Reign in Me

If my hair could talk, I wonder what it would say to me first thing in the morning. I suspect it would be quite candid about the abuse it suffered during the night and need few words to explain its state of array! If there's one thing I often overlook in my spiritual life, it is my sinful tendencies - that is, my natural leanings. Paul writes of the conflict between the two natures: "What I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15). Oh my, I couldn't have said it any better! As miraculously and confidently redeemed (saved) as I, that old [sinful] nature plagues my every thought, motive and action. I exclaim with the psalmist, "Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes!" (Psalm 119:5). There is hope! "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25).  We sing it like this: "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it - Prone to leave The God I love - Here's my heart, O take an seal it - Seal it for Thy courts above." Morning hair will continue to be ... morning hair; here on earth, the sinful nature will be ... the sinful nature. Let our daily prayer be ... Lord, reign in me!

Finding The Father

Have you ever looked for something in the place where it should be only to find it in the most unlikely place? My Papa was a stickler for an item being in its proper place; and, us grand kids knew he would know if something had been even slightly moved! The psalmist wrote, "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong." (Psalm 119:2). A close look at God's establishment of worship in The Old Testament can certainly cause us to scratch our heads in wonder, however, God is never casual or random in His instructions: there's a particular way in which sinful man comes before Holy God! Communion and fellowship with The Father doesn't happen haphazardly.  God told Moses, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5). Clearly, the approach in and by which we draw near to God is critical to truly being in His Presence. As we seek Him and the blessedness of His Presence, we must do so rightly or, like that misplaced item, we find ourselves seeking in vain. Keeping God's commands with a whole heart and making holiness a priority is the manner in which we know The Blessedness of God's Presence. It's how and where we ... find The Father.

Walk In It

As we settle in our new home, there's lots of things to be done: curtains and blinds and pictures to be hung, shelving to be installed, closets to be organized ... oh, that's just my to-do list. Mister Bill, however, has a totally different list of "priorities." In 1994 Microsoft launched a global advertising campaign with the slogan, "Where do you want to go today?" That's a question ever posed to Believers. The answers are lived-out in choices too numerous to list, and so many journey down roads filled with worldly travelers. "Thus says The LORD, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'we will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16). How sad to hear The Lord's voice and ignore it, refuse it as we go along our own way. "[Lord] You will make known to me the way of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever." (Psalm 16:11). Consider the way of life you have chosen: is it the Way of Life, the way of His Presence where there is fullness of joy. It may not be the most popular or well-traveled but the Ancient Way is best. Walk in it.

Stand Amazed

What has most recently caused you to gasp? Took your breath away? Left you speechless? Perhaps it was some great performance or morning fog hovering over an open field. While now we only see dimly and know partially, Believers should never cease to wonder at how privileged we are because of Christ. David wrote, "Blessed is the man against whom The Lord counts no iniquity." (Psalm 32:2). Dare we ever lose our wonder of such blessedness! How can we be more privileged than to deserve Hell yet receive Heaven? Thomas Watson wrote, "Stand amazed at this privilege that you who are worms crept out of the dust should be admitted to the blessed sight of God to all eternity." As a teenager I spent a week working on a worm farm ... yes, I know the nastiness and grossness of worms. Yet God "saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy" (Titus 3:5). Because of God's Great Mercy - rescued, delivered, saved. We are privileged ... stand amazed!

Rightful Places

Some folks care nothing for solitude so they pack life full of goings and doings. I certainly remember those days when life was filled with little-then-big boy sounds-rackets-such, and this Mama dreamed of just a smidge of quiet. Charles H. Spurgeon writes, “We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in His service.” To be still before God is a willful act of obedience, but we must be still with purpose: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Mr. Bill assures me he can be in an absolute state of mindlessness – well, good for him, I say. However, in our spiritual being-still – a cease from striving – we begin to recognize and understand God as He really is! In the latter part of the verse God says, “I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” I suggest, therefore, perhaps our neglect of being-still [before God] hinders our knowing God and His being rightly exalted in our lives, our nation, our world. Why not make some quiet for yourself today; it’s certain to put God and you in rightful places!

Praise The Lord

While my season of life looks different, some days are still full. One thing I've learned that helps is to pace myself and live within some self-imposed boundaries. Something many Believers fail to see as critically urgent to each day is "praise The Lord." The six (6) verses of Psalm 150 tell us thirteen (13) times to "praise The Lord." This short chapter leaves nothing in question; it tells us where to praise Him, for what to praise Him, with what to praise Him, and who should praise Him. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6). Imagine your first conscious morning thought is "praise The Lord" - your first feet-on-the-floor move is filled with "praise The Lord" - at the aromatic fragrance of coffee, you "praise The Lord" - the hustling of slow-moving little ones, you "praise The Lord" - to the stop lights that impede your way, you respond with "praise The Lord" ... oh, how different our day would look! Why not learn to pace yourself and self-impose some boundaries for your life: whoever, wherever and whatever ... praise The Lord!

The Cautious Traveler

As the leaves begin to turn colors, folks take to the road to see the beautiful fall colors. But who wants to drive! The driver has to watch the road! We have good 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 are the same -- be strong, don’t be afraid or discouraged, God is with us. These words were not written [just] for the traveler who has lots of frequent flyer miles and an unlimited expense account. They were given to normal folks like you and I who 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." God in His great wisdom gives us just enough strength, just enough courage, and just enough fearlessness for the moment. We must not watch the road but keep our eyes on The Driver Who knows the road best. It's the cautious way to travel!

Abounding

Getting away usually has a price: packing & unpacking, washing & drying, stocking the cabinets & refrigerator, cleaning up the kitchen when you get home. On occasion, Mr. Bill and I left the boys "in charge" while we were away. Like I said, "getting away" has a price! God paid the price for my sin and I'm so grateful grace and mercy came down. Pastor Tony always reminded me: "God's not fair -- He is merciful!" Oh, am I ever thankful He's not fair because hell would be my home! Because of God's unconditional and merciful love, this wayward child who knows right but does wrong, hears God’s Voice yet follows a wandering heart, chooses unwisely time & time again ... still knows endless spiritual victories. I stand amazed at His Abounding Grace and Abounding Mercy!

Strength and Sufficiency

Dedicated time to unboxing and putting away has monopolized mine and Mister Bill's free time lately. Imagine our eagerness to sit-a-spell and catch our breath! Quite quickly, I must say, Mister Bill commented on his glass of sweet tea ... that wasn't sweet. Apparently, I had failed to add the sugar when I was making it ... oops. Oddly enough, many Believers want to live a joyfully victorious life in Christ without what it takes to do so. Timothy wrote, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). There's several things here: submit yourself each day to God (setting aside the "I can do this" mentality); face each day as one confirmed and sanctioned by God (instead of shamefully and foolishly self-sufficient); and, rightly apply God's truth to life (rather than relying on your own wisdom). Too often at the end of the day, we find ourselves trying to figure out how our day went so wrong and we failed so miserably. In order to know the sweetness of God's Sufficiency at the helm, we must choose to "be strong in The Lord and in The Strength of His Might." (Ephesians 6:10). The tea officially became "sweet tea" when I finally added the sugar - that delighted The Mister! Don't make life any harder than it already is: live each day in God's Strength and Sufficiency.

Dig Deeply

Hiking has never been my game but it is for so many! I've heard of and seen those who brave the cold, scale the heights with great perseverance to be rewarded with spectacular views as well as the sense of great accomplishment. Kudos! Have you ever longed to possess Biblical knowledge, wisdom and understanding? James wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5). This promise doesn't come magically or mystically, there's no special potion to that which God gives. No, it begins when a Believer picks up The Book of Wisdom. Yes, this much-desired knowledge-wisdom-understanding begins with one's deliberate and disciplined choice to read and study God's Word. In the same way a hiker equips himself [with boots, backpack, water, etc.] to reach trail's end, so must a student of The Bible dig faithfully and deeply to know God's riches spoken therein. He Who gives knowledge-wisdom-understanding is waiting at His Word: dust it off and dig deeply!

Supplement Your Faith

Supplements ... supplement. Mister Bill gives me the you're-trying-to-poison-me look when he sees the amount of capsules I put before him each morning. How can a Believer possibly improve on enjoying The LORD? God lacks in nothing so He always brings Perfection to the relationship with Believers; we, however, need some serious help! Confession and repentance of sin, study and prayer, humility and obedience all lead to sweet communion with The Father. One essential ingredient which is neglected by so many Believers we read about in Hebrews, Chapter 10: "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (V.24-25). I just returned from a weekend with 16 ladies who were seeking to supplement their faith as they "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (V.22). Oh, Body of Christ (Believers) - we need one another! As we obediently "walk by faith," every Believer needs a fellow Believers to fall into step and take a hand, laugh and cry, pray with and for another Believer. Such sweet fellowship does indeed stir-us-up to persevere with joy when the joy seems scarce. Every genuine born-again Believer is part of The Body of Christ, declared by God to be a functioning member and joint. Skeptically, Mister Bill takes those capsules [cause he trusts me]. Are you supplementing your faith by participating in the faithful fellowship of Believers? Supplement your faith!

Bloggin' Break

 Morning with Beverly
Will resume
Monday 10-17-2021
Stay in The Word!

Amazing

Has the noise-level ever been so high you could not endure it? It's been years ago but I remember the last concert I attended, I left the auditorium and listened from the lobby. My conclusion was quite simply but certain: I am now too old for that loud. My Grands are learning to not interrupt ongoing conversations, but when they have something to say they want to be heard; well, spiritually speaking, so do we! Peter writes, "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers." (1 Peter 3:12). It's a wonderfully comforting and reassuring truth that God sees and hears when we speak to Him. Let's not overlook, however, there is a particular condition in which He is faithful to hear from us: righteousness. Righteousness (or holiness) should not be confused with perfection - I've yet to meet one who is perfect! Instead, it refers to those whose heart and mind are truly conformed to the will of God, whose highest priority is to be pleasing to Him. Oh, yes, it's the holy ones - not perfect ones - who have the faithful and attentive ear of God. Grand #1 (Ella) had something terribly important to say to me yesterday; I watched her eyes and expression as she patiently waited for a break in the conversation - it was priceless! Oh, how God longs for us to be as eager to speak to Him - He eagerly waits to hear from us. How amazing is that!

Defy the Storm

Our family took a family vacation to the ocean every summer, and Dad taught me to love the waves. While Dad and I were riding the waves, Mom was on the beach yelling, "you're too far out!" The psalmist wrote, "Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, His wonderful deeds in the deep. For He spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted." (Psalm 107:23-26). Easily we can find ourselves too confident [in our own knowledge and wisdom], and even in familiar circumstances quickly get side-ways and unable to right ourselves. Those feelings of "I've got this" suddenly become "uh, no I don't!" In their peril: "they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind." (Psalm 107:28-31). Is your life-boat taking in water - has the storm become overwhelming? There is One Who Masters the wind, the rain, the storm; one word from Him and all is well. Defy the storm ... call out to The LORD.

Rescue for the Foolish

No one can make me feel more foolish than I [myself] can! Sometimes my foolishness is so funny I want to tell somebody ... then I realize it's better to keep it to myself! "Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death." (Psalm 107:17-18). Mister Bill often says, "Sometimes we cause our own blessings." In other words, be careful what you wish for; the things we crave and work so hard for can be the very things that ruin us! When we foolishly choose the voice of me-myself-I instead of The Father Who knows-all and sees-all, desperation can come quickly. "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind." (V.19-21). Don't expect an "I told you so" from God; no, as we humbly cry out to Him, with compassion and love He hears and rescues. Are you in trouble? God knows all about it and He's waiting for your call for help. Don't add more foolishness to your troubles - call out to The LORD.

Let God Rule

Our sweet Isabelle loves to "play school," and she always wants to be the teacher; and, when we play, I seem to always be in trouble!  "Some sat in darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God's commands, and despised the plans of The Most High." (Psalm 107:10-11). Being the one-in-charge, the boss, the authority describes us fairly well, which usually leads to much of our suffering: rebellion against God always comes at great cost! "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains." (V.13-14). Ah, a simple "cry unto The LORD" sets aside our own sovereign will, allowing Him to do what He does in Perfect Might and Power. Suddenly, we are free from the darkness and chains [of our own making], and can join the psalmist in thanksgiving: "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron." (Psalm 107:15-16). Is a rebellious heart troubling your life? Free yourself - surrender, and let God rule.

Straight Way

My Dad laughs at me because I insist (whenever possible) on making a right-hand turn versus a left-hand turn. When running errands, I typically plan my stops along a right-hand-turn route. Crazy ... well, maybe. Believers shouldn't count on an easy route, one with few twists and turns. While we may prefer a life free of them, that's just not always the path God chooses for us. James 1:3 says, "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." The people described in Psalm 107 sound vaguely familiar: wandering, unsettled, hungry, thirsty and weary. It's the recipe to give-up, quit, be done! "Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way." " (Psalm 107:6). There's no shame - rather great honor - in calling out to Almighty God. Our lives may be [seemingly] abundant with twists and turns but as God is and remains Sovereign, we can appreciate and know a "straight way" in our spiritual life. Are you trusting fully, resting completely in The Enduring Love of The Father? It's always the ... right turn!

Because!

We laugh at questions children ask: "Why don't crabs have eyebrows?" - "Why can't I see my eyes?" - "Where does the sun go when it's dark?" One question usually leads to another until we give the answer-of-all-answers: "just because." The psalmist says "Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story." (Psalm 61:1-2). Continue reading and he details circumstances and ways God delivers His people, those who trust Him and take refuge in Him. After each example of deliverance, the writer repeats "Let them give thanks to the LORD." Because ... "He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (V.9); "He saved them from their distress" (V.13); "He stilled the storm to a whisper" (V.20); "He turned the deserts into pools of water" (V.35); "He lifted the needy out of their affliction" (V.41). To claim a familiar tune: "Because! Because! Because! Because! Because! Because of the wonderful things He does!" This is the day the LORD has made - let us rejoice in it and in Him Who is our God.