God's Showcase

In the high school lobby is a display case full of basketball trophies. The sight of them brings back memories of short bus rides anticipating victory and long quiet rides home after defeat. Bringing home a trophy was a "good show" for the home team, and makes quite a showcase!

Did you know God has a showcase? We don't think of God being a "show off," but some of His most effective credits [and discredits] are when His Children (that's you and I) show Him off to the world. It really matters when we show others mercy and grace. It really matters when we are kind to people who are rude and obnoxious. It really matters when we are helpful and generous to others. It really matters when we greet others with a genuine smile and cheerfulness. It really matters when we make honesty a way of life and practice it daily. James 2:17 says, ". . . it isn't enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn't show itself by good works is no faith at all -- it is dead and useless." Those trophies in the showcase are proof of teams that practiced faithfully and played hard to win. They brought home the metal to prove just how good they were. The way we live each day, the choices we make, and the way we treat others validate the faith we profess. We are God's workmanship. We are God's showcase! Go ahead and fill it up!

Ancient Path

Aren't in's and out's an interesting lot? Everything from baseball cards (oh, the millions we were once worth) to polyester (that wardrobe long since donated to charity), we find our "in's" have long been "out."

The Ancient Way is never "out." Off-the-beaten path doesn't seem to interest many people today, but it should be the most desired path for Believers. There’s quite the caravan going the world’s way, and well-worn is that path! Every day we face intersections of right and wrong, choosing the way in which we will go. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, "Stop at the cross-roads; look for the ancient paths; ask, 'Where is the way that leads to what is good?' Then take that way, and you will find rest for yourselves." (Jeremiah 6:16) Sadly, many Believers don’t choose the way of good, but rather what is expedient and fashionable. Genuine Christianity, however, takes a determined and often radical departure from the "way that seems right unto man" (Proverbs 14:12). God’s Way may be the less-traveled path but it is The Route to life and rest! Will you travel the ancient path today?

Deliberate Worship

When does singing become noise? That answer is most likely relative to whomever is listening. I’m fairly certain, however, singing becomes noise right before it becomes to racket!

Jehovah God had some pretty stern things to say about empty worship: “Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.” (Amos 5:23). We may think we are not ritualistic people, but think again! Consider the number of things we do with little-to-no thought. I recall middle-of-the-night feedings for the twins -- almost with my eyes closed, I could warm two bottles, feed and burp two babies, kiss and tuck them in, then I’m back to bed. Sometimes I’d wake up later and wonder, “did I feed the boys?” The worship of God in Amos’ day had become empty, heartless, and no longer pleasing to God. He didn’t even want to smell [their incense] or hear [their songs]. Can’t we see ourselves in this? God demands worship that flows forth from “… righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (V.24). Our songs are to be soul-songs: “My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” (Psalm 45:1). Such worship is deliberate -- not a stench nor racket to God! It is, rather, sweet smelling and pleasant to The King! Turn up the Word -- Hear His grace – Be deliberate in worship!

No Kinda-Sorta

In the corner in Mrs. Smith’s classroom was a yardstick. She mostly used it to point to things on the chalkboard and map. Occasionally, however, she used it to touch things out-of-reach … like misbehaving first graders! One quick little tap with it was most effective!

Kinda-sorta isn’t a measure of God’s. None of us want to own a car that kinda-sort works or a job that kinda-sort pays wages earned. The Prophet Amos wrote, “… the LORD stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in His hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumb-line. Then said the LORD, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people … I will not again pass by them any more.” (7:7-8) In Amos’ vision, God held a plumb-line, a line with a weight (plummet) at the end, like masons and bricklayers use to build things straight and true. What God showed Amos was built with exactness and firmness, according to His perfect design. Sin had, however, distorted the wall; it no longer measured up. God is loving and full of mercy but He is also just and does not tolerate sinful disobedience. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7). We must not foolishly believe because God has blessed this nation, it is a just measure of how pleased He is with us. There exists a standard by which God measures the heart of man, and His plumb-line doesn’t measure kinda-sorta. God holds His followers accountable to live according to His standards: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (Romans 2:13). Thirty-six inches make a yardstick – no more, no less. Righteous are those who hear and do God’s commands – no more, no less! Don’t settle for kinda-sorta living; be ever mindful of what pleases the LORD, and ever faithful to obey!

Smell It!

Some folks like their shower in the morning, and some folks like their shower at night. Me, I shower when I feel like it! It may be morning, it may be night, or it may be in the middle of the day. Yes, I know that may seem strange but always remember, “normal is just a setting on the dryer.”

Knowing what is right is one thing, but doing what is right is something else! The Old Testament Prophet Habakkuk asked why God allowed wickedness to continue and use them to punish the righteous. Sounds like a good question for today as well! God assured Habakkuk had not only chosen what was right, he had done what was right and would be rewarded. Habakkuk’s response was one of praise, “The LORD God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet and He will make me walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19). The hind is a female red deer that makes her home in the mountains. Interestingly, the hind’s rear feet step precisely in the same spot where her front feet have just been. Each movement of the hind is single-focused and consistent. This alone makes the hind the most sure-footed mountain animal. Too many Christians choose not to walk in the way of the LORD, and hence dwell in low-lying places where spiritual air is stagnant and spiritually polluted? God has so much more for His redeemed! Yes, to live in “high places, ” where paths may indeed be steep and treacherous and uncertain yet God equips us [with hinds’ feet] for the roughest of terrains. Most who know me know I hum throughout the day, and most of the time don’t even realize it. It is a conscious decision I make each morning to have a song stirring in my soul, and I find it helps chase away gloom that seeks to devour my spirit. This life is tough and it’s rough, but in Christ we overcome and [with Habakkuk] say -- “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (3:18). A shower in the middle of the day is quite refreshing – so is humming! Whatever works for you, be refreshed in the Spirit of the LORD and smell that mountain air!

Misplaced Joy

Misplacing things is one of my past times! Socks, receipts, paperwork ... the list grows endless. Like many folks, however, of all the things I've lost - it's my mind I miss the most!  Of all things, the easiest and most frequent thing lost is the joy of Christ. For the Believer, it is never truly lost ... just misplaced. The following "borrowed blessing" written by eight-year old Fanny Crosby, who was blind from birth, helps get me back on-track. Read and enjoy .. and renew His Joy within!

O what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world -- contented I will be;
How many blessings I enjoy -- that other people don't!
To weep and sigh because I'm blind, I cannot, and I won't.

Fruitful for Him

We sometimes have a banana quandary here. They either don’t last too long or last too long! If I buy them [somewhat] green, we can’t eat them right away; if I buy them ready-to-eat, no one seems to want a banana. The “last too long” ones usually end up in someone’s banana bread, and that solves that problem!

Fruitfulness unto God is often a dilemma. What joy to be fruitful to God’s glory, and see others being useful to the LORD. Trouble comes, however, when Believers become proud and begin to see themselves as the source of their own fruit! Ezekiel wrote, ““Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest?” (15:2). In layman’s terms, don’t get your cart before the horse! Except for God’s mercy, we’d get exactly what we deserve. Except for God’s grace, we’d never get that which we do not deserve -- His salvation for our souls! Spurgeon puts it plainly, “Great believer, thou wouldst have been a great sinner if God had not made thee to differ.” God’s compassion for man made things different for those who call upon His Name. Ezekiel’s words make us stop in our tracks, call us down from our high-horse of pride, and humble us before our Redeemer. Fruit off-the-vine will always become precarious, like over-ripe-good-for-little bananas. When we don’t stay humbled and surrendered to The Father, we are fruitless and do not glorify Him. Know your place in Him, and stay fruitful in His service.

Follow Hard

A few days ago I watched squirrels in the back yard looking for acorns that were buried under fallen leaves. The squirrels were so determined and did not seem to mind their food supply was hidden from sight. Made me wonder why we ever bought a leaf blower!

Why don't we seek God? Instead of pursuing God through scripture and prayer, many Christians wait for Him to be delivered up like ... room service. David wrote, "My soul followeth hard after Thee; Thy right hand upholdeth me." (Psalm 63:8). The serious pursuit of anything requires true diligence. Consider athletes: they lift weights & run day-after-day to get their bodies in shape & practice to sharpen their skills, all efforts aimed at winning their sport. What about Wiley Coyote who never gives up trying to catch the Road Runner despite countless foiled attempts? Can you imagine the blessings, the answers, the hope we can hold in our hearts when we are driven to seek the Face of God with such determination! The second part of this verse describes the reward of following hard -- the merciful protection of God. His right hand signifies His strength, security and protection given to those closest to Him. If ever there was a reason to pursue God, this is it! Whatever fear, whatever sorrow, whatever depression, whatever anxious moment pursuing you – pursue God! There, you’ll find The Father and His Mighty Mercy holding you up a great reward!

Love Life!

Watching my fifteen-month old granddaughter (Ella) is one of my newest hobbies! I’m amazed at her amazements: discovering new words, new foods, new animals. Each day is a new adventure. She loves life, and that just makes me giggle!

Do you enjoy breathing? It’s a pretty awesome thing to do and a serious pastime of mine. I suggest the greatest tragedy and social issue of our day is how a “civilized” culture consistently takes that right-to-breathe away. Those who entertain the world’s debate about when life begins – well, they don’t know David! He gave us divine revelation about God’s love for life: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:13-17. Life by divine design and deemed precious! How will we ever stand before The Creator to answer for [now] forty years of 55,000,000+ babies never taking the breath God intended for them! We have work to do – like Habakkuk, we must station ourselves on the tower and boldly tell God’s Truth! Habakkuk 2:1-2. Ella learned to say “I love you” this week, and my heart melts every time I hear it! As a nation, we have not been faithful to life yet God remains faithful; He has not changed His mind about how precious His thoughts are toward every individual soul. Know this: God loves life – so must we!

Single Vision

Wearing eye glasses most of his life, a few years ago Mr. Bill had laser surgery to correct his vision. He was amazed how clearly he could see billboards and road signs on the way home. With loving care I settled him in comfortably at home, then that rascal did the unthinkable! He spoke the two words he’d longed to speak for so long – he called me “four-eyes.”

True obedience to God requires determined focus. Certain types of lizards can move their eyes in different directions at the same time, but human eyes are not designed to do that! Neither are spiritual eyes! Remember what happened to Peter as he stepped out of the boat to walk toward Jesus? “And when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink …” (Matthew 14:29-30). Peter looked to Jesus, stepped out in faith, THEN he saw the effects of the wind. Sounds like a day-in-the-life of Beverly! By His grace, we must discipline ourselves to fix our eyes on "Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2). What God “authors,” He “finishes.” Mr. Bill’s eye surgery gave him many years without glasses although now he’s back to being a “four-eyes” himself. As we seek to follow Christ, let’s keep our eyes on Him, and may we be known as a people of single vision!

Helpline

Business cards are helpful especially from those whom we’re confident we’ll need to call for help along our way. That time-of-help often arrives sooner than later, and I’m usually wondering, “now, what did I do with that card?”

God said to Isaiah, “I will help thee, said the LORD.” (Isaiah 41:14). Unlike us, He’s never in a rush from one brushfire to the next, or prone to bungle certain needs, or bound by limited resources. Spurgeon wrote this reminder, “What! Not help thee? I have died for thee … Before the world began I chose thee … I made the covenant for thee … I laid aside My glory and became a man for thee … I gave up My life for thee.” Oh, how absent-mindedly Believers allow the world’s drama and trauma to invade what we know to be so. Spurgeon adds of our Great God, “’Tis much for thee to need, but it is nothing for Me to bestow.” I’ve often said what a terrible thing it is for Christians to wring their hands in despair! Always remember -- “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). God’s calling card is His Word filled with promise-after-promise, and He is THE ever-present, ever-ready Helpline! Trust Him – Try Him – Prove Him!

In Circulation

Have you seen the commercial where the seemingly-savvy man tries to pay for his meal with Monopoly money? As he is washing dishes, with his thoroughly-disgusted date, he touts being a successful entrepreneur and wealthy hotel owner. Well, he must have [at least] been good at Monopoly!

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “God’s gold is not miser’s money, but is minted to be traded with. Nothing pleases our Lord better than to see His promises put in circulation.” Oh, how I love to read God’s promises to me, and I know God loves it when I apply His promises to my life! It’s win-win! Imagine how we dishonor The Father when we know His promise for peace yet worry, His promise for faithfulness yet feel alone, His promise for protection yet fear, His promise for hope yet live hopelessly. Spurgeon continues, “Our heavenly Banker delights to cash His own notes.” Monopoly money is only good in one place – on the game board. We must declare in every circumstance of life – O Lord, confirm forever the word that you have spoken … do as you have spoken. (2 Samuel 7:25). Put His Promises into circulation today!

Sittin' On Ready

Mr. Bill claims to be sittin'-on-ready as he often waits for me to finish getting ready before we leave the house. Interestingly, his "sittin' on ready" is usually in his recliner sound asleep!

What does it mean to be sittin' on ready to do The Father's bidding? Second Samuel 15:15 says, "Thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint." We are called to be really and always, equally ready to obey God. Read what F. R. Havergal writes about this: "If He appoints me to work there, shall I lament that I am not to work here? If He appoints me to wait in-doors, am I annoyed because I am not to work outdoors? If all my members are really at His disposal, why should I be put out if today's appointment is some simple work for my hands or errands for my feet?" When we are "put out" by what God would have us do today, we have confused the role of master and servant. A humble servant of The Master, Jesus Christ, will always be ... sittin' on ready!

I love to think that God appoints my portion day by day;
Events of life are in His hand, and I would only say,
Appoint them in Thine own good time
And in Thine own best way. -- A. L.

Masterpiece

Several years ago I developed a love for handmade pottery. My collection is small, but a treasure. I also have a few original pieces of art, one of which I received only a few weeks ago. It sits proudly in my guest bedroom overlooking the artist’s basket of toys!

Did you know every living soul is a work of art? It’s true although this culture would have us believe otherwise. God inspired the Apostle Paul to write in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship ...” God’s [own] work -- that which is made, the handiwork of the Creator. Have you ever created anything uniquely yours: a drawing, a bookshelf, a flower garden? I recently tiled a wall in my kitchen; it was my first attempt at tiling anything so it may be a stretch to call it a piece of art but sometimes I look at it and think, “Wow, Beverly! That is just so cool!” Each one of us is God’s special work! I can hear Dad now, “you are created on purpose and with a purpose.” Paul continues, “…created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We’re not an oops, not an afterthought of Almighty God! We have indescribable value to The Artist, and are amazingly designed to “walk in the light, as He is in the light” (1 John 1:5). Ella’s first finger painting IS a masterpiece, to be long treasured among treasures. Do you know The Artist of your soul? I pray you do because He knows you well, and loves you so!

Excellent Difference

The infrequent times Mr. Bill has been out of town, home just isn't the same. Actually, it’s quite different. Naturally, there are some notably positive differences: to actually hold the remote myself, not slip on hunting magazines left in the bathroom floor, not having to share a can of cashews. The differences, however, are noticed mostly in the absence of "Mr. Bill" sounds – the squeaking of his rocker-recliner, his trying to upstage the weather man, and the sound of velcro on his shoes. Yes, home is quite different in his absence.

Often I wonder if my life is different because of Christ. Ephesians 5:8 says, " ... walk as children of light." Does my life light the way to Christ; just what do others see in me? If what they see resembles the rest of the world, oh me! We live and work in a I've-got-my-rights-and-you-better-not-forget-it world and when people forget, the knee jerk response is to bow up and declare. That’s not Christ's way! He came to show us a "more excellent way." That's what our walk and our talk should be to an unbelieving world – an excellent difference!

Always

We live in a world of super duper discount centers which are open around the clock. One famous store even boasts the word "always" over its doors!

God is Always - always faithful, always loving, always patient, always forgiving, always caring, always gracious, always merciful ... just always. Because we seem to "always" struggle, praise Him for being our Always! The struggle began in the garden and has not since ceased. Because God knows struggles often overtake us, He said, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10). A good humble admission of "I can't do this" is just what God is listening and waiting for. That's His "always" call -- to show up best in our weakness. Always ... that's our God!

Joy of The Gift

Of almost-impossible things, human beings cannot sneeze with their eyes open. According to someone lots smarter than me, the brain sends coordinated impulses along nerves that control a host of muscles, glands, and blood vessels. With all this going on at the same time, who really cares if our eyes are closed when we sneeze!

God’s salvation is a gift. Why is this so hard for us? Paul plainly says salvation is “not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). If our redemption was something we earned, we’d be the honored guest at our own victory party! Satan has twisted the truth and misled many around the world – they are intensely working their way to some misconceived idea of faith. James wrote, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18). It's true, faith without works is dead (James 2:17), but what we do for Christ is an outpouring of our faith – a visible reflection of what has happened inside. Our faith is not what we can do for God but what God has already done for us! It is finished! Go ahead if you want to, try to sneeze with your eyes open or stand on your head and whistle a tune, but our salvation is complete. It’s a done-deal! Accept His Gift then live in the joy of The Gift!

Sure Path

The old medieval proverb, “all roads lead to Rome,” simply means all paths lead to the same goal. One might use this phrase to describe a situation where all alternative options end in the same result. This might have been the cause of the first real traffic jam!

This culture is not for the easily confused! This way – that way – what way – no way! When answers don’t elude us altogether, we must ask on what authority is the answer secure! Many embrace the notion we’re all on different spiritual paths leading to the same eternal end. Proverbs challenges this way of thinking, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (14:12). Even Christians tolerate this many-paths idea, but it just doesn’t line up with God’s Word. Through the Apostle Paul, God said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). The soul’s salvation is not-never-no-way the work of man – we’re not able to save ourselves! Salvation is solely (that means entirely) the work of Almighty God. Consequently, one way -- one path. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Confusing times but no need for confusion! All roads may have led to Rome, but God’s Word is clear – all roads do not lead to His Promise of peace, joy, and eternal security. Avoid the jams. Choose Christ Jesus. Take the sure path!

New You

Happy New Year! Are you sportin’ something new: new hairstyle, new car, new clothes, new phone? About the only thing “new” for me is a 2013 daily planner. Also new, for me, will be keeping it current and knowing its location!

One of my favorite “new” things from Christmas is a book Dad and Mom gave me (and all children and grandchildren) named, The Joshua Code: 52 Scripture Verses Every Believer Should Know, by O. S. Hawkins. The premise of the book is Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Like my Dad, I love books. More importantly, I am passionate for books that inspire me to God’s plan for prosperity and success. As a pre-teen, I was challenged to memorize Scripture, primarily motivated to earn a free week of summer camp. Something amazing happened over the years, however. It became more than just an annual week of summer fun; a foundation was laid for the older-me. God’s Word took root in me as He promised in Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Few people I know are serious about New Year’s resolutions, but new goals are good – they challenge us to be better in particular areas of our lives. In whatever season of life you find yourself, be challenged to be the “you” God designed. The best resource will always be the Bible -- the Creator’s Handbook, His love letter to us. Whether you invest in a new Bible or just dust off the old one, take a seriously new look at the Ancient Words. Before long, you’ll be sportin’ a … new you!