Have You Ever Spoken Against God And Made Him Angry?

I have been saved for more than half my life and I don't know that I have ever thought too much about whether I had made God mad or not. I know I have saddened him with poor decisions and choices, but I just don't know that I have pondered on Him being "angry" with ~ much less feeling as if I have spoken against Him at any time. I certainly haven't equated myself with the Children of Israel who couldn't seem to be pleased no matter what God did for them.

As I was reading Psalm 78 this morning, I was reminded of some of those great and mighty things that God had done for the Children of Israel. God showed that mightiness ~ from the many plagues He "bestowed" upon Pharoah and his people ~ to the great miracles He performed again and again to provide and protect His chosen as they wandered aimlessly. Verses 19-22 say Yea, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed, can he give bread also? Can he provide flesh for his people? Therefore the Lord heard this and was wroth; so a fire was kindled against Jacob and anger also came up against Israel. Because they believed not in God and trusted not in his salvation.

At that moment the Holy Spirit began to work upon my heart. With shame I remembered many wonderful blessings that had occurred over the past few months and still unbelief would say "But can God do this over here? Can God do that over there? I know He has moved in such a mighty way but is He gonna keep doing it? Is He going to take care of me and my girls? Is He going to provide for our needs? Indeed, with shame, I began to ponder how all of this doubting had made my Lord and Savior feel.

When we doubt God ~ for any reason ~ it is wrong and it is sin. I supposed that just made Him sad when I did that. And I do think that it saddens Him but the fact that He becomes angry with our unbelief just makes it all the more profound that we must avoid doubting. We must trust that He has His children's best interests at heart ~ no matter how black the storm clouds are ~ He is watching each step, each move, each moment and that is greater and more wonderful than anything any human can do for us here on earth. He has our back. I don't know about you but I don't want to hurt Him simply because the circumstances of life can ~ at times ~ loom pretty big before my eyes. For greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

Oh Mighty and Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for my unbelief. Forgive me for complaining and doubting that you do have my best interest at heart. Forgive me for not believing that You've had my back the whole time.

Through The Storms

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled; The waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride. It fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead, And so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain. I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow. I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too. For only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?" At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be. How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough. He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease. He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong, I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be! ~Author Unknown

Hebrews 13: 5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Laying It All On The Altar

This morning ~ before my feet even hit the floor ~ I found myself at the Altar ~ asking God to take some things that I have been carrying around for a while. I think I even surprised myself just how much I had to hand over. I have known for quite some time that I am not equipped to carry much of anything on my shoulders. Yet it doesn’t seem to stop me from removing them from the Lord’s shoulders and putting those burdens back onto mine. I reckon I get to thinking that maybe, just maybe, I can carry it awhile ~ maybe I can do a decent job in trying to work life’s issues out. I mean ~ how hard could it be?

And that’s just the point. It is very hard ~ extremely difficult ~ downright impossible. When I get myself in this spot I can equate it to jumping into a race car at the Indy 500 ~ taking the driver’s seat ~ and hoping to drive that thing to the finish line. Hard ~ difficult ~ impossible? Indeed.

I’ve been a Christian long enough to know that God has His own way of doing things ~ in His own time ~ and it is imperative that I keep my eyes on Him and off the circumstances of life ~ or I will sink ~ as I often have ~ just like Peter did when he took his eyes off Christ when they were walking on the water.

And so I gave back some things that I had no business having. I can’t drive that race car ~ I must remain in the passenger seat; I can’t climb to the top of that mountain ~ not without the proper climbing gear; I can’t walk that tight rope ~ unless I have the rod to balance me above and the safety net to catch me below. Thankfully, I am hopelessly incapable of running my own life.

This morning through many tears and a broken spirit I laid my "all" on the altar. An old hymn I used to sing in a little country church in southern Kentucky ~ entitled "Is Your All On The Altar" ~ came to my mind ~ and the fit was perfect.

You have longed for sweet peace
And for faith to increase
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above
And how happy our hearts will be made
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at his feet
When our all on the altar is laid.

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

In 1900 Elisha Hoffman was inspired by Romans 12:1 to write this song.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Michelle

I met a lady today ~ a clerk at a Christian bookstore ~ named Michelle. She was helping me find a book for a woman who has separated from her husband. At that time I did not tell her it was because of the destruction pornography had brought to the family. It seemed she knew many of the books first hand ~ for she kept saying "I’ve read this one and it is good" and "I’ve read that one and it really spoke to me." At first I didn’t notice her tear streaked cheeks and blood shot eyes. She told me ~ "I’ve found these books to be personally helpful. We all go through hard times, don’t we?" It was then that I told her how my friend’s life was forever altered because of her husband’s addiction. And Michelle quietly said, "I know."

As she walked with me up to the cash register, this total stranger told me how she had just received another phone call from her husband of twenty years and had broken down in the stock room of the store. She then said, "What is he thinking? It’s Christmas." At that moment my heart ached for yet another woman who is struggling this season as her husband has faltered under the temptation. I looked at her name tag and said "Michelle? My middle name is Michelle so I am going to remember your name." Total strangers ~ we embraced across the counter and promised to pray for each other. The whole thing just kind of broke my heart.

She is my sister in the Lord and the bond that formed in such a short time was heart warming and pitifully sad all at the same time. But it has encouraged me that we Christians must remain steadfast, we must stand firm. We must reach out to a hurting people ~ men and women ~ it is our call. There are SO MANY folk that are hurting ~ and may we not get so caught up in our own lives that we don’t notice.

Snapshots of Joy

This past week I downloaded some graphics from a site entitled Snapshots of Joy. Her work is beautiful ~ to say the least. As you scroll through my blog you can see various pictures and posters that I downloaded for free.

This one was particularly touching to me and its art work quotes and reflects the writings of the prophet Isaiah (43:1-3). But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by they name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD they God, the Holy One of Israel, they Savior.

Oh what a love ~ with words that can hardly express how that makes me feel ~ that He calls me by name. Oh that I am His. Oh that He is with me through the waves of life ~ and I won’t sink. Oh that He is with me through the fiery trials of life ~ and I won’t be burned. What comfort, what joy, oh what love.

The Refiner's Fire

It might seem strange to tell you that this evening, at our special Thanksgiving service at church, I gave thanks for something that has been very painful for me this year ~ and at times I wasn't even sure I would survive it ~ that painful thing is God’s Refining Fire. Yet if it were not for this painful thing, I would not be on the journey I am on today.

Have you ever heard the song The Refiner’s Fire? I'm not even sure who penned the song ~ I first heard it on a music CD I purchased from the West Coast Baptist College Chorale Group. I reckon I’ve listened to the song a cazillion times ~ and each time it speaks to me. I know that I know that I know that to be more like my Lord ~ the refiner’s fire is most necessary in my life. Still yet I struggle with an aspect of the process ~ and it is worded well in the chorus of this song ~ "No matter what I may lose I choose the Refiner’s Fire." That is a hard one for me. And I’m not talking about material loss ~ but rather the loss of a precious loved one. Can I completely entrust my greatest earthly treasures to Him? Can I give it all - no matter the cost? I would like to think that I could and yet the thought does scare me. I do know this ~ the life within the refining process far far exceeds the life I once lived outside of it.

There burns a fire with sacred heat
White hot with holy flames
And those who dare pass through its blaze
Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill
All are hammered by the sufferings
On the anvil of His will

I'm learning now to trust His touch

To crave the fire's embrace

For though my past with sin was etched

His mercies did erase

Each time His purging cleanses deeper

I'm not sure that I'll survive

Yet the strength in growing weaker

Keeps my hungry soul alive

Chorus ~
The Refiner’s Fire has now become my soul’s desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner’s Fire.

For He knoweth the way that I take, and when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10

Slaves To Sin

God’s timing is always perfect ~ even when we don’t understand it. In the by-and-by it always falls into place and makes sense. Yesterday I was driving to a nearby town and I decided to put in a preaching CD. My mother had ordered it and had shared it with me over a year ago. I’m not really sure why I had never listened to it. So there it was in the visor ~ and I decided to put it in and see what it was about.

I was actually kind of surprised - it was about being a slave to sin. I must say that after I listened to it I called my mom and asked her if she remembered giving it to me and she said that she did ~ she also said that there were folk we knew that were enslaved to sin and she thought it might help. Simply put ~ that is an understatement!

Christian families are falling apart in epidemic proportion. And I believe I state that without exaggeration. If I ~ me all by myself ~ know of six Christian families that are devastated by sin and the family is broken, that tells me that the war of satan against the saints is heating up.

So many Christians are enslaved to some type of sin that wages within them. They go to church on Sunday, heartily shake everyone’s hand, answer "I am doing great" when asked how they are - but they aren’t fine. Most of these folk would even say that they are free ~ but they aren’t free. Oh, they are free physically but emotionally and spiritually they are slaves ~ slaves to something that has a power over them ~ a power that commands them to indulge in desires that they should not be indulging in (i.e. alcohol, drugs, sexual immorality, porn, gambling, etc). They are slaves to sin.

In John 8: 31-36 Jesus is speaking to the Jews about being in bondage to sin. In verse 34 Jesus says Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Certainly we all sin every day of our lives. But in this context ~ in referring back to the Greek word for committeth ~ it states the definition "continually." Understandably, if we continue in a sin we become a servant to it ~ we become enslaved. I can truly relate to this bondage. For 12 long years I was enslaved to soap operas. It began very subtly and before I knew it I was watching three a day. I was addicted, I didn’t care that I was addicted, I completely stopped reading my Bible, I completely stopped praying ~ how in the world it happened, I’m not sure. But the point is I became a slave to that sin. I’ve been "soap opera free" for 10 ½ years and when I look back on it, it is truly hard to imagine how I let myself get in that shape.

Only God could set me free from that bondage. John 8:32 says And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. I had to recognize that it was sin, that I needed to walk away from it ~ and it wasn’t easy. There were times in the beginning that I so desperately wanted to turn the TV on and start it up all over again. It wasn’t easy. But eventually, after getting back into the Word, after reestablishing my prayer life ~ freedom finally came.

I do believe that God had me to listen to this CD to remind me of where I’ve been and even more importantly to better equip me in dealing with those who are there now. You see, I’ve gotten angry particularly with the ravaging of sexual immorality among Christians. The statistics are staggering with 50% of Christian men addicted to porn and 27% of Christian women struggling with it. It is wreaking havoc in the homes, in the work place ~ everywhere we look we see sex being used to sell any and everything. It is at every turn.

Listening to this preacher talk about sin and how it can enslave ~ giving the analogy of a chain being wrapped around our neck and being drawn tighter and tighter with each indulgence ~ I reckon the anger just left. I know we are to hate the sin and not the sinner but when I see people I know and care about hurting ~ well, I just kept getting angry.

I thank God that He guided me to this sermon at a time when my heart was open and ready for it. I don’t know what the next step is in ministering to these folk but I do know that feeling hateful toward the one enslaved ~ toward the one that has done what seems to be irreparable damage ~ doesn’t help anyone. I need to pray more and talk far less.

'Trying' Is Used Only Once

This year marks my 50th birthday. I’m at a point in my life where I can say I have some loved ones who have gone on "home" before me and I’m actually thinking about the day when I will see them again. But I’m also at the point in my life where I think about going to Heaven for I yearn to be brought into His presence ~ for troubles and trials have a way of drawing us closer in our relationship with Christ.

I’ve been reading the Book of James today ~ and it opens with an exhortation in respect to these very trials. For the first time, I read it differently than all the times before. Verse 2 says My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. Temptations are typically thought of as those things that tempt us ~ and I was thinking along those lines in the past when I read this. Verse 3 goes on to say Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. I reckon, in my mind, I was reading verses 1-12 as "if you can get through the temptation without yielding to it then it will develop patience." I ‘supposed’ this in my mind but never failed to study it further ~ until tonight.

I checked out my Strong’s concordance for the Greek meaning of temptations in verse 2 ~ which said "a putting to proof - adversity." I then checked the Greek meaning of the word trying in verse 3 (interestingly this word is used only once in the entire Bible) ~ which said "a testing; a trial." The word temptation is used again in verse 12. Upon checking the Greek meaning it said "uncertain affinity; depth; deep or open sea."Definitely these words indicate troubles, trials, tribulations, and deep despair rather than evil temptations. This has meant a great deal to me ~ once again ~ that the Holy Spirit as brought me to yet another understanding of the scripture.

Divers temptations (trials) = patience

I liked what J. Vernon McGee had to say about this passage ~ "Testing will either drive you to the Lord or it will drive you away from Him. So many Christians become bitter. It is not going to be a pleasant experience to come someday into the presence of Christ if you have let the very thing your heavenly Father was using to develop your character and to bring you into a loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ make you bitter."

So we have to hang in there. We will have testings and these testings are a method God uses to develop us in the Christian faith. And there will be a crown of life for those who persevere under trial ~ James 1:12 says Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Divers temptations (trials) = Patience = Crown of Life

Now I’m not anticipating the Crown of Life ~ for I have too often become weary and bitter while going through the refining process by my Potter ~ but I just want to leave here trying ~ if you know what I mean.

There is only one solution on how to get through these divers temptations ~ these trials of life ~ stay the course, gain patience, keep the faith, and He will see us through.

Is there no other way open, God,
Except through sorrow, pain, and loss,
To stamp Christ’s likeness on my soul -
No other way except the cross?
And then a voice stills all my soul
As stilled the waves of Galilee,
"Can’st thou not bear the furnace heat
If midst the flames I walk with thee?
I bore the cross. I know its weight.
I drank the cup I hold for thee.
Can’st thou not follow where I lead?
I’ll give strength. Lean hard on Me."

~ Author Unknown

We Are In A Spiritual Battle

The first time I gave any credence to spiritual warfare was in my early adult years. At that time I believed it to be real but I don’t know that I really comprehended it. Several years ago I had the opportunity to read several of the Frank Perreti books ~ Piercing the Darkness, This Present Darkness, The Prophet, The Oath, and The Visitation. All of these books bring to life what is warned about in Ephesians 6:12 ~ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. My knowledge and awareness of just how tangible the spiritual world really is has never been the same.

God saw fit to warn us about it in Ephesians 6:12. Praise God that He also gave us the anecdote to combat this great threat we know as satan and his demons. J. Vernon McGee says "It is only God’s armor that can withstand the strategy and onslaught of satan who has all kinds of weapons." The Christian does not fight the enemy who is flesh and blood. Our enemy is spiritual so our warfare must be spiritual. Who is the enemy of every believer? The devil. McGee goes on to say "There are spiritual forces working in the world, evil forces working against the church. They are working against the believer, against God, against Christ. It is happening, and you and I alone are no match for it."

And the way to victory over the devil is to follow what God has laid out in Ephesians 6:13-18. The first thing we must do is stand. (Vs. 13). We need to be in standing position to fight a good fight. Second, we need our loins girt about with truth (we need to know the Word of God); and have on the breastplate of righteousness (not self-righteousness but the righteousness of Christ ~ a heart and conscience that is right with God) (vs. 14). Third, our feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (our feet are to be anchored on the Rock ~ The Lord Jesus Christ) (vs. 15). Fourth, we are to ~ above all ~ take the shield of faith (Christ, not only the door to salvation but also the door which protects the believer from the enemy on the otherside). By faith, we are securely in His hands (vs. 16). Fifth, put on the helmet of salvation. (vs. 17a). All of these weapons are for the defense - protecting the front of the Christian. Our magnificent God further lays out His plan in the next verse that will supply weapons of offense. The first one is the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (vs. 17b). In Hebrews 4:12 it says For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." We desperately need that sharp sword coming out of our mouths today. The other weapon offense is found in verse 18 ~ the weapon of prayer ~ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

We need to recognize these spiritual enemies called satan and his demons and we need to grab hold of that which is God’s in order to fight the battles that are going to come. If you are a Christian, living for the Lord, those battles are going to come. Be ready my friend. I speak from great experience ~ be ready.

An Awesome Year In God's Word

It isn’t always easy to self-administer the Biblical medicine that you have been giving others. I received some tough news yesterday and I know that despite all ~ come what may ~ God is still on His throne. He still cares about me deeply. Sweet Deborah wrote me and encouraged me to go back and read my own posts. I had to smile. I have read and re-read those verses ~ pondered the very thoughts I shared that God burdened my heart with. And she’s right ~ I simply have to keep claiming them.

Today there was a special Thanksgiving gathering for the home school moms and we each told three things that we were thankful for. One thing I shared was my love for the Bible. To my shame, I told the ladies that in the past 38 years of my second birth (my salvation), I had only submerged myself in the Word for the past year. Notice I said "to my shame." I have read a random chapter here and there, read entire devotional books, and I have even read different books of the Bible multiple times ~ but until one year ago I had never submerged myself ~ truly submerged myself ~ in God’s love letter to His people. I regret the lost years but anxiously look forward to future years like this one.

You often hear folk say "I don’t know how they can live without Jesus." Amen to that ~ but there’s more ~ "I don’t know how they live without God’s Word." It is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path ~ each and every day of my life. That’s why I am constantly encouraging folk to stay in the Word. I speak from years of experience ~ learn from my mistake ~ study God's Word ~ truly study it ~ it will come alive and you will simply fall in love with it. I know I have.

Sitting On The Park Bench

Isn't this just beautiful. Oh to sit on this bench right about now. Tranquil. Peaceful. I would like to be there. I've received some difficult news. I would appreciate any prayers you are willing to call out to our Lord.

Christian ~ You Are the Conquerer Not The Conquered

I have been walking through the book of Romans. And I’ve been particularly fascinated with all that is within Chapter 8. Actually the entire book seems to be jam-packed with so much ~ it is a bit overwhelming ~ but it is a "good" overwhelming.

With all the uncertainty in this world, what a comfort it is to read verses 35-39 of this chapter. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? It seems everything imaginable is mentioned here. As Christians, we will go through persecution. We will experience distress and tribulation in our lives. We may lose all our material possessions or have to go to war. As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Christians are being "slaughtered" in different parts of the world today ~ simply because they are Christians. But the good news is found in the verses to follow (vs. 37-39) ~ nothing will separate us from the love of Christ. Words that are music to my ears ~ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Paul wrote NAY ~ NO ~ ABSOLUTELY NOT - we will conquer and not be conquered. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing at all will separate - not death or life; not the present or the future; not demons (principalities and powers) ~ NOTHING will separate us. Now that is cause for rejoicing. That is cause for shouting hallelujah.

Are you reading the Word everyday? Are you sharing the Good News? He’s coming back ~ the times we are now living in show that. And don’t forget - if you are a child of the King - you are a conqueror ~ not the conquered. You’re on the victory side. As my pastor reminded us yesterday ~ "This is not your home. Heaven is your home. You are just a pilgrim passing through ~ and you are in a battle of a war that has already been won." And so as we sojourn through this land, we must fight the good fight and keep the faith until we see Jesus. Keep looking up ~ He is coming back. Thank God He is going to come back for us!

Don't Let Him Get A Foothold

Christians, if you think for one moment that satan is not out to destroy your home ~ you might want to think again. It seems these days he is working overtime ~ he certainly has a special interest in us. God describes him in I Peter 5:8 as a roaring lion ~ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. he can’t have our souls but he wants to bring us down, discourage us, attempt to render us useless for God ~ even destroy our homes and families. Sometimes we can get so down that we are of no earthly good for our King. I know ~ I’ve been there. I plead with you to protect your homes, your families, yourself at all costs. Read God’s Word, pray, keep the full armour of God upon you (Ephesians 6: 11-18).

I’m really angry at satan tonight - I have more than one precious friend in need. Let’s just say he strikes again. He just makes me so mad that he lurks and waits for that perfect moment - getting a foothold in a weak spot in our lives. And we all have those weak spots - those tiny imperfections in our vessels. That is why it is so important to stay in the Word, to be in a state of prayer, and keep that armour on. Be ready for when he attacks.

My moma says he is the only person that we can tell to go to hell. My moma is a wonderful, God-fearing Christian and, mind you, she isn’t trying to curse. She is right - he is the only entity that a Christian would wish hell upon ~ a place where he will eventually spend eternity. That pretty much sums up the way I feel tonight because he has attacked yet another Christian family. I'm heading to a quiet place to get down on my stiff arthritic knees and beg God's help for this family.

Keep looking up. Jesus Christ is coming back.

I'd Rather Not Get Involved

In years gone by the old phrase "I don’t want to get involved" tended to apply to situations like reporting a crime in the neighborhood or picking a hitch hiker up on the side of the road ~ you know, those bigger things in life. "Things" that we might be afraid to get involved with. But what I’ve found out is that these days it takes far far less for folk to walk away from someone or something and say "I just don’t want to get involved."

For the past two weeks I’ve been encouraging this awesome group of home school moms that I direct to really make a difference ~ being a good listening friend ~ being a comforting friend ~ you don’t have to have a degree in counseling ~ just reach out and be there for folk. No one expects us to solve their problems ~ they just want to know that we care about them.

It took a tragedy to open up my eyes that I, myself, have been slacking in this department. And I know better! The lessons from my moma run deep to be of help to folk ~ loving them along ~ praying for them and with them ~ giving of my time ~ forgiving no matter what. I believe I came away with a strong dose of the fundamentals of being a servant to others. And yet I’ve failed. I do not think I could ever be the excellent example that my moma has always been but I certainly have been equipped with how to be like her ~ and it is up to me as to whether I utilize those lessons to help others.

So for the past five months I have been reminded again and again ~ first hand ~ how tremendously important it is for Christian folk to reach out. And what I’ve found out is that people are not reaching out like they should ~ even to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Folk don’t want to get involved. They don’t want to take the time. And that is so very unfortunate and sad. Have you ever been in that situation? You just needed someone to talk to ~ someone to say "I love you and I’m here for you ~ I can’t take away your pain but I will pray for you." We need to be doing more of that. Because there are a whole lot of people hurting out there.

Just today the ladies in the group asked prayer for a young couple that just had a baby shower in anticipation of their firstborn ~ a few days later the baby was declared dead. That mother will have to deliver a still born child. And then there is the young man who was driving a long and an ATV hit him head on. The boy riding the ATV ~ an only child ~ was killed. Technically it was his fault but the life of the young man who hit him will be changed forever. And then there is the young man who is nearly bedridden with pain ~ doctors cannot determine exactly what is wrong with him ~ and he has no insurance. And what about the family that has become victim to pornography in their home. The lives of the wife and children are in complete turmoil now. And then there is the woman who asked prayer for her parents ~ both which have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

And all of this goes to show that people need people to care. People need to be loved, to be prayed for ~ people just need us to listen ~ give of our time ~ reach out and behave in a way that would be pleasing to Jesus. I must admit it is very frustrating to me to see the complacency of so many Christians because "they don’t want to get involved." And yet I can’t be too critical because I once was in their place.

Drop someone a card, an email, give them a call ~ check on them and see how they are doing. We all know someone who is going through a dark time right now ~ reach out and touch them!

A note about the picture: This trio is my sweet moma, myself, and my oldest daughter, Sarah, on her wedding day - just three years ago.

Moon River ~ A Simpler Time

When I was a little girl I remember Moon River playing on the radio. To this day it is still a special song to me. When I hear it play I go back to a time when, in many ways, things were just a whole lot simpler.

Today I was made aware of yet another family where the use of pornography in the home has taken its devastating toll. Christian folk may not want to talk about this dirty little secret but it seems to be one of satan’s number one tools to ravage the Christian home these days. In Luke 22: 31 it says And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat. And that is exactly what he is doing. It is reality and it is happening more and more often. And not talking about it won’t make it go away.

The internet has made it so easy for folk to look upon things that they have no business looking upon. While the world wide web offers so many wonderful and positive opportunities, I can’t deny that when I get news like I received today it makes me want to take a sledge hammer to my computer. Oh Christians, be careful what you watch. Be careful what you listen to. Don’t forsake reading the Bible. Don’t forsake praying. Don’t compromise your walk. There is no compromise between light and dark. They can not co-exist. You cannot serve two masters. God says it is impossible. Matthew 24:6 says No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammom." I fear the moon river days are over. Christ is coming back. And with the shape of this world ~ it doesn’t appear to be far off. Make no compromises between light and darkness. Work harder than ever before ~ for the night is coming for those who do not know Him.

Wait ~ He Will Strengthen You

Oh soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see. There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free ~ the great words of Helen Lemmel who wrote this song in 1922 ~ Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus! Does it seem I often write about those who are weary and troubled? Well, there is a reason for that ~ because weariness and emptiness and loneliness are not respecters of persons ~ they plague Christians, non-Christians, people living for the Lord, people away from the Lord. We are ALWAYS going to know someone who is in the valley.

Right now I know of a dear sweet lady in the deepest of valleys. Sometimes the best thing we can do is have a broad shoulder, a listening ear, and then hit our knees in prayer and beg God’s mercy on their situation. I’m right there tonight ~ wishing I could wipe away the tears ~ yet knowing that the only One that can do that is my Lord. Below is a "repost" of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. May it be an encouragement to us all.

I’ve been quoting the words to that old hymn tonight - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. There is a precious soul who’s heart is hurting. I told her, "Don’t look at the circumstances ~ look at your God. He is big. He loves you. He is much bigger than this which you are facing." Love her heart ~ why is it that in the midst of a huge trial that it can look so big and our faith can seem so small. And that is just the way satan wants it ~ not keeping our eyes looking upward ~ but rather focusing on the hardship and pain. The ole scoundrel lives to shackle Christians with disappointment. We’ve all been there, haven’t we..... In those valleys that seem so low and so deep. But God is so good and His mercies are new each morning. We must claim Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart, wait, I say, on the Lord. It will make all the difference.

I know all to well being in the deepest of valleys and seeing no way through it. But I can with all candidness say that though I still struggle with some pretty large obstacles in my life I am the happiest that I have ever been - short of the day I accepted Christ as my Savior. I am a walking testimony that it is possible to have a joy in your heart despite the giants looming around you. And God's Word is the key ~ the anedote ~ the cure. If you will let Him, His Word can come alive in your life in a way that is hard to put into words.

So keep looking up my friend. Look full in His wonderful face and these things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Claim His Word, claim His promises!

The Incubation Period Is Over

It is official ~ for over 23 years I have lived in a type of cocoon, bubble, sheltered life ~ whatever you want to call it. In 1985 I left my teaching profession to stay home with our first baby. One baby led to two and then to three. Not long after the third child was born we embarked upon homeschooling. That was 15 years ago and the rest is history. Basically my life involved three areas ~ home, church, and the homeschooling group I direct. I was in a bubble, indeed.

That is until two years ago when I got a very part time job tutoring. But even then my bosses were awesome Christians and so easy to work for. So I guess you could say my "bubble-type" life continued ~ until this fall. I am still working part time but at a different place. And guess what ~ not everyone loves my Lord like I do! Yes, I did already know that ~ but when you are out in the world seeing it first hand it can be a hard pill to swallow. I have lived in an incubator of sorts ~ and now the rubber is meeting the road and it is time to truly rub shoulders with those who don’t know Jesus ~ even rub shoulders with some who don’t want to know him. We think "How could that be? How could anyone not want to know Jesus Christ?" And yet it is true more than we might realize. We are to be salt and light in this ole world. So here goes. I covet your prayers

Where Is Your Staff?

Sunday night Pastor Dan spoke about the shepherd's staff. He pointed out that there is a beautiful word picture in Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff. This chapter in Hebrews, chapter 11, has often been named the "The Hall of Faith" ~ listing several individuals in the Bible who showed a great faith in God. The Bible makes mention here that Jacob "leaned" upon his staff.

In Bible times, the staff was a means of support; it was also a means of protection ~ giving peace and security. For us, our staff is God’s Word. It is not just another book. It is the inspired Word of God ~ II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

The Bible supports in times of trouble. It helps us stand during the tough times ~ Psalm 119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. How often have I gone to the Word when I felt so weary I didn’t think I could make it ~ when I felt like throwing in the towel. It is salve for the wounds and balm for the soul. Oh, the years I didn’t use the "staff" in times of trouble!

The Bible is also our means of defense. In Ephesians 6:13 it says Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day. And then in verse 17 it says And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which IS THE WORD OF GOD. If we are not reading our Bible our shield or "force field" will be weakened or down all together. Our staff defends against sin ~ against spiritual warfare ~ against the enemies of our God.

Don’t forsake your staff. From someone who spent many years forsaking hers, you will never truly be equipped with the troubles and even dangers in life ~ so learn from my mistakes ~ hold on to your staff ~ hold on to God’s Word ~ let it be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path and you can’t go wrong.

Remember ~

The Word of God will keep you from sin OR sin will keep you from the Word of God.

A Tribute To My Friends

I found out the hard way exactly what Psalm 108:12 meant when King David cried out to God and said Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. It is so easy to place too much emphasis on a friendship - so much so that you begin to trust more in man’s efforts than you do in God’s. It took me a while to figure out that no human could help me when I really needed it. And so I have learned that first and foremost I must cry to my very best friend ~ the Lord Jesus Christ ~ when I am in trouble. And you know what ~ because I have learned that very valuable lesson ~ God has greatly rewarded me with different ladies who care about me (as I do them) and would do anything for me if I needed it ~ friends that tell me they love me ~ friends that rejoice with me ~ friends that cry with me ~ friends that make me laugh ~ friends that love my Lord too ~ friends that God has put into place. And I have all of that because I made Christ my very best friend ~ I am truly rich indeed.

Goodness, I get excited just thinking about it! Thank you Lord for being my very best of friends. Thank you dear friends for being the greatest ever! You know who you are!

A Bitter-Sweet Situation

Two weeks ago I turned 50 years old. Thirty-eight of those years I have been saved ~ a child of the King ~ the Lord Jesus Christ. You might think that in all those years I would know the Bible fairly well ~ yet to my shame I do not. But for nearly a year I’ve been feasting at His table ~ lapping up the Holy Bible like a thirsty dog lapping up water on a hot summer day.

It’s kind of bitter-sweet. Bitter because so many years have gone by without truly studying God’s Word as I should have ~ and sweet because it has become so precious to me as I am getting to know God better. I believe that I worry and fret far less ~ and I know I trust far more. It is a much better way of life. For even when I’m not on the mountain top I am happy in Him. And that, my friend, is an awesome experience.

So don’t forget ~ if we aren’t reading The Word then we aren’t fully communicating with our Mighty God.