Guarding the Key

In my last post, “Should We Give Someone the Key?” I spoke of giving a key to a neighbor to allow access to our home. There is a family, who does not live in our neighborhood, with whom we have exchanged keys. We have known and been involved in each other’s lives for more than 10 years. In many ways we are truly family with these close friends. We have driven to their home as needed and they have come to ours. The only hindrance is the 15 minute drive between our homes.  We can unquestionably count on each other, but would not call to impose for a simple task.

Some of the qualities that these friends possess include trustworthiness and a true love for us. They also have dogs and we have assisted each other and caring for these precious pets. We have also been available to help each other in emergency situations. There is a security in knowing that these precious friends have the ability to access our home and offer assistance when necessary. Our family strives to show the same trustworthiness and love for them. It would never occur to us to use the key to bring any harm or destruction to our friends or their property. That feeling is mutual. We carefully guard the keys to each other's homes.

When we choose to allow someone access to our lives, we must choose wisely. Just because someone says that they wish to help does not mean that they will guard our privacy or give good advice. “Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 AMP) This applies to our thoughts and actions as well as those we submit our hearts to.

When we are the ones given the key to access someone’s inner life, it is imperative that we possess a strong character and guard this responsibility well. In the role of confidant, mentor or trusted friend we must be committed to keep and guard another’s heart with all vigilance. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].” (1 Corinthians 4:2 AMP) Are we worthy?

 There are many characteristics of a trustworthy confidant. As the guardian of the key to a fellow believer’s heart, we must strive to develop these characteristics in our lives. Following is a list of three that I consider extremely important.

 The first characteristic is that we must be able and willing to keep confidence. Sharing private information with others is gossip even when done in the name of a prayer request. Sometimes additional help may be required, but this should be an agreed-upon person of authority. The sharing of information must always be with the knowledge of the person who opened her heart to us.

 Secondly a true partner will not simply offer their own opinions. We must seek the Father’s heart and guidance on every matter at hand. We must also allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in the words to use as we express counsel to another. The words He gives will bring life.

 We must also be willing to open up our lives and share strengths and weaknesses. A mutual vulnerability will garner a more open atmosphere for sharing. None of us are so mature in the Lord that we do not have areas that we are not seeking the Lord for improvement. True friendship is not as one-sided.

God has equipped each of us to reach out and help others who are in need. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), 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 1:3-4 AMP) We must both give and receive from each other. We can share from our past struggles.

Together we are stronger. “And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 AMP) When we unite with Jesus Christ at the center we can overcome any problem and battle any enemy.

If you have been entrusted with the key to someone’s heart, guard it well. Seek the Lord and be the best friend that you can be.

Should We Give Someone the Key?

When you become a dog owner you take on a set of responsibilities. You must provide shelter and food for the pet. Loving and caring for this pet includes basic things like protecting them from tics and heartworm. It also includes trips to the vet when needed. The most routine need is to both feed at the proper times and let the pets outside several times a day. We have a perpetual water dish that requires refilling every few days. Although these duties are not cumbersome they do require some attention. Being away from home for long periods of time is no longer feasible unless someone can take over these duties.

There is a sweet young girl next-door who is more than happy to come over and let our dogs out if we are not home. She will also feed them if we have to miss a meal time. (We feed morning and evening rather than leaving a bowl of food out. Beamer would eat all day if allowed.) When we have planned an outing in advance, this works very well. The key here is to have our schedule planned.

Sometimes when we are out with friends, the plan doesn’t work so well. Someone may suggest extending the outing which would increase the amount of time away from the house. If we are close to home this is not a problem. We can run by the house, see to the dog’s needs and then rejoin the group. At other times a detour to the house to care for the dogs will take too long and prevent us from continuing with our friends. At times like this, I have asked myself if maybe we should give someone a key to get into our house. If this young girl’s family had a key, it may only take a phone call to ensure that the dog’s needs were attended to. Although they may be willing to assist us at this time, they do not have the necessary access to our home.

Often we may attempt to live this Christian life alone without allowing others access to our inner lives. We seek the Lord and strive to rely strictly on Him. Yes, we are to totally rely on Jesus Christ to meet our needs.  “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP) But the Scripture does not mean that we are to be alone in all we do. God often uses others to meet those needs.

Throughout Scripture we are encouraged and even commanded to share lives with other believers.
“And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 AMP) We are to interact with each other in many ways. We are told to warn each other. “But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today…” (Hebrews 3:13a AMP) We are to encourage each other. “Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP) And we are to admit our sins to and pray for each other. “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart].” (James 5:16a AMP)

In order to obey all of these directives, we must invite others into our true thoughts and feelings. We cannot block everyone out as we attempt to trudge forward on our own. When we attempt to do so we will become overwhelmed and often believe that we are the only ones going through significant trials. We may also listen to the voice of our enemy, the devil, of whom Jesus said, ^“When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.” (John 8:44b AMP) When we walk alone we are more susceptible to these negative thoughts. We may also fall into erroneous thinking.

The word of God tells us, “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) We are strengthened when we open up to a trusted companion. When listening to God, this companion can strengthen us and provide support. Yet one can only truly come alongside us if we allow them into the inner parts of our soul. We must give them the key to our lives.

God has equipped each of us to reach out and help others who are in need. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), 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 1:3-4 AMP) We must both give and receive from each other.

So if you have been trying to walk this Christian path alone, find a fellow believer that you can trust. Give him or her the key to truly enter your life and walk beside you. Then a simple call may be all it takes.

Joining the Family Business

Joining the Family Business

In our modern day society filled with large corporations and company chains, we do not see as many family owned businesses as in the past. Growing up in a town with 75,000 residents there were many of these. Some went by the family name and sons, some simply took the family name and other companies may have totally a different name but everyone knew the family that owned and ran that business. As children in these families grew up, many of them knew they would one day enter the family business. It was often expected of them and often what they long to do.

A friend of mine’s uncle owned a construction company that her grandfather played an intricate role in. As a child Gina would climb up on the huge equipment and imagine the day that she could actually work with them. By her late teens, she could handle just about every piece of equipment, no matter how big, that the company possessed. It was her passion to be grandpa’s girl and participate in the family business. She loved her grandfather and uncle desired to contribute to this dream.

As born-again believers we have been adopted into the family of God. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.” (John 1:12 AMP) As God’s children we are cherished and grow with a new family identity. As young children we are fed, cared for and taught what it means to be a part of this family. As we grow up we begin to understand more of what our Father’s work is. The more we understand the business the more we should become interested in being a part of it.

Even as a child Jesus understood this. When His parents found Him in the temple this was His response. “And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?” (Luke 2:49 AMP) We are to model the behavior of Jesus in everything we do. As He shared the Father’s heart for all people, we should also share that heart. The very nature of God is love and we, His children, will also love others. “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) When we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, our very nature also becomes love.

As we follow the example of Jesus we not only possess a heart full of other-centered love, we also look to the Father to determine how to express that love to others. This is not a series of good works that we plan out on our own, but rather following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. “So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].” (John 5:19 AMP) We learn how to express love from God and then live it out in our daily lives.

Being willing to express the love of God in all circumstances is not always easy. There are times when a heart of compassion will break for the hurting people on which that compassion rests. There are times when hard work must replace fulfilling our own desires. This is when we truly prove to ourselves and others that we are God’s children. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 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! The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.” (Romans 8:14-17 AMP) We are to share in the work and even suffering of Jesus Christ.

Working in the family business does not just mean sharing a name with the owner and receiving the revenue that the business yields. It involves hard work, risk and a consuming passion. Although these may not always be pleasant or easy they are definitely worth it. The same is true in our work for God. We will work and even suffer. “But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].” (1 Peter 4:13 AMP)

Are you  growing up in the word of God? Then it is time to get involved in the family business and live a life of service to others. The struggles may be difficult but the glory yet to come will outweigh anything negative you will encounter.

Why Didn't I Set the Timer?

I was preparing some barbecue flavored, pulled chicken for a luncheon with a couple of friends. As I checked the chicken that was in the slow cooker, I discovered that it was not at the temperature I had wanted to leave it at. I planned to leave it at the keep warm temperature while at Bible study. With 15 minutes remaining before I would leave, I turned the setting on the cooker up to high to increase the temp of the meat that few more degrees it needed. Doing so, I sternly told myself to not forget to turn it back down to keep warm.
I had received a call from one of the two women informing me that she may not be able to make our lunch. When I arrived at Bible study I verified with the other that she was still coming. As I told her about the barbecue chicken in the slow cooker, I realized that I had never turned it from high down to keep warm. Leaving the chicken on high for the next two and a half hours would have destroyed the meal. Since I only lived 10 minutes from where the study was held, and it was still early, I headed home to correct my error. Leaving the parking lot I thought, “Why didn't I set a timer?”
How many days do we spend with great intentions of doing good things and then forget them. It may be prayer, going out to encourage someone, or one of many other ways to serve the Lord. Then we get caught up in the busyness of our day and find ourselves having missed the opportunity for our intended service?
Scripture tells us to, “… set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 AMP) We have the responsibility to set our minds and hearts. To do this this we need to seek His will for each day. “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33 AMP) We can determine to be about kingdom business as we go about our daily routine. Whatever God sets on our hearts must take prime importance in our ‘to do’ list for the day.
Bringing the word of God to others is like preparing a meal for them. God will inspire us with the exact words to say at the right time to save them. We need to remain tuned into the voice of the Holy Spirit. He will signal the opportunity to bless a hungry heart.

In the parable of the sower (see Matthew chapter 13) Jesus tells of the different hearts that hear the gospel. Just as each seed was sown in two different types of ground, each scenario details how someone receives that word.  Some will not understand the gospel and therefore reject it. Some will receive it but it will not take root, therefore encountering even a little trouble the word will die out from their lives. Some will have the word choked out by the things of this world and still others will grow and be productive for the Lord

We can also compare the manner of our attentiveness and obedience and sharing the love of Jesus with others. We know God can share this love with others. We do not wish to allow the busyness of our daily schedules to choke out the instructions of the Lord. When the word of God comes to us we do not want to regretfully say, “… but the cares of the world and the pleasure and delight and glamour and deceitfulness of riches choke and suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit.” (Matthew 13:22 AMP) Rather we wish our hearts to be like the good soil so the words that describe us are, “he indeed bears fruit and yields in one case a hundred times as much as was sown, in another sixty times as much, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:23 AMP) This fruit is borne not only in our lives but is provided for others.

We can keep the word of God fresh and ready to give out. We set our hearts to intentionally seek out the spiritually hungry and be ready to serve them the truth and hope found only in Jesus Christ. Let’s set a timer in our hearts so that we do not let other things distract us from providing this essential food.  Jesus said, “It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 AMP) Whether a word of encouragement to a fellow Christian, heartfelt concerns voiced to God or the gospel brought to the lost, let us determine to provide this bread. 

Walking Wounded

Surrounding Our Subdivision Is a Beautiful 18-Hole Golf Course. When my son was 13, he and a friend were hitting golf balls at the driving range. Jon was scrutinizing the technique of his friend, who was consistently hitting the ball farther than he was. In this attempt to observe, Jon got too close. When his friend over followed through on the swing, the club came down clipping Jon’s head directly behind his left ear. He says that he felt great pain and actually did see stars.

After resting for a moment the boys walked to our house which was about four blocks from the driving range. At first everything appeared to be normal. Then my mother noticed that Jon’s words were not making sense. Because my husband and I were both working at our part-time jobs, the boys called the friend’s father who determined that a visit to the emergency room was in order. Both an ambulance and my brother were immediately called as they began the attempt to reach us. (Neither of us worked near a phone.)

After being seen by the emergency room doctor, Jon was sent by Flight for Life to a Children’s Hospital about one hour’s drive away in Milwaukee. By the time we were located and arrived at Children’s Hospital, Jon had been seen and evaluated. The doctors informed us that there was a significant dent in Jon’s skull. This was a serious condition that would require attention. The good news was that the lining which separates the brain from the skull had not been affected. Although there had been some swelling of the brain from the trauma, they expected no permanent effect to the brain.

A few days later, when the swelling had reduced, Jon underwent a surgery. They literally cut out a circular piece, flipped it over and replaced it in the skull. Because Jon was still growing, this injury had posed the potential for damage to the brain if not taking care of. After a short time of recovery, Jon was totally back to normal with only a scar to remind us of the incident. And because the scar is beneath the hair, it is only visible if Jon chooses to cut his hair extremely short.

Although the injury that Jon received was extremely serious, he had walked home appearing fairly normal. Even his strange behavior was initially considered to be silliness. My mother had been unsure as to whether medical attention was necessary. Even when his friend’s father arrived, there was no indication of how serious the underlying injury actually was.

There are many people walking around in a world that have hidden injuries to their soul and spirit. Many, like my son, appear to be doing okay but have experienced something significantly serious that is not readily apparent. Although they seem fine, fear or pain may actually be there constant companion. Mildly inappropriate behavior can easily be misinterpreted by those around them. A well-crafted façade may come across as arrogance, when nothing is farther from the truth. It will take someone looking beneath the surface to find the underlying soul condition.

 Of the Pharisees Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you are like tombs that have been whitewashed, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men's bones and everything impure.” (Matthew 23:27 AMP) He was quite angry with the phoniness of the Pharisees. They looked so good on the outside but harbored sin within. A similar principle may be true of wounded people. The polished exterior actually contains the death of pain and past wrongs. Just because someone looks good we cannot assume they are actually doing well.

 Jesus always looked at the individual. This is quite readily seen with the Samaritan woman at the well. (See John 4) Here Jesus was gentle and saw her with the eyes of compassion. We also must view others in this manner and not judge their behavior at face value. “Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously.” (John 7:24 AMP) The apostle James reprimanded early Christians for making assumptions about people based on their clothing. “Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judges with wrong motives?” (James 2:4 AMP) Rich or poor, happy or sad, we all need to experience the love of God.

Jesus sought out the hurting. “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],” (Luke 4:18 AMP) His perfect love desires to heal the inner wounds both in us and all those we encounter. He stated, “Those who are strong and well have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick; I came not to call the righteous ones to repentance, but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin).” (Mark 2:17 AMP)

As the trained medical staff brought healing to my son’s skull, the great physician, Jesus can bring healing to the inner wounds of the soul. He came to fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah. “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 AMP)

Look at everyone you meet with eyes of compassion. Do not assume that everything is okay, but rather allow the Holy Spirit to show you who needs God’s healing touch.

Truly Known by a New Name

We have been worshiping with our current congregation for about five years now. About a year ago, a young woman who grew up in this body of believers gotten married and therefore took on a new last name. I am acquainted with Mandy through an area in which we both volunteer and know her enough to talk casually. A few months back I looked across the foyer of the church and as hard as I tried I could not remember her maiden name. She had only been married seven or eight months at the time, but the name I had known her by for the previous four years was completely gone from my mind. Her married name simply fit the woman that she is today. She belongs with wonderful young man God placed beside her to be her lifelong partner.

This incident reminded me that we also have entered into a marriage and taken on a new name. At the point that we were born again from above (see the discussion of Jesus with Nicodemus in John chapter 3.) we are given a new name. Scripture tells us, “For your Maker is your Husband—the Lord of hosts is His name—and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called.” (Isaiah 54:5 AMP) We are now called by the name of the God of the whole earth. Isn’t that amazing?

We are actually transformed into an entirely new 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 5:17 AMP) We are no longer the person we previously were and others will see this.

We are joined with Jesus to walk this new life with Him. “And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (Ephesians 2:6 AMP) We are now living in His world. Our new name suits us, because we belong with Jesus.

As couples grow together they often begin to take on characteristics of each other. They can pick up on each other’s mannerisms. They may begin to finish each other’s sentences. In time they may even begin to look like each other. These same things occur as we spend time with Jesus. By His Holy Spirit the word of God will change us and we will begin to look and act more like Him. “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP)

The name Christian simply means little Christ or Christ like ones. We take on that name when we present our lives to Jesus and receive His salvation. This name is given not to those who work for it but to all who simply say “yes” and receive it. “[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].” (2 Timothy 1:9 AMP)

Everything here on earth is a shadow of what will be to come. The marriage of a man and woman on earth is a picture of Christ and His church. Paul gave instructions concerning marriage to the church at Ephesus. (See Ephesians 5:21–33) In these instructions he stated, “This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:32 AMP) As promised in Revelation, we have the marriage feast of Jesus and His bride, the church, to look forward to. “Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white—for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God's holy people). Then [the angel] said to me, Write this down: Blessed (happy, to be envied) are those who are summoned (invited, called) to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me [further], These are the true words (the genuine and exact declarations) of God.” (Revelation 19:7-9 AMP)

So proudly wear the name of your bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Grow more in love with Him and allow His love to transform you. Your new name just fits who you are.

The Staircase to Selfless Love

The style of the home that I live in is called a tri-level. Both front and back entrances are on the main level of the home. From this level there are eight steps leading down to the den and eight steps leading up to the second floor where the bedrooms are. Because much time is spent on all three levels I spend a lot of time running up and down stairs.

Beamer, one of my lovable dogs, has the habit of choosing one step about halfway up the stairs to just sprawl out and lay down on. He does not have a particular stair that is his favorite, but randomly chooses to lay across one. He does not ascend to the top of the staircase where there are several choices of more comfortable places to lay down. We do not keep our dogs off the furniture, so both dogs have favorite chairs as well as enjoying my bed. Yet Beamer will climb partially up, pick a stair, plop down and lay sprawled across it.

As I run from the den up the stairs to the kitchen, it does not occur to me to stop part of the way up. Neither do I ever consider pausing part way up to the upper level. My goal and destination is at the top of the stairs. In order to reach this destination I must climb every stair. Stopping to wait halfway up will not accomplish my desires.

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) He did not make things easy or give any accolades for qualities already developed. He simply encourages us to keep moving on to greater heights.

In reading this list, one may think, ‘I already am diligent, exercise my faith and I’m doing pretty good in the virtue department. I study to gain knowledge and my self-control is much farther than it has been in the past. These must count for something. Now it is time to rest a bit.’ But Peter does not allow us to stop there and neither does God. We must continue on to steadfastness, godliness and brotherly affection on our way to developing true, others-centered, Christian love. Although this list may seem cumbersome and difficult to attain, there is great benefit in pursuing it to the end. Peter continues the above passage with these words, “For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (2 Peter 1:5-8 AMP) We must keep growing to be fruitful and meet our goal of being developed into the image of Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul touches on the same 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) Although we do not see an entire list, as we do in Peter’s letter, Paul uses the terms “all wisdom” and “mature” to indicate that the process will continue on. The word of God is what causes growth in our lives. We allow the Holy Spirit to use the written word to transform our character, step-by-step. We can then confidently agree with Paul when he said, “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) We are changing.

If not careful and sensitive to the Lord we can find ourselves, like Beamer, stopped on one of the steps that Peter spoke of. Unwilling to allow God to change our habits we can become stalled on the self-control step. Facing a multitude of trials we may develop an attitude of “enough is enough” and stall on the steadfastness step. Unwillingness to forgive someone will make the brotherly affection step hard to climb. But as difficult as these are, we can continue to climb in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit when we allow Him to control us. And in His strength we can continue to climb to reach the destination of displaying the character of Jesus.

This is a lifelong climb. There will always be more to learn and more ways to grow into that true, God-like love. Even if we have stopped at some point, we can get up and continue the climb. The destination is worth it. 

The New Will Be Better Suited

We have recently had to replace our clothes dryer. Although the unit still produced heat, the barrel no longer tumbled to allow the clothes to circulate and dry. It was very old dryer that had been given to us by friends. At this point the cost to attempt to repair it would have been more costly than to purchase another used dryer.
At first we were little frustrated with the need to replace this dryer. We are not prepared to purchase a new washer/dryer set at this time. Finding another used dryer was our best option. To look and pay for another used dryer was not something that we were excited about. To not have access to a dryer in my home that was available to use was even less pleasant.
And so the search began. After locating what sounded like a good dryer at a good price, we loaded the old dryer into the back of our vehicle and headed for the store belonging to the gentleman I had spoken with on the phone. When we arrived we found the dryer had an extra-large capacity, It can dry larger amounts of clothing at any given time. This dryer would be more convenient than either of our last two dryers.
The washing machine that we own is also an extra-large capacity. For many years now, I have washed loads that were too large to be put in the dryer at one time. For nearly every load I washed I dried two. This was a time-consuming process that was repeated several times each week. After washing and drying the first two loads of clothing in the new dryer, I found myself liking it very much. I almost wondered why I had been upset when the other dryer broke.
At some times in our lives, we will find ourselves needing to make a change. This can result from a loss of friends, a change in life’s direction or simply a word from God. The time for things to remain the same comes to an end. It is easy to become upset over what we consider a loss in our lives. Instead of looking to the blessings ahead, we may longingly attempt to cling to what must be left behind. During the time that the old is being cut away, we may find it hard to consider and believe that what our loving Father has for us is far better.
The Bible is full of stories where people have faced change. Abraham was called to travel to a new land. The Israelites were brought out of Egypt into that same promised land. The early Christians were scattered from Jerusalem to fulfill the command of Jesus. “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) Change is an inevitable part of growth and obedience.
When the change requires us to give up something that is harmful, we can more readily understand it. We know that we are to lay down sin and grow in godliness. “… let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1b AMP) Although it may hurt to set aside old ways we can see the purpose.
Sometimes we must leave behind something that has been good. Even in these times we must know that God always has the best plan for us. We cannot continue to yearn for that prior time in our lives.
“Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. 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 43:18-19 AMP) The new thing that God has planned is more perfectly suited to us at this point in our lives than any former thing that we may be missing.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to make the necessary changes in our lives, we will find that we do not greatly miss that which is left behind. The door that God is opening ahead of us will be far better. We will one day look back and wonder why we were ever attached to what we left. Just as my washer and dryer are the right fit for each other, God’s plan is the right fit for us.

So whatever you may be leaving behind, look with joyful expectation toward what God is bringing in its place.

A Good Night’s Sleep Is Coming

We have just experienced the first thunderstorm of the spring season. The flashes of lightning and booms of thunder began around 11 PM. From that point on my sleep was interrupted for the rest of the night and into the morning. Amid the thunder and lightning came the howls and whines of our precious ‘scaredy’ dog, Kari. Even with her thundershirt on, Kari paced and made strange guttural noises that only occur only when she hears thunder.

In order to allow my husband to sleep, I spent the night in the den with my two dogs. David had a long day at work ahead of him, but I had the morning free to catch up on sleep if weather allowed. (It didn’t.) The radar showed that we would be in for several short-term storms for a 12 to 15 hour. And so went my sleep. Short spurts were interrupted by attempts to console an inconsolable dog.

At times during the night, especially when the storms had not stopped by morning, my tired body began to wonder if I would ever sleep again. Of course I knew that the storms would pass and that many uninterrupted nights of sleep were ahead for both my dogs and myself. But in the midst of holding and whispering, “It’s okay, Kari,” my overtired mind and body were not able to see that future repose.

Do you ever feel that way when you are in the midst of one of life’s storms? We cry out to God for deliverance and He answers. It seems the answer comes in pieces and one trial after another occurs before we can even enjoy the peace of the initial deliverance. During these times of repeated hardships it may seem that complete rest in God will not come. We must not forget His great promises. “For You have been a stronghold for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the ruthless ones is like a rainstorm against a wall.” (Isaiah 25:4 AMP) We have that shelter.

The difficult thing with Kari’s behavior, was that she kept wanting to go out the back door and into the storm. Our den, which is on the lowest level of our home, was the safest place to be. Kari just wanted to escape the noise of the storm. Led by that desire to escape, she was actually attempting to run right into the worst of it.

Much of what we experience during the trials of life appear worse than they actually are. When we trust in Almighty God we have a great promise. ^“Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9-10 AMP) This does not mean that there will be no battles to fight. Often the sound of impending trouble is louder and farther away than we realize. Resting in the presence of God is the safest place for us to be. Attempting to run out and solve our problems in our own strength, is like Kari running out into the violent downpour. Even though we feel we must do something to improve our situation, we are actually leaving the safety of God’s will to run headlong into the storm. This is never good.

The best plan of action is to enter and stay in God’s rest. “For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.” (Hebrews 4:10 AMP) In this place we can allow this storm to rage outside and yet sleep peacefully. Fully trusting God we have this promise. “When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24 AMP) Then we can say, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.” (Psalm 4:8 AMP)

If these promises are not enough to calm the anxious spirit, the Scripture provides even more. “GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 46:1-3 AMP) Remembering these we can say, ^“I lay down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.” (Psalm 3:5-6 AMP)

If a storm is currently interrupting the peace and rest in your life, remember that many full night’s sleep are still ahead. The storms do not continually rage. And even when they do we can rest in God’s promises.

Enjoying the Fruit of Previous Labor

Several months back we did a remodeling project on our laundry room.  As I mentioned in a prior post (Do Not Forget the Finishing Touches – 3/30/2015) we shortened shelves and rearranged other storage units to make room to bring a refrigerator from the garage. The reason for bringing the refrigerator inside was because Wisconsin, winter temperatures have a tendency to freeze anything left in an outside refrigerator. The undertaking was successful and we we did not lose any more food to freezing this winter.

This past weekend we entertained a small group people at our home. Wanting to focus our time on our guests, we opted to make several salads the day before. Having a space to put all of the salad in the downstairs refrigerator was very convenient. We no longer have to run outside to the garage, simply down a few stairs to retrieve the prepared salad and bring it up when it was time to eat. All we cooked on the day of our dinner was the meat. This provided the opportunity to relax and enjoy time with our company.

 This was an opportunity truly enjoy the fruits of our previous labors. On the weekend of the project, it was necessary to invest considerable time and energy. The sawing and moving things around was not particularly fun. This past weekend we were able to save time and energy and enjoy the convenience of having the refrigerator nearby. The work of that earlier weekend was very worthwhile.

 In many ways, growing in our spiritual walk reflects this same concept. Our project was to prepare a place for the refrigerator in our home. King David placed great value on preparing a place for God’s presence. “For the Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His habitation: This is My resting-place forever [says the Lord]; here will I dwell, for I have desired it. I will surely and abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread.” (Psalm 132:13-15 AMP) David made great preparations for his son Solomon to perform the work of building a temple for the Lord. At the dedication of the temple, King Solomon invited the presence of God to enjoy a resting place among His people. “So now arise, O Lord God, and come into Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength and power. Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints (Your zealous ones) rejoice in good and in Your goodness.” (2 Chronicles 6:41 AMP)

 We who are believers are God’s temple. “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, You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 AMP) He has made His place to live within us. We must allow Him to remodel our lives to welcome His presence?

 This preparation will take some sacrifice on our part. It will mean setting aside some of our own wants and plans, leaving us open to God’s desire and plans for us. The more we study the Scripture and obey what it tells us, the more comfortable we will become in our relationship with the Lord. Although this takes both time and effort, the results will truly be worth it. We will greatly enjoy the fruit of our labor. “Blessed (Happy, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you.” (Psalm 128:1-2 AMP) We must worship the Lord, walk in His ways and guide our lives according to His commandments. For someone who loves the Lord, this is an enjoyable form of work and the benefits of well-being are great.

When we first planned to bring the refrigerator into the house, I knew that it would be a more convenient location. Running out to the garage was never pleasant and rainy or cold days. Snowdrifts sometimes blocked the path altogether. Although we have been using the refrigerator as a backup for weeks, the true benefit was not obvious until this weekend. Likewise, the time spent learning and serving God will have benefits right from the beginning. Love, peace and joy always accompany time with God. But the great benefits of growth will become evident after time when we see that God’s presence “… is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” (Ephesians 3:20 AMP)

 Enjoy the fruit of previous labor to make your temple a welcome place for the presence of God. Continue to cultivate a lifestyle that is a welcome resting place for the Holy Spirit.

Study the Character to Best Portray Him

When an actor is cast in a role, it becomes his responsibility to study the character he is playing. The actor must not only deliver the lines from the script, but also the emotion and motivation that are behind those lines. My husband and son have just finished playing the parts of disciples in this season of a long-running Passion Play. They have been practicing for months for the performances of the last two weeks.

My husband, David, played the part of Thomas. Only a few verses are written in Scripture concerning Thomas. These verses state the fact that he was not with the other disciples when Jesus first appeared to them after the resurrection. Thomas refused to believe unless he saw Jesus and felt His wounds. This description of that one encounter has earned him the moniker “Doubting Thomas.” In order to properly play this role, David needed to consider the man behind the doubts.
Thomas was a man who was not in the right place when Christ reappeared after the resurrection. Even though the other disciples tried to tell him that Jesus had risen, Thomas needed visual and tactile proof as to Jesus’ resurrection. To understand Thomas, David considered how he must have felt being left out. He was upset, hurt and disillusioned. Could he have thought something was wrong with him that Jesus appeared to the others but not to him? Did he feel cheated that Jesus did not come in power to overthrow the Roman government and give him a seat of power in the new government Jesus set up? Did he simply feel that he had spent the last three years of his life believing in something that just really was not true? The anger, hurt, insecurity and reluctance to believe again were all rolled together to create David’s performance on stage. (He did a really good job at bringing all these out.)

“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players…” William Shakespeare's words are often quoted. In many ways it is true about our Christian walk. The term Christian itself means “little Christ” and was given to followers of Jesus who were acting just like Him. “... For a whole year they assembled together with and were guests of the church and instructed a large number of people; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26 AMP) The difference in these disciples was apparent to those around. They were living the message that Paul and Barnabas were teaching. As followers of Christ, we also are living out a role before those around us. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17 NLT) As ambassadors represent the country they are from, we also represent Jesus in all we do. “So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP) Do our actions make His appeal clear?

Many people know very little about Jesus Christ. They may have heard a few Bible stories. Unfortunately many have heard the name of Jesus Christ used more as a curse word, then the Son of the all-loving God who created this world and all that is in it. We must receive and give out the love of God in a manner that others will see the true nature of Jesus in our lives and wish to know more.

So how can we adequately become a representation of Jesus Christ to those we encounter every day? We need to consider and study His heart and motivation for all encounters with man. We know that love is not only behind the actions of Jesus, but is actually His very nature. The apostle John makes our role very clear concerning this. “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) We are to live our lives loving and giving, just as Jesus did. Forgiving, caring for the poor and downtrodden, and being full of thanks and praise are all pieces of the nature of Jesus Christ that is in and must come through us.

Jesus also considered each person He encountered in a manner that was unique to that person’s need. We need to take time to get to know the people we encounter. A host of emotions may have mixed to make Thomas the man he was on the day he refused to believe that Jesus had risen. There are experiences, backgrounds and beliefs that make each person respond a little differently when the gospel is told. We must take the time and put in the effort to get to know our audience. “…I have [in short] become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some [by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ].” (1 Corinthians 9:22 AMP) We do not compromise our portrayal of God’s truth and love, but rather we tailor it to the unique individual with which we are sharing.

As you walk onto the stage that today’s activity places you, portray the love of Christ to the best of your ability. Know the character of Jesus and present it well.

Too Good to Be True?

There is a saying, “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.” Get rich quick schemes, newest weight loss breakthroughs and ‘look year’s younger’ creams often fall in this category. When you can get something of value, without putting in any personal effort, it often leads to another common saying, “Buyer Beware!” Modern advertising often makes claims that the products cannot accomplish. The disclaimer “not all will receive the same results,” is found in the small print of the packaging.

As we celebrate the resurrection on this Easter weekend, we contemplate the greatest claim ever made. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for sin. “For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 AMP) He offers the gift of this payment to any and all who will simply come to Him and receive it. “But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.” (John 1:12 AMP) We do not do anything to earn the salvation. We simply believe and receive the gift.

This amazing claim is not always readily accepted. Many believe that we have to get our lives in order to receive this gift. Surely we have to do good works. But the apostle Paul addressed this issue. Salvation is for those of us who were powerless to do anything on our own strength and will. Jesus did not wait until we cleaned ourselves up, because he knew we could not. His great sacrifice was a display of God’s love for us. “While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly. Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. 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. Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God.” Romans 5:6-9 (AMP)

So often we attempt to do things to earn God’s favor. We feel as though we need to do enough good deeds and avoid enough bad deeds to score high enough to attain heaven. Receiving this free gift of salvation without any payment from ourselves does not seem possible. The apostle Peter also stressed that it was not for good people that Jesus died. “For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18 AMP) We are all guilty of sin. Only Jesus walked the earth innocent of any wrongdoing.

So why would anyone who was innocent die for the guilty? As is stated above, this was a display and proof of God’s love toward mankind. The apostle John wrote these words that have become the most commonly quoted verse from Scripture. “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) Every person ever born has been greatly loved and dearly prized by God. So Jesus Christ, the son of God, endured a painful death to pave the way of man into the presence of God. “…He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b AMP) He was joyful even in the pain and shame!

The offer of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus is true and waiting for everyone. Jesus is the only one who could ever be called good. He also is the truth. “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” (John 14:6 AMP) This offer of salvation comes from goodness and truth Himself to give us life and show us the way to the Father. Instead of ‘Buyer Beware’ we can say ‘Receiver Rejoice!’ All who believe will receive eternal life in the family of God.

So if you have never before received the gift of eternal life, call now and take Jesus up on His offer! If you are already in the family of God take a moment to remember when you received this Truly Good gift and rejoice! 

Triple G – God’s Glorious Gospel

The other evening my husband and I were watching one of the food shows we enjoy, Guys Grocery Games, commonly referred to as “Triple G”. This is a competition between four contestants who are chefs. The competition involves 30 minutes to shop, prepare and plate a creation for the judges. At the beginning of each round, Guy will give a basic criteria for the item to be prepared. The contestants will have a few moments to begin considering the dish they will create. Just as they are about to begin shopping, a twist will be revealed that will cause the contestants to need to adjust and rethink the menu they had been planning. There are any number of categories for which these adjustments may need to be made. Two examples of these categories include all ingredients beginning with the same letter or one item from each aisle. With the addition of these twists, the contestants must begin rethinking their plan just as the word ‘go’ is spoken.

Jesus Christ 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) Our hurting world is waiting and needing to receive this bread. We have been entrusted with a greater Triple G - God’s Glorious Gospel. We who know Jesus are to take this bread to the hurting, hungry masses. He commands us to, “Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19 AMP) This assignment, given to each believer, delivers a delicious, nourishing meal to all who will listen. “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) We are to regularly tell others about the amazing love of God and the sacrifice of His Son that provides salvation to all who receive.

The contestants on the television show are often accomplished chefs who know how to be creative and prepare food. Likewise we are to study and learn how to not only live in the presence and knowledge of God, but also how to share it with others. There are books and Bible studies on how to share the basics of the gospel. We can also know and practice telling our own story of knowing Jesus. The apostle John began his letters to the churches stating that what he shared, he knew from personal experience. “What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).” (1 John 1:3 AMP) To be genuine, we must also share our personal experience with the Lord. We may not have lived when Jesus lived on this earth, but we do walk through our daily lives knowing His presence. We are not required to share the gospel with our own strength and power. God provides all that we need. “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)

As prepared as we may feel to share our faith, an encounter with someone can quickly go far differently than planned. A comment or question can initiate a new direction to the conversation. The intent of the conversation remains the salvation of Jesus Christ. The words that we use and direction that we take to relate this message is what changes. We do not need to fear these twists. We have the same promise that was given to the disciples who would be led before rulers. “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.” (Luke 12:12 AMP) The planned conversation may change and the presentation be a little different, but the Holy Spirit will help us share the message of the love of God.

We are sharing God’s Glorious Gospel. This is our spiritual Triple G. It is not a game show, but an important mission. Whatever surprises change our plans, we present a delectable creation. “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 2:15 AMP) The flavor of the presentation may vary, yet the message remains the same. Jesus Christ is the bread of life and salvation for the world. We present Him and the world will, “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)

 Share the love of Jesus today. Many are hungry and waiting for this wonderful food.