Heart Trouble

This morning I have a question for you. Do you have heart trouble? Are there triggers in your life that have or are now affecting your heart?

This weekend, you know, we had a garage sale. It was fun; we got rid of some stuff and we really enjoyed talking to the different folks who came.  I was surprised to learn how many of them had heart trouble.

Some had physical trouble while others had broken hearts. Then there were those who were lonely and heart sick.

Heart Trouble.

During my last annual physical the doctor and his assistant asked me about my medical history and that of my family.  Lots of questions. Then there was the counselling on eating properly, getting enough exercise and plenty of rest. Must keep that heart healthy.

Well I’m here this morning with my own Rx for heart trouble. It’s guaranteed to have positive results with every patient.

“Do not let your heart be troubled. You have put your trust in God, put your trust in Me also. ” John 14:1 NLV

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples right before His crucifixion. If any thing would cause “heart trouble” for them it would be this, the death of their friend and leader.  However, Jesus’ command was don’t let this trouble you.

“My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. 21 Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh. 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 AMP

King Solomon knew the best way to prevent “heart trouble” was to pay attention to God’s word. It provides health and healing to all who choose to live by it.

So if you are experiencing heart trouble this morning, I’m sending you to my cardiologist, He’s never lost a patient.

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:26-27 AMP

Acknowledging God’s presence and His love will put our hearts to rest.

I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved. And so my heart is glad. My soul is full of joy. My body also will rest without fear.” Psalm 16:8-9 NLV

There’s always an appointment available with the Lord, no waiting. Just come and find peace and rest.

Common Sense & Truth

Remember yesterday when I said we should  read our Bibles until we read something that will stay with us the entire day?

Well, I have three short verses to share this morning. These verses are filled with a life time of common sense.

I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. 37 Your words will be used to judge you. What you have said will show whether you are right or whether you are guilty.” Matthew 12:26-27 ERV

Jesus said those words above.

He knew the power and importance of words. After all, the world and all that is in it was created when God spoke. When Jesus spoke blind eyes opened, the lame began to walk and sinners were forgiven.

Jesus wants us to be aware of our words and to use them carefully. That’s just good common sense.

Now we have all spoken things we wished we hadn’t and most of us have probably talked just to hear our own voice. If we take time to confess those idle and careless words they will be forgiven and we won’t be judged for them.

Wise people always think before they speak, so what they say is worth listening to. 24 Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health.” Proverbs 16:23-24 ERV

We need to stop and think before we speak. If we do, we won’t be  saying something unkind, rude, or embarrassing. Our words will be sweet as honey.

“My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, 16 and if you are truthful, I will really be glad. 17 Don’t be jealous of sinners, but always honor the Lord.” Proverbs 23:15-17 CEV

I can hear the Lord’s instruction in this. Use good sense, be truthful and don’t envy those who do evil. ALWAYS honor the Lord!

Good advice – ’nuff said.

On the Road Again

This morning Dave and I will be on the road once again.

When the kids were little and we traveled from Junior Rodeo to High School Rodeo and ranches we would get in the Jeep and began each journey singing “On the Road Again”.  We were thankful the Lord had opened doors for ministry and off we’d go.

Looking back now I should have kept track of the miles we have traveled, not just when the kids were little but all through our marriage. There have been thousands upon thousands of miles. On each and every trip the Lord has kept us safe. What a miracle!

For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. 12 They will hold you up in their hands. So your foot will not hit against a stone. 13 You will walk upon the lion and the snake. You will crush under your feet the young lion and the snake.

14 Because he has loved Me, I will bring him out of trouble. I will set him in a safe place on high, because he has known My name. 15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. 16 I will please him with a long life. And I will show him My saving power.” Psalm 91:11-16 NLV

As long as I can remember, we have started every trip with prayer. Asking for safety in our travels and for those in the vehicles traveling around us.

God has been faithful!

We don’t pray because it’s a habit, ritual, tradition or good luck charm. We pray because we believe God and know He is faithful to His word.

Be faithful in obeying the Lord your God. Be careful to keep all His Laws which I tell you today. And the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these good things will come upon you if you will obey the Lord your God. Good will come to you in the city, and good will come to you in the country. Good will come to your children, and the fruit of your ground, and the young of your animals. Your cattle and flock will have many young ones. Good will come to your basket and your bread pan. Good will come to you when you come in, and when you go out.” Deuteronomy 14:1-5 NLV

We trust God that we are blessed in our comings and goings, when we’re in the city and in the country. We know His hand of blessing is upon us wherever we go!

The road you travel each day may be a dusty path from the farm to the field or it may be paved with asphalt and take you down the Interstate. Wherever it is, God is there.

His promises are true. He is faithful to HIs word!

 My son, do not allow them (God’s Word) to leave your eyes. Keep perfect wisdom and careful thinking. 22 And they will be life to your soul and a chain of beauty to your neck. 23 Then you will be safe as you walk on your way, and your foot will not trip. 24 You will not be afraid when you lie down. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 4:21-24 NLV

Make these promises your own.

Now it’s time for us to get “on the road again”. Blessings to you this day.

Never Too Young

A few days back I received a message from someone who has been very dear to us for many years.

She reminded me of a time when Kim and Koy were younger and they spent the night with her step son. I had sent their children’s Bible with them. She was wanting to get a similar Bible now for her granddaughter.

I had to tell her that the specific Bible had I for the kids is no longer in print but I was able to recommend another version that I know of and have given to parents and their children in recent years.  It’s called The Beginners Bible.*

I am so grateful for my early Sunday School teaching and I believe strongly that children are never too young to learn about God’s love and the amazing story of grace.  The photograph above is one of my family when I was little. A local newspaper photograph came out to take our picture for an article in the Sunday edition. My parents raised us with the Bible as our foundation!

When I think of examples of children learning about the Lord I am reminded of Samuel. His parents sent him to live with Eli, the priest, when he was just a young child. Samuel heard the Lord call his name in the middle of the night and he responded with an open heart.

Eli told Samuel, “Go to bed. If he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord. I am your servant, and I am listening.’”    So Samuel went back to bed. 10 The Lord came and stood there. He called as he did before, saying, “Samuel, Samuel!”  Samuel said, “Speak. I am your servant, and I am listening.”  11 The Lord said to Samuel, “I will soon do things in Israel that will shock anyone who hears about them.”     I Samuel 3:9-11 ERV

But even before that, Moses gave instruction to the whole nation of Israel that they should tell their children about the mighty things that God had done to save them.

Memorize these laws and think about them. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and your foreheads to help you obey them. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:18-20 CEV

King David was taught about the Lord when he was young; Abraham taught Isaac about God’s faithfulness and in the New Testament Jesus scolded his disciples for not letting the little children come to Him.

Some people brought their small children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them. But when the followers saw this, they told the people not to do this. 16 But Jesus called the little children to him and said to his followers, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. 17 The truth is, you must accept God’s kingdom like a little child accepts things, or you will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17 ERV

Awww, Jesus was talking about childlike faith. We adults tend to rationalize, dissect and over analyze. Children accept things, that are passed their understanding, by faith.

It’s important for us as parents and grandparents to give our children good solid Bible teaching so that they grow into young men and women with a heart for the Lord.  The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon to his son. The whole book is filled with parental instruction based on God’s principles.

Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLV

Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her. 19 By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. 20 By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain. 21 My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. 22 They will help you to live a long and beautiful life.” Proverbs 3:18-22 CEV

One of the best things we can do for the young ones in our lives is to teach them God’s word. They need to know that God is a loving Father and He wants the best for his children. We teach and we pray. God will guide.

Lord, let your Word and Your love take on true meaning for our children. We pray that they seek You for the answers to life. Bless them, encourage them and keep them safe as they grow. In Jesus name. Amen

 

*I will suggest that you use a Bible that is geared to the child’s age level.   The Beginner’s Bible. is for little ones but there are also Bibles geared to middle school age and high schoolers. This is one of those times I am providing you with a link to Amazon where you can find Bibles for all ages. 

Taking Care of Weeds

I wish I had gone out yesterday and taken a picture of our property. We’ve been gone four weeks and the weeds are almost out of control.

Dave is so faithful to keep the weeds sprayed but while we’ve been gone, we’ve had rain and they have gone wild.  He came in for a drink and told me that he had to chop the biggest ones down and now he was on his third batch of spray.

Oh my!

The heat, rain and humidity have caused our yard to bloom and look beautiful but it has also caused the weeds to flourish.

Isn’t that just like life?

We go along trusting the Lord, having our quiet time, reading our Bibles, (and our favorite morning devotional), taking time to talk with the Lord in prayer. Things might not always be smooth but our focus is on the Lord and we know with Him present we will weather any storms and things will be well.

Then something happens and we get distracted. Little weeds start to grow; discouragement, worry, fear, sarcasm, unexpected set backs. We’ll deal with them later, after all, it’s only a couple of weeds and they aren’t very big.

 I walked past a field that belonged to a lazy man. It was a vineyard that belonged to someone who understood nothing. 31 Weeds were growing everywhere! Wild vines covered the ground, and the wall around the vineyard was broken and falling down. 32 I looked at this and thought about it. This is what I learned: 33 a little sleep, a little rest, folding your arms, and taking a nap— 34 these things will make you poor very quickly. Soon you will have nothing, as if a thief broke in and took everything away.” Proverbs 24:30-34 ERV

Have you ever noticed that the weeds grow faster than the flowers? It’s that way with the weeds of life, Jesus called them the cares of this life. Some weeds are small and can be pulled up easily by the roots. Others have long roots and pulling them causes them to spread, they need to be sprayed. While others are tall and their stocks are too thick to be effected by the spray so they have to be chopped down and then sprayed.

We are told to take our cares to the Lord. He is a master gardener and has a way of removing with weeds without harming the good crop that is growing in our lives.

 The seed that was planted among thorns is like some people who listen to the Word. 19 But the cares of this life let thorns come up. A love for riches and always wanting other things let thorns grow. These things do not give the Word room to grow so it does not give grain. ” Mark 4:18-19 NLV

 Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 NLV

Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7-8 NLV

Time for some good old fashioned weed extermination.

Spend time with the Lord this morning and let Him skillfully remove the weeds/cares that have been choking out the promises that God has made to you.

True Friendship

We’re just returning home after spending several weeks in Idaho. We have wonderful friends there and it was so great to see them. You know, they are the kind of friends that you don’t see for years and still have that wonderful heart bond with.

When we lived in the Northwest we had that same yearning for our friends in the desert. Now we get to see those dear ones more often and it warms our hearts with each visit.

This morning the house is quiet and I began to think of dear friends, far and near, and as I was praying for them by name I heard myself tell the Lord “I would do anything I could to help them”.

And then the Lord reminded me of this story.

A few days later, Jesus came back to Capernaum. The news spread that he was back home. A large crowd gathered to hear him speak. The house was so full that there was no place to stand, not even outside the door. While Jesus was teaching, some people brought a paralyzed man to see him. He was being carried by four of them. But they could not get the man inside to Jesus because the house was so full of people. So they went to the roof above Jesus and made a hole in it. Then they lowered the mat with the paralyzed man on it. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the paralyzed man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.”

Some of the teachers of the law were sitting there. They saw what Jesus did, and they said to themselves, “Why does this man say things like that? What an insult to God! No one but God can forgive sins.”

Jesus knew immediately what these teachers of the law were thinking. So he said to them, “Why do you have these questions in your minds? 9-10 The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. But how can I prove this to you? Maybe you are thinking it was easy for me to say to the crippled man, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ There’s no proof it really happened. But what if I say to the man, ‘Stand up. Take your mat and walk’? Then you will be able to see if I really have this power or not.” So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 11 “I tell you, stand up. Take your mat and go home.”

12 Immediately the paralyzed man stood up. He picked up his mat and walked out of the room. Everyone could see him. They were amazed and praised God. They said, “This is the most amazing thing we have ever seen!” Mark 2:1-12 ERV

Here were four men who heard about Jesus reputation to heal. They had a friend who was paralyzed. They put him on a bed and carried him through the streets of town to the house where Jesus was teaching.

When they got there they couldn’t get in. There were too many people so they went up the stairs to the roof top. They began to dismantle the roof! Seriously! I’m sure that the owner of the house valued his roof as much as I do mine. These men were determined – their friend needed help. He needed Jesus!

They worked until there was a hole in the roof large enough to lower the man to Jesus. Imagine for just a minute what it was like to be inside the house and hear the commotion on the roof. There were particles falling and hitting people but we can only assume that Jesus kept on teaching.

I always ask questions, you know that. Did the paralyzed man object when his friends carried him out into the streets? Did he ask to go home? The Scripture tells us that Jesus “saw” how much faith they had. The friends and the man all had to have faith in Jesus to go to so much trouble.

There are so many ways we can help our friends. We can provide physical strength, financial help, emotional support and prayer support. The best thing we can do to help our friends is bring them to the One with all the answers. Sometimes we just need to “carry” them to Jesus.

Jesus not only met the man’s physical need but He forgave his sins. Jesus is still doing both of those today.

“A man who has friends must be a friend, but there is a friend who stays nearer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NLV

True friendship.

First we take them to Jesus, either in our prayers or through a Scripture verse or spoken word of encouragement. Then we lend a helping hand and lighten the load.

Thanks to all the friends that have done both for me. I love you dearly and consider you a gift from God!

 

What’s on Your Menu

Used to be that Saturday mornings were a time we went out for breakfast. It was nice to get up at a leisurely pace, have some coffee and then head to the café.

In my book, there is nothing better than buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy!  That’s almost heaven for sure.

I imagine you are probably wondering why I focusing on food today. It has to do with the Scriptures I was reading this morning.

Make your words good—you will be glad you did. 21 Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat  everything you say.” Proverbs 18:20-21 CEV

Think about yesterday and the words spoken, were they sweet and light or were they bitter and tart?  David and Solomon both tell us that God’s words are sweet as honey.  There are times that our words need to bring discipline and correction but even then they can taste good if we speak the truth in love.

It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.” Hebrews 12:11 CEV

Words are the food that feed our soul.

We’ve all had those times when we’ve been telling a story, relating an experience and we could feel the anger rising up inside, just like it did when we lived through it the first time. And then there are those that fill our hearts with joy and laughter. It goes without saying, it’s better to focus on the good.

My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them. 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23 ERV

Words bring health and life and they build the thoughts that control our life.

I find it very interesting that Jesus referred to himself both as the Word and the bread of life. The Word becomes our bread and bread gives life.

The Word (Christ) was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. He made all things. Nothing was made without Him making it. ” John 1:1-3 NLV

“Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty.” John 6:35 CEV

It’s His Word that brings us a banquet of blessings to enjoy.

Before I draw this to a conclusion I want to share with you a few verses from Psalms.

Our Lord, you keep your word  and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right,  you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:13-18 CEV

God’s Word provides us with the food we need, He desires to satisfy our lives. His Words are the food that will feed us in every circumstance. We will be strengthened by them.

Let’s feast on God’s word today. It’s ok to pig out. It’s low carb, low calorie and delicious!

Where Do Your Plans Lead

We have been visiting friends in Idaho for the last few weeks. Last night we had a wonderful time catching up with several couples at a bar-b-q. It was great!

 

We talked about our children, grandchildren, music, work, health and the Lord. Everyone there we have known for over 20 years. Our lives have taken us different directions but our friendship remains strong. That is truly a treasured gift.

 

We all make plans. Some of those are just for the day ahead while others cover the next week or through the end of the year. For us, we are planning our trip back to Arizona. Whatever our plans, whatever course we set for ourselves, we need to seek God’s direction and guidance.

Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well…People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps...People might throw lots to make a decision, but the answer always comes from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:3, 9, 33

Whether we are traveling the highways and negotiating the freeways or navigating through the locks and channels of large corporations, we can trust the Lord to guide our steps and lead the way.

As we travel I can’t help but think of all those who have traveled these roads before. Those who came on horseback, in covered wagons and those whose only means of transportation were their feet. Looking at the terrain, considering the weather, the elements and the dangers they may have faced causes me to pause. But then thinking of the joy they experienced in seeing new land that no one had ever been to before, the beauty, the grandeur, the vastness of creation, brings an unprovoked smile to my face. We check the Atlas and follow the roads, they followed the dreams of their hearts!

I think  about Abram. At a word from the Lord, he set out for a world unknown. God called him to leave his home and go into a far country.

“The LORD said to Abram:
Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless anyone who blesses you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you. 4-5 Abram was seventy-five years old when the LORD told him to leave the city of Haran. He obeyed and left with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and slaves they had gotten while in Haran.” Genesis 12:1-5 CEV

His obedience birthed a nation. His obedience open the door for Jesus, the Messiah to come. His obedience brought blessing to his life and those who traveled with him.

What road has the Lord asked you to take today? Are you being obedient and bringing blessing to the lives of those around you?   If God gives you a course correction be willing to take it.

Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

There are new horizons to view, new adventures to experience and new victories to celebrate!

 

 

 

A Blank Page

Each morning is a blank page and our words and actions are the ink.

How will we fill it?

We have become so accustomed to the advancements of the computer than some have forgotten what it was like before we had a delete button. If we made a mistake with our writing our only choices were to cross out the mistake or get a clean sheet and start over.

I remember how long it took me to write my term paper when I was a Senior in High School. Painstakingly working on the final paper, making sure every word was spelled correctly and the punctuation was right. It had to be perfect…

I am so thankful that the Lord makes allowances for our mistakes. In fact, with each sunrise He gives us new mercy for the day.

The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. 23 The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 24 Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is all I need;  I can depend on him!” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

Since the Lord is faithful to us, we should extend the same mercy to those around us. We are not only filling our own page but we will be writing on the page of others.

” Intelligent people choose their words carefully. Those who know what they are doing remain calm. 28 Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart.” Proverbs 17:27-28 ERV

Today we have the opportunity to add value to our life and those around us.

“Saying the right thing at the right time is like a golden apple in a silver setting. 12 Wise advice to a listening ear is like gold earrings or fine jewelry.” Proverbs 25:11-12

We have probably all seen images of redacted government reports,  the ones where the pages are filled with blacked out information and comments. We don’t want our life’s pages looking like that. Instead we fill our pages with kindness.

Share with God’s people who need help. Look for people who need help and welcome them into your homes.

14 Wish only good for those who treat you badly. Ask God to bless them, not curse them. 15 When others are happy, you should be happy with them. And when others are sad, you should be sad too. 16 Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.

17 If someone does you wrong, don’t try to pay them back by hurting them. Try to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 Do the best you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:13-118 CEV

Let’s choose our words wisely today and if we aren’t sure what to say, say nothing at all.

Satisfied With Long Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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