Confession is Good for the Soul

We belong to a small Home Group at our church and we meet every Sunday night in a home. It's a great time of bible reading, learning and fellowship with other believers.
The other night our facilitator ask this question: "Is there something you did when you were small that was wrong and you never confessed it to anyone?"

Few could remember doing anything wrong when they were small. But, one of our members told of a time when he was a member of a group of men who helped encourage prisoners who had just been released. He said he asked them to take pen and paper in hand and write a letter to someone they had wronged. He encouraged them especially to write to their fathers. Confessing the sins they had committed that were known only to them and God, had a freeing affect on them. Another shared that she had committed a wrong doing but had never confessed to her parents that wrong. Her parents had passed away but that dear lady made a trip to their resting place; knelt down and confessed that sin. What a freeing experience that was to her.

Confession is good for the soul. When a sin is acknowledged and confessed, it frees the soul. It says to God that you know you have sinned; you want to be free of that sin and you have put away pride in order to do so. True, God knows all of our sins but He wants us to recognize them for what they are and confess them in order for our lives to be clean once more.

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too.” Mark 11:25 (TLB)

Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness; someone you have been spreading gossip about; someone you just really don't like for whatever reason? In order to make things right between us and our Lord we need to rid ourselves of the sin or unforgiveness. It's time to move on in life without carrying the burden of an unconfessed sin around with you.

Think about it.................

Spring Storms

Spring storms were scary when I was small. We had a cellar at our home, accessible through an open breezeway. When a storm was coming you would find my daddy ushering mother ahead of us into that dark, damp place. He would wrap me in a blanket and carry me down the steps. When we reached the bottom, he would stand me down on some boards, placed there so we didn't have to stand on water, and mother would hold my hand. You see, our cellar leaked. Daddy would light a candle and the eerie shadows were frightening, particularly if there were spiders and webs. Ever so often, daddy would climb back up the steps and peer out to see if the storm had passed. Even though as a child I was afraid, I always felt secure knowing my daddy was looking after us. When the storm had passed, we'd climb out of the cellar then Mother and I would go on to bed. However, daddy would lean back in his old cane chair on our old screened back porch and keep watch.

Our Heavenly Father assures us that He watches over us when those storms in life come our way. Much like my daddy did when I was small and scared, our Father gathers us unto Himself and carries us through to the other side. The journey through those storms can be scary; we are uncertain and many times, we are battered about even though we are secure in His arms. But, we can rest assured, when the storm is over, God is still in control of our lives. When we allow Him to carry us through those storms, we will be stronger for our endurance and we can help others in similar situations. He promises that He will provide all we need and no storm of life will be more than we can manage.

"We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him." Psalm 91:1-2 TLB

The Franz Family

God has taken one of His very best home to be with Him.

Many hearts are breaking because Ruth Ann is gone from our presence. There will be an emptiness at our church, Grandview Baptist, now. Her smile and soft words brought out the best in everyone. And, her musical talent blessed all who heard her play and sing with her talented family.

We have known the Franz family for several years. The land where their home stands belonged to John's grandparents at one time. I know they would be so proud that the Franz family has taken over the farm and brought up their family there.
 

The Franz children and grandchildren are truly blessed to have had such a godly example of what a wife, mother and grandmother should be.Randy was blessed to love her as his wife. And, how blessed they are to have many videos on YouTube of their family singing together. Every part of her being radiated Christ. There is always a void when God takes one of His children home. But, what a blessing to know where she is and that she is free of the constraints of this world. I know she is lifting her beautiful voice up to our Father in praise. And, what a day He chose to bring her
home.............Easter.

"I heard a voice out of Heaven, “Write this: Blessed are those who die in the Master from now on; how blessed to die that way!”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “and blessed rest from their hard, hard work. None of what they’ve done is wasted; God blesses them for it all in the end.” Revelation 14:13 (MSG)

Sunrise Service

"But, I want to wear my new dress. Why can't I wear my new dress", I was in tears. When you are 7 years old; it's Easter and you can't wear your new dress to the sunrise service, you just know it's the end of the world.

"Because, like I told you, it's cold on Saunders Heights. The wind is blowing up a gale and you'll catch your death of cold.  Now, go get your long pants on; pull that sweater over your head and get your coat, hat and your gloves. I told you that you can wear your new dress to church under your coat because it's warm inside. But, you cannot wear it to the sunrise service, understand?  Now, hurry up because your daddy is in the car warming it up."

Sunrise services atop Saunders Heights was a very special time for the members of First Baptist Church, the big red brick church down the street from the post office in our town.  My cousin led the music at our church so he led the music at the sunrise service. Our pastor read some scripture and preached while we all stood in the early morning air and thought about the sacrifice Jesus had made for our sins many centuries ago.

My family always went to the sunrise service when I was growing up. It didn't matter if it was cold or if the sun was bright and the birds singing in the trees above our heads as we stood on the mountain.  It was a special time even if I didn't get to wear my new Easter dress.

Easter...........that time of year when we remember our Lord and what He did for us. He came to us as that Christmas Child who was laid in a manger.  But, more significant than that day is the day He rose from the dead, having taken on the sins of the whole world, so we didn't have to die.

^"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 NIV

Trust His Heart

I look about at the lives of friends, who are dealing with illness, death, loss of jobs, etc. and I cry out to God "Where are you, God? Why is it that people have to suffer in this life?"

We look at the world situation and we see terrorists attacking Christians and we wonder where is God in all of this? Why is He allowing these things to happen?

We but have to turn on the news to see the unrest in our world; the political unrest right in our own nation and we wonder where God is in all of this?

What we must realize is that God created the world; He created each of us for His purpose; He hasn't lost control of any of this even though we may feel for a time He has.

There is a song by Eddie Carswell "Trust His Heart" that I feel is so relevant in our lives today. When we read God's word and lift our hearts up to Him in prayer, as Believers, we have to accept the fact that nothing surprises Him; everything is in His plan and all we have to do is trust His heart.

"Trust His Heart"
All things work for our good
Though sometimes we can't
See how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what's best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just can't see Him,
Remember you're never alone
He sees the master plan
He holds the future in His hand,
So don't live as those who have no hope,
All our hope is found in Him.
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and last
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me,
To someday be just like Him
He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart
when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart

" Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

The Image in the Mirror

"If you’ve ever played with a small mirror in your hand, you know how you can catch the rays of the sun and angle the mirror just right to shine that light wherever you want it to go. The Bible tells us that the Lord holds us in His hand, and the more we reflect His image . . . and His radiance . . . the more He can use us to shine His light in our world." Copied

I remember my mother giving me a little compact that had held her face power. She had used up the powder at that point but I had a great time playing with it. I imagined it still had powder in it when playing dress up; I took it out of my purse when I was at home and gazed at myself in the mirror while making all sorts of funny faces; I carried it in my little purse when I went to Sunday School. All the other little girls thought I was special because I had a neat compact of my very own. Each of them wanted to look at themselves in the little mirror.

It was such fun to watch my cat chase the reflection the mirror made when the sun would hit it. A round spot would appear on the wall or on the floor. As I moved the mirror around, my cat would chase the reflection and I would fall over laughing at their antics.

B.B. McKinney wrote a song many years ago......."Let Others See Jesus in You". One of the verses goes "While passing through this world of sin and others your life will view, Be clean and pure without within, let others see Jesus in you."

What kind of image do you reflect to your family, friends or co-workers? Do you reflect Christ or the world? Do other people see Jesus in you?

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16The Message (MSG)

Vengence is Mine

Has someone ever hurt you or your children to the point that you wanted to kill them even if that meant you might go to prison?


Many of you know the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. You know his brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph spent many years in jail because of something he didn't do. Eventually, he became the ruler over the land of Egypt. Because of a drought, the brothers who had sold him, were forced to go to Egypt and beg for food from Joseph. If I had been Joseph, I probably wouldn't have given them anything but a hard time. However, Joseph, rather than getting even, gave them food and money and sent them back for his father, who thought Joseph was dead.
 

Joseph said to his brothers, "But don’t be angry with yourselves that you did this to me, for God did it! He sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. These two years of famine will grow to seven, during which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God has sent me here to keep you and your families alive, so that you will become a great nation. Yes, it was God who sent me here, not you! And he has made me a counselor to Pharaoh, and manager of this entire nation, ruler of all the land of Egypt."Genesis 45:5-8

If Joseph had a "get even" attitude God would have left him in prison to rot. If he had gotten out of prison with a "get even" attitude, he might have hunted down his brothers and killed them. Had you ever thought that those brothers were the heads of ten of the twelve tribes of Israel? This would include Judah, from whose lineage Christ would descend. God had promised Abraham they would bring forth a nation. Because Joseph didn't seek revenge but depended on the Lord, the plans of God were established in his life and in the lives of his brothers.

So, next time you are tempted to get even, remember the promise God made to Abraham that was carried out through Joseph and his brothers.

To take vengeance, you might be very well be thwarting God's plans.

The bible says, "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands." Romans 12:19 Living Bible

The Billionaire and Enough

When was the last time you met someone who was truly at peace with who they were and the circumstances they find themselves in? The majority of people suffer from If Only disease; If only I had more money; If only I had a new car or new house; If only I could find the right person and be married. What would it take to make you completely content?

Most of us tend to see the negative side of life and fail to count the blessings God has bestowed on us. We all make choices; we ca...n choose to be happy no matter the circumstances or we can be unhappy regardless of our situation.
 

I heard of a billionaire who was being interviewed. "You seem to have acquired a bountiful fortune.
Are you happy?"

"No", replied the billionaire.

"What would it take to make you happy?"

" Just a little bit more," was his reply.

Would all of us be happy if we had just a little bit more?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could be like Paul , probably writing from prison, when he said :

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Sunbonnet Sue

“Grandchildren are a grandparent’s link to the future, and grandparents are the child’s link to the past” Author Unknown.

We are blessed with five grandchildren. Three are married so we are actually blessed with eight. And, we are anxiously awaiting the birth of our first great-grandson this summer. John can remember nine of his grandparents because they lived close by when he was growing up. I can only remember six of mine. And, four of those I only saw three or four times.

When thinking about that this morning, I remember a time when I was about five years old and my grandpa lived with us for a while. He was a jolly man; laughed a lot and we played a lot of games like Hide and Seek and Ring Around the Rosie. I loved the feel of his big hand holding mine while we walked to town. We looked in all the store windows and, of course, he bought both of us an ice cream cone. I remember that he liked chocolate and if my grandpa liked chocolate, then I liked chocolate, too.

One of the things I remember the most about that visit was how he taught me to make a bed. My mother had a Sunbonnet Sue quilt that I loved. It was used as a spread on the bed where my grandpa slept because it was one of our nicest quilts. My grandpa told me to get on one side of the bed and he would get on the other side. Then he said,

“Now, Honey, you see those little girls that are walking toward you? Try to get this one in the middle to come over your way.”

So, I would pull the quilt toward me and Sunbonnet Sue would move my way. My grandpa would then make a game out of it by pulling Sunbonnet Sue toward him. Then, we would move up to the next Sunbonnet Sue and I would pull her toward me as he pulled her his way. We worked our way up to the head of the bed and as I looked down toward the foot, there was not a wrinkle to be found!

“And, that, Honey, is the way to make your bed. You just pull all of those wrinkles toward you and they will disappear.”

I think of that occasionally when I make our bed. That Sunbonnet Sue quilt is but a memory yet I can imagine it laying there as I pull out those wrinkles. I can even imagine my grandpa standing on the other side of the bed, the sun shining on his white hair and his contagious laugh filling the air.

I loved spending time with my grandpa in our home while he was there. I wish I had gotten to spend more time with my grandparents but that wasn’t possible. However, I look forward to spending an eternity with them in the Heavenly Home that has been prepared for all believers in Him.

“Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.” Genesis 31:55

The "Mulleygrubs"

"As you go through life, don’t allow Satan to use your mood to push others away from Christ. If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, choose to make things right. Don’t let your mood dictate your actions. Instead of grumbling, be thankful you have been given another day to show others the love of Jesus Christ." Pastor Ed Young

I woke up yesterday morning with the covers wrapped around me to the point I thought I wasn't going to be able to untangle them and get up. It hadn...'t been a restful night. Instead, I had crazy dreams running through my head. My sweet husband had gotten up earlier and kicked on the furnace so I was roasting. I was finally able to untangle the covers and crawl out of bed. I looked in the mirror as I walked into the bathroom and thought, "Good heavens, I look like warmed over death!"

Have you ever gotten up with a good case of the "Mulleygrubs"? That's what I had that morning; nothing looked good, felt good or even smelled good. No, I didn't feel sick but the "Mulleygrubs" had attacked me full force. The sun was shining; the birds were singing and, as is the usual ritual on a Saturday morning, my husband was in the kitchen fixing sausage, eggs and toast with a little apricot jam to go along with his coffee. Most days, he isn't a big breakfast eater and will have corn flakes or something similar. However, there is something about Saturday that brings the chef out in him.

I threw on my robe and went staggering into the kitchen. I didn't even feel like answering when he said , "How are you this morning?", so I just grunted and sauntered over to the cabinet; pulled out a bowl and fixed my usual oatmeal. I really wasn't hungry but I thought if I ate perhaps the "Mulleygrubs" would find another individual to inhabit.

What do you do to counteract the "Mulleygrubs"? I thought getting dressed; applying makeup and combing my hair would be a start. Then, I decided perhaps reading some from the book of Psalms might be good. So, I opened to Psalm 100 and read these verses:

"Go through his open gates with great thanksgiving; enter his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, and his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation" Psalm 100:4-5

So, to those of you who mistakenly think that I go around with inspirational thoughts just flowing out of my head and onto my facebook status, let me assure you that I can have the "Mulleygrubs" just as easily as anyone.

How Do You See Yourself?

How do you see yourself?

When I look in the mirror every morning I think “My goodness, can that really be me?” I look at pictures of myself and think, “Why do I look this old? Why didn’t someone tell me to straighten my sweater; uncock my head and quit leaning? Why didn’t I have lipstick on because I look so washed out?” I have to admit, I spent a lot of years behind a camera as a photographer and I have always been more comfortable there than in front of the camera. Most of the people I know feel the same way; very uncomfortable with any picture that is made.

It’s not the end of the world when unflattering pictures are posted for all to see. We have to face the fact that we are not perfect. We are not always made up and ready to be in front of a camera. And, we have to realize, at least a lot of us do, that we are old; we are wrinkled and we are not photogenic.

What really should matter is how God sees us. God doesn’t see just our physical bodies but He sees what’s in our heart.

“Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man’s thoughts and intentions.”1 Samuel 16:7B TLB

Do You Worry?

Do you worry? I use to worry about a lot of things but as I grow older, I believe I'm getting much better. I don't worry nearly as much. Oh, I'm concerned when a loved one is sick; when there is a tornado warning for our area, etc. but I have reminded myself many, many times that God is in control and no amount of worry will change anything.

Singer, song writer and author , Gwen Smith once said, "God loves us so much. His plan is perfect and His ways are mysterious. He knows our needs and He knows our desires. When we remember what really matters we can rest in the knowledge that He’s working on our behalf, and in our best interest, to bring glory to Himself through our lives."

If we concern ourselves more with being in God's will; knowing that His plan is perfect and that He knows our needs and desires, rather than worrying about what will happen tomorrow, next week or next year, we can rest rather than worry. We can also be assured that whatever happens in our lives or the lives of our loved ones, it is all in God's divine plan. Most of the time, we don't understand His plan but isn't it freeing just to know that He loves us and He cares what happens to us? And, whatever happens in our lives is for His glory.

It seems we tend to believe that God is working His plan in accordance with what we deem is best for us or those we love. God's plan for our lives is much broader than that. The things that occur in our little world may be for something better for some other of God's children. We must remember "It's not all about us."

What if we prayed this prayer? "I'm turning over all my fears and problems to You to handle today. I can't fix a single thing by worrying about it - but You can fix anything because nothing is impossible for You! Thanks for being in charge of my day. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:30-34, MSG).

Let's Pray Right Now

Occasionally, I read the devotional from The Ransomed Heart. I thought a recent article was good and so appropriate for most of us. So, here it is:

"I’ve come to the place where I have had to stop telling people, “I’ll pray for you. I simply know that despite my good intentions—and these promises are almost always spoken with good intent—I know that nine times out of ten I just don’t remember to follow through. Not until maybe a week or two later, and then I feel guilty that I forgot. I don’t like promising something I probably won’t live up to. You know how these stories go: someone you care about tells you of their pain, need, or struggle, and you respond with, “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that; I’ll pray for you.” But then, most of the time, we never do. If all the prayers that were promised were actually prayed, this would be a different world by now. So instead of promising future prayer, what I try to do nowadays is stop, right there in the moment, and pray. Right then and there. It’s funny how many Christians this actually throws off guard. “You mean, right now?” “Yes—absolutely. Let’s pray.” In the restaurant, in the car, on the plane, wherever. If it’s a text or e-mail request, I’ll start praying as I type my response, typing out a prayer for them right then and there. Not only does it help me follow through, but it helps them to agree right along with what I have prayed, and agreement is mighty powerful as we know."

This reminded me of a man who is an acquaintance of my husband. John met him in the post office one day two or three years ago.

"How's it goin', John?" He asked.

"Pretty good for an old man. But, I have a friend who is having a pretty difficult time."

"Well, let's pray about it then" said the man. Right there in the middle of the post office, the man put his hand on my husband's shoulder, bowed his head and began to pray for the difficulty my husband's friend was having.

How many of us are ashamed to pray in public, right on the spot for another person's problem? Are we guilty of saying we'll pray for someone, whisper a short, silent prayer at that time and forget it?

" Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 Modern English Version

What Do You Know Of Another's Soul?

"WHAT can you ever really know of other people's souls--of their temptations, their opportunities, their struggles? One soul in the whole creation you do know and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands.
---C.S. Lewis"

I remember years and years ago while attending church an incident happened that shouldn't have.

A family came for the first time to the church. There were two little boys with their mother and father. They weren't dressed the finest and possibly they might not have smelled the sweetest. However, they were at church. Two older ladies came out of their Sunday school room and headed into the sanctuary. They walked to the pew where they normally sat only to find it occupied by this new family. Now, rather than speak to the family; introduce themselves and welcome them, one of the ladies spoke up,

"You've got our seats."

The father looked at them; then at his wife as if to say, "Now what do we do?" When they remained seated, the two ladies huffed, turned and made their way clear across the church and took a seat. Needless to say that was the last time this family came to that church.

We don't know about the souls of others. Those ladies didn't know, and apparently didn't care, about the souls of that family or they wouldn't have acted in such an indignant manner. Were those people believers? Were they born again and going to Heaven? Or were they lost souls seeking a place of refuge where someone cared about them. We will never know..........we can only surmise.

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:37-40 (MSG)

Stopping At The Drugstore

It was Sunday and that meant after church, Daddy wanted to stop by the drug store to pick up a paper. He knew his little seven year old daughter loved the Sunday funnies and he liked to catch up on the happenings in the Arkansas Gazette.

"Can I go inside with you, Daddy?

"Yes, but you can't have an ice cream cone because it would spoil your dinner and you know Mother wouldn't like that."

So, I jumped out of the car; grabbed my daddy's big hand and we walked inside. As I looked around, I saw my Sunday School teacher's head. She was sitting in one of the booths with three other women. Oh, how I loved that lady! She was always so prim and proper; always had on her Sunday best and always smiled so sweetly. I was always in a hurry to get to the big red brick church down the street from the post office so I could sit in the little chair next to her. The minute I saw her, I released my daddy's hand and ran over to the booth.

"Hi, Ms. K, I'm here................." and with that I stopped. My beautiful teacher; the lady I adored and wanted to be just like, had an awful, ugly, smelly cigarette in her hand. I was stunned; I couldn't say another word. I ran as fast as I could back to my daddy and grabbed his hand.

"I'm ready to go, Daddy", I said, tears stinging my eyes. I knew my daddy smoked; a lot of men did. I was use to smelling his Camel cigarette smoke but I wasn't use to seeing a woman smoke; particularly my Sunday School teacher.

From then on, each Sunday morning, I didn't race to sit beside Mrs. K. Instead, I tried to get as far from her as I could. All I could think of as she was telling the bible story was seeing her with that awful cigarette in her hand.

I didn't know what the bible said about smoking a cigarette. I just knew, for some reason, that it didn't look right that my teacher was smoking one. I know now that the bible doesn't prohibit smoking or drinking other than saying this :

"Looking at it one way, you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.” But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well." 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (MSG)

I know the last thing on Ms. K's mind was to cause one of her Sunday School kids to think less of her; I'm sure in her mind, smoking was okay.

When I was sixteen, I went with a bunch of girlfriends to spend the night on the river. One of them had some cigarettes and she urged each of us to smoke one. Giving in to peer pressure, I succumbed and took one. About four puffs into it, I realized I really liked the taste; I could really get into this smoking thing.
 
Just then, I remembered myself as that little seven year old seeing my Sunday School teacher with that cigarette and I immediately tossed the one in my hand and ground it into the wet sand. I believe God brought that thought to my mind. Perhaps the reason He allowed me to see my Sunday School teacher doing something I thought at the time was very wrong for a woman to do, was so at this very time in my teen years, I would forgo the desire to ever smoke.

"Therefore let us no longer pass judgment on one another, but rather determine not to put a stumbling block or an obstacle in a brother’s way. Romans 14:13 (MEV)

We need to take time to ask how our behavior and appearance are perceived by others. Everything a Christian does influences what people think of Christians. None of us are perfect; we all make mistakes. But, it is important to be sure we are not doing something that would cause another to stumble.

"With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1 (MSG)

Where Is Your Power Source?

When you wake up about daylight, these aren't the words you want to hear, "Electricity is off. Guess I better get my flashlight and see if I can figure out what's wrong."

Sure enough, as I open my eyes and peer at the beam of light coming through the glass in the door of our bedroom, I glance at the clock and it's off. I pull myself out of bed, grab my bathrobe and thank the Lord that there is no blizzard outside with below freezing temperature. I hadn't heard any thunder or hard rain through the night so I just prayed it was a Carroll Electric problem and not something wrong at our house.

An all electric home is great except in situations like we encountered yesterday morning. But, when you have no running water, no heat, no way to brew coffee, it can get a bit annoying. So, we were very thankful when three hours later, there was a flicker of a light bulb and the hum of the refrigerator.

We have been blessed all the years we have lived here not to have lost power for more than a few hours. When people around us were without power for a week or more during a blizzard a few years ago, our lights didn't even flicker. So, we feel we are plugged into a very good power source with Carroll Electric.

What kind of power source are you plugged into spiritually? Do you depend on God to be your strength? Do you depend on the Lord to get you through the dark times in your life when your own power fails?

"Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB)

Bluebirds Hunt A Home

Spring can't be too far away. I looked out my kitchen window this morning to see Mama & Papa Bluebird setting close together on a tree limb.

"So, in which of these birdhouses should we build our nest?" Said Papa Bluebird.

"Oh, I don't know, which one do you think?" Replied Mama Bluebird.

"Well, you know, when the storms come in the spring and summer the wind blows out of the southwest. So, I suggest we build in that one on the fence post on the northeast side."

"Oh, no, Papa, you know that awful cat sits in the bay window on the north so she would have a good view of our home if we choose that one," said Mama Bluebird.

"Well, then, let's have a look at the nice one hanging on the side of the tree down by the creek. It's close enough to the ground that if one of our little ones fell out, they wouldn't have far to fall. Plus, there are likely to be juicy worms in the soil by that creek and it would be handy when we need a drink", said Papa Bluebird, thoughtfully.

When a couple is ready to purchase a home, they are much like Mama and Papa Bluebird. They want a place that is safe from storms and certainly away from predators. They want a place that is safe for their children. And, being close to a grocery store would be an asset.

How much thought goes into our preparation for our Heavenly Home?

Do we even think about it very often? Unlike Mama and Papa Bluebird's home or the couple buying their first home, our Heavenly Home is eternal. It won't be cast about by the winds of storm nor will we have to concern ourselves about it's safety.

Are you preparing for your Heavenly Home?

“Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly." John 14:1-3 Living Bible

How About Your Heart?

Max Lucado, one of my favorite authors, tells the story of a young family, whose 13 year old daughter, Taylor, was killed in a skiing accident. The family was devastated.......... Taylor's organs were donated and months later, a still grieving mother's only wish was to know who received Taylor's heart. She was able to make contact with the recipient and arrange a visit. Making the trip from Dallas to Arizona, Taylor's mother met the woman Taylor's heart had saved. She aske...d if she might listen to Taylor's heart beating inside the woman. The woman gladly said "Yes, you may."

As Taylor's mother listened to the strong heartbeat, tears fell. She was not listening to the recipient's heart, but her beautiful daughter, Taylor's heart. Yes, this heart now belonged to the woman but the heart beating inside her breast was that of a 13 year old girl, taken from this earth too soon.

As Believers, God has given us a new heart.......He has replaced our heart with His. We are new creatures.

"And I will give you a new heart—I will give you new and right desires—and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love." Ezekiel 36:26 The Living Bible

What about the heart that is beating inside of us? Is it a new heart placed there by God through grace and faith in Him? Do the things we say sound as though they come from God's heart?

“Don’t you see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and then out of the body altogether? But the things that come out of a man’s mouth come from his heart and mind, and it is they that really make a man unclean." Matthew 15:17-18 J.B Phillips New Testament
Perhaps all of us need to check our hearts................

It's a God Wink

As I listen to the wind blow this month, I remember being very intrigued by a video on Facebook a few years ago. It shows a group of homeschooled students standing under a flag pole praying. The flag pole displays three flags; state flag, U.S. flag and the Christian flag. While the students are praying, the Christian flag begins to gently move. Then, with more force from the wind, it flares straight outward for a minute or so, showing the cross in the upper left hand corner of the flag. Meanwhile, the other two flags are only slightly moving or not moving at all. Was this the Spirit of God; the Holy Spirit moving among these students as they lifted their voices to their Maker? I like to think so.

People often say “That was a God Wink” when something happens that appears to be only attributable to that day in September, under the blue skies, while a group of young men and women were praying, did God send the wind of His Holy Spirit as a God Wink for those who were there? Have you ever experienced a God Wink in your life?

For years man has been able in some way to harness the wind. The sails on ships harness it, turbines harness it, windmills harness it, and yet, the ships, turbines and windmills do not create the wind; only God can do that. What is the wind? It’s moving air, of course. But, can you see the wind? No one sees the wind, they only see the results. It can be the leaves moving as the breeze gently blows through them. Or it could be a mighty gale blowing destruction to anything in its path.

It’s the same with the Holy Spirit. No one can see the Spirit but you can feel the Spirit within you. Or you can see the results of the Holy Spirit within a person by their changed life. Yet, like the wind, you do not see the Spirit.
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“So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit of God.” John 3:7- 8 MSG

Preparing for the Storm

We have been blessed with a mild winter so far. I was thinking about that last night while watching the weatherman predicting rain all next week. In my thoughts , I was taken back to a few years ago when the forecast hadn't been good.

I remember standing at the kitchen window that night at dusk pondering what would happen during the night. After a variety of weather from rain to thundersnow and nearly everything in between, I wondered if the pipes would be frozen, although ...we always left a slow drip as a preventive measure. I wondered if the snow would be so high on the beauty bush in front of the window that we wouldn’t be able to see the road; would the electricity go off during the night necessitating digging in the hall closet for more blankets; would the wood pile on our porch be enough to keep the fireplaces going until all of this passed?

Like most others in our area, we had prepared the best way possible for the upcoming storm. We had drawn water in a big jug for drinking purposes; had run water in the bathtub for necessities; made a mad dash for groceries; spent most of one day in the kitchen cooking things that could be heated on our little propane camping stove in case we lost power. Our wood pile had been restocked; flashlight batteries checked and even insulated underwear had been located just in case.

Sometimes it takes a snowstorm and ice storm for us to “be still and know that I am God.”

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

How many of us actually slow down long enough to evaluate our priorities, love on our kids, spend time in God’s word, visit with those within our walls and make future plans unless we are forced to when the weather reaches a point where we can’t leave the house and the electricity is off so there is no media?

“For He directs the snow, the showers, and storm to fall upon the earth. Man’s work stops at such a time so that all men everywhere may recognize His power. Job 37:6-7 TLB

As I pondered all of the preparations we made for the coming storm, I wondered how much preparation have we made for the return of our Lord? Oh, we know He has promised He would return for His children but are we prepared for that?

“And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master’s word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they’ll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God’s trumpet blast! He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 MSG

The Lesson of the Barn

“Can I go across the street and see if we can find the kittens in the barn?” I ask my Mother while my friend stood by shaking her head up and down.

“It’s almost lunch time so why not wait until after lunch?” Mother replied.

“Please, please, please, I won’t be gone long, okay? I whined.

Mother gave in with a stern warning.

“I don’t want you jumping out of that barn loft anymore now, okay?”

“We won’t”, I said, “and I’ll be back in just a little while.”

So, out the front door my friend and I went, jumping off our little front porch, allowing the screen to slam behind us. We quickly looked both ways and then ran across the street.

It didn’t take long for us to climb into the barn loft. I loved the smell of fresh hay and we played on the bales for a while forgetting all about the kittens that might be there somewhere. Soon we sat down on the edge of the loft, swinging our legs over the edge. We laid back in the hay and I’m sure discussed the important things going on in school with our friends.

“I’ll jump if you will.” My friend said.

“Mother said not to jump though. You heard her.” I replied.

“Well, okay, then, I’ll jump. My Mother didn’t tell me I couldn’t?” And, jump she did.

So, there I sat in the opening of the barn loft, kicking my feet back and forth and contemplating whether or not to take the chance and jump even though I would be disobeying my Mother. The little voice in my head whispered,

“Go ahead and jump; she’ll never know.”

The other voice in my heart all the while was saying,

“You shouldn’t jump. After all, you told your Mother you wouldn’t.”

And, there stood my neighbor. She had jumped and she was okay. I didn’t want to be a baby when she wasn’t afraid to jump. So, jump I did. I was fine except for turning my ankle a bit. Oh, I could walk but it hurt a little when I did.

“Time for lunch………come on home”, it was my Mother calling from across the street.

“I’m coming, Mother!" I yelled, " I’ll see ya later, “I said to my friend as I headed toward home …..slowly…..limping slightly.

Opening the screen door, I stepped inside and there stood my Mother.

“Why are you limping?” She asked.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just kinda turned my ankle when I was climbing down out of the barn.”

“Oh? You didn’t jump out of the barn loft, did you, after I told you not to?”

“No, Mother, I told you, I was just climbing down 'cause you were hollering at me for lunch”, I lied.
Immediately, that little voice in my heart reminded me that I had just lied to my Mother, while the other voice in my head told me she would never know.

“Hummm, well, that really looked like you that I saw jumping out of the loft when I came to the door.” Mother said.

I had forgotten that while standing in our front door, there was a clear view of the whole barn.
Following my mother into the kitchen and onto our porch, I watched her walk outside and I knew what was going to happen. Suffice it to say, the spirea bush outside was minus a little limb when she came back in. And, when the punishment was over, my ankle wasn’t the only thing that hurt.

How many of us tend to listen to the voice in our head rather than the nudging of the still, small voice in our heart? How many of us think that we can get by with something and will never be caught? How often do we think it’s only a little white lie and it won’t matter? It doesn’t make any difference with our Lord whether our lie is a white one or a whopper. A lie is a lie in God’s sight and He hates lying.

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

Facing Trials

Our pastor brought out a thought at church last night. He said something like this, "Sometimes we think God has forgotten us when we are faced with a serious illness, death of a loved one, loss of a job or a number of different things that happen to us as Believers. When things like that happen, we want to blame God rather than run to Him."

I have been very blessed over my lifetime thus far not to have faced any real dramatic, life changing difficulties. I have lost both pa...rents, but God blessed them with long lives and I know they are with Him today. I have never faced hunger or serious illness; have always had a roof over my head and have been blessed with a Godly husband, loving daughters and families.
 

But, there is a saying that you are either walking into a valley; you're in a valley or you are walking out of the valley. So, if you haven't been in a valley, you will be. I feel sure there will come a time when tragedy will strike close to home. I pray that when that time comes, I will be able to face it with grace and with faith.

Most of us are familiar with the 23rd Psalm. I like the way it is written in The Living Bible.

"Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest;blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home." Psalm 23 (TLB)

"You will never meet a fear that Jesus has not conquered; you will never face an enemy that Jesus has not defeated; you will never have a need that Jesus cannot meet; you will never face a temptation that Jesus cannot overcome; you will never have a burden that Jesus cannot lift; you will never face a problem that Jesus cannot solve; you will never have a wound that Jesus cannot heal." Copied

Hot Potato !

"OUCH!" I said as I cut open the baked potato straight from the oven, "That was hot!"

 As I had sliced into that potato; squeezed it to open the center enough to put butter in, a piece of that potato fell in my hand. It truly felt like a hot coal.

I remember in my early years playing the game "Hot Potato". It involves players gathering in a circle and tossing a ball to each other while music was playing. The player who is holding the "hot potato" when the music stops is out. When there is only one person left holding the object, everyone shouts "Hot Potato" and he looses the game. I felt much like a player in that game when the piece of hot potato fell in my hand. I tossed it quickly onto the cabinet and blew on my hand to cool it.

You know, there is nothing better than a baked potato hot enough to melt a plat of butter and sour cream. Top that with shredded cheese and some bacon bits; enough salt to flavor and you have a meal. Now, suppose that potato is lukewarm. You put butter and sour cream on; top with the shredded cheese, bacon bits and salt and nothing melts. It isn't nearly as tasty as the potato when it is straight from the oven.

There is a story in the bible about lukewarm Christians. Jesus was talking to the Christians of Laodicea when he said,

“I know you well—you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth!" Revelation 3:15-16Living Bible (TLB)

The city of Laodicea had the unfortunate circumstance of having neither hot or cold water. Hieropolis, another city had water that was very hot. By the time it was pumped to Laodicea, the water was lukewarm and dirty. The picture Jesus is giving is that the people of Laodicea are useless when it comes to doing the work God sent them to do. They are not fit for healing or for drinking.

How about us as Christians today? Are we lukewarm? Do we give God the leftovers rather than giving him first place? Do we only look for him when we're in trouble? Do we live as though God doesn't really exist although we call ourselves Believers? Are our lives any different than others who live in our world? Do we want just enough of Christ to get us to Heaven but not enough that we have to change the way we live?

Wheelchair Wedding

We've been retired from the wedding photography business for 8 years or so. Occasionally, John and I will sit around discussing the different happenings at weddings we photographed.
  
“I think if you will get on that side and I’ll get over here, I can get this car started. I’ll jump in when it starts rolling and you just jump back out of the way.” The young man said, nodding to the young lady with him.

So, she did as he said; she grabbed hold of the door handle and pushed with all her might. After all, they had to get to the chapel because they were getting married today.

We got there just as their wedding was over. We were to photograph the next wedding at Thorncrown. This couple’s photographer was coming down the pathway, camera focused on the couple; her in a wheel chair and him pushing her along. As they reached the parking lot, their photographer walked over to us.

“What a calamity”, said the photographer.

“How’s that?” John inquired.

“Well, they were coming here from Oklahoma and had a problem with their vehicle. They were pushing the vehicle and the back wheel ran over her foot and I think it’s probably broken. They’re headed to the hospital as soon as we finish these pictures. Sure am glad Thorncrown had a wheelchair.”

Sure enough, when we checked later, her foot was broken, requiring surgery, so the couple spent their wedding night in the hospital.

The words wedding vows, “for better or for worse; for richer or poorer; in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live,” came early for this couple. I’m sure this is not how they envisioned their wedding ceremony or their wedding night. But, when couples marry, there is no guarantee that life from the moment their vows are made, is going to be perfect.

I like the analogy Dr. Charles Swindoll uses. He likens a marriage to remodeling a house. He says, “It takes longer than you planned. It costs more than you figured. It is messier than you anticipated. It requires greater determination than you expected. Sometimes the only thing that keeps us going is hope!”

When our marriage commitments are made with agape love; the perfect love; the love God has for us, then they can survive anything. Perhaps when we recall that we are to do unto others; especially our spouses, as though we were doing the same for our Heavenly Father, we will be a bit more patient and caring.

“And I, the King, will tell them, ‘When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!’ “ Matthew 25:40 TLB

Why Are You Where You Are Today?

Have you ever considered why God put you where you are today? Why were you not born during the Civil War or the Great Depression? Why were you put in this town, in your family at this time?

I was thinking about this today as I contemplated the changes in life that come to all of us. The things we are going through in life today would not have happened exactly as they have had we been born at a different time or to different parents.

My mother and daddy had been married fourteen years when I was born. Mother was the oldest of six. Her mother worked and my Mother looked after her siblings. She use to tell me she remembered well when she was eight standing on a little stool at the old wood stove stirring gravy while holding a crying sibling on her hip with another one pulling on her dress and crying. She felt she had already raised a family when she married my daddy. They had been married two years when Black Tuesday happened and the stock market collapsed and the Great Depression came. Those years were certainly not years to bring children in the world, to their thinking. So, it was that I was not a child of the Great Depression but a child of the Forties. Because I was born when I was and where I was, I married my husband when I did. Our daughters were born when they were and they married their mates and had their children. When you stop to consider the ramifications of your birth, the location in which you live, the people you come in contact with, there are all kinds of changes that could have happened in your life.

Your life and mine were all planned out by our Heavenly Father before we were even born.

“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you” Jeremiah 1:5A The Message

I think about those who are graduating from high school and college in the spring. Most of them have already made plans for the next step in their lives. They have chosen which college they will attend or which job they will apply for if they have just finished high school. If college is behind them, they are looking for employment in their field; they have plans to travel and see the world or they have found their soul mate and will be marrying soon. All of these things would not be occurring now had God not planned for the lives of each one at the beginning of time. That’s a pretty sobering thought, isn’t it?

Are You Listening?

Lots of bad things happened to good people in the bible.

Remember Job…….who could forget his troubles? Remember Ruth and Naomi? The book of Ruth is an interesting story. Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi both tragically lost their husbands. After years and many trials Ruth ended up marrying Boaz and Jesus Christ came to earth through their lineage. Did God not care that Ruth and Naomi’s husband’s died? Yes, God cared. However, God had a much bigger plan in mind for those women and the individuals that eventually came into and through their lives. He was able to carry those plans out because Ruth and Naomi were willing to follow His leading.

God’s divine plan for placing us on this earth is so we will spread the gospel to those He brings into our lives. How many of us are following that plan? Perhaps, if we follow that plan for our life, He will make us aware of other things He has for us to do.

So, how do we know what He wants us to do? First of all, I think we need to obey the things we KNOW He wants us to do according to His Word. The more we obey; the more He makes known. How do you find out what your boss, your parent, teacher or your child wants you to do? You talk to them and you listen. It’s the same with our Father. The more you talk to Him and listen, the easier to recognize His voice.

Sometimes we don’t hear what God wants of us because we are too busy. We aren’t still enough to hear.

“Stand silent! Know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation in the world!” Psalm 46:10 TLB

Are you listening?

Earning Acceptance

How many of us try to earn our acceptance into God’s kingdom? How many of us are afraid that if we don’t do certain things, God will not bring us into His presence when our lives on earth are finished. Do we think we must adhere to a bunch of rules? Do we make ourselves miserable just trying to be good enough for God?

"He has told you, O man, what is good; & what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, & to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8


God didn’t ask us to sacrifice our first born, offer burnt offerings or bring barrels of olive oil to Him.

Will all of these things the Lord requires get us to Heaven? No, only the blood of His son, Jesus, will do that. However, because we are His and have repented of our sins; asked forgiveness and accepted Him into our hearts, God wants us to show our changed life by doing those things.

Are we guilty of trying to do good works in order to please God? Do we think our good works will bring showers of material things down upon our heads? No, God is going to bless us because we are His people.

"God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” Matthew 6:30-33 The Message