No Restraint

“Cease and desist!”  A cease and desist letter is a document “demanding" a business or person halt unlawful activity (cease) and not take it up again later (desist).  Stop-it-right-now-and-don’t-do-it-again worked fairly well for rambunctious little boys … well, sometimes.

 

In order to follow God’s commands, Christians must practice restraint.  For example, the urge is quite strong to give-it-back to those who treat us badly but [as disciples of Christ] we are called to love our enemies instead – repaying them with kindness.  There are, however, areas where restraint is not necessary: “I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips as you know, O LORD. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your Salvation; I have not concealed Your steadfast Love and Your faithfulness from the great congregation.” (Psalm 40:9-10).  Don’t you picture someone who is just bubbling-to-overflowing, telling anyone who will listen about the greatness of God!  And how does God respond to such lack of restraint?  “As for You, O LORD, You will not restrain Your mercy from me; Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness will ever preserve me!” (V.11).  The Child of God who holds nothing back about his God is rewarded with an unrestrained God – Who pours out even more mercy-love-faithfulness!  Wow!  So, what’s stopping you this day from telling the world about our awesome God – He Who sent His own Son to pay your sin debt – Who redeemed your soul – Whose emptied tomb is a symbol of Hope in a hopeless world – Who’s promised you an eternal home for your soul – Who’s coming again to claim you and take you to your live with Him forever?  Hallelujah – let there be no restraint in declaring God’s Goodness!

Well-Measured Moments

There are certainly days, even weeks, I do not care to consider all that must be done!  I’ve heard airlines and hotels often overbook, but I doubt they do anything more than the average man or woman.  Overbooked certainly explains some of my days!

 

The psalmist wrote, “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Surely a man goes about as a shadow!” (Psalm 39:4-6a).  How does one “measure” his or her days?  Is the time allotment our own to spend as demanded of oneself?  One close look at the life of Christ and we clearly see measurable purpose in one’s life.  Jesus said in John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him Who sent Me.”  Jesus spent no one moment outside of The Father’s will, and every moment inside the planned purpose.  Even in His final days, knowing well what was ahead for Him, Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51).  What joy is ours when we delight in the LORD and find our steps established (Psalm 37:23), and moments measured according to His purpose.  Do you long for a well-measured life?  Give all your moments to The King!

His Passion

Children, and sometimes adults, resort to tears when they don’t get their own way.  Mama used to call it  “turning on the water works."

 

Luke writes, "And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it." (19:41) Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem was triumphant: the people loved Him and welcomed Him, they spread their robes along the road ahead of Him, there was glad singing and shouting, and praising God for all the wonderful miracles Jesus had done.  There was no call for tears, or was there?  Jesus said, "Eternal peace was within your reach and you turned it down. Now it is too late ... You have rejected the opportunity God offered you." (19:42-43).  Jesus didn’t weep useless tears – His sorrow for His people was no insignificant matter.  The Christ, God-in-Flesh, knew the treasure of His greatest creation and the heavy weight of sin that led to destruction.  Such is the tragedy today: God’s Truth ignored, souls lost and undone without God’s salvation.  In a few short days, Jesus’ otherwise triumphal entry into the City of David will become the hard road of His Passion – that is, His relentless love for you and for me.  That love was then and still is today ... His Passion.

Golden Living

What things do you consider "golden?" Is it the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, the feel of clean sheets after a shower, bare feet on freshly cut grass, the smell of honeysuckle, the warmth of hot chocolate on a chilly night, your favorite chair after a hard day, the taste of cold milk and warm cookies?  Perhaps, it’s just the “sound” of silence.

 

What is golden to the heart of man?  I can think of a few: Sweet fellowship with God - Love wrapped in swaddling clothes - Jesus interceding for us to The Father. Golden doesn't begin to describe these wonderful things, these invisible things that impact the soul of man. Because of such divinely golden gifts, we are called to holy living ... preparing the way for God to change the hearts of others. Living by the Golden Rule has been described as an "uncommon grace" today.  Matthew 7:12 says, "In everything do to others what you would have them do to you." The world’s way, the more-common way of life is "what goes around comes around" and "he had it coming." Those who love the LORD are called to live differently – showing others a different way, God's way. Willingly laying aside personal interests and feelings, putting forth the interests of others.  This pleases God – this golden living!  Because of Christ, let us live goldenly.

No Frettin'

Has anyone ever asked, "who lit a fire under you"?  Yes, I've been asked that before … just not lately!

 

Do you know what it means when something is repeated in Scripture?  It means the same thing as when your mother repeated herself – “listen up, girl, this is important!”  In Psalm 37, three times - yes, three times -- the LORD led David to write "Fret not yourself." (V.1, 7, 8).  That word "fret" in Hebrew means "to burn, to kindle, to be incensed, to be heated".  And, how many times recently have you felt the flames, even lit your own fire; got yourself so worked up you could hardly stand it?  Yeah, I know - me, too!  We are told instead to "trust, delight, rest" in the LORD (V.3, 4, 7).  Stop the frettin' - move away from the fire into the Shadow of God's Wings where there is [both] place and opportunity for rejoicing (Psalm 63:7).  Stay there! Stay there! Stay there!  J

Our Banner

Cheap -- we all love cheap!  Even this non-shopper loves a good bargain, and will sniff it out when I must.  Mr. Bill and I are avid Internet shoppers, and boxes on our porch are pretty exciting!

 

World news is troubling.  I can hardly keep up with what's happening domestically and internationally.  As I ponder this in light of God’s Sovereignty, I find only that I trouble myself!  Of what consequence eternally are treaties, agreements, resolutions and such among men and nations?  "The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the children of man ... He Who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue." (Psalm 33:13, 15-17).  We can question leaders' motives and self-acclaimed wisdom or tremble [in fear] at the aggression of nations, but thoughts become heavy and we risk a waning faith in the Sovereign King!  I say it’s time we who claim His Name acknowledge His Fame!  Jeremiah had no problem, “There is none like You, O LORD: You are Great, and Your Name is Great in Might!” (Jeremiah 10:6).  Bothersome world events will continue, but question the King's Hand -- we will not!  It is time for Christians to put away cheap words of devotion to God, and instead rally hearts in Him Who "makes nations great ... destroys them ... leads them away." (Job 12:23).  God isn’t some delightful bargain -- He's the Warehouse & Distributor of all Truth and Power.  Let us make His Banner our own …

 

There’s a Royal Banner given for display - To the soldiers of the King

As an ensign fair we lift It up today - While as ransomed ones we sing

Though the foe may rage and gather as the flood - Let the Standard be displayed

And beneath Its folds, as soldiers of the Lord - For the Truth be not dismayed

Marching on – Marching on – For Christ count everything but loss

And to crown Him King, toil and sing – ‘Neath the Banner of the Cross – Words by Daniel W. Whittle, 1884

In God Alone

Most of my life I've considered routines to be boring.  What I'd like to know is exactly when did I grow so fond of them!  This love-and-longing for what is "normal" seems to have wiggled its way from "a setting on the dryer" to an appointed nightly tea-time!  Surely, old age has not arrived!

 

What can cause the human soul to settle for an otherwise uneventful life?  Coming at us from all directions are options to thrill-to-amazement -- often one right after another.  I recall quiet evenings under shade trees, in old painted metal chairs, with nothing more exciting than the lightning bugs.  Those moments of a particular calm unlike anything today. Regardless what is perceived as routine or normal, there is shallow hope that it will continue.  The psalmist writes of a One Who is refuge for man’s soul: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8).  It is Almighty God Who patterns life for those who truly love Him.  It’s a blessedness with which we move through each day, not trusting in the fleeting, but rather hoping (confidently expecting) in the Steadfastness of the great I AM.  One evening Martin Luther saw a small bird perched on a tree to roost, and said: “This little bird has had its supper, and now it is getting ready to go to sleep here, quite secure and content, never troubling itself what its food will be, or where is lodging on the morrow. Like David, it abides under the shadow of the Almighty.” We do well to slow-the-pace and ask early in the day, "in what or whom do I trust?"  Do I take comfort and hope in the contented moments and fulfillments, or am I trust in the never-changing Creator of my soul and Sovereign King?  My evening tea-times are a sweet and welcome routine, but apart from I AM … it’s just tea!

 

He guides our feet – He guards our way - His morning smiles bless all the day

He spreads the evening veil, and keeps - The silent hours while Israel sleeps – Isaac Watt

In His Hands

Hey, I’ve decided no one outgrows play dough!  This 50+ish grandmother has found great delight in play dough … and Ella.  It seems to bring out the “kid” in me, drawing out memories of times-past.  Play dough actually seems much more fun with Ella … wonder why that is!  Ha!

 

To be pliable is to be flexible, bendable, shapeable – the condition we must offer unto The Father.  What fun characters and objects we can make with play dough and when we’re done with them, squash-it-up and make some more.   The psalmist wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17).  God wants genuinely humbled and broken hearts so He can mold them into worthy vessels.  Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV).  A man and woman of honor – holy and useful for God’s work.  Because of our sin nature, we need continual re-working and re-shaping, which only happens when we empty the heart’s throne-room of self and allow Christ sole rule.  We become as clay in The Potter’s Hands!  As I thought about play-dough time with my Sweet Ella, I imagined myself with the same soft, shapeable spirit – surrendered to God, willing to become His design for His purpose for His Kingdom.  Oh, may it be so!

Rejoice, O Heart!

Don't you just hate being put on hold!  I know, I know -- it's common business practice.  Dustin used to put me on hold, and I’d just hang up.  When he called back, I’d say, "don't put your Mama on hold -- I pay your cell phone bill!"

 

God keeps all His promises but in His own time!  We wait in the doctor's office because he or she is busy caring for other patients; this is not the case with God -- His [oft perceived] "delay" is designed especially for the one who waits!  Throughout the psalms, we hear David's spirit of despair as he "waited on the LORD."  In a particularly unpleasant waiting period of my life, God revealed something profound to me from Psalm 119: "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart." (V.111).  One can learn to be patient but to be joyfully patient isn't an attained art.  It comes about by, and is directly proportionate to, the intimacy of the relationship we have with God through Christ Jesus -- God's perfect revelation of Himself.  Can I have a close relationship with Christ and a life filled with fear, dread, and despair?  If so, does this mean my Friend Jesus fears, dreads, and despairs alongside me?  Of course not!  If I have truly "taken possession" of The Word (Jesus Christ), my heart cannot help but rejoice.  In this world, there will always be times of lack and times of plenty, and God's words are the Christian's "heritage forever."  Know His testimonies (precepts, truth) and repeat them in all your comings and goings ... yes, even in the waitings.  Rejoice, O Heart!

Thank You, Lord

Being told what to do riles a lot of folks!  In this power-hungry age, it seems few want to be ordered around.  This older-me usually finds it quite nice to just be pointed in the right direction and be given specific orders: my brain says “thank you kindly” and enjoys the break!

 

What is it you desire most in this life?  Is it fine things, good health, peaceful relations?  Absolutely nothing wrong with those things – they do make life sweeter!  But in those quiet moments, when you’re alone – no one to talk to and all those “things” are silent before you – what is the deep longing of your heart?  I propose the spirit of man longs for connection with something other than the inanimate – yes, The Creator.  King David wrote that it is God Who we long for -- He Who has given us the “heart’s desire.” (Psalm 21:2).  We don’t find this at the corner store nor can we order it online or even inherit it from a loved one; no, “from my mother’s womb You have been my God.” (Psalm 21:10).  Hence, there is only One Who is capable of such intimate fulfillment -- “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1).  What relief - what joy - what a Destination!  No more striving – struggling – wondering – wishing -- just peaceful rest in trusting in and following The Shepherd as He completely and perfectly loves – leads – protects – provides.  "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus - Just to take Him at His Word -- Just to rest upon His Promise - Just to know 'Thus saith the LORD."  Rest today in His Presence and say “Thank You, Lord.”

Obey The One

It was the last thing that happened before lights out – someone fed DC, the family dog.  He knew what time it was and if you weren’t careful, when you opened the door, there was a one-dog stampede!

 

Believers must never forget The One Who saves them!  Our lives will reflect just how well we remember this!  The Christian’s life should be full of evidence to prove we remember.  The Prophet Isaiah was faithful in God's message to a wayward Israel.  His message was consistent, always pointing them toward obedience of The One [Jehovah] Who faithfully cared and provided for them.  Isaiah 1:3 says, "The ox knows his owner, and the donkey its master's feeding trough, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand."  It doesn't get much plainer that this: even animals know the hand that feeds them ... yes, even as DC did!  Isaiah's words seem to fit well today: over and over God cares for us, provides for us, sustains us, comforts us, protects us, and delivers us yet we rebel -- ignore His commands, compromise His Truth, and reject His Ways. God forgives those who seek His forgiveness, and He provides a way back: "Wash yourselves. Clean yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil.  ...  though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow ... " (1:16, 18)  God cleanses from the inside out; washes away rebellious spirits; replaces them with attitudes of righteousness. So, will we be outdone by the animal kingdom? I should hope not!  Let us obey The One!

The Oasis

In my childhood home, there was [what we called] the "landing" at the top of the basement steps. It was a great place to throw dirty clothes instead of taking them all the way down the stairs to the washing machine.  Of course, the "older me" understands the real purpose of a landing – it’s a place to catch your breath when climbing stairs.

 

Eighteen miles from Jerusalem, some 1,200 feet below sea level and the lowest place on earth, is an oasis called Jericho.  Along the deep canyon between Jerusalem and Jericho are fresh water springs. With a spring that releases 1,000 gallons of water per minute, this oasis has rightly been called the City of a Thousand Palms.  Jericho is home to the papaya and the sycamore tree where Zacchaeus made his famous climb to see Jesus.  Mary's father, Joachim, was a native of this ancient city.  There are six monasteries built along the huge canyon between Jericho and Jerusalem; most are Greek Orthodox.  Numerous caves can be seen along the canyon, believed to be where Elijah hid from the evil Queen Jezebel.  Jericho was conquered by Joshua and left as rubble for most of the Old Testament. Jericho was my biggest surprise when I visited Israel: I was shocked at its lush beauty among such a dry rocky landscape.  Life easily dries our spirits and parches our souls, leaving us thirsting for refreshment and looking for that “landing” for rest.  Psalm 71:21 says The Father will "comfort me on every side."  Every side comforted -- that's all around us!  There's lots of water at Jericho; there seems to be water everywhere!  That's what God is to the tired & weary ... an Oasis for the soul!

Sing It Out

“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing [in Perfect Harmony]” began as a Coca-Cola jingle.  It originally  included the line, “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” and repeated “It’s the real thing,” Coca-Cola’s  [then] marketing theme.  The tune became so popular it was re-recorded by The New Seekers as a  full-length song, without the Coca-Cola references, to become a huge hit around the world.

 

Jingles, those catchy or rhythmic words & tunes, get in our heads and sometimes just stay there – yeah, like this one will today.  The Bible is full of God’s words that should resonate from the heart.  Consider for a moment how much Believers need one another; how important we hear words seasoned with grace and compassion to comfort and encourage.  “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.” (Ephesians 5:19-20). Paul’s message to Christians here doesn’t refer to empty or idle or frivolous speech; he writes of melodies generated by hearts overflowing in gratitude to The Father.  That 1971 jingle stirred hearts with a positive message of hope and love, and it resounded around the world.  Christ gives the greater song: Hope and Love of all hope and love not to be hoarded by silent hearts.  Speak it and live it to the glory and honor of The Redeemer of Souls.  Sing it out – make it your life song.

Repeat it!

Have you ever done anything that defied common sense?  Please don’t ever ask Mr. Bill this about me!  He will gladly repeat some of my most illogical moves.  His favorite is my ongoing battle with gravity.  I always lose!

 

Do you ever consider your motives?  Much of my adult life I’ve battled my weight and looking back, I was primarily motivated by how I looked.  In more recent years, however, the motive (or lack of it) is primarily about my health.  Paul presents the motive we are to have in everything: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, ESV).  To be obediently watchful, steadfast, and strong are worthy goals yet not enough – each must be motivated by love! Something I learned recently – as we are obedient, we can become puffed up even before God!  Oh My or Oh Me?  Paul describes love: “… love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant …” (1 Corinthians 13:4).  When we read all of Chapter 13, we see this love-motive is the purest and holiest of motives.  If we have any braggin' rights at all, it is in Christ Whose entire earthly life was the perfect and full revelation of God's love for us.  Our obedience to Christ cannot ride a high-horse!  What joy, however, to rest knowing we've been watchful-firm-strong in our obedience and that our motive was nothing more than to honor & obey & lift the Name of Christ to Its rightful place.  What a Light shines forth when our motives are single-focused, pure, and rich in devotion to The One Who laid aside everything for us. This is worth repeating in word and deed!

What I Am

It may not be original but a Mr. Bill-ism I've come to appreciate is "it is what it is."  His innate ability to accept things as they come-along baffles me!  I'd much rather run in circles and wave my arms.  It doesn't accomplish anything but I feel so much better!

 

We cannot escape the significance of our past and who we are … except through Christ!  Paul understood the reality and the gravity of this truth.  Before his salvation, he spent his days tracking down and persecuting Christians.  His name (Saul) was well-known among New Testament Believers, and they were none-to-eager to make his acquaintance!  In his first letter to the Christians at Corinth, most of them fully aware of his past, Paul wrote: “But by the Grace of God, I am what I am …” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Our favorite green-eating pipe-blower Popeye said, "I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam.”  He wasn’t a prophet nor was his words divinely inspired, nonetheless they ring true to Scripture: "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not." (Romans 7:18).  Oh, but for grace!  When we are at-best weak, Christ-in-us is sufficient to overcome with immeasurable success.  "... He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4).  Christian friend, we know how to finish Popeye's exclamation: I yam what I yam by the Grace of the Living Lord, Jesus Christ.  We do not have to be chained to our past nor its consequences; we Hope and live by God's amazing Grace which shatters the chains of our past, presenting a joyful present and glorious future.  What I am is a Child of Grace here-and-now and evermore to come!  By grace, I yam what I yam – now’s a good time to run in circles and wave my arms!

Alive in Living Water

When the boys were little, anything breathing and moving outside was ... game.  Every lizard, squirrel, bird, and toad were open to the imaginations

of little boys.  You know, come to think of it, yard animals did become scarce!

 

It means "the descender" and quite properly named because it rises from the foot of Mount Hermon at 1,000 feet ABOVE sea level and makes its way to the Sea of Galilee nearly 1,300 feet BELOW sea level.  Flowing through marsh areas of reeds, bulrushes, and papyrus, the Jordan River then leaves the Sea of Galilee twisting and turning some 65 miles while [again] descending 590 feet and emptying into the Dead Sea. Over time the river has carved a deep and winding course for itself, which has characterized the landscape with rocky gorges.  For its full course of more than 200 miles, it brings life waters to Israel.  Jesus described Himself in John 7:38 as "living water."  Living is the opposite of dead, so Jesus described Himself as Life to the living.  The Jordan River freely flows through Israel, giving shape to the land as does The Living Christ when we freely give Him control of our lives.  Too often we find ourselves full of the debris of sin (bad habits, negative attitudes, apathy, spiritual neglect), and His Spirit is unable to work freely through us.  When I think of those fresh snow waters from Mount Hermon and how they are the source waters of The Jordan, I think of what we can be to others when Christ is The Source in our lives -- refreshing, renewing, alive ... fully alive in Living Water!

The Birthmark

Do you have a birthmark?  No one talks about birthmarks very much, but it's not unusual for people to have them.  It's not uncommon for parents &

children or siblings to share a common birthmark.  I don't think I have one, but wouldn't it be something to learn I did after all these years!

 

A beautiful part of Israel is the Caesarean coastline.  There are naturally scattered dunes, which are actually deposits of sand washed from the Nile Delta across the Mediterranean Sea.  Halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa along the Mediterranean coastline are the ruins of ancient Caesarea.  Herod the Great built Caesarea [by the sea] in 20 B.C., and it flourished as a world class sea port.  For almost 600 years Caesarea was the official capital of what the Romans called "Provincia Judea."  The excavation of ancient Caesarea is extensive: a large theatre, a Crusader moat, once beautiful Roman statues, and a water aqueduct.  The first Christian community was located in Caesarea. This is the city Peter preached to the Centurion Cornelius in Acts 10 and Paul was imprisoned here in Acts 26. Pontius Pilate was stationed at Caesarea as Governor until he was moved to Jerusalem for the Passover, at which time he sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.  An inscribed stone dedicated to Pilate found among the ruins is evidence of Pilate's place in Caesarean & Roman history.  What about the evidence of Christ in our lives?  Is there evidence of commitment, of dedication, a connection to Christ?  At work I sometimes wear a name tag identifying who I am and what my responsibilities are. Believers need not wear a sign, but the birthmark of Christ should be evident in every move we make – what we do & don't do, what we say & don't say, where we go & don't go, what we wear & don't wear, what we read & don't read, who we hang with & who we do not, what we watch & don't watch, what we listen to & don't listen to.  We bear His mark -- it is inscribed in who we are, and it is the Mark dedicated to Christ.  Don't be afraid to show your birthmark -- wear it proudly!

Joyful Journey

“I think this is the right way.”  These words have often been my undoing, and resulted in the primary reason Mr. Bill rarely lets me drive or navigate long trips.  Those trips usually go much better when I just nap.  Hey, I can do that!

 

At personal request to God, King Solomon was granted great wisdom.  Funny thing -- when I read Proverbs, I seem to see my lack of navigational skills.  “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2).  Goodness, even the Little Engine That Could realized he couldn’t without a little help from his friends. Wh do I insist I am so smart!  Scripture tells us the beginning of wisdom is when we fear (acknowledge, honor, respect) the LORD (Proverbs 9:10), and that begins in the heart.  When we truly understand within the heart (the seat of all we are) there is no good, we begin to  look to God Who is our Help.  A humble and obedient heart is the best we offer The Father Who joyfully leads us in the way of life and away from destruction. I've learned to love long trips for their napping opportunities.  In this life, however, I want to be wide awake, and following hard after God with a hungry heart.  The road isn't bump-free but my Navigator is completely trustworthy, and leads a ... joyful journey!

Victory Climb

When first installed, the second-story fire escape at my home church was a playground magnet.  None of us could wait to climb to its high perch!.  Of course, it was every mother’s nightmare!

 

Consider how many times we live as if there’s a fire escape for every risky choice or questionable behavior.  Remembering to test the smoke alarm battery is a challenge for most of us, but isn't it great to have something like it to "smell the smoke" and warn us!  We're wise to be alert to potential indulgences to sin, and work to avoid opportunities where temptation looms.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” He was writing to Christians about the specific sin of idolatry which was prevalent in Corinth; yes, this is America and it's the 21st century but the world's suggestions if it feels good do it or follow your heart are nothing short of invitations to bow to the idol of self.  Jesus gave us the answer to self-indulgences when in the wilderness Satan presented Him with several temptations.  His every response was with ... yes, Scripture.  The psalmist reveals the best reason to "hide" God's words within the heart -- "that I might not sin against Thee." (Psalm 119:11).  The fire escape from sin is God's words and the power of His Holy Spirit to obey. The "fiery darts" of Satan are fierce and usually right-on-target, but the Power of God's words and His Spirit provide all we need overcome bowing to the idol of me-myself-I.  Overcoming temptation may be a challenging climb, but the discipline and effort deliver sweet victory.  At the top, we find the climb to victory was well worth every step!

Attitude of Gratitude

A little gratitude-practice does a heart good!  "Thank you, LORD, for the rain, the sunshine, the food, family and friends, the dirty laundry ... the dirty laundry?"

 

God's Word says in Deuteronomy 12:18, "Thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou putteth thine hands unto."  Unless we plan to give up handling dirty laundry, battling traffic, managing on a shoestring budget, or playing weekend plumber, we best learn to rejoice 'cause life is sometimes filled more with the bad and the ugly than the good.  More simply, "Be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)  No if's, and's, or but's -- just be thankful.  Apply an attitude-of-gratitude in all things!

 

Thou that hast given so much to me – Give one thing more, a grateful heart

Not thankful when it pleaseth me – As if thy blessings had spare days

But such a heart, whose pulse may be Thy praise.  -- G. Herbert

The Sweetest Free

There are memories we cherish and others we’d just as soon forget.  Many years ago, a waiter tilted his tray as he rounded the corner, and the tossed salad he carried landed on top of my head.  The small restaurant was otherwise deathly quiet except for one man who howled in laughter.  Yes, he was sitting across the table from me!

 

The free gift of God’s Salvation to “whoever believes” resounds in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Free is an interesting concept as we consider things such as fine print, shipping and handling, time and effort. All things considered, “free” becomes very relative.  Mr. Bill, the laughing man across the table, commented on the [subsequent] "free" dinner we received and I quickly corrected him -- "Our dinner was not free -- I paid dearly for it!"  God’s mercy, compassion, and grace are deeply rooted in His immeasurable and abiding love for man.  His gift of salvation is indeed free to all, but it came at great cost to Him.  Paul spoke of this in 1 Corinthians when he wrote, “you were bought with a price ...” (6:19).  Let us delight in God's free gift and never forget His free and amazing grace, but never forget every drop of Jesus’ unblemished (sinless) blood paid our sin-debt in-full.  Free is sweet, and in most cases, we return for more.  The free and abundant Grace of God is sweetest and immeasurable.  As Eliza Hewitt wrote, More, more, more about Jesus - More, more, more about Jesus -- More of His saving fullness see -- More of His Love Who died for me!  That free is the greatest of all

See and Know

Have you ever had to do a double-take at something you were looking at?  You thought you saw what you saw, but weren’t real sure.  So you looked a second time, and sho’ nuff – you see’d what you see’d! 

 

When did you last wring your hands in despair?  Fret about an outcome?  Grow anxious and begin to worry?  Those who love the Lord have no cause!  David wrote this amazing sentence in Psalm 9:1, “I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds.”  The next time you can’t sleep or struggle to have a rational thought because of something, instead of counting sheep or watching the clock tick-tock – get a sheet of paper and write down the incredible works of God in your life.  “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” (Psalm 9:1-2).  Look at what you have written down – it is an exercise in thanksgiving and encouragement.  You will see and know what you already see’d and already know’d.  That’s our God!