many of the teachings of Jesus. We also have examples from the lives of those who have gone before us. If you want to be a leader you follow the examples of godly leaders such as Moses, Joshua and Paul. (Following Jesus goes unsaid. He is our greatest leader.) If you want to have a heart that seeks after God, you follow the example of King David.
A constant throughout David's life was worship. Whether he was in the fields with the sheep; living in caves while running from King Saul; or living in the opulent palace in Jerusalem; he was a man of praise. Many of the Psalms that he wrote were during those times when his life circumstances seemed to be at their lowest. Throughout every stage of his life, David remained a man who searched out God's will and remembered the Lord’s great and mighty works. In addition to this he spent much time contemplating just how great God is.
In “Continual Time for Food and Medicine” (3/18/2015) I mentioned that in Psalm 136, David repeats one single line 26 times. In every verse this line is repeated. “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” King David may be reminding himself of this truth in hard times. Whatever his motivation David chose to repeat this line over and over again. He began the Psalm by acknowledging the attributes of God’s greatness in creation. He then continued to show times in which God mightily intervened to bring deliverance in Israel’s history. With each line David repeated, “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”  26 times should be enough for us to take notice and truly believe this statement.
Using my college professor’s model, we should sit up and take notice of this characteristic of Almighty God. We will find this concept extremely important to have remembered when we face life’s tests. When challenges arise will we ask God why he has allowed these difficult events to occur? Will we suddenly look at life with no clue as to the proper response? Or will we remember King David’s declaration? “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” This declaration should be repeated over and over again in our hearts until it is the first words we speak when pressure hits. “…for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45b AMP)
In order for this verse to become a reality in our inner man, we must not simply remember the words. Rote memorization can sometimes replicate a correct answer on a written test, but to truly find value in the knowledge memorized, we must go beyond the mere words. Understanding comes as we seek out and study a concept. The term mercy and loving-kindness actually appears in the amplified version of Scripture 136 times. I would say that that is quite a bit of repeat. It also shows that David was not the only one who understood this characteristic of God’s nature. It also encourages us that we can likewise experience the enduring mercy and loving-kindness of our heavenly father.
In pleasant times, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” In difficult times, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” When we feel God’s presence, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” When we wonder if God even sees us, “…His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”

Ponder this truth until it becomes deeply rooted in your heart and it will become your first response when the tests of life arise. “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.”

Why Are My Slippers Outside Again?

I absolutely love my two dogs, Beamer and Kari. They are playful and fun-loving but each has his and her own quirks and bad habits.

Beamer wants to have something in his mouth every time he goes outside. This item is preferably a toy, but can be a pair of socks, slippers or just about anything ‘mouth size’ that has been left within his reach. These items may be found on the floor, chairs, sofas, or even tables if he is being especially naughty. We are constantly retrieving things either from his mouth at the door or from the backyard. Since my slippers are frequently left on the floor of the den, I often find myself searching for at least one of them. They are often on a table or shelf where my husband has placed them after rescuing them from Beamer’s mouth. This morning I saw a pair sitting on the deck just a few feet from the back door. My first thought was, “What are my slippers doing outside?” I immediately realized how silly this question was. I knew exactly what the slippers were doing outside and who had dropped them there. Beamer is the thief and transplant king of all small, unattended items.

I have an option to blame Beamer for taking my slippers outside or to acknowledge my own lack of responsibility to put them away. Do I play the victim and become frustrated by his actions or do I begin protecting my belongings by putting them out of his reach. Knowing his behavior patterns, I must begin to guard my slippers.

God has provided a great treasure in His word. When we do not intently consider God’s word to us, the enemy will come and steal it away. Jesus told parable of a man sowing seed. (See Matthew chapter 13) In this parable, seed is dropped on the path and the birds steal it away. Jesus compares this path to people who hear the word of God but do not understand it. Because they do not understand, and do not seek to understand, the value of the word is stolen away by the enemy of our souls. When we are inattentive to what God is attempting to show us, we will not experience the work that our loving Father wishes to do in our lives.

God may reveal a truth to our hearts in a very special way. He may also point out areas of our lives in which He wishes to make correction. When we do not take the time to ponder and seek out what God is speaking specifically to us, it is like leaving that instruction from God on the floor of our spiritual house. Here the enemy can come and steal the thought away. It may be days, weeks or even years before we return to truly learn the lesson that God intended to teach us. Sometimes we never will.

If we do not understand the lesson God is drawing our hearts to, we must listen and search for truth. The best way is to compare Scripture to other Scripture. We can look at works written by other Christians who have studied the same areas. But most importantly of all, we have the Holy Spirit who resides within us. Jesus promised His followers, “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) We can learn all things from the Holy Spirit. When understanding seems difficult, we also have this promise. “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 AMP)

If we are at a place that God is shining the light of His word on an area in life that we need to change, we must not hold on too tightly to where we are. Change is always difficult. When God-led, change is always preferable. We must not hold onto things in an attempt to keep them as they are. Whether we are to let go of sin or simply follow God in a new direction, obedience is key. “For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts as at Meribah and as at Massah in the day of temptation in the wilderness,” (Psalm 95:7-8 AMP) We do not wish to set down the will of God for our reluctance to move forward with Him.

So when we have ‘aha’ moments that we know God wishes to speak to our hearts, we must receive them as gifts. We must not walk away leaving them behind without pondering, coming to full understanding and then obeying what we have heard the Almighty speak. If we treat the word carelessly and leave these lessons behind, without obtaining full value, the enemy is ready to snatch them up and run out the door with them. These lessons can leave our mind and heart quickly if we do not pay close heed to receive them. Sometimes we may not even know that they are gone. And other times we will wonder how we let that get away from us.

So as you read the Scriptures, treat them with deep respect. When God speaks to your heart, determine to learn all that He intends to reveal and make this an active part of your life. Do not put down the precious teachings of God where the enemy can snatch them away.

Continual Time for Food and Medicine

When we first brought our son, who had been born prematurely, home from the hospital he was three months old and weighed only 4 lbs. 8 oz. He arrived at our home with oxygen tanks, heart and breathing monitors, a feeding tube and a series of medications. After a little more than three months in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, we were totally thrilled to finally have our baby home.

Because of his limited breathing ability and other medical needs connected to his early arrival into this world, Jon required a strict feeding and medication schedule. Although he would voraciously attempt to drink the milk offered him, his lung power gave out after only a minute or two. For this reason he was fed by both mouth and tube every few hours. His medications were also to be given at very specific times. In order to keep up with this rigid schedule, we set multiple alarm clocks to alert us, both day and night, to provide the food and medicine that our tiny son required to survive. By receiving this regimented, constant care he not only survived but had thrived and gained more than 2 pounds by his eight week checkup.

Jesus Christ, the Word that became flesh, is the bread of life. “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP)  The Word of God also compares a joyful heart to medicine. “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 AMP) Like my young son we also have a great need for the bread of life and the medicine of joy in our lives. Do we act with the same diligence with which my husband and I set alarm clocks to alert us to Jon’s needs? What have we set in place in our lives to ensure that we never go too long between feedings?

Spending time reading in Psalms triggered a deep desire to live as King David’s example encourages us. “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1 AMP) Looking in the New Testament we find the apostle Paul has a similar sentiment. “Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 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 5:16-18 AMP) “Continually” “at all times” and “unceasing” are pretty definite and challenging descriptors. Making that work in our lives is not always easy.

So I began an experiment. I set a one hour snooze alarm on my cell phone. Instead of turning the alarm off when I awake in the morning, I press the snooze button. Then one hour later the alarm will go off again. It is a reminder to take just a moment to praise and thank the Lord for who He is and what He has done in my life. Taking a moment to consider the greatness of the character of God, is an awesome encouragement. Remembering what He has done in my life brings courage for the future. Praising Him for who He is and thanking Him for what He has done both nourishes and heals a hungry, sick soul.

Daily life is full of challenges. There are demands on every one of us. As we give out for the Lord we find ourselves needing to be refueled and restored. A praising, thankful heart is the best way to look not at what is being taken from us by the needs of others, but all that is being given to us by our gracious, heavenly father. Psalm 136 repeats the same line 26 times. For every thought that the psalmist pours his heart out to God he repeats, “…for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” We can be continually nourished and strengthened simply by remembering that one line. But there is so much more to praise and thank Him for.

If you like, join the experiment and actually set an alarm to remind yourself to praise and thank the Lord. Daily remind yourself to eat of God’s word and take the medicine of joy. You will not only survive, but you will thrive.

(I do turn the alarm off at that last hour before bedtime. I have also accidentally hit the dismiss button and found myself sad and having missed an opportunity to praise.)

It is Not the Box but What is Inside That Counts

I was recently looking through my linen closet for a hair trimming kit that is mostly used by my husband and son. While I was looking for this I saw an unfamiliar box on the bottom shelf. The lighting was not poor and I was unable to read the label to discover what was inside. After turning on the hall light and tilting my head to just the right angle, I was able to read the box. This is the box that my hairdryer had come in. It now contains the old, well used hairdryer that had been mine for many years. We had chosen to keep it as a backup. The men of my house will occasionally dry their hair before stepping outside on a cold winter morning. The motor on this dryer would no longer hold up to my continual use but would be good for this occasional need or for temporary use if anything goes wrong the current hairdryer.

When I saw that box on the bottom shelf I knew immediately what was inside. I remembered my son suggesting that we just put the old dryer and accessories into the new dryer’s box. That would make it easy to store and easy to find in the linen closet. It occurred to me that it was funny that I never even considered that the contents of this box would match its exterior. Someone outside of our family might think that it was exactly the same brand and model of the dryer that I currently use. Finding an old hairdryer of a different model and color would then be a disappointment.

What is on the label of the box is not what is really important. It is the contents of that box that truly matters. In this case the box suggests something far nicer than what it actually contains. At other times a very nice item may be packed away in a box that originally housed something of minimal value. The box just happened to be the right size for a treasure. It truly is not what the box cover displays that is important, but rather what is inside that counts.

Do we ever view people that way? Do we ever assume that someone shares our values simply because they dress like us or are of a similar age? Do hair color, skin color, clothing or any other characteristic define who the person actually is? Hopes, dreams and preferences do not necessarily show on our outward appearance. Ethics and moral standards are not always worn as jackets or shoes. For everything that physical appearance may indicate about an individual, it is the soul and spirit of a man or woman that truly makes up who we are.

Scripture addresses this topic. Believers are told not to give preference to the well-dressed and looked down on the poor or shabbily dressed. (See James chapter 2) This goes far beyond rich and poor. Do we judge people by whether they wear formal or casual clothing? Clothing, body type, age are only a few of the many, many aspects of appearance by which we can falsely judge someone. God always judges the heart of man.

Everyone who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ has been called the temple of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP) The degree to which we allow the Holy Spirit to reign and rule in our lives is what truly matters. He is the source of all good that makes each of us who we truly are. What we do and say truly have value because of the presence of God that we carry with us each day.

When we look at each other, with all of our differences we must remember that the love of God lives inside of us. “No man has at any time [yet] seen God. But if we love one another, God abides (lives and remains) in us and His love (that love which is essentially His) is brought to completion (to its full maturity, runs its full course, is perfected) in us!” (1 John 4:12 AMP) God is the valuable gift that we have to offer to others. The apostle Paul said it so eloquently. “However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 AMP)

 So both as you need others and present yourself to others, always remember that it is not the box but what is inside that counts.

A Card or a Book?

I recently received an invitation to a baby shower. The invitation contained the following sentiment.

“A card is nice but read only once or twice.

A book is a treasure that lasts forever.

So please place your wishes inside a book

and we will think of you each time we take a look.”

 I have seen and received variations of this message for other showers. The sentiment is great! Instead of signing your name to a card that will only be thrown away, giving a book that can be reread again and again is priceless. Being read to and later reading on your own has been linked to greatness. Presidents, scientists and many other people who were successful in their fields often share a heritage that included a great amount of reading.

 We have been given a great gift of salvation by Almighty God. With that gift, God did not choose to give us a card with only one wish or encouragement. Rather He gave us a book that we can read over and over again. The Bible is the love story that is full of God’s heart and desire for a life. It is not full of wishes only, but it contains the very promises of the author Himself.

 When we receive the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to pay our debt of sin, we are born again into a brand new spiritual being. “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17AMP) Jesus rescued us from spiritual death and gave us eternal life. “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)

 When we are newborn babies in Christ, we may not be able to understand all the writings in the book God has given us. We will often be read to and taught by others who have walked with the Lord for a while. Interestingly enough, Christians are called to be imitators of God. “Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].” (Ephesians 5:1 AMP) As imitators of God we can portray a picture of Christ. We are like the picture book that so often enthralls a baby.

 God provides not only mature believers to help us understand his book. He has given us his Holy Spirit as our constant source of help. “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) Throughout our lives we will walk with the greatest teacher Who is more than willing to explain the word of God to us.

 As I prepare my shower gift for the little boy that will soon enter our world, I have selected several board books and a waterproof tub book. These contain stories of animals and cars to inspire the dreams of a tiny young man. God likewise had us in mind when He inspired the earthly authors He chose to write down His word. The contents of the Scripture were written to inspire dreams, instruct in righteousness and lead us to a full knowledge of our loving, heavenly Father. It will prepare us for everything that God has planned for the life ahead of us. “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP)

 Spend some time in the book that God has given you. He has given us all life and included a book that truly will be read forever and ever.

Who Turned the Signpost Around?

Have you ever seen a signpost that has several placards with arrows facing in different directions? These are common at resorts and condo complexes. Each sign will tell you the unit numbers in that direction. As you drive into unfamiliar territory, where you will be staying generally for two weeks or less, the signs can be extremely valuable. I remember when I was 12 years old my family shared a cabin with my cousins at a resort with one of the signs. As we were taking a walk with newly met friends, another child discovered that a signpost was loose. Someone had spun the sign around and all of the directions were incorrect. (I would like to say that we told the owner so he could correct the sign. But unfortunately I watched as this other child simply took a spin to see where the arrows would land.) Anyone following the directions of that sign would soon find the information was incorrect. In fact the arrows no longer pointed to the roads.

At a resort property, misinformation of this nature is not too critical. Unit numbers are visibly placed on each cabin or townhouse. One can return to the junction where he made the wrong turn and try another direction. It is actually more of an inconvenience than anything else. When these signs relate to permanent locations; such as homes and business complexes; the results can be a little more serious. These are permanent sites and building numbers may be difficult to see. The need for accuracy is more urgent and signposts must be securely anchored to avoid error.

Have you ever felt that you arrived at one of these signposts in your personal life? Often we are not sure which way to go. We can look to all the conventional wisdom of the world. It may seem that we have found the perfect job, living arrangement or even ministry to the Lord. We proceed in the direction that the signs indicate but soon find that we took a wrong turn somewhere along the way. We may feel that we have done everything properly and our minds cry out, “Who turned the signpost around?”

The question here is actually how well is the signpost anchored. What is the foundation of the post and just how secure and immovable was it built?

Jesus tells the story of those who build their houses on the rock and others who built on sand. “So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27 AMP) This same principle applies to the signpost that we look for along the way. Directions that come from the word of God are secure and will lead us in the correct direction. On the other hand, directions that come from seemingly good advice may not be reliable or secure. 

Jesus is the chief cornerstone and firm foundation. “You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20 AMP) We are to build our lives on the salvation that He died to purchase for us. Following His example, we pattern our lives after Jesus, who came to complete the whole law of God. “Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17 AMP) He only acted as He was led by the Father. “But Jesus answered them, My Father has worked [even] until now, [He has never ceased working; He is still working] and I, too, must be at [divine] work.” (John 5:17 AMP) We must also follow the written word and the Spirit of God.

When our guidelines for life are based on anything but the word of God we run the risk of great error. This is like the signpost dropped into the dirt that can easily be turned around. Although not always bad, conventional wisdom can sometimes lead us astray. “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but At the end of it is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12 AMP) This is not the signpost a believer will benefit by following. Rather studying the written word and listening to the Holy Spirit will lead us in the right direction. Even in confusing times we can trust God. “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)

So do not risk following a sign that may have been spun around. Double check that you are receiving your directions from God and His word.

When It Is Beyond Our Reach

Having a husband who is 6’5” tall can be very advantageous. Whenever we are at a store and the item that I desire is on a top shelf, out of my reach, all I have to do is ask him to get it for me. We are frequently stopped by others, particularly women, who request his help with items that are too high for them to reach.

At home I am not always happy with his ability to reach so high. Because he can easily retrieve an item from on top of the cabinets, he routinely places items up there. This is not so bad if they are items that he primarily uses. But when it comes to my kitchen, this can be a cause for concern. David has placed certain pans and containers on top of my upper cabinets. If he is not home when I want to use one of these, I can become frustrated. If I can wait until he arrives home, that is by far the easiest. But if I truly have need for one of these pans (or am just impatient) I have to find a way to climb up to reach it. This can be time-consuming and dangerous if I don’t use a proper stepstool rather than a chair or climbing on the counter.

Sometimes we can find ourselves serving God as we best know how. We believe that we know the next step in the plan, but it appears that something we need has been placed high out of our reach. When we reach this junction, we have a choice to make. We can exert ourselves trying to make things work out on our own. Or we can stay connected to the Holy Spirit and wait until He provides everything we need to continue serving Him.

Any work that is truly from God will require that we trust in Him. “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) He knows everything that we need and just when we will need it. We are to wait patiently for his provision to arrive. “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear.” (Isaiah 59:1 AMP) He can reach anything that we need far more easily than my husband can reach the top shelf.

When attempting to reach items on the top shelf, I risk hurting myself not only by being unsteady in the climb but also by pulling down other items that I was not ready for. The pan that I’m reaching for may have something else perched in a way that it will come crashing down when I pull on the pan. With limited vision I am not aware of the trouble that my actions will cause. The view from beneath is not always clear.

God views things from above where the picture is clear and complete. The path that God plans for us is perfect in every way. He knows that only the destination but every step along the way. To a people who had forgotten His mighty works, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah. “Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose.” (Isaiah 46:10 AMP) God knows exactly what we need to perform His works.

We are to wait for the Holy Spirit to bring about the provision that we need. We have a promise that the Lord will answer us when we wait patiently for Him to move.  “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1 AMP) Instead of exhausting ourselves by trying to work things out on our own, waiting for God will bring strength. “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 AMP) We need not fear that He will not come through every time we need Him. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP) He is both powerful and faithful.

So, whatever area you may be struggling in today, allow the Holy Spirit to bring about the next step. He will do it with ease which is so much easier than trying to do it yourself.

(Note: I struggled with going my own direction in this post. I had to wait longer than usual to hear clearly from 

Better Together: The Weak Adds Strength!

I'm back in the kitchen and making mayonnaise and mayo-based salad dressings. On my first batch of mayo, I put all the ingredients into the container and applied the stick blender as I always do. For some reason this batch of mayo did not set as well as it usually does. I checked the amount of lemon juice, which plays a major factor in the thickening, but still the dressing was the consistency of a thick liquid. I set this batch aside and began another with new ingredients.
The second batch came out perfectly. So I decided to add a little bit of the first to it. Continuing to blend, I added some of the less set mayo and it thickened up beautifully. I continued adding until half of that first batch was added to the second and the consistency was firmer than either had been on its own. The mayo had increased in both volume and quality.
Setting this thick mayo aside, I began a third batch. The same thing happened again. As I began adding the remaining partially set mayo to the thick batch it became even thicker. The final result was 3 full, thick jars of mayo. Adding the seasonings, I soon had one jar of mayo, one jar of Stevia sweetened “non-honey” mustard and one jar of ranch dressing. What had initially not been useable, had actually improved the quality of the final product.
In the body of Christ, a similar thing can happen. It is never a good idea to simply dismiss a Christian brother or sister who is less trained in biblical principles. Although it is wise for a younger Christian to learn and be taught, God may speak through him or her. This student of the word can be strengthened and trained by one who is spiritually stronger. Walking side-by-side, this training will build up both. Jesus spoke of this principle when he said, “A pupil is not superior to his teacher, but everyone [when he is] completely trained (readjusted, restored, set to rights, and perfected) will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40 AMP) The apostle Paul addressed our need for each other in his letter to the Romans. “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. (Romans 12:5 AMP) He made clear that we had different gifts and purposes in God’s kingdom. He never stated that all would be equally strong in order for us to work together.
Sometimes a lack of maturity in a believer is caused by inappropriate behaviors and attitudes. Sin, laziness and fear can all inhibit growth in Christ. A stronger believer is encouraged to come alongside one who is acting inappropriately to both reprimand and disciple him or her. “And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 AMP) When the weaker believer turns from wrong behaviors he/she will also become strong in the Lord.
Throughout Scripture we hear of the value of unity. “Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 AMP)  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 AMP) Whenever we are joined with others there will be some who are stronger and some who are weaker. Love and unity overlook this difference. The stronger simply takes the weaker by the hand and together they grow into a strength that far exceeds that which either could attain on his or her own.
In all this we must remember the root of everything that we do. “You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]. In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:20-22 AMP) On this foundation, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, we will flourish together.

Do you know someone that you can bring alongside and strengthen today? Are you struggling and feel you need help to become strong? Join with a brother or sister, knowing that both of you will be better for it. 

Lesson from a Cat - Fresh Food Daily

Every afternoon I visit my elderly friend, Helen. She has two cats, Lucky and Pumpkin. I make sure that they have clean litter, fresh food and fresh water every day. Lucky, very aware of my arrival, begins to wait as soon as I walk in the door for me to put the fresh cat food into the bowl. If I have been there more than about 15 minutes without adding the new cat food, I will hear about it from him. Often there is still cat food in the bowl when I arrive. This makes no difference to Lucky. He will not touch this cat food but demands the fresh addition to the bowl.
Several years ago I went through a dark time spiritually. My faith wavered and I lost hope. When I got past this hard time and began to understand my error, I realized that I had begun to live on Scriptures that I had learned years earlier. Having studied the Bible for over 30 years, I knew many scriptures that applied to nearly every situation of my life. I had experienced God’s faithfulness in difficult times. Yet I allowed myself to get caught up in the busyness of daily living and rely on this past knowledge rather than running to my Bible each morning with an all-consuming need to hear a fresh word from God.
How often do we get caught up in this pattern of life? We try to get by with what God has already spoken to us. This may appear to work for a while. Unfortunately our spirits will begin to starve without fresh food.
When the Israelites were in the desert, God fed them with manna. They were required to gather this manna and eat every day. Any they attempted to save rotted overnight. (See Exodus 16) The Word of God should be treated like manna to our souls. We must gather it and take it in every day. God will give us enough for each day and provide more the next day.
King David knew the necessity of daily study of God’s word for a blessed life. “Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.  But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.” (Psalm 1:1-2 AMP) David’s desire to know God was his top priority. “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4 AMP) Is it ours too? Do we long to gaze upon the Lord?
Once I have added the fresh food, Lucky is more than willing to eat the food that had still been in the bowl. We will also have verses that we have studied from the past that will remain in our minds from day to day. We can and should continue to ponder what the Lord is teaching us. Some days we may even choose to stay in the same passage of Scripture until we eat and receive everything that God has for us in those words.
Lucky is also more than willing to share the bowl of food with Pumpkin. Once we have received the fresh word of God for our lives, we should be willing and looking for people to share it with.  Some Scriptures that nourish us can nourish others as well. God will often teach us in areas of our lives order that we can teach and help others. “Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4 AMP) God’s Word comforts us and we pass it on. We study well to learn well. We learn well so that we can teach well. Together we grow in mercy and wisdom.
Do not become weak and malnourished by skipping time studying God’s Word. Eat fresh every day!

A Wonderful Aroma

So many things in this world have amazing aromas. Some that come immediately to mind include a bouquet of flowers, fresh-cut evergreens, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, fresh-baked bread and meat hot off the grill. In and of themselves each of these scents are amazing. What can truly enhance these fragrances is when the aromatic item is presented to me as a gift from someone that I love. Flowers, even dandelions, picked and presented to me when my son was small smelled sweeter than any florist’s shop. A hot cup of coffee, fixed the way I like it, delivered by my husband on a chilly morning tastes better than any offering from a gourmet coffee house. The aroma is heightened to new levels by the love that delivers it.

 In the Old Testament there are more than 35 references to aroma or fragrance connected with sacrifices and offerings to the Lord. The first of these appears in Genesis. “And Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean [four-footed] animal and of every clean fowl or bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. When the Lord smelled the pleasing odor [a scent of satisfaction to His heart], the Lord said to Himself, I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the imagination (the strong desire) of man's heart is evil and wicked from his youth; neither will I ever again smite and destroy every living thing, as I have done.” (Genesis 8:20-21 AMP) The pleasing odor of Noah’s obedience brought a satisfying scent to God’s heart. At a time when so much sin and rebellion had brought judgment to the earth, Noah had brought a sacrifice of faith that was pleasing to the Lord.  A study of these references to aromas that come before the Lord from obedient sacrifice include adjectives such as sweet, soothing, pleasing and satisfying. These all convey feelings of comfort, joy and contentment.

What is the intent of our hearts? Do we bring a sacrifice before God begrudgingly or with joyful, thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve the One who has done so much for us? Are we like a child just waiting for a chance to bring our work (as childlike as it may be) to our father as a surprise gift? Or do we go through the motions performing necessary actions with no heart behind them? The Lord is pleased when love is our motivation to serve Him. The heart full of love that initiates obedient service is what creates that sweet, soothing fragrance.

As in all things pertaining to love, Jesus is our best example. “Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP) The selfless giving of Himself as payment for our sin was a beautiful sacrifice. When we imitate His example, our actions also become a sweet fragrance to our Heavenly Father. “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (AMP) The scent spreads to others around us.

 The apostle Paul also spoke of this when he thanked the Philippian believers for their gifts. “But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.” Philippians 4:18 (AMP) Giving sacrificially to others creates a fragrance the Father gladly welcomes. Our selfless acts, given from a willing heart, are among God’s favorite aromas.

 Offerings to God are not judged on the skill or perfection of our performance.  We are to offer our very best from a heart of love that leads to obedient service to the Lord and others. Like an offering of dandelions from the loving, eager-to-please heart of a young child, our offering will be that sweet, soothing, pleasant fragrance to the Lord and bring a smile to His face.

 Walk through your day with a grateful heart, offering your service to God. You will also be a pleasant, satisfying fragrance to God.