Category: James

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Words, Words, Words

The last several days I have been talking to you about the importance of God’s word. We have seen that the Bible is our firm foundation and that God keeps His promises. He doesn’t say anything that isn’t true!

Today I want to talk about our words. Each day we speak hundreds, if not thousands, of words so we need to evaluate what we are saying. Do we speak words that bring encouragement and life or can our words be damning and condemning?

“A man’s stomach will be filled with the fruit of his mouth. He will be filled with what his lips speak. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20-21 NLV

Daily, we are bombarded with words. They come in the form of emails, text messages, postings on the internet, spoken words on radio and television and in the form of conversations. Our prayers are constructed of words. The question is, are they beneficial or detrimental? Are they words that heal or words that harm?

Periodically I am reminded to look at words the way the Lord does.

“Honest people can always feel secure, but lying cheaters will be caught. 10 If you fail to speak the truth, trouble will follow. If you speak openly, peace will come. 11 The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans.” Proverbs 10:9-11 ERV

“By your teachings, Lord,  I am warned;  by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded. 12 None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it. 13 Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent,  and not guilty of some terrible fault. 14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 19:11-14 CEV

God, our Father, is a life-giver and One who is always looking for ways to bless His children. He hates it when actions go contrary to His nature. We are warned repeatedly not to lie, gossip or cause discord. Instead we should be like Christ in our love and encouragement of one another.

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. 2 Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God. 3 You are God’s people, so don’t let it be said that any of you are immoral or indecent or greedy. 4 Don’t use dirty or foolish or filthy words. Instead, say how thankful you are. ” Ephesians 5:1-4 CEV

When I was a little girl we had a song we sang that said “Be careful little eyes what you see, Be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little lips what you say.” Those words still ring true today. We could do so much to disarm hurtful situations if we made sure our words were loving, kind and true.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body…Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:2, 16-18 CEV

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to be maliciously lied about, ridiculed, and he was often at the center of mean-spirited conversation. In spite all of that, he gave us this instruction.

“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 CEV

Let’s be like Paul. Let’s keep focused on the things that are pure, right and true. When we do, we will be surrounded by God’s peace.

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Using Your Talents

Starting this new year, I am taking inventory of what the Lord has given me; health, a wonderful family, dear friends, a strong mind, creative thoughts, a friendly smile, the ability to communicate through the written word, my home, organizational skills and I’m a good cook. I would consider these things my “talents”.

Jesus tells the story of a master who had three servants and the master left each of the servants some “talents”. He went on a journey and when he returned, the master called each of the servants in to give an accounting of what they had done with their talents.

“Some time later the master of those servants returned. He called them in and asked what they had done with his money. 20 The servant who had been given five thousand coins brought them in with the five thousand that he had earned. He said, “Sir, you gave me five thousand coins, and I have earned five thousand more.”

21 “Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!”

22 Next, the servant who had been given two thousand coins came in and said, “Sir, you gave me two thousand coins, and I have earned two thousand more.”

23 “Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!” Matthew 25:19-23 CEV

The first two servants had used their talents wisely and had brought an increase. The third servant, however, had buried his talent and all he had to give the master was the original amount with no increase. Jesus said the master called this servant wicked and slothful because he hadn’t used what he had been given.

The first two servants were called “good and faithful” and they were given more responsibility and authority from the master. So many times this story is taught in regard to money but to me it’s more than that.

In the book of James, we are told that every good and perfect gift we have comes from the Father. And in Ephesians we are told that whatever we do, if it’s a spoken word or physical action, we should do all to the glory of God.

These words of Jesus about giving are recorded in the book of Luke.

“If you love only those who love you, should you get any special praise for doing that? No, even sinners love those who love them! 33 If you do good only to those who do good to you, should you get any special praise for doing that? No, even sinners do that! 34 If you lend things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get any special praise for that? No, even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!
35 “I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36 Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
37 “Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:32-38 ERV

So I encourage you today to take those things that you have, your talents, and share them with others – a smile, a helping hand, a meal, your love and friendship – watch them multiply.

It will be such a joy to hear “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

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Do You See?

One of the things I love most about living in our Southern Arizona home is the night sky. There is hardly a night when the clouds obscure the brilliance of the stars. 

I wonder what it was like for the shepherds to be on that hill side when the angels filled the night and announced the birth of Jesus. How long had the wise men of the East studied the night skies, watching, anticipating the star that would lead them to the Christ child? 

When I look up at the star studded heavens I can’t identify the different constellations. I don’t know the names of the stars – it takes me a while to find the big and little dippers. But what I do see is the immensity of my God.

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made. 2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power. 3 You cannot hear them say anything. They don’t make any sound we can hear. 4 But their message goes throughout the world. Their teaching reaches the ends of the earth.  The sun’s tent is set up in the heavens. 5 It comes out like a happy bridegroom from his bedroom. It begins its path across the sky like an athlete eager to run a race. 6 It starts at one end of the sky and runs all the way to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6 ERV

King David, who wrote this Psalm, saw the same thing in the heavens that we see today and he knew they were teaching each one of us, without words, that God’s glory is everywhere. They speak to us on a daily basis giving us the message of God’s power and provision. 

God teaches us about His faithfulness by what we see in the heavens. I used these verses yesterday but they tie in so well with today’s thought that I had to share them again. 

“17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

The planets, the stars, sun and moon all reveal God’s faithfulness. He made the lights in the sky; those lights cast shadows as they move through the sky and those shadows change but God never does! He is constant, He is always the same. He is always giving good gifts to us. 

God, the Father, isn’t looking for ways to punish us. Quite the contrary, He is looking for ways to bless us.  I hope you will take time to study the night sky. It’s not possible to count the stars. The impossibility of that task is a lesson of God’s infinite love and provision. 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea


Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

The King of heaven, came as a child to bring us goodness and light! 

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Choosing The Right Gift

Many of you know that this year I wrote a book, The Best Gifts of Christmas. Isn’t that what we look for when we are getting gifts for those we love? The Best Gifts.

It’s easy enough to buy the latest trinket or gadget but when it’s a gift for the love of your life, that special someone, a dear friend or family member the decision on what to get is a bit more difficult. 

This morning in my Bible reading I came across this verse in Hebrews.

“Let us give thanks all the time to God through Jesus Christ. Our gift to Him is to give thanks. Our lips should always give thanks to His name. 16 Remember to do good and help each other. Gifts like this please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 NLV

One of the best gifts we can give our heavenly Father is the gift of praise. We can give Him our thankful hearts, expressing praise for the wonderful things He has done for us. 

Over the last few days Facebook has been flooded with 2018 Yearbooks. They are helping us remember our past year by providing a collage of the images we have posted and others have “liked”. 

But what if we made our own collage of things we know God has done for us over the past year. A collage of praise, overlapping from one blessing to the next, giving God thanks for ALL He has done. 

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

Our loving Father has given us every good and perfect gift that we receive. He has given us the best. What He desires in return is our thanks, our gratitude, our love. There is nothing better that we can give Him. 

There’s a song that’s been circulating the last few years, it has a familiar melody but the lyrics have been rewritten. A friend sent it to me in a message the other morning and as I listened my eyes filled with tears as my heart overflowed with gratitude. I hope it does the same for you. 

A Hallelujah Christmas

I’ve heard about this baby boy
Who’s come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I’m singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God’s only Son was born, oh Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said
You’ll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wisemen three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Father, accept our heart-felt hallelujahs as our gift of praise for all You have given to us. 

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Prayer Requested

For the past weeks I have been writing a book which will be published in time for Christmas.

Today we will be making some of the final edits and I ask that you pray for us as we finish up.

“And now, brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s teaching will continue to spread quickly. And pray that people will give honor to that teaching, the same as happened with you.” II Thessalonians 3:1 ERV

This is a project the Lord put on my heart early in the year. It is a 30-Day Devotional for the month of December. Each day will be a short teaching on a gift that the Lord has given us. There is also a practical application at the end of each day’s readings.

At first, I thought this would just be something that I would give to my family and close friends but the Lord let me know I was thinking too small.

“ Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

With the help of my friend, Rob, I learned about self-publishing and the opportunity for new authors to have their books sold on Amazon. I will let you all know as soon as it is available on their site.

Today I need your prayers as we put the finishing touches on the manuscript. There are still a couple of small formatting tweeks that need to be made and a final read-through.

My desire is that those who read the book will be drawn into a closer relationship with the Lord. I want the world to know that our Heavenly Father is the Master Gift Giver and He loads us up with good and perfect gifts.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah” Psalm 68:19 NKJV

Thank you for your prayers. Now I’m off to finish things up. Blessings to you all.

 

 

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What’s Humility Look Like

Have you been hurt or judged wrongfully? Have your good intentions been misunderstood?

I want to encourage you this morning.  Jesus was often misunderstood and ridiculed.

“think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: 6 Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. 8 Christ was humble. He obeyed God and even died on a cross. 9 Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others.” Philippians 2:5-9 CEV

What does Humility look like? It looks like Jesus. He gave up all the glory of heaven and His place at the right hand of God the Father to come to earth. There was no room for pride in His life.

Jesus played with children, gave comfort to the grieving, befriended rough and burly fisherman, spent His time with lepers, lame, blind and societies outcasts. He never compromised His deity but He never lorded His position over those He was teaching.

The Apostle Paul gave this instruction to Christians in the early church.

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 ERV

A humble person doesn’t need to be in the limelight. They help make others look good and feel elevated. A humble person is one who encourages others, someone who isn’t afraid to get in and help out where needed. They don’t need the praise of others, they do the right thing because it’s right.

“All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say, “God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone who is humble.” 6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:5-7

A meek or humble person will be misunderstood and even be treated wrongly. Look at Jesus, he was despised and hated by the religious rulers of his day because He didn’t measure up to their ideals. He ate with sinners, showed compassion to harlots, healed on the Sabbath. In the face of their objections, He continued on.

Isn’t it better to be humble and know we are pleasing God than to measure up to all of societies ideals and expectations? Yes, it is. When our lifestyle reflects humility we may offend some, we may be passed over because we don’t have the “leadership” skills necessary. If that’s the case, so be it.

“ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV

I love that verse! The Lord will lift us up. Our loving Father will pick us up in His arms and give us a big hug. Or He’ll come in and wrap His arm around our shoulder and encourage us to continue on with what we’re doing. We’re acting like Him.

Thank  you Father for coming to our aid and taking our cares. We rely on you.

 

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Hurry – I’m Trying to Be Patient

How you noticed that there are many cultures who are not obsessed with time?  They seem to be in no obvious hurry. They have time to stop, visit with friends and strangers and go unhurried throughout their day.

Some countries see value and beauty in taking your time, doing it right and enjoying the journey. What a contrast to many of us in America who want to hurry things along, take charge, get finished and on to the next conquest.

Impatience is a fruit of selfishness!

It’s true – “I” don’t have time to wait; “I” could do it better; “I” deserve to be treated better than this; “I” told you to do it “my” way. And it goes on and on. Most of our objections around things that make us impatient start with I.

How contrary that is to God’s character!

He waited for just the right time to send Jesus. Jesus walked this earth teaching the same thing over and over, the love of God and restoration to Him, and still people didn’t get it. And now God is waiting again, He is not willing that anyone should die without having relationship with Him and so He waits.

In John 13 we find  Jesus final Passover celebration with his disciples before His crucifixion. He takes the role of a servant and starts washing the disciples feet. Peter objects, not understanding but Jesus doesn’t become impatient. He takes time to explain His purpose to Peter and still Peter misunderstands…

“It was almost time for the Jewish Passover festival. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved the people in the world who were his. Now was the time he showed them his love the most.

2 Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot to hand Jesus over to his enemies. (Judas was the son of Simon.) 3 The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. He also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God. 4 So while they were eating, Jesus stood up and took off his robe. He got a towel and wrapped it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet.[a] He dried their feet with the towel that was wrapped around his waist.

6 He came to Simon Peter. But Peter said to him, “Lord, you should not wash my feet.”  7 Jesus answered, “You don’t know what I am doing now. But later you will understand.”  8 Peter said, “No! You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.”

9 Simon Peter said, “Lord, after you wash my feet, wash my hands and my head too!”  10 Jesus said, “After a person has a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 Jesus knew who would hand him over to his enemies. That is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” John 13:1-11 ERV

How many times has the Lord been patient with our failings, our shortcomings, our wanderings, our lack of understanding? Just like Peter, many times we are dense and unaware of what Jesus is teaching us.  He has been there to pick us up, brush us off and encourage us to grow and see things from His perspective.

He asks us to be patient with ourselves and with others.  He wants us to show  the same love and compassion He has shown to us. When we are patient, we are Christ-like and our lives will reflect His love.

“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. 3 You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. 4 If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.” James 1:2-4 ERV

Be aware today if you find yourself in hurry and becoming impatient and less than loving. We are being given an opportunity for patience to grow, making us all that God wants us to be.

Look for opportunities to patiently love today!

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Same Only Different

Had the strangest experience last night. Dave and I were sitting in the living room watching a movie and we both started having problems with allergies, or at least that’s what I am claiming.

We both began to get the sniffles and I my eyes started to water. Ok, let’s face it – it wasn’t allergies at all, it was the movie. It had me crying. I would highly recommend you watching the movie or reading the book, Same Kind of Different As Me.

This movie portrayed how we fall in to the trap of judging others just by their outward appearance. My, that has been going on for a very long time. When the Lord sent Samuel out to find a king for Israel he went to David’s father and  he looked for a tall, muscular, mature man. However, God had different criteria.

“When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the man who the Lord has chosen.”

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.” I Samuel 16:6-7 ERV

“Jesse showed seven of his sons to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these men.”11 Then he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

Jesse answered, “No, I have another son—my youngest, but he is out taking care of the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him. Bring him here. We won’t sit down to eat until he arrives.”

12 Jesse sent someone to get his youngest son. This son was a good-looking, healthy young man. He was very handsome. The Lord said to Samuel, “Get up and anoint him. He is the one.” I Samuel 16:10-12 ERV

Jesse, David’s father, hadn’t even considered that his youngest son was qualified or good enough to meet with Samuel. David was left out with the sheep when the priest came to dinner. But God knew who He wanted, he was looking for someone with a heart for Him.

Jesus never looked at a man or woman’s appearance or their occupation when He was here on earth. He followed his Father’s example and associated with those who had opened their hearts to God. It didn’t matter that they were fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes and others of low esteem.

James, the brother of Jesus, gave this instruction in the book of the Bible he wrote.

“My dear brothers and sisters, you are believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. So don’t treat some people better than others. 2 Suppose someone comes into your meeting wearing very nice clothes and a gold ring. At the same time a poor person comes in wearing old, dirty clothes. 3 You show special attention to the person wearing nice clothes…

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters. God chose the poor people in the world to be rich in faith. He chose them to receive the kingdom God promised to those who love him…

8 One law rules over all other laws. This royal law is found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor[a] the same as you love yourself.”[b] If you obey this law, you are doing right. 9 But if you are treating one person as more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God’s law.” James 2:1-9 ERV

I will tell you that I was convicted by that movie last night. I felt great compassion for the people who were playing the roles. This is a true story but I had to honestly ask myself if I would have reacted with the same loving heart that they did. I pray I would have.

I find myself asking the Lord to show me areas in my life where I need to grow and change. Then I sit down to relax for an evening and watch a movie and God shows up and teaches me a life lesson.

The same loving God has blessed each person on this earth with air to breathe and the sun that shines. He sees a divine purpose in each of us.

We may be different but He loves us all the same!

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Never Alone

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”

The above is a quote from Helen Keller referring to companionship.

However, we have a promise from the Lord that we never walk alone, not in the dark of night or the light of day.

Thank you Lord that You walk with us each and every day through all circumstances. When God is with us we have light.

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

Have you ever been where it’s really dark? The stars are obscured, no street lights, no flashlight, no cell phone glow – real darkness. If you have then you know that one little light, the weakest flicker can seem like a spotlight.

Dave and I used to start out on our road trips very early in the morning, long before the sun came up. The headlights would illuminate the road in front of us but not what was off to the sides. It was important that we stay on the path.

One morning driving through Texas, we could see off in the distance a faint light. Of course, the closer it came the brighter it got. At one point it was a bit alarming because it appeared to be coming right at us. It was! At what seemed to be the last minute, the light turned and passed us on the right.  It was a train, the tracks ran parallel with the road. Our headlights weren’t bright enough to show us the train tracks but they did show us the road ahead was clear.

Trust the light!

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

God’s word and His promise to never leave us or abandon us will light up the darkest of nights. Yes, light will dispel darkness. God’s word will mark our path with clarity.

Not only does He walk each step with us, He will give us wisdom in each situation when we ask. Are you asking? When our natural minds seem at a loss, He knows the answers.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. 6 But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm.” James 1:5-6 CEV

Ask and listen for His voice. Then follow through with the instruction he gives. He will NEVER lead us astray.

Everything we do, everything we say can and should bring Him glory.

“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 3:17 CEV

Day or night we are never alone when we follow the Lord. We will always walk in the light.

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Really God? Really??

Have you ever asked yourself these questions, could God love me? Does God love me? Why?

Many times we think that love is based on us; what we do, how we look; where we live; our political leanings. The list could go on and on. And when it comes to God’s love we have a tendency to think that His love is based on our works, how good we are, how much time we spend praying or reading the Bible and how much we give.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

 “Look at it this way: At the right time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 Finding someone who would die for a godly person is rare. Maybe someone would have the courage to die for a good person. 8 Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This demonstrates God’s love for us.

9 Since Christ’s blood has now given us God’s approval, we are even more certain that Christ will save us from God’s anger. 10 If the death of his Son restored our relationship with God while we were still his enemies, we are even more certain that, because of this restored relationship, the life of his Son will save us.” Romans 5:6-10 GW

There are so many times that I have made my list – the list of reasons why I am deserving of God’s love and also the all the times I have failed to measure up. I have even made lists on “I’m not as bad as them”. God never wants us looking back or comparing ourselves to others. He forgives our sins when we confess them and then He also chooses to forget them.

“But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from all the wrong things we have done.” I John 1:9 ERV

“This is the New Way of Worship that I will give them. When that day comes, says the Lord, I will put My Laws in their hearts. And I will write them in their minds.” Then He says, 17 “I will not remember their sins and wrong-doings anymore.” 18 No more gifts on the altar in worship are needed when our sins are forgiven.” Hebrews 10:16-18 NLV

God’s love has always been extended to us. There has never been a time that we lost His love. There has never been an action or situation that has caused Him to retract and withhold His love.

We may look at others and think it must be hard for God to love them but God never sees it that way. In God’s eyes if we sin in one small area we are as guilty as if we had broken everyone of the ten commandments and more.

“ You are doing right if you obey this law from the highest authority: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 9 If you favor one person over another, you’re sinning, and this law convicts you of being disobedient. 10 If someone obeys all of God’s laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them. ” James 2:8-10 GW

Sin is sin and God has made provision for all sin to be forgiven.

Love is not a feeling. Love is a person, God. Love is the action of choosing to act like God. Love can’t be lost, true love doesn’t give up.

This morning’s devotion idea came to me yesterday in the wee quiet hours – I sat and just thanked the Father that He loved me. I quickly started going through my list of why He shouldn’t and He told me He couldn’t remember any of those reasons. They were all covered.

“The end of everything is near. Therefore, practice self-control, and keep your minds clear so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other warmly, because love covers many sins. ” I Peter 4:7-8 GW

God has covered our sins and we are asked, no, really commanded, to love the way He does.

“So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them. 17 If God’s love is made perfect in us, we can be without fear on the day when God judges the world. We will be without fear, because in this world we are like Jesus.” I John 4:16-17 ERV

Yes God really, really loves us!

Now I’m off to the garage sale –  go help someone else have a love-ly day.

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