Don't Miss A Moment!

Moments of joy sometimes spring into our days most unexpectedly. When my office was at the high school, joy often came to my office in amazing ways: a scribbled note taped to my computer screen, "Hey, Mrs. Bev," or a couple of smiling girls hanging out for a quick minute between classes, or a couple of hungry guys stopping in for candy bars. The trick was to never miss a moment!

The Father wants us to know His Joy. In a broken moment in King David's life, he asked God to "make me hear joy and gladness." (Psalm 51:8) We understand from this passage David's deep sorrow over his sinfulness, so sorrowful he needed God to return joy and gladness to him. In the same way, life can whittle away the joy and gladness of who we are in Christ. Did you know in those dark days following September 11 some really wonderful things happened -- more than forty-five widows gave birth! President Bush sent letters to welcome each new arrival – each new life was a special reminder of God's blessings, each child representing another day to live and more opportunities to love. The “Season of Joy” is here, and it can be a one of joylessness or joyfulness. When that joy begins slipping (and it might), remember how the Giver of all life sends moment-after-moment to each of us to live out loud and love with abandon. Be careful and … don’t miss a moment!

Identify

There are certain traits Mr. Bill says I “come by” quite honestly. In other words, family characteristics I “inherited,” and I don’ think he is referring to good looks or keen intellect! For example, I admit I have quite the inquiring mind but he describes it as … nosy. Whatever!

When I was a teenager, we sang a song titled, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.” I’m not sure the world can rightly identify Christians these days, but the ABSENCE of love and kindness is easily recognized! Some fruits are out-of-season which makes it a little more tricky in the produce section of the grocery store, and in the world recognizing good “fruit” as described in Galatians 5:22-23: characteristics (or fruits) of Christ -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Now, don’t count on getting up in the morning and announcing, “I’m going to be fruitful today,” as in having only Godly traits. That could possibly last until you encounter the first unloving, impatient, unkind, or out-of-control person – if it lasts that long! Yep, so much for that announcement! Genuine fruits of Christ are rooted in His fullness inside us: a heart-full of Jesus! Impossible? Not at all: “And in Him you have been made complete … “ (Colossians 2:10) Such character traits become a showcase for Christ in our lives. This shows the world WHO we are and TO WHOM we belong. Christians never need suffer an identity crisis: identify with Christ and bear His fruit!

Season In - Season Out

Not too many years ago, in late November, you would have heard the ice cream freezer on the front porch. Yes, the freezer was already packed away in the basement, but an unusually warm day and a natural craving brought it out. Surprisingly, it was Mr. Bill, whose feet are always cold and shivers at the sight of a popsicle, was the one who suggested ice cream. I don’t recall any stutter-steps from anyone!

God's Truth is in-season … season-in and season-out! The culture we live in makes me crazy; I stay confused about what’s in, cool, and acceptable. My boys are generally the gauge of how trendy I am or am not. How thankful I am, however, what is holy and honorable according to God remains unchanged. His Truth has stood strong throughout time. Our faithfulness to God’s Truth isn’t always steady: we tend to embrace It more in lean times than plenty. Nonetheless, His Truth is solid and steadfast. “Forever, O LORD, Your Word is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89). At this house, we determined homemade ice cream is never out-of-season – so is the Word of God. Seasons change, but God's Word is for all seasons ... season in and season out.

Give Praise - Part 5

Growing things is not my thing. That is, unless it’s in the refrigerator; I grow things quite well there. Mr. Bill, however, is pretty good at making things live in our yard because he works at it. One of his projects thirty years ago was a tree I brought home in a coffee can. He worked a miracle, and in the fall it is a brilliant shade of orange!

There is always a price to be paid for rebellion and disobedience: “He changes rivers into a wilderness and springs of water into a thirsty ground; a fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 107:33-34) Of course, we do not intend to make life more difficult but it is the cost of going our own way. Brokenness, however, of a humbled – confessed – repented soul certainly changes the landscape! “He changes a wilderness into a pool of water and a dry land into springs of water; and there He makes the hungry to dwell, so that they may establish an inhabited city, and sow fields and plant vineyards, and gather a fruitful harvest.” (Verses 35-37) See, there is much gain to those who acknowledge their sin and the great sovereignty of God. “Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things, and consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.” (Verse 43) Let us be reminded throughout the year to … give praise!

Give Praise - Part 4

Mr. Bill often describes how busy he is as “up to my eyeballs in alligators.” Well, since alligators aren’t the warmest, cuddliest, or friendliest of God’s creatures, this phrase doesn’t describe pleasant circumstances.

No doubt, our present struggles can certainly bring on massive anxiety and leave us with feelings of … eyeballs-and-alligators. The Psalmist describes it well: “Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters; they have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; their soul melted away in their misery. They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, and were at their wits’ end.” (Psalm 107:23-27) Wit’s end – we all know where that is: the laundry is piled high & the washer’s on the blink; the kids are sick & the doctor’s not in; the mailbox is full & the checking account is empty … wit’s end. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses. He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, so He guided them to their desired haven.” (Verses 28-30) His haven … of rest, peace, calm. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of man.” (Verse 31) Yes, we are reminded. Give praise!

Showers of Blessing

What a beautiful fall morning! Enjoying a leisurely morning routine, coffee in-the-making and deer hunters in-the-trees, I glanced out the window to see a steady flow of leaves drifting quietly to the ground. I know the result is bare trees but the beauty of that moment made me smile. It brought to mind Ezekiel 34:26, “And I will make them and the places all around My Hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing.” Showers of blessing – not one here-and-there but showers of them. Can we count a drop of water or one raindrop? And if we do single one out, dare we measure its circumference? Hardly! Neither does God tally the richness of His abundant grace. No! He just steadily and continuously pours It forth upon those who love Him: “And thereby put Me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3:10). “Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need; mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.”

Give Praise - Part 3

Not many people get away with calling someone a fool unless you’re Laurence Tureaud. The A-Team’s tough guy, Mr. T’s famous exclamation, “Fool,” to say just what he thought of foolishness!

The Bible’s reference to fools is no laughing matter! Rarely is foolish behavior unassociated with its root cause, “Some are fools because of the way of their transgressions and are afflicted because of their iniquities. They loathe every kind of food, and they draw near to the gates of death.” (Psalm 107:17-18) Sickness is rampant in this life, and I’m not JUST referring to physical sickness. Sickness of the soul is far more serious and far-reaching! There is hope for healing: “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them. And delivered them from their destructions.” (Verses 19-20) “Yes!” to physical healing, but “Hallelujah” to souls healed and rescued. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (Verse 21) Be Reminded! Give praise.

Give Praise -- Part 2

There is a computer program named the “Daily Reminder.” Can you guess its purpose? To … remind daily. The dog used to bark to remind Mr. Bill it was his time to be fed. My family wasn’t quite so subtle: “what’s for dinner” seemed to work fine.

Nothing seems to remind us of the neglected more than misery. When we’re honest, even we admit when it’s self-induced! Psalm 107:10 -11 describes a too-common circumstance: “There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High.” Have you noticed how so-called freedom to do-as-we-please brings on the most-confining chains? It only gets so dark or so deathly or chains so tight before we’re seeking help and God responds: “He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart.” (Verse 13-14). And the grateful respond: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (Verse 15). Stand reminded – give praise!

Give Praise - Part 1

How do you remind yourself of important things? Sticky notes – marker board – electronic reminders – write on your hand? Mr. Bill calls his phone and leaves himself a voice mail. Aha!

Why do we have to be reminded to praise The Creator? It should be second-nature … like breathing, walking, or talking. Psalm 107:4 describes man’s wandering soul – lost, hungry, thirsty, faint. As I pondered this, I realized being physically lost does not compare to being spiritually lost: physical wandering manifests itself with-OUT while spiritual wandering manifests with-IN. Eventually, we find our way home [in the physical sense], but there is only One Way to be spiritually home [at peace] and that is by way of The Savior. He’s put that divine compass inside that points only one direction. And about those wandering souls, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble; He delivered them out of their distresses. He led them also by a straight way, to go to an inhabited city.” (107:6-7) And what they do when delivered, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!” (107:8) We stand reminded. Give Praise!

The Comfort

Comfort food is a relatively new phrase, and the list appears to be quite long: apple pie, chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken are listed among others. Interestingly, comfort food lists vary from person to person. What brings warmth and contentment to one person might cause another to shriek in terror. For example, Mr. Bill and the boys love chicken noodle soup with tuna fish sandwiches. Gag & spit, shriek & terror -- that is NOT on my comfort food list!

God's divine comfort is suited for everyone. Before He left the earth, Jesus assured his followers, "I will not leave you comfortless." (John 14:18). The Presence of God brings a sense of comfort words cannot describe; it is best experienced. His nearness alone is comfort. Dustin once tended to fifteen cats, two donkeys, three goats, and a blue jay. Before the owners left, they made provision for the feeding and care of their pets. God sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and His Comfort comes to us in so many ways: unexpected notes of encouragement on difficult days, phone calls asking how we're doing, a pot of chicken soup or a pan of warm brownies, the sharing of gifts of love and remembrance, emails saying "I prayed for you today." Sometimes it arrives in simple yet effective quietness. The Father knows our deepest need and how to meet it. He is "good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7) Without reservation, He is The Comfort on everybody's list!

Speak Grace

We call it "the blessing," some call it "saying grace." Whatever it's called, it's the moment before the meal when heads are bowed, eyes closed, and God is thanked for the food. Dad and Mom always made us hold hands so I grew up thinking everyone did. Dad joked it was to keep little hands out of the food but after raising three boys, I don't think it was such a joke!

God's Table of Bounty is plentiful in our lives if only we take notice. We allow our blessings to breeze by us as quickly as the hours in the day, often giving little thought to what they are and from where they come. How many times have you sang these words -- praise God from whom all blessings flow. Can you recite them with thoughtlessly, eyes closed, half asleep? The Psalmist asks in 103:5: "who satisfieth thy desire with good things?" James answers that question in 1:17, "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father ..." God's best gift of grace came to us in the form of His Son, and when we "say grace," we verbally acknowledge His many gifts. Our blessings cannot always be held in the hand or seen with the eye; many are felt with heart and best known by a common bond in spirit and truth. Take a moment today to pause at the gifts -- acknowledge them then ... speak grace.

Never Alone!

Mothers often dream of moments of loneliness. Of course, we love our families but just a moment of solitude can be a blessed and welcome spot in a busy day. It's really no joking matter when a locked bathroom becomes the primary place of escape and solitude.

Jesus Christ knew loneliness. Consider how it felt to be God's Son and no one on earth able to comprehend the depth and breadth of it. Talk about loneliness at the top! So many people today fear being alone so they fill their lives with things and relationships, desperately trying to find completion and contentment. Colossians 2:10 says, "And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power." As children of God, we need nothing more than Him to know genuine fulfillment. Peace cannot be found in people, bank accounts, careers, families, or even behind locked bathroom doors! The search ends in One Place and in One Person: in a personal and sustained relationship with Jesus Christ. Truly, “Christ is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him!” Praise be to our Father, we are never alone!

Preparedness

Having lived through the boys’ Boy Scout years, I heard the word “preparedness” quite a bit. I must admit, there really were degrees of preparedness, however, way too many lack-of-preparedness. Those particular times caused quite a tailspin!

Nancy Leigh DeMoss recently posed this question: “Why do so many people who are planning to go to heaven burden themselves with behaviors, lifestyles, and habits that they’ll wish they didn’t have when we stand before the holiness of Christ?” I don’t imagine any adequate answers for that question! How conveniently we forget (or ignore) that evidence of a righteous life will always be … well, righteousness! Salvation comes by grace alone through faith in Christ Jesus, hence, holiness shows itself in behaviors, lifestyles, and habits. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. So that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that She might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:1, 27). For believers, walking in such a way prepares us for eternity, not to mention helps us avoid the DeMoss’s answer-less question! I’m not sure there will be things such as “tailspins” in Heaven, but I’m not the least interested in finding out! Live prepared to stand before The King -- “Choose this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24;15).

Your Shine

The 1984 movie, Gremlins, was not one of my favorites but I'll always remember [the good gremlin] Gizmo's famous line, "Bright light. Bright light." His aversion to light reminds me of the morning of our honeymoon when Mr. Bill jerked open the curtains and bellowed, "sun's shinin' in the swomp." He 'bout woke up the mean gremlin in me!

God is often described as Light in Scripture. One of light's greatest characteristics is how it chases away darkness -- an amazing spiritual parallel! First John 1:5 says, "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." There it is! Absent darkness because of present Light! When light strikes an object, it is either absorbed OR reflected. In contrast, however, we never properly REFLECTS God’s Light unless we ABSORB Him; His Light shines best when He becomes part of who we are in Christ. You see, It’s a totally different kind of light: God is the Light Source – the Light the world needs! How’s your shine? Reflect God’s Light today!

Perspective

Election day is here! Finally! Wherever my mind should wander today, surely it will return to the election. I can only speculate what will be news after the election is passed. Will there possibly be anything news worthy? Please, tell me, what will we do!

This is the Believer’s perspective on Election Day and beyond:

• God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. Psalm 47:8
• Give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever. Rev 4:9
•  For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations. Psalm 22:28
•  The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19

It may be Election Day but Jehovah Yahweh is God and God alone -- worship Him Who reigns in eternal sovereignty!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OICArFHAa9c

Proper Attire

As my memory serves me, rather than the kindly, “goodbye, see you next week,” my piano teachers’ parting words were always, “Practice! Practice! Practice!” Perhaps, just maybe, they suspected I wasn’t doing enough … practice.

The Apostle Peter wrote, “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5). This wasn’t a suggested game of dress-up but rather required attire of a servant. Specifically, the Greek refers to the knot or band by which two things are fastened together. It was the white apron of slaves that fastened to the belt, a piece of clothing distinguishing slaves from free men. Christians are to be subject to one by “putting on” humility. Humility won’t come to us through “Practice! Practice! Practice!” Neither will we achieve humility by order of proclamation, “Today, I will be humble.” Abandon that idea – it doesn’t work! Humility comes only from infusion by a divine work of the Holy Spirit. Our part is “a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17). Yes, I know the practice was important as it conditioned my hands to do what they would with piano keys. Surely, our hands must find their places of service; may they always serve from hearts clothed in humility!

Transformers

Do you remember "Transformers?" They were popular toys when Danny was little and he had quite a collection of them. The shape of the toy might be a car or an airplane or a rocket, but with a few swift moves of the hand and twists of the object it was "transformed" into a super hero. I always wished my own body parts could twist and move so easily and swiftly!

Jeremiah 13:23 says, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil." God said it straight out in this passage: all the scrubbing and bleaching we'll ever try to do cannot un-stain, cleanse, wipe out, make good the human heart. Within the heart lies the motives for all we do and say. We'll never succeed by simply declaring to and of ourselves to do better or turn over a new leaf or begin again. No, dirty we'll be unless we submit to a thorough soul-washing by Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2 tells us "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) There is hope, you see! God calls us to be Transformers! I do not think "Conformers" would have been much of a hit, but "Transformers" ... well, they sure please The Father!

Go, Believer!

Daylight is fading – Hurry, get everything together – Run to the woods – Hustle up a tree – Yes, target in the cross hairs – Good shot – Oh no, target runs – Now, where did she go – Ah, there she -- Hmm, at the bottom of the ravine! Meanwhile, warm and relaxed in her comfy chair, the queen cares little for such drama.

Oh, that we really understood how frail we are. Psalm 103:14 says God, “knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” If we acknowledged our weaknesses, we’d better know our “help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). Our personal weakness should be what motivates us to seek the Face of God earnestly (sincerely, intently, seriously, solemnly). David prayed, “Renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). The right spirit is one that pleads with God honestly for grace to overcome human weakness with divine power. Mr. Bill managed to summon what-it-took to drag that deer from bottom of the ravine to his truck, with thirty minutes to spare [before the processor closed for the day]. Go, Mr. Bill! Likewise, Christians are empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit – energized to be victorious in daily living! Go, Believer!