Wiggle-Free

Imagine commanding jell-o to stand still or telling worms not to wiggle!  Mr. Bill and I can identify with that!  Twenty-four years ago today, we welcomed two little boys into our lives, and there’s been few non-wiggle moments since.  What a blessing those little “wigglers” have brought to our lives.  Please enjoy this “borrowed blessing”  by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and I pray we all enjoy some “wiggle-free” moments this weekend.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” That’s a popular phrase from the Bible—one you’ve probably heard. But did you know that verse was written in a context a lot like ours? It’s from Psalm 46, which says, “The nations raged; the kingdoms were moved” (v. 6). It describes great international turmoil. But God is involved in the world. Verse 9 says, “He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two.” That’s a promise that one day God will bring an end to all war. So what are we to do in the meantime? Let go. Don’t try to take control or figure everything out. Sometimes we just need to turn off the TV news and listen to what God has to say through His Word. “Be still, and know that I am God.” When was the last time you were still before Him?

Who's In The Camp!

Camping has never been part of my life.  I have friends, however, who share fond memories of multi-family camping trips.  Mr. Bill just purchased his second pop-up tent for hunting purposes.  He’s casually mentioned I should go with him … understanding, of course, I do not hunt, nor do I care to rise before daylight, nor do I care to crawl into a tent [that’s been out in the elements inviting bugs-spiders-critters to make themselves at home], nor do I find the hard-cold ground appealing, nor am I inspired with the patience of an avid hunter.  Quite simply, no thank you.

Visualize this: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7).  Now, this is a campsite that appeals to me.  Note, however, the conditions of such an encampment: “those who fear him.”  Clearly, these heavenly campers deliver only those who are obedient to and in a right relationship with The Father.  The righteous have no idea the countless ongoing battles won each day on their behalf by God’s heavenly troops.  Lest we forget, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12).  The foolishly feeble spirit of man knows defeat-after-defeat yet with God we confidently declare, “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6).  Aren’t we glad the battle is His and not ours!  Not all of us may be campers but we all must routinely consider our relationship with The Father and seriously ask … who’s in the camp!

His Music

What would the world be without so many different styles of music! Think of the kinds of music we have embraced since our teenage years. Today, most folks my age gladly trade loud for soft, upbeat for slow, pumped for soothing. Did I really describe elevator music?

There’s music for all seasons, all generations, and all times: that is, the music of God's eternal promises. Before time, God knew we would need His music so He gave us promises that are never out-of-tune or on some list of oldies. "Let the music of thy promises be on my tongue." (Psalm 119:172). Our mood may often dictate the music we want to hear, but God's promises are songs for all times. Psalm 32:10 says, "Unfailing love enfolds him who trusts in the Lord." His faithfulness is eternal and unchanging; it is The Song we can sing anytime. Let His promises be The Song of all songs in your life . It is truly ... music to Him and life to us!

His Farm

Of the many ways I might classify Mr. Bill, a farmer was never really one of them until a last few years. Technically, we don’t own a “farm” but we have a tract of undeveloped land nearby that he “farms.” A farmer with no farm – okay, I suppose one must be a real country-dweller to understand such a concept!

God reveals many principles in His Word which, when applied, become much clearer. Unfortunately, by the time we apply them, unhealthy seeds have been planted. Very few things in this life are effectively “un-done.” Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (V.7-8). Like it or not, our choices render fruit! Personally, I don’t like to buy pre-bagged fruits or vegetables; I much prefer to handle-thump-squeeze-sniff each piece individually. Hidden inside those bags are often items much too near their useful or tasty end. How similar are the choices we make in life: a otherwise good idea ends up [as Nancy Leigh DeMoss describes], “sinful, selfish, or indulgent … sowing a seed that will reap a multiplied harvest.” Truth is, we’re all doing some spiritual farming – choosing today what benefits our lives either positively or destructively. What if rather than trying to “understand” God’s principles before we apply them, we just trusted that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17) Yes, what is we simply trusted and obeyed The Father’s perfect principles, and left the spiritual farm in His complete care! One of the greatest joys I’ve found is the sweet fruit that comes from simply trust and obey. I concede Mr. Bill is truly a farmer even if it consists mostly of riding a tractor and planting deer food. Spiritual farming, however, must be left to The Father Who produces the best crops!

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way!
Let us do His good will; He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. – Hymn by John H. Sammis, 1846-1919

Just Nod

What's in a nod? Webster’s dictionary says a nod is a bow or incline of the head, signifying a greeting or agreement. I've noticed some senior men nod and lightly tip their hat, which I find a sweet sign of genuine respect. Mr. Bill is a nodder – he sits down in his recliner, then nods … off!

God wants us to nod ... in agreement with Him. His Word shows us what we look like inside. When we’re honest, we see areas that need work then we "nod" in agreement -- that's called confession. Confession isn’t an easy thing; we just aren’t eager to admit our flaws! Why so? We get tripped up by our self-sufficiency which hinders us from saying, "Yes, Lord, You are right and I am wrong." So did Peter when Jesus told him he would stumble: "Peter said to Him, 'Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.'" (Mark 14:29) “Oh, no,” we boast; “I’d never do that.” Then we laugh at the comedian's dirty jokes, or watch that popular yet racy movie, or listen to music with compromising lyrics, or hang with the compromising in-crowd, or choose to sleep-in Sunday morning rather than be in Bible study and worship. Oh, how quickly that “not me” turns to “oh me.” Peter went on, "'If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!' And they all said likewise." We know the rest of the story -- no one stood with Christ; in weakness and fear, they all stumbled then fled. God's Word is the mirror to the heart. Through Its message of Truth, God carefully and lovingly shows us who we really are and where He wants to do His most glorious work within. Let's see ourselves, agree with God, accept His forgiveness, and enjoy the sweetness of His fellowship and counsel. Make it easy on yourself -- go ahead and just nod!

Can't Turn It Off!

After twenty-four years, Mr. Bill replaced one of the outside water faucets. For several years when we turned it on, the whole house shook. I have no idea why nor did I care as long as it worked, but one day the shaking started and didn't stop -- neither would the water! It splished and splashed, causing lots of hoppin' and hoopin' and hollerin'. Mr. Bill calmly went to the water-turnin'-off-place and stopped all flowing water. Geez, the whole incident made me have to go lie down!

I'm convinced mortal man cannot fully comprehend the pleasure our praise brings to God. When we praise Him, we have acknowledged and are expressing the truly wonderful things about Him. And, just a few reasons He's worthy of our praise --

• He is my strength and my salvation (Exodus 15:2)
• He has truly great and wonderful things (Deuteronomy 10:21)
• He is righteous (Psalm 7:17)
• He has done marvelous works (Psalm 9:1)
• He is my strength and my shield, He is trustworthy (Psalm 28:7)
• He is my hope (Psalm 42:11)
• He is my exceeding joy (Psalm 43:4)
• He is good (Psalm 52:9)
• He is my deliverer (Psalm 54:6)
• He is full of lovingkindness (Psalm 63:3)
• He is honorable (Psalm 66:2)
• He keeps my soul (Psalm 66:8)

Just like the song from Oz ... "because, because, because, because, because ... because of the wonderful things He does!" Imagine our hearts so filled with love for Holy God, our praise was like that outside faucet gushing, overflowing, and puddlin' up all around. What would that kind of praise do for The Father! For us! Picture praise so endless, so relentless, so full-to-overflowing, so spilled out ... we just can't turn it off!

Keep On Behavin'

Murray Horwitz is famous for originating and co-writing the hit Broadway musical "Ain't Misbehavin' " based on the music of Fats Waller.  Murray knew all about "misbehavin'" because he started his career as a clown with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, and we all know that mischievous and comical misbehavior is the mark of any good clown.  I always thought [perhaps] there were clowns-in-training at my house!

Our works have so much to do with our faith!  Of course, our works do not save us, but our works are a result of Who did! Ephesians 2:8-10 explains the relationship of faith to works: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Quite simply: both

faith and works mean a lot to God ... and to those watching us!  There is a huge connection to how we behave and what we truly believe. Others may conclude that there appears to be no difference in Believers who say [with their lips] they belong to Christ but never go to church, never read their Bible, and never pray, and the devil's crowd.  What we do -- how we behave, the choices we make -- show God and others what we believe to be Truth. Consider your behavior -- is there evidence of genuine faith in your life? Do your works make others think of Christ?  If so, behavin' is a way of life for you.  So ... just keep on behavin' !

Sweet Refreshment

Don't you love refreshments? Most successful meetings end as eatin' meetin's. Food just seems to bring people together, and encourage fellowship. Dennis and I were on our way to a wedding one time, and his only question was, "Who's catering the reception?"

God calls us to be "refreshing" to others. At the close of some days, I'm ashamed to say I don't recall being so ... refreshing. I can, however, think of those who are best described as a "breath of fresh air." Proverbs 27:9 says, "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel." We all have bad days and act as if we can rest our case on just being ornery, but that's pitiful. Read this passage by George Eliot, which beautifully defines a safe and supportive friend: "Oh, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain 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." Wow -- how encouraging when our words are heard with the heart of a faithful friend! That's exactly how we should listen -- with a heart that understands painful circumstances that often govern words of another soul. We are called to be that ointment, that perfume, that delight to another heart that needs to feel the Sweetness of God Himself. Sweet refreshments ... sounds like a great menu for the day!

Presence and Provision

Salt & pepper. Ketchup & mustard. Milk & cookies. Chips & dip. Cheese & crackers. Some things just aren't complete without its partner. They are otherwise inseparable!

So it is with God’s presence and provision. In Matthew 28:20, God promised "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Part of His fulfilling this promise of presence, God knows all our needs and sees they are completely and perfectly met. With His Presence comes divine provision. There is no reason for anxious thoughts rather only a cause to pray for His Presence in every moment. His Presence brings not only material blessings but satisfies all emotional and spiritual thirsts. What a wonderfully comforting combination -- Presence and Provision.

Hear Him!

Little noises are annoying. While I can block-out the sound of a barking dog, it will drive Mr. Bill into a middle-of-the-night-porch-yelling-frenzy! One night he took off into the woods to break up a dog-tree-possum convention outside our bedroom window. For the record, no animals were hurt but I’m sure the stunning sight of a half-dressed wild man running through the woods in the middle of the night was enough to silence all of nature!

Our God is awesome – I hope you know that! I suspect, however, none of us know the true depth of His awesomeness! The Psalmist gives us a glimpse: “ 2 My refuge and my fortress … 3 He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence … 4 He will cover you with His feathers … His faithfulness is a shield and buckler … 5 You will not fear the terror of the night … 6 Nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness.” (Psalm 91). Now, Satan knows exactly what lights us up and sends us into the stew so count on his fiery darts hitting every target! For Mr. Bill, the deadly pestilence may be a barking dog , and for me, a slight scratching sound of a bug caught between the window and the screen. Whatever the “noisome pestilence” (V.3, KJV) is, it can make us forget Almighty God -- our Refuge, Fortress, Shield, Buckler. The Psalmist assures us, however, “ 1 He who dwells in the Shelter of the Most High will abide in the Shadow of the Almighty … 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you … 9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place – the Most High, Who is my refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent … 14a Because He holds fast to me in love.” (Psalm 91). Isn’t it amazing God Who spoke atmosphere into order (Genesis 1), Who numbers and calls the stars by name (Psalm 147:4), and Who calms the storm (Mark 4:35-41) – also silences the noises of our lives! If we really believe this – we do not fear, we do not fail, we do not lose heart, our faith does not stutter? I love how Matthew Henry puts it, “He [God] is neither fickle nor false, neither weak nor mortal; He is God and not man, and therefore there is no danger of being disappointed in Him. We know Whom we have trusted.” The noises of life, whether dogs or bugs or whatever, are just a silly bother – no threat at all our awesome God. Next time you hear them … hear HIM!

Not Myself

Do you suffer from out-of-character behavior?  Although I can usually predict Mr. Bill’s responses, behavior, choices, etc., he says I remain a mystery to him.  I find that hard to believe, but I sorta like the mystique – it gives me a much-needed edge!

If you’re not yourself, who are you?  Yeah, I know, what a quirky question!  We all have days when we just feel out-of-sorts … you know, not ourselves.  Truthfully, it would be an improvement if I would have more “not myself” days and more days Christ-like!  I seem to be most in-character when I’m consumed with MY way, MY stuff, MY good, MY happiness, … ME-MY-ME-MY!  Imprisoned and waiting execution, Paul writes affectionately and with concern to Christians at Philippi, “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20).  Paul is ready, even eager, for Christ to be honored both in his life and death.  Selflessness well describes Paul’s attitude and uplook to His Redeemer and King.  What a call to being out-of-character, not myself!  How willing are we to saying “no” to selfish behavior and choices and “yes” to being poured-out for Christ?  On that fateful day eleven years ago, we all witnessed courageous and unselfish acts of men and women who chose honor in the faces of life and death.  These 9-11 heroes didn’t think twice; total abandon took over as they raced to help strangers in trouble!  This is the kind of out-of-character God calls us to!  It’s the otherwise mystery of Christ’s call to Christians.  Some call it “kingdom-living;” call it what-you-will but it’s power harnessed by the Holy Spirit working within and bringing joy to His Redeemed!  Honor Christ in your life today -- live out-of-character -- don’t be yourself!

Be Ye Holy

Francis Bacon (1605) seems to be the first to have coined the phrase “cleanliness is next to Godliness” in his writing in Advancement of Learning.  His actual words, were, “Cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God." I know lots of mamas and grand mamas who have taken that phrase for true gospel!

One command of God quite comprehensive is, “be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:45).  The Hebrew word for “holy” means “set apart,” and carries the sense of being undefiled and pure.  Hey, we’re so serious about clean hands we carry hand sanitizer in our purses and on our key chains.  Why then do we neglect that which is pure Truth (God’s Word)?  Ignore He Who empowers us unto righteous living (Holy Spirit)?  Quite simply and with candor: those who profess Christ are called to holy living.  It’s is a command, not a suggestion!  Holy living – yes, it’s a tough-go and hard work!  Lives left spiritually unchecked easily and quite naturally become unbalanced with sin the heavier.  Peter wrote, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind …” (1 Peter 1:13).  Paul wrote, “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2).  Do you see how sinful thoughts are the natural bane (curse, blight, nuisance) to holiness!  That’s why Paul wrote, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)  Every thought captured, and Christ its Master!  Cleanliness, as it pertains to the carnal-mindedness of man, is good Bible.  Not sure it’s what Bacon actually meant, but cleanliness of mind and heart is key to holy living.  Be in The Word and Be ye holy!

Fly Right

Several months ago, I walked into church with my shirt wrong-side out. Laughing at myself, I told Mr. Bill about it and he admitted he saw it! When I spoke “candidly” to him about not telling me, his response was “I thought you did it on purpose.” Really, now …

Oh, how terribly mixed-up our world is. ! The word “cattywampus” may be new to some but most folks know cattywampus when they see it: a slightly tilted picture frame, a car parked crookedly between the lines, disheveled books on the shelf. Yes, those with an eye for cattywampus know it well! This week, I gasped to hear someone say in an interview, “the matter of God is just a distraction.” I ‘bout choked! Now, that’s cattywampus! Paul reminds us, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is,seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2). We must expect world-thinking to be askew but I greatly fear too many Christians share this mindset. Let’s be clear -- God is neither a “matter” nor a “distraction. Have we lost sight of God’s sovereignty, that He is the Supreme Ruler Who rules all the affairs of the universe including our personal and professional lives? He IS the Place of rest for believers as well as the Center of our world and worship. “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods … Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:3, 6) The audacity and shame of man are easily summed up in imagining we are king and lord! My Mom used to tell me “young lady, you best straighten up and fly right.” I knew what that meant -- change your attitude and misbehavin’ ways … or else! Scripture says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12). Christian friend, I challenge you to refuse cattywampus thinking and living; fly right according to God’s Truth. Don’t honk if you love Jesus – obey Him! Do not be deceived into thinking God is co-pilot – He is THE Pilot! Choose this day whom you will serve! Refuse cattywampus! Fly right!

Be Watchful!

Have you ever been particularly watchful – water to boil, toast in the oven, a ride, sale date?  For me, the biggest intruder to my “watchfulness” is distraction!  The distraction usually causes a true test to the smoke alarm or purchase at regular price.  Oh, well.

Jesus said to His disciples, “… watch with Me.” (Matthew 26:38).  Oh, how we long for, watch for the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.  But, oh, how much Christ wants to do in and through us until that day.  You may have heard this old expression, “Don’t be so heavenly minded you’re of no earthly good.”   While this may ring true, the real Truth is “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2).  You see, heavenly-mindedness will always inspire us to more earthly good.  What a challenge and goal for Christians as they “watch” with Christ how He uses the relationships and circumstances of every day to grow us [in Him], and influence others [for Him].  We’re not to sit with faces facing the Eastern Sky while opportunities pass for us to flourish in His Grace and abound in His Love!  No, no, no!  To watch with Christ is to experience Gethsemane personally – sorrow over and die to self, rejoice victoriously in The One Who defeated every distraction of Satan, and know the fullness of Christ here and now!  Burnt toast and missed sale prices can distract us from or attract us to Christ Who makes “all things new” (Revelation 21:5).  We can see His Glory revealed every day – Be watchful!

Be His!

Do you remember playing “King of the Hill” as a child?  Object of the game is to stay on-top [of whatever] as long as you can.  The most common way you lost king-of-the-hill status was being shoved or pushed off.  That, of course, was prelude to the next game – wrestling.

Who owns you?  This may seem like a strange question but the world screams at us “be your own person” with countless books-magazines-seminars to help us do just that.  Even our President stirred emotions recently by suggesting business owners didn’t build their own companies.  Interestingly, ownership was also a familiar topic in the Apostle Paul’s day, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, Whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)  Far too long and intensely Christians have struggled against God’s Spirit within, pushin’ and shovin’ and [yes] wrestlin’ Christ from His rightful place in the heart.  Declared self-king, we make home [provision] the deceitful works of Satan – anger, bitterness, anxiety, hostility, and selfishness.  Christ declared our ownership in Himself as He prayed to The Father, “I have manifested Your name to the people whom You gave Me out of the world.  Yours they were, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your Word.” (John 17:6).  Be not deceived, friend, victory in this life does not come by being king of your own life; no, it comes only by surrender to One Lordship -- Jesus Christ. Thus, “he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17).  Are you ready to give up your rights to yourself?  Christ gave up His for you and for me!  Be His!

Other-World Thinking

We’ve all heard of those having "nerves of steel."  Yes, a steady hand is a good thing  if you're a surgeon, and I’m especially grateful when my dentist isn't having a particularly nerve-shattering day!

Believers should be known as having nerves of steel. Of course, we know it's not veins of ice water that causes calm in the middle of chaos. No, I say it is ... other-world-thinking.  Paul writes, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet  that I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." (Philippians 1:21-24)  While we don't like to think of dying, for those born-again it's win-win! Living here is Christ and living beyond is  … more Christ -- an eternity with Him. Is life in our real home – the other world! Christians should understand best how to face tragedy with hope and victory!  We practice other-world-thinking!  It’s the Believer’s challenge to think and live accordingly.  A thinking pattern like that encourages perseverance in the Grace of The Father and gives us what others would refer to as “nerves of steel.”  No steel, just Christ!  In and by Him, we live on and on and on and on and on ...

Sweet Peace

Our first child, Danny, was eight years old when Dennis and Dustin (the twins) came along.  Goodness, double everything -- diapers, formula, baby food, clothes, toys, and the like.  The biggest adjustment, however, was the noise factor.  We went from little-to-big noise overnight!  Yes, today there is quiet; and, yes, sometimes I do listen …

Oh, how our souls long for peace.  Soul-satisfied peace – more precious than a quiet house with Mr. Bill in his rocker-glider and me in my comfy chair.  Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)  Believers will know true peace in heaven but that peace will be ready-made (hallelujah, nonetheless!).  J. Ruskin wrote, “Whatever making of peace they can be blest for, must be on the earth here: not the taking of arms against, but the building of nests amidst, its ‘sea of troubles’.”  A peaceful soul in peace-less times!  From whence does it come?  Where does it begin?  Job said, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” (22:21)  Jesus’ words about peacemakers are profound yet we must first consider the peace we have … or do not have … with The Father.  In my own life, those less-peaceful relationships usually stem from a root not yet settled peacefully with God – unforgiveness, pride, bitterness, etc.  We will never be a peacemaker [in our lives] unless we first know peace with The Maker of all peace!  Yes, quiet moments in rocker-glider and comfy chair bring sweet peace to Mr. Bill and I but never to be confused with the deep, rich, everlasting peace that comes only from The Peacemaker. 

“O God, Who art Peace everlasting, Whose chosen reward is the gift of peace, and Who hast taught us that the peacemakers are Thy children, pour Thy sweet peace into our souls that everything discordant may utterly vanish, and all that makes for peace be sweet to us forever. Amen.” – Gelasian Sacramentary, A.D. 492