Everywhere! Everywhere!

You want a good laugh?  Watch the video of Ray Stevens' 1997 hit song, "Santa Claus Is Watching You" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mER2fGuSqF8. The song made famous the line, "He's everywhere! He's everywhere!"  Psalm 139:7 asks a seriously life-relevant question: where can I go from God's Presence?  The psalmist, David, doesn't leave us guessing: in heaven, God is there ... in hell, He is there ... in the wings of the dawn, He is there ... in the remotest parts of the sea, He is there ... in the darkness and in the light, God is also present. (Psalm 139:8-12).  It couldn't be better stated, "He's everywhere! He's everywhere!" and there's nothing humorous about it! Furthermore, God is immanent: we don't have to go distances to find Him: He is in everything, above all things, outside of all things and inside all things. A. W. Tozer writes, "God is above, but He's not pushed up. He is inside, but He's not confined. He is outside, but He's not excluded ... That is the immanence of God." Quite simply and matter of factually, He is everywhere; it's impossible to think of a place where God is not. I don't know about you, but I find this characteristic of Almighty God a great and sustaining comfort.  He's Everywhere! Everywhere!

Thanks for being such a faithful MWB friend.  I am having knee surgery Tuesday 10-30, so I'll be away for a bit. Blessings and Smiles for-a-while.

The Cautious Traveler

As the leaves begin to turn colors, lots of folks take to-the-road to see the lovely fall colors.  But who wants to drive - the driver can't see the leaves; he has to watch the road!  Christians have excellent directions for travel:  "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersover thou goest." (Joshua 1:9).  Whether the road is smooth or rough, the directions do not vary -- be strong, do not be afraid or discouraged, God is with us.  These words were not written just for the traveler who has lots of frequent-flyer miles, silk suits, and an unlimited expense account. They were given to normal folks who [too] struggle in the trenches with not enough time, money, patience, and stamina to go it alone. M.A. Kelty writes, "Watch your way then, as a cautious traveler; and don't be gazing at that mountain or river in the distance, and say, 'How shall I ever get over them, but keep to the present little inch that is before you, and accomplish that in the little moment that belongs to it."  The Holy Spirit Who indwells the Believer provides all-power for every moment.  We must not watch the road but keep our eyes on the Driver Who knows the road - every bump, curve and ditch! It's the cautious way to travel!

Bonds of Love

Living with four males, it's crazy some of the [otherwise useless] things I know: [like] how shotgun shells are made or that Australia has the most venomous snakes in the world or that braided line is best to catch big fish. Speaking of His people, God said, "I led them gently with cords of a man, with bonds of love [guiding them], and I was to them as one who lifts up and eases the yoke over their jaws; and I bent down to them and fed them." (Hosea 11:4). What a beautiful image of a father who with great love and care provides for and guides his children; not only that, he uses "bonds of love." Both Hebrew words - cords and bonds - refer to something intensely strong (stronger than braided line), interwoven for greatest strength. We know well the harshness of this world as well as our tendencies to wander-drift away from The Father, bringing about great sorrows. To those who love and trust Him, God promises to take us in His arms, heal us and ease the weight of our burdens (V.3). Furthermore, He says, "All My compassions are kindled together." (V.8). Oh, how kind and loving and faithful God is! Be consoled and be encouraged by The Father's bonds of love.

Take Him Back

A basic rule of bartering is to barter or trade for something useful or needed. Because he already possesses it, it makes little sense why a corn farmer would barter for corn. It's quite curious why so many Christians who possess God's great Good - Jesus Christ - trade for "better" things. That is what sells books and magazines, and lines the pockets and pride of false teachers who sell their secrets to "living a fulfilling life." Psalm 16:4 says, "The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied." Sadly, many Christians have indeed multiplied their sorrows; Evangelist Cathy described it as "plowing water." God - through His servant David - said, "The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup." (Psalm 16:5). God's "cup" is the perfect design and size, and its portion sustained always by God Himself. I like the beautiful image of a cup not of my own choosing but a cup (life and its circumstances) by God's perfect, unique design. Furthermore, I needn't rely on myself to maintain its fullness - it's always filled according to His Perfections ... and, continuously! Do you find your sorrows multiplied? Maybe you've bartered away your greatest good - Christ Himself. Take Him back!

The Empty Cup

My Mom and Mr Bill's Mom (Luella) were good friends and when together, they could wear-out a coffee pot! The woe for them was an empty cup. David's psalm of life's portion and death's deliverance is beautiful: "I said to the LORD; 'I have no good besides You.'" (Psalm 16:1). No matter how desperate we may deem our lives, we are [nonetheless] recipients of "good" things - we have air to breathe and life to breathe it.  Furthermore, those who love the LORD God of the Bible have Him! "The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places, indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me ... I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is my right hand, I will not be shaken ... You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever." (V.5-6, 8, 11). Like coffee was for Mom and Lue, a full cup is great joy to the Christian -- all because of Jesus Christ. In Him, there is fullness of life, and our cups are ever full-to-overflowing in every circumstance. So, just how full is your cup?

Live It!

The next time you're breaking down cardboard boxes, consider what one clever entrepreneur did with cardboard: he makes-sells life-size cardboard pictures of kids to parents who want to slow speeding motorists in their neighborhoods. Apparently, the cardboard cut-outs look so much like real children motorists slow-down, making neighborhoods safer. What an idea - why didn't I think of that! What does it take to slow us down: health problems, a broken family, job loss, financial hardship, a catastrophic event?  No doubt, we live in seriously difficult times, and fear that everything is out-of-control rages. Hannah prayed against this way of thought: "The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them ... For by strength no man shall prevail." (1 Samuel 2:6-9)  That is the Biblical worldview! Despite uncertainties, God certainly reigns - is in control!  Why [then] do we struggle so to live in this Truth? God said, "Be still and know that I am God." This is how He is "exalted among the nations ... exalted in the earth!", thus exalted" in our lives. (Psalm 46:10). When Believers stop and [actually] apply-live what they SAY they believe, we see He really is high above all the chaos and confusion. Hold and put-forth that Truth - LIVE IT!

Be Best!

Our First Lady's initiative is the "Be Best" campaign, which encourages positive social, emotional and physical habits of children today. Interestingly, be best is God's command for His children from spiritual re-birth to life's physical end. God has given us the ability to consider and choose and, with this freedom, man chose sin. Oswald Chambers writes, " Sin is a fundamental relationship— it is not wrong doing, but wrong being— it is deliberate and determined independence from God." Now, there's the greatest challenge - more than social, emotional, physical - for Christians today. There's a lot of false beliefs that man can help himself - we're told, just dig a little deeper - to improve and save himself socially, emotionally and physically. Of course, we can make positive choices to be our best but man's best doesn't compare to God's Best: "He made Him Who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is the finished-completed work of Jesus on the cross that gives man God's Righteousness ... Best; it's where we experience His Best not particularly in what we do but who we are! God's Best comes not by striving - continuously battling social, emotional, physical ills (which are with us the rest of this life) - but by resting confidently in what God has already done through His Son. Don't be deceived into settling for your best - embrace His Best by finding who you are because of Christ. Be Best!

Promise-Keeper

Some of the sweetest promises ever made to me were made by little boys in a toy store.  God, however, is the ultimate Promise-Maker!   Because he failed to keep a few, Mr. Bill will give his word but doesn't make promises.  The frailty of man is sharply contrasted by He Who cannot break a promise: "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the Glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20).  The word "amen" means "so be it," so through Christ … so be it!  There's no wiggle room, no ifs-and-or-buts, no maybes, no probablies, no hope-so's, no whatevers – God's promises are forever sealed in Christ for our benefit and to God's Glory.  In a world where lies and deceit are widespread and abundant, what extraordinary solace in Steadfast Words supported by One Who is forevermore Steadfast and Sure.  When we put our trust in Christ, the promises of God are ours and we can know with all Hope (confident expectation) they are real.  I remember well the words and faces of those sweet little promise-makers but sweeter still is The Perfect Promise-Maker. And, even sweeter -- He is the ultimate Promise-Keeper!

Every Promise in The Book is mine – Every chapter, every verse, every line
All are blessings of His Love, divine – Every Promise in The Book is mine

Be Thirsty

My generation grew up watching Wile Coyote desperately try to catch Road Runner. He never did, of course, but it sure was entertaining to watch him try. The psalmist writes of a thirsty soul - thirsty for its Creator, the Living God. (Psalm 42:2). I remember my softball-playing days when in the heat of the day, there seemed be nothing better than a cold Gatorade or cup of ice water. Refreshing! Quenching! Satisfying! Has your soul ever been that thirsty?  "When shall I come and appear before God?" (V.2b). Don't you feel the writer's urgency to be in God's Presence? My pastor suggested recently too many Christians ask the wrong question: instead of asking "how close to the world can I live [and still get to heaven]," we should ask "how close can I get to God?" Pastor Tim says, "we live in desperate times but God's people aren't desperate." In God's Presence, there is refreshment, there is soul-quenching, there is complete satisfaction such as the world does not know nor can supply. Be thirsty!

No Tracks

Tracking a wounded animal is [apparently] a skill. Mr. Bill's been called on several times over the years to assist in following an animal's trail. Even sin of which we've confessed and repented can leave a trail. The Puritan prayed, "Annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness." How wonderful to know forgiveness and the freedom it brings! We struggle, however, at a sin's clinging shred - a trail so-to-speak - by which we are led right back into its grip. Romans 8:13 tells us "through the Holy Spirit we mortify the deeds of the body." Yeah, there's the struggle! Few Christians (I fear) take seriously the annihilation of sins' lures - serious enough they are attentive to sin's tracks. "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:14). If you're tempted to watch trashy movies, cancel your movie channels; if you're tempted to read seedy magazines or novels, stop buying magazines or novels; if your friends are leading you to go places you shouldn't, change the crowd you hang with.  Sound radical?  Desperate times call for desperate measures; only radical living helps annihilate sin in our lives.  It's the only way to turn your road-to-ruin into the road-to-life.  Only Christ forgives sin but each Christian has a responsibility to recognize and (by Grace) resist a sin's lure.  Are you tracking your sin?  If so, be alert - be vigilant - be watchful - let sin leave no tracks.

Firm Foundation

Wouldn't you agree foundations are important? Ask any builder, then be prepared for a lecture on just how important they are!  The powerful impact of a CAT4 hurricane certainly makes everyone consider the stability of man-made structures, and seek safety elsewhere. God says, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will be clearly shown [for what it is]; for the day [of judgment] will disclose it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality and character and worth of each person's work." (1 Corinthians 3:11-13). Oh, at the faulty foundations on which many have settled their lives. Like whimsical sand castles on the shore, lives built on fanciful notions and feel-good philosophies are destined to unpleasant ruin. This is not so for those who have a "foundations, whose designer and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). What about your foundation? Is it built on The One impervious to the storm surges of life? Christ is The Firm Foundation - make sure He is yours.

Think Rightly

One thing I've come to believe: to hear is a gift, but to listen is an art. Each of us know what it is to hear words without hearing what the words are; in truth, this hearing-without-listening is nothing more than background noise. As I listen in today's culture, I'm bothered by what I do not hear: prayers offered to "God" without any mention of Jesus, the Mediator; thankfulness expressed without reference to whom to be thankful; and, a general and generic divine praise offered. After an email conversation with a friend struggling from the effects of Hurricane Florence, I pulled a book from my shelf: The Knowledge Of The Holy. In a prayer at the beginning of his book, Tozer writes, "They that know Thee not may call upon Thee as other than Thou art, and so worship not Thee but a creature of their own fancy ..." Oh my, how we have misunderstood The God of the prophets and the apostles; yes, the God of the Bible! God isn't one of our own making - one that suits our own idea. When we do not think rightly of God, we are unable to trust rightly in Him as the All-Sufficient One for every need and care of life. Perhaps your concept of The Hole One isn't what it should be, and the misconception plays out in struggles to trust Him completely. It's [way-past] time Christians begin to think rightly about The God of the Bible. Open God's Word and listen to Him reveal Himself as He truly is!

Re-Focus

To Mr. Bill's credit, we have a beautiful stand of grass in the front yard; everyone who walks on it says so!  Most recently, I've noticed a scattering of webs in the morning dew: spiders!  [Long-time MWB readers know I detest these creatures.]  In Psalm 42, the psalmist refers to a condition of his soul: longing (V.1), thirsty (V.2), in despair and restless (V.5). Doesn't this describe the Christian life? We delight in times of joy and crash in times of struggle. Much like those webs - inconspicuous in the sunshine - we are caught (like an unsuspecting bug) and our souls left longing, thirsting, despairing, restless. Like the psalmist, we need a re-focus: "... Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, and Mount Mizar." (V.6). The writer recalls the Land of Promise where he experienced God's rich graces, abundant and sufficient. Then he speaks to his soul, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? Why have you become restless and disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." (V.11). Perhaps your soul is in that longing-thirsty-despairing-restless condition. Re-focus: see the grass and not the webs. Trust and wait patiently for God [both] in times of joy and times of struggle. He is faithful!

A Path Well-Worn

It's true, as a child I was a bit envious of friends who lived next-door to their grandparents.  Most had a well-worn path between home and that special place where you didn't have to knock; just walk-in and be treated extra-special.  I loved my time with Pop & Granny, Daddy Bill & Nanny and have great memories of those times, but I sure would have loved a well-worn path to them!  "Let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls." (Puritan prayer, Valley of Vision).  Aunt Sue and Uncle Neal lived next door and there was a well-worn path between our house and theirs.  Their door was never locked and I didn't have to knock; there was always a familiar fragrance there, evidence of Aunt Sue in her kitchen.  She was always happy to see me, and always had something good to eat.  In the Father's Presence, I'm always welcome and His Fragrance – well, nothing compares! There, my soul and spirit are fed with a blessedness that doesn't leave me wanting!  Living near the Shepherd - how marvelous!  Hearing The Shepherd's voice - how tender! Following The Shepherd's call - how rich! Is there a path between you and The Shepherd?  Make sure of it, and keep it well-worn!

Engage The Ear

What a challenge to remain silent!  We live in an engaging climate, and [thus] our tongues are often so engaged!  When faced with and surrounded by many who spoke mischievously toward him, David wrote, "I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth .. as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs." (Psalm 38:13-14). There is great wisdom in engaging the listening ear: "silence is rarely misquoted." A. W. Tozer suggests "no man is qualified to speak who has not first listened."  God has so much to say to us - a key reason He commanded "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). It's worth considering: are you listening more than speaking? Let us engage the ear of our hearts above all.

Stop. Listen. Know.

The English vocabulary includes many phrases - some good, some not-so-good. One well-worn phrase among Christians is "God's will." David wrote of the will of God in Psalm 40, "Then I said, "I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart." (V.8).  Oh, yes, we all know how to "delight" - to be greatly pleased - and we know just what greatly pleases us. However, David writes it is doing "God's will" that brings him delight. Knowing God's will isn't simply a vehicle to some great end, i.e. choosing the right vocation or spouse. While choosing wisely (per God's will) is certainly important, it's only a small part of His will. The will of God must be thought of more broadly: God desires Christians to live in such a way we bring honor to Him in everything and every day. David also points to how we know how to do this: "Your law is within my heart." God makes Himself and His will clear when we regularly and faithfully open His Word - not haphazardly or intermittently. Then we become still, and we listen, and we know Who God is and just what His will is. Are you missing God's will for your daily life? Stop - Listen - Know.

Living Upon

It's been forty-plus years but I remember the days of living with and on very little.  Rent was $50 a month for a small place with a washer but no dryer.  There was, however, a trusty clothes line where the backdoor neighbors got a good view of our laundry -- underwear and all! "The Grace which delivers us from Hell also fits us for Heaven. That Grace which cancels our guilt also subdues our corruptions. That Grace which emancipates us from our bondage to sin equally dethrones the tyrant." (Octavius Winslow).  Most of us can look back to a time when we survived on much less.  As we mature as Christians, we encounter the "tyrant" Winslow mentions -- Satan.  He does all we allow to subvert (undermine) living upon the Grace of Christ.  Such has been my ongoing struggle to move beyond God's forgiveness in victory rather than despair.  The guilt of past and fear of future failure must not hinder the Joy of God's rich and perfect Salvation nor His Grace in moments of need.  Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  We do not stand condemned in eternity nor in the present!  Winslow concludes, "We are as much to live upon Christ for sanctification as for pardon and justification."  Truth is, Christians do not live upon so little -- we live upon much -- God's rich and abundant Grace!