All Is Well

This older-me finds myself stocking-up on things: paper towels, hair spray, deodorant, toilet paper, etc. In the earlier seasons of life, it was buy-as-you-go. One of my favorite Bible examples of God's provision is when he Hebrews were in the wilderness; from Exodus 16:4 - "Then The LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day.'" There was to be no stocking-up or gathering for the next day ... literally, just enough. Oh, how this speaks to The Father's sufficiency - His "new mercies" each morning (Lamentations 3:23). Admittedly, I'm a planner; I prefer to check my calendar and see what's ahead so I can plan and prepare, have a mental snapshot of what's coming. This is, of course, trusting in MY abilities, MY control, MY resources instead of God's sovereignty and sufficiency. Jesus said, "Do not worry about your life ... Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worthy much more than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26). O Lord, "prove Yourself sufficient to my need in each moment ... Remind me that my life is cradled in Your hands. Remind me that all is well with my soul, and so all is well eternally." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). Truly, God is Sufficient so ... all is well.

Ever Faithful

 Whenever I have blood drawn, I quickly point the nurse to a particular vein in my right arm. That vein has never failed to be readily accessible or productive.! I can only imagine the number of needless sticks that faithful vein has saved me! So is Jehovah God - has been, is and will ever be ... faithful. "Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord" (Lamentations 3:23). Throughout life's highs and lows, ups and downs, joys and sorrows ... faithful is He. Uncertainties become certainties when we trust in Him ... faithful is God. "I give You praise, O Lord, for Your faithfulness across the years. You are no less present now than You have ever been. Grant me every grace this day requires." (Every Moment Holy, Volume II). One day I expect that vein to fail me; never, however, will The God of heaven and earth fail. Ever faithful He will be ... great is His faithfulness.

Face The Son

There's a short-cut Mister Bill loves to drive but I don't care for it at all. It's very curvy and has lots of over-hanging trees that cast shadows - it's just spooky to me! We may get to pick-and-choose a lot in this life, but some things you have no choice in or control over. We watch others as they go-there and even imagine how it will be when it's our turn; truth is, our imaginations aren't that good. The hard things come eventually - it's our turn. I remember standing on the pitcher's mound, bottom of the 7th, bases loaded, tying run on 3rd, full-count on the batter -  my Dad looks me in the eye and says, "Bev, this is when we see what you're made of!" In the hard times, will this great faith so carefully nurtured see us through? "Lord, teach me now what it means to trust You in the dark vale of night, as I have trusted You in the full light of day. O Lord, light my way. O Lord, lead me in Your good paths." (Every Moment Holy).  A blind Helen Keller said, "keep your face to the sun and you will not see the shadows." Direction matters - looking to Jesus, The Author and Finisher of our faith ... face The Son.

Sweet Times

Out-of-square: I’ve learned that builder’s term as Mister Bill has done some remodeling the last few yeas. Apparently, it's not uncommon for a structure to become out-of-square as it settles, but it can also be the result of something poorly built. Psalm 127 begins, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” (V.1). God left nothing to chance as He gave clear instructions both for the wilderness tabernacle and Jerusalem's temple. God's most precious dwelling place, however, became the heart of man through the finished work of Jesus on Calvary! Nonetheless, “We know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (Corinthians 5:1). Can anyone imagine such a building! Actually, we cannot: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Those who truly love God and who make their lifestyle one of obedience have much to anticipate in eternity. My Mom’s already there so heaven's a little sweeter but truly the sweetest part is to finally see face-to-face ... The Master Builder. Hymn writer Rufus Cornelius wrote: "Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His Face - There to sing forever of His saving grace - On the streets of glory, let me lift my voice - Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice." Ahead for Believer are indeed some ... sweet time.

No Surprises

Of my four guys - Mister Bill and the three boys - I can usually accurately predict their response to my texts ... or if they will respond at all. That's because I know them well, and I'm sure they can say the same about me! This is what the psalmist prayed: "Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness" (Psalm 119:149). First, he knows God hears him; second, he is certain God responds according to His loving and kind nature. He knows God will not act in moodiness, impatience nor indifference. The psalmist knows God's "righteousness is an everlasting righteousness" (V.141). Because The Father is eternally and consistently loving and kind, He acts no other way! "Of old I have known from Your testimonies that You have founded them forever" (V.152). It is wise when Believers pause and reflect on the faithfulness of God as well as the nature of all His ways as He responds to us. True, my guys surprise me with their responses but we should never be surprised at the good and gracious acts of The Good and Gracious God. Nope ... no surprises!

Time For That

Time. How often have you paused to wonder where does time come from and where does it go? These wonderings usually come to me as I look at pictures of days-gone-by. Since the ancient Egypt when shadow clocks were used to identify daylight hours and such, man has had a fascination with the establishment of and elusiveness of time. Here’s a profound Bible-Truth about time:: time is nothing to God! In Psalm 90:2, Moses prayed, “Before the mountains were born or before You had given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting,You are God.” Peter wrote later, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8). Think about it: to God Who has no beginning and no end, why would man's [piddly] fascination with time matter? It’s man’s interest alone in containing time and living within the rule and limitations of time – God has no such interest. “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). God’s interest is in ordering (establishing, directing) man’s steps all the days and times of life! The Creator of the universe wants to rule all our days, ways and times! Yeah, I get it: life makes us pay attention to the clock. The wise will pay close attention, however, to The One Who holds and sustains our times. Make sure you ... have time for that.

No Secret

Have you ever had a “secret” admirer? If so, I imagine you found it rather exciting or otherwise creepy! Of one thing we can be sure: God is not a secret Admirer – Scripture confirms this: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earth-born] man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:4-5). The Mighty Creator – Almighty God – is mindful of you and me! Furthermore, speaking of Jesus Christ, we know “greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). This is precisely how God showed us the depth of His love for us. These are not the actions of a secret admirer! Oh, no! God loves us, and continues to show His deep affection as we are grow in relationship with Christ Jesus. Make no mistake – God’s love for us is no secret!

Little Lights

The Mister at my house has quite a few sayings; one thing he says is "I know things." Well, we all "know things," however, what do others know about you? They may know you are generally good, law-abiding and moral; is that enough - are you content with that? Talking to His followers, Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15). These are commonsense words about physical light, and spiritual wake-up words about God's Light within Believers. Last week, my pastor asked: if you were on trial for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Hmm. Jesus continued, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (V.16). Really, what good is physical light if it fails to illuminate, shine and brighten the way and dispel darkness? With Jesus' Light as The Source, Believers are "little lights," called to scatter and overcome the darkness [of sin] in this world. Nah, I'm not content with good-moral and law-abiding ... Believers are to be so much more than that! Be the "little light" you are ... shine!

Sound of Freedom

The word "freedom" strikes a happy note in us. It means we're free to do this or that or another. When God said, "it was for freedom that Christ set us free," (Galatians 5:1), do you ever wonder ... free to do what? Here's just a few reminders: Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you." ... Isaiah 54:10 - "'For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,'" says the LORD Who has compassion on you." There are countless freedoms found in God's Word! Charles Spurgeon refers to God's Word as the "Bank of Heaven," filled with God's endless promises of freedom for those who love and fear The Lord (Believers) ... "freedom from condemnation, freedom to the promises, freedom to the throne of grace, and at last freedom to enter heaven" (Spurgeon). Oh my-my ... freedom never sounded so good!

Spirit-Walker

Walking [we're told] is good exercise; actually for those who walk each day with "Arthur," any movement is helpful. Believers are all called to be walkers! God says, "If we claim to live by The Holy Spirit, we must also walk by The Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage - our conduct empowered by The Holy Spirit]" (Galatians 5:25, AMP). In my younger days when I was able to walk-for-exercise, I had a walking-buddy. We met regularly and walked together; what fun that was. The time and distance seemed easy and irrelevant. God reminds us there is a sweetness in walking in the Presence of The Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Can we even imagine the irreplaceable loss when we have walked otherwise! Oh, how I want to be a Spirit-walker - one who indeed belongs to Christ Jesus, one who has truly died to my sin-nature and no longer submits to selfish passions and appetites (Galatians 5:24). Walking in The Spirit may not help me get my heart-rate up nor burn calories but it does both my soul and others a good-turn. By His Grace, I choose to walk rightly by His Spirit.

Marked

Do you remember learning how important a bookmark was to "mark" your place in a book? The real lesson was to never-never-never dog-ear the pages of a book ... it was [is] a big no-no! Interestingly, when we faithfully and repeatedly read certain passages in God's Word, the place becomes naturally ... marked. How sweet that is! If you ate breakfast today, you did well since the body is sustained by food and water. If you skipped your spiritual breakfast [reading God's Word], how do you intend to find your spiritual life support for the day? Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4). Oh, my, at the casual even careless words I use each day; not so with God - not one word He has uttered left Him with an unintended purpose to give life to those who will hear [read] them. Peter wrote that God's words are "carried along by The Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21) and His words accomplish His intended purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11). What joy is captured by the hearts of those who open God's Word faithfully - those are the hearts that are soon "marked" by Its precious treasures. Yes, I have a few Bibles that open to familiar spots, and I'm encouraged by that. Keep opening The Word and let it ... mark you!

Not Mine Alone

We've heard small children claim their toys as exclusively "mine," and the teaching-to-share begins. My Nanny taught me a chorus that began like this: "mine, mine, mine mine - Jesus is mine." How blessed one August night in 1962, Jesus did become personally mine; mine, but not exclusively mine. Scripture tells us God is patient and He longs for none to "perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9). Interestingly, too often we faithfully live our lives as if Christ belongs exclusively to us: why else do we refuse to share The Gospel message? Here on [what we call] The Chandler Compound, we share many things - a lawn mower, a tractor, tools ... sometimes, even germs.We do this because there is a deep abiding love for each other; this is just a simple illustration of how much God loves us and wants us to share His message of love, mercy and forgiveness with others. We rightly sing, "blessed assurance, Jesus is mine," with heart-felt gratitude but may I (we) never forget He loves all people and He has commanded me (you) to share that which is ... not mine alone.

Humbly Pray

Nobody [I know] cares for a bland diet - it doesn't even sound pleasant! When those aromatic and seasonable spices that add pop-and-punch render our foods ... well, bland. Sometimes, however, a bland diet is needed - sometimes [also] Believers need to devote themselves to especially serious prayer. Scripture is clear: there is a time, a season of commitment to seeking God's face and favor. "Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord." (Joel 1:14). Perhaps you read these words as radical or extreme; well, tell me when you've lived in more extremely radical time? It deeply concerns me how churches and communities within our nation have lost their way. It occurred to me that if The People of God do not recognize the desperate times and fail to to call upon The Lord ... uh, who will? God said, "If My people who are called by My Name humble themselves, and pray and seek MY face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14). God did not speak casually; He gave a specific recipe for promised healing. He remains as gracious now as when He spoke the words: let us obediently, faithfully and ... humbly pray.

Good Practice

Oh, yes, I clearly remember disagreeing with the umpire when I was a pitcher - even kicked some dirt a time or two. Here's a truth for living: "A just weight and balance are The LORD's: all the weights of the bag are His work." (Proverbs 16:11). J. Vernon McGee says this proverb is for "the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker." Certainly, we expect fairness and integrity from those with whom we do business. Furthermore, when we take-up the role of judge and jury, we take-up something that does not belong to us: remember, a just balance and scales belong to The LORD. This seems, however, to be a role to which we eagerly aspire. It's particularly interesting [to me] that only a few verses later we read: "Pride goes before destruction; and a haughty spirit before stumbling" (V.18). The older-me has learned that many conclusions I rush-to are rooted in two things: (1) perception - what I perceive rather than what is true; and, (2) pride - declaring myself worthy to draw a fair conclusion. What a tremendous relief, however, that there is only One Righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8) before Whom we all will stand one day and give an account (Romans 14:12). No disagreeing, arguing nor kickin' dirt on that day! Let us willingly and eagerly "humble ourselves before the Mighty Hand of God" (1 Peter 5:6). It's ... good practice ... for today and The Day coming.

Most High Kindness

It's been said "life's too short - eat desert first." When it comes to strawberry shortcake, I totally agree! Of one thing I'm certain: life is too short to be unkind. Some may argue and deny it but there's no joy in unkindness for anyone involved. The Proverbs 31 woman "opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue" (V.26). Can you honestly think of anything more heart-warming than even a small gesture of kindness in this hateful and hostile world? Believers [then] mus be in the business of continually warming hearts! Let's be clear: Jesus commands us, "Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of The Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil." (Luke 6:35). The Puritan prayed, "Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy." That joy comes when we obey Christ - yes, even as simple as being kind. You want to be kind like The Most High? Choose ... Most High kindness.

Heart Hum

Do you remember seeing a Hummer for the first time?  My baby sister drove a bright red one for years. I distinctly remember watching her park that thing ‘bout anywhere she well pleased, in whatever way she pleased: she said, “nobody’s gonna hit this thing unless they want to tear up their car!”  What do you do when you lose your joy?  It often slips away unnoticed - we're not sure how or when but we know it’s missing.  Believers are uniquely equipped with joy that comes only from a close relationship to Jesus. David asked God to “restore to me the  joy of Your Salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12).  Oh, how I love this next part of his prayer: “O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.” (V. 15).  David was a man with a plan!  One thing I've learned is when joy is in the heart, it finds its way out; for me, it becomes an [often] unconscious … humming.  It’s that song in the heart that will eventually slip through the lips.  I’ve concluded if my heart's a'hummin' most likely my lips will be involved.  If you're a Believer, you should have a heart-hum. Let it out ... be a’hummin’.

Nothing Earned

Do you remember your first "real money" - wages for work done? I believe mine was from "picking" cotton; I earned a dime ... yeah, ten cents! I don't remember being too thrilled with that since it was terribly hard and hot work. We do well to remember we neither deserve nor earn God's mercy: "For by grace you have been saved through faith." (Ephesians 2:8). David makes clear God "has not dealt with us according to our sins [as we deserve], nor rewarded us [with punishment] according to our wickedness." (Psalm 103:10). How puffed-up and arrogant we can become listening to world-voices assuring us we deserve so much more than [even] what work for! David continues, "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father loves his children, so the LORD loves those who fear and worship Him." (V.11-12). Yes, thankfully, we live in a land of earthly freedoms but that freedom must never lead to trampling the Goodness of The Sovereign One. Okay, I may not even have deserved the dime from my cotton-pickin' but one thing I know: my heavenly Father looked upon me in mercy and extended grace instead of judgment ... nothing earned but everything gained! Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul!

First-Thought

What is typically your first conscious thought of the day: is it morning already? ... what body part isn't responding ... where's my coffee? How about this first-thought: "The LORD your God is among you, a warrior Who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in His love. He will delight in you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17). Even for those [of us] who have trouble a'get-goin' in the new day, this great truth is a thought to awaken the soul! How can the soul not be thrilled to know that God never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4); He never faints nor grows weary (Isaiah 40:28). This first-thought should excite and encourage us as we put feet on the floor, stretch sleepy limbs and focus morning eyes. Such awareness we take great delight! Like a healthy breakfast sets the tone of the day, let our waking thoughts be of The One Who defends, saves quiets, loves, delights and sings over His children. Ask The Father to rule over your first-thought ... make it about Him!

Out Of The Gray

Do you find it interesting that "gray" is one of the most popular colors? Yes, I have the color in my own house; interestingly, although gray is technically a color - it really has no ... color. Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Reading the full text of Jesus' last words to His closest friends, it's clear He knew what was ahead - some really, really gray days! If you've ever driven in a fog, you know what it is to have limited vision, the inability to see as far ahead as we'd prefer. The one word that challenges us in Jesus' words is the word "may" ... you "may" have peace. Peace is yours, that is, if you choose it over fear, doubt, rejection. Imagine Joshua's position as he assumed leadership [after Moses' death] yet God said to him: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). Bold colors of red and blues pop with their presence, and like Joshua and Jesus' disciples, we [too] can and are commanded to move boldly and confidently in Christ through the most challenging days of life. Be strong - Take heart ... out of the gray!

PAY ATTENTION!

Paying attention is more than just something you do in the classroom! Proverbs 19:16 says, "He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of conduct will die." Much like a car out-of-gear, Believers who pay little-to-no attention to God's commands can expect lives careening out-of-control. How foolish when we consider God's commands as invasive and restrictive as if The Father wants to keep us from enjoying life! The truest enjoyment ... and freedom ... comes when we submit to The All-Knowing and All-Wise God Who has only plans to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11). Oh, yeah, don't forget: there's also eternal benefits and rewards for obedience to God. One more thing: God is not a co-pilot! He is either The Pilot of our lives or He isn't the pilot at all. I suggest we all begin each day in The Word and ... pay attention!

Let His Truth Rule

Slants are tricky. Perhaps roofers feel at-home moving across slanted roofs ... still, it's tricky. The psalmist praised God: "Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments." (Psalm 119:137). The word "judgments" refers to words and works that cause us to determine and bring order to knowing what is right and wrong. Ever-changing words and works will always produce ever-changing judgments of right and wrong; such instability influences (slants) judgment and hinders justice. It is God alone Who is "the righteous judge" (2 Timothy 4:8): this true because His "word is pure" (Psalm 119:140), His "righteousness is an everlasting righteousness" (Psalm 119:142), and His "law is truth" (Psalm 119:142). Furthermore, He has commanded His testimonies "in righteousness and great faithfulness" (Psalm 119:138). We can be absolutely sure that in Him, there is no twisting or manipulating of truth, no tipping the scales of fairness ... no slant. The faithful and proper application of God's Word in our personal lives is paramount: it influences how we work, shop, play and how we treat others. The psalmist concludes: "Your commandments are my delight and my joy." (Psalm 119:143). What a relief it is to have one truth - one measure, one standing - by which to live in this crazy world. Let His Truth rule!