Category: Book

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City Slickers

It’s important that we keep our lives filled with purpose. How many of you remember watching City Slickers? Ok, so it’s not a top cowboy movie – in fact, it’s not even a cowboy movie but there was some of the cowboy way of life in it and so we watched.

Mitch was having a mid-life crisis and this was his buddies’ way of helping him out. He was searching, for what he didn’t know, but Curly did. He was searching for “one thing” – what was that one thing – Curly told him that’swhat he had to figure out.

That’s the same thing Jesus told Martha when she got so busy with the things of “life” that she forgot to truly live. One thing is needful Jesus told her; her sister Mary had found that in listening to Jesus words instead of being busy with all the responsibilities of running a home.

The Apostle Paul said he found that “one thing”.

“I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. 14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.” Philippians 3:12-14

King David found that “one thing”.

“Even if an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. Even if people attack me in war, I will trust in the Lord. 4 I ask only one thing from the LORD. This is what I want most: Let me live in the LORD’S house all my life, enjoying the LORD’S beauty and spending time in his palace. 5 He will protect me when I am in danger. He will hide me in his tent. He will take me up to his place of safety.” Psalm 37:3-5

Finding your “one thing” you will find that your life has meaning and purpose and you will truly be blessed.

“What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:33

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Do you have a tendency to compartmentalize your life?

Do you have a tendency to compartmentalize your life? Family, work, health, friends, finances, social activities… Things have to be kept in their own little box, not touching or interfering. Like vegetables on a dinner plate, don’t let them blend.

So people do that with the Lord. It’s ok for Him to have their Sunday and even occasionally, when times are tough to be brought in to areas of career or life’s passions but they aren’t ready to allow Him to permeate each area.

I found an interesting assessment of the Lord this morning in I Kings. Benhadad, had attacked the King Ahab of Samaria. The Israelites had gone to aid in the fight. King Benhadad was defeated and look what he was told.

” King Ben-Hadad’s officers said to him, “The gods of Israel are mountain gods. We fought in a mountain area, so the Israelites won. If we fight them on level ground, we will win.”
I Kings 20:23 ERV

God won’t be limited. He won’t be kept in a box. This was the Lord’s reply to their limiting of his involvement.

“28 A man of God came to the king of Israel with this message: “The Lord said, ‘The people of Aram said that I, the Lord, am a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys. So I will let you defeat this great army. Then all of you will know that I am the Lord, wherever you are!’” I Kings 20:28

The same holds true in our lives. God wants to be involved in every aspect. He has the knowledge, the plan and the power to bring us through in victory.

So my question today is this, where have you limited God? Isn’t it time to let Him have it all? Let the Lord show you “Then all of you will know that I am the Lord, wherever you are!’”

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Fog

Have you ever lived in a place where the fog rolls in? We lived in the San Diego area for a few years and would experience it there. We’ve also seen it roll in here in the desert. I really don’t know all the natural climate conditions that create fog but I know it can be dangerous. I’ve been told that the humidity and the air temperature being close to the same create the inversion layer.

While driving years ago our son Koy and I were headed from Spokane to San Diego. We had to go through the Mt. Shasta area and it was about 3 in the morning. Lots of big rigs on the road and we would be driving along with clear view, make a bend in the road and be completely socked in with the fog. No visibility and on the next bend it would be clear again – scary stuff! Been there, done that, hated it!

Many times we live our spiritual lives in a fog. An inversion layer of cares, stress and anxiety come rolling in and we can’t find our way. What to do? Well, of course, you know I’m going to say “Go to the Word”. Just like fog lights helped to light our way while traveling that foggy road, God’s Word will also illuminate our path.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

And when we listen to the Holy Spirit we will receive clear direction.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” Isaiah 31:21 CEV

I pray for a day free of fog for all of you!

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Are you a parent?

Are you a parent? If so, doesn’t it make you feel good when someone says something nice about your kids? I know it always has for me.

When Kaci was in school she were frequently receive a “caught in the act of being good” certificate. This reinforced a kindness on the playground or in the classroom. She is still a kind and loving person.

Then a few years back Kim received the designation of “Citizen of the Year” from her city. She was always helping to make things better, particularly with her efforts to chair the Relay for Life event.

While we were at the Indy 500 this year we met some of Koy’s firefighter friends from across the nation. Each one of them took the time to tell us privately how admired Koy was in their brotherhood. His skills and leadership make him a man to imitate.

Yes, what a joy to hear such good reports about your children, we feel like we are rich beyond measure. That’s today’s verse.

“A good reputation and respect are worth much more
than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1 ERV

“A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich;
a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” Msg

So that got me to thinking, what reputation do I have and what do people say about me to “My Father”? Am I a good example of a Christian or am I bringing reproach on the name of Christ?

Now I’m not asking for your compliments or kind words. I know that in times past my reputation hasn’t been “sterling” but my goal is to honor the Lord with my life and see that He is glorified!

Yes, that’s more than silver or gold!

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New granddaughter

I was thinking this morning about getting to see our new granddaughter tomorrow. We were there for the first few days of her life and we saw some obvious changes from day 1 to day 4. I know that when we see her tomorrow her growth will be quite apparent.

Kaci said she’s a good eater. At first she would start to nurse and then fall asleep but now she is quite vocal when her tummy is hungry and she wants to be fed.

Made me think…how loud and demanding do I get when I want to be fed? Better yet, do I still fuss when I’m hungry or in need of spiritual food or am I complacent and just take a snack here and there and call it good?

Peter wrote that we should be like babies, desiring and demanding the Word of God, desire the milk that is necessary for their growth.

“You believe in God through Christ. God is the one who raised him from death and gave honor to him. So your faith and your hope are in God.

22 You have made yourselves pure by obeying the truth. Now you can have true love for your brothers and sisters. So love each other deeply—with all your heart. 23 You have been born again. This new life did not come from something that dies. It came from something that cannot die. You were born again through God’s life-giving message that lasts forever. 24 The Scriptures say,

“Our lives are like the grass of spring,
and any glory we enjoy is like the beauty of a wildflower.
The grass dries up and dies,
and the flower falls to the ground.

25 But the word of the Lord lasts forever.”

And that word is the Good News that was told to you.

(Chapter 2) So then, stop doing anything to hurt others. Don’t lie anymore, and stop trying to fool people. Don’t be jealous or say bad things about others. 2 Like newborn babies hungry for milk, you should want the pure teaching that feeds your spirit. With it you can grow up and be saved. 3 You have already tasted the goodness of the Lord.”
I Peter 1:21-2:3 ERV

Just as a baby cries out for more I encourage you to feed often with a strong appetite on the teachings of God’s Word! It is life and peace to all who desire it.

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Embarrassed

Have you ever been embarrassed right down to your socks? You say something, do something or even trip, stumble, fall, etc for all the world to see and you feel like such a buffoon? Ya, me neither!!

I will never forget the time when I was asked if I would like to come to a bbq and have “rocky mountain oysters” and I said “no thanks, I don’t like sea food”. Oh ya…that was one of those crawl under a rock moments.

But for those who have or who will be embarrassed in life it’s great to know that God’s word has something to say about that as well. The Lord is the “Lifter of my head”. Someone who is embarrassed finds themselves looking down, not making eye contact but God takes His loving hand, cups it under our chin and lifts our head.

“3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:3

With head lifted up, the first thing we do is look into the loving eyes of our Father. He, more than likely, has a smile on His face; accepting, inviting, understanding and forgiving. He is there to be a shield for us.

“I come to you, LORD, for protection. Don’t let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me.
2 Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe.
3 You, LORD God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.” Psalm 31:1-3

When we put our hope and trust in the Lord, depending upon Him for His direction and His protection we will have no need to be ashamed. We are secure in His love and it really won’t matter what anyone else says about us or thinks about us. We are the apple of His eye.

Some years back Billy Joel wrote a great song that Garth Brooks recorded, Shameless. When I read the lyrics I made it the prayer of my heart, an expression of love to the Father but believe it or not, I can hear the Father singing those lyrics back to me. His love for me is Shameless.

“ Well I’m shameless When it comes to loving you, I’ll do anything you want me to, I’ll do anything at all…

You see in all my life I’ve never found What I couldn’t resist, what I couldn’t turn down. I could walk away from anyone I ever knew, But I can’t walk away from you.

I have never had anything have this much control on me. I’ve worked too hard to call my life my own. And I’ve made myself a world, and it’s worked so perfectly, But it sure won’t now, I can’t refuse, I’ve never had so much to lose.
And I’m shameless…”

Look up and be shameless today!

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Impatience

Impatience is a destroyer of faith. When we become impatient we begin to try to work things out on our own – we wonder if God is ever going to come through – what’s taking sooooooooooo long? Those kind of thoughts come from doubt and bring fear – fear that it is never going to work out right. Doubt and fear will choke out the promises of God’s word – they can out weigh faith, if we let them. We must stand with confidence in God’s word if we expect to see God’s promised fulfilled.

” But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:6-8

Abram followed God from his home out into the middle of nowhere because God made him a promise. A promise that he would possess great land and be the father of many nations. But Abraham never really took possession of the land he had been promised – he lived the life of a nomad – moving from place to place but all the time he held fast to God’s promise.

What is it that God has promised you? What have you left to follow God? No looking back – keep your eyes on the prize of the high calling of God. Don’t give up – don’t fall back. Move forward – continue to follow in obedience to what God has put in your heart.

“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him…By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she[f] considered that the One who had promised was faithful. 12 Therefore from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore.” Hebrews 11:6, 8-12

Keep going – A friend of ours told us once “If God says go north He will provide, if you go south you’ll think you died”. Follow God and He’ll lead you to your promised land.

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Enough said

Sometimes you don’t need to read alot in the Bible to get your direction for the day. That was the case this morning.

“Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.” Proverbs 18:13 ERV

Enough said…carry on and have a good day!

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Solomon Building the Temple

Was reading about Solomon building the Temple. David had always wanted to build it but his life was spent in securing the nation and the project of building the Temple was given to Solomon instead. 7 1/2 years and billions of dollars – over 100,000 workers – amazing!

But the most amazing thing is this.
“This is what Solomon said to King Hiram: 3 “You remember that my father, King David, had to fight many wars all around him. So he was never able to build a temple to honor the LORD his God. King David was waiting until the LORD allowed him to defeat all his enemies. 4 But now the LORD my God has given me peace along all the borders of my country. I have no enemies, and my people are in no danger.” I Kings 5:2-4

Solomon spoke of David wanting to build a temple for the Lord his God but now he, Solomon, was going to build a temple for the “Lord my God”.

That really struck me – as a parent David had many children that didn’t grow up to serve the Lord “their” God but Solomon did and he gave personal testimony that the Lord was his God.

What kind of heritage are we living before our children? Do they see the God we love and serve as antiquated and irrelevant to their lives? Or is our God loving, full of strength, power and peace and someone our children desire to have personal relationship with as well?

God doesn’t have grandkids – we aren’t in His family because of our parents relationship. Each one of us need our own personal relationship with our heavenly Father. I’ve heard it said before that being born in a christian family doesn’t make you a christian anymore than being born in a garage would make you a car.

We need to live lives that cause others to hunger for the same peace, joy, victory, strength and reliance on the Lord that we have. We pray for our children every day that God will reveal himself to them in a way that they can see and know it’s God.

“Then all your children will be taught by the Lord, their prosperity will be great, 14 and you will be established on a foundation of righteousness. You will be far from oppression, you will certainly not be afraid; you will be far from terror, it will certainly not come near you.” Isaiah 54:13-14

No one can be forced into salvation – it’s a free gift to be received. But one of the greatest things we can do for this world is to raise our children to honor God and follow His plan for their lives.

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How Generous are You?

How generous are you? Think about it for a minute, this morning’s devotional will possibly challenge and stretch you a bit. Generosity and trust go hand in hand.

Some people are stingy and miserly because they are afraid they won’t have enough for themselves. Others react that way because they feel everything they have is a result of “their” own hard work and sweat and so they have no desire to share.

But a truly generous person realizes that everything they have is a blessing from the Lord and that they can trust God to provide ALL their needs. When the Lord instructs us to give He provides!

I was really challenged by the story of Elijah and the widow woman of Zarepath this morning. Oh, I’ve read it many times – many times but this morning I was challenged.

“There was no rain, so after a while the stream became dry. 8 Then the Lord said to Elijah, 9 “Go to Zarephath in Sidon and stay there. There is a widow there that I commanded to take care of you.”

10 So Elijah went to Zarephath. He went to the town gate and saw a woman there gathering wood for a fire. She was a widow. Elijah said to her, “Would you bring me a small cup of water to drink?” 11 As she was going to get the water, Elijah said, “Bring me a piece of bread too, please.”

12 The woman answered, “I promise you, before the Lord your God, that I have nothing but a handful of flour in a jar and a little bit of olive oil in a jug. I came here to gather a few pieces of wood for a fire to cook our last meal. My son and I will eat it and then die from hunger.”

13 Elijah said to the woman, “Don’t worry. Go home and cook your food as you said. But first make a small piece of bread from the flour that you have and bring it to me. Then cook some for yourself and your son. 14 The Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘That jar of flour will never be empty and the jug will always have oil in it. This will continue until the day the Lord sends rain to the land.’”

15 So the woman went home and did what Elijah told her to do. And Elijah, the woman, and her son had enough food for a long time. 16 The jar of flour and the jug of oil were never empty. This happened just as the Lord said through Elijah.”
I Kings 17:7-16 ERV

There had been a drought in the land. Food was scarce and people were starving. Elijah was a servant of God and He was used to listening for the Lord’s voice and obeying it. However, we have a widowed woman in a town who is down to her very last morsel of food and she probably isn’t accustomed to the Lord speaking to her too often. And she is presented with a life and death challenge.

This preacher walks into town and requests her last bit of food. “Don’t worry. Go home and cook your food as you said. But first make a small piece of bread from the flour that you have and bring it to me.” Really? That’s pretty bold!!

Don’t forget verse 9. God had already commanded the woman to take care of Elijah. Now she has a choice – obey God and feed the prophet or make her bread, feed her son and starve. I’m sure she struggled a bit in making her decision. Maybe her struggle came when the Lord first spoke to her or maybe it was when she was confronted by the prophet. A mother who has already seen her husband die and now she knows the life of her son is in danger – her instinct is to protect her child.

She chooses to obey God! Struggle over – victory comes.

What are you struggling with today? Has the Lord asked you to be a blessing to someone – maybe even a stranger? Be obedient, follow the Lord’s instruction, His provision is always enough!

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