Be and Do

It’s mind-boggling what a huge difference little words can make; just think about the immeasurable difference between “yes” and “no.”  Scripture is full of doing words: go, teach, study, etc.  The more central to a truly devoted Christian life, however, is the being word – “be.”  Psalm 103:14 reminds us who we are “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14).  And, because of our faith in Christ, “God credits righteousness apart from the works he does … whose sins are covered up and completely buried.” (Romans 4:6-7).  Understand this: we are nothing more than dust but in Christ Jesus we are everything “to be envied” (V.7).  Noticeable, God never said do holy things but be holy because I [the Lord your God] am holy; be as God is.  When we are, we will be.  Just last night I heard a teacher summarize what the world wrongly hears from the Church: do more and try harder. Doing without being does little more than wear us out!  [Take your place in this line right behind me.]  In contrast, when we focus on being what God wants us to be, an amazing amount of joy and peace and contentment and rest come in our doing. I encourage you – and me – to put the [proverbial] cart behind the horse [where it should be], and be what we should be spiritually then we will do what we should do to the glory of The Father.  Two little words – be and do – will change our lives!

Boundaries

In the middle of my oven right now are a couple spots left from something that spilled over the sides of a pan; yeah, I know – my oven needs cleaning.  Spill-overs are rampant in our society, and it’s a worldwide problem.  News flash – this is nothing new!  “Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing?” (Psalm 2:1).  Jehovah – the God of Order – is not the author of such world chaos.  Actually, “He Who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them.” (V.4).  He doesn’t laugh at the unrest and misery; no, He laughs at the arrogance of man in ruling in his own wisdom and counsel in matters already fixed in God’s Order of life.  Just like a pan gives certain confinement to whatever it holds, God gives boundaries to His established Order for the well-being and peacefulness of governments and personal lives.  When we choose to live outside those boundaries, the spill-over creates a terrible mess.  “How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” (V.12).  There is great blessings in living within limits set by God’s Order; it isn’t oppressive – oh, no!  It brings great freedom and peace this world has yet to know.  Let us wisely consider God’s rule of order and diligently seek to live within them. 

Heart Hum

Do you remember seeing a Hummer for the first time?  My baby sister drove a bright red one for years. I distinctly remember watching her park that thing ‘bout anywhere she pleased, in whatever way she pleased: she said, “nobody’s gonna hit this thing unless they want to tear up their car!”  What do you do when you lose your Joy?  Often it slips away and we’re not sure how or why – we just know it’s missing.  People without Christ will not know about this, but Believers do! We should know when Joy has escaped and know well the dark moments for the soul that follow. David asked God to “restore to me the  Joy of Your Salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12).  Oh, how I love this next part of the prayer: “O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.” (V. 15).  A man with a plan!  In my life, Joy usually shows Itself in a particular and unconscious way: I find myself … humming.  It’s that song in the heart that finds its way to my lips.  I’ve concluded, therefore, if my heart is a’hummin’ most likely my lips will be involved.  Ask yourself: do I have a heart hum?  If not, get one!  Then, be a’hummin’.

Stability of Heart

Stability seems to be the ultimate intent toward the building of our new porch: it’s been a mix of building codes and proper implementation.  Constancy of one’s heart is much desired in this life of constant change.  Is there anything stable, we wonder. “Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is upheld, he will not fear.” (Psalm 112: 1, 7, 8). The truly righteous person knows great blessings but [I suggest] stability of heart is of tremendous benefit.  While it may not be so obvious to others, its truest treasure is immeasurable to him whose heart is fixed on Christ Jesus. The stability (or instability) is played out each day in passing of moments.  Hearts stabilized provided by the Rock of Ages isn’t easily rocked or shaken though life gives way.  So, how stable is your heart? 

Don't Wait

How many times have we observed the backside of an opportunity – a moment passed, never to be regained.  I distinctly recall only two times when in God's mercy I was given a second chance at something.  I'm sure you will agree, those times are almost unheard of and rare indeed!  The following passage reminds us time is precious, and how we must be good stewards of the time God gives us.

 

Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss a suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter to someone who misses you.

Encourage a youth who has lost his faith. Keep a promise. Forget an old grudge. Examine your demands on others.

Fight for a principle. Express your gratitude. Overcome an old fear. Take time to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Give God the praise. Tell someone you love them. Tell them again, and again, and again. (Author Unknown)

 

Don't wait another day -- today is rich in opportunities. 

Joy Promised

Do you know the sound of an acorn when it falls on a metal roof?  Whew – it’s loud!  The sound reminds me of coming Fall and Winter, when leaves turn and turn loose, hummingbirds fly south, and yes, acorns fall. In the dead cold of Winter, we imagine the coming Spring when leaves return to the trees and birds build new nests for their young.  Oddly enough, although the Chaldeans were threatening to overtake Jerusalem, God told Jeremiah to buy land [which he did].  Hear God’s declaration: “For thus says the LORD, ‘Just as I brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them. Fields will be bought in this land of which you say, “It is a desolation, without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” … I will restore their fortunes,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 32:42-44).  With God, no situation or circumstance, is hopeless. He is our Hope – not wishfulness but confident expectation. It is He Who makes promises and keeps them!  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23).  As God surely keeps His promises, He says, “I will rejoice over them to do them good … with all My heart and with all My soul.” (V.41).  God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and those times are tough but repentant souls will once again know joy - as promised.  Perhaps you're in a wintry season right now: do not despair. Hope with joy is promised!

Who and Whose

Even if I tried, I could not change my DNA – I am who I am; nor could I change my ancestry – I am the daughter of my father and mother, I am the sister of my sisters.  The same is true of those who are born again – and those who are not.  Those who have accepted God’s Gift of Jesus have been given a new nature and a new heart; they [now] have a new Father. In contrast, those who remain without Christ continue in the same [sinful] nature and have a different father.  Proverbs 21:2 says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”  God sees each person not as we appear but as we are.  He knows me by heart; He sees the real me.  Who I am is known to the One Who created me both physically and spiritually.  Furthermore, I’m a delightful possession to Him: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the Excellencies of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9).  Wow and wow!  I am deeply grateful for my ancestry; more so, however, I am eternally grateful  for who and whose I am.  Because of Christ, it's not how I see myself but how The Father knows me!  I am His and He is mine!

Glory of Gray

Why do we struggle against gray hair so?  God’s Word speaks highly of those who have already walked where we are walking: “The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” (Proverbs 20:29).  I's sad that the aged man and women have are often the forgotten generation, and often seen as costly and burdensome.   Now, here’s a good southern word for that: hogwash! “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” (Psalm 92:14).  If we truly believe God creates and sustains life, we are confident He also preserves life with purpose till the end [of life].  When was the last time you just sat and listened to one in his or her senior years?  Those years are upon Mr. Bill and I, and it's an exciting season, full of new opportunities as to grow and serve.  Of course, the challenges are different but - same God, same Grace!  Physical strength and stamina may wane but life experiences provide wisdom and understanding which is not to be hoarded but rather to be shared with those who are walking similar paths in their youth.  What a wonderful blessing it has been [even now] to sit with and hear life-stories richly dotted with life-lessons from those older than myself. This world may press to ease out the aged but God sustains them to fulfill His purpose until last breath: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16).  Let us be careful to honor life - from womb to the grave.  God does!

Sweet Times

Out-of-square: I’ve learned that builder’s term as Mr. Bill has a little remodeling the last few yeas.  Apparently, it is not uncommon for a structure to become out-of-square as it settles, but it can also be the result of something poorly built. Psalm 127 begins, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (V.1).  God left nothing to chance as He gave instructions both for the wilderness tabernacle and the temple built in Jerusalem.  God's most precious dwelling place would become man's heart through the finished work of Jesus on Calvary!  Nonetheless, “We know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (1 Corinthians 5:1).  Can anyone imagine such a building!  Actually, we cannot: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Those who truly love God and who make their lifestyle one of obedience have much to anticipate in eternity.  My Mom’s already there so heaven's a little sweeter but truly the sweetest part is to finally see face-to-face the Master Builder.  "Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His Face - There to sing forever of His saving grace - On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice - Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice." (Rufus H. Cornelius, 1916).  Sweet times ahead!

No Fear - No Dread

Fear and dread – dread and fear: such is the drum-beat of so many lives.  The daily news screams of calamities that threaten all peace – calm of physical and soul safety.  This is nothing new, and neither is true Comfort: “The LORD is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The LORD is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, AMP).  David’s rhetorical questions speak of a Sure Confidence and Comfort found only in One.  Furthermore, “You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My Presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face [Your Presence], Lord, will I seek inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word.].” (V.8, AMP).  A few months ago, I heard a world-renown expert on nuclear disaster and terrorism speak; when asked what practical steps Christians could do to prepare for potential dangers, his answer was surprising: “Read, meditate and memorize Scripture.”  An unexpected answer but what wisdom!  Unbridled fear and dread typically cause us to seek answers and help in people and things other than the One True God.  Edward Mote’s strong and confident words resonate in Believers’ hearts: “His oath, His covenant and blood – Support me in the whelming flood – When all around my soul gives way – He then is all my Hope and Stay.”  In Christ alone – the Solid Rock – no fear, no dread.  Amen … so be it, Lord.

Learn of Him

Teachers dearly love it when students are teachable.  Imagine what a challenge it is to teach a student who either has no interest in learning or one who seems to know all he needs to know.  The Christian who approaches God must do so in great humility.  Hear the eagerness in David’s words: “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me …” (Psalm 25:4-5a, AMP).  Not only he express his humility, he states God’s Credentials as Teacher: “… for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5b, AMP).  When we go about our day with little-to-no thought to reading God’s Word or time in prayer, well … just really how teachable are we?  Just as a student enters a classroom ready-and-willing for instruction, so must every Believer go before The Father seeking to learn His ways and by God’s grace persevere to walk in them.  So, the serious question is this: just how genuinely teachable? Do I live as though I know it all?  Only you – only I – can answer these questions.  Only you – only I – can do what is necessary to learn of Him.  Selah [pause and think of that!]

Habitation

Uninhabitable!  That word [no doubt] is heard by many about their homes along the destructive path of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  Sadly, there are many Christian hearts uninhabitable by Holy God because of sin.  Among many afflictions of sin is the loss of intimate fellowship with The Father.  The psalmists of Psalm 84 declared, “How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts.” (V.1). God intends man’s heart to be His dwelling place; how do we maintain a habitable place for Him?   “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:9-11).  God’s grace strengthens every Believer who diligently seeks to keep his or her heart habitable for The King.  Will you determine today to keep your heart a worthy and fit habitation for the Lord?  It’s where He truly longs to dwell! 

The Rock

Storms often leave tracks.  As I walked onto the front porch this morning, there was indeed evidence of Irma’s trek through the neighborhood.  The challenges of life leave tracks as well, and sometimes those tracks hurt.  The pain typically reminds us of past or present pain.  The hymn, “The Solid Rock,” played over-and-over in my mind this morning: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Blood and Righteousness – I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name – On Christ the solid Rock I stand – All other ground is sinking sand – All other ground is sinking sand.  In times when even standing is a challenge, stand in Christ Alone.  Jesus didn’t just weather the storms – He calmed them: “Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 3:39).   Jesus’ words were not spoken without full authority to command peace and full power to create stillness.  He’s the Rock that is higher than I – the Rock upon which I stand.  All other rocks are as sinking sand.  On what rock do you stand?

Sing!

The wind has been tumultuous today thanks to Hurricane Irma.  Everyone I know had prepared for the wind by putting away what wasn’t nailed down!  It’s good to have anchors – steady people and things – in life; unfortunately, much like front porch chairs unsecured in heavy wind, these anchors are temporal. David wrote, “My soul is steadfast, O God!” (Psalm 108:1).  How can we be so sure of a steadfast heart in an ever-shifting world?  Because the Steadfast Love of the LORD never ceases … His Mercies never come to an end … Great is His Faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Have you reached the end of your rope? … Is your outlook gloomy? … Has life wearied you to despair? … Are you faint of heart?  Sing!  Sing deliberately, “My soul is Steadfast, O God … I will sing and make melody with all my being … For Your Steadfast Love is Great above the heavens; Your Faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” (108:1, 4).  It is God alone Who anchors the soul.  In amazingly peaceful times, sing!  In tumultuous times, sing!  Let your soul sing!

The Harvest

A farmer I am not, but I’m fairly sure any kind of harvest begins with seeds.  Just like there are no shortcuts to a good harvest, there are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity.  Experience is indeed a good teacher, but nothing replaces time spent in and the study of God’s Word.  “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of God.” (2 Timothy 2:15).  One translation says, “Be diligent to study.”  Consider the things we make ourselves do – setting our minds to the task – yet we neglect sitting down in a quiet place and opening the Bible.  Hmmm.  Every moment dedicated to reading Scripture is an investment towards a heart established in God Himself.  While there are countless ways to teach and inspire us, nothing – absolutely nothing – takes the place of Scripture.  The diligence to study is a personal discipline, and it’s a genuine challenge to set aside distractions and make (keep) it a priority.  Nonetheless, the harvest is sweet and sure to those who are faithful.  There’s no better time than right now – today – to begin working on that harvest.  Plant some seeds – get in The Word!

Listen to Your Soul

We’ve heard it said we are what we eat; the same is true of we are what we want.  What we want inside will be apparent by the things we pursue and hold dear.  Jesus said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37).  This truth reveals much about us: if we don’t love Him with all we are, we love something else more. Our culture encourages idolatry – anything we love more than God.  Funny thing about idols, they are always just out of reach, enticing us to keep reaching.  How foolish how we’re always pressing toward what cannot satisfy.  “’The Lord is my Portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:24).  Ask God today to settle quiet your spirit with His Portion. Your soul knows True Sufficiency – listen to your soul!

Yes, Lord

If you’ve ever been part of something really big, it’s amazing to look back and see how God worked.  It’s interesting [also] to consider what if you had refused to take part.  Such reflection rightly leads to the Sovereignty of God – His being in control.  It is foolish, however, to entertain any thought God’s purpose hinged on our part – not so! “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21).  God will work in spite of us when He cannot work through us.  Oh, how He loves our obedience to submit to His purpose but He is not dependent on our cooperation. His will is supreme and it is a genuine privilege to be part of it.  The joys and blessings of working for His purpose – for His glory alone – are too rich to put into words.  Two little words open the door to experiencing an amazing life: those words … yes, Lord.  Say them and be blessed.

In Focus

It takes a few minutes to bring morning eyes into focus! The same can be said of our focus on the many needs that surround us.  A poor man, a sick woman and a needy friend all approached a rich ruler, each one turned away with only advice to work and earn what they needed.  In contrast, Scripture teaches, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16).  Here is God’s directive to care for one another!  We also learn from 2 Corinthians 9:7 “God loves a cheerful giver” – cheerful [in the Greek] means joyous or prompt to do anything. From these two verses, I conclude my best for God is joyful obedience.  If we’re honest, we don’t always give cheerfully; I’m reminded of something I read – God loves a cheerful giver but He also accepts gifts from a grouch. In the humor of those words, I find a key principle: God always blesses obedience.  When I give – even when cheerfulness is absent – there is both a blessing and a lesson: Through obedient giving I learn the precept of joyful giving.  God uses my obedience to bring into focus the joy of giving! Oh, and did I mention the rewards: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17).  Ask God today to help bring into focus the needs around us and the discipline of obedient giving.  Great are our rewards!

No Walls

There’s lots of talk about building a wall these days J.  One forgotten wall is the one between us and God when we live apart from His precepts.  Just like a literal wall is built brick-by-brick, a spiritual wall is erected sin-by-sin.  Asking God for forgiveness breaks down spiritual walls but we must be faithful to do so.  When we break a commandment and nothing happens, take care the offense is no light thing else the forgotten wall easily becomes a neglected wall. “He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth His ways shall die.” (Proverbs 19:16).  An occasional sin should not be mistaken for a casual sin.  In God’s eyes, sin is sin is sin, and all who sin are in need of forgiveness.  Instead of building walls, may we seek to break down walls through confession and forgiveness.