No Other Song

Music has always been an interest of mine, and I appreciate my parents nurturing it in me at an early age. Oh my, how music has changed through the years. I know different tastes in music spawned many varying styles, however, "music" and "racket" have been redefined over the years.

What kind of music does God like? That's an interesting thought and certainly open to speculation. Isaiah 12:2 says that God is "my strength and my song." How just like our God to be the beat, the lyrics, the rhythm, the cadence -- everything a song needs to be ... a song. We live in a day when we have lyrics, music files and artist profiles at our fingertips. What is available today is no comparison to the lyrics, sounds and character of God's Song. His song is not just for fleeting entertainment; It saves us, forgives us, equips us, inspires us, strengthens us, and protects us. What other Song can boast such wonders? No other song!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song! -- Lyrics by Fanny Crosby

Highest Good

On our way home from a trip, we expected the phone call: "What time ya'll gonna be home?"  This is a question parents ask their children, not the other way around.  Why do children want to know this?  They either want you to bring home food or they've made a mess and need to know how long they have to clean it up.

Do you sometimes wonder, what is best, what is good, and how do we know? Such ponderings alone cause hair to turn gray, even turn loose! Solomon writes about these things in Ecclesiastes: "And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven ..." (1:12) A man on a mission: one given knowledge, possessions, projects, and pleasures yet He still wondered: what is the highest good? His questions are the same as ours today as we do life over-and-over day-after-day so much so we almost don't need a planner because we live a "programmed" life. Perhaps the more important question is -- programmed by whom? The answer to Solomon's question is the same answer for us today: "For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight." (2:26) and "For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and wise and their works are in the hand of God." (9:1) No matter how we fill our days, no matter what committees & organizations we commit to, no matter how many degrees or how high up the corporate ladder we climb, there is a highest good. Very simply, it is a life patterned after Godly righteousness. Such a life calls others to The Father. This is what matters most. This is good. This is best. Embrace it. Live it.

What's Feeding You?

Living with one who hunts is a phenomenon! The “hunt” is never far from the surface of consciousness. With Dove Season approaching, Mr. Bill has been [shall we say] concerned that squirrels and crows are feeding on his dove food. Oh, if the little squatters just knew the danger they were in!

A Christian is wise to know his limits! The movie character Josey Wales (played by Clint Eastwood) coined several phrases, one of which often comes to my mind: “A man’s gotta know his limitations.” A good morning question for me is, “Beverly, just what are you capable of on your own today?” The right answer is “I am capable of nothing on my own,” but [unfortunately] that is not always my conclusion! No, my feet hit the floor propelled by I-can-do-life-on-my-own then the crashes set in [aka reality-checks]. Jesus spoke of one such effort when He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34). The simple-but-not-so-simple act of loving another person. We may argue loving others is a natural response but [in truth] the natural reaction is what happens. The natural man lives on the premise “if you don’t cross me, I will love you,” but Christians are not to live with the natural man at the helm. Christians are called to mortify or kill sin -- “…by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body.” (Romans 8:13b), and we are empowered to do so “… through Christ Who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). It is not my own spirit but His that responds in a reactionary world. I won’t share Mr. Bill’s “cure” for thievin’ animals, but Christians must consider what is feeding them: the ideologies of this world, self-reliance, or the Word of the Living God and the Spirit that empowers. Yes, it’s worthwhile to consider what’s feeding you.

Know Peace

Gone are the days when I dreamed of a quiet house – at times now, it’s just too quiet here. Mr. Bill went for a hearing test today, and he told the doctor that he said “huh?” a lot and I yelled a lot. I guess the house isn’t going to be as quiet as I imagined in our latter years.

Does peace elude you? I don’t mean quiet moments of rest and resolve; no, I mean a soul-deep settled-ness that overtakes you from deep within. How terribly askew is our desperation for peace; we can’t wait until all the bills are paid, the kids are soundly tucked in bed, all tasks on the to-do list done, health is improved, etc. All those things really are nice, but tomorrow comes and it all begins again. Peace escapes us! The Beloved Apostle John recorded Jesus’ words to His disciples, “It is the Spirit Who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63). A bottomless well, a never-ending stream, an Eternal Source of calm; an indescribable settled-ness of the spirit – if bottled, it would generate millions! No need for bottles, prescriptions, or delay: look unto Jesus, the “Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). The well of peace originates from the Throne of God where sits the Redeemer Who suffered all things that we might know the fullness of life and His joy abundant! Don’t settle for a few fleeting moments of peace … know Christ, know Peace.

Busy Bees

As children we thought “busy as a bee” was just a funny little saying but [as adults] we know it’s not so funny! I feel more like "Dizzy, my head is spinning. Like a whirlpool, it never ends." There are days when Mr. Bill and I are so pooped from the busyness of the day, we just shake hands at bedtime!

Max Lucado says, "Being busy is not a sin. Jesus was busy. Paul was busy, Peter was busy. Nothing of significance is achieved without effort and hard work and weariness. That, in and of itself, is not a sin. But being busy in an endless pursuit of things that leave us empty and hollow and broken inside -- that cannot be pleasing to God." When we are so busy serving Christ we cannot worship Christ, we are too busy. When family and friends are interruptions, we are too busy. When we don’t time to read God's Word and pray, we are too busy. When we can’t allow time for divine appointments [God-sent opportunities to witness], we are too busy. Lucado continues, "In the midst of our busyness, the Cross is still there. In the midst of our emptiness, the Cross is still there." Peace is ours for the claiming in the middle of all the ... busyness of life. We need to slow down, pay attention to life's speed limits, and stop speeding. Redeem the time for the sake of Christ. Christ first always!

Sweet Action

The words “I love you” pack a punch! It’s one of the first things we “love” to hear from our babies. Ellala (aka Ella, my GRANDdaughter) can speak and sign the words; Mr. Bill and my grown-up boys say “I love you” regularly! Oh, melt my heart!

Love is a fountain! What a sad, and somewhat odd, sight is a fountain that is shut-off – no water, dry! It’s just not … natural. Ella recently enjoyed a play-day at a “splash pad” made of small aptly placed fountains. Imagine the absence of water: no splashing, no playing, no fun! What springs forth in a Christian’s life that “loves with all” the heart, soul, strength, and mind? After Jesus commanded us to “love the LORD your God with all …” (Luke 10:27), he told the story of the good Samaritan [who “loved his neighbor” as himself] then concluded with “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Amazingly, I didn’t have to teach my boys the words “I love me”; no, we are born to distinctly love our own skin! The challenge is to obey Jesus’ command to “… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (V.27b). There’s proper order in which we are to love, and it’s not love others then God. No! We love others best when we love God most -- supremely! God’s love is the fountain that springs forth in-through the heart, soul, strength, and mind. It’s how we love with all! Repeatedly when they were young, I told my boys “words are cheap” and so they are, but our actions are priceless and sweetest when they pour forth by way of and reason of God’s love! I challenge you to some “sweet action” this weekend – be a fountain of God’s abundant love!

Love With it All

Restraints – now, that doesn’t conjure up anything positive! Being tied up, bound, or gagged sounds too much like terror but to little boys-- it’s just big fun! Locking a brother in or out of the house, shutting him up in a closet, or too much imagination with a rope … well, I can only shake my head and roll my eyes!

O. S. Hawkins writes, “We are to hold nothing back when we love God.” In other words, love Him with no restraint! In this economy, we consciously try to limit ourselves from spending frivolously and using gasoline; we give these efforts all we’ve got! Jesus’ words, “love … with all your heart … soul … strength … mind” (Luke 10:27) don’t translate into control yourself, practice restraint! What thought, action, behavior, activity, or effort is exempt from Christ’s command? Perhaps we are guilty of “lip service” as described in Matthew 15:8 – “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” What part of the person is missing from the heart-soul-strength-mind? That covers it all – the entire person; it’s all there, no parts missing! To love with no restraint is total abandon, no considering or debate [consciously or unconsciously] whether to love or not. Love with the whole person – give that love all I’ve got, all the time, in all circumstances, to all people. The gears of the heart-soul-strength-mind are greased and turned by a passionate love for Almighty God! Good gracious, how do we do this in this imperfect world of sinful influences, unfairness, and unholy people? “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Aha!  By His grace, we are able to live up to and honor the Name of Christ – it’s how we … love with it all!

Best Choice

Giving our children options is relatively easy – sticking to doing JUST ONE is something else. I recall a few times during my boys’ childhood summers asking if they’d rather do this or do that on a particular day. Their choice wasn’t necessarily MY choice so often we’d end up doing … more than one. So much for an option!

God doesn’t make suggestions! I admit [with the boys] I could sometimes “dress up” the option and get MY choice but that didn’t always work. While God doesn’t force us into anything, He is a God of commands. Now, before we get the mental image of a divine dictator, remember He instructs us in what is best and He knows beforehand what we will do. His commands are given to those who know Him in a personal way, and love Him to the degree they listen and seek to obey. We cannot truly “love” God unless we genuinely “know” God personally and intimately. Mr. Bill and I just celebrated 38 years of marriage – we know one another pretty well because we’ve spent a lot of time together. In the same way, Christians know their Heavenly Father when they invest time in His Presence and His Word. Choosing His Way becomes as natural as waking with the sun! Are you struggling with choosing choices? Perhaps you see time with God more of an option than a prerequisite to righteousness. The command is, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.” (Luke 10:27). Face it -- God isn’t an option; make Him your deliberate, best, and early choice each day!

Advance Your Cast

Although I do not care to fish, casting or throwing out the line is fun! I suppose my idea of fishing if to cast then kindly hand the fishing rod to Mr. Bill.

What does it mean to “cast your bread upon the waters?” My Papa used to fish with dough balls, but I’m fairly certain this isn’t what King Solomon was writing about in Ecclesiastes 11:1. Bible scholars have long considered a contemporary parallel for this metaphor but remain undecided. One interpretation refers to sharing our God-given resources with others. I don’t know statistics of recent years, but Americans continue to give to charitably. Something worth pondering, however, is the motive for giving: tax-deduction, emotion, guilt, etc.? Even though we’re commanded to care for the poor, the Christian’s motive should clearly be a charitable heart. There is reward to those who remember the poor and extend to them in bountiful portion. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth …” (Psalm 41:1-2a). Jim Elliot, martyred missionary, said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Seems Jim [and Solomon] understood from Whom came all we have and that none of us will leave this world with any of it! I’ve watched Mr. Bill walk out chest-deep into the ocean to “advance” his cast beyond the sandbar where the bigger fish feed. Shamefully, I admit to an attitude of tightfistedness at times with what God has blessed me with – possessions, time, and opportunity. Christ is the model of compassion and service: “And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand … “ (Mark 1:41). Let us advance our “casting” – go the distance, extend the full arm of mercy and know the reward in service to The King.

Your Agenda

Student agendas are popular nowadays. Many new school-year agendas are issued this time of year, and most students find them a cool new thing! That’s how I feel about a new calendar or journal. Usually, I can hardly wait to start writing in it!

What’s your primary purpose in life? The question really isn’t grounds for some deep philosophical mind-cruncher! The primary purpose of a picture frame is to hold a photo; reading glasses to magnify; a trash bag to hold trash – really, a purpose is fairly elementary. By design, each Christian is commanded: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38). I fear too many “spiritual agendas” become so full of other endeavors, this clear command takes backseat. Much like a new calendar, journal, or agenda, our life-goal loses its appeal and before long we don’t even remember the reason we’re here. Loving the Lord with all that is within us is not a sidebar to living life – it’s how God intends us to … live life! One of my favorite quotes is “Christianity is not a way of doing certain things; it is a certain way of doing all things.” What’s on your agenda today? For the Redeemed, it must be loving God and honoring Him in every possible way. Clear your agenda today … and live!

Shake the Shackles

Last year on an episode of “Duck Dynasty,” Willie and his Uncle Si found themselves handcuffed to one another … and no key. The situation, of course, was humorous at times. I really can’t imagine going through even a few hours shackled to Mr. Bill, but I’m quite confident we wouldn’t be checking trail cameras (and fighting chiggers), stocking deer feeders, or browsing the hunting section at Wal-mart.

What’s the difference in our “sin” and “sins” besides one being singular and the other plural? Friend, be wiser than the world -- know we all are born with a sin-nature (yes, even precious babies). God dealt with man’s sin-nature, the root sin: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). Hallelujah and Amen for the new life we have in Christ at salvation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Even with the new nature, but what about those pesky urges to … sin? Why do I still gossip, complain, disobey? Satan doesn’t give up just because we’re new in Christ; no, he turns up the heat! We live in a fallen world where sin abounds, and we continue to struggle with the fruit-sins of our lives. Do you wonder sometimes why God seems so far away and you don’t feel His Presence? One reason -- unconfessed sin! I heard a man say one time he really couldn’t think of any sins in his life – come on, now! No bad attitude, no hatred, no unforgiveness, no arrogance? Believer, do not forget: we don’t battle flesh and blood but rather the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). In the power of the Holy Spirit, nurture the new nature in you; begin by admitting (agreeing with God) about both the conscious and unconscious sins. When we do, there’s renewed fellowship with The Father, a sweet and amazing unshackling. We are redeemed by the blood of Christ to live in hope and experience intimate fellowship with God! I challenge you to live each day in victory – confess your sins and know the delightfulness of Him Who is “faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). Shake the shackles!

Conditions

Conditions can be the elephant in the room. They’re often in the fine print of the contract or hidden in the wall of clouds approaching. Nonetheless, there are conditions in everything. Mr. Bill met the conditions of a half-hearted smile when he told me about his new hunting-club land in an area known for rattle snakes. Yes, first-time ever, he bought snake chaps!

There are specified conditions to God’s forgiveness. The Apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). There ‘tis – laid out in the brightest crayon on the perfect color paper; just doesn’t get any clearer! Forgiveness is conditional – confession is required! A child spills the milk – we ask, what happened. A financial miscalculation is discovered, someone wants to know who did it. The wrong answers: what do you mean -- not me -- I don’t know. Confession isn’t based on IF I sinned, but rather YES I sinned; I take full responsibility for my wrongdoing (that which is contrary to God’s nature and law). It’s true – I admit it – I’m wrong – God is right! When we agree with God THEN He does as promised – forgives and cleanses. He does this through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). There’s no trick or gimmick to God’s forgiveness; it’s free to all who acknowledge and confess their sin. Jesus paid our sin-debt with His life then guaranteed living in hope with His resurrection. Mr. Bill didn’t actually admit I had reason to be concerned about the rattlers, but the purchase of snake chaps helped his cause greatly! The grace and forgiveness of God is free BUT conditional. I challenge you to meet the conditions of the victorious life and its sweet fellowship with God: keep a short list of sins -- confess regularly!

Surrender Early

Trying to do something and actually doing it are two different things. Many years ago a friend did his dead-level best to teach Dad to water ski. Time-after-time, the skis were on his feet, rope in his hand, when the boat accelerated Dad cleared the water then crash-boom-bah! Over and over this happened. Our friend’s patience was endless; the others [of us] in the boat were long over it … pretty early!

Man needn’t go looking for sin – sin finds him! How many times, before your feet touched the floor, you determined this day will be different, refused to repeat yesterday’s mistakes, live your best? Besides that troublesome first-person pronoun [I] beginning each determination, what kept you from actually doing what you determined to do? John wrote, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:9). Those “born of God” have a dive [and supernatural] power within them (Holy Spirit) to not sinning – not just the capacity to stop or the desire to stop. No, those empowered by God (born of God) can stop sinning! Now, perhaps Dad just wasn’t cut out to water ski – that’s okay; sure wish we’d decided that early in the boat ride! It is not, however, okay for Christians to shrug off or wink at or embrace the I’ll-do-better attitude toward sin. Before your feet touchdown each morning, surrender! Let this me our prayer, “God, by Your grace and in Your power, today will be different – I will be different.” It’s true, you know -- we must give up to win. Have your best day today – surrender early!

Delight Him

There are countless things that bring joy to our lives – porch swings, babies, tea time, quiet evenings. Things I used to call “fun” scare me now – roller coasters, diving boards, four-wheelers. New seasons of life bring new and different joys, and if you don’t know what I mean by this – be patient; you’ll know soon enough!

Have you ever considered how we bring joy to the heart of God? Personal expectations from people and things often delight us; I’m ever more pleased my car cranks when I turn the key or when Mr. Bill delivers Saturday breakfast biscuits. In contrast, life isn’t always “delightful.” Remember how disciples’ stormy boat ride: “And they went and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:25-26). Think of all Jesus’ power and mighty works these guys had witnessed, and a little wind sends them into a stew? Really, a little wind? We do the same thing – fear can whittle away even the strongest faith. Certainly, God wants us to give Him our storms but why not the “little winds” of life – the jam-packed busy days, the stack of bills, aggressive drivers, work deadlines, the physical aches and pains. What delights Almighty God; Oswald Chambers suggests it’s a “peaceful resting in God.” It’s trusting Him with and in every circumstance, every relationship, every moment of life; living in the wisdom that “my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my Portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26). Trust Him Who is faithful – delight Him and you will delight yourself!

Trust and Depend

Little children, even toddlers, can exhibit great … independence. One of the first words our sweet Ella-girl learned, however, was “hep” (aka “help”). I thought this amazing (of course, because she’s MY granddaughter) and since most children don’t want any help at all. Actually, she could teach her PopC that word!

On whom do you depend? While all of us may want to describe ourselves as “independent,” [in truth] we’re dependent. Before you disagree, consider just how independent you really want to be … as a Christian. God named Elisha to be the next prophet to Israel, and for seven or eight years Elijah discipled (mentored) Elisha in the faith. We know little of Elisha’s time with Elijah, but know he became a mighty man of God. The final conversation between Elijah and Elisha went like this: “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.” (2 Kings 2:9). A few people I recall as mentors of the faith, and oh how I miss their presence in my life. I imagine this is how Elisha felt, but it was after Elijah [for sure] that God became more real than ever! It was God’s plan and timing to take Elijah from Elisha’s life, as it is that you and I depend solely and completely on God in every way. How easily we can become dependent on other people and things, replacing God’s rightful place. Oswald Chambers writes, ”Stand true to God and He will bring out His truth in a way that will make your life an expression of worship.” This is His plan-purpose-design of each of us -- to stand in God’s Might and God’s Power and God’s Truth. It’s okay to be dependent as long as we’re depending on The One Who is ever-dependable, never-failing, and righteous in every way. Trust and depend on Him … and be proud of it!

His Flavor

Visited my grandmother (Nanny) and grandfather (Daddy Bill) yesterday. They have finally after about 65 years of marriage put in central heat and air. Wow! What is this world coming to?

Anyway, I spent most of my visit sitting at the bar watching Nanny make pepper sauce. She had just gobs of little green & red peppers that Daddy Bill had grown in his garden. She said to me, "That grandfather of yours can grow anything, and whatever he grows he grows a lot of it. The only bad thing about his growing stuff is that I have to do something with it." She is so funny. She started by washing those peppers and then she began to drop them in cute little pouring-type jars. At first she just dropped them in one at a time, then as the jars began to get full she started pushing, then cramming those peppers into the jars. After she filled the jars with peppers, she went to the pantry and got a big jug of distilled white vinegar and began pouring that strong liquid into the jars. The liquid seeped down through the peppers covering them until the jar was filled to the brim. She put lids on each of them, then moved the beautifully colored jars to her cabinet. She explained to me that the vinegar would soon take on the flavor and pepper "heat" which would make the vinegar more like a sauce which would be used to spice up vegetables and meats. I love my grandmother very much, and as I recalled that wonderful time of watching her do what she'd done so many times before, I could not help but think about a spiritual parallel. When we meditate and spend time talking to, listening to God, reading His word, we too [just like that vinegar] take on His flavor, His attributes, His characteristics. It is when we become more like Christ that we [just like those peppers] flavor those around us with gifts of the Spirit -- love, kindness, forgiveness, patience, joy, mercy. Just think what a better world this would be if only we could "spice" up this world with what is missing so desperately. So, what are we promised when we seek His face? Isaiah 2:3 " . . . and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths . . . " Let's soak up some of Him today, huh?

How It Began

The year 1998 was a difficult one. I found myself having several "mama" crises. I knew my struggles were compounded by my neglect of a regular quiet time with God. One evening I admitted to myself what I already knew: I could not go on in my own strength! Hence, I sat down at my desk and began to read God's Word, meditate on Its message, and pray. God showed me some remarkable things during those quiet moments, and I simply wrote them down. Writing down my feelings came natural to me. My Dad is a wordsmith, and as a girl I watched him type out his feelings and thoughts. As a young man, Dad entered college as a journalism major until God called him into His Ministry. Flippantly naming my own thoughts that night, "Morning with Beverly," I sent them to a few close friends who I knew would humor me by reading my ramblings! I continued to do this for several weeks, then a very strange thing happened. I began to receive emails from people I didn't know, asking I add them to my "mailing list." What mailing list? Soon I learned my friends had forwarded my writings to others and it seemed quite a few people were now counting on me having a daily quiet time with God then writing it down.

God has a unique way of getting His way in our lives, and His ways are always perfect. Years later, I am still penning my thoughts from quiet times with God. He has blessed my obedience to spend time with Him, and is using it to encourage and lift others who share similar challenges in their own lives. The rewards have been many, but the greatest is on a regular basis I give God His time. The crises and difficulties have not disappeared, but I have learned so much and a daily quiet time is now part of my routine. In my weaknesses, I see and feel His strength and "Morning with Beverly" is more than a ministry ... it is now a way of life.

Celebrate His Word!

There’s endless reasons to party! It’s usually a birthday, a retirement, an engagement, an anniversary – oh, the reasons are endless. Parties usually have a definite beginning and end except for when it’s my birthday. You see, I love my birthday so I begin celebrating when the first gift arrives and I stop celebrating … well, when I get good-and-ready! LOL

God’s Word celebrates God’s words! Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and chapter in the Bible. We do not know for certain who God used to write it, but it is clearly one who understood the instructions therein as righteous, true, and sure. The chapter is filled with reasons Christians should faithfully be in The Word: V.11 – I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You; V.72 – The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces; V.81 – My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your word; V.97 – Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day; V.105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; V.160 – The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever; V.174 – I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight. Fifteen years ago (August 5, 1998), I wrote the first “Morning with Beverly.” Now, that may seem like a real reason to celebrate; it is a long time and many devotions, but it’s not the real reason for celebration. That’s 5,475 days (more-or-less) of being in God’s Word! I rejoice at His revelation to man and that not one word fails to accomplish His purpose in the life of anyone who reads It! It was a personal crisis in my life that led me to make the commitment and of the many times I have not been obedient, I’m so glad I obeyed this command! Is reading The Bible part of your day? If not, today is the perfect day to begin. Celebrate the Beauty of God’s Word, and let His Beauty take root!

Look Up! Look Up!

Consider the spectacular things we see by looking upward: hot air balloons, fighter jet maneuvers, geese flying in formation, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, a full moon. All these wonders just by tilting the head and pointing the eyes ... up!

Apart from an upward look to the Creator, the heart of man will always be in need. The infinite need for God is essential to a hopeful and peaceful heart. Times of difficulty and struggle only confirm this truth. Lisa Beamer, widow of 9-11 hero Todd Beamer, writes, "God has whispered two words to me over and over: Look up ... Look up. Through that quiet voice I'm reminded to look beyond my own little life to the Creator of the universe and what I know of his perspective. Without fail, looking up brings peace to my soul." When we look down or around, we see only contention, scuffling, and competition for a little bit of fleeting joy and peace, which is all the world can offer. Sincere faith makes "the uplook good, the outlook bright, the inlook favorable, and the future glorious." (Barbara Johnson).  Looking up, we see in the Face of God all hope for genuine peace in our struggling relationships, our financial difficulties, and our overwhelming moments of grief and sadness. It all begins with ... looking up.

His Heart

Mr. Bill and I haven’t had much success keeping a GPS. Indeed, we were excited to own our first one! One of the boys borrowed it, and it was stolen from his vehicle. We bought another one, and it was promptly borrowed never to be seen again. We bought a third one, and we must track-it-down to use it. Apparently, we need a GPS to keep up with our GPS!

Have you ever seriously considered, in relation to Scripture, what it means to “follow your heart?” One dictionary defines it as, “to act according to one's feelings; to obey one's sympathetic or compassionate inclinations.” One web site boasts, “Your heart is more powerful than you think. Your heart can lead you to illumination.” I don’t know about you, but I can’t rely on my feelings or inclinations for illumination? Uh – no! The word “heart” appears more than 900 times in Scripture, and rarely refers to the physical organ but rather the source of human feelings, intellect, and emotions – the innermost being of man. If God’s Word is where we really seek Truth: “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12); “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9); “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool.” (Proverbs 28:26a). Seriously, where does this follow-your-heart mindset come from? King Solomon concluded, “See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). Clearly, man wasn’t content with the perfect state-of-being in which God created him. Instead, man rebelled, foolishly sought-trusted-followed his own way and inclinations! Make no mistake, the heart has its place in following Christ; it’s essential in obedience. Repentance comes from a heart surrendered to its Creator-Redeemer, and leads to salvation! True obedience comes from the heart: Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15). Finally, Paul writes, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Oh, the beauty of following a heart guided exclusively by He Who created it, loves it, and rules it! The global positioning system (GPS) syncs with and relies on a reliable source – so does the heart of the born-again believer. Guarantee your heart’s position -- keep it fixed on Christ and … follow His Heart!

Serve It Up!

Away and be-gone overcooked food! Too long in the boiler is melt-in-your-mouth mush, and too long in the broiler is hard-as-a-brick knock 'em dead. There just aren’t many things better than soft buttery rolls or steamed fresh broccoli. Yes, I say, away and be-gone!

“Tender” beautifully describes God's mercies. Comparatively, there’s nothing delicate or gentle about the mercies of man. The arrogance and pride of the human heart make tenderness scarce. And ouch indeed when we feel "no mercy" dished out to us by others. The Psalmist pleaded, "Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me." (Psalm 40:11). We can relate to and understand David's cry for deliverance and help according to God's mercies -- tender and perfect, prepared and available for hurting hearts and lagging spirits. A tender serving of His graciousness fulfills all longing, satisfies completely. Thus, we should be inspired to offer such tenderness in the form of forgiveness, patience, kindness, and compassion to others! The taste of tender vegetables and soft bread lingers – so does God’s tender mercies. Make haste, therefore, to a lifestyle of serving it up!