The Pattern

Most women I know had a home economics class as a teenager in which we learned basic sewing.  In my class, we made aprons and I was so proud of mine.  I learned enough by making that simple apron to do a little sewing here and there.  Calling me a seamstress, however,  would be quite a stretch!

 

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he uses the phrase, “pattern of good works” when describing Christian behavior.  Although he was writing to young men, this is easily applicable to all Believers. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model [pattern] of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (2:7-8)  One of the first things we learned in sewing class was how to lay pattern pieces on top of the fabric then meticulously cut around each pattern piece, rendering pieces of fabric the same shape.  What a mess that apron would have been had my fabric pieces been carelessly cut or no pattern used at all.  Similarly, what poor images of Christ we are when our pattern for living is anything apart from Jesus Christ, The Pattern, for Christian living.  For good or for bad, the resulting evidences (behavior) of our faith WILL resemble something!  God demands our behavior point to The Pattern of good works through Jesus Christ, rendering a beautiful work of His grace for all to witness.  I don’t remember what happened to my apron or if I ever wore it but [certainly] every Christian should desire to display [be] a “pattern of good works” to the Glory of God.  Stay true to The Pattern!

Mary-Mind

Summer break almost breaks me!  So many projects and back-burner activities

race through my mind, I can hardly settle on one.  The days I seem to

accomplish the most are those when I focus on doing for others.  This

"borrowed blessing" which has become a treasure to me, and I needed it

today.  May it bless your heart as it always does mine!

 

"A Mary-Mind" by Reta Spears-Stewart

I have a quiet moment now, but suddenly I find

that while I have a Mary-heart, I have a Martha-mind.

The things I thought I'd finished with are springing back to life

like little flames among the brush of daily cares and strife.

My thoughts seem filled with "brushfires," and although I rush and race

as soon as I put out one fire, another takes its place.

So now I find, when I'm alone and peace is my desire,

my mind's a busy Martha-mind tending to one more fire.

O Lord, I know that Martha's hands are needed, good and kind.

But in my heart I've one request: Grant me a Mary-mind.

Within The Walls

Few homes lack a laundry-cleaning apparatus – otherwise known as a washing machine.  Most machines are [conveniently] located, however, ours is in the basement … by Mr. Bill’s design.  I’ll let you ponder who “runs” the laundry-cleaning apparatus here.

The human heart is a peaceful place ... that is, by design.  Unfortunately, it is perhaps anything but peaceful at times!  Inside that delightful laundry-cleaning apparatus is something [appropriately named] the agitator.    The psalmist prayerfully wrote of Jerusalem, “Peace be within your walls … Peace be within you.” (122:7-8a).  This passage celebrates the city as God’s chosen city, and representative of where God’s Presence abides – among His people. There’s also a deeply profound Truth we must not miss: peace within happens only in God’s Presence.  Can you identify the agitators in your life – circumstances, relationships, health, job, finances?  Satan strikes quite effectively using real-life matters, stirring the waters with furor, twisting and turning our emotions, spinning our spirits out of control.  In the face of grave and uncertain times, Jesus told His disciples, “"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27).  I’ve stood Galilee’s shore and seen it completely still, and recalled Jesus’ words to the wind, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39).  That same power calms troubled spirits and orchestrates peace within the walls of the human soul, securely fortified by the Presence of Almighty God.  Our washing machines would be pretty useless without the agitator, but lives settled with Jesus’ peace are eternally useful to The Father.  Do you know Jesus? Know Him today, and know His Peace!

Small Faith

Common sense – there's been much written about one's lack of it and never is it flattering!  Aunt Sue used to say, "he ain't got the sense God gave a billy goat."  I wasn't totally sure what that meant, but it didn't sound good him or the goat!

 

Faith and sensibility aren't exactly friends!  It's true, of course, certain principles govern what we do: common sense ​dictates we shouldn't try to heat water in the refrigerator or burn wet wood.  ​It's equally true, God gave [most of] us basic perceptions and ability to think rationally.  Oswald Chambers presents this clarification: " The danger we have is that we want to water down what Jesus said to make it mean something that aligns with our common sense."  The Truths Jesus taught and continues to reveal are supernatural, and must not be "watered down" or rationalized by man.​  The Bible tells of numerous occasions when common sense was simply laid-to-rest: David (the young shepherd) defeated a seasoned and armored giant with a sling, and Gideon (a farmer) led Israel to defeat an army of 135,000 with only 300 men.  Do tell, what trumped common sense, which I'm sure was screaming at these men?  It was faith -- being sure of what we hope for, and confident of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1).  Jesus said even the smallest amount of faith, the size of a tiny mustard seed, moves mountains (Matthew 17:20).  Frankly, common sense can be one of our greatest enemies! Christians must replace common sense with simple (even small) faith -- "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5).  It's not wise to abandon all common sense, but be careful it doesn't push even the smallest of faith aside. Embrace faith, and watch God do wonders!

The Flash

It’s lightning bug season – how I love it!  I’ve written about it before, how the season’s first flash takes me back to a younger me in my grandparents yard where I caught them and put then a mason jar.  From the front porch, at few days ago, we saw the first flash.  What fun it was to watch Ella run to catch one and discover the wonder of the flash!

 

God wants us to be flashers!  Well, He didn't use those exact words, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16). Sometimes the world around us doesn't see His Light – so we need to "flash" it to draw attention: respond rather than react, be patient, choose humility instead of arrogance and pride, return cruelty with kindness, smile rather than frown.  The biggest flash comes when our actions, our responses reveal an uncommon grace, an extraordinary character -- not the norm!  I'm ashamed to say I am not always flashing God's Love, but it's never too late to clean up our act.  Let's get serious about the Light within us and let it shine forth.  Make the world wonder at … the Flash!

No Joke

Through the years, there’s rarely been a lack of amusement in this house unless you're the Mama.  One of the jokers in this house (no one ever confessed to the crime) had carefully (and quite deliberately I should add) placed a rubber band around the kitchen spray nozzle to secure the handle in the down position so that whoever turned on the water would get sprayed. And, yes, that "whoever" was Mama – dressed & ready for work ... hosed down at dawn's first light!

 

Having a sense of humor must is a virtue, otherwise, God surely wouldn’t have placed me in the house with four practical jokers! Proverbs 15:13 says, "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance."  It’s true, grumpy people just don't attract a crowd; neither do they reflect the Spirit of Christ.  The ability to see the humor in  the worst of circumstances and apply God's grace contributes to a beautiful spirit.  Days are sunnier and smiles more abundant, and that's no joke!

His Excellence

The first morning look in the mirror is far from excellent.  The second or third look maybe a bit better.  I just keep going back looking for excellence.  Sometimes I just have to settle for … well, close.  I’ve learned to be happy with that!

 

Have we forgotten God created us for excellence?  Of course He did; His Word says we were created in His Image – what more “excellent” image could there be!  In the Book of Ruth, Boaz said this about Ruth: “And now my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.”  Wow!  What a dream guy – that Boaz!  Do you wonder, however, what made Boaz think and say such a thing about Ruth? Perhaps it was how Ruth tended particularly to her inner qualities like Proverbs 4:23 commands, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”  During the next few weeks in graduation ceremonies, students will be recognized for academic achievements. What if we were as diligent in pursuit of spiritual GPAs as students are in academic GPAs? In her book, “Becoming a Woman of Excellence,” Cynthia Heald asks: “What would a woman of excellence do?” When confronted with decisions and choices, how does a person of excellence  respond?  We respond very differently than the world … in “a more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31b)  Let’s not settle for “close” when it comes to excellence.  Rather, let us always keep looking, keep reaching for … His Excellence.

The Handshake

It was another generation, but I heard my grandfather speak of it: “in those days, a man’s word was worth something.”  Imagine buying lumber to build a house or even purchasing a car with a nod of the head or a handshake.  Wow … and oh, the trees we would’ve saved!

 

Psalm 119:41-42 says, “Let Your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your Promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in Your word.”  Perhaps gone are the days when [generally speaking] a promise was a promise.  Mr. Bill wasn’t interested in renewing our wedding vows at 25 years; his reason, “I haven’t broken the one I made 25 years ago.”  God never breaks a promise, and His promises never have to be renewed – He’s never failed to keep each one.  We, however, need to be reminded over and over that He is totally trustworthy.  The reoccurring theme of Psalm 119 is the genuine experience of God’s grace and mercy to those who love and fear Him.  There’s nothing wrong with revisiting His Promises to strengthen our hearts and renew our faith.  Don’t you like a good, firm handshake?  That moment of faith in Who He is and What He has promised is the “handshake” with Jehovah God.  There’s no firmer or steadfast word!  Try Him and He’ll prove it!

Live Consciously

Alarm clocks -- I may never have cared for them, but the older-me really dislikes them!  I recall one of the first digital clocks Mr. Bill and I owned.  We adjusted fairly well to the luminous glow of the numbers, but we neither adjusted to nor long tolerated the sound of the alarm.  The first [and last] time it went off, scared us half outta our wits!

 God consciously created each person to live consciously.  We deliberately buy, then set alarm clocks to wake us at a certain time; we may not like it when the alarm sounds, but the clock is only doing what we planned-and-expected it to do!  There is really only one conscious task we have as Christians – that is to “be holy.”  It’s not one of many goals, as if on a bucket-list of things to accomplish in a lifetime.  Oh, no!  It is to be the driving force of every breath of every moment of life.  Nancy Leigh DeMoss describes it as our "created purpose."  This state in which we live is temporal; John writes, "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure." (1 John 3:2-3).  Deliberate living is conscious hard work especially when the flesh (our sinful part) wants to just joy-ride through each day.  Oh, how we've come to love those snooze buttons that put off what must be done!  My Christian friend, there is no time for snoozin' in holy living – be ever aware of Satan then follow after God with all you got.  Live consciously!

Home Improvement

My buggy was pretty full: hanging pots, a 25 foot "tangle free" replacement phone cord, a small bedside lamp, and ten shrubs I can't even remember the name of.  Why all the stuff? Me, and hundreds of other people, had "home improvement" on our
minds. We spent too much money so we could work too hard -- that's strange, isn't it?

Why is it we neglect Christ's home ... our hearts? We spend countless hours on our appearance, our homes, our vehicles, our food, but neglect the most important thing to God -- the heart. Proverbs 4:23 gives precise instructions about the upkeep of Christ's dwelling place, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Instead of keeping His home clean and seeking to improve it, we allow pollutants to seep in then expect Christ to live in it! I have visions of a boys' bathroom after a few days of neglect! Oh, how much our hearts need ongoing, constant attention! It's the only way we can be all God wants us to be, and the only way we can be used as God wants to use us. So, what do you say? Anybody for a little ... home improvement?

Lay It Down

Futile efforts – I can think of a few.  When the boys were home, mopping was a futile task.  A freshly mopped floor just begged for someone to track in mud or spill sweet tea.  Barbara Johnson had a descriptive phrase for such pointlessness: “nailing Jell-o to a tree.”

 

It’s tough sometimes to just "get past" stuff.  Instead of moving on, accepting what is as is, we allow problems and circumstances to rob us of so much.  Eventually, we feel like we’ve moved on, got it together, and everything’s okay.  The problem with that solution is it just doesn’t last! Do you know why?  It’s because we try to deal with “stuff” in our own wisdom and strength, shutting God out.  Now, that is futility!  Job wrote, “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored; if you remove unrighteousness far from your tent, and place your gold in the dust … then the Almighty will be your gold and choice silver to you.” (Job 22:23-25) . Never expect flesh to do more than what flesh does, and it does not bring about lasting quiet to spirit and soul.  King David wrote, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26).  Trusting God fully as Strength and Portion is both wise and effective.  Nailing Jell-o to a tree would be a pretty neat accomplishment – let me know how that goes.  Laying aside what we hold so dear, even our own counsel, is never senseless.  Giving God all our struggles, however, is wise and effective.  Whatever it is, my friend, lay it down and let God take it up!

WHO I AM ... WHAT I DO ...

Who I Am … It just seems right kids should think their Dad is the best.  I know, of course, many cannot share my enthusiasm about their fathers, and this reflection certainly isn’t meant to bring about sadness but I need to honor one who did it well!  At an early age, I knew Dad was greatly respected and he loved people. Any room he entered was immediately warmed with his smile and kind spirit.  One of the earliest things I learned was how he was always the same -- at church, in public, at home.  He was singly devoted to my Mom; his love for her was obvious in the way he treated her.  Dad loved Deb, Sherri, Joy, and I completely.  His love for God led him to a life of faithful service, and his life of compassion for others impacted countless numbers of people.  I learned so much about life from Dad, and as an adult I’m ever amazed at how those lessons play out even today.  I learned from him there is something positive and rare in every person God created -- find it, focus on it, encourage it.  When I struggled with "my place" in this world, Dad showed me in the Bible how God rarely used idle people to do His work – get busy, he said, serve where you are with what you have, and do it joyfully "as unto the Lord."  When I struggled to make decisions, he taught me to be patient and wait on God; his famous line [which I have repeated often to others], "if you don't know what to do, do nothing till you know."  He taught me the meaning of commitment by not letting me quit basketball my senior year of high school even though I became disheartened -- easy or tough, honor your commitments.  He explained because of sin there will always be injustice in the world, but don't give up on making the world a better place -- make a difference by being a part of the solution.  I learned to be a person of integrity as I watched Dad correct cashiers when they undercharged him for a product -- "your character is who you are," he’d say.  An avid ball player himself, he showed me how to be a team player, growing relationships with people so you can minister to and reach them for Christ.  I watched him work hard as a pastor doing otherwise menial tasks, modeling a servant’s heart in Kingdom work.  Because Dad refused to put a lock on his study door where he spent a lot of his time, I learned the importance of being available to people, especially to my husband and my children when they want to talk about serious things and just about nothing really.  Those late-night conversations where we replayed basketball and softball games taught me how to relate to others and deepen relationships through common interests and shared experiences.  Dad is 81 years young today and has changed very little: he still loves Mom and us girls, he’s still greatly respected and dearly loved by many, and he always has time for people.  That same kind spirit and warm smile changes rooms, and it’s the simple things still make him smile – cornbread and milk with sliced onion, and Gunsmoke reruns.   Dad, I know I am who I am because of Christ but you must take just a little credit for helping me get there.  From that you’ll never retire!  Like you’ve told us many times yourself -- the best is yet to be!  Press on, Dad – Happy Birthday!

 

What I Do … It seems an appropriate time to reflect on this “writing” thing I do. Quite frequently my mind goes back home to a small basement room -- we called it the "study.”  It was there in that often cold damp place, Dad routinely read, sang, laughed, counseled, and picked up the phone extension [when someone yelled down-the-stairs, “Dad, it’s for you”].  It's also where he wrote things -- put words from his heart onto paper. My upstairs bedroom was right above the study, and I felt a particular calm from the clicking of the typewriter.  As a child, I didn't know what Dad was typing; what I did know was Dad loved God, so whatever he was doing sure was important to God and Dad loved doing it. Dad never locked the door; he never told us to stay out, and the study was never “off limits.” No matter how busy he was or what deadline he was trying to meet, he always had the time for my sisters and me. Of course, there came a day when I read his words and learned to appreciate the importance of his work. The writer-in-me came to know [not just] the beating of a heart for God but the intense throbbing to write it down.  Honestly, there are times MWB is painstaking and I struggle to feel the call and continue. One thing is certain: writing is in my blood. It keeps me in The Word and helps me focus on who I am in Christ, and to keep His glory ever before me.  With great humility, I know God has given me this gift, this ministry, and a terrific mentor. To God be all glory and many thanks, Dad.  Happy Birthday!

 

Right Track

Isn’t it amazing how some memories just stay with us! One such memory for me is when Dad took the family to the dog races in Daytona Beach.  We didn’t go in because of the alcohol and gambling, but what fun we had standing outside the fence watching the dogs chase that rabbit-on-a-pole.  The best part was how Dad led us all to cheer for the rabbit!

 

Have you ever considered what you’re chasing?  I’ve often thought back to that race, and how the rabbit was always just out of the dogs’ reach.  I don’t know how dogs think, but they ran really fast for a long time yet I never saw them catch the rabbit.  Oh, the struggle we have to see the prize and know how to get it!  Sometimes we even get the prize but are soon disillusioned.  Paul wrote of the Christian’s race, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14).  The chase is ever-on: to pursue The Holy.  The prize isn’t something to hold in the hand, but rather that which grows and matures the heart and spirit through Christ Jesus.  Know it: God is the prize!  I don’t suppose those dogs ever figured out the rabbit wasn’t real; I know they never slowed down.  Is what you’re pursuing of any consequence, any eternal value?  If indeed it is to be “holy as God is holy,” you’re after the right prize and you’re on the right track!  Press on!

Giving-Living

Some people amaze me at how giving they are: their gift-bank seems bottomless, and they’re tireless in their efforts!  Then, of course, there are the gimmies – those who seem to count every breath and smile, feeling the loss of both!

 

Every born-again Believer is called to minister.  Ministry isn't just for pastors, priests, missionaries, evangelists, those called to full-time service.  God has called every Christian to a giving-living!  More importantly, our call is a ministry unto the LORD: “Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” (Ephesians 6:7).  This command to serve happens in the homes, in the workplaces, in the schools, the streets, the checkout lines, the ball fields ... wherever we are!  The motivation is distinct: for Christ alone.  Christopher Columbus wrote, “No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.” There is only one noble attitude for ministry: “… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Are you a gimmie or giver?  You’re one or the other.  Pray for the motivation, the attitude, and faithfulness to … giving-living!

Dress Up!

Casual dress is usually preferred although there are certainly times when casual isn’t appropriate.  Wheneveer I told the boys to wear something nice, I had to define “nice.”  They were always relieved when I meant good jeans and a pullover instead of shirt and tie. Yes, groans and whines were avoided!

 

Casual is never in-style for Christianity.  Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this  world … “  The casual Christian has little or no influence for good, and is essentially ineffective for the  cause of Christ.  So-so Christianity is evident when there is little evidence of Christ and His precepts in the Believer’s life. If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it may just be a duck!  The serious disciple of Christ, however, pursues God and His holiness. Only when we shed the [spiritually] casual dress of this world, do we prove what is “good and acceptable and perfect.” (V.2)  It’s true, casual dress may be preferred and usually the most comfortable but it just doesn’t look good on those who belong to Christ. I encourage you to give up casual Christianity  – dress up!

Perfectly Aligned

Misalignment doesn't even sound good.  I've watched Mr. Bill use his magic bubble tool (a leveler, I believe it's called) to make sure a board is level.  Eyeballing it, I would have "guessed" it was level but I would have been wrong.  His response, "that's why they pay me the big bucks."

 

God may or may not chuckle but if He does, I'm sure what we think certainly causes Him to do so!  To be opinionated is one thing, to be opinionated and loud another, but to be opinionated and loud and wrong – that’s just terrible!  Several years ago, Mr. Bill and I learned to be very cautious when someone begins a sentence with the words, "I think."  Really, what "I" think is silly and shallow in light of what Almighty God has declared in His forever-settled Word.  We do well to consider if what we believe and say, thus our opinions are aligned with God’s Word.  “With my lips I declare all the rules of Your mouth.” (Psalm 119:13).  When our opinions (what we think) don't line up with God's Word, guess Who trumps who?  The voices of this culture will continue to be opinionated and loud, offering an enticing buffet of positions on every moral and social issue.  Perhaps there's never been a grander time to bear genuine testimony to the Truth of God's Word: God said it – That settles it!  Truth is, the world doesn't need anymore opinions unless those opinions are one with The Word -- perfectly aligned!

Cry Out!

Have you ever snored, snorted, or cried out in your sleep … such that you woke yourself up?  It happens to us all I suppose, and we deal with it.  I am not, however, used to “dealing” with Mr. Bill doing those sort of things.  This week he hit me three times (not hard) while he was asleep – at least he said he was asleep!

 

King David wrote, “To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the LORD I plead for mercy.” (Psalm 30:8).  Too many people grew up in the generational time believing tears meant weakness, so often tear ducts are pretty rusty.  Scripture doesn’t teach this at all!  As a matter of fact, we read “those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5).  I fear Christians have forgotten how to genuinely call out (cry after) God.  Mr. Bill and I kept Ella and Caleb a few nights ago so Danny and Brittney to enjoy a date-night, and about halfway through the evening Caleb notice someone was absent from his 6-month old world – his mommy.  Oh, my goodness, was he unhappy!  Later, when it was … quiet J, I pondered why man doesn’t cry like that after He “Whom my soul loves” (Song of Solomon 1:7)!  Of course, I had no answer and there is really only one excuse – a lack of deep affection for My Beloved.  Oh, to love Him so!  When we do, the tears will be a’plenty and it will be perfectly fine to … cry out!

The Good Stuff

In an appointment with our dentist, he told me to limit the boys' sugar by buying sugar free gum and soft drinks.  Do you want to guess how popular that was!

 

God's commands to us are not designed to be popular, but to give us His Best -- the Good Stuff.  Proverbs 3:27 says, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." Now, our dentist wasn't trying to cramp the boys' style; no, he knows the long-term effects of too much sugar on gums & teeth.  Sure, it's his job to tell us but he also cares about his patients.  God also knows what is best for us, and it's His Best that He wants for us.  His laws and commands aren't meant to deprive us, but to withhold or prevent only what threatens to harm and hurt us and bring about spiritual decay.  The long-term effect of apathy to Godliness in our decision-making and choices is a real killer to joyful living.  We are certain to miss the Good Stuff when we habitually neglect a daily quiet time with God and give Him only the leftovers of our days.  Do you want The Good Stuff?  It's yours for the taking!

Use Both Hands

How do you remember things?  Tying a string around the finger, according to Anglo-Saxon folklore, kept an idea from “escaping.”   It takes more than a string for this old gal to remember stuff.  Besides, the last time I tied anything, it took full use of both my hands!

 

Quite possibly, there isn’t enough string in the world to make us faithfully remember God’s faithfulness!  He said to the Hebrew people countless times “I am the LORD thy God” then described His deliverance and care for them.  Like us, their hearts grew fearful and anxious in the face of difficult times!  How foolishly we bow to cultural idols such as money, relationships, and careers to save us, forsaking the Living God.  Oh, that our faith declare boldly we experience no other god but Jehovah and no Savior exists outside of Him (Hosea 13:4).  Press the rewind button of your life to events where God ruled the moment of anxiety and fear, delivering you in divine fashion.  Just remember – remember – remember, then praise His Holy Name … with both hands!

On-Going

In my mind, there’s a list of daily expectations and among them are that my car will start and deliver me to my destination, water and electricity on-demand, and technology performs as it should.  I do not care to wonder if these things will happen; I just expect them to! On occasion, when they do not, I resort to high-pitched, shrill, name-calling ... B-I-L-L!

 

Did you know faithfulness to Christ is ongoing?  Romans 12:11-12 says our faithfulness is not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, prayerfully steadfast.  For something to be "ongoing" in nature, it has no specified end.  In the case of faithfulness to Almighty God, it is He Who decides when “ongoing” ends and that is when life here is over.  Several years ago, our local high school experienced a terrible tragedy when a graduating senior died suddenly. He had no apparent health problems but without warning, the young man's time here ended.  Oh, the whys that often trouble us and the uncertainties of this life – that’s why the certainty of an “ongoing” faithfulness is so important.  This faithfulness is on-demand each day we live: faithfulness to be all God wants us to be.  Really, it’s little to offer in light of His eternal faithfulness to His own!  Actually, there are few things that happen without interruption.  May that never be said of our faithfulness to Christ!

God Never Sleeps!

Although our children consider it odd behavior, it has become quite common that Mr. Bill and I sit in our respective chairs in the living room with Braves baseball on the television, and the sound muted.  It really is the most delightful environment to nap!

 

God never sleeps!  Psalm 121:3 says, “He Who keeps you will not slumber.” What a comforting thought indeed!  On Mount Carmel, Elijah had a lot of fun with the prophets of [false god] Baal, joking that he slept rather than answer their prayers for rain.  So, what does Jehovah God do while He never sleeps or slumbers?  "The Lord guards you. The Lord is the Shade that protects you. The Lord protects you from dangers and guards your life. The Lord guards you as you come and go, both now and forever." (V. 5, 7, 8). When my heart is anxious -- my God does not rest or sleep.  When my spirit is heavy -- my God does not rest or sleep.  When fear consumes me -- my God does not rest or sleep.  When I cannot sleep -- my God does not rest or sleep.  My anxiety, my heaviness, my fear, and my rest is all on Him because He is my Defender; He is my Guardian; He is my Shade; He is my Protector. And when?  Now & Forever!  That takes care of yesterday, today, and tomorrow!  We are His "now-and-forever" job!  Have you thanked Him today?