From The Heart

Do you ever contemplate why-you-do-what-you-do? Perhaps it's a routine or a habit that, without thought or rhyme or reason, you just do it. Maybe it's something done in a particular sequence and if out-of-sequence, it seems all wrong. After their return from Babylonian captivity, the Israelites wanted to know if they should continue weeping and fasting as they "had done these many years" (Zechariah 7:3 NASB). God's response holds a probing question for us today: "When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years, was it actually for Me that you fasted?" (Zechariah 7:5 NASB). You see, a ritual is pretty worthless when the heart is all wrong! After being confronted with his sin, David wrote: "a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." (Psalm 51:17 ESV). Going through the motions may "seem" (appear as) the right thing but in truth is very misleading to ourselves and to those around us. How easily we can fall into Satan's trap of being in right-standing with God when in reality we're being ritualistic instead of realistic. God sees the real me and the real you as He looks upon our hearts. Spiritually speaking, what we do is important; just make sure you're doing for the right reasons ... from the heart!

No Joke

Through the years and the pranksters with whom I've lived, there was rarely a lack of amusement here unless you were the Mama.  Some joker carefully and deliberately placed a rubber band around the kitchen spray nozzle to secure the handle in the down position so that whoever next turned on the water would get sprayed. And, yes, that "whoever" was Mama – dressed & ready for work ... hosed down at dawn's first light! Having a sense of humor must be a virtue otherwise God surely wouldn’t have placed me in the house with four practical jokers! Proverbs 15:13 says, "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance."  It’s true, grumpy people just don't attract a crowd; neither do they reflect the Spirit of Christ.  The ability to see the humor in  the worst of circumstances and apply God's grace contributes to a beautiful spirit.  Days are sunnier and smiles are way more abundant, and that's ... no joke!

Say Yes

It's not unusual to hear Mister Bill tell me I say "yes" too often ... in this season of life, it's mostly to the Grands! I would venture to guess, however, most of us have no problem saying "no" to God. The people of Zechariah's day suffered from that; when the prophet gave the "word of the LORD" to the people - "dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother," here's what the people did: "But they refused to pay attention, and turned a stubborn shoulder and plugged their ears from hearing. They also made their hearts as hard as a diamond so that they could not hear the Law and the words" (from Zechariah 7:8-12). Oh my - what a blatant display of refusal to hear what God has to say! Such a thing would certainly given my parents good cause to discipline me. When we refuse to listen to God, we miss hearing truth and direction; even when we listen, hear His words yet fail to obey, we are doomed for failure. Saying "yes" to the Grands is easy - smiles, hugs, kisses. Saying "yes" to God is soul-satisfying - joy, peace, contentment. Are you reading God's Word, meditating on His words, listening to His voice? If so, do the next thing ... say "yes" to Him.

Good Company

Have you ever played the imaginary game of "Twenty Questions?"  It was one my parents played with me as a teenager; it included questions such as ... Who's going? Who's driving? What adults will be there? The questions were annoying and seemed pointless; that is, until I became the parent asking the questions! Time with Jesus produces evidence of a different life.  The religious and military leaders were amazed at Peter and John in Acts 4; Verse 13 says, "they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus." What a distinguishing attribute!  "Twenty Questions" wasn't really a game; it was an act of loving and responsible parents who cared about the company I kept.  I wonder what others conclude by my responses and reactions to life - do they reflect that I've been in the company of Christ? This passage from Beth Moore's poem, "The Company I Keep" says it beautifully: "Let me be known by the company I keep - Eclipsed by Your presence that I may decrease - Till all You have chosen this traveler to meet - No longer see me but the Company I keep." Make sure you're always in ... good company.

His Glory - My Good

Oh, how intriguing new things can be - we seem to always be on-the-lookout for bigger, better, faster, more efficient things and methods to do what we need to do. The way of the Israelites has much to teach us. Like a good father, God gave them the way of truth and commanded obedience; yes, of course, to glorify His Name but it was also for their own good. Prophet after prophet reminded them of the truth from which they had drifted, the message always clear: "Thus says the LORD, 'Stand by the road, and look, and ask for the ancient paths - where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 6:16 NASB). In foolishness they - like us - saw and followed a different path. Those other paths are often well-traveled, paved with the bigger, the better, the faster and seemingly more efficient. As a pastor for more than 50 years, my Dad was always cautiously approached new methods of ministry; It was not unusual that he concluded ... newer isn't always better. The prophet Isaiah told the people, "Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'" whenever you turn to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21 NASB). God has the best way - it is the way in which He has designed and commanded His children to follow. CityAlight sings, "There is hope in every trial - For I can trust the Lord - He will turn my heart towards Him - And help me bear the thorn - So in faith, I follow Jesus - On the road not understood - For I know He is working - For His glory and my good." Do I really believe God knows best and leads me in the right way? If so, I'll trust Him completely for ... His glory and my good.

In-Tune

Singing is gift - at least that's how I see it - a God-given way to express ourselves! Some people say they can't "carry a tune in a bucket" so they limit their singing to very private moments. As a musician, I understand how we want to sing the right notes and be in-tune. Most important to the child of God, however, is living a life in-tune with God's heart. Too often His commands are seen as a list of do's and don't's, which can be lead to  legalistic living ... living from the outside-in rather than inside-out. David prayed, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 NASB). It's the heart that God wants in-tune with His! It's not what we do; rather, it is who we are in the inner most part. In 1758 Robert Robinson wrote these words: "Come thou Fount of every blessing - Tune my heart to sing Thy grace - Streams of mercy, never ceasing - Call for songs of loudest praise - Teach me some melodious sonnet - Sung by flaming tongues above - Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it - Mount of Thy redeeming love." The great message of this wonderful old hymn of faith is we all have reason to sing so from a heart aligned with God's, let us always and ever sing ... in-tune.

Nothing Left

The ending of a day or a project or an event can leave us tired, frazzles, exhausted, spent. We feel as if there's nothing left! Having poured [what seems] all of ourselves into something, we can feel physically, mentally, emotionally even spiritually drained. God said we are to love Him with "all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5). The Hebrews word "heart" includes mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory, conscience ... the seat of all man's appetites, emotions, passions and courage. It is a loving of God and the things of God with all of who we are; and, that love stimulates us to love in word and deed. Quite simply, it means we love God with all we have in us - till there's ... nothing left.

The Right Path

The pasture behind my childhood home had many paths; created over time by the cows that came to feed on grass and hogs that came to "waller" in mud. God's Word reveals to us the path to a blessed life. Although it's "the" path, many consider it simply "a" path of many paths. Psalm 16:11 says, God "make known to me the path of life" and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. " and in His "presence there is fullness of joy." I don't know how "smart" pigs and cows are but there was no mistaking they knew "the" way to satisfaction - mud and grass. I really don't recall them stopping to ponder or debate the direction they should go ... they knew because they had chosen that direction initially, they found satisfaction at the path's end, then they traveled it over and over again. The pathways chosen by so many today have led [and continue to lead] away from God and always fail to deliver fullness of joy (satisfaction). "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." (Proverbs 14:12, ESV). Have you chosen a path that is not all it seems to be, a path that is bringing anything but joy? Open your spiritual atlas and find the path to a blessed life. Ask God to lead you in ... the right path.

Breathe-In

No one really talks about it but morning breath is nothing to brag about. One of the first things we do each morning is brush our teeth but we really want to just brush-away ... morning breath! God says "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV). How sad it is that many followers of Christ daily miss an intake of this "breath of God." Psalm 119 is a celebration of God's words to man and their many benefits. His words are described as blameless, steadfast, righteous, wondrous, pure, delightful, strong, trustworthy, hopeful ... oh, and so much more! It is God's Word that satisfies the hungry and thirsty heart, the longing soul. It's the divine breath every child of God should desire. Open His Word today and ... breathe-in!

Sure Foundation

Years ago when Mister Bill and I moved to our current home - the family farmhouse - we made some improvements: painted the cabinets, replaced flooring, remodeled the bathrooms, all facial upgrades. Not long after we were in, we realized the years had degraded the foundation - that part unseen. A secure foundation, whether physical or spiritual, is of great importance. David wrote in Psalm 11, "If the foundations are destroyed, what shall the righteous do?" (V.3). Yes, what would be possibly do? Praise be to God "the LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven ... The LORD is righteous ... He loves righteousness ... the upright will behold His face" (V.4, V.7). For the righteous - children of God who love and obey Him - there is no fear of instability. God has provided a steadfast and sure cornerstone, a true and unshakable foundation - Jesus Christ. Oh, the rest and peace that we have in Jesus, our ... sure foundation.

Nothing More

The phrase "beat the odds" should be cause to pause, to think long-and-hard about what we're about to do! It must have been somewhat daunting when Joshua stood on the edge of God's promised land to the Hebrews. As the nation's new leader, Joshua's small inexperienced army of were headed for a face-off with Canaan's large army of seasoned warriors known for their brutality! It could be said the odds were not in Joshua's favor! So, there Joshua stood - here's what God said to him: "No one will be able to oppose you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not desert you nor abandon you." (Joshua 1:5, NASB). I'm sure we all have Joshua-moments when - by the world's standards - the odds don't seem favorable. Nonetheless, when we choose, without hesitation or reservation, to trust The One Who spoke to Joshua, it's no gamble, not moving forward on a wing and a prayer, nor hoping for the best outcome ... to "beat the odds." Whatever the circumstance or situation, God is altogether all we need. Truly, we need ... nothing more.

Just Love

Some children are often described as affectionate because they express their fondness and tenderness with ... hugs and kisses! Unfortunately, that "affectionate" stage often disappears as they leave adolescence. We rarely consider our spiritual affections yet we should! Speaking to disciples of Jesus, we are told in Romans 12:10 to "love one another with brotherly affection." That "brotherly affection" is not a phase or a stage of our spiritual lives; no, it finds its roots in something Jesus said: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35, ESV). It's that as-I-have-you kind of affection AND the term-limits are from eternity past, here and now and forevermore. It has nothing to do with how pleasant, lovely, admirable, easy a person is to love. Remember, God showed His love for us while we were still sinners - Jesus even died for us (Romans 5:8). It's an ongoing, no-excuse kind of love ... just love!

His Warning

Some of you may remember the late 60's science fiction television series, "Lost in Space," and Rob​ot B-9's catchphrase, "Danger, Will Robinson!"  Much like the adventures of the pioneering Robinson family who struggled to survive in a strange and often hostile universe after their ship was thrown off-course, we [too] know the struggle to live righteously in a culture hostile to God.​  God appeared to King Solomon a second time to warn and advise him, "walk (live your life) before Me ... in integrity of heart and in uprightness, acting in accordance with everything that I have commanded you, and ... keep My statues and My precepts." (1 Kings 9:4).  God does not speak casually or lightly of the dangers we face spiritually, emotionally and [even] physically. Because He is kind and loving, much like a guiding parent, He cares for our well-being so He cautions us to remain close to Him and underneath the shadow of His protection.  Some of the sweetest words of guidance He spoke to Joshua: "Do not turn from [My precepts] to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7).  Have you heard then heeded the warnings of The One Who loves you most? He always and forever knows and cares you experience His very Best!​ Give careful attention to ... His warning.

Abandon

Next to my Pop and Granny's was an abandoned house, and I clearly remember the big-bold sign warning people to stay away.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, "I tell you, stop being worried or anxious about your life." We say, "it's only natural" to to be uneasy about life.  Well, yes, it is!  Believers, however, has been given a new nature - one which does not practice disobedience to the Holy Spirit Who lives within.  Most commonly, it's the little things of life that distract us and draw us away from fully trusting God. "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor gather and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth more than they?" (V.26). Jesus' message is simple and clear: trust Me!  Prayerfully and humbly consider what cares trouble you then abandon them, giving them to God Almighty - El Shaddai - the [only] One Who is completely able and trustworthy ... abandon all else!

Open His Book

Of the many things we enjoy yet fail to fully appreciate, the ability to see and hear are surely two!Often it's not until we begin to experience loss of or impaired seeing and hearing we realize this. A young Samuel was wakened from sleep by a voice he presumed to be his guardian Eli. Scripture says on the third time, "Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, 'Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place." (1 Samuel 3:8-9 NASB). This was good advice because Samuel heard yet again God's voice: "the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for Your servant is listening'"" (V.10). There are many voices speaking to us today, and many of them are voices we should not listen to: they are not the Lord speaking to us, rather the enemy! How do we hear from God and distinguish the voice as His alone? Open His Word - from there He speaks perfectly. What He says from there is living and active and sharp (Hebrews 4:12); His voice is a lamp and a light (Psalm 119:105); His voice is sanctifying truth (John 17:17); His words are eternal (Isaiah 40:8); His voice brings spirit and life (John 6:63); His words are the very breath of God (2 Timothy 3:16). If you're struggling to see of and hear from God, a good first-step is to ... open His Book.

The Lord's Blessing

Did your Mama ever say, "you're too big for your britches?" Mine did and I suppose [at the time] I really didn't understand what she she meant but I understood - by the tone of her voice - however I was acting was not a good thing! In the latter chapters of Job, God speaks and Job has nothing to do except ... listen! Read a few things God says to Job: "Who is this who darkens the divine plan by words without knowledge? Now tighten the belt on your waist like a man and I shall ask you, and you inform Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements? Since you know, or who stretches the measuring line over it?" (Job 38:1-5, NASB). Oh, it gets worse as you read on! God drove home a point that is [also] lost on us today - God is the Great I AM, the self-Existing uncreated One, the All-Powerful Creator, Sovereign over all. The notion that we can and do live with bloated egos and self-sufficiency is utter foolishness. God had something to say to Job, and Job had no response except "I know that You can do all things, and that no plan is impossible for You ... I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I do not know. Please listen, and I will speak: I will ask You, and You instruct me ... I repent, sitting on dust and ashes." (Job 42:2, 4, 6, NASB).  What a humble response, which resulted in a blessed ending for Job: "the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning" (42:12, NASB). Job's words are wise counsel for us all as we seek ... The Lord's blessing.

Trust 101

Trust is a tricky thing – to be studied and considered intently. Sometimes I hear people say “trust your heart” – no! no! no!  “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). There are, of course, trustworthy people in our lives.  Nonetheless, Jesus “did not commit Himself unto them ..;. for He knew what was in man.” (John 2:24-25). Can we all not still feel the searing burn of a trust broken?  See, trust is indeed a tricky thing!  Trust placed in God, however, is never misplaced: He is altogether trustworthy! Trusting in Him and not man – including ourselves – is the only sure way to go.  We do well when we “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) and “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” {Proverbs 3:6).  That is Trust 101 and only then is trust ... not so tricky!

Avoid the Crisis

Do you know who you are? Perhaps you recall a period of time in your life or someone you know when they were trying to "find themselves." When that happens mid-life, we refer to it as a "crisis." I suggest it's a crisis in everyone's life when they fail to recognize the treasured place that exists for all who know Jesus as Savior. The Apostle John referred to himself as the "disciple whom Jesus loved." Of course, Jesus loved all His disciples - as He loves all His children - but John had discovered something life-changing: he knew the only one that truly mattered - Jesus, and an inseparable love Jesus had for him. "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, ESV). John didn't say I'm pretty sure nor I hope so; no, he was certain of who he was because of Jesus. A crisis is sure to come - a  circumstance, a situation - but there is a Person and a Place where no crisis will survive. Trust Jesus ... avoid the crisis.

Right Kind of Neighbor

We will all agree, whoever invented bandages did us all all ... a good deed! They come in all shapes, sizes and variations of colors. There's only one thing we must remember about bandages: while they may help and promote healing, they only cover the wound. A man asked Jesus, "who is my neighbor." Jesus then told a parable about a man who had been attacked and beaten by robbers and left seriously injured by the side of the road. Two otherwise nice guys passed the injured man but failed to offer any help; it was instead a third man - a Samaritan, one least expected to offer kindness who actually stopped, treated and bandaged the injured man's wounds then took him where he could further heal from his injuries. Jesus asked, "which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" (Luke 10:36, NASB). I'm fairly confident we'd all answer Jesus' question accurately but I fear too often we aren't the neighborly one; we pass-by those who are hurting and need a moment of attention, an act of kindness, a tender word, a listening ear, direction to the healing grace of Jesus. Sometimes a bandage has already been applied yet healing not in progress. As followers of Jesus, we know of the Salve and Balm and Physician Who heals. What kind of neighbor am I, are you? Be the ... right kind of neighbor.

Celebrate!

Celebrations are ... well, celebrations! This time of year there's lots of celebrations: students graduating and transitioning to yet another season of their young lives. You know, there's a phenomenal graduation yet to be for the Saints - that's us ... the redeemed, born-again, saved, followers of Jesus. Yeah, I know - it's not something we tend to think-of or dwell-on, at least not for long. But, I say, why not! Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him." There are certainly no guarantees for the next season of life; we plan and hope and dream but that's what it is: planning, hoping, dreaming. However, when The Creator of the universe and The One Who holds all things together says "child of Mine, you have not seen ... you have not heard ... you have not imagined," we should listen and begin to think-about, to dwell-on, to look-toward with great and grand anticipation the graduation from this life to the next. Today at my church, we celebrated God's Greatness and Goodness AND while we celebrated home here as Saints of the Living God, we celebrated what is yet to be. Our Heavenly Home is real, and as citizens of heaven waiting for Jesus' return - when He takes us Home - bring on the balloons! Celebrate!

Best Book

The word "back-up" puts us all on notice that it's always good to have a ... back-up; that is, a second copy of something or an alternate game plan. One of the best "back-ups" is what we see in Scripture. I recall Pastor Tony telling us that the best "back-up" of Scripture is ... more Scripture. Hear what Paul spoke in Acts 13, "And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise ... as it is written in the second Psalm: 'You are My Son; today I have fathered You.' ... He also says in another Psalm: 'You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.'" It's foolishness [or ignorance] think God's Word is disconnected, i.e. Old from New Testaments. In just this single passage, we see how God pulls together, backs-up, confirms all He said in the Old Testament with like truth in the New, not to mention how Jesus (Son, Holy One) fulfilled and completed all things! In Hebrews 4:12, God says of Scripture that It is living and active; in John 17:17 we are told It is the sanctifying truth, always leading to righteousness. The next time you're tempted to skip-over any part of God's Word, pause and consider the significance and relavance of the whole counsel of God. The reward and joy in all-of-it is that Scripture is put-together from cover-to-cover revealing to us the redemption and reconciliation of man to God through Jesus His Son. Everything is there in His Word - all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Read His Word - It's the ... Best Book.