No Dilemma

What a dilemma! That is, what to do with that kind and thoughtful gift you received but have no place or use for it. Scripture says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from The Father of lights with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17). How foolish to even entertain the idea a++receiver determines whether the gift is "good" and "perfect." Uh, no. These two different Greek words teach (1) the "act of giving," and (2) the "object given." Both, however, emphasize the perfection of The Divine Giver - God, The unchanging Creator. God always gives from His Abundance and His Goodness with altogether perfect knowledge of what His children need. How pompous when we imagine His gifts to us are anything except wonderfully practical. There is no dilemma when we receive from The Hand of The Father - accept what He gives with thankfulness then use them extravagantly for His Glory.

Nothing Left

The ending of a day or a project or an event can leave us tired, frazzles, exhausted, spent. We feel as it there nothing left! We can feel as if physically, mentally, emotionally we've given it all we had, pouring all-of-us into something. God said to love Him with "all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Hebrews word "heart" includes mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, conscience ... the seat of all man's appetites, emotions, passions and courage. It is loving God and the things of God with all of who we are, and that love stimulates us to love in word and deed. Quite simply, it means we love God with all we have in us - till there's ... nothing left.

Abundantly New

 "Thrifting" is a popular thing to do - I admit, I'm not so good at it. There is a local place, however, I love to go. It's full of items that once had their place in someone's home. Isn't it wonderful each new day comes with its own new opportunities! God has said His mercies are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:23); we do not have to "borrow" (go a'thriftin') for mercy and strength for the day. "Do you now possess the needed strength to perfectly accomplish each holy requirement? We do not. We are weak and inconsistent, and often buffeted by fear and pride and selfishness. But being impoverished and ill-equipped as we are, we will look to the grace of God and to the sanctifying work of The Spirit to accomplish His purposes in and through this day, as we, in grateful response, seek to choose that which pleases Him." (Every Moment Holy). When Believers genuinely understand our weakness then embrace His Power, our first conscious thought of the day is "Lord, empower me this day according to Your eternal riches for the glory of Your Name." For sure, there is nothing "thrifty" about His mercies - they are abundantly new each day!

No Retirement

There's quite a collection (aka pile) of clothes flung on the chair in my bedroom; there because they were not returned to the drawer or hung in the closet. This usually got me into trouble with Mom! Listen to God's words about those who love and honor Him: "Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the LORD is upright." (Psalm 92:13-15). We hear the term "sundown" to describe an end to certain things; I suggest too many Believers do this with their service to God. As we age, we treat our time of service like "hanging up" a season of ball-playing or a jersey we "retire." How foolish! There are no time limits on honoring God with our devotion, energy, gifts, skills or time. Psalm 150:6 says, "let everything that has breath praise the LORD" - until the final breath, we are to praise Him in what we say and do. Paul writes, "Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship." (Romans 12:1, AMP). Whatever season or condition of life we find ourselves, if we're still breathing, there is fruit left to be yielded. There are no retirees in The Kingdom - with joy and gladness ... serve The Lord!

Lifeline

The temporary is all around us! If you have trouble grasping this, think about it the next time you stop for gas: both the price of it and the fuel itself ... here today, gone tomorrow. Things that last sell - flooring, well-built tools, cookware, etc. The drought here in our area is literally causing grass, flowers, gardens, trees to wither and fade. What a contrast we are presented with as God says of His Word: "The word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 30:8b). Why is it then so many Believers continue to willfully ignore and reject The Word that stands eternally? You're not going to like this, but the answer is summed up in one word: sin. It's been well said of The Bible: "this Book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Book." Honestly, never before in my lifetime have I needed God's Wisdom and Truth to navigate life. The Holy Spirit uses God's Truth to help train my conscience and to lead me to make wise decisions and choices that lead away from spiritual destruction and toward Life. I urge you to not let one speck of dust accumulate on that precious book called The Bible. Pick it up and read it regularly - Treasure it in your heart ... It is your Lifeline!

Flourish

Outside my kitchen window are bird feeders. With the change of seasons, there's been a change in the birds that feed there. There's the local birds that frequent the feeders year-round, however, there are also stop-overs - those birds migrating from hot to cold and cold to hot climates. Scripture causes us to pause-and-reflect on just how transitory we humans are: "All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it: surely the people are grass." (Isaiah 40:6-7). Even Dorothy [of Wizard of Oz] observed that "people come and go so quickly here." Yes, we do! James used this same wither-fade illustration: "The rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away." (James 1:10-11). How foolish [then] are we to put our trust in withering-and-fading things of life - health, money, career, people, etc. Therefore, how golden are these words: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8). God and His Word cannot be separated thus His Word is His promise of unconditional, abundant, eternal love for us. Because of Christ, the evidence of God's Love for us, we are "like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither." (Psalm 1:3). That's right - because of Christ, we do not wither and we do not fade ... we flourish!

Be Comforted

Who would have imagined food as "comforting?" This appeared in a 1966 article in the Palm Beach Post: "Adults, when under severe emotional stress, turn to what could be called 'comfort food' - food associated with the security of childhood, like mother's poached egg or famous chicken soup."  I'm not sure how food "comforts," but one thing we can all agree on: at times we all need comfort! God said through the Prophet Isaiah, "'Comfort, O comfort My people,' says your God." (Isaiah 40:1). The people of God desperately needed comfort; captive in a foreign land, miles away from their Jerusalem home, God's people needed comforting. God continues, "A voice is calling, 'Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.'" (V.3). God speaks of The Messiah's coming to save and restore the hearts of man to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Fast forward - the Glory of The LORD has since been revealed through Jesus, and now we rejoice in great comfort we have yet one more home-going; that is, when Jesus comes the second and final time to claim His People (the born-again, redeemed Church of Christ) to their promised Heavenly Home. Now, foods may [actually] comfort but not for long; the comfort God has promised through Jesus is lasting and eternal. People of God - we who are in a foreign land ... be comforted, O be comforted.

Inside SonShine

We think of "beach weather" as simply sunshine and breezes - neglecting to plan for rainy days; that is, unless you're Mister Bill who always has a rainy-day plan. His plan seems to usually includes oohing and aahing at then touching and handling some sort of sea critter at a local marine lab or sea estuary. I'm good with settling in with a good book and listening to the tide that is totally unaffected by rain! Rainy days [of life] can overtake Believers. That's when we need reminding of the joy of our salvation -- The SonShine of our souls. "Arise! Shine! for your Light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1). Eliza E. Hewitt said it beautifully in this familiar hymn: "There is sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright - Than glows in any earthly skies, for Jesus is my Light - O there's sunshine, blessed sunshine, when the peaceful, happy moments roll - When Jesus shows His smiling face, there is sunshine in the soul." Even when circumstances are tough and the outlook is bleak, Jesus is The Sun and Light of Life. Because of Him, we have ... inside SonShine! 

True Authority

Child-play often includes roles such as policemen, teachers, kings or queens or parents - authority figures in the child's life. On occasion I've  [fearfully] sat under our Isabelle (Grand #3) in her role-play of teacher! In his book, A Little Book on the Christian Life, John Calvin writes: "Everyone flatters himself and carries, as it were a kingdom in his breast." No one [I know] wants to be called "arrogant" but we all instinctively put ourselves on the self-throne. This shows up in many ways - it can be as small, yet not insignificant, as thinking wrongly toward someone else's accomplishment. James 4:6 plainly teaches us God opposes the proud; and, Psalm 29:5 says God leads the humble in what is right, teaching them His way. We can see the arrogance of the ancient Hebrew in the mess of America today. It's been a slow-but-steady decline of a people and nation who have chosen [then walked] the way of self-governance, missing altogether "the reward for humility and fear of the Lord," which "is riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4). The loudest and shrillest voices are usually misleading, and we have given attention to their ring long enough. There is True Authority - steadfast, firm and faithful. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." (Matthew 28:18). The Author of life - physical and spiritual - alone qualifies to be The Authority in our lives.Consider today ... The True Authority.

Integrity Is A Big Deal

Do you have "just in case" items in your car, desk, pocketbook? If so, good for you! Recently Mister Bill found in the glove compartment of my car straws, plastic spoons, a boatload of napkins and ... yes, socks ... just in case. God said, "A false balance is an abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is His delight." (Proverbs 11:1). If you don't think integrity is such a big deal, consider who you listen to for financial advice, who you trust with your car insurance, the app you use for weather reports or news. Truth is: honesty is honesty, and it follows us everywhere and in everything. J. Vernon McGee says we "partnership" with God in our "dealings with others" but only when we are honest. Believers do not turn-on or apply honesty only when it benefits us. "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1). Bill Fuller, my grandfather, was known far-wide as a man of his word - not even a handshake was necessary; this was his reputation because he applied integrity to all he did - not  "just in case" situations of life. What's the big deal about integrity? It's a big deal to God!

Say No To Uh-Oh

 As parents of twins - particularly Dustin - when we heard the words "uh-oh," we knew it was time to drop whatever we were doing and see the cause for the "uh-oh." Sometimes it was a minor infraction but ... not always. This well describes life when we choose foolishly, making choices to suit ourselves. One of the oft forgotten conversations of God is with Cain: God said, "If you ignore My instruction, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7). To "master" something requires some willful intention to choose "my way" or "God's way." Paul David Tripp gives a list of how we often alibi for what we do: "I can handle this; it will be okay" - "I'll only do it once" - "It's not really such a big deal" - "It's not like I do it all the time" - "I didn't really have much of a choice". (New Morning Mercies). An excuse is often a lie wrapped in a shell of reason. Paul wrote, "Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts ... as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves ... as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:12-13). I know this: I want less uh-ohs and more oh-yeses.  Let us live with more willfulness and intent as we seek righteousness. Say "no" to ... uh-oh.

Skip #1

If you've ever been "skipped over," you know it didn't feel so great. In the numbering of things, it's natural to count ourselves as #1. God said, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3). That's not natural but it is spiritual! Albeit slightly, denying ourselves of anything is usually painful. Plainly, however, Believers are to live in such a way to promote the good of others rather than our own [good]. Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor." This is not the scheme-of-things according to today's culture; no, it's quite the contrary. If we are to live according to The Word of God and display lives resembling that of Jesus Christ, we will sacrificially and obediently count others first, before ourselves ... yes, skip #1.

Reminded and Refreshed

Most of us remember those high school pep rallies. They weren't just an opportunity to get out of class, they were to "pep us up" for ballgames. God said this early-on to His people: "Take care lest you forget The Lord, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." (Deuteronomy 6:12). How could they possibly have forgotten those horrible plagues, deliverance from 400 years of slavery, walking on dry land between two walls of water? How? Actually, it's the nature of us - that is, to live only in-the-moment. And, before we point too many fingers, consider our own forgetfulness of God's faithfulness. We fret and wring our hands anxiously when the bank account gets low, the job offer doesn't come, the kids need new shoes and so on. The psalmist writes, "I will remember the deeds of The Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11). One of the best ways God has given us to remember Him and His faithfulness is through worship and fellowship with other Believers. Of course, one hour a week isn't enough to serve the other 167 hours, but it's sure is encouraging, inspiring and refreshing - being in worship with those of like minds. Don't forget ... our rememberers are broken so go to Church and be ... reminded and refreshed.

No Excuses

Things that go "bump in the night" are mostly caused by me bumping into things in the dark. Having a sense of where things are, usually I navigate pretty well without light; on occasion, however, I miscalculate. Paul writes of Elohim (Hebrew name for Creator God), "For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20). In every area of our lives, having "no excuses" should cause us to seriously consider the next move. Consider how we move through the moments of each day [as if] spiritually blindfolded. Paul David Tripp writes, "you can't get up in the morning without bumping into God." (New Morning Mercies). The psalmist says "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above declares His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).  Those early rays of sunshine slipping through the blinds ... declare Him! That bird that lands on the ledge outside your window ... declares Him! The aroma of coffee or bacon that awakens your senses ... declares Him! The water that showers over your hair and body ... declares Him! Yeah, He is ever-present, and so we should intentionally live in awareness and sensitivity that He is God. He has made and makes Himself  known; we have ... no excuses.

Welcome Words

The Wisdom of God: "He who pursues evil will bring about his own death" (Proverbs 11:19b). Immediately Deputy Barney Fife comes to mind, who was notorious for locking himself in the town's jail cell. What a picture of our own foolish decisions and choices that ultimately trap us in the restraints of sin. Unfortunately for us, the key [to the jail cell] isn't always so conveniently hanging within an easy arm's reach. The first part of that verse says, "He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life." Freedom from Satan and sin is best kept than recovered. The Word of God protects us from the path that leads to destruction, and It preserves us as we embrace God's commands. Protection and preservation - those are two ... welcome words!

Who's Your Leader?

 Agreed, concrete barriers serve a good purpose as they detour us away from danger. Nonetheless, driving close to them bothers me: they seem so close, and the thought of scraping against one of them ... well, it's bothersome! As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He said, "lead us not into temptation." (Matthew 6:13). Well, too often we just don't take-well to being led. The world doesn't help - it says ignore science, question the rules, decide for yourselves, defy authority, make your own truth. The words from Judges 21:25 sound all-too-familiar: "In those days ... every man did what was right in his own eyes." If we pray "lead us not into temptation," we must seriously consider how readily available we make temptation. Like those concrete barriers, Believers need defined and firm guard rails (barriers) against sin; God has given us His Word and The Holy Spirit as guide and defense. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have Life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10). Perhaps you've welcomed the thief-of-life (Satan and sin) rather than God and His Truth into your life. Wisely consider ... who's your leader?

From A Clean Heart

Even the simplest of phrases is influenced by the tone in which they're spoken: "good morning" - "may I help you" - "let's get started."  Often forgotten and frequently neglected is how we talk to The Father. The Puritan wrote, "the language of my lips and the feelings of my heart have not always agreed." I suggest praying rightly is one of the Believer's greatest challenges. God has commanded us to pray "without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17); we must understand this principle of prayer: "you ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions" (James 4:3). Praying from a pure heart is repeated in Scripture: "God does not listen to sinners" (John 9;31); "[God] hears the prayers of the righteous" (Proverbs 15:9); "His ears are open" to the righteous (1 Peter 3:12). Watching Him pray, Jesus' disciples said, "Lord, teach us to pray," and Jesus did. Where do we start - as we pray, knowing the best place to begin? The Prophet Isaiah said, "Your wickedness has separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear." (Isaiah 59:2). Let us pray, and let us do so rightly ... from a clean heart.

Depend On Him

Famous are the words, "I can do it myself." We chuckle and label the child "independent." Somehow it's not quite so funny when [as adults] we embrace that same independency. Admit it or not, none of us live in absolute-complete-total self-sufficiency. To the Israelites, God said: "You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD." (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). Even the one who refuses to acknowledge God and rejects Jesus, delights in the beauty of God's creation; even the one who sings "I did it my way," breathes God's air. You see, none of us can rightly claim independence of The Creator! "God is good to all, and His Mercy is over all that He has made." (Psalm 145:9). Indeed, God has gifted us with intellect, reason, etc. but He never intended man to live independently of his Creator. Our God is the All-Sufficient One - depend on that truth and depend on Him!

Greatest Glory

It seems a bit crazy to me how we long-for even plan-for imaginative moments: serene, quiet, peaceful, thrilling, delightful, memorable moments. All too often if-and-when they happen, they're gone all-too-soon; then, we're planning for the next one. God said to Israel, "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; for how can My name be profaned? And my glory I will not give to another." (Isaiah 48:11). In this chapter, over and over, God said "I declared" - He officially, explicitly, formerly made known! Any and all amount of planning of the long or short-term moments of our lives quite simply are not about us. The planned-for and anticipated glory and grandeur only expose our hearts: "What I really want is for the people, places, and things in my life to serve the glory of my comfort and satisfaction. Submitting my life to the holy name of God reminds me that I need to pray for something else - grace. Without rescuing grace, I will continue to live as a glory thief, and so will you." (New Morning Mercies, Paul David Tripp). Coming to the certain realization that this life is not about us but rather about Him - well, it is a show-stopper, a place of pause and point of surrender. So, what is it ... my glory, your glory or God's glory? What we do next speaks volumes.

Sweet Service

Isn't it just delightful to watch those who love what they do! Not only do they possess the skills and training, their zeal in-the-doing is so apparent. Doing what we love to do is fun but doing what we're called to do is God-honoring. Here's an oft forgotten truth: God has given every Believer a spiritual gift. Yes, He has ... and, if you're a Believer - that means you! It's a beautiful thing when Believers know and acknowledge their gift(s) then commit them to God's use for His glory. First Peter 4:10 says, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." We must remember the model servant, Jesus, Who said He came not to be served but to serve (Romans 12:1). Furthermore, Jesus said, "anyone who serves Me, The Father will honor him" (John 12:26). There are many callings, places and opportunities to serve; the real question each of us must answer is: are we serving? The Puritan prayed that he would "see that I am called particularly, and perceive the sweetness of the command." The command is sweet - the serving is sweeter!

Overcomers

Behind the house where I spent the biggest part of my childhood was a pasture fence. Each day we watched the pigs waller and the cows graze. Although there was plenty of grass inside the fence, the cows pushed their way through the fence's small openings to eat the grass growing outside the fence. It's so "us" to live with the "if only" attitude toward life: if-only this and if-only that. Jesus said, "in this world, you will have tribulations" and troubles we have! What foolish imaginations of life with smoother waters, paved highways or greener grass. Charles Spurgeon wrote: "Ah, if thou hadst no devil to tempt thee, no enemies to fight thee, and no world to ensnare thee, thou wouldst still find in thyself evil enough to be a sore trouble to thee, for 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!'" Jesus ends His statement with "take courage, I have overcome the world." It is wise to remember "this world" is not home to Believers; while here, however, we have Jesus' promise He is with us and He has already faced and overcome every trouble known to man. He has overcome - that's why with Him, we are ... overcomers.

A Beautiful Life

Battery acid, jitter juice, jet fuel, cup of Joe - the list of names go on for this morning brew. Like it or not, it's mostly the caffeine-jolt desired. There are, of course, those who prefer their caffeine cold. Hot or cold, that craving for caffeine is seriously real. When we consider addictions, we usually think of the more common diagnosed behaviors. We are wise to reconsider. Jesus said, "Why do you not understand what I am saying?  It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the the devil ... Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:43-44). Just because we are born-again children of God doesn't mean we aren't exposed to - even deceived by - Satan's lies. Instead of the beautiful fruits of The Holy Spirit within us, we [too] can find ourselves trapped by (addicted to) sins of the flesh: slander, gossip, apathy, selfishness, anger, rebellion, etc. In the same way addictions look ugly on their victims, so does "rotten fruit" on the Believer. Paul wrote,  "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in The Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). Dead to sin and freed from its bondage, we can most assuredly live ... a beautiful life!

Make Him Known

While we turn a page on the calendar, nature has previewed yet another season upon us!  March winds and April showers have brought forth May's budding beauties - signs of new life. Likewise, there should be evidence of New Life within every Believer. Like delectable blueberries, strawberries make themselves known on their respective plants, drawing us near, so should Christ in us draw others to Him. "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27). In a world where so many continue to search for purpose and hope, Jesus' followers possess The Hope, and that season never expires nor fades. How well is your Life in Christ revealing itself to those around you? God has called us to be a light, set upon a hill, shining brightly in the darkness. Let's be serious about  this "Christ within us ... The Hope of Glory." Make His evidence in us known.