Sprinkle and Sparkle

There are things in this life that stop us in our tracks, make us pause and scratch our heads then wonder ... do what?! Perhaps there is nothing more startling than to actually see the contrast of light and darkness lived out in the lives of people. The Apostle John wrote, "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. (John 3:19, ESV). The lawlessness of darkness is everywhere; how wonderful, however, we need not move through life in that darkness! Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, ESV). Everywhere Believers go, The Light [of Christ] goes with us; there should be a constant sprinkling and sparkling of light that precede and follow us. John encourages us with these words: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5, ESV). Let's not let the darkness threaten or diminish our passion to shine His Light ... sprinkle and sparkle!

Just Ain't So

Oh how we love to count-on things - know they will work and perform as expected. Well, God's Word says this about those who love the LORD and live according to His commands: "He will be like a ree 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). Honoring Christ in all our lives - what an investment in prosperity! This is not, of course, a recipe to get rich, gain more stuff, increase in materialistic things; the promised prosperity comes in the form of spiritual (non-visible) riches - peace and rest of heart, mind and spirit. As is common throughout Scripture, God gives us a contrast: "The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away" (V.4). I know, wicked sounds like such a harsh word but it refers to persons who are hostile, rebellious, disobedient - the ungodly. The contrast is clear nonetheless: those who live devotedly in loving God with their words, their deeds and their whole heart - they will prosper and flourish. Those who do not, well, it ... just ain't so.

What a Fountain!

We've spent a few days right on a mountain stream, and the view has been spectacular. The view was greatly enhanced by the soothing sound of the continuous flow of the water. We read in Psalm 36, "with You [LORD} is the fountain of life" (V.9a, NASB). The concept of a fountain is often based on a recycling of water; in times of drought, we've even seen fountains shut-off. David wrote, however, of a fountain that is "infinite in its source ... divine in its nature ... an uncreated fulness ... an inexhaustible overabundance" (Octavius Winslow). This stream of mountain water is part of tributaries that flow from-and-to other waters. These waters are subject to measures of rainfall and lack of rainfall. What a contrast, however, is The Fountain of Life found in Jesus Who has said to us that whoever drinks of the water that He gives will never be thirsty again - the water He gives will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). Abundant, unending, eternal thirst-quenching water - can we even comprehend such a fountain! Sitting on the porch and watching the water move continuously and swiftly by reminded me of Christ - The Fountain from which flows an endless and undiminished supply of life-giving and life-sustaining grace. Oh, what a Fountain!

What's Missing

When something is missing, we generally have little trouble knowing what is missing - like your toothbrush you forgot to pack. We live in a time when there are countless means for Believers to be encouraged and engaged in their faith. Unfortunately, not all means are well-founded and beneficial. Jesus' words were clear and precise: He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, ESV). Simply put - there's one way, one truth, one life and the means are are through Jesus. There's some really good-sounding teaching and prayers about God but I suggest we listen closely for what may be missing. Hebrews 1:2 says, in these last days, God has spoken to us through His Son ... Jesus. Believers are wise to be cautiously diligent and discerning in the means by which we choose to study, pray and grow in our faith: truth is, not all we see and read and hear invoke (call on, support) the Person of Jesus Christ, God's Son. We are warned: "Beloved, 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, ESV). Jesus will always be the way to truth and life - pay attention to what's missing.

Rest in The One

It's really funny how different we are: Mister Bill enjoys the mountain as much as I enjoy the beach. Two different places of interest - both offering a preferred degree of rest and relaxation. Missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, was overcome with grief to hear of the 1901 massacre of 77 missionaries during an uprising. Taylor found comfort in a hymn written by Jean Sophia Pigott whose own brother, William Frederick Pigott, was among those who lost their lives. Read the words of her hymn: "Jesus, I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art - I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart - Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee - As Thy beauty fills my soul - For by Thy transforming power - Thou has made me whole." How sad that today in the hustle-bustle of life, we're forgotten how to rest and in whom we find our greatest rest. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Hear Him - come away from all that enthralls you, leave behind what is so troubling to you, lay down the heavy weight - come to Me, He says ... and rest. Pigott's chorus goes: "Jesus, I am resting, resting - In the joy of what Thou art - I am finding out the greatness - Of Thy loving heart." Christ ... rest in The One.

Ask Rightly

It's heart-wrenching to see those who suffer, lacking even the basic needs of life. Most certainly we are to share with those in need. Do you ever consider, however, how we approach The Father, our own hands out, asking for the wrong things? In Galatians we read of the evidences of those who walk according to The Holy Spirit: the evidences or fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (5:22-23). When was the last time you asked God for these things? John writes, "This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." (1 John 1:14-15, NASB). That new car, new house, new job, new relationship may be weighing on our hearts mightily, however, God is eager to give us greater things. Jesus Himself said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6). May we give plentifully to those who have-not; and, let us cautiously ask and seek our own greatest and deepest needs of which The Father is able and eager to give to us. Ask rightly.

Live Nobly

Maybe you do, but I don't know anyone personally that was born to nobility -- akin to a king, queen, prince, or princess.  Now, I suppose the closest I'll get to such is when Mister Bill calls me his "queen" - I can live with that! Did you know the word "noble" actually refers to one's character? I suspect we can agree that not all folks act nobly; we see it in stores and parking lots, on ball fields, among families and [sadly] sometimes among God's family. Those who belong to Him, however, are 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 and genuinely seek to honor and obey Him are noble indeed, rich in an inheritance of eternal hope. We are truly born [again] into nobility, children of The King. Because of Christ – live nobly!

Be About It

The older-us choose to shop closer to home but even then the stops in "town" are with an intended purpose - typically written down on a piece of paper! May it never be said of us [Believers] that we have ... nothing to do. Although we have the grand and glorious promise of eternal rest, we are to be about-much until that time. God said to His people before they crossed the Jordan into The Promised Land: "You shall not do at all what we are doing here today, every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes; for you have not as yet come to the resting place and the inheritance which the LORD your God is giving you." (Deuteronomy 12:8-9, NASB). How many times have you, first in the morning hours, asked The Lord, "what will you have me to do today?" In his second letter to the Thessalonian Christians, Paul said, "we hear that some among you walk in idleness" (2 Thessalonians 3:11, ESV) - that was not intended to be a compliment! While we may look forward to that time of eternal rest [from many things], there is much yet to do. "Oh, there is a fathomless depth of divine wisdom in the arrangement that keeps us so long out of heaven." (Octavius Winslow). I like that - the "arrangement" of our lives; Sovereign God didn't just redeem us to move idly through life without poise and purpose. Rather, He has designed our lives with precision to accomplish His will and to His glory. We are "detained on earth" by God's Sovereign will so ... be about it.

Right Comparison

When we think deeply about our current lives, comparison plays a huge part! When things don't go as planned or preferred, we are unconsciously comparing them to happier and more pleasant circumstances. I suggest we rarely see our circumstances - good or bad - in comparison to the life Jesus lived while on earth. Paul writes, "For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed)." (2 Corinthians 8:9, AMP). I love how this translation emphasizes and reminds God's Children (Believers) we are to be conscious and ever-learning the precious privileges of God's grace and goodness. In the middle of every frustration, aggravation, struggle and sorrow, we should see beyond the present moment to Christ Who exchanged His riches for poverty in order that we become abundantly blessed. "When your cup is sweet, remember it is because His cup was bitter. When you press your mercy fondly and closely to your heart, remember it is because He pressed His heart to the spear. And when your eye of faith and hope looks forward to the coming glory, oh, do not forget that, because He endured your hell, you shall enjoy His heaven!" (Octavius Winslow). That, dear Child of God, is the ... right comparison.

Perfect Portion

If you've ever bought candy by-the-scoop, you probably were surprised at checkout! One of my all-time favorite principles taught from the Bible is how God supplied the Israelites with a daily portion of manna. They were commanded to gather only one day's supply; like us, they were slow-learners. "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus ..." (Hebrews 12:1-2a, NASB). That "cloud of witnesses" refers to the people of faith mentioned in Chapter 11 - Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Issac, Jacob and others. They are [for us] testimonies and witnesses of the faithfulness of God; they [too] were entangled and burdened in their lives yet they endured with perseverance. If we are totally honest, it's usually the everyday things that test our faith most: chaos at the breakfast table, a flat tire, an unexpected trip to urgent care, etc. Whatever wearies us and weighs us down, we are to look to Jesus, "the Author and Perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, NASB). Octavius Winslow encourages us, "let yours be a life of faith in all its minute detail." That candy scoop is deceiving - it distorts our idea of portion, and we scoop too much. Look to Jesus - He is the ... Perfect Portion.

Unnumbered Days

Have you ever thought about how widely we number things: streets and highways, store aisles, clothes and shoe sizes, even people are numbered. At this point, I suppose life would be quite complicated without a numbering system. The word "ever" occurs some 476 times in Scripture, and it means "the perpetuity of time, an unbroken age." As finite beings, I’m not so sure any of us can fully grasp the concept of forever. Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." How intriguing that I was known [by The Creator] before I was otherwise known! It's hard to imagine, but time will cease one day. In light of eternity (the forever) the relevancy of time will no longer be … relevant. In the Apostle Peter’s words, “to God be glory now and forever." (2 Peter 3:18). We mustn’t forget to God be glory now but what will it be like to never again gauge the present by a clock, to never again consider time? One day there will only be endlessness, timelessness, unceasing an unceasing moment. Forever dedicated to the one task of praising The One throughout the ... unnumbered days.

Taste and See

Cravings are powerful motivators: tickets to hear a favorite singer in concert, opening night of a movie, the taste of a steak or simply ... chocolate. Whatever drives us drives us well! John wrote, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (1 John 4:10). We toss that word "love" around pretty casually but there was nothing "casual" about God's love for sinful man. Hey, we know casual: take-it-or-leave-it, kinda-sorta, whatever, oh-well ... none of those descriptors describe God's love. Many people - even Believers - spend much time and effort and money during the course of their lives searching for [even] one thing they can love long and deep. Just when we're sure we've found it, the love [for it] fizzles-and-fades then we're on to something else. Winslow draws us to consider the depths of truest and sustaining love: love that punishes the "innocent for the guilty" ... love that "cancels the guilt of His rebels" ... love that "sacrifices His life of priceless value for ours." That sweet morsel of creamy rich chocolate temporarily satisfies and before it fades, we're reaching for another; the Love of God is steadfast and eternal, fulfilling the ache of every human soul. Oh, taste and see!

Prayerful Thought

Do you remember Winnie the Pooh and the tun he sang as he struggles to walk through a strong blustery wind to his Thoughtful Spot: "looks like a rather blustery day today." Answering Nicodemus, Jesus said: "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, NASB). Perhaps one of the hardest things to learn as a follower of Christ is this intent desire to do what is not in our power to do: be like Christ. Every ounce of human effort cannot and will not do what only The Holy Spirit does - "Like the mighty force, He bears down all opposition, sweeps away every barrier, overcomes every difficulty ... He effectually works in those who believe." (Octavius Winslow). Only when we lay-down the continual struggling work of the flesh can The Holy Spirit do its perfect work within us. As the Puritan prayed, "Let me find Thy life in my death." Sadly, I never good at slow-dancing; my problem was I never learned to let Mister Bill lead. I wonder the extent of spiritual peace and blessing because we follow our own way in our own strength rather than allow The Spirit to lead us in the way of righteousness. Not sure the reason Pooh was headed to his "Thoughtful Place," but it sure inspires me to give ... prayerful thought ... to the perfecting work of The Holy Spirit in me.

Fit For First

There was something special about being first - first in line, first to be chosen, first across the finish line. Jesus said, "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). He made it clear what is to be "first" in the hearts of His followers. There is, however, one problem before us: the elimination of the other "first" things. Read what Scripture calls us to consider: "What leads to [the unending] quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]?" (James 4:1, AMP). Yes, there is indeed a continuous war within us - who or what will take first place in our lives. Think [again] back to childhood - first in line, first to be chosen, first across the finish line - there could only be one "first." No, "first" was shared or divided - "first" belonged to only one. So it is with what we pursue: we first seek "His righteousness" or we seek something else ... a different "first."  Unless we set aside all other loves and affections - surrender them - our "first" will not be the "first" priority. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24, ESV); He also said "And whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:38, ESV). I suggest there is a "fitness" (a prerequisite) to Jesus being "first" in our lives; that is, a denying of ourselves! Jesus longs to be "first" in our lives; are you ... fit for first?

Our Advocate

We read a lot about advocacy groups these days. How well I remember being on the basketball court knowing Dad and Mom, sisters and friends were cheering the team and especially ... for me. Those are great memories but memories they are! Read this about Jesus Christ, our eternal Advocate and High Priest: "The former priests ... existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:22-25, NASB). Those latter words should greatly encourage us - He is able to save forever and lives to intercede for us. Jesus is our Almighty and Timeless Advocate - unlimited, unrestricted by time or power! He continue forever and He is altogether able: when we lack words to speak, He is our voice; when sadness overcomes us, He is our gladness; when weakness prevails in us, He is our strength; when discouragement overwhelms us, He is our encouragement ... on and on it goes! Keep this truth ever before you ... Jesus is our Advocate!

Because of Love

Whatever state of excitement I might be in, eventually I would hear Mom say, "settle down, now." That meant it was time to stop whatever I was doing, catch my breath and ... settle myself down. Re-read these familiar verses with me: Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death." When was the last time you gave careful thought to the seriousness of what we faced as sinners: eternal condemnation and death. Yet while we were yet sinners - hostile enemies of God - "God shows His love for us ... Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, ESV). How can that be? Octavius Winslow gives us the Truth in all Its beauty: "Divine wrath is silent, because love has hushed it ... God's love has silenced every voice but its own." One of my favorite verses in all of Scripture is Zephaniah 3:17, which says God will "rest in His love." Set aside from me and "settled down" is all of God's wrath and righteous judgment, which I deserve. And why ... Because of Love.

Are You Listening?

If you've ever been part of a tour group, you most likely had a Guide - someone knowledgeable of the area and able to bring its sights and sounds to life. In the latter days of His time on earth, Jesus spoke of One Who would come to be our Guide - guiding us "into all the truth" (John 16:13). We often fail to realize we are all being guided by something or someone into matters of life; we're receiving advice or counsel into various areas of our lives - financial, health, careers, etc. How foolish to believe all advice or counsel is altogether accurate or beneficial. "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father - the message regarding the Son[, and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]." (John 16:13, AMP). Especially notable is that The Spirit of Truth (The Holy Spirit) leads us into all - not a portion - of truth - full disclosure, no mixture of truth and lie but all truth. Jesus clearly uses the word "lead," which means The Holy Spirit will not push or pull us into truth - we must follow. We will not follow unless we listen to what He says and humbly obey His voice. The biggest question [then] for each of us: are you listing?

What a Rest

As several of my grandchildren have outgrown nap-time, their parents still plan an afternoon rest-time ... a brief period of still and quiet. For Mister Bill and I (PopC and MomC), however, rest time is much more serious! God tells us "so there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9, NASB). True children of God - those delivered by God's free gift of salvation - have this grand-and-glorious promise in our future. Our bodies ever-long for true rest from disease, weariness, sorrow, pain, sadness, burdens, discouragement, stress, etc. - all pressing us with intensity for a respite ... for rest. Octavius Winslow writes, "Everything in our present course reminds us that we are nearing home." Like you, many of my dearest ones have already seized the promised prize of Heavenly rest. While we take comfort in knowing they are "at rest" and even with eagerness we long to be be re-united with them, consider this: "Death, from which I have so often recoiled, is but the triumphal arch - oh, how bright a risen Christ has made it!" (Winslow). As hymn writer Esther K Rusthoi wrote: "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus - Earth's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ - One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase - So bravely run the race, till we see Christ" (1941). Oh, indeed, what a rest that will be!

Live Upon Christ

Of the many things this older-me knows, one tidbit of knowledge I have trouble putting into practice: sometimes I need help. We laugh at little children who declare "I do it myself" - well, trying to live independently of God is ... no laughing matter! "It is this living upon Christ for all [a person] needs, this going to Christ under all circumstances, and at all seasons, which forms the happy and holy life of a child of God" (Octavius Winslow). What an utterly foolish - often unconscious - attitude when Believers belief we can "handle" the little things - no need to "bother" God with them. Those otherwise "little things" soon blow-up into monsters and they are ... of our own making. Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5, NASB). Through this illustration Jesus makes it clear to us [branches], He [the vine] is our strength; and, ultimately we are useless [unfruitful] apart from Him. All our seriously busy efforts amount to nothing - "apart from Me you can do nothing." Evangelist Dr Sam Cathy described doing things our own way and in our own strength as "plowing water" - visualize that! Best practice is before your feet touch the floor every morning is say, "Lord, let's do today together." Live upon Christ!

Be About

This may seem like an odd and somewhat random question but ... "what are you all about?" We can read the inside flap of a book to see what it's "about" or watch the trailer of a movie to see what it's "about," but is there evidence in your life to tell what you are all ... about? In Act 10:38 we read that Jesus "went about doing good." Of course, Jesus - holy and perfect in all His ways - never was overcome by distractions that led Him to be side-tracked in His mission and what a model He is for us today. You may recall when He was twelve years ago, He was left behind in Jerusalem; His earthly parents were frantic to locate Him, which they did - they found Him in the Temple among the religious teachers. Do you remember His answer to Joseph and Mary: "I must be about my Father's business" (Luke 2:49, KJV). Perhaps more often than we care to admit, we forget why we're here on planet earth, why we've graciously been given these number of days - have we forgotten what we are all about? "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NASB). If we are all about fearing God and keeping His commandments, we will be growing closer to and more like Jesus. We will be both focused and disciplined at keeping the main thing the main thing. That's what we are to ... be about!

Overflowing Joy

One of the greatest joys I've known as a mother was to hear my boys were courteous and polite ... when I wasn't around to make them. Yes, we practiced good manners at home but there was no guarantee those practice sessions would actually pay-off! Listen to these precious words of John to his friend and fellow Believer, Gaius: "I was overjoyed when some brethren came and testified of the truth in you - how you are waling in truth ... I have no greater joy than this - to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (John 3, Verses 3-4, Tree of Life Version). John's overflowing joy was that Gaius, was meeting God's expection of living-out The Truth in his life. In other words, Gaius was "walking the walk and talking the talk" - all hypocrisy aside, his faith was being proved genuine. What a disconnect we witness so much today by many who say one thing but do another thing. The lack of spiritual integrity dishonors God and has greatly soiled the Name of Christ and His Church. What encouragement, however, when Believers walk [among one another] in Truth; proving how much they truly love Jesus. What joy we are to all people [especially other Believers] when we make God's Truth the way of life - yes, it is ... overflowing joy!