Praise Be Heard

 It would be quite the challenge to count the number of choices we make in one day: which clothes and shoes, foods, to nap or not, etc. Interestingly, we arrogantly claim freedom to choose when there really is no freedom at all. "Sing the glory of His Name; make His praise glorious." (Psalm 66:2). As best I recall that is an imperative sentence - one which instructs or commands, gives a directive. What [then] is the problem - why do we embrace that which is not freely ours? I suggest the problem dwells within the heart which has no genuine high regard for God. When we do not think rightly about God, we will always fail to acknowledge Him as worthy of our highest praise, and yes, the praise due Him. The writer of Hebrews describes praise as the "fruit of lips" (Hebrews 13:15), and David said "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1). There are countless ways to give obey the command to make His praise glorious, but it must originate from a heart submitted and committed to The High King of Heaven Who listens longingly to His people. Let us begin even now to do as commanded: let God's praise be known!

Good Conversation

Don't you just love a good conversation! Mister Bill says the ease and speed us girls move from topic to topic is tough on the guys! The author of Psalm 107 writes about God's redemptive power in delivering His people from various life circumstances. Repeatedly troubles come, the people cry out to God, He hears and delivers. Sounds familiar life to me! The final verse of this psalm is good counsel: "Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD." (Psalm 107:43). For Believers there's always a topic of which we should speak - "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good and His love endures forever." (V.1). Why do we find it so easy to talk about the weather, politics, family, etc. but skirt the delights of God's unfailing love and goodness! There is nothing sweeter than speaking of Godly things with one another! Let it be our practice, our habit to speak often of God and His faithful nature. Practice a change of conversation!

MWB Returns Sept 30

Stay in The Word!

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

 

Bloom On!

Of the beautiful and fragrant flowers featured in poem and verse, you don't find ragweed among them! Although ragweed lives only one season, the mature flower can produce and release up to one billion pollen grains. Achoo, I say! Because we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) by The Creator, our capacity for spiritual fragrance is without measure. This great truth is cause for every disciple of Jesus Christ to wonder: how aromatic is my life? Paul wrote some of God's most challenging words about what Believers are to be to the world: "Thanks be to God, Who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere." (2 Corinthians 2:14). Unlike the once-and-done ragweed, those captivated by Christ are "to God the pleasing aroma of Christ" both to the saved and to those perishing (V.15). What a precious wonder we are!  Bloom on, child of God!

Know The Author

This past March I attended a writer's retreat! As I met people and made new friends, I realized one's published work was a popular topic. This caused me to think deeply about what matters more - having one's work published or having one's words read. The Word of God is a collection of sixty-six books recorded by more than forty writers over fifteen-hundred years. The Bible's Author - God Himself - describes His words as living, active, sharp, piercing and discerning (Hebrews 4:12); a lamp and a light (Psalm 119:105); profitable for teaching, correction, training and equipping (2 Timothy 3:16-17); and, truthful and sanctifying (John 17:17). This is what The Author says about His Work, His Word! Nonetheless, unless His published work is read, His writings are unknown to readers. True, a writer's work must be put-forth for reading opportunities; God has done this and preserved His Word from ages past to eternity, revealing Himself to all who seek Him. Furthermore, The Father has given The Holy Spirit to interpret and teach the meanings of His mighty words! What will stop you this day from reading God's Word and allowing Its Author to work in you? Read The Word - Know The Author!

Live Free

It's sad but one quick glance at my morning hair usually tells me what kind of night I had! The opinion of others, however, is never quite as forgiving as the morning mirror. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "We are of different opinions at different hours, but we always may be said to be at heart on the side of truth." Truth - the elusive, evasive truth ... or is it?  Paul wrote, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1). The life-blood of genuine freedom exists not in the shifting and relative but rather in Truth that changes not. The psalmist writes of this Truth: "The sum of Your Word is Truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever." (Psalm 119:160). Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, The Life" (John 14:6), making clear The Pathway to true spiritual freedom. Those born-again of Christ hold both this truth and power to walk freely The Way of Truth. That morning-hair is easily fixed with water and comb; that is, until the next rough night. Are you bound in the shifting grip of opinion rather than resting freely in the affirmation of God's Eternal Truth? Read - Study - Meditate - Embrace the Truth of God's Word then ... live free!

Overcome!

There's really nothing like a gentle nudge, a firm push to get us moving. Mister Bill would say that's what I need most mornings! Most of us know ourselves well enough but no one knows us like The Creator. We can paint-over and conceal the most debilitating traits but God knows them all perfectly well. Repeatedly to the churches of The Revelation, Jesus said, "I know thy works." Is there or can there be anything more revealing, more condemning, more illuminating than to be called-out by The Righteous Judge Himself? The One Who knows every weakness provides grace (power) to overcome. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith ... he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (Revelation 2:11). You see, Jesus has made His Followers overcomers - those who will surely die physically [a result of our mortality] but we are divinely and graciously destined to endure spiritually. Our call to persevere and to endure comes not from a bout of human resilience or intestinal fortitude or a spurt of personal gumption, but rather from He Who has already overcome hence "greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4). We need these words in these days - overcome! 

Get To Work!

To persevere sounds like work to me! When I retired from professional work, I truly meant it - and how I've loved putting behind alarm-clock-hard-working days. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, Satan didn't retire when I did and neither did life's struggles. Peter wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." (1 Peter 4:12). In plain words: Believer, expect trouble! But [now] isn't that why we work so diligently - to avoid suffering, divert difficulty, substitute ease for hardship? Jesus said, "Fear none of those thing which thou shalt suffer ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10). My friend said it this way: "bear your cross as you wait for the crown."  The real riches of spiritual life come only to those who willingly lay aside personal ease for greater causes: "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24). Yes, perseverance certainly is hard work! Nonetheless, it is the call, the command of God upon each of His own. Let's get to work!

MWB Break

Morning with Beverly 

Returns Monday 09-21-2020

Stay in The Word!

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Living Ahead

Years ago in insurance school, I learned a proactive security measure for homeowners: keep shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential hiding places for would-be intruders. If only it were that easy to spiritually secure the human heart! Before he murdered his brother, God said to Cain: "Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7). The wise Believer will acknowledge sin's pitfalls but the wisest will both acknowledge and identify them. Satan approaches us in many forms; he lurks often casually and disguised. As Jesus sent out His disciples into the world, He said, "Be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16). Believers have been given the gift of The Holy Spirit to help rightly and wisely distinguish that which seeks to overtake the heart. I suggest one of the most lethal dangers to righteous living today is the failure to distinguish the lines of enemy territory because we are not spiritually shrewd as Jesus commanded. So, how do we identify the enemy so that we see him coming - traps and all? “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word." (Psalm 119:9). Yes, knowing and keeping God’s Word of Truth! Trimming the shrubbery is probably cheaper but many homeowners today have home security systems. God’s Word and The Holy Spirit are effective in sounding the spiritual intruder alert as long as it’s properly “installed.” Don’t be caught off-guard; always be prepared and ready … live ahead of the enemy!

Truest Citizenship

In truth, titles matter. When I consider the professional titles I've had in my life, there are some I relish more than others. Similar to other writers, Peter began his first letter "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:1). We have countless responsibilities, obligations, commitments that fill our life yet there is one which transcends each one; that is, the call of Christ in us. When we are spiritually fruitful, who we are is woven thoroughly into how we meet every responsibility, obligation and commitment. Although we are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, neighbors and friends, co-workers and even local and national patriots, we are first followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. "You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the Saints, and are of God’s household." (Ephesians 2:19). Genuine faith is distinctive, it is evident in all we are and all we do! Live-out your truest citizenship which is in Christ!

Sweet Cancellation

My generation called the trunk of the car the "boot" but if you say that today, you get blank stares! There are so many new phrases these days - I can barely keep up. One such phrase made my ears perk-up: cancel culture. My mind went immediately to what has been cancelled for me! "In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7). Just to be clear about redemption, it is the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. My sin-debt was immeasurable, way more than I could bear or pay; Jesus assumed it, took-on my debt paying it in full. What I got was a paid-in-full notice; my debt was cancelled. I suppose people can focus on and talk about whatever "cancel culture" they prefer but will you join me me to rejoice in and tell others with word-and-deed about the Greatest Cancellation ever ... live in sweet cancellation!

Trust Obey Today

It suits me best to have a well-planned route when traveling; Mister Bill leans toward "follow your nose" navigation. "You will receive power when The Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8). Followers of Jesus really have no comprehensive knowledge of the extent nor influence of their obedience to live-out The Gospel in their lives. Oswald Chambers wrote, "A river reaches places which its source never knows." In truth, Believers need only answer one basic call: obey God. Our obedience [then] becomes unto God a tool in reaching places of which we may never know nor need to know! Mister Bill usually gets us to our destination albeit by "follow your nose" navigation - which, by the way, makes me nuts. We serve an All-Knowing Father Who knows the end before the beginning - He is completely Trustworthy. He delights greatly in those who trust and obey Him explicitly all the time. Trust and obey Him today!

His Good Work

It's not really what wooden spoons are for, of course, but my boys knew a wooden spoon in Mama's hand meant trouble! It's more than interesting how God chooses to use the simplest of men and means to accomplish His purposes. There are many examples in Scripture but one of my favorites is an otherwise obscure Asian woman who made her living selling purple dye, which was used to produce some of the finest and most brilliant colored fabric. Lydia met Paul, heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believed, becoming the first Gentile (non-Jewish) convert! Acts 16:12-15 and Philippians 1:1-10 tell us how God used Lydia's love for Christ, her hospitality and business influence to nurture and spread The Gospel throughout Europe. Sometimes as Believers we hold a very small view of how God wants to use us; we fail to realize even the smallest of  things we do and decisions we make become huge in the hands of God. There are many among us who are physically weak and/or limited yet strong and immeasurable to The Kingdom. Also, there are some who have great resources and abilities but neglect to listen to God and be faithful in the small things. Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not grow weary in well-doing for in due season we will reap, if we faint not." Let me encourage you to remember how God can and will use us for His good work!

See His Way

SEE HIS WAY. There are unnumbered pairs of reading glasses here; unnumbered because it's a shamefully ridiculous number! Speaking to The Father about His disciples, Jesus said "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." (John 17:17). We live in days where truth is as fluid as water! The result is chaos and unrest, anger and hatred, disrespect and violence. The lines of goodness and honor have become so blurred even the righteous often lose their way. There is One Way: Jesus said "I am The Way, The Truth and The Life. No one comes to The Father except by Me." (John 14:6). How [then] do we rightly know The One Way? By following The One Truth that has held firm, steady, fixed, unmoved all of our days. That's the Truth Jesus referred to in His prayer to God, the Truth that sanctifies - sets apart and distinguishes individuals in times of chaos and unrest, anger and hatred, disrespect and violence! "And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you Free." (John 8:32). See, through this truth, Jesus leads His Followers to a place of order and rest, compassion and love, honor and peace. I have concluded most of these unnumbered pairs of reading glasses need a good dose of soap-and-water: it's become difficult to see clearly. Seeing Truth clearly is only part of our problem: many don't see The Truth because they don't know The Truth. Yes, America has lost its way; as a whole, it no longer holds to The Truth as given by God. We cannot change America in one clean swift swoop but each one of us can re-examine the truth we embrace, the truth that guides our own thoughts-speech-behavior. I challenge each of us to check our spiritual glasses, and see our way clearly according to God's Eternal Truth. We can see our way clearly by seeing ... His Way.

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Steady Steps

"Slippery when wet" is a sign we often see in businesses, warning us to walk with caution. Unlike floors that once dry are no longer slippery, the walkway of life is always slippery! I cannot count the times when I went merrily along only to find myself in enemy territory. Perhaps the psalmist and worship leader Asaph had also experienced this; he wrote, "As for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped." (Psalm 73:2). Between Jericho and Jerusalem, I had a window seat as the bus made its way slowly along a very narrow and curvy path. With no guardrails between bus and mountain's edge, it was frightening. Like I trusted the driver to keep his passengers safe, we must choose to trust The LORD: "I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord GOD is my Strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds' feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]." (Habakkuk 3:18-19, Amplified Bible). Don't miss this: trust is a deliberate act of one's will - the choice to by faith have the same confidence [in God] as a sure-footed deer (hind's feet) has in climbing mountains. Physical sure-footed-ness doesn't guaranteed how spiritually sure-footed or steadfast we will be. No, only a determine choice to trust the One Who is Ever-Steadfast and Steady. Choose Steady in the slippery.

Dwelling Place

Where we live has had four different mailing addresses! For forty years, same house – same mailbox – same road –yet four different mailing address. Strange but true! Where we choose to dwell spiritually is worthy of consideration. God tells us, “Anger resides in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9), and “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). It’s shocking how many Believers – who have been thoroughly and unconditionally forgiven by God – choose to hang-on to anger and live in unforgiveness. How naturally [hence] easily we park ourselves by moments of infraction or offense! It’s like pulling our minds-emotions-hearts into a parking place in a dark and dangerous part of town. Solomon and Paul warn us: don’t park there! don’t dwell there! don’t live there! There’s a better parking place, a more pleasant and life-giving place: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8). Now, there a wonderful dwelling place – where truth, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, honor and excellence rule! How lovely, O Lord, is Your dwelling place! (Psalm 84:1). There, in Him, there’s plenty parking places!