Love With It All

Restraints – tied, bound, gagged, locked in or out sounds like terror to me but to little boys ... well, it must have been big fun! O. S. Hawkins writes, “We are to hold nothing back when we love God.” In other words, love Him with no restraint! Typically, we try to limit ourselves from spending frivolously and practice living frugally. Jesus’ words, “love … with all your heart … soul … strength … mind” in Luke 10:27 don’t translate into hold-back or control yourself! What thought, action, behavior, activity, or effort is exempt from Christ’s command? Perhaps we are guilty of “lip service” as described in Matthew 15:8 – “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” What part of the person is missing from the heart-soul-strength-mind? That covers it all – the entire person; it’s all there, no parts missing! To love with no restraint is total abandon, no considering or debate [consciously or unconsciously] whether to love or not. Love with the whole person – give that love all you've got, all the time, in all circumstances, to all people. The gears of the heart-soul-strength-mind are greased and engaged. turned by a passionate love for Almighty God! Good gracious, how do we do this in this imperfect world of evil and injustice? “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Aha! By His grace, we are able to live up to and honor the Name of Christ – – it’s how we … love without restraints … love with it all!

Above 'Em All

Of all the places I've ever been, one place I never care to visit again is under the house! I don't like the things that h ang out there! Have you ever been “under” your circumstances? Being in the midst of circumstances is bad, but to be under them -- that’s a crisis indeed! In Psalm 142, David describes his circumstances like this: “my spirit faints within me … they have hidden a trap for me … I am brought very low … [my persecutors] are too strong for me.” (Psalm 142). If you think about it, circumstances alone wield no power – their fury comes only from how we perceive and respond to them. Kicking and screaming into-and-through them are common responses but produce no good results! David knew all about being under circumstances, and also knew just how to shake 'em off for peace and deliverance: “I cry to You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my Refuge, my Portion in the land of the living.” There are lots of needy [life-sucking] things that hang out in the land-of-the-living but when we know Jesus as our full and perfect Portion, circumstances become opportunities and the terriblies that threaten us don’t survive to overtake us. Thankfully, Mister Bill isn't spooked by under-the-house things. Even better, God is Mighty and in control of all circumstances ... He's above 'em all!

Claim What's Yours

Although paying with cash is less common these days, we've all [perhaps] paid for something then received incorrect change ... were "short-changed." Did you know that the land God promised the Israelites included 300,000 square miles but they only claimed 30,000 square miles? Now, that's some short-change! God said, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, to you have I given it." (Joshua 1:3, KJV). Just to be very clear, the problem wasn't with God Who promised; the short-change came because God's people failed to trust Him with the battles and to deliver the land into their possession. What a lesson for Believers today: God "has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3) YET we live our spiritual lives as paupers! J. Vernon McGee writes, "If we are to get them, there are battles to be fought and victories to be won ... Ephesians closes with the clanking of armor and the sound of battle, with the call to put on the whole armor of God." As followers of Jesus, let's stop short-changing ourselves spiritually - stop living at-or-below poverty level. As a Child of The King ... claim what's yours!

Feed On Him

Please let me know if you find the restaurant named “It Don’t Matter” because that’s always Mister Bill’s first choice! I admit, we’re not the most widely traveled but I have yet to find this famous place. No doubt, it’s dining must be world-class! God’s Holy Word is a literal buffet of specific and eternal riches to which He is eternally and unchangeably committed. His words are guaranteed in Jesus Christ: “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Why do we, then, lose sleep, worry and fret, anxiously pass the moments in light of such divine promises? One source numbers God's promises at 5,467! I can only testify it is because of unbelief. A dear friend of mine says, "we only live-out what we truly believe.” Ruth said, “Let me now go to the field and glean” (Ruth 2:2). God through Christ reveals a “broad field of promise” where God “will restore and strengthen … will blow with His sweet breath of mercy … speaketh so gently.” (Spurgeon). Such soft and tender words we pass-up for those of fleeting value! Jesus said, “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Truth is, most of the time it does matter where we park the car, pay the money, and dine! Same spiritually – it greatly matters where and how we are nourished, where the spirit is refreshed and the soul restored. Let us stop looking for what “doesn’t matter.” Instead, let us satisfy the soul’s greatest long: “Him Whom my soul loves” (Song of Solomon 3:4). Feed on Him!

One Authority

"Back in the day" (aka when I was a youth), we didn't question authority! My parents instilled this in me at an early age; even when there was reason to question, we didn't ignore those in authority. God's Hebrew name, "Adonai," identifies Him as The Master - The God of total authority. Perhaps one reason there's such lack of respect for authority today can be traced back to the absence of a right teaching about Adonai. The idea that God stands over us with some kind of big stick, ready to administer punishment as needed is so wrong. Listen to what we know of Adonai: "Who is a God like You, Who forgives wickedness and passes over the rebellious acts ... He does not retain His anger forever, because He [constantly] delights in mercy and lovingkindness. He shall again have compassion on us ... Yes, You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:18-19, AMP). This is The One of All Authority - Adonai - Who need not demand anything of us including our respect - we willingly with love and devotion submit to His Authority because He is forgiving, patient, merciful, loving, kind and All-Powerful. "You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15, ESV). The rich rewards of humbly bowing to Adonai is just not that difficult! He is without exception the ... One Authority.

Know the Enemy

We've never been party-people but [many years ago] Mister Bill and I went to a costume party: he was dressed as "Wild Bill Hickok" (lawman, cattle rustler, gunslinger), and I was dressed as Annie Oakley. Imagine the laughter when this rifle-toting, sharp-shooter woman asked for a glass of milk! There's a record in Scripture when Joshua was met with a group of imposters who duped him into believing they were from a far country seeking an alliance with God's people - they "acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wine skins worn-out and torn and mended, and worn-out and patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and had become crumbled." (Joshua 9:4-5, NASB). As humorous as this sounds, these are the same tactics used on us by Satan! These Gibeonite neighbors came disguised in much the same way Satan disguises himself in order to deceive us. How easily, like Joshua, Believers are deceived when we forget "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV). Some of the best spiritual advice I've ever been given is ... know your enemy! Then, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11, ESV). Don't be foolish enough to think you can outsmart Satan - he's been at this from the beginning. Be wise - trust God to the battle but always ... know the enemy!

Choose Wisely

Sticky notes, calendar alerts or a string around the finger - we all need reminders! So did God's people after the military loss at Ai [in the Promised Land]. Imagine their surprise at the defeat after God delivered Jericho in their hands - conquered by such a small army! In Joshua 7 we find their leader [Joshua] puzzled and on his face before the LORD: "So the LORD said to Joshua, 'Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? Israel has sinned ...'" (7:10-11a). We, like Israel, need reminding that sin has no place in the heart of those who love God. God commanded Joshua to read this to His people [as a reminder]: "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known." (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). How foolish Believers are to think we can practice-embrace-hide sin then expect God's richest blessings - and I'm not talking about material things but rather peace, joy, contentment, etc.  Joshua will later say, "choose for yourselves today whom you will serve" (24:15). Ever before us are blessings and cursings; remember to ... choose wisely.

The Better Thing

In general, people love options. The older-me, however, can really get stumped with options. Perhaps it's the fear of choosing unwisely, but sometimes just one choice suits me fine. Options may be one of Satan's most effective weapons. There are so many things put before us to consume our time, energy, talents and resources ... and, many of those are really good options! "Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:38-42, NASB). Martha was being the good host, as we would also have done, but her "good" choice was not her "best" choice. At the feet of Jesus is where every Believer should desire to be but we [too] are often distracted-worried-bothered by many otherwise "good" things that keep us from what [Jesus said] is the one necessary thing. Too many options can be deadly to our spiritual lives. One thing is necessary ... choose the better thing.

Weary Not

Oh, the sweltering heat and humidity of southern summer days! It's not just the flowers that wilt! How do you hold-up spiritually under life's heat? It's our nature to grumble and complain; if we could ask Moses about a grumbling-complaining people, I'm sure he'd have much to say. They were barely across the Red Sea before they were ready to string him up! God says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12, ESV). I know, it's hard to invest ourselves in something when we may not see an early return; nonetheless, God says, "You have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." (Hebrews 10:36, ESV). Life is tough and the fires of it get fairly hot at times but "let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9, ESV). Don't give up - Persevere - Endure ... weary not!

Be Discerning

Oh, how we love a good buy - items marked down. To buy a gallon of milk marked "reduced for quick sale" ... well, just not too smart. I suggest something every Believer needs is a discerning spirit - that is, if we want to to make righteous choices and live a pleasing life to Christ. God says, "Test everything and - hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV). In other words, we are to examine what is before us to affirm its worthiness. The Greek definition refers to a metal worker scrutinizing metal to determine how genuine it is. John warns us: "do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). It is critical that every Believer know The Truth of God's Word because we'll never recognize (identify) the lies of Satan and the world otherwise. I will say Mister Bill wasn't so discerning when he came home with the quick-sale milk, which expired in two days! When we lack wisdom, let us ask God "who gives generously to all" (James 1:5). He is The Source of all wisdom and discernment!

Blog Break

 MWB will resume Tuesday 07-18-2023
Stay in The Word
Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Layin' Down - Pickin' Up

My, oh my, how much time I spend looking for things!  Now-a-days, it's looking for my reading glasses: I can't pick 'em up cause I don't know where I laid 'em down. Followers of Jesus shouldn't be known as anxious people. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing ..." It's the "nothing" part that usually gets me! Things rock along fairly well and in God's grace anxiety is under control, then along comes the-whopper-of-something and Godly peace is left in the dust. The rest of that verse is, "... but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." God wants us to ask for help - help to just lay-down (and leave) the things that rob us of a peaceful spirit. . Yes, lay 'em down like ... ... that pair of glasses I can't keep up with! God truly cares about my every anxious moment. He is so gracious -- He doesn't even leave us  empty-handed. When we lay-down our anxious spirit, we can pick-up His Spirit of Peace. What an exercise in faith and obedience ... layin' down and pickin' up

Refuse to Wither

My Mom gave me a tabletop fountain years ago and the sound of trickling water was so soothing. It brought momentary peaceful respite from the man-sounds in the house! Psalm 1 describes some wonderful things that result when we follow Godly advice, avoid unholy influences, and focus on God's Word. "He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1:3, NASB). We all have seen how the heat and lack of rain kill vegetation, but this passage describes how beautifully a well-watered tree flourishes. The appearance of a well-fed plant is obvious, but we also see evidence of a healthy plant by its fruit. What a lovely illustration of how our spirits can also remain fresh when we pursue and remain close to Christ - The Living Water. Each day is filled with things that threaten our spiritual well-being yet the refreshment from The Eternal Spring is always available. How wonderful, too, that God places us at this place of refreshment in His perfect timing. The truth is we do not have to "dry up." We can confidently claim His promise to prosper. So, don't be shy -- refuse to wither!

God's Churning

Homemade ice cream is a summer delight - actually, it's good any time of year!  Before churns, freezers, and store-bought cartons, my grandfather made ice cream in a metal ice tray: milk, sugar, vanilla and ... time. What fun it was at "picnic time" (every night at 9:00) to eat his homemade delicacy! God is churning us day-by-day into His Work of Art.  It's the mix and churn of blessings, trials, joys, and disappointments that develop His Character in us.  We often scream, kick, pout, and whine during the process; nonetheless, He steadily does His work.  Do you know all He really wants?  "My son, give me thine heart ... " (Psalm 23:26)  Why all the drama?  His work is always fruitful, designing us into a reflection of Himself.  The hardest part of homemade ice cream is the wait – waiting until the churning is done.  Be encouraged, friend, to persevere and patiently wait as God churns us into His design and delight!

Consider the Ant

Although I do not suggest we look too closely, the ant is a creature from which God says we can learn. "The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." (Proverbs 30:25, KJV). These diligent tiny ones are ever busy and with purpose: "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8, KJV). It's easy to see a parallel between the gardener who plants, tends, waters, gathers and stores meats, vegetables and fruits during the warmer days for the colder months. Oh, but there's a greater and deeper lesson here: there are too many who neither plan nor prepare for life beyond death. How easy but foolish it is to live here without any thought of where or how we will spend eternity! The wicked Roman Emperor Hadrian said, "no more crown for this head, no more beauty for these eyes, no more music for these ears, and no more food for this stomach of mine. But my soul, oh, my soul, what is to become of you?" The oft neglected truth is: every soul will have an eternal home. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Those who have made no preparation for that day, the judgment will be swift, just and [yes] terrible. Those, however, who belong to God (saved by grace through faith in Jesus) will stand in The Righteousness of Christ and enjoy joys in eternity we cannot even imagine. The wise think of their tomorrow today ... consider the ant.

Like a Stone Wall

There are lessons we can learn from the animals, and Scripture confirms this! In the Book of Proverbs, God writes of several creatures from which we can learn. "The lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn back before any." (Proverbs 30:29, AMP). Perhaps one of the biggest we face as Believers is standing firm and remaining true to our Godly convictions. The lion is known for its unflinching boldness - can this also be said of us when we claim to love and be devoted to God and His Word?  It's told that General "Stonewall" Jackson got his name one day when the men of General Cox were ready to retreat; General Cox looked at him and said to his men, "Look at General Jackson; he's standing like a stone wall." As the lion is strongest among beasts, so should Believer be strongest among people. We have this promise of power: "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, ESV). If we truly believe it, by it we is the means to stand firm, fiercely unwavering ... like a stone wall.

The Work and Wait

Perhaps my to-do list today was a lesson in patience ... as I waited on my car for 4 hours instead of the anticipated 45 minutes and a lot less money! Ready – complete, finished; Jesus’ earthly
brother, James, wrote about this in his epistle to Jewish Believers scattered outside
Palestine:  “[But] let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing.” (James 1:4).  Like hard work and patience ends in work well-completed, steadfast endurance produces a work in us that is both pleasing to God.  A Godly work in us allows for no carelessness; there will be times of sanding-and-grinding the rough spots – that’s where letting (aka patiently enduring) while God works His best in us. Godly patience always brings about glorious results in the Believer’s life.  The Father's glory revealed in us is always well worth ... the work and the wait!

Live Blessed

Words matter. Even punctuation matters: add an exclamation mark at the end to intensify the word or sentence. Words matter! Psalm 1 begins with “Blessed is the man …” The word “blessed” means happy or highly favored. The writer actually used the plural form to stress, exclaim his thought. This phrase has even been interpreted, “Oh, the happiness of.” This deep emotional expression leads the reader to want to know – must know – what can bring one such magnificent joy. Verses 1-3 render it is the righteous who are blessed in such a way. God laid out His plan for man to experience His Kingdom beauty when He said, “For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44). Only those who live unto righteousness will experience genuine lasting blessedness. Be holy and ... live blessed!

How Wise Are You?

We all have those "aha" moments - those times when something finally occurs to us and we wonder why it took us so long to "get it." Listen to the words of Agur from Proverbs 30:2: "Surely I am more brutish and stupid than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man [for I do not know what I do not know]." (AMP).  And what was Agur's "aha?" He continues, "I have not learned [skillful and godly] wisdom, nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One [Who is the source of wisdom]." (V.3, AMP). What a moment of humility when Agur realized apart from knowledge of God, he would have no true wisdom! Only by divine revelation [of the Holy One ... the source of wisdom], would Agur know what he did not nor could never know. This significant understanding is a mark of Agur's [as well as ours] wisdom. So just ... how wise are you?

The Right Gate

Gated drives often draw our eyes to what lies beyond. Jesus said “Enter through the narrow gate ..." (Matthew 7:13a, AMP).  A narrow gate doesn't sound particularly easy to navigate; we're much more interested in easy and spacious. Jesus continued, "... for wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it." (V.13b). The call is clear: Believers are to chose the way less traveled in spite of how less-than-appealing it looks. “The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in, it rouses us up to overcome.” (Oswald Chambers). The hard things of life test us, refine us, shape us into a Christ-Family-likeness. Some of the most Godly people I know obediently chose the narrow gate and suffered great hardship; although battered and bruised, their eternal investment is a rare and precious treasure. Gates are all around us - most are wide, popular and busy. Wisely consider ... the right gate.

Make the Turn

Most of us want to be considered "fun" - at least on some level. Mister Bill (PopC) holds that title with our grandchildren! Something not heard from many pulpits across America today is the topic of repentance. It wasn't too popular when John the Baptist preached it either! Just because it isn't preached doesn't mean it isn't important. Jesus said, "unless you repent, you all will ... perish" (Luke 13:3). Repent means to "change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives" (Luke 13:3, AMP). Conditional living is something we all know about: IF we stay inside on a 90+ degree day, we stay cool; IF we put gas in our car, we don't run out of gas; IF we work hard to plant and tend a garden, we enjoy fresh vegetables. Redemption (salvation) is the free gift of God, however, repentance is required. We never know spiritual deliverance from sin and death - now and in eternity - unless we surrender to the conditions put forth by Holy God. "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from his sin will find compassion and mercy. Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears [sin and its consequence] at all times, but he who hardens his heart [and is determined to sin] will fall into disaster." (Proverbs 28:13-14, AMP). PopC is the fun-guy but he can be stern and tough when he needs to be. Let us never be so foolish to believe although God is altogether loving and compassionate, He is eternally just in His decrees. The only way to know God's kind and just reward is to repent ... make the turn.