A True Memorial Day

Social media has recently passed along several postings concerning the true meaning of Memorial Day. A three-day weekend, another day to barbecue or even a day with friends is not the true meaning behind the Memorial Day holiday. Even taking time to think of those actively fighting in the military or our veterans is not the true meaning of this day. (Armed Forces and Veterans day are designated for these.) Memorial Day is a time to remember those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom that we enjoy as American citizens. From its inception after the Civil War, this day always centered around placing flags on the graves of the fallen and thoughtful appreciation for the price they paid.
Do we ever take time to have a spiritual Memorial Day? On Good Friday we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ followed by a celebration on Easter Sunday of His resurrection. We also contemplate the death and resurrection as a community of believers when we participate in the Lord's Supper. Hopefully these are not the only times that we reflect on the death that paid for the freedom that we now live in as believers in Jesus Christ. We have been given a precious freedom through these.
Beyond reflecting on the death of Jesus, do we consider the life of those who were murdered for their faith? The Old Testament verses repeatedly speak of God’s people killing the prophets when they have desired to live in sinful ways. (See Nehemiah and 1Kings for two examples.) The historical Lives of the Prophets includes Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel as those who were killed. The scripture accounts of John the Baptist’s and Stephen’s death for speaking the truth as God required.
Throughout the years since the resurrection, many have given their lives in defense of the Gospel. Beginning with many of the Apostles and early believers and continuing through the generations, men and women have stood up for their faith even at the cost of death. These lives have impacted the freedom that we have to worship God today.
We may not always understand how the deaths of these murders have had an effect our personal lives. But I think of how much men like William Tyndale sacrificed in order that the Word of God could be written in the English language that I have access to today. Other Heroes of the faith have died in many ways to ensure that the true gospel of salvation for all who believe would endure until this time that we live in. Missionaries and many believers worldwide give their lives even today to proclaim the life given us through Jesus Christ.
Appreciation for all those who have fought for the faith is vital for believers. God considers the death of His children precious. “Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones).” (Psalm 116:15 AMP) Should we not consider it precious as well?
As we get together with friends and possibly have picnics and barbeques today, we can do so because of the high cost paid by others. We should take time to celebrate the freedom that they died to provide. As Christians we should also celebrate the freedom Jesus died to pay for. “Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2 AMP) We also celebrate what countless others have died to ensure that we could hear and receive the truth of. “So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32 AMP)

Today, express your thanksgiving to God both for the heroes of this nation and the heroes of the faith. Both have paid a costly price for us!

Thunderstorms of Life (5/14/14)

Another spring storm came through recently. Once again, we endeavored to ease the fears of our female dog, Kari. This has become a multi-step process. When the first weather alerts came on my cell phone, we gave Kari a dose of her natural calming medicine. Not to be left out, and to combat the effects dampness, Beamer received an extra dose of his joint supplements. Both dogs believe these to be treats and take them willingly.

As tornado sirens were heard in the distance, our entire family retreated to the den to wait out the possible hail and tornadoes that may come through. Fortunately, neither arrived.  The thunder and lightning of a spring storm did come through our area. As in all storms, we put a “Thunder” shirt on Kari. The specially made shirt wraps snugly around the dog to simulate a close hug. It is to provide stability for the fearful animal. Additionally, my husband David provided distraction by slowly tossing popcorn to the dogs. This routine worked fairly well.

Later during the night, another round of thunderstorms came through our area. Both Kari and Beamer began to whine and scratch to get out of the room they sleep in. So that my men would be able to sleep, I went to the dog’s room. For the next several hours, both dogs laid close to me on the bed. As the thunder rolled, Kari began to whimper. She would quickly calm to my reassuring whispers, but with each new thunderclap a soft whine would emerge. She was trying so hard not to cry and she did not bark. (This is great progress over a year ago.) But even with my presence and reassuring voice, she could not totally rest at ease.

Internal storms also occur during our lives. Troubles arise, making life hard, and we can hear this thunder roar. Currently in one of these storms, I find myself acting very much like Kari. I began this trial very strong and confident. As many weeks have passed, I and finding insecurities that I had thought had been overcome. I continually have to run back to God and rely on His grace and mercy.  He sees the other side of this storm and the bright days coming.

Feeding daily on the word of God is much like taking that calming tablet before the arrival of the storm. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV) God’s word in us is nourishment providing strength and great comfort during trials. He speaks only truth and we can always trust Him “And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.” (2 Samuel 7:28 ESV)

When the storm becomes loud, it is time to let God put on our spiritual “Thunder” shirt. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10 ESV) Even in these storms God’s grace provides us with all that we need and with beauty too. This beautiful robe is like a close, comforting hug from the Father.

Once we have the stability of our “Thunder” shirt wrapped around us, we must listen for the whispers of God. There are precious promises in the Scriptures. King David relied on these promises during the hard times in his life.  “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”   (Psalm 57:1 ESV) At other times God will calm the storms. “He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” (Psalm 107:29 ESV) The disciples also witnessed Jesus calm the storm. (Matthew 8 and Mark 4) We will be delivered through or from the storm as God sees fit. We can listen to the whisper of God. In the same way I went to be close to Beamer and Kari, God is always close to us.  “…for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV) Although the whimper may start, His voice will provide the security to chase the fear away.  We can even get to the point that, like Beamer, being close is enough to bring the needed peace.

As you face a storm allow the Master to care for you as we provide to care for Kari. The storm will pass and you will be fine, just as your Father is promised.

What’s in Daddy’s Hand?

Many a young child has excitedly played the game of “Guess What’s in My Hand” with their fathers. Daddy comes home with the words, "I have a surprise for you.” With a closed fist he asks, “What's in my hand?” The child proceeds to guess and then will often begin to attempt to pry at daddy's hand to get a peek of the surprise inside. The game can go on indefinitely as a child searches his/her mind for what treat daddy may have brought home. Peals of laughter often accompany the attempt. The process of finding the gift is often more fun and rewarding than the actual receipt of it.

Scripture tells us that our lives and times are in the hands of God. King David confidently stated “But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God. My times are in Your hands.” (Psalm 31:14-15a AMP) We can walk securely in this truth and face every unknown in our lives with the same confidence that God is taking care of us. He has even inscribed us in the palm of His hand. “Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:16a AMP) All the plans that God has for us are in this secure hold.

There comes a time, like in this child's game, to ask God to open His hand and show us the way that we should go. “Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You.” (Psalm 143:8 AMP) We need wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit for each step that we are to take. “A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP) God’s order and perfect plan are what we truly seek.

As we enter this phase of prayer we can confidently know that only good things are in the Father's hands. “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].” (James 1:17 AMP) As Jesus taught He asked, “What father among you, if his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good gifts [gifts that are to their advantage] to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” (Luke 11:11-13 AMP) God may give us something different, yet even better than what we have asked for. We have every reason to be confident of the Heavenly Father’s love and good intentions toward us.

It is God's expressed will that we seek the riches of His wisdom. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.”  (Proverbs 25:2 AMP) As we continue to pray He will reveal all things to us. When we have searched for and finally see the fullness of God's plan for our lives we will experience the same excitement that causes a child to squeal with joy when daddy's hand opens and the gift is made apparent.

The hand is not clenched too tight, even if it appears to be so. God is waiting to release the answers to us as we pray. We must simply be obedient and continue to seek Him. “Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up).” (Luke 18:1 AMP) There is no cause for worry and concern. “Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!” (Luke 12:32 AMP)

Life’s situations may appear bleak and the path ahead difficult at best. We must keep praying with childlike faith and we will receive the answer. “At that time Jesus began to say, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [and I acknowledge openly and joyfully to Your honor], that You have hidden these things from the wise and clever and learned, and revealed them to babies [to the childish, untaught, and unskilled]. Yes, Father, [I praise You that] such was Your gracious will and good pleasure.” (Matthew 11:25-26 AMP) Daddy will open His hand and reveal His perfect will to us.

 God is inviting you to seek His will for each step of your life. Pray and search for what is in His hand.

Abba's Coming Home! (10/25/13)

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15 ESV) I have heard that Abba is a familiar term, most closely translated ‘daddy.’  That is significant to me.  Whereas ‘father’ denotes the role and position in the family, ‘daddy’ brings images of hugs, playfulness, tears kissed away and stories read.  This has greatly influenced my view of God. 

One day I was visiting a friend.  Her husband is from Israel and their home was greatly influenced by that culture, including the language.  Late in the afternoon, she instructed her son pick up his toys, because “Abba’s coming home.”  His eyes got big and his smile even bigger.  He began to pick up his toys and put them away.  All the while he sang a made up little tune.  “Abba’s coming home! Abba’s coming home!”  Every few minutes he checked back to see if his Abba was here yet.  The face of this precocious little boy was always expressive.  Yet that day, I witnessed an instant transformation from playful little boy to pure joy and expectation. 

We are to come to God as little children. “… Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].” (Matthew 18:3 AMP) That trust and love, as seen in our little friend, is the attitude we should have towards our heavenly Father; our Abba. 

Are you expecting Abba to show up?  In a church service or other meeting of believers do you expect Him, or do you just come to see and hear people.  We have this promise. “For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:30 AMP) But, do we truly believe and expect His Presence?  If the answer is ‘yes,’ Great! If not, why not? 

What happens when daddy comes home?  I have watched my husband throw my son in the air and tumble on the floor.  Little girls invite daddy to tea parties and ask him, “Am I pretty?”  Little children love to giggle and sit in daddy’s lap for stories and secrets.  And how often has daddy not even made it through the door, before he is presented with a little one’s most recent achievement?  This may be an unrecognizable drawing, but to daddy it is always wonderful. 

Is this what your personal times with God look like?  Do you expect to hear from Him?  Do you plan to have a conversation with Him during these times?  Do you giggle and share secrets? God wishes to tell you his secrets. “The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning”. (Psalm 25:14 AMP) My husband and I would ask Jon, “Want to know a secret?”  To his positive response we would reply, “I love you!”  Soon he would ask us the same question and give us the same reply.  God longs show us His love in so many different ways.  He also longs to hear His children express their love and thankfulness. 

Sometimes the encounter with daddy is not as playful.  There are times that correction must take place.  But correction restores relationship. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11 ESV) Trust gets renewed.  Daddy cares enough to make sure I grow up right. 

Hurts and fears can be brought to daddy.  He will kiss away the boo boos. And, what can calm one’s fears better than the strong arms of daddy holding you tight?   All is right with the world. 

Safety, security, fun, friend, protection, bigger than life…all can be found in daddy.  Your times can include these, all wrapped into one combined image that flashes across your mind when you hear the words, ‘Daddy’s coming!’ Spend your days with the constant anticipation that your ‘Daddy is coming! Your Abba is coming!’ 

My son and I were packing up to leave when our little friend’s Abba walked through the door.  The exuberance with which that little boy ran and jumped into the arms of his Abba was wonderful to see.  I looked to his Abba’s face and found the smile was even larger.  I left my friend’s home that afternoon with a new appreciation of my heavenly Abba.  Jon and I went directly home to be sure we were there in time to greet his daddy, who would soon be coming home from work.  The scene was replayed in our home as in many other homes that evening. 

Let this scene play in your daily life.  God will greet you with that same exuberance, and His heart will melt when He looks into your expectant eyes and sees the love and anticipation there. Abba's coming home!

Welcome to the Family

Friends of our family have just finalized the adoption of two foster children that they have been caring for. This was an event that was greeted with great excitement by the entire family. These beautiful little ones now legally have a permanent place in their family. Long before this day, our friends began caring for and loving these two little ones. They reached out with protection, nurturing, their time and many other expressions of love. The children have already been deeply implanted into their hearts and their home.

This has me thinking about our adoption into the family of God. When anyone comes to faith and receives Jesus Christ, he/she is adopted into God’s family. “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) This is accomplished by the love of God. “See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him.” (1 John 3:1 AMP)

This love for each of us did not begin only when we received salvation through Jesus Christ. Each person has been loved and longed for by our heavenly Father since before the foundations of the Earth. “For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]” (Ephesians 1:5 AMP) To Jeremiah God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument]” (Jeremiah 1:5b AMP) King David stated, “For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.” (Psalm 139:13 AMP) God has longingly awaited the adoption of each of His children.

Not only do parents longingly await the day of adoption, but other family members do as well. Our friends have two teen sons who have anticipated welcoming the little ones into their home and hearts. They have been excited and elated as new siblings have been added and the family grew. Believers in Christ are likewise overjoyed when someone receives Jesus and enters the family of God. Many of us have prayed and patiently waited for the time a friend or family member accepts the Father’s offer of a place in the family of God. We can now rejoice with the angels in heaven. “Even so, I tell you, there is joy among and in the presence of the angels of God over one [especially] wicked person who repents (changes his mind for the better, heartily amending his ways, with abhorrence of his past sins).” (Luke 15:10 AMP)

Adoption day is the day that the family unit is made legally binding. The little ones now share the same rights as their older brothers. They are full family members. They have also become heirs. We who know Jesus have also become heirs to God’s promises. “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]” (Romans 8:17a AMP) We will share in all that the family of God has in store, both here on earth and through eternity in heaven.

We have been freed from sin and welcomed to the family. ^“For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!” (Romans 8:15 AMP) We can now call God “Daddy” and know that He will love, protect, provide for and care for us. We can trust Him in all things. Together we can grow and become more like our true Daddy. He has plenty of love for all of us.

If you have never received Jesus, please do so. There are many of us ready to party with the angels to welcome you to the family! 

Tilling the Heart (4/25/2014)

It is springtime again, and soon it will be time to begin preparing the garden for planting. Often we think that the work of the garden begins with planting seeds. But the time of preparation before the seeds can be planted is crucial to the growing and harvesting seasons. 

Preparation of the ground is essential to any successful garden. We have several beds in our backyard that produced wonderful vegetables last year. We covered these beds with dried leaves in the fall so that the nutrients would enrich the soil. Now it is time to bring out the tiller and begin breaking up the ground once again. We could just complain that we did all this work last year and the garden grew just fine. So why do we have to redo the work? Why can’t we just start with planting once again? In order for the garden to be vibrant and productive this year, we must again break up what has hardened over the long winter months.

Planning to expand the garden by adding another bed involves even more work. First, the sod covering that piece of ground must be removed. After this top layer has been taken off, the ground beneath must also be tilled and broken up. Nutrients that will promote vegetable growth must be added. We are changing the purpose of this piece of our property. No longer desiring the beauty of a green lawn, we are seeking nutritious, life-giving fruits and vegetables. It takes great work to change. But the benefits during harvest season will be worth it.

Jesus spoke about planting season in the parable of the “Sower and the Seed”. (See Matthew 14, Mark 4 and Luke 8) In this parable He describes four types of soil that represent the conditions of our hearts. The roadside has received no preparation and there is no comprehension when the word of God comes. The rocky soil of the heart is still full of rock hardness and does not have enough prepared soil to receive and understand the word with any depth. Challenges quickly cause the word to wither and die because of this lack of deep commitment. The thorny soil has so many distractions of life that prevent the word of God from growing, but take over instead. But the good soil has been prepared. It is rich and ready to receive the seed of the word of God. In this environment the word can grow strong and provide food for many.

Are there areas of our hearts that again need tilling? They may be areas of our lives that we have served God faithfully in. As things again become mixed up and sifted through, we may question just what God is doing. We have been obedient to this point. Now it appears that God is no longer willing to allow ‘business as usual’.   A question may arise when changes occur in an area that has been productive in the past. Why is what we have been doing no longer acceptable? Why do we have to be broken up once again? But as each new season begins, the old must be broken and remixed so that the new crop can be even better than the old. “For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: Break up your ground left uncultivated for a season, so that you may not sow among thorns.”  (Jeremiah 4:3 AMP) Even a winter of rest can allow things into our lives that may choke out the fruit God is nurturing within us. 

When God is preparing to use us in a new area, the work is even greater. We may have been happy being useful as that plot of luscious, green grass. But mere beauty is no longer what God seeks. He is looking to plant fruit that will grow in the good soil of our heart and nourish others. Just as work is required to prepare the ground to receive the new plants, work is required in our hearts to receive a new direction and ministry God has for us. We must allow Him to make whatever changes are necessary in our hearts. This may not be comfortable but will be worth it. “Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.” (Hosea 10:12b AMP)  ‘His righteous gift of salvation” will be food to the souls of many we meet. 

 It is springtime again. Spring is a time for new life and new growth. Allow the Father with His rich love and mercy to prepare your heart for the life-giving crop He wishes to develop in you. His tender care will enrich the soil of your heart and fill you with life-giving food for those you encounter in your daily life. 

Friendship Salad (10/1/14)

Several years ago I was part of a group of moms who got together twice a month. We shared a babysitter while we met to study the Bible and enjoy each other’s company. Along with our children, Bibles, notebooks and pens, each of us brought one piece of cut up fruit. As we arrived at the host home, each of us would add our fruit to a large bowl. No one was assigned a specific type of fruit to bring. The final mix of our fruit salad was a combination of what each person chose to contribute. It was a little different each time but always sweet, nourishing and enjoyable. The variations of the salad mix depended on the women participating and the choices that they made for that particular day. 

God has placed us together in His body. We each bring something different when we join together. The Holy Spirit has placed in us the fullness of His fruit in seed form. As we grow this fruit develops in us. Once full-grown we have a wonderful variety of godly characteristics to offer to the world. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP) When we come together and share what has been developed within us, we create a delicious and nourishing mixture.

Each additional person attending our group study brings another piece of fruit for our salad. The more members attending on any given day; the more variety and value is present both in the fruit bowl and in the study/socializing times. Each of us brings something unique from our shared life. Each of us has different measures of the fruit of the Spirit within us. The diversity of each day’s study depended on the women who participated and the choices that they contributed for that particular day. 

A comment from a friend who has experienced God’s peace through a past, stormy experience has much to offer to someone who is struggling in the midst of a current storm.  (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) Another who skillfully speaks a gentle word and diffuses potential tension is encouraging to someone who is learning to control their tongue. ^“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11 AMP) One who has learned contentment regardless of life’s situations can inspire patience, joy and peace to others who hear words. She can bring hope to others that we can attain the standard the apostle Paul set. ^“I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.” (Philippians 4:12 AMP)

The examples are endless. Whenever a group comes together there is a variety of needs as well as a variety of strengths. There are hurting people and there are those who are bubbling over with joy. There are also examples among us of faithfulness and self-control. These people bring encouragement that we can also attain to higher standards by the power of the Holy Spirit. When we each shine in the areas of our strengths, we can most effectively meet the needs that are present. When we each come ready to share is when the nourishment is at its peak. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control together constitute the full bowl of fruit that the Holy Spirit has in store for us.

As you go out today be ready to share the fruit of the Holy Spirit that has been developed within you. Also be ready to receive and enjoy the fruit others have to offer. Together there is a fruit salad that is beyond anything one person can create alone. Enjoy the salad!