Only Nearness

One of my favorite type of television shows has long been crime investigations. A common practice is to quietly track a suspicious character. This scenario reminds me of how often Believers seem content to [as Spurgeon puts it] ... "follow Jesus from afar." What a contrast to The Father's invitation. "draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). Honestly, I'm not real proud of my lack of desperation to draw near! What horror Believers should feel toward ... "Little love to our own dying Savior. Little joy in our precious Jesus. Little fellowship with the One we love!" (Charles H. Spurgeon). I recall the habit of a sweet lady who [after lunch] each day sat on the front porch of her childhood home; often I would pass by and see her sitting there. Oh, how she must have loved those quiet moments, fondly remembering and feeling a closeness to those she loved and who loved her. The psalmist said it well: "For me, it is good to be near God." (Psalm 73:28). Is there any place better for the soul than near The Father -  absolutely not! O God, I pray You do not allow my soul to ever feel a smidge of solace in such little-love, such little-joy or such little-fellowship with The One Who laid down His life for me. "Jesus, keep  me near the cross - There a precious fountain - Free to all, a healing stream - Flows from Calv'ry's mountain" (Fanny J. Crosby). Help me, Lord, to find my greatest soul-satisfaction in ... only nearness.

Your Power - Your Plans

What child doesn't love to blow bubbles! It's a harmless and cheap way to guarantee giggles galore. Oh, the wonder of bubbles as they slowly drift however the current leads but they always result in ... a'burstin'. There are times in life when our dreams and aspirations go ... the way of  bubbles. The enemy loves to cash-in on these times. Oh, be gone Satan because "they who wait for The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). When loss of zeal and enthusiasm seem imminent, we take heart in knowing "it is The Lord Who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8). What comfort to know those who trust fully in The Lord are not carried about as bubbles in the wind; we abound in Hope by the power of The Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Lord, remind me, renew me day-by-day that I hope neither in my own power or plans but I rest perfectly and completely in You and Yours ... Your Power - Your Plans.

The Way of Honor

For sure my Mom and Dad taught me and my sisters to do what is right but somehow I missed the part about about how difficult, even unpleasant, it might be sometimes! There came a time when the reason for "doing what is right" was ... because Mama and Daddy said so or escaping a good old spankin'. Jesus made it particularly clear, "if you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Let's think about this for a moment: do we treat "doing what is right" as some ill-conceived idea of assurance we'll escape retribution, an investment in self-preservation OR do we really love Jesus to the point we would never dishonor Him with blatant disobedience. The highest and purest integrity of the Believer's heart reveals a motive of sheer adoration of Him rather than me. "Faith ... is not intellectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can't see the way ahead." Perhaps it's safe to conclude our own "intellect" can get in our way of an undivided heart for only Jesus! And, yes, that doesn't always play-out pleasant in life; a few years ago, a close friend of mine stood firm for what was right (thus says The Lord) and was reprimanded then suspended without pay for a few days. James writes, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17). When God speaks and we know the right thing to do, debate neither the thing itself nor its merit. Let honor have its way ... obey.

Dare To Ascend

A fear of heights is a common fear; actually, Mister Bill doesn't like heights although he's known to be 15-20 feet up a tree during certain seasons of the year. The Apostle John was given this invitation: "Come up here, and I will show you ..." (Revelation 4:1). God's revelation to John was glorious; I suggest we [too] hear similar invitations from the devil that result in far less than glorious endings. You see, Satan is very strategic in what lures us away from God, and quite effective at confusing our sense of direction - often confusing an ascent with descent! Noah could have scratched his head in wonder at the building of an ark ... Abram might have declined the travel plans to leave home and family ... David could have winced at the odds of him versus facing Goliath. Thing is - each one of these heroes-of-faith dared to ascend to heights only to be achieved with God; they dared to accept His invitation of "come ... I will show you." Oswald Chambers writes, "when God elevates you by His grace into heavenly places, you find a vast plateau where you can move about with ease." God is ever calling Believers to higher levels in our spiritual lives, challenging us to find Him completely faithful as well as a place of peace and rest among daily battles. I suspect God calls us each day to new heights and dimensions of relationship with Him through Christ. Will I, will you ... dare to ascend!

A Vision for Purity

 Perhaps you've read the label, "wash with like colors." This tidbit of wisdom becomes very clear when some of your clothes take-on a new colorful personality. It wasn't just your grandmother's words but [first] The Lord's: "bad company ruins good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Oswald Chambers said, there is no greater purity for Believers than "continued spiritual harmony with God." God's greatest interest is the inner man - hear David's prayer: Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart" (Psalm 51:6). Spiritual purity is indeed an inner working of God and The Holy Spirit, however, we have to give some serious contemplation to the outer man! In the same way washing "unlike" colors produces unintended results, so the habits we embrace impact our "spiritual harmony with God." Our vision for purity must be clear and precise for it is the "pure in heart" who actually "see God" (Matthew 5:8). Are you more diligent in doing your laundry than in keeping a pure heart before The Father? Both are important but not equally so! God will faithfully keep Your heart - let's do our part with holy habits to maintain ... a vision for purity.

Brag on Jesus

How is that the older we got, we realized how wise our parents really were? It's a rarity to hear a young-someone readily admit there is much yet to learn - I remember those days! In his boasting, King Nebuchadnezzar learned a hard lesson about who God is: after an extended period of eating grass and lack of grooming, the king came to both a logical and most wise conclusion. "When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed The Most High, and praised and honored The One Who lives forever. For His sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation." (Daniel 4:34). The important truth King Nebuchadnezzar learned - and one of which we should take note - is that there's a Sovereign God Who rules over all things and ... we ain't Him! It's a very dangerous and slippery slope when we begin to have high and lofty thoughts about what we have accomplished-accumulated in this life. As I understand it, boasting is appropriate only in one circumstance: "I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of His cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world." (Galatians 6:14). Aha - there's our reason to boast - our braggin' rights. What a wonderful habit to take up - just brag on Jesus!

Seeds of Righteousness

It's planting time again. Yes, Mister Bill will kindly move my pots from underneath the shed so I can plant a few bloomers. This is how it goes: I plant them but he keeps them alive! God says, "He who sows righteousness and lives his life with integrity will have a true reward." (Proverbs 10:18). Perhaps we think little of the seeds we scatter along the daily path of life. There's always fertile soil - grandchildren, neighbors, friends and family, even strangers. I suggest there is no word or act too small or insignificant when spoken or done as holy unto The Lord. After Dad went Home, it was so rewarding to hear stories of how Dad had done some "little" something years ago that impacted a lonely or hurting heart. I wonder, what will be spoken of me and of you in the future as grandchildren, neighbors, friends and family recall seeds of righteousness we planted. Whether we realize it or not, we are scattering and planting seeds every day. Let us be faithful to live a life of integrity and plant [only] ... seeds of righteousness.

Make It A Habit

Perhaps you've never made a foolish decision ... then, maybe you have! There comes that moment when you smack yourself in disbelief and say "what was I thinking?!?!"  One of the most foolish decisions Mister Bill and I made some 40+ years ago was to co-sign with a couple we [in retrospect] barely knew. It wasn't long before the couple left town, defaulted on their loan and the bank was calling us for the balance. God said, "He who puts up security and guarantees a debt for an outsider will surely suffer [for his foolishness], but he who hates (declines) being a guarantor is secure [from its penalties]." (Proverbs 11:15, AMP). The best commentary I can give on this wise counsel is "been there - done that." Those who are committed to [what has been called] the golden rule - "as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them" (Luke 6:31) - cannot assume everyone else is likewise committed. Mister Bill and I paid the balance of the loan, and learned a hard lesson. Through His Word, God wants to help us navigate the tricky and treacherous paths of life. Oh, the follies we would avoid if we would read His Word and obey His Word; it certainly would have saved Mister Bill and I some what-were-we-thinking moments. If reading God's Word isn't a habit with you, make it a habit!

Lead Strong!

Most of us remember childhood games like "Follow the Leader" and "Copy Cat" where one person led the way and everyone else followed or copied the leader. It was quite comical at times ... the following and the copying! Proverbs 12:26 says, "The righteous man is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." I suggest we too easily forget how we are influenced ... negatively or positively. Equally important is how positively or negatively our lives impact those around us! We are wise to consider our friends because they do help determine who we will become. Those whom we choose to regularly associate (hang) with ultimately inspire us toward righteousness or unrighteousness. Paul wrote, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). That isn't just a bold statement but a challenging one: as he imitates (follows, copies) Jesus, Paul urges fellow Believers to imitate (follow, copy) him. How willing are we to be that kind of example to those around us? Know this: there is nothing comical about imitating-following-copying Jesus; rather, it is a life of profound beauty lived-out before The Father and those who are looking to us to lead them in a similar life of righteousness. Coach used to tell us to "be on our toes" and not "rocked back on our heels" - ready to spring into action. Let's take seriously how we will readily lead family, friends, neighbors in the way of righteousness. Lead strong!

Live Nobly

No one I know [personally] is born to nobility -- a king, queen, prince, princess.  I suppose the closest I get to royalty is when Mister Bill calls me "queen." I'll take it! It's not big news that noble folks don't always act like noble folks; why some in recent years have even cast-off their prominence. Did you know, however, Believers are re-born into nobility! James 2:5 says those who love the Lord are "heirs of the kingdom."  Titus 3:7 says we are justified by God's grace and made to "become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  You see, those who love the Lord are noble indeed, rich in an inheritance of eternal hope. We don't walk in arrogant pride but we do walk with confident assurance of who we are in Christ, and what awaits us some day when we take up residence with The King of Glory. If you're having some royal thoughts, that's okay because we are truly born [again] into The Royal Family. Go ahead ... live nobly!

His Plan

From my high school basketball days, I remember those defensive plays we would run in practice as we prepared to face a particular team. You see, the coach had scouted the opponent weeks before to know their offensive strategies; we would [then] plan our defensive game. Before his death, Moses spoke God's heart to the people: "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." (Deuteronomy 8:2). There was no "scouting" involved for God to fully know the hearts of His people - they were frail and fickle! Throughout their wilderness times, this was made clear on many levels and ways: rebellion, idolatry, forgetfulness, grumbling, etc. We didn't always run those plays with the precision Coach intended, and the result showed up negatively on the scoreboard. Perhaps all of us, like the Israelites, can relate to being humbled to the point of surrender unto God's way of living. He knows what's in our hearts, whether we will be obedient ... or not. One great and powerful truth we should never forget: God said, "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you ... plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP). God Who searches hearts always - without fail - longs to give us the best of Himself. We need only be humble before Him and obey His words - this is God's game-plan conceived in eternity past in the heart and mind of The Father! Oh, the joy and blessing to walk in ... His plan.

God's Good Favor

Given a choice, this ole gal won't be seated in a corner booth: many years ago, a waiter rounded the corner and dumped a tossed salad on top of my head! God's Word says, "Blessings are on the head of the righteous [the upright, those in right standing with God]." (Proverbs 10:6, AMP). To be 'blessed" of God is to experience His favor; the Hebrew word carries the concept of a "salute or adoration." I'm sure I've been guilty of making choices which God did not (nor could He) deem favorable because they do not fall into the realm of "righteous." An otherwise popular and acceptable thought today is that God blinks-and-winks at little things. Here's The Truth: "all wrongdoing is sin" (1 John 5:17) and "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17). How foolish when we save our obedience for the big things! I admit, that salad didn't seem like much of a blessing; in contrast what a crown of blessed joy and peace when our daily walk is one of faithful and diligent obedience to Christ. Walk in righteousness and know ... God's good favor!

God's Allowance

Gratitude just looks good on anyone who wears it! I was raised in a time when "thank you" was the natural response when you received something; don't hold your breath these days waiting on those words! King Solomon wrote, "The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger [God will meet all his needs]." (Proverbs 10:3, AMP). What a beautiful promise to those who love and obey God! Instead of entertaining anxious thoughts that lead to worry and stress, Believers' "allowance" is God's Himself and His provision for all we need. A shepherd himself, David wrote of God: "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1). How grateful our hearts should ever be at The Good and Gracious God Who cares for His own in such tender ways - we neither hunger physically nor spiritually because He is our Full Portion and Perfect Allowance. May our hearts be always dressed in gratitude - it look really good on us!

Wasting No Time

The time change each spring and fall is a challenge: the gain-an-hour seems to go better than the lose-an-hour! Truth is, we're all losing time; question is - are we wasting time? Moses prayed, "Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Most likely written near the end of his life, Moses may have reflected on the days of his life; living as a fugitive, God then called him to be the leader of a nation-set-free from Egyptian slavery. He certainly was challenged on many levels as God's leader of a rebellious-but-beloved people of God. The best use of the time we're given on this earth is to seek satisfaction in knowing and obeying God; serve Him to the fullest because, in the context of eternity, our time here on earth is short. The hum-drum of life can lure us into a state of lethargy - a lack of energy, interest and enthusiasm. Oh, Believer - let us wake up and stay awake: walk in wisdom (Colossians 4:5), make good use of our time (Ephesians 5:16), let The Lord establish our steps (Proverbs 16:9). Mister Bill is very project-driven; if he completes one project each day, he seems to be able to lay his head on his pillow in rest. We really have only one "project" as Kingdom people: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Let's not waste time nor opportunities ... make time count!

Sought and Found

Perhaps you have a nickname - a name you are known by aside from what's on your birth certificate. I'm known as "Bev" or "Mrs Bev" to many, "MomC" to my grandchildren, and Mister Bill often refers to me as "Queen" or "Bride of Bill." God revealed to Isaiah an unique name for His people: "The holy people, the redeemed of the LORD ... will be called 'sought out.'” (Isaiah 62:12). Like a lost treasure or something that has wandered away, God sought us out and called us and drew us into His tender fold of love [by The Gospel of Jesus Christ]. Those who have confessed His Name and believed on Jesus Christ are God's treasured possession. "If you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine." (Exodus 19:5). We have no explanation for such mercy and grace; we can only rejoice in and praise Him for such a seeking-out from darkness into light. Know and delight in your this beloved name - "sought out" - that you are now found!

Wear It Out!

It used to be my thought that one could not have enough books but now my thought is: one cannot have enough bookshelves ... I love books! The older-me eyes read so much better online or on a tablet but there's just something sweet about holding a book! So, how many Bible do you have? Here's a better question: how many of your Bibles are falling apart? I've heard it said, "a Bible that is falling apart belongs to someone who is not falling apart." It's a fact that the Bible is the all-time best selling book but I wonder how many of those sold are on a shelf or table just gathering dust. As The Sisters and I have slowly [and painfully] disassembled Dad's library, there were many of his Bibles that are truly ... falling apart. What a testimony to anyone who wears out Bible-after-Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." The printed pages may become frayed and fragile, torn and tattered, but God's Word never fails. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8). What a treasure we hold in our hands but the treasure is more priceless when held in our hearts. What a great idea to wear-out one of your Bibles this year. Oh, great will be the reward!

Pressin' - On People

When I put my car in reverse, the older-me hears "back-up" beeping in my head! God uses Paul to write forward-moving words: "I press on," he writes (Philippians 3:14). I grew up traveling country dirt roads that got really muddy when it rained; I recall being stuck and moving forward didn't happen. There are times when I find myself spiritually stuck. God says "press on ... toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." How important it is Believers live in the present power of Christ in the present - where they are planted. A constant looking-back and an ever looking-forward can paralyze us in the present. Paul warns us that such earthly-thinking can be destructive to our testimony and to the cross of Christ (V.18). One of my favorite verses as well as a beautiful reminder, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (V.20). Dad would often encourage me to remain heavenly-minded so that I could be of earthly-good. Eventually, the car [stuck in the mud] would be free and we were once again on our way. Let us be pressing-on people knowing there's a promised prize that is truly out of this world!

Blog Break

 MWB will resume Thursday 03-09
Stay in The Word!
Miles of Smiles, Beverly

A Good Glimpse

We've all been on the receiving-end of a look that says it all, tells it all and conveys what words cannot. Do you remember when Peter repeatedly denied all association with Jesus? Luke writes, "Immediately, while he [Peter] was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, 'Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." (Luke 22: 60-62). Oh, that look! Then some days later, on the shore, Jesus asked Peter repeatedly, "Do you love Me?" (John 21:17). Oh, that question! While Jesus' look surely cut to the quick, His questions probed depths open to none other. We can fool a lot of people; why, we can even fool ourselves. There is no deceiving God, however, Who sees us as we really are. "I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10). The Puritan prayed, "Lord, it is a good day to me when Thou givest me a glimpse of myself."  Jesus' look and His words gave Peter a good glimpse of himself, and it seems that's all it took; as far as we know, Peter never again denied Christ: he went to his death in complete devotion to His Savior. That good glimpse of who we are is just what we need to draw even nearer to The Lord. Thank you, Lord, for ... a good glimpse.

The Book for Me

A dear friend told me recently how much she loves old books. Many literature books have become classics and timeless! Hear what God says about Lady Wisdom in His Book: "The LORD created and possess Me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old [were accomplished]. From everlasting I was established and ordained, from the beginning, before the earth existed [I, Godly Wisdom, existed]. ... When He established the heavens, I [Wisdom] was there." (Proverbs 8:22-23, 27, AMP). Have you noticed how our society wants to discard [what it deems] old and out-dated and replace it with new and trendy? God said through the prophet Jeremiah: "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’". (Jeremiah 6:16). Go ahead, call me "old-school" but God's Word and Way have proven Themselves trustworthy and sure. God's Word is among those "old books" and I'm among those who love It and the Wisdom It gives. It is The Classic [of all classics] and altogether timeless. The B-I-B-L-E ... yes, that's the Book for me!