Category: March2020

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A Sound Mind

I just figured we could all use some encouragement from God’s word today on not becoming fearful or irrational. And if this message isn’t for you personally, maybe it’s for you to share with a co-worker, family member, neighbor or friend.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 KJV

“The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

These are the same verse taken from different translations. I think you get the point, God wants us to put our trust in Him instead of giving place to fear.

The word “sound” is used as an adjective in this verse. Here is the definition I found: in good condition; not damaged, injured, or diseased. This is a word that is often used when referring to the physical condition of a horse. He’s sound – that means he’s in good shape, nothing wrong, strong.

We need some good sound thinking and there’s no better place to find it than in God’s word. We need to do the practical things that are being recommended to prevent the spread of this virus – washing our hands, staying home when we’re sick, etc. This is good personal hygiene and we should have been doing this all along. But God doesn’t want us being overcome by fear. That’s not His plan.

“You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety. 10 So nothing bad will happen to you.  No diseases will come near your home.
11 He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.” Psalm 91:9-11 ERV

Use wisdom. Use knowledge. Be safe and free from fear!

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Step By Step

Do you get frustrated by small victories? Most of us would like to lose ten pounds at a time, reduce our waist line in inches not by the half inch and be able to run a 5K without being winded on the first day out.

Next to that we would like to see our savings account grow by thousands and not just by ten or twenty dollars. When I was younger I wanted to sit down and play a simple concerto before I knew the scales or where Middle C was on the keyboard.

We see others win the trophies, get the promotion, drive the nicer car or live in the bigger house and feel we deserve one too but without the effort and dedication that “they” put forth.

Little by little. Step by Step. That’s how success and mastery come.

Most of us like to see big, flamboyant results! Great strides of success and not the little daily victories but that’s not how it happens. I was reminded of that while I was reading about the Israelites and what God told them about going into the “Promised Land”. They had already seen some “big” miracles and now the Lord was also revealing Himself to them in their daily living, step by step.

“Worship only me, the Lord your God! I will bless you with plenty of food and water and keep you strong. 26 Your women will give birth to healthy children, and everyone will live a long life. 27 I will terrify those nations and make your enemies so confused that they will run from you. 28 I will make the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites panic as you approach. 29 But I won’t do all this in the first year, because the land would become poor, and wild animals would be everywhere. 30 Instead, I will force out your enemies little by little and give your nation time to grow strong enough to take over the land.” Exodus 23:24-29 CEV

The Lord promised to bless them during their daily living, blessings; plenty of good food and water; healthy wives and children; long life and victory over their enemies!

But the victories would come little by little. If they had completely defeated all the enemies in their new land immediately the Lord said the land would have been overrun by wild animals and the land would have been poorly used. They needed time to grow into what God was bringing them too.

We all need time to grow into what God is bringing to us. We would love to have all our enemies defeated and battles over immediately but it doesn’t happen that way. We grow in what God is calling us to do. If we excelled too quickly we would have to fight the wild beasts of pride or boasting, claiming personal glory for what the Lord had done for us.

Each day is a time of growth, each day has miracles of provision and purpose. Each day we need to recognize what the Lord is doing in our lives and through our lives and be grateful. Each day we need to remind ourselves of His abundant blessings – what did the Lord do for us yesterday?

Stop and think – can’t see anything big or noteworthy? Then realize what He kept you from; illness, accident, ruin, attack, and be grateful for the unseen blessings. Each day, little by little, step by step He is growing you stronger and stronger and giving you a land that flows with milk and honey!

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Life’s Programming Updates

Have you ever felt that your “programming” was going through an update? Things are changing and you have to wait for them to be completed.

Yesterday was that kind of day. My friend, Tom, who set up my blog website worked with me on some behind-the-scenes changes that I felt needed to be made. We worked to have my morning blog post automatically to the Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn sites at the same time the emails are generated and sent to your email addresses.

This might sound like a simple step but it was not without its challenges. I am so thankful for Tom’s knowledge and patience. We ran into a few roadblocks. Tom was able to track them down and successfully maneuver past them. We did a test post but this morning will be a full scale effort.

To make this change I had to set up a Facebook page, different from my personal News Feed page. I will be sending each of you who are my “friends” on Facebook an invitation to like and follow Kristi’s Morning Devotional. If you do you will be able to read the blog each morning as usual.

Why this change? I really don’t like change but Dave and I are going to be spending more time traveling this year and sometimes we are in areas that don’t have very good wifi. If I can write my blogs ahead of time and schedule the publication for a few days later it will prevent interruption of posting to social media. I want to make every effort to avoid any days of not posting.

The next few days may have some hiccups but we’ll work them through. Please be patient.

Isn’t that the way it is in life? We know that we are being changed on the inside; things are going on behind-the-scenes but those we love and work with aren’t always aware of the updates.

When the Lord begins to show us things about ourselves, things that need to be deleted, updated and reprogrammed, we begin to change. Sometimes the change is external but most often it is a change of attitude, action, purpose and functionality. The New Testament instructs us to put off the old man and take on the new. Our new life is in Christ and He has a way of changing us for the better.

“Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better…Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 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.” Colossians 3:10-13 CEV

Let’s be patient with one another – we are all going through changes. Updating is in Progress!

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Do You Prefer Loud or Quiet?

Yesterday we drove up to Phoenix for the NASCAR race. Dave and I are both big fans; he more than me but I do enjoy the races. Go Kevin!

It’s impossible to be at the track and not use ear protection without causing possible damage to your hearing. It’s loud! Even in the concourse of the stadium the roar of the engines is overwhelming…

But this morning all is quiet. I hear the hum of the refrigerator and the cycling on and off of the coffee maker but that’s about it. Quiet!

Would we really enjoy the quiet if things didn’t get a bit noisy from time to time? I think we need the contrast.

I did a search on the word “loud” in the King James Bible. It occurs 76 times. Most of the references are in one book, Revelation. Twenty-two specific verses use loud; most of them refer to loud voices praising God or calling for us to praise the Lord and recognize His majesty. Other references tell of using a loud voice or shout in battle. One incident that is repeated in the Gospels is when Jesus cried out “It is finished”. The voice of triumphant!

Loud intensifies a situation. When we listen to an orchestra and the music comes to a crescendo, it heightens our anticipation. When it’s quiet we become more tranquil, calm and find a sense of rest. We need both!

If life has been pushing you forward, demanding more of you than normal, then you may need the quiet.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLT

But perhaps you are in a place where you need to take charge and battle through like a good soldier. If so, it might be time for a loud shot, the shout of triumph.

“Gideon said, “When we get to the enemy camp, spread out and surround it. Then wait for me to blow a signal on my trumpet. As soon as you hear it, blow your trumpets and shout, ‘Fight for the Lord! Fight for Gideon!’” Judges 7:17 CEV

Wherever God leads He will provide – by a quiet stream or through a dark valley – we have His promise that we can be free from fear. Shout the victory and then lay down to rest and be restored!

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Love and Beauty

I saw this picture many years ago and I was awed by the beauty of it. It was taken by a photographer from Federal Way, WA, Sarah Alston. Sarah is a friend of my daughter Kim’s and her artistry with a camera is wonderful.

As I looked at this picture and the others in the wedding album, I thought of the preparation, months and months of preparation, that go into planning a wedding. Everything has to be perfect. Every detail complete. The venue, the gown, the rings, the guests all require time and planning but most important are the two people who are preparing their hearts for a lifetime of love and commitment.

Is it any wonder that I relate this to our time of preparation as we await the return of the bridegroom, Jesus Christ? He says that He has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us and when it’s perfectly prepared He will come back and take us to our new home.

The prophet Isaiah paints this picture for us approximately four hundred years before Christ was born.

“The LORD makes me very happy. I am completely happy with my God. He dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He put the victory coat on me. I look like a man dressed for his wedding, like a bride covered with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 ERV

The Apostle Paul writes about the marriage relationship a few years after Christ was crucified and ascended to heaven. He uses that union as an example of the relationship Christ aspires to have with each one of us. He desires to be our loving husband and provide for us, protect us and see to our well being. It’s our place to accept His proposal.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish…32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:25-27, 32

Some day, in the not to distant future, we are told there will be a heavenly banquet. The Bible tells us it’s called the marriage supper of the Lamb. Our bride groom is taking care of all the details. We are all invited to be there; His love leaves no one out.

I hope you are excitedly waiting for His return. What a wonderful day that will be!

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Don’t Limit God

When I was a little girl we sang a song in Sunday School. The lyrics went something like this: “God can do anything, anything, anything. God can do anything but fail. He can save, He can keep, He can cleanse and He will. God can do anything but fail”. It surprises me that some sixty years later that little chorus is still be going through my mind. Those words are true and they will not change.

God can do anything but fail.

In my reading this morning I came across two different incidences where the Bible said exactly that. The first was in Numbers. The Israelites were complaining, again, that they had no meat. The Lord talked to Moses and said He would provide meat for all of them. Moses reminded the Lord that there were over six hundred thousand men and their families. Here is God’s response:

“But the Lord said to Moses, “Don’t limit my power! You will see that I can do what I say I can do.” Numbers 11:23 ERV

God can do anything He says He will do.

After I read a little while longer I went to the New Testament and was reading in Mark. Jesus had just met the rich young ruler who wanted to become a disciple. Jesus knew he was a good man but there was one thing in his life he trusted more than the Lord; it was his riches. Jesus told the man to sell everything he had and come follow Him. The Bible says the young man left very sad because he had great riches. Jesus told his disciples that it was hard for the rich to commit to following Him.

“The followers were even more amazed and said to each other, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “That is something people cannot do, but God can. He can do anything.” Mark 10:26-27 ERV

Jesus answer was one filled with hope. None of us can save ourselves. Not the wealthy or the poor, the educated or the unlearned. Those born in one country don’t have a greater chance of being saved than those in another. Being saved, becoming a follower of Christ, isn’t based on what we can do, who we are or where we come from. That is something we cannot do but God can.

God can do anything!

He saves us by His grace and not based on our goodness. We simply put our trust in Him.

There is something God won’t do. He won’t lie. When God gives us His promise He will never go back on His word.

“God is not a man, so he does not lie.  He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
20 Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” Numbers 23:19-20 NLT

God can do anything; we can trust His word!

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Lessons From Glory

Those of you who have been reading my blog any length of time have heard me refer to Glory on a number of occasions. She is my morning buddy and has sat with me through countless hours of Bible Study and prayer. Yesterday, Dave and I had to make the hard decision to let her go. Her little heart had given up; the vet said it was used up.

So, this morning for the first time in a very long time I’m at my computer alone. I just had to re-share one of the many lessons the Lord taught me when Glory was here…

It was a typical Saturday morning. Dave was busy working on things outside and I was getting the house cleaned. Somewhere in all that our little dog Glory got very nervous and unsettled.

She wasn’t a dog to jump up on people but she was that day. Jumping up on Dave and then on me. She was obviously upset. Her world wasn’t as she thought it should be and the only way she knew to do to make it safe was to be with one of us, on our lap.

It made me think, what do I do when my world seems to be wrong? Do I get upset and just work harder, not smarter? Do I hide myself away from family and friends? Do I try to escape the situation by running away – into the television, on a vacation, a shopping trip? Or do I go to the Father, jump up in His lap and let Him assure me things will be alright?

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

This morning I am spending time in my Father’s lap and letting Him dry my tears. It’s where I am finding the comfort I need. It’s the best place to be!

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A Box of Promises

Were you able to encourage someone yesterday? I had a pretty tough afternoon and I am so thankful for dear friends and family who were there to encourage me. It meant so much.

As I sat here this morning I found myself thinking about my Grama Mac’s kitchen table. When I was a little girl and we would go to visit her and Grampa we never left the breakfast table without one of them taking a card from the Promise Box, reading it aloud and then taking time to pray. Do you remember those little “Promise Boxes”? I didn’t realize it then but she was planting God’s word in my heart.

We found out yesterday that success, true success, in life comes one way!

“Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9 ERV

Meditate on the Word of God and obey it! It’s a simple instruction. God’s message is consistent. See what he spoke through Moses:

“Always remember these commands that I give you today. 7 Be sure to teach them to your children. Talk about these commands when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road. Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads to help you remember my teachings. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ERV

Maybe we should make our own box of promises. Take one promise from God’s word and write it down. Keep it in our pocket read it over throughout the day. Let it bring life to our situation. Moses preached it, so did Joshua, King David, Isaiah, and Jesus did too. After Jesus ascended back into heaven Peter made teaching God’s Word his daily ministry.

“The apostles did not stop teaching the people. They continued to tell the Good News—that Jesus is the Messiah. They did this every day in the Temple area and in people’s homes.” Acts 5:42 ERV

Every day. Day in and day out. Just like breathing, eating and drinking. Every day the Word gives life and causes us to succeed.

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Be Encouraged!

Have you ever had an Eeyore kind of day? You know what I’m talking about – nothing seems to be going right. You’re up and ready for that first cup of coffee and find you’re out of your favorite creamer or maybe you overslept and don’t even have time for the first cup.

Then there’s the traffic on the way to work and it’s moving at a snail’s pace. The big meeting that was scheduled for 11 has been moved up to 9:30 and you’re not ready…

These are just small things but they can get you down. What about the real crises that present themselves? The “cancer” diagnosis that you just received, the loss of your job or the loss of a loved one – these make the minor obstacles dim in comparison. What do we do? How do we handle this? Sometimes we just can’t do it on our own; we need someone to help.

Be encouraged!

I’ve been reading about the Israelites journey in the desert. They were a bunch of complainers if ever there were any. They complained about the water, the food, the people, they complained about God. They are the kind who would have complained that their ice cream was cold. Really, they had an issue with ingratitude.

One man, Joshua, had been Moses’ assistant through all of this and the Lord had just chosen him to be Moses successor. Not a job that you would choose for yourself. This is what the Lord told Moses.

“…commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.” Deuteronomy 3:27-28 NLT

The Lord knew what these people were like and the challenges Joshua would face so He wanted Moses to see that he was encouraged for the job ahead. Do you ever feel that a job or challenge is just too big for you? Isn’t it great when someone comes along side and encourages you to keep going? They tell you, you can do this – don’t quit!

Just in case Joshua wasn’t encouraged enough by the words of Moses, God spoke to him personally with this.

“Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so that they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. 7 But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9 ERV

Don’t be afraid because the Lord will be with you wherever you go! Take that personally. __________________(fill in the blank with your name) don’t be afraid wherever you go because the Lord is going with you.

It’s great to have the encouragement of a friend but so much greater to have the Lord as your cheerleader and counsellor.

Maybe you don’t need to be encouraged today, maybe things are going great. Praise God! Look around and see if you can find anyone that you can encourage – you may have just the words or the hug they need to make it through the day.

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Casa de Paz

I wanted to continue on with yesterday’s teaching on peace. Can we ever have too much peace? I don’t think so. As I said in my post script to yesterday’s blog, I just about lost my peace when I went to post what I had written.

My computer was acting strangely and since I’m not skilled in trouble shooting computer situations I figured it was best to save my work, exit the document, refresh the screen and return to it. Before I did that, I saved a copy of my writing and then proceed with the steps I just mentioned.

Coming back to the post I found the original work there but none of my recent edits. I “paste” the copy I had saved to the clipboard and nothing happened. The document had not saved and I had none of my changes. It was so frustrating! Why? Where did it go? I had no answers and realized the more I messed with it the more my frustration increased. So I prayed, committed it to the Lord, as is, and posted it for all of you to read.

Just moments after I clicked on the publish button another Scripture verse on peace came to mind. It is one I knew I needed to share with you. One that I pray every morning. I pray it over my children, grandchildren and now my great grandchild.

“I, the Lord, will teach your children, and they will have real peace. 14 You will be built on goodness.  You will be safe from cruelty and fear. So you will have nothing to fear. Nothing will come to hurt you.” Isaiah 54:13-14 ERV

My words each morning are these “Lord, thank you for always being with my children. ‘Great is the peace of my children this day because they are taught by You, Lord’. Teach them today. Let them know that You love them and You are there for them in every situation.”

We never really know what our children, grands and great grands need throughout the day but the Lord does and He is always there to teach them and protect them. I trust Him to do that because He says He will and He doesn’t lie!

When we moved to our current home we named it Casa de Paz, house of peace. We want it to be a place of peace for our friends and family. God wants our lives to be filled with peace also.

The message that the angels proclaimed on the night of Jesus birth was one of peace. Peace on earth; good will to men. Jesus also declared peace, peace with God, and that message still continues today.

I encourage you to pray for your families – children, grands and great grands. Pray that their lives are covered with peace. Let peace reign and rule in every situation that you face – small and large. The Lord wants us all to live in a house of peace. Remember some of the final words of Jesus, this was part of His last will and testament – it is our inheritance.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

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