Monday, September 30, 2019

Rejoice Always

Garlic powder is one of the staples in my limited inventory of seasonings; it’s not so good when it becomes lumpy.  Throughout New Testament scriptures we read how God uses suffering to strengthen and mature Believers. Paul wrote to the Believers of the Colossian church, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings …” (Colossians 1:24).  There’s the rub: we can acknowledge-accept suffering as part of life but being joyful through it remains a puzzle, a challenge.  When I poured the remaining lumps of garlic powder from the bottle then crushed the lumps between my fingers, an intense fragrance resulted!  We may delight in fresh orange juice or lemonade but there was a pressin’ and a squeezin’ that took place first. In the same way, for unspeakable joy Believer must endeavor to persevere with joy the struggles-difficulties. It is only then we become the aroma of Christ unto God and a delightful trophy-case of Christ in us!  In and by His Grace, let us rejoice always.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Gracious Deal

We all know if-when we commit an offense, there is then a judgment.  Sometimes the judgment is harsh but occasionally, there will be extended mercy. The psalmist knew this! “Deal with Your servant according to Your [gracious] lovingkindness, and teach me Your statues.” (Psalm 119:124, AMP).  The Hebrew word for deal means “do with, fashion, make, produce.” He asked for judgment with a purpose. In other words, the psalmist asked God for a lenient judgment because of God’s love and kindness but also to make His judgment productive – teaching and working out God’s Truth in his life.  Believers must be grateful for a Loving and Kind Father and a Savior in Whose Righteousness we stand before The Righteous Judge!  Our offense (sin and sins) against Holy God is great but God’s Grace is Greater! This is the Most Holy and Righteous Deal given to man by God through His Son, Jesus. What a gracious deal!

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Most Enlightening

As best I can count, we have two night-lights and one light we leave on deliberately all the time. I haven’t even tried to count all the small green-blue-red lights on electronic devices! All these lights have one thing in common: they dispel darkness! The word light appears 218 in Scripture. Interestingly, light appears in the very first chapter [“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light.“ Genesis 1:3], and in the very last chapter [“And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:5]. In its first appearance [Genesis 1:3] light disperses darkness, and at its last appearance (Revelation 22:5) there is no longer a need for that which scatters darkness. One truth on which Believers and non-Believers alike can agree is light rescues from darkness – it illuminates our way.  Jesus said, I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46).  Just as The Creator God’s first act gave physical light to us, so He gave us spiritual light through Jesus His Son. Therefore, “Believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” (John 12:36). Are you a Believer in the True Light – Are you walking in [living by] the Rescuing Light of The Messiah?  It’s the Most Enlightening way of life.

 

Most Enlightening

As best I can count, we have two night-lights and one light we leave on deliberately all the time. I haven’t even tried to count all the small lights on devices such as charging stations, satellite receivers, etc. All these lights have one thing in common: they dispel darkness! The word light appears 218 in Scripture. Interestingly, light appears in the very first chapter [“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light.“ Genesis 1:3], and in the very last chapter [“And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:5]. In its first appearance [Genesis 1:3] light disperses darkness, and at its last appearance (Revelation 22:5) there is no longer a need for that which scatters darkness. One truth on which Believers and non-Believers alike can agree is light rescues from darkness – it illuminates our way.  Jesus said, I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46).  Just as The Creator God’s first act gave physical light to us, so He gave us spiritual light through Jesus His Son. Therefore, “Believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” (John 12:36). Are you a Believer in the True Light – Are you walking in [living by] the Rescuing Light of The Messiah?  It’s the Most Enlightening way of life.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Other World Living

Have you ever heard someone described as having “nerves of steel”? I certainly rest easier in the chair when I know my dentist is not having an especially nerve-shattering day! Believers should be easily mistaken as having unshaken and steady. We know, of course, it’s not veins of ice water that causes calm in chaos for Believers. No, it is other world living: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." (Philippians 1:21-24). Whether her or there, it’s a win-win for Believers! Living here or beyond is Christ. We often hear testimonies of those with impending tragedy and voices of those who faced death with hope and victory. They faced final moments of life in other world living, and they challenge us to live on accordingly. Living in Christ’s eternal hope gives us a very real glimpse of the world to come, and empowers us to endeavor to persevere. With confidence, joy, boldness, courage like “nerves of steel,” let’s live on ... and on ... and on ... and on ... and on ...

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Glory of Gray

Why do we struggle against gray hair so?  God’s Word speaks highly of those who have lived many days: “The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” (Proverbs 20:29).  How tragic aged men and women are often the forgotten generation, seen as costly and burdensome.   There’s a good ole 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 tomb.  God sure does!

 

Monday, September 23, 2019

Tell 'Em So

The practice of “journaling” involves keeping a diary (journal) of facts-thoughts-feelings surrounding a life-event or particular topic.  Some people choose to do this in a scrapbooking way. What about a “prayer” journal?  Not sure Apostle Paul thought of a prayer journal, but he wrote of focused prayer: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, continually mentioning you in our prayers; recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith, and your service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).  Paul was thankful for the Thessalonian Believers, and he made a habit of speaking of his thankfulness; remembering his friends’ faith, love and hope brought joy to the apostle! Not only that, what encouragement it surely was for the Believers in Thessalonica to hear they were thought-of and prayed-for! What a model for our own prayer lives: [as Believers] we should thank God for one another’s faith-love-hope in Christ. Hebrews 10:24 tells us to “consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another in love and to do good deeds.” Paul’s words to the Thessalonian Believers should be an example to every Believer today: let’s spur one another on to more works of faith-love-hope by telling one another of our prayers for each other! Oh yes … tell ‘em so!

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Your Times

Time. How often have you paused to wonder where does time come from and where does it go? These wonderings usually come to me as I look at pictures of days-gone-by. Since the ancient Egyptians who used shadow clocks to identify day-time and night-time, man has had a fascination with the establishment of and elusiveness of time. Here’s a great Bible truth: time is nothing to God. In Psalm 90:2, Moses prayed, “Before the mountains were born or before You had given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Peter wrote, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8). Think about it: to God Who has no beginning and no end, why would [man’s piddly establishment of] time matter? It’s man’s interest alone in containing time and living within its rule; man invented the limitations of time – God has no such interest. “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). God’s interest is in ordering (establishing, directing) man’s steps all the days of life! The Creator of the universe wants to Rule all your days and ways and times! Will you let Him?

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Shining Lining

You know I’m partial to the “smile.” It’s been said it takes more muscles to frown than smile but, in truth, no one actually knows a definitive number! People don’t even have the same number of facial muscles, and some smiles are broader and wider than others. I suggest the Believer has the greater and more genuine cause to smile because the smile begins in the heart – a “shining lining” radiating from deep within. Enjoy this borrowed blessing!

 

"Shining Linings" by J. T. Bolding

Some garments have linings of silver – While others have linings of gold

And some are of fleece or of flannel – With colors, light, drab, bright or bold

Some linings are used for sheer beauty – While some are for warmth, I am told

Some serve to give shape to the garment – And some help to keep out the cold

Has Jesus been filling your life's way – With blessings so wondrously fair

And fitting the burdens you carry – To you with His infinite care

That others may know of His blessings – Bestowed upon you every mile

Just flash out the happiest linings – And let them show through in your smile

 

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Different Kind Of Grace

The older me moves – even drives – at a slower pace.  Simply driving the posted speed limits gets me lots of unwelcome attention: bumper-riding, yellow-line-passing vehicles, blaring horns and not-so-nice “hand signals.” Apostle Paul begins many of his New Testament letters with the salutation, “grace be unto you.” Our English word means “courteous goodwill” – I am certain I see little of THAT on the road!  The Greek meaning of “grace” is much more profound: joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness. What a significant difference in the English and Greek definitions! Let me continue Paul’s greeting: “grace be unto you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ(1 Thessalonians 1:1). Grace offered in God and Christ Jesus makes all the difference – it’s a different kind of grace; it’s not a man-manufactured grace – one that changes with how we feel or how busy our day is, money or lack of it, health, relationships, etc. Such grace as Paul writes of is rooted in Christ Jesus “by Whom we have access to faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2). This amazing, eternal, saving grace makes Believers the “aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15) both to God and to the world around us. In my slower-paced life, I’m learning to be gracious [in thought and deed] just as God has been and is gracious to me in Salvation and growing in righteousness. If you see me on the road and I’m leading an impromptu  “parade,” remember the joy-delight-sweetness-loveliness of God’s Grace. May such Grace guide our days!

Monday, September 16, 2019

What A Day!

Special days -- we all look forward to them. There are some special days drawing near in our family: my boys’ birthdays and two of the Grands’, The days are marked on the calendar and excitement in the air! Have you ever wondered, "When can I stop thinking about holiness?"  It's just so "human" to think we can put “be holy” on a to-do list like unload the dishwasher, fold towels, pay bills or mow grass.  Uh, that's not the way it works!  God said, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45b).  That is the God-ordained purpose of every Believer.  To be healthy and happy are worthy goals, of course, but it is not our ultimate goal -- it is, however, our design to be holy.  And being holy is a full-time job – gee, thanks, Satan!  He dogs our flesh day-after-day causing us to think, speak, and behave unholy.  Righteousness (holiness) is the ever eternal-constant-unchanging nature of Almighty God, but it is not our nature.  Therein lies the pursuit that "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).  We are instructed to pursue holiness because "without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14). Certainly, being holy (like Jesus) must be on our to-do list, but we only get to check-it-off and mark-it-done when we Jesus face-to-face.  Oh, what a day that will be!

 

Sunday, September 15, 2019

I AM Is

There are certain principles of life that depend not on our belief in them: gravity, for example, cares not a twitch if you accept it – it operates autonomously – it is what it is. Perhaps you’re at the end of your day or just beginning it, on your way to work or already there, enjoying a few moments of quiet or busily managing home or classroom – wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, God IS. He said, “I, I am the LORD, and besides Me, there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11). Known as “I AM Who I AM” of the Bible – Elohim – The One True God declares Himself continuously in the beauty of His creation but most perfectly in His Son, Jesus Christ. “God, rich in Mercy, because of the Great Love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our sin, made us Alive together with Christ – by Grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5). Of course, not everyone believes in and acknowledges the Great I AM nor do they accept Jesus nor call on Him for Salvation or forgiveness. Nevertheless – Yet – However – Still – Albeit – this Truth remains! If you took just one breath this day, you received I AM’s Goodness – Mercy – Love.  Take care to declared and live within life’s most fundamental principle: I AM is.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Wait Patiently

My Mom wasn’t a very patient person, and neither was her father. Pretty much, if they needed something or needed something done, they’d just do it themselves. Well, guess what: I inherited that impatience!  Waiting on God is one of the hardest things we do as Believers. The word “wait” is used 106 times in Scripture; a study of the differing Hebrew words for “wait” reveal something common meaning – be watchful with expectation. Last night, my Pastor made this statement: “The hardest Person to get along with in the Church is God – He’s also the easiest Person to get along with.” Living within Scriptural parameters and according to Jesus’ teaching, friendship with God goes well; to live otherwise, we are not at peace with God.  When God seems quiet in our lives, it doesn’t mean He’s not there; rather, it may signal a time of waiting.  Those times are not meant as a spiritual DYI (do it yourself). The times of waiting are typically difficult, however, the results are times of glory revealed in God’s perfections in us.  “Wait for and expect the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you.” (Psalm 37:34). DYI may be trendy if you’re re-doing a piece of furniture; not so with regard to what God wants to perfect – make holy and complete – in our spiritual lives. Yes, it takes “practice” – practice patience.  Wait patiently on God!

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Everyday Celebration

Did you know there is a nationally dedicated day for Random Acts of Kindness?  On February 17 each year groups, organizations and individuals celebrate by doing random acts of kindness. Truth is, kindness needs no itinerary!  Ministering to others through everyday opportunities should be the Believer’s way of life!  Of course, special days of awareness and reminders are great, however, those who genuinely follow Jesus’ example and teachings should live a lifestyle of kindness!  Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14).  From this passage, Oswald Chambers noted: “Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else.” Furthermore, Godly kindness isn’t random – accidental, haphazard, arbitrary – oh, no; it’s unplanned and unmeasured. There’s a fullness of Godly Grace in every act in every circumstance!  I love this quote: “Christianity is not a way of doing certain things – it’s a certain way of doing all things.” Yes, by all means, celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day but celebrate it and find joy in it every day! Kindness is an everyday celebration.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Vertical Living

Tell me, please, if you’ve discovered how to run a copier without paper or a car without gas. How silly, you say! True, yet countless numbers of Believers attempt to have good earthly relationships without a proper relationship with The Father. When asked what was the one greatest commandment, Jesus gave two: “The most important is The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31). Not only did Jesus identify the principle of relationships, He identified the proper order of them! Paul David Tripp writes, “We can know the true joys of human love only if love for God first rules our hearts.” A right vertical relationship (with God through Christ) must be the foundation of all our horizontal relationships (with others). Never imagine an earthly relationship will do what only a godly-divine-heavenly-spiritual relationship will do: God is Perfect, people are not. Take care to live-out the greatest commands and in proper order.  Live vertically!

Monday, September 9, 2019

Plain Path

Plain is good for me.  My colleagues used to laugh at my "plain" computer desktop – no colors, no screen savers, no background, only a few icons. Maybe it's because I'm easily distracted or confused, but plain is works for me. For God's Children, the plain path is good.  Psalm 27:11 says, "Teach

me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies." The Hebrew word for "plain" is "straight."  Think of how often ... and

easily ... we are lured away from God's protective Shadow and directive Hand by the world's lavish calls.  Yes, we are easily distracted by evil's

brilliance and luster.  Oh, how we need the plain, the straight as pointed to by God's Hand -- directed to the righteousness He desires in our lives. Plain ... nothing alluring, nothing distracting -- a plain, straight path on which to travel.  Plain really works best for us all!

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Know Things

Perhaps one reason we’ve lost our sense of wonder today is because answers no longer elude us: if you have an electronic device, you have answers!  Then, of course, there’s Mr Bill who responds to my how-do-you-know-that question with a confident , “I know things.”  Psalm 23 begins with a statement of five words that should be enough: “The LORD is my shepherd.” Although gentle and fluffy, sheep aren’t known for their intelligence. Nonetheless, they know things about their shepherd. They knowingly trust him to care for their every need. A shepherd himself, David knew the characteristics of God as Shepherd! He understood by following (being led by) The Shepherd, he would be completely cared for; rest, peace, restoration, righteousness, protection, courage, preservation, provision, healing, joy, goodness and mercy were his “all the days” of life (V.1-6). David knew things! Do you confidently know these things? Know The Shepherd and … know things.

Friday, September 6, 2019

True Light

Do you remember watching the television series “Tarzan”?  I do!  What I remember most are the episodes where someone became trapped – even to their death – in quicksand. Of course, Tarzan rescued his fair share of victims from the deadly jungle menace! Satan has cleverly devised a modern-day quicksand: light.  Yes, light. How can such a “good” thing, a “positive” thing, an “encouraging” thing be harmful? Let’s look to the Truth of God’s Word: “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) – “The devil [Satan] prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) – “He [Satan] is a liar, and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) – “As the serpent [Satan] deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray.” (2 Corinthians 11:3).  In truth, light may not be what it seems; light may not be true light. Interestingly, science has exposed something about that jungle quicksand: it’s actually impossible for a human to be completely submerged in quicksand; however, it remains deadly because it has the ability to trap and hold unsuspecting victims. In similar fashion, Satan’s lies about light can deceive, mislead – trap and hold – unsuspecting victims actually leading into and leaving them in great and deadly darkness. “Be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8) – “The Son of God [Jesus] appeared to destroy the works of the devil [Satan].” (1 John 3:8) – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil [Satan], and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) – “Give no opportunity to the devil [Satan]. (Ephesians 4:7) – “’Get thee behind me, Satan; you are a hindrance to me.’” (Matthew 16:23). True Light is not the enemy: Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12). Oh, how I pray for those who have become trapped in and held by Satan’s deadly light. May Believers and Followers of Christ be His little Lights to the darkened world around us. Let us faithfully and boldly hold to and shine God’s True Light!

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Be Real

Don't you remember the old Coke slogan: "It's the Real Thing"? If you really think about that, you hear the serious message -- accept no fakes, no imitations, no phonies.  Authenticity is beyond compare: real vanilla, real pearls, real fur, real diamonds, real macaroni and cheese! Anything other than real ... is not authentic and of less value. God wants us to be real!  Real honest, real sincere, real compassionate, real moral, real ... His.  Spending time daily in God’s Word – the Real Truth – is essential to being an authentic Christian.  So, let's ... be real!

 

Am I really real, Lord? Does it matter what I do?

Can those around me – Look and see the real You?

Do I walk in Jesus' footsteps? Do I follow where He leads?

Is my life lived as a sower? Do I plant my share of seeds?

Am I really real, Lord? Are you proud of me today?

Are my actions true and honest? Do I mean the things I say?

Lord, if I am not real – Show me what to do.

To make my life authentic – Because I want to be like You.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

No Secret

Have you ever had a “secret” admirer?  If so, I imagine you found it rather exciting or otherwise creepy!  Of one thing we can be sure: God is not a secret Admirer – Scripture confirms this: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5).  The Mighty Creator – Almighty God – is mindful of you and me! Furthermore, we know “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). This is precisely how God showed us the depth of His love for us.  These are not the actions of a secret admirer! Oh, no! God loves us, and continues to show His deep affection as we are in relationship with Christ Jesus. Make no mistake – God’s love for us is no secret!