Blog Break

 Thanks to all who faithfully visit my MWB Blog.
I will honor the HomeGoing of my Dad
for a period of time. I'll be back soon.
Stay in The Word
Miles of Smiles, Beverly

All in All

My Mom always told me how head-strong and independent I was even as a little girl. She said one of my oft repeated lines was "I can do it myself." Those same words closely resemble the attitudes with which we face the times of our lives. How foolish we behave in our perceived self-sufficiency! "Prove Yourself sufficient to my need in each moment, O Lord. I am stripped of my illusions of self-sufficiency. I need You now as a frightened child needs their parent. Meet me in my weakness. Remind me that You yet govern from Your throne." (Every Moment Holy, Vol I). Laying aside the notion I am all-sufficient is where I find the perfect All-Sufficiency of Christ. He is my All in all.

Feeding Your Soul

We can learn a lot by contrasts. For example, the life-span of a poorly made product compared to one of good quality; the outcomes of a good choice versus a bad one; the performance of a well-maintained vehicle and one neglected. "The human heart, apart from Your love, will drink itself to ruin on the wine of unholy communions." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). If we embrace the ideology "we are what we eat" in the physical sense, oh so much more we should embrace it spiritually! What we feed our mind, soul, spirit, heart will ultimately reveal itself in us: hate or love, envy or contentment, fear or trust, prejudice or justice, pride or humility, rage or peace, etc. When we feast on the brokenness of this world, we can expect an ugliness that festers and wounds us and others. Jesus said, "It is The [Holy] Spirit Who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life." (John 6:63). Do not be deceived: our souls are being fed continually. On what is your soul feeding?

In The Moment

Young people are often criticized for living in-the-moment - little thought given to what happens next or preparation for time yet to come. The older-me has learned living in-the-moment can actually bring a sense of unexpected peace. Jesus spoke to this when He said "do not worry about your life. as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on." (Matthew 6:25). He was not teaching against being prepared; rather, He was instructing us not to be anxious about what lies ahead. The phrase "one day at a time" is really a great concept! Jesus continues, "If God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!" (Matthew 6:30). Little faith reveals very little about our Great God. Lord, increase my faith as I trust in You living completely ... in the moment.

Comfort Cycle

What about the word "comeuppance?" It's not a commonly used word but its definition certainly comes to mind these days: a deserved punishment or retribution, one's just desserts. My Mama would say, "what goes around comes around." Mister Bill would say, "sometimes we cause our own blessings." The just or fair end of man's unrighteous condition is spiritual death and an eternal separation from his Creator. That, however, is not what is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ! Furthermore, one of the rewards of trusting Him is unfathomable mercy and comfort. "Blessed be The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Ah! here is the spiritual what-goes-around-comes-around. God gives to Believers His perfect comfort; we [then] share that comfort with others, which brings honor to The God of All-Comfort! "Teach us even in this hour, O Lord, how better to mourn with those who mourn, that their burden might in some way be made more bearable by our sharing in it." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). What beauty that He bears our burdens so that we [then] are able to bear the burdens of others ... the comfort cycle.

My Certainty

Cycles and their sounds tell us things: when the clothes are ready for the dryer, when the coffee is done, when the dishes are clean, etc. Paul writes of the spiritual cycle: "If we live, we live to The Lord, and if we die, we die to The Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are The Lord's." (Romans 14:8). The no-matter-what's matter - it sells extended warranties, all-inclusive vacations and such. A known certainty in uncertainty is of great value! "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from The Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39). In that promised Certainty I know "I am not alone in this. My God has gone before me, into suffering, grief, death, loss, and separation. Where I am, You have already been. And You are with me in this now." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). This Certainty is mine.

Shadows, Be Gone!

Something I learned in property and casualty insurance school was that homeowners should keep the close proximity of their house free of place for would-be burglars to hide. Things or people that choose to hang-out in the shadows are ... well, suspect. How wonderful that Believers have The One Who is neither intimidated nor dissuaded by shadows: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for You are with me." (Psalm 23:4). Whatever lurks in the shadows of life - including uncertainties - fear finds no home in those who trust in The One Who walks with us. "The human heart, apart from Your light, O Lord, is lost in those dark shadows cast by death." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). The end of life here may cast many shadows upon our hearts, but "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Trust in He Who commands ... shadows, be gone!

Fixed On Him

There's really something indescribable about looking directly into someone's eyes. Mister Bill has always been a good judge of character; he says he can tell the character of a person by the eyes. The psalmist wrote, "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from The LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He Who keeps you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:1-3). What assurance - the Believer's help comes from The LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, The One Who never sleeps will keep his foot from slipping! All this yet it begins with an upward look ... "I will lift up my eyes." All this promised help, strength and confidence comes only when we willingly turn our spiritual eyes to The Father. "Now lift my eyes, O Lord, beyond this aching, present drain of days and nights." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). How wonderful The Father never takes His eyes off His children! May we diligently keep our eyes directed to and ... fixed on Him.

Your Name Tag

Of all that escapes this older-me, names top the list! I can recall a childhood telephone number much quicker and more clearly sometimes than a person's name. If folks would just wear a name tag - LOL. God's Word says, "Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; bind them [securely] around your neck, write them on the tablets of your heart, so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3:3-4). Wouldn't it be wonderful if these Godly character traits were ever with us; if they didn't escape us when someone changes lanes abruptly, or when the cashier fails to greet us with a smile [after you've spent $100 in her store] or when the mail carrier has carelessly slung a package at your front door. Mercy, kindness and truth do not come naturally or easily in times when we are wearing our me-crown and carrying the me-scepter. God "leads the humble in what is right, and He teaches the humble His way." (Psalm 25:9). When Believers' hearts are submitted to God, He clothes them in humility, which gives mercy, kindness and truth a home. Do not be defined by what has escaped you; rather, be defined by Christ in you. Let your name tag say ... Jesus.

Words with Purpose

Things often outgrow their usefulness. In our new home (an old farmhouse), there is a niche built into the wall designed for the telephone. I'm sure that once-modern recess in the wall was quite impressive, however, not so much now. It's not uncommon that some consider God's Word outdated, having outlived Its usefulness; the common neglect only confirms this. The Proverbs of Solomon, for example, were written "to know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; to discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight, to receive instruction in wise behavior and discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity; that prudence (good judgment) may be given to the naive or inexperienced, and knowledge and discretion to the youth, the wise will hear and increase their learning, and the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer] his course wisely and lead others to the truth." (Proverbs 1:2-5). Seriously, has mankind "outgrown" this! I suggest there are too many Believer who have not outgrown the effectiveness of The Word of God because It has never been faithfully read or applied. Yes, I've re-purposed the telephone niche; God's words, however, need no re-purposing: "So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Jeremiah 15:16). God's words - spoken on purpose and with purpose. Have God's words found their purpose in you?

Live Contrary

We don’t hear the word "contrary" very much but when Mama said to me “don’t be so contrary,” I knew her meaning: don’t be so stubborn and defiant. She was talking about my general attitude! There is, however, honor in contrariness as it pertains to holiness: “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on The Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22). To be contrary is to perversely disagree or do the opposite of what is expected or desired, and this is exactly what Paul admonishes Believers to do. Live in opposition to your sinful nature and what the world encourages. Believers must not embrace the if-it-feels-good-do-it or follow-your-heart or it’s-your-life-live-it philosophies. A true disciple of Jesus Christ rejects the world’s pattern of thinking and lives in contrast – in contrariness – to the world. Very simply, we exchange sinfulness for holiness! Oh, yes, I knew exactly what my Mama meant – shape up, girl, change your attitude. Contrary living – rejecting the world’s way – honors God and is exactly to that which Believers are called. Prayerfully, by God’s Grace ... live contrary.

Listen

There's an old commercial about a stock broker: "When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen." That name was synonymous with wisdom and great respect: he spoke, people listened. In contrast, widely ignored and disrespected is "thus says The Lord." Jeremiah stood at the gate of The Lord's House and said, "Hear the Word of The LORD ... Thus says The LORD of hosts, The God of Israel." (Jeremiah 7:2-3). God's ancient words still speak today with power and relevance yet "thus says The Lord" receives little attention even among the Saints! It's no mystery [then] Believers' impact around the world is small and weak. Jesus said, "You [Believers] are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery]. (Matthew 5:13, AMP). As we have ignored-neglected-disrespected-disobeyed "thus says The Lord," we have become useless to God's The Kingdom. May it not be so: when He [God] speaks ... let us listen, then gladly obey.

Blog Break

MWB will resume
Monday 10-17-2022
Stay in The Word
Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Fire Away

My Mama used to do ceramics, and I remember that process: the molding, firing and re-firing, trimming and painting. God's Word tells Believers they should welcome the hard times of life: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4). We certainly struggle with trials and testing being in the same sentence with joy! I remember how exciting it was after the molding, firings, trimming and painting to finally see the finished ceramic product. God allows and uses life's difficulties - endured with joy - to produce in Believers the character of Godliness. Lord, "in this kiln of hard days fire my heart afresh with the brilliant glaze of eternity, preparing my mortal self for the beauty and immortality that awaits. Use even these present difficulties to fashion me into a more fit vessel for Your glory." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). Will we not trust God's Sovereignty in the testiest of times and with a bold and joyous heart say ... "Lord, fire away."

Set Your Heart

Of the many people who influenced my life, certainly teachers are among them and I am grateful for them! While teaching is a vocation, the role of teaching comes to each of us. One of my favorite teachers from Scripture is Ezra; he devoted himself to teaching God's Word to the people. His preparation to teach is one I find particularly noteworthy: "Ezra had set his heart (resolved) to study and interpret the Law of the LORD, and to practice it and teach His statues and ordinances in Israel." (Ezra 7:10). Pay close attention to the order in which Ezra prepared: it began with his own heart. Furthermore, he put into practice the Godly principles! It's true we should "practice what we preach" because there are many who watch what we do more than listen to what we say. Ezra is a tremendous example to every Believer to care first-and-foremost for our hearts. As Verse 9 says, "the good hand of his God" was on Ezra," and so is God near and with those who humbly and genuinely seek The Father. Whatever your profession is or was, we are teachers to family, friends, neighbors and strangers. Let us consider the heart from which our lives teach ... set your heart!

Move On

There are days when we feel it would have been best we stayed in bed; other days, we may have just wanted to stay in bed. God's Word says there are no such days! "This is the day that The LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Note, there's no reference to Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, etc. - no, every day is a gift from God! This great Truth does not, of course, always cause us to jump out of bed with full vigor and unstoppable enthusiasm. What do we do on these days? The Prophet Nehemiah said, "the joy of The LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). What a relief! The strength for those days (and every day) comes from the unending and unfailing joy of God Himself. The psalmist wrote, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your Presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). Let our first conscious thought of the day always be: thank you, Father, for Your Joy for this day then ... move on in Joy!

Enough for Me

Most Americans have trouble with having "enough." From food buffets to cases of products to storage units, this more-attitude is alive and well! Even though instructed to gather only a daily portion of manna, the Hebrews insisted on ... more. More than once in Scripture, God promised His Presence to be constant and uninterrupted. In Psalm 139, the psalmist asked, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your Presence?" (V.7-9). It's a very human and earth-based question: our going in, going out, lying down, rising up, morning, noon, night, times of light, times of darkness (V.2, 8-12). All our places and times matter to Him - "You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it" (V.5-6). The good news is He has His Believers covered in every way and all circumstances. "You are with me. And that is enough. You are with me, And that is all. You are are with me. And I am not alone." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). He my All and I am not alone ... that is enough for me.

Best Rest

Afternoon times of rest are great! Some days it's really necessary and rest comes easy; other times I struggle to rest because my mind is a'whirlin' about this-that-the-other. How do you, however, rest your heart? The psalmist writes, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You" (Psalm 39:7). We put our hope in many earthly things - all are temporal, fleeting, passing, terminal.  Just like the heart is engaged in bodily functions, so is the spiritual heart (body, soul, spirit) involved in living life. Believers should take a heart of rest as it is Jesus in Whom we "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Yes, Jesus, Who faced every struggle yet do not sin, endured the cruelty of men even unto death, finally defeating our last enemy - death! Therefore, Lord, "Let me learn how to better rest my heart and hope in You, O Lord." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). Rest for the body - that's good. Rest for the heart, rooted in Jesus, The Blessed Hope - that's ... best rest!

Life Everlasting

We mostly prefer things that last, and even will pay a little extra for for them. And, if it has a good warranty, that's even better! It's no big secret that there are more things that do not last than do. This knowledge should make the word "everlasting" particularly significant to Believers. Jesus said, "These [the unrighteous] will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life." (Matthew 25:46). How foolish when we are so intently on the physical and so casual toward the spiritual. Created in The Image of Almighty God, we are spiritual in nature ... only housed in these earthly bodies. The moment we take our first breath, we begin the descent toward death. Every moment in-between, those who trust in Jesus are held securely in His wonderful love. "Your love for me will outlast my death. And I, in You, will outlast my death as well." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). What joy when we invest in an earthly life that outlives us; how much more joyous when we've invested in The Life of all life (Jesus) with Whom we will share eternity. Sweet is that ... life everlasting.

What an Anchor!

For several months I have been sorting through boxes of old photographs, newspaper clippings, cards and such. The reminiscing has brought both laughter and tears! Whether it's these sort of things or tools, furniture, clothes, etc., it seems we want to hold-on to things. I doubt it's a secret we can't hold-on to everything that is dear to us. Jesus' disciples were facing a "letting go" moment as He spoke to them: "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me ... For I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:1-2). Letting-go of that which is precious to us - breathing and non-breathing - is inevitable; it's the way of this life. The comforting Truth for Believers is this: Because God loves us so much He has given us an Anchor for the soul ... that is, His Son, Jesus. This Anchor is Permanence on which we can hold ... better still, The Anchor holds us! "Of all good things I have known in this life, Jesus, it is You alone I might keep into death, and it is You alone that I need." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). Jesus: sufficient, sure, steadfast ... all we need. What an Anchor!

Lay It Down

It is no secret how beneficial a good night's rest brings to the new day; also, how the lack of a good rest effects the day! As utterly important as bodily rest is, so is rest to the spirit. Perhaps Believers don't give spiritual rest enough attention. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). I've watched Mister Bill use a chain, a wheel barrow, a pulley and a hand truck and his Jeep to move heavy objects. Jesus isn't offering "assistance" as we are burdened with weights of sorrow, cares and concerns. Oh, no - He wants to bear the weight alone! "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (V.29-30). Oh, what rest we forfeit as we struggle under the weight of what we are not meant to bear! "Let me rest once again, Jesus, in the certainty of Your promises; in the promise of Your peace; in the peace of Your presence; in the presence of Your love." (Every Moment Holy, Vol II). Lay down that burden and rest as God does He does in perfect love ... just lay it down.