Category: Hebrews

Posted on

Be a Kid!

This morning I was remembering a friend of ours and his wife who had nine children. When we first met them they had seven children. The two oldest were in preschool with Kaci, our youngest. Later we learned that they also attended the same church we did.

What a happy family! It was always a fun time at their house – kids everywhere. Laughter filled the air. Each time we went over, the twins took great pleasure in making Dave their living jungle gym. Dave would sit down on the couch to visit with Brian and one child would be crawling up his legs while the other one was crawling down over his shoulders.

To be honest, it was a bit distracting to adult conversation but the kids were having a ball. They knew they were loved and they were important because they were being treated with kindness, affection and were given priority over the other things that were happening.

Each time I read about Jesus taking time to pray for and bless the children I picture it very similar to the way it was for Dave with Luke & Lizzie. Total joy and focus.

Jesus’ disciples seem to have been a bit annoyed that these parents were wanting Jesus to take time for their children. In fact, the disciples scolded the parents for taking up Jesus valuable time.

“Some people brought their children to Jesus, so that he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don’t try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.” Matthew 19:13-14 CEV

“Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.

14 When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. 15 I promise you that you cannot get into God’s kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does.” 16 Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them.” Mark 10:13-16 CEV

This event of Jesus blessing the children is recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke. It made an impression on all three writers. Jesus used what his disciples thought was an interruption in his busy schedule to teach a valuable lesson.

Be child-like. Accept spiritual things as a child, in simple faith!

As adults we have a tendency to analyze, rationalize and criticize when we don’t understand what we see or experience. Children accept things by faith and aren’t bothered by the technicalities.

I find it interesting that just a short time earlier than this situation with the children, Jesus had used another child to teach his disciples about being humble and having a servant’s heart. Obviously, the disciples had forgotten what Jesus had said about children.

“After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, “If you want the place of honor, you must become a slave and serve others!”

36 Then Jesus had a child stand near him. He put his arm around the child and said, 37 “When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me. And when you welcome me, you welcome the one who sent me.” Mark 9:35-37 CEV

Jesus had a compassion for all people – no one was of greater or lesser value in His estimation. He wanted his disciples to see that.

You know that I frequently use this verse in Hebrews when I talk about the Father and His desire to help us. I see this verse through the eyes of a child.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

I have always imagined this verse like this. A small child comes running through the door calling “Daddy, Daddy. I need your help! My toy is broken; the neighbor kids are picking on me…Daddy help!” And it’s there, at the Father’s throne that I see myself standing in child-like faith saying “Daddy, I need your help” and He, my Father, has never turned me away.

God, the Father, is inviting us to be like a kid – take Him at His word, bring Him everything. He always has time for us!

Posted on

Turning Pages

This morning I was aware of how much I love picking up my Bible, opening to a book, reading the words and turning the pages. There’s just something about actually having the Bible in my hand that encourages and comforts. It brings me joy!

That’s not to say that I don’t use the on-line Bible apps. You know I do! But they are clinical, study tools, research. My physical, leather-bound, underlined, notes- in-margin Bible is my personal heart connection with the Father.

When I was a little girl in Sunday School we had Bible drills. Did you ever do that? The Sunday School teachers called them sword drills. We would close our Bibles, hands on the cover, and then the teacher would give a verse reference and say “go”. The first kid to find the verse would stand and read it aloud. Those sword drills got us familiar with where the different books were in our Bibles.

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT

We memorized the books of the Bible in published order, Genesis to Revelation. We learned which books were in the Old Testament and which were in the New and we learned why there was a difference between the two. We were taught who wrote the books under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and some of the back story behind the authors.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Have you ever noticed how little children love to have someone read to them? They want to hold the book, look at the pictures, turn the pages…they love to sit on our laps and be involved. Some of my favorite times with my kids and now with my grandchildren is story time. We can read and turn a page but very shortly they want to go back and read it again. We have to look at the pictures and absorb the story!

That’s how I feel when I read my Bible.

I want to live the words written on the pages. Its God’s word to me – it’s personal, very personal.

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. 99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. 100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. 101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word. 102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well. 103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:97-103 NLT

Once when Jesus was teaching, speaking God’s word, the whole crowd got upset with Him and walked away. Jesus asked his disciples if they were going to leave too. Here’s their response:

“Then Jesus said to the twelve followers, “Will you leave Me also?” 68 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, who else can we go to? You have words that give life that lasts forever. 69 We believe and know You are the Christ. You are the Son of the Living God.” John 6:67-69 NLV

These are the words of life – not just for life after we die but for our life here on earth. They are our daily instruction and encouragement.

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT

Turn the page, read on, we find God’s love written in the whole of Scripture. No other book has stood the test of time – it is the true and living Word of God.

“Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.” Psalm 119:165 NLV

Turn the Page – the story continues!

Posted on

Making Memories

Yesterday I spent most of my day sorting through pictures and making a photo book for Sam. We want him to remember the fun he had on his first camping trip. He was only in the mountains for forty-eight hours and we have over three hundred photos of his adventure!

Everything was new – some things he eagerly embraced and at other times he had to be coaxed.

It made me think. Our heavenly Father has a photographic memory. He doesn’t forget a thing. How many images of us doing new things does He have? Are we smiling and enjoying the new opportunities He has for us or do we need to be encouraged to try something different? Are there images of us dragging our feet and greatly resisting the opportunities set before us? Or do we ignore instruction and run off into areas of danger?

Kim had the forethought to bring boundary cones. You know those bright orange/pink cones you see in the grocery store to keep you away from a wet floor or on an athletic field to let you know the ball has gone out of bounds. Sam knew he could go anywhere he wanted within the area of the cones. If he wanted to go passed them he had to ask permission or have an adult with him.

“I am the Lord. That is My name. I will not give My shining-greatness to another, or My praise to false gods. 9 See, the things told about in the past have happened. Now I speak about new things. Before they happen I will tell you about them.” 10 Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing His praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands and those who live on them. ” Isaiah 42:8-10 NLV

The Lord has new things to show us. He wants us to experience all of His goodness.

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 NLT

Another translation of this verse says “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” How did the world get the idea that God is wanting to punish and treat them harshly? All through the Bible God tells of His unconditional love and amazing grace. His desire is to bless us with good things.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Jesus came to give us “new” life, completely forgiven, and made right with the Father. It was a new covenant, one that had never been before. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the Lord has put His laws in our hearts and minds. (He put up the boundary cones for our protection) Then He made a promise to forget all that we had done wrong.

“The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:15-17 ERV

So, let me ask you again what pictures did the Father take of you yesterday? Are you enjoying ALL of his goodness? Learn new things, have new experiences and make new and lasting memories with God!

Posted on

Lions and Bears – Oh My!

We just got home from another camping trip to the mountains. This was our second trip this summer – the White Mountains of Arizona are beautiful and so relaxing.

However, they are also the natural habitat for many different kinds of wildlife. This trip we saw elk, deer, turkeys, the ever-present chipmunks and squirrels and a couple of skunks (but I’ll tell you about them a bit later).

For several days before we left I was reading systematically through Psalms and Proverbs. I was really impressed with the verses in those two books that promised safety and protection to “those who serve the Lord”. Now, I’m been walking with the Lord long enough to know that when there’s a reoccurring theme to my reading God is trying to tell me something.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 CEV

“You, Lord God, are my protector. Rescue me and keep me safe from all who chase me.” Psalm 7:1 CEV

“But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster.” Proverbs 1:33 CEV

“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.” Proverbs 3:22-24 CEV

“Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice.” Psalm 5:11 CEV

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” Psalm 91:1-2 CEV

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

These verses were planted in my heart before we left for camping and through my daily reading I was reminded of the Father’s faithfulness and protection. I knew the Lord was preparing me for a situation that might cause me to fear or to feel unsafe and so I began praying protection over Dave and I and our camping trip. I also prayed over our oldest daughter, Kim, her husband, Austin and our youngest grandson, Sam, who would be joining us on the weekend.

When we arrived at the campground on Tuesday afternoon we were excited to get camp set and begin enjoying our time in the mountains. The camp host gave us the customary reminder that there are bears in the woods although none had been spotted for quite some time. But then she said something I had not expected…3 male mountains lions had been spotted close to the campground the day before. We needed to be alert when out walking, especially if we had small children or small dogs. We should also keep all our food locked away in our vehicle during the night.

At that instruction I felt fear begin to grip my thoughts. We were in a tent – this was not good news. Now I knew what the Lord had been preparing me for – I needed to trust Him to be my safety.

The first night I slept very little. Most of the night I was quoting the Scriptures above and reminding myself that the Lord was my safety and protection. I heard every sound and my body was on alert. During the day there was no worry or fear – none. The second night I was able to sleep better and found a greater sense of peace and rest.

On Thursday it was even better. Friday I was able to get a text out to a friend and asked her to pray with me over the situation. I know her to be a prayer warrior and knew she would join me. It was that day that the Lord gave me these verses:

“You let us rule everything  your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power— 7  the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, 8  the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. 9 Our Lord and Ruler,  your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!” Psalm 8:6-9 CEV

The Bible isn’t just words on a page to me. The verses above, and all the verses from cover to cover, as God’s promises to me that He is my protection, my safety, my salvation, my healing, my joy, my peace, my wisdom and my strength. Regardless of the circumstances my strength comes from trusting Him and knowing that He will never lie to me – if the Father promises to be my protection then that’s exactly what He will do!

Kim, Austin and Sam arrived on Friday morning. It was Sam’s first camping trip and we had a wonderful time. Nature walks, discovering old dead trees, seeing wild turkeys, fishing, making s’mores and so many other things. We took over 300 pictures in two days to document all the fun.

Friday night I went to bed confident in God’s protection. Sam wanted to sleep in the RV that night so we read stories, had prayer time and everyone was ready for bed. Now, to the skunks. I had forgotten to put Glory’s dog food up and at 10pm Dave and I both heard a noise in the camp. We looked out with our flashlights but couldn’t see anything. Dave softly yelled and whatever it was ran off. Then about 2am we heard something else – this time we were able to see that it was a couple of skunks. They were not going to be run off and we weren’t going to disturb them. It was only when we got up in the morning that we discovered they had found the container of dog food, gotten the lid off and eaten to their hearts contentment.

We knew they would be back on Saturday night for a second helping so Sam slept in the RV again instead of the tent. It was an interesting end to our camping. We also learned that the lions had been chased out of the area – hunting season started and they, the lions, weren’t staying around with all the hunters and their dogs who were arriving.

Fear is real! The purpose of fear is to break our confidence in God’s word. I’ve heard it said that fear is a fact that we have to deal with but that God’s word is truth and truth is greater than facts – truth changes facts. Facts must submit and conform to truth.

Jesus told the disciples who were on a ship about to sink to “fear not”. The truth was Jesus had said that the boat would go to the other side of the lake. Fear saw the waves and felt the wind, the facts, but God’s word, the truth, calmed the waves!

I would love to say that I live “fear free” but I have to deal with it as much as anyone. However, I have learned that God’s word makes me an overcomer in fearful situations when I let the peace of God rule my heart.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

I’m not sure what “lion” is bringing fear into your life – it may be a health issue, finances, relationships, your job, physical danger or some world crisis – but I do know that our command from the Lord is to “fear not” so commit the situation to Him and His peace will guard your heart.

One final word on our camping trip – we were not foolish in our actions; we were alert to our surroundings, we didn’t allow Sam or Glory to run off unattended, we had bear spray and we also had other forms of protection and we covered every circumstance with prayer.

God is ALWAYS faithful and He can ALWAYS be trusted!

“We are still alive because  the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my God, and I trust him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 ERV

Posted on

Finish Strong!

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2 ERV

Dave and I were visiting our oldest daughter Kim in Washington State several years ago. She was competing in an Ironman competition. 70.3 miles of swimming, hiking, and running.

I went with her to the check in. There were athletes there of every age, size and physical condition. Each would compete more against themselves than against the other competitors. Each would ask their bodies, their minds and their emotions to push the limits in order to complete the race.

I remember thinking about us a Christians. How often do we pursue our goal of being Christ-like and then back off when it gets a little too hard or we get injured by the words or actions of others?

These competitors were a reminder once again to keep my eye on the prize, to take time to encourage others in the race, to share things I know about this course and how to battle on through the pain.

It’s worth it you know. Let’s all keep our eyes on Jesus and finish strong!

Posted on

Construction Zone

I’ve heard it said that hope is our blueprint and faith is our building materials. We need both, working together to achieve a desired result.

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT

As I was thinking about that this morning my mind came up with several examples of hope and faith working together. The first example comes from God, Himself. He had a blueprint, a hope, for the world He was to create and by faith He spoke out the words and the world was framed. Light be and light was.

“By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” Hebrews 11:3 NLT

Then there was Noah – God gave him the blue print for the Ark and Noah brought the materials together and made it just as the Lord told him. Moses did the same thing with the tabernacle in the desert. Solomon built the Temple according to the plans that the Lord had given his father, King David.

Peter built the church, the body of believers according to God’s blueprint. Jesus said “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel”, that was the blueprint for world evangelism. Then he told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and “Wait for the power of the Holy Spirit”, that was building material. As soon as Peter received the proper material (the Holy Spirit) he went out and started building, preaching. And that first day 3000 people gave their lives to the Lord, that’s a good first day of construction no matter what project you’re working on.

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability…Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” Acts 2:1-4, 37-41 NLT

From there on out God gave His word, the blueprint for our lives, to those who wrote the Bible and He also gave us the building material we need, the Holy Spirit.

What is it you need to build? It is peace, joy, strength, forgiveness, healing, victory, understanding, etc. Find the blueprint for it in God’s word and then let the power of the Holy Spirit construct what God has promised.

“He gives us everything we need for life and for holy living. He gives it through His great power. As we come to know Him better, we learn that He called us to share His own shining-greatness and perfect life. 4 Through His shining-greatness and perfect life, He has given us promises. These promises are of great worth and no amount of money can buy them. Through these promises you can have God’s own life in you now that you have gotten away from the sinful things of the world which came from wrong desires of the flesh.” II Peter 1:3-4 NLV

God’s plan or blueprint is ALWAYS good! I am determined to let God design and build my life according to His plan.

“Come to Jesus Christ. He is the living stone that people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored. 5 And now you are living stones that are being used to build a spiritual house. You are also a group of holy priests, and with the help of Jesus Christ you will offer sacrifices that please God.” I Peter 2:4-5 CEV

Posted on

The Big Stuff

Trusting on God to handle the “big” stuff in our lives seems appropriate, right? But then we try to handle the “little” things on our own – surely we can handle them. No need to bother God!

Have you ever asked yourself “What’s big to God?”

Big things might appear to be cancer, divorce, terrorist attacks, destructive weather, who knows? While smaller things are the day to day occurrences; a broken washing machine, repairs on the car, problems at work, the kids’ friends, too much month and not enough money. These are the things we try to handle on our own; coming to our own conclusions; working out our own answers.

But what is “big” to God? He is the one who created the universe, who has been ever present from eternity past to eternity future, who mapped the planets, the sun, moon and stars; He created the earth and everything in it. What is “big stuff” to Him? Our “big” things barely make a blip on His radar screen however He tells us to bring everything too Him, that we may find help in time of need.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 CEV

Two key words in this verse are anything and everything – that’s what we are to bring to the Father with thankful hearts knowing that He has a plan.

God has never been caught off guard by any request – He knows before we ask but He still is waiting for us to ask. He’s never leaned over to Jesus and said “Boy, I didn’t see that one coming. That’s a surprise to me; I wonder what I’m going to do.” No! He knows exactly what we need and how to get it to us.

He wants to be included in every aspect of our lives; the big, the small and the in-between. He will bring peace to the devastated and joy to the heart broken, He will heal the headache and the broken toe. He will give you wisdom as you develop a new project and He will help you balance the household budget. Give Him the large, that you can’t handle and the small, that you shouldn’t handle, let Him have it all.

“We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Posted on

The Face of God

Do you remember when you were a kid and the local television station would sign off for the night? No?

It used to happen like that – after the last program of the night, the announcer would come on and declare the stations call letters, soft music would play in the background and then a man with a comforting voice would quote the poem “High Flight” and the television screen would go dark. Broadcasting had ended for the day.

High Flight by John Gillespie Magee Jr.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air . . .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

This is a brief biography on the author of the poem. High Flight was composed by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee,  Jr., an American serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was born in Shanghai, China in 1922, the son of missionary parents,  Reverend and Mrs. John Gillespie Magee; his father was an American and his mother was originally a British citizen.

 He came to the U.S. in 1939 and earned a scholarship to Yale, but in September 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF and was graduated as a pilot. He was sent to England for combat duty in July 1941.

In August or September 1941, Pilot Officer Magee composed High Flight and sent a copy to his parents. Several months later, on December 11, 1941 his Spitfire collided with another plane over England and Magee, only 19 years of age, crashed to his death. His remains are buried in the churchyard cemetery at Scopwick, Lincolnshire.

A young man of 19 was so touched by what he experienced in the heavens he had to record his feelings and give glory to God!

I was reminded of this poem this morning as I was reading in the Book of Revelation – the final book in the Bible. This book of Revelation does just that. It reveals how things on this earth will culminate and how we will spend eternity. The Lord wanted John to write down the things he saw and heard in heaven; the glory, the majesty, the worship.

John recorded the words of the songs of praise that the heavenly elders and the angels, millions upon millions, were singing around God’s throne. When we join them, those of us who have accepted Christ, we will be joining that chorus. We will be in the presence of God. We will sing:

“These living beings were giving glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever. And every time they did this, 10 the 24 elders bowed down before the one who sits on the throne. They worshiped him who lives forever and ever. They put their crowns down before the throne and said,

11 “Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. You made all things. Everything existed and was made because you wanted it.” Revelation 4:9-11 ERV

and then…

“As I looked, I heard the voices of a lot of angels around the throne and the voices of the living creatures and of the elders. There were millions and millions of them, 12 and they were saying in a loud voice,

“The Lamb who was killed  is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength,
    honor, glory, and praise.”

13 Then I heard all beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying,

“Praise, honor, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne
 and to the Lamb!” 14 The four living creatures said “Amen,” while the elders knelt down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:11-14 CEV

Each morning as I see the sun christen the day with golden rays and hues of pink I am in Awe of Him, my Father God, who sits on the throne. And each evening my heart is stirred when I see the sun nearing the horizon; streaking it rays through the clouds. They turn from brilliant gold to fiery red and then to gray as the sun vanishes from sight. My heart is filled with the majesty of God.

I know why those in heaven spend their time singing – He is worthy to receive honor and glory and power forever!

God, who is worthy to receive all honor and glory is the same one who invites us to come boldly into His throne room when we are in need and there we will find help in every situation. He is the God of the universe, maker of all things but He is my father and He wants my relationship with Him to be personal.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLV

Like Pilot Officer John Magee, when I look at the heavens in all their splendor I am wonder-filled and know that I have reached out and touched the face of God.

Posted on

Death’s Valley

Seems the last few days the Lord has me encouraging you to stand strong during the storms. Some of you must be battered and weary or could it be that the Lord is giving us advanced warning of something that is coming so we can take shelter and remain safe?

A couple weeks ago a dear friend of ours died. He and his wife had provided worship music for us when we started Christian Cowboys Association. We met them one night after a “Cowboy Cathedral”, our Friday night cowboy church service, in Scottsdale. It was right about the time of our first year birthday. We found out they sang cowboy gospel music and so we invited them to join us for that celebration and asked them to do some music. That was it! God put us together and for the several years Don and Ann were at every cowboy campmeeting, rodeo service and most of the Cowboy Cathedrals. We were together several times a week – what a sweet couple and wonderful fellowship.

When I became pregnant with our youngest daughter we asked Don and Ann to take the ministry and continue the outreach to working cowboys and the kids in the youth rodeos. They did. And they continued to share God’s love with those special people for many more years.

I tell you that as background for what I’m about to say.

This morning I woke with the words of a song filling my heart and my head. It was one of the songs that I had heard Don and Ann sing at nearly every Cowboy Service. Their harmonizing was what I heard and as I sit here quietly, if I close my eyes I can see them singing and hear their voices. Ann playing stand up bass and Don playing guitar. I knew I had to share the words with you.

I feel the touch of hands so kind and gentle,
They’re leading me in paths that I must trod;
I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me,
For I’m sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise,
They won’t worry me for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God;
He walks with me and naught of Earth can harm me,
Sheltered safe within the arms of God.

Soon I shall hear the call from Heaven’s portals,
Come home my child, it’s the last mile you must trod;
I’ll fall asleep and wake in God’s new Heaven,
Sheltered safe within the arms of God.

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise,
They won’t worry me for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God;
He walks with me and naught of Earth can harm me,
Sheltered safe within the arms of God.

Sheltered safe within the arms of God! lyrics by Dottie Rambo

I’ve been silently singing along and I thought of Psalm 23 and the particular phrase “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear for You are with me”. Shadows can be scary. If you don’t think so try walking through a dark alley or a cemetery at night. Your mind will play all sorts of tricks on you and you end up seeing so many things that aren’t real, they are just shadows.

The image I used this morning is a picture that was taken in Death Valley. It’s a hot and desolate place. You can see for miles and there is nothing but more desert, more emptiness. To be lost out there is almost certain death, hence the name. Almost nothing grows there and in the summer time it’s as hot as an oven. There in the shadow of its rocky crags you are in the “valley of the shadow of death”.

But…

We’re not alone! We are sheltered safe within the arms of our loving God and heavenly Father.

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. 5 You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. 6 For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23 NLV

Fear of the unknown – fear of the storms – fear of failure – fear of being alone – fear of financial ruin – fear of divorce – fear of death…all of these and more can be devastating. They are daunting shadows, they are the “what if’s” of life. But remember, we are not alone; do not fear!

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.” Isaiah 41:10 NLV

“God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, ‘The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.’” Hebrews 13:5b,6 NLV

Fear not!

Posted on

Washed by Love

I was reminded this morning of something that happened when our son was little. We had friends who owned a dairy. We took the kids down to see the new calves and were helping bottle feed the ones that couldn’t be fed by their mothers. Our son was running down the lane between the pens when he stumbled and fell.

When he stood up he was sobbing. I was concerned that he had hurt himself and I ran to see what was wrong. I got to him and he was looking at his hands saying “get it off”. His tears still flowing, I was trying not to laugh. He wasn’t hurt but he was distraught because his hands were dirty; they were covered with mud and other such things as you find in a calf yard.

Of course, we got him to the nearest water spigot and washed him up.

That’s the way it is when we come to Jesus.

I only washed our son’s hands but Jesus cleanses us completely.

“But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus washes all our sins away.” I John 1:7 CEV

“The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth.” John 1:17 CEV

Both these verses were written by the same person, John. He wanted everyone to know that Jesus had washed ALL our sins away; we are cleansed because of what He did. He brought us undeserved kindness, or in other words Jesus brought us grace.

Every once in a while I find myself looking at my “dirty hands” and bursting in to tears. In fact, I used to let the dirt of my sins overwhelm me! But the more I studied God’s word, the more I learned about grace. And the more I learned about grace the more insight I got into the Father’s love.

I’ve been cleansed! God gave me His word to cleanse my thoughts of guilt.

“Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. 23 We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:22-23 ERV

The cleansing agent that removes our sin is the blood of Jesus and grace is the washing that applies it to our hearts. We don’t have the power to clean our own lives but by grace we have been cleansed.

“I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. ” Ephesians 2:8-9 ERV

Thank you Father for washing me with grace!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress