Do You Want Someone Else’s Toys? (2/19/14)

My two dogs Beamer and Karamel Kream (Kari) get along really well – most of the time.  They will play together, sleep beside each other, and even lick the same plate without fighting.  They love to run outside together and bark at other dogs together.  Together is a great word for them …except when either toys or attention is involved.  At that point jealousy emerges with a vengeance.  The favorite toy is the one that the other dog has.  The person whose attention matters the most is the one who is paying attention to the other dog. 

God has called us to walk in unity, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”  (Psalm 133:1 AMP) When we walk together and encourage each other we become a mighty force for the kingdom of God.  Unfortunately, jealously and pettiness are often true in the Body of Christ, as well.  We can often be a united force and walk in unity as God has intended.  Then we see someone else getting blessed and a vying for attention begins.  We see the gift God has given another and we desire both that gift and the attention of our Father. 

Being jealous of the other dog’s toys is really quite silly.  There is an entire basket of toys to select from.  Regardless of another toy being the generally preferred toy, all it takes is for one dog to pick up a toy and the battle is on.  Now all attention is focused on that single toy.  One dog is guarding his possession, while the other is seeking an opportunity to steal it away.  Neither dog is able to enjoy any toy.  Each dog simply wants what the other has, when the other has it.  That amiable companion of a few moments prior has now become public enemy #1.  

When we become envious of what God is doing in another believer’s life, we get to a very dangerous place. God has blessings and callings for each one of us.  When He opens a door of blessing in one believer’s life, He is in no ways limited in His ability to bless another.  Like that basket of toys in our living room, God has incredible plans and gifts for each of His children.  What may be a suitable opportunity for one believer may not be a proper fit for the temperament of another.  He also is not paying more attention to one believer just because there is some obvious breakthrough in his or her life.  And yet we surrender to envy and resentment.   “You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:2 AMP)  All we have to do is ask God for His best for us and then be willing to await His perfect timing. 

When it comes to toys, Beamer loves the squeaker.  Kari hates that sound entirely.  Yet, she will attempt to steal that toy away and guard it passionately.  She would be much happier playing with a silent toy. She has even worked herself into a frenzy by inadvertently squeaking the toy as she attempts to ‘bury it’ in the couch. But she will keep Beamer from squeaking and enjoying it at all costs.  If only she would allow her masters to pick the best toy and place to play for her. 

If only we would allow our Master to pick the best gift and place to serve for us.  All would be much more fulfilled, happy and peaceful. 

The apostle Paul felt very strongly about believers supporting each other at all times. “I Therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.” (Ephesians 4:1-2 AMP) Jesus also spoke about the ineffectiveness brought on by division.  “Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation and laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will last or continue to stand.” (Matthew 12:25AMP) 

Do not allow a toy, a ministry or another’s blessing to consume your desires.  Do not give envy or jealousy even a tiny foot in the door.  God has plenty of blessings and work to go around.  Ask for His best at His perfect time and rejoice in what He is doing for others.

Angels! Angels! Angels! (12/27/13)

I have a large nativity display that is placed to catch your eye when you enter my front door. The characters of the story are set. There’s not much that I can add to this scene each year.  I can add more animals and angels. I want to keep adding angels to create a ‘heavenly host’.  Some of my angels are cute and childlike in appearance. Others have a more regal bearing and are playing instruments. Some are even ornaments that I hang on the wall behind the nativity scene. The Christmas story tells us that the sky was filled with angels singing praises to the newborn babe.

 As I look at my nativity scene I consider the simplicity of that birth in a lonely cave in Bethlehem. The King of Kings, who is over the universe, came in quietness and poverty to become our Savior. The only fanfare that he received in Bethlehem that night was an announcement by the angels to shepherds watching their flocks.

 (Luke 2: 10–12 ESV) Suddenly the angels were singing high praises to God. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” (Luke 2:14 ESV) It is almost as if the shepherds were given a glimpse of a praise party the angels were throwing.  

I find three primary purposes in Scripture for the presence of angels in the earth.

The first is the role of a messenger.  Angels appear with messages throughout the Old and New Testaments.  Some messages are announcements of births.  Examples of these are Abraham, (concerning Isaac) Zachariah, (concerning John) and both Mary and Joseph, (concerning Jesus).  Others, as with Lot, are the relaying of directions from the Lord.  As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.”  (Genesis 19:15 ESV) Still others are to bring encouragement, as in the case of Gideon.  And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (Judges 6:12 ESV) Are you listening for a message God may have for you?

 The second role is as a worshiper of God almighty.  “All heaven will praise your great wonders, Lord; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.”  (Psalm 89:5 ESV)  And one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! (Isaiah 6:3 AMP) Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:11-12 ESV) “And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.”  (Hebrews 1:6 ESV) These are only a few of the many examples that run through the Bible from Old Testament to New.  

 The third purpose we find in Scripture is to carry out God’s will.  Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! (Psalm 1003:20-21 ESV) This can take many forms including protection “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91:11 ESV) Before entering the Promised Land the Lord told Moses, “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. (Exodus 23:20 ESV) Angels are obedient servants, waiting to be sent for God’s glory.

 The response of the shepherds to the announcement of the angels that night was to find out more.  When the angels disappeared, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  (Luke 2:15 ESV) Our response to any of the work of angels in our lives should be the same.  Angels always point us back to Jesus Christ.  We may be receiving a message from the Father through them, joining in on their praise party, or experiencing the protection of their warfare.  Whatever the interaction may be, it should always lead us longingly back to the God we serve and the salvation He offers.

The Banner Waves in Adversity (11/17/14)

As we took a drive on a windy day, an elderly friend of ours pointed out the American flag atop a pole in a neighbor’s yard. As she commented on how she loved that flag she stated, “Look at it blowing in the wind.” The motion of the wind had unfurled the flag, displaying the red, white and blue openly. The stars & stripes were plain to see as the outstretched banner rippled with the strong current. Despite and even because of the intensity of the wind, the flag waved proudly that day.

On a calm and peaceful day a flag will hang limp at the top of the pole. The colors blend together as the folds of the flag swirl around its base. It is when the peaceful calm is disrupted by the force of the wind, that the shapes and color which represent our country are most clearly seen. In the midst of the storm that banner can be clearly observed.

One of the compound names for God found in Scripture is Jehovah Nissi, which means ‘The Lord Our Banner’. This name was first noted when Joshua led the army of Israel to defeat the Amalekites. While Moses held his arms up to God, Joshua remained successful. (See Exodus 17:9 – 13) Moses built a memorial to acknowledge God in this event. “And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner;” God had been the banner of deliverance. (Exodus 17:15 AMP) The Psalmist also acknowledges God as the banner of His people. He wrote, “[But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! That Your beloved ones may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us [or me].” (Psalm 60:4-5 AMP) This banner denotes the provision and protection of God.

Evidence of God should always be apparent in us. When everything in life is calm and peaceful God’s presence can still be seen in the life of a believer. His character is comfortingly wrapped around us. When the winds of adversity begin to blow, the banner that is Jehovah Nissi unfurls and both the believer and all around can see more of God’s attributes. We then realize how multifaceted is God’s love and design for us.

When we trust as turmoil and fear assail us, we can experience supernatural peace. “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP)

When we yield to temptation and slip into sin, we can learn of the Father’s unconditional love and forgiveness. “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) 

When we feel abandoned and totally alone we will experience “A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5 AMP)

The list is unending. The more trials that come against us the more we learn of our Creator who loves us. “…Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3 AMP) We will become more intimately acquainted with Jesus and experience the attributes Isaiah prophesied. “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 AMP)

Storms and high winds will come and go in our lives. For every need, Jehovah, the Great I Am, has a provision. As we endure these storms we grow closer to the Almighty. The shades of His provision will become brighter and more distinct. Like the bride in the Song of Solomon will be able to say, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him].” (Song of Songs 2:4 AMP)

So, let the winds of life below and you will see the beauty of the fullness of the Lord unfurled in your life. Look with confidence and appreciate His beauty. His banner of love is waving over you for all to see.

Thanks Giving or Thanks Living? (11/29/13)

To have a day set aside for giving thanks is really great!  This year, on Thanksgiving Day, I spent some time thanking the Lord for things He has done in my life.  We thanked Him together, publicly for the food and friends and the day we could share. But this year, my personal thanks giving had a couple of add-ons.  

First, I was made aware of a host of things to be thankful for.  Many of these are things I often take for granted.  A kitchen mishap took my husband and son on a trip to the emergency room.  A slicer had gotten a piece of finger.  We knew the cut was not deep enough to have harmed the tendons, but there was a lot of blood and we were not sure if the skin could or should be reattached.

As they drove off, I found myself thanking God for both of them; a car to drive; good roads; a hospital to go to; doctors and staff to care for them when they arrived; God’s healing power…The list went on.  Moments earlier, I had not even considered these things for which I was thankful for this day.  But they had become the focal points of what I was verbally thanking God for in that moment.  It turned out that wound had not been deep enough to reattach the skin.  In time, God’s design for the body will cause the skin to grow back. (Another reason to give thanks) After stopping the bleeding, which took a bit more effort, they were on their way home.  I thanked and praised the Lord that it had not been more serious.

The other addition to my giving thanks this year was that God had me write a thank you a note to each person who was to be at our home.  It was a practical way to turn being thankful into giving thanks.  I so love these people.  They know that from my words and actions. Yet this was so simple to do, and it greatly touched those who received it.  That makes me want to do this more often and for more people I care about.

I had already known I would be writing this post about thanks living.  My experiences today simply changed how I would express the concept.  Thanksgiving, a special day to consider and to give thanks, although great, is not enough.  The Bible states, “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].”   (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV) This verse says so much.  We are to thank God in all things, the good and bad.  We are to both feel thankful and express it.  All this is His will and Jesus gave a great example.  Thanking the Father was a natural part of His life.  I am sure he still does as He intercedes for us.

 We are also to thank God for who He is.  And we are to let others know about Him, both who He is and what He does.  “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.  Let the whole world know what He has done,” (1Chronicles 16:8 ESV) The Psalms are full of expressions of gratitude for the mighty attributes and deeds of the Lord.  We can read and share these thoughts.  Better yet, we can tell of how wonderful He is to us.

 We can also thank God frequently for those He has placed in our lives.  This was Paul’s habit and he frequently noted this in his letters.  To the church in Ephesus he wrote, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,” (Ephesians 1:16 ESV) He wrote similar greetings to several other churches.  I think he probably expressed this same sentiment verbally to those around him daily.  We should too.  Telling someone you appreciate them may be that timely word that really encourages him or her just when needed most.

 So, thanks living is this.  Thank God, speak it out at all times, regardless of what is going on.  Thank Him for who He is and for His blessings.  Also let others know that you consider them among these blessings, and that you thank the Father for them.

 The Bible instructs us to, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 ESV) I would like to add my thoughts to this.   “Let all your conversations be sprinkled with words of thanks, both to God and others.”  This habit will turn your thanks giving into thanks living.

Thankful or Giving Thanks? (11/27/13)

As the month of November progresses, I have been reading posts on Facebook of things that people are thankful for.  This has been very encouraging to me.  Since I do not always check my Facebook daily, I did not see this trend until the 5^th of the month.  I thought about catching up and joining this group of my friends who were participating.  Realizing that this would require logging in daily, I chose not to.  Instead, I would consider the things I am thankful for on my own.

I remember hearing a message which stated that the term “giving thanks” appears 8 times as often as thankful (80/10) in the Amplified translation of the Bible. (ESV is 73/3 and NLT is 46/10) This truly made me think about the subject of being thankful and looking at those scriptures.   I spent some time looking at these verses.   Even the few verses about thankfulness or being thankful were either an expression of Paul’s appreciation, or they were a part of a command to express thanks.

In my last post (11/25/13) I spoke of a thankfulness glass.  The goal is to have your glass not only half full, but brimming over.  Considering the command of God to express our thankfulness, I thought of how water gets stale when left in a glass.  For it to provide true refreshment to the drinker, it needs to be emptied and refilled regularly.  Likewise, when my heart is full of thankfulness, it should flow from my mouth with ease.  “The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

I have become increasingly conscious of expressing my gratitude to the Lord.  There is great joy and peace that comes with the awareness of all that I can thank Him for.  If I am having a hard time, I can start with the salvation provided by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I can continue on about a loving Father God and the companionship and leading of the Holy Spirit.  Before I even begin with my family, friends and things God has blessed me with, I have already thanked myself happy.

I was thanking God for this.  I am very happy that gratitude is becoming my default response to life.  Before I could pat myself on the back too much for these changes, God spoke to my heart. Though I may have improved my expression to Him, how am I doing with other people?  Ouch!  I try to voice kindness, mercy and gratitude to others.  But I have a long way to go.  The excuse “They know how much I appreciate them,” just will not hold up.  “Thank you” must be vocalized continually.

Have you ever bragged on how much you appreciate something a person has done, only to have that person later tell you he or she never realized you felt that way?  I can think of times this has occurred with my husband.  As I contemplate it now, I can think of other things, big and small, that he does, and I fail to let him know just how much these things affect me.  Then I think of my son.  Although I love and am grateful for so much about him, I tend to ask a lot more of him than telling Him what I appreciate. If I think long and hard enough, there are many people for which this is true of. Why is it so natural to tell others about something good, yet never speak your appreciation to the person you appreciate?

The reason I have been so encouraged by these Facebook posts is not that my friends are thankful.  It is that they have chosen to give thanks by writing it out.  Their time, effort and expression of thankfulness moves this from their hearts to my eyes.  As the reader, I get to experience this with them. 

So now, I find that simply considering what I am thankful for is not enough.  I will be actively attempting to thank those I appreciate.  God has already giving me some creative ideas on how to do this. 

I want my life to be one that shows what is in my heart.  “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 AMP) My aim is to give thanks to God in every situation.  I also want to express my appreciation to others in both the big and little things of life.

So to start…To anyone reading this post, THANK YOU for taking the time!!!

President or King?

The recent election in the United States has caused a lot of strong feelings on all sides of the issue. Some felt strongly for Hillary Clinton and others felt strongly for Donald Trump. Many felt that neither candidate was who they really desired to see as president. Some people actually wrote-in votes for “Jesus” or “God” as their choice.
With all the debate and occurrences before and after the election, I have thought of this write-in as Jesus for president. Considering this title is very unsettling. Jesus is far more than the president who will rule for the next four years over our lives. Jesus is the king forever!
A president is voted into office by the people. He or she will rule four to eight years, depending upon re-election. If dissatisfied with the actions of the president, the voters have the ability to vote him or her out of office. On the other hand, a king is born into royalty. With royal blood flowing through his veins, the King has both the inherent rights and responsibilities of ruling over and caring for the subjects of his kingdom. The same applies to a queen who rules.
Jesus is not only the king He is the king of kings. He is by very nature the God of the universe. “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, the terrible God, Who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger or temporary resident and gives him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:17-18 AMP) He is perfect.
The Kingship of Jesus is evidenced from His very birth on this earth. Years before His arrival Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 AMP) Even the night sky announced this truth. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 AMP)

We have been chosen by this great king. There was no voting on our part. “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. This is what I command you: that you love one another.” (John 15:16-17 AMP) He chose to love and care for us.

As subjects of the Lord’s kingdom, we have a responsibility to trust and obey Him. “To keep all His precepts unsullied and flawless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), which [appearing] will be shown forth in His own proper time by the blessed, only Sovereign (Ruler), the King of kings and the Lord of lords,” (1 Timothy 6:14-15 AMP) We will fail at times, but we are encouraged that our king is loving and always forgiving. “O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever - To Him Who alone does great wonders, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;” (Psalm 136:3-4 AMP)

Even when things occur in our lives that we may not have chosen, we can experience peace and comfort under the rule of our mighty King. “John to the seven assemblies (churches) that are in Asia: May grace (God's unmerited favor) be granted to you and spiritual peace (the peace of Christ's kingdom) from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits [the sevenfold Holy Spirit] before His throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood,” (Revelation 1:4-5 AMP) He knows what is best and always acts on our behalf. “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 rules with justice and will continue through eternity. “But as to the Son, He says to Him, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (to the ages of the ages), and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of absolute righteousness (of justice and straightforwardness). You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions.” (Hebrews 1:8-9 AMP) There is no end to His term. “And in the days of these [final ten] kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people; but it shall break and crush and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever.” (Daniel 2:44 AMP)

When things are tough, remember that your King is in control and knows best. He will never let you down and your place in His kingdom is secure forever.

Is Your Glass Half-Full or Half-Empty? (11/25/13)

Is your glass half-full or half-empty? This is a question that generally refers to whether you are an optimist or pessimist. Do you look at life and the good in it? That would be considered half-full. Do you always look to what is missing in life or what can go wrong? That is half-empty. 

With Thanksgiving coming up this coming week, I’ve been thinking about this question in terms of thankfulness. Is your thankful glass half-full or half-empty? Do you look at your life and the good you have experienced with a grateful heart? Do you see the future with hopefulness and appreciate the promise of tomorrow? Then your thankful glass is half-full. Or, when you look at your daily life, do you see mostly what is missing? Can you find a few things to be thankful for, but many other areas in which you feel you are lacking what you want or need? If this is you, your thankful glass is half-empty. Worse yet, it may be totally empty.

Have you ever met someone whose life seems to be full of good, yet all they do is complain? They have a good job and home. Their health and family are all doing well. Yet nothing will make them happy. Then you meet a person who is always hopeful and grateful for every little thing. It seems this person has had a charmed life, until you then find the real story. There has been great heartbreak and challenge in this person’s life. And yet without digging deeper, you would never have known that anything was wrong. People have traveled to Third World countries and have found peace, joy and thankfulness in people who live in conditions we would consider deplorable.

What determines if a thankful glass is half-full or half-empty? Is it the circumstances or opportunities in one’s life? Is the temperament someone is born with the determining factor? Or is it a choice each person makes? The above scenarios make the first option, circumstances, unlikely. Temperament may play a small part, but there are people who live thankful, happy lives for a while, then after a series of trials, they become bitter. So, temperament alone cannot be the deciding factor. A thankful glass that is half-full or half-empty is determined by what one chooses to look at.

Each day, we are given opportunity to choose our attitude. Good things are all around us. Waking up is a good thing in itself. Regardless of the trials and challenges we may be facing, there are many, many little things to inspire thankfulness. There are people in our lives that we can be thankful for. If these are the things and people are what we choose to look for, our thankful glass will always be half-full. Likewise, each day will provide opportunities to make us less than happy. These can range from little irritations to seemingly insurmountable problems. If we choose to focus on these, our thankful classes can quickly become half-empty. We choose, minute by minute, which half of the glass we focus on.

When it becomes difficult to focus on the half-full portion of our thankful glass, it may be time to think of another cup. This is the cup of forgiveness that was purchased for us with such a high price. Jesus Christ paid that extremely high price so we could drink from this cup. “And in like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament or covenant [ratified] in My blood, which is shed (poured out) for you.” (Luke 22:20 AMP) Jesus knew the price ahead and even asked the Father to remove it. But He saw the other half of the cup as well. “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Looking to, and truly appreciating, this cup can help change how we look at our own circumstances. Hurts and challenges can become smaller when we realize he considered us valuable enough for this great sacrifice. (Any unforgiveness we harbor against others or ourselves can be brought to light. With the Lord’s help, we can forgive as well.) We are told to, “Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance.” (First Corinthians 11:25) Remember and give thanks!

The apostle Paul, who suffered many challenges, always had this thankful cup not only half-full, but brimming over with thankfulness. We can take some good advice from him. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” (Philippians 4:8 ESV) With good as the focus of our thoughts, we can quickly become thankful for many things that we may not of seen before.

So, each day we must look at the glass of our lives and decide to focus on the thankful portion. By doing so, we can become people whose thankful glass is half-full. And not only can our thankful glasses be half-full, they can become brimming over. Drink deep from the glass of thankfulness today!

(With the struggles we have been and are currently facing, this has not been easy for me. I chose this post as much for my need as yours. May we all learn and both see and be blessed.)

Jigsaw Puzzle of Life (8/13/14)

This is a jigsaw puzzle kind of day - rainy and chilly - just right for a cup of hot chocolate or tea. It brings back memories of the house of a friend of mine who had a table always set up in their den with a jigsaw puzzle on it. The puzzle would be in various stages of completion. Anyone who came into that room was allowed to add a piece or two or sit for hours and work on the puzzle. When the puzzle was completed it would be glued together and framed for display, or it would be put back into the box to be brought out and reassembled at another time. In either case a new puzzle would always be put out on the table and the process begins again.

Our lives are often like a jigsaw puzzle. We are at different stages of completion.  The events of life will have its effect on that final picture. Some people enter our lives for a short time and have a minor impact, such as placing one or two pieces into that puzzle. Others who enter and stay may be far more connected in our lives. The time and effort that they place in us will have a greater influence on how the pieces of our lives are arranged.

Putting together a puzzle begins with assembling the outer border that frames the picture. Just flipping all the pieces to be right side up can take time and effort but is so necessary.  From that point pieces may be grouped together by shapes or the color and designs that are found in different segments of the picture.  From one of these groups pieces can then be chosen and the process of fitting together can begin. This sorting and organization can be tedious, but it is valuable.

God has designed the picture of our lives before we were even born. He began the framework long ago.  “For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.  I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.  My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:13-16 AMP) As we come into this world and begin to grow up, the picture of our life begins take shape. Our family members, friends and the events of our lives work together as the design begins to unfold. Over the years the design continues to emerge as God uses whomever and whatever He chooses to allow into our lives.

Sometimes God may concentrate on one section of our character and abilities for a while. We will able to see evidence of change and growth in that one area.  At other times, He is working on many areas at once. When this occurs, progress may appear to be slow. Little advances seem to be swallowed up by the vastness of what is our life. Growth and progress are occurring nonetheless. If we look only at the jumble of pieces that are yet to be put in, we miss the beauty of this life we have been given.

In many scenes, the sky may seem like an endless project. Finding the correct pieces can be difficult because they all look so similar. Even when small sections of pieces are connected, the sameness of the area lessens the excitement associated with more colorful sections. Far more progress may be required to produce a sense of satisfaction.

Like the sky, everyday life can seem like a mundane repetition of trying to make very similar pieces fit together. We do the same things over and over and don’t readily see what God is developing in us. It is in this mundane activity that the character traits of patience, perseverance, self-control and other virtues are formed. These may not have the pizzazz of the gifts and talents we have been given, but they are critical for the total beauty that is within us to emerge.

That jigsaw puzzle, left on the table at my friend’s home, did not have a timetable for completion. Sometimes the work went quickly with great sections assembled in a single day. Other times there was little visible evidence that anyone had shown interest in it for many days. The right date for it to be completed was simply the day that the last piece was put in. There was no rushing the process. 

God is not on a rigid timetable with the work that He is doing in our lives. What we may consider slow progress in the growth of character may be just as He has planned it to be. He has an eternal perspective on His creation. Any great artist does not rush and neither does our Heavenly Father. We are His creation, put together in His manner and in His time.  “For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) And He will display us for all the world to see. 

Whether your life is currently in an exciting growth stage or the seemingly endless blue - sky stage, allow God to put the pieces together exactly as He has planned.

Overflowing Cup

A great convenience available today is the coffee maker designed to dispense one cup of coffee at a time. The model of coffee maker that we have provides a choice of three sizes (S/M/L) of drink. My favorite coffee cup has the capacity to hold the exact amount of one large plus one small cup of coffee dispensed. This is generally how I will prepare a cup of coffee to enjoy. I choose one of each and the cup fills to the top.

Occasionally, when I have attempted to add the small cup of brew to the large that is already in the cup, I have unintentionally pressed the button for another large instead. If I do not realize my error, I soon have cup of coffee that has overflowed the sides and is covering the surface of the counter around it. This creates a mess as coffee pools around everything else that is on the counter nearby. Soon everything is sitting in the rich, dark liquid that has been dispensed beyond the capacity of the cup to hold.
This happened to me the other day. As I watched the coffee stream down the cup’s sides, I almost heard the Heavenly Father say that He wishes to overflow our lives in this same way. The problem is that we come before Him choosing the small portion rather than opening ourselves up for everything that He desires to pour into us. We often come with preconceived limits on time, expectations, amount of Scripture we will read or areas of our lives we will yield to God’s purposes. God has so much more for us and for those with whom we will encounter every day.

God desires to pour out His limitless love. “Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5 AMP) We have hope in this amazing love and the knowledge that the Holy Spirit is our Constant companion. This was so important to Jesus that He told His followers, “However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” (John 16:7 AMP) God has promised, “And afterward I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Even upon the menservants and upon the maidservants in those days will I pour out My Spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29 AMP) Young, old, men and women; we all have been given the Holy Spirit. Do we limit how much of our lives are drenched in the power and love the Holy Spirit brings?

God also pours out limitless grace to meet our needs. The apostle Paul wrote, “And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14 AMP) Super abundantly and beyond measure are terms that would undoubtedly overflow any limits we put on God by our own attitudes of inferiority or unworthiness. Closely related to this grace is God’s continuous mercy. “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5-6 AMP) Are we willing to invest ourselves to truly receive and then extend this grace and mercy to others?
Excuses can be given to why we limit both the amount of coffee we dispense and all that God desires to pour into us. Comparison with others can prompt the excuse, “I already have a larger than regular cup.” Even if we spend more time or appear more willing to submit to the Lord than others we know, we can still limit what we receive from the goodness of the Lord. Another erroneous attitude is that “I can get more later.” God desires to speak to and use us today, and His love will never run out. These excuses may be legitimate for coffee but never for the work of God in our lives.

Obedience is the means to both receive and become suitable containers to bring God’s best to the world. “So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21 AMP) We can then be a part of the promise, “But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14 AMP) This honor is greater than any reason to limit God.

Take the limits off. Let God determine all that He desires to do in and through you and let it overflow to others.

Can You Hear His Song? (8/29/14)

Using my husband’s computer while mine was not working, I discovered that he often uses headphones to listen to music or Internet shows while doing other things on his laptop. I was searching the web for a song that has been running through my mind. I opened a version to see if it was the tune that I was looking for. As the selection began to play, nothing could be heard. Checking the volume setting, I found it was turned up but still could not hear the song that accompanied the video on the screen. Then I looked down and discovered that headphones have been connected. Because the computer table has a little pocket just beneath that connection port, the headphones were not obvious. They were neatly tucked in the pocket with only a small length of wire reaching to the computer. I disconnected the headphones long enough to listen and ensure that the song was the one I have been seeking. I then replaced the headphones so that it would be ready for my husband when he next used his computer.

I had not closed the website but left the selection to play out assuming that it will shut off at the end of the song. Going about my business which led me in and out of the den, I thought that I could hear the traces of music but was uncertain as to the source. With the back door open it could have been a neighbor enjoying the beautiful day outside. But as I neared the door the strains of music faded rather than becoming louder. Walking back near the computer desk I found the source. The website I had visited had not stopped playing after the song I had selected. It had continued playing other tunes by the same band as well as tunes from another band with a similar music style. This had gone on for about 20 minutes without my being aware of the music coming into my home.

As I laughed at you myself for this oversight, I thought of how God’s tune is always playing and we can easily be unaware of its constant presence. Despite our inattention, God’s presence is always with His children.   ^“The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction]and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 AMP) God our Father has chosen to live in us. He is singing over us continually and His song brings great joy.

Angels are continually crying out in the presence of God. Of a vision Isaiah wrote. “And one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3 AMP) We have evidence of angels joyfully crying out from Jesus birth to His yet to come to return. “Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. (Luke 2:13-14 AMP) They announced His birth and will fall at His feet before the throne. “Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels on every side of the throne and of the living creatures and the elders [of the heavenly Sanhedrin], and they numbered ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, Saying in a loud voice, Deserving is the Lamb, Who was sacrificed, to receive all the power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and majesty (glory, splendor) and blessing!” (Revelation 5:11-12 AMP)

All we must do is listen with our hearts. There is song all around us. Our spirits are longing to join in. As we remain aware of God’s presence, we will become aware of the song and wish to sing along. “And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.”  (Psalm 40:3 AMP)

So, wait no longer! Listen up. Hear the beautiful strains of heaven’s song and join in. As a contemporary chorus says, “Turn it up, this sound of praise. Make it louder than any other.” Join your voice in a raucous song of praise to our mighty God.

Let Me Introduce You to My New Best Friend! (11/5/14)

(As I spend my 29th anniversary with my wonderful husband, please enjoy this post from 2 years ago.)

Still pondering my upcoming anniversary, I have been thinking about the months that led up to my wedding day. David and I went from friends, to special friends, to engaged, to married all within the same calendar year. Because of this, many people on our Christmas card lists were unaware of the events. That year we included a Christmas letter entitled, “Let Me Introduce You to My New Best Friend!” This was our way of telling distant friends and relatives of everything that had occurred during the year 1987. The most important thing that we desired to share about this year was our new-found love and life commitment. Our best friend eclipsed any of the other occurrences of that year.

We also receive a new best friend when we come to Christ through receiving the salvation He provided by His death on the cross and resurrection. Everything in life changes with this new relationship. We no longer walk alone, but side by side with Jesus. “and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).” (Matthew 28:20b AMP) We have the Holy Spirit living within us. “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?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP) As the bride of Christ, we have married into the family of God and now have a new, Heavenly Father. He has adopted us as His own. “And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father!” (Galatians 4:6 AMP) 

Have we now also become so wrapped up in this new relationship, that everything else seems less important? Do we wish to tell all those around us about our best friend? In many ways this is true, but sadly over time we often lose much of this zeal. It can become easy to talk about nonessential or even nonsensical things more than that which is of extreme importance. We can become accustomed to walking with God on a daily basis and lose some of the awe and amazement that we first saw in each and every moment. Even worse we can find ourselves talking more about problems and trials than the amazing presence that God provides during these hard times. 

Speaking to the church at Ephesus the angel charged, “that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord]” (Revelation 2:4-5 AMP) We can get so used to the presence of God in our lives that we no longer are amazed at His faithfulness and love. Even when we find ourselves in constant awareness of God’s goodness, we may be reluctant to share all that He is doing for us. 

Whenever the opportunity arises, I brag on my husband’s best attributes. I am proud of him and not ashamed to tell others about him. People who know me are aware of his importance in my life. I proudly wear my wedding rings. However, he is no longer my number one topic of conversation. Over the years, I have reduced the amount of time I introduce David into my conversations. My friends are probably quite happy with this, since in those early months I could tie just about anything that was being discussed back to him. 

Have we reduced our introduction of God into our conversations? How often do we talk about the amazing things that He is doing? Can people see His presence in our lives? Do we take every opportunity to brag on God’s faithfulness and love? Even when He is not the initial topic of conversation, He should be seen and felt in all that we do and say. We should never assume that others experience everything we do. We must give voice to all that God means to us. The apostle Paul addresses reluctance to speak about Jesus Christ. “Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord,” (2 Timothy 1:8a AMP) We must always remember and speak of the greatness of the salvation that we have been given and its ongoing influence in our day to day life. 

Be amazed that God’s presence in your life every moment of every day. Don’t be afraid to be the one of which others say, “Here we go again, he/she is talking about his/her best friend and love. Be eager to say, “Guess what Jesus has said to and done for me now?”

Hide and Seek (12-4-13)

Children love to play hide and seek. We can all probably remember the best hiding spot we ever found. I personally remember hiding in a hamper underneath a sweater. Although friends had opened the hamper, they still didn’t find me. I waited until no one was around to climb out of my spot, in hopes of using it again in another game. My son’s favorite spot was in a kitchen set we once had. The table had a picnic bench seat with a storage compartment. He had climbed in there, and much to the frustration of his playmates, was never found. They had passed through the kitchen several times, checking the pantry and all lower cabinets. It had not occurred to them that the bench may open up, revealing the perfect hiding spot. And then there was the time the daughter of some friends crawled into a tiny cabinet. When the children could not find her, they enlisted the help of the parents. Even though we searched she remained unfound. As we began to panic, believing she was gone, she opened this tiny door and yelled, “Surprise!”

Most everybody can think back with fond memories to great times playing hide and seek. There is just something so fun about being able to fool the seeker. Hearing someone search all around and then move on to another room brings an exhilaration that you have made the cleverest choice. When the seeker returns, often with others to assist in the search, you hold your breath and hope that you can again evade detection. When finally found, or called out as being unable to find, you bask in the accolades of those who tell you what a good hider you are.

The Bible speaks about finding that perfect hiding place.  ^“You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 32:7 AMP) Yes, that perfect hiding place is God himself. We can run to Him in times of trouble. We can run to him in times of joy. We are told to live in that hiding place.  ^“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].  I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2 AMP) 

Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is living a constant awareness of God in our everyday life. It means staying in constant communication with and obedience to Him. Then we are surrounded by God and totally enveloped by Him.  The enemies of this life cannot find us. Problems may abound and storms rage all around us. Hidden in the protection of the Lord, they cannot harm us.  We can wait in confidence for His deliverance from our trials. Another picture of this hiding place is, “For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:7AMP) Can’t you just see those giant wings covering every inch of your body, as God tenderly pulls you to Himself? There is no way that trouble can find you there or pry you from those wings.

Hide and Seek may be a child’s game. It may be played for fun and the seeker is a friend not an enemy. But in real life, finding your hiding place in God is essential.  We will all face trials in life. Search for God and find that daily refuge in him. Search with all your heart, just as you intently looked for that great hiding place as a child. You will again feel the safety and exhilaration of knowing that problems will not find you there.

King David was no stranger to trouble seeking him, yet he eloquently expressed an awareness of this principle. “Lord how they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are saying of me, There is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 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. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord; May Your blessing be upon Your people. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (Psalm 3 AMP)

Join the company of great hiders who knew when to seek refuge. You too can experience the peace of knowing that God sustains you. And you can rejoice! Receive the accolades of your Heavenly Father as He whispers to you of what a great hider you are.

Transformation Impossible (2/24/14)

A television show my husband and I enjoy watching together is the Food Network’s “Restaurant Impossible.” In the show, restaurant owners who have failing restaurants are given a second chance. Chef and restaurateur, Robert Irvine and his team come in with two days and $10,000 to turn a failure into a success. It’s quite interesting to watch as these owners are made aware of the problems and solutions to running a successful restaurant.  During this same time the dining areas are being remodeled in very creative ways.

My favorite part of the show is the “Reveal.” This occurs near the end of the second day. The owners have been shown what is lacking in their food quality, service and management styles. They have been trained in new ways of doing things. Now they are ready to see all the work that has transformed dining areas of their restaurant. They are instructed to close their eyes and are led into the dining room. It is exciting to see the expressions on their faces when they open their eyes. In most all instances, the amazement is unmistakable. There are so many places to look at and so many changes to see.

I’ve noticed some similarities in all the dining room transformations. The goal is always to be clean and fresh. Clutter is replaced with tasteful décor, and the old is updated to a more modern take, without losing the original theme. Character is important to the finished product. You will never find a blah, nondescript dining room revealed. The items used to create this new look are often things you wouldn’t expect. The creativity of the designer and skills of the builder turn common items into beauty as they stay within their budget.

Our lives can often be like these failing restaurants. We come to a point when we realize we cannot make it any longer on our own. It’s time we take an honest look through someone else’s eyes at our lives. When we ask for help and admit our need, God comes in and begins a new work. “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) The work of becoming new belongs to God.  “And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God],” (Ezekiel 11:19 AMP) Our very nature is changed by salvation.  

As time goes on and our remodel occurs, we become unrecognizable from our old selves.  “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9 AMP) We are not bound to the things of our past. God will come in with his own fresh eye and make something beautiful out of our lives. He does not want to obliterate who we are. He created us in His image. But with His artistic finger, He will design a perfect masterpiece of our lives.   ^“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLV) We have been created to be both beautiful and useful. 

During the reveal on Restaurant Impossible, it is often difficult for the owners to know where to look. So many new and interesting alterations have occurred. One seems to outdo another. This can be the same in our lives. Although the work of God is often done in silence, a day comes when we look back and wonder of just how much we have changed. We become aware of one change, only then to find another and another. God has taken what we have brought to Him and transformed it into something of character, beauty and purpose. We may not even recognize ourselves as the same person we once were.  Others will also see and appreciate the changes.  Those who only see the new ‘us,’ have a hard time picturing the old. 

Our life transformations take place over time and through the circumstances of our lives. Little by little we are changed. “And all of us… are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another…” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) When Jesus Christ enters a life, He does not have a limited time or budget. He comes with eternity and unlimited resources (and patience) to perfect the work he has begun in us. And He has given us this precious promise.  “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)  

So take a look at your life today. If you’ve never called out to Jesus Christ, call now and let your transformation begin. If you already know Jesus take time to look at the changes he has already brought into your life. See the fresh and unique ways he is crafting you into a masterpiece.  You can serve others the Bread of Life. And know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Transformation Impossible He has never met a life that was a “Transformation Impossible.”