Category: Colossians

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Amplified Understanding

Do you know what the word amplified means?

According to the Merriam-Webster 1828 Dictionary this is the definition of amplify:

1 : to expand (something, such as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis

2a : to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase

b : to increase the strength or amount of especially : to make louder 

Hearing aids are amplifiers, they increase the strength of sound.

We’ll all driven up next to someone at a stop sign or light and heard the sound amplification coming from their stereo speakers.

I’m sure you can think of other examples or illustrations to go along with mine and that too would be amplification.

When I first began studying, I mean really studying, the Bible I got an amplified translation and began to read it for greater comprehension.

Today I want to share a few of my favorite verses with you from the Amplified Bible. I praise God for those who have been called to the work of translating the Bible, not just in foreign languages, but into versions that make it easier for us to use and understand.

These verses have really helped me and I hope that there are one or two that provide what you need!

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR LET ME DOWN!
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

WHEN CHRIST RULES, PEACE REIGNS
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMP

HE CARES FOR ME
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I HAVE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

MOSES AND I HAVE THE SAME GOD, THE GREAT I AM!
“And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].

24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” John 16:23-24 AMP

MY FATHER’S WORD GIVES ME CONFIDENCE
“And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.

15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” I John 5:14-15 AMP

These verses when read from the Amplified show the depth of intensity that other translations don’t.

When Moses saw the burning bush in the desert God spoke and told Moses that He was I AM. This meant whatever Moses needed he could count on God  to be I AM. Jesus went on to tell his disciples that He was I AM. He told them that when they come to God with a request in His name that they are counting on Him being the I AM just like Moses did.

The same holds true for us when we come to the Father in Jesus name.

For those who are just new to reading the Bible I suggest you get an Easy To Read (ERV) or Contemporary English Version (CEV) but for those of you would want to have a more intensity and depth I recommend the Amplified Version.

Really, it all comes down to finding a version that we can understand and apply personally. Pray about it and God will direct you to the right version.

Let God’s word give light to your path and understanding to your heart.

 

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Shouts of Triumph

This morning I feel like shouting! Really shouting.

“Clap your hands, all you people. Shout to God with a loud, joyful song. 2 We must fear the Lord, the Most High. He is the great king of the whole earth.” Psalm 47:1-2 GW

You know the kind of shouting I’m talking about. It could more appropriately be called cheering. That makes it clearer right?

That cheering, roar-of-the-crowd, winning touch down, home run kind of shouting! The “victory is mine” kind of shouting. The walk around Jericho, let the walls fall down kind of shouting.

“So then the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the trumpets, they began shouting. The walls fell down, and the people ran up into the city. So the Israelites defeated that city.” Joshua 6:20 ERV

Today is our day of victory! Maybe you feel you have been in a battle for a very long time. Almost ready to give up – feeling winded, knees wobbly, biceps quivering and shoulders drooping. Don’t quit now – it’s time to shout!

“I celebrate and shout because of my Lord God. His saving power and justice are the very clothes I wear. They are more beautiful
than the jewelry worn by a bride or a groom. 11 The Lord will bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth, like flowers blooming in a garden.” Isaiah 61:10-11 CEV

Not only do we have reason to shout but heaven is shouting too. The Bible tells us there is great rejoicing in heaven when we come to the Father and receive His love and forgiveness. He marks the day we find life in Him.  He circles it on the calendar. The angels in heaven sing and heaven’s “social media” come alive with the announcement of our birth.

“Suppose a woman has ten coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and look for the coin carefully until she finds it? 9 When she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin that I lost.’ 10 So I can guarantee that God’s angels are happy about one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts.” Luke 15:8-10 GW

And oh how the Father rejoices when we come to Him! It’s party time!!

Yes, it truly is time to shout!

God has made us His own. He has given us new life, new hope and a joy that is almost unimaginable.

“You have now become a new person and are always learning more about Christ. You are being made more like Christ. He is the One Who made you... Christ is everything. He is in all of us.

12 God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others.” Colossians 3:10-12 NLV

More like Christ. Each day the Holy Spirit is working in us to make us more like Christ. Christ lived a life of victory; He had challenges, attacks and all out persecution but He knew victory was His because the Father had promised that He would triumph.

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

Join me please. Let’s start this day with a shout! Let the voice of triumph be heard!!

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Changing Seasons

It seems silly to be talking about changing seasons when we live in the desert but here I am doing it anyway.

Our mornings and evenings are turning cooler and the daytime temperatures aren’t quite as high. Yesterday morning I heard the local news anchor claim that it was almost time to break out the parkas because the weather person predicted that all this week temps would be below 100.

Yep, that’s the way it is in the Great Southwest.

But across the country some areas have already had their first dustings of snow. Leaves are turning, harvest is underway, animals are preparing for winter – Fall is in the air.

For everything there is a season. Sounds like a song that Pete Seeger wrote for The Byrds. Turn, Turn, Turn. However, King Solomon wrote it long before Pete Seeger was ever born.

“There is a special time for everything. There is a time for everything that happens under heaven. 2 There is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pick what is planted. 3 There is a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. 4 There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance. 5 There is a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to kiss, and a time to turn from kissing. 6 There is a time to try to find, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away. 7 There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be quiet, and a time to speak. 8 There is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 NLV

Many times we try to fight change, we don’t want things to be different. Instead we should be welcoming what God wants to do in our lives; He wants to move us from season to season as we grow in Him.

I was reading in Colossians this morning and these verses jumped off the page.

“As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. 7 Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLV

Let the Lord lead us in every step.  Through every season the Lord is wanting to direct our lives so that we can continue to grow in Him; gaining strength and developing grateful hearts.

During Autumn and Winter most trees drop their leaves and stop growing upward. There is growth that we do not see; the roots are going deeper into the earth, seeking out water, providing a stable foundation that will sustain it through the cold.

Welcome the change of seasons. As we prepare for the cooler temperatures that are coming,  let’s also take time to prepare our hearts. We should never quit growing. Let our roots go deep and continue to strengthen us with the amazing love of God.

“Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 CEV

To everything there is a season…

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Hearing Adjustment

As we get older our hearing seems to decrease. We turn up the TV, ask others to repeat themselves and the worst part is misunderstanding what was really said.

My father worked around heavy equipment all his life and I really don’t think he ever wore ear protection. It was evident that he had a hearing problem long before he was fitted for hearing aids.

I know when we spent our summers in Iowa for several years working around airplanes I had earplugs hanging around my neck and used them every time I went outside. The roar of the airplane engines was deafening, seriously.

When it comes to hearing what the Lord is saying we often need to have a check-up.  His voice doesn’t come booming through a microphone or blasted from an arena sound system. Most often, it comes as the still small voice that we hear speaking from within our hearts.

“ Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain. I, the Lord, will pass by you.”[a] Then a very strong wind blew. The wind caused the mountains to break apart. It broke large rocks in front of the Lord. But that wind was not the Lord. After that wind, there was an earthquake. But that earthquake was not the Lord. 12 After the earthquake, there was a fire. But that fire was not the Lord. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle voice.” I Kings 19:11-12 CEV

Elijah had received instruction from the Lord on many occasions. In fact, these verses start out telling us that the Lord was speaking to Him. How did he know that is was God?  I think the answer is a simple one. He and the Lord were friends, Elijah knew what God sounded like and when God got quiet and spoke softly Elijah knew He has something important to say.

There are so many examples in the Bible of people who heard God speak to them. Some were obedient to what they were told, others were not.

Jesus said that He is our shepherd and as His sheep we hear His voice. The Pharisees were demanding that Jesus give proof of who He was and by what authority He was able to minister to the people.

“Jesus answered, “I told you already, but you did not believe. I do miracles in my Father’s name. These miracles show who I am. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand.” John 10:25-28 ERV

We can hear God’s voice through someone’s preaching. They will say something that resonates so strongly  we feel it was spoken directly to us. At other times it seems God is speaking an important message to us by an inner instinct.

Have you ever said, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that, I knew it wasn’t going to work right”?  Or maybe you have used the phrase “that just dawned on me”.  While others may account these thoughts to be intuition or premonitions we can know that the Lord is leading us through these inner words.

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:26-27 ERV

God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us and to teach us what we need to know. But not every thought that comes into our minds is from God. No. There will be condemning thoughts, thoughts of fear and deception. These don’t come from God.

The Apostle Paul tells us how to know that God is speaking to us.

“Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NLV

I think it’s so interesting that peace is an underlaying element in both these verses. When the Holy Spirit speaks he will speak words that bring us peace and when we keep our minds focused on things that good and pure we will also have peace.

Like the cartoon above we are to filter our hearing so that we only receive those things that the Lord is speaking to us. Will the Lord ever correct us or give us instruction that might be hard to swallow? Sure He will, He loves us.  His words will never be condemning. His words will be filled with love and He expects ours to be too.

“Also, let Christ’s peace control you. God has called you into this peace by bringing you into one body. Be thankful. 16 Let Christ’s word with all its wisdom and richness live in you. Use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach and instruct yourselves about God’s kindness. Sing to God in your hearts. 17 Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17 GW

Spend time listening to the Lord today. Let His words bring you peace!

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Circle of Influence

Each one of us has a sphere of influence. Each one of us has a specific purpose that God has called us to.

Joshua’s calling was to replace Moses and lead the children of Israel into the promised land. What a daunting task! But God made him a promise and spoke words of encouragement into his life.

What has God called you to do? Does it seem overwhelming and near impossible? Then these words to Joshua are for you too. If God has called you to do something, then He will also empower you for the task.

Replace Joshua’s name with yours and meditate on God’s promise to you today.

“Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9 CEV

Be strong, be brave! I am with you – what better promises could you have.

Let’s look at some of the regular people in the Bible. People who weren’t the lead players but without their involvement the story would have greatly changed.

We always hear about Noah but without the help of his three sons I doubt the ark would have ever been built.  Then there’s the Egyptian servant girl who went down into the Nile River and retrieved Moses from the bulrushes. Hers was a vital mission but menial.

Consider the innkeeper who allowed Joseph and Mary to stay in the stable. He is only briefly mentioned but his role was paramount. Do you remember anyone who has ever given a message on the owner of the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? Or what about the carpenter who constructed the cross?

All of these people had very important roles to fulfill but gained no notoriety.

What role have you been called to fill?

I once received a phone call from a very gifted singer. Years ago she had been on the worship team in our church. She sang like an angel. People would be spell bound as she sang. She was anointed.

She was frustrated because it seemed that all the avenues to her having a recording made were blocked. She said to me “I just want to use this gift God has given me”.  She was working as a nanny at the time.

Here is what I found myself saying. If you use your voice to sing to the little children in your care and the Holy Spirit uses your songs to impact them, who’s to say that they don’t grow up to become the next Billy Graham and change the world for Christ. Whatever you are doing, do it for the Lord.

“ Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:16-17 ERV

When Joshua was a young man I don’t think he knew that he would become Moses replacement. He just did what he was good at and the Lord moved him in to the right place.

I used to think that it would be great if I could teach God’s word to large crowds. I love to teach – I know it’s what I’m called to do. However, I have never filled a large auditorium, much less a stadium. But I am happy with the circle of influence that I have among my family, my friends and through this blog and social media.

If you’re  a good cook, woodworker,  musician, business administrator, internet genius, policeman, fire fighter, nurse, homemaker, mom or dad – you have a circle of influence that no one else can fill.

Take the words the Lord gave Joshua and go for it!

Be strong, be brave. Don’t be afraid. The Lord goes everywhere with you!

 

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Good Deeds Can Change A Life

The truth in the title of this morning’s blog is overwhelming! Good deeds can change a life, will change a life, and more than likely the life that will be changed is ours!

I am going to pose a question  that I have asked myself.

When you are doing something nice for someone, do you ever hear “they probably won’t appreciate this anyway” going off in your head? If so, you’re not alone. I have dealt with that for years and have had to come face to face with my answer.

Definitely a motive check-up. I Corinthians 13, “the love chapter” tells us that if we martyr ourselves and it isn’t motivated by love then it profits us nothing. “I’m giving all my time to do this or that and no one will really appreciate it anyway – no one is going to know how hard I worked, how I gave up sleep, how much it cost me to do this nice thing”. All these are wrong motives!

I spend nearly every day reading these verses from Colossians 3. I find they keep me focused for everyday life. I don’t try to live a “good” life because I have too; I truly want my life to reflect God’s goodness and love.

“You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory…

8 But now put these things out of your life: anger, losing your temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and saying shameful things. 9 Don’t lie to each other. You have taken off those old clothes—the person you once were and the bad things you did then. 10 Now you are wearing a new life, a life that is new every day. You are growing in your understanding of the one who made you. You are becoming more and more like him. 11 In this new life it doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, circumcised or not. It doesn’t matter if you speak a different language or even if you are a Scythian. It doesn’t matter if you are a slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he is in all of you.” Colossians 3:1-11 CEV

Years ago I would do things for people  to get them to like or accept me. What a destructive force that can be! I was so insecure in who I was that I needed constant confirmation from others that I was lovable. Then I heard a wonderful godly woman, Dale Evans Rogers, speak in our college chapel service about God’s love, His unconditional love, and it got through.

Knowing that God loves me, really loves me, is the only acceptance that I need.  I went from doing things for people to get them to like and accept me to doing the same things because I really loved those people and I wanted them to know they were loved and appreciated. A complete 180 degree change in motivation.

So when this thought sprang up “they probably won’t even appreciate this”, and my response back was  “I appreciate them and I want them to know that they are special” the question of motive was answered.

Seems when we are tired and under stress that our motives come into question. Satan knows when we are weak and he tries to kick us when we’re down. He’s such a creep – he did the same to Jesus. After a 40 day fast he tempted Jesus with food,  “IF you are the son of God, turn these stones to bread”. His tactics with us will be the same, recognize them and  walk in the same strength and victory that Jesus did.

Today, face the challenges and make your motivation one of love without expecting anything in return. I take it very seriously when I hear others begin to speak badly about people. I know what it’s like to be talked about and I also know what it’s like to have the Lord correct me for that. I want to give the same kind of love to others that Jesus has given to me.

“I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.
8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:3-8 CEV

Doing one good deed for others may change their life. It will change our life too!

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Satisfied With Long Life

Today’s my birthday and I am praising the Lord for the life He has blessed me with!

I am twice or three times older than some who know me and to others I’m a youngster. Mom will be 95 this year and to her I’m still just a kid.

This morning my Bible reading took me Psalm 91, Proverbs 3 and Colossians 3. I would like to share with you a few verses that jumped out at me.

“When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91:15-16 ERV

These verses, in fact all of Psalm 91, have been source of strength for me most of my life. Calling on the Lord in times of trouble has kept me in a place of peace more times than I can count. I have seen Him deliver me and my loved ones from dangerous situations. How I praise Him for his power to save.

Another translation of verse says we will be satisfied with long life. I like that. Satisfied, no regrets, living to our full potential.

Solomon tells us  all through the book of Proverbs that we should seek wisdom, search for it because wisdom is a valuable treasure. This is the instruction I found in chapter 3 this morning.

“In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor. 17 Wisdom makes life pleasant and leads us safely along. 18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her. 19 By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. 20 By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain.

21 My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. 22 They will help you to live  a long and beautiful life.
23 You will walk safely and never stumble; 24  you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly. 25 So don’t be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil. 26 You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3: 16-26 CEV

WOW! What wonderful blessings there are to us for living a life of wisdom and not foolishness.  Common sense and sound judgement need to be our guide in everything we do and there is no place, no place at all that we will find true wisdom other than the Word of God.

It’s amazing that the Lord is looking to give us a long life. He isn’t trying to destroy us or shorten our life, He wants to see that we are fulfilled and safe.

Then I got to Colossians 3 and this is some of what I read there.

“God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of ” Colossians 3:12-17 CEV

Once again I find the message that God loves me! It’s like He was sending me a birthday greeting. He loves me and wants my life to be filled with peace, gratitude and wisdom. I take the promises and instruction for the Bible as if they were written just for me.

The Scriptures are like sweet birthday cake and I get to share a slice with each of you.

Thank you Father  for the gift of long life, lived in wisdom, seasoned with peace, joy and love.

 

 

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Attitude of Gratitude

Are you familiar with the characters of Winnie the Pooh?

Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Roo, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga and Christopher Robin.

These characters have taught me a lot about life in my adult years. I have learned to work with people and the vast characteristics of their personalities by seeing how A. A. Milne’s characters interact.

The thing that amazes me the most is how Pooh Bear is always looking on the bright side of life. When he talks with Piglet and Roo he teaches them to look for the good. When Eeyore is gloomy, which is always, Pooh tries to help him find things to enjoy and when Tigger gets in to trouble from being too boisterous Pooh is there to encourage him.

I would like  think that A.A. Milne was influenced by Scripture when he wrote these stories. He definitely has a way of conveying the verses I want us to look at this morning.

“Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:15-17 CEV

Be grateful, whatever you do or say let it be done with an attitude of gratitude.

Evaluate your day. Do you spend more time complaining about things or being grateful?  When you find yourself complaining about the kids and the messes they leave be grateful that your house is filled with their lives and laughter. Have a husband that doesn’t pick up his socks – be grateful your husband has legs and feet. Annoyed by the drivers on the highway; stop and appreciate that you have a car that runs and can get you from place to place.

Let everything be done with thanksgiving.

Dave has been reading a book written by an Army wife in the late 1800’s. She describes daily life, traveling from post to post in the West. She and her husband were stationed in Tucson, in the summer. At the end of each chapter he looks at me and says “we have it so easy”.

There is always something to be thankful for; sometimes we just need to experience an attitude adjustment.

“So be very careful how you live. Live wisely, not like fools. 16 I mean that you should use every opportunity you have for doing good, because these are evil times. 17 So don’t be foolish with your lives, but learn what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, which will ruin your life, but be filled with the Spirit. 19 Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. 20 Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20 ERV

These words were written by the Apostle Paul. His daily life was subject to constant harassment. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned and still he wrote these words of instruction. Encourage one another – always give thanks!

An attitude of gratitude! It’s a godly trait.

“ I am so happy, and I thank the Lord that you have again shown your care for me. You continued to care about me, but there was no way for you to show it. 11 I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. 12 I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. 13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:10-13 ERV

Be content – that simply means to be grateful. You might not have the largest house or the best clothes; your bank account may be meager compared to some but to others you are rich. Too young, too old, too short, too tall, too single, too married – none of these can or will affect your outlook if you chose to be grateful.

One final encouragement.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. 5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:4-7 ERV

Someone needs your smile today and I’m sure someone needs your hug. Thank God that you can be used to bring joy to someone.

Let your life overflow with gratitude!

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A Glorious Change

This weekend marks the 4th anniversary of being in our Arizona home!

Didn’t look like much did it? But we had a vision of what we wanted it to become.

Last night Dave and I sat out on the patio and talked about the first days we were here. The sweat, the paint, the cleaning, the patience, the money – all that went in to making it the house, no, the home it has become.

Such a transformation! An amazing change!

So this morning I took inventory, personal inventory. How have I changed in the last four years? This assessment has nothing to do with my external appearance; not weight or hair color. I looked at my life to see what changes are there and how I’ve grown in my walk with the Lord.

“…That is why we never give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. 17 We have small troubles for a while now, but these troubles are helping us gain an eternal glory. That eternal glory is much greater than our troubles.” II Corinthians 4:16-17 CEV

There have certainly been challenges in the last four years but there has also been a greater dependence upon the Lord and a calm assurance in trusting Him in every situation.  It’s good to evaluate where I’ve been and where I’m heading. I don’t want to become a stagnant Christian. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with the Lord.

“You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. 7 You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.” Colossians 2:6-7 ERV

When I look around our home I see so many changes and evidence of life. We have plants everywhere when once there were only a few cacti and a couple of mesquite trees. Things thrive here.

So have we!

“We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day,
  and you rescue us. 20 You always protect us and save us from death.” Psalm 68:19-20 

I go in to each day looking for God’s hand of love and protection. I am not disappointed. It’s amazing what you see when you are looking for it.  Oral Roberts used to say “Something good is going to happen to you this day.”  He was criticized for that because people thought he was just teaching a “feel good” gospel. I truly believe that God has something wonderful planned for each day of my life but I have to be willing to let Him take control and lead me to the place that He has designed.

I started to say, I’m not special or unique to the Lord, but I am. Each one of us are! God has a specific plan of good for each of us. He doesn’t place favorites and He certainly isn’t prejudice. He loves each and everyone of us the same.

That’s why I share this blog each morning. I want to remind everyone who reads it that God is our loving, compassion, kind, wise, giving heavenly Father. I want people everywhere to KNOW, not just think or guess, that maybe, possibly, perhaps God loves them. No, I want all to have the calm assurance that God does love me, no matter what!

“So, brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has the evil thoughts that cause so much doubt that you stop following the living God. 13 But encourage each other every day, while you still have something called “today.” Help each other so that none of you will be fooled by sin and become too hard to change. 14 We have the honor of sharing in all that Christ has if we continue until the end to have the sure faith we had in the beginning. ” Hebrews 3:12-13 ERV

Take inventory today. See what God has done in the past and don’t become discouraged in the day to day transformation. Encourage others around you.

God is making a Glorious Change in each one of us!

 

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Love Covers

There are some things in life we just want to forget. Things we would feel better not having exposed – it’s wonderful to know that love covers!

A few years back I shared what the Lord was teaching me through these verses and here I am sharing it again.

“The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans. 12 Hatred causes arguments, but love overlooks all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:11-12 CEV

In the King James version this verse says that love covers all sins. I’ve been taught if we have a heart of love we won’t expose someone else’s weaknesses or their wrong doing. We cover them. And this is a true teaching but it’s deeper than that.

This has to do with me and the Father. He loves me and His love covers my short comings and my wrong doings. He doesn’t come to you and tell you all the things I’ve done wrong. He doesn’t go to my husband or my kids or my friends and point out how many times I’ve missed it.

“God wiped out (blotted out) the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross.” Colossians 2:14 CEV

In the time when the Bible was written there was no mass production of text. Each page had to be copied by hand using pen and ink. To remove or cover something from that text meant the writer would take ink and dab it on the words that needed to be removed, blotting it out. The mistake or error was covered over.

He covers me – He covers me with His love and in His mercy He forgives and He forgets.

WOW!

Does that mean I don’t have to accept  responsibility for what I do wrong? Not in the slightest. If I drive drunk there are consequences. If I steal there are consequences. If I gossip or lie there are consequences.

However I have the Father’s promise that He will and has covered my sins and He won’t use my past failures to embarrass  or berate me.

“With one sacrifice Christ made his people perfect forever. They are the ones who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also tells us about this. First he says, 16 “This is the agreement I will make with my people in the future, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts. I will write my laws in their minds.” 17 Then he says, “I will forget their sins and never again remember the evil they have done.”

18 And after everything is forgiven, there is no more need for a sacrifice to pay for sins. 19 And so, brothers and sisters, we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place. We can do this without fear because of the blood sacrifice of Jesus.” Hebrews 10:14-19 ERV

Since I have been forgiven I am instructed to follow Christ’s example in forgiving others.

“The time is near when all things will end. So keep your minds clear, and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.” I Peter 4:7-8 ERV

As I do this I am keeping the command that Jesus gave to His disciples.

 “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV

I am certainly glad that His love covers my sins!

“Now Father, show me how to cover and forget the sins of those who have wronged me.”

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