Eternal Truth

Throughout the year, I take note of address changes of those who receive our family Christmas letter. An outdated address book is pretty useless! The psalmist prayed, "Teach me good judgment (discernment) and knowledge." (Psalm 119:66). He understood how important good knowledge is - it's the only way to a right conclusion. We live in a world where inaccurate knowledge leads only to inaccurate conclusions! How sad that so many people depend on the world's trending truths; it's little wonder our world is in such chaos. In light of unstable truths and an absence of absolutes, we see confusion, hopelessness and calamity in our homes, communities, nation and world. Truth rooted securely in The Word of God provides a "database" that never leads to wrong judgments, discernment or conclusions. And, here's the best part: the Truth of God's Word never needs updating! "The grass withers, the flower fades, but The Word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8). Make sure you get your knowledge from God's Word. Its the only ... eternal Truth.

Blog Break

 Morning with Beverly
will resume Monday 08-01-2022
Stay in The WORD
Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Oh, That Day!

Have you ever just wondered what creation like in its perfect state? Romans 8 says creation itself waits with eager longing when it will be “set free from the bondage of decay” (8:21). Perhaps there’s nothing that shocks our sense of sin’s impact on this world and life [in general] than a sudden death or illness, looking it squarely in the face. In stark contrast, the promised glory that awaits us is beyond comprehension – it truly is unimaginable. As amazing as the painted skies and after-shower rainbows are, we must through faith believe, they cannot compare with what’s to come: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will be no longer any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain … Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:3-5).  Of course, I’m thankful for the moments of grace to enjoy present beauties, but my soul sings of a new time when all will be whole and perfect. Oh, that Day!

Gifted With Purpose

If you've ever watched the series on hoarding, [I found] it to be pretty unbelievable. I suggest God finds the "hoarding" of spiritual gifts pretty unbelievable as well. He has graciously given every born-again Believer at least one spiritual gift that is to be put to use. "Just as each one of you have received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God's multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God's unmerited favor]. (1 Peter 4:10, AMP). How graciously we have been gifted by God and empowered by The Holy Spirit to put to use for His Glory! It is sad, however, how many of these beautiful gifts lay dormant, unused - what a waste. We all know and appreciate that gift received that proves itself to be invaluable as we go about our daily doings. So it is with the spiritual gift(s) God has entrusted to us - we must use them for the good of others and always to His glory. Believer, you are gifted, and you are ... gifted with purpose!

Lay Yourself Down

Did you know you are capable of concurrent execution of a number of different activities? Oh yes, you are - it's call "multi-tasking." In order to dutifully seek the good of others, we must set aside focus on ourselves. Among many other things, love does not insist on its own way ... is not self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:5). This purest description of love defies (goes against) our nature, which is inclined [rather] to self-love. Self-denial just isn't our nature yet it is the Nature of Christ in His followers. Here's how we can be led to lay-down ourselves for others: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10). As Believers, why would we choose to walk through life so loaded down with ourselves, there's no room for the good of others! Let's free our hands, our arms, our time, our resources for The Glory of God as we obediently serve others. Yes, lay yourself down

Just Let Go!

There is a period of motherhood I'm glad has passed: early teen-driving. I did not feel at-home in the passenger seat nor was I comfortable relinquishing the steering wheel and brake. The last of the prophets, John [the baptizer], was unique and the talk of the countryside. His message of repentance struck at the sinful core of people's hearts, which led to his unpopularity among religious leaders of that day. Nonetheless, when Jesus appeared, John knew it was time for him to step aside and surrender his time to The One of Whom he preached. John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). What a beautiful attitude of submission - a relinquishing of self to Jesus' control. True, the passenger seat was not where I preferred to be but it was where I had to be; it was the right place to be. And, even in the passenger seat, there were many times when I wanted to grab the wheel and take-back control. As followers of Jesus, setting aside our own plans and grip on life is hard but it's how we learn to trust God. It's God Who said "I know the plans I have for you ... plans for hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). The question is simple: do we trust Him or not? If we believe He is God of His Word, yes ... we must decrease and He must increase. If you trust Him ... just let go!

Shepherd's Call

Although Mister Bill and I don't have a pet, we have a box of dog treats on our kitchen counter. That's because we have a sweet daily caller who watches and waits for the door to open! Are you that eager to meet with The Father each day? Oh, of course, I know God is with Believers everywhere we are - yes, He has promised; what I mean, however, do you look forward to those quiet moments with Him in His Word, talking and listening to Him? Or, like me, do other things grab your time and focus: phone calls, dishes, chores, meetings, etc. Mister Bill and I think it's sweet that Ollie comes to our back door - without even calling, she's there ... waiting. What if we truly believed there are "pleasures evermore" (Psalm 16:11) in our times with The Father - that there is abundant riches He longs to reveal to yearning hearts? When God says, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10), it's really an open invitation from The Shepherd of "I shall not want" into His Presence of sufficient portion and power. Why not willingly, eagerly and without delay answer ... the call of The Shepherd.

Persevere in Patience

How interesting those who wait in the doctor's office are called "patients," since most of the time it takes great "patience." Right after he said, "Rejoice in hope," Paul wrote "Be patient in tribulation ..." (Romans 12:12). Our hopefulness [here] doesn't lend itself to being patient: we live in an instant world - instant grits, coffee, cash, etc. The want-it-now concept has brought us many inventions for deliver-it-now solutions: drive-thus, automatic tells machines, microwaves, etc. We find some of the best counsel in Psalm 37:7, "Be still before The LORD and wait patiently for Him." Be still - cease striving ... what a lost concept on Believers! God says cease from trying to fix things yourselves, forget trying to pull yourself up by the boot straps, do not set your course with full steam ahead ... no, just be still and wait patiently for Me. In the discipline of patience, we are usually surprised at seeing God do what He does: He says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11). The tribulations of life are constant. Let us persevere patiently in life's troubles as watch God fulfill His great promises of hope.

Rejoice in Hope

We all will take hopeful over hopeless any day of the week! We know that unrestrained enthusiasm [exuberance] of hopefulness; but, we also know the emotional crash of hopes dashed against the rocks of reality. Paul writes, "Rejoice in hope ..." (Romans 12:12). The hope Paul refers to is hope that never crashes - that Greek word is "confident expectation" found only in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." The Greek word "same" means "can be none other than itself nor no other way." Jesus is just that - He can be nothing other nor no other way than who He is, and that is "the same" ... yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever. That's the kind of hope Believers rejoice in! Even in less-than-rejoicing times, in times when life crashes our wishful hopes and dreams, we have The Steady Hope, the confident expectation secured in Jesus. Rejoice in Hope.

No Vacancy Here

While many wild animals dig for themselves to make their own holes (homes), there are some who just claim another animal's hole. There is serious danger when Believers are spiritually idle. It's like putting our a "Vacancy" sign to Satan - you know, the prowling-roaring-devouring lion he is (1 Peter 5:8). In Psalm 119:25-29, the psalmist finds himself grievous about his lifestyle perhaps from spiritual neglect. In each verse, however, he recognizes it is God's Word that leads him to revival and restoration. The personal choices we make every day with what-and-how we occupy ourselves will determine the way-path of our hearts. The psalmist concludes, "I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me. I cling tightly to Your testimonies, O LORD, do not put me to shame! I will run the way of Your commandments [with purpose], for You will give me a heart that is willing." (Psalm 119:30-32). Believers who are serious about living in righteousness will not have spiritual do-nothing days. Those are the days Satan knocks incessantly at the heart's door. Leave no holes, no openings for Satan. Keep God's Word ever before you every moment in all that you do. Declare to Satan ... no vacancy here!

Be Wise

It's pretty embarrassing when someone speaks to you and you don't recognize the person. You know the voice and the face is familiar but you just can't pull the memory together! Proverbs 15:3 says, "The eyes of The LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." One thing I'm more aware of day-by-day is how prevalent and widespread evil is around us. As if that's not scary enough, it should terrify us that it is not so easily recognized. And no wonder, for even "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14). What comfort it is, therefore, that wickedness is never out of the watchful eyes of Almighty God. What we cannot perceive as forces of evil, The LORD can and does. It's so very important Believers be diligent in The Word of God relying on "powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14). Do not be foolishly deceived - this is the only way we identify truth from lie and good from evil. Perhaps there's nothing more alarming than to be caught bewildered and wondering. Be wise - not in your own eyes but in the eyes of The One Whose eyes are perfect and everywhere.

Best Use

Isn't it just awful when you put so much effort into something only to later conclude it was all just a waste of time! I heard a preacher say one time some things are like "plowing water." Scripture clearly speaks to idleness: "A slack hand causes poverty" (Proverbs 10:4) and "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing." (Proverbs 13:4). Be sure, there are other ways of wasting time than by just doing nothing. Actually, sometimes we're in a flurry about doing the wrong things, and they often end in a flop! As Jesus' disciples tried to dissuade Him from returning to a hostile Judea, Jesus said to them: "Are there not twelve hours in the day?" (John 11:9). His message, of course, was much deeper than it appears: make best use of the time you've been given. Jesus never wasted time; He was always on-task doing the will of The Father - that was always his priority. What a "best use" example for for our own time. It's been said "time" is our greatest and most precious resource. If this is true - and I suspect it is -  let's live with an attitude of ... best use.

Just Ask

You know, there's a real difference in "busy" and "hurried." We hurry ourselves throughout the day and week, and we consider ourselves so "busy." Author Vance Havner noted that Jesus was "busy but not hurried. He knew that there is always time enough to do what God wants done - and no more time is needed by anyone than that." I fear many of us fill our days with the urgent and neglect the important. Scripture teaches we are make the best use of our time (Ephesians 5:16) and to walk in wisdom (Colossians 4:5). Before our toes ever touchdown in the morning, the best exercise in walking wisely and making the best use of our time is to ask God, "Lord, what will we do together today to glorify Your Name?" Yes, it's a loaded question but His answer may present you with a less-hurried day ... busy about His business. Just ask.

Check Your Footing

Standing firm in the ocean is a tough-go. If you lose your footing from one wave, count on there being yet another one right behind it. There's barely time to recover! God's Word teaches us, "In the fear of The LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have refuge. The fear of The LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death." (Proverbs 14:26-27). The ever-shifting truth (aka lies) we hear from the world will always keep us trying to keep our balance in life. We see the obvious shelters of safety and protection crumbling around us each day. The strong and confident testimony of Believers is The Fountain of Life found only in Jesus Christ. The turbulence and crashing of life don't cease but the struggle to stand fast in-and-through it ceases when we stand firm on The Truth of God's Word and Its Author. We are wise to make sure on that which we stand -- check your footing!

Pledge to The Bible

What a privilege it is to pledge to the America Flag! What a "grand ole flag" she is, representing freedom like no other nation on earth. We cannot ignore, however, the troubles of this "one nation under God." May I suggest America's drift began when we stopped our pledge of allegiance to God's Word, where we find The Author of True Liberty and Eternal Truth. The writer of Psalm 119, over and over and over, makes clear it is God's precepts, testimonies, commandments, statutes, law, ordinances, word that lead us as individuals and as a nation in The Righteous Way. He writes, "You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligentsly" (V.4) - "I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts." (V.45) - "The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces." (V.72) - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (V.105). Mister Bill and I love seeing Old Glory waving in the breeze, to stand in honor of God's Goodness to this land and remember the strong and the brave who gave liberally for our freedom. There is nothing, however ... no not even this great nation ... that deserves our deepest and greatest allegiance than Almighty God and His Steadfast Word. Do you pledge allegiance to God's Holy Word? Is it a Lamp unto your feet and a Light unto your path? Will you hide Its words in your heart that you might not sin against God? That pledge should be on the lips of every Believer every day! Let us pledge our days to God and His Word!

Hearts Like His

Fresh fruit is nice! No matter how much you examine it, squeeze it, smell it or turn it over in your hands, you can never be absolutely sure what it's like on the inside. Have you ever wondered why God speaks so frequently and candidly in Scripture about the heart of man? "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23). Just like that piece of fruit, the inside is what counts most. God chose young David to be king because he was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Because the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), it is the heart God searches and tests (Jeremiah 17:10); it is the heart God weighs (Proverbs 21;2). Just as sin is an "inside job," so will be the redeeming work of Christ in the heart of man. Later in King David's life, when he got a good look at the sinfulness of his heart, he prayed, "Wash me thoroughly ... and cleans me from my sin ... Purify me ... Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow ... Create in me a clean heart, O God." (Psalm 51:2,7,10). That piece of fruit is-what-it-is and will be nothing less, nothing more. Praise The Lord! this is not so with the hearts of man; humbled and repentant hearts are transformed by God through Jesus to be ... yes, hearts like His.