Right Reason

Why we do-what-we-do is worthy of our thoughts! The reasons we do-what-we-do may include ... we've always done it ... we're fully capable of doing it ... no one else will do it. The motivation of of doing something simply because you love doing it often gets muddled by other reasons. John 3:16 tells us " “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." This familiar verse describes an action motivated by nothing other than ... love. Love is highly motivational - that is, as long as the love doesn't get lost in the act of doing-what-we-do. Lamentations affirm the "steadfast love of the LORD never ceases ... His mercies never come to an end" (3:22 ESV). Never ceasing love and unending mercies will go a long way with us as we do-what-we-do in faithfully imitating Jesus! Time, energy and resources of doing-what-we-do often frustrate us to the point we ... lose the love! There's a short and to-the-point verse that should be at the center of all we do as followers of Christ: "Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV). God's greatest act of love was done because of love! As we abide in Him, we'll never be lacking in genuine motivational love. God's love is always be the perfect measure of doing-what-we-do for the right reason. And, love is always the ... right reason.

Breathe-In

Have you ever been short-of-breath? It's uncomfortable and it can be scary! "Breathe in, breathe out" is a well-known relaxation exercise, and I suggest it is good spiritual practice. We read, "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). Deep physical breathing helps relieve stress and lowers the heart rate - it's good for the body. What's good for the soul is God's words of truth. I'm not sure I know anyone who escapes hurt, sorrow, discouragement, fear and anxiety; life is tough and seems to come at us incessantly. Do you see why we need to breathe-in the Word of God? It's the breath of the soul! Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." Richly refers to a wealth of abundance, an abounding supply of resources. I fear many Believers today are starving from the nourishment God's Word provides. We all need a healthy spiritual appetite. Jesus said, "Blessed [joyful, nourished by God's goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied." (Matthew 5:6 AMP). Do not neglect what your soul needs most - the precious breathe of God, His Word ... breathe-in.

Power - Peace - Presence

There's a fine balance to co-existing with God's tiniest creatures - specifically bugs! While Mister Bill is faithful to spray, he loves glue traps. I'm convinced my death will come by way of a glue trap! Perhaps you've seen the bumper sticker boasting a "co-existence" between multiple gods. Think again! God's Word says, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides Me there is no god." (Isaiah 44:6 ESV). Fools and skeptics regard this truth as an idea or theory, however, those who know the God of Scripture do not doubt because they have experienced His power, His peace and His presence. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder!" God desires all people long for Him alone so He can save and deliver, extending mercy and grace to their souls - it is His nature to do so! He cannot and will not co-exist with any other god - "My glory I will not give to another" (Isaiah 48:11 ESV). Now, since bugs don't seem to be going anywhere, living with and among them is a fine (and thankfully) a manageable balance. Trying to find a balance between The One God and other gods is foolish and futile; it ultimately robs us of the precious rewards of God's ... power, peace, presence.

Run-To

My days of running are long passed! Although I was on the school's track team, I never really enjoyed running; I basically ran to stay in shape for basketball. Thoughts of those days just make this older-me hurt! David writes, "In the LORD I take refuge" (Psalm 11:1a NASB). How very different is our response when trouble comes: our first thought is to take flight, and usually to the wrong person, place or thing. For me, my first call is usually to Mister Bill! David continues, "How can you say to my soul, 'Flee as a bird to your mountain" (Verse 1b). A few chapters earlier David spoke of The LORD as a stronghold, and said this: "Those who know Your Name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10 NASB). That word "know" in the Hebrew means to know "by experience." They have actually experienced God as the refuge, the stronghold in times of need. Oh what we forfeit when we run-to other people-places-things for our spiritual comfort and strength. Mister Bill has long been my go-to, my run-to - and I pray that will continue; however, he has his limitations. God is all-powerful, ever-faithful and longs to be The One we ... run-to.

His Name

Perhaps like me, you think of some families whose names bring great fondness - good reputations, integrity, kindness. On the other hand, other names ... well, not so much! The psalmist writes, "I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise and give You thanks forever and ever." (Psalm 45:17 AMP). Throughout Scripture, God speaks of His great name. While we are born-into our family's name and we choose the names of our children, no one named God! He introduced and identified Himself to His chosen people. While tending sheep, God revealed His Name to Moses: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14 ESV). In other words, God is exactly who He is ... He can't be anything nor anyone else. He is every bit as holy and righteous now as He has always been [from eternity past] and will always be [into eternity future]. He can be no other way! His Name represents every good and perfect attribute, characteristic of who He is. As Jesus prayed Himself and taught us to pray, He said address God this way: "Father, hallowed be Your Name" (Luke 11:2 (ESV). We live in a world when God's Name is abused, disrespected, dishonored and watered-down, however, His nature remains what it is - righteous and holy. He says, "I am the Lord; that is My Name; My glory I give to no other." (Isaiah 42:8). How easily we forget the privilege that is ours to sing-of and pray-to I AM, The One of unchanging and holy nature. Yes, what a privilege and joy! May it be my reputation, your reputation - from generation to generation, we ... make His Name known!

Fresh and Precious Overflow

Perhaps we forget just how precious fresh and running water is! The lack of it globally slipped past us as we've grown so accustomed to what naturally happens when we turn on the facet. Hear David, "Sing praises to the LORD, Who dwells in Zion; declare among the peoples His deeds." (Psalm 9:11-12 NASB). Throughout the Old Testament, we read God is enthroned in and above the heavens. He also [symbolically] dwells locally in His tabernacle: "The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD'S throne is in heaven" (Psalm 11:4a NASB). We know, of course, God is omnipresent - He is confined nor limited by time or space; He is in all and above all. What a wonder to declare that now the Redeemed are now God's temple, and that God's Spirit dwell in each of us (1 Corinthians 3:16). How is it then that our spirits lack the precious fresh Living Water of Christ, resembling instead a cistern of stale and stagnant water? Jesus made it clear that whoever believes, in him or her is a heart flowing "rivers of living water" (John 7:38 ESV). The life of a genuine Child of God will overflow with praises to The LORD and will declare His wondrous deeds. We are His tabernacle, His temple bearing daily sacrifices of joy, delight and exuberant praise. Christ alive in us ... a fresh and precious overflow!

Good Practice

Good practices can shape and re-shape our lives. Mister Bill and I have recently begun having a daily protein shake, something for most of our lives we've managed to ... avoid. It's surprising how "good taste" can change your mind about something! David begins Psalm 9 with four "I will" statements: "I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart - I will tell of all Your marvelous works - I will be glad and rejoice in You - I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High." (Verses 1-2 NKJV). We don't know the circumstances of David's life when he wrote this psalm but [from the rest of the psalm], we learn he was troubled by enemies. We can relate to this, right? We cannot escape times of fear, sorrow and discouragement. We are told in 1 Peter 5:8 the enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." A good practice of David's was to remember the past and how God had delivered him - it made him confident in the present. "The LORD also will be refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble, And those who know Your Name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have nasforsaken those who seek You." (Verses 9-10 NKJV). Yes, David knew the God of past deliverance was the God of his present and future deliverance! Mister Bill likes the taste of his Frosted Mango shake and I love my Strawberry Slush - it's a bonus practice that the shakes are good for us. It's always good that we remember the nature of our Great God and His gracious works - yes, remembering is just ... good practice.

MWB Blog Break

 MWB will Resume 08-20-2026
Stay in The Word!
Miles of Smiles, Beverly  

Wait Patiently

Instant oatmeal, rotisserie chicken, self-adhesive stamps, drive-through windows, call-ahead seating … all these have something in common. They satisfy a sense of urgency! What is urgent? One online definition read, “too pressing to permit further delay.” We all have those hurry-hurry-rush-rush moments - sometimes several times a day! Take a moment to consider how much time a young David spent on the backside of nowhere with only sheep for company. Of all the typies of livestock, sheep require a lot of care? They possess no natural defense like claws or sharp teeth - only to run; they can become easily lost with no sense of direction to find their way home; they relay completely on a shepherd for their food, water, safety and rest. Perhaps their greatest need is the patience of a the shepherd! Although we read several places in the psalms David’s lack of patience, it was one of the most urgent needs in his life and he recognized it: "I waited patiently for the LORD," he writes in Psalm 40:1. What seems most urgent is not always most important. In my times of patiently waiting on God, I've learned He hears me, delivers me from destruction, sets my feet in a firm place, secures myour my steps, gives my heart a new song (from Verses 2-3). It may seem paradoxical (illogical) but truly the most urgent thing we can do is ... wait patiently.

Give Up to Win

Winning seems to be a big deal! As a former athlete, the win was what the team was after - more goals and more runs were what mattered most.  Jesus turned this idea on its head! He taught "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God" (Matthew 5:3). Those who possessed nothing spiritually - the humble and the meek - achieved great reward! He modeled humility to His closest friends: Jesus "rose from supper. He laid aside His outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him." (John 13:4-5 ESV). The world sees such as illogical, uncommon, making no sense but the real truth is it's how to win! "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:10 ESV) ... "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12 ESV) ... "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you." (1 Peter 5:6 ESV). I love the Puritan's words: "Let me learn by paradox - that the way down is the way up ... to be low is to be high ... to bear the cross is to wear the crown" ("The Valley of Vision"). How great it was when we did have more goals and runs and took home the trophy. For those who truly love and are devoted to Jesus, there will never be any greater reward than what comes to those of a humbled heart - those who ... give up to win.

In His Strength

In his workshop Mister Bill has many things - many I cannot accurately name. One such handy gizmo is called a "come-along." Although its use matches its name, it is specifically "a hand-operated ratcheting cable or strap puller used to life pull, stretch, or position heavy loads over short distances." Like I said ... a handy gizmo. When life "happens," one of the first things we learn is just how weak and ill-equipped we are to meet present challenges. It can, of course, be a physical challenge but more often it is emotional, mental or spiritual in nature. Paul writes, "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 ESV). What a great verse of promise and hope but I fear we live as if the verse reads: "I can do all things," neglecting the "through Him Who strengthens me." In this terribly misguiding culture we are told and encouraged to dig-deep into ourselves and find that inner strength to succeed in and through every facet of life. What an exercise in futility - useless and ineffective! "[God] gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." (Isaiah 40:29) ... "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10) ... "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26) ... "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11) ... "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26). There is no match, no equal, no substitute for the strength God gives to those who will first humble themselves - admit their own weakness - then find all they need to come-along in His power. Over the years, I've seen Mister Bill's come-along gizmo in action, and it's pretty impressive. Nothing speaks louder to our own hearts or to others who watch us in-and-through life's challenges than when we trust God and live life ... in His strength.

Certain

Oh, how we love our modern conveniences. We love and use them so much, we've come to depend on them exclusively. Then ... they fail - a quick reminder of just how "dependable" they really are. So goes the account of David and his army who returned from war to find their homes burned and families taken captive by the wicked Amalekites. Of course, they were distraught - "wept until there was no strength in them to weep" (1 Samuel 30:4 NASB). Even though David suffered loss (his own family captured), his men were ready to stone him! Scripture says in the face of such calamity David "strengthened himself in the LORD his God" (V.6). I suppose we've all been in such a place where we felt absolutely alone; even those close to us - those with whom we love and share life - are of no help,  perhaps even a source of the moment's chaos and distress. What does it mean that David found strength and encouragement "in the LORD?" Certainly, David drew on his past experiences, what he knew of The LORD - those times when God had proven to be his faithful rock, present help, sure foundation. When we depend on The ever-faithful, never-changing LORD, we are sure to find genuine dependability. That is ... certain.

Fresh Fruit

The summer season brings all kinds of fresh fruit - cantaloupes, watermelons, strawberries and blackberries to name just a few. While I won't miss the terrible heat, I will miss those seasonal yummies! God says we are to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name." (Hebrews 13:15). There is nothing "seasonal" about being grateful and expressing it! Gratitude is not a feeling, which are typically rooted in something temporal like the feeling we get from a hot shower after working in the yard or the smell and taste of your morning coffee. A heart of genuine gratitude will find God alone as its continual song of thankfulness. In Exodus 34 we read that on Mount Sinai, the LORD descended and stood with Moses and declared Himself "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; Who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, Who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." (Verses 6-7 NASB). God alone - not simply what He does but who He is - we have reason to continually be grateful and speak of it. Such is our continual ... fresh fruit.

Be a Fountain

Many years ago while attending a convention in Texas, little-Danny was introduced to an outdoor fountain.  Inside the convention center, it didn't take long for boredom to set so he and I eased outside where a large inviting water fountain became a welcome playground [of sorts].  He was having so much fun, I wanted to join him!  By design, we are fountains!  There's an eternal Spring within each person who belongs to Christ: "God has poured out His Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit within Believers is an endless and bountiful Source of God's Love and Compassion, and we're wrong to withhold these immeasurable graces from others.  In reality, if we are living a Spirit-filled life, these treasures will spill-to-overflowing in all we say and do ... much like a fountain.  Recently, I watched a bird bathe in a bird bath; it was naturally refreshed by the water. Consider the potential to be that splash of joy, that refreshment of Christ in the lives of your family, your co-workers, your neighbors, even strangers.  Our splashes can easily be showers of blessings to those who need a Touch of Christ. Look around and splash a few folks today!

Eternal Shepherd

The word "shepherd" warms my soul. He is one who leads, cares for and tends to the needs of ... yes, usually sheep. From all I've learned about sheep, they really-really need leading, caring for and tending to! Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:14); the writer of Hebrews called Jesus the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20); Peter wrote of Jesus as the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). I feel all Believers should find this heart-warming! Jesus assures us He knows the sheep which belong to Him and those same sheep know their Shepherd (John 10:14). Interestingly, the word "shepherd" is both a noun (person, place, thing) and a verb (an action word). God has given His Church pastors to "shepherd" Jesus' flock in study, worship, fellowship, service and bring others to a relationship with Christ. Through the years, I've had to say "goodbye" to pastors as they have moved into other areas of ministry or retired; saying goodbye was sometimes tough. I anticipate the glorious day when I'm in the presence of The Shepherd of all shepherds: no more goodbyes - only hello to  my ... Eternal Shepherd.

Aroma of Christ

All things considered, God is a master-of-design! For example, it is crazy-incredible how something as simple as a smell can trigger a memory, bringing to mind a person or a place or an adventure long past. One of my favorite passages is from Ephesians 5: "Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example[, as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another - practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance." (Verses 1-2, AMP). It's a precious thing to watch a child mimic the actions of his father; never so precious, however, as a disciple of Jesus following His example! God said to the Prophet Ezekiel: "I will accept you [graciously] as a pleasant and soothing aroma when I bring you out from the peoples ... I will prove Myself holy and manifest My holiness among you in the sight of the nations." (Ezekiel 20:41 AMP). Those whom God has gloriously saved from spiritual death (the redeemed), He has called-out from the stench of the world into a separate life - a life that reflects the holiness of Christ. In other words, we look distinctively different and the sweet aroma and fragrance of Jesus is known among others. Much like a gardener who spends time day-after-day in the presence of roses, so the fragrance of Christ emanates from those who spend time in Jesus' Presence. Such a fragrance is pleasing to The Father - it is the ... aroma of Christ.

Persevere

What a quandary when we observe present prosperity of those who live apart from God!  Like the psalmist, we tend to be “envious of the arrogant.” (Psalm 73:2).  Truly, we [too] struggle to understand this when we hold to integrity in spite of testing circumstances.  If you listen carefully today, religious freedoms are at risk.  Like a delightful harvest from a late summer garden, Believers must keep the Lord’s end in view!  Knowing this: “For the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.” (Psalm 135:14).  A sure and delightful end is promised to those who remain “pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1).  Whatever your struggle or circumstance – However deep your grief and pain … do not lose heart!  Just as the day comes for the wicked, the glorious day of reward comes to those who stay true to God and persevere! Be of good courage ... persevere!

Remember and Rejoice

The remembering of things can be greatly productive in our lives, and this is particularly true in the spiritual life of the Believer. For example, David remembers the victories in his life: "You have maintained my just cause ... You have sat on the throne judging righteously ... You have rebuked the nations ... You have destroyed the wicked ... You have blotted out their names forever and ever" (Psalm 9:3-5 NASB). We all like to remember the good ole days or the pleasant seasons and times of life; it is good, however, to also consider the not-so-pleasant seasons and times because God is present and active during those times as well. The ways in and by which He sustains us in His righteousness and sovereignty are well-worth recalling. Read how David does this: "I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart ... I will tell of all Your wonders ... I will be glad and exult in You ... I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1-2 NASB). David determine "I will" ... "I will" ... "I will" ... "I will." Because God is always faithfully present - in all seasons and times - let us not fail to see His hand of grace as He delivers us day-by-day and moment-by-moment. In all seasons ... remember and rejoice.