Category: August2017

Posted on

…The weeds are going crazy August 11, 2017

With all the rain we’ve had lately the weeds are going crazy. Dave is out there spraying all the time. They grow so quickly.

Life can be like that too. The weeds seem to grow faster than the good seeds we plant. Rain helps them both.

I am pleased with how well my garden is doing. The tomato plant is getting so big and so are the peppers. The geraniums, hybicus, mums and zinias are all enjoying the fresh water from heaven.

I want my life to grow good things; kindness, joy, peace, love, understanding and forgiveness. Need to root out the weeds of selfishness, greed, bitterness and discontentment.

Lord, remind me to only sow good seeds into the soil of my heart. Your word is the good seed and it will make me healthy and victorious because Your word is health unto all my flesh and life unto all who find it. Thank you for the word.

“And what about the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people who hear the teaching but let worries about this life and love for money stop it from growing. So it does not produce a crop in their lives.

23 “But what about the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like the people who hear the teaching and understand it. They grow and produce a good crop, sometimes 100 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 30 times more.” Matthew 13:22-24 ERV

Posted on

Good friends who speak wise and godly words

It’s so important that we surround ourselves with good friends who speak wise and godly words.

When we are hurt we often want to hear things like “you don’t deserve this, you were wronged, etc” but a faithful friend will help us see objectively and honestly. What a wonderful gift!

“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.

13 To his master who sent him, a messenger who can be trusted is as refreshing as a drink of cold water on a hot summer day.

14 People who promise to give gifts but never give them are like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15 With patience, you can make anyone change their thinking, even a ruler. Gentle speech is very powerful.”
Proverbs 25:11-15 ERV

I love how Jesus was able to speak honestly to people with love and compassion and their lives were forever changed. The Samaritan woman needed help and Jesus brought her hope for the future. Zaccheaus had been a deplorable tax collector and Jesus came bringing him forgiveness and respect.

Yes, wise council is truly better than gold. It changes our lives, bringing us into line with God’s word and that brings peace.

If you don’t have a friend who will speak wisdom into your life ask the Lord for one. Know this, Jesus is the best friend you can have and he will always give you wise and sound advice!

Posted on

Peanut butter and honey sandwiches

When I was a kid I loved to eat peanut butter and honey sandwiches but they had to be made right. I mean you couldn’t just butter the bread and smear peanut butter and honey on it – there was a process.

First you had to have soft butter. Put a rounded teaspoon of butter in a dish, now add a big spoon of peanut butter and finally top it with a rounded teaspoon of honey. Now here’s the important part, stir until creamy and smooth and then spread it on the bread. On my now that was a sandwich.

If no other time of the week this was generally what I call supper on Sunday evening. You see we would have our big dinner at noon after coming home from church and before we would head back for evening service we needed to grab something quick to eat and mine who be the sandwich described above. Delicious!

That’s where my mine went this morning when I was reading in Proverbs.

“Honey is good for you my children, and it tastes sweet.

14 Wisdom is like honey for your life—
if you find it, your future is bright.” Proverbs 24:13-14 CEV

Wisdom is like honey…sweet and delicious. Wisdom makes life better; fewer regrets, more joy when we act wisely.

“Eat honey, dear child—it’s good for you—
and delicacies that melt in your mouth.
Likewise knowledge, and wisdom for your soul—
Get that and your future’s secured,
your hope is on solid rock.” Proverbs 24:13-14 MSG

When our lives are guided by wisdom, Godly wisdom, we are building a solid foundation that won’t be shaken by life’s storms.

” My son, eat honey; it is good. Honey straight from the honeycomb is the sweetest. 14 In the same way, know that wisdom is good for you. Wisdom will give you something to hope for that will not disappoint you.” Proverbs 24:13-14 ERV

Wisdom builds hope and when we hope in the Lord we will never be ashamed.

So get out your spoon and scoop up a big helping of honey – it’s good for you physically and spiritual honey is good for your soul!

(and if you want a real treat – go make a peanut butter honey sandwich as described above)

Posted on

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

Posted on

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!’”

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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!

Posted on

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.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress