God of All

Many of us grew up watching "The Wizard of Oz." For me, it was always an anticipated event but that wizard was a scary one! Like Dorothy, Job had questions, and I suspect (like Dorothy) Job was unprepared for God's response. "Brace yourself ... I will question you, and you shall answer Me." (Job 38:3). God then probes Job's deepest beliefs about The Creator leaving Job quite speechless: "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? ... Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn its place? ... Does the rain have a father - who fathers the drops of dew? ... Who has wisdom to count the clouds? ... Do you give the horse its strength?" (from Job 38-39). The echo of Job's silence is reverberating! Perhaps the most basic concept every Believer must come to terms with is what they truly believe about The God of the universe. Scripture's most knowledgeable and wisest king said this: "LORD, The God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below - You Who keep Your covenant of Love with Your servants who continue wholeheartedly in Your way." (1 Kings 8:23). Unlike the fictional wizard of fictional Oz, God is real and All-Powerful and completely committed in His Love and Devotion to those who put their trust in Him. God's response to Job is a beautiful affirmation of God's power which He wields in all heaven and earth for us.  Why not trust in The One Who is God of all!

Waiting Hearts

The Queen's royal guards are known worldwide for their bearskin hats and strict discipline. They are trained to stand still for two hours at a time - no bathroom breaks and absolutely no smiling! David wrote of an unfailing trust in The LORD in spite of his enemies and troubled days: "Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, even in this I am confident." (Psalm 27:3). Most will agree, we don't care much for waiting! Living demands action: have a problem, tackle it - you need something, get it fast - got a question, get an answer. This, however, is not always how God works. Instantaneous responses can hinder the most effective results from waiting; David learned this and wrote of it. "I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the Goodness of The LORD in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect The LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect The LORD." (V.13-15). Waiting is like a spiritual greenhouse - a perfect environment for a heart to grow and flourish. What beauty is revealed to the waiting, believing, trusting, expecting heart. Are you waiting on The LORD right now? Don't grow impatient or despair: wait, watch and see what The LORD is doing.

Never Neutral

That "neutral' gear on my car isn't good for much, I've found, except at the car wash. Once in neutral [at the car wash], the tracks drag you along through all sorts of things! The Book of Psalms begins this way: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers." (Psalm 1:1). This verse distinctly describes a person who is anything but neutral! It speaks of one who is decisive and deliberate in choices and action. Pastor Tim made this statement recently: "God is never neutral about anything." We can never say God has no opinion about things - that He is neutral. The worst thing God can do for a Believer is to let us do as we please. The Book of Judges ends with these terrifying words, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25). Imagine it: no boundaries, no direction; instead just sinful man being dragged along through all sorts of things. God says, blessed - fortunate, prosperous, favored by God - is the one who refuses to be neutral but chooses to stand firmly the Righteousness of Christ and His Eternal Word. The attitude of anything-goes cannot be found in Scripture; those who refuse neutrality and embrace God's Truth have their roots in "thus saith The LORD." I suppose I'm glad my car has a neutral gear but I never want to be neutral in my beliefs and lifestyle. I pray God always keeps me in His Holy Way.

Made Sweet

The summer season offers fresh-sweet fruits but it's not always easy to choose the sweetest ones. The fruit may appear beautiful but when you get it home, it may be lacking sweetness. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just make it sweet? In 2 Samuel 23:1, David describes himself as the "sweet psalmist" - what does he mean? We must read deeper: nearing the end of his days, David reflects on his life. He recognizes his simple position as son of Jesse who was raised up on high and anointed of the God of Jacob. In context, David doesn't claim to be a self-made man, a self-made sweetness; no, he sees all he is by way of Jehovah God Who transformed him through a life of tragedy and triumph, loss and gain, chaos and order, danger and safety, sorrow and joy. God had grown David to be the sweet writer for God's people - and, yes, even for us today. I've always been drawn to the life of David because I see so much of my own life-story there. As a writer, how wonderful it would be to be called a "sweet psalmist" but more than anything, as a Believer, to recognize-acknowledge at the end of days it is Jehovah God Who has ordained and sustained the whole journey. Now, that is "sweetness" which cannot be manufactured, rather established [by Godly Grace] within. I pray you are being made sweet by The Savior.

Sick With Love

Although Mister Bill and I no longer have a pet, we remember the days when there was a puppy making our every step - following us around - like a "love-sick puppy." Solomon described himself as being being "sick with love" for his beloved. (Song of Solomon 5:8). There is a sickness of the soul satisfied only by The Savior! It is the deep calling-out for The One Whose deepest riches rescue, forgive and heal. By my own experience I conclude my own lack of sickness for Jesus at times. The psalmist wrote "But for me it is good to be near God" (Psalm 73:28); it seems he had discovered the key to spiritual health. Solomon writes some of the most beautiful words in Scripture: "I found Him Whom my soul loves." (Song of Solomon 3:4). I suppose I've been described [by some] as a "love-sick puppy" myself but may I ever be sick with love for my Jesus. 

Take a Seat

It's probably pretty common to think the teacher knows everything - what a myth! Proverbs 11:25 says, "One who waters will himself be watered." We often think of this verse as it relates to showing kindness to and/or serving others; while it certainly applies, there is another application. I've learned the more I study [to teach] the more God teaches me! I suggest one of the greatest struggles Believers face is a season of spiritual dryness brought about from failure to sit at the well: read and study God's Word. Too many cannot be called disciples because they are not first students! Every born-again Believer - no exceptions - must be a student-learner of God's Word. While being part of a group study is wonderful, it cannot replace personal one-on-one class time with The Teacher Who is always available and perfectly knowledgeable. Jesus said, "The Helper, The Holy Spirit, Whom The Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26). Wow! You see, there's always a place at the well [for those who love Jesus], and The Teacher is waiting to water as He teaches. Take a seat and be watered!

Morning with Beverly will resume Tuesday 08-25

Stay in The Word!

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Good and Pleasant Life

Pleasant things of life appeal to us - they invite return, a coming-back for more of the same. David wrote this of God's people: "How good and pleasant it is when God's people dwell together in unity. It is like precious oil ... the dew of Hermon... for the LORD bestows His blessing, even life forever." (From Psalm 133). Nothing compares to the gathering-assembling of Believers to worship, pray, serve and fellowship.  The Hebrew word "pleasant" translates as delightful, sweet, lovely; to Believers, there should be nothing more appealing! God promises "life" evermore - not the life that can be taken away by illness or disease but the kind of life that sustains the spirit through refreshment and renewal. Those who desire this life have an appetite for and a yearning to be in the assembly of Saints. My most urgent prayer is that I always long for and remain committed to the good and pleasant life found only among Christ and His people. Stay strong, Church.

His Timelessness

While quite entertaining, the movie "Back to the Future" and the concept of time-travel just confused me. Honestly, Mister Bill narrated much of the movie to me. Who doesn't long to relive or redo moments of our lives! We know, of course, this is not possible - there is no go-back or rewind option of life. The psalmist wrote, "The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." (Psalm 90:9). For man, time is constraining and fleeting - and, yes, full of trouble and sorrow. This is not so for El Olam - The Eternal God: His very nature makes Him unconstrained by time. "For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by; or like a watch in the night ... Teach us to number our days aright, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:10, 12). There is no going back; only a going forth and taking full advantage of our short lives on earth in order to nurture a heart directed by and lived-out in God's Wisdom. What joy belongs to Believers who acknowledge each of day belong to God Eternal Who is by nature knows no limitations of time nor power. Let us delight each day in His Timelessness!

Incline Toward Christ

Inclines can be treacherous! I recall a few rides that made serious ascents, and the mechanical sounds certainly sounded like work! Believers will never know the joy of a relationship with Jesus unless we incline toward Him. We all know the ease and thrill of a descent - it's just so much easier! Like Adam and Eve, however, left to our own inclinations, we’re soon in great and serious decline!  Truth is, unless we decisively and deliberately incline toward Christ, we will continue to decline. God’s Word says, “The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble. My son, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are Life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:19-22). While decline is easy, the spiritual incline demands commitment and faithfulness to Godly Truth. To grow toward Christ in heart and mind is 365x24x7; the reward is every need of body, spirit, and soul met and in great supply! The only way to avoid a decline is ... incline toward Christ!

Embrace Grace

And I thought I could just look up the definition of "grace," and know all I needed to know about it. Uh, no. There are times when we cry out to God for grace and we get it ... just not the grace we expect. In short-order, we want the grace of relief from circumstances, struggles, pain, relationships and such. I conclude I live with the mistaken idea that God intends I be released from what troubles me! Paul wrote, "But He [God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the Power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whatever "suffering" we may be asking respite from may be the very "grace" God is using to grow us spiritually; therefore, we must not pray for interruptions to His divine work in us. More than anything, God wants us transformed by His grace - and, yes, according to His plan and purpose and not my own. It's true, God's Grace is not always comfortable, but it's always working us to perfection. Embrace His grace!

Run To Him

In the child's game of "chase," the object is to run from the one chasing. Running to something, even as adults, isn't quite as common, however. India Arie sings, "Everyone of us is worthy - Baby girl, worthy woman - Everyone of us is worthy." The spiritual truth, however, is quite the contrary! My best state [of being] is not in what I can-may convince myself of by repeating it over and over; rather, when I understand and acknowledge I am nothing (a failure) on my own ... well, then we're getting somewhere. Ephesians 3:12 says, "In Him [Christ] and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." That is the moment the soul sings with deep and complete assurance as well as perfect worthiness! Why is this so? Because our Savior and Friend, Jesus, took the condemnation, the wrath and the penalty for our sin. The result is both free and worthiness for all who Believe. Him - and nothing else - is worth running to. Make it a practice and habit ... Run to Him!

Face The Son

In my less-happy moments, Mister Bill's usual response if "what have I done?" Isn't this also our first-thought when life goes wonky! Job faced the same probing question as he suffered; even his"friends" suggested an offense to God that led to Job's circumstances. Elihu, however, offers Job these profound thoughts: "God does all these things twice, yes, three times, with a man. to bring his life back from the pit [of destruction], that he may be enlightened with the light of the living." (Job 33:28-30). Although we usually see only in-the-moment, God sees the end at the beginning, and knows exactly what He wants to accomplish through our difficult times. Yes, God plays the long-game!  He never wastes an opportunity to steer us away from destruction and toward Himself, and sometimes He allows us to struggle-through hard times so we can come to know Him as our Hope, Peace, Love and Light. We are wise to remember this in our less-happy moments: it's not anything we have done but rather what God is doing for-to us in-through our circumstances. Helen Keller said, "keep your face to the sun, and you will not see the shadows." What beautiful words to live by: always face The Son.

Splashes of Joy

So it seems I’ve always loved the water! As a teenager, I was the one who would jump-in on a dare, clothes and all. Heights didn’t bother me: I jumped from high-dives, even a watershed tower. Yes, I can hear my Mom gasp right now! God issues quite an invitation: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.” Psalm 55:1). The psalmist's welcome-to-the-waters is a matchless treasure! “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4). It's unimaginable The Creator of the heavens-earth-creatures is thoughtful toward one such as I. So mindful, so thoughtful, He then invites me to spend time in His Presence: the psalmist continues - "seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near" (V.6) … "Incline your ear, and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live" (V.3) … "That He may have compassion on him" (V.7) … "For you shall go out in Joy and be led forth in Peace" (V.12). Oh, yes, the invitation is indeed matchless because the rewards are immeasurable! I never knew what fun the water brought until I took my first dip – God invites you and I still into His Presence: “Come to the waters …” (V.1). Don't turn down such an Invitation: get in a quiet place, open His Word, and delight in His ... splashes of joy!

Living The Spirit

Here in the South, we have lots of sayings and those colloquialisms are a "disappearing language." If I were to say I have a "hankerin'" for some "okry" or I "took a notion" to go to bed early or I "orta" take a shower, my meanings might be "unbeknownst" to many. Jesus always spoke clearly and candidly especially to those who opposed Him. To the religious leaders who were not as they appeared, Jesus said, "On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:28). In other words, these well-known and well-respected religious men were much less than their appearances suggested, or [as we would say in the South], they were "all vines and no taters." Oh, this should never be true of Jesus' Followers! We are called to live lives of substance, bearers of Holy Fruit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Like a vine full of tasty taters, Believers should protrude the Beauty of Christ Jesus as they live and "walk according to The Holy Spirit ... in step with The Holy Spirit." (V.25). When The Holy Spirit has "a-holt" of us, those around us will surely know it! Live The Spirit!

Ditch the Ditch

Quite a few years ago as Mister Bill made his way to his tree stand, he began to stumble on the otherwise familiar and well-traveled path. Daylight revealed exposed tree roots where wild hogs had literally plowed the ground as they "rooted" for food. Mister Bill's final confrontation with Mr. Hog ended in some real tasty meals! God knows how very difficult life is, and how we struggle at times just to stay on our feet. He describes us in Isaiah 40:29-30 as faint, weak, weary, and falling. We’re quick to say we're ready for life's whatevers but they can threaten to swallow us whole! Flinging our arms up in desperation then crumbling beneath the heaviness, we often end up in the Ditch of Despair. That "ditch" has been described as a "grave with both ends kicked out." Sound familiar? That ditch is not where God wants His children to be -- Believers are not ditch dwellers! Paul's words are music to listening ears: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Instead, Believers are overcomers -- not distressed! not in despair! not forsaken! not destroyed! Christ redeemed us for victorious living! His promises are as good today as the day they were penned: "Fear thou not; For I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My Righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10). Because of Christ, the day and the way are ours -- God promised! So ... ditch the ditch!

Thirsty Soul

The summer heat makes it an ideal time to watch "Frozen" or have a "snow cone." Mister Bill, of course and however, adds insult to misery by cutting trees ... yes, in the heat! David wrote, "O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh longs for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is." (Psalm 63:1). I've learned [from personal experience] times of spiritual dryness come because ... I've not been thirsty. The [spiritual] water is always there - abundant and inviting - but my soul lacked thirst. I fear too many Believers don't know what it means to have a thirsty soul! Jesus said, "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6). David gives us a glimpse into how to have a thirsty soul: "My soul follows hard after Thee." (V.8). When Mister Bill comes in from the tree-cutting-in-the-heat, his first stop is at the kitchen sink for water - his body longs to satisfy its physical thirst! Spiritual thirst, however, doesn't come naturally; it is a spiritual discipline, a conscious act of our own will to seek The Creator. Why not make this a part of our daily prayer: "Lord, make me thirsty for You." You'll quickly find such a thirst ... good for the soul!