Monday, January 31, 2022

Call Out

Mothers, I believe, have been given [by God] a special sense toward their children. I came to know this after my first child was born: even in the nighttime, I detected the slightest cough, sneeze or wiggle. Have you ever thought about how our Heavenly Father listens intently for the times when we "call out" to Him. Peter writes, "the eyes of The Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer" (1 Peter 3:12). It is good when Believers realize they need help then surrender to arrogant pride and plea for God's Help. How long will Believers refuse to call to The One Who listens and stands both eager and able to respond in His Might? "Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer ... You have put gladness in my heart ,,, In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:1,7,8). Like a child calls out to his mother in the night hours, Our Kind and Gracious Father waits ... listens ... hears in our time of need. Call out to The Father

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Heart Diligence

Both of us now retired, one thing that helps Mister Bill and I know what's happening from day-to-day is my online calendar. It's not uncommon to rise each morning with thoughts of the day's doings. How many of us consider this priority: "Keep the heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23). I suspect heart-diligence doesn't top many lists! Since the heart cannot be disengaged from what we speak and how we behave, Believers should take care and caution. "Behold, [Lord], You delight in Truth in the inward being, and You teach me wisdom in the secret heart." (Psalm 51:6). How foolishly we listen to worldly noise pushing us to give attention to the outward man while God is most concerned with the inner. Let us commit ourselves to what matters most to The Father ... heart-diligence.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

He Restores

Hard matters and difficult situations drain us. Perhaps nothing more distinctly reminds us of our mortality, our frailty and our desperate need for The One most strong, most mighty and most sovereign. God promises, "I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:17). We are often blindsided by things and they take our breath away; we find ourselves gasping for help and hope. Those who know The Father and Jesus, The Good Shepherd, hold fast to "He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:3). How precious is His ointment on the tired and the weary! Are you in need of rest and restoration? Go to The One Whose promise of healing is certain and sure. As someone said to me just this week - breathe, pray and wait ... He restores.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Sleep Well

There are so many things to keep sleep from being peaceful. Some nights I think I've slept well only to hear Mister Bill confirm I did not. God's Word is not silent on what brings about restful sleep. Proverbs 3:24 - "If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Psalm 4:8 - "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 127:2 - "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." See, the best sleep man gets isn't from a hand-written prescription or medicine bottle. Godly sleep comes from "You, O Lord" in Whom we wisely and completely trust. Yes, I know there are often physical conditions and reasons sleep evades us; however, when we "eat the bread" of fear and anxiety we can count-on a'tossin' and a'turnin'. You want a genuinely refreshing night's sleep? Here ya go: "He will not let your foot be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He ... neither slumbers nor sleeps." (Psalm 121:3-4). Trust Him and ... sleep well.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Simple and Clear

Have you ever tried to quietly slip away unnoticed, undetected? While this is often possible among people, we are never - and I mean never - able to do that with The All-Knowing God. We are foolish to believe we can turn-off God's voice like we adjust the volume on the television, or we can ignore Him like a dog's persistent barking. When God speaks, we are wise to listen and obey. God says, "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.'" (Isaiah 30:21). Just hearing God's Voice isn't all there is to it: obedience must follow. There's no slipping-away from or setting-aside what we hear from The Lord. He know to whom He speaks; He knows the one who hears His voice; He knows exactly how we respond to Him. Also, there's no straddling or sitting on the fence where His words are involved; always remember, Satan owns the fence! Have you heard a word from God recently? Are you trying to quiet His voice, ignore Him? If so, it's willful disobedience and it never ends well; ask the Hebrews who wandered [in the wilderness] for 40 years. His rules as simple and clear: listen and obey.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Sing in The Shadow

Morning coffee is a simple pleasure for me, not the go-go-juice it is for others. My Mom would sip on coffee (hot or cold) throughout the day ... not me. In the wilderness of Judah, David wrote: "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You." (Psalm 63:1). It's unlikely many of us can fully relate to David's deep longing; perhaps that desperation for morning coffee comes close. Oh, that Believers possessed such desperation for The Creator. David writes about the promised reward: "my soul will be satisfied" (V.5). The soul's response to its satisfaction is, "in the Shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy" (V.7). Life's shadows are filled with suffering, uncertainty, sorrow, brokenness and rarely is there incentive to sing, especially for joy. Those who desperately seek The Lord, however, find true-deep-lasting Satisfaction and find a song in His Shadow. There, in His Shadow, is where we sing our best song - the song of joy. In the midst of life's shadows, why not gather yourself securely underneath God's Wings and ... sing in The Shadow.

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Follor The Leader

"Follow the Leader" was a simple yet fun childhood game. As teenagers, we played this game jumping from a diving board into the pool - what a fun twist that was! One problem among people today - even Believers - is we think we don't need a leader. We've embraced and settled into the foolish mindset that we are self-sufficient; just call on God when times are tough. Perhaps no clearer or profound words are, "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). Yes, the most excellent Shepherd Who knows His sheep intimately and knows the best way by which to navigate the dangers of life. He not only leads but cares for and ministers to His sheep's hurts and sorrows. How foolish we are to get-ahead of The Shepherd, attempting to lead Him along our way. When we do this, we will surely miss the green pastures, the still waters, the refreshment and restoration, the paths of righteousness, the protection and comfort and consolation from evil, the good and merciful Presence of The Shepherd. Jesus is The Good Shepherd (John 10:11) - He knows His sheep - He loves His flock - His sheep know Him. Just ... follow The Leader.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Joyful Turn-To

Don't we just love a grab 'n go option! I keep a stash of on-the-go cups with lids. What a great turn-to as we go! The wise King Solomon wrote, "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." (Proverbs 3:7). These particular words advise a healthy turn-away rather than a turn-to. There have been times in my life when I was quite tickled with myself just long enough for God to show me I wasn't quite as wise as I thought myself to be. Beware, how quickly and easily pride overtakes humility when we hold ourselves in higher esteem than our Holy God ... turn away from selfish pride. Set aside foolish arrogance and self-proclaimed wisdom, Solomon admonishes for these sweet results: "It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." (V.8). Healing and refreshment - now, that's a grab 'n go, a joyful turn-to in which we all can delight!

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Best Education

There was a time when school years were the first twenty years of a person's life; not so anymore. I'm sure we all know people who earned degrees and began careers as adults! Everyone should consider themselves as life-long learners. God's Words says, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 4:10). An almost obsolete term and practice in many churches today is "Sunday School" - how sad! As a committeed life-long learner, I consider that dedicated Bible-schooling priceless as well as timeless. Instruction according to God's Word crosses all ages and cultures. How can it be that Believers have abandoned "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11). Because we HAVE NOT hidden God's Word in our hearts, we DO SIN against God. Whatever age or season of life you're in, it is never too late nor out-of-season to continue your Bible education; be a life-long learner of God's words. Open your Bible and begin now to add His Treasure to your heart. It's your best education!

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Perfect Rest

Just outside my kitchen window are two bird feeders; what a simple pleasure, watching them feed. Observing their to-and-from the feeders reminds me of the never-ending and constancy of our earthly tasks. Sometimes there seems to be no rest from them: from morning to evening we strive to serve and do as God commands. What hope of rest belongs to those who have genuinely Believed in Jesus and His finished Work [death, burial, resurrection]. Yes, there is spiritual rest in Christ now [here on earth] but oh-my at the eternal rest yet to come! Spurgeon wrote, "How different will be the believer’s condition in heaven as compared with what it is here! Here he is born to work and become weary, but in the land of the immortal fatigue is never known." Like those birds, [here] we continually go to-from, feeding and resting in Christ our Lord. Hebrews 4:9 says, "There remains a rest for the people of God." In Heaven, we will strive no more and know perfect rest from the many things that [here] plague and lead us to weariness! What promise - What hope - What joy will be ours when we finally know ... Perfect Rest.

Monday, January 17, 2022

More Excellent Way

The infrequent times Mister Bill was out of town, home wasn't the same; actually, it was very different.  There were some notable\y positives, i.e. actually getting to hold the remote in my hand. The differences, however, are noticed in his absence. Do you wonder if, to others, your life is different because of Christ? Ephesians 5:8 says,  "walk as children of light." Do others see anything distinctively different in your life? Maybe it's not so much what they see but what they don't see. We live in a I've-got-my-rights-and-you-better-not-forget-it world and when people forget this, do I react in knee jerk fashion? That's not the walk-as-children-of-light way. No, Jesus came to show us a "more excellent way."  The absence of the world and its ways sometimes speak volumes and most effectively to an unbelieving world. Be different in a ... more excellent way!

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Stay Warm

Cup of coffee, a glowing fire, cozy pajamas, hot chocolate, a bowl of soup - things that warm us to the bone when a howling wind and threat of ice and snow drives us indoors. While we don't wish for the potential unpleasant consequences of inclement weather, the down-time and respite are often welcomed. God says in Psalm 46:10, "Be still." Slow yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; stop your incessant striving. Perhaps most of us don't know how to "be still" in such a never-still world. Even when we're physically still, our minds are racing and spirits striving against stillness. God gives this command with purpose: "Be still ... and know that I am God." In the stillness we are to focus not on WHAT was or is or will be but on WHO was and is and [forever] will be. The Bride of Christ (that's us Believers) says, "Draw me after You." (Song of Solomon 1:4). Genuine love for The Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) will still us and draw us into knowing His depths and warmth like nothing nor none other. As we weather the weather, let us find real and lasting warmth in Christ alone.  Stay warm!

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Most Delightful Life

It was sheer delight when my boys obeyed - did as they were taught and told. Now, I'm not foolish enough to believe their obedience came all the way from the heart. Truth is, neither does mine at times. It's pretty common to do things because it is expected [of us] or because we fear unpleasant consequences. God says, "My son, do not forget My teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments." (Proverbs 3:1). Don't just go through the motions - obey Me from the heart, God says! Remember that doctor's none-too-gentle tap to the knee and the spontaneous response? How great it would be if we instinctively responded to life from a heart of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ... fruits of a heart controlled by The Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). No sudden and unexpected outbursts that bring shame and dishonor to Jesus; instead but rather glory and honor to His Holy Name! What a way to live; truly ... the most delightful life!

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Start Writing

One thing I've learned about myself: when I write something down, there's a much greater chance I'll remember it. A friend of mine says, "paper is cheaper than brains." For this older-me, paper is more reliable than brains! God's Word says, "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them about you neck; write them on the tablet of your heart." (Proverbs 3:3). Mercy and truth - an interesting combination. When I see people who blatantly reject God and His Truth, I often lack compassion for them. That is truth without mercy! Believers are to take mercy and truth to heart; they aren't just something we do but something we are. One who, in light of God's Truth, will obediently and rightly apply His Truth and His Mercy in every situation of life, leading to an ultimate purpose: to reveal Christ-in-us and lead others [who desperately need Jesus] to God's Salvation. God will also seek to magnify and glorify Himself in and through His children. Here's how we begin writing on the heart's tablet: "Behold, You desire Truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." (Psalm 51:6). Let's faithfully get His Truth inside us and allow The Holy Spirit to use It to apply mercy in all and to all. Get busy ... start writing!

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Righteous Route

As Mister Bill and I travel, he's the driver and I'm the navigator - a title I hold very loosely. Loosely, because at any given moment the driver changes the route! It's quite silly, more accurately foolish, man navigates his own way through life. King Solomon wrote, "The fear of The LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7). As ancient as those words are, they remain eternally true. If it were up to me, I would direct The Mister and me along the more-traveled and familiar route - the one that has no need for GPS assistance. God says, "Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but you have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes." (V.24-26). Now, because we know He is Compassionate and Kind and Gracious, God certainly takes no pleasure in our self-inflicted troubles. The less-traveled and route-of-promise is there for our choosing: "If you will receive My words, and hide My commandments with you ... Incline your ear to Wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding ... Seek [Wisdom] as silver, and search [Wisdom] as hidden treasures ... Then you will understand the fear of The LORD, and find The Knowledge of God." (from Proverbs 2:1-5). What a treasure trove of instruction - ancient words that always lead us along the ... righteous route.

Monday, January 10, 2022

Speak Light

Have you ever considered to what end or purpose you use your voice? There are certain voices that get my attention and I listen intently; others, however, make me use the "mute" button! Think about how God used His voice in creation: "And God said, 'Let there be light, and there was light.'" (Genesis 1:3). Powerful and effective was (and is) God's voice! Interestingly, God has given man a voice, and God listens. The psalmist wrote, "I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplication. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:1-2). It's quite sad and troubling how we use our voices to complain and criticize bringing dishonor to The Father. Oh, how Believers need not just a lip-check but a heart-check: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14). Why not follow God's model: as He used His voice to speak light into the darkness, let us speak His Light into a darkened world. Yes, let's ... speak Light!

Sunday, January 9, 2022

Blog News

Morning with Beverly
Will resume Tuesday 01-11-2022
Stay in The Word
Miles of Smiles, Beverly


Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Study through Psalm 119

 Join the journey through Psalm 119.
"A Pure Walk" as prescribed by The Word of God.
Come, study with us.