Resemblance

Mr. Bill was quite a letter-writer in high school.  Four grades ahead of me and in different schools, he figured out how to courier a letter to me each day.  Today, I can’t hardly remember what he wrote, but I do remember I liked getting those notes!

God’s children have been given a particular pattern for living.  We are to adopt a way of life that imitates Christ.  Everyone knows what it is to be a son or a daughter; our birth certificates bear the names of a biological mother and father.  So our souls bear the Name of the One Most High, and it is our lifestyle that identifies us as His.  Luke wrote, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.” (6:35)   These weren’t suggestions to sinners telling them how to behave, rather reminders to Believers to be who they are in Christ!  Loving enemies isn’t the world’s way, but God’s way; doing good isn’t so common, but a trait of God; to give anticipating nothing in return isn’t sensible to the world, yet perfectly sensible to God.  When we do life God’s way, we’re rewarded far greater than we can imagine.  Also, we are identified by God and the world as genuine disciples of Christ.  Yes, those Mr. Bill letters thrilled my heart and I found a sense of acceptance in his words; there was a real resemble between his words and his affection.  Genuine Christianity always bears the mark of the Father.  Take time right now to consider your resemblance!

Good Show

Children love to “show out” for their parents!  How parents love it especially when, in public, the “show” is good! 

Wherever we are and whatever we are doing, The Father is watching!  The One who created the entire universe has His eye fixed on our every move and moment.  Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me.”  Most parents would love to be able to keep at least one eye on their children especially as it relates to their safety and protection, but [of course] it isn’t possible.  Crossing a city street with my little Danny comes to mind and how he squirmed and wiggled to be free of me, but could not!  Oh, my goodness, how we do the same thing with God!  Psalm 17:8 says we are the “apple of His eye,” precious and valuable we are in His sight.  From cradle to grave, God is ever watching.  Just like little children, let us show The Father and the world how proud we are to be His.  Put on a good show for Christ!

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your providence in my life.  I rejoice that You hold me and keep me in Your tender kindness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Ready or Not?

“Ready or not, here I come.”  That was what we yelled before we began looking for those hiding in the game of hide-and-seek.  There was usually a mad dash of those who couldn’t decide on a good hiding spot.

God’s promise in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” doesn’t imply God isn’t willing to give us grace.  No, God is all-willing to give but are we ready to receive His grace?  James used some pro-active verbs describing Believers who truly desire God’s grace in their lives: submit to God (v.7), draw near to God (v.8), cleanse your hands (v.8), purify your hearts (v.8), mourn and weep (v.9), humble yourselves (v.10).  Unfortunately, many Christians have the “little dab’ll do” attitude toward God’s free and abundant grace so they live with no power and no peace!  It’s so important, however, we understand a Christ-centered life is one of progression: submitting, drawing near to Him, seeking to know Him and love Him more.  That nearness to The Father makes us uncomfortable with present sin, and to desire the cleansing of hands and purifying of hearts.  We will mourn and weep over our sin and be humbled in the sight of Almighty God. God is always ready; are you … ready or not?

Dear Lord,

I claim Your power to cause me to submit, to draw near, to be cleansed and purified, to weep, and to humble myself to You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

Keep the Light On!

Dad and I traveled to Houston, Texas in June 1995, staying each night at one of his [at the time] favorite motel chains.  Dad certainly liked the price but REALLY liked the motel chain’s spokes person who promised to “keep the light on” for us!

The Apostle John used contrasts in his book, pointing to differences in life and death, faith and unbelief, truth and lies, and light and darkness  His distinction between light and darkness marked how light is necessary to see things as God sees them.  It’s darkness that distorts the reality of what is right and wrong.  The illumination we receive through Christ and His Word, however, strips away worldly illusions revealing spiritual reality – genuine righteousness.  John 8:12 says, “I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  Really, who WANTS to walk in darkness!  The other day I maneuvered my way down a flight of stairs in the darkness, which made me think of John’s image of “walking in darkness.”  Steps aren’t really my friend these days anyway then factor in darkness – well, that was a struggle.  When we choose to walk in darkness, we are unable to avoid pitfalls. In contrast, however, when we embrace the “light of life,” that life-giving light, we see clearly.  Suddenly, we are able to make wise and right decisions.  Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” How absolutely crucial we stay in God’s Word and not rely on our own pathetic [at best] wisdom and judgment for what is right in God’s eyes.  Christian, reject the darkness – choose the lighted path.  Keep the Light on!

Dear Lord,

I rejoice in the Light and the illumination of Your Word.  Make It THE Light of my path and help me to hide Its words in my heart so I will not sin against You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Surrounded

There are little black bugs everywhere!  On the side of the house, in the porch swing, on the vehicles, on the screened porch – everywhere.  Dustin sat his tea glass down on the porch rail and within minutes, they were in his tea.  Spit, cough, spit, cough …

How precious that eternal God is our dwelling place and rest, and underneath are everlasting arms.  “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms … ” (Deuteronomy 33:27)  How wonderful the soul of man has its perfect resting place in God, supported by divine strength.  The heart has learned to live in Christ Jesus and lean on Him day and night.  Spurgeon says we are like Noah’s dove, “weary and about to drop into the destroying waters. But Noah puts out his hand, takes her, and draws her into the ark. (Genesis 8:9).”  Just like the dove, we find safety and refuge in God’s hand and are covered on all side.  We are sustained when we abide in the secret place of the Most High, in the shadow of the Almighty.  We can safe with complete confidence, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1)  He’s everywhere!

"Sweetheart" by Kathryn Hillen

“Let Me Call You Sweetheart – I Can’t Remember Your name.” The pin, almost as big as a saucer, was worn by a middle-aged woman – without doubt, an extrovert. We were at a state PTA convention, encountering many unfamiliar faces. The pin seemed to be her humorous way of saying, “Let’s be friends for today, but I’m not even going to attempt to remember your name.”  We have many temporary relationships: those beside us on the plan or in the Laundromat, the people who camp next to us at a resort, and the neighbors who move in and out with such rapidity. It’s up to us to decide if these contacts will be meaningless or significant. Ask God, “What would you like to say to this person through me?” You may be surprised. He may ask you to speak words of appreciation and encouragement, to witness about Christ, or only to be friendly. When we look a person in the eye and ask about their lives, we show that they are valuable. And even if we never do learn the person’s name, we have been a channel through which God can reach him or her. That is both exciting and humbling.

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 6-7

Grown Up

How often do parents long for their kids to grow up.  Why, we even tell them to “grow up” a time or two until … they DO grow up and then we look back longingly for those not-so-grown-up days!

God’s children look so much better grown up!  Growing up is tough, of course.  Most of us remember those physical and emotional growing pains as young people even before we lived through again as parents.  It’s the natural progression of life – especially spiritual life.  It’s just not pretty when Believers remain in spiritual infancy.  No one likes the same wardrobe year-after-year. Even those who hate to shop occasionally wander through the mall in search of something new and fresh!  Ephesians 4:15 tells us we are to grow up “in every way” into Christ.  Never should Christians be dressed down from lack of sweet fellowship with The Father.  Spurgeon wrote, “If we would ripen in grace, we must live near to Jesus – in His presence – ripened by the sunshine of His smiles.”  A new season has arrived and as we bring out warmer clothing, consider if your spiritual wardrobe is last season’s.  A grown-up look in Christ is hard but it looks so good on us!

Dear Lord,

Lead me in Your path to know You more fully and completely.  Keep in Your Word and in the sweet fellowship of Your Presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I'm Full!

Since my maiden name was “Fuller,” imagine how much fun I had after a meal when someone [regrettably] said, “I’m full.”  Oh, yeah -- “I’m … “

Marie Chapian notes for centuries people have believed their “destiny” is controlled by their astrological sign, the month they were born. Colossians tells us we are complete in Christ alone -- nothing else.  Since He is “head over every power and authority,” (2:10), we know it isn’t the stars that control our destiny but rather He Who created the stars!  What joy to know all wholeness and full identity in Jesus Christ!  He’s more powerful than our present circumstances and the world’s seductive philosophies and falsehoods. The righteous find their personal self-worth and purpose in the Lord – not in other people, success, relationships, circumstances or the stars. The Christian can boast confidently: “I’m full … with the fullness of Christ.”

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving me fullness in You.  May this sustain me at all times.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God Travel

Space travel has long intrigued man.  It’s been a topic of books, movies, and television shows.  One of my favorite TV series as a young girl was “Lost in Space” and while I was captivated by the exciting lives of Penny and Will, it was that [handsome] Major West I remember most.  J

God made a personal promise to Jacob during his flight to his mother’s relatives: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” (Genesis 28:15)  “Wherever you go”  – that phrase may not call up images of outer space but we certainly understand travel with regard to time and space on earth.  This promise to Jacob reveals something terribly important about the God of Israel (Yahweh).  It was common in ancient times for travelers to show respect for the god of the lands through which they passed since those gods were thought to influence events within their territory.  God’s promise of “wherever you go” had special meaning as Jacob traveled: the promise not only affirmed God’s unshakable commitment to His people, it confirmed He is an everywhere-present God.  Our ever-present God involves both space and time – He’s as faithful today as He was to Jacob.  He not only goes with us, He goes before us.  Deuteronomy 31:8, “"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."  Joy! Joy! Joy!  We can rest in complete confidence that peace is ours as we travel time and space and we are never alone! 

Dear Lord,

I praise You that Your promises are real and eternal.  Help me to trust in them for today and tomorrow.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Trace Your Roots

A number of years ago, I researched my Dad’s family tree.  It was so interesting to see where each of my grandfather’s siblings settled and how their family line developed.  In tracing my family’s roots, I found “every family tree has a little sap” but “like fudge – mostly sweet with a few nuts.”

The kingdom of God is a hidden and obscure thing.  Much like discovering family secrets, uncovered only with research, the “kingdom of God does not come with observation.” (Luke 17:20-21)  An enemy of the Christian’s life is the endless idea of practical works AND the absence of a personal relationship with Christ. We waste so much time trying to be useful in service and ministry, we miss what’s central – intimacy with The Father. We squander time and gifts to a foolish end of spiritual bankruptcy. The snap and stress of such busyness always comes!  Most trees begin life with a taproot, which develops from a seed forming the primary root.  We enjoy the beauty of a fully developed and healthy tree yet its root system remains hidden to us.  The fruits of a Christian will be obvious to others only when there is private time spent with God.  It’s a Christ-centered root system that enables and empowers Believers to be obedient and effective. It really was fun to trace the family tree and “connect the dots;” to figure out who belonged to who!  It is absolutely essential, however, to real Christ-centered living to make sure we are firmly grounded in Jesus Christ.  Trace your roots!

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Velvet and Sandpaper

From Kindred Spirits by Kathy Narramore and Alice Hill

We all have known family or friends who bring out the worst in us instead of the best, rubbing us at just the wrong spots, uncovering our weaknesses rather than our strengths. They’re like sandpaper. It is good to remember that Jesus encountered these sandpaper experiences at times even from within his inner circle. It is also good to remember that one of his close friends was one he knew would never understand him and would even betray him. He was a constant sandpaper to Jesus, yet Jesus loved him daily as he did the others. Even in this way he was laying down his life. Since we are also loved sacrificially we are to lay down our lives for each other (1 John 3:16). But the Lord gives us others who are like velvet, whose words are comforting and supportive, and who really understand us. They are the soft cushions we need when we are scraped with the “sandpapers” and can listen to us as we explore the weaknesses and needs they bring out in us. They tangibly reveal God’s perspective – just when we most need it.

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Better

No, I’m a football fan BUT I sure wish I was!  It would make this time of year so much more tolerable.  If we had ten televisions,  I’m sure each one would be on a football game. I ask myself sometimes, “how can I possibly despise football yet live in a house full of football fans!”

Have you ever done the Do-Better Plan?  Oh, I have (and do) far-too-much.  Sometimes Mr. Bill and I call a Do-Better family meeting.  We get all pumped up with warm-fuzzies and happy-smilies (as much as guys do that), and everyone actually does better for a few days.  In the end, however, we need another meeting!  Believers can’t expect to just decide on-our-own to hate sin and spiritually … do-better.  Sure, we can muster-up lots of oomph and get all fired-up against our sin but apart from Christ, all we get is tired and flustered!   John 3:3 explains why this happens, “flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.“  I love how Spurgeon expounds on this truth of God’s Word, “Repentance is too choice a flower to grow in nature's garden. Pearls grow naturally in oysters, but penitence never shows itself in sinners except divine grace works it in them.”  See, that’s how it works!  We must trade-in the ineffective Do-Better Plan for a divine work in us.  That’s how and when we become always conscious of not offending God and others in word or deed. Maintaining a “short list of sins” keeps Believers’ hearts in right-standing with The Father and His Word effective in us.  This late in life, I don’t expect my idea towards football to improve but I know [without reservation] God-in-me makes ALL things … better.

Dear Lord,

I confess those otherwise little wrongs that create big gaps in our fellowship and the testimony of Christ in my life.  Teach me Your Ways and help me to walk faithfully in them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Quiet Practice

I remember wiggle days of little boys.  Sitting still in church was a big challenge then there were the long car rides.  At least in the car, they were strapped down … I mean, buckled up!  Yes, of course, for safety but with it came a degree of sanity for parents!

It’s so hard to be still and quiet!  I could hardly restrain myself this week as I watched post-season baseball!  Isn’t it this way in all of life!  The natural man’s tendency is to trade anger for anger, swap gossip for gossip, exchange insults for insults.   Job recognized this weakness in himself and said to God, “Look at me and be appalled, and lay your hand over your mouth.” (21:5)  We can avoid this drama when we practice being quiet.  The Psalmist wrote, “I will meditate in thy precepts.” (119:15)  What a better plan, a more excellent method of restraint!  Charles H. Spurgeon identified the problem with Christians as not “thoughtfully” meditating on God’s Word: “They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it.”   Psalm 46:10 tells us to “cease striving and know that I am God.”  Ultimately, we could stand for a bit less wiggle and giggle in life, making room instead for silent meditation on God’s Word.  Dedicate time today to … quiet practice.

Dear Lord,

Make me still right now and cause my heart to know You are God.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Hope For the Hopeful

Charles H. Spurgeon writes of a Christian once assigned a project that far exceeded his ability, its difficulty bordering on the absurd. Yet he was told to do it, and his faith rose to the occasion. God honored that faith, and unexpected results realized.

We tend to forget there is no hopelessness in God!  “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)  Against all expectations, the Old Testament Prophet, Elisha, retrieved a borrowed axe head which was “hopelessly” lost in the water.  “So the man of God said, ‘Where did it fall?’ And he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.” (2 Kings 6:6)  What an act of Elisha’s faith!  What an act of our God!  Desperate problems render ideas of hopelessness.  Well, the God of Elisha lives today, and He lives to help the righteous that we “may lack nothing.” (1 Thessalonians 4:12)  Let us approach the mercy seat of Christ, believing in the Lord of Hosts, pleading the Name of Jesus.  We WILL see iron float!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being The God of possibilities.  Help us to trust You completely and rejoice in Your delights.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Beat The Heat

Outdoor fountains just seem to “beg” for pennies or people.  One of the cutest pictures we have of our oldest son, Danny, is playing in an outdoor fountain in the hot Dallas, Texas heat.  That day, I recall both pennies and people present!

Micah wrote about the coming of The Messiah and the prophet’s description of Christ made me think of just how refreshing a fountain is. “This One will be our peace … Like dew from the Lord, like showers on vegetation … Like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep.” (5:5,7,8)  In the “heat” of life, don’t just IMAGINE how refreshing Christ can be.  He is both refreshment and strength to weary souls.  Mr. Bill commented today how much his food plot loved the dew, and was sure he could hear it “singing.”  Well, since creation can proclaim the works of the Lord, so should we!  Jump in the fountain of Christ and beat the heat!

Dear Lord,

Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah! I rejoice in Your might works; for Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Lord.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Friendship

If you asked twenty different people to describe what friendship is, you would [most likely] get twenty different answers.  George Eliot wrote my favorite definition of friendship, which perfectly describes the kind of friend I want to be.  It’s pretty nice to have friends like this, too!

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”

Dear Lord,

Thank You for treasured friends; make me that same kind of treasure in the lives of others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

"The Cleft" by Gloria Gaither

So that is what a “cleft of the rock” looks like!  I could relate to “shifting sand,” for I’ve seen the “waves” of the sand dunes, or the “shelter from the storm,” for I’ve been caught in the fury of a Midwestern thunderstorm. I’ve experienced the eye of a tornado, the area that is peaceful and quiet while the circle around it rages and destroys. But clefts. I’d never really thought much of hiding in the cleft of a rock. Yet, here above me is exactly that: a “cleft of the rock.” All around this indentation made eons ago are rugged surfaces exposed constantly to the fury and heat of the desert climate. Yet, inside this cleft the rock is its original pink color, unspoiled and protected. I realize that if the “storm in fury beat around me” I’d want to be in the solid rock, halfway up the mountain, hiding in the fortress made by nature itself, in the cleft of the rock. Perhaps it was about such a place that Fanny Crosby wrote:

A wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord, a wonderful Savior to me;

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, where rivers of pleasure I see.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, that shadows a dry, thirsty land;

He hideth my life in the depths of His love, and covers me there with His hand.

And covers me there with His hand.

Dear Lord,

Be my rock of refuge; the One I can always go to. Utter the command to save me because you are my rock and my fortress.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

"Why All the Trouble?" by Jeanette Lockerbie

Since, obviously, a certain measure of trouble comes to each of us, we might think seriously about these words of Socrates (especially if we have ever wished we might trade our troubles):  “If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be content to take their own and depart.”  God has a purpose in sending trials our way. Oliver Wendell Holmes must have understood this truth when he wrote, “If I had a formula for ridding mankind of trouble, I think I would not reveal it, for in doing so, I would do him a disservice.” That trouble, trials, tribulation, difficulty and sorrow have enriched lives is amply borne out even in the hymns we so frequently sing. The blind Fanny Crosby, some of whose hymns bless most every church service we attend; Horatio Spafford, who, after the horror of the devastating Chicago fire, followed by the loss of four daughters in an Atlantic shipwreck, was somehow enabled to write “It is Well With My Soul.” George Matheson, likewise, threatened by certain blindness and forsaken by a beloved fiancée, gave to us the beautiful “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.” Although not hymn writers, we can be hymn singers, as we recognize God’s plan – even when it is spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e.

Dear Lord,

Give me joy in the night as You reveal the beautiful treasures for me in the darkness.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Wise Use of Rest

“Wise Use of Rest” by Gien Karssen

Rest can have a paralyzing influence. Our muscles weaken through lack of exercise. Too much rest keeps our spirits less alert. Our minds need constant stimulation for their development. The Prophet Nehemiah writes, “But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” (9:28)  A person needs three attitudes to use a time of rest profitably: gratitude for previous blessings, a desire to correct past mistakes and prevent them in the future, and a willingness to occupy himself constructively. The best way to prevent evil is by doing good. Good intentions by themselves are not sufficient to guarantee beneficial rest. When our rest changes to unrest, we must return to God and appeal to his forgiveness and compassion. This is corrective living. Preventive living is obeying God’s Word – the Bible – in order that we take the right road from the very beginning.

Dear Lord,

In times of rest, keep me diligent and faithful to Your Word and strengthen my resolve to walk in Your Way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.   

Jesus Christ - The Shepherd

“The Shepherd” by Diantha Ain

The Lord is my shepherd; He shows me the way

I follow Him faithfully day after day

His guiding power is strong and clear

As if He were whispering into my ear

He’s patient and kind when I stumble or fall

He loves me completely, my flaws and all

If I lose my focus now and then

He lures me back to His path again

The Lord is my shepherd through storm and through strife

And my shepherd He’ll be for the rest of my life

Conscious of the Call

A friend of mine has an old dog, and he is prone to “zone outs.”  Occasionally, he just stops and stares then snaps out of it and meanders on his merry way!

“Zone outs,” I feel are common in the Christian life.  How often God’s plan and purpose doesn’t seem clear.  These times of spiritual unconsciousness, however, are actually as temporal as the next page of Scripture!  The Apostle Paul wrote about the necessity of preaching the Gospel for all Believers.  We don’t need an actual pulpit: each chosen one is given a supernatural call to “euaggelizo” (Greek) – show, announce the Good News by the way we live.  Don’t we know Christianity isn’t a way of doing certain things, rather a certain way of doing all things – it’s the Gospel made real!  The looming danger are the other calls which battle for first place.  Paul exclaims grief in 1 Corinthians 9:16, “woe is me if I preach not the gospel.”  Oh, how we need to be rousted from our slumber, our apathy, the trance of disobedience into Christ-centered consciousness.  Oswald Chambers wrote, “If you agree with God’s purpose He will bring not only your conscious life, but all the deeper regions of your life which you cannot get at, into harmony.”   Unconsciousness (things unaware) brought into complete harmony with consciousness (things aware). I urge each of us to get alone with God -- hear Him, heed Him, become fully conscious of His call in your life.

Dear Lord,

I come before You as humbly as I know how amazed You even thought about me disabled in my sin; that You chose me and drew me to be made alive in Christ.  Show me and lead me in Your perfect purpose to walk according to Your Word as You perfect the Gospel in and through me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.