Wag On

It's a good thing if a dog's tail is wagging.  If it's not wagging, he could be mad or vicious.  Some dogs don't have much of tail to wag, but what's there … wags anyway.  The long or short of it, wagging is good.

God wants to hear our praise!  This is news to some Believers ... at least from my seat at the piano.  Some faces suggest there is simply no song, no words, no melody.  Good indication, it's time for a heart checkup.  David incites praise to The Creator, "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1-2)  Every blink of the eye, every inhale & exhale, every sigh, every sniffle, every ache & pain & tear is reason to praise Him.  A grateful heart is an overflowing heart: "My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." (Psalm 45:1)  Overflowing means "it cannot be contained."  For me, writing is urgent -- my thoughts often cannot be contained; they must be written down.  Does this describe our praise of The Father?  Are our hearts so full-to-overflowing we cannot contain them?  If so, our tongues will be the "pen” of a ready writer.  Is it in us?  If so, let's get waggin'!

The Right Way

Ask any cook and you’ll learn what the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen” means!  My kitchen is relatively small so it’s easily crowded.  Mr. Bill would suggest it’s rarely this cook that makes our kitchen crowded!

In John 5, Jesus described a crowded road that leads to destruction.  Isn’t it just like us to choose the scenic route!  Mr. Bill’s notorious for choosing roads that lead to nowhere and although the routes may indeed be scenic, I detest not knowing where I am – he calls it adventure but I call it lost!  So many otherwise lovely paths today, appear inviting and practical.  Christian, beware!  Christ defined the one true way to life: “… I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 4:6)  Seemingly wise and enchanting voices call to us today speaking lies, seeking to drown out Jesus’ guiding words “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Beware of false prophets …” (Matthew 7:14-15a)  Count on the wrong way to be popular and crowded, and the Way of Life less traveled.  No one likes to be in the way, but [spiritually speaking], make sure you’re “in the way” – the right way!

Climb That Mountain

Like many kitchens, mine has some cabinets which are out-of-reach.  Mr. Bill has a conniption fit when he sees me climb up on a kitchen chair for height.  Those fits aren’t so pretty so I’ve learned to do my climbing when he’s not around!

The Christian’s spiritual journey can be compared to an arduous mountain ascent.  Except for kitchen chairs, I try to avoid climbing anything although [figuratively speaking] it’s part of living.  None of us can escape the yuckies of this life, however, those less-than-pleasantries are divinely crafted to lead us to new spiritual heights. Spurgeon wrote, “The higher we climb the more we discover of His beauties.”  In Israel, I traveled by cable car from ground to the plateau top of the ancient Judean fortress, Masada.  The view from that 1300 feet above ground included the Dead Sea, Judean Desert, and the distant Jordan River; it was spectacular!  Interestingly, I would never have experienced such beauty had I remained safely & contentedly below.  Likewise, we risk missing incredible glimpses of our awesome God apart from life’s difficulties.  The Prophet Isaiah wrote, “Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’” (40:9)  Sadly, many Christians choose to remain comfortably aground and forfeit awesome things The Father longs to reveal in and through us.  Oh, the blessings and subsequent testimonies we miss, leaving us [at times] with little to pass on to our children as well as lost opportunities to glorify God.  I don’t know any real mountain-climbers but  I sure can name Saints who have ascended spiritual mounts and honored Christ along the way!  Believer, don’t run from your mountains – see them as paths to greater heights of God’s Beauty and grander displays of His mighty works.  Go ahead, climb that mountain!

When the Wind Blows

A farmer owner was interviewing for farm hands to care for his farm that often suffered building and crop damage from coastal winds.  One applicant replied when asked if he was a good farm hand, "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows." Although puzzled by the man's answer, the owner hired th e man. The new hand worked dawn to dusk, and the owner was well pleased with the man's work. One night the wind blew wildly in from the coast and jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's bedside. He shook the man and yelled, "Get up!  A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The farmhand rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the  wind blows." Enraged by the man's response, the farmer hurried outside to prepare for the storm.  Surprised, he discovered all haystacks had been covered, cows were in the barn, chickens in the coops, doors barred and shutters tightly secured.  Everything was tied down; nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

Isn't this a great illustration of how prepared we should be spiritually! I don't typically rest well on windy nights and [like many] struggle in the winds of life.  God's Word says, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." (Psalm 56:3)   The hired hand was able to rest because he had secured the farm against the storm. There is no more secure place than in God's care, trusting in His Word, making Him our portion at all times.  The winds of life will blow --  perhaps they are a'blowin' in your life right now.  Will you trust Him?

Watch Your Step

“Watch your step” is a sign we often see posted in public places.  In reality, we should always watch where we are going, however, that’s not always the case.  One mis-step can be hazardous to one’s health.  For parents maneuvering at night in the dark, cautious-stepping helps avoid things that bite such as Legos^©.  Stepping on one of those in the dark is a killer!

“Watch your step” is posted numerous times in Scripture!  God promised Joshua every place the sole of his foot walked would be his (1:3).  David prayed in Psalm 17:5, “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”  He also wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in His way.” (Psalm 37:23)  Walking in darkness is as treacherous as it sounds, and few who walk in it find … delight!  There are countless dangers when walking blindly (and not just Legos^©).   Satan loves nothing more than when Believers walk in their own wisdom rather in the Light of Christ (1 John 1:7).  Really, why do we consistently ignore the one illuminated path, that which is lighted by the Word of God: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and Light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105).  Because God has promised to instruct and teach us in “the way” we should go (Psalm 32:8), why do we [His children] resist?  He promises to guide us continually, satisfy our desires in dry places, make us strong, keep us fresh as a “watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)  Furthermore, The Father says He will lead us in new paths, guiding us in unfamiliar ways, brightening the darkness before us, and smoothing the road ahead of us (Isaiah 42:16)  See there!  Just a few Scriptural postings as we go along.  There’s no better way to remain sure-footed in our way: read and walk according to God’s Word … it’s really the only way to … watch your step!

Pursue Love

"Love, like spring rains, is pretty hard to be in the middle of without getting some on you."  I remember the first time Mr. Bill & I ate Chinese.  Some friends invited us to go with them, and truthfully, we accepted mainly to fellowship.  I was a bit nervous about eating Chinese, but Bill was just plain scared to death.  Mostly clueless about what we were eating, watching Mr. Bill's face was enough for a silent film.  As we left the restaurant with "takee outee," Mr. Bill  refused to even carry the box afraid he’d get some of it on him!

First Corinthians 14:1 tells us to "pursue love."  Don't wait on love to come to you – go after it, jump right in the middle of it. That doesn’t mean "if you happen upon it" or "when you think about it."  Now, many years later, Mr. Bill & I enjoy Chinese but we would never have known it if we hadn’t been a bit adventurous.  As we "pursue" love we experience the blessings of a lifestyle of love ... be adventurous, take the risk.  Risk a little patience with hard-to-love neighbors, practice a bit of kindness with that unruly shopper in the checkout line, extend grace to that unpleasant co-worker.  You see, God’s Love is the cure-all: It brings the cure to both those who give it and those who receive it. Oh, you might have to apply several doses but His Love is deep and rich and ultimately irresistible.  Today, take the plunge ... be adventurous – pursue love!

Deep

How deep is it? The pool, between the sand bars, off the bridge, at high tide, at low tide? Deep is relative, of course, to the height of the one asking!

How deep is the love of God?  There are no adequate words to describe Its depth, however, one thing is certain: His love is not relative!  In our original condition, we were depraved – dead – lost – incapable of doing anything to save ourselves.  Think about despicably yucky things: snail slime, fly larvae, gutter scum -- we were worst than these!  “But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” (Romans 5:8, Amplified Bible)  The depth of God's love cannot be measured. It is unconditional, constant, abundant, infinite, and evermore! There exists no place where His Love is absent.  Oh, my, how we are loved!  Human love is a powerful thing but Godly love is all-powerful.  Believer, friend, plunge deeply into the amazing and powerful love of God, and do not concern yourself with Its depth.  His love knows no depth!

Sovereign Grace: O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqTMJxSA7EM)

Trusting

Why are there so many questions and so few answers in life?  Over the years, my children have asked many questions like “Mom, if you have to get a perm in your hair every 3-4 months, why do they call it ‘permanent’?”  The boys even found a website full of unanswered questions: Why do they call what doctors do "practice?"  Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?  Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?  Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?  Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?  Good grief!

In His Word, God said, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)  No doubt, there’s many things in life to puzzle us, but how wonderful to know One Who is omnipotent (all-knowing)!  The Creator created all things thus holds all knowledge to the why’s, the why not’s, the when’s, and the what’s.  I'm glad God has all the answers, 'cause at times I barely understand the questions! Abundant peace and rest are found in The Father Who knows everything there is to know, as well as what is best for each of His children.  Perhaps you’re facing a crisis right now or struggling with an important decision, seek counsel from The Father then rest completely and peacefully in Him.  “’For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the Lord, “’plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)  Trust Him – He Who keep all His promises, He Who cannot lie, He Who neither slumbers nor sleeps, He Who holds great and unsearchable things!

Trusting as the moments fly; Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate'er befall; Trusting Jesus, that is all. (Hymn by Edgar Page Stites)

Focus

Don’t you just hate it when you have a superb photo moment, you take the picture and it’s blurry.  Of the two of us, Mr. Bill is the photographer; it’s actually a dangerous thing – me with camera in hand!

It’s amazing how I never see loss-of-focus coming.  It happens without warning, but there’s no doubt when it has happened.  Do you remember when Jesus came to the disciples walking on the sea?  It was, of course, Peter who spoke, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)  When Jesus said, “Come,” there seems to be no hesitation to Peter jumping out of the boat to walk toward His Lord “on the water.”  Then, just like it happens to me, that loss-of-focus thing happened to Peter: “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink …” (v.30)  You see, Peter [like us] became consumed with other things – the big, the bad, the boisterous [of life].  Sure, each of us identifies with Peter’s distraction, his fear.  That no-hesitation faith that made Peter leave the ship is the same faith that would’ve sustained him on the water. Oswald Chambers writes,  “If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you … Be reckless immediately – totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything by casting your all upon Him … You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness.”  Reckless faith – that’s what Peter needed for his sinking moment, and that’s what Believers need for the big-bad-boisterous moments of life!  A keen ear to hear and absolute reckless faith founded in The Rock of all ages.  Hey, let’s stay focused!

Choose Simple

We're encouraged to drink more water, so I make it a habit to carry a case of it in my car. Now, paying for water makes my Dad nuts! Sorry, Dad!

God gave only one "do not" to our first parents; of the tree of knowledge, He said "Thou shalt not eat of it ... Thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17). For Adam and Eve, created in the image of God – sinless, here was their opportunity to choose right in preference to wrong.  Face-to-face with the choice of submission or rebellion, obedience or self-centeredness, it was time to confirm their holiness.  We, of course, know the choice they made!  Have you bought water lately – good grief!  Will it be spring or purified, mineral or vitamin, artesian or well, sparkling or flavored?  Just how does the Believer choose wisely?  Of a personal weakness, Paul received an answer from God: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)  Sin is upon us, inviting us at every turn to turn away from submission to The Creator Who designed us unto holiness.  My Dad will quickly and adamantly advise, “drink tap water,” which he does!  Obedience is really that simple; I did not say “easy, but “simple.”  Believer, close your eyes to the distraction of choices – obey.  Simply … choose simple!

Sure Feet

Sweet treats of this life are replays of memories and making new ones.  Watching boys toss the Frisbee at the ocean’s edge has long been one of my favorites.  Beach breezes make tossing and catching tough but incoming waves and shifting sands add the art of staying on your feet!

Oh, the challenges of living righteously in unrighteous times!  We face so much each day, and remaining on our [spiritual] feet is tough.  At every turn, there seems to be uncertain waves, strong currents, tumultuous winds, and shifting sands threatening to tumble us.  The power of Almighty God manifested in His Son, Jesus Christ, perfectly qualifies Believers to live above and victoriously in evil days.  The psalmist reminds us: “He maketh MY FEET like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.” (Psalm 18:33); “Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that MY FEET did not slip.” (25:15); “Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for He shall pluck MY FEET out of the net.” (25:15); “For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and MY FEET from falling.” (116:8)  How wonderful the LORD assures us there exist no problem – no situation – no circumstance wherewith we are not secure in His grace and power!  Quite simply, by Him, we have … sure feet.

The Script

Have you ever had stage fright?  I have, and it's horrible.  After all, what is a performance without the script!  Imagine the anticipation of a writer finally hearing his belabored work produced on stage, then the actor can't remember the lines!  Bummer!

Consider the Father's disappointment when we don't follow His Divine Script for living.  He's written The Script down in His Word yet we refuse to read it, study it or memorize, then falter foolishly in the performance.  My niece was once part of a summer outdoor theatre and spent countless hours rehearsing, practicing to get it right.  I’m sure by the middle of the summer, she could do her part in her sleep.  Our humanity will always try to hinder the Light of Christ in us, but faithfulness to studying and practicing The Script as given by Its Author helps prepare us for giving a performance where the Writer is well represented and honored.  "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11)  Life is tough and there is little time or opportunity for bumbling, stuttering, or stage fright -- Study The Script.

Priceless

Does full price sometimes send chills up your spine? Do you refuse to pay the asking price for some things -- just give it the walk-on-by.  I love the idea of clipping coupons to snag the best price; I used to even make coupon clipping a project when the sale papers arrive.  The only problem is I lose the coupons, leave them at home, or forget to use them at the checkout.  Some bargain brain I am!

Aren't you glad God paid "full price" for you and I!  What if He had debated the cost or tried to rationalize the price?  Oh, no!  How is it to love so fully and so perfectly?  Oh, the shame and regret at my compromises, my divided heart, my dubious loyalty to The Father who spared no expense for my soul. When was the last time you read Isaiah 53?  ". . . He has borne our griefs . . . Carried our sorrows . . . He was wounded for our transgressions . . . He was bruised for our iniquities . . . He was oppressed . . . He was afflicted . . . He was taken from prison and from judgment -- Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him."  Pleased?  He found "delight" in His plan of salvation? Yes!  Not a second thought.  No reluctance.  No squabble over the price.  No bargain hunting.  No cost cutting.  My soul -- He found it priceless and worth every drop of His perfect blood! Amazing!

“How Beautiful” by Twila Paris

"How beautiful the heart that bled ... That took all my sin and bore it instead ...

And as He laid down His life we offer this sacrifice ...

That we will live just as He died willing to pay the price ... Willing to pay the price ... "

Divine Enchantment

Ornery!  Have you awakened in such a state?  My Mom called it “getting up on the wrong side of the bed.”  If so, you’d have done well to let that beast sleep! 

Make no mistake: it is good God alone knows my heart because it is far from kind and loving at times!  It’s quick and easy to put on a smile, say nice things, even hold the tongue but the heart of man ... is what it is!  Paul wrote, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But [after that] the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared.”  How merciful of Almighty God we are not left to ourselves!  Spurgeon summed it like this: “Let the mind for an instant consider the history of the Redeemer’s love, and a thousand enchanting acts of affection will suggest themselves, all of which had had for their design the weaving of the heart into Christ, and the intertwisting of the thoughts and emotions of the renewed soul with the mind of Jesus.”  Oh, the countless and marvelous “enchanting acts of affection” from the Hand of our Lord and Redeemer; surely they melt the ornery-cantankerous-grouchy-irritable heart of the Redeemed!  Not sure which side of the bed you get up from but for the Believer, there’s only one side!  It’s the deep and charming stream of Divine Enchantment!  Be there!

Lose Your Mind

Have you ever wondered why we take summer vacations?  Is it to give the dog a break from the family, frustrate the mail man, or just to see how long the outdoor plants can survive without water? Whatever the reason, these leisure trips may have saved many a'frazzled body & mind!

 

There is a humorous statement that goes, "I refuse to battle wits with an unarmed man."  That word, "unarmed," may actually be a perfect description of me when life's pace is just too much.  The truth is, no one is equipped to live at any pace independent of God.  In his book, "Simple Faith," Charles Swindoll writes: "Christians have shed an old set of rules, and adopted a new set full of love and God's power." In this age of personal digital assistants and day-planners, we have little excuse in losing anything. Peter instructs us to arm ourselves with the "mind" or attitude of Christ. (1 Peter 4:1)  Well, if we want to live victoriously according to God's will and purpose, we must put aside, lay down some things - lose your mind!

 

Lost But Found

Have you ever searched and searched for something with little success? Count on finding it in the last hour, and in a most unlikely place.  Oh, the joy, however, of finding lost treasure!

After the death of his Godly and influential mother, John Newton spent most of his youth in boarding schools then in the British Navy with thoughts of murder and suicide. While at sea God delivered Him from more than just a brutal storm; he wrote, "... the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters."  Isn't it God's way in "deep waters" that He brings to mind what we have lost sight of -- His great salvation!  King David wrote in 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, "... Who am I, O Jehovah God ... that thou hast brought me thus far? ... thou hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O Jehovah God." This passage became the reference to Newton’s now famous 1779 hymn ...

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.